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| Sports Stadium closer to Reality | 22 - August - 2008 .jpg) by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano Journal has learned that Huerfano school district Re-1 has been officially informed by USA Partners that the district is being awarded a grant of up to $525,000 to begin construction of Phase II of the new sports c..
| 22 - August - 2008 by David Tesitor
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano Journal has learned that Huerfano school district Re-1 has been officially informed by USA Partners that the district is being awarded a grant of up to $525,000 to begin construction of Phase II of the new sports complex. The USA Partners grant monies will provide the artificial turf for the playing surface at the new sports complex. This allocation of funds necessary to start the project opens the doors for other grants to complete the rest of the complex. According to Gaye Davis, Re-1 grant writer, “We have submitted grant applications for the surfacing of the track, the lighting, the buildings and the rest of the facilities.” Once those grants are approved, construction can begin for the rest of the complex. “We were just waiting for the USA money to arrive,” Davis continued.
The project was first envisioned in 2004 when the Walsenburg Middle School was closed and the funds from the sale of the building became available. The projected costs of the complex were estimated at 1.5 to 2 million dollars in 2004 and have now spiraled to just under 3 million. In December 2005, Huerfano Re-1 purchased a 37.22-acre site three blocks to the west of the high school to build their field of dreams. The site is large enough to accommodate a state of the art facility as well as to satisfy any future plans the district may have for growth.
Construction of the Phase I began shortly thereafter with the preparation of the land. This included a geophysical study of the land, a survey, design and engineering of the land, grading, installation of utilities, installation of the asphalt track surface, fencing and a gravel parking lot. Funding for Phase I came through grants from Great Colorado Outdoors (GOCO), the Department of Local Affairs Energy Impact Assistance Program (DOLA), USDA Rural Development, Huerfano County Parks and Recreation, and the school district, using money from the sale of the old middle school to the Library District.
Receiving the USA Partners grant monies means the work to begin Phase II can start by mid September. According to USA Partners, once they begin construction, the project should take six to eight weeks to complete. As of the press deadline, no time was given to the Journal when the funds will arrive. Everyone associated with the project expects the surface of the field to be completed by the end of the year.
Once Phase II is complete, the facility will be a state of the art facility with an all-weather, eight-lane oval track around the perimeter of the football and soccer field, seating for 1500 spectators on the home side and 400 on the visitors side of the field, a concession stand with restrooms, locker rooms, equipment storage facilities, lighting for multipurpose uses and an oversized parking area to accommodate large buses and spectator parking. The facility will also include a trailhead which links the state park with the walking trail outside of Walsenburg. Combining Re-1 use with the needs of the community was part of the master plan. When the complex is completed, the district can host local, regional, and state track and field events as well as rent the facilities to other area schools for their events. With twelve to twenty teams competing bringing in an estimated thirty-five to fifty members per track team with their parents, fans and staff, the city of Walsenburg will see an economic windfall, as participants will fill up restaurants and motels and spend their money in the downtown area.
The money to complete Phase II will come from grants, matching grants and community sponsors. No taxpayer dollars will be used to complete the project. According to Re-1 financial records, there is over $500,0000 in general improvement and facilities maintenance funds available, and it may be used as collateral to finance the estimated $200,000 the district needs to complete the ungranted projects. | | Briefs for August 21, 2008 | 22 - August - 2008This Weekend at Lathrop Park
LATHROP- This Friday night at 7:30 pm, come to Lathrop Park, for a presentation on Spanish Peaks Petrology by Brian Penn. Petrology is a field of geology that focuses on the study of rocks and the conditions under which they f..
| 22 - August - 2008This Weekend at Lathrop Park
LATHROP- This Friday night at 7:30 pm, come to Lathrop Park, for a presentation on Spanish Peaks Petrology by Brian Penn. Petrology is a field of geology that focuses on the study of rocks and the conditions under which they form. Brian Penn is very knowledgable and passionate in this area. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand more about the amazing Spanish Peaks! Join us at the ampitheater to increase your understanding of the very special surroundings of Huerfano County.
Then on Saturday, at 7 pm, Park favorite Bob Kennemer returns with his presentation on some of the wildlife that we may encounter at any time. Please don’t miss this opportunity to understand the habits of these animals. Come to the ampitheater to learn more about how to respect these wonderful creatures and to keep yourself safe!
All events are free, but a valid parks pass is required on all vehicles entering the park. In the event of inclement weather, programs will be held at the Visitor’s Center. Call 738-2376 for more information.
Religious Education at St. Mary’s
WALSENBURG- This year’s religious education classes at St. Mary’s are beginning soon. Students in first grade through 12th grade are welcome. You may register at the Rectory, beginning Monday August 18 and continuing through Sunday September 21. Classes will begin September 21. First grade through eighth grade classes will be held at the Rectory at 8:45 am. Ninth through twelfth grade classes for confirmation students will be at Mazzone hall at 11 am. Call Mary Ann at 738-1204 for more details.
Group Prayer for Peace
WALSENBURG- There will be a group prayer for peace each Tuesday during August and July 30, 5-5:30 pm, United Church of Walsenburg (across from Loaf ′n Jug). For information call 989-0272.
Alcoholics Anonymous meet
WALSENBURG- There will be an AA meeting each Tuesday night from 6 - 8 pm at 603 Leon Street in Walsenburg, and Friday evenings from 7 to 8 pm at Faris Land & Cattle. For more information, please call 719-406-9033 or 719-742-5702.
Fall Celebration at SPACe- Call for Entries
LA VETA- The Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) invites local artists to enter the upcoming Fall Celebration, the next art show at the SPACe Gallery. All media will be accepted and the theme does NOT have to be about Fall. Artists bring work Sunday Aug. 24, noon – 2 pm. First entry $10. Additional entries $5. Limit 4 per artist. Size limit 36" wide. 30% commission on sales for nonmembers, 25% for SPACe members. For an entry form in advance, go online to spanishpeaksarts.org. Entry forms will be available at the gallery on Sunday. Call 719 742-3074 for information.
Rural Property Owners Alliance
WALSENBURG- There will be a meeting of the Rural Property Owners Alliance group on Saturday September 6th from 10am to 2pm at the Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell street in Walsenburg. The preliminary agenda includes a presentation on solar and wind energy, a presentation on Pinon Canyon "Not 1 More Acre" effort, and a presentation on wildfire mitigation CWFPP and Grants. Contact Cissy Severance at cmseverance@scw-inc.com for more information.
Experimental Drawing and Painting
LA VETA- The La Veta School of the Arts is offering a 5 day abstract Experimental Drawing and Painting Class Sept. 8-12, ‘08. Emphasis will be on creativity, originality and finding your own mark and style. You will explore the language of abstraction, paint and mixed media possibilities, and the psychology of line, form and color with Artist Peggy Zehring who has been teaching this exciting class for 30 years at the college level. Class will be held at The La Veta School of the Arts - across from the town park in La Veta. For more information call 719-742-3421, e-mail LVArtSchool@yahoo.com or go to www.theLVSA.org. Cost is $375.
La Plaza de los Leones 35th Annual Fiesta
HUERFANO- La Plaza de los Leones will hold their 35th annual fiesta this year September 12th-14th. All events will be held in the Community Center and Park, 928 Russell, Walsenburg. Festivities begin Friday night with a teen dance at the Community Center from 7-11pm. The main event begins 10am Saturday morning with a parade down Main Street followed by a car show, beer garden, arts and crafts, and food and refreshment booths in the park. The event theme this year is ‘Rock On Huerfano County.’ Free family entertainment featuring the rich Hispanic heritage of Huerfano County will be presented on center stage in the park from 11-5pm Saturday and from noon-5pm Sunday.
The Saturday evening dance will ‘Rock On’ to the sounds of ‘Next in Line’ from Denver. Tickets will be available at Rosa’s Cantina, 38 Special or from any La Plaza member. A community prayer service will be held Sunday morning from noon-2pm followed by more free family entertainment in the park on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 pm.
Please see the website, www.plazadelosleones.org, for booth applications, parade entry forms and the entertainment schedule. All proceeds from the event go toward scholarship funds for qualified Huerfano County students. Come help us support our youth!
Hunter Education
PUEBLO- A weekend Hunter Education course will be given this weekend, on August 23 and 24 from 8 am to 3 pm, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1601 Bonforte Blvd, in Pueblo. Pre-registration is required, and the minimum age for enrollment is 10 years old. For more information, call Jose Alvarado at 719-544-1922.
Additional Hunter Education classes will be held on: • Sept. 13 - 14; • October 9 (8 am to 8 pm); • October 11-12; • October 18-19; • October 25-26.
All persons born on or after January 1, 1949 must sucessfully complete a hunter education course before purchasing or applying for any hunting or trapping license in Colorado.
Love Languages at the Library
WALSENBURG- There will be a discussion of the book The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman at the Spanish Peaks Library, Saturday August 23 at 10:30 am. All are invited to join in discussing the book with Janice Randolph.
First National Bank in Trinidad Still Boasts Top Safety Rating
TRINIDAD- The First National Bank in Trinidad, Colorado stands strong in the current environment while many financial institutions are faltering. You don’t have to take their word for it, though; First National Bank in Trinidad has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from Bauerfinancial, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm. The 5-Star rating is based on the overall financial picture of the bank and indicates that First National Bank in Trinidad is one of the strongest banks in the nation. What’s more, this represents the 20th consecutive quarter that First National Bank in Trinidad has earned this highest honor.
“In a climate where it is increasingly difficult to shine, First National Bank in Trinidad proves it can be done,” remarks Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “In fact, local residents should be proud that their community bank is one of the elite financial institutions in the nation. They can rest assured that their deposits are well-placed in this 5-Star bank.”
Established in 1875, First National Bank in Trinidad has been pleased to fulfill the financial needs of its neighbors and friends for 133 years. It currently operates through five conveniently located offices in Trinidad and Walsenburg, Colorado and Raton, New Mexico and can also be found on the internet at www.fnbtrinidad.com. First National Bank in Trinidad: “Hometown Banking.”
Bauerfinancial Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for its rating, nor can they elude it. Consumers may obtain star-ratings by visiting www.bauerfinancial.com.
Peakview School Launches Box Tops Fundraiser
WALSENBURG– Peakview School has announced the launch of their 2008-2009 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. This year the school has set a goal of earning $500. Box Tops for Education is a school fundraising program started by General Mills in 1996. To date, Box Tops has helped America’s schools raise over $250 million to buy the things they need but can’t always afford, such as library books, school supplies and playground equipment. The Box Tops for Education program offers school supporters three easy ways to earn cash for schools through everyday activities such as buying groceries, shopping online and purchasing books. Schools can earn a total of up to $60,000 each year.
If you’d like to help the students at Peakview reach their goal, there are several easy ways to get involved
• Clip Box Tops from hundreds of favorite products and send them to Peakview School, "Attention Sherry Pearson, Box Tops Coordinator" at 375 W. Pine Street, Walsenburg, Colorado 81089.
• Sign up to support Peakview School on the Box Tops website at btfe.com
• Shop online once you’ve signed up, Peakview School will earn a percentage of your purchases made through the Box Tops MarketplaceSM.
• Buy books once you’ve signed up, Peakview School will earn a percentage of your purchases made online at Barnes & Noble through the Box Tops Reading RoomSM.
For more information, visit btfe.com or contact Sherry Pearson at 738-2190 or spearson@huerfano.k12.co.us.
Another great way to earn money for Peakview, or indeed for any of the Huerfano County schools is to participate in the Huerfano Journal’s Make Cents program. Each week the Journal runs a coupon in the paper that is worth 5 cents to Huerfano County schools. Readers clip them and take them to the schools or to the Journal office at 500 Main Street in Walsenburg. They can choose if the money goes to Re-1 or Re-2. If they do not check off a preference, the Journal splits the money equally between the two districts. Once each year, a check is given to the school districts for the total dollar amount collected. | | La Veta opposes Cell Tower | 22 - August - 2008by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- At the La Veta Town Board meeting Tuesday, trustees voted unanimously to oppose the erection of a 180-foot cell tower visible from downtown. The letter to Huerfano County Planning and Zoning will list the reasons for opposition as: a..
| 22 - August - 2008by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- At the La Veta Town Board meeting Tuesday, trustees voted unanimously to oppose the erection of a 180-foot cell tower visible from downtown. The letter to Huerfano County Planning and Zoning will list the reasons for opposition as: adverse impact on the visual corridor, conflicts with the County’s land use guide, and obsolete technology. Trustee Jim Fowler summed up the feelings of many when he said, “Scenic beauty is one of the few things La Veta has to sell.” Trustee Don Keairns pointed out that there is another side to this and that people have mentioned to him their support for the tower.
The Board unanimously agreed to issue a statement of “agreement in principle” with an intergovernmental agreement regarding future operation of county-wide emergency dispatch services. The IGA locks in a fee of $25 per call in 2009 for the entities involved if funding for dispatch services is not otherwise established. It also specifies that Huerfano County would take over administration of dispatch services, rather than the City of Walsenburg, which currently has the Chief of Police supervising the operations. Under the IGA, the dispatch center would be staffed by County employees and supervised by a Communications Director. The Board also passed a resolution of support for a November ballot initiative which would raise the sales tax by one percent to fund emergency dispatch services. “If we want to upgrade dispatch services and do a better job for the community,” Trustee Dale Davis said, “then we need to support port the County Commissioners in this.” Added Trustee Fowler, “We’re going to pay for it anyway. At least the sales tax would also be paid by visitors.”
Mark Brunner, La Veta Fire District Board president, presented a request that the Town donate to the Fire District a 150-foot by 185-foot parcel of vacant land directly north of the Community Center, bordered by Birch and Moore streets. The parcel would be used for a new fire station, and the Town’s maintenance department could take over the old fire station. Brunner called it a “win-win situation for La Veta and the Fire District.” He explained that the current firehouse is too small to add any equipment or conduct training, adding, “We’re really tight where we are.” The new building would cover about three-quarters of the parcel, with ingress and egress on the east and west ends. Mayor Mickey Schmidt suggested the next step would be to have the vacant parcel surveyed and legally described.
The Board clarified the conditional approval that has been granted to the Grandote subdivision. Reading from the Town code, Mayor Schmidt explained that construction is not allowed on lots without direct access to public streets. Because the pending lawsuit by the Homeowners’ Association against the Town seeks to define whether the streets in the subdivision are indeed public, the Town Board cannot make a decision on construction in the subdivision until the lawsuit is settled.
On a creative suggestion by Trustee Dawn Blanken, the Board decided to only charge Bob and Lisa Northup at the base rate, rather than the tiered rate, for over 400,000 gallons of water leaked during the winter months of 2007-2008 when meters were not being read by Town personnel. This reduced the Northup water bill from over $2,000 to about $1,200.
The First National Bank in Trinidad was granted a setback variance so its ATM kiosk can be enhanced. Virginia Cusimano explained that a pitched roof will be added to complement the adjoining information booth.
George Hughes presented a plan by extraterritorial water users to replace a problematic fifty-year-old water line from the Cucharas River west to the Goemmer property. According to Hughes, about 1,961,000 gallons of water have been lost to leaks in the past four years. The water line runs through the old Taylor Ranch, just west of Town on Highway 12, and there are six owners/water users involved. Hughes said they may replace the two-inch line with a stronger three-inch pipe if the price is agreeable. The water users were requesting the Town Board’s blessing, and the Board expressed its appreciation that the line will be replaced. Trustee Dale Davis added, “We blessed it.”
To discuss correspondence from the Town’s attorney regarding the pending lawsuit, the Board went into executive session. | |
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