The City of Cortez seeks nominees for city council. Ring in the new year at the Great Four Corners Glitter-Shuffle Groove-a-Thon and End-of-Year Sparkle-Blast DJ Party. And the City of Cortez sales and use tax rate will decrease starting Jan. 1, 2026. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cortez-residents-are-invited-to-shape-their-communitys-future

This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

The Festival of Trees and Wreaths kicked off the holiday season in Durango and Cortez as a fundraiser for Community Connections and Our Own Lives. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-trees-and-wreaths-kicked-off-holiday-season

This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Kroegers Ace Hardware

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.

Watch this story at
www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/growing-community-culture-and-climate-adapted-crops

This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

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.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/the-dolores-public-library-hosts-christmas-crafts-and-competitions

This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

While the government shutdown has ended, food pantries continue to face high demand. The Good Food Collective helps them meet needs. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/food-pantries-strain-to-keep-up-after-shutdown

This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

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.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-wreaths-and-silent-auction-begins-nov-28

This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

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.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/nearly-5-000-montezuma-residents-lose-snap-benefits

This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

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.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/durango-has-work-ahead-as-international-mountain-bike-championships-host

This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.