Headlines

Local News

Dolores to host 50th Escalante Days on Aug. 8

Golden-themed parade, local vendors, kids’ games and more highlight Flanders Park celebration

July 26, 2026

Local News

Durango-La Plata County Airport breaks passenger record, not stopping there

Long-term and short-term growth on display at DRO

July 26, 2026

Local News

Mancos opposes federal grant administration revisions in letter

Town administrator expresses dismay to Trump-appointed director of Office of Management and Budget in email

July 25, 2026

Local News

Colorado Broadband Office opens public comment for connectivity initiative in Southwest Colorado

Plan accounting for gaps in internet service seeks to improve access

July 25, 2026

Local News

Fourth firefighter dies from burn injuries in western Colorado blaze

Death comes almost month after he and colleagues overcome by flames near Utah border

July 25, 2026

For the record

Police blotter

Journal/Sam Green Cortez Police Department badge Thursday, July 16 3:29 a.m.: An officer responded to Pinon Project, 210 E. Main…

July 25, 2026

Local News

Kara Mikkelson and Clydesdale, Tilly, capture Showmanship Grand Champion at Montezuma County Fair

Pair will spar for title of Master Showman on Aug. 1

July 25, 2026

Local News

Rockslide closes Red Mountain Pass for about 5 hours Friday

4 to 5 feet of debris covered U.S. Highway 550 north of Silverton

July 24, 2026

Local News

Cortez woman pleads guilty in fatal DUI crash that killed motorcyclist

Sentencing hearing set for Sept. 18

July 24, 2026

Education

Student representative tells Cortez school board new phone policy needs paired with fuller instruction

Agreement reached with city for two school resource officers

July 24, 2026

Local News

Recovery begins: Ferris Fire crews mitigate hazards of burned area northwest of Dolores

Containment climbs as crews chip fuels, gather hoses and inspect equipment headed to other wildfire responses

July 24, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County cleans up after thunderstorm downs trees and floods streets

Tuesday’s flash flood alert yielded intense afternoon hail and heavy rain

July 23, 2026

Local News

Out-of-control SUV comes to rest in tree on north Durango property

Crash occurred along U.S. Highway 550 on Thursday

July 23, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Thursday, June 25 1:40 p.m.: A deputy responded to KP Pawn, 24099 Road G. 2, Cortez, for…

July 23, 2026

Education

Mancos School District releases second draft of revised cellphone policy, seeks community input

Proposed guidelines aim to increase learning and focus by eliminating distractions

July 23, 2026

Local News

Dolores seeks public comment before writing comprehensive plan update

Questionnaire found online available until July 31

July 23, 2026

Tri-Cities

Jones, Curley advance to general election in Navajo Nation presidential race

Unofficial results ends President Buu Nygren’s bid for a second term

July 22, 2026

Local News

Cortez quilt show to celebrate milestone anniversaries

Event will promote anniversary of U.S., Colorado, Cortez and more

July 22, 2026

Sports

Free skate camp at Lost Canyon Skate Park offered for Montezuma County youths

Total of 24 campers will participate in two three-day sessions

July 22, 2026

Education

Cortez Municipal Court to launch Teen Court program in August

If successfully completed, minor offenses will be removed from participating teens’ records

July 22, 2026

Local News

Disciplinary case against Montezuma County judge ends in temporary suspension, censure

Judicial misconduct case involving Ian MacLaren is considered resolved

July 22, 2026

Local News

Law enforcement identifies man suspected of hitting bicyclist south of Durango

Driver allegedly admitted to drinking three beers an hour before crash

July 22, 2026

Local News

One killed, two seriously injured in car crash last weekend north of Durango

Emergency workers responded to three-vehicle accident Saturday morning in Animas Valley

July 22, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County commissioners divide administrator duties during search to fill position

Timeline for hiring new top staff position is difficult to predict

July 22, 2026