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Muscadine Bloodline opens 103rd Stampede

Muscadine Bloodline – Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton
MONTE VISTA - Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline – Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton – worked the packed crowd into a frenzy at the opening concert of the 103 rd annual Ski-Hi Stampede in …
Community
Hiking and camping along the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo is stunning. Wildlife sightings of Mexican Black Bear, Bald Eagles, and Bighorn Sheep are not uncommon. 

The Lower Canyons: The Rio Grande like nowhere else

RIO GRANDE — Far downstream from the San Luis Valley, the Rio Grande runs through Big Bend National Park where river enthusiasts experience stunning canyons with 1,500-foot walls. Downstream, past the park and these deep canyons, the Rio flows through what is known as the Lower Canyons, a remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful area.  

New affordable housing coming to Saguache

SAGUACHE — A new affordable housing development supported by Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) will be built in Saguache.  Range View, a public-private partnership between Saguache County and Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. celebrated its groundbreaking on July 9. 
On July 4, the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department and other fire departments rocked the town, with vendors, games, a dunk tank, a live DJ, delicious food and much more. 

Saguache’s Stars and Stripes Block Party was a success

SAGUACHE - On July 4, the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department and other fire departments rocked the town, with vendors, games, a dunk tank, a live DJ, delicious food and much more.  
‘Harmony in Diversity’ was the theme for Crestone’s 4th of July Celebration, and all over Crestone Town Park, people of different cultures and walks of life could be seen enjoying themselves. 

Crestone celebrates Fourth of July

CRESTONE - “Harmony in Diversity” was the theme for Crestone’s 4th of July Celebration, and all over Crestone Town Park, people of different cultures and walks of life could be seen enjoying themselves.  

Town of Center enjoys Fourth of July celebration

CENTER - On July 4, Center enjoyed a Fourth of July celebration at Casa Blanca Park. 
The 4th of July kicked off on Friday in Creede with the annual parade that brought thousands of spectators to the area to enjoy a weekend full of festivities.  

Creede sees large crowds for Fourth of July

CREEDE - Main Street in Creede was lined with hundreds of people in anticipation of the annual 4th of July Parade on Friday morning. Parade participants lined up all the way back along Main Street into the ATV staging areas for the Bachelor Loop as the celebrations kicked off for a full day of fun in the small mountain town. 
City of Monte Vista Facebook
More Local News

AG Weiser: ‘Stand your ground and fight’

ALAMOSA — Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general and 2026 candidate for the Democratic nomination to be governor, pledged to the people of Colorado to block the policy agenda of President Trump in those areas that were bad for the state of Colorado and its people. Six months into the administration, Weiser is proving time and again that he is true to his word. 

Celebrating recovery and Hope in the Valley

ALAMOSA — On July 10, a one-year anniversary celebration was held at the Hope in the Valley addiction recovery center in Alamosa.  David Herrera, Community Engagement Coordinator with Hope in the Valley, told the Valley Courier that over one hundred well-wishers attended the event, underscoring the crucial role of community support in the center's success. 

El Pomar Foundation approves $82,000 to organizations in SLV

COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Trustees approved $82,000 allocated to 11 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the San Luis Valley region at the Foundation’s May Trustees meeting. Through the Foundation’s grant making process, the following organizations were awarded grants: 
Sports

Adams State University Grizzly Club membership drive live now

The Grizzly Club Membership program is now open as Adams State University kicks off its 2025-26 membership drive, inviting alumni, fans, and supporters to invest in the future of …
The unofficial draw for the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo was released last week with two locals learning when they will perform. Rivers Hill of Saguache will be …
The Intermountain League released its All-League girls soccer team in late May. League champion Alamosa led the way with six selections including four on the first team. …
AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has unveiled its new logo, along with a branding and style guide, that the association will implement beginning with this …
Obituaries
Mary Virginia Olivas
Mary Virginia Olivas, 73, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 24, 2025. Virginia and Manuel J Olivas, were happily married for over 38 years.
Douglas Henry Jones
With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of Doug H Jones in Alamosa, Colo., on June 4, 2025, at the age of 68.
Eva Trujillo
Please join us for a celebration of life service honoring Eva Trujillo which will be held June 28 at 11 a.m. at the City of Monte Vista Conference and Event Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex. 
Robert W Naudack
Robert W Naudack passes away on June 3, 2025, at the age of 95 in Denver, Colo.  Robert was born in Alamosa, Colo., on Dec. 24, 1929, to Robert (Doc) Naudack and Eunice Barnes. 
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. 
Opinion
    • If you can't be pleasant, be present

      Most of you know that Ol’ Dutch and Miss Trixie have managed to stay together now for a long 13 years. And those of you that know us …

    • Let the fun begin

      Hopefully by the time you all are reading this in the newspaper, Ol’ Dutch will have found his way to Colorful Colorado once again for my …

    • Miss Trixie ran away

      Well, it finally happened. Just like a lot of you predicted, Miss Trixie has finally left Ol’ Dutch. Well, I guess it's just temporary as she …

    • Affluent in America

      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 …

Feature stories from around the web
The Tour de France is one of the most physically taxing sporting feats imaginable.
Tour de France: How many calories will the winner burn?
Riders in the 2022 Tour de France will ride more than 2,100 miles (3,400 km) over the 21 flat and mountainous stages of the race. And they will burn an incredible amount of energy while doing so.
Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar.
2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do
Big sports events face a sustainability conundrum: They’re under pressure to grow bigger, but at the same time, their athletes are dealing with increasingly dangerous heat and shorter snow seasons.
Cyber-safe summer: How to travel smart and stay secure
(BPT) - Summer is in full swing, and with it the thrill of travel. Whether you're chasing sunsets, road-tripping with friends or exploring new places, the last thing you want is a scam ruining the …
Former Navy SEALs are diving to save the ocean
Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Force Blue, where veterans use their skills for marine conservation, healing both ocean and themselves.
Are you covered? Why renters insurance is more important than ever
(BPT) - Renting your home? You're not alone. According to Pew Research, more than 44 million households in the U.S. were rented in 2024 — that's more than one-third of all homes. And the number …