Brief by Marcia Darnell
San Luis Valley – October 2006 – Colorado Central Magazine
Bombs Away
School started, therefore a bomb threat was called in — but not to a school. SLV Federal Bank had to be evacuated and checked after a woman called and said there were two bombs in the lobby. A reward is offered for info on the caller.
Space Shuffle
Alamosa County announced plans to sell the historic depot on Sixth Street. Now housing the Social Services Dept., it will be the new home of the Chamber of Commerce/Tourism office. Opponents, including Social Services, argue that a downtown location is best for the clients needing help; advocates want a more vibrant anchor for the development of Sixth, expected to commence when the Main/Sixth one-way designations >are established.
Too Much of a Good Thing
The Valley got lotsa rain this summer, which led to good and bad. Yes, the rivers are healthier and the foliage is happier, but a large debt looms on the Rio Grande Compact and the alfalfa crop was devastated by the moisture. The monsoon also caused damage to U.S. 160 on La Veta Pass, and on Colo. 149, between South Fork and Creede.
On the plus side, Medano Creek at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve made a rare August appearance, thanks to the heavy rain and runoff.
Meanwhile, a debate is underway to determine whether the Rio Grande Reservoir should be expanded. The need for water storage is obvious, but the cost may be prohibitive. The man-made lake’s capacity is now 52,500 acre-feet.
Center Stage
It was a great summer for Center. The town celebrated its 100th birthday with a festival and parade. Parade Marshal was lifelong resident Toni Trujillo, 93, the oldest living Centerite. Then the town and its school district got a $200,000 GOCO grant, which will improve the town park. Projects will include a walking track with fitness stations and benches; resurfacing the athletic track and tennis courts; and new and improved restrooms. An educational facility near the canal is tentatively planned for future development.
Brief Briefs
You don’t have to be rich to be a NIMBY. Costilla County, one of the poorest in the U.S., is in an uproar over a proposed development. Many residents object to the planned 200-plus lots, saying they’ll be a detriment to their culture and lifestyle.
Valley residents no longer have to travel for chemo. The San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center opened a chemotherapy center. The hospital also got a new MRI machine.
The Creede Arts Council gave $8,000 to Alamosa public radio station KRZA. The money will buy a translator to carry the station’s signal to Creede.
Monte Vista United Methodist Church received nearly $120,000 for restoration. It’s on the state and national registries of historic places.
Russ Espinoza is the new member of the Antonito Board of Trustees. He says his goal is to beautify the town. Pete Magee is Alamosa County’s new emergency manager.
Lexam Explorations announced plans to drill test wells for oil on the Baca Refuge.
Blanca begins its beautification program this fall. The plans include sidewalks, curbs and nice lighting along Main Street. The money is coming from CDOT, DOLA and the town.
The Mount Pleasant School west of Alamosa earned national historic designation. It was a one-room schoolhouse until 1965.
Andrew Perry is the new head of the meal program at South-Central Colorado Seniors. Larry Haddock resigned as president of the Alamosa school board to take a job in Wellington, Texas.
Alamosa now has a bakery on Main Street. Jezemel’s opened in August, tantalizing downtown with tempting aromas.
