ASD leader named 2025 Colorado Elementary Distinguished Principal of the Year

ASD Elementary 3-5 Principal Michelle Wilson has been named 2025 Colorado Elementary Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives. Wilson was selected for this honor by a committee of Colorado elementary principals as part of a highly competitive process.

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. 
Classifieds

Classifieds: Friday, March 14, 2025

163 LOST & FOUND FOUND: SINGLE KEY ON KEYCHAIN on Main Street. Please call 719-588-2811 to describe and claim.  (3/19/25) 173 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BROKEN DENTURES! Teeth …
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Frank Wirth will be Alamosa's next Fire Chief.
Wirth to serve as City of Alamosa's new Fire Chief
ALAMOSA – The City of Alamosa recently announced that Frank Wirth has accepted the offer to serve as Alamosa’s next Fire Chief.  Chief Wirth has an extensive career in fire service …
Virtual town hall with Senator Hickenlooper March 12 5-6pm
Hickenlooper holding virtual town hall March 12
Senator John Hickenlooper discusses issues and answers constituents' questions at virtual town hall on Wednesday, March 12, 5 to 6 p.m.
Architectural model of Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center. Backed by city council, Mayor Ty Coleman issues a challenge to the community to raise funds for the construction of the facility. The City of Alamosa has allocated $50,000 in funds to match that amount donated by the community. ‘I cannot stress just how important this is,’ Coleman says.
Mayor issues challenge to community
ALAMOSA — Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman has issued a “Mayor’s Challenge” to the community at large, encouraging anyone and everyone to donate funds toward construction of the Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center in Alamosa.   
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. 
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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. 
Bernie Tomas Lovato
Bernie Tomas Lovato passed away at the age of 78 in Albuquerque, N.M. He was born on Sept. 22, 1946, to Bernardino and Annie Lovato. He lived all his life, except for the last 8 months, in Center and Monte Vista. 
Philip Gene West
Philip Gene West, 82, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 8, 2025. Born on Feb. 20, 1943, Phil dedicated his life to his family, work, and the community he loved. A man of tremendous work ethic, Phil spent 35 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and an additional 22 years with Alamosa County Road and Bridge. He took immense pride in his work, always ensuring the job was done right. 
Leo Joe Mora Sr.
Leo J. Mora Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 7, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on July 30, 1931, in Albuquerque, N.M., Leo was the son of Remijio Ricardo Mora and Encarnacion Romero Mora. 
Maria Elena Lozoya
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Maria Elena Lozoya, lovingly known as Helen, at the age of 69. Born on Jan. 5, 1956, to Meliton Dominguez and Delfina Garcia Dominguez in Alamosa, Colo. 
Community
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. 
Sports
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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. 

The second-ranked Sanford High School girls basketball team advanced to the Class 2A semifinals with a 51-37 win over seventh-ranked Hoehne. 
DENVER – The season concluded for the Alamosa High School girls basketball team after it was defeated by Holy Family, 58-39, in the Class 4A State Tournament quarterfinals Wednesday at the Denver Coliseum. 
ALAMOSA – The fifth-ranked Alamosa High School girls basketball team won a pair of games in Class 4A regional tournament action at the AHS gym to qualify for the Class 4A Great 8. First …
Opinion
Scientists being punished for seeking the truth
In August 1939, Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard sent a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt concerning the possible power of nuclear weapon development. They described the massive destructive power of a few pounds of purified Uranium in terms of one bomb destroying an entire port and the surrounding countryside.  
Hope is in our action
Recently, Obama sent a post with the subject line: Hope.  I am wondering if any Valley Courier reader is struggling with this issue. I do until I go ahead and write Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper.
Standing up to a bully
In our lives, it is inevitable that, at some point, we will encounter a bully. It is never easy to stand up to someone who is bigger, louder, and has more power. It is always a situation full of risk.   
ASU is committed to the San Luis Valley
Over the last couple of months, I have been visiting San Luis Valley middle/high schools, and having a blast. The purpose of the visits includes sharing the benefits of a college education, not just academics but student life on campus that creates lifelong friends and memories. 
When love is repudiated
The sudden closing by the Trump administration of the USAID (Agency for International Development) missions in over a hundred countries worldwide has sent shockwaves globally. Almost all of its approximately 10,000 employees stationed around the world have been summarily laid off.
Features
Mollie Hostetter as Holly Wonderland in ‘Christmastown: A Holiday Noir’ on stage at SLV Federal Bank Main Stage Theatre on the ASU Campus.  

A hilarious play not to be missed

In the midst of sentimental Hallmark Christmas movies and those beloved holiday classics that come around every year, “Christmastime: A Holiday Noir” is a delightful and unexpected surprise, especially for those seeking a different story but one still focused on Christmas.  
The Candlelight Service will be at the Calvary Blanca Church, 607 Broadway, Blanca, on Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.  

Christmas music in candlelight 

BLANCA — The Calvary Blanca Church, 607 Broadway, Blanca, will host a unique and free Candlelight Service at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. 

Colorado Music Hall of Fame creates Colorado music survey

DENVER — Colorado Music Hall of Fame (The Hall) invites residents, visitors and music and tourism stakeholders to share their vision for Colorado’s music scene through a newly launched survey. 
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