Brief by Marcia Darnell
San Luis Valley – January 2003 – Colorado Central Magazine
Rollin’, rollin’
The new train pavilion is done — now all it needs is the train. The covered home of Engine 169 (next to the bridge at U.S. 160 and Colorado 17) has been dedicated, now it’s time to move the engine into it. Organizers are waffling as to methods of relocation. They may build cribbing out of railroad ties, jack it up, and move it, or rent a flatbed and roll it. The final decision depends on fundraising, as the latter method is much more expensive.
Sheriff in the Spotlight
Conejos County Sheriff Isaac Gallegos is under investigation by the D.A. over charges he let prisoners out — unsupervised — to perform unpaid work. Paula Wood- ward covered the story on 9News, prompting the investigation by District Attorney Pete Comar.
Gallegos says he paid the inmates, though he has showed no proof of it, and takes issue with the media accepting the word of anonymous sources.
Local Note
A local group is working to have Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties designated a National Heritage Area. Only two such spots have been named west of the Mississippi; one is in northern New Mexico, the other near Fort Collins.
Wards to Change
Alamosa will redraw its voting wards to keep the number of voters in each district within 5 percent of one another. Each of the five wards will have 1,326 to 1,335 voters. The proposed new map is on display, and a public hearing has been slated.
Trashy Job
Monte Vista may job out its trash removal to a private firm. The arrangement will help the city repair a budget shortfall, since it won’t have to pay for personnel, trucks, and equipment. Residents are worried about the quality of service and the possibility of rate hikes.
Debate is continuing.
Signs say “OK”
Know those annoying yard sale and election signs that stay up for æons after the event is over? Well, that’s OK with the Alamosa City Council. The board voted down a proposed ordinance mandating the removal of temporary signs within 72 hours after the vote/sale/ fundraiser/ whatever.
Brief Briefs
* The Sunshine Festival is dead, long live Summerfest on the Rio! The event will run the first weekend in June, in Cole Park (just like the old fest) and will include vendor booths, live enter tainment, and a beer garden.
* Adams State College President Tom Gilmore will retire Dec. 31. Dr. Lee Halgren will serve as interim president until June 30.
* Employees of the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center voted against unionization.
* The Zapata Homeowners Association (that’s the subdivision next to the Sand Dunes) wants Alamosa County to take over liability of a school bus stop on the private property.
* Hospice del Valle snared a $15,000 El Pomar Foundation grant.
* A bill recognizing the Old Spanish Trail as a historic trade route passed the U.S. Senate and was signed by the president. The designation could increase tourism to the area.