Antonito Daily Digest Thursday, July 16, 2026
Ty's Take
When a high-speed chase ends with the sheriff's people having to call in SWAT, and bears are hungry enough to wander down into Creede looking for trouble, and the state's telling anglers to back off two stretches of the Rio Grande—well, that's the valley talking. Water's tight, game's stressed, and people are getting edgy behind the wheel. The Golden Circle of Champions did what it does best on Saturday, reminding us that the heart of this place still knows how to gather around something that matters. Meantime, the missing hiker walked back out on his own, which is how we prefer these stories to end. The county commissioners are at least trying to move on the DA question—put it in front of voters come November and let folks have their say. Some weeks you get three problems and a lesson mixed together.
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Conejos County Citizen
High-speed chase ends in SWAT arrest of Alamosa man
A 43-year-old Alamosa man wanted on multiple warrants was arrested Wednesday following a high-speed chase and SWAT standoff in Monte Vista. Daniel Mascarenas fled deputies in a white Escalade on Tuesday morning before abandoning the vehicle and eluding searchers overnight, ultimately being...
Golden Circle of Champions touches hearts on Saturday
The Ski-Hi Stampede honored three local families battling childhood cancer by presenting them with belt buckles and cowboy hats during Saturday's rodeo event. The event raised funds through a partnership with the Golden Circle of Champions, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing the...
SLV BOCC votes to place DA term limits on November ballot
San Luis Valley county commissioners voted overwhelmingly to place a ballot measure in November asking voters whether to eliminate term limits for the district attorney position in the 12th Judicial District. If approved by voters, the change would take effect with the 2028 election, allowing the...
Yearling bear causes stir in Creede as drought drives wildlife into town
A young black bear has been prowling Creede, entering homes and businesses through open doors as drought conditions drive wildlife toward town searching for food. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging residents to actively discourage the animal by making noise and securing their doors, warning that...
CPW implements voluntary fishing closures on two stretches of the Rio Grande
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented voluntary afternoon fishing closures on two stretches of the Rio Grande due to dangerously low water flows and high temperatures threatening fish populations. The closures, in effect from noon to midnight daily, aim to protect the river's Gold Medal fish...
Valley Courier office temporarily closed for renovations
The Valley Courier's Alamosa office at 2205 State Avenue will remain closed temporarily while the building undergoes necessary renovations with no reopening date yet determined. Staff continue serving the community remotely and remain available to help with subscriptions, delivery questions, and...
Missing hiker found safe after two days in wilderness
A prospector missing near Fox Mountain in Mineral County for over two days was found safe Tuesday afternoon after a multiagency search effort involving ground teams and specialized drones. The man, who intended only a half-mile hike before becoming lost, was located thanks to coordinated efforts...
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