MONTE VISTA – The 102nd annual Ski-Hi Stampede brought crowds of people to downtown Monte Vista for colorful parades and to the Ski-Hi Complex for thrilling PRCA action.

MONTE VISTA – In 1949, a group of forward-thinking farmers formed the Monte Vista Coop to pool resources to buy in bulk. Today, 75 years later, the Monte Vista Coop has more than 8,000 members and offers farming and ranch necessities.

ALAMOSA – On Saturday, June 22, a graduation ceremony was held for San Luis Valley children ages 3-4 who completed the HIPPY Program. Tiny smiling tots with their colorful caps and gowns, nice outfits, and pretty dresses, lined up to march at the Alamosa Rec Center, where the ceremony was held.

MONTE VISTA – Approximately 40 people gathered at the Church Project for its ribbon cutting and official opening on Friday, July 5. Church Project owner Madeleine Ahlborn was joined by her parents from Wisconsin, her Godparents from Wyoming, and fellow artists to christen the building at 256 South Broadway.

DEL NORTE — Rio Grande Hospital (RGH) in Del Norte recently announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

There are 13 of Colorado's 26 byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as America's Byways, which gives Colorado more national designations than any other state.

SAN LUIS VALLEY — When it comes to Christmas in Colorado there are a few things that stick out in my mind from having grown up in the Gunnison area. One of my fondest memories as a child was the day that we would head out into the great outdoors to get our Christmas tree. My parents were very festive during Christmas. They believed in the magic of the season and made sure that my brother and I felt it every year, whether there were presents under the tree or not.

DEL NORTE — Mark the calendar and be ready to be whisked away to a childhood favorite this year for the Del Norte Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is an ode to a classic Christmas movie that has been shared through living rooms since 1964 and will now grace the streets of Del Norte on Dec. 15.

DEL NORTE — The Upper Rio Grande Economic Development meeting for November was held in the Rio Grande County Commissioner Chambers in Del Norte on Nov. 14. The group welcomed LOR Foundation representative Ivette Atencio as the keynote speaker who gave a brief presentation on what the foundation has done since coming to Monte Vista 18 months ago.

CREEDE — Beginning May 25, Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) will produce its 59th season, which includes mystery, comedy, a classic, a world premiere with local ties, and a concert series with Creede Musical Arts Collective. CRT will continue to champion its flourishing educational and audience engagement programming.

DEL NORTE — The Del Norte Public Library is ready to set the stage for the coming holiday season and in partnership with the Rio Grande County Museum, has planned some family fun for the Adventure Walk this winter in the Del Norte Town Park.

DEL NORTE — The Town of Del Norte was established in 1872 but prior to that time, Hispanic families settled in the area and a cemetery was established to bury the dead.

DEL NORTE — The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) will soon be hiring up to 35 positions for temporary, or seasonal, jobs along with other units across the Rocky Mountain Region. In an effort to attract more local candidates, the forest will host two informal open-house events for community members to learn about and ask questions about the application process. Here are the details:

RIO GRANDE COUNTY — Spooky season is just around the corner and there are several family friendly events planned for the western end of the San Luis Valley. With Halloween taking place on a Tuesday this year, most of the events will take place the weekend before.

DEL NORTE — Foul play is not suspected after a man’s body was found in trees on 2nd Street on Friday, the Del Norte Police Department reported.

SOUTH FORK — For the past year, South Fork Friends Foundation (SFFF) has been working to raise funding to install a 108-feet-by-115-feet poured concrete-rebar pad that will be a multi-functional platform for a basketball court and skateboarding pad in the summer and an ice rink in the winter.

ALAMOSA — Have you ever wanted to experience firsthand the magic and majesty of a universally beloved big band? Now's the chance for you and your family and friends to experience it live in Alamosa, when the Alamosa Live Music Association hosts the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Richardson Hall at Adams State University.

MONTE VISTA — On Tuesday, July 11, the Upper Rio Grande economic Development meeting opened with an update from Executive Director Andrea Oaks-Jaramillo who reported on the recent Entrepreneur Summit held at Adams State University in partnership with Downtown Colorado Inc.

COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Trustees approved $62,500 allocated to 11 nonprofit organizations and government entities in the San Luis Valley at the Foundation’s May Trustees meeting.

RIO GRANDE COUNTY — Next year will mark 150 years since the incorporation of Rio Grande County and an entire year of celebrations are in the works. As of Feb. 10, 2024, Rio Grande County will be turning 150 after severing from Conejos County in 1874. During that time, Hinsdale, La Plata, and Rio Grande County were established.