Salida Daily Digest Saturday, July 04, 2026
Ty's Take
Fire season's here early and tight, water's running low even before the heat hits hardest, and somebody wants to turn Chaffee County into a server farm—all while we're about to close the offices and light off fireworks. The Fourth still matters in a town like Salida, parade and all, but this year it lands in the middle of what amounts to a working fire alert and a real drought that's got folks turning off their sprinklers and the county's power company raising rates. If you're heading downtown for the festivities, keep an eye on the closure zones around Willow and Aspen Acres, and maybe use the crowd as a chance to think about what kind of valley we're actually trying to keep here—the kind that runs on water and forest, not data pipes.
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Ark Valley Voice
SDCEA Announces Rate Changes as of July 1
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association implemented a new rate structure for members effective July 1, with the changes appearing on August billing statements. The cooperative says the adjusted rates balance cost pressures while serving the community's energy needs.
Salida Preps For Parade And Full Day And Night Of Fun On July 4
Salida is hosting a free Fourth of July celebration Saturday featuring a festive parade down F Street at 1 p.m. and family activities throughout the day and evening at Riverside Park. Town crews are preparing venues to welcome residents and visitors for the holiday festivities.
Victor Marx Pulls Ahead of Barb Kirkmeyer for Republican Governor Nomination
Victor Marx has taken a narrow lead over Barb Kirkmeyer in Colorado's Republican gubernatorial primary race, with less than one percentage point separating the candidates as of Thursday evening. The tight contest remains one of the most competitive races from the June 30 primary election.
Aspen Acres Fire Update Presentation Set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3
The Alaska Complex Incident Management Team will host a live fire information presentation Friday at 6:30 p.m. regarding the Aspen Acres Fire, which will be streamed on Facebook with opportunities for public questions. The presentation will also be recorded for those unable to attend the live event.
Local Governments’ Closures for Fourth of July Holiday
Chaffee County government offices and other local agencies will be closed July 2-4 to observe the Fourth of July holiday. County residents should plan ahead for services during the closure period.
Willow Fire Grows Slightly, Closure Area is Expanded and Shooting Restriction Enacted
The Willow Fire has grown to 2,355 acres with zero containment as 342 personnel continue firefighting efforts, and its cause remains undetermined. Lake County has expanded closure areas and implemented shooting restrictions on county land while maintaining Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Salida imposes outdoor watering restrictions amid drought conditions
Salida has implemented outdoor watering restrictions effective immediately in response to drought conditions threatening the city's water supply. Residents must now water on alternating days based on house numbers and are limited to irrigation during cooler hours.
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The Mountain Mail
Council will vote on blocking data centers July 7
Salida City Council will vote July 7 on temporarily blocking data center development while awaiting state legislation to address the facilities' impact on water and electricity resources. The council will also clarify removal procedures for council members and vote on wildfire prevention code...
Commissioners will discuss sustainability, rezoning
Chaffee County commissioners will meet July 7 to discuss sustainability initiatives, hear a rezoning proposal for Garfield properties, and consider liquor license applications and renewals for three entities. The board will also continue a hearing on a water agreement with Pueblo Water and address...
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