Top Stories

South Fork prepares for Third of July celebration

South Fork is ready to celebrate the Third of July in style. Come enjoy the annual South Fork Fire Rescue Catfish Fry and fundraiser, a day packed with vendor markets, the annual Third of July Parade and of course, the annual firework show presented by the Town of South Fork, the South Fork Visitor Center and South Fork Fire Rescue. 
SOUTH FORK - With summer underway now, it is time to mark the calendar and make plans for the annual Third of July celebrations in South Fork. This event is a wonderful way to stretch out the Independence Day holiday. 
Community

From farm to table: Bountiful Meats & Processing

CONEJOS COUNTY — Bountiful Meats & Processing is a meat processing shop in Bountiful. The shop offers custom meat processing, wild game meat processing, and meat shares to fill your freezer. Jocelyn and Mitch Buhr own the shop and processing operation, which has seven employees. 

SLV native publishes story-filled book about two significant cultures in the valley

ALAMOSA — In his book “A Tale of Two Colonies: Dutch Calvinists and Southern States Saints in the San Luis Valley”, author Bill Heersink chronicles the histories of these two groups.  
Saguache County Commissioner Lynne Thompson, right, with the HIPPY Program Home Visitor of the Year Fabiola Avalos Arroyo. 

HIPPY celebrates students, family and staff

ALAMOSA - On June 21, children enrolled in the HIPPY Program and continuing their education, as well as children who are enrolled and graduating from the program, attended a special ceremony at the Alamosa Family Recreation Center. 
The St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church located at Seven Mile Plaza just outside of Del Norte has been successfully restored. Thanks to the efforts of Ernie and Sandra Martinez, their family, several donors, volunteers and fundraising efforts, this beloved and historic church will be enjoyed for many years to come. 

St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church restored by local family and donors

SEVEN MILE PLAZA - For the past two years, Ernie Martinez alongside his wife Sandra and their family, several volunteers and donors have worked to restore the St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church in the Seven Mile Plaza and are pleased to announce that restoration work is complete, for now.  

First workforce home Sold in South Fork

SOUTH FORK — After years of planning and construction, a major milestone was reached on June 10 as the first home in South Fork’s Sawmill Meadow Village workforce housing development officially sold — to a local restaurant cook who now calls the dream of homeownership a reality. 
A facepainting booth was set up at the San Juan Fiesta in Center. 

San Jaun Fiesta in Center draws in over 1,000 people

CENTER - It was a sunny morning, with plenty of breeze to make the trees move in the afternoon on June 22, as the San Juan Fiesta brought in a fantastic, spirited celebration to Center. 

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jackson Emmer on stage at Society Hall

ALAMOSA — Society Hall is thrilled to bring Jackson Emmer, the acclaimed award-winning California and Colorado based singer songwriter, to the stage on Wednesday night, June 25. 
Read our E-edition

South Fork Visitor Center Facebook page
News
ALAMOSA — On Thursday, June 26, Representative Matt Martinez was formally recognized by the leadership at San Luis Valley Health for his support of rural healthcare and his advocacy for key pieces of legislation this term. Rep. Martinez, who represents Colorado House District 62 and is the Majority Co-Whip, has been a vocal advocate for rural healthcare in Colorado since being elected to his position in 2023.  
ALAMOSA – Adams State University is proud to announce the successful five-year reauthorization of its educator preparation programs, as unanimously approved by the Colorado State Board of Education during regular meeting in May. This reauthorization affirms the quality, effectiveness, and continued impact of the School of Education and School of Counselor Education in preparing the next generation of educators and school leaders. 
Opinion
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 yearly sojourn. I have been delayed due to construction issues with our new house and hopefully that will be taken care of on Tuesday at the latest.
Classifieds

Classifieds week of June 25

01 Tickets    02 Card of Thanks   03 Memorials   04 Lost & Found   05 Notices   For information on meetings for ALANON NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS …

Obituaries
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. 
Steve Willard Lawton
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Willard Lawton, a cherished member of our community, who departed this life on May 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Dec. 16, 1953, in Monte Vista, Colo., Steve spent his entire life in the San Luis Valley, a place he truly loved. 
Evelyn Farish
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Evelyn Farish, who departed this life peacefully with her family at her side on May 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on Dec. 2, 1942, in Pulaski, Tenn., Evelyn was a cherished resident of Monte Vista, Colo. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene Lee Farish, whom she married on June 29, 1996. 
Sports

CHSAA Unveils New Logo, Brand Guide

The new Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) logo.
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 …
ALAMOSA – Adams State football will host the inaugural 1st and Goal Banquet and Dr. Jeff Geiser Golf Tournament on Aug. 1–2, welcoming alumni, supporters, and Grizzly fans for two days of …
ALAMOSA – The Southern Plains League released its Class 1A and 2A track and field All-Conference teams in late May. In Class 2A boys, Center’s Andree Meraz was named the Track …
MANASSA – Online registration closes July 15 for this year’s Manassa Pioneer Days 5K race. Race officials encourage participants to sign up early to ease the crunch of waiting in line on …