The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is offering cash cards to people who write love letters about their favorite local businesses. Wants to hear how much you love your local businesses by encouraging residents to write love letters. Participants will be entered to win Cupid Cash Cards to spend at their beloved businesses. Artist scholarship applications are being accepted for one- and two-week residencies at the Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve Education Center. The Sunflower Troupe is holding auditions for the upcoming play season. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply Hardware Ace Hardware

The Historic Colorado license plate contest is featuring final design submissions from Colorado residents. Once a winner is selected, the plates will be available at your DMV office from 2023 - 2027. A first ever writer’s conference, the Mesa Verde Writer’s Conference, will be in Mancos this summer. A reduction in food assistance benefits will hit SNAP eligible households next month. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and the Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley

For nearly two decades, the Colavita Foods brand was synonymous with amateur bike racing. Recently the core group of members that make up the team, decided to get back into the local community for race team support. Now, with the help of Easy Coffee Roaster and a handful of Four Corners businesses, the team will target a slate of races throughout the region in 2023. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

The first inaugural meeting of the Montezuma Backcountry Group is scheduled to take place at 6:00 PM at WildEdge Brewing on Wednesday, January 25. Park officials at Canyons of the Ancients are asking people to stay off trails until they dry out. The Mancos Conservation District is fostering public ideas for a healthy watershed during an upcoming three day watershed workshop. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Southwest Health System

The La Plata County Humane Society completed a full shelter renovation that modernized and upgraded the 25-year-old building. Now on-par with the most modern facilities in the Four Corners area, the non-profit can more easily carry out its objective of enhancing and protecting the lives of companion animals. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barbers and Serious Texas BBQ

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how to keep the stars so bright? The Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with the International Dark Skies Association to help communities get their Dark Sky Certificate, a way to celebrate and maintain the beauty of the night skies. Durango, Colorado, is participating in the Colorado Dark Sky Mentorship Program through OEDIT and the Colorado Tourism Office. The program will help Durango and other participating communities learn what they need to do to get their certification and help spread the word on the importance of darker night skies and brighter stars. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Pop's Truck and RV

One retired teacher in Pagosa Springs wants to help local students in southwest Colorado expand their horizons through unique experiences. Flowstone Education is the brainchild of Cheetah & Brad McClellan and aims to provide low-income students in Colorado with workshops and summer camps designed to expand their horizons and expose them to opportunities beyond their hometowns. Workshops are led by local experts in fields ranging from beauticians to screenwriters, YouTubers to cooks, and more. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Payroll Department

Initially a local geologist’s dream office located seventy feet below sandstone ground, Kokopelli Cave became a five-star bed and breakfast in Farmington. It’s located on a three-hundred-foot desert cliff overlooking the lovely La Plata River Valley. Seventeen hundred square feet of carpeted cave offers a full kitchen, and jet tub water flow. Open March first through December first, it accommodates up to eight people for a one-of-a-kind experience. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions

Larry Easterling has performed as a drummer, harmonica player, magician and ventriloquist over the years. Now local musicians are performing to raise money for their colleague and beloved community member following unforeseen medical issues and surgery. The Mancos Conservation District is hosting a photo contest celebrating the local watershed areas, and the Piñon Project is offering parenting classes. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Law Firms of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and TruWest Auto

San Juan Mountains Association is hosting seven winter snowshoe hikes starting January 14th. Participants will learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change and the future of snowpack in the San Juans. The Dolores River Boating Advocates are hosting the 10th annual “Permit Party”, and a local art gallery is putting out a call for local artists. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored Keesee Motors and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware