Lijah Sampson

Alix Jensen, left, from Southwest Conservation Corps teaches Cameron Ponsetti, 4, front, and Everette Servis, 8, about fire fuel mitigation May 16 at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area's Gear Up for Summer in Riverside Park. This year's event had a focus on fire safety education.

National event Distinguished Gentleman's Ride came through Salida May 17, raising more than $6,000 in the city.

Fly fishing course taught by aquatic biologist Peter Stitcher will be May 22 in Salida at the Cornerstone Church.

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce welcomes Pella Windows & Doors of Salida to its membership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. From left front are Russ Johnson, Caleb Thorne, Paul Vanderploeg, Cai Blakeley, Deb Ray, Kennedi Pettofrezzo, Cohen Frezzo, 5, Dave Fleming, Karin Naccarato, Dave Chelf and Rich Mancuso. Back: Wade Harris, Sam Johnson, Dan Ridenour, Gary Buchanan, Art Gentile and Izzy Gramm.

Backyard Gardening series hosted by SRL and Guidestone recently became a hands-on experience.

Badfish Surf Shop employee Earl Richmond, right, tells local kids and their parents about a scavenger hunt clue regarding the shop's resident shark on the wall. The shark's favorite ice cream flavor is "vegan grasshopper." That was part of a challenge using a kid-created map of the town. From left are Ave Lina, first grade; in background, Dani Cook; Annelise Andree, third grade; Peyton Holte, fourth grade; Layla Quiksa, third grade; and Cheryl Cuiksa.

From front to back, Kelly Landau, Wendy Mitchell and Lisa Martin work on a belonging-themed mural on the side of Hylton Home on May 17. It is one of five murals in the county, a project conducted by We Are Chaffee's Future.

This year’s Bluegrass on the Arkansas festival saw a record turnout, according to organizers and attendants, bringing in nearly $65,000 for the Rotary Club of Salida

Jessica "Shook me all Night" Shook rounds a corner as jammer for the Ark Valley High Rollers May 30, with AVHR blocker Morgan "Tonka" Scott blocking the Los Alamos jammer. The two were named MVP Jammer and blocker, respectively. AVHR beat Los Alamos 204-137. (Photo by Lijah Sampson)

Garrett Lundburg with his 3-year-old border collie Peaches reaches the finish line of Ark Valley Humane Society's Tails on the Trails 5k race, clocking in at 20 minutes, 10 seconds. The event raised $19,000 for the shelter. (Photo by Lijah Sampson)