Top Stories
Stephen Nicholson, keynote speaker at the Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference in Monte Vista, on Feb. 5 spoke frankly about challenges and opportunities in agriculture.  

Supply, demand and the elephant in the room

MONTE VISTA — When Stephen Nicholson opened his keynote speech “Our Challenges and Opportunities: There is Much to Consider” at the Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference on Wednesday, he began with the challenges facing the San Luis Valley. He didn’t pull any punches. But no one in the room was caught by surprise, either. 
Community

Lindo Jalisco: Authentic Mexican cuisine with a warm, friendly smile

ALAMOSA — It’s 8 o’clock on a Wednesday night, a typically slow time for many restaurants in Alamosa. But at Lindo Jalisco? Not so much. 

SLVTU: Cultivating Conservation and inspiring future stewards

THE VALLEY — The San Luis Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SLVTU) is making waves with a year full of exciting updates, achievements, and initiatives aimed at fostering a love for conservation, education, and our valley's waterways. From new logos to student programs, scholarships, and well-deserved state recognition, SLVTU is truly “Cultivating Conservation” in every sense. 

Fort Garland Museum celebrates Paint Date

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center expressed thanks to Taylor Bradley Hubbard for a successful Paint Date on Feb. 8.  

‘Somos Agua’, how water connects us all

ALAMOSA — There’s a new book on the shelves at Narrow Gauge Book Co-operative titled “Somos Agua” written by local author Belinda Garcia. The title of the book is simple. The images on the cover are vibrant and alive. And both are actually promises of what’s found inside the book which, simply put, is powerful and profound.  

High School Mixed Choir Festival returns to Alamosa Feb. 20-22

ALAMOSA — The Adams State University “High School Mixed Choir Festival,” a prestigious event, returns on Feb. 20-22. It features some of the finest high school choral musicians in the Southwest, including both an auditioned (symphonic choir) and director-recommended choir (concert choir). 

Arellano Brothers with Stadler, Pearcy and Richmond at Society Hall

ALAMOSA — Society Hall, the performance space, concert hall and community gathering place at 400 Ross Ave. in Alamosa, is proud to welcome the Arellano Brothers with Jimmy Stadler back to the Society Hall stage, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6. 

Preeshl starts ASU Faculty Lecture series for spring semester

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Faculty Lecture “Consent in Shakespeare’s Classical Mediterranean: Women Speak Truth to Power” by Artemis Preeshl, Ed.D., begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in McDaniel Hall 101. The lecture is free and open to the public.
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Valley News
U.S. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet
Sen. Bennet candidly talks Trump’s first month
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) held a call with the press in Colorado on Thursday morning to discuss President Donald Trump’s first month in the White House. Bennet was candid about significant concerns he has with a number of issues. 
Public advised to avoid backcountry roads in Conejos County
CONEJOS COUNTY — Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther is requesting cooperation and assistance in keeping Conejos County’s backcountry roads safe during this winter-spring season.  
This firefighter uses a drip torch in a prescribed burn. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans burns through April on the Monte Vista and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges.  
Prescribed burns planned Alamosa, MV NWRs
ALAMOSA — Through April 30, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Monte Vista and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges to remove old and matted vegetation and improve wildlife habitat. 
Project to revitalize regional GIS services receives grants
ALAMOSA — The San Luis Valley Development Resources Group (SLVDRG), in partnership with the San Luis Valley Council of Governments (SLVCOG), is moving forward with plans to develop a comprehensive GIS Strategic Plan for the region. The project, which aims to ensure the continuation of critical Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services in the Valley, has been awarded two State of Colorado grants. 
In this May 2024 photo, Lynette Ramirez (left to right) and Dr. Devon Pena from the San Luis Peoples Market are joined by Kathy Ben from Adept Solutions as they discuss the progress made to remove hazardous materials from the market.  
Historic market may open in March
SAN LUIS — After numerous delays over the last several years, the San Luis Peoples Market may be opening soon. 
Sports

Alamosa leads Class 3A after second day of state wrestling

DENVER – The Alamosa High School boys wrestling team is in first place after the second day of the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 3A Tournament Friday at Ball Arena. The …

Alamosa boys snap long losing streak

MONTE VISTA – The Alamosa High School boys basketball team tasted victory for the first time since Dec. 20 on Tuesday as they defeated Monte Vista 50-44 at the MVHS gym. The win ended a …

Alamosa girls comeback nips Monte Vista

MONTE VISTA – The seventh-ranked Alamosa High School girls basketball team had a tougher time than expected when it traveled to face Monte Vista on Tuesday. The Lady Pirates came out ready …

16 SLV wrestlers advance to state semifinals

ALAMOSA – The first day of the 2025 Colorado High School Activities Association state wrestling tournament took place Thursday at Ball Arena in Denver. A total of 16 wrestlers have …
Opinion
Considering the poor snowfall this year I thought it would be appropriate to revisit a question I’ve answered hundreds of times throughout my career. Each Spring people ask me “what do you think fire season will be like this year?” I always answer with the same reply: “You can never tell until the year is over.” In my mind however, this really begs the next two questions, what are my local firefighting agencies doing to prepare for the coming wildfires and what should I do to prepare? 
CSU Extension believes every person from every walk of life can experience their healthiest, happiest, most productive life if they continually engage in lifelong learning. At SLV Area Extension, everything we do is designed to foster healthy youth and families; prosperous farms, ranches, and businesses; and strong, resilient, proud communities. We offer a myriad of educational opportunities to SLV citizens, where they live, work, and socialize. 
Obituaries
Charlotte June Sheely
Charlotte June Sheely slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God on Feb. 12, 2025. 
Sharon Edmiston Seago
Sharon Edmiston Seago (born April 24, 1942, Perrytown, Texas) departed this earth in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Colorado Springs.
Charlene Elizabeth Ameel
Charlene Elizabeth Ameel, 78, beloved and deep-rooted member of the Creede community, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 28, 2025. Her multi-faceted involvement and love have been vital to Creede’s ultimate well-being and have stretched across generations. Her passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. 
Kirk Rhoton Thompson 
Kirk Rhoton Thompson, 78, of South Fork, Colo., passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2025, in Highland Village, Texas. Kirk was born in Arizona on April 1, 1946, to June Rhoton Thompson and JW (Dub) Thompson.  
Mary Louise ‘Mary Lou’ Bassett
Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Bassett, age 84, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2024, at home in Cibolo, Texas, surrounded by her family. 
Web Extra Content
AI chatbots are becoming romance scammers — and 1 in 3 people admit they could fall for one
(BPT) - By McAfeeIt started with a DM.For five months, 25-year-old computer programmer Maggie K. exchanged daily messages with the man she met on Instagram, convinced she had found something …
10 can't-miss places to visit in the winter
Are you looking for trip ideas to embrace the cold weather months? CoPilot compiled 10 drivable U.S. locations that are ideal for winter visits.
A forecaster monitors incoming data for Hurricane Irma in 2017 at the National Hurricane Center, part of the NOAA.
NOAA’s vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV – a private company alone couldn’t match it
NOAA operates fleets of satellites, sensors on airplanes and ocean-going buoys, as well as radar, providing the data used by weather forecasters nationwide – and freely available to anyone.
What are the most distinctive baby names by state?
Spokeo used data from the Social Security Administration to find the most unique baby names in every state across the country as of 2023.
The best spring break destinations for both kids and their parents
(BPT) - Spring break takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. But that doesn't mean adults have to sacrifice all the fun for their kids.Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to …
Start the Day by Sharing a Heartwarming Breakfast
(Family Features) Whether your brunch favorites include Bananas Foster French Toast or Peanut Butter and Apple, enjoying a meal together is a heartwarming way to start the day.
Lamar's Super Bowl appearance marks a political reckoning for the NFL.
Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment
The rapper has mastered the delicate balance between commercial success and politically charged music. How far will he push the envelope on one of the world’s biggest stages?
4 Vet-Approved Tips to Show Your Pets Love this Valentine's Day
(Family Features) For pet parents in the U.S., Valentine's Day is another chance to shower their pets with love. This Valentine's Day, consider these vet-recommended ways to show your pets just how much you love them.
Average US salary by state
SoFi examines the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state
Celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025
VRAI examines celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025, including styles, shapes, and settings.