Mancos Melt Annual Benefit Returns

March 8, 2023

The 2023 Mancos Melt features a Las Vegas theme. A low-cost, mobile animal service clinic is coming to Cortez. WildEdge Brewing Collective is hosting an upcoming rare-beer tasting. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Blondie’s Trophy Room

Learn More...

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

Colorado Animal Rescue Express (C.A.R.E.) - https://www.caretransport.org/

For Pets Sake Humane Society - https://forpetssakehs.org/

WildEdge Brewing - https://www.wildedgebrewing.com/

Read the Full Transcript

There promises to be a lot of creative fun to be had in Mancos during the annual Mancos Melt Benefit. A three-day low-cost mobile animal clinic will be in Cortez providing spay and neuter, and other crucial animal services. And come learn all about spontaneously fermented beer at the Wild Edge Brewing Collective. You're watching the "Local News Roundup", brought to you by Keesee Motors and Blondie's Trophy Room. I'm Connor Shreve. The Mancos Melt Annual Benefit is coming up Saturday, March 11th. Register to take part in the putt putt tournament, or just enjoy events surrounding the festivities like, the chili tasting being held by Artisans of Mancos. Registration for a two person putt putt team costs $40 and benefits the Montelores Backpack Drive. Sign up at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters and compete for your chance to win a round of golf at various local courses. Prizes will also be awarded for best Las Vegas themed costumes. The Cortez Animal Shelter is teaming up with a handful of non-profit organizations to help provide area pet owners with low-cost services. The mobile clinic will be in Cortez for May 11th through May 14th, providing spaying and neutering services, as well as free vaccinations and microchipping. Cost range from $45 to $110. You will be required to pay a registration fee of 40 or $50 depending on whether you have a cat or a dog. Registration ends May 8th or when spaces are filled. Wild Edge Brewing is hosting a special tasting event for spontaneously fermented beer. That's beer created using naturally occurring bacteria and yeast instead of the highly cultivated beer most common today. Join Brewer Tucker Robinson for a tasting and discussion about Belgian Geuz and Lambic beers, as well as their North American counterparts. The talk will include history, production, and tasting notes and to be accompanied by meats and cheeses. The tasting is scheduled on Saturday, March 11th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. You can purchase tickets for $60 each at wildedgebrewing.com.

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

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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.