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Muscadine Bloodline headlining Stampede concert

Muscadine Bloodline members Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton were nominated for Duo of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May. They will be headlining the Ski-Hi Stampede concert on July 10 in Monte Vista.
MONTE VISTA - Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline will be the headliner of the Ski-Hi Stampede’s opening concert on July 10 in Monte Vista. Special guest Aaron Watson will be opening for the rising country duo. The Stampede, Colorado’s oldest rodeo, runs from July 10-13 at the Ski-Hi Complex.
Community

4-H, an extraordinary commitment to kids

ALAMOSA — Twelve-year-old Toni Wells, longtime member of the 4-H club of the San Luis Valley, was recently announced as the top seller in a fundraiser to support the Livestock Judging Team. Donations and fundraisers are crucial to a program like the Livestock Judging Team as the program can involve traveling when not all team members may have the financial ability to participate.  

A 64-mile journey like no other

ANTONITO — With the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad season now in full swing, a little of the narrow gauge railroad’s history might be of particular interest.  About 130 years ago, in February of 1880, the railroad’s first tracks of the San Juan Extension were laid down, running from Alamosa south to Antonito.

Smithsonian exhibit coming to Fort Garland

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center has announced that, starting June 21, 2025, the museum will be hosting Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. 

Hogan and Moss and Old Weird America at Society Hall on Saturday

ALAMOSA — Society Hall is excited to welcome back the deep roots-country and “torch-folk” of Hogan and Moss and the Old Weird America, in concert on Saturday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.  

Baca Grande NWR wildlife walk is June 14

SAGUACHE COUNTY — Join Ty Benally with the Baca Grande National Wildlife Refuge on June 14 at 9 a.m. for a guided hike along the Baca Refuge's Nature and Heritage Trail. This is a birding and ecology trek. Meet at the Crestone Kiosk on the T Road near Crestone.  

Bike 2 Build bike ride is June 28 

ALAMOSA — SLV Habitat for Humanity is hosting Bike 2 Build, the San Luis Valley Century on Saturday, June 28. For info, go to www.slvhabitat.org. 

A Butter Way wins ALMA Battle of Bands

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Live Music Association (ALMA) Battle of the Bands on Saturday, June 7, at SummerFest on the Rio, was a resounding success. Five amazing bands competed in front of a full audience, and a panel of expert judges.  
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Valley News
KRZA General Manager Gerald Rodriguez recently told the Valley Courier that eliminating federal funding he receives to buy NPR content will impact 40% of the public radio station’s programming and require him to probably lay off his only remaining staff member.   

House kills funding for NPR, PBS

ALAMOSA — By a margin of two votes, Republicans in the House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation 214 to 212 that eliminates all federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) for the next two years 
Raymond Karpovage

Hooper man found guilty of sexually assaulting a person-at-risk

ALAMOSA — At the conclusion of a trial that was scheduled for five days but lasted only three, Raymond Karpovage, 68, of Hooper was found guilty of “knowingly, unlawfully and feloniously” sexually assaulting an adult person-at-risk.  
On June 5, rescuers from Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) teamed up with REACH 71 and other agencies in a successful rescue on Mount Lindsey.  

AVSAR rescues climber on Mount Lindsey

COSTILLA COUNTY — On the morning of June 5, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) was contacted to assist the Costilla County Sheriff's Office in rescuing an injured climber near the summit of Mt. Lindsey. 
Sports

Damnera Ranch wins ranch rodeo again

ALAMOSA – For the third straight year, Damnera Ranch from the Lamar area has won the Alamosa Round-Up ranch rodeo. Damnera, which consists of Josh Weimer, Tyler Hainer, Wyatt Wollert, …

Teeka Chacon wins twice at demo derby

ALAMOSA – The annual Alamosa Round-Up demolition derby took place Saturday with several cars entered. The story of the derby was Teeka Chacon, who won two events. Chacon started by …

Exciting Father’s Day races at Mosca Motorpsorts Park

MOSCA – Mosca Motorsports Park hosted its Father’s Day show, as well as the IMCA Colorado Alliance Tour, on Sunday. There were eight divisions that performed with 41 cars entered. …

15 SLV baseball players named All-State by CHSAA

ALAMOSA – The Colorado High School Activities Association released its All-State baseball teams on Monday with 15 athletes from the San Luis Valley being recognized. The All-State teams …
Opinion
I am not sure exactly how we got here but from the time Ol’ Dutch was a child until now the affluence of the American people has grown astronomically. Recalling my younger days, I always seemed to get a basketball, football, tennis racket, skateboard or some other paraphernalia as a gift that could only be used out of doors. And, now looking back on that I am beginning to question that, just maybe, my mother was trying to get me out of the house and out from under her feet.
You probably don’t see wildland firefighters on the job because they usually work in remote areas. But with wildfires moving from the backcountry to backyards, the public is becoming more aware of the men and women who do this dangerous work. At the same time, people probably don’t know much about the very real health risks of the job. Now, it’s getting harder for anyone to know. 
Obituaries
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. 
Steve Willard Lawton
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Willard Lawton, a cherished member of our community, who departed this life on May 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Dec. 16, 1953, in Monte Vista, Colo., Steve spent his entire life in the San Luis Valley, a place he truly loved. 
Evelyn Farish
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Evelyn Farish, who departed this life peacefully with her family at her side on May 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on Dec. 2, 1942, in Pulaski, Tenn., Evelyn was a cherished resident of Monte Vista, Colo. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene Lee Farish, whom she married on June 29, 1996. 
Charlotte June Sheely
Charlotte June Sheely slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God on Feb. 12, 2025. 
Steve Willard Lawton
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Willard Lawton, a cherished member of our community, who departed this life on May 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Dec. 16, 1953, in Monte Vista, Colo., Steve spent his entire life in the San Luis Valley, a place he truly loved. 
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