Salida Daily Digest Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Ty's Take
Buena Vista's got two mayoral candidates ready to make their pitch, and Salida's got the theater pulling together a show about what "home" means while the Housing Authority works on making sure anybody can actually afford one around here anymore. Meanwhile the Forest Service is getting ready to light some fires in the high country before winter shuts the door, the county wants to hear what you think about making the roads safer, and somebody won a chili cookoff. It's the time of year when things start moving again after the summer crush of rafters and tourists, when we get back to the business of running ourselves. Pay attention to who's asking for your input and who's asking for your vote, because in a valley changing as fast as this one, those conversations matter.
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Ark Valley Voice
Enter to Win Two Three-Day Passes to Smalltown Gathering
Ark Valley Voice is giving away two pairs of three-day general admission passes to Smalltown Gathering in Salida, Colorado through a 72-hour flash giveaway. The music and entertainment event begins Friday, Sept. 25, and interested community members should enter quickly for a chance to win.
Our Voice: What Does Democracy Require?
An opinion piece examines what democracy requires of citizens and institutions, reflecting on the U.S. Constitution and its role as an evolving framework for American governance.
Meet the Candidate for BV Mayor: Thomas Brown
Thomas Brown is running for mayor of Buena Vista in the 2026 municipal election, where voters will also select three new trustees this November. Ark Valley Voice is featuring candidate profiles to help voters learn about their options.
Meet the Candidate for BV Mayor: Devin Rowe
Devin Rowe is a candidate for mayor of Buena Vista in the 2026 municipal election, which will also fill three trustee positions this November. The publication is introducing candidates to voters through a series of interviews.
Meet the Candidate for BV Trustee: Alexia McCarty
Alexia McCarty is running for a trustee position in Buena Vista's 2026 municipal election, where voters will choose three trustees and a new mayor. Ark Valley Voice is sharing candidate responses to help inform local voters.
Forest Service Prepares for Fall Prescribed Fire Treatments
The Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are planning multiple prescribed fire projects for fall, pending required approvals and coordination with state environmental officials. The forest service is notifying the public in advance of where these treatments...
The LOBBY Fireside Chat Features Musician, Broken String Guitars Owner Chris Nasca Sept. 22
Chris Nasca, a local musician and owner of Broken String Guitars, will be the featured guest at The LOBBY Fireside Chat on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the historic Palace Hotel in Salida. The event is free and open to the public.
Chaffee County Asks for Public Input on Safer Roadways for All (SS4A) Action Plan
Chaffee County is seeking community feedback on proposed projects from the Safer Roadways for All initiative through October 1. Residents are invited to review the draft findings and recommendations before the plan is finalized.
53 Apartments, New Projects Among Chaffee Housing Authority’s Two-year Goals
The Chaffee Housing Authority approved a two-year strategic plan targeting the completion and occupancy of 53 affordable apartments along with additional housing initiatives. The plan also prioritizes collaboration with local governments on housing policies and long-term funding.
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The Mountain Mail
The Queen has returned: Scott wins Howard chili cookoff
A competitor named Scott took first place at the Howard chili cookoff, reclaiming the title.
Salida Theater Project’s “The Minutes” to explore what home means
Salida Theater Project will present Tracy Letts' play "The Minutes," directed by Salida resident Liz Dunn, with performances October 9 through 17 at A Church. The production explores what home means through a story set at a fictional city council meeting in the town of Big Cherry.
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