Salida Daily Digest Thursday, July 16, 2026
Ty's Take
Both valleys are betting on water this week—Buena Vista chasing grant money for a new well while the state keeps stocking the ponds and the commissioners hash over what the deer are doing to the landscape. That's the rhythm up here: you're either securing your supply or managing what you've got, and usually both at once. The Fourth of July parades will come and go, the pocket parks will fill with people, and by August the river will be running hard with Front Range money in the boats. But the real work, the unglamorous stuff that keeps a mountain town breathing, that's happening in the planning meetings and the grant applications and the hard conversations about what wild animals do when humans keep building up the valley. Nobody gets a ribbon for it, but Chaffee County doesn't run without it.
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Ark Valley Voice
BV Trustees and BV School Board Approve Pursuit of Grant for Well Construction
Buena Vista's town board and school board have jointly approved moving forward with a grant application to fund construction of a well at Buena Vista High School. The well project, which has been in discussion between the two boards, will support the school's outdoor irrigation needs.
Town of Buena Vista Gets Public Input on Parks, Recreation, and Transportation Priorities
Residents of Buena Vista shared their priorities for parks, recreation, and transportation during a recent community open house for the town's master plan. Attendees used interactive boards and maps to provide input on how they'd like to see these services developed.
Everyone Invited to Grand Opening of Salida’s Newest Pocket Park
Salida is hosting a grand opening celebration on July 29 for the new Duck Inn Pocket Park along the Arkansas River. The project was developed collaboratively by Boy Scout Troop 60, local parks organizations, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Tickets Available for a Day with Dr. Temple Grandin in Salida Presented by Achieve Inc.
Achieve Inc., a nonprofit job training organization for neurodivergent individuals in Chaffee County, is hosting author and advocate Dr. Temple Grandin in Salida on August 7. The daylong event will focus on inclusion, practical wisdom, and the strengths of neurodiverse workers.
Prebunking Is an Essential Function of a Free and Independent Press
Ark Valley Voice examines the role of local journalism in fact-checking and preventing misinformation before it spreads. The opinion piece discusses recent federal developments affecting independent commissions and the press's responsibility to inform communities.
Barnyard Bash Returns to Turner Farm this Saturday
The annual Barnyard Bash returns to Turner Farm in Buena Vista on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by BV Heritage. The family-friendly event will feature baby animals, live music, storytelling, scavenger hunts, and crafts for children.
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The Mountain Mail
Commissioners discuss CPW deer management, ROSI variance
Chaffee County commissioners are urging Colorado Parks and Wildlife to prioritize habitat connections and road safety as the state considers lowering population targets for two mule deer herds in the region. CPW has proposed reducing the Cottonwood Creek herd objective from 6,300-7,700 deer to...
CPW releases 300 trout in Monarch Park ponds
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 300 rainbow trout into three rehabilitated ponds at Monarch Park on July 13, completing a two-year restoration project. The partnership effort between CPW, the Forest Service, and local groups removed sediment buildup and restored stream flow to create a new...
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Poncha celebrates Fourth of July with parade, games
Poncha Springs celebrated Independence Day with a traditional parade and games held in Chipeta Park. The community event brought residents together for Fourth of July festivities.
Salida Fourth parade, celebration are festive, hot
Salida marked the Fourth of July with a festive parade and celebration despite hot summer temperatures. The community came together for the annual holiday event.
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