Heartbreak Theatre in Monte Vista
The would-be theatre that was proposed before the Monte Vista City Council has been denied. The project vanguard, the Kelloff Regional Center for the Arts, was initially met with high praise and raised substantial funds through the community for the construction of the theatre, but reported difficulties met through meetings, and called working with the city a “negative experience.” All donations are being returned to patrons who contributed to the vision.
Games with Guns
A Monte Vista teen was wounded in a game of Russian Roulette at a party March 7.
The 17-year-old was taken to a Denver hospital after being shot and was released with wounds to the neck. According to the victim’s sister, his first words were, “I never want to touch a gun again.”
New Power Lines in the SLV
Xcel Energy will be crafting power poles from Mosca Junction Substation to County Road H25 within Saguache County. The effort will replace the nearly 100-year-old lines. The first efforts will cover approximately 10 miles and be implemented this winter/spring, said Mark Stutz, senior media representative for Xcel Energy.
Corrections Facility to be Sold
The San Luis Community Corrections in Alamosa will be sold to a new vendor. Current owner, San Luis Valley Community Mental Health, is putting out a request for proposals from other agencies, according to the Valley Courier.
Good News for the Chief
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief rail line has been thrown a lifeline, as a bill to save it passed the House on March 19. HB-1161 was sponsored by Rep. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. The bill will be sponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Larry Crowder, R-Alamosa.
Evidence to be Allowed
The jury in the double homicide trial of Saguache resident Daniel Bessey, 43, will be allowed to hear and see evidence gathered by interviews and search warrants, according to The Monte Vista Journal.
Bessey is accused of murdering Sarah Janae Beasley, 29, and her boyfriend, John R. Salazar, 54, at their home in Monte Vista on Feb. 13.
Noteworthy in the Valley
• Great Sand Dunes National Park is releasing its national park quarter on Sept. 4.
• Janet Nelson-Cox will be running for Saguache County Assessor this November.
• Wolf Creek Avalanche technician Colin Sutton’s body was recovered from a Conejos Peak exploration accident. He was caught in an avalanche on March 4.
• SLV Ecosystem Council and Conejos County Clean Water filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court on March 5. The groups claim the BLM violated the National Environmental Policy Act by not taking a “hard look” at impacts by proposed drilling on San Francisco Creek in Del Norte, according to the Valley Courier.
• Hopes for the demolition of the abandoned Pink Elephant building in downtown Alamosa are still alive, according to Alamosa Chamber Director Randy Wright, in a report he gave to city council.
