ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On Dec. 9, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a notice that the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout does not need threatened or endangered status under the Endangered Species Act. 

The International Lineman’s Rodeo holds a special place in the electric utility industry. For the past 40 years, it has served as more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the dedication and expertise that lineworkers bring to their vital roles every day.  

MONTE VISTA – There was a slight chill in the air and snow was still on the ground, as nearly 70 people gathered at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Homelake Cemetery on Dec. 14.

ALAMOSA — The 14th annual Alamosa Round-UP Christmas Light Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 21, beginning at 6 p.m.  

ALAMOSA — Aaron and Adam Fresquez, the two brothers who have served as officers with the Center Police Department, are scheduled for dispositions in court on Dec. 18. Aaron Fresquez was CPD’s Chief of Police and Adam Fresquez was a CPD officer. 

ALAMOSA – The $25 billion proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger was blocked on Tuesday by a federal judge in Oregon, preventing the deal that would put both mega corporations under one roof from moving forward.  

COLORADO — In a statement issued this week, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT ) announced it is expanding its conservation services to aid agricultural land succession and transfer. 

STATEWIDE — In 2020, voters in Colorado passed, by a narrow margin of 51% to 49%, a ballot measure to reintroduce wolves into the state after their eradication in the early to mid-1900s. Charged with creating and implementing the plan for reintroduction, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) held public meetings, developed a plan and ultimately reintroduced two groups of five GPS collared wolves into Grand and Summit Counties on Dec. 19, 2023. 

MONTE VISTA – Faith Hinkley Veteran’s Memorial Park was officially completed and rededicated on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event began with an introduction from Phillip Mackey, who announced the Color Guard. The Del Norte choir sang the national anthem. Rio Grande County Commissioner Scott Deacon led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Steve Dunkel gave a prayer.

SAN LUIS VALLEY — A collaborative effort between public and private partners is financing an educational and recreational plan for the area in Conejos and Costilla counties near the historic Lobatos Bridge, which will soon begin construction. 

ALAMOSA — The Colorado Hospital Association Board has named Konnie Martin as one of its newly appointed trustees and she will begin her term in January 2025. She is a trusted leader, especially advocating for and representing rural hospitals. She has been the CEO at San Luis Valley Health since 2013 and serves as a leader in a variety of local, state, and national roles. Konnie has previously served on the CHA board, including serving as a former chair of the association. 

ALAMOSA — Sandra Hostetter, Alamosa County Assessor, is retiring at the end of 2024. She has served as the Alamosa County Assessor since 2003.  Prior to being elected, she worked as an appraiser in the office. In all, Hostetter has served the citizens of Alamosa County for 32 years. 

Firefighters and deputies with Alamosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a structure fire Thursday night. The incident is currently being investigated as possible case of arson.

ALAMOSA — The holiday season always signals an abundance of fun stuff going on, and 2024 in the San Luis Valley is no exception. What follows is a glimpse of some of the happenings coming up this weekend. 

ALAMOSA – Downtown Alamosa is ready to light up with holiday cheer as the annual First Fridays Shine Bright and Shop Small event kicks off the season in style. The festive evening begins at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. with the magical Celebration of Lights Ceremony, featuring live music by Matt Wellman, sweet treats, and a countdown to the official lighting ceremony. 

CRESTONE — Over the past two decades, the Crestone/Baca Grande communities have come together for an annual Crestone Community Thanksgiving celebration potluck. This tradition is a testament to shared values of gratitude, community, camaraderie and unity at the event. 

MONTE VISTA – The City of Monte Vista has rescheduled the rededication of the Faith Hinkley Veteran’s Memorial Park to 11 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 7, after it was postponed due weather earlier this month. 

COLORADO — Residents of the San Luis Valley who are traveling over the Thanksgiving week for outdoor activities should pay close attention to avalanche and road conditions.  

ALAMOSA — Don Richmond is taking the stage at Society Hall Saturday night for a solo performance. In recent years, this has become an unusual thing for Richmond to do, given the number of performances he has booked and his other interests.  

CONEJOS — Due to a fire in the Conejos County Courthouse on Aug. 29, the courthouse remains closed until further notice. Most offices are open in the Department of Social Services building nearby. There were no injuries related to the fire.