Mesa Verde Country hopes to manage and market the Trails of the Ancients Byway so that visitors to Southwest Colorado will find a reason to extend their stays by one or two more days. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

Horse Empower has a unique way of approaching a ladies’ night out - in the midst of the staples of good food, drinks, and conversation, a horse might just make its appearance. Kim Hardesty, owner of Horse Empower, and her herd of horses offer a range of services, from equine therapy to equine-assisted learning. One of the programs though, might just offer new options for a night out. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage

Persistent drought has caused severe fire weather conditions, so area agencies have moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions. That means no fires whatsoever. This story is sponsored by the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley Serving Southwest Colorado and TruWest Auto

Rural Northern New Mexico and Southwest Colorado are suffering from teacher shortages, particularly in secondary math and science classrooms and special education classrooms. The Three Rivers Education Foundation hopes to put a dent in the problem with a unique teacher-training program for professionals considering a change in their careers. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbecue and Pop's Truck and RV Center

KSUT Public Radio wants to reduce polarization between people in the Four Corners with a new conversation series and it invites residents from throughout the region to participate. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Get your calendars ready! This week's Local News Roundup offers a slew of special events to keep you entertained while you support good causes. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and the LOR Foundation of Montezuma County

It may be early in the growing season, but the Cortez Farmers Market opened on June 4 with more than 40 vendors and plenty of produce available for hungry shoppers. And expect to see more about the Farmers Market as a result of a $10,000 advertising grant from Colorado Proud. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and TruWest Auto

Summertime in the southwest means blue skies, warm weather, and, unfortunately, drought conditions. Fires already are burning across the Four Corners, so how best do we balance having fun in the sun, with taking precautions and being safe with fires? By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and Pop’s Truck and RV Center

Montezuma County residents Frank Dean and Wendy Walker run a worm farm. Yes, WORM farm. Four Corners Worm Farm. And they're on a mission to introduce worm composting and worm fertilizer as a practice in regenerative agriculture that reduces the amount of waste thrown in landfills and rids the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers – and provides bait for the occasional fisherman. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation of Montezuma and Keesee Motors

A new air carrier with an interline agreement with United Airline has been selected as the Cortez Airport's new essential air service provider. The City of Cortez selects a new city attorney, and the municipal pool opens – a week late. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation of Montezuma County and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley