AS we remember those who died in active military service on this Memorial Day, we hope the day brings you rest and reflection. Here are a few items to recap the weekend as well as a look ahead.
1. Menkhaven Fire near Fox Creek slows
The Citizen’s Owen Woods was on the scene over the weekend at what is being called the Menkhaven Fire. The U.S. Forest Service said Sunday that there was no significant growth overnight from Saturday into Sunday. Firefighters and aircraft were actively engaged in suppression operations Sunday. Five large, two single engine air tankers and helicopters were “hitting it hard” with retardant and water, according to the USFS. Here’s more on the fire. Follow @AlamosaCitizen on Twitter for breaking news around the San Luis Valley. We also post breaking news on our Facebook story feed. A Red Flag warning remains in effect for the San Luis Valley.
2. Dreams come true
As Brianna Robles can tell you, dreams do come true. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s had a more successful year than Robles – a year she had planned out and had hoped would happen. The Adams State distance runner, pictured above, added a third national title to her 2021-22 running season when she won the 5,000-meter race at the NCAA DII Track & Field Championships over the weekend. Robles previously won the 5,000-meter race at the NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships and was Adams State’s top runner on the NCAA DII Cross Country National Championship team in the fall.
For Robles it’s the type of season she dreamed of when she first introduced herself to Alamosa Citizen readers with this story she wrote for us. Success couldn’t come to a nicer person. Get to know Brianna a bit more with our recent podcast episode.
3. Alamosa City Council takes up property annexation
The city of Alamosa will be looking to annex the Sierra Vista Addition, which contains 42.99 acres and is located south of the Montaña Azul development along South Craft Drive at where it would intersect an extension of West 8th Street. The city council will take up the matter on first reading at its meeting Wednesday evening. The property is currently vacant and is being proposed for a residential development, according to the city. The property is included in the City’s 3-mile annexation plan with a proposed zoning designation of Residential High. Here’s the full Alamosa City Council meeting agenda.
4. Sure to bring a smile to your face
We enjoy the photographs from the piano recitals held by the students of Sam Wisener. Here’s the latest group that performed for friends and family at the Alamosa Society Hall on May 21. Pictured in front: Elijah Dick, Winter Seebach, Phoebe Reylea, Bristol Baker, Olivia Ruybal. Middle Row: Xander Wolf, Creedence Dick, Grayson Beiriger, Brianne Russell, Maya Cordero, Lake Nadeau, Fisher Nadeau, and River Jessen. They were joined by guest musicians, Sarah Reylea, Accacia Nadeau, Jonathan Wofford, and Rebecca Jessen; parents who played duets with their kids.
5. Memorial Day Weekend coffee
The Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa came out Monday to help The Citizen pour coffee for visitors passing through and locals who stopped by. We even got a visit from State Sen. James Coleman and his family who were spending the weekend in the San Luis Valley as guests of fellow State. Sen. Cleave Simpson of Alamosa. We appreciate all the support and we enjoyed meeting the coffee drinkers.
6. Weekends Ahead in Alamosa
SummerFest on the Rio makes a comeback this weekend after its COVID hiatus. The festival is planned for Saturday and Sunday at Cole Park. The following weekend, June 11, brings the second annual Rio Trio with 150 or so weekend competitors taking on the 8-mile trail bike ride, a 3-mile paddle on the Rio Grande, and a 5k run. Here’s the Rio Trio registration site if you’re inclined to participate. Race organizer and City of Alamosa Outdoor Recreation Supervisor John Reesor is the latest guest on The Valley Pod. The podcast episode will drop Tuesday. Find it here or wherever you get your podcasts.
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