The Mountain Mail

After viewing recent video evidence of Barry Morphew’s involvement in a hit-and-run in Denver, 12th Judicial District Chief Judge Amanda Hopkins increased his bond to $10 million cash-only during a bond hearing Sept. 8 in Alamosa. Morphew was present in court. The two motions filed for the court to discuss concerned the terms and conditions of Morphew’s bond, and not making public the address where Morphew was arrested last week.

Thurs., Sept. 10 - Buena Vista - 6-9 p.m. – Weekly Open Mic hosted by Landon James at The Slammer, 412 E. Main St. Nathrop 7-10 p.m. – Club Infinity After Dark DJ Pool Party at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, 15870 CR 162, is a high-energy dance party where guests enjoy exclusive infinity pool access and dance in the water to DJ music. All ages welcome. Tickets are $30 at realmofcaringmusic.org/calendar.

New country band Luckenbach made its “second debut” Aug. 22 at Tres Litros Beer Co., as a local group of “friends and neighbors” who share a love of music. Vocalist and guitarist Jonas Harlow brought the band together. “We started off just playing for fun, with friends and neighbors,” he said. Their performance at Tres Litros was their second ever, having first played at Hutchinson Ranch in July. Harlow is originally from Dallas, Texas, and moved to Salida in 2016.

Dear Salida Schools Community, Salida schools had another great start to the year. We are fully staffed with amazing humans who are laser focused on helping students grow this year. For over a decade our community schools have scored in the top 10% of districts in the state. However, success is determined by individual stories. Success for our staff is to know each student by name and by need, ensuring that every student is connected to a trusted adult.

The second annual Green Week will return to Chaffee County Sept. 21-26 with free events offering practical ideas on sustainable living, energy savings and homegrown resilience. Green Week opens with the Climate Future Film Festival at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave. Films from four continents have been  chosen not to preach, but to spark conversation, according to a press release. General admission tickets are $12.51 at eventbrite.com. A Green Drinks event at 6 p.m. Sept.

The League of Women Voters of Chaffee County will host a forum on the topic of “The Disconnect Between Colorado’s Current Tax Policies and Budget” from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 14 at Salida United Methodist Church, 228 E. Fourth St. Attendees will learn more about the structure and implications of Colorado’s current tax policies, which have led to state revenue being out of balance with budget needs, a press release stated. Voters will be considering ballot measures on these topics in November.

Chaffee County Community Foundation is encouraging Chaffee County nonprofits and community leaders to participate in the 2026 Heart of Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) Oct. 29-30 in Leadville. Rural Philanthropy Days is a statewide program of Community Resource Center designed to strengthen connections between rural communities and Colorado's philanthropic sector, according to a press release.

Dear Editor: Mountain Valley Transit and Meadow Creek are celebrating the success of their second consecutive year partnering to provide free, convenient shuttle service between the Meadow Creek box office and downtown Buena Vista during this year's three-day Field of Vision concert event.

A three vehicle crash occurred outside Villa Grove in Saguache County Sept. 5, with one person transported to the hospital. The crash occurred on U.S. 285 at mile post 104. State Patrol responded to the call at 8:37 a.m., and arrived on site at 9:12. Trooper Gabriel Moltrer said the crash had no fatalities. At least one vehicle was blocking the road, which reopened both lanes to traffic in both directions at 12:55 p.m., he said.

Dear Editor: As we approach this year’s crucial election, we face an important choice about the future of our nation. Voting for Democratic candidates is the most effective way to ensure a future built on shared prosperity, equality and progress for all Americans. Democrats consistently advocate for policies that invest in everyday citizens rather than concentrating benefits for corporations and the ultra-rich as Republicans policies do.