Salida Daily Digest Wednesday, July 08, 2026
Ty's Take
The Aspen Acres and Willow fires have us watching the sky the way we used to watch the snowpack—checking forecasts like they're water reports, because out here the two aren't that different anymore. Rain coming Tuesday might help containment or might spark run-up behavior, and either way we're holding our breath, and the folks still displaced are holding theirs harder. Solvista's running free support groups for people still sorting through what got burned and what they lost, which is the kind of quiet work that doesn't make headlines but keeps a community from fracturing when the flames finally go out. For now, the weather's the story, and it always is.
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Ark Valley Voice
Letter to the Editor: A Path Forward for VandaVeer– Restoring the River, Keeping Room to Roam
The Salida Canine Access Coalition is pushing back against proposed changes to VanderVeer Natural Area that would eliminate the off-leash dog area families have used for nearly two decades. The group wants residents to understand that the city's updated plans no longer preserve this popular...
Solvista Health Offering Free Support Groups for People Affected by the Willow Fire
Solvista Health is offering free support groups for Willow Fire survivors through Saturday, July 11, with sessions available both online and in person at their Leadville office from 5 to 6 p.m. The community health organization is helping residents process the impact of the recent fire.
Buena Vista Recreation and Outdoor Master Plan Open House Set for Thursday
Buena Vista Parks and Recreation is hosting an open house Thursday evening at the community center to gather public feedback on its Recreation and Outdoor Master Plan. Residents are encouraged to stop by between 5 and 8 p.m. to share their input on the town's recreation priorities.
Showers and Thunderstorms Expected Over Aspen Acres Fire Area, Containment Grows
The Aspen Acres Fire is growing in containment as weather patterns shift, with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office releasing drone footage to help displaced residents assess their properties. Anticipated showers and thunderstorms in the burn area could complicate fire behavior in coming days.
Salida City Council To Consider Data Center Moratorium, Wildfire Code, Public Notice Change
Salida City Council will vote Tuesday on a temporary pause on new data center development, adoption of wildfire safety codes, and a ballot measure aimed at reducing public notice publishing costs. The council meeting begins at 6 p.m. and addresses growth management and community resilience.
The Willow Fire has burned 4,333 acres with minimal containment, and 628 personnel are actively fighting the blaze near Leadville as incoming thunderstorms threaten to shift fire behavior unpredictably. Current evacuation zones remain unchanged, though some residents were allowed to return to...
Inaugural Arkansas Valley Car Show Rolls into Buena Vista July 11
Buena Vista will host its first Arkansas Valley Car Show on July 11 at the regional airport, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with early registration beginning at 7 a.m. for a $40 entry fee.
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