Critically dry vegetation and prolonged drought conditions have forced local public safety officials to implement a series of strict fire bans across Rio Grande County and within the corporate limits of Monte Vista, as area authorities brace for a heightened risk of wildfires. 

At the request of his defense counsel, the trial of Barry Morphew has been postponed until sometime in 2027. Last Wednesday, June 26, defense counsel asked the court for additional time to prepare, saying they could not be ready for trial as it was currently scheduled because too much information had been provided by the prosecution for them to go through in time. 

Stage One fire ban now in effect in Alamosa County. Unless conditons change, the fire ban is expected to stay in place for the foreseeable future.

Representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service presented the annual Forest Health Report, warning the Mineral County Board of County Commissioners of an escalating insect and disease crisis driven by a prolonged period of hot, dry weather. 

Rio Grande Hospital announced today, June 25, that it received an AARP Community Challenge grant to fund innovative, age-friendly projects. 

The San Luis Valley Board of Commissioners, comprised of the commissioners from all six counties in the Valley, are holding a special meeting on Monday morning to discuss adding a motion to the November ballot that would eliminate term limits for the district attorney (DA). 

 For retired Rio Grande National Forest archaeologist Ken Frye, the study of rock art has been a lifelong pursuit, rooted deeply in the history of the San Luis Valley. In his personal account, documented by Frye, he details his extensive work with the Rio Grande County Museum and his commitment to preserving the region's ancient heritage. 

Mari Felix, known for being the Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder, reached a plea deal with the District Attorney's office in a case where she was charged with being an accessory to child abuse.

Get ready, San Luis Valley. One of the hottest nights of the summer is headed to Monte Vista as country music star Chase Rice brings his chart-topping hits to the Ski-Hi Stampede Grounds on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. 

The Monte Vista Police Department is investigating the death of a 45-year-old man who was found with a gunshot wound Saturday evening, June 20, at a local hotel. 

A joint law enforcement operation on June 18 resulted in the arrest of four people and the seizure of cash and illicit drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The South Fork Town Board discussed a proposed moratorium Thursday that would temporarily halt the acceptance and processing of permit applications for new data centers, citing concerns over the facilities' potential strain on local resources. The board approved an ordinance by the end of the meeting. 

Due to continuing hot and dry weather, most counties throughout the San Luis Valley have issued Stage 1 fire restrictions. Fire restrictions have also been issued for both the San Juan National Forest and Rio Grande National Forest until further notice. 

A 24-year-old resident was arrested Thursday afternoon following a shooting at a convenience store that led to a police pursuit, according to a press release issued by the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

The Del Norte Public Library will be hosting a Community Paint Day on June 27 at the library. Local high school students studied regional water systems to help design this mural, and now it’s time to paint it. 

LaCombe’s show consists of ninety minutes or more of heartfelt songs and the stories behind them that resonates with a person at a deep, hard to describe level.

Three talented, heartfelt, soulful singer-songwriters on one stage on the same night. Saturday, June 13. Doors open at 6:30pm. Society Hall 400 Ross in Alamosa.

Two people survived a small plane crash on Wednesday morning, June 10, after their aircraft lost power and caught fire in a field east of South Fork.

The EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will host a public question-and-answer event on June 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. about the coming Commodore Waste Rock Pile Project. This event will be at San Juan Sports and the Sunny Side Bar in Creede. 

On June 9, the Kelloff for Congress campaign is coming to Alamosa on their "By the People" tour where, as Kelloff says, "neighbors come together, build community and have a role and voice in writing the plan for our future."