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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.  

Creede Historical Society Highlights the Fabulous Life of Angeline Louisiana Munn 

The Creede Historical Society is thrilled to invite the community to an evening of history, legacy, and captivating storytelling as part of its ongoing Summer Series. This year's highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on one of Colorado’s most intriguing figures, Angeline Louisiana Munn. 
The annual Logger days festival in South Fork is sure to cut through those midsummer heat wave blues with events geared toward honoring the town’s logging history. 

Timber!  

SOUTH FORK, Colo.  — Shifting gears from its Independence Day celebrations, the mountain community of South Fork will honor its deep-rooted timber heritage this month with the return of the …
Creede celebrates America’s 250th anniversary July 4 with a rodeo that will be remembered for decades.  

A Silver Lining in the San Juans

For a small mountain town tucked dramatically into the volcanic canyon walls of the San Juan Mountains, the Fourth of July isn't just a holiday; it’s a massive, multi-day homecoming. Historically drawing crowds of more than 10,000 spectators from around the globe, Creede’s Independence Day celebration mirrors the town’s enduring spirit.
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.
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2026 PRELIMINARY RESULTS CONEJOS COUNTY PRIMARY - Unofficial

The unofficial results from Conejos County, primary election 2026

South Fork looks into Data Centers

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).  
Booking Photo of Daniel Mascarenas.

High-speed chase ends in SWAT arrest of Alamosa man

According to a press release issued by Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, a 43-year-old Alamosa man wanted on multiple warrants was arrested Wednesday following a high-speed vehicle pursuit and a brief SWAT standoff at a home in Monte Vista, authorities said.
Sports
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.
Bulls have upper hand at Stampede
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. …
Lane Collins (right) of Moffat was the co-champion at the National Archery in the Schools Program in the middle school boys Bullseye Division on June 18-20 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Also pictured is his coach, Jack Sciacca.
Moffat’s Collins wins national archery title
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 Carleo, recreation division manager and Don Mendoza, recreation supervisor. Front row, from left, American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 board members Monte Collins, Karilyn Espinoza, Jack Rudder and Todd Davidson.
Parks and Rec thanks American Legion
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 …
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, …
Obituaries
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.
Web Extra Content
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.
Sequoia Grove Winery’s playbook for elevating game day entertaining
(BPT) - For decades, hosting a football game meant the same thing: buffalo wings, a bowl of dip and a cooler of canned beer. But as the sport has evolved over the past 30 years, your Sunday spreads …
Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy
Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy
(NewsUSA) - Analysis of more than 44 billion emails and 83 million text messages uncovers surprising patterns in when holiday shoppers buy, and what brings them backBlack Friday and Cyber Monday …