|
|
| Prison closing a blow to County | 04 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Walsenburg and Huerfano County could face an economic loss of up to 20 million dollars in the next year if CCA closes its prison in April. With 90 employees from Huerfano County facing job losses, Huerfano County Administrator, ..
| 04 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Walsenburg and Huerfano County could face an economic loss of up to 20 million dollars in the next year if CCA closes its prison in April. With 90 employees from Huerfano County facing job losses, Huerfano County Administrator, John Galusha says the loss in wages alone would amount to 2.7 million dollars based on an average of $30,000 per local employee of CCA. A dollar goes through a community up to 7 times, benefiting businesses and individuals. That would amount to around 20 million dollars. That doesn’t tell the entire financial story.
The news last week that Arizona was transferring all of their 700 prisoners from the CCA prison in Walsenburg back to Arizona was devastating news for the Huerfano County area. Arizona had just made a deal last year to transfer those prisoners to Walsenburg and pay more to house them than Colorado would for the prisoners that were here. The economy played a major part in the decision by Arizona officials to take their prisoners back. It could also leave a gaping hole in the local economy if CCA is unable to garner another contract to house prisoners in Walsenburg.
CCA says it is seeking another contract to keep the prison in Walsenburg open but they also have a facility in Oklahoma that is 3 times larger than the one locally that is also in danger of closing because of Arizona’s decision.
Mayor Bruce Quintana’s comment on a Pueblo TV station last week that the City of Walsenburg will just have to try and find a replacement for CCA jobs is easier said than done in this economy. CCA employs 188 people, approximately 90 of which live in Huerfano County. There’s too much revenue to be lost so the Huerfano County Commissioners, City of Walsenburg and other community leaders will be working to encourage CCA to find a way to stay. In situations like this, the prevailing wisdom is that it is easier to try and keep what you have than trying to find a replacement for it.
Galusha, says a Colorado legislative committee, the County Commissioners and CCA have met to discuss the situation. CCA is looking to California and Texas to see if they have prisoners they might consider sending here or their prison in Oklahoma. CCA is responsible for the current amount of property taxes for this year and 2011 which amounts to around $700,000 per year. CCA would still be responsible for property taxes after that but the amount could be different.
There is money available from the Sudden & Severe Economic Dislocation Fund that the City of Walsenburg and Huerfano County could be qualified. The money is for communities that lose a major business that affects over 10% of the workforce. The dollars could be used to try and find employment for displaced workers locally.
Here is what Walsenburg and Huerfano County both face if CCA does indeed close their doors in April:
1.Loss of approximately 90 jobs. With the money lost by these workers, it creates a big void for the local economy in local dollars spent and sales tax revenue collected to go into the city and county budgets.
2.CCA is offering local workers opportunities to relocate to their other facilities. If many of the approximate 90 Huerfano County workers at the facility were to leave, the loss of future revenue from those people also has a negative impact on the local economy.
3.Huerfano County’s budget takes a big hit, as a per diem of 50 cents per day, per prisoner, is taken in by the County. With 700 prisoners, that is a loss of approximately $350 per day amounting to around $135,000 per year in lost revenue according to Galusha.
4.Property taxes amount to around $700,000 per year. While CCA will still be responsible for property taxes, it’s not known if the value of the facility being empty, will amount to as much after 2011.
5.The City of Walsenburg is already facing financial troubles. If CCA closes, it will face even bigger problems. Since CCA is one of the biggest employers locally, the City of Walsenburg loses out on water and sewer income and from revenue on natural gas sales to heat the facility. Let’s break that down to an approximate value. The exact figures cannot be released because of privacy laws dealing with individual or company’s utility costs.
A.Each commercial toilet in Walsenburg is assessed a monthly fee of around $60 each. CCA has literally hundreds of toilets at the prison. Depending on the exact number of toilets, the City could face a monthly loss in sewer rates alone of $15,000 to $25,000 per month.
B.The water usage to run a 700-bed facility is enormous and would result in many thousands of dollars of additional lost revenue for the City.
C.The cost to heat such a large facility would also create a loss of many thousands of dollars per month.
The cost to the City could be $30,000 to $40,000 or more per month resulting in an annual loss of $300,000 to $400,000 per year in utility sales. Again, these are approximate numbers but either way you figure it, the financial impact will be huge. The impact could easily reach 20 million dollars or more that is lost for all local government entities and businesses from lost wages and sales tax revenue, etc.
The local business community could face a dim 2010 and beyond if CCA were to leave. Such a loss of a big, local industry could prove the downfall to businesses that are barely hanging on now in this tough economy.
While there is hope that natural gas exploration and wind farm developments may bring jobs to Huerfano County in the future, the immediate future and the long term future is much bleaker if local officials and leaders can’t find a way to keep CCA operating in Walsenburg. There will be a lot of work behind the scenes in the next 60 days to save the CCA facility.
We’re not doomed yet but time is short to find a way for CCA to remain in Walsenburg. | | Foreclosures up in County | 04 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Foreclosures were up slightly for 2009 compared to the previous year. That is according to Debbie Reynolds of the Huerfano County Treasurer’s Office. Reynolds told the Huerfano County Commissioners that there were 55 foreclosure..
| 04 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Foreclosures were up slightly for 2009 compared to the previous year. That is according to Debbie Reynolds of the Huerfano County Treasurer’s Office. Reynolds told the Huerfano County Commissioners that there were 55 foreclosures last year compared to 52 in 2008. That brings the 2 year total to 107. The sale of foreclosed properties have helped some local real estate companies but those people wanting to sell their properties in the county find themselves unable to compete with many of the foreclosed prices.
Reynolds also said that bankruptcies have increased this year due to the economy.
Larry Mapes and Todd Potts asked the Commissioners about concerns of FAA rules at the airport that may lessen the number of wind farm towers they could place on land adjacent to the field. The Commissioners and airport manager, Gary Hanisch were not aware of some of the possible changes in instrument approach ratings that could increase the range around the airport that structures could not be built. Mapes said he doesn’t have confirmation on that but it would decrease by two-thirds the available land for wind farm towers. He said that would make his project hardly worth the effort. The Commissioners wanted to get information from FAA officials to see what is fact and what impacts any of their action could have on the wind farm project. Mapes and Potts have 4 years of wind studies on their adjacent properties. The airport has been receiving federal funds for the past decade for improvements.
The Commissioners passed a resolution promoting census awareness. Having everyone counted allows the County to get as much money as possible. | | Walsenburg teen injured in crash | | 04 - February - 2010WALSENBURG- A 17 year-old Walsenburg boy was seriously injured early Saturday morning, when the car he was riding in careened out of control on North Welton Ave in Walsenburg and rolled. Two other youths in the car were also injured. All three were ejected..
| 04 - February - 2010WALSENBURG- A 17 year-old Walsenburg boy was seriously injured early Saturday morning, when the car he was riding in careened out of control on North Welton Ave in Walsenburg and rolled. Two other youths in the car were also injured. All three were ejected from the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer.
After the accident, the youths called another friend to come and get them. On the way to the hospital, that friend drove up the side of an embankment and rolled her Monte Carlo as well.
Another friend was called to get them, who managed to transport them all out to SPRHC. Two of the youths were airlifted out due to the severity of their injuries.
The names of the occupants are being withheld because they are minors. Alcohol and speed are considered factors in the crash. | | Christofferson joins the Journal | 04 - February - 2010HUERFANO- Nancy Colvin Christofferson has joined the Journal staff. Christofferson is the niece of the late Jo Cross, former writer for the Journal.
Although she was born in Ohio, Christofferson claims Kansas as her home state because she graduated ..
| 04 - February - 2010HUERFANO- Nancy Colvin Christofferson has joined the Journal staff. Christofferson is the niece of the late Jo Cross, former writer for the Journal.
Although she was born in Ohio, Christofferson claims Kansas as her home state because she graduated high school in greater Kansas City and graduated from Emporia State Teachers College, now Emporia State University. She majored in history with minors in English and library science.
She moved to La Veta in the summer of 1973 and worked for her father, Dick Colvin, for three years at Webster Insurance in La Veta. She has been employed by Francisco Fort Museum as docent and director, by La Veta/Cuchara Chamber of Commerce, and by La Veta Library. Trinidad State Jr College employed her as a teacher of Huerfano County history and as the coordinator for La Veta.
Her local newspaper experience is extensive; she worked for the Huerfano World from 1975 through 2010. She started as a La Veta/Cuchara correspondent, was the associate editor from 1989 to 1995, and then became a feature writer.
Traveling to Cuchara from KC via Highway 50 gave Christofferson a lifelong interest in the Santa Fe Trail and all things historical. She has produced historical maps of Huerfano County (1981), Las Animas County (1982), and Fremont and Custer counties (1983). She began researching Huerfano history in 1980, which included reading more than 100 years worth of old newspapers from La Veta and Walsenburg. This Week in La Veta History first appeared in the Valley Voice in 1984. Christofferson has written the booklet “Francisco Fort and the Early Days of La Veta, 1861-1876”, Coal Was King and La Veta: The First 40 Years.
Christofferson is a third generation Cucharan. Her grandparents, Frank and Hazel Cross, first visited Cuchara in 1930. Her grandmother wrote River of Friendship in 1959, later expanded by Jo Cross. Hazel also wrote two other books, about family history and about the joy of being in the Christian church ministry – both she and her husband were ordained ministers.
Besides admiring local scenery, Nancy Christofferson enjoys working puzzles (jigsaw, crossword and Sudoku), continuing research on Huerfano County, and playing bridge.
Welcome, Nancy! | | Panther Grapplers have busy weekend | 29 - January - 2010Cordova claims championship, Aguirre takes second
by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG, TRINIDAD- The John Mall Panthers wrestling team had a busy weekend as they readied themselves for the upcoming regional and state competition. Following the Night of Champions ..
| 29 - January - 2010Cordova claims championship, Aguirre takes second
by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG, TRINIDAD- The John Mall Panthers wrestling team had a busy weekend as they readied themselves for the upcoming regional and state competition. Following the Night of Champions last Thursday, the Cats hosted the Trinidad Miners in their only home dual of the season. It was also Parent’s Night. The gym was filled to near capacity as the fans cheered on the hometown boys. For the Panthers it was also a warm-up to the weekends Trinidad Invitational.
Jacob Tenorio, son of Dorothy Tenorio, won by forfeit at 103 pounds. On Saturday, Jacob captured forth place at the Trinidad Invitational after he was pinned at 4:12 by Cody Breeden of Las Animas. John Paul Vigil (112), son of Richard and Loretta Vigil, was pinned by Kevin Cole of Trinidad at 1:22 Thursday, but came back on Saturday to capture third place when he won an 8-4 decision over Tony Gonzales of Dumas (NM) in a closely fought battle. Vigil trailed throughout most of the 2nd period when he reversed a hold to gain three points to take the lead for good.
Waylon Cordova, (119-Bill and Lori) won by a 7-3 decision over Richard Baca Thursday. On Saturday, Cordova then faced Baca again in the semi finals winning a major decision, 12-2. He then defeated Gerald Trujillo in a major decision 17-0 to win the championship title. The championship medal was a sweet birthday present for Cordova, who turned eighteen that day. Cordova sports a 19-7 record. This was his third tournament victory in as many weeks.
John Burch, (130- John and Rosalie) was pinned by last year’s state champion, Gadge Cole on Thursday. Burch lost his opening bout Saturday to Taylor Edmonds of Dumas, in a quick pin fall. He then went on to defeat David Gonzales of Dumas, in a hard fought battle, winning by decision 14-13. He then lost his quarter final match, eliminating him from the metal round.
Brian Aguirre, (135-Chuck and Josephine) pinned Angelo Gitano on Thursday after coming from behind. On Saturday, Aguirre lost to Curtis Blasberg of La Junta to take second place. Aguirre breezed his way through the brackets before he entered the final round. Aguirre trailed most of the way throughout the finals until the seconds of the match where he claimed two points for a near pin fall to tie the match. He than lost the match in overtime off a takedown.
Jacob Pino (140 Simon and Darlene) lost to B.J. Van Slice. On Saturday Pino faced Van Slice once again in the opening round and was pinned at 55 seconds sending him to the consolation bracket. Pino finished 4th after he was pinned by Dylan Wahlert of La Junta.
Eric Figueroa, (152- son of Ranee Cordova) was pinned by Dylan Rhodes. On Saturday, he went two and out.
Andre Ortiz (160-Art and Doreen) lost his opening bout but wrestled his way into the consolation round but lost in the semi-finals. Ortiz ended the tournament in 4th place when he was pinned by Keenan Wahlert of La Junta at 1:22 seconds.
Stuart Pino, (171-Simon and Darlene) lost a heart-breaker to Tyler Holland on Thursday when he was pinned midway into the second. Pino was leading 6-4 when Holland reversed a hold and put Pino on his back.
Heavyweight, Lorenzo Trujillo, (Beverly Trujillo), was pinned by William Dunn Thursday at 4:28. At the Miner tournament, Trujillo went two and out and was eliminated from metal action. | | CCA Pulling out of Huerfano County | 23 - January - 2010WALSENBURG- The privately run prison, Corrections Corporation of America will pull out of the Huerfano County Correctional Center in April, company officials said Thursday.
CCA officials said Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and other state officials announced J..
| 23 - January - 2010WALSENBURG- The privately run prison, Corrections Corporation of America will pull out of the Huerfano County Correctional Center in April, company officials said Thursday.
CCA officials said Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and other state officials announced Jan. 15 a proposal to phase out all out-of-state beds, including the use of the Huerfano County facility, where 700 Arizona inmates are housed. As a result, CCA will be closing the Walsenburg prison, which employs a staff of 188. | | Rick Jennings fill vacant Council seat | 23 - January - 2010by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg City Council avoided a costly election Tuesday evening by rounding up Ward Two resident Rick Jennings to fill Larry Patrick’s vacant seat. Jennings,46, is a lifelong Walsenburger, and currently works in La Veta in co..
| 23 - January - 2010by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg City Council avoided a costly election Tuesday evening by rounding up Ward Two resident Rick Jennings to fill Larry Patrick’s vacant seat. Jennings,46, is a lifelong Walsenburger, and currently works in La Veta in construction. Jennings said he had been approached by several councilmen and urged to run, and he felt he should do something for the community.
Former City Councilwoman Cathy Pineda had also submitted a letter of intent for the seat, but withdrew at the last moment at the advice of the Colorado Secretary of State, citing the Colorado Constitution, which bars councilmembers from serving three terms without a four-year break in between.
Larry Patrick, who held the seat until he ran unsuccessfully for Mayor, added his name to the list for seat, despite the harsh treatment he received last Council meeting from Mayor Quintana, who had accused Patrick of mishandling City financial guidance and being “anti-poor”. Patrick, knowing full well what his chances were, had added his name to the list primarily to bug Mayor Quintana.
Besides picking a new Council member, the City Council also appointed Deputy City Administrator Beth Neece the additional job of Deputy Clerk, to back up City Clerk Lori Sheldon.
Speaking of City Clerks, former City Clerk John Zgut, who was term-limited out was presented with an honorary clock by the Council for his years of service. Mayor Quintana said that Zgut had done a great job, and had served Walsenburg well.
In committee meetings, Councilman James England reported the City is seeking $2,000 put with a matching amount from the County, to put towards a ‘half-price day’ at the County waste Transfer station.
City Administrator Alan Hein reported to the Council that the City is working with the anticipated new grocery that’s trying to open up in town. The bid to construct an offramp into the parking lot came in much higher than anticipated, so the City is looking doing a lot of the work itself, and then hopefully being reimbursed with grant money from the CDBG.
Hein said a meeting with the contractor for the City’s wastewater treatment facility went well, and together they feel the cost of constructing the building can be reduced $500,000 to $750,000. Some cost-saving ideas are to use a metal building or a pre-cast concrete building, and having City crews do some of the construction.
The Martin Lake valve replacement project, which has been on hold pending approval from the State has finally been given the green light, and construction should begin by the end of the week, and is anticipated to last 60 to 90 days.
Hein reported the City is applying for a grant to re-do a preliminary engineering survey for Northlands, as the first two PER’s have been rejected because of discrepancies between the two.
Hein supplied the Council with an inventory of vacant and blighted property in Walsenburg, of which 18 building matched that description. The City may now pick and choose which ones it would like to take action on. The City has budgeted $10,000 in it demolition fund, which is estimated could remove three to four of the structures. City Attorney Dan Hyatt urged the Council to do testing on any buildings it is considering bulldozing to see if they have any asbestos inside, which can balloon a demolition pricetag way past the budget.
In other business, the Council voted to renew Ranch Manager Butch Corsentino’s contract. They added James England, Jacque Sikes and Councilman Craig Lessar’s names to who can sign City checks, and are donating two splash passes to the Walseburg Golf Course’s silent auction.
Roberta Bustos spoke in the citizen’s forum part of the evening, telling the Council about all the services the Walsenburg Outreach Clinic has to offer; “This is a little gold mine for the City- and the County,” Bustos said, noting they do free cholesterol screenings, programs for children, and help with prescription costs. “These are wonderful programs,” noted Councilman James Moore. | | Papa Joes and Gunnys to close | 23 - January - 2010by Nelson Holmes
GARDNER- Papa Joe′s Market and its little brother, Gunny′s Grill, will be closing on January 22. Diana Cupps said that the big reason for shutting the doors was the economy. The little reason was the mild winter which encouraged the l..
| 23 - January - 2010by Nelson Holmes
GARDNER- Papa Joe′s Market and its little brother, Gunny′s Grill, will be closing on January 22. Diana Cupps said that the big reason for shutting the doors was the economy. The little reason was the mild winter which encouraged the locals to make more frequent trips to Walsenburg and Pueblo.
Though the demise of another of Huerfano County′s businesses is, sadly, not an unusual occurrence, especially in an economy trying to claw its way out of recession, one still feels a degree of loss. I realize that we live in a country with a capitalist economy, where numerous factors (including plain old luck) determine whether an enterprise thrives or dies. But Huerfano County can be an unforgiving soil to grow a business in and Gardner, well, that′s like sowing wheat on granite. I always hope that the area′s entrepreneurs will be successful...and then I think, what have I done to help?
When I think of Gardner′s businesses, I realize that I haven′t been much of a customer. I tend to opt for convenience and short term savings; I′ll squeeze old George until he screams. Being that I work in Walsenburg, I′ll pop over to Safeway, possibly save a few cents, and leave nothing but a wave and a shouted hello as I pass the businesses in Gardner.
Also, many of us release our dollars in foreign territory, expending our ducats in Pueblo and Trinidad where they have little chance of coming home. Seems to me that a dollar spent in Huerfano might swim around the county a bit...doing more good than a dollar flushed down a corporate drain that might well spill into a CEO′s pocket.
I realize my talk is cheap; it′s been over a year since I′ve darkened the Huajatolla Co-Op′s door, I spent a whole dollar for some two-stroke oil at The Back Forty, and Papa Joe’s had the honor of selling me some cookies. My thesis here is that maybe, if we all dedicate a portion of our ragged and hobbling budgets to make needed purchases at locally owned businesses, maybe we can help a neighbor. A few humble successes might act as a catalyst which encourages more folk to invest in their business dreams and... who knows?
Let me forestall some of the flack I might receive; I know that the corporate retailers in this county employ a lot of people whose paychecks feed into the local economy. I′m not advocating a boycott here, just suggesting we spread some of our dollars around to locally owned businesses. And just so my point is clear... this isn′t just a call to rally around Gardner businesses, but rather an attempt to rally around all of Huerfano′s small retailers during some ugly economic times. They say a rising economic tide raises all boats. Well, it seems that the boats around here have been high and dry for some time... bucket brigade, anyone? | | Quest Enterprises sold to Danish firm | 07 - January - 2010by Edie Flanagin
WALSENBURG- Quest Enterprises, owned and operated by Jerry and JoVonne Fitzgerald was bought by the Danish company Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S on January 1, 2010. Quest Enterprises, Inc., founded in 1985, is one of only a handful of m..
| 07 - January - 2010by Edie Flanagin
WALSENBURG- Quest Enterprises, owned and operated by Jerry and JoVonne Fitzgerald was bought by the Danish company Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S on January 1, 2010. Quest Enterprises, Inc., founded in 1985, is one of only a handful of manufacturing facilities in Huerfano County. The 25 Quest employees make, sell, and distribute high quality hand-crafted fire fighting garments (aka turn out gear) for the North American market. The Fitzgeralds have been planning to sell their company for several years but had important criteria to meet before selling. They wanted to ensure that any buyer would continue the Quest commitment to quality, the protection of local jobs, and protection of their current clients. Viking Equipment met all these guidelines and brings a new facet to Walsenburg ‘s economy.
Viking Equipment A/S is a family owned, world wide manufacturer of maritime and fire safety equipment headquartered in Esbjerg, Denmark. A global leader in the safety industry, Viking leads the protective fire clothing market in several northern European countries with presence in Asia and South America. The acquisition of Quest Enterprises in Walsenburg Viking will allow their expansion of their market to North America. According to Henrik Christensen, the director of Global sales and Marketing for Viking, the two companies complement each other. Combining the product portfolios of the two companies will be a winning combination.
Soren Hansen is the Viking Sales Director and will lead the team in Walsenburg. Mr. Hansen and his family will be relocating to Huerfano County soon. A third Dane, Ms. Hanne Lindstrom, will be the production manager for the shop. The new owners hope to increase the product line of Quest to include their European innovations such as Viking’s Titan Superlite garments. The production facility, located on Russell Street in Walsenburg, is large enough to grow with the company. New equipment and product lines will mean more jobs for our area.
The Danish company brings a new global prospective to our area with many new opportunities to expand. Viking would like to produce more safety products for export and for the American military. The Viking execs, Mr. Christensen and Mr. Hansen, insisted that the workforce will be secure in their jobs, but should expect changes. Henrik Christensen believes the changes will benefit the employees and the community. Walsenburg is now part of the global economy and global community. | | Edi Sheldon joins the Journal | 07 - January - 2010 Edi Sheldon, former Mayor of Walsenburg, has joined the Journal staff as a writer. She brings extensive experience in newspaper publishing and community service.
Sheldon, born and raised in Walsenburg, graduated from Huerfano County High School in ..
| 07 - January - 2010 Edi Sheldon, former Mayor of Walsenburg, has joined the Journal staff as a writer. She brings extensive experience in newspaper publishing and community service.
Sheldon, born and raised in Walsenburg, graduated from Huerfano County High School in 1959. She attended Pueblo Jr. College and CSU in Greeley. In 1964, she married John M. Sheldon and has two sons, Michael and William.
From 1974-1994, she has worked in numerous news organizations: the Valley Courier, Colorado Press Association, Villager Newspapers, Littleton Times, and the Denver Parent Newsmagazine.
During these years, Sheldon has also been active in community service in Alamosa and Denver, serving on the Advisory Board for Emily Griffith Opportunity Schools Parenting and Young Child Program, the Governor’s Advisory Board on the Education of Young Children and also on the Parenting Advisory Board for Rose Hospital’s family program staff.
After moving back to Walsenburg in 1995, Sheldon continued to contribute. She served as president of Huerfano County Historical Society from 1995-97. She has worked for the Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce and Huerfano County Economic Development as well as served as a member of the Citizen Advisory Board for Trinidad Jr. College, a member of advisory committee for Walsenburg Care Center and a member and vice chair of Huerfano County Hospital Board. In addition, she has been on the SE Council of Governments Board of Directors and served as a member of the E911 Board.
In 2004 Sheldon was included in the Marquis Publishing series - 2004 edition: Outstanding Women In America.
Welcome, Edi! | | Golf course closure | 10 - December - 2009by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- Locals were full of questions this week after the announcement that the Grandote Peaks Golf Club was closing down. “I’m really, really sorry to hear this, and I hope Dr. Briggs changes his mind by the next season,” said Larry Kli..
| 10 - December - 2009by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- Locals were full of questions this week after the announcement that the Grandote Peaks Golf Club was closing down. “I’m really, really sorry to hear this, and I hope Dr. Briggs changes his mind by the next season,” said Larry Klinke, a part-time employee. “I hope the community realizes what a real loss this is going to be, here and even up in Cuchara.” Klinke and 32 other seasonal/part-time employees were laid off, and Wayne Smith will be kept on through the winter as a part-time caretaker. Kelly Popejoy, Grandote administrator, said she is volunteering her time through December to close out the year.
The past two years have been difficult for area golf courses, with $4 a gallon gas curtailing tourist traffic, then the economic downturn following on the heels of drought and other weather complications. Some area courses have lowered their rates, however Grandote doubled its local membership fees in 2009. “The Town did not put him in the predicament that he’s in,” Town Trustee Dale Davis said. According to Davis, the Town does not receive any tax revenue from actual golf course business transactions because the clubhouse and 2/3 of the property are located outside Town limits, in Huerfano County.
Grandote owner Dr. Charles R. “Randy” Briggs, president and CEO of HomeLoan USA Corp, told the Journal that three things are affecting the business. “There’s the political climate,” he said. “And the attitude of the entire County needs to be that we need them and they need us.” Briggs and Popejoy both estimated the golf course affects 20% of the County’s economy. Briggs said the final adversity is the current economy. “We need to increase the size of our business by 30%.” Without annexation, he said, getting the required appraisals for mortgage/ business loans is nearly impossible.
Although the streets are now owned and maintained by the Town, the Town Board voted not to annex the development, 83 existing lots with Town water and sewer that are not built out. Regarding the litigation with the Town, Briggs said that will continue while Grandote is closed down. “It is conceivable that this could take several years,” he said. “Grandote wants to be partners with the Town of La Veta in every sense of the word.”
Mayor Mickey Schmidt said, “Whether it [Grandote] survives or doesn’t is beyond our scope to affect that outcome one way or another.”
Trustee Tracy Webb told the Journal, “I feel the Board tried to deal with Dr. Briggs in a reasonable way. I’m sorry that the result of all that has gone on is that the golf course has closed.” Webb said, “I enjoy the course, and the course is important for our community.” She added, “Dr. Briggs has the right to develop his real estate around there, but he has to do it according to the rules and regulations.” | | One whopping big book fine | 18 - November - 2009by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG- It is not often our small town makes international news, but recent events have cast Walsenburg in a most favorable light. Unless you have been in a cave the past week, you may have heard. The story was originally picked up fr..
| 18 - November - 2009by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG- It is not often our small town makes international news, but recent events have cast Walsenburg in a most favorable light. Unless you have been in a cave the past week, you may have heard. The story was originally picked up from an article written by the Arizona Republic. It was then picked up by the Associated Press, then by Charles Osgood of Sunday Morning, then the NBC Nightly News this past Tuesday. Everyone is asking, Who done it?
The story originated when two overdue books were returned to the Camelback High School library in Phoenix, Arizona. The books were checked out in 1958. According to a letter received by high school librarian Georgette Bodine, the writer stated his family was suddenly uprooted and moved to Colorado. It is unclear whether or not they moved directly to Walsenburg. This is the first mystery.
The three paragraph letter was signed almost a graduate and signed off with these words: Sorry these 2 books are so late. The Journal was able to obtain a copy of the letter in an effort to ascertain the true identity of the mystery benefactor. The anonymous benefactor enclosed a $1,000 money order along with the explanation that two cents a day for 51 years comes to $745 dollars. The extra covered any additional fees which may have occurred.
The Journal also discovered the money order was purchased in Superior, Arizona the middle part of October and mailed from Walsenburg, CO. The mysterious package arrived on Bodine’s desk on Oct. 30. The only indication of identity was the return address, a post office box in Walsenburg.
When The Journal contacted Craig Pletenik, Director of Media Relations for the Phoenix school district and said we were a small weekly in Walsenburg, he chuckled and said, “This has been crazy. Everyone has picked up on this. The AP, the media, even NBC has called us. So, where is Walsenburg?” He went on to say the BBC aired it; blogs as far away as the Philippines, Europe and South America have made comments. Most are asking the same question, “Where is Walsenburg?”
The two books, Community of Living Things: Forests and Woodlands and Field and Meadows are back on the shelves, along with a copy of the letter. As far as the one grand is concerned, Bodine said, “The money will be deposited into the book fund.”
This writer has a general idea about the identity of the mystery person, but I will not reveal it. The person went to great lengths to keep the gift of $1,000 to Camelback High School, home of the mighty Spartans, a secret. They never counted on the worldwide publicity it generated, but if you are out there and want to sit down with me, I would welcome the opportunity to give some conclusion to this story. It is not every day Walsenburg is known for such great and good deeds even though we witness them all the time living in this hamlet. | |
|
|
|
