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South Fork sets stage for growth in 2025

Sawmill Meadow, an affordable housing project by Tammy and Matt Dorsett, was completed in 2024. 
SOUTH FORK – South Fork began 2024 with a bang after voters passed an increase in sales tax during their spring elections. 
Community
Michael Butterman, Conductor of the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, takes the podium in Mackey Auditorium for the world premiere of ‘Wind, Water, Sand,’ composed by Stephen Lias that celebrates Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.  

Great Sand Dunes music composition has world premiere

BOULDER — On Jan. 12, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Michael Butterman, presented the exclusive world premiere of “Wind, Water, Sand,” a musical masterpiece by the renowned composer Stephen Lias. 
Thanks to generous donors, Southwest Region Migrant Education Program (MEP) provided gifts to a significant number of children and parents through its Adopt a Migrant Family for the holiday. 

Southwest Region Migrant Education Program: A heartfelt thank you to all Adopt a Family sponsors 

ALAMOSA – As the holiday season ends, the Southwest Region of Colorado’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) reflects on the incredible generosity and community spirit that makes our work possible. Each year, we are fortunate to witness the kindness of individuals, businesses, and organizations that come together to support migrant students and families, especially during the Christmas season. Sponsors and donors help us provide gifts, offer holiday meals, and create community connections. 
Delzia Worley 

Worley and Chavez to speak at senior center on Jan. 14

ALAMOSA – Spark Speaker Series will host “Empowering Aging in Colorado,” at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center. 
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News

APD serves warrant and arrests two people on drug charges

ALAMOSA – On Jan. 14, the Alamosa Police Department arrested two people on drug charges after serving a search warrant for Saint Benedict Campsite, 2400 Old Sanford Rd., Space No. 60, in regards to illegal drug activity. 

Larry Holder Exercise and Cancer Survivorship program seeks participants

ALAMOSA – The Larry Holder Exercise and Cancer Survivorship program offers cancer survivors in the San Luis Valley the opportunity to participate in an individualized exercise program conducted in a group setting. All cancer survivors ages 18 years or older in the San Luis Valley are welcome regardless of gender, type, or stage of cancer. This spring’s program begins the week of Jan. 27, with appointments for individual fitness testing. 

Chuck Owsley establishes Adams State scholarship

ALAMOSA – The Owsley family name is nearly synonymous with Adams State, as the two histories intertwined from the 1930s through today. “Adams State means a lot to my family. We have four generations who have graduated from the University. It has helped us all pursue our career goals.” 

A conversation with candidate for governor Weiser

ALAMOSA — During the six years he has been in office, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has made multiple trips to the San Luis Valley, some in connection with his assigned oversight of a former district attorney who ultimately resigned from office and others connected to current litigation he was spearheading that was of special relevance to Valley concerns, such as suing opioid manufacturers and stopping the merger of Kroger and Albertson’s. But, while in the Valley, Weiser’s also addressed other issues that may not yet have their roots in the courtroom but have clear impact on Coloradans’ quality of life. 
Opinion
SAN LUIS VALLEY — Colorado State University Extension believes every person from every walk of life can experience their healthiest, happiest, most productive life if they continually engage in lifelong learning.  
Having been raised in church and especially having a father who was a pastor, I thought that I had a pretty good idea what a heathen was. To make sure, though, I actually Googled it to discover the official Internet meaning. Of course, the word is usually used in a disparaging way when talking about someone. In general, it means someone who is irreligious, uncivilized or uncultured. 
Classifieds

Classifieds for week of Jan. 1

01 Tickets    02 Card of Thanks   03 Memorials   04 Lost & Found   Lost Dec. 15, 2024, quartz crystal and silver ring at Windsor Hotel, holiday show. …

Obituaries
Wilma Jean Flaspohler
Wilma Jean Flaspohler, beloved wife, mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on Oct. 7, 1935, in Vinita, Okla., Wilma's warm spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. 
Mary Ann (Tootie) Mickelsen
Mary Ann Mickelsen passed away Nov. 22, 2024, in Alamosa, Colo., at the age of 91. She was born on March 25, 1933, in Lamar, Colo., to Mable (Ramsdale) and Charles Grett. 
Jose Eliazar Sanchez
Jose Eliazar Sanchez, 100, known affectionately as Eli to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2024, in Del Norte, Colo. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Eli’s journey through …
Stephen Lee Blount
Stephen Lee Blount died at his home in Del Norte under hospice care on Dec. 18, 2024. He was born in Charleston, S.C., on Oct. 1, 1952, to Herbert and Phyllis (Snyder) Blount. 
Irene S. Monter-Chadwick
Irene S. Monter-Chadwick passed away on Oct. 10, 2024, in Arvada, Colo. Irene was born to William Ziebell and Sophia Esslinger Ziebell on July 23, 1922, in Arapahoe, Neb. 
Sports
Alamosa High School’s Audrina Knorr pushes the ball upcourt on Friday.

Alamosa girls come up short twice over the weekend

ALAMOSA – The Alamosa High School girls basketball team had a rough time this past weekend as it lost a pair of home games. On Friday, the Lady Mean Moose lost to Montrose 54-33, and on …
ALAMOSA – It was a rough weekend for the Alamosa High School boys basketball team as it lost a pair of home game. The Mean Moose lost …
BOYS BASKETBALL CLASS 4A/3A INTERMOUNTAIN LEAGUE League Overall Team W-L W-L Centauri 0-0 10-0 Montezuma-Cortez 0-0 8-2 Monte Vista 0-0 5-2 Ignacio 0-0 6-4 …
Asher Ruybal, a third grader at Bill Metz Elementary School in Monte Vista, is a two-time state champion and has won eight national tournaments. Recently, he won the RMN Monster Match Nationals in …