While Mesa Verde National Park is celebrated for its historic cliff dwellings and archaeological sites, many may be surprised to learn about the presence of wild horses roaming the park. The National Mustang Association of Colorado (NMACO) has undertaken the Mesa Verde Project to relocate these horses, aiming to preserve the park's cultural heritage. This effort is driven by the park's role, which excludes horse management responsibilities under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, placing such duties with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

This weekend, August 2nd through the 4th, join the Cortez Rendezvous Ballroom Rally for its 20th annual community hot air balloon event. Story Tree Ranch is hosting its 2024 Women Rock event on Saturday, August 10th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Dolores’ 48th annual founders day celebration, Escalante Days, is happening August 9th through the 11th at Joe Rowell Park and around Dolores. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park. "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into Holmes' world and discover the mysteries for themselves. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.

The Montezuma County Fair is happening Saturday, July 27th, through Saturday, August 3rd. The 26th Annual Boggy Draw Beat Down Bike Race is Saturday, August 3rd, with courses of various lengths and a new category for adults over 65 years old. Mancos Public Library is celebrating the end of its summer reading program with a bubble and foam party on Wednesday, July 31st. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Hurst family with funeral expenses after a fatal car crash killed three family members on Sunday, July 14th. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.

National touring film & arts fest Equus will visit the four corners for the first time on July 26 - 28 in Aztec, New Mexico. In addition to film & arts, the event will include panel discussions, visiting clinicians and a mustang summit to discuss management of the Jicarilla Mustangs. Local artists, filmmakers, policy managers and veterinarians will be on hand for Q&A sessions and panel discussions. The accompanying mustang summit will focus on management strategies for New Mexico’s Jicarilla Mustang herd, and will feature the film “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa” by local filmmaker Laura Harper. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.

Darrin Parmenter has been at the heart of gardening in La Plata County for 17 years. He worked as county director and CSU extension horticulturist in La Plata County for 17 years, in addition to co-hosting the Garden Guys radio show on KSUT. Now he’s coordinating Extension efforts across 16 western Colorado counties as Colorado State University Extension’s Western Regional Director. Extension programs bring research and education from state land grant universities to members of the community who aren’t necessarily enrolled in the university. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

Mancos Days celebrations begin Friday, July 26th, and run through Sunday, July 28th. Each day will feature live music, vendor booths, food, sports tournaments, and other activities. As part of Mancos Days, the Mancos Public Library is holding a book sale with early access for Mancos Friends of the Library members. Registration for Cortez Recreation Center’s co-ed softball is open through Monday, July 22nd. Mancos Public Library, in collaboration with Willowtail Springs, is hosting a writing workshop on Tuesday, July 30th, at 6:30 p.m., taught by Lynn Sikkink. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Keesee Motor Company.

Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of the most versatile gear available. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Mancos Public Library is kicking off its adult summer reading program on Friday, July 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a potluck and book discussion. The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County is conducting a discussion to explain a proposed country sales tax and how it will be used. On Tuesday, July 16th, Ashley Smith of the nonprofit consulting agency Sage Advice and Marcie Bidwell of Land Trust Alliance are holding a workshop on grant writing for rural communities. The Cortez Cultural Center will be displaying illustrations by Brad Goodell throughout the month of July. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Hospice of Montezuma.

El Pomar Foundation approved grants for 10 organizations in Southwest Colorado. The Historic Cortez Coloring Book is now available for pickup at the Montezuma Heritage Museum and Cortez Cultural Center and to download online. The Cortez and Dolores Public Libraries’ summer reading programs are underway with special events through the end of the month. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Big O Tires.