ALAMOSA — During Wednesday night’s Alamosa City Council meeting, homelessness in several areas was a topic of discussion. 

ALAMOSA — Sandra Hostetter, Alamosa County Assessor, is retiring at the end of 2024. She has served as the Alamosa County Assessor since 2003.  Prior to being elected, she worked as an appraiser in the office. In all, Hostetter has served the citizens of Alamosa County for 32 years. 

ALAMOSA — The weather may have been a little chilly Thursday night outside of the Alamosa High School stadium, but the atmosphere enjoyed by grandparents, parents and kids at the annual St. Nick at the Bricks event was warm, cheerful and full of holiday spirit.  And, just in case some people might have been a little cold, outdoor space heaters were scattered around the area that provided plenty of heat for those who needed it. 

Firefighters and deputies with Alamosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a structure fire Thursday night. The incident is currently being investigated as possible case of arson.

ALAMOSA — The holiday season always signals an abundance of fun stuff going on, and 2024 in the San Luis Valley is no exception. What follows is a glimpse of some of the happenings coming up this weekend. 

ALAMOSA – Downtown Alamosa is ready to light up with holiday cheer as the annual First Fridays Shine Bright and Shop Small event kicks off the season in style. The festive evening begins at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. with the magical Celebration of Lights Ceremony, featuring live music by Matt Wellman, sweet treats, and a countdown to the official lighting ceremony. 

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa City Council will be addressing a variety of issues during Wednesday night’s meeting, including a proposed annual registration fee of $500 for vacant buildings located in Alamosa’s central business district. 

Treat - a free app available in Google Play - allows people to play and have a real impact on the lives of shelter dogs, including dogs at SLV Animal Welfare Society.

ALAMOSA — On Thanksgiving Day, La Puente in Alamosa opened its doors for a large community dinner. According to Lance Cheslock, Executive Director of La Puente, over 200 attended the gathering, and 75 meals were delivered to unhoused individuals. 

ALAMOSA – The Valley Courier is adjusting its print schedule to two days a week, down from its current four days a week. The VC’s print edition will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting Dec. 11.  

ALAMOSA — Anyone concerned about the world's state needs to spend about 15 minutes with the students on the Mini Moose Crew at Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 because these 18 kids could teach a masterclass in inspiration and caring for others. 

CRESTONE — Over the past two decades, the Crestone/Baca Grande communities have come together for an annual Crestone Community Thanksgiving celebration potluck. This tradition is a testament to shared values of gratitude, community, camaraderie and unity at the event. 

COLORADO — Residents of the San Luis Valley who are traveling over the Thanksgiving week for outdoor activities should pay close attention to avalanche and road conditions.  

ALAMOSA — Don Richmond is taking the stage at Society Hall Saturday night for a solo performance. In recent years, this has become an unusual thing for Richmond to do, given the number of performances he has booked and his other interests.  

CONEJOS — Due to a fire in the Conejos County Courthouse on Aug. 29, the courthouse remains closed until further notice. Most offices are open in the Department of Social Services building nearby. There were no injuries related to the fire. 

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 — It may have been a long process involving multiple negotiations with Alamosa City Council and Alamosa Planning Commission over numerous issues ranging from variances in ordinances to selling swag and enrollment caps, but less than 24 hours after reaching an agreement with the city council, the Alamosa School District (ASD) purchased the building formerly known as Friday in downtown Alamosa for district use as offices and classroom space.  

BLANCA – The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Blanca police are looking for two suspects who allegedly broke into a fully marked Blanca Police Department vehicle and stole a black patrol rifle. 

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.