Position: Reporter

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 970-564-6030

About: Kimberly Benedict joined the Cortez Journal in 2008, simply because she needed a job, and quickly discovered a passion for community journalism. A Colorado native, Kimberly has lived in small town Iowa, Los Angeles and Washington D.C., but feels most at home surrounded by the aspens of the San Juan National Forest. With a degree in constitutional law, Kimberly's greatest ambition used to be to manage a national political campaign, or be president of the United States. Her greatest ambition today is to hike the Colorado Trail from beginning to end. Kimberly's favorite pieces to write are those that strike at the heart of the community and tell the stories that most need to be heard. Read More

Weber Fire now in mop-up stage

Working with a target date of Thursday, July 5, for full containment, Weber Fire officials are in the mop-up stage of the 10,133-acre blaze.The fire was sparked around 4:15 p.m. on Friday, June, 22...

DATE: July 2, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Hot to the touch

Standing at the edge of the charred remains of a wooded area in Weber Canyon on Thursday morning, a fire crew shouts instructions down the line.“Ready,” shouts Squad Leader Cliffton Fierro.“Ready,”...

DATE: July 2, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Saving history part of fire fight

Archaeologists worked alongside firefighters in the Mancos area this week to ensure the past, as well as the present, is salvaged from the devastation of the Weber Fire.As crews dug containment...

DATE: June 29, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Sheriff: Fire caused by juvenile

The investigation into the cause of the Weber Fire has revealed a person of interest according to a joint press release from the Bureau of Land Management and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s...

DATE: June 29, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Wildfire needs drain water supplies

MANCOS — The battle against a wildfire demands many resources. From manpower to equipment, the strength of the fight against a blaze is often measured by the amount of resources dedicated to the...

DATE: June 27, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Fire line is the front line

For observers, the front line of a wildfire fight follows the path of flames. Walls of fire shoot up into the sky, turning trees into torches, and drawing the eyes of observers parked along...

DATE: June 26, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Community shows support for firefighters

MANCOS — As the Weber Fire continued to blacken land in the Mancos region and smoke fell in a thick blanket on the small community, people in town took time to show their appreciation to the fire...

DATE: June 25, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Officials: Stray bullet theory is off target

A report by the Durango Herald posted online Monday evening stated the Weber Fire was sparked by a stray bullet, according Butch Knowlton, director of La Plata County's Office of Emergency...

DATE: June 25, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Sheriff: Losing homes is a huge concern; blaze at 6,000 acres

MANCOS — Montezuma County officials are relying on help from multiple agencies to battle the Weber Fire near Mancos, which has engulfed an estimated 6,000 acres in 24 hours.U.S. Forest Service and...

DATE: June 24, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Evacuees wait, worry and hope for the best

MANCOS — As ash floated down from the smoke-filled sky, Barbara Rose kept worried eyes on the smoldering hillside above her home in the Elk Springs Ranch subdivision Saturday afternoon.The Weber...

DATE: June 23, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Ballots due next week

Just a few days remain for area voters to return their mail-in ballots for the 2012 primary election.Primary election day is Tuesday, June 26, and though this year’s primary election is being...

DATE: June 22, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

Drought concerns continue to grow

Each day, eyes turn to the horizon. Searching out the shape of a cloud. Yearning for the glimpse of gray over the mountains. Hoping for rain.Each day, the skies remain clear. The hot sun beats down...

DATE: June 22, 2012 | CATEGORY: Local News

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