Salida Daily Digest Tuesday, August 04, 2026
Ty's Take
The fair's up, the county commissioners are grinding through the usual business of water and energy, and somewhere between the manufactured home park hearing and the data center pause, you can see what's actually happening here. Salida's not fighting growth anymore, not really. We're fighting what growth does, which is harder. Water for server farms or water for people. Short-term rentals turning historic neighborhoods into hotel districts. Housing costs that make sense only if you're cashing out from Denver. The old Stage Rowhouses are opening their doors, the Housing Trust is trying to keep a toehold on affordability, and the commissioners are setting rules for when council members go sideways. None of it's complicated if you understand what it means: a river town and ranching county watching its own bones get valuable, trying to remember what it was before it became what everyone wants it to be.
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Ark Valley Voice
The Chaffee Board of County Commissioners will hold a regular session at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, at 104 Crestone Ave in Salida, where commissioners will meet with Xcel Energy representatives and receive updates on county services. The meeting will also include a public hearing on the River...
AVV Has Made its latest Christmas in July Donor Challenge
Ark Valley Voice readers have helped the publication reach its latest Christmas in July fundraising challenge, with donations now totaling $11,420. The organization has qualified for the next donation level as it works toward its goal of over $14,000 for the fund.
County Fair Exhibit Hall Displays 19th Century Traditions Plus 21st Century Tech
The Exhibit Hall at the 2026 Chaffee County Fair opened July 29 and showcases the work of 4-H Club participants across a variety of arts, crafts, and science projects. The traditional exhibit space blends 19th-century 4-H traditions with modern technology displays.
Chaffee Housing Trust Hosting Open House at Old Stage Rowhouses in Salida
The Chaffee Housing Trust will host an open house at Old Stage Road Rowhouses in Salida on Thursday, August 6, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event will showcase eight permanently affordable homes located within the Two Rivers subdivision at 202 Old Stage Road Unit B.
BLM Shares Update on Browns Canyon Fire, Concern Remains Low
The Bureau of Land Management reported that the Browns Canyon Fire, which began July 27 from a lightning strike about 3.5 miles southeast of Nathrop in Browns Canyon National Monument, remains under low concern. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire as of August 1.
Salida weighs yearlong pause on data centers as officials study water, power impacts
Salida City Council is expected to consider a one-year moratorium on new data centers during its Tuesday meeting as officials study the water and power impacts of such facilities. The council will hold a public hearing before voting on the proposed ordinance at 6:00 p.m.
Salida City Council Considers Formal Rules For Removing Or Sanctioning Elected Members
Salida City Council will consider formal procedures Tuesday, August 4, to establish rules for removing or sanctioning elected officials from office. The council will meet at 6:00 p.m. to hold a public hearing and vote on second reading of Ordinance 2026-20.
Salida City Council will review proposed stricter short-term rental regulations, including stronger residency verification and minimum annual rental requirements, during its Tuesday meeting at 6:00 p.m. at 448 E. First St. The ordinance is one of several items on the council's agenda.
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The Mountain Mail
Commissioners hears update on new evacuation tool
Chaffee County Emergency Manager William Plackner reported that the county is preparing to launch new evacuation maps developed with communications software provider Genasys to improve resident notifications during emergencies. The system will divide the county into preset evacuation zones,...
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