Cortez Cultural Center is calling all artists to submit bird-themed art for the annual birding festival. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles has announced the winners of the Historic Colorado Plate Design contest, and Zu Gallery is offering speed dating - with a twist. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto

The Lor Foundation is awarding rural farmers and ranchers in Colorado and New Mexico grants to implement innovative water solutions. LOR believes those closest to a problem—Western farmers and ranchers in this case—have the best solutions. Through the Field Work initiative, farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming are eligible for up to $10,000 to implement innovative water projects. The goal is to find the best solutions for using water to grow food in the West. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto

The 2023 Mancos Melt features a Las Vegas theme. A low-cost, mobile animal service clinic is coming to Cortez. WildEdge Brewing Collective is hosting an upcoming rare-beer tasting. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Blondie’s Trophy Room

A group of Dolores and Montezuma County residents is rallying local support for a new bike pump track and skate park in Dolores. The Dolores Bike and Skate Park Committee has started a GoFundMe campaign and attained 501c3 status, allowing donations to be tax deductible. Organizers hope to fill a needed gap in safe outdoor spaces for kids. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and FASTSIGNS

Hunters hoping to get a big game license this season are being encouraged to apply early. The owner of the Mancos Opera House will be the guest speaker at an upcoming Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast. A group of residents is raising money for a new bike and skate park in Dolores. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware

After funding struggles led to a pause for the local branch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, local volunteers have resurrected the program. The Onward Foundation took over the program and has built up funding and participation. Any child who lives in Dolores or Montezuma Counties under five years old is eligible to receive a free book each month curated by the Dollywood Foundation. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware

“Essential care for essential workers” is a multi-series event hosted by Resilient Colorado, designed to support personal and professional well-being for those who work in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Fenceline Ciders is inviting you to revel in the party during its upcoming fifth anniversary party. Learn the art of ethical animal harvesting during a two-day class at Sacred Song Farm. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Southwest Health System

Cortez’s WildEdge Brewing Collective, open since 2017 is finally completing an expansion that’s been in the works since before the Covid pandemic. Owner and Brewer Tucker Robinson says the smaller, more intimate space located behind the main taproom can fill a variety of roles. He believes the room can be anything from a meeting space to a lecture site. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by FastSigns and The Lor Foundation

The Galloping Goose Summer schedule has been released and it includes multiple destinations on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Lisa Snyder has been named the new Executive Dean of PCC Southwest. Snyder has faculty and administrative experience, most recently serving as Dean for the School of Humanities at San Juan College. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and TruWest Auto

Centura Health committed four million dollars to Fort Lewis College for a renovation of the Aquatics Center into a state-of-the-art performance, rehab, and wellness center for student-athletes and students. The Centura Sports Performance Center will include training and recovery guided by Mercy Sports Medicine trainers. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by the Man Cave Barbers and The Payroll Department