Costilla County Dealing With Issues Surrounding Newcomers
Costilla County is facing issues stemming from an influx of newcomers who are looking for an inexpensive place to live off the grid, according to Colorado Public Radio.
A county commission meeting held in San Luis in September brought out impassioned residents on both sides of the issue, compelling law enforcement to step in to keep the peace. Proposed changes to the land use codes have caused concern for many newer residents who have moved to Costilla County to build alternative homes and live a cheaper, more modest existence. The problems in some cases, say zoning officials, are new residents living in RVs and tents well past the 14 days for every three months allowed by the county. Other concerns have to do with the limited water available in rural Costilla County, and claims of illegal siphoning from the Rio Grande River.
Some officials and area residents believe that many newcomers have moved to the valley to grow marijuana, but many newcomers dispute that, saying they just want to be left alone.
VA Finally Gets Doc
The Alamosa VA clinic, which lost its only full-time doctor back in April, has finally found a replacement. Dr. Robert Rice, a longtime Colorado physician, has begun seeing patients at the clinic this September, to the relief of area veterans and elected officials.
There are about 5,000 former soldiers in the region who have been without medical care, but Richard Nagley, leader of a San Luis Valley veterans’ coalition, fears that only one doctor will not reduce the backlog that has been created by the five-month gap, according to The Denver Post.
Good Year for Spuds
Potato growers in the SLV are optimistic about sales after seeing quality growing conditions this year. Hopes are up that prices will be higher this year as well.
“Organic production is up 7 percent,” said Jim Ehrlich, executive director of the Monte Vista-based Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, who thinks the organic market will continue to grow, according to The Packer.
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A Brief Taste of Freedom
An inmate who escaped from the Alamosa County jail was discovered on Sept. 10 hiding in a mobile home park less than a mile away.
23-year-old Loren Bianca was captured by sheriff’s deputies and returned to the jail.
Doctor Perishes on the Needle
The Crestone Needle has claimed another victim. Dr. Matt Davis, a prominent central Texas doctor, died from a fall while climbing a technical route up to the 14,203-foot summit.
Due to the steep and rocky conditions where he fell, it took two days for the Custer County sheriff’s office to retrieve Davis’ body.
Huge Solar Project Proposed
Invenergy, a Chicago-based energy company, has applied to Alamosa County for permits for a photovoltaic solar plant that could be as big as 75 megawatts on 480 acres. If built, it would be the biggest solar project in the San Luis Valley, but so far the company has yet to find a buyer for the power, according to The Pueblo Chieftain.
