Learn Best Fire Mitigation Practices

April 12, 2023

Spring means it’s time for landowners to start protecting property from fire risk. Jobs, resources, and training are part of a job fair at the Montezuma County Annex. Burrofest is looking for artists. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story and more at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/learn-best-fire-mitigation-practices This story is sponsored by @Kroegers_Ace_Hardware and @HappyPappysPizza

Learn More...

Montezuma County - https://montezumacounty.org/

Montezuma County Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MontezumaCountyColorado

Cortez Workforce Center - https://www.facebook.com/CortezWorkforceCenter

Mancos Creative District - https://mancoscreativedistrict.com/

Read the Full Transcript

There will be a chance for landowners to learn fire mitigation skills at an upcoming workshop. Bring your resume to a job fair at the Montezuma County Annex and it's the last chance for artists wanting to cozy up to a burro during Burrofest. You're watching the Local News Roundup brought to you by Keesee Motors and Fast Signs, I'm Connor Shreve. A fire mitigation workshop for landowners is being held at the Summit Lake Community Church in Mancos on Saturday April 22nd from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a social event to follow at Dolores River Brewery. Join other landowners in honor of Earth Day with lots of interactive and hands-on activities, including safe chainsaw operation and how to create defensible space to protect your home and property. Workshop topics include stacking for chipping, defensible spaces and slash and burn pile construction among others. Organizers will make sure you come away with ideas, tips and approaches for mitigating your wildfire risk. There is a $10 suggested registration fee. Find more information on the Montezuma County Facebook page. The Colorado Workforce Center is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, April 19th at the Montezuma County Annex from 10:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Bring your resume to meet prospective employers hiring for immediate openings. Resource service providers will be on hand as will area colleges and training programs. There will also be door prizes and giveaways. For more information, contact the Cortez Workforce Center. It's last call for artists who want to be part of the Burrofest Art Market this summer. 12 artists will be given the chance to meet with a burro prior to the event and then use that connection to inspire a work to be featured during Burrofest. Artists are also invited to display and sell originally created animal themed art and other complimentary pieces. Artists have until April 14th to submit a work and bio through the Mancos Creative District website. All participating artists will be invited to a pre-event gathering to meet other participants. Burrofest is scheduled for June 17th in downtown Mancos. Learn more about these and other stories online 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.