By Marcia Darnell
Enviro News
The proposed super-power line over La Veta Pass is garnering protest from residents on both sides of the mountain range. Opponents say the Valley doesn’t need more power and that the project is an eyesore and a threat to wildlife habitat. According to federal standards, the project will require an environmental impact statement, so public comment will be heard.
A conservation easement will protect the Cross Arrow Ranch in perpetuity. The Rio Grande Headwater Land Trust (RiGHT) arranged the easement with private donations and GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado) grants to protect the area at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers.
SunPower announced its intention to build a new solar array near Hooper in 2010. The 200-acre facility could generate 19 megawatts, enough to power 7,000 homes. Alamosa County has granted the permit for construction.
The U.S. Forest Service is discussing reopening exploration for silver in the historic mining area north of Creede.
Environmental group Colorado Wild gave Wolf Creek Ski Area a “B” for its habitat impact and green business practices.
And finally, the state released its official report on last year’s salmonella outbreak in Alamosa’s water supply. The report lays the blame on animal waste in Weber Reservoir, the city’s in-ground water storage. As many as 1,300 people became ill from the contamination, and one person died.
Mo’ Money …
Stimulus money is still rolling into the San Luis Valley. The six counties are slated to receive $58.9 million in 2010 for jobs programs, environmental programs, roads and education.
… And Mo’ Disputes
Revelations over the shipment of contaminated soil from Los Alamos have Valley residents concerned. The uranium- and PCB-laden soil has been transferred from trucks to rail cars in Antonito. The transportation company, Utah-based EnergySolutions, halted the transfers pending review by Conejos County and the state of Colorado.
Students and parents picketed a Moffat school board meeting in protest of superintendent Charles Warren, who is trying to fire principal Michelle Hashbarger because of low score on achievement tests. A vote of 38 teachers and staff resulted in 35 votes of no confidence in Warren and 34 no confidence votes in the board.
Brief Briefs
• A woman was found dead on Dec. 6 at the Sand Dunes. Kristin Weiss, 27, apparently froze to death at the park. Alex Singer, 22, a Copper Mountain ski patrol trainee, was found dead at Wolf Creek Ski Area on Dec. 9. He died of suffocation and hypothermia.
• Alamosa put a four-month moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. One seller has opened shop east of town.
• The economic news isn’t all bad: a Family Dollar store opened in San Luis.
• Conejos County implemented a six-month moratorium on new gravel pits, energy plants and mines. The action was triggered by an “incomplete” application for a gravel pit.
• A group of Mongolians toured the Sand Dunes with local officials to learn how to care for natural resources in their own desert country.
• Kalyn Hemphill, daughter of Valley native Roberta Hemphill, was a finalist on “Project Runway.” Former resident Don Pacheco is featured in an art show in the New Mexico state capitol.
• The Antonito branch of Community Banks of Colorado was robbed. A suspect was arrested the same day. Moral: Don’t try to hide out in a tiny village.
• Virginia Brown, 53, an employee of the Hooper Post Office was charged with misappropriation of funds.
• The SLV Regional Medical Center found a unique solution to its sprawling parking lot problem. The hospital bought a golf cart and hired drivers to shuttle patients between the facility and distant parking spaces.
• Alamosa High freshman Donathon Archuleta won the NRCHA Horse Show.
• Richard Jensen, an attorney from Alabama, is the new Costilla County administrator. Jim Gallegos retired as Monte Vista Police Chief. And Kenny Anderson of the Alamosa Police Dept. is the Valley Peace Officer of the Year.
