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Muscadine Bloodline headlining Stampede concert

Muscadine Bloodline members Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton were nominated for Duo of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May. They will be headlining the Ski-Hi Stampede concert on July 10 in Monte Vista.
MONTE VISTA - Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline will be the headliner of the Ski-Hi Stampede’s opening concert on July 10 in Monte Vista. Special guest Aaron Watson will be opening for the rising country duo. The Stampede, Colorado’s oldest rodeo, runs from July 10-13 at the Ski-Hi Complex.
More local news

House kills funding for NPR, PBS

ALAMOSA — By a margin of two votes, Republicans in the House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation 214 to 212 that eliminates all federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) for the next two years 

Hooper man found guilty of sexually assaulting a person-at-risk

ALAMOSA — At the conclusion of a trial that was scheduled for five days but lasted only three, Raymond Karpovage, 68, of Hooper was found guilty of “knowingly, unlawfully and feloniously” sexually assaulting an adult person-at-risk.  

AVSAR rescues climber on Mount Lindsey

COSTILLA COUNTY — On the morning of June 5, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) was contacted to assist the Costilla County Sheriff's Office in rescuing an injured climber near the summit of Mt. Lindsey. 

SLV Commissioners, county sheriffs discuss possible regional jail 

ALAMOSA — SLV Board of Commissioners met on Monday morning to discuss the feasibility of building a jail to service the needs of the entire San Luis Valley.  Currently, only three counties have detention centers, including Alamosa, Conejos and Rio Grande, and Rio Grande’s jail needs significant repairs. 

ACSO issues statement about inmate death

ALAMOSA — Officials with the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon regarding the death of an inmate who was being held in the Alamosa County Detention Center. 

APD Capt. Spangler is FBI National Academy grad

ALAMOSA — Chief George Dingfelder announced on Tuesday that Alamosa Police Department Capt. Joey Spangler has graduated as a member of the 294th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Va., on June 5.   
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Community

4-H, an extraordinary commitment to kids

ALAMOSA — Twelve-year-old Toni Wells, longtime member of the 4-H club of the San Luis Valley, was recently announced as the top seller in a fundraiser to support the Livestock Judging Team. Donations and fundraisers are crucial to a program like the Livestock Judging Team as the program can involve traveling when not all team members may have the financial ability to participate.  

A 64-mile journey like no other

ANTONITO — With the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad season now in full swing, a little of the narrow gauge railroad’s history might be of particular interest.  About 130 years ago, in February of 1880, the railroad’s first tracks of the San Juan Extension were laid down, running from Alamosa south to Antonito.

Smithsonian exhibit coming to Fort Garland

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center has announced that, starting June 21, 2025, the museum will be hosting Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. 
Sports
Kaden Mellott
15 SLV baseball players named All-State by CHSAA
ALAMOSA – The Colorado High School Activities Association released its All-State baseball teams on Monday with 15 athletes from the San Luis Valley being recognized. The All-State teams …
Levi Packard of Canon City in the test and tune in April.
Father’s Day racing at Mosca Motorsports Park on Sunday
ALAMOSA – BST Promotions will present the Father’s Day Show and the Colorado Alliance Tour Sunday at Mosca Motorsports Park. There will be several different race car divisions …
Tibbitts winds up career at state meet
ALAMOSA – Ben Tibbitts, a recent graduate of Centauri High School, completed his high school swimming career at the Class 4A State Meet which took place May 9-10 at the Veterans Memorial …
Opinion
I am not sure exactly how we got here but from the time Ol’ Dutch was a child until now the affluence of the American people has grown astronomically. Recalling my younger days, I always seemed to get a basketball, football, tennis racket, skateboard or some other paraphernalia as a gift that could only be used out of doors. And, now looking back on that I am beginning to question that, just maybe, my mother was trying to get me out of the house and out from under her feet.
Obituaries
Obituaries
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. 
Charlotte June Sheely
Charlotte June Sheely slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God on Feb. 12, 2025. 
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. 
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