Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Friday, June 26, 2026
Ty's Take
Three kids from Escalante got their shot this year, and that matters more than most of the noise coming down from Santa Fe these days. In a valley where families have worked the same land for four, five, sometimes six generations, every young person who gets a scholarship is one less reason for them to leave—and one more reason to come back. The school board's been in turmoil, the utility bills are climbing, and yeah, the city's bleeding money. But out here in June, what people remember is which of their neighbors' kids made it. That's the real story.
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Rio Grande SUN
2026 Scholarships Awarded to 3 Outstanding Escalante Students
The Chama Peak Land Alliance has awarded 2026 conservation scholarships to three graduating seniors from Escalante High School. The organization, dedicated to responsible land and water stewardship across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, selected students based on their written...
The Española Public Library is hosting Mission Impossible on Thursday, June 25, offering visitors an action-packed adventure with laser obstacles and special missions to complete. Community members can submit event announcements for Northern Briefs to jgarcia@riograndesun.com by noon each Monday.
Is the State of California Reaching Critical Mass?
A commentary examines California's ongoing struggles, citing the state's highest income and gas taxes in the nation, poor road rankings, and significant population loss of 250,000 to 350,000 residents annually. The piece argues these factors paint a picture of systemic state decline.
New Mexico: ‘A Brilliant Destiny Awaits Her’
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, a historian reflects on New Mexico's overlooked place in American history, tracing the territory's significance from 1851 when it joined the United States following the Mexican-American War. The piece highlights New Mexico's proud contributions often...
‘Our Lives, Our Fortunes and Our Sacred Honor’
In a column series commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary, a contributor examines the Declaration of Independence signers' pledge to stake their lives and honor on American independence. The piece explores the signers' awareness of the risks they faced from British rule.
Woman’s Murder Trial Set for July
Española resident Stephanie Salazar is scheduled to stand trial in July on first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges related to the February 2024 death of Chimayó woman Carmela Moreno. The trial marks the second court proceeding in the case for the 36-year-old defendant.
Eleven high school interns spent two weeks surveying and documenting petroglyphs at the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project this month. The summer program combined educational work identifying ancient human activity with outdoor learning during the sunny season.
Board Makes More Changes to Acting Super’s Contract
The Chama Valley Board of Education approved a new standalone contract for acting superintendent Ira Harge Jr., effective July 1, consolidating previous temporary agreements. The contract replaces multiple amendments and supplemental compensation deals made earlier this year.
The Española City Council is revisiting an ordinance passed in November 2024 that raised utility rates for all residential and commercial customers. City leaders plan to review both the voting process and implementation of the fee increases.
City Still Faces More Than $1.5M Deficit
The Española City Council's Finance Committee is grappling with a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 that still faces a $1.5 million deficit even after department-wide cuts. The shortfall must be addressed before the state's first deadline, leaving little time for solutions.
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