Headlines

Police blotter

Journal/Sam Green Cortez Police Department badge Thursday, May 28 12:45 a.m.: An officer responded to City Park, 517 E. Third…

June 5, 2026

Local News

Resident seriously injured in Cortez fire at Oak Meadows Mobile Home Park

Cause of Wednesday blaze under investigation as victim remains hospitalized

June 5, 2026

Local News

Mosquitoes arrived early in Colorado. Here’s what health officials are watching

Surveillance being expanded for St. Louis encephalitis virus, closely related to West Nile

June 5, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County ballots mail out next week ahead of June 30 primary

Candidates seek party validation in local, state and federal races

June 5, 2026

Local News

Beloved steam tractor – a staple of Durango parades – to be auctioned

‘Old Abe’ was built by Jack Newbold using an 1898 steam engine

June 5, 2026

For the record

Sheriff’s blotter

Montezuma sheriff badge Monday, May 11 2:53 p.m.: A deputy responded to the 11700 block of Road 24.4 for a…

June 4, 2026

Local News

Cortez woman charged in motorcyclist’s death waives preliminary hearing

Shandine John’s case continues while defense develops report to inform plea negotiations

June 4, 2026

Local News

Federal immigration officer accused of assault appears in La Plata County Court

Agent allegedly tossed woman’s cellphone, threw her to the ground

June 4, 2026

Education

Colorado Association of School Executives honor M-CHS principal as Rookie of the Year

Award acknowledges leadership, creativity and early results

June 4, 2026

Courts and Crime

Cortez man sentenced to three years in DOC for menacing police officers

Shane French was found guilty on six counts

June 4, 2026

Local News

Earthship construction in McElmo Canyon invites volunteers

Ancient Echoes seeks help constructing bathhouse out of trashed or recycled materials

June 4, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez High School grad appointed to Naval Academy

Others graduates receive honors, scholarships

June 3, 2026

Local News

Free squash planting workshop to teach indigenous methods in Cortez

Good Sam’s Food Pantry to promote water resources and Indigenous knowledge in new gardening workshop

June 3, 2026

Local News

It’s not all about pay: Retaining Southwest Colorado’s workforce may mean adjusting to employee needs

‘Something’s not working, and yet we keep trying the same thing,’ business consultant says

June 3, 2026

Local News

Polis to recognize KSUT executive director for creative leadership in Southwest Colorado

Tami Graham reflects on her work in public media and the arts

June 3, 2026

Local News

Dolores River Fest returns Saturday with music, river parade and daylong celebration

Festival is in its 21st year; gates open 10 a.m. at Joe Rowell Park

June 3, 2026

Local News

Republican candidates to meet Wednesday ahead of primary

Forum will feature county clerk and commissioner candidates before June voting

June 2, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

Shoppers visit vendors at the Third Thursday Downtown Market in Cortez in 2016. CORTEZ Thursday, June 11 Movie Club: Joy,…

June 2, 2026

Local News

Southern Ute Drum editor reflects on lessons learned at tribal newspaper

After 14 years embedded in SUIT community, Jeremy Wade Shockley sets out on his own

June 2, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County martial artists to compete on world stage for Team USA in France

Four students earned spots at ICO world championships this fall

June 2, 2026

Local News

Mancos town board approves letter in support of immigration enforcement reform bills

ICE activity has stoked fear among some residents

June 1, 2026

Regional News

Jared Polis once again vetoes bill that would make it easier for Colorado unions to organize

Labor groups blast decision, accusing governor of siding with billionaire CEOs over workers

June 1, 2026

Sports

Mancos cheer duo Maddie Daves and Elly Coey vaulting into college

Daves also began her own all-star cheer program to spur on next generation

June 1, 2026

Regional News

Colorado elections clerk released from prison after governor commutes sentence

Shortly after her release, Tina Peters appeared Steve Bannon’s program

June 1, 2026