Former Louisianans Bring Cajun Culture to Cortez

The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Tour more than 50 wreaths downtown Cortez during Community Connections’ 5th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The festival will be held Monday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 8. Dolores’ annual Turkey Trot is happening at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Vitalant is conducting a blood drive for the Dolores community on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Nominations for Mancos Valley Annual Awards are due on Thursday, Dec. 5 with winners announced at the Mancos Chamber Community Holiday Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 12. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

The Sunflower Theatre is celebrating two decades of music with local band Carute Roma on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m. Mancos Public Library is holding an evening of land education titled, “Our Common Ground: Why You Cannot Fence the Forest” on November 20th featuring author and professor Dr. Andrew Gulliford. The Mancos Art Market will be held on Sunday, December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at several locations around Mancos. Zu Gallery’s monthly Four Corners Writers Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

The Four Corners Writers Anthology is having its inaugural event on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. Mancos FoodShare’s annual winter coat drive has begun and will run through Dec. 16. Clean, gently-used coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cortez Public Library will be closed through Monday, Nov. 11, in order to replace the HVAC system. A recent survey from LotteryTexts shows that Coloradans would support the preservation of Mesa Verde National Park if they were to suddenly become wealthy. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company.

There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and FLC Center for Innovation.

New ballots are being sent to Montezuma County voters who live in RE-1 School District Precinct D due to a layout error. Residents are asked to fill out a corrected ballot and return it by Election Day (Tuesday, November 5). The Cortez Police Department invites you to the Shield616 Angel Armor Vest Presentation on Thursday, November 7. The City of Cortez announced Elizabeth Edson as the new director of the Cortez Public Library. Montezuma County’s Office of Emergency Management would like to remind residents to sign up for emergency alerts, especially as winter weather approaches. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.

Performances of the Sunflower Theatre’s Maniac Lake: a Halloween Play are running on weekends from Friday, October 25th through Sunday, Nov, 3 with tickets available online. The Cortez Fire Protection District is hosting a Halloween trick-or-treat party on Thursday, Oct 31 at the Firehouse from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Zu Gallery is hosting its 15th annual Monster Mash Costume Party on Thursday, Oct 31 starting at 7:00 p.m. Families that would like to receive gift assistance for the holidays can fill out a print or digital application for the Mancos Giving Tree through Friday, Nov 1. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.

The City of Cortez’s second and final Clean-Up Week of this year is happening Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25th with an added e-waste recycling event for electronic items on Saturday, Oct. 26. Mancos Public Library and Mancos School of the West are collaborating to host two art workshops: a fall painting workshop on Saturday, Oct. 26 and a gel plate workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Cortez Public Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 21st through Saturday, Oct. 26th in order to replace the HVAC system. If you’ve ever wondered how to verify sources and avoid information scams online, head to Mancos Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for an educational seminar focussed on safely navigating the digital age. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Big O Tires.

The Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon, 5K, and Fun Run is Saturday, Oct. 19 with proceeds benefiting the Mancos Public Library. The Cancer Resource Alliance is hosting its 13th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. The Dolores Public Library is holding a yarn swap on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Art of James M. Williams at the Cortez Public Library is on display through Tuesday, Oct. 15. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room.