WASHINGTON D.C. — Due to a looming budget cut, the US Forest Service will not hire about 2,400 seasonal jobs nationally for the next fiscal year, leaving them out of work and putting essential recreation and conservation work at risk. 

SAN LUIS — According to Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez, a tourist was walking near the Stations of the Cross footpath on Saturday afternoon when he spotted the lifeless body of a man under the bridge that crosses Rito Seco Creek at the intersection of Highway 142 and 159 in San Luis. Sanchez says the report came into the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office at 3:50 p.m. 

ALAMOSA – The Valley Courier is proud to announce the 2024 Miss Merry Christmas and Little Miss and Mister Christmas for 2024. This tradition has been a part of the newspaper for more than 30 years. 

"It's M-E-L-E-D-Y, because my parents just had to be different." Perhaps Jack and Helen knew exactly what they were doing when they named their youngest child, as her sweet southern drawl was musical even when she was angry (which wasn't often). I could give you all the ordinary details of Meledy's life- where she was born, graduated high school, worked, etc. but I am not sure this captures her extraordinary nature. It also feels too final, like there is only a beginning and an end instead of a song that continues to live in everything she loved. Instead, I would like to tell you where I believe you will still find her. 

Michael Clyde “Mike” Crowther died Nov. 22, 2024, in Greenehaven, Ariz. He was born March 19, 1959, in Alamosa, Colo., to Betty Jo Vernon and Wayne Nelson Crowther. He married Robin Haynie on Dec. 17, 1982, in Sargent, Colo., and they had three children. He was an Air Force Veteran and well-known Contractor. 

Alberta Elaine Quintana, born on May 19, 1952, in Center, Colo., passed away peacefully at her home in Alamosa, Colo., on Oct. 11, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving daughter, Angel Quintana, and Angel's partner, Lance Refior. 

Ernestine "Tina" Lujan, 80, of Denver, CO, sadly took her last breath on Sunday, November 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

CAPULIN – John J. Quintana, 88, a beloved pillar of his community, born under the Colorado sun in Capulin on the 29th day of June 1936, to Jose and Maria (Trujillo) Quintana.  He was called …

WOLF CREEK – Wolf Creek Ski Area is thrilled to celebrate its 85th anniversary with special happenings throughout the 2024-25 season. Fun activities will offer skiers and snowboarders a variety of prizes along with swag giveaways. Every event will have a free sticker for participants to collect.

CREEDE – Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) Artistic Director Emily Van Fleet sat down with the Mineral County Miner to talk about the coming 60th season at the small-town theatre and is excited to bring a new twist to the productions audiences have come to love time and again. 

ALAMOSA – San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited invites all interested individuals to their annual "Flies and Lies" Holiday Social at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Spare Keg Brewerks, 625 Main St., Alamosa. 

The cold early winter day dawned a few hours ago and I find myself still at the kitchen table sipping coffee and scrolling through Facebook. With my rear end finally getting numb enough to force a move, I slowly rise from the chair, finally ready to start the day's first task. Dressed in my light winter gear I jump in the pick-up and drive the short quarter mile to the local Christmas tree lot and park off to the side. The fenced area houses 50 or so trees lying on the ground, wrapped tightly in nets just waiting to snap open and display their true beauty. The lucky ones have already been placed in a metal stand and confidently stretch their limbs to show just how many ornaments they can hold. I select the best one I can find and only minutes after arrival, I jump back in the truck and... 

President Donald Trump’s first term was a disaster for America’s public lands. While the prospects for his second term are even more bleak, Westerners across the political spectrum — even those who voted for Trump — stand ready to oppose attempts to sell off America’s public lands to the highest bidder. 

At the time this is printed and circulated, most of you will have already had your turkey bird dinner on Thanksgiving and maybe even had the obligatory nap afterwards. And as written about in the last column, Ol’ Dutch and Miss Trixie will be with my son Bub’s and his family for the celebration and eats. 

I recall growing up that all the old people would say that time goes faster the older you get. And while it actually does not speed up, it sure seems like time flies as a person ages. This past year seems to be a true example of that as it came and went like a Banshee. And having said that, one might surely ask “Ol’ Dutch. What in the world is a Banshee?” 

Last weekend we set our clocks back one hour to officially end what is known as Daylight Savings Time (DST.) Which in name alone is the silliest thing a person could ever say as no matter how you tally up the hours in a day, you can't save any for future use.  A Native American when told about DST said, “only a white man can believe that if you cut a foot off the top of a blanket and sew it on the bottom that you would be left with a longer blanket.” And he was exactly right as days are just 24 hours long no matter how you slice it or dice it. 

At Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Linda Carpenter, M.D., talks about the successful completion of clinical trials she led for a wearable, take-home device to treat depression.

(BPT) - Traveling for the holidays? Whether you're having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma's house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you'll find the roads jam packed. According to a …

Tryptophan, found in food, is an important ingredient in the neurotransmitter serotonin. But is that enough to support it as a possible mood booster? The research is decidedly mixed.

(BPT) - The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce …

(NAPSI)—Technology is making it easier for people to manage their health—in ways that may surprise you.   Wearables in conjunction with health apps are transforming how people manage their …