Newsletter – The Journal

Local News

Southwest Health System adds pediatrician in Cortez

Dr. Maggie Bonilla will join current SHS pediatrician Dr. Moriah Tarpey

August 14, 2026

Education

Dolores’ new high school expected to be occupancy-ready by second semester

14th Street connection needed to finish flood mitigation work

August 14, 2026

Local News

Mancos urges residents to restrict water use, amps up restrictions enforcement

The Mancos Marshal’s Office will not longer issue warnings; instead, violations will incur citations

August 14, 2026

Local News

Cortez opens 2027 Community Support Grants

Nonprofits can request up to $5,000

August 13, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Monday, July 27 10:36 a.m.: A deputy spoke by phone with a woman who lives on Road…

August 13, 2026

Education

New teachers bring international, personal experiences to Montezuma-Cortez classrooms on first day of school

Ana Rodriguez-Araya and Brook Stevens are two of 40 new staff in district

August 13, 2026

Education

Dolores schools kicked off 2026-27 school year on Monday

New high school is expected to be completed by second semester

August 13, 2026

Local News

Cortez voters to decide on lodgers tax increase

City Council approves final ballot language, but not without debate

August 13, 2026

Local News

RISE Southwest sets fifth annual suicide prevention walk for Sept. 12 in Cortez

The walk includes activities and remembrance for those who have died from suicide

August 12, 2026

Local News

22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office expects busy fall with multiple murder trials scheduled

Felony filings are higher from last year

August 12, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez school board rejects controversial curriculum in 4-3 vote

Directors say Bluebonnet program was substituted into agreement without board’s knowledge

August 12, 2026

Local News

CSU Extension recaps strong Montezuma County Fair numbers, previews future events

Fair to send 10 livestock exhibitors, one horse exhibitor and 52 projects to Colorado State Fair

August 12, 2026

Arts and Entertainment

The legacy of Stanton Englehart: Finding the ‘wee bit’ of magic in art and life

Late artist’s daughter, former students and inspired creators speak of his impact ahead of August exhibit

August 12, 2026

Local News

Evening overcast could block meteor shower view in Southwest Colorado

Barring a break in likely cloud coverage, residents may have to wait until next year to see the Perseids

August 11, 2026

Local News

IronWood Mill contempt hearing delayed over address dispute

Judge declines to dismiss allegations after defense raises issue in court documents

August 11, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

There will be an author talk at noon Saturday at the Cortez Cultural Center. For more information, visit Cortezculturalcenter.org. (Courtesy)…

August 11, 2026

Local News

Injured climbers rescued after fall from El Diente traverse near Rico

Rescue teams operated like ‘clockwork’ during efficient rescue mission, officials say

August 10, 2026

For the record

Police blotter

Journal/Sam Green Cortez Police Department badge Wednesday, July 29 2:40 p.m.: An officer responded to the Cortez Public Library, 202…

August 9, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez School District will ‘edit’ biblical content in new elementary reading curriculum

Superintendent says commitment is to Colorado Academic Standards and setting students up for success

August 9, 2026

Local News

Cortez Makerspace opens $5,000 maker challenge for creatives in Four Corners region

There are three divisions available for entry

August 9, 2026

Local News

Addiction resources grow in Cortez

Advocates celebrate the addition of a sober living home alongside expanded treatment options and recovery groups

August 9, 2026

Local News

Cortez Public Library hopes to expand digital collection with Hoopla

Platform offers ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics and movies

August 8, 2026

Local News

July rain helps drought in Cortez, though this year’s rainfall still below normal

Above-average rainfall for July, but Cortez received 3.54 inches in 2026 versus 6.20 inches normally

August 8, 2026

Local News

Stakeholders weigh in on Upper Dolores wildfire ready plan that nears completion

Watersheds Collaborative host Wednesday workshop

August 7, 2026