Former Louisianans Bring Cajun Culture to Cortez

The 8th annual benefit for the Uncompahgre River and 18th Annual F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour recently took place in Ridgway, Colorado, supporting the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Attendees enjoyed diverse fly-fishing films while contributing to restoration projects and education initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of the watershed. Policymakers, including State Senator Cleave Simpson, emphasized the importance of protecting water resources amidst legal and environmental challenges. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Applications for the 2024-2025 San Juan Mountain Sisters on Leadership Expeditions program, or “SOLES” program, are open now through April 1st. The program is designed to help high school-aged girls develop wilderness and leadership skills, self-awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices, as well as connect with peers, mentors, and the environment. The Cult Movie Federation of Mancos is hosting its next movie night, featuring the movie Harold and Maude, on Thursday, March 28th at Mancos Opera House. Visit the Cortez Cultural Center Gallery through March 27th to see the Four Corners Weavers’ Guild exhibit titled, “The Lore and Techniques of Handweaving.” The Colorado Department of Revenue is offering a Property Tax, Rent, and Heat (PTC) Rebate to Colorado residents with low income, are older, or have disabilities. Eligible residents must apply before April 15th in order to receive their PTC rebate and TABOR refund. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and The Lor Foundation.

The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre presents Hand to God, an irreverent dark comedy written by Robert Askins and directed by Fort Lewis College Theatre Professor Michael McKelvey. Hand to God runs from March 15th through March 31st at the Durango Arts Center. This play carries a parental advisory for its adult language and content and is not suitable for all audiences. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Durango Arts Center box office. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin' Donuts.

The Montezuma Leadership Network is hosting an event on Wednesday, March, 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. covering seven essential management skills at First National Bank in Cortez. The Mancos Valley Farmers Market is now accepting applications for vendors and food trucks and scheduling music for the 2024 season. For more information, visit the Mancos Valley Farmers Market Facebook page. Mancos Public Library is seeking new volunteers and friends. Opportunities include helping with programs, web design, shelving, book processing, fundraising, community outreach, indoor and outdoor upkeep, events, and more. Community members can also support the library through Mancos Friends of the Library. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and The Lor Foundation.

Mancos Common Press sits at the intersection of art and historical preservation. Over the past decade, the organization has revived the old Mancos Times-Tribune building and supported a thriving artist community around letterpress and printing. Now, they are expanding into affordable housing, with the new Mancos Commons project which will be completed in May. The Mancos Commons includes three one-bedroom apartments and additional studio space for the Press. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Lor Foundation.

The Cortez Recreation Center has reduced its hours of operation for the indoor lap pool, leisure pool, and slide due to a lifeguard shortage. Pueblo Community College Southwest is offering free programs in forestry and wildfire mitigation including a one-week program in June and a two-semester program beginning in August. Registration for the two-semester program opens on March 11th with classes limited to 20 students. On Tuesday, March 12th, Danny Pierce will be doing a presentation on time, space, and travel at the Cortez Public Library. Casinos.com recently reported what the most popular card games in Colorado are based on monthly Google trends data with solitaire coming in at number one. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big O Tires.

The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders from Olympians to big mountain film icons all competing on the world’s most iconic locations. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain venues from around the world, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

The Cortez Public Library is hosting a presentation on Moab Rock Art with Rory Tyler on Thursday, March 7th at 6 p.m. Mancos School of the West’s next winter workshop is happening on Saturday, March 9 at Mancos Public Library. The class will explore layering, colors, and patterns using a Gelli plate, stains, stencils, paper, and more. Visit the School of the West’s website to register. Min-Tea, a new Vietnamese restaurant with milk tea, boba, and food, had its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the City of Cortez mayor on February 20th in Cortez. Several organizations in Montezuma County are seeking employees including the Dolores Public Library, the City of Cortez, and the School Community Youth Collaborative. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Beverage businesses can lose as much as ten percent of revenue during January. But “dry-January” represents a trend that goes beyond one month. Drinking less, or not at all is becoming accepted culturally, and businesses are taking note. Tesstastic Mixers opened in October, with an equal focus on alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas BBQ.

Mancos Creative District’s annual, local music event, Mixed in Mancos, is coming up on Saturday, March 2nd. Mancos Public Library is sponsoring a screening of the film The Right to Read on Thursday, February 29th at the Mancos Opera House followed by a Q&A session. Amy Grogan’s Landscape block print exhibit, called Landscapes from the Heart, will be showing at the Cortez Cultural Center through February 29th. The Dolores Public Library’s monthly exhibit showcases art by Susan Reed through the end of February. The Colorado Department of Revenue announced that it can now process your 2023 income tax returns and shared a few filing reminders. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Big O Tires.