Salida Daily Digest Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Ty's Take
Building codes get boring fast until you're standing in front of one that might actually save your house. Buena Vista's move to tighten wildfire resiliency standards, paired with the county's push to finally nail down real numbers on our housing crunch, suggests somebody up the valley is thinking past the next tourist season. We've watched enough Front Range money roll in chasing the dream that we know what comes after: the hard part, where old county ranching land gets parceled into subdivisions and every summer the fire danger gets worse. These aren't sexy stories. They won't trend on anyone's phone. But they're the ones that separate towns that planned ahead from towns that just got lucky for a while.
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Ark Valley Voice
BV Trustees Approve Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Amendments
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees approved amendments to the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code during a public hearing on Tuesday, August 11, following an initial reading in July. The ordinance incorporates local amendments to help the town better prepare for wildfire risks.
Free Car Seat Check Helps Families Start The School Year Safely; Updated Laws
Car Seats Colorado is urging families to use the back-to-school season as an opportunity to check their vehicle's car seats and booster seats for proper installation. Data shows that over 73 percent of car seats checked statewide last year had installation or usage problems.
Letter to the Editor: Who Has a Place at the Table?
A Buena Vista resident wrote to praise the owners of the town's newly remodeled restaurant while raising concerns about whether accessibility features received adequate attention during the renovation. The letter calls for constructive community discussion about inclusive design in local business...
Registration is Open for High Altitude Horsepower Car Show
The 2026 High Altitude Horsepower Car Show will take place on Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along Main Street in Westcliffe. The free event will showcase classic, antique, vintage, rat rod, and hot rod cars, with registration now open.
Chaffee BoCC Schedule Includes Preliminary Data for Housing Needs Assessment Report
The Chaffee Board of County Commissioners will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, at the Public Safety Complex in Buena Vista to review preliminary findings from a Housing Needs Assessment Report. The report will inform county planning decisions regarding local housing.
Hickenlooper Calls for Investigation Into Reports White House Targeted Colorado
Senator Hickenlooper has called for federal inspectors general to investigate allegations that the Trump administration attempted to use multiple federal agencies to retaliate against Colorado. The investigation request stems from reports of a White House effort linked to former Mesa County Clerk...
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The Mountain Mail
Brandon and Mishawn work on Salida-themed mural on Second St.
Brandon and Mishawn are creating a Salida-themed mural on Second Street, bringing new public art to the downtown area. The project reflects community commitment to beautifying public spaces.
SBA offers federal disaster loans for drought assistance
The Small Business Administration is offering federal disaster loans to help local businesses and agricultural operations affected by drought conditions. Eligible applicants can apply for low-interest financing to recover from drought-related losses.
Walmart calls Code Brown on individual carrying firearms, causing arguments
A Westcliffe man triggered a Code Brown emergency response at Walmart in Salida on August 14 by openly carrying multiple firearms in the store, causing alarm among shoppers. Police determined there was no threat, but store security escorted the individual out in accordance with Walmart's open carry...
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