Headlines

Community

Organizers highlight unique atmosphere and opportunities for 2026 Mesa Verde Writers Conference

Registration is now open for the September event

May 17, 2026

Local News

Montezuma Water plant expansion near Dolores approaches completion, delayed to July 2026

expansion project has been in the works since 2019

May 17, 2026

Education

Dolores School District bands earn top honors at Denver Music in the Parks Festival

Students also performed at West Slope Jam Fest

May 16, 2026

Local News

988 mental health team to host informal gathering in Dolores

Thursday’s sessions seek to build awareness, public-informed care

May 16, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Thursday, April 16 9:27 a.m.: A deputy responded to a residence on U.S. Hwy. 491, Pleasant View,…

May 15, 2026

Local News

Southwest Health in Cortez spotlights fiscal report during community picnic

Officials say the hospital remains financially competitive; residents and staff can now read the report online

May 15, 2026

Local News

One case confirmed of vesicular stomatitis virus for Montezuma County horse

officials say livestock owners should monitor animals for clinical signs, including mouth blisters

May 14, 2026

Local News

Trial of Cortez man accused in Veterans Park murder set for this fall

Salt enters not guilty plea in Wednesday hearing

May 14, 2026

Courts and Crime

Cortez man found guilty in 2025 menacing case

Sentencing is scheduled for the end of May

May 14, 2026

Local News

Dolores board approves concept plan for Riverside and Third Street apartments

Early-stage proposal garners a second extended public comment

May 14, 2026

Sports

Track and field, golf, baseball prep for state tournament action

track teams sending 12 individuals, five relays to Lakewood; M-CHS has two golfers at Lone Tree GC

May 13, 2026

Education

MCHS seniors celebrate final week with graduation walks, ceremonies

District to host informational meeting for new online school option

May 13, 2026

Education

Mancos School District wrapping up year with PBL Expo, performances and graduation

class of 2026’s commencement ceremony will be held this weekend

May 13, 2026

Sports

Dolores’ Julianne Vega maximizing her high school experience

senior finds way to balance golf, performing arts, knowledge bowl and classroom leadership

May 13, 2026

Local News

Barking at court: Montezuma County explores addressing prairie dog overpopulation

Wildlife Services possible partnership may address conflicts with critters, including bears and beavers

May 13, 2026

Local News

April rain lifts Cortez precipitation totals, but relief is minor

Snowpack in Dolores Basin remains low as water restrictions set to begin across the region

May 12, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference tackles burnout, professional kindness

is a chance to network and gauge new businesses

May 12, 2026

Education

Dolores school board hears updates to new high school building and stormwater mitigation project

board discussed teacher base pay and a potential track and field

May 12, 2026

Regional News

ICE must retrain arresting officers in Colorado, federal judge rules

Federal immigration agents are violating a court order limiting how they can arrest people, ruling finds

May 12, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Monday, March 16 9:04 p.m.: A deputy responded to a residence on Road K.2, Cortez, for a…

May 12, 2026

Outdoors

At least 13 people died on Colorado ski slopes in 2025-26

13 fatalities were men, ages 25 to 74

May 11, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

A historic walking tour on Main Street in Cortez may include the Wilson building constructed in 1889. (Courtesy photo) CORTEZ…

May 11, 2026

For the record

Police blotter

Journal/Sam Green Cortez Police Department badge Thursday, April 30 5:28 p.m.: An officer responded to Cortez Mobile Home Park, 520…

May 11, 2026

Local News

October trial set for Cortez mother accused of daughter’s death

Leonard’s attorney says expert witness is ‘critical’ to defense

May 11, 2026