COLORADO — The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Local Government awarded $15 million in Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) grants from the latest application cycle, which closed in March 2025.  

CREEDE - The Creede and Mineral County Underground Mining Museum and Community Center was packed to the brim for three full days bringing rockhounds from all over the world to the tiny mountain town. Well over 40 vendors graced the halls of the caverns bringing people together for a common love of all things geological.

Three people aboard a private plane crashed in Costilla County on Thursday.Thanks to a parachute deployed by the pilot, no life threatening injuries occurred,

BOISE, IDAHO — The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, a renowned endurance event, consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. Local athletes Sara Kelly, a senior at Centauri High School, and her father, Jason Kelly, recently competed and finished this challenging triathlon in Boise, Idaho. 

MONTE VISTA - On Monday, July 21, the public met with three Monte Vista Chief of Police finalists at Nino’s Restaurant in Monte Vista. 

ALAMOSA — An estimated crowd of 400 people attended a celebration of life service for Peyton Shay Sanchez on Saturday, July 26, held in the gymnasium at Ortega Middle School. Sanchez, 19, passed away from complications related to Neurofibromatosis, a degenerative debilitating disease he was diagnosed with as a toddler that ultimately left him unable to walk, unable to eat, unable to speak and, at the end of his life, almost unable to sign. 

BLANCA MASSIF — On July 27, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) received a call regarding a severely injured climber in the hourglass on Little Bear Peak, elevation 14,037 ft.  

ALAMOSA — A 27-year-old man was in critical condition after reportedly being stabbed early Friday morning, Aug. 1, according to the Alamosa Police Department. 

DURANGO – First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned, independent community bank and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is pleased to announce the historic closure of the first loan under the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI) in the United States. 

ALAMOSA — On Saturday, July 19, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems held the 17th annual Student Rocket Launch in Alamosa County. Three intern-built rockets – Live, Laugh and Launch – stood at 13 feet tall each and flew approximately 7,000 feet into the air. 

ALAMOSA — On July 9, District Attorney Anne Kelly appeared before the Costilla County Commissioners and dropped a bombshell, detailing serious professional, ethical and legal concerns about conduct and operations at the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).  

Creede Rock and Mineral set to shine Aug. 1-3 . Hosted within the underground Mining Museum and Community Center located just north of Creede, the annual Creede Rock and Mineral Show is sure to sate the appetite of any rockhound from around the globe.  

ALAMOSA — On July 28 at 9 a.m. the San Luis Valley County Commissioners Association will hold a regular meeting. 

ALAMOSA – Adams State University has lost an iconic member of its community. U.S. Hall of Fame running coach Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D., ‘53 ‘59, passed away on July 19, 2025. 

Members of The American Legion (TAL) gathered at Post 113 in Alamosa to present Past Commander Monte Collins with a plaque honoring his service to the legion.

GREAT SAND DUNES — Despite the recent challenges posed by wildfires that have brought smoke into the Valley and reduced visibility, a recent analysis of national park visibility data by the Washington Post ranks Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 8th out of 76 national park sites. This resilience is a testament to the enduring beauty and allure of the park. 

CREEDE - Over the past several months, the Mineral County Sheriff alongside the Mineral County Board of County Commissioners have been working to create an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Creede to provide law enforcement services within town limits. 

ALAMOSA — Already a truly unique venue for concerts, plays, debates and town halls, the infamous Society Hall in Alamosa is raising funds for a renovation of the front porch and other much-needed improvements. Once the project is finished, the renovation will, as Don Richmond says, “allow everything at the hall to expand”. 

Long-time Ski-Hi Stampede committee member, Charlie Burd, waves to the crowd on Sunday, July 13, after it was announced that the rodeo arena in Monte Vista would now be named Charlie Burd Arena.

ALAMOSA — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined local leaders, educators, and mental health advocates this week for a powerful roundtable discussion focused on improving youth mental health in the San Luis Valley. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, the gathering took place at Lucha’s Tacos, a locally owned space that served as a vibrant backdrop for community-driven dialogue.