Community Coalition to meet
WALSENBURG- The next meeting of the coalition will be this Thursday, April 8 at noon at the Spanish Peaks Library. We have two speakers for this meeting. There will be an update on the Black Diamond Jubilee from the Huerfano Chamber and Judy Kile from the Huerfano/Las Animas Early Childhood Council will be explaining what the council is and what the goals are.
If you have something to share and would like some time, please contact Debbie Channel and please RSVP so we know how much food to order. This will be the last meeting until next September so we hope to see you there! RSVP to Debbie Channel at debbies@amigo.net.
Stringed Instrument Workshops
WALSENBURG- Workshops for guitar, violin, banjo, piano with collaboration at all levels (beginners, intermediate, advanced) at Spanish Peaks Library April 8 and 22 from 5-7 pm. Bring pad, pencil, pen, instrument. Bring what U have and take what U need. Come for teaching, learning sharing — theory, playing, singing.
For information, contact bkalish39@yahoo.com or call 719-738-1154.
Public meeting on Wet Mountains forest health
RYE– The U.S. Forest Service – Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) — San Carlos Ranger District will host a public meeting to discuss opportunities for projects that would aid in restoring sustainable forest health conditions in the East – Central Wet Mountains from Rye to Wetmore. The meeting will be held at the Rye Methodist Church on Thurs. April 8.
There will be a few short presentations followed by ample time for one-on-one time with U.S. Forest Service representatives. The meeting will run from 6 pm to 7:30 pm All interested parties are invited to attend.
The Forest Service is actively seeking public input to help determine the best course of action for the East – Central Wet Mountains Project. “The overall goal of this proposed project is to help return the forest to a sustainable healthy ecosystem,” said District Ranger Paul Crespin. For example, fuels treatment projects are frequently credited with reducing the severity of large wildfires and providing safer areas for firefighters to attack the fire fronts. Based, in part, on information obtained from interested parties, the San Carlos Ranger District will develop project objectives and alternatives.
For more information, contact the San Carlos Ranger District at 719-269-8500.
Colorado Wildlife Commission meets
PUEBLO– The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an 11-member board appointed by the governor. The Commission sets DOW regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, land purchases and property regulations.
The agenda for the Colorado Wildlife Commission′s April 8 workshop in Pueblo includes the Habitat Partnership Program, a strain of whirling-disease-resistant rainbow trout, and elk and deer Data Analysis Unit management plans headline. The workshop will be held from 8:30 am to 1 pm at the Pueblo Marriot, 110 W. First St.
Division staff will update the Commission on the Grand Mesa, Middle Park and Uncompahgre Plateau Habitat Partnership Program management plans. Authorized by the Colorado Wildlife Commission and Colorado State Legislature, the Habitat Partnership Program is designed to reduce wildlife-agricultural conflicts and to assist the Colorado Division of Wildlife in meeting game management objectives on both public and private lands. The program also works to develop better partnerships between landowners, sportsmen and the DOW.
The meeting also features a presentation on a strain of rainbow trout that exhibits a strong resistance to Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite that causes whirling disease. Whirling disease is thought to be a major factor in the decline of Colorado′s wild rainbow trout populations. The parasite has been confirmed in 13 of Colorado′s 15 major river drainages, including the Colorado, South Platte, Gunnison, Arkansas and Rio Grande rivers.
DOW biologists are hopeful that these disease-resistant rainbows can be used to reestablish wild trout populations where they have been lost due to the whirling disease epidemic. The Commission presentation will focus primarily on the management of these rainbows in Catamount Reservoir, a privately owned impoundment near Steamboat Springs and in the Yampa River below Stagecoach Reservoir. The DOW is using Catamount to develop a brood source for these whirling-disease-resistant fish.
In addition, DOW staff will update the Commission on deer and elk management plans for the Pinon Mesa, Glade Park and Grand Mesa areas near Grand Junction. The presentation will focus on deer Data Analysis Units D-18 and D-12 (Game Management Units 40, 41, 42 and 421), and elk Data Analysis Units E-19 and E-14 (Game Management Units 40, 41, 42, 421, 52, 411 and 521). DOW staff will discuss herd health, population objectives, habitat and other related issues.
Those who cannot attend the meeting can listen to the proceedings through a live audio link on the DOW′s Web site. The DOW provides live audio of all its Commission meetings and workshops to keep citizens better informed about the development of regulations by the Commission and how they and Division staff are resolving issues facing Colorado′s wildlife. Constituents may access the live audio feed by clicking on the "listen to audio" link on the "Wildlife Commission" Web page during the meeting. Broadcasts are only available during the meeting.
To view the entire agenda for the April Commission Workshop, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/.
For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
Poetry in Motion
WALSENBURG– Story Hour will happen at Spanish Peaks Library on Fri. April 9 at 10 am. It will be an interactive story hour filled with animated poetry, enthusiastic rhythms, and exciting drama. Children’s literature will be brought to life by Charles and Kay Beth Avery and many audience participants.
Gardner School Carnival
GARDNER– Come out to the Annual Carnival Fri. April 9. There will be fun for all with dinner starting at 5 pm, Bingo at 5:30, games from 5:50-7:30. Also silent auction baskets and the famous White Elephant booth!
La Veta Library Screens “Lonely Are the Brave”
LA VETA- On Fri. April 9, 6:30 pm, the La Veta Public Library’s Films From Books series features the film “Lonely Are the Brave,” starring Kirk Douglas. The film is based upon Edward Abbey’s book “The Brave Cowboy.”
Abbey thought the film was a fine adaptation of his book, but he was disappointed they changed the title. Michael Douglas, Kirk’s son, stated that he felt “Lonely Are the Brave” was his father’s best film.
Come see what you think, and join in the discussion of the book and film afterwards. Admission is free, and so is the popcorn, so don’t miss “Lonely Are the Brave, this Friday night at the La Veta Library.
Last chance to register for small acreage workshop
PUEBLO– CSU Extension/Pueblo County is conducting a Small Acreage Management Workshop on Sat. April 17 from 9-4 pm at the Pueblo County Conference Room. Speakers will cover these topics: management plans for your property, pasture ecology, noxious weeds, restoration, and animal husbandry.
Registration by April 9 is $10/person or $15/couple. Lunch is provided. Contact CSU Extension/Pueblo County at 583-6566 for information
Community garden meeting
WALSENBURG– The next meeting of the Walsenburg Community Garden will be April 10, at 1 pm at the garden. (Next to the community center 928 Russell Ave.) Topics include organizing the youth projects, the spring plant sale, and general planning for the growing season.
Volunteers for Change
GARDNER- The next monthly meeting of Sangre de Cristo Volunteers for Change will be on Sat. April 10 at 3:30 pm at the Gardner Community Center on the north side of Highway 69 in Gardner.
4-H spaghetti dinner
LA VETA- 4-H members in the county will be hosting their annual 4-H Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Sun. April 11 from 11 am to 2 pm at the 4-H Building. Dinner prices are $5 for adults and youth 11 years and
older or $3 for youth ages 5 to 10 years old. Children 4 years and under will eat free.
Tickets may be bought from youth in Walsenburg, Gardner and La Veta or at the door that day. Proceeds from the dinner will be used for activities such as camps and educational events.
Drop Everything and Read Day
WALSENBURG- Everyone is invited to a birthday party for Beverly Cleary at Spanish Peaks Public Library Mon. April 12 from 4:30 till 6 pm. Children should be accompanied be a parent/guardian. There will be several reading and activity centers along with some yummy birthday treats!
Beverly Cleary is a favorite children’s author. She has written many beloved children’s books, such as the Ramona Quimby, Ralph S. Mouse, and Henry Huggins character books. We are celebrating Drop Everything and Read Day, so drop in and read with us!
This event is sponsored by Walsenburg Women’s Club, Omicron Chapter ADK, and Spanish Peaks Public Library.
Economic Development Group Meeting
WALSENBURG– The next EDG meeting will be Mon. April 12 at 5:30 pm at the community center in Walsenburg. All interested persons are encouraged to attend
Good economic news: Expanding business in Walsenburg
WALSENBURG- Peachtree is moving to a bigger and better location, 528 Main Street in Walsenburg. The grand opening will be Tues. April 13 with a ribbon cutting at 1:30. Candy and refreshments will be served. Come and celebrate!
21st Century Agriculture includes Diversity Agritourism could hold the key to financial success.
by Edie Flanagin
WALSENBURG- If you own and operate any agricultural enterprise or are a land owner hoping to increase income from your property, you are invited to attend the Agritourism Workshop at the Community Center, 928 Russell Ave. in Walsenburg on April 14.
Birding, hunting, rustic lodging, religious or corporate retreats, corn mazes, wineries, farm tours and ranch vacations are all forms of agritourism in Colorado and across the nation. Agritourism is gaining in popularity; in fact, in 2006 more than 13 million visitors enjoyed agritourism in Colorado, resulting in an economic contribution of $2.2 billion to Colorado’s economy.
The day-long workshop provides enterprises with the market analysis, business planning tools and networking opportunities needed to succeed. Topics include the following: liability & risk management for agritourism operations, marketing and pricing products and services, and visitor readiness.
Speakers from CSU Extension, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program will provide expert advice and insights into this exciting new branch of agriculture. Several agritourism business owners will also be speaking to give firsthand accounts of the agritourism market.
“Colorado agriculture is diversifying into new areas,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Our goal is to help producers effectively build their agritourism operations.”
Register as soon as possible, seating is limited! The registration fee, which includes workshop materials and lunch, is $25 per person or $35 for a couple/ business partner. To register, visit www.coloradoagritourism.com or contact Wendy White at (303) 239-4119 or Dean Oatman at (719) 738-2170. Registration forms are also available at the CSU extension office, 928 Russell Ave. in Walsenburg.
Statewide tornado drill will use live codes
COLORADO– This year, Severe Weather Awareness Week will be observed in Colorado April 11-17. The National Weather Service will initiate a statewide tornado drill on Wed. April 14, between 9 am and 11 am using EAS and NOAA weather radios. The Colorado broadcasters have received a waiver from the FCC to participate in this exercise using the EAS. All broadcast facilities are urged to participate in this drill. The National Weather Service will be activating using the TOR code.
All stations are requested to publicize the test in advance so that the general public will understand that this event is a test to determine the readiness of EAS equipment and emergency radio receivers located in broadcast facilities, schools, hospitals and other public buildings. All EAS receivers and weather radios that are set to receive tornado codes should receive the drill message between 9 am and 11 am on April 14.
This annual drill is a way for the public to learn simple precautions that could save lives. Your assistance with the success of this test is appreciated. Thank you.
Supervisors meet Thursday
WALSENBURG- The Board of Supervisors of the Upper Huerfano Conservation District will meet at 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 711 Walsen Avenue, Suite A, Walsenburg. The meeting is open to the public.
AA Meetings
WALSENBURG- On Tuesdays at 6 pm the No Fear Book Study group meets for anyone needing support and at 7 pm the No Fear AA meeting meets. Attend either or both meetings at 603 Leon St.
NRCS and Upper Arkansas Watershed need your input
LA JUNTA– A Watershed Conservation Input Forum meeting hosted in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Watershed Association will be held Thurs. April 15 at the Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main Street (one block west of I-25 at the First Street exit—98B). The meeting will begin at 10 am and conclude by 2:30 pm. A complimentary working lunch is planned.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the conversation about the wise use and conservation of our natural resources. “It’s vital that citizens and partners of NRCS help guide and provide input to the Agency to ensure its programs and activities support the needs of local natural resource concerns.” says Shirley Saddoris, President, Upper Arkansas Watershed Association.
For additional information, please contact John Knapp, NRCS Area Conservationist in La Junta at john.knapp@co.usda.gov or by calling 719-384-5408 ext. 106. Please call 719-384-5408 ext. 3 by Fri. April 9 to RSVP so that organizers have numbers for lunch. If you would like a vegetarian lunch, please let us know and we will accommodate your request.
Tax time mail tips
DENVER– Tax day, Thurs. April 15, is just around the corner. The non-tax-supported U.S. Postal Service wants to make tax day less taxing. Most Colorado Post Offices, including Huerfano County’s, will offer regular customer service hours and collections that day. If you miss the deadline, the only close option for a later drop off is in Pueblo at the Pueblo Main PO, 1022 Fortino Blvd., but only until 6:00 pm.
The Denver Downtown Main Post Office at 20th and Curtis and the Denver General Mail Facility Post Office at 53rd and Quebec — the two busiest tax mail drop off locations — will offer their usual late collections on tax day until midnight.
Customers can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to find April 15 late tax mail collection sites or the customer service hours of their local Post Office.
The IRS expects approximately 141 million Americans, including nearly 2.3 million Coloradoans, to file tax returns this year with an estimated one-third of them using the mail. IRS says 25-33% wait until the last week to file or mail their return. Below are important tax mail tips.
Tax Mail tips:
Apply proper postage and stamps, especially with extra forms/schedules. It costs 44 cents for the first ounce; 17 cents for each additional ounce. One ounce is about four pages.
If you use a larger envelope, First Class postage is 88 cents for the first ounce, 17 cents for each additional ounce.
If you are not sure about the postage, it is best to add additional stamps or to take your tax mail forms in your envelope to the Post Office to ensure that correct postage is applied.
If you use a non-IRS labeled envelope, make sure you print the proper IRS address.
Print your return address in the upper-left-hand corner of your tax mail envelope.
Customers who wish certification that their tax mail form is received by the IRS, should mail it using Certified Mail Service/Return Receipt – available at your local Post Office.
While you are encouraged to mail your tax return before April 15, if you do wait to mail it late on tax day, be sure to drop off your tax return at a postal location that offers late tax mail pick-up.
Customers with tax questions can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040; or www.irs.gov.
It’s (Tea) Party Time!
WALSENBURG- The next Huerfano County Tea Party will be Saturday April 17th at noon in front of the court house in Walsenburg.
Bring your signs and your flags. Hope to see all of you there. The more the better.
Beekeepers meet
WALSENBURG– The quarterly meeting of the Spanish Peaks Beekeeper′s Assoc. will be held Sat. April 17, 1 pm at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Anyone interested in beekeeping is invited to attend. For information, call Janet Fink at 738-2081 or email janet.finkwpg@gmail.com
Community Youth + Concert
WALSENBURG- The community is invited to hear our Annual Community Youth + Concert on Sun. April 18, 3 pm at the United Church of Walsenburg, 108 Kansas Ave. There will be piano students, one violin student and the Community Youth Chorus. The Chorus will be singing music from the musicals West Side Story, Aspects of Love, Godspell, Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma.
The + part of our title includes some adults who are studying the piano. The concerts are always a celebration of the music that surrounds us all. Faith , Grace, Grant, Vonnie, Megan, Sara, Alice, Madelyn, Molly, Caitlyn, Reid, Mayci, Becky, Carol 1 and Carol 2 all invite you to share their music. Refreshments will be served after the concert in Hatfield Hall.
Earth Week Cleanup
HUERFANO- The Huerfano County Tourism Board would like to invite everyone to participate in the first annual Earth Week Community Cleanup April 20-24. All charges at the Huerfano County Transfer station will be half price during this time thanks to the generosity of the County Government and a $2000 donation from the city of Walsenburg. The half price days will give everyone a chance to do some spring cleaning.
The Tourism Board challenges each community to get teams together to help tidy up prior to tourist season. Get some volunteers together and haul some trash! For example, the Huerfano County Parks and Trails committee will be doing a river clean-up from Main street to Ysidro Street on Fri. April 23. This is a great opportunity for school, church or youth groups to get involved in community service. Can you think of some place in our community (or maybe a neighbor who needs some help) that could stand a little spring cleaning?
Severe weather training session
HUERFANO- We are approaching the season for severe thunderstorms. That’s why the Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management is proud to host The National Weather Service of Pueblo as they provide a Severe Weather Awareness and Spotter Training session for our county.
Typically the sessions are scheduled from late March through early May each year and are a cooperative effort of local government officials and the National Weather Service.
The session is free of charge and is open to everyone. Participants receive a general overview of the National Weather Service, are informed when and how to report severe weather, are taught the basics of thunderstorm development and storm structure and are given basic severe weather safety tips.
The session will be located at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg, April 22 at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP to Huerfano County Emergency Manager Diego Bobian by email= dbobian@huerfano.us or by telephone – 738-1537. I look forward to your community participation and hope to meet you there.
Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon
LA VETA- La Veta High School NHS will be hosting a walkathon to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Sat. May 7, from 10 am to 3 pm. Many fun events are planned! For additional information contact any La Veta NHS member or call Valerie Stephenson at 719-742-3662 ext. 44.
Rodeo Bible Camp
LA VETA- La Veta′s 19th annual Rodeo Bible Camp will be June 5-8 in La Veta, and is for youth ages 12-19. It′s a great tune-up for champions as well as a great starting place for beginners!
Events include these events: Bulls, Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Calf and Team Roping, Chute Dogging, Horsemanship and Shooting Sports.
Lots of prizes! Lots of riding and arena time, individual instruction, Cowboy Chapel & home cooked meals.
Get all your forms and information at www.lavetarbc.com or call 719-742-3300.
UHCD Conservation Technician
HUERFANO- The Upper Huerfano Conservation District (UHCD) has a part-time Conservation Technician who provides conservation planning by assisting landowners to identify their natural resource needs. Once identified, our technician assists landowners to get conservation projects on the ground and certifies the work when it is complete. Donald Sanchez, our District Technician, also works alongside Tony Arnhold, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist, to assist with Federal Farm Bill Programs administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Our technician assists landowners with various projects including the following: saving irrigation water, improving riparian area conditions, decreasing soil erosion on rangeland, woodland and irrigated lands, and increasing rangeland and woodland health, diversity and productivity. By installing irrigation structures, irrigation water will be saved, wildlife riparian habitat will improve and soil erosion will decrease. By installing windbreaks, energy will be saved, wind erosion will be prevented and cover for wildlife will be provided.
The Conservation Technician Position is sponsored by a grant from the Colorado State Conservation Board, a matching grant from the Huerfano County Commissioners and funds from the mill levy. Through this grant and assistance, the UHCD works to protect Huerfano County’s natural resources.
For assistance, contact Upper Huerfano Conservation District, 711 Walsen Ave., Ste. A, Walsenburg, CO, (719) 738-1171.
Drop off old batteries
LA VETA- Please leave your old batteries – AA, AAA, C, D, or 9-volt, non-lithium – at the La Veta Public Library for responsible disposal by the Volunteers for Change. Contact the library for more information: 742-3572 or email to lavetapubliclibrary@gmail.com.
Old usable bikes needed
HUERFANO- We need your help and your old bikes, big or small. In an effort to stimulate business in the La Veta and Walsenburg communities, the donated bikes will be free rides for tourists and citizens. Each bike will be equipped with maps highlighting community restaurants, specialty shops, fishing holes, parks, art galleries, and museums. The bikes will be painted pink and purple in support of the American Cancer Association. Donations for the American Cancer Association will be accepted for the use of the bikes.
No one can do it by themselves; we need your help. For donation pickup, call Jerry at 738-1244.
AA Meetings
WALSENBURG- On Tuesdays at 6 pm the No Fear Book Study group meets for anyone needing support and at 7 pm the No Fear AA meeting meets. Attend either or both meetings at 603 Leon St.
