News Roundup: Winter Travel, Spruce Tree House, & More

12/10/2021

We touch on a new CDOT mobile app, plans to stabilize Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde, and more. Sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and Express Employment Professionals

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You're watching the Montezuma Local News Roundup. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. The Colorado department of transportation launched a new easier to use COtrip.org website, featuring a new roadmap with road conditions. You can also download the COtrip mobile planner app that provides statewide real-time traffic information that works with iOS and Android platforms. Both the website and mobile app provide links to real-time cameras to see what road conditions are like. If you do plan to drive during adverse weather conditions, CO. recommends that you pack a winterized emergency vehicle kit. Plan your route in advance and let someone know where you'll be driving and your estimated time of arrival. Check your tires, make sure the air pressure is correct for all of your tires and that you have at least three and one 16th inch tread. Drive for the conditions. don't drive faster than you can see ahead, and turn on your headlights. If you get stuck in a serious storm, do not leave your vehicle. For more travel tips visit cotrip.org. Habitat for humanity of Montezuma county has received certification, as an enterprise zone contribution project, from the state economic development commission. Donors who make a contribution of $250 or more to habitat can claim a 25% state tax credit and a 12 and a half percent tax credit for In- kind donations. The credit is in addition to the federal tax deduction for contributions made to any 5 0 1 C3 organization. Montezuma habitat plans to build five homes during the next five years in the Sedona estate subdivision and rehab five homes in the area. To learn more or to make a contribution, visit habitatmontezuma.org Hope's kitchen and the share house community food center will prepare Christmas dinners for pickup between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Montezuma county Annex building on north Chestnut street. visit montezumafoodcoalition.org. For more information. The Pinyon Project seeks donations and sponsors for it's Christmas, for its kids program. families, individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to adopt a family and provide unopened gifts, and clothing for the family's children. The Pinon Project also will accept donations of unopened toys and clothing. You can sign up to sponsor or family@pinionproject.org, and look under the events link. The National Park Service has initiated a 30 day comment period to plan for a major stabilization project at the Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde National Park. The Spruce Tree House located below the park's museum was closed, after a rock fall occurred from the front sandstone arch. The public is encouraged to share observations, concerns, and ideas to scope out the range of issues and environmental concerns that should be addressed during the planning stages and subsequent environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. To make comments and learn more, Visit park planning.nps.gov/M E V E. Thanks for watching the local news network update. I'm Wendy Graham settle.

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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, Pueblo 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.

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.