January’s Unofficial Day to Ditch Your New Year’s Resolution

January 11, 2024

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.

Learn More...

Cortez - https://www.cortezco.gov/

El Pomar Foundation - https://www.elpomar.org/

Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/

OnePoll - https://www.onepoll.us/

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Keesee Motors - https://www.keeseemotorcompany.com/

Blondie’s Trophy Room - https://www.facebook.com/Blondiestrophyroom/

Read the Full Transcript

El Pomar is seeking undergraduate students for their summer internship program. Information about Cortez's 2024 municipal election is now available. And if you're looking for a reason to quit your New Year's resolution, January 17th might be your day. You're watching the "Local News Roundup," brought to you by Keesee Motors and Blondie's Trophy Room. I'm Connor Shreve. Applications are now open for El Pomar Foundation's 2024 internship program. El Pomar, based in Colorado Springs, is seeking current undergrad students for their paid 10-week summer internship, which introduces students to the philanthropic sector with a focus on program administration and leadership development. Internship applications are open through February 9th. Founded in 1937 with a goal of promoting the wellbeing of the people of Colorado, El Pomar Foundation contributes millions of dollars annually through grants to non-profit organizations in Colorado. The organization recently closed applications for their fellowship, a two-year program for early career professionals. For more information on El Pomar and their programs, visit their website. 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 in this year. A Candidate 101 class will also be held Wednesday, January 17th with nominating petitions due the following Monday. Elected council members will take office on April 23rd. For more information, visit Cortez's website or contact the City Clerk's office. With the new year comes new resolutions. While trends showed last year's goals focused on mental health, 2024's top goals have shifted to physical health. 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, naming January 17th as unofficial Ditch New Year's Resolution Day, and the second Friday in January as Quitters Day. If you're wanting to keep your resolutions past January, here are three tips. Get support and accountability from others. Break your resolution down into short-term goals. And lastly, don't get discouraged by setbacks, but instead make a plan to overcome them. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the "Local News Roundup." 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.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

The Festival of Wreaths and online silent auction begins Sunday, Nov. 28. The Cortez Parks and Recreation Department seeks community input in a new semi-annual survey. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

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.