Cortez Community Kitchen to Serve Mardi Gras Lunch

2/15/2023

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

Learn More...

Saint Barnabus of the Valley Episcopal Church - https://www.stbarnabascortez.org/

Galloping Goose Historical Society - http://www.gallopinggoose5.org/

PCC SW - https://pueblocc.edu/southwest

Read the Full Transcript

A community kitchen is offering a Mardi Gras lunch. The Galloping Goose's summer schedule includes trips on the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad, and Pueblo Community College Southwest welcomes a new dean. You're watching the local news roundup, brought to you by the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan, and Foley and True West Auto. I'm Connor Shreve. Grace's Community Kitchen in Cortez will offer a Mardi Gras celebration lunch on Tuesday, February 21st, from noon to 1:00 PM with jambalaya, veggies, cornbread, and more. A $10 donation is suggested and the format is takeout style for the pre-order feast. You're asked to email or call the St. Barnabas office to place your order. You'll soon be able to ride the Galloping Goose on one of America's favorite railways. The Galloping Goose Historical Society is planning to run the Goose on the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad in March, April, May, August, and September. Destinations include Cascade Canyon, Railroad Park, and Silverton. For details and to book a trip, check out the events page on the Galloping Goose website. Pueblo Community College Southwest has a new executive dean. The school announced former San Juan College School of Humanities Dean Lisa Snyder as the person who will fill the role earlier this month. Snyder has lived in Durango with her family since 2013. Prior to serving as the Dean for the School of Humanities at San Juan College, Snyder was the associate vice president for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. Snyder has worked as part of the faculty at universities in New York and Oregon. In a statement, Snyder says her priorities are to increase enrollment and streamline pathways for transfer or employment opportunities. Learn more about these stories and others at montezumalocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the "Local News Network." I'm Connor Shreve.

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

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Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.