Newsletter – The Journal

Local News

Heat wave to hit Cortez this weekend

Saturday’s projected high may reach 99 degrees

July 9, 2026

Regional News

In 2019 Jena Griswold started a Senate Exploratory Committee. It’s still active today

Statement of organization was updated after the candidate won her primary for attorney general

July 9, 2026

Local News

Colorado governor declares disaster emergency for Montezuma, Dolores counties

Ferris Fire is 19% contained, but severe weather is making firefighting conditions difficult

July 9, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County detective sergeant receives DEA award amid disbandment of narcotics investigation team

Budget cuts end Montezuma-Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team despite high drug crime rates

July 9, 2026

Local News

Montezuma and Dolores County feral cat program stretched thin during ‘kitten season’

Kittens keep popping up despite decades-long spaying and neutering efforts

July 9, 2026

New Mexico

Detention officer reportedly causes courthouse lock down in Aztec

William Johnston distressed by issuance of restraining order

July 8, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County’s top administrator resigns; search begins for new leader

Travis Anderson to pursue a job in the private sector

July 8, 2026

Local News

Bear spotted near Parque de Vida

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns that fires and drought are pushing wildlife to urban areas

July 8, 2026

Education

Visually impaired youth find independence at Camp Abilities Four Corners

Program was created for visually impaired children living in rural areas

July 8, 2026

Local News

New signs at Mancos State Park feature local art

Colorado Parks and Wildlife project revamps interpretive signs for park goers in three distinct panels

July 8, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

CORTEZ Thursday, July 9 American Sniper Viewing, 5 p.m., Cortez Public Library 202 N Park St. U.S. Navy SEAL Chris…

July 8, 2026

Regional News

Colorado joins other states urging U.S. Postal Service to drop plan to restrict mail-in voting

Agency’s plan remains in place, despite being struck down by federal judge

July 7, 2026

Tri-Cities

Suspect pleads guilty to 2024 double homicide in Bloomfield

Victim’s mother rushes killer, threatens death

July 7, 2026

Sports

Hunter Lawrence overtakes brother for overall points lead after Fourth of July win

Races at RedBud once again led to a battle between brothers

July 7, 2026

Local News

Montezuma County bison rancher to provide meat to Cortez food pantries

Nonprofit will purchase herd to donate meat to food assistance programs

July 7, 2026

Local News

Photos: Fireworks light up night sky at Cortez’s Fourth of July celebration

Thousands of attendees flocked to Parque de Vida for pyrotechnics and live music

July 6, 2026

Local News

Air quality advisory issued as wildfire smoke blankets Southwest Colorado

Young, elderly and those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses should consider staying indoors

July 6, 2026

Local News

Ferris Fire northwest of Dolores grows to nearly 51,622 acres

Blaze was 22% contained following Monday’s mitigation efforts

July 6, 2026

Local News

Towaoc man sentenced to seven years in prison for assault

Bentley Watts Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against a former partner in 2024

July 6, 2026

Local News

Car owners put Americana on full display during Cortez’s July 4 celebration

More than 70 old cars and modern models gleamed in the sun for the 250th celebration of the United States…

July 5, 2026

Education

Montezuma-Cortez School District to host informational event on special education services

The event is open to all parents and guardians, even without a child in special education

July 5, 2026

Local News

Operations team grows for Ferris Fire as it spreads

Because of the fire’s size/logistics, a complex incident management team has been ordered

July 4, 2026

Local News

Fireworks lit up the Cortez sky after mayor urged civility in Fourth of July fireworks debate

‘We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that it is a safe and fun Fourth of…

July 4, 2026

Local News

Teen tribal members invited to apply for Colorado Youth Advisory Council

40 students connect with Colorado lawmakers to influence state policy

July 4, 2026