July Fourth Celebration Set

June 30, 2023

The Four Corners Community Band will perform summer classics and more during its July Fourth performance at Centennial Park from 4:30 - 6 pm. The second annual iAM Music Fest will take place at Fenceline Cider in Mancos. You can add a personal touch to one of the new garbage trucks with the City of Cortez. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Kessee Motors

Learn More...

iAM Music Fest - https://iammusicfest.us/tc-events/june-iamfest-2023/

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

City of Cortez Truck-Naming form - https://www.cortezco.gov/FormCenter/Public-Works-9/City-of-Cortez-Refuse-and-Recycling-Truc-75

Four Corners Community Band - https://www.facebook.com/4CCBand/

Fenceline Cider and Wine - https://www.fenceline.co/

Read the Full Transcript

Music, food and art headline the second annual iAM MUSIC Fest at Fenceline Cider. Enter a chance to win a contest to name the new Cortez Public Works trucks and celebrate the 4th of July with a Cortez community concert. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by the Lor Foundation and Keesee Motors. I'm Connor Shreve. The second annual iAM MUSIC Fest will be held on June 30th through July 1st at Fenceline Cider in Mancos. Performers include Sugar Thieves, Snarklet, Afrobeatniks, and more. Tickets cost between 20 and $35. The event features two stages and features artisans and food vendors. The lineup, ticket info and schedule are online at iamusicfest.us. Here's a chance for you creative types to put your stamp on the Cortez Public Works vehicle fleet. The city is asking you to name a few of its newest trucks. The city has four new garbage trucks, as well as a new street sweeper and wants you to submit name suggestions. You can do so in person at City Hall, City Service Center, Rec Center, and the Cortez Public Library or online at the City of Cortez website. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, July 20th. One name for each truck and each of the five winners will get a $100 gift card. The Four Corners Community Band will perform a patriotic concert to celebrate July 4th as part of the city's annual 4th of July celebration on Tuesday night. The performance will take place from 4:30 to 6 PM at Centennial Park on North Mildred Road in Centennial on Tuesday, July 4th. The performance will include 4th of July staples, like John Philip Sousa marches and patriotic standards, as well as a selection from the Americana Songbook. The concert is free and open to the public. You're encouraged to bring something comfortable to sit on. Learn more about these stories and others at montezumalocal.news. Thanks 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.