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Dive into autumn with several fall drives through the San Juans 

Colorado is getting ready to change seasons and will be a canvass of sharp golds, orange, and reds as aspen trees show their colors this fall.  
SAN LUIS VALLEY – With temperatures cooling and the feel of autumn in the air, now is the time to plan for outings in the beautiful San Juan Mountains to capture the amazing fall colors that are set to peak by the end of September, beginning of October.  
Community
Adams State University Hispanic Heritage Month will include the annual Custom Car and Bike Show on Saturday, Sept. 28, in McDaniel Hall parking lot. 

Adams State celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month  

ALAMOSA – Adams State University has a variety of events planned for Hispanic Heritage Month, including “A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Concert” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Richardson Hall Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. 
Daughter KimAnna Cellura-Shields has opened an art gallery on Grande Avenue in Del Norte dedicated to her mother’s life works. 

New art gallery graces Grande Avenue in Del Norte 

DEL NORTE – Hidden among the many businesses lining Grande Avenue, a new gallery of fine art has opened its doors and is welcoming people to experience the colorful, excentric life of Joan “Blake” Higgins-Cellura captured in mixed media with a talented hand. 
Groups collaborated to build a horno at the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center and Museum in San Luis. 

Groups help build horno at heritage center in San Luis 

SAN LUIS – Carol Gurule of the CSU Extension is excited about a new addition that the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center and Museum has added to its grounds. 
Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake resident Richard Gottlieb celebrated his 99th birthday on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the center. 

Homelake Veteran Gottlieb celebrates 99th birthday

MONTE VISTA – Richard Gottlieb was all smiles, wearing a golden crown, as he posed for a picture on Sept. 7 next to his chocolate dipped birthday cake, adorned with candles that held the numbers 99.  According to the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake, where he lives, he is the oldest living Veteran at the center. 
Sen. Bennet with CEO Konnie Martin on a recent tour of SLVH’s workforce housing project and the Regional Medical Center.   

Senator Bennet Visits SLV Health 

ALAMOSA — SLVH hosted Senator Michael Bennet on a tour of the workforce housing project along with a brief tour of the Regional Medical Center in Alamosa on Sept. 3. SLVH received funding to remodel the “Pike Apartments” on the RMC campus from Congressional Directed Spending appropriation.  
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Opinion
It seems of late that I have not had the best of news to write what with losing my faithful companion Cooper The Dog.  And this week is no exception to that kind of news. With your permission, though, I will take this time to write something about my Dad who is soon going onto his heavenly reward.  
Biologist Diane K. Boyd has had a front-row seat to 40 years of wolf recovery in the West, but her new memoir reveals that entanglements with humans in Montana were often tougher than dealing with the four-legged predators. 
News

Retirement salute planned for Cerny 

ALAMOSA – Longtime San Luis Valley newspaper publisher Keith Cerny will be honored with a retirement party Friday, Sept. 20 from 4-6 p.m. on the patio of Knee Knockers restaurant at Cattails Golf Course. 

Hocking keeps her goals in sight 

ALAMOSA – In just two years since earning her B.A. in political science from Adams State, Courtney Hocking ’22 is making impressive progress toward her goal of working in international relations. She will receive the Adams State 2024 Exceptional New Alumna Award at the Homecoming Banquet on Sept. 27. 

Use of 14ers is up locally and down elsewhere 

COLORADO — The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) has been monitoring hiking use on Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks (14er) using infrared trail counters since 2014. Hiking some or all of Colorado's 58 14,000-plus foot peaks is a passion for residents and visitors alike. The exhilarating pastime benefits hikers and our economy. 
Obituaries
William Ernest Pearcy 
William Ernest Pearcy left this earth peacefully on Aug. 27, 2024, surrounded by his daughters, in Loganville, Ga., after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past 10 years. William (“Bill”) was born April 27, 1940, in Pueblo, Colo., to Earl and Florence Pearcy. 
Frances Margaret Kolisch 
Frances Margaret Kolisch, 74, of Creede, Colo., passed away surrounded by loved ones on Aug. 3, 2024. She was born on July 29, 1950, and grew up in South Fork, Colo. Frances made Creede her home in 1970 and quickly became a valued member of the community. 
Lucille B. Garcia 
It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Beloved Lucille B. Garcia. Lucille was called home on July 29, 2024. She passed away at home with her loving family by her side. Lucille was welcomed into the world on March 2, 1955, in Del Norte, Colo., the daughter of Jose V. Martinez and Manuelita A. (Manzanares) Martinez. 
Kenneth George Teunis
Kenneth George Teunis, 94, of Creede, Colo., passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024. Born on June 3, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kenneth was a man whose warmth and friendliness touched the lives of many. Kenneth's journey led him from the place of his birth, through California, and to the scenic expanses of Creede, where he embraced the community and its natural beauty.
Leola Roberts
Longtime Monte Vista resident Leola Roberts, 95, died May 24, 2024 at her home in Monte Vista. Leola’s life began in Monte Vista, Colo., on Sept. 5, 1928, the daughter to Delbert Stillings and Blanche M. Jones Stillings. She married James Roberts on Nov. 6, 1949, at the Christian Church in Monte Vista. They enjoyed over 63 years until his death in 2012.
Sports
Alamosa High School’s Taybor Wiedeman (3) hits the ball in Saturday’s match against Hoehne at the AHS gym while Lily Heersink (4) and Kadie Hawkins (12) stand by. The Lady Mean Moose defeated both Hoehne and Gunnison, both in three sets.

Alamosa wins twice at home tri-meet

ALAMOSA – The Alamosa High School volleyball team hosted a tri-meet with Centauri, Gunnison and Hoehne Saturday at the AHS gym. The Lady Mean Moose were very successful on their home court …
FOOTBALL CLASS 2A INTERMOUNTAIN LEAGUE League Overall Team W-L W-L Bayfield 0-0 2-0 Alamosa 0-0 2-1 Montezuma-Cortez 0-0 2-1 Pagosa Springs 0-0 1-1 Salida 0-0 …
SANFORD – The Sanford High School football team played at home for the first time this season on Friday, but it had a tough task as the Mustangs hosted perennial powerhouse Haxtun at the SHS …
ALAMOSA – The Alamosa High School volleyball team faced a traditionally tough opponent on Thursday as it hosted Bayfield at the AHS gym. The Lady Mean Moose won the first two sets by wide …