Home - The Conejos County Citizen

Schrader Creek Fire at nine acres on RGNF near Del Norte

Aerial crews worked through the night to suppress the Schrader Creek Fire located near Bennett Peak by Del Norte.

An update released by Rio Grande National Forest as of Monday, July 20 stated that the Schrader Creek fire has been more successfully mapped and is at nine acres and showing minimal fire behavior.

More local news

2026 PRELIMINARY RESULTS CONEJOS COUNTY PRIMARY - Unofficial

The unofficial results from Conejos County, primary election 2026

South Fork looks into Data Centers

Residents and town officials from South Fork gathered last Wed., July 15 for the planning and zoning commission meeting to hear from Monroe Johnson the Chief Technology Officer for the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLV REC).

High-speed chase ends in SWAT arrest of Alamosa man

According to a press release issued by Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, a 43-year-old Alamosa man wanted on multiple warrants was arrested Wednesday following a high-speed vehicle pursuit and a brief SWAT standoff at a home in Monte Vista, authorities said.

Golden Circle of Champions touches hearts on Saturday

As the crowd watched in silence, two small children led by their parents walked out into the Ski-Hi Stampede arena on Saturday night to be presented with belt buckles and cowboy hats, but it was their bravery and resilience that took center stage.

SLV BOCC votes to place DA term limits on November ballot

At the conclusion of two separate board of county commissioner meetings held in Saguache and Costilla County on July 7, county commissioners across the San Luis Valley voted by an overwhelming majority to add a ballot measure to the November ballot asking voters if they want to remove term limits on the office of district attorney in the 12th Judicial District.

Yearling bear causes stir in Creede as drought drives wildlife into town

A small yearling black bear has been making itself at home in Creede, prompting local officials to set a trap and urge residents to be proactive.

La Jara Glory Days returns July 26 with tradition

For generations, La Jara residents have gathered each summer to celebrate the town's history, and enjoy a day dedicated to hometown pride. On Saturday, July 26, that tradition continues as La Jara Glory Days returns with a full schedule of family activities, live music, a community breakfast, parade, car show and opportunities for neighbors and visitors alike to reconnect.

Manassa Pioneer Days returns with rodeo, family fun

mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com MANASSA - One of the San Luis Valley's longest-standing summer traditions returns Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, as Manassa Pioneer Days …

Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids has become a Valley staple at local farmer markets and other public venues.

Local herpetologist aims to replace fear with knowledge

For Jarod Johnson, founder of Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids, a lifelong fascination with misunderstood creatures has transformed into a community-wide educational mission.

More community

Sports

Taten Koenig (left) makes a successful heel catch, while Bayley Bishop works the head in the team roping final at the Ski-Hi Stampede local rodeo on Sunday. Bishop and Koenig won in 7.2 seconds.

Bulls have upper hand at Stampede

MONTE VISTA – Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, the Ski-Hi Stampede, had its 104 th edition this past weekend at Ski-Hi Park’s Charlie Burd Arena. In bull riding, the bulls had the advantage. …

Lane Collins (right) of Moffat was the co-champion at the National Archery in the Schools Program in the middle school boys Bullseye Division on June 18-20 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Also pictured is his coach, Jack Sciacca.

Moffat’s Collins wins national archery title

ALAMOSA – Lane Collins, a recent graduate of Moffat Middle School, represented the state of Colorado at the 2026 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Open and World Championships. The …

Parks and Rec thanks American Legion

The Alamosa Parks and Recreation Department thanks the American Legion Dickey-Springer Post 113 for sponsoring the summer youth baseball and softball programs this year. Back row, from left, Dalton …

More sports

Opinion

Resistance as an American Tradition

As a theatre artist and teacher, I believe the stage should be at the forefront of efforts to examine our personal beliefs and the major issues of the day. It can be a place where injustice, …

More Opinion

Classifieds

Classifieds July 15, 2026

More classifieds

Obituaries

Rhonda L Garcia

It is with a heavy and broken heart to announce the passing of Rhonda L. Garcia on April 4, 2026. Rhonda was born July 12, 1971 to Priscilla Tafoya and Joseph Cordova.

Irwin Kennedy ‘Ken’ Wiley

Irwin Kennedy “Ken” Wiley passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2026. He will be remembered for his love of, and dedication to family and friends. Ken will live forever, both in …

Gerald ‘Brent’ Rasmussen

Gerald "Brent" Rasmussen, 74, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Orem, Utah. Brent was born on September 15, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Gerald Jay and Janice Marie Bodley …

Pauline Mae Hill

Pauline Mae Hill, 93, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026. Pauline was born on September 1, 1932, to the late Lemuel Matthew Spencer and Mary Esther Ross. She graduated from Pittsburg …

Joseph 'Joe' T. Ortega

Joseph “Joe” T. Ortega, 74, a longtime resident of Alamosa and former resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026. Joseph was born on February 17, 1952, to the late Louie Ortega and Eva Valdez. Joe was a proud graduate of Monte Vista High School, Class of 1970.

More obituaries

Web Extra Content

Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time

(BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human …

5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year

(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …

How to stay healthier this year: Schedule your flu shot

(BPT) - It's that time of year again: Temperatures are dropping, kids are heading back to school — and cold and flu season isn't far behind. To help you and your family stay healthier this fall …

5 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Shrink Your Injury Claim

(NewsUSA) - After a car crash, dealing with injuries, medical appointments and vehicle repairs can be overwhelming enough. Then comes another challenge: dealing with insurance companies.While …

Running a small business means making sacrifices. Are they permanent?

Rocket Lawyer reports that small business owners often sacrifice time and income for flexibility and control, but these sacrifices can become permanent if not reassessed.