No SNAP benefits distributed in November

As the shutdown continues while Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to disagree on extending health care subsidies, Governor Polis issued a statement last week informing SNAP beneficiaries that no benefits will be issued in November.

La Puente Exec Dir Lance Cheslock to transition to support position

Lance Cheslock – Chief Executive Director for La Puente – will be transitioning from his role at the helm of the organization to a more supportive role, making way for a new Chief Executive Director to lead.

Funding lapse ends ASU College Assistance Migrant Program

After 52 years of supporting students from farmworker families, Adams State University has discontinued its College Assistance Migrant Program, known as CAMP.

Fugitive Paul Sandoval captured in rugged Alamosa County mountains after 4 years on the run

A fugitive who had been on the run for nearly four years. Paul Sandoval, wanted in Alamosa County on multiple felony warrants including sexual assault on a child, was taken into custody on Sunday morning in rugged mountain terrain near Blanca Peak.
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The US Marshal in Colorado and Alamosa County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the manhunt has ended for Paul Sandoval, wanted in alleged connection to the 2021 aggravated assault of a child. Sandoval is now in custody.
UPDATE: Manhunt on Blanca Peak ends Sunday morning with armed and dangerous suspect in custody
On Sunday morning, US Marshals and ACSO confirmed that Paul Sandoval, wanted in connection with the aggravated assault of a child, is in cusody.
Bomb Threat at San Luis Valley Regional Airport
At noon on Wednesday, October 8, the FBI notified APD of a social media post threatening to detonate an explosive device at SLV Regional Airport in Alamosa along with information on a potential suspect.
ICE agents surround Alamosa resident Jose Aguilera, one drawing his weapon and the other shattering the car window, as they detain him on an immigration warrant on Sept. 25.
ICE agents draw weapon, break car window while arresting Alamosa man
Three ICE agents - including one brandishing a gun - arrested and detained Alamosa resident Jose Aguilera on Thursday. Aguilera, who has been gainfully employed in Alamosa for the last six years, has no criminal record or history of violent behavior.
The San Luis Valley Potato Festival is set for Sept. 6 at Chapman Park in Monte Vista.
MONTE VISTA – This year’s San Luis Valley Potato Festival is sure to be a hot and tasty one, with a freshly harvested Colorado potato and potato bar, along with all the other exciting activities the festival always has to offer.
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Obituaries
Jennie Maybeth Paulson-Peterson
Jennie (Bonnie) Maybeth Paulson-Peterson (Winters), 84, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was a beacon of light and positivity who left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. 
Lori Lynn Hunter
Lori Hunter, 61, of Alamosa, Colorado, passed away on October 1, 2025. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and carried the warmth and generosity of her Midwestern roots throughout her life. 
Anna C. Archuleta-Lopez
Anna C. Archuleta-Lopez passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025.  She was born on March 25, 1968 to Fred Lopez and Nadine Jaramillo-Lopez. 
Edna E. Martinez
Edna E. Martinez, aged 96, peacefully passed away on October 6th, 2025, in Alamosa, Colorado, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born on May 31st, 1929, in the historic town of Fort …
Phyllis Eileen Kline
Phyllis Eileen Kline, a woman of vibrant spirit and joyful heart, graced this world with her presence when she was born on September 12, 1935, in Monte Vista, Colorado. Phyllis blessed all who knew her with unwavering warmth and wisdom and passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Alamosa, Colorado. Known by her friends and family for her passionate spirit, she leaves behind a legacy of love and determination that will be remembered by all. 
Community
Caroline Keizer, from La Puente, is the artist who, along with her mother, Gina Louise, created this new mural in the Milagros Coffee House in Alamosa.  
Milagros Coffee House shines with a welcoming mural
ALAMOSA — Patrons to Milagros Coffee House in Alamosa are now greeted by a large mural covering most of the back interior wall, which celebrates the welcoming values of the popular spot.  
The SLV Big Band concert is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. 
The SLV Big Band to play Cole Park on Sunday
ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Live Music Association is providing free live music in Cole Park with its Sundays at Six concert series.  The SLV Big Band concert is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, at 6 p.m. This local favorite will bring their powerhouse of sound, which brings the golden age of jazz roaring back to life. Check them out at www.facebook.com/groups/slvbigband/.  
Headwater’s Music Festival.  
Exciting festivals of music and theatre in Creede
CREEDE — For those who feel like getting out of town for a weekend before the summer’s over but don’t want to travel too far, there are some promising events going on in Creede at the end of the month.  
Sports
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Ethan Merrick

Thirteen SLV cross country runners named All-State

ALAMOSA – The Colorado High School Activities Association released its All-State cross country teams on Tuesday with 13 athletes from the San Luis Valley being recognized. The All-State …

ALAMOSA – The Colorado High School Activities Association named its All-State softball teams on Monday. The All-State teams for all three classifications are posted on the CHSAANow.com web …
ALAMOSA MEAN MOOSE 6-3, 4-1 Aug. 29 At Monte Vista 6-3   W Sept. 5 At Banning Lewis 33-13 W Sept. 12 PUEBLO CENTRAL 14-21 L Sept. 26 DELTA 14-48 L Oct. 3 BAYFIELD* …
COLORADO SPRINGS – The Colorado High School Activities Association hosted the annual state cross country meet Saturday at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Class 3A boys The Alamosa …
Opinion
Gratitude
It is November, and in the US this means it is time to think about Thanksgiving and gratitude. Gratitude, derived from the Latin word gratia, means gratefulness or thankfulness. I have researched what it does to our minds and bodies a bit. However, I will not provide footnotes of my sources. If you are more interested in them, please contact me. 
How many hats do you wear?
Now that winter is tiptoeing into the Valley, I have been wondering where my winter hat is.   
The bugs or dreads of autumn 
This morning, I felt a big sharp stab in my back. Feeling very much like a potato bug scouting for cover or wasp was under my Van Gogh tunic, I jumped up and out of my bed. I involuntarily screamed, “No, get-out-a-here!” My voice shrieked again. “OH, my god, what is going on?” No music, none, zilch, nada. just screams and slapping my back with my clutched and rolled leisure bra. Then scrambling to the bathroom to see if the mirrors in the cabinet could be situated to show me my back. As near as I could stand, there was no evidence of a bug anywhere! 
Quick civility check-in 
At City Council’s retreat in June, we discussed a topic that has become more and more important for many municipalities:  civility. The Colorado Municipal League defines Civility as the steadfast practice of respect, even in disagreement, that fosters constructive dialogue and connection, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person. 
The West is on fire as Washington fans the flames
Staffing and budget cuts at federal land management agencies aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet, writes Tracy Stone-Manning, president of the Wilderness Society. They indicate empty ranger stations and wildfire teams stretched so thin they can’t keep up. Though people of all backgrounds celebrated when we stopped Congress from selling off our public lands earlier this summer, she warns, a clear pattern is emerging: Shrink these agencies until they cannot function, then claim that selling off or industrializing our public lands is the only solution. Stone-Manning asks people who care about public lands to demand full funding of national parks and forests and to stand together in defense of the places that belong to all of us.
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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2 Practical Solutions to Improve Office Productivity
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Happy paw-lidays! How to keep it festive with furry family members
(BPT) - With the holiday season fast approaching, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos.If you're worried about how you and your pet can enjoy the festivities safely, you're not alone. A recent …