k c a B g n i k o o L
Take One
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he Looking Back special edition takes a look at local history with some well-known names and faces that have graced the pages of the Valley’s six weekly newspapers. Many of the people featured in the following pages have continued their work, volunteering and activities and remain valuable members of the community today. Others have since passed away, but their legacy lives large in the Valley.
The San Luis Valley has a long and interesting history, and this edition tries to shine a light on the 70s, 80s and 90s. Many things happened during that time and the photographs contained in these pages cannot cover everything, but hopefully they will bring a few smiles. Hairstyles and clothing trends may have changed, but the community involvement that is so clear in these photographs remains strong in the San Luis Valley.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Valley Publishing, Inc. 852-3531 • 835 First Ave. • Monte Vista, Colo.
Page 2 — Looking Back — Wednesday, August 29, 2018
1970s
Center Community Clinic… Groundbreaking ceremonies were held to make way for construction of the new clinic. On hand for the occasion were Richard Parker, superintendent of the Center Municipal Utilities; County Commissioner Lloyd Ford; Mayor Keith Edwards; Councilman Ted Sanchez; Councilman Jim Tonso; Dr. John Haskin; Dr. Pat Coonan; Joyce McClure, R.N.; Sister Patricia Simpson, member of the Norther San Luis Valley Family Health Service building committee; Don Roberts, contractor and Juan Gomez, project director of the Northern San Luis Valley Family Health Service.
Homecoming queen… Teresa Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Wilson, was crowned 1974 Homecoming Queen during half-time ceremonies. Teresa is a senior at Center High School.
Governor in Monte Vista… Governor John Vanderhoof is shown talking to three members of Tri-County 4-H Clubs who prepared the meal for the Lincoln Day Dinner in Monte Vista.
Driver’s ed announced… Driver’s Ed classes recently started. Russ Welsh of the Del Norte Motor Company furnished a 1976 LTD Ford, 4-door hardtop, marroon. Ralph Bamber is the driving instructor.
Del Norte Schools announce top students… Del Norte school officials have announced the top students of the 1973 graduating class. Wanda Martinez is the valedictorian and salutatorian is Brian Mark Roberts.
Creede, first to have emergency medical radio system… Doug Molony, Crow’s Radio & TV Service in Monte Vista is shown installing an EMS radio system in the Creede ambulance. Creede is the first of six communities that will have this system available in their ambulance. Right: New officers… Monte Vista’s goldcoated Conquistadores installed a new patron, Byron Uhrich (seated) and three new Capataz, from the left, standing Win Matt, Heine Leonard and John Jackson, at their annual banquet. Outgoing patron Harold Rominger presided over the banquet and installation. Below: WCOs check rangeland for forage quality, quantity… From left, Charlie Byrd, U.S. Forest Service, Del Norte and Mike Zgainer, WCO from South Fork, measured important deer and elk forage during recent browse production samples.
1970s
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 — Looking Back — Page 3
Be patient, skiers… Snow fell at Wolf Creek Ski Area last week but not enough to let skiers out on the slopes. It is hoped that enough snow will fall by the weekend so the slopes can be open.
Monte Vista Coop opens new location… Andy Anderson, manager of Monte Vista Coop, is shown aiding an “open house” visitor at its new place on Highway 160 east of Monte Vista in November 1975.
Del Norte man chosen for world 4-H program… Owen W. Scherzer, 23, Del Norte has been selected for 1975 overseas assignment with the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program.
Car winner… Mrs. Miles Acheson won the Vega offered by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce drawing at the San Luis Valley New Car and Sports Equipment Show. Said Mrs. Acheson, “I’ve never won anything before in my life.” Presenting the keys to Acheson is Dean Hall, president of the chamber of commerce.
1975’s first Monte Vista baby welc o m e d … Chere Dawn Mitchell, six pounds, three ounce, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bill Mitchell. Chere Dawn, held here by mother Linda, was born Jan. 1, 1975 at 12:35 a.m. Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hoffman of Las Animas, Colo. Paternal grandparents Listen up… Creede Mayor Jimmie Basham, center, listens to a spectator make a statement. are Mr. and Mrs. Roger Mitchell of Monte Vista.
Cheerleading camp… Six cheerleaders from Center High School recently attended a cheerleading camp on the Fort Lewis Campus at Durango. They joined cheerleaders from schools throughout Colorado. Doing the splits in front is Debbie Edwards; standing front, left to right are Terri Finley, Tammy DeFreece, Jolynn Warmack and Annette Bernard; standing above are Elaine Sanchez and Grace Trujillo.
1980s
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No injuries reported… Saguache fireman Randy Arredando prepared for a possible explosion from a wrecked car owned by Cora Corrizine of Pueblo. Ms. Corrizine was not injured in the accident, which occurred on County Road Y near Saguache.
Drug survey handed out… Conejos County Sheriff Gene DeHerrera and District Attorney Doug Primavera were at City Market in Alamosa passing our drug surveys. The Ancient rock carvings damaged… Ken Frye, a surveys were part of the research being done prior to museum volunteer, looks at some rock carvings south of Monte Vista that were recently damaged various drug abuse prevention programs. by someone with a rifle.
Pee Wee wrestlers hit the mats… Martin Gracia, age 6, of Sanford struggles for the advantage during the Pee Wee meet at Sanford.
Center takes victory… It’s a scramble for the ball as the Creede High School girls varsity plays Center. The Miners lost the game in a lackluster performance.
Happy birthday… Ethel Wyley talks to well-wishers during her birthday party at Homelake Veterans Center. The 103-year-old remembers coming to the Valley when she was eight. Stocking up… Emily Donofrio, granddaughter of DeeAnn Fleming, is stocking shelves at the new Rainbow Grocery in South Fork. She was part of a crew which has been working since the first truck arrived from Association Grocers in Denver on Friday.
Daring effort retrieves body off of Bristol Head… Mineral County Sheriff Jan Briggs (left) and Rex Shepperd of Creede rusted to brief the team from Rocky Mountain Rescue as they arrived at the Center Police Department… Daniel Martinez, Michael McKee, John Valdez, Leroy Torrez, Johnson Mineral County Airport. Gasper, Arnold Valdez
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 — Looking Back — Page 5
1980s New Center mayor will take oath of office… Adeline Sanchez
Bikers provide toys… Jeff Hinger and Rio Grande County Sheriff Desi Medina show off some of the toys the Mountain Magic motorcycle club helped gather for children.
On its way up… Popular band Tumbleweed
Meet the Creede grapplers… Glen Hinshaw, district wildlife Manassa observes holiday… Children at Manassa Elementary dressed up for Chinese New Year. manager for the Creede area, served as an assistant coach for From left to right are Jesse Stalker, Cynthia Jackson, Sheila Lopez, Dana Salazar, Cindy Martinez, the Creede High School wrestling team as a volunteer in 1981. Jennifer Chavez and Shane McGinnis. Phillip Leggitt Jr., sophomore, wrestled at 155 pounds. He is the son of Phil Leggitt of Creede and Mrs. Lana Bonneau. He was born in Monte Vista and lived in California before returning to Creede three years ago. Bruce Stroh, business teacher at Creede High School, served as coach of the Miners’ wrestling team.
Fighting water standards… The Creede Town Board met in April of 1981 with Pual Herzmark, executive director of the state Department of Local Affairs, to discuss the city’s requests for water and sewer grants. Among those attending were Mayor Jimmie Basham (far left); Steve Colby, a department official; (from left in back) Charles Steele of the county, Trustees Phil Legitt,Mike McClure, Dave Nichol and Rex Shepperd and Trustee Dick Kolisch (foreground).
Heads up… Artist Jenny Inge shows off her heads recently acquired in Durango.
1990s
Page 6 — Looking Back — Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Flip those pancakes… Center Kiwanis member Dick Eagles flips pancakes as the grill turns around. The Kiwanis members served about 700 people during their annual pancake supper. They used 150 pounds of dry pancake mix.
Three Manassans wreak havoc, conquer derby foes… Bobby Cordova of Manassa smashes his car (No. 350) into the front end of an eventual second-place finish at the Alamosa Round-Up Demolition Derby. It was his second second-place finish in a row. His brother, J.R was first and cousin Steve finished third.
Rancher wants to sell water… Gary Boyce, controversial former publisher of the anti-AWDI newspaper The Needles, says he wants ranchers to buy shares in his Stockmen’s Water Co.
Winter washing… A tabby seemingly unaware of cold temperatures in Del Norte Friday is caught in a compromising position. The rest of the town bundled up before going outside.
CRT in action… Jacqueline Lucid, Maggie Carney, Janet Lindsay and Christine Brandt star in Creede Repertory Theatre’s production of “Mornings at Seven” finishing off the 1994 season.
River Watch Program takes off… Dustin Smith, a Monte Vista Middle School student, gathers water samples from the Rio Grande. The water was tested for temperature and acidity or alkaline content. Monte Vista was one of seven schools in the Valley, including Adams State College involved in the River Watch Program.
Family store… The Hosselkus Family Story in Creede is manned by Liz Curry-baker, Yvonne Hosselkus-cook and “PR” man and Robert Sanford Pioneer Days brings fun… This all-girls team gave the water balloon war Hosselkus-business manager and bookkeeper. champions the closest contest during the event at Sanford; some even said the battle was a draw. They were caught by the photographer just before they charged the boys.
Car show on tap… This is one of the autos that will be displayed in Monte Vista’s car show. Glimpse into the past… Left: On the Bachelor Mine Tour road north of Creede up West Willow Creek, visitors are able to view many mine buildings left over from yesteryear. A Commodore Mine railroad bridge provides a frame for the tipple below.
Music to my ears… Byron Syring explains a chord to Jonathon Brimhall. A familiar director of the Monte Vista Community School and much loved face around the Valley, he is also a piano teacher.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 — Looking Back — Page 7
1990s Listen to the music… Mini Saguache residents Katlyn and Sarah Keith take in the second annual San Luis Valley Bluegrass Festival in Monte Vista. The youngsters are daughters of Vernon and Carol Keith.
Crop checking… Karla VanTreese (left), area manager for Coors, looks at this year’s crop at Coors’farm north of Center with Bob Maes, farm manager.
Waiting for a new ambulance… Members of the Mineral County Ambulance board stand by their 1991 Type 1 Chevrolet ambulance. In July 1994, the board learned it qualified for a $65,000 grant to purchase a 1994 Type 1 ambulance. Pictured are Richard Baxter, Kathy Ellison, Sandra Kroll, Phill Leggitt and Charles Downing.
Bicycle fever taking hold… Eric Burt of Alamosa Popular principal leaving MV… Central ElemenTown appoints assistant clerk… Antonito Town Clerk Ramona Garcia (foreground) and Dan Hatton of Monte Vista sprint tary Principal Gary Kidd plans to resign to take (left) discusses paperwork with Casilda Jaramillo, assistant clerk at down Rock Creek Road during a Sunday training ride. the elementary principal’s position in Center the town hall. Jaramillo was appointed to the new position recently. The cyclists are four miles off the Gunbarrel highway. after five years in Monte Vista. Lawyer takes DA ballot spot… Cathy Mullens signs paperwork necessary for her to become the Democratic candidate for district attorney. Watching are (from left) Neil Seitz, Saguache County party chairman; Carlos Lucero, Alamosa chairman; Pete Gomez, chairman of the Democrats 12th Judicial District central committee and Evan Valdez, Costilla County party chairman.
Enguarde!… Bobby Fresquez of the Del Norte Police Department demonstrates one of the positions to hold a nightstick during a PR24 training class held in Monte Vista. The company that makes the equipment requires officers be recertified.
Don’t rain on my parade… When the rains came Saturday during the Manassa Pioneer Day parade’s second trip through town, positions on floats were quickly abandoned and shelter became a priority. Some were fortunate to get the loan of umbrellas, while others were prepared for the inclement weather. School board fires coach… Ken Bailey (left), middle school principal, explains to the Del Norte School Board some of the educational innovations he wants implemented for next year, while Larry Slade, elementary principal, listens. Basketball coach Tom Rains was fired at the same meeting.
Creede Miners… The Creede Varsity team members are top row from left: Darrell Bay, Frank Hartley, Clint Rounds and Robert Schlough; middle row from left: Kim Wintz, Rory Birdsey, Jeffrey Larson and Steve Lamb; bottom row from left: Coach Lonnie Rogers, Darryl Miles, Mark Dooley, David Mallow and Jeff Louth.
School time… Mary McClure listens intently as she helps at Headstart registration; 70 were registered, but cuts had to be made because Center Head Start is only funded for 53.
Veterans honored… Veterans honor their comrades during Veterans Day ceremonies at the Romeo war memorial. About 25 people turned out for presentation of the colors.
Outstanding scout of the year… The 1974 winner of the Randy Wolgram Award is Tom Haefeli, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Haefeli of Monte Vista. Tommy, nine, is a member of Cub Scout Pack #298, Den #3.
1980s
1970s
Page 8 — Looking Back — Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Now Look Here…
1990s
Great End of Summer Deal!
Smile for the camera… Fourteen talented young women represented their high schools in the fall Spud Bowl. They are (bottom, from left) Amanda Martin, last year’s queen Delane Brady, this year’s queen LeeAnn Shafer, Shelley Horton and Kelli Sparks; (top, from left) Beverly Maestas, Patricia White, Elizabeth Ryan, Truley Check, Christy Valentine, Kristy Bunker, Leanne Sanchez, Tracy Zimmerman and Michelle Mason.
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Some mud fun… Jerrod Benavidez happily splashes in the mud in June while his friend Michelle Stewart looks on. A series of pictures showing the rambunctious young man enjoying himself won an award for feature photos from the Colorado Press Association this year.
License and registration please… Rio Grande Sheriff’s deputies check and log all the cars which pass by the roadblock they established Friday to try to catch Mark Allen Vrendenburg and Ruth Sister, the main suspects in the Friday murder of Hinsdale County Sheriff Roger Coursey.
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