Salida Daily Digest Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ty's Take
A thousand new homes in ten years sounds like progress until you live here and watch it happen. The housing study that landed this week confirms what anybody driving through town already knows: we're growing, fast, and most of us can't afford to stay. That's not a complaint about newcomers—this valley has always drawn people looking for something better—but there's a difference between growth that builds on what a place is and growth that erases it. Rafters and artists and ranchers and working families made Salida what it is. The question nobody's answered yet is whether there's room for all of us in whatever comes next.
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Ark Valley Voice
Chaffee County Needs More Than 1,000 New Homes Over Next Decade, Preliminary Study Finds
A preliminary housing assessment shows Chaffee County needs to build more than 1,070 new housing units over the next decade to meet population growth and job expansion. The study, which will be presented to the Salida City Council, addresses current housing shortages affecting the region.
Poncha Springs Tables State-Mandated Wildfire Resiliency Code
Poncha Springs trustees delayed action on a state-mandated wildfire resiliency building code during a July 28 hearing, citing concerns about construction costs and questions about implementation. The board postponed the ordinance rather than approve it at this time.
Pretty Lights announced a new multi-night concept for the 2026 Yahn Dawn festival called A Trip Thru Time, which will chronicle the artist's catalog chronologically across three consecutive headlining performances. Single-day tickets are now available for the event.
US-50 sewer project moves toward Salida, road closures expected in September
The US-50 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project between Poncha Springs and Salida is moving into Salida in early September, bringing temporary road closures and detours to the area. The City of Salida announced the project milestone this week.
Salida Police Dept. Cancels Contract With Flock Safety
The Salida Police Department has ended its contract with Flock Safety and will discontinue use of automated license plate readers in the city. The decision followed recent damage to the cameras and internal discussions about privacy concerns.
Custer County Sheriff Appears to Declare He’s Above the Law
Custer County Sheriff Lloyd Smith has publicly opposed a 2025 state law creating a process for residents to purchase firearm safety devices without licensing. The sheriff's stance marks a significant public dispute with Colorado state law.
Colorado Takes Major Step Toward Stronger State-Nonprofit Partnerships
House Bill 26-1274 took effect August 12, expanding Colorado's ability to make advance payments to nonprofit grant recipients. The new law strengthens partnerships between state government and nonprofits while improving service delivery efficiency.
Arkansas River Flows this Summer, and the Health of its Gold-Medal Fishery
With hotter-than-normal temperatures dropping the Arkansas River level this summer, the Bureau of Reclamation released 30 cubic feet per second daily from Twin Lakes Reservoir to protect the river's gold-medal fishery. The additional water flow began in mid-August.
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The Mountain Mail
Filling in the gaps: SMTs' growing maintenance efforts
Salida Mountain Trails is expanding its trail maintenance work from 70 miles to 100 miles as federal land agencies face significant staffing cuts in 2025. The nonprofit has grown its volunteer hours and staff to fill the gap left by reduced federal capacity in the Salida area.
SHS mountain bike team releases jersey celebrating Sites
Salida High School's mountain bike team designed commemorative jerseys honoring Kaden Sites, who died in April, with all proceeds going to Chaffee County Search and Rescue South. The design features lizards, fish, and a tree symbolizing Sites' love of nature and his impact on the cycling community.
SPD cancels contract with Flock Safety, Sheriff unmoved
The Salida Police Department canceled its contract with Flock Safety after community concerns about privacy and data retention, along with recent camera vandalism. The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office indicated it will keep its five cameras, citing their role in saving a child's life.
Op-ed: School board president welcomes new school year
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Roundup: Catch a pig, 50th reunion and live art
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Brewers Rendezvous sees returning vendors and attendees
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