After an executive session that lasted nearly five hours, the Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School Board in a special meeting Tuesday night came up with a list of three finalists for district superintendent.

Measles, Covid, and influenza remain health concerns nationwide and in the Four Corners area.

The federal government shutdown has reduced local tourism by about 20%, according to Mesa Verde Country CEO Brian Bartlett, though some visitors are still exploring the region’s fall colors and outdoor recreation. Mesa Verde National Park and nearby Utah monuments remain open in a limited capacity, while the Ute Mountain Tribal Park continues to offer select tours. Despite fewer visitors overall, Bartlett notes that visitor spending in 2025 is up compared to last year.

The good news is, you can now get into Mesa Verde National Park for free. The bad news is, not much of the park is open.

Colorado’s Attorney General — and 2026 gubernatorial candidate — talks rural health care, immigration, gun laws, political violence, water rights, and the future of public radio.

Southwest Health System in Montezuma County is doing well financially, but changes at the federal level will have an impact in coming times.

Visitation at Mesa Verde has been down by a little less than 4 percent this year.

Despite concerns from one member, the Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School Board is moving forward with an aggressively speedy process for hiring a new district superintendent.

Recent rains have provided momentary relief from the drought, but it is still hanging on.

Montezuma-Cortez School Superintendent Tom Burris announced his resignation at Tuesday night’s meeting of the District Re-1 board.