Headlines

Local News

Cortez City Council approves guidelines for proclamations

Discriminatory or partisan endorsements are not permitted under the policy

July 30, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Friday, July 10 9:45 p.m.: A deputy responded to 10401 Road 29 near Totten Lake, Cortez, for…

July 30, 2026

Local News

U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray closed for mudslides

No time given for opening Red Mountain Pass

July 30, 2026

New Mexico

The conflict over permanent climbing anchors in wilderness

Climbers concerned about safety are pitted against wilderness advocates worried about overcrowding and unfettered bolting.

July 30, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado’s domestic water supply’s vulnerabilities unknown

Region’s conservation district looks to better define resource in face of persistent drought, projected population growth

July 30, 2026

Local News

Cortez City Council appoints five members to new Airport Advisory Committee

Board will provide recommendations for economic development, airport operations and aviation safety and efficiency

July 30, 2026

Local News

Roads, campsites reopen in San Juan National Forest, BLM lands with Ferris Fire 97% contained

Officials urge caution because of post-blaze hazards, heavy equipment during repair work

July 29, 2026

Local News

Duo from Banshee Tree to play free show at Fenceline Cider in Mancos

Thom LaFond and Jesse Shantor will transform cidery into jazz club

July 29, 2026

Local News

Fundamental Needs raises funds for Cortez’s first recording studio

Cortez Makerspace to host soundproofed room with audio, music equipment for musicians, podcasters and audiobook recording

July 29, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez High School tightens cellphone restrictions for school year

Devices will be turned off and locked away for entirety of the day, excluding lunches

July 29, 2026

Business

New report shows tourism continues to lag in Colorado

‘We have been on a continuous decline’

July 29, 2026

Local News

Cortez, Mancos, Dolores libraries conclude summer of dinos

All libraries had a successful season of youth programming with archaeology and paleontology themed events

July 29, 2026

Local News

Montezuma Water Co. completes treatment plant expansion

Project grows treatment capacity from 4 to 6 million gallons per day; aided by USDA low-interest loan

July 29, 2026

Sports

Hunter Lawrence lengthens Motocross lead at Washougal

Lawrence placed second in first Moto and first in next race

July 28, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez schools prepare to open with expanded programs, new elementary model

M-CHS adds outdoor program and College and Career Center

July 28, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

Colorado celebrates its 150th state anniversary on Saturday, and Cortez has special events planned. See calendar below. (Courtesy) CORTEZ Wednesday,…

July 28, 2026

Local News

Update: Autopsies of 2 confirmed dead in crash near Dolores expected Thursday

A Dodge and an RV collided head-on along Colorado Highway 184

July 28, 2026

Regional News

Teen boy killed, 4 others injured by lightning on Mount Blue Sky

A second minor was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries, authorities say

July 27, 2026

Local News

Monsoonal rains slow Ferris Fire recovery efforts; crews hope for drier week

Blaze is 97% contained; repair work has been hindered by intense thunderstorms

July 27, 2026

Sports

Dove Creek’s Spanglers rule the roost at Cortez Speedway to kick off county fair

Camron, Brody, Aaron, and Rick Spangler make their mark on Midseason Championship races

July 27, 2026

Local News

Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries after crash on U.S. Highway 145 northeast of Dolores

Driver hit guardrail and was flown to nearby hospital

July 27, 2026

Arts and Entertainment

Mancos Creative District to host Mixed in Mancos 2025 album release party

The album was recorded live at the Mancos Opera House last year

July 27, 2026

Sports

Durango’s Shylene Drumm wins breakaway roping title at National High School Finals Rodeo

Ignacio’s Kodi Mae Rima and Cortez’ Brileigh Gordanier make impressive NHSFR debuts

July 26, 2026

Local News

Four Corners Community Band to premiere local composer’s ‘Cortez Overture’ at anniversary concert

Overture composed by a 2021 M-CHS graduate

July 26, 2026