Top Stories

Schrader Creek Fire at nine acres on RGNF near Del Norte 

Aerial crews worked through the night to suppress the Schrader Creek Fire located near Bennett Peak by Del Norte. 
An update released by Rio Grande National Forest as of Monday, July 20 stated that the Schrader Creek fire has been more successfully mapped and is at nine acres and showing minimal fire behavior.  
Community

La Jara Glory Days returns July 26 with tradition 

For generations, La Jara residents have gathered each summer to celebrate the town's history, and enjoy a day dedicated to hometown pride. On Saturday, July 26, that tradition continues as La Jara Glory Days returns with a full schedule of family activities, live music, a community breakfast, parade, car show and opportunities for neighbors and visitors alike to reconnect. 

Manassa Pioneer Days returns with rodeo, family fun 

mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com  MANASSA - One of the San Luis Valley's longest-standing summer traditions returns Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, as Manassa Pioneer Days …

Golden Circle of Champions touches hearts on Saturday

 As the crowd watched in silence, two small children led by their parents walked out into the Ski-Hi Stampede arena on Saturday night to be presented with belt buckles and cowboy hats, but it was their bravery and resilience that took center stage.  
One of Center's very own residents asked to sing with the band on Saturday. She sang "Tennessee Whiskey," and was applauded by fellow residents.  

Center celebrates Fourth of July with community spirit

The New Mexico stars were shining bright over Center on Saturday, July 4, as Casa Blanca Park hosted an Independence Day celebration that drew residents and visitors from across the San Luis Valley. 
Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids has become a Valley staple at local farmer markets and other public venues. 

Local herpetologist aims to replace fear with knowledge

For Jarod Johnson, founder of Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids, a lifelong fascination with misunderstood creatures has transformed into a community-wide educational mission.

Saguache County Museum to launch 2026 Sunday program 

History has a way of shaping the future, and this weekend the Saguache County Museum is inviting the public to take a closer look at one of the cornerstones of American democracy through the lens of Colorado's past. 
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News
The unofficial results from Conejos County, primary election 2026
Residents and town officials from South Fork gathered last Wed., July 15 for the planning and zoning commission meeting to hear from Monroe Johnson the Chief Technology Officer for the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLV REC).  
Opinion
As a theatre artist and teacher, I believe the stage should be at the forefront of efforts to examine our personal beliefs and the major issues of the day.  It can be a place where injustice, …
Classifieds

Classifieds July 15, 2026

99 ANNOUNCEMENTS   RIO GRANDE COUNTY , COLORADO IS ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND HOUSING ACTION PLAN UPDATE.  Sealed proposals are due to …

Sports

Bulls have upper hand at Stampede

Taten Koenig (left) makes a successful heel catch, while Bayley Bishop works the head in the team roping final at the Ski-Hi Stampede local rodeo on Sunday. Bishop and Koenig won in 7.2 seconds.
MONTE VISTA – Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, the Ski-Hi Stampede, had its 104 th edition this past weekend at Ski-Hi Park’s Charlie Burd Arena. In bull riding, the bulls had the advantage. …
More sports
ALAMOSA – Lane Collins, a recent graduate of Moffat Middle School, represented the state of Colorado at the 2026 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Open and World Championships. The …
The Alamosa Parks and Recreation Department thanks the American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 for sponsoring the summer youth baseball and softball programs this year. Back row, from left, Dalton …
ALAMOSA – A total of 26 children ages 6-13 took part in the 2026 Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge which took place June 26 at the Lee soccer fields. The event was hosted by Alamosa Parks and …
Obituaries
Rhonda L Garcia
It is with a heavy and broken heart to announce the passing of Rhonda L. Garcia on April 4, 2026. Rhonda was born July 12, 1971 to Priscilla Tafoya and Joseph Cordova. 
Irwin Kennedy ‘Ken’ Wiley
Irwin Kennedy “Ken” Wiley passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2026. He will be remembered for his love of, and dedication to family and friends.    Ken will live forever, both in …
Gerald ‘Brent’ Rasmussen
Gerald "Brent" Rasmussen, 74, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Orem, Utah.   Brent was born on September 15, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Gerald Jay and Janice Marie Bodley …
Pauline Mae Hill
Pauline Mae Hill, 93, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026.   Pauline was born on September 1, 1932, to the late Lemuel Matthew Spencer and Mary Esther Ross. She graduated from Pittsburg …
Joseph 'Joe' T. Ortega
Joseph “Joe” T. Ortega, 74, a longtime resident of Alamosa and former resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026. Joseph was born on February 17, 1952, to the late Louie Ortega and Eva Valdez. Joe was a proud graduate of Monte Vista High School, Class of 1970.
Feature stories from around the web

How to stay healthier this year: Schedule your flu shot

(BPT) - It's that time of year again: Temperatures are dropping, kids are heading back to school — and cold and flu season isn't far behind. To help you and your family stay healthier this fall …

Running a small business means making sacrifices. Are they permanent?

Rocket Lawyer reports that small business owners often sacrifice time and income for flexibility and control, but these sacrifices can become permanent if not reassessed.

9 reasons your prescription may not be filled, and what to do about it

GoodRx reports nine reasons a pharmacist may not fill a prescription, including missing information, drug shortages, and insurance issues, along with solutions to prevent delays.