Salida Daily Digest Thursday, September 17, 2026
Ty's Take
The Farm Bill keeps coming up short, and that's not some abstract budget problem when you're sitting in a county where water and agriculture still mean everything. What passes committee in Washington doesn't always get to the finish line, and out here in the flats and valleys where ranchers depend on crop insurance and conservation programs, that uncertainty gets old fast. Meantime, the valley's arguing about whether new buildings should run on electricity or gas, which sounds like a nice problem until you realize it's really about who pays for tomorrow and whether we're building this place for the people who live here now or the ones moving in with money to spend.
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Ark Valley Voice
Farm Bill Passes Committee, But Bill Falls Short — Again
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet voted against the 2026 Farm Bill after it passed committee, expressing concerns that the legislation falls short of addressing key agricultural issues. The farm bill has faced repeated delays in the legislative process.
Nancy Paricio Appointed to Buena Vista School Board
The Buena Vista Board of Education appointed Nancy Paricio to fill the vacant District 1 seat on September 15, ending the process that began when Brett Mitchell resigned in June. The board had held no regular meetings in July, so the vacancy was not officially declared until September.
Salida approves Electric Preferred building code 5-1 after debate over costs, energy choice
The Salida City Council voted 5-1 on September 15 to approve new energy-efficiency building standards known as the Electric Preferred code for new construction. The measure passed after debate over housing costs and consumer choice, with Councilmember Suzanne Fontana voting against the ordinance.
Chaffee County Patriots to Host Town Hall on Election Integrity
The Chaffee County Patriots will hold a town hall on election integrity on September 17, featuring speaker Douglas G. Frank.
Carlin Walsh’s Campaign for Buena Vista Mayor Focuses on “Giving Back to Buena Vista”
Buena Vista businessman Carlin Walsh has announced his candidacy for mayor, entering a three-way race to challenge incumbent Mayor Libby Fay. Walsh's campaign emphasizes giving back to Buena Vista.
Poncha Springs Gathering Marks 25 Years Since 9/11
Veterans, first responders, and community members gathered in Poncha Springs on September 11 to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
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The Mountain Mail
Salida High School marching band aims to compete, practice more
The Salida High School marching band is prioritizing memorization and increased practice to boost their competitive performance this season, with a show featuring a "How to Train Your Dragon" medley. Student leaders said the band has matured significantly this year with strong participation from...
Salida High School marching band aims for thematic show, directors say
No summary available.
Council approves, 5-1, the electric preferred code
The Salida City Council approved the electric preferred building code on a 5-1 vote on September 15, with Councilwoman Suzanne Fontana dissenting. The code encourages all-electric construction for new buildings but allows mixed-use options with natural gas or propane for consumer choice.
Swanz joins Mail, Times editorial teams
No summary available.
School board talks facility issues, ticket costs and cyberattack recovery
The Salida Board of Education addressed facility concerns at Longfellow Elementary, including heating and mold issues, during its September 15 meeting while also discussing high student ticket prices for athletic events. The board approved its 2026-27 strategic priorities and continued recovery...
No summary available.
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