Brief by Marcia Darnell
San Luis Valley – February 2003 – Colorado Central Magazine
Springs Shift
As of Jan 1, 2004, Valley View Hot Springs, the clothing-optional resort near Crestone, will be under ownership of the Orient Land Trust. Neil and Terry Seitz will continue to manage the resort as employees of OLT.
Memberships to VVHS will end, but individuals can join OLT at varying levels. The Seitzes say this will preserve the land around the resort, as well as Valley View, and ensure the place stays open.
Well Water
Colorado has a 40,000 acre-foot credit with other states in the Rio Grande Compact next year. Meaning if the drought continues (as it likely will) we can divert that water to our own use. For more water news, see my article in this issue.
In related bad news, the statewide snowpack on Jan. 1 was 85 percent of average. Water restrictions loom large in our future.
Robber Regrets
A man robbed a bank in La Jara, then stood outside the bank to count his newfound wealth, then went back into the bank, set the money and his weapon on the counter and waited for the police. Officials say the man has been in trouble before for stalking Linda Ronstadt.
Bad Time for Freedom?
Another lynx release is slated for this year, and many are questioning the timing. In a continuing drought, the supply of rabbits (the lynx’s favorite food) is sparse, and this could mean starvation for most of the cats released.
The area planned for the introduction by the DOW is between Saguache, Pagosa Springs, Gunnison, and Conejos.
Male Order
The trend has reached the Valley — “The Men of Valley-Wide” has appeared. The 2003 calendar features 15 male employees of Valley-Wide Health Services. No, they’re not nude. Each portrait includes a quote about life, and shows each man doing something he loves. Proceeds benefit La Puente shelter.
It’s a Gas, Gas, Gas
The U.S. Geological Survey says there is natural gas, and lots of it, in the San Juan Basin. The agency estimates 50.6 trillion cubic feet of the fuel is there, more than double its previous estimate. Expect more wells soon.
Brief Briefs
* The 2001 audit of the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office showed irregularities in the handling of certain cash transactions. The county has changed some procedures to clean the process.
* The Twisted Sister Saloon in Del Norte had its liquor license revoked for violations.
* Judge O. John Kuenhold has been named chief judge of the 12th judicial District, replacing retiring Judge Robert Ogburn.
* Employees of Eastside Energy have approached the District Attorney’s office, asking for legal action against their employer. The new firm bounced payroll checks.
* Alamosa Fire Chief Don Clayton was named Firefighter of the Year. The award is voted on by all the city’s firefighters. Louise Sowards was named Faculty Member of the Year at Trinidad State Junior College Valley Campus. Sowards is an assistant professor of nursing.
* The San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society received a $1,000 grant. The organization was looking for a new home at press time.
* The Saguache librarian was laid off, as the county budget crunched on. The library will remain open, though.
