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Muscadine Bloodline opens 103rd Stampede

Muscadine Bloodline – Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton
MONTE VISTA - Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline – Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton – worked the packed crowd into a frenzy at the opening concert of the 103 rd annual Ski-Hi Stampede in …
Community
Hiking and camping along the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo is stunning. Wildlife sightings of Mexican Black Bear, Bald Eagles, and Bighorn Sheep are not uncommon. 

The Lower Canyons: The Rio Grande like nowhere else

RIO GRANDE — Far downstream from the San Luis Valley, the Rio Grande runs through Big Bend National Park where river enthusiasts experience stunning canyons with 1,500-foot walls. Downstream, past the park and these deep canyons, the Rio flows through what is known as the Lower Canyons, a remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful area.  

New affordable housing coming to Saguache

SAGUACHE — A new affordable housing development supported by Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) will be built in Saguache.  Range View, a public-private partnership between Saguache County and Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. celebrated its groundbreaking on July 9. 
On July 4, the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department and other fire departments rocked the town, with vendors, games, a dunk tank, a live DJ, delicious food and much more. 

Saguache’s Stars and Stripes Block Party was a success

SAGUACHE - On July 4, the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department and other fire departments rocked the town, with vendors, games, a dunk tank, a live DJ, delicious food and much more.  
‘Harmony in Diversity’ was the theme for Crestone’s 4th of July Celebration, and all over Crestone Town Park, people of different cultures and walks of life could be seen enjoying themselves. 

Crestone celebrates Fourth of July

CRESTONE - “Harmony in Diversity” was the theme for Crestone’s 4th of July Celebration, and all over Crestone Town Park, people of different cultures and walks of life could be seen enjoying themselves.  

Town of Center enjoys Fourth of July celebration

CENTER - On July 4, Center enjoyed a Fourth of July celebration at Casa Blanca Park. 
The 4th of July kicked off on Friday in Creede with the annual parade that brought thousands of spectators to the area to enjoy a weekend full of festivities.  

Creede sees large crowds for Fourth of July

CREEDE - Main Street in Creede was lined with hundreds of people in anticipation of the annual 4th of July Parade on Friday morning. Parade participants lined up all the way back along Main Street into the ATV staging areas for the Bachelor Loop as the celebrations kicked off for a full day of fun in the small mountain town. 
Hundreds gathered for the annual South Fork Fire Rescue Catfish Fry, the parade and the firework show. The day was packed with fun for the entire family and thanks to the efforts of so many people, the events went off without a hitch. 

South Fork sparkles for Third of July

SOUTH FORK - A huge crowd gathered just outside the South Fork Fire Rescue (SFFR) building mid-morning on July 3 as they waited in line for the annual SFFR Catfish Fry. A delicious odor drifted along the slight breeze while volunteers and SFFR members toiled inside, frying up fresh fish for the waiting crowd.  
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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser meeting with AmeriCorps volunteers during his recent visit to the San Luis Valley.  

AG Weiser: ‘Stand your ground and fight’

ALAMOSA — Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general and 2026 candidate for the Democratic nomination to be governor, pledged to the people of Colorado to block the policy agenda of President Trump in those areas that were bad for the state of Colorado and its people. Six months into the administration, Weiser is proving time and again that he is true to his word. 
Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson (far right) spoke at the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Hope in the Valley recovery center in Alamosa.  

Celebrating recovery and Hope in the Valley

ALAMOSA — On July 10, a one-year anniversary celebration was held at the Hope in the Valley addiction recovery center in Alamosa.  David Herrera, Community Engagement Coordinator with Hope in the Valley, told the Valley Courier that over one hundred well-wishers attended the event, underscoring the crucial role of community support in the center's success. 

El Pomar Foundation approves $82,000 to organizations in SLV

COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Trustees approved $82,000 allocated to 11 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the San Luis Valley region at the Foundation’s May Trustees meeting. Through the Foundation’s grant making process, the following organizations were awarded grants: 
Sports
Trevor Reiste of Linden, Iowa, was the bull riding champion at the 103rd annual Ski-Hi Stampede Sunday at Charlie Burd Arena. Reiste scored 82 points on Krypto.
Ski-Hi Stampede saves the best for last
MONTE VISTA – It looked as though the bulls were going to make a clean sweep of the riders as the 103rd Annual Ski-Hi Stampede ended Sunday at the newly-named Charlie Burd Arena. But the …
Travis Canty won the tie-down roping competition at the San Luis Valley Rodeo Sunday at Charlie Burd Arena. Canty had a time of 14.2 seconds in the finals.
SLV local rodeo took place on Saturday and Sunday
MONTE VISTA – The San Luis Valley local rodeo took place on Saturday morning at the newly-named Charlie Burd Arena. There were three events – team roping, tie-down roping and barrel …
Adams State University Grizzly Club membership drive live now
The Grizzly Club Membership program is now open as Adams State University kicks off its 2025-26 membership drive, inviting alumni, fans, and supporters to invest in the future of …
Opinion
Most of you know that Ol’ Dutch and Miss Trixie have managed to stay together now for a long 13 years. And those of you that know us personally realize that it is only due to Ol’ Dutch’s calm demeanor, good looks, kind disposition and loving nature. Well, something like that. 
Obituaries
Obituaries
Mary Virginia Olivas
Mary Virginia Olivas, 73, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 24, 2025. Virginia and Manuel J Olivas, were happily married for over 38 years.
Douglas Henry Jones
With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of Doug H Jones in Alamosa, Colo., on June 4, 2025, at the age of 68.
Eva Trujillo
Please join us for a celebration of life service honoring Eva Trujillo which will be held June 28 at 11 a.m. at the City of Monte Vista Conference and Event Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex. 
Robert W Naudack
Robert W Naudack passes away on June 3, 2025, at the age of 95 in Denver, Colo.  Robert was born in Alamosa, Colo., on Dec. 24, 1929, to Robert (Doc) Naudack and Eunice Barnes. 
Dale T. Berkbigler, M.D.
Dale passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his family at his mountain home near Del Norte, Colo. 
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