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Schrader Creek Fire at nine acres on RGNF near Del Norte 

Aerial crews worked through the night to suppress the Schrader Creek Fire located near Bennett Peak by Del Norte. 
An update released by Rio Grande National Forest as of Monday, July 20 stated that the Schrader Creek fire has been more successfully mapped and is at nine acres and showing minimal fire behavior.  
Community

La Jara Glory Days returns July 26 with tradition 

For generations, La Jara residents have gathered each summer to celebrate the town's history, and enjoy a day dedicated to hometown pride. On Saturday, July 26, that tradition continues as La Jara Glory Days returns with a full schedule of family activities, live music, a community breakfast, parade, car show and opportunities for neighbors and visitors alike to reconnect. 

Manassa Pioneer Days returns with rodeo, family fun 

mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com  MANASSA - One of the San Luis Valley's longest-standing summer traditions returns Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, as Manassa Pioneer Days …

Golden Circle of Champions touches hearts on Saturday

 As the crowd watched in silence, two small children led by their parents walked out into the Ski-Hi Stampede arena on Saturday night to be presented with belt buckles and cowboy hats, but it was their bravery and resilience that took center stage.  

Creede Historical Society Highlights the Fabulous Life of Angeline Louisiana Munn 

The Creede Historical Society is thrilled to invite the community to an evening of history, legacy, and captivating storytelling as part of its ongoing Summer Series. This year's highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on one of Colorado’s most intriguing figures, Angeline Louisiana Munn. 

Timber!  

SOUTH FORK, Colo.  — Shifting gears from its Independence Day celebrations, the mountain community of South Fork will honor its deep-rooted timber heritage this month with the return of the …

Community spirit shines at South Fork’s annual July 3 celebration 

The smell of home-fried catfish filled the mountain air as locals and visitors gathered to kick off the annual July 3 festivities in South Fork. A staple of the holiday week, the celebrations yet again brought a massive wave of energy, small-town charm and profound generosity to the Basecamp for Adventure.  

Rolling Loud Fourth of July car show  exceeds expectations 

What began as a vision inspired by his father and a lifelong passion for automobiles grew into one of Monte Vista's largest Fourth of July celebrations in recent years. Held at Chapman Park, located at 300-398 West Prospect Ave, the community car show drew 108 vehicles, more than doubling last year's participation, and brought hundreds of residents together to celebrate the nation's birthday with hometown pride. 
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Valley News

2026 PRELIMINARY RESULTS CONEJOS COUNTY PRIMARY - Unofficial

The unofficial results from Conejos County, primary election 2026

South Fork looks into Data Centers

Residents and town officials from South Fork gathered last Wed., July 15 for the planning and zoning commission meeting to hear from Monroe Johnson the Chief Technology Officer for the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLV REC).  

Power of Possible Livestock Exhibition to celebrate youth with disabilities 

mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com  MONTE VISTA-  For many young people, showing livestock is much more than walking an animal through a show ring. It teaches responsibility, …
Sports

Bulls have upper hand at Stampede

MONTE VISTA – Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, the Ski-Hi Stampede, had its 104 th edition this past weekend at Ski-Hi Park’s Charlie Burd Arena. In bull riding, the bulls had the advantage. …

Moffat’s Collins wins national archery title

ALAMOSA – Lane Collins, a recent graduate of Moffat Middle School, represented the state of Colorado at the 2026 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Open and World Championships. The …

Parks and Rec thanks American Legion

The Alamosa Parks and Recreation Department thanks the American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 for sponsoring the summer youth baseball and softball programs this year. Back row, from left, Dalton …

Rockies skills challenge took place June 26

ALAMOSA – A total of 26 children ages 6-13 took part in the 2026 Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge which took place June 26 at the Lee soccer fields. The event was hosted by Alamosa Parks and …
Opinion
As a theatre artist and teacher, I believe the stage should be at the forefront of efforts to examine our personal beliefs and the major issues of the day.  It can be a place where injustice, …
You may or may not be familiar with the phrase Olly, Olly, Oxen free and I think it would most assuredly depend on your age. It was a phrase used in many hide and seek games whereby finally, the person who is “it” calls out to everyone to come on in as they have given up on finding the hiders and they can run “home” without penalty.  
Obituaries
Rhonda L Garcia
It is with a heavy and broken heart to announce the passing of Rhonda L. Garcia on April 4, 2026. Rhonda was born July 12, 1971 to Priscilla Tafoya and Joseph Cordova. 
Irwin Kennedy ‘Ken’ Wiley
Irwin Kennedy “Ken” Wiley passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2026. He will be remembered for his love of, and dedication to family and friends.    Ken will live forever, both in …
Gerald ‘Brent’ Rasmussen
Gerald "Brent" Rasmussen, 74, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Orem, Utah.   Brent was born on September 15, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Gerald Jay and Janice Marie Bodley …
Pauline Mae Hill
Pauline Mae Hill, 93, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026.   Pauline was born on September 1, 1932, to the late Lemuel Matthew Spencer and Mary Esther Ross. She graduated from Pittsburg …
Joseph 'Joe' T. Ortega
Joseph “Joe” T. Ortega, 74, a longtime resident of Alamosa and former resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026. Joseph was born on February 17, 1952, to the late Louie Ortega and Eva Valdez. Joe was a proud graduate of Monte Vista High School, Class of 1970.
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