Free Take One
2018 Wednesday, December 26, 2018
February
March
May
June
August
September
November
December
January
April
July
October
Valley Publishing 835 F
irst Ave. • Monte vistA• (719) 852-3531
Year in Review
Page 2
January
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Saguache County Clerk and Recorder Carla Gomez accepted a plaque from the Saguache Commissioners as a token of their appreciation Outgoing Conejos County Clerk and Recorder Lawrence of her service to the county in January. Gallegos, left, explained the intricacies of vehicle registration Centauri seventh grader Amaya to his successor, Nathan Ruybal, who took office in January. Garcia- White Buffalo was crowned Miss Colorado Jr. High School America 2018 in January.
The Creede Community Church welcomed Rev. Sarah B. Linn as their pastor in January.
New Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker, along with councilors Victor Sigala and Gary Johnson, took the oath of office in January.
Rio Grande County Commissioners assigned officers during a January meeting. Commissioner Gene Glover will serve as the board’s new chairman while Commissioner Suzanne Bothell will serve as vice-chairman for the remainder of 2018.
The Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Department received seven Kevlar Vests from Shield616, an organization dedicated to helping rural communities afford tactical gear through the help of local organizations.
The Center boys were on the losing end of a lopsided 53-20 finish against the Sangre de Cristo Thunderbirds early in the season. Sixteen-month-old Cail Nelson of Durango enjoyed Creede’s annual Pond Hockey tournament in January; he is the son of Creede natives Coleman and Sarah Nelson.
The Outdoor Depot in South Fork was the scene of a fire on Jan. 10. Owners Rob and Kari Navara thanked the community for their overwhelming support during their difficult time. The outer building was saved thanks to the efforts of local fire departments from South Fork and Del Norte.
The Mountain Valley School completed design plans in January in preparation for construction. Monte Vista City Finance Director Heather Hixson presented her end of the year report to city council citing several issues of concern in the first meeting of the 2018 year. Hixson was placed on leave the following morning, Jan. 5.
In January Rio Grande County Treasurer Peggy Kern announced her plans for retirement after 24 years of service. Pictured from left to right are: Deputy Public Trustee Carol Voris, Rio Grande County Treasurer Peggy Kern and Rio Grande County Deputy Treasurer Cherilyn Rue.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Year in Review
Page 3
February
The resignation of Conejos County Sheriff Howard Galvez Jr. was Led by Dr. Michele Trujillo, far left, students at the Antonito Home accepted by the Conejos Board School Consortium rehearsed for their Freedom Concert at Alamosa’s of County Commissioners (BOCC) in February. As of March 2, he was Society Hall. officially “retired.”
Kenneth Cornett Pauley was arrested in late January for the Dec. 8, 2017 robbery of Del Norte Bank.
Awantedfelon,LeeWilcox,wasarrested in Del Norte, Feb. 3. Responding to the call, Rio Grande County Deputy Sheriff Mike Swartz trained an AR-15 rifle on the suspect.
Proud to be shown with his dad, Creede’s Chris Brown and dad Ricky Brown, 71, were among those featured at the annual “Be the Art”event during February’s annual Cabin Fever Days. Chris is a fourth-generation resident of Mineral County while the elder Brown was a miner there for 30 years. State wrestling qualifiers Juanito Garcia, Cosme Cordova and Mario Chavez represented Center High School at the state tournament in February.
Natalie Benavides, a junior at Del Norte High School, wrestled in the Girls State Championships held Feb. 3 in Thornton, Colo. She took home the win placing first in her 147-pound weight bracket.
A semi accident on Wolf Creek spilled diesel into Pass Creek. Crews worked endless hours to determine that diesel spilled from the wreck that occurred on Feb. 10 was absorbed out of the water.
Happy New Year! The Creede Miners were crowned the 2018 1A District 6 champions.
3625 U.S. HWY 160 W. Monte Vista, CO 81144 (719) 852-3538 The Creede School welcomed new school counselor Danielle Ceja.
Bidding on a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! RG and Associates, LLC Engineer David Boles and his assistant held a public meeting on Feb. 16 to gain public perspective on a downtown revitalization project proposed for Del Norte.
A fundraiser for the Monte Vista Middle School baseball program, the Harlem Wizards descended upon Monte Vista in February. A young audience member (pictured) won a jersey and photo with the Harlem Wizards.
Monte Vista K-9 “Officer”Lena retired inearly2018.Lenawill enjoy a retirement in the continued ownership of her handler Investigative Corporal Michael Martinez.
• Farm/Ranch • Household • Benefit/Fundraising • Equipment Appraisals Brady Stagner, Auctioneer
719-588-2573
Year in Review
Page 4
March
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
The Center Volunteer Fire Department saw a great turnout in March for its chili dinner fundraiser. Conejos County Sheriff Robert J. Gurule, left, celebrates his appointment with 12th Judicial District Judge Martin Gonzales, who swore him in March 2 as a replacement for Howard Galvez, Jr., who did not complete his term.
A live auction was held during the San Luis Valley Tourism Association’s annual conference; Lily Young is shown displaying a Fausto Ramirez was named the chainsaw alien donation from the Boys & Girls Club student of the month in March. Ron Douglas with localbusinessassist.com explained his website UFO Watchtower. and plans to bring more business to the City of Monte Vista during a March forum held at the Monte Vista Information Center.
The Creede School and MDS sponsored their second annual Recycled Art Show for students from around the Valley in midMarch. Middle school first place was awarded to “Cardboard City Scape” by Creede eighth grader Carter Simon.
The Easter Bunny, who reportedly reminded parents of local volunteer The Creede K/1 class is happy to have Maren Stecken (center) as their Scott Taylor, posed for photos with families during the Monte Vista fellow classmate and friend. Maren was featured on a 9News story highlighting World Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28. Police Department’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Chapman Park.
The Del Norte regular municipal election took place on April 3. Five candidates vied for three open seats. From left to right are candidates Bob Muncy, Annette Archuleta, Mark Ulrich, Laura Anzalone and Scott Rappold. South Fork Town Administrator Dan Hicks explains the town’s revised marketing strategy for the coming year, highlighting the key points that will “Make South Fork Your Basecamp for Adventure!”
South Fork Visitor Center Director Mark Teders explained changes underway at the center and the new programs coming summer of 2018.
The Rio Grande County Health Fair was packed March 31 serving approximately 300 people from all over the San Luis Valley. Pictured, Rio Grande Hospital ambulance services was on site to A Center student enjoyed some old-fashioned fun answer questions and talk about the importance during Family Fun Night with the help of parents and of learning CPR. teachers.
The Miners kicked off their second consecutive trip to the State 1A Basketball Tournament with an inspirational pep rally and finished the season with a fourth place finish, the highest placing in several decades. Creede’s Casper Freedle (pictured) works his way The Del Norte School District released preliminary plans for the new inside against an opponent. school during a public meeting on March 13.
Pictured, from left, are Colorado State Board of Education Member Jane Golf, North Conejos Superintendent of Schools CurtWilson, CDE Director of Rural Services Denille LePlatt and Colorado Commissioner of Education Dr. Katy Anthes. The North Conejos School District was honored by the Colorado Department of Education for academic excellence, District Accredited with Distinction, now twice, Manassa Elementary is the John Irwin School of Excellence recipient and Centauri Middle School is the Governor’s Improvement Award winner for the second time.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Year in Review
April
Channel 9News reporter Anastasiya Bolton chatted with Saguache Sheriff’s Secretary Lyn Miles Tuesday following Channel 9’s tour of the Saguache County Jail in April.
The 26th annual Variety Show is annually a hit in Creede; acts like BluesN-Junk (pictured) performed in the 2018 show.
Creede City Clerk Randi Snead swore in new Trustee Joel O’Connell at the city meeting on April 17. O’Connell moved to the area a few years ago and decided that he wanted to be involved in the community.
Page 5
Sanford School food service staff Lindsey Sisneros, Leann Arellano, Deanna Scott, Antoinette Ortiz, Brian Fernelius served lunch dressed in the Farm to School task force’s trademarked vegetable costumes in April.
Fred “Lightning Heart” Haberlein, 72, quietly passed away Monday, April 16, at his home near Glenwood Springs. A muralist, painter and sculptor, Haberlein grew up at Conejos Ranch, a guest ranch in Conejos County. A Native American Center Town Manager Brian Lujan hands out books to be placed friendgavehimthename“Lightning in the Little Library at Casa Blanca Park in Center Heart,”whichheusedprofessionally.
The Rio Grande National Forest’s Divide Ranger District received Rocky Mountain Region’s District of the Year award in March. The can-do attitude of the district employees excelled at innovation, partnerships and getting the work done on the ground in recreation, wildlife, range and timber management.
Municipal Judge Don Allee swore in three new South Fork trustees, Michelle Cruse, Jim Patterson and Tyler Schmidt while reappointing Trustee Sarah Stephens during a board meeting in April.
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Monte Vista High School Junior Gracie Burkhart watches her shot as she progresses to hole 2. Burkhart posted a score of 85 to take first A Del Norte camper shell near the corner of Fifth and Pine was overall and help Monte Vista to take first place as a team at their own invitational. destroyed in an April windstorm.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
May
James Spratt was named the new police chief of Los Vecinos Bailadores — The Dancing Neighbors Sanford after the town had — from Antonito and Taos, N.M. shared traditional been without for two years. dances with the crowd at the first Cinco de Mayo Block Party held at the intersection of Main Street Pre-schoolers helped break ground for the new Mountain Valley School in Saguache in late May. and San Juan Ave. in Alamosa.
South Fork Police Chief Don McDonald was the first honoree in the Beyond the Badge program aired on KSLV 96.5. The radio station will highlight a different law enforcement or emergency service individuals.
Left: Creede Track participants Olivia Madrid and Casper Freedlearepicturedwith coach Nancy Leggitt; Freedle was the only student to attend state track this year, making his school proud.
CreedeSchoolBoardPresident John Howard resigned from Nine Mountain Valley seniors received their Camille Ruggles, 2018 Center the board in May after 16 years diplomas. of service. High School Valedictorian
The town of Del Norte swore in the 2018 spring candidates on Students with the Youth Prevention Council gave a short presentation to the Del Norte School Board; pictured are, in May 9: Annette Archuleta, Bob Muncy and Laura Anzalone. front: Chandler Mondragon and Isabela Arellano; in back: Tristan Medina, Max Garcia, Zane Palmgren, Alycia Dupont, Mayah Dominguez, Daisah Atencio and Carlee Leroux. Members not pictured include Jacob Maestas, Gina Lujan and Kaylie Metz.
District Judge Patrick Hayes, 58, died on Tuesday, May 29 at his South Fork home. Pictured Hayes’s son is shown robing his father the new 12th Judicial District Judge in 2015.
Del Norte students gathered in late May to take turns using the shovels to break ground on the new school. Volunteers gathered at the floodplain below Creede in the spring to plant several willow trees that were harvested the week before from a location on the Rio Grande River.
The children of the late broadcaster and community volunteer Gerald Vigil awarded the second annual scholarship in his honor. Pictured from left are: Rebekah Altizer, Brandy Hoffstaetter scholarship recipient, Tim Vigil and Erin Burton. Right: Brantlee Webster, Karina Lopez and Kate Simpson helped Peg Schall (center) clean the Monte Vista Historical Society during May’s Pirate Pride Day.
During the 33rd Annual San Luis Valley Outstanding Education Recognition Banquet, the San Luis Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) gave M o n t e Vi s t a S c h o o l District’s Tracy Simon the top honors of being the Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Daniel Miller, left, and MVHS SkillsUSA Chapter President Andres Villa show the club’s first State Championship award, which was won by Miller in electrical construction wiring.
Crews from South Fork Fire Rescue and the Rio Grande National Forest, as well as other fire agencies responded to the Park Creek Fire over Memorial Day weekend.
Year in Review
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Page 7
June
The new Eagle Shuttle Line bus opened its route to Center in June with a grand opening welcome from Center Mayor Herman Sisneros, Michael Briley of Steadily falling rain could have Saguache, Center Town Administrator Brian Lujan, completely destroyed La Jara’s Center Mayor Pro Tem Mary McClure and bus driver Glory Days celebration, but Tim Chittum. the event went on as many U.S. celebrations do, with glory and honor. Pictured, one of the restored antique vehicles entered makes its way along the parade route as Old Glory still waves.
The Fourth Annual Del Norte Trails Showcase kicked off in June with riders from all walks of life coming to the area to learn about the many trails that surround Del Norte. Riders of all ages participated in this year’s trail showcase which was a huge success.
The Creede School Board welcomed Damon Gibbons as the new board president in June.
A young subject holds still while the painting artist The Rio Grande County Road and Bridge works her magic with the brush at the San Juan Fiesta Department purchased a new crusher to make road base material in order to fix several roads in Center. around the county that are in disrepair.
Davian Laro and Emilia Cerceres show off the prizes they won at the Annual Bike Rodeo Safety Day, conducted by the Monte Vista Elks Lodge and the Monte Vista Police Department. Participating in the annual Gravity Derby in Creede was Linda Duffy in her airplane looking vehicle, who recorded the day’s fastest run at 22 miles per hour.
Earl Wilson, who is the president of the SLV Renegades Muzzle Loading Club in South Fork taught a class on muzzle loading to 13 interested kids at Beaver Creek Youth Camp.
Going Once, Going Twice…
Our Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday!
Rio Grande County Commissioners accompanied USDA representatives, and members from the Belmont Management team came to celebrate the official opening of the GardenWalk of South Fork in June.
This June marked the 100th anniversary of the Sargent Community Church north of Monte Vista. Art Jones talked about how his Participants of the first annual Thunder in the Valley grandfather drove his prized Studebaker came out to support the Veterans Coalition of the San to Sunday service every morning. He drove Luis Valley, hosted by the Brothers Keepers Motorcycle that very same, spit-shined Studebaker to the anniversary celebration. Club Chapter 19.
Monte Vista Machine and Tool provided crane rides for a bird’s eye Hospital representatives and county representatives broke ground on a symbolic pile of gravel, hailing construction of an expanded view of the fourth annual Hot Rod Dirt Drags action. emergency room at the Conejos County Hospital in June.
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Year in Review
Page 8
Year in Color
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Construction on the building between the Rio Grande Hospital and Clinic neared phase 2 in late January. The next step was for crews to build the walls to house the Members of the Apache Nation from Crestone entertained new physical therapy room, wound care unit and connect The Del Norte Lady Tigers were crowned the 2018 2A Center elementary students in the gym in March, performing the hospital and clinic. dances and ceremonies from their Native American tradition. Southern Peaks Champions in February.
Sol Mountain Farm provides traditional Ute teepees to guests who wish to come stay at the farm or they can take advantage of their many regular camping locations on the 38-acre farm just outside of South Fork.
The Creede Balloon Festival started off Labor Day weekend in full swing with an array of colorful balloons decorating Colorado blue skies. The second annual Donkey Five-year-old Delilah Powell of Dash brought several fuzzy South Fork couldn’t wait see contestants to the streets of what was inside each of the eggs Creede in June. she collected during the annual Easter event at Rickel Park. She is the daughter of Josh and Katina Powell.
Del Norte’s Laura Haefeli was inducted into the Colorado Sargent third grader Aubree Running Hall of Fame on April 10 Tideman showed her Cherokee at the Denver Athletic Club. winter home model made during a class project in which the students learned about various Native American tribes in January.
San Luis Valley 4-H members Taylor Adams (left) and Julie Wisener (right) battled 41 other teams to take home first place in the Middle School Joust event at the RoboRAVE International robotics competition held in Albuquerque, N.M. in June
Several children and their families took part in the annual Kids Fishing Clinic in June, enjoying a morning of fishing fun at Tucker Ponds. Floyd Jaramillo of Saguache keeps himself busy in the summer helping out his neighbors and work ing on projects for his front yard. He loves to recycle older materials and his latest effort is this antique bed recreated as a red, white and blue flowerbed.
The Del Norte High School Theater, under the direction of Bill Sauvigne, presented Agatha Christie’s, “The Mousetrap” in April. Pictured, Kaylee Metz Mashburn and Blake Crestone duke it out.
Supervised by parents and grandparents, young artists prepared their pumpkins for judging as the La Jara Smashfest and Pumpkin Chunkin’ entered a second very successful year in October. Informational booths and vendors packed Ski-Hi during the 35th Annual Crane Festival relaying information about local landscapes and species, as well as a wide variety of nature crafts, local businesses and food vendors.
Del Norte head coach Russell Randolph diagrams a formation to multiple Lady Tigers during a home match in May.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Licensed service animal, Fred is a guard for the Steam Train Hotel and Green Genie marijuana dispnsary in Antonito. Late May 7, he earned his keep by helping Antonito police capture a woman who was on the wanted list. According to Fred’s human, Tegan WelschRainek, when the officer on duty noticed a subject on the wanted list going into the backyard of the hotel, she gave chase and Fred went along, positioning himself at the base of the steps, giving the wanted woman two choices, go past a 500-pound pig who wasn’t interested in allowing her to pass or go to jail. She chose the latter. When the woman was booked into jail, she allegedly had a large amount of heroin on her person.
Year in Review
Year in Color
Page 9
Wolf Creek opened full-time (seven days/week) on Nov. 9 with 90 percent of the mountain Heirs to the land grant for the 83,000-acre Cielo Vista Ranch had their land use rights open and seven lifts operating. reaffirmed by the Colorado Supreme Court in November.
Bill Metz Elementary fourth graders held a reada-thon to raise funds for an overnight trip to High school senior Camille Ruggles organized a small trash pick-up in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and April at Center’s Community Park to demonstrate to the Center Boys and Girls Club members that even small actions can have a big impact. Denver Zoo in February.
Del Norte was a coastal village for the town’s Christmas on the Beach Parade of Lights celebration on Dec. 7.
Artists gathered along Main Street to create different pieces of art using a wide range of mediums, including water color, pottery made with clay and much more during the 30th Annual Taste of Creede in May.
Wolf Creek Ski Area had an epic storm receiving 23 inches of fresh powder in 24 hours. The nearly two feet of fresh powder rejuvenated the Not every little tyke felt like smiling slopes and opened 100 percent of for the camera during Monte Vista’s the mountain in mid-January. Skiers Holiday Festival Lights held the first and snowboarders enjoyed the deep powder that fell throughout the day. weekend in December.
Center 17-year-old Kristine Hoffner organized a Youth Fest 4-H Camp in Larkspur, Colo. in February. Pictured: Kristine and other state officers lead reflection time at the end of their workshop.
Vintage cars lined Columbia Avenue in Del Norte in Minion scarecrows at Del Norte Bank were one August for the annual Covered Wagon Days as oldies of three winners in the business category in this played on the speaker system throughout the day. year’s Scarecrow Bash. An energetic egg and balloon toss with a giant parachute sponsored by Creede Parks and Recreation was part of Creede’s Easter fun.
Year in Review
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July
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Scores of woodcarvers from across the country converged on Creede for the 37th annual Woodcarvers Rendezvous Colorado. Thirty instructors offered a variety of classes over seven days from beginner to advanced skill levels. Pictured are Orval Blassingame of Tristan Van Zalinge was named Ft. Worth, Tex. and Leslie Severe Center’s new police chief in July. Moe and Cindy Jones celebrate 50 years in the oil and gas business. of Cheyenne, Wyo. participating in one of the classes.
Del Norte Town Board members reviewed a proposed housing project from Crest Development Concepts owner Angie Jenson during the regular monthly meeting on July 11.
High Valley Community Center teens helped prepare the pie tasting for the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce’s annual pie social that took place on Thursday, July 19.
The Del Nor te Communit y Ambulance Service was pleased to show off their newest ambulance that was purchased through grant funding from the state and give tours of the other two ambulances during their second annual community barbeque held in July.
Creede parade goers stood and saluted the Stars and Stripes as the annual 4th of July parade opened with a mule-driven covered wagon and cavalry.
SLV Roller Derby’s ‘Anybody Killher’ (center) splits a doubleteam to compete for the lead jammer position. SLV Roller Derby suffered a 234-127 defeat at a bout in Alamosa on July 7.
Jesper Joergensen, a 52-year-old immigrant from Denmark is accused of starting the Spring Creek Fire, which ultimately became the third largestwildfireinColoradohistory.The SpringCreekFireburned108,045acres and destroyed over 200 structures in Costilla and Huerfano Counties including 141 structures in Costilla County, with numerous homes in the Forbes Park area destroyed. The fire started on June 27 and causing evacuationsinbothcountiesandcame close to the town of La Veta. La Veta Pass was also closed for several days after the fire jumped the road. At its peak in early July, 1,800 firefighters fought the blaze. Joergensen faces 141 counts of first-degree arson and is also on an ICE hold, which will be addressedfollowingtrialproceedings and potential sentencing for arson take place.
DuringtheannualSantiagoySanta Ana festival the Board of Costilla County Commissioners touted the area’s natural recreation with a float entitled “Gone Fishin.’”
The Creede Repertory Theatre’s 53rd season included a journey over the rainbow into the magical world of Oz.
Emmit Hoyl of Nederland set the pace in the jack-leg drilling competition July 4 in Creede during the annual Days of ’92 competition. Concrete blocks replaced the usual boulders this year due to a lack of availability.
Jim Gilmore’s“Too Tired to Fish” was the sculpture purchase winner during the third annual Creede Arts Council Sculpture show held in July.
The Monte Vista Elks Lodge presented a $500 donation to the Rio Grande Prevention Partners on July 19. Elks representative JD Prentice (left) presented the check to RGPP Coordinator Nancy Molina, stating the Elks were proud to give to an organization that provides positive activities for the youth in Rio Grande County. Also present were RGPP Youth Council members Mayah Dominguez and Isabela Arellano, RGPP member Kaleigh Benavides and youth leader Jaime Hurtado.
SLV Health sponsored this colorful kid float for Center’s July 4th parade.
Guests from all over the region gathered in South Fork to enjoy the annual Logger Days Festival, including the men’s crosscut (pictured).
A search warrant served by Monte Vista and Alamosa PD recovered these weapons from a home in the Deer Valley subdivision in Alamosa County in July. Of the guns recovered, at least two had been reported stolen, two had unregistered silencers on them and two were sawed off (illegal) shotguns.
Manassa Pioneer Days had another successful run with something for almost everyone. The popular parades showcased an elephant on the Martin Cattle Co. float lending its presence to the theme, “It’s a Jungle Out There.”
The Monte Vista Farmer’s Market kicked off its summer season on Friday, July 13, highlighting locally produced fruits and vegetables, handcrafted items and fresh food plates whipped up by Liza Marron with the Healthy Habits Mobile Kitchen (MOKI); Mariachi San Luis entertained the this year marked the sixth season First Annual Taste of the San Luis Local residents and guests were Valley participants on June 30 in for the market. dressed up to celebrate the annual Chapman Park. 3rdofJulycelebrationsinSouthFork.
Twenty-five Lamborghini sports cars graced the parking lot of The Rio Grande Club & Resort July 14. The semi-private club hosted a private corporate group of 25 Lamborghini owners welcoming them to a lunch
The South Fork Fire Department served over 900 people during their annual catfish fry in South Cordell Curtis, a Monte Vista Fork on July 3. native attempts to register the first qualifying time of Friday night in Bull Riding.
Year in Review
Page 11
For the first time in over three decades, timber is being shipped by rail out of the San Luis Valley to the Denver market via the San Luis & Rio Grande and Union Pacific The long-awaited library in railroads. Rio Grande National Capulin is open for business in Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas, left, an amazing change from an old and Phil Seligman discuss loading San Luis Valley Fair’s Grand former residence in downtown. logs on rail cars for shipment to Champion Junior Kandace Pargin, Denver. 8, of Center, modeled her flag skirt at the Fashion Revue in August.
The Center High School class of 1968 celebrated their 50th reunion in August.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
August
Bodie Packham stands by his display of Amazonite at the 17th Annual Creede Rock and Mineral Show that took place Aug. 3-5.
A hummingbird moth floats around late summer flowers, getting the last of the nectar before fall claims what is left.
San Luis Valley Fair took place in early August at Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista. Events on Aug. 6 included the breeding sheep show and breeding swine show with Mike Kelley Memorial Open Barrow Show.
Monte Vista volunteer firefighter Aaron Garcia gave kids the lowdown on his firefighting equipment at the National Night Out events at Chapman Park on Aug. 7.
Santos Nevares was sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars for the three murders committed Jan. 15, 2017 near Capulin.
In August Crestone resident David Freeman, 60, was extradited from Utah and booked into the Saguache County Jail. Freeman left the state with a 12-year-old male juvenile June 23, prompting an AMBER alert and nationwide search for the boy
Bands like Bittersweet Highway played the day away with old hits like “My Girl” at the Third Annual Headwaters Music Festival held in Creede Aug. 25 and 26.
The third annual Shady Burro Enduro brought 300 riders to the area in August to enjoy more than 1,500 miles of trails. The enduro is quickly becoming one of the area’s largest events and is gaining the support of business owners, community members and the Rio Grande National Forest.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for a Prosperous 2018!
Daisah Atencio utilized a lot of contrasting light arrangements in her photos to make her point about choices in the second annual “Through our Eyes” photo gallery sponsored by Rio Grande Prevention Partners and hosted at The Perks Coffeehouse on Aug. 16.
Greater South Fork Community Foundation members helped raise flags that were donated by the organization on Aug. 11 around the South Fork Visitor Center.
The Rio Grande Prevention Partners and High Valley Community Center partnered to keep kids off drugs and help prevent suicides. The teens in this picture designed their own t-shirts based on what they like to do instead of doing drugs and getting into trouble. The 13th Annual Rhythms on the Rio welcomed over 1,000 people to the festival Aug. 3-5 and danced the days away along the Rio Grande in South Fork.
Always Glad To Be Of Service!
Ken’s
Service Center
657-2880 810 Grande Ave. • Del Norte
Hats Off to You!
Thanks for making 2018 such a great year for us. We wish you all the best in 2019 and beyond!
Rio Grande Hospital staff gathered with community members, sponsors, business owners and the hospital board for a delicious meal and fun while raising money for the hospital at the annual Keeping the Dream Alive fundraiser.
Students at Creede School gather in the new bus barn for their first look at the new welding class and what it will entail. The school was pleased to announce 100 students attending for the 2018-2019 school year.
(719) 852-3921 2701 E. Cty. Rd. 1 S. Monte Vista
Page 12
Year in Review
September
The G6 restaurant in Antonito was the scene of the fatal shooting of Byron “Bubba” Garcia-Duran, 26 on Sept. 1 by the business owner, Felix Gallegos. Following a CBI Investigation, District Attorney Crista Newmyer-Olsen announced in November that Gallegos would not face charges.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
A jeep driven by Saguache business owner Terry Gillette led a convoy of emergency vehicles, sirens wailing, from the Saguache Volunteer Fire Department to Highway 285. The event was held to honor the memory of those who died 17 years ago in the 9-11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York state, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., also passengers on a plane taken down by terrorists over rural Pennsylvania.
The planned labyrinth at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church was very visible in the Antonito Labor Day parade Saturday. Funds are needed to Mountain Home Reservoir just east of Fort Garland dried up Sept. make it happen. 6, according to persons driving to the reservoir to fish and enjoy the area, as well as homeowners in Sangre de Cristo Ranches who Rio Grande County noticed the problem. Commissioners met with State Senator Larry Crowder on Aug. 29 to discuss funding issues in the Valley’s district attorney’s office.
New Center Schools Superintendent Carrie Zimmerman (center) posed with high school counselor Katrina Ruggles and Haskin Elementary principal Jared Morgan during Back to School Night.
Perched high above shops and vendor booths, this colorful stilt walker greeted Saguache Fall South Fork Town Administrator Dan Hicks and Town Attorney Festival goers in September. Gene Farish presented the town board with a confidentiality agreement during their work session on Sept. 11.
John L. Divine, 77, of Rio Grande County pleaded guilty to 10 misdemeanors of illegal take of wildlife and using poisons to kill wildlife. He paid $8,283.50 in fines in April. Pictured, this eagle died after eating poison in the San Luis Valley in 2017. Manassa Elementary welcomed the Creede Repertory Theatre performance “Seeds of Change.” This humorous performance helped show students the A local car enthusiast peaks at the importance of taking care of the engine of a 57 Chevy Belair at the earth! 10th Annual Cruisin’ the Canyon Car Show in Creede on Saturday, Sept. 15
Powered paraglider pilots Jean Francois Chabaud, right, and Stuart Penny, both of Santa Fe, are shown during a test flight weekend at the Mineral County Airport in Creede this past June. The pair flew the upper Rio Grande and Great Sand Dunes. A group flight started near Creede around Sept. 19 and concluded at the Gulf of Mexico.
Randi Snead (left) gave her twoweek resignation as the city clerk Sept. 18 during a special meeting of the Creede Town Board of Trustees. Deputy Clerk Krisen Buchanan (right) was hired by The 8th Bi-Annual Silver Threads After devoting long hours in the town to fill Snead’s position Quilt Show kicked off Sept. 14 and featured just over 150 quilts pursuit of a GOCO grant via the as town clerk. including antique quilts at the efforts of an outstanding track community center in Creede. committee, receiving generous donations from Centauri Falcon Alumni and community members, in-kind donations from various local entities and district funds, Centauri opened its new allweather track at halftime of the CHS/ Buena Vista football game Sept. 21. The long-awaited venue sports the deep red of the official Falcon colors.
Right: The Del Norte class of 2019 hiked up the side of D Mountain on in September to reinstate an old tradition by painting the D.
Elite athletes from extreme motorsports company Octane Addictions performed a mixed bag of flips, jumps and other motorc ycle tricks for the community at Ski Hi Complex during the annual potato festival.
On Sept. 12 the US Army Corps of Engineers issued a 404 permit to the Town of Del Norte and Del Norte Trails Organization allowing the Del Norte Riverfront Project to begin construction, culminating years of work.
TheMonteVistaHighSchoolsenior class homecoming float donned MTV signs, chunky mobile phones and a giant Rubik’s cube, winning them the float competition during the homecoming parade.
“Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton”visited the Chapel of the South Fork’s annual Jewels Fundraiser. Kenny Rogers looked remarkably similar to Valley Publishing’s Trout Republic columnist Kevin Kirkpatrick who stated his wife Trixie may be familiar with Dolly.
Representatives from Mays Construction Inc. and the Creede City Board of Trustees pose in front of the flume in Creede; the project to revitalize the structure has been completed.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Year in Review
Page 13
October
Conejos County Commissioner John Sandoval was indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury on three tax charges and one count of theft over Mountain Valley celebrated its homecoming with a parade and spirit $5,000. Sandoval stated political week activities. opposition caused the state to Center Schools celebrated refuse his offer to remedy the issue. Halloween in style at the auxiliary gym with their annual Halloween Parade.
The Rio Grande Hospital (RGH) announced the opening of their new emergency department (ED) in Del Norte. Pictured is Rio Grande Hospital Emergency Department’s Medical Director Patrick Thompson, MD.
LeRoy J. Salazar (right) accepted the El Pomar Award for Leadership and Service from the foundation’s chairman and CEO William J. Hybl. Salazar split the $25,000 grant award between the Adams State Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the SLV.
The Monte Vista High School Homecoming court included, from left to right: Freshmen royalty: Isaiah Garcia and Annalysia Perea; junior royalty: Nick Garcia and Madison Plane; King Angelo Rodriguez and Queen Hannah Jones; sophomore royalty: Andres The veterans and staff at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Maestas and Kiley Wilson. Homelake are pictured showing their support for the TSJC Nursing Program and The SLV Health Cancer Center in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Adults and children alike enjoyed being spooked at the Del Norte schools’ haunted house on Oct. 27. Funds raised went to the after-prom festivities. A man in a hazmat suit calmly mopped up a “bloody”floor inside the haunted house.
Residents at Monte Vista Estates The 14 th Annual Kids Crane eagerly awaited trick-or-treaters Festival brings over 200 people with goodies during Moonlight annually in October. Volunteer Madness Oct. 26. Max Ciaglo with the nonprofit Colorado Open Lands helped kids Students from the graphic design, and parents with spotting scopes wood shop and automotive set up in the refuge. programs designed a plaque in honor of local resident Paul Stone to say thank you to the Ladies Aid Center Schools celebrated its 100th birthday in October with a 5k Society for a donation that was made last year. “color” run on school grounds.
South Fork Fire Rescue hosts spooky Halloween ExtravaganzaThe first and second place winners in the five to nine-year-old age group won new bikes donated by Rainbow Grocery.
A 24-hour storm brought 16” of snowfall to Wolf Creek Ski Area on Halloween, making the snowfall for the month of October a total of 56 inches. The Creede school government class organized a candidate forum for the 2018 Mineral County Candidates on Oct. 9. Below: Chili contestants ran out of chili early on in the evening during the South Fork Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 11 at the South Fork Fire Department. Guests lined up for their chance to taste and vote for their favorite chili during the South Fork Chili Cook-Off.
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The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) attended a special session convened during the Saguache County Commissioners in a November work session to address repeated landfill violations by the county. Tires were bundled and removed from the landfill in July as part of CDPHE’s enforcement process.
On Monday, Nov. 12, the local Elks Lodge, along with the Creede Community Choir held a special service honoring local veterans at Basham Park. Creede graduate and Army veteran Jason Whitehorn spoke about giving thanks— saying thank you to all veterans, as well as their spouses and family members.
The US Mogul National Team practiced at Wolf Creek Ski in November. On hand were 20 team members including four Olympians: Tess Johnson, Jaelin Kauf, Brad Wilson and Casey Andringa.
Kirk Thompson played a moving rendition of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes during the fifth annual Veterans Day parade and tribute in Monte Vista.
Year in Review
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
November
The Historic Ute Theatre in Saguache, which has been closed for two and a half years, has been purchased by a Crestone resident who hopes to bring back theatrical performances to the theatre and make it a true gathering place for the community once again.
A table set up for group-style voting in the lobby of the Saguache County courthouse was momentarily deserted during a rare lull in voting on Election Day, Nov. 6. Saguache County Clerk and Recorder Trish Gilbert said the voter turnout Nov. 6 set a record for the mid-terms.
It takes a village to put on the Monte Vista Fire Department’s annual chili supper, or more specifically, some 20 firefighters and a small army of additional volunteers. The firefighters arrived to the fire station early to cook up chili, bake cornbread and organize the firehouse for the hundreds of guests who arrived later in the day.
Carpenter, 70, Blanca, will be sentenced in January 2019 for negligence causing death in the starvation of her son, Corey, 27, on Oct. 22, 2015.
Amaya Garcia-White Buffalo received a scholarship as the “Outstanding Youth” honoree for National Philanthropy Day.
MJ’s Cafe sliced up white chocolate cherry coconut fudge for the 29th annual festival held Nov. 23 and 24.
Artist Neva Ross sold delicately knitted Christmas angels at the Tri-County holiday bazaar in November; each angel took about 16 hours to make.
In November Conejos County citizens elected a new sheriff, Republican GarthCrowther,butrejected a sales tax increase for law enforcement and EMS by 703 votes.
Rio Grande County Museum honored local veterans with three memorial trees donned with names of those who served.
Steve and Carol Baer organized the 19th annual Make A Difference Day, where residents took trash to the San Luis Valley Regional Landfill for donations to the Monte Vista Food Bank. Volunteers that helped unload collected food at the food bank left to right back row are Lyle Dye, Diedre Todd, Ernestine Martinez, Jennifer Becker, Dale Becker, Officer Ortega, Officer Pino, Wendy Snyder, Teresa Abeytia and Steve Baer. Front row includes Officer Harford, Sharon Cancino and Carol Baer.
Added for 2018, the Second Annual Yuletide Extravaganza included extra lights by the water tower in South Fork.
The High Valley Community Center hosted a teenage art auction in November; students created pieces of art using different mediums to be auctioned off at the center’s art auction fundraiser. Brisa Castillo, Center High School, was named the 2018 Spud Bowl Queen in November. More than 400 happy faces joined in for the 16th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner in South Fork.
TheCreedeChamberof Commerce hired a new executive director, Kathleen Murphy, to take the reins in early November.
Incumbent Mineral County Treasurer Patti Payne defeated Michael Averette 403 to 215 votes.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Year in Review
Page 15
December
La Vareda Foundation members gather at the Moonlight Masquerade Auction and gala in December.
An early morning December fire in Center was a total loss for the Trujillo family. The home has been in the family for many generations. Costilla County Sheriff Amos Medina was mourned by law enforcement across Colorado. He passed away Nov. 30 following 31 years in law enforcement, the last eight as sheriff.
On Friday, Dec. 7, Principal John Goss was formally recognized and received the Demont Award, which was held at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
In December Rio Grande County employees were honored for years of service; pictured left to right, front to back,: Elaine Brown, Ida Salazar, Jake Mikeljack, Jody Kern, Porfie Medina, Michaela Estrada, Eduardo Rascon Dominguez, Davine Atencio and Irma Palacios, Alex Quintana’s death is under Commissioners Karla Shriver, investigationfollowingthehousefire Gene Glover and Suzanne Bothell he passed away in on Nov. 26 which and Sgt. Deputy Tyler Dean. his family considers suspicious.
Tristen Benns visited with Santa in Lola Estrada earned a medal at Saguache at the annual Christmas the AAU CrossCountry National Bazaar. Championship in Knoxville, Tenn. New Creede City Manager Louis Lola also was named to the AllValley Cross Country Team Fineberg
A fire destroyed Huberto Maestas’ studioinSanLuisinearlyDecember. Maestas is acclaimed, not only for the near-life-sized Stations of the River Valley Inn residents Cross Shrine on the Hill of Piety and decorated gingerbread houses Mercy, towering over the small, with children from the High Valley historic town, but for sculptures Community Center on Dec. 7. in many other locations.
Cheers to Our Customers!
Glen Hinshaw ’s new book, Crusaders for Wildlife 2nd Edition talks in detail about the time he was a wildlife officer in the Upper Rio Grande area.
Thanks for making it a vintage year for us. We appreciate your business, and we wish you a happy, healthy New Year!
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At a Rio Grande Water Conservation District special meeting held in December from left are Sean Tonner, Kevin Kinnear and Jerry Berry with Renewable Water Resources, which is proposing to export 22,000 acre feet of water from the San Luis Valley to south Denver metro.
Youngsters cranked out crafts during South Fork Winterfest celebrations at the community center.
About 20 birders of different skill levels attended the 2018 Christmas Bird Count at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. The group split into Vendors were on hand at the Rio Grande Club several teams that spent at least six hours in the during the South Fork Winterfest offering a variety of Christmas gift ideas. field counting and documenting birds.
It’s Been a Pleasure Serving You!
Before we begin the celebration, We want to express our admiration To all the folks who have stopped by here With best wishes to all for a Happy New Year!
Stone’s Farm Supply, Inc. 754-3453 • 3rd & Torres • Center
Page 16
Year in Review
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Year in Color
Monte Vista High School Pirate Marching Band placed second in state after performing in the CBA State Marching Band 1A Championships at CSU-Pueblo Thunderbowl Stadium on Oct. 29. Pictured, the band members are all smiles after receiving their 1A second place trophy.
Mountain Valley seniors Ripper Fitz (left) and Rodamond “Rolo” Gabriel (right) horsed around in the gym with MVS Superintendent Travis Garoutte while practicing for graduation in May. Long a showplace of Antonito, the Warshauer Mansion was being renovated to house Antonito town government in May. Offices will include Road and Bridge, Police Department and Town Administration.
A survey of small business owners in 16 communities near the Continental Divide Trail throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho and Wyoming shows the trail, the public lands it travels through and the hikers that use it are a vital and growing part of the economic activity in those towns.
Your Community News Source. Now the center of Antonito CDOT officials work endless hours to keep mountain roads around government,thehistoricWarshauer Colorado safe during the winter, including Wolf Creek Pass. Mansion is ready for holiday cheer, with the main fireplace and other rooms decorated by staff. The mansion was built in the early 1900s by immigrant FredWarshauer, who sought to make it a showplace then, as it is, today under town ownership. Right: Monte Vista High School SHOCK (Students Helping Our Communities and Kids) members Felix Ortega and Dezirae Sandoval were victims in the annual MOCK accident, serving as a warning against drunk driving.
Noting owners of land rights on what once was the Taylor Ranch may have not been taking advantage of those rights, the new owner of the ranch, William Harrison, offered to buy them back for $300 each in January .
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A water plan apparently in the works for the past several years was officially announced during a Rio Grande Water Conservation meeting in Alamosa in early December. Pictured, Saguache Creek water users have fought hard to maintain their share of water rights.