ALAMOSA — An estimated crowd of 400 people attended a celebration of life service for Peyton Shay Sanchez on Saturday, July 26, held in the gymnasium at Ortega Middle School. Sanchez, 19, passed away from complications related to Neurofibromatosis, a degenerative debilitating disease he was diagnosed with as a toddler that ultimately left him unable to walk, unable to eat, unable to speak and, at the end of his life, almost unable to sign. 

BLANCA MASSIF — On July 27, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) received a call regarding a severely injured climber in the hourglass on Little Bear Peak, elevation 14,037 ft.  

ALAMOSA — A 27-year-old man was in critical condition after reportedly being stabbed early Friday morning, Aug. 1, according to the Alamosa Police Department. 

DURANGO – First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned, independent community bank and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is pleased to announce the historic closure of the first loan under the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI) in the United States. 

APD arrests 62-year-old Henry Moe of Alamosa on multiple charges related to alleged involvement in child sex crimes. Authorities are urging the public to come forward if they have any information or if their children have had contact with Moe.

ALAMOSA — On Saturday, July 19, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems held the 17th annual Student Rocket Launch in Alamosa County. Three intern-built rockets – Live, Laugh and Launch – stood at 13 feet tall each and flew approximately 7,000 feet into the air. 

ALAMOSA — On July 9, District Attorney Anne Kelly appeared before the Costilla County Commissioners and dropped a bombshell, detailing serious professional, ethical and legal concerns about conduct and operations at the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).  

ALAMOSA — On July 28 at 9 a.m. the San Luis Valley County Commissioners Association will hold a regular meeting. 

ALAMOSA – Adams State University has lost an iconic member of its community. U.S. Hall of Fame running coach Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D., ‘53 ‘59, passed away on July 19, 2025. 

It took less than half an hour for the jury, made up of six men and six women, to find Henry Corral guilty on all charges in connection with the fatal shooting of two men and attempted murder of a third at the Sunset Inn in June of 2024. Corral was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, one count of criminal attempted murder in the first degree, criminal attempted robbery and tampering with evidence.

Members of The American Legion (TAL) gathered at Post 113 in Alamosa to present Past Commander Monte Collins with a plaque honoring his service to the legion.

GREAT SAND DUNES — Despite the recent challenges posed by wildfires that have brought smoke into the Valley and reduced visibility, a recent analysis of national park visibility data by the Washington Post ranks Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 8th out of 76 national park sites. This resilience is a testament to the enduring beauty and allure of the park. 

ALAMOSA — Already a truly unique venue for concerts, plays, debates and town halls, the infamous Society Hall in Alamosa is raising funds for a renovation of the front porch and other much-needed improvements. Once the project is finished, the renovation will, as Don Richmond says, “allow everything at the hall to expand”. 

Long-time Ski-Hi Stampede committee member, Charlie Burd, waves to the crowd on Sunday, July 13, after it was announced that the rodeo arena in Monte Vista would now be named Charlie Burd Arena.

ALAMOSA — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined local leaders, educators, and mental health advocates this week for a powerful roundtable discussion focused on improving youth mental health in the San Luis Valley. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, the gathering took place at Lucha’s Tacos, a locally owned space that served as a vibrant backdrop for community-driven dialogue. 

COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Trustees approved $82,000 allocated to 11 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the San Luis Valley region at the Foundation’s May Trustees meeting. Through the Foundation’s grant making process, the following organizations were awarded grants: 

ALAMOSA — On July 10, a one-year anniversary celebration was held at the Hope in the Valley addiction recovery center in Alamosa.  David Herrera, Community Engagement Coordinator with Hope in the Valley, told the Valley Courier that over one hundred well-wishers attended the event, underscoring the crucial role of community support in the center's success. 

ALAMOSA — Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general and 2026 candidate for the Democratic nomination to be governor, pledged to the people of Colorado to block the policy agenda of President Trump in those areas that were bad for the state of Colorado and its people. Six months into the administration, Weiser is proving time and again that he is true to his word. 

MINERAL COUNTY - Mineral County Sheriff Terry Wetherill was pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Castro to the position of Mineral County Undersheriff. Castro has been on the force since moving to Creede in January and is eager to further serve the community to the best of his ability. 

MONTE VISTA - Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline – Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton – worked the packed crowd into a frenzy at the opening concert of the 103 rd annual Ski-Hi Stampede in …