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2017
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Year in Review
Page 2
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
January
Robert Glover from Monte Vista was the proud winner of the 1983 El Camino Conquista, which was donated by Ray and Colette Skeff. The total amount raised for the various community projects was $6,650. All money generated by this raffle was divided accordingly to the following groups: Kiwanis, Monte Vista Community Foundation, Faith Hinkley Veterans Memorial Park, SLV Antique Iron Club, Vali 3 and Neighborhood Watch.
A group of Monte Vista Middle School students, “Pirates for President,” took off from DIA Jan. 18 enroute to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration. While there, the students witnessed Lisa Cyriacks filed a Fair Campaign history and got to visit national monuments and historical places. Practices Act (FCPA) complaint with the Secretary of State’s office (SoS) in January, alleging Saguache County Commissioners violated the law by writing the pro statement for their excise tax proposal.
On Jan. 19 Colorado Potatoes partnered with Chris Sittler of Stones Farm Supply to donate a salad bar as part of the “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools Challenge” resulting in two salad bars donated to Sargent Schools.
AnewRioGrandeCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners officially took over on Jan. 10. New members Gene Glover and Suzanne Bothell were sworn in, and the re-organization includes Karla Shriver as chair and Glover as vice-chair.
Doug Davie and Pam Bricker were honored for their years of service as Rio Grande county commissioners during an open house reception on Jan. 7. They were presented special gifts and delicious cake.
The Creede eighth grade history class competed in the Regional History Fair at Adams State University on Jan. 28 bringing home some top awards. The class received first and second place in the junior group exhibit category. Pictured left to right are: Adrian Reagan, Cade Fairchild, Fletcher Madrid, Lindsey Gammill, Reese Wilson, Chloe Herrmann and Mamie Hess. The students will compete at the state competition in May at the University of Colorado, Denver.
CDOT and CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) personnel assessed a natural slide which occurred on Wolf Creek Pass just two miles east of the overlook (approx MP3 163) on Jan. 5.
Two young friends supporting their parents at the January pond hockey tournament in Creede took time out to build a snow castle on the shores of the flume ponds— Hayden Blom, 9, and Carly Horstman, 7, both of Conifer.
Center Viking Salomon Chavez took first place in the Jan. 28 Valley Classic held at Center High School.
Two men died at the scene, one woman died at a Denver hospital later that night and another man was injured following a shooting spree just after 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 in Capulin. Suspect Santos Navares was in custody.
Two young children were left without their mother and a $1,000 reward was being offered for the man who left her to die following a Jan. 16 crash on U.S. 285 south of Alamosa. Following investigation, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) named a suspect in the incident; Angel Nieto, 31, Alamosa, also known as Angel Martinez, was wanted in connection with the fatal hit and run crash.
Members of the San Luis Valley Inspire Coalition were joined by Senator Larry Crowder and Representative Donald Valdez at the GOCO meeting in Denver in January. They discussed projects for the next three years representing the San Luis Valley. A one million dollar grant was awarded to the San Luis Valley for the Antonito Outdoor Education Center, new trails along Willow Creek Corridor and support for the Saguache Backyard to Backcountry Program. The Rio Grande Headwaters Trust gets $376,500 from GOCO’s open-space program to permanently conserve the 460-acre La Garita Creek Ranch near Del Norte. Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets $25,000 from GOCO’s habitat restoration program for the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area.
Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
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February
Elisabeth Richard was South Fork Author Judythe Morgan chosen by the Creede School Nicolas Sarmiento was hired Feb. is working on two more novels in Board on Feb. 7 as the new 2 as Conejos County Attorney. He South Fork and planned to host superintendent. was set to work on county issues a book signing in the summer. while advising the Conejos Board All photos are by Valley Morgan already has nine awardof County Commissioners. winning novels out on the market. Publishing staff members
The Antonito Valentine’s Dance was a huge success with more than 60 people attending. Everyone danced to the music of Bernal Maestas and Alex Lopez and had a fantastic time.
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Center High School Head Coach Brian Ullery was awarded a 30-year pin for reaching the accolade in coaching for the Vikings. He was one of three coaches to earn the honor on Saturday, Feb. 18 in front of a packed Pepsi Center crowd during the state finals.
Savoring the miracle of sight, Adelmo R. Cordova danced to the beat of a disc jockey Feb. 15 as Knights of Columbus 5512 rolled out the red carpet for a fun-filled afternoon in La Jara. Born with severe sight loss, in 2016 Adelmo was able to purchase some high tech glasses which he had with him, but the day was devoted to his old prescription and happy times.
Creede school nurse Jody Stroh was recognized by the Creede School Board in February as she prepared for her retirement after 35 years of service.
Jason Ingalsbe was treated for a gunshot wound received during his arrest on Feb. 12. Two Saguache County Deputies were placed on leave and later cleared of any wrongdoing in March. Ingalsbe allegedly yelled at officers and was waving a gun when they responded to his home.
In early 2017 South Fork quilter Barbara Franke donated two quilts to the veterans center at Homelake in honor of the veterans and their families that served in the military.
Happy New Year! The Antonito girls remained undefeated to claim the district crown.
Thefirst-everCHSSAsanctionedall girls state wrestling championship was held at Northglenn High Center High School graduate Jim Bevan, now the women’s track coach School in February. Del Norte at Rice University in Houston, received the Elizabeth Gillis award for High School sophomore Natalie exemplary service in February. William Marsh Rice University is a Benavides took second place in her 131-lb. weight class. private research university recognized as one of Texas’ finest.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
March
The GrayWolf Ski Club, comprised of a group of friends that decided to do something spectacular on their 80th birthdays, sparked an adventurous tradition and a great way to celebrate a birthday. The entire venture began seven years ago when club member Will James decided that he wanted to hike to the top of Alberta Peak that sits above the Wolf Creek Ski Resort and then ski down the double black diamond face.
Del Norte’s Jeff Stevenson proudly poses with his trophy after winning the overall score in the Slam Dunk Contest during the 28th Annual Arby’s All-Star Games held every March.
Haskin Elementary, Skoglund Middle School, and Center High School won $12,500 collectively as 2017 Healthy School Champions. Haskin Elementary was a Silver winner and Skoglund Middle School and Center High School were Gold winners. Mountain Valley School also won a $500 Excellence Award for its school health efforts. Pictured are Center Schools’ teachers and staff accepting their Colorado Healthy Schools Award in Denver March 3.
Multiple arrests were made in March involving the alleged sexual assault of an 8-year-old South Fork girl dating back to late 2015. Those arrested include: Mario Dominguez, 26, of Del Norte; Cristal Middleton, 21, of Alamosa; Victor White, 56, of Del Norte and Helen Price, 56 who was arrested in Moravia, Iowa.
New Rio Grande County Coroner Stephen Hunzeker was sworn into office on March 27 by District Judge Patrick Hayes during a special meeting of the BOCC.
Sargent’s Ryan Davis (6) leaned into a delivery during a March win over Saying Rio Grande County Ignacio in the fifth-place game at the Ignacio High School Invitational. C o m m i s s i o n e r s w e r e n o t providing an adequate budget Davis threw a two-hit shutout as Sargent won 14-0. for the office — and he could no longer personally subsidize it— long-time Rio Grande County Coroner Rusty Strohmayer resigned on March 17.
Using a combination of electives and a three-pronged approach to behavior Bill Metz Elementary has a focus on developing the “wholechild.” Rather than just focusing on strict academics and outdated disciplinary actions the school offers students opportunities to explore interests and reinforces and redirects behavior patterns.
Del Norte Middle School students flowed into the gym on March 16 to celebrate receiving an award from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). From left to right Principal Amy Duda, CDE member Robin Russell and Middle School Counselor Stella Tapia Maez accepted the ICAP award.
Members of the Baca Grande Property Owner’s Association (BGPOA) questioned the legality of the BGPOA’s March confiscation of a neighbor’s storage containers, being remodeled into a residence. A crane is shown lifting part of Luke Adams’ dream home high into the air for transport to a container company in a nearby town. The Baca Grande Property Owner’s Association removed three containers from Adams’ property in March for minor covenant violations.
The new Head Start in Center neared completion in March after a fire destroyed the building in the fall of 2015.
Vendor booths with everything from delectable snacks of jerky to binoculars to customized golf balls packed Ski Hi Park in March for the annual Crane Festival. More than 75 vendors welcomed hundreds throughout the weekend.
In March Terry Wetherill received the Emergency Manager of the Year Award at the 2017 Annual Colorado Emergency Management Conference.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Review
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April
On April 13 Monte Vista High School and Middle School students attended a“Thank you for my Freedom Tour”presentation conducted by the veterans organizations, Fallen Heroes Honored and Boots 66. Students follow the presenters’ lead and complete 22 push-ups to honor the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day.
San Luis Valley native Ken Salazar won’t toss his hat in the ring for the 2018 gubernatorial election. He said several individuals, both Democratic and Republican, have expressed an interest in serving as governor — “I will not be among them.”
Del Norte resident and business owner Dale Wiescamp went missing from the Del Norte are on the morning of April 17. The 76-year-old left on his usual drive but never returned home. Wiescamp was found deceased on April 27 in Gunnison County a short distance from his vehicle.
Joanna Gray and Debbie Whitmore combined forces on a flute duet as one of the many acts shared during the annual Creede Variety Show performed in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at the Ruth theatre in April.
In April, South Fork artist and graphic design specialist Jim Peto won the South Fork Logo contest hosted by the town for their 25th anniversary celebration. From left to right: Diana Peto, artist Jim Department of Social Services employee Helen Martinez walked Peto, Trustee Kris Steffens and Visitor Center Director Mark Teders through cheers from fellow co-workers to accept an award for her displayed the new South Fork 25th anniversary logo and a new 50 years of service to Rio Grande County in April. postcard design created by Peto.
A Conejos County teacher and Center resident traveling east on Highway 112 died in April when a semi truck and trailer reportedly failed to yield to traffic and T-boned his Dodge Dart, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported Tuesday. Gerald Archuleta, 32, was pronounced dead after transport to Rio Grande Hospital. He also taught for several years at Center Schools.
Denver Bronco Mascot Miles and El Pomar representativeTheo Gregory present Community Hero Nancy Schrader with an autographed football for her service to the Del Norte community on April 22.
A Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Crime Scene Investigation vehicle was parked alongside Romeo’s Little Market April 19. Agents Youngsters from the elementary school greeted Centauri High School were there late that day, wearing masks and walking into and out of students who encouraged them to follow their example in being drug the building, possibly in search of missing James Sprouse, who had free in the spring. been living in the store at one time.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
May
A man wanted in connection with a homicide in Romeo, Michael John Robinson, was arrested in May in Indio, Calif. Stonefield, Brandon Wilson, Antoine Gomez, Andromeda SLV Roller Derby hosted a large two-bout event at Ski-Hi May 6 with Kendra Espinoza, Cesar Chavez and Sharon Standford picked up trash in front all of the spectator spaces overflowing with fans. of the Edward M. Kennedy Valley-Wide Clinic on Pirate Pride Day in May.
Renowned San Luis Valley painter and sculptor Charles Ewing was the featured artist in the 29th Annual Taste of Creede Festival May 27-28.
Al Hibbs and Connie Jones Pillsbury presented The Mark M. Jones Memorial Courtyard plaque at the historic Windsor Hotel on May 20. Jones was locally known for his continued work on restoring buildings in downtown Del Norte and in neighboring communities such as Creede. Jones was best known for his work on the historical Windsor Hotel.
Maren Stecken (center) posed with the Center Parks and Recreation soccer team in May holding her special soccer ball. Maren, who attends Center pre-school, was born with a rare metabolic disorder — propionic acidemia — and is the only survivor of the condition left in Colorado.
Del Norte Schools celebrated graduation on May 27 in the Tiger Fieldhouse, awarding 33 graduates their diplomas.
Treasure Falls on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass was running The San Luis Valley 4-H youth robotics team of Mason Torr and Michael at full capacity in May and was a Ward, along with coach Amy Henschen, competed in the RoboRAVE sight to be seen. International robotics competition in Medellin, Colombia, May 11-13. They won fifth place in the Silver Chef judges dive into what ended up being the winner in the annual high school line following event. Mason, Michael Taste of Creede competition for chefs, prepared by Blake Bond of the 4UR and Amy pose with Santiago, an elementary student Ranch.Shownarefromleft,ReganBriggs,SusanZaranaandRandyStewart. from Medellin who befriended them at the event.
Sanford’s 23 graduates posed at the end of May commencement exercises.
Seven seniors graduated from Mountain Valley High School May 13 during a ceremony in Bennett Gymnasium that honored not only the senior class but all classes at the school as well as the class of 1967. Graduates celebrated their big day on stage with a rain of confetti.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Review
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June
Twelve-year-old Urianna Acosta from Monte Vista tells the crowd at the June Shriners circus about her condition and what the Shriners have done for her.
South Fork Visitor Center Director Mark Teders hosted a booth For the seventh year Colorado Potatoes treated Ride the Rockies during the annual Fishing Derby participants to a delicious (and free) Colorado potato along their to teach the art of knot-tying to route on Wolf Creek Pass June 11. young fishermen. The roof of this building across from the post office in Saguache fell down with a bang June 1 sending debris into the street. Some speculated the recent rains and earlier heavy snow helped weaken the old structure
The Colorado and United States flags were carried on horseback as has become a tradition in the La Jara Glory Days parade, held every June.
A large crowd attended the June 24 open house for River Valley Inn. The 37,500-square foot facility was built almost entirely by local contractors which helped boost the economy in and around Del Norte exponentially. A band played while guests were taken on a tour of the new facility by members of the staff.
A La Jara man is still alive due to the swift action of Police Chief Jerry Lujan, who was honored during the La Jara Town Board meeting June 8. Pictured with Lujan, center, are La Jara Mayor Larry Zaragoza, left, and Town Manager Dennis Koenig, at right.
The Third Annual Del Norte Trail Showcase took place in June in Del Norte bringing several people to the area to ride the trails around the town and hopefully gain the trail system some national notoriety. Pictured is Eric Burt cycling through a trail.
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Center Town Clerk and Treasurer Joan Mobley announced June 29, she would be leaving her position with the town effective the end of July. Mobley cited health reasons for her resignation, but it was later revealed she had plead guilty to two aggravated identity theft charges and one false statement charge stemming from her previous work as an IRS agent.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Color
Del Norte’s own Grayson Erhard got the surprise of a lifetime on Jan. 21 while performing at the National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) music trade show in Anaheim, Calif. when Stevie Wonder joined him on stage for a performance of “Superstition.”
Firefighters responded to a house fully engulfed in flames in the early morning hours of Jan. 12 south of Monte Vista.
“Amazing Grace” brought tears to many eyes as presented by Tim Lambert, honor guard bugler, Longmont Police Department, Bugler Co. C, 4th U.S. Cavalry and 1876 Regimental bugler, U.S. Cavalry Assoc. during the Memorial Day ceremonies at the Colorado Veterans Center cemetery.
In early March Wolf Creek Ski Area was tied for third, nationwide, with the top snowfall for three consecutive days. The annual ice curling contest kicked off during February’s Cabin Fever Daze in Creede at the ice rink above town.
Del Norte High School staff members celebrated Tartan Day in April, a Scottish Holiday that celebrates independence.
In 23 years and hours of dedicated time, local South Fork resident Tom Kutzley created a replica of north Creede from 1892. The scale model is a work of genius and was donated to the town of Creede by Kutzley for their 125th anniversary.
Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Page 9
Year in Color
Creede School’s Coach Kim organized a cleanup day on May 17. The kindergarten through fifth grade walked the streets of Creede collecting trash. After the cleanup, Kim treated the kids to hamburgers and hotdogs at the Doghouse. They were joined by the CELC students to watch CRT’s “Pants on Fire.” Following the play, Mayor Jeffrey Larsen treated them all to ice-cream.
Not brothers in history, but Creede brothers Scott (left) and Steve Lamb had two of the starring roles in the reenactment of the shooting of Bob Ford during the town’s 125th anniversary celebration June 10. Scott portrayed the legendary Bob Ford who famously assassinated Jesse James 10 years earlier, and eventually was gun downed in Creede by Ed O’Kelly, portrayed by Steve. Also starring in the reenactment were “prostitutes” Lily Lovell (Joanna Schlough) and Mary Kate McTeigue.
The third annual Hot Rod Dirt Drags weekend was another exciting success, expanding on previous years’ for an even bigger event, drawing rodders from around the country to Monte Vista.
The 96th Annual Ski-Hi Stampede wrapped up another successful weekend at the end of July, drawing thousands of tourists to Monte Vista for music, parades rodeos and more. “Families, Farms and Friends” was the theme of this year’s events, a candid way to honor the area’s history and economy and look toward a prosperous future.
A colorful young Indian dancer proudly made his way around the dance circle with other tribal members during the Saguache Pow Wow Aug. 26. The Saguache Pow Wow, despite some political dissension in the town of Saguache, was very well attended this year.
Botton: There was nothing but smiles all around for the crowd attending the fourth of July celebration in Creede.
Alamosa Building Supply bought Savona Thomson’s three Grand Champion chickens Aug. 11 at the San Luis Valley Fair held in August Monte Vista. The chickens went for $600 total.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
July
Sargent Schools celebrated their 100th anniversary as a school district by hosting a reunion celebration July 1 attended by alumni from many different eras and Caroline Irwin demonstrated the art of quilting at the generations. Attendees lined up to make a 100 for a Hollyhock Festival in Saguache which took place on July 29. commemorative aerial drone photo.
Sargent Schools welcomed new Superintendent Greg Slover, on July 1. Slover, who has most recently been a principal in New Mexico for the past six years, has 17 years of experience as a principal.
The July 8 death of an inmate in the Conejos County Jail became a multi-agency investigation. Andy Martinez, 36, of La Jara was ATVs were a huge part of the July 3 celebration in South Fork as it found at around 6 a.m. by fellow inmates, who said he “wasn’t Saguache County Commissioner Jason Anderson pulled this pontoon marked the official first day of the legalization of an approved route that takes the vehicles through town. float for the 4th of July parade in Crestone. doing well.”
A large rock about the size of a small compact car fell onto Highway 149 during the evening of July 15, blocking the road.
Erin Yurkinas was named the Contestants lined up for the cross cut competition on July 15 during new Creede and Mineral County the Logger Days festivities in South Fork. There were 17 logging Chamber of Commerce Director this July. competitions throughout the weekend.
This elaborate float was one of many in the Manassa Pioneer Days parade on July 21.
A Center ratrod burned rubber and poured out the smoke at the Center Poor Boy Car Club Show burnout demonstration July 8, held across the canal from the Center Schools parking lot.
New Summitville interpretive signs were placed in July to direct visitors to landmarks in the mining site and give a brief history of the infamous mining claim.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Review
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August
Annika Butero explains the difficulty of her animal sewing craft project, which earned a blue ribbon in the annual San Luis Valley Fair. Although the lion, zebra and elephant werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all of her favorite animals, she really enjoyed this sewing kit and has been told by several people that she has great promise for sewing larger projects in the near future.
People gathered in front of the main stage that faced the Rio Grande this year to dance the days away with riveting music from both local and national talent during Augustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival.
Shannon Stacy used the box method to safely view the solar The Shady Burro Enduro was a huge success in South Fork in August. eclipse in downtown Monte Vista Hundreds of riders turned out for the event. on Aug. 21.
Rio Grande Hospital hosted their 11th annual fundraiser, Keeping the Dream Alive, on Aug. 12 at the Del Norte Schools bus barn. During the event Senator Larry Crowder gifted Rio Grande Hospital CEO Arlene Harms with the pen used by Governor Hickenlooper to sign Senate Bill 267 earlier in the year.
At This Season Of Givingâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;
A tiny sign alongside the door at town hall in Saguache was the only explanation for why the town closed The second annual Headwaters Music Festival kicked off the last weekend in August in Creede, up shop in the wake of resignations and adding to the already full agenda of fun things to do in the area. The Creede Quartet took to the stage on Sunday. citizen complaints in August.
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Year in Review
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Wednesday, December 27, 2017
September
The MakerSpace at Monte Vista High School was launched in September and includes four new 3D printers, Lulzbots and Makerbots and a new Legacy CNC router (Computer Numerical Control router). Zach Hindes and AJ Smith demonstrated the CNC router, using CAD programing to plan a design the router will cut.
Country music star Brooke Eden performed at the San Luis Valley Potato Festival’s first annual concert on Sept. 9. Eden performed some of her chart topping hits including “Act Like You Don’t,” “Diamonds” and “Sunday Morning.”
Sporting a coonskin cap, this young lady anxiously awaited floats and candy at Antonito’s Annual Labor Day Parade.
New Monte Vista Department Chief of Police John Rosecrans was officially sworn in and welcomed to the community on Sept. 21. City Manager Forrest Neuerburg administered the oath of office to Rosecrans.
A small bear was hanging in a tree on the morning of Sept. 26 in a South Fork town officials hired Dan Hicks as the new The Ninth Annual Cruisin’ the Canyon Car show took Monte Vista alley at Jefferson and Third streets. The Monte Vista Police town administrator on Sept. 25. Hicks is a long-time place Sept. 16 and 17 and was a huge success. There Department, Rio Grande Sheriff ’s Office, City of Monte Vista and U.S. Parks and Wildlife helped capture the bear without incident. resident of South Fork with a background in business. were a total of 86 vehicles in this year’s show.
The High Valley Community Center hosted their first community development class for their students on Sept. 12. The class was led by Valley Publishing Upper Rio Grande reporter Lyndsie Ferrell and Publisher/ The new Dollar General opened their doors on Sept. 9 in South Fork. Editor Jenifer Alonzo (pictured).
Commissioners Tim Lovato, Jason Anderson, County Co-Administrators Wendi Maez and Lyn ZimmerLambert (not pictured), also Commissioner Ken Anderson braved the pouring rain Sept. 30 to dish out pulled pork, chicken, potato salad and coleslaw at the Saguache County 150th birthday celebration.
In September Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) announced that the board of trustees has hired John DiAntonio as CRT’s next executive director.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Review
Page 13
October
Wildlife officers assisted children in basic archery skills during October’s Kids Crane Festival.
Businesses around Del Norte decorated scarecrows for the annual Scarecrow Bash, an event sponsored by the Del Norte Chamber of The first-degree murder trial for Carol Carpenter, 70, Blanca, Commerce. began Oct. 3. She is accused of deliberately starving her 27-yearold disabled son, Corey, to death sometime before the Costilla County Sheriff received a 9-1-1 call on Oct. 23, 2015.
Community members and business owners gathered at the meeting room in the county annex building on Oct. 18 to hear from the Del Norte School District Bond Committee who were present to answer questions and concerns from the public. The committee opened the forum with a brief overview of the proposed ballot measure 3A, which The first-ever Pumpkin Smash in La Jara was a success. Shown is a asked voters in the district to pass a bond issue in order to come up catapult entered by the Sanford Schools which sent a pumpkin high into the air. It smashed to the ground after a trip of 150 feet. with the remaining funding needed to build a new K-12 school.
After months of searching, Center hired a new town manager in October to replace Joan Mobley, who left in July. Retired Marine Brian Lujan of Alamosa was introduced at the Tuesday town board meeting, after attending his first budget workshop with the town.
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Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant employees prepared for the annual South Fork Chili Cook-Off in October. They took first in three categories, including the best table decorations.
Year in Review
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Wednesday, December 27, 2017
November
Dave and Peggy Baker were recognized as the 2017 Monte Vista Change is coming to Monte Vista as all three candidates of the Monte Movement were victorious: “Kiwanians of Year.” Mayor-Elect Dale Becker won 851 votes of confidence. Councilor-elect Gary Johnson won 558 votes and Councilor-elect Victor Sigala received the most at 709 votes.
Roger Mix, representing the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, placed the 2017 Spud Creede School welcomed over 50 veterans for a special breakfast on Bowl Queen sash on Malyka Medina, Center High Nov. 13. The students sang songs and served local vets breakfast to School, at halftime during the Adams State vs. School honor those that have served and are serving the community they of Mines football game on Nov. 4. call home.
Minnie Snead enjoyed the offerings on Nov. 24 with her mom, Creede City Clerk Randi Snead, including the entry at Holy Moses shared by Charlotte Desilet, right. This year’s Chocolate Festival brought more than 500 participants the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Members of the Yuletide Committee accepted a grant check from The Greater South Fork Community Foundation for a Christmas lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 at the South Fork Visitor Center. Pictured are, from left to right: Kris Steffens,Yuletide Committee chairman; Veronica Climie, GSFCF director; Kay Street, home tour Chairman; Mari Lynn Residents of Sanford, ready to take justice into their own hands, attended a public meeting with Conejos County Sheriff Howard Galvez Nov. 15. Attendees expressed concern about the growing crime in Sanford Hathorn, GSFCF president and Kazie Hayes, GSFCF secretary. and the surrounding rural area. Residents demanded answers as to why they have suffered criminal activity and burglaries with little help from law enforcement.
The Centauri Falcons came up short in the 1A state championship title game on Nov. 24, but that didn’t deter the fact that they had an incredible season. Shown are Tristen Crowther (7) and Bennie Chacon (75) combining for a tackle for a loss of yards.
Tyler Kyffin, Tyler Mitchell and Michele Peterson took the oath of office for the Sargent Board of Education Nov. 27. Staff from the Rio Grande/ Mineral County Department of Social Services met with Jerene Peterson, deputy executive director of community partnerships for the Colorado Department of Human Services this fall. Peterson came to thank the staff for all of their hard work and being one of 16 counties that have achieved a distinguished achievement in all areas of CSTAT.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Page 15
December
The Del Norte Head Start bus was decorated as a gingerbread house for the Annual Del Norte Parade of Lights held Dec. 1. Faith and Ethan Coleman visit with Santa at the Saguache Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 1.
Center High School senior Camille Ruggles captured the Amateur AthleticUnions’s(AAU)All-American award during cross country competition held November in McAdenville“Christmas Town” N.C. Ruggles placed eighth in the 17-18 women’s age group.
Charles Moises Gonzales, 47 was accused of murdering northern Saguache County resident Michael Rust nearly eight years ago. Gonzales’ trial began Nov. 30 and ended Dec. 14 with Gonzales being found guilty of first-degree On Friday, Dec. 8 the Del Norte Bank was robbed during business hours. At 12:35 p.m. a masked, male murder and first-degree felony individual wearing work gloves, jeans and a black coat came into the lobby and passed a threatening murder, before being sentenced note to the teller on duty. to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The Creede boy’s basketball team posed with their plaque after winning a 63-47 game against Sierra Grande becoming Thunderbird Shootout Champions on Dec. 2.
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Year in Review
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Year in Color
Law enforcement sent an unmistakable message to those growing marijuana illegally in Saguache County seizing 1,500-2,000 illegally-grown cannabis plants worth an estimated $5 million, many in full bud, in rural Bonanza Sept. 14. Saguache County Sheriff Dan Warwick assists a Southern Colorado Drug Task Force officer in transferring cannabis plants from a pick-up truck to a Saguache County Road and Bridge Department dump truck.
The Conejos County Tourism Council undertook a multiphased project spread over several years to preserve unique and culturally significant murals representing the history and culture of the region. Master muralist, Fred Haberlein, will restore and conserve four of the most endangered murals he originally created some 30 years ago. Shown is Quezacoatl de Nuevo Aztlan, the water serpent.
Twinkie twins Xiomara and Xaniah Lopez made the round October 31 at Center Schools.
Mark and Colleen Desantoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home in Moonshine Acres just southwest of Creede caught fire around The Grinch was spotted spreading Christmas cheer 3 p.m. Oct. 6. Witnesses on scene said a trash barrel at the arts and craft bazaar at the Valley Church of may have caught a wood pile on fire which spread to the garage and home, burning it to the ground. the Nazarene.
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The Monte Vista community came together Nov. 10 to pay tribute to its veterans. The annual Veterans Tribute and Parade was held through downtown and at the Faith Hinkley Memorial Park. Pictured is the Monte Vista Middle School Band.
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Members from both the Rio Grande Hospital Board and Foundation gathered around shovels for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rio Grande Hospital expansion and renovation on Nov. 14.