Victim identified in Labor Day house fire

ALAMOSA – After notifying the next of kin, Alamosa County Coroner Joe Dzuris has identified and released the name of the victim whose body was discovered after crews extinguished the flames engulfing a house located at County Road 105 and 6 South.

Second annual Chili Cook-off is Saturday 

ALAMOSA – In the second year of what is certain to become a much-anticipated annual tradition, the Alamosa/Great Sand Dunes KOA Journey Campground Chili Cook-off is happening on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. 
Get ready for those weekend garage sales ...

Classifieds for Sept. 7, 2024

173 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES   HOME HEALTH AIDE for individual needed near LA JARA. CNA helpful but not required, on the job training. Good pay, flexible hours, must pass background …
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Mari Felix
Mari Felix enters not guilty plea to accessory charge 
ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder Mari Felix appeared in court on Wednesday where she entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of accessory to a crime. The charge against Felix is related to her alleged connection to a case involving her husband, Martin Felix-Lopez, who stands accused of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust.  
Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is strongly urging Congress to pass the 2024 Farm Bill before the end of the year.
500 organizations call on Congress to pass 2024 Farm Bill 
LAKEWOOD — Along with 500 organizations representing a diverse range of stakeholders in conservation, agriculture, nutrition and other related sectors, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is strongly urging Congress to pass the 2024 Farm Bill before the end of the year.  
US Senator Michael Bennet (center) met with Valley civic and community leaders to discuss electric transmission lines.
U.S. Senator Bennet meets with SLV leaders on transmission lines
ALAMOSA — U.S. Senator Michael Bennet met with over 25 San Luis Valley leaders on September 3 to discuss electric transmission lines in and out of the Valley.
The new Alamosa Food Bank on State Avenue will open on Sept. 30 and needs volunteers to help move into the new facility. If interested, contact David Schneider at 719-587-3499, ext. 301, or email director.volcoor@lapuente.net.  
ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Food Bank will be opening at a new location on Monday, Sept. 30. Currently, this food bank is at 513 6th St., Alamosa, and will be moving to the old Atencio’s Market, 802 State Ave., Alamosa. 
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Classifieds for Sept. 6, 2024

173 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES   HOME HEALTH AIDE for individual needed near LA JARA. CNA helpful but not required, on the job training. Good pay, flexible hours, must pass background …

Obituaries
James ‘Jim’ Louis Higel 
James "Jim" Louis Higel, 84, passed away peacefully in his home in Alamosa, Colo., on Sept. 6, 2024. Jim was born to Louis and Belle (Timmons) Higel on March 3, 1940, in Alamosa, Colo.   …
Alan Albert Maes 
Alan Albert Maes, our loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and great friend unexpectedly passed away on July 5, 2024, in Englewood, Colo., at the age of 63. Alan was born on Sept. 16, …
Michael J. Guadagnoli 
Michael J. Guadagnoli, 49, was born on Sept. 22, 1974, and passed away on Sept. 2, 2024. Michael grew up in Trinidad and attended Mt. Carmel and Park Street Grade Schools, Trinidad Jr. High School and Trinidad High School, graduating in 1993. 
Johnny Devin Martinez 
Johnny better known as JD was brought into this world on Oct. 28, 1994, in Alamosa, Colo. He left this world on Sept. 1, 2024, with his loving family by his side.   While JD was more of a …
Eva E. Mondragon 
LA JARA – Eva E. Mondragon, a pillar of love and faith, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on Sept. 4, 2024, at the age of 87, in La Jara, Colo. Born on Sept. 14, 1936, in …
Community
The Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative is at 602 Main St., Alamosa.  
September at Narrow Gauge Books 
ALAMOSA — Artist of the Month: Come and see the artwork of Kendall McNeilsmith throughout the month of September. We love his street-art inspired style, and the use of color and shape that really captures your attention and emotions.  
Finnegan, who is now 18 months old, was adopted from the Alamosa Dumb Friends animal shelter as a puppy and now resides in Alamosa with his loving person.  
Dumb Friends shelter adoption event is Saturday
ALAMOSA — On Saturday, the Dumb Friends League animal shelter on Airport Road in Alamosa has a special, name your price adoption event. 
The Alamosa Police Department released this enhanced photo of a person-of-interest in an armed robbery from March of 2023.
APD seeking public’s help in identifying suspect 
ALAMOSA – The Alamosa Police Department has released an enhanced photo of a person-of-interest in an armed robbery from March of 2023.  
Sports
Monte Vista High School’s Kaden Mellott was the medalist at the Monte Vista Invitational Friday at the Monte Vista Golf Course with a one-over-par 71.

Pirates win home golf tournament

MONTE VISTA – The Monte Vista High School boys golf team hosted its annual tournament Friday at the Monte Vista Golf Course. The home surroundings were good to the Pirates as they …

Kaden Mellott medals at Rye Invitational

ALAMOSA – The Monte Vista High School boys golf team finished in second place at the Rye Invitational Thursday at Hollydot Golf Course in Colorado City. The Pirates finished with a score …
Alamosa High School’s Araceli Molina rounds third and head to home for a three-run inside-the-park home run in the second game of a doubleheader against Montezuma-Cortez Tuesday at the Adams State University softball field. Molina hit a home run in both games as the Lady Mean Moose split with the Lady Panthers losing the first game 11-5 and winning the second 14-4.

Alamosa softball splits with Cortez

ALAMOSA – After being on the road for the Platte Valley Invitational two weeks ago, and two road games last week, the Alamosa High School softball team returned home for a doubleheader against …
Alamosa High School’s Dyson Woodward (6) runs for a big gain as Monte Vista’s Judah Howe (40) closes in during last Friday’s game at Adams State University’s Rex Field. The Mean Moose will host Banning Lewis Academy, while the Pirates will travel to Rye this week. Both games will be Friday beginning at 7 p.m.

High school football preview – Week 2

ALAMOSA – The second week of the 2024 high school football season is this weekend with all but one team in action. Here are thumbnail sketches of each of this week’s games. …
Opinion

Missing wildland fire 

It’s been a wonderfully wet and green summer here in the San Luis Valley. I’m hearing regularly these days that, even in the north end of the valley, “it’s as green as I can …

Features
This old backpack now serves as a go-bag and resides in the back of a vehicle. Water and a sleeping bag are also ready.

Prepare for emergency evacuations now

SAN LUIS VALLEY — As wildland fires rage in Colorado and throughout the West, the time to prepare for an evacuation is now, and a simple to-go bag is an excellent first step. Wildfires can …

Rhythms on Rio lineup has ‘something for everyone’

Rhythms on the Rio, the San Luis Valley's largest and longest-running music festival, will return to Del Norte on Aug. 2-4.
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Americans serve together to honor and remember Sept. 11
(BPT) - More than two decades ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, many lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From across America, people stepped forward — uniting to help the families of those …
Have a Heart for Caregivers: 8 expert tips for volunteers to care for themselves, too
(Family Features) Survivors of heart attacks or strokes may have additional health and personal care needs, often relying on a family member or close friend to help.
Making the Grade with Medicaid and CHIP
(BPT) - Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means it’s time to make sure your kids have the essentials they need for a successful school year. Health coverage should be at the top of …
Join the Movement: Celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week and Support Military Families
Join the Movement: Celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week and Support Military Families
(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star …
5 easy ways to nourish your brain
(BPT) - What are you doing to nourish your brain on a daily basis? Many people eat a balanced diet and work out to nourish and support their bodies and their overall health, but it's just as …
Classified ads for Sept. 4, 2024
173 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HOME HEALTH AIDE for individual needed near LA JARA. CNA helpful but not required, on the job training. Good pay, flexible hours, must pass background check. Call or …
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099 ANNOUNCEMENTS VETERANS & HOMELESS, & THEIR FAMILIES: Free Sloppy Joes Luncheon at the First Christian Church – 518 First Street, ALAMOSA (corner of First & State). …
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099 ANNOUNCEMENTS In partnership with Permitium, LLC, a software designer that specializes in web-based law enforcement services, the ALAMOSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (ACSO) is announcing …