|
|
 Rock art in Picketwire Canyon | Briefs for February 25, 2010 | 04 - March - 2010PRHC welcomes new medical practitioners
WALSENBURG- Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is having an open house on Sun. Feb. 28 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Walsenburg Housing Authority Meeting Room, 220 Russell Ave. to introduce Kathie Voigt, D.O. and Candace..
| 04 - March - 2010PRHC welcomes new medical practitioners
WALSENBURG- Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is having an open house on Sun. Feb. 28 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Walsenburg Housing Authority Meeting Room, 220 Russell Ave. to introduce Kathie Voigt, D.O. and Candace Ferguson, FNP.
Kathie Voigt is a board certified family physician who moved here from Montana with her husband, Rex, and two children. They are moving to Colorado City. Candace Ferguson is a nurse practitioner who is returning to SPRHC. Candace and her family live in Aguilar.
Water Board meets
WALSENBURG- The Board of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will meet at 6 pm on Mon. March 1 at City Hall, 525 S Albert Avenue, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
Water Enterprise meets
WALSENBURG- The Water Enterprise of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will meet immediately after the HCWCD regular meeting, approximately 6:30 pm on Mon. March 1 at City Hall, 525 S Albert Avenue, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
Investment seminar
WALSENBURG- Roll It, Take It, Leave It: 401(k) Seminar at the Spanish Peaks Library March 2. Call for RSVP to Jerod Heidrick, 719-275-3638.
Veteran’s Sports for Youth Benefit Dinner
WALSENBURG- There will be a Youth Sports Benefit on March 6 at Eagles Hall, 612 Main St. Dinner will be served from 5-7 pm; from 7-8 pm there will be guest speakers and drawings. Then, from 8-midnight, music will be provided by Johnny’s DJ service and an open bar will be available. Tickets are $5 or $7 at the door.
This benefit will help raise money for our Youth Sports Programs throughout the year. As a community we need to come together and build a strong foundation for our children. Let’s help keep our sports programs active. Come one, come all and support our children. Sponsorships are available at two levels.
Level 1-$30.00- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, one entry drawing to the April 1 Nuggets Game, recognition during dinner.
Level 2- $50.00- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, 2 entry drawing tickets for the April 1 Nuggets game, recognition during dinner, advertisement in local papers, and advertisement on KSPK.
Community Garden meeting date changed
WALSENBURG- Due to the foul weather, our February 20 meeting was postponed until March 6 at 1pm at the Walsenburg Community Garden at Walsenburg’s community center. We will be discussing what is new for 2010 and cleaning up the garden and building garden plots. Anyone interested in this project can contact Charles at 738-2696 or Mike at 746-2385 for more info.
AARP driver safety program
WALSENBURG- The AARP Driver Safety Program is a classroom course that helps older drivers become more aware of changes that occur due to aging in vision, hearing, and reaction time and how to adjust driving accordingly. There are no tests. The class will be held Thurs. March 11 at the Huerfano County Community Center from 8 am to 5 pm. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Call 738-2205 for reservations.
Participants have opportunities to share driving experiences and are given an informative student wookbook they use in class and can keep for future reference.
Taking this course may help people save money on their automobile insurance and they should consult their insurance agent. The state of Colorado mandates that an automobile insurance discount be given to people completing a driver improvement course. Participants in this course will be given a certificate of completion to give to their insurance company that is valid for three years.
Breaks will be taken during the class and lunch is available with reservations. Reservations for the class and/or lunch may be made by calling the center at 738-2205. You may also sign up for the class toll free at 1-888-227-7669.
Participants are asked to bring a check for tuition expense and a pen or pencil to use during the class. A web site that contains more information about the program may be found at: www.aarp.org/drive
Weed management class
PUEBLO- Discover how to control those nuisance weeds in your yard and garden by attending the Weed Management class on Tues. March 23 from 6-9 pm offered by CSU Extension/Pueblo County. Mechanical, biological and chemical control options will be covered. Cost is $15 and pre-registration with payment must be received no later than Tues. March 16.
For more information contact the CSU Extension office at 583-6566.
Hometown Heroes needs more help
HUERFANO- Huerfano Hometown Heroes will be sending 15-20 boxes to our deployed troops in March and needs your help once again! The generosity of the people and several groups in Huerfano County have enabled us to send 54 boxes overseas in less than 5 months. Thank you!
Your donations of sealed snack items will help brighten the day for our heroes far from home. Cash/check donations are also needed to help with postage and individual soldier wants/needs. Drop your snack items off at Adventure Trails Gift Shop in Walsenburg or Community Banks in both La Veta & Walsenburg. Get in on the fun & plan on being with us when we package up these boxes on March 20 at 1 pm at Adventure Trails. Questions? Call 742-3235 or visit our website
at www.HuerfanoHometownHeroes.org
Annual Health Fair blood draws starting soon
HUERFANO- The 9th annual Spanish Peaks Regional Health Fair is coming up on Sat. April 17 at the Community Center in Walsenburg. Health Panel Testing (blood work) draws will be taken from 7 am -10am at the locations below and results can be picked up at the Health Fair.
As always, there will be no blood draws at the Fair!
• La Veta Community Center: Mar. 29 through Mar. 30
• Outreach Clinic, 129 Kansas Ave. Walsenburg: Mon. April 5 and Wed. April 7
• Gardner School: Tues. April 13
Call for artists
COLORADO CITY- The Greenhorn Valley Arts & Music Festival will be held July 10-11 in beautiful Greenhorn Meadows Park, Hwy.165, Colorado City. To complement the 80 artist booths, an impressive line-up of regional musicians will be playing throughout the weekend. This is a juried art and fine craft show.
Artist and food vendor applications are available at http://www.greenhornvalleyproductions.com. For more info, email- greenhornvalleyproductions@gmail.com.
Application deadline is April 12.
Colorado Trout Unlimited seeks students
PUEBLO- Colorado Trout Unlimited is now accepting applications from students aged 14 to 18 for its fifth annual River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp, June 6-11 at Peace Ranch near Basalt. Applications must be received by March 30.
The camp is designed to educate students on the importance of coldwater conservation and provide hands-on fly-fishing instruction. Approximately 20 students are selected each year, based on their qualifications and a written essay on why they would like to attend the camp.
“Our hope is that kids who attend our camp today will become the conservation leaders of tomorrow," said Shawn Bratt, a veteran Youth Camp counselor and winner of national Trout Unlimited′s Outstanding Youth Education Volunteer. "It’s important for these students to understand the value of healthy streams and clean water and how they relate to our everyday lives. The camp curriculum has been structured to provide the necessary foundation for that education.”
Camp classes include these topics: principles of ecology, hydro-geology, aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate sampling, hydrology, trout behavior, trout stream entomology, the biology of pollution, acid deposition, and politics of conservation and human effects on the Rocky Mountains.
In addition, the camp will include hands-on classes such as fly tying, fly casting, streamside ethics, angling literature, streamside botany, wader safety and survival, and the evolution of an angler. Students will also participate in a watershed project to repair habitat in a nearby stream.
The River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp includes faculty from various environmental fields and state agencies such as the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Department of Environmental Protection and National Forest Service. The cost to attend the six-day camp is $450. Scholarships may be available.
Contact Mike Nicholson at 303-987-8425 for more information or go to http://www.cotrout.org for further information.
Colorado Trout Unlimited is dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The statewide organization has more than 10,500 members and is part of the national Trout Unlimited organization. Colorado Trout Unlimited fulfills its mission through advocacy and education efforts regarding the impact of drought and pollution on water-based ecosystems, and by engaging volunteers in hands-on projects to improve and rehabilitate Colorado’s river systems.
Head Start now accepting new enrollment
WALSENBURG- Walsenburg Head Start is located at the Parkview Elementary School at 375 W. Pine Street and is now accepting new enrollment applications for the Head Start Program year 2010 – 2011. New children wanting to enroll need to be 3 or 4 by June 30. New enrollees must bring with them an updated Immunization record, verification of income for 2009, (income taxes for 2009), and birth certificate. Walsenburg Head Start is a licensed facility and the children must have an updated Immunization, physical and dental exam before the start of the Head Start year.
Children who are 2 years 9 months (not quite 3 years of age) can enroll in the Head Start Program and are placed on the waiting list until they turn 3 years of age and openings become available.
We also encourage all Head Start children currently enrolled in the program who will be returning to get in touch with their Family Service Worker to complete a re-enrollment application. The programs’ goals are to be completely enrolled by June 1. Please call the Head Start Program for instructions or for further information at 719-738-1038.
Classic cinema live in the Huerfano
WALSENBURG- Interested in bimonthly or weekly free screenings of classic and/or contemporary films featuring film noir, political (Mike Moore), Shakespeare, film festival selections, snacks and riotous conversation at our beautiful new library in Walsenburg? Poetry or music before & after? Reply if interested and list one or two films you would drive to the ‘burg to see. Also indicate day and time that would be best for you. 719-738-1154 or email bkalish39@yahoo.com.
Yiddish club proposed
HUERFANO- There is interest in forming a collaborative language acquisition club to further communication in Yiddish. Meetings would be bimonthly for those seeking fluency and a desire to encourage the use and appreciation of our street language. If interested call 719-738-1154 or email bkalish30@yahoo.com.
| | County Jail roster for February 25, 2010 | 04 - March - 2010Samson Lopez, 30, sentenced to 2 years, in custody, 06-10-09.
Michael Montez, 22, Sentenced to 15 months, credit for 7 days, 90 days concurrent, in custody, 08-06-09.
Leroy Muñoz, 44 Sentenced to 24 months, credit for 139 days, in custody 04-22-09.
..
| 04 - March - 2010Samson Lopez, 30, sentenced to 2 years, in custody, 06-10-09.
Michael Montez, 22, Sentenced to 15 months, credit for 7 days, 90 days concurrent, in custody, 08-06-09.
Leroy Muñoz, 44 Sentenced to 24 months, credit for 139 days, in custody 04-22-09.
Robert Sandoval, 44, Sentenced to 9 months, in custody 10-08-09.
Frank Bailon, 44, sentenced to 1 year, 150 days credit, in custody 11-19-09.
Jose Osorio, 26, sentenced to 90 days, in custody 08-19-09.
William Cruz, 35, sentenced to 10 days, in custody 02-09-10, Released, time served 02-19-10.
Timothy Trujillo, 53, sentenced to 10 days, in custody 02-12-10.
Victor Stiefel, 42, sentenced to 2 days, in custody 02-17-10 released, time served, 02-19-10.
Justin Darnell, 25, Sentenced to 10 days, in custody 02-17-10.
Jose Moncada-Escobedo, 50, sentenced to 10 days, in custody 02-18-10.
Patrick Martinez, 36, sentenced to 5 days, in custody 02-18-10.
Holds for other Agencies
Jose Mendez, 28, sentenced to 365 days (work release) for Eagle , in custody 10-15-09.
Coty Smith, 20, sentenced to 10 days for Lasco, in custody 02-17-10.
Bond Set or Holds
Tomas Bobian, 26, 2nd degree assault, $15,000 bond, in custody 05-12-09.
Raymond Montoya, 39, 1st degree burglary, 3rd degree assault, criminal mischief, $60,000 bond, $250 bond HUE, in custody 11-01-09.
Dustin Sorboro, 31, DUI per se Bond $5,000 C/S, Parole Hold, in custody 12-30-09.
Martin Acosta, 18, HUE, $10,000 bond, in custody 01-26-10, bonded release 02-19-10.
Jason Thompson, 26, Burglary in the 1st degree, 3rd degree assault against at-risk adult, $45,000 bond, in custody 01-30-10.
Jason Ruiz, 37, Probation violation, No bond, in custody 02-11-10.
Charles Sheffield, 52, HUE, $5,000 bond, in custody 02-12-10.
Christopher Cruz, 40, no bond, in custody 02-13-10.
Sergio J. Medina, 18, 2nd degree burglary, $30,000 bond, C/S Probation Hold no bond, in custody 02-13-10.
Eduardo Granillo, 35, unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance, unlawful possession of 1 or more chemical supplies /equipment with intent to sell/manufacture, unlawful use of a controlled substance, schedule I or II, criminal impersonation; identity theft, $100,000 bond, in custody 02-17-10.
| | Budget cuts overtake Re-1 agenda | 04 - March - 2010By Jaye Sudar
WALSENBURG- At Re-1’s last board meeting, the budget cut draft proposal resulted in lively discussion, as it was noted that a number of points still need to be worked out. Directors Bobian and Valerio argued for making cuts that would not aff..
| 04 - March - 2010By Jaye Sudar
WALSENBURG- At Re-1’s last board meeting, the budget cut draft proposal resulted in lively discussion, as it was noted that a number of points still need to be worked out. Directors Bobian and Valerio argued for making cuts that would not affect kids. Bobian pushed for art and the vocation education courses while Valerio pushed for cutting administration rather than programs and teachers. One solution mentioned was an override election which would increase funding over a set period of time. The State is apparently seeing this as a viable option for school districts.
Because the district needs to cut $300,000, the board will meet again on March 9 at 6:30 pm. Superintendent Doyle and board members appealed to the audience and the public for suggestions.
Gardner School recognized Peggy Kelly as an outstanding staff member. Gardner had 16 students go to the regional science fair, 14 of them placed, and one is going to state. The Gardner Foundation is providing a Spanish class for students and the public starting March 1. For information, contact the school.
John Mall recognized Gary Vigil for being an outstanding staff member. Doc Siders stated that the new cell phone/iphone policy is working well with few hiccups.
Peakview had six students go to the regional science fair and two are going on to state. Peewee basketball is beginning under Paul and Robert Duran.
The audit for the district is still not done, which has board members upset and reconsidering the logic of changing accountants last year. They have till the end of the month to complete the paperwork. The technology department provided information concerning costs per pupil for tech support and an overview of services provided.
The district accepted with regret, the resignation of Patricia Martinez as principal of Peakview. After 33 years in education, 30 of which were here in Huerfano County, she decided to retire. The district will miss her.
Re-1 voted to participate in Lobato v. State of Colorado and help fund the lawsuit to the amount of $1 per pupil ($588). The lawsuit aims to help equalize the way schools are funded in the district. Two directors voted against the monetary portion of the resolution.
Gaye Davis discussed the sports complex and the items needed for completion. The board approved the awarding of contracts for cement work, synthetic track surfacing and the purchase of chain link fencing supplies. Doyle is asking the public for assistance in putting up the fence, and director Jerant appealed to the newspapers to help promote community participation for building projects such as the sports complex. Gaye also brought forth the issue of beginning historical recognition for Washington School. As a PWA project from the Depression, the school has a possible chance for gaining historical designation.
At the previous meeting, the idea was brought up of busing students to Gardner school from Walsenburg. So far 10 students from Peakview have shown an interest. This will be a first come first served opportunity. Homeschoolers in the district might also want to consider the option of going to Gardner school. | | Tourism Board receives grant applications | 04 - March - 2010by Edie Flanagin
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Tourism Board met with a full agenda on February 12, 2010. Chair Debra Malone started the meeting by introducing a letter, which all members signed, in support of keeping Grandote Golf course open. Another..
| 04 - March - 2010by Edie Flanagin
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Tourism Board met with a full agenda on February 12, 2010. Chair Debra Malone started the meeting by introducing a letter, which all members signed, in support of keeping Grandote Golf course open. Another letter was proposed for signing supporting the proposed development at Cucharas. The members of the board discussed the letter and decided it would be better to wait until more information was available before signing. John Galusha, county administrator, gave a short report on the proposed development. He said that the developers received the go ahead from the water commissioners to build a five acre storage lake above the ski area for snow making and city water storage. Further details will be available in the coming months. Mr. Galusha gave a report on expenditures ($8488) and revenues($635) for January, explaining it is normal for higher expenses in January than revenues.
Also on the agenda were the finalization of the advertising in various publications for the year. The board approved ads in AAA magazine, San Luis Valley Vacation Guide, Audubon Society Magazine, and Signature Summer guide.
Copies of five grant applications received by meeting time were distributed to the members for review, and the board received four more applications by the 4 pm deadline. A special meeting is scheduled for 8:30 am on Thursday at Sammie’s in La Veta to go over all the grant requests.
A short report from Edie Flanagin on Agritourism (see related article) and a report from Carolyn Newman on Heritage Tourism wound up the meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Tourism Board is scheduled for March 5, at noon at the Courthouse. | | Briefs for February 18, 2010 | 28 - February - 2010UHCD Supervisors meet
WALSENBURG- The Board of Supervisors of the Upper Huerfano Conservation District will meet at 5:30 pm on Thurs. Feb. 18 at 711 Walsen Avenue, Suite A, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
Hometown Heroes meet
WALSENBURG..
| 28 - February - 2010UHCD Supervisors meet
WALSENBURG- The Board of Supervisors of the Upper Huerfano Conservation District will meet at 5:30 pm on Thurs. Feb. 18 at 711 Walsen Avenue, Suite A, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
Hometown Heroes meet
WALSENBURG- The next meeting of Huerfano Hometown Heroes will be Feb. 20 at 1 pm, at Adventure Trails. Clifford Boxley with Freedom Team Salute will talk to us about that organization & how they recognize our heroes in uniform.
Volunteers for Change to meet
WALSENBURG- Volunteers for Change will meet at the community center in Walsenburg at 3:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 20th. Susan Kalman organizes this energetic group of people who have undertaken a wide variety of projects in our area (community garden in Walsenburg, recycling projects in Westcliffe and Canon City, Knit Wits who get together to create stuff, some of which is donated (your choice) and way more.
Want to be part of the solution? Attend the meeting; join: dues are $5 a year and are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to Sangre de Cristo Volunteers for Change and sent to
P.O. Box 19705,
Colorado City, CO 81019.
Or contact Susan to be added to the group’s email notices: Susan Kalman susantheo@ghvalley.net.
SDS screening date set
WALSENBURG- A film showing SDS: in action, in Newark, NJ in 1964 will be shown at Spanish Peaks Library on Sat. Feb. 20 at 4 pm. Topics are community organizing, live and in the ditches alongside Tom Hayden, Barry Kalish & friends. Power to the people, the real stuff, door to door, tears and shouting allowed, free popcorn. Ranting, raving, discussion to follow. 719-738-1154 or email bkalish39@yahoo.com.
The Fab Four’s “Help!” in La Veta
LA VETA- SPACe is hosting a fundraising party for the gallery building expansion on Feb. 20 at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 5:30. There will be homemade pizza, appetizers, drinks, and door prizes. At 6:30, there will be a showing of the Beatle′s movie, "Help!" In addition, there will be a display of 24 original "Lobby Card" posters for the movie. The posters are part of a generous donation of movie posters that will be used in the fundraising campaign. The cost per ticket is $20 at Charlie′s and the SPACe gallery. The theater only seats 80 people so tickets are limited. Visit the SPACe website, www.SpanishPeaksArts.org, or call 719 742-3074 for more information.
Valentine’s Teen Dance this Sat.
WALSENBURG- The La Plaza de Los Leones Youth Auxiliary will be hosting a Valentine′s Teen Dance on Saturday, February 20. Dance will be from 7 pm - midnight at the Huerfano County Community Center. Open to students 7th - 12th grades. Admission is $3 at the door. Concession stand available. Music by DJ Cardo. No in & outs. All proceeds will go towards scholarship funds for Huerfano County students.
FFA week: lead out loud
LA VETA- The student body of La Veta High School is encouraged to wear blue and gold to school on Mon. Feb 22! Members of the Community can also wear blue to show their support for the National FFA Organization.
On Tues. Feb. 23, students will be encouraged to dress like farmers and drive a tractor to school. The tractor parade starts at 8 am. The line-up will go around the school lot. Line-up begins at 7:45 am and members of the community are welcome to drive tractors in the parade.
Wed. Feb. 24 is Western Dress Day. The petting zoo will start at 12 pm.
Thurs. Feb. 25 is Teach Ag Day. The La Veta FFA Chapter Officer Team will go around to elementary and tell about agriculture. Later that night at 5 pm, there will be an open house and chili cook off at La Veta High School’s Ag Shop. The Chapter will sell bowls of chili for $2. Then at 6 pm, the Chapter Officer Team will tell the community the things they have learned in Ag.
Root beer float night
WALSENBURG- John Mall Booster Club and Accountablilty Committee will be hosting a Root Beer Float Night at their next combined meeting Mon. Feb. 22 at 5:30 pm in the JMHS cafeteria. The focus of the meeting will be on Drive Safe Huerfano County, a student group which advocates the wearing of seat belts and safe driving.
JMHS Parent-Teacher Student Conferences
WALSENBURG- JMHS Parent teacher student conferences will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 2:30-7:00 PM. We encourage everyone to attend this very important event!
H1N1 flu clinic
WALSENBURG- There will be a H1N1 flu clinic on Wed. Feb 24th from 4-7 pm at the Health Department, 119 E Fifth Street in Walsenburg. THe clinic is for anyone that has not received an H1N1 vaccine or children 9 and younger who need a second dose. Please bring the tan card you received for the first dose.
Gardner kids to present a show
GARDNER- 1st and 2nd graders will present their show on Wed. Feb. 24, at 6:30 pm in the Gardner School video room Come and hear their rendition of Maurice Sendak’s “Chicken Soup with Rice” and The Three Nanny Goats Gruff.
Youth sports benefit
WALSENBURG- There will be a Youth Sports Benefit on March 6 at Eagles Hall, 612 Main St. Dinner will be served from 5-7 pm; from 7-8 pm there will be guest speakers and a raffle drawing. Then, from 8-midnight music will be provided by Johnny’s DJ service and an open bar will be available.
Tickets are $7 or $10 at the door.
This benefit will raise money for our Youth Sports Programs. Let’sbuild a strong foundation for our children and help keep their sports programs active. Come one, come all and support our children.
Sponsorships available:
Level 1-$30- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, 1 entry drawing to JMHS girls half beef (equal to 300 lbs beef) and recognition during dinner (an extra $5.00 will get 3 entries instead of 1).
Level 2- $50- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, 3 tickets for the JMHS Girls half beef (equal to 300 lbs beef), recognition during dinner, advertisement in local paper, advertisement on KSPK .
Weed management class
PUEBLO- Discover how to control those nuisance weeds in your yard and garden by attending the Weed Management class on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. offered by CSU Extension/Pueblo County. Mechanical, biological and chemical control options will be covered. Cost is $15 and pre-registration with payment must be received no later than Tuesday, March 16th.
For more information contact the CSU Extension office at 583-6566.
Annual Health Fair blood draws starting soon
HUERFANO- The 9th annual Spanish Peaks Regional Health Fair is coming up on Sat. April 17 at the community center in Walsenburg. Health Panel Testing (Blood Work) draws will be taken from 7 am -10am at the locations below; with results to be picked up at the Health Fair.
As always, there will be no blood draws at the Fair!
• La Veta Community Center: Mar. 29 through Mar. 30
• Gardner School: Tues. April 13
• Outreach Clinic, 129 Kansas Ave. Walsenburg: Mon. April 5 and Wed. April 7
Classic cinema live in the Huerfano
Walsenburg- Interested in bimonthly or weekly free screenings of classic and/or contemporary films featuring film noir, political (Mike Moore), Shakespeare, film festival selections snacks and riotious conversation at our beautiful new library in Walsenburg? Poetry or music before & after? Reply if interested and list one or two films you would drive to the ‘burg to see. Also indicate day and time that would be best for you. 719-738-1154 or email bkalish39@yahoo.com.
Yiddish club proposed
HUERFANO- There is interest in forming a collaborative language acquisition club to further Yiddish communicating. Meetings would be bimonthly for those seeking fluency, and a desire to encourage the use and appreciation of our street language. If interested call 719-738-1154 or email bkalish30@yahoo.com.
Order seedling trees now
“There are two great times to plant trees. One was twenty years ago and the other is now, “ stated District Forester C.K. Morey. Over 45 species of trees and shrubs are offered at cost for windbreak, shelterbelts, erosion control, reforestation and Living Snow Fence by the Colorado State Forest Service. Morey is urging landowners to order seedling trees now for spring planting when trees are delivered in April.
Landowners with two or more acres are eligible for the program. Contact C. K. Morey if there are questions of planting needs. The La Veta District Office will stock full line of seedling survival supplies such as slow release fertilizer tablets, rabbit guards, sun shades, weed barrier, drip irrigation and polymer.
In addition, a booklet, “The Farmstead Windbreak” is available from NRCS, Extension, and CSFS Offices. The publication provides information on windbreak planning, planting and care. “Properly designed tree planting can play a major role in land management”, Morey stated.
Order blanks can be picked up in Walsenburg at Extension Office at the Community Center or Natural Resource Conservation Service Office at 711 Walsen Ave. Or application can be emailed to you. For more information call 719-742-3588 or write to the Colorado State Forest Service Office, P. O. Box 81, La Veta, Colorado 81055. Email is ckmorey@lamar.colostate.edu | | Huerfano County one of the lowest in health in Colorado | 28 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Huerfano County is ranked 55th in the state in health criteria. The new study released this week will show several factors including how people look at health issues and what they do about them.
Mary Garcia, the Las Animas..
| 28 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Huerfano County is ranked 55th in the state in health criteria. The new study released this week will show several factors including how people look at health issues and what they do about them.
Mary Garcia, the Las Animas and Huerfano County Health Care Director said the nationwide study on county health care in the nation came up with the figures but it is not certain who was talked to and what kind of questions were asked. Her department was not consulted. She figured that maybe doctors or other health care officials were contacted. The Univ. of Wisconsin put the figures together. The question being asked is whether the wealthiest counties in a state are the healthiest? Also whether counties with more primary care providers have healthier citizens? How important is having access to healthy foods, diabetic screening, effects of binge drinking, tobacco use and obesity along with graduation rates are also looked at factors linked to health.
People can go to www.countyhealthrankings.org for more information. Garcia said Huerfano County has some excellent medical facilities but that many people do not take advantage of the opportunities here which could give them better health.
She said she would study the information being released this week and give a report to the Huerfano County Commissioners on what can be done to improve health care in the county. | | Skaggs will not seek re-election in Cucharas | 28 - February - 2010by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- At the February 12 meeting of the Cucharas Sanitation and Water District, Chairman Leon Skaggs confirmed that he will not seek re-election to the District Board. Skaggs was originally appointed to fill out the term of Jim Vietti for ..
| 28 - February - 2010by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- At the February 12 meeting of the Cucharas Sanitation and Water District, Chairman Leon Skaggs confirmed that he will not seek re-election to the District Board. Skaggs was originally appointed to fill out the term of Jim Vietti for a period of one year. Aside from a two-year hiatus because of the District’s term limits, Skaggs served the District Board for a total of thirteen years. There are two other Board seats that expire in April. Dan Brewer and Jim Howard are planning to seek re-election. If you are interested in serving on the District Board, the deadline for self-nomination forms is February 26. Contact the District office at 742-3108 for more information. The election will be held April 6.
General Manager Bob Northup reported to the Board that a lot of work has been done at the wastewater treatment plant. The crew is also reassembling the dump truck after engine repairs.
Since the winter has been so cold, Northup said the frost is driving three to four feet deep, endangering residential water lines. Northup said the staff stays aware of residences where the water consumption seems unusually high and will notify absentee homeowners that they may have a water break.
The SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system is back online at the ski resort. Northup said the system had multiple intermittent problems ever since a lightning strike in 2008. The District has purchased a new extended warranty, which will cover the system for future problems, including lightning strikes.
Northup said the District is currently involved in four active water court cases: Mexican Ditch filing (by La Veta); the augmentation plan for the Rocky Flat Gravel Pit; augmentation for the well at the CSWD wastewater plant; and opposition to the Kohler Ditch filing (by Walsenburg). | | Re-1 ponders how to save money | 28 - February - 2010by Jaye Sudar
WALSENBURG- February 3rd saw the Peakview cafeteria packed with board members, teachers from various schools and the public to listen to thoughts on the budget cuts to the district. With a 10% budget cut from the state still lurking in the wi..
| 28 - February - 2010by Jaye Sudar
WALSENBURG- February 3rd saw the Peakview cafeteria packed with board members, teachers from various schools and the public to listen to thoughts on the budget cuts to the district. With a 10% budget cut from the state still lurking in the wings for next year′s budget, the district decided to get input from as many sources as possible.
Surveys were sent out to the schools and were due on Thursday. Schools brought the information they had to hand even though the surveys were not complete. Over four pages of flip chart paper were covered with ideas for amending the 2010-11 budget. Some were serious and others comical.
A suggestion that brought a smile to the faces of the crowd was that of students and teachers bringing their own roll of toilet paper. This digressed into a discussion of school supplies in general. Buying in bulk, cooperating with BOCES, and shopping locally′ to avoid transport costs were brought up.
School closures sparked heated discussions. Washington school, while seemingly empty, houses the administration for the district, O & E, the Historical Society library and BOCES. In truth, it is at 95% occupancy and some of those entities pay rent to the district. Some lobbied for the closure of Gardner school. That was quickly shot down as Erin Jerant stated, “Gardner is not getting closed.” The school as a small rural attendance center brings in more money per pupil to the district. When questioned whether it was worth it, Aaron Harper, a Gardner School parent, suggested increasing the population of Gardner school via busing or car pooling. Gardner principal, Linda Bennett agreed with him and added to the idea of increasing Gardner′s enrollment. The suggestion, which if implemented would increase the per student funding, was an idea that the board and many present at the meeting approved as an excellent idea. Gardner school, as one of the highest CSAP rated schools in Southern Colorado, is an asset to the district.
Other suggestions were to change or eliminate bus routes in the district, more fund raisers, better use of volunteers, elimination or change in the sports and other programs, cutting field trips, eliminate inservice days, conserve electricity, decrease aides, defer benefits and change the school calendar and school day. Grants were mentioned as another way to help fund sections of the district.
Superintendent Doyle made a point to state that many of the items mentioned during the nearly three hour discussion were only possible if the state changed laws governing schools and budgets. For example, it is required by state law that each district sets aside $25,000 for food service each year. For some districts, this is not an issue. For others it is. There were others mentioned that tie the hands of school districts that need voters to lobby their congressmen to change.
Teachers from Gardner school suggested giving one free day in the style of a furlough day. Doyle stated that this would have to be part of the negotiated teacher agreement and that it would be discussed then.
Another measure mentioned was that of another bond issue being set before the voters to increase the mil levy that funds the schools in the district. This is an interesting idea in that State and Federal funds interplay with locally raised funds. For example, if a district funds itself with 48% local funds, the State and Federal funds will step into provide the remaining 52%. When the mill levy increase was put forth in the 1990′s, it would only have increased the tax burden by $6 to $10 per household paying property taxes.
While all of these suggestions had merit, nothing has yet been decided. If you have any further suggestions or opinion, please bring them to the district office at Washington school. | | Briefs for Febraury 11, 2010 | 18 - February - 2010Chamber to meet
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce will meet this Thurs. at 5:30 at the LaPlaza Inn on W. 6th St. instead of at the train depot. Anyone wishing to know more about their Chamber of Commerce is invited.
Tourism board mee..
| 18 - February - 2010Chamber to meet
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce will meet this Thurs. at 5:30 at the LaPlaza Inn on W. 6th St. instead of at the train depot. Anyone wishing to know more about their Chamber of Commerce is invited.
Tourism board meets
WALSENBURG- The Tourism Board meets at noon Fri. Feb. 12 in the commissioner meeting room in the courthouse. On the agenda is a review of local grant applications and a report on the San Luis Valley tourism conference with its theme of Ag-Tourism.
La Veta Library Screens “The Boy In the Striped Pajamas”
LA VETA- The La Veta Public Library will show the movie “The Boy in The Striped Pajamas” on Fri. Feb. 12. The movie depicts two young boys who become best friends. Bruno, son of the local Nazi camp commandant, is on the free side of a high barbed wire fence, while Shmuel sits forlornly in his striped prisoner suit on the enclosed side. Their friendship is tested by soldiers enforcing the separation of the fence. This hauntingly beautiful film will linger in your memory as you contemplate the fences in your own relationships. The film begins at 6:30 pm and discussion will follow. Admission is free, and the program is made possible by The Friends of the La Veta Library.
Sweetheart supper
WALSENBURG- There will be a Sweetheart Spaghetti Supper on Sat. Feb.. 13, 5 to 7 pm at Walsenburg’s United Church on Main Street. Music will be provided by Orphan Valley Singers and friends. Tickets are $6 for singles and $10 for couples.
Let’s Paint!!!
WALSENBURG- Create with Emma and her rug. An Art Workshop for children in grades K-7 will be held at Spanish Peaks Library, Tues. Feb. 16, from 4:30-6 pm. Bring your watercolor sets and brushes and watercolor with Dianne Hanisch. Please sign up for the event at the library. There will be no charge for the session. For information, call 738-2774.
Science Fair open house
GARDNER- Gardner School will be having their Science Fair open house on Wed. Feb. 17 from 5-6:30. Hope to see you here!
Meet Congressional candidate Bob McConnell
LA VETA- Come Meet Bob McConnell on Thurs. Feb.18 at 6 pm at the La Veta Community Center. McConnell is running for the Third Congressional District against John Salazar.
UHCD Supervisors meet
WALSENBURG- The Board of Supervisors of the Upper Huerfano Conservation District will meet at 5:30 pm on Thurs. Feb. 18 at 711 Walsen Avenue, Suite A, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
Hometown Heroes meet
WALSENBURG- The next meeting of Huerfano Hometown Heroes will be Feb. 20 at 1 pm, at Adventure Trails. Clifford Boxley with Freedom Team Salute will talk to us about that organization & how they recognize our heroes in uniform.
The Fab Four’s “Help!” in La Veta
LA VETA- SPACe is hosting a fundraising party for the gallery building expansion on Feb. 20 at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 5:30. There will be homemade pizza, appetizers, drinks, and door prizes. At 6:30, there will be a showing of the Beatle′s movie, "Help!" In addition, there will be a display of 24 original "Lobby Card" posters for the movie. The posters are part of a generous donation of movie posters that will be used in the fundraising campaign. The cost per ticket is $20 at Charlie′s and the SPACe gallery. The theater only seats 80 people so tickets are limited. Visit the SPACe website, www.SpanishPeaksArts.org, or call 719 742-3074 for more information.
FFA week: lead out loud
LA VETA- The student body of La Veta High School is encouraged to wear blue and gold to school on Mon. Feb 22! Members of the Community can also wear blue to show their support for the National FFA Organization.
On Tues. Feb. 23, students will be encouraged to dress like farmers and drive a tractor to school. The tractor parade starts at 8 am. The line-up will go around the school lot. Line-up begins at 7:45 am and members of the community are welcome to drive tractors in the parade.
Wed. Feb. 24 is Western Dress Day. The petting zoo will start at 12 pm.
Thurs. Feb. 25 is Teach Ag Day. The La Veta FFA Chapter Officer Team will go around to elementary and tell about agriculture. Later that night at 5 pm, there will be an open house and chili cook off at La Veta High School’s Ag Shop. The Chapter will sell bowls of chili for $2. Then at 6 pm, the Chapter Officer Team will tell the community the things they have learned in Ag.
Root beer float night
WALSENBURG- John Mall Booster Club and Accountablilty Committee will be hosting a Root Beer Float Night at their next combined meeting Mon. Feb. 22 at 5:30 pm in the JMHS cafeteria. The focus of the meeting will be on Drive Safe Huerfano County, a student group which advocates the wearing of seat belts and safe driving.
Youth sports benefit
WALSENBURG- There will be a Youth Sports Benefit on March 6 at Eagles Hall, 612 Main St. Dinner will be served from 5-7 pm; from 7-8 pm there will be guest speakers and a raffle drawing. Then, from 8-midnight music will be provided by Johnny’s DJ service and an open bar will be available.
Tickets are $7 or $10 at the door.
This benefit will raise money for our Youth Sports Programs. Let’sbuild a strong foundation for our children and help keep their sports programs active. Come one, come all and support our children.
Sponsorships available:
Level 1-$30- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, 1 entry drawing to JMHS girls half beef (equal to 300 lbs beef) and recognition during dinner (an extra $5.00 will get 3 entries instead of 1).
Level 2- $50- sponsors receive 2 dinner tickets, 3 tickets for the JMHS Girls half beef (equal to 300 lbs beef), recognition during dinner, advertisement in local paper, advertisement on KSPK .
Free screening
WALSENBURG- A film showing SDS: in action, in Newark, NJ in 1964 will be shown at Spanish Peaks Library on a date chosen according to feedback from those interested in seeing it. Topics are community organizing, live and in the ditches alongside Tom Hayden, Barry Kalish & friends. Power to the people, the real stuff, door to door, tears and shouting allowed, free popcorn. Ranting, raving, discussion to follow. RSVP to express interest and what showtime will work for you by calling 719-738-1154 or email bkalish39@yahoo.com. | | Wind Farm or Airport? | 18 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Does Huerfano County need an airport if the location stands in the way of a wind farm development? Larry Mapes and Todd Potts said if the FAA requirements at the airport in Walsenburg remain in place, it will kill the wind farm..
| 18 - February - 2010by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Does Huerfano County need an airport if the location stands in the way of a wind farm development? Larry Mapes and Todd Potts said if the FAA requirements at the airport in Walsenburg remain in place, it will kill the wind farm project they have proposed. Mapes said he checked on taxes with a wind farm in the Lamar area and the county receives $5,000 per megawatt produced. The Mapes/Potts wind farm proposal would produce 200 megawatts annually or about 1 million dollars. They contend that the money they would bring in for taxes would be more beneficial than the airport.
Huerfano County Commissioner, Roger Cain said consideration could be given to closing the airport or having it moved. Cain said, “We don’t want to close the airport and then have nothing happen.” Mapes feels that the developers could be interested in beginning the project later this year.
County Administrator, John Galusha, said the airport could be relocated for about 10 million dollars. He wondered if developers would consider paying to relocate the airport? Mapes doesn’t know the answer.
Mapes and Potts wondered how many of the planes stored in hangers at the Walsenburg Airport were actually owned by Huerfano County residents?
The Commissioners didn’t know the answer to that question.
Both sides are to gather more information and discuss the issue in the near future. If the airport was closed, the County would have to pay back money to the federal government for improvements made to the facility. | | No electricity rate increase for 2010 | | 18 - February - 2010HUERFANO- San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. has announced there will be no rate increase in 2010. SIEA employees worked to streamline operations and gain greater efficiencies to maintain current rates. Another key was the decision by Tri-State Generati..
| 18 - February - 2010HUERFANO- San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. has announced there will be no rate increase in 2010. SIEA employees worked to streamline operations and gain greater efficiencies to maintain current rates. Another key was the decision by Tri-State Generation and Transmission to hold wholesale power cost steady.
“At San Isabel Electric, the phrase ‘We have the power’ isn’t just a slogan. It is truly how our organization functions. We are locally owned by the members we serve. Our board members are elected, representing the communities where they live. So rates and service integrity are very important.” said General Manger Reg Rudolph. | | Petroglyph setlement | 28 - January - 2010by Edi Sheldon
HUERFANO- Petroglyph Energy has reached a settlement agreement in each of two lawsuits filed against them by the residents of the River Ridge subdivision. Although the terms of the settlements were unavailable, the complaints involved claims..
| 28 - January - 2010by Edi Sheldon
HUERFANO- Petroglyph Energy has reached a settlement agreement in each of two lawsuits filed against them by the residents of the River Ridge subdivision. Although the terms of the settlements were unavailable, the complaints involved claims of damages allegedly resulting from methane gas seepage into water wells, outbuildings, and in some instances, homes of the River Ridge property owners.
Some property owners in River Ridge purchased home sites located atop old coal mines. Petroglyph leased the mineral rights on some of this land to drill for and extract deposits of methane gas, a byproduct of the coal and its continual decaying process. Residents became alarmed when evidence of methane was detected in water wells. One property owner suffered an explosion of an outbuilding on the property after drilling by Petroglyph had begun. Successive meetings were held to attempt to find answers for the damages to property owners’ water and buildings.
State regulatory agencies, Colorado Legislators, and National Congressional and Senate Representatives have been involved in the issues surrounding the River Ridge problems, and as of this date the remedies are still somewhat unsatisfactory. Although the City of Walsenburg did extend the use of their water haul privileges to the residents of River Ridge, Petroglyph is still working on a replacement plan for water in the aquifer from which the property owners draw. | |
|
|
|
