CREEDE – The freezing temperatures did not deter hockey players from around the US from traveling to Creede over the weekend for the annual Golden Pick Hockey Tournament. 

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.

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.   

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.

DEL NORTE — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) biologists will soon start a project to fit bighorn sheep with satellite GPS collars in the La Garita area.  

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.  

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.  

CREEDE - City of Creede Manager Louis Fineberg was narrowly reappointed by trustees, 3-2, during the board’s first meeting of 2025 on Jan. 7. Mayor Jeffery Larson broke the tie. 

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. 

ALAMOSA – On Jan. 14, the Alamosa Police Department arrested two people on drug charges after serving a search warrant for Saint Benedict Campsite, 2400 Old Sanford Rd., Space No. 60, in regards to illegal drug activity. 

ALAMOSA – The Larry Holder Exercise and Cancer Survivorship program offers cancer survivors in the San Luis Valley the opportunity to participate in an individualized exercise program conducted in a group setting. All cancer survivors ages 18 years or older in the San Luis Valley are welcome regardless of gender, type, or stage of cancer. This spring’s program begins the week of Jan. 27, with appointments for individual fitness testing. 

ALAMOSA – The Owsley family name is nearly synonymous with Adams State, as the two histories intertwined from the 1930s through today. “Adams State means a lot to my family. We have four generations who have graduated from the University. It has helped us all pursue our career goals.” 

SAN LUIS VALLEY — History Colorado is hosting an open houseto discuss the Colorado Heritage for All initiative in the San Luis Valley at a community-led nomination meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 to be held at the Monte Vista Church Project, 256 S. Broadway St., Monte Vista. 

ALAMOSA — The San Luis Valley Regional Airport had a remarkable year in terms of air passenger numbers, marking a significant growth trajectory. According to Will Hickman, the Airport Manager, in 2024, the airport had 12,077 enplanements, up from 10,904 in 2023 and 8,851 in 2022. 

ALAMOSA — During the six years he has been in office, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has made multiple trips to the San Luis Valley, some in connection with his assigned oversight of a former district attorney who ultimately resigned from office and others connected to current litigation he was spearheading that was of special relevance to Valley concerns, such as suing opioid manufacturers and stopping the merger of Kroger and Albertson’s. But, while in the Valley, Weiser’s also addressed other issues that may not yet have their roots in the courtroom but have clear impact on Coloradans’ quality of life. 

CREEDE – 2024 was a year of success in Creede and Mineral County as it focused on celebrating the past while looking to the future. Throughout the year, Creede accomplished many improvements and saw local organizations celebrate milestones. 

TRINIDAD AND ALAMOSA — Trinidad State College has been awarded $5.75 million from the U.S. Department of Labor for robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and welding labs. 

DENVER — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Colorado in the 2026 election, succeeding Governor Jared Polis who will not run for re-election due to term limits. Weiser was first elected as Colorado Attorney General in 2018 and then re-elected in 2022. 

COLORADO — According to a report, outdoor recreation generated $65.8 billion in economic output for the Colorado economy last year. Recreationists in Colorado spent over $52.1 billion on outdoor travel and gear. To put this in perspective, the annual NASA budget is about $24.8 billion. Outdoor recreation in Colorado generates about 2.6 times the NASA budget. Outdoor recreation generates $180.2 million in revenue every day in Colorado.  

ALAMOSA — The year 2025 had barely begun when the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center Labor and Delivery unit welcomed into the world the first baby born this year.