SALIDA, Colo.— Ares Damian Cerna Palacios was the first baby born in 2026 at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center’s Family Birthing Center in Salida on January 3, 2026 at 2:18 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.
Ares’ parents are Kenia Palacios and and Milton Cerna of Salida.
A basket of gifts from local businesses was presented and given to the family. Thank you to the following businesses for your donation: Mixing Bowl, Juniper Gifts & Fine Art Supplies, Honey Boutique, Yolo, Howl Mercantile & Coffee, Maverick Potter, Natural Grocers, Vital Living, HRRMC Gift Shop, Alisa Adams, Sweeties/Biker & Baker, Moonlight Pizza, TOPO Coffee, Amicas, Boathouse Cantina and Pizza Rio.
