Spring Job Fair Happening in Cortez on April 19

April 11, 2024

The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association, in partnership with the Colorado Workforce Center and Cortez, is hosting a spring job fair on Friday, April 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex Building. On Thursday, April 18th, Duncan Rose will be giving a presentation at the Dolores Public Library titled about the changes, challenges, and tools emerging for the Upper Dolores River. The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project is conducting a grafting workshop on Saturday, April 13th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Orchard Hub. Pueblo Community College has announced Dr. Chato Hazelbaker new president. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big O Tires

Learn More...

Cortez Retail Enhancement Association - https://shopcortez.com/

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

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (Workforce Centers) - https://cdle.colorado.gov/

Colorado- Colorado.gov

Dolores Public Library - https://www.doloreslibrary.org/

Trout Unlimited - https://www.tu.org/

Colorado Community College System - https://cccs.edu/

Pueblo Community College - https://pueblocc.edu/

Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project - https://montezumaorchard.org/events/harvest-fest-orchard-social/

Read the Full Transcript

Cortez and Dolores are prepping for spring with job fairs and environmental education events, and Pueblo Community College has announced its new president. You're watching the "Local NEWS Roundup," brought to you by Big O Tires and Choice Building Supply. I'm Connor Shreve. The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association in partnership with the Colorado Workforce Center and Cortez is hosting a Spring Job Fair on Friday, April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with early access to veterans and their spouses. The job fair will take place at the Montezuma County Annex Building in Cortez. Multiple employers, local colleges, training programs, and resource service providers will be represented at the event. On Thursday, April 18th, Duncan Rose will be giving a presentation titled, "Runoff Rundown: Looking into the Future of the Dolores." The presentation will cover the changes and challenges occurring surrounding the Upper Dolores River and its watershed, as well as emerging tools and ways to sustainably adapt into the future. The presentation is in partnership with Trout Unlimited and will take place at the Dolores Public Library at 6:00. The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project is continuing their workshop series with a grafting workshop on Saturday, April 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Orchard Hub. Participants must register in advance and will leave with four handcrafted Heritage Apple Trees. Colorado Community College System has announced Dr. Cheto Hazelbaker as the new president of Pueblo Community College. Dr. Hazelbaker has over 20 years of experience in higher education, including as President of Northland and Pioneer College in Arizona and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing for Carroll College in Montana. 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.