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Monte Vista’s Annual Crane Festival will be flying in March 7-9

The 42nd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival will take place from March 7-9. Crowds of people and thousands of Sandhill Cranes will be at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. 
MONTE VISTA – The 42nd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival is less than a month away. This year, the festival will take place from March 7-9. Thousands of people attend this unique event.  
More local news
In 2021, Matt Riviere’s two sons died at the same time by taking fentanyl disguised as a pain pill. On Wednesday night, he shared his story along with some crucial information about the fentanyl crisis today. The event was sponsored by Alamosa County Public Health Department and Alamosa School District.  

Fentanyl kills – a father’s story and warning to others

ALAMOSA — Matt Riviere, a 59-year-old IT professional from Monument, Colorado addressed an audience at Ortega Middle School Wednesday night, impassioned by an experience that is every parent’s worst nightmare. 

Rep. Hurd holds first tele-town hall

ALAMOSA — Congressman Jeff Hurd (Republican, District 3) held his first tele-town hall on Tuesday night where he took questions from individuals for about an hour.  

Hickenlooper: ‘A fundamental test of our democracy’

ALAMOSA — With more than 8,000 viewers tuning in live across three platforms, Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper held a tele-town hall on Wednesday evening.  

Centauri, ASU Wind, and SLV Community together in concert

ALAMOSA — At the combined concert of the ASU Wind Symphony, Centauri 6th Grade Band, Centauri Junior and High School Band, and the SLV Community Band, the diverse range of musicians, spanning from elementary school to age 60-plus, captivated the audience. 

CASA del Valle empowers community to support children, youth

ALAMOSA — CASA del Valle (Court Appointed Special Advocate), a new non-profit, now has a presence in the San Luis Valley.   “Right now,” says Brett Phillips, executive director of CASA del Valle, “there are about 50 kids in the valley who are involved in court because of neglect or abuse or dependency issues. These children need an advocate.” 

La Puente releases Point-in-Time numbers

SAN LUIS VALLEY — The annual San Luis homeless count conducted by La Puente finds that homelessness in the San Luis Valley is five times the statewide rate, as found through the local Point-in-Time (PIT) Count on Jan. 28. 
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Community
SOIL accepting agriculture loan applications
SAN LUIS VALLEY — SOIL Sangre de Cristo is accepting applications for their Microloan Program which awards 0% interest flexible loans to farmers and food producers who might otherwise have difficulties accessing credit. 
Nicole ‘Nick’ Perchess, incoming Valley Roots Food Hub General Manager. 
Farewell Nick and welcome Nick
SAN LUIS VALLY — After a decade of dedicated service as the founding General Manager of Valley Roots Food Hub, Nick Chambers bid farewell to the community in late February he helped nourish.  
The T Road Pub on Silver Avenue in Crestone has ceased operations. The venue was known for its outdoor patio which hosted many musicians in the summer months.  
T Road Pub ends run in Crestone
CRESTONE — T Road Pub, a mainstay of nighttime entertainment, pizza and beer in Crestone has ceased operations. 
The fields at the Rio Grande Farm Park on a recent afternoon.  
Why funding farmers matters
SAN LUIS VALLEY — Each week, Nourish Colorado elevates the importance of agricultural programs and why investing in these matters. 
Leadville-based outdoor apparel brand Melanzana now has about 40 employees at its Alamosa facility on Walker Road.  
Melanzana is poised for growth in Alamosa
ALAMOSA — Melanzana, an outdoor apparel company based in Leadville opened a manufacturing facility in Alamosa in early 2024. The Colorado company has a retail store and manufacturing plant in Leadville and produces all its wildly popular clothing in Colorado. 
Sports
Centauri High School's Troy Sowards (2) dribbles the ball while Yuma's Brody Sheffield (3) plays defense. Sowards scored 16 points, including the game-winning 3-point basket, to give the Falcons a 41-40 win over the Outlaws.
Centauri boys handed first loss of season
DENVER – The fifth-ranked Centauri High School boys basketball team won one game and lost one in the first two days of the Class 3A State Tournament at the University of Denver’s Hamilton Gym.
Centauri High School's Joselyn McCarroll (20) looks for an open teammate in Thursday's Class 3A State Tournament quarterfinal game at the University of Denver's Hamilton Gym. McCarroll scored 10 points, but the Lady Falcons lost to Wiggins 32-30.
Centauri girls’ season ended by Wiggins
DENVER – The season came to an end for the second-ranked Centauri High School girls basketball team as it lost to 10th-ranked Wiggins, 32-30, in the Class 3A State Tournament quarterfinals Thursday at the University of Denver’s Hamilton Gym. 
Sanford High School’s Claire Crowther (4) looks to put up a shot over Sargent’s Rylee Shirley (2) in Saturday’s Southern Peaks League Tournament blue bracket game at Monte Vista. The Lady Mustangs have advanced to the Class 2A semifinals.
Sanford girls in Class 2A semifinals
The second-ranked Sanford High School girls basketball team advanced to the Class 2A semifinals with a 51-37 win over seventh-ranked Hoehne. 
Opinion
Grifters, you know those people who engage in small scale swindling of others, have always been with us, I guess. 
Obituaries
Obituaries
Alfred Laverne Pierce
Alfred Laverne Pierce, affectionately known as Al to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, in South Fork, Colo. Born on Jan. 9, 1935, in Cottonwood Falls, Kan., Al's journey through life was marked by his friendly demeanor, captivating presence, and a lifetime of dedicated service to his community. 
Joyce G. Pacheco
Joyce G. Pacheco, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Brighton, Colo., after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 84 years old. 
Alex Juan Martinez
Alex Juan Martinez, a man known for his loving heart and unwavering passion for life, departed this world on Feb. 16, 2025, in Center, Colo., with his loving family by his side. Leaving a legacy of warmth and wisdom. Born on Sept. 26, 1945, in Pueblo, Colo., Alex's life was a testament to his intelligent mind and his dedication to his faith and family. 
Anna Reid Pubins
Anna Reid Pubins, born on April 21, 2024, brought immeasurable joy and love to all who knew her before she was called home on February 12, 2025, after a brief illness. Though her time on this earth was brief, Anna’s life was filled with warmth, laughter, and a radiant light that will forever shine in the hearts of her family. 
Charlotte June Sheely
Charlotte June Sheely slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God on Feb. 12, 2025. 
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