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SLV 4-H Livestock Judging Teams compete at Arizona nationals 

The San Luis Valley 4-H Livestock Judging Team competed at the Arizona National Livestock Judging Contest earlier this month. Making the trip from the Valley were back row: Toni Wells, Darian Vance, Rorie Tillamn, Emily Seger, Elly Etnz, Durae Naranjo, Tynnley Buhr, and Janae Naranjo; and front row: Syrie Tillman, Macklie Sims, Ashley Entz, Mackenna Shawcroft, and Rachel Seger. 
Over New Year’s weekend, San Luis Valley Valley 4-H members traveled to Arizona to participate in the prestigious Arizona National Livestock Judging Contest. The event challenged participants to evaluate eight classes of livestock: Market Steers, Breeding Heifers, Market Lambs, Breeding Ewes, Market Goats, Wether Dam Does, Breeding Gilts, and Market Hogs. 

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Community

Two Adams State scholarships named in honor of graduate, Amalia Dorion

ALAMOSA – A collegiate distance runner, artist, and social media influencer, Amalia Dorion inspires entire communities. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in painting from Adams State University in the spring of 2024. 

Alamosa/Great Sand Dunes KOA earns Award for Excellence

BILLINGS, MONT. — Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the largest system of privately owned campgrounds in the world, is proud to announce that Alamosa/Great Sand Dunes KOA Journey has been recognized with the prestigious KOA ICON Award. This recognition highlights campgrounds that demonstrate exceptional operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to the KOA brand. 

Arts are alive and well in Alamosa

ALAMOSA — Only one year after it was formed, Alamosa’s Creative District Committee – now renamed as “Alamosa Creates”- has made significant progress in the city being officially designated by the state as a Colorado Creative District. Alamosa Creates intends to apply for the designation in late 2025. 
The view from the front porch of the Aldo Leopold House in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, offers a serene setting for relaxation and reflection. The porch is also an ideal venue to read Leopold's most famous book, ‘A Sand County Almanac.’ 

Aldo Leopold House available for overnight stays

TRES PIEDRAS, N.M. — Carson National Forest has announced the opening of the Aldo Leopold House for overnight stays, a place steeped in the legacy of the renowned conservationist. Reservations for this historic site are now available for the first overnight stays scheduled to begin on May 1. 

Trout Unlimited youth scholarships available

ALMONT — Colorado Trout Unlimited will host the Annual River Conservation and Fly-Fishing Camp for teens aged 14-18 at AEI Basecamp in Almont from June 8-14.  The San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited Chapter (SLVTU) is proud to sponsor two scholarships for local youth to attend this unique camp, covering registration fees and tuition costs. 
This brave person takes the polar plunge into the Rio Grande in a past year's Rio Frio event.   

Will the Rio be Frio enough?

ALAMOSA — With an Arctic blast of cold weather set to chill large parts of the country this weekend, the outdoor enthusiast community in Alamosa and beyond who participate in the annual Rio Frio Ice Fest fun are eagerly anticipating the colder weather.  

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Adams State University had a record enrollment of students from the San Luis Valley in the fall of 2024. According to ASU President Dr. David Tandberg, 647 undergraduate Valley students enrolled, an increase of 12.5% from the prior year and up 73% from 2022.
State of the university is good
ALAMOSA — On Jan. 21, David Tandberg, president of Adams State University, delivered his annual 'State of the University,” address. This address is a significant event in the university's calendar, providing an opportunity for the president to reflect on the past year and outline the institution's future direction.
The Rio Grande will benefit from a Bureau of Reclamation award of $24.9 million for drought resiliency activities in the Upper Rio Grande Basin.
$24.9M allocated for much-needed projects
WASHINGTON D.C. — Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an award of $24.9 million for drought resiliency activities in the Upper Rio Grande Basin.   
Fresh snow blankets rounded forms of the dunes and 13,297-foot Mt. Herard at sunrise. Snowy grasslands and piñon trees are in the foreground.  
Sunny and cold in the SLV
The temperature on the Valley floor on the morning of Jan. 21 was -14 Fahrenheit, with a slightly warmer temperature of -8 at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve visitor center.
HB24-1249 creates a state income tax credit for active agricultural stewardship practices. 
Good stewardship yields good tax credits
ALAMOSA — During his time in office, State Representative Matt Martinez (D-62) has consistently expressed his support for farmers and ranchers. That support was clearly demonstrated by passage of a bill related to agriculture and pertaining to stewardship of the land.  
Photo showing a section of fence and erosion believed to have been caused by bulldozing fence road on La Sierra.  
Martinez, Simpson bill supports local govt in fence fight
ALAMOSA — State Representative Matt Martinez (D-62) and state Senator Cleave Simpson (R-6) introduced legislation last week in support of a group of Costilla County residents who are engaged in battle with a billionaire landowner over an issue common in Western history: the construction of a fence.  

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Sports
Alamosa High School’s Arreli Felix dribbles the ball into the front court in Saturday’s game against Montezuma-Cortez at the AHS gym. The Lady Mean Moose defeated the Lady Panthers 63-35.
Alamosa girls run to 63-35 win over Cortez
ALAMOSA – After opening the Intermountain League scheduled with a 55-17 win over Bayfield, the Alamosa High School girls basketball team was looking to improve to 2-0 when it hosted …
Alamosa High School’s Jayden Lujan attempts a 3-point shot in Saturday’s game against Montezuma-Cortez at the AHS gym. The Mean Moose lost to the Panthers 65-45.
Zepeda’s 26 not enough in Mean Moose loss
ALAMOSA – The Alamosa High School boys basketball team had a tough opener to the Intermountain League season on Friday as it lost 45-44 at Bayfield. The Mean Moose returned home on …
Monte Vista High School’s Azariah Hurtado brings the ball into the front court in Friday’s Game against Pagosa Springs at the MVHS gym. Hurtado scored 28 points in Monte Vista’s 51-36 win.
Hurtado scores 28 in Monte Vista’s league-opening win
MONTE VISTA – The Monte Vista High School made its return to the Intermountain League on Friday as it hosted Pagosa Springs at the MVHS gym. It was a successful return to the IML as Monte …

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Opinion
Writer Karen Mockler was thrilled when her city of Tucson, Ariz., announced it was starting a pilot program to deal with hard-to-recycle plastics, turning it into building blocks. Then things got complicated as the plastic waste piled up, and Dow Chemical and Hefty bags got involved. Burning the plastic turned into the new solution, and Mockler now concludes: "Instead of recycling plastic, we need to focus on phasing out its use — everywhere we can.

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Classifieds
Obituaries
Obituaries
 Mary Patricia Karr
Mary Patricia Karr, 76, of Creede, Colo., passed away in peace on Dec. 16, 2024.  Mary was born April 27, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of John E. Crowley, Sr. and Delores "Pat" Patricia Conley. 
Robin Medina
Robin Medina passed away Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 58, at Parkview Medical Center, in Pueblo, Colo. 
Joseph ‘Joey’ Michael Salazar
It is with great sorrow the we share the news that our beloved dad, grandfather, son and brother Joseph “Joey” Michael Salazar, 70 of Albuquerque, NM has passed away after a short and difficult battle with cancer. 
Wilma Jean Flaspohler
Wilma Jean Flaspohler, beloved wife, mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on Oct. 7, 1935, in Vinita, Okla., Wilma's warm spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. 
Mary Ann (Tootie) Mickelsen
Mary Ann Mickelsen passed away Nov. 22, 2024, in Alamosa, Colo., at the age of 91. She was born on March 25, 1933, in Lamar, Colo., to Mable (Ramsdale) and Charles Grett. 

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Web Extra Content
A farmer harvests corn near McIntire, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2023.
Agriculture secretary oversees food production, rural life, and nutrition programs that help millions afford healthy diets
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