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Logger Days  rips and roars over weekend 

The team burling event was the spotlight over the weekend as temperatures rose into the 90s. Competitors vied for the longest time as they tried to balance on a log and then ended up cooling off in the water. 
The smell of freshly cut wood with a hint of pine sap paired with the roaring engines of chainsaws and the thump of axes against wood created the perfect invitation to crowds as they wandered into the arena outside the South Fork Community building on Saturday. 
Community

La Jara Glory Days returns July 26 with tradition 

For generations, La Jara residents have gathered each summer to celebrate the town's history, and enjoy a day dedicated to hometown pride. On Saturday, July 26, that tradition continues as La Jara Glory Days returns with a full schedule of family activities, live music, a community breakfast, parade, car show and opportunities for neighbors and visitors alike to reconnect. 

Manassa Pioneer Days returns with rodeo, family fun 

mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com  MANASSA - One of the San Luis Valley's longest-standing summer traditions returns Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, as Manassa Pioneer Days …

Golden Circle of Champions touches hearts on Saturday

 As the crowd watched in silence, two small children led by their parents walked out into the Ski-Hi Stampede arena on Saturday night to be presented with belt buckles and cowboy hats, but it was their bravery and resilience that took center stage.  

Creede Historical Society Highlights the Fabulous Life of Angeline Louisiana Munn 

The Creede Historical Society is thrilled to invite the community to an evening of history, legacy, and captivating storytelling as part of its ongoing Summer Series. This year's highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on one of Colorado’s most intriguing figures, Angeline Louisiana Munn. 
The annual Logger days festival in South Fork is sure to cut through those midsummer heat wave blues with events geared toward honoring the town’s logging history. 

Timber!  

SOUTH FORK, Colo.  — Shifting gears from its Independence Day celebrations, the mountain community of South Fork will honor its deep-rooted timber heritage this month with the return of the …
The South Fork Farmers Market was packed for the Third of July with guests and vendors alike.

Community spirit shines at South Fork’s annual July 3 celebration 

The smell of home-fried catfish filled the mountain air as locals and visitors gathered to kick off the annual July 3 festivities in South Fork. A staple of the holiday week, the celebrations yet again brought a massive wave of energy, small-town charm and profound generosity to the Basecamp for Adventure.  
The Rolling Loud Car Show had many participants including this beautiful Chevy Fleet line that's parked right in front of a great area for snacks at Chapman Park.  

Rolling Loud Fourth of July car show  exceeds expectations 

What began as a vision inspired by his father and a lifelong passion for automobiles grew into one of Monte Vista's largest Fourth of July celebrations in recent years. Held at Chapman Park, located at 300-398 West Prospect Ave, the community car show drew 108 vehicles, more than doubling last year's participation, and brought hundreds of residents together to celebrate the nation's birthday with hometown pride. 
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News
The unofficial results from Conejos County, primary election 2026
An update released by Rio Grande National Forest as of Monday, July 20 stated that the Schrader Creek fire has been more successfully mapped and is at nine acres and showing minimal fire behavior.  
Opinion
As a theatre artist and teacher, I believe the stage should be at the forefront of efforts to examine our personal beliefs and the major issues of the day.  It can be a place where injustice, …
Classifieds

Classifieds July 15, 2026

99 ANNOUNCEMENTS   RIO GRANDE COUNTY , COLORADO IS ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND HOUSING ACTION PLAN UPDATE.  Sealed proposals are due to …

Obituaries
Rhonda L Garcia
It is with a heavy and broken heart to announce the passing of Rhonda L. Garcia on April 4, 2026. Rhonda was born July 12, 1971 to Priscilla Tafoya and Joseph Cordova. 
Irwin Kennedy ‘Ken’ Wiley
Irwin Kennedy “Ken” Wiley passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2026. He will be remembered for his love of, and dedication to family and friends.    Ken will live forever, both in …
Gerald ‘Brent’ Rasmussen
Gerald "Brent" Rasmussen, 74, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Orem, Utah.   Brent was born on September 15, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Gerald Jay and Janice Marie Bodley …
Pauline Mae Hill
Pauline Mae Hill, 93, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026.   Pauline was born on September 1, 1932, to the late Lemuel Matthew Spencer and Mary Esther Ross. She graduated from Pittsburg …
Joseph 'Joe' T. Ortega
Joseph “Joe” T. Ortega, 74, a longtime resident of Alamosa and former resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026. Joseph was born on February 17, 1952, to the late Louie Ortega and Eva Valdez. Joe was a proud graduate of Monte Vista High School, Class of 1970.
Sports

Bulls have upper hand at Stampede

Taten Koenig (left) makes a successful heel catch, while Bayley Bishop works the head in the team roping final at the Ski-Hi Stampede local rodeo on Sunday. Bishop and Koenig won in 7.2 seconds.
MONTE VISTA – Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, the Ski-Hi Stampede, had its 104 th edition this past weekend at Ski-Hi Park’s Charlie Burd Arena. In bull riding, the bulls had the advantage. …
ALAMOSA – Lane Collins, a recent graduate of Moffat Middle School, represented the state of Colorado at the 2026 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Open and World Championships. The …
The Alamosa Parks and Recreation Department thanks the American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 for sponsoring the summer youth baseball and softball programs this year. Back row, from left, Dalton …
ALAMOSA – A total of 26 children ages 6-13 took part in the 2026 Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge which took place June 26 at the Lee soccer fields. The event was hosted by Alamosa Parks and …