Say Yes Bridal and Boutique invites you to a night of mystery and enchantment at its Masquerade Ball at the Cortez Chamber Business Resources Center on Saturday, March 2nd. The Dolores Public Library is hosting a puzzle swap on Saturday, February 24th where participants can exchange up to five puzzles. Several meet-ups are happening this month for crafters of all levels including the Dolores Mountain Quilters on February 17th at the Dolores Public Library, the Knit and Natter group on Thursday evenings at the Dolores Public Library, and Fenceline Cider’s monthly “Sip, Splatter, Swig’n Stitch” event on February 25th. Fenceline Cider also invites you to celebrate its 6th anniversary of being in Mancos on Saturday, February 24th. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Choice Building Supply.

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery, where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

The Cortez Police Department is hosting its 2024 Police Citizens Academy. This free, six-week course will begin in March and include both classroom-style and hands-on training. Belle and the Bear invites you to celebrate Galentine’s Day on Saturday, February 10 at Fenceline Cider with a macrame workshop. The Cortez Public Library is also throwing a Galentine’s Day party on Tuesday, February 13 with snacks and a showing of the Barbie movie. Gambling.com recently conducted a study to discover America’s favorite foods for watching football. The survey ranked favorite snacks and favorite dips for each state with Colorado’s being chili and salsa, respectively. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Durango, along with Purgatory Resort, is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain locations, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The City of Cortez is asking residents to check their pipes for lead as part of new state and federal laws and to ensure the safety of your drinking water. Mancos Friends of the Library is having a Valentine’s Day bake sale at the Mancos Public Library on Wednesday, February 14th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Piñon Project is hosting a teens’ Valentine’s Day party on Tuesday, February 13th as well as a variety of other events for middle and high school students throughout the month. In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and, at the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of its statehood. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big O Tires.

The City of Cortez is soliciting designs from artists as part of a celebration of Historic Preservation Month. The LOR Foundation and Cortez Retail Enhancement Association have partnered with the City of Cortez in designing a coloring book that highlights historic sites in the Cortez area with artist submissions due on February 20. Cortez Parks and Recreation is currently hiring several full- and part-time positions including events specialist, executive assistant, and lifeguard. Head to Durango January 26th through February 4th for this year’s hippie-themed Snowdown. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles recently announced the top license plate designs for 2023 with the Blackout plate and Columbine plate topping the historical and specialty plate lists, respectively. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Keesee Motors.

In Towaoc, a recently built greenhouse known as the Growdome, built by Growing Spaces, is now growing fresh food for the Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center. Funded by the San Juan Basin Area Agency for Aging, additional indoor growing spaces are being built at Senior Centers across the region to engage the community and provide fresh produce for the elderly. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and FASTSIGNS Durango.

Throughout the years, the geothermal wells pumping heated water have bubbled up in the Animas Valley before cycling back down to the underground aquifer. Durango Hot Springs, purchased in 2019 and renamed from Trimble Hot Springs, has incorporated the natural flow cycle into the management of its soaking pools, all the while practicing a sustainable method of water treatment, creating a better soaking experience and giving back to the Animas Valley. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Award-winning, professional photographer Jen Magnuson is offering a free digital camera workshop on Thursday, January 25th at 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. The Cortez Cultural Center is seeking artist submissions for its 2024 gallery. Come by the Cortez Public Library to pick up your 2024 calendar, featuring photos from local photographers, and see David Rainey’s artwork on display. Southwest Conservation Corps is looking for community members to support their seasonal members by providing low-to-no-cost housing in the Hesperus area. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and TruWest Auto.

Applications are open through February 9th for El Pomar Foundation’s summer internship program. Packets for Cortez’s 2024 municipal election are available for pickup at the Cortez City Hall. The city council has four seats that are up for election this year with new council members officially taking office in April. According to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey, the majority of those who set new year’s resolutions will quit or forget about them within the first four months. Some have begun anticipating and even celebrating this with unofficial Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day and Quitter’s Day in January. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Blondie’s Trophy Room.