The Westfork Lumber Company mill was completely destroyed by fire which started about 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, July 12. Although the mill was a total loss, Dolores and Cortez Fire Departments were able to save the lumber, logs, sawdust pile and any further spreading. An overheated diesel engine is believed to be the cause of the fire.
Another meeting on the proposed land use resolution for Montezuma County was held Monday evening at Mancos Grange. Over 50 people attended, most of them were against regulation of land use beyond that already provided in existing laws.
A welcome break in the many week long drought came this past week with a gentle rain falling on many parts of the area as clouds piled up on the mountain peaks. Vic Hodges' weather station in Dolores reports 0.76 inches of moisture from July 8 through July 17, while the Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company in Cortez reported .93 inches of water. The drought had the forest and grasslands in bad shape, However, The Forest Service lifted the fire ban following the rain.
Business in Dolores has taken an upswing during the past few weeks and includes opening a new barber shop and two restaurants under new management. The Dolores Cafe has reopened under the management of Ruth Darland after being closed for several months. Mrs. Darland will be remembered by many as having owned and operated the restaurant with her sister, Mrs. Ruben Lisenbury, prior to selling the place to Jim Lowe. Bob Teague has opened Bob's Barber shop at 812 Central Avenue. And the third new business is another change of management at the Hofbrau. The restaurant was formerly managed by Arvada Sparks.
Lori Hamilton of Dolores is one of 65 high school students who will travel to Steamboat Springs on Sunday, July 21, to participate in the third annual Rural Electric Co-op Congregation.
Mary Jane McRae, Leona McCabe and Edna Seitz traveled to Durango Friday to attend a flower arrangement and environmental improvement workshop conducted by Mrs. Walter Freudenberg of Colorado Springs, who was a former state president of Colorado Garden Clubs, and is presently state chairman of EIP.
A surprise birthday party was given for Mrs. Bob Cowen last Sunday.
Picnicking at Emerson Park on the 4th of July were Mr. and Mrs. Bel Randall and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gomez and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Gomez.
