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Gateway to the Silver Thread Volume 85, Number 26

Thursday, June 27, 2013

South Fork, Colorado 81154

50¢

MORSELS Town of South Fork declares disaster Evacuation stays

Business/employee assistance Friday

BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD

the town’s ability.

Evacuation Due to the nearby fire danger, South Fork was evacuated on Friday, June 21. Residents were given approximately four hours to pack up belongings and relocated to places all around the Valley.

Some went just as far as Alpine Village and the Indian Trails subdivision; others have set up camp as far away as Mosca and Adams State

DEL NORTE—For businesses and employees in Mineral and Rio Grande counties affected by the fires, there will be a business and employment disaster assistance center set up Friday, June 28 from 10 a.m.-7p.m. at the Rio Grande County Annex Building (925 6th Street) in Del Norte. More details will be posted as available at www. riograndecounty.org.

DEL NORTE—The South Fork Town Board held an emergency meeting on Monday, June 24 to declare a local disaster, a designation, which may help them qualify for federal aid funding.

The resolution numbered 1314 claims that the fire complex is threatening the residents and visitors to town and that the resources necessary to fight the disaster exceed Please see DISASTER on Page 11A

Saturday’s Rock the Rio Grande canceled

Beautiful South Fork sits untouched by flames still lurking four to five miles away, as of yesterday morning (June 26).

SOUTH FORK—Round one of the Rock the Rio Grande Series is canceled for this Saturday due to the West Fork Fire. Watch for updates on upcoming dates.

Fire news online SOUTH FORK—For frequent updates on the West Fork Complex Fire, visit www.southforktines.com.

We’re doing our best to keep this site updated whenever new information becomes available.

Thank You! On behalf of the San Luis Valley, we would like to thank all those who have played a part in managing, containing and fighting the West Fork Fire Complex.

Thank you for your commitment to the safety of one another, your commitment to public service, your professional stewardship of the land and for working with our communities.

We are honored to have you protecting our homes.

Valley Publishing

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Photo by John McEvoy

West Fork Fire Complex tops 81,000 acres

BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD AND JOHN MCEVOY SOUTH FORK —The West Fork Fire Complex continues to burn in forested areas surrounding South Fork and Creede on the western edge of the Valley.

Smoke from the three fires, Papoose, West Fork and Windy Pass, has been visible throughout the Valley and beyond for more than one week.

The West Fork Fire is still a threat to the town of South Fork; Papoose is inching closer to a number of structures located in Mineral County, and the Windy Pass is closest to the Wolf Creek Ski Area.

As of Tuesday morning the fire had still not damaged any known structures and vehicles were allowed to travel along Highway 149 from South Fork to Creede on a metered basis. The cars are escorted by law enforcement personnel to ensure that drivers do not stop along the road or in any way interfere with fire traffic.

This route may be interrupted at any time depending on fire conditions Photos by John McEvoy

Please see FIRE on Page 12A A semi-truck travels away from South Fork toward Del Norte last Thursday afternoon.

Dinner benefits Wounded Warriors The Kit Carson Wagon Train and Trail Ride dinner was held June 13 in South Fork with entertainment by The Wild Rose band from Fun Valley. So many attended the event, there was a need to go to Rainbow Grocery to buy more food to satisfy all the hungry people that came to support the Wounded Warriors benefit supper.

Photo by John McEvoy

Thursday, June 27, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 5A

Creede community updated on Papoose Fire

BY JOHN MCEVOY CREEDE—The high school gym was nearly as full as it was for graduation as anxious residents gathered to hear the latest on the Papoose Fire.

Incident Manager Russ Long told the crowd this fire is the number one priority in the nation.

“We have crews on the ground with chainsaws doing mitigation around structures cutting back vegetation,” said Long. “They are also putting in sprinkler systems around the structures so that the water will spray in a donut shape around the homes without touching them if the fire gets close.”

Long said Wagon Wheel Gap, 4UR Ranch and Humphreys are all still fine, but evacuated. Metro Lake structures are all there and safe with firefighters working 24/7 on mitigation around them.

Dozer work is being done on the old road bed behind Sentinel Mountain to help stop the fire from spreading and a tank of retardant has been stationed at Elk Creek.

“Helicopters can take the retardant and paint brush an area to keep the fire from spreading,” said Long.

Long said they are in a good position and much better off than they were three days ago.

“With the weather change coming on, the winds will be slower,” said Long. “They almost blew my mustache off yesterday.”

Long said humidity will come up a bit, but with the chance of thunderstorms and possible lightning too.“With the good comes the bad,” said Long.

Mineral County Sheriff Fred Hosselkus gave an update on Highway 149 and the traffic escort system in place. Every hour, on the hour, commuters will be allowed to go from Wagon Wheel Gap to South Fork under tight escort from the sheriff’s department. Every half hour on the hour, commuters may return to Creede.

“We are having a meeting later to see if we can make it more flexible,” said Hosselkus. “We will keep 149 heading west open as long as we can.

We can’t close both.”

Some evacuees have been allowed to go to their homes to retrieve medicines and other valuables with an escort by the sheriff’s department.

“Bristol View, Box Canyon and Fern Canyon are still closed,” said Hosselkus.

National Guard units are at all checkpoints controlling the flow of traffic and enforcing closures.

Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton told the crowd Fun Valley to the South Fork town limits is still evacuated, as well as Masonic Park to Elk Creek. Norton said they are trying to let residents back in to get medications, but they are not taking any chances.

“Property can be replaced, human life cannot,” said Norton. “This fire could smolder until it snows. Be ready.”

Some permits have been issued for businesses in South Fork so they can get valuables or move them.

Deputy Superintendant of the Rio Grande Forest Adam Mendonca said he wanted to make sure everyone knows how much they appreciate all the help they are receiving from the community and all the emergency responders in the area.

“Three days ago, we needed help,” said Mendonca. “We called and got 37 engines from all areas of the community wanting to help. We have a long way ahead of us because it could smoke until the snow flies.”

San Luis Valley Rural Electric CEO Len Howard, said they have crews working 24/7 out on operations mitigating fires and being prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep power on to Creede.

“Our number one priority since Sunday has been to protect the transmission line from Creede to South Fork so the firefighters have what they need,” said Howard. “We have crews stationed all along 149 prepared to quickly respond when assets are threatened.”

Howard said there is a list of all areas where power is currently on or off and would like public input as to whether or not the list is accurate.

Get the list from their website and call with any discrepancies.

Air quality specialist Mike Boughton from the Forest Service said that more than any other community, Creede has been impacted by poor air quality because of smoke. There is a high pressure system moving in soon too.

“This will be like a large pair of hands holding the smoke down to the ground,” said Boughton. “Usually, the air has been clearing up about mid-morning. With this system, it may take longer.”

The best thing people can do is to leave and visit relatives out of the area, if you want cleaner air said Boughton.

“Close your windows at night and only open them when the air is clear of smoke,” said Boughton.

“It would be ideal if everyone had a HEPA air filtration system for the whole house,” said Boughton.

“If you only have a small unit with limited resources, put it in one room to clean it.”

People with respiratory problems should stay inside and even people who are healthy should reduce physical activities outside.

“One way to help yourself is to drink a lot of water,” said Boughton.

“If you are not peeing all the time, you are not drinking enough.”

Deputy Incident Commander Pete Blume said they are looking at place to build effective lines to stop the fire.

We will go after the fire where it comes to us and when we have a

high probability of success,” said Blume. “We will put all effort into protecting high values without putting our firefighters in danger.

That means nowhere near dead spruce areas.”

Blume said if the fire gets near property, they will look to hold it.

And when it is in areas of low value risk, they will let it go. “How we measure success is when we hold the fire without losing any structures,” said Blume.

The fire is headed toward the Rio Grande Reservoir and Blume said they won’t be able to stop it, but they will monitor the situation to try to keep the sediment down.

“This is the number one priority fire in the nation and we have been able to get whatever we have asked for,” said Blume. “If we had everything there was in the entire nation, we still could not put out this fire.

Community members embrace after an emotional meeting with fire officials on the Papoose Fire situation.

Photos by John McEvoy

Above: Moments before this picture was taken, the woman pictured was holding her head in her hands as if in despair.

At left: Firefighters from the Pinos Creek Fire department in Pagosa Springs who were pulled off the line because of dangerous conditions wait for another assignment and enjoy refreshments in the smoke filled air along Highway 149 near mile marker 44.

Page 6A

The South Fork Tines

Thursday, June 27, 2013

West Fork Complex Fire

Photos by John McEvoy Counterclockwise, beginning at far left: A helicopter makes a water drop over the Papoose Fire at Rio Oxbow Ranch on Highway 149 mile marker 38. Smoke is seen above the cliffs outside South Fork.

Fire burns closer to the Rio Oxbow Ranch house along Highway 149 and the Silver Thread Byway as firefighters try to keep the flames at bay.

Fire burns closer to the Rio Oxbow Ranch house along Highway 149 and the Silver Thread Byway as firefighters try to keep the flames at bay. A helicopter continuously filled up with water to drop it on the flames around the house.

Photo by Keith Cerny

Smoky skies were visible in South Fork last Thursday.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 11A

DISASTER

Continued from Page 1A

Photos by John McEvoy

Deputy Incident Commander Pete Blume shows the latest map of the fire area during the Sunday evening press briefing. Deputy Supervisor Adam Mendonca, from the San Juan Forest, is on the right.

At right: National Guard troops move between tents and the command post set up east of the high school football field in Del Norte.

University. As the panic died down

by Monday, many home and business owners were starting to get anxious about ending the evacuation.

Mayor Kenneth Brooke told the audience at the meeting that Sheriff Brian Norton was handing out pink slips for people to go in and out of South Fork to take care of urgent needs at their businesses. Brooke said he could get people into the town if they needed. He said he has taken people into Aspen Ridge and other areas.

Other board members emphasized that the decision to lift the evacuation order was entirely at the sheriff’s discretion.

The board members asked former marketing director for the town, Ashlee Bratton, to serve as a public information officer during the meeting. At a later meeting with other fire stakeholders, the board decided they would not need her services.

Some at the meeting expressed their gratitude for the decision to evacuate in the first place.

At the 9 a.m. press briefing on June 26, Incident Commander Pete Blume took questions from people who were eager to return home. He said, “by

no means would I say you can go in there and be 100 percent safe.” He reiterated that resident, firefighter and structure safety is the priority for the team.

Norton was not available for comment at press time, but Clare Long with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team said the sheriff had advised people not to go back.

They would prefer that people go through the pink slip process to be admitted into the town. He said, at the meeting held at the Red Cross center, it was not a “free-for-all” and that they are still asking people to wait to go back into the town.

Resident and firefighter safety is still the primary concern. Helicopters cannot do their jobs, and firefighter traffic is interrupted when there are others on the road.

Long said some people are going back into town, but the sheriff is asking them not to. She said the town is not open and the evacuation order, as of Wednesday morning, is still in place.

The only business that is open currently is Rainbow Grocery and the affiliated gas station.

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BESSEY

Continued from Page 3A was found near Salazar’s body on Feb. 13, 2012.

When Investigators subpoenaed and examined cell phone records of both Beasley and Bessey, they found no such communication between the two.

One of Beasley’s children told investigators that he and his brothers were playing in the family’s yard the day before the killings and did not notice the flashlight. The two older boys told investigators they saw their mother

shot to death, but could not identify the shooter, who was dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask.

The two older boys are in the care of their father’s relatives, while Bessey remains in custody in lieu of a $1 million bond, including $25,000 cash, which is to be paid up front.

When the county court judge bound Bessey over for trial, he noted that the case is mostly circumstantial, but found probable cause that the man should stand trial in district court.

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Gateway to the Silver Thread Volume 85, Number 27

MORSELS Creede 4th of July events set CREEDE—Yes, Creede is open and will be celebrating America’s independence on July 4-5.

Thursday, July 4 begins with mining competitions at the Days of ’92. Running throughout the day, the event will include hand mucking, jack-leg drilling and single jack competitions.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and children’s activities will start at 1 p.m. in the ball park.

The Elks’ beer garden will be set up and shops and restaurants will be open downtown.

Finish the night up at the Elks Lodge at 9 p.m. with live music and dancing.

Mining Competitions will continue on July 5 with team jack-leg drilling, spike driving, machine mucking and double jack.

Live day and evening enter-tainment can be found at the Tommyknocker Tavern and Kip’s Grill on July 6 and 7, and many restaurants will be open for dining choices.

Creede Repertory Theatre will be presenting tours, as well as three shows over the weekend. Call CRT at 658-2540 for reservations (see related story).

SFMA summer events still a go SOUTH FORK—In spite of the West Fork Fire, South Fork Music Association is moving forward with their summer 2013 events as scheduled. This includes the Free Summer Concerts on Sundays in July. This Sunday, July 7 will feature Muddy Mountain Orchestra from Taos, N.M. The Muddy Mountain Orchestra was born in 2011 out of late-night jam sessions under the stars on Lama Mountain. Band members include Rob Watt on vocals, mandolin, and banjo, Kate Mann on vocals, acoustic guitar, and banjo, Caroline Watt on upright bass, and Mark Dudrow on cello and mandolin. They play a danceable and eclectic mix of fiddle tunes, old-timey ballads, bluegrass, country, and original music. Music

Thursday, July 4, 2013

South Fork, Colorado 81154

50¢

Fire seven Honoring the fallen, percent thanking the defenders contained

SOUTH FORK—The Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte closed on Monday, July 1 as residents were allowed to return to South Fork over the weekend.

Routes through South Fork were also opened on Friday and Saturday allowing travelers to reach Pagosa Springs and beyond on Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass and Creede and beyond on Highway 149.

Travelers are urged to use caution on those routes, as there will be heavy firefighter traffic. Motorists are asked to watch their speed.

Residents who have returned to South Fork remain in a pre-evacuation status and may be evacuated again at any time.

the sheriff’s department with traffic enforcement during the West Fork Fire Complex Disaster. The troops are from all over Colorado and have volunteered for this mission.

“Higher command sends a request for volunteers stating that they have

Current situation as of July 2 at 8 a.m.

East Zone of the West Fork Complex (includes Papoose and eastern part of West Fork fires) The strategies for operations on the fire include continuing point protection for structures and high value resources, monitoring, and confining the fire in areas where it will not pose an issue for the local area during the remainder of the summer.

Papoose Fire: Monday night, firefighters were able to take advantage of the humidity recover overnight, allowing them to continue mop up in areas where heat around structures still remained. Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. Tuesday, firefighters will continue mopping up around structures and start confining the northern part of the fire, from the Rio Grande Reservoir around the north and then south, along Highway 149. Falling trees in some areas of the fire are creating an unsafe situation and firefighters are avoiding those areas. Fire intensity is expected to increase in the next few days, especially in areas of gusty winds due to thunderstorms. Some burn out will take place in areas where wind will help keep fire spread away from structures.

This will help to even out the fire line and achieve confinement.

Eastern part of West Fork Fire: Firefighters will continue achieving confinement of the fire from Humphreys Lake, moving north and then around the Elk Mountain area, moving south along Highway 160.

Firefighters will monitor the areas of the fire that are inaccessible.

West Zone of West Fork Complex (includes western part of West Fork and Windy Pass fires) Firefighters are removing excess equipment and are prepared to respond to any new fire starts that may have occurred during the past few days.

As firefighters secure the West Zone, aviation resources will be repositioned

Please see HELP on Page 2A

Please see FIRE on Page 8A

Photo by John McEvoy

Monday evening, The Del Norte and Monte Vista fire departments got together and hung an American flag between their ladder trucks to honor the fallen firefighters. This was timed just before firefighters finish their shifts and return to camp in Del Norte at the Incident Command Center set up at the high school. They passed right by the display on their way.

Mandatory evacuation lifted Residents return home to South Fork

BY JOHN MCEVOY

SOUTH FORK – Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton welcomed the crowd gathered at the South Fork Community Center Saturday, June 29 with “Welcome back South Fork!” This was greeted with cheers from those assembled.

He continued with news that there had been a lightning strike up on Cottonwood.

“It caught a tree on fire but we got it out,” said Norton. “There was a really Photo by John McEvoy good response time on it.”

After spending a week in the Del Norte High School parking lot RV Incident Command Manager enthusiasts were likely ready to pack up and return to their summer Please see SFMA on Page 7A Please see HOME on Page 6A “homes” after evacuation orders were lifted.

Volunteers set up camp in Del Norte National Guard troops, teenagers answer call for help

make shift parking lot behind the Del Norte high school. Multicolored plastic flags flapped in the wind on ropes that designated rows for military vehicles to park in. The heat was stifling.

First Sargent Chris Perez is in

BY JOHN MCEVOY DEL NORTE – Puffs of chalk like charge of the National Guard troops dust rose with each footfall from the based in Del Norte that are helping

Page 2A

The South Fork Tines

OBITUARIES Ronald Dean Paulson , 80 MONTE VISTA—Lifetime resident of the San Luis Valley Ronald Dean Paulson, 80, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 28, 2013.

Ronald was the oldest son born to Oscar and Arabelle (Etherton) Paulson.

He graduated from Del Norte High School where he met and married the love of his life, Wanda Dunnington Paulson on February 3, 1951.

The couple made their home in Del Norte, where Ronnie worked for the Del Norte Ford Motor Company and farmed, while Wanda worked as a telephone operator. Leslie, Randy, Roy and Rodney were all born on land they farmed in Del Norte.

In January of 1958, they purchased the family farm outside of Monte Vista. There, they were blessed with two more children Kimberly and Rock.

Ronnie was a hard-working farmer, who grew various agricultural crops and also raised cows, sheep, chickens, pigs and horses. Ronnie worked various other jobs such as driving a mail route to help support his family.

Ronnie loved farming, taking his family on camping adventures in the mountains, playing card and board games, reading, singing, playing the organ, storytelling, watching western movies and horses. He lived for family get-togethers and any opportunity to give his grandchildren a teasing.

Ronnie believed in strong family values, honesty, commitment, and hard work. He took pride and joy in his children including: Leslie (Dick) Bennet of Montrose, Colo.; Randy (Aleece) Paulson and Roy (Joy) Paulson all of Monte Vista, Rodney (Betty) of Center, Kim (John) Brown of Rio Rancho, N.M. and Rock (Terri) Paulson of Monte Vista.

Ronnie was loved and admired by 14 grandchildren: Chris (Tisha) Bennet, Cindy Bennet, Cari (Cameron) Dillon, Boe (Heather) Paulson, Amy Paulson, Noah (Lindsey) Paulson, Adam (Stacey) Paulson, Bryan (Lacie) Paulson, Aubrey (Jake) Pargin, Brandon Paulson, Chad and Chase Brown, Ryan and Rafe Paulson, 21 great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, two brothersin-law, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous lifetime friends and neighbors.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Dunnington Paulson, his parents Oscar and Arabelle Paulson and brothers Jim and Hank (Betty) Paulson.

Ronnie’s family was honored to have been loved and cherished by him.

His legacy of integrity, honesty, loyalty and hard work and love he had for his family will live on with us forever.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 3, from 9 a.m.. to 5 p.m. at Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m.. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista.

Donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans Association.

Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista and online condolences may be made at www.rogersfunerals.com.

OBITUARY POLICY Effective Jan. 9, 2013, Valley Publishing will charge a flat fee of $25 for each obituary published. Pending arrangements or death notices will still be run at no charge.

This charge will affect funeral homes, as well as family or other representatives, that directly place obituaries. All paid obituaries will continue to be published on our website(s) for no additional fee.

In the event the newspaper errors in publishing an obit, corrections will be made and the obit will be rerun. If the errors are on the part of the submitting party, an additional fee will be assessed.

Happy Independence Day! Be safe!!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

HELP

Continued from Page 1A a mission, whether it is here in Del Norte or a blizzard somewhere,” said Perez. “We figure out how many volunteers we need and then move to that location.”

Perez said that most of his troops had experienced far worse conditions than what it was like here.

“This is good living,” said Perez. “We are just here to help keep people safe; we are not law enforcement.”

Perez said he is not surprised about how welcoming the community has been.

“I do appreciate how gracious the community has been,” said Perez.

“The people here are wonderful and I know that they appreciate what we are doing. That is good to know.”

Teenage volunteers Another group of paid volunteers that are helping out with the emergency situation are teenagers from Utah that are aspiring firefighters. They work on keeping the camp clean and other chores. The minimum age is 18 and since some of them are not old enough yet, this is the next best thing and one step closer to their goal.

Wyatt Jensen, from Marysville Utah, plans on being a hot shot when he turns 18.

“I would like to be an English teacher in the winter and a firefighter in the summer,” said Jensen. “It sounds like a fun life to me.”

Jensen said that they are only allowed to spend 14 days out in the field before they have to return home for a minimum of two days to a week before going back out again somewhere in the country on another fire..

“It’s all on school busses,” said Jensen. “But you know what, you are going somewhere and you are getting paid to be on that school bus.”

Jensen said he stayed up last night talking with members of a hot shot crew.

“I was listening to stories from these guys learning what I have to do to get my foot in the door,” said Jensen.

Kasside Robinson from Richmond, UT, said that her sister is involved in a program with the BLM and when they asked for volunteers, she was ready.

“I turned 18 recently, but I just missed the deadline for joining,” said Robinson. “To qualify to become a wild land firefighter, one of the things you have to do is a three mile hike with a 45 pound pack in 30 minutes.

No problem.”

Photos by John McEvoy

Top: National Guard troops head for the Del Norte high school cafeteria for food after returning from their shifts on Thursday June 27. There were many compliments to the Red Cross, the Mennonites’ and the Amish for the wonderful food provided to everyone.

Bottom: Firefighter and National Guard tents line the fields behind the high school.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 3A

Red Cross rescues Roxie Two fire bills approved

BY JOHN MCEVOY

BY JOHN MCEVOY

DEL NORTE – Friday, June 21, when rumors were running wild about South Fork burning, many people left their homes and pets in a panic during the confusion of being evacuated.

Debra Smothers came to the Red Cross shelter very emotional, shaking and crying. She said she had to leave her elderly dog Roxie alone in South Fork when she left.

Bill Werner, Red Cross Disaster Coordinator for the Valley, was getting ready to leave and bring food to the firefighters. He got the address of the apartment complex and Angie Henderson, one of the volunteers at the shelter, and they left for South Fork.

“I told her, I don’t care what we do, we are going to go find this dog,” said Werner.

Werner and Henderson were told the dog was chained up outside under a tree. When they got there, Roxie had gotten himself free and the Australian Shepherd was off the chain and running loose the front yard.

“I was trying to coach him to come to me but he was scared,” said Werner.

“He was alone in this giant apartment complex and there was smoke coming and animals can sense when they are in danger.”

Werner said he and Henderson tried to do everything they could to convince him to come to them, to no avail.

“I finally got the idea to put pieces of hamburger up the sidewalk and into the open door of the house,” said Werner.

They hid until he went inside the house. Then, they snuck in and closed the door behind them. Roxie spun around and went crazy.

“I thought I might get torn up by this dog,” said Werner. “But no matter what, I was going to reunite Roxie with its owner, no matter what the consequences.”

Werner put on some gloves, just in case and they were able to calm Roxie down after a while and put him inside the Red Cross vehicle.

“The dog was shaking and growling

DEL NORTE – Rio Grande County Commissioners signed two important resolutions Wednesday. A disaster was declared because of the ongoing West Fork Fire Complex and the commissioners also approved the South Fork Fire District Formation Resolution to go before the voters in November’s election.

The disaster was declared verbally last Thursday, June 20, by the commissioners to Trevor Denny, of the Colorado Office of Emergency Management and formally approved by the commissioners in his presence June 27.

With the Rio Grande County disaster declaration, federal funding from FEMA will now be available to help the community recover some of the money spent on fighting the fire.

Denny suggested the commissioners consider who would be authorized to allow any expenditure or authorization of contracts that could come up that might cause them to go over the spending limits during the disaster.

The commissioners agreed that all three board members should be authorized, in case one of them was

out of the area.

“By declaring this local emergency disaster, you are opening emergency operations plans,” said Denny. “If there is not specific language in your emergency operations plan prior to adopting it, you will need to add it as an amendment to that plan.”

Denny also said this fire qualifies for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG).

“I have not received an executive order from the governor on it yet,” said Denny. “Typically what happens is that the state picks up the cost of suppression and then the state will apply for funding and recoup the money from FEMA.” Denny also expressed his appreciation for the commissioners on their handling of the situation.

“I can’t say enough how nice it is to work with you,” said Denny. “Your constituents are lucky to have you.”

Jerry Dennis, head of Rio Grande County Emergency Management, was also at the meeting. “We have an emergency operations center in Alamosa that we are cohabitating Please see BOCC on Page 7A

OUR NIGHT SKY Photo by Cindi Shank

the whole time,” said Werner. “He even nipped me once across the throat as I was loading him into the vehicle.

I don’t think he meant to, it was just because he was so scared.”

When they got back down to the shelter, they put Roxie on a leash and asked Smothers to come outside without telling her why.

Roxie immediately ran to Smothers when she came outside and Smothers was joyfully hugging him and crying.

“Afterwards, the dog literally walked over to me and touched me

Beaver Creek Youth Camp changes SOUTH FORK—Due to the West Fork Complex Fire, the Beaver Creek Youth Camp Commission has rescheduled the cancelled third and fourth grade camp for July 28-Aug. 2.

The fifth and sixth grade camp has been rescheduled for July 21-26.

Previously registered campers will be notified. If you have questions call the camp manager at 873-5311. There are still openings at this time. Registrations are available on line at www.beavercreekcamp.org. The first-second, seventheighth and ninth -12th camps remain as previously scheduled.

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on the leg with its mouth and then went back to Debra,” said Werner. “It was so cool because it was if the dog understood at that point what it was we were really trying to do for it.”

County Commissioner Pam Bricker heard about the situation and brought her RV down so Roxie and Smothers could stay in it since the shelter does not allow pets. They lived together in the RV in the parking lot of the high school until they were allowed to return home, one week later.

Fire sky

BY DARLENE DANKO This has been an interesting week and a half to say the least. When we were evacuated we went up to Colorado Springs to stay with friends, and didn’t return until Sunday afternoon.

Amazingly, the sky was cloudy, but not really smoky. In fact, inside our house was smokier than outside. So as soon as it cooled off outside we opened doors and windows. Then it rained for an hour and a half!

We were tired, and got ready for bed at 9 p.m.. Before we did, we looked outside and there was Venus shining brightly in the northwest. Then something made a noise in the house that woke me up at 10:40. So, I looked outside and I couldn’t believe the sky that I saw! The clouds had completely disappeared and the sky was sparkling clear! There were stars everywhere! Even the Milky Way was visible, which meant there was no smoke in the sky.

That has got to be a good sign that we are on our way to recovery. So when you get up after dark, go outside and marvel at the beautiful sky above us. Stay safe. Regular Night Sky articles return next week.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Mourning...

Photo by John McEvoy

A National Guard soldier appears to cover his heart with his hand as he looks at the United States flag flying half mast in honor of the 19 firefighters who gave their lives fighting the wildfire in Arizona on Sunday, June 30. The large tent contains the mess hall where the firefighters eat across from the incident command center at the high school in Del Norte.

Thanking...

Photos by John McEvoy

Grateful residents from Del Norte and South Fork wave to firefighters during a shift change last Wednesday evening. One of the little league baseball players, sponsored by The Shaft in South Fork, is the son of South Fork Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Gilbert.

Page 5A

Page 6A

The South Fork Tines

HEALTHY LIVING...

Eating for beautiful, healthy skin Skin is the largest organ in in the human body, and serves as a protective shield against environmental chemicals, toxins, bacteria and UV radiation. We collectively spend billions of dollars each year to enhance our skin’s physical appearance. Fortunately, a health-promoting diet rich in beneficial phytochemicals is an inexpensive solution to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

Phytochemicals protect against sun damage Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one out of every five Americans.1 UV rays produce free radicals that can damage DNA in skin cells and lead to cancer. While certain types of sunscreen effectively block UVA and UVB rays from the sun, a nutrient-dense diet can enhance our natural defenses against UV rays by combating free radical damage.

Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant found in red and pink fruits such as tomato, grapefruit, and papaya. Studies show that lycopene has photo-protective qualities that prevent and repair DNA damage to the skin caused by the sun.2 Polyphenols are a family of antioxidants that possess anti-inflammatory and photoprotective activities that can benefit the skin; polyphenols are found in most fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. Rich sources include onions (flavanols), cacao, grapes, peanuts (resveratrol), apples and green tea (catechins), citrus fruits (flavanones), and berries (anthocyanins). Studies have shown that the catechins and flavanols offer significant protection against solar-induced skin tumors and also repaired UVB skin damage and increased skin circulation, elasticity and hydration.3

are pigment molecules that can “color” the skin with a slight yellowo r a n g e tinge while providing

BY JOEL FUHRMAN, MD protective Board Certified Family Physician h e a l t h benefits. One interesting study found that people preferred the skin color caused by carotenoids over the skin color from a suntan, suggesting that caro-tenoids contribute to a healthier and younger looking complexion.4 There is a direct correlation between skin color and health: skin with an orange tinge reflects a healthy, nutrient rich diet.

A diet rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants provides protection against skin damage and cancer and is also an effective way to achieve healthy-looking skin.

Dr. Fuhrman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat to Live and Super Immunity, and a board certified family physician specializing in lifestyle and nutritional medicine. His newest book The End of Diabetes explains how to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes, avoid its serious complications, and lose weight in the process.

Visit his informative website at DrFuhrman. com. Submit your questions and comments about this column directly to newsquestions@ drfuhrman.com.

References: 1 http://www.skincancer.org/Skin-CancerPhytochemicals give the skin a healthy glow Facts/.

As a society, we tend to recognize tanned skin as an indicator of health and vitality.

2 Br J Dermatol. 2011 Jan;164(1):154-62.

However, darkening the skin with the sun’s 3 J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6):1565-9. rays promotes wrinkling and aging of the skin.

4 Evolution and Human Behavior 2011 On the other hand, food-derived carotenoids May;32(3):216-227

OUTSIDER

Continued from Page 4A an unusual summer, with time on their hands to stop and chat! Though not much outdoor activity can be done with the smoke that has crept in, they attend the Creede Repertory Theatre, and declare in true theatrical style, “The Show Must Go On!,” putting expression into action! This is where it ends, or should I

say only just begins, with just days before the famous Fourth of July celebrations.

After hearing the positive chirp by an older lady: “Well, it’ll be just like old times!” I am excited to experience, although rather different, a personal and intimate Fourth of July in the town of Creede in 2013.

Courtesy Photos

Top: Helpers spray Blue Creek Lodge prior to evacuation.

At left: 'Pops' Philbern

Thursday, July 4, 2013

HOME

Continued from Page 1A Russ Long thanked everyone on behalf of the firefighters for their cooperation and said everyone in the community had been most helpful.

“Mother Nature’s bucket drop today sure helped us out,” said Long.

The fire on the east side of Elk Mountain stayed at the top said Long.

“It is creeping through the aspens and dead spruce near the top,’ said Long. “ As it moves down into conifer and aspen, we will approach it with retardant and bucket drops from the air when possible.”

There are firefighters on site around the area to attack any spot fires.

“If it comes down off the hill, we are going to try to keep it to one area at a time,” said Long.

“When it presents itself we can bring it down to the road. Worst case scenario is it comes down to the river.”

Long said the Papoose Fire is burning 90 percent dead spruce.

“When the wind starts to blow 40 to 50 miles per hour, it explodes,” said Long.

There are 500 firefighters working the Papoose Fire in three shifts around the clock to make sure each team gets the rest they need and they can be ready for wherever the fire presents itself.

Work on the Rio Grande reservoir continues with help from the state so there is no delay.

They are concerned about the fire crossing over Squaw Creek. “We would like to prevent it from crossing Squaw Creek,” said Long. “We want to protect the watershed so when it rains it won’t be compromised.”

Wind today blew spot fires to Hermit Ridge where there is aspen and not bug killed trees.

Crews are working the area with retardant and bucket drops when possible.

“Today was a really good day to make some forward progress,” said Long. “There are still some dry spots and dusty roads though and we are not letting out guard down.”

The Red Cross announced that the shelter in Del Norte will be closing on Monday and the

last meal will be Sunday dinner.

The Salvation Army is looking into setting up a kitchen in South Fork to help those who need it for a few days, but do not want to adversely affect the restaurants in the area.

They welcome input from the community on what the needs are in the area regarding food. They can provide for people who have had their food spoil due to lack of power for refrigerators and will play it by ear as far as how long they will stay in the Community Center area.

Norton wanted to reiterate to everyone that even though people have been allowed to return to their homes, they are still on preevacuation notice and should be ready to leave when notified.

“Pay attention to the updates at the briefings,” said Norton.

The South Fork Fourth of July celebrations have been canceled.

“Creede is fully open July Fourth,” said Norton. “The only thing cancelled there are the concessions and of course, the fireworks.”

Courtesy Photo

South Fork residents are happy to be home and thankful to the firefighters and National Guard.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 7A

Foundation raising funds for South Fork recovery GSFCF seeks donations, revitalization ideas

SOUTH FORK—The year was 2002. The Million Fire quickly burned through over 10,000 acres surrounding South Fork, destroying several homes and leaving the once beautiful landscape charred and smoldering.

A generous citizen stepped forward to make a financial donation to begin the recovery process, but he insisted his donation should be tax deductible.

There was no place for that money to go and thus the idea of a foundation in and for South Fork had its beginnings.

The next year, an exploratory meeting about setting up a community foundation in South Fork was held.

Because of some familiarity with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation of Colorado Springs, a group of South Fork residents met with Pikes Peak personnel to explore the possibility of affiliating with that group. This affiliation would allow the South Fork Foundation to have the advantage of being part of a 501(c)(3), making contributions tax deductible.

On Aug. 11, 2004 the Greater South Fork Community Foundation (GSFCF) was launched with a formal announcement attended by over 100 community leaders and members.

Forty-four charter founders were recognized for their contribution of $2,500 each, and the slogan “Building Greater South Fork’s Future….

Today” was adopted.

One of the earliest projects the foundation supported was the building of Carnegie Library. Over $50,000 was raised to open the South Fork Branch of the library. Shortly after the library was opened, the South Fork Home Tours began to operate under the umbrella of the foundation, and since their mission

was “community beautification,” funds raised by the home tours were then used to provide the landscaping surrounding the library.

The broad purpose of the foundation was clearly stated as “improving the quality of life in the greater South Fork area.” To fulfill that purpose, early foundation leadership focused on economic development. In 2007, GSFCF, the South Fork Vision Council and the town of South Fork raised $25,000 as a cash match for a DOLA planning grant to develop a plan for a town center. In 2008, with many meetings to obtain the public’s input, the town adopted the “Riverwalk Town Center Plan” which includes parks, trails, and public river access, along with incentives for developers to help the plan come to fruition. The plan also includes a pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle bridge across the Rio Grande River to improve access from the town to the opposite bank of the river and public lands.

Funds raised by the foundation have supported many community projects.

Creede Arts Council, Conour Animal Shelter, the Fast ForWord Reading Program in the Del Norte Schools, Beaver Creek Youth Camp, Rhythms on the Rio, Tu Casa Women’s Shelter, the town of South Fork, South Fork Little League, High Valley Community Center and the Windsor Hotel Restoration Project are a few of the beneficiaries.

The South Fork Ambulance Service received a grant in 2010 to assist with tuition payments for three Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to achieve their intermediate-level EMT certification, and another grant was awarded to purchase EMS uniform coats for the emergency crews.

GSFCF provided the grant writing efforts and the matching funds for the town of South Fork to be awarded a $15,000 GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado) grant in 2011 to create

Courtesy Photo

The Greater South Fork Community Foundation raised over $16,000 for the South Fork Fire Department to retrofit a 2003 mini-pumper truck into a wild brush fire truck, which has been used extensively in battling the West Fork Fire Complex. a master plan for parks, trails and recreation. The foundation purchased the picnic tables currently located in Brown Park.

Last year, when South Fork was in the early stages of this drought, the foundation raised over $16,000 for the South Fork Fire Department to retrofit a 2003 mini-pumper truck into a wild brush fire truck, which has been used extensively in battling the West Fork Fire Complex.

When Del Norte elementary teachers asked for funds to purchase school clothes and supplies for children in need, GSFCF provided those funds; in addition, they provided funding to support the “Tiger Bucks” school store, an educational program which helps children learn how to manage money. Then to further address the poverty problem, they funded the Junior Achievement program for the Del Norte schools,

SFMA

Continued from Page 1A fans of Allison Krauss, Crooked Still, Patti Smith, Willie Nelson, or Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings are sure to enjoy Muddy Mountain Orchestra.

The remainder of July’s lineup consists of Tyler Grant (July 14), Don Richmond (July 21) and Lipbone Redding (July 28). Don’t forget about Tyler Grant’s Guitar Workshop on July 14 from 12-3 p.m. at the South Fork Community Building. Email sfma1@live.net to register for the workshop.

All free concerts begin at 5 p.m. and are held at the South Fork Visitor Center pavilion with refreshments available for purchase. Visit the SFMA website, www.southforkmusic.org, for more information.

Courtesy Photo

Muddy Mountain Orchestra

BOCC

Continued from Page 3A with,” Dennis. “The volunteers and donations have been phenomenal.”

Suzanne Benton, county administrator, made a point that another sign is needed on Highway 112, so truckers coming from that direction are informed that Highway 160 is closed.

“Some of them are getting to South Fork and only then finding out,” said Benton. She will check with CDOT about getting another sign up.

School track Brent Logan came before the commissioners to ask for a letter of support for assistance in improving the high school track in Monte Vista.

“We can’t host an event now

because of the cinder block track,” said Logan. “There is a requirement that the track is a synthetic surface and we do not have the money allocated in the BEST grant to install that.”

The city of Monte Vista has offered an in-kind contribution for use of manpower and equipment to remove the old materials from the track, but they have no use for the material.

Digging up the track would destroy the cinder block under their plan.

Logan said he would like to recover the cinder block track material and use it to upgrade the middle school track which is only gravel now.

Pat Sullivan from Rio Grande County Road and Bridge was there

at the meeting and offered a solution.

Sullivan said he could use the surface material and save the cinder block if they could tell him how deep the surface was and he could use a grader to peel it off, exposing the cinder block for reclamation.

“We can donate the equipment and manpower for an in kind contribution,” said Sullivan. “We help them out and get some materials we need and it is a win-win situation for all.”

Karla Shriver said the city and county would need to work together on this and the commissioners agreed to send a letter of support for the plan.

a national program designed to teach business and entrepreneurship.

Anyone in the South Fork community can participate in the activities of the Greater South Fork Community Foundation. The foundation is governed by an ever changing board of directors, and the current board is: Suzan Ginani, president, Karen Miller, secretary, Barbara Musick, treasurer, and board members: Marty Asplin, Suzy

Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert, Louise Hagen, Glynn Polter, Pat Sculley, Kay Street, and Nicole Ziegler.

The board is currently soliciting ideas to revitalize the economy and tourism in South Fork after the fire.

A special fund has been set up to help South Fork recover. To learn more about the foundation or to make a donation to GSFCF, go to www. southforkfoundation.org.

Gateway to the Silver Thread Volume 85, Number 28

MORSELS MVC hosting yard sale, dog show MONTE VISTA—Make plans now to attend the Monte Vista Coop’s annual Community Yard Sale on Saturday, July 20, 7 a.m-12 p.m..

There will be many great buys. There is no fee for each space, so call today and reserve a spot, 852-5181.

The Open Dog Show will be held at the MVC on July 20 on the Ampride lawn area. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m., with the show beginning at 9 a.m. Make plans today to attend by calling Joy Werner at 719-251-3334.

Crafters needed for for M.V. street fair MONTE VISTA—Crafters wanted for Stampede on Adams Sidewalk Sale/Street Fair Friday July 26. Booth fees are $25 per booth.

For booth space call the Chamber at 852-2731 or email chamber@montevista.org.

Friends of SLVNWR to meet

Thursday, July 11, 2013

South Fork, Colorado 81154

50¢

Over 110,000 acres burned in WFCF One structure lost, at 19 percent containment

BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD SOUTH FORK—The West Fork Fire Complex continues to burn in the forested areas surrounding Creede and South Fork having now covered more than 110,000 acres.

Crews continue to celebrate their success in having protected structures throughout the fire, but have now confirmed that a pump house was lost to the flames early in the fire. There have been no additional structures lost to the fire.

Public Information Officer Andy Lyon, with the Type 1 Incident Management Team, said Please see FIRE on Page 3A The most recent map of the West Fork Fire Complex shows the fire boundary, evacuation, preevacuation areas and more.

Rock the Rio Grande Rodeo Series rides into S.F.

Rodeo enthusiasts test their calf riding (left) and mutton busting skills (below) at Saturday's Rock the Rio Grande Rodeo Series held in South Fork. Center: The youngest rodeo clown practices his smile.

CRESTONE—The Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges will hold their annual meeting on Saturday, July 27 at 12 p.m. at the Baca National Wildlife Refuge headquarters near Crestone.

The annual meeting will be held during lunch, which will be provided after a morning work session. Please meet at the temporary Baca National Wildlife Refuge office on County Road T at 9 a.m. for the work session.

All members and the public are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Tim Armstrong at 852-2452.

Photos by John McEvoy

Book signing event at sand dunes G R E AT S A N D D U N E S — Michael Butler, author of Images of America: Great Sand Dunes National Park, will be at Great Sand Dunes on Saturday, July 13 to give a short presentation followed by a book signing.

The public is invited to this event held at the park visitor center starting at 12 p.m. Michael Butler will give 30-minute presentations about his book at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. He will be signing his book between presentations until 3 p.m.

For more information about this event, contact the visitor center at 719-378-6395.

News tip?

Call 852-3531

Rain couldn’t damper first Sunday evening concert

BY JOHN MCEVOY SOUTH FORK — Playing to the tune of thunder, rain and hail pattering upon the gazebo and tent roofs, Muddy Mountain Orchestra took South Fork by storm. The first-ever Sunday evening concert welcomed not only the band from Taos, but fire-quenching rain.

Sponsored by the South Fork Music Association, the summer concert series will bring free live music to the visitor center every Sunday in July.

More than two dozen eager audience members braved the weather and crowded into the small

space under the gazebo. Others brought their own umbrellas and lawn chairs and stayed despite the downpour and chill in the evening air. A couple of hearty souls ignored the rain and danced with it and each Please see MUSIC on Page 3A Two hearty souls dance in the rain to the tunes of Muddy Mountain Orchestra during the first concert in the Sundays in July series at the South Fork Visitors Center.

Photo by John McEvoy

Thursday, July 11, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Stuemky, Foster to wed DEL NORTE—James and Laura Stuemky of Del Norte announce the marriage of their daughter, Alison Kathryn Stuemky of Del Norte, to Hank Allen Foster of Gurley, Neb. The bride-elect is the grandaughter of John and Claudine King of Newkirk, Okla. and the late John and Dorothy Stuemky.

The prospective bridegroom is the son of Mark and Susan Foster of Gurley, Neb. He is the grandson of Pat Meick, the late Bill Meick

and Lee and Jeanette Foster, all of Gurley, Neb. The bride-elect graduated with a degree in elementary education, specializing in early childhood, from the University of Wyoming.

She will teach at Basic Beginnings Preschool in Laramie, Wyoming in the fall.

The prospective bridegroom graduated with a degree in rangeland ecology and watershed management with a minor in Forestry from the University of Wyoming. He is employed by Clure Brother’s Furniture in Laramie, Wyo. They will be married August 3 at First United Methodist Church in Newkirk, Okla. with a reception to follow at the Stagecoach Event Center in Newkirk.

The couple will reside in Laramie, Wyo.

Page 3A

MUSIC

Continued from Page 1A

Photo by John McEvoy

Muddy Mountain Orchestra from Taos, N.M. took South Fork by storm during the first concert of the Sundays in July series at the visitors center. other as the band played a “danceable Hotdogs, chips and soda were and eclectic mix of fiddles tunes, available for purchase and proceeds old-timey ballads, bluegrass, country benefited the association. and original music.”

The association encourages people

to bring lawn chairs and their dancing shoes to fully enjoy the upcoming concerts that start at 5 p.m. every Sunday evening in July.

and floods as were seen recently in Manitou Springs.

On Tuesday, Lyon said, crews were looking at a dry day with only a slight possibility of storms in the afternoon. They will continue to prioritize firefighting at the Rio Grande Reservoir damn, especially around the Squaw Creek drainage.

Crews are also mopping up around the fire. They continue to clean up around the fire where fire lines have been created. Personnel will walk along the edge of the fire making sure everything is “cold out.”

Structure protection has been completed in areas surrounding Creede, including those along Deep Creek Road. Beetle-killed trees surround many of those structures.

It is a priority to keep the fire from

extinguished until snow falls in the area. Lyon said people should remember the fire has burned a very large area in rugged terrain, and there is “a lot of fuel and a lot of places for fire to hide.” Lyon used the Fern Creek Fire as an example. That fire survived the winter and “popped up,” in the spring. He said crews are hopeful the monsoon rains will put the fire out, but it is possible it will linger in places.

As of Monday, July 8 the fire has grown to 110,405 acres and is 19 percent contained.

For more information on the fire including updated maps and pictures visit the complex blog at westforkfi recomplex.blogspot. com or http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ incident/3436.

FIRE

Continued from Page 1A “containment has never been the goal on this fire,” but it is now 19 percent contained. Earlier reports had stated the fire had been 25 percent contained, but that was measured without including acreage from the west zone, Pagosa side, of the fire.

Containment does not mean the fire is out, or that it is under control. Lyon said containment is a line around the fire created by hand crews or through intentionally burning areas around the fire. During extreme fire conditions, flames can reach beyond the containment lines.

Lyon said, “there are no guarantees in extreme conditions.” Fortunately, the fire conditions seen over the last few days indicate that the existing containment lines will work.

Though the fire has not spread over significant acreage over the past few days, stormy conditions have created small, new fires caused

by lightening strikes. Lightning struck a tree in the South Fork area on Monday causing a small fire that was quickly extinguished. Others have been ignited on the Pagosa Springs side.

Despite those new fires, rain has helped to settle the complex. Lyon believes, “things are looking good.”

He credits the firefighters with great work on protecting homes, businesses and the dam at the Rio Grande Reservoir. Now, crews are hopeful for monsoonal moisture to make a stronger impact on the fire.

With additional rain comes the possibility of flooding in the burned areas. Lyon suggests that people pay attention to the weather and be aware of their surroundings. Areas in the forest and wilderness have been severely burned including plants, which would have normally held the soil in place. Lyon said just 2/10 of an inch of rain can cause ash flows

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reaching the area, but the fire has spread through large areas in a short time before. If the fire were to reach the area, crews may not be able to do structure protection in time.

The fire fighting effort will continue to try to ensure that it does not spread to those areas, but Lyon said, “The potential is still there.” He encourages people to take measures to mitigate the fire danger on their property, even once this fire has gone out.

Near South Fork the fire has not moved in days and crews were optimistic to find the roads and ground were wet on Tuesday morning. Lyon said “rain has really helped on that end of the fire.”

Earlier predictions have said that the fire may not be completely

Gateway to the Silver Thread Volume 85, Number 29

Thursday, July 18, 2013

South Fork, Colorado 81154

50¢

MORSELS Fire won’t stop Logger Days Area plans West Fork Fire Complex update S O U T H F O R K — O ff i c i a l s working on the West Fork Fire Complex announced that the fire was 66 percent contained as of Monday morning.

At 6 p.m. Sunday the Great Basin Incident Management Team 1 handed off responsibility to manage the Papoose and West Fork fires to Phil Daniel’s Colorado Type 3 Incident Management Team.

The complex will remained staffed with adequate resources to patrol and monitor the status of the two fires, as well as serve as an Initial Attack (IA) force should the need arise.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) were also scheduled to be lifted at 6 p.m.

An interagency Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) arrived Monday to begin their initial assessments. The goal of a BAER team is to assess the after effects of a fire(s) and develop a strategy for emergency stabilization and rehabilitation. Everything from erosion protection to what needs to be done to make trails, roads and campgrounds safe for people to reenter damaged sections of the forests.

for floods after fires

Annual South Fork celebration is on

BY JOHN MCEVOY SOUTH FORK– Regarding Logger Days, Kiwanis President Karen Miller announced at the town board work session on Thursday evening, “We are going to have them.”

The logs are on order and will be delivered on Wednesday.

The board will approve payment of funds at next week’s meeting so the supplier can be paid promptly.

Miller also reported that only two vendors have cancelled and that was primarily due to uncertainty about the festival being held, because of the West Fork Fire.

Acting Town Administrator Steve Rabe related a story about a woman who came into the office recently.

BY JOHN MCEVOY

Photo by Toni Steffens-Steward

The South Fork Logger Days Festival will continue this year despite the Please see LOGGER on Page 8A West Fork fires burning nearby. See related story on Page 3A.

RGNF reduces fire closure area CREEDE–The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) has further reduced the area of the Forest closed due to the West Fork Fire Complex.

The south and west side of the Divide Ranger District is closed along the Continental Divide from Wolf Creek Pass to Weminuche Pass.

U.S. Highway 160 is open. RGNF lands north and west of the highway are closed from South Fork to Wolf Creek Pass including Big Meadows Reservoir. Pass Creek Road and Tucker Ponds are now open.

Highway 149 is open. The Rio Grande is open for boating and fishing from South Fork to Forest Service Road (FSR) 522, the Fern Creek Road. The RGNF is closed south of the river between these two points.

FSR 520 is open from Highway 149 to the intersection with FSR 521. Crooked Creek Canyon is open, but House Canyon to Regan Lake is closed.

FSR 520 is closed from the

Public health and safety There may be smoke across parts of the fire for the next several days to weeks. The rains and monsoonassociated winds have gone a long way towards clearing the air.

For the Colorado Smoke Outlook, visit: http://www.colorado.gov/ airquality/colo_advisory.aspx or http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/ wildfire.aspx for more information.

Please see WFFC on Page 6A

Receive emergency alert notifications RIO GRANDE/MINERAL COUNTIES—South Fork, Rio Grande and Mineral county residents are urged to sign up to receive timely notifications of any emergency in their area. Signing up is simple; visit slve911.org and follow the instructions to get local emergency notifications sent to a phone and/ or email.

With the danger of flash flooding downstream from burn areas, it is imperative for all residents to be informed for their safety.

News tip?

Call 852-3531

Please see FIRE on Page 3A A media tour in late June showed the fire aftermath in the Rope Creek area, one mile from the Big Meadows Campground.

SOUTH FORK—With things beginning to return to normal after the lifting of evacuations and road closures because of the West Fork Fire Complex, danger remains in the Valley. The public is encouraged not to become complacent.

BurnedAreaEmergencyResponse (BAER) team coordinator, Phil Reinholtz, addressed audience members gathered at the South Fork Fire Department building for a joint meeting with the Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team (RWEACT) on Monday, July 15.

“We have been fortunate so far and have not had a major rain down on the upper Rio Grande,” said Reinholtz.

Hinsdale, Mineral and Rio Grande counties are all at risk for flash flooding due to loss of ground vegetation in areas upstream because of the fires. The soil in burned areas can be as water repellent as pavement which increases the chances of debris flow. Water quality is also of major concern because the increased chances of turbidity from ash and debris in the event of heavy rain.

The objectives of the BAER and RWEACT teams are to implement an immediate notification plan to inform the public of impending danger from flooding. This would include a system of radar, on the ground monitors and water flow gauging stations at key intersections of roads and bridges. This is all currently in the works and is not yet established.

The BAER team will also work to reduce the threat of downstream flooding, erosion and debris movement.

Additional objectives are to reduce the threat to critical wildlife habitat, protect remaining USDA Forest Service infrastructure and to reduce the threat of tree fall along roads to maintain critical access.

BAER also encourages private landowners to contact and work with Please see FLOOD on Page 9A

Photo by John McEvoy

Gravel pit on hold, easements in question

BY JOHN MCEVOY DEL NORTE—Tom O’Rourke, his son Wesley and Wendy Mellott went before the Rio Grande County Commissioners to ask for approval to open a new ten-acre gravel pit on County Road 18 in South Fork west of the existing concrete batch plant.

O’Rourke said it is a small family operation and would serve the limited

OPEN

& READY TO

SER VE YOU!

area of the South Fork community and he had no wish to compete with the other larger operations in the area.

O’Rourke said they are willing to work with nearby neighbors to try and keep everyone happy regarding dust, noise and traffic concerns.

“If we could go somewhere else, we would,” said O’Rourke. “This is where the material is.”

Land Use Planner Rose Vanderpool, read a list of restrictions and recommendations CDOT made as well as nine letters for, and three against, the gravel pit by landowners living adjacent to the property.

The commissioners, along with CDOT, were leaning toward approval of the request with certain conditions being set regarding hours of operation,

road improvements and restrictions and amount of trucks traveling the road on a daily basis.

Opponents of the pit, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, were present at the meeting.

They did not want it at all, but agreed that it would be more acceptable to them if the easement were moved Please see PIT on Page 3A

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 9A

Youth festival Aug. 24

Bring on the rain...

SAN LUIS VALLEY—The first San Luis Valley Youth Festival will be on August 24 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This will be a street festival held in Del Norte to include the entire San Luis Valley. Focus is on youth and family related programs.

There will be games, health education, food, music, health screenings, a car show and plenty of other activities sponsored by local agencies to keep youth and families entertained. Centura Health has donated 200 bicycle helmets to be given to children via the Del Norte Police Department.

The will be opportunities to learn about health programs for families and register for health coverage.

Participating agencies are: Del Norte Consolidated School District, ValleyPhoto by John McEvoy

Fire quenching clouds gather over the Del Norte area as another monsoonal pattern develops on Sunday July 14.

FLOOD

Continued from Page 1A the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to prepare for the indirect effects of the fire such as flooding and debris flow. More information can be found at: http:// www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/ Education of the public as to the potential dangers and how to prepare for a possible event due to monsoonal downpours is high on the priority list.

It is important to know what to expect in the event of a torrential downpour, not just in the immediate area, but upstream. Know the area and the flood risk posed based on location of streams and rivers.

The public is highly encouraged to sign up for DELTA ALERTS through www.slve911.org so that they may receive text messages on their cell phones and emails that will alert to possible dangers due to flash flooding or any other emergency that may arise

in the Valley.

Listen to local radio stations for warnings and alerts. To be certain of receiving weather alerts - invest in a NOAA approved weather radio (Area MHZ Station - 162.475) Websites to visit: http://www.nws. noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ wea.html#.Udr0jjvbP3U or mobile. weather.gov Research flood insurance for properties as the 30 day waiting period may be waived because of the emergency situation regarding the fires having been declared.

Dan Dallas, USFS, said all the things that have happened in past two weeks have been amazing. “This BAER Team is no different than the incident management fire team as far as delegation of authority,� said Dallas. “However, they are used to a different progression of events.

Usually, once they hit the ground running, the train leaves the station and other people are left trying to catch up to them.�

Dallas said there is a difference with the present situation in the Valley. “Our train left the station before they got here,� said Dallas. “We have all this energy going on now with RWEACT and now BAER is here and their job is to produce a report so we can get started on a plan for rehabilitating NFS lands.�

Rehabilitation of the forest through replanting of groundcover and trees will greatly reduce the potential for catastrophic runoff due to torrential downpour.

For more information contact: www.nifc.gov/BAER/Page/NIFC BAER.html, www.fema.gov, www. weather.gov, www.rweact.org, www. nrcs.usda.gov

Wide Health Systems, Inc., Del Norte Head start, Rio Grande Hospital, Rio Grande Sherriff Department, Centura Health Systems, Del Norte Police Department, Colorado Access, Colorado State Patrol, Boys and Girls Club of Alamosa, Del Norte Fire Department, The Knights of Columbus-Del Norte, Del Norte Ambulance, Feed the Children, High Valley Community Center, Rio Grande Public Health, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gateway Southern Baptist Church, Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and New Life Fellowship Church If you are interested in participating or seek more information, please call Greg Porter at 719-657-2150 and leave a message.

Annual shoot-out on Sunday MONTE VISTA—On Sunday, July 21, starting at 8 a.m., the Rio Grande Sportsman Club will hold their 22nd annual shoot-out competitive pistol shoot. This fun event is open to trained and experienced pistol shooters only. Teams are always welcome. There will be multiple fast moving, timed courses of fire similar to I.P.S.C. events. Entry fee for all courses of fire is $10.

Top shooting team donates the total of the entry fees to their charity of choice. The “Top Cop� trophy is

awarded to the law enforcement officer with the best score. A prize table has door prizes for the close of ceremony drawing. Bring eye and ear protection plus a minimum of 100 rounds of center fire pistol ammunition. NRA certified Range Safety Officers will oversee this event.

The range is located between Monte Vista and Del Norte, south of U.S. Highway 160. Watch for roadside CDOT signs.

For more information, contact Dave Pote, 580-0738.

Photos needed for newspaper special SAN LUIS VALLEY—Valley Publishing is seeking photos from the 70s, 80s and 90s featuring well-known people from around the Valley.

Some of the photos received will be chosen for a special “Looking Back� section to be included in the SLV Lifestyles newspaper in August.

Please email scanned photos to ValleyPubs@amigo.net or bring them in to the Valley Publishing office at 835 1st Ave. to have them scanned.

Not every photo received will be included in the publication.

Call 719.852.3531 to subscribe to the South Fork Tines today.

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 11A

Creede community meets to discuss WFFC WAGON

Continued from Page 10A

Papoose Fire ‘pretty secure’

BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD CREEDE—West Fork Fire Complex Incident Commander Beth Lund gave Creede and Mineral County residents good news at last week’s community meeting.

Lund said the team “feels it (the Papoose Fire) is pretty secure.” As of Thursday morning the containment on the complex had been increased to 25 percent. She used the Google Maps program to show the audience where hot spots were located along the fire, with most of those along the Papoose Fire’s edge.

She assured people, that while the fire had burned 109,449 acres, not all of that was still on fire.

Mineral County Sheriff Fred Hosselkus was so sure most of the danger had passed he told the audience, “by 6 o’clock tomorrow morning, we should have every place in Mineral County open.” Many areas in the county had been under evacuation and pre-evacuation

orders. The town of Creede was never under pre-evacuation orders and had been described as highly defensible.

As the most dangerous part of the fire had passed, Mineral County Undersheriff Bill Fairchild spoke to the crowd about some of the hazards they may face from the burned areas. He was primarily concerned with the possibility of flash flooding. Fairchild explained that water flows off of the burned ground, “like Wal-Mart parking lot.”

To help identify potential flooding, Fairchild is asking for volunteers to undergo training through the sheriffs department. He told the audience to stay aware of their surroundings, “If the water is deep, or if it’s rising; walk up hill, please.”

Audience members were given an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. Some of the questions were not answered at the meeting, but officials have promised to look into them, such as county fire plans and disposal of refrigerators.

The first question was about

BELLY

Continued from Page 4A studies have shown that the difference between losing weight and not losing weight is a few hundred calories a day. For Big Food, the challenge then is retaining the flavor that customers crave while carving away the calories those flavors (and ingredients) provide.

Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Oxford explains, “We tend to make up our minds about how something tastes from the first and last bites, and don’t care as much what happens in between.” Why is this important? Well, he says candy bar companies could (and are experimenting to) put healthier ingredients in the middle of the bars.

This isn’t the only trick in Big Food’s book. Freedman explains a few: some companies are looking at “adding weight to packaging, like yogurt, to make it seem more rich in calories.”

Others are experimenting with “chewy textures that force consumers to spend more time between bites, giving the brain a chance to register satiety; and using colors, smells, sounds, and packaging information to create the belief that foods are fatty and sweet even when they are not.”

McDonald’s and Frito Lay aren’t the only companies playing this game.

Freedman offers up Vegan Cheesy

Salad Booster, from Living Intentions (sold on an “impulse-buy rack” at his local Whole Foods Market) “whose package emphasizes the fact that the food is enhanced with spirulina, chlorella, and sea vegetables.” The booster is also raw, yet contains “more than three times the fat content per ounce as the beef patty in a Big Mac and four times the sodium.”

I know what you want to say. How will Big Food changing their practices really result in more people actually eating healthy foods? Isn’t it just the same old crap?

Well, I agree with Freedman.

Perhaps this is when I am too moderate, but by not, at least, positively and loudly pressuring the food industry toward healthier products, the other option is banning the food industry from selling junk food, which, we can tell from tobacco sales and, uh, prohibition, bans don’t work well in the U.S. At the end of the day, I’m still going to follow Michael Pollan’s food rules, but I’ll also admit my belief that our food engineers do play a role in this crisis. To speak otherwise would be dishonest.

Professor Holmes taught me to think more critically than that.

Gena Akers can be contacted at gena.leneigh@gmail.com.

DEL NORTE Continued from Page 5A

The board emphasized that they are willing to help any way they can and want to make the community center a reality. Finding the water line on the property may be difficult as it is not on any maps they have. Larimore offered to go out to the property and try and find a valve, which could lead to him finding the line, but that he could not guarantee finding it.

“We have about 100 kids that could help with that,” said Atencio.

When asked by Mayor Chris Trujillo if there was anything else Atencio would like to ask of the board, she said with a straight face, “We need $3 million.”

On behalf of the chamber, Atencio also requested approval for a special use permit to close off two blocks of Spruce Street during Covered Wagon Days. The permit was granted after Fresquez and others said they saw no

problems with it.

Legal Town Attorney Eugene Farish was pleased to report they now have confirmation from attorneys and engineers of what the town water rights are and he expects the model for those rights to be available soon after clarification about certain areas.

“We are staying ahead of the curve and are in a better position than most municipalities,” said Farish. “Now we will have the proper mechanism in place for maintaining our rights.”

Contracts with both Peter Nichols and Clearwater Solutions were approved by the board. The board also approved initial expenses to determine what the cost of improvements will be to create a business park in the old potato co-op building regarding a proposal by Charles Heald.

hunting in the area particularly in area 76. Brent Woodward, with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, said there would still be a hunting season in the area.

He said the biggest concern for hunting would be potential closures, which will be issued for public safety.

He has heard rumors that the fire destroyed large numbers of the animals, but said crews in the area had not seen that.

Fish, he said, may not be so lucky.

Much of the fire damage has been along drainages, but he said the damage would be hard to guess, at this point. There is a burned area response team coming to the area to

better assess the impact.

Lund told those who were concerned about getting back to their home after an evacuation to remain aware of fire traffic and structure protection measures around their homes. The pumps, hoses and other materials used to protect homes will slowly be taken out as the fire activity continues to slow.

Now that the fire has begun to settle, one area resident was curious to know what reclamation measures they would see along the fire line.

Lund said her team is responsible for suppression and they try to repair or replace as needed. The goal is to make it look like it did when they arrived.

depend on how many teams sign up.

HVCC is also looking for all types of talent—young and old, singers, dancers, musicians, performers, comedians, magicians, martial artists and more. Sign up now for 15 minutes of fame. Talent show entries will begin at 1 p.m. and must be family appropriate and “G” rated.

Registration is required for each event and they are accepting parade and vendor applications! The first ten Covered Wagon Days registrations will receive $10 gift certificates to Jack’s Market.

For additional details and registration information on any of the events, check out the website at www.CoveredWagonDays.com or call HVCC at 657-2172.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

The South Fork Tines

Page 7A

Friday press conference: 'Creede is alive'

BY JOHN MCEVOY

CREEDE – Senator Larry Crowder paid a visit to Creede Friday, July 19 to make a point to the media and public that Creede is still alive, despite recent fires.

“As you can see by the clear blue skies, things are pretty pristine,” said Crowder.

Mineral County Commissioner Scott Lamb spoke about work being done to mitigate the aftermath of the fires. “The Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team (RWEACT) has already done a tremendous amount of work so the Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) can hit the ground running,” said Lamb. “The preliminary work has already been done.”

Mayor Eric Grossman said community volunteers were involved with RWEACT to help get things in motion just one week after the fires started. “That is the kind of community we have,” said Grossman. “We have people that have been working on mining reclamation for generations, and we have good working relationships with government agencies because of that.”

Jessica Jackson, the artistic director of Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT), said she came to the press conference to represent “the theater, locals and working moms” and said they have been working on social media sites to get the word out that Creede is still open.

“It may seem kind of trivial, but Facebook networking has been very useful in getting our message out there,” said Jackson.

Several people gathered at the courthouse for the event agreed that television media had contributed to the misconception that Creede and South Fork were burned and gone.

“Unfortunately, people like those destructive photos,” said Crowder.

“They sell more,” said Jackson.

“We are taking a pretty big hit because of it. Business is down by about 35 percent.” There are several promotional campaigns in the works to get the word out that Creede, South Fork and the Valley are still here. The surrounding chamber of commerce entities are all making a concerted effort at marketing to bring tourism business back to the area.

“We are trying to promote Creede and the rest of the upper Rio Grande as much as we can,” said Crowder.

Photo by John McEvoy

Senator Larry Crowder and Creede Mayor Eric Grossman converse after the press conference outside the courthouse on Friday, July 19.

“We are trying to get the word out that places are open for business.”

Eric Grossman said this has been a learning experience and preparations should be made for the future, should something like this happen again.

And it could.

“I think it would be wise to have

some sort of privately funded nonprofit in the future,” said Grossman. “We learned from this experience that we do not qualify for a lot of other aid. If we don’t bail ourselves out, nobody else is going to.”

Grossman said he feels Creede and the whole Highway 149

corridor, including South Fork and Lake City, has a lot of magic from the people that have been coming here for generations. “We have a lot of friends and hopefully those friends will come through for us in our time Please see CREEDE on Page 12A

Page 10A

The South Fork Tines

Snowshoe Shuffle to benefit firefighters CREEDE—Come and join the 29th year of the Snowshoe Shuffle 5K run and walk on Saturday, Aug. 3. Snowshoes are optional.

This year’s race participants will receive a high-tech style long-sleeved shirt designed with a thank you to firefighters. All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Mineral County Fire Department. Help show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of local firefighters.

The Snowshoe Shuffle is a 5K run or walk that begins in downtown Creede.

The run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:02 a.m. The race is fun for all levels and abilities from serious

competitors to casual participants.

Following the race, all participants are treated to fantastic refreshments provided by the Old Firehouse and Creede Soap and Candle. After the race, awards will be given to top finishers, and many door prizes will be given out, provided by local merchants.

Cost of the race is $25 on race day. Discounts are available for preregistration. The entry fee includes participation in the race, a long sleeved high tech t-shirt, refreshments and entry for door prizes.

Join us for family fun in the 29 th Annual Old Firehouse and Creede Soap and Candle Snowshoe Courtesy Photo Shuffle.

Participants in the annual Snowshoe For further information contact Deb Shuffle can choose to run or walk. Haverfield at 852-0829.

RIO GRANDE COUNTY MUSEUM NEWS August will feature local artists DEL NORTE—On Aug. 3 the Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center will feature three local artists, Ivan Curley, Diana Gates and Linda Stephenson with an opening along with the museum’s annual ice cream social from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will be part of Del Norte’s Annual Covered Wagon Days.

Ivan Curley has been known for his art work for several years. He studied at Adams State under Jim Hatfield and Paul Williams. He does various subjects and is now working with acrylics as watercolors and

he will bring a touch of Italy to the present show.

Diana Gates has worked in oils for most of her art career. She will be showing western wildlife. She currently shows in a California gallery and prints from her work there will be available through her show at the Rio Grande County Museum.

Linda Stephenson is a watercolorist and her focus is on western style art.

Ice cream social The Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center will also host the annual ice cream social on Aug. 3. This will be a “free day” as the admission fee will be waived for the event with donations accepted.

Other Rio Grande County Museum is now a Blue Star Museum. With proper military identification, retired and active military will be admitted free throughout the year.

The fishing is still good and the scenery in the surrounding mountains is spectacular and Rio Grande County is a good place to visit.

To make Covered Wagon Days weekend a Rio Grande Country weekend for information on lodging, dining or other activities or for more information on the ice cream social or the art show, please contact Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center at 657-2847.

The museum is located at 580 Oak St. in Del Norte.

Bringing back the historical aspect and feel of Del Norte is the goal of this year’s Covered Wagon Days committee.

Bonnie said she would like to promote a consistent message of “Go Western. Go Del Norte.”

The theme for this year’s parade is “Tales from Del Norte.”

If there is a history behind the float entries or wagons in the parade or the participants know a story involving Del Norte, they are encouraged to let the committee know so the parade announcer can relate it to the crowd.

“If they have a story about their float

and it is relevant to Western history, or the history of Del Norte, we would like to know,” said Bonnie. “In the process of putting this all together, I have heard all kinds of wonderful stories!”

Covered Wagon Days starts on Thursday, Aug. 1, with a concert featuring Chuck Pyle at Wildwood Sounds. The event is scheduled the whole weekend, but most things happen on Saturday, starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. and the big parade 10 a.m. Activities at the park, downtown, at the Windsor and all along Columbia Street, last throughout the day.

WAGON

Continued from Page 8A its residents back then and that has since gone downhill due to lack of participation by the community. As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Bonnie volunteered to be chairperson of the committee organizing the event.

“Covered Wagon days used to be a community wide event, but in recent years it has fallen to just the Chamber of Commerce,” said Bonnie. “Rather than reinvent the wheel, I chose to ask non-chamber members, who had run the event in the past, to join the committee.”

Bonnie said their expertise and participation has been invaluable.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

RWEACT team moving forward

BY JOHN MCEVOY

a website designed and also building pages on Facebook and Twitter to provide information on preparing for flash flooding. In addition, laminated posters and rack cards on emergency preparedness regarding flooding will be printed and distributed around the Valley. Public service announcements will be broadcast by radio and an Radar Burned Area Emergency Response email campaign is will be sent out, Team Chairman Tom Spezze said there including flyers individuals can print is a portable doppler radar system on at home and display. wheels being considered for the area.

Natural resources The cost of this system would be Heather Dutton, from Rio Grande $70,000 for 40 days and would only be a temporary solution to be used Headwaters Restoration Project, said through September. A decision on the someone had asked if the black water acquisition of the system will be made caused by runoff in the burn areas could affect crops adversely. by the end of this week.

“No, it will not affect crops.

The only bad thing is that ash is Hydro team Steve Belz said with 100 square abrasive and may damage pumps,” miles of burn area, it was a challenge said Dutton. “Look at it like free to decide where to put the available phosphorous fertilizer.”

Spezze said, “Just because the water gauges. They have six gauges on hand now, with five more to be water is black doesn’t mean it is shipped this week and they will all killing fish. It is not good but it is not work in conjunction with existing caustic either.”

Rio Grande County Commissioner Forest Service gauges.

High water rising three feet above Karla Shriver is heading up a subnormal has been recorded recently committee for economic development after a rain event upstream from that will address long and short term issues of tourism and help for Humphreys Lake.

An important part of the overall businesses affected by the fire.

DepartmentofLocalAffairs,DOLA, advisory system is done by the National Weather Service. During a has submitted a grant application on weather event, the NWS can monitor behalf of the community for long-term individual gauges by computer to marketing development.

Mineral County Commissioner determine the flow volume of the water at any given time and send out Ramona Weber said Creede is an alarm when conditions warrant. forming an economic recovery board Information notices can be to enable the county to apply for and broadcast and sent to key partners accept grants.

“The perception of the world is for follow up. The weather service can also send out road deputies to that we are in a disaster area,” said check on the situation with a ground Weber. “We want to get the word out that everything is still open.” visible check.

Creede Mayor Eric Grossman said he Trevor Denny, from Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Senator Larry Crowder are working Services, suggested people who live with the Colorado Tourism Board to get in the area get “on deck” with what the word out that Creede is still open is happening on the rivers around for business. Kurt Montgomery from their property and let his teams know Channel 9 and the Denver Post will be when things are looking like imminent doing a follow up story on the area to let people know it is still open. flooding will take place.

Arepresentative from San Luis Valley Fun Valley has 24-hour security with spotters who know what is Rural Electric said they are working on happening up stream and can notify setting up funds for businesses, similar to the LEAP program through Colorado authorities of major flow changes.

Energy Funds.

Social media and marketing A committee is working on having Please see RWEACT on Page 12A CREEDE—Several different emergency management committees presented their latest research findings regarding various areas of concern at a meeting in the community center in Creede on Monday, July 22.

Page 12A

Fire closure area reduced CREEDEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) has further reduced the area of the forest closed due to the West Fork Fire Complex.

Forest Service Road 410 is open and Big Meadows Reservoir and Campground are open. FSR 430 and Shaw Lake are still closed.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is open from Wolf Creek Pass to Archuleta Lake. The CDT is closed from Archuleta Lake to its intersection with Forest Trail 814 (Squaw Creek). Forest Trail 839 is closed between Archuleta Lake and Big Meadows Reservoir.

FSR 520 is now open for its entire length. Thirty Mile and Road Canyon Campgrounds are open, but River Hill Campground is still closed.

Forest Trail 818 (Weminuche) is open, while Forest Trail 814 (Squaw Creek) remains closed.

The West Fork and Papoose Fire burned areas remain closed. Please visit the RGNF website to view the forest closure order and map in the West Fork Fire Complex section at http://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande.

For more information contact the San Luis Valley Public Lands Center at 852-5941.

The South Fork Tines

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Teamwork Men compete in a cross cut hand saw competition at this past weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South Fork Logger Days. The annual event drew a crowd to South Fork.

Photo by John McEvoy

RWEACT

Continued from Page 10A Spezze announced the $2.5 million in government funds would be disbursed through Hinsdale County in order to expedite getting money into the pipeline.

The Forest Service is working on assessing the values at risk and moving ahead with plans for treatment mitigation on Forest Service lands that would include mulch treatment and placement in hopes of lowing debris flow in the event of flash flooding.

Critical values are human life and property, roads and bridges, natural resources such as water and cultural and heritage resources. It is a work in progress.

There is concern about the narrow, short canyon above Big Meadows Campground and Rope Creek that burned hot and is now devoid of vegetation.

If there is a flash flood in that area, the culvert under the Big Meadows road could fail catastrophically due to debris and sediment flow. This would affect everything down stream including Highway 160 and the South fork of the Rio Grande.

The next meeting of the BAER and RWEACT teams will be held in South Fork on Thursday, July 25 at the community building at 6 p.m.

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Continued from Page 7A of need,â&#x20AC;? said Grossman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in need of help now more than we have been in 50 or 100 years.â&#x20AC;?

Grossman said Creede is a unique community with special needs and the federal government is so big it has a â&#x20AC;&#x153;one size fits allâ&#x20AC;? way of dealing with everything. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To try to get government to fit the square peg in the round hole is a difficult thing,â&#x20AC;? said Grossman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the same time, we have a lot of friends in the state and federal levels that have said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Okay, you have our attention now, what can we do?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Grossman is certain Creede will make it through this tough time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have learned how to deal with adversity simply by living here at 9,000 feet,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The old western feel that our country was founded on still lives here in Creede.â&#x20AC;?

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All prices plus tax, tag and title. Artwork for illustration purposes only. See dealer for details. Offers expire (end of current month) 6/30/2013.