STATEWIDE — In 2020, voters in Colorado passed, by a narrow margin of 51% to 49%, a ballot measure to reintroduce wolves into the state after their eradication in the early to mid-1900s. Charged with creating and implementing the plan for reintroduction, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) held public meetings, developed a plan and ultimately reintroduced two groups of five GPS collared wolves into Grand and Summit Counties on Dec. 19, 2023. 

CENTER – Approximately 22 people were at the first-ever Center Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event was at 295 S. Worth St., commonly known as the old Pharmacy Building. 

SAN LUIS VALLEY — A collaborative effort between public and private partners is financing an educational and recreational plan for the area in Conejos and Costilla counties near the historic Lobatos Bridge, which will soon begin construction. 

ALAMOSA — The Colorado Hospital Association Board has named Konnie Martin as one of its newly appointed trustees and she will begin her term in January 2025. She is a trusted leader, especially advocating for and representing rural hospitals. She has been the CEO at San Luis Valley Health since 2013 and serves as a leader in a variety of local, state, and national roles. Konnie has previously served on the CHA board, including serving as a former chair of the association. 

ALAMOSA — Sandra Hostetter, Alamosa County Assessor, is retiring at the end of 2024. She has served as the Alamosa County Assessor since 2003.  Prior to being elected, she worked as an appraiser in the office. In all, Hostetter has served the citizens of Alamosa County for 32 years. 

Firefighters and deputies with Alamosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a structure fire Thursday night. The incident is currently being investigated as possible case of arson.

ALAMOSA — The holiday season always signals an abundance of fun stuff going on, and 2024 in the San Luis Valley is no exception. What follows is a glimpse of some of the happenings coming up this weekend. 

ALAMOSA – Downtown Alamosa is ready to light up with holiday cheer as the annual First Fridays Shine Bright and Shop Small event kicks off the season in style. The festive evening begins at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. with the magical Celebration of Lights Ceremony, featuring live music by Matt Wellman, sweet treats, and a countdown to the official lighting ceremony. 

CRESTONE — Over the past two decades, the Crestone/Baca Grande communities have come together for an annual Crestone Community Thanksgiving celebration potluck. This tradition is a testament to shared values of gratitude, community, camaraderie and unity at the event. 

CENTER – There was a slight chill in the air Saturday morning, as participants lined up excitedly, in front of the Center Viking Youth Club for its first-ever Turkey Trot on Nov. 23.  

COLORADO — Residents of the San Luis Valley who are traveling over the Thanksgiving week for outdoor activities should pay close attention to avalanche and road conditions.  

ALAMOSA — Don Richmond is taking the stage at Society Hall Saturday night for a solo performance. In recent years, this has become an unusual thing for Richmond to do, given the number of performances he has booked and his other interests.  

CONEJOS — Due to a fire in the Conejos County Courthouse on Aug. 29, the courthouse remains closed until further notice. Most offices are open in the Department of Social Services building nearby. There were no injuries related to the fire. 

WASHINGTON D.C. — Due to a looming budget cut, the US Forest Service will not hire about 2,400 seasonal jobs nationally for the next fiscal year, leaving them out of work and putting essential recreation and conservation work at risk. 

SAN LUIS — According to Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez, a tourist was walking near the Stations of the Cross footpath on Saturday afternoon when he spotted the lifeless body of a man under the bridge that crosses Rito Seco Creek at the intersection of Highway 142 and 159 in San Luis. Sanchez says the report came into the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office at 3:50 p.m. 

BLANCA – The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Blanca police are looking for two suspects who allegedly broke into a fully marked Blanca Police Department vehicle and stole a black patrol rifle. 

An Alamosa resident was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 17 on Tuesday evening.

ALAMOSA — The Larry Holder Exercise and Cancer Survivorship Program at Adams State University (ASU) stands out with its unique commitment to the well-being of cancer survivors in the San Luis Valley. It offers a personalized exercise program in a supportive group setting, a feature that distinguishes it from other programs. 

ALAMOSA – More than 15 months after being arrested related to charges of alleged sexual assault of a child under the age of 15 by a person in a position of trust as part of a pattern of sexual abuse, Mari Felix and Martin Felix-Lopez are headed to trial.  

MONTE VISTA – Nearly 100 people attended a Rio Grande County public hearing on a proposed $24 million aquatic center in Monte Vista on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Ski-Hi Complex in Monte Vista.