Briefs for January 14, 2010

Dan delivers lower prices

WALSENBURG- In response to the troubled economy, Walsenburg’s home delivery service, “Dan Delivers” is lowering prices and expanding service.  You can have him pick up prescriptions, restaurant food, liquor and/or have him buy and deliver groceries to your home for a small fee.  Call 568-3701.

Community Youth Chorus- spring rehearsals

WALSENBURG- Music is everywhere!  It will ring out at the first rehearsal of the Community Youth Chorus.  We will meet in the basement of the United Church, 108 Kansas Ave. (please use the side entrance), Fri. Jan. 15, from 1-2 pm.    We’re going to learn all about Musicals–Broadway, Opera, Cantatas!!!  We will be singing music from West Side Story, Messiah, Camelot, Oklahoma, Aspects of Love, and some Gilbert and Sullivan music.  We’ll have a good time while learning our music and we will laugh a lot.  We even have warm-up games.   You are invited if you like music and are a “kid”age 5 to 15, or just want to sing.  We are preparing for our Community Youth Concert  on April 18.  For information call Carol at 719-989-0826.

State unemployment insurance outreach

LAS ANIMAS & HUERFANO COUNTIES- On Fri. Jan. 15 and Sat. Jan. 16, counselors from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Unemployment Insurance Program will be at the Trinidad Workforce Center from 9-5 pm to address questions and concerns people may have about the Unemployment Insurance Program.  The Trinidad Workforce Center is located at 1140 North Commercial, Trinidad, CO.  For information, call (719) 846-9221 or email trinidad@cwfc.net.

    To help people sort out answers to the unemployment insurance, the Unemployment Insurance Program in conjunction with the Colorado Workforce Center is offering free counseling regarding unemployment insurance issues. Personal counseling will be available both days.

    Expert counselors will be in attendance to answer questions about specific claims and about unemployment insurance in Colorado.  These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to get their questions answered in a clear and direct style.

    The first step in adapting to changes created by the loss of a job is to understand the unemployment insurance program.  Claimants and anyone who believes unemployment is in their future can take first steps by simply stopping by the Trinidad Colorado Workforce Center at 1140 North Commercial between 9 am & 5 pm.

Color workshops

LA VETA- A series of six watercolor workshops exploring color mixing and temperatures, as well as traditional watercolor techniques will be offered by local artist Kathy Hill beginning this Sat. Jan. 16. Each workshop will concentrate on a different pair of colors. The first workshop′s colors are red and green. Workshops will meet 9:30-11:30 and 1:30-3:30 every other Saturday through March. Half-day sessions are $10 and the whole day is $15, not including materials. Space is limited. Call Kathy at 742-5756 for details or to reserve a space. All levels are welcome.

Beekeepers to meet

WALSENBURG- The Spanish Peaks Beekeeper’s Association will meet at the library in Walsenburg at 10:15 am on Sat. Jan. 16.

WALSENBURG- Huerfano Hometown Heroes will meet Sat. Jan. 16, 1 pm  at Adventure Trails Gift Shop to package up boxes for our deployed servicemen and women.  Anyone wanting to encourage and support our soldiers is most welcome to join us!

Live gospel concert

WALSENBURG- There will be a live concert, “My God is Real” by Rebecca Cordova  on Sun. Jan. 17, 2010, 7 pm at Full Gospel Church.  Join Cordova and the Everyday Sunday Praise and Worship Band at Full Gospel Church, 205 W. 10th St. Walsenburg.

Free computer class.

WALSENBURG- LoboSavvy Technologies in Partnership with the Spanish Peaks Library will be presenting a Basic Word Processing Class on Tues. Jan. 19 at 1 pm. Please contact Dan Harper or Jaye Sudar at 719-404-3502 to sign up.

Deadlines for precinct caucuses

HUERFANO- Jan. 19 is the last day to affiliate with a political party in order to vote in the precinct caucus.  (2 months before the precinct caucus)

    Feb. 16 is the last day to register to vote for the March 16th precinct caucus (No later than 29 days before the precinct caucus)

    March 16 is the precinct Caucus Day (Held the 3rd Tuesday in March each even-numbered year). 02-10  

Peewee wrestling

WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg Misfits Wrestling Club, a peewee group, ages 4-12 will have sign ups on Wed. Jan. 20 at the high school in the wrestling loft, beginning at 6:45.  There are no fees for this program, which provides your child with an opportunity to learn a skill which hopefully someday could make them champions.  

H1N1 clinic

WALSENBURG- This clinic on Wed. Jan. 20, 4-8 pm at the Walsenburg Health Department is for anyone who has not received the vaccine and children 9 and younger who had their first dose on or before December 20.

Hunter education

LATHROP-  The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering hunter education classes free of charge at the Lathrop State Park Visitor Center on the following dates:  Jan. 22 & 23, Feb. 19 & 20, and March 19 &20.  The Friday times are 6 to 9:45 pm, and Saturday times are 8 am-4:30 pm.  Anyone who needs a hunter education card or wanting to learn more about hunting is welcome to enroll.  There are no age requirements.  The only things required are yourself and a good attitude.  The topics covered are safety, survival, wildlife management and ID, ethics and more including a live firing session.

    Each class is limited to the first 25 who call to sign up.  To register for a class call Lance Gatlin at 989-1027.

ArtTalk, Brown Bag Books

LA VETA- ArtTalk meets Mon. Jan. 25 at 1 pm at the La Veta Library — come to talk about art.  Come, bring your art for comments, come for good company.

    Brown Bag Books meets at noon Fri. Jan. 29 at the La Veta Library.  We just talk about books, but you don′t have to talk.  For information, 742-5763.

Re-1 seeking USDA grant

WALSENBURG- Huerfano Re-1 has submitted a grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the Community Sports Complex.  The application is requesting $25,000 for the purchase and installation of chainlink fencing to control crowd and spectator access around the field.

    The public will have an opportunity to review construction plans and comment on the application at the next scheduled Board of Education meeting scheduled for Jan. 26 at 6:30 pm at the Board room located at Administration Building, 201 E. 5th Street.

Superbowl party

WALSENBURG- Last year, the Superbowl Party at the Walsenburg Golf Course was so successful, we decided to do it again.  We will be hosting a superbowl party and silent auction on February 7 from 3 pm to 10 pm.  Domestic beers will be $2 and well drinks $3.  Cover charge is $8 per person or $13 for two.  The cover charge includes one drink and a hamburger.  Transportation will be available for anyone that does not want to drive home – for any reason.  We anticipate auction items to value well over $5,000.  The proceeds will go to purchase new tables and chairs for the club house and to purchase security fencing for the rental carts.  Seating is limited to the first 60 people so get your tickets in advance.  Tickets are available at the golf course and the Anchor Motel.

Tourism Board grants

HIUERFANO- The Huerfano County Tourism Board has announced  that the 2010 Marketing Grants are available.  The matching grants up to $5000 are for local not-for-profit and non-profit organizations. The grant applications can be accessed through the Tourism Boardwebsite:  www.spanishpeakscountry.com or call 719-738-6294 for more information.  Grant application deadline is Feb. 12 at 4 pm.  The Tourism Board of Huerfano County is funded by the lodging tax, and has $18,000 budgeted for the grants.  The purpose of the Board is to advertise and market tourism for Huerfano County.  The projected revenue for 2010 is $42,960.

Share your heart, show you care

WALSENBURG- SPRHC Outreach Clinic and HCYS are presenting a Caring for Kids Carnival, Sat. Feb. 13 from 11 am – 3 pm at 129 Kansas Ave, Walsenburg.

    Come enjoy fun crafts and games.  Win prizes. Learn about all the programs and services for kids we have to offer in Huerfano County!

    Activities include duck pond, cake walk, musical chairs, play dough making, paper mache, beading, cooking, and Wii fitness.

     Providers include : Spanish Peaks Hospital and Spanish Peaks Outreach Clinic, HCYS, Head Start, Playgroup Day care, assorted schools, Journey Home, local churches, and law enforcement.

    All local businesses are welcomed to make donations for prizes or to set up a booth.  All booths must be related to children and must have a sign stating who is the sponsor and must have a child-related game/craft.  Either there will be a charge to get in or participants will run games/crafts on a ticket system 25¢ each or 5 for $1.

Excellence in arts award

LA VETA- The Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) is offering a $600 award to an individual 17-21 years of age who has been a resident of Huerfano County for at least a year.  The award is for fine arts education and may be applied to coursework, workshops, tuition, and related pursuits.  Applications are available at SPACe Gallery, 132 West Ryus, La Veta, CO 81055 (742-3074) and must be received by May 1, 2010.

County Sheriffs accepting scholarship applications

COLORADO- County Sheriffs of Colorado, Inc. (CSOC) awards a $500 scholarship to an individual in each member county each year.  They are accepting applications for 2010.  Applications are online at www.csoc.org, at the local sheriff’s office or at local schools.

Recognition by Flight for Life and Lifeguard 4

WALSENBURG- Lifeguard 4 with Flight for Life recognizes Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center for support and dedication to the Huerfano County community in allowing Flight for Life to assist in caring for and transporting the sick and injured.

    Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center helps in the FFL mission of being the best part of someone’s worst day.

    A plaque was presented to Todd Oberheu CEO and Sherry Gomez RN/Director of Emergency Services by FFL Clinical Coordinator Lisa Wagner.

Proper land uses

WALSENBURG- In America, two-thirds of the land is owned by private landowners.  These landowners are responsible for the present and future condition of the soil, water and other natural resources on their land.  All land is not the same and it may have several different soil types.  Soils vary in depth, erodibility, natural productivity, drainage, slope, stoniness and texture.  Other resources also vary from one property to another, including animals, plants and water.  All of these characteristics will affect how you use your land. Since your land is unique, so the planning for its uses should be unique.  All landowners do have one thing in common, the need for continuous planning on how to manage the land.

    A starting point for managing the natural resources on your land is a conservation plan.  A conservation plan is a tool designed to better manage the natural resources on your land and is a written record of your management decisions and the conservation practices you plan to use.  A conservation plan includes an inventory, site map, aerial photo, recommendations and options. It also recommends Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to assist the landowner to manage their objectives and goals for their natural resources. BMP’S protect our natural resources making the land more cost effective, efficient and attractive.

    There are many benefits to a conservation plan including the following: protecting the soil and the land’s productivity, identifying problems that will result in resource degradation production, attracting desirable wildlife, establishing a schedule for applying needed practices that will fit your timetable and resources and protecting the productive value of your land for future generations.

    One thing is certain: You cannot take your land with you.  If you want a say in its ultimate outcome, make sure your conservation plan is tailored to accomplish your long-term goals.

    Additional information on proper land uses and conservation planning is available at the Natural Resources Service Center and the Upper Huerfano Conservation District, 711 Walsen Ave., Ste. A, Walsenburg.

NRCS studies water quality in Cucharas River, salinity on irrigated land

WALSENBURG- Since the spring of 2006, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), plus many partners, has been studying water quality in the Cucharas River and its effect on the soil health of the cropland irrigated by it.

    That year, at the request of the Huerfano County Commissioners, the NRCS and the Upper Huerfano Conservation District (CD) formed a work group that included NRCS, the CD, an NRCS Salinity Specialist from the Fort Worth, Texas, Central National Technical Support Center, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, CSU Water Quality Specialists, and Petroglyph Operating Company.

    Beginning in May of 2006 and throughout that irrigation season, NRCS and CSU took weekly samples at 16 points along the river.  Once the season was over, they took monthly samples throughout the winter months.  NRCS and CSU took samples because that year it had become apparent that the discharged coal bed methane (CBM) waters were not being diluted with the native water in the Cucharas River due to a poor water supply year in the watershed.  After having the water samples analyzed, the group realized that the quality of the water was a problem that would affect the soil health of irrigated fields downstream.  

    Petroglyph had received discharge permits from the State of Colorado allowing it to pump the water from its CBM wells into the river.  In July of 2007, the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission made a determination that pumping of the CBM wells should be suspended until Petroglyph evaluated and took remediation action towards preventing methane migration into domestic water wells.

    Last fall, work continued on the project.  Several NRCS personnel from Walsenburg, Pueblo, Lamar, La Junta, and Fort Worth, Texas, spent a week conducting geospatial soil salinity surveys on crop fields east of Walsenburg.  The goal of this part of the project is to determine the soil health.

    By using advanced electromagnetic induction methodologies, the group collected data on the salt content in the soil.  Measurements were taken at the one, two, three, and four-foot levels.  The NRCSers had previously taken manual soil samples that were sent off to be tested at a soils lab.  To compare the two sets of data, NRCS will use a computer program that will produce maps showing hot, moderate, and normal areas of salinity, which will tell NRCS the soil health.

    By providing the irrigators with the final data, these producers can determine if the current crops grown or alternative crops would work best in their fields. 

Grassland funds available for 2010

HUERFANO–  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), recently announced the availability of funds for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) in Colorado for fiscal year 2010.

    The GRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. Applications will be accepted through Fri. Feb. 19.

    “The GRP program was reauthorized by the 2008 Farm Bill and emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grasslands under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development, and other activities.  A priority will include eligible Conservation Reserve Program contracts expiring this year.”

    The program has two enrollment options: (1) permanent easements and (2) rental contracts.  Rental contracts can be for 10-year, 15-year, or 20-year terms.  Enrollment of eligible expiring CRP lands into GRP will be limited to perpetual easements or 20-year rental contracts.

    The GRP is jointly administered by FSA and NRCS.     To apply for this program and for additional information regarding it, landowners are encouraged to contact their local NRCS or FSA office that services their county. These are located in USDA Service Centers across the State and can be found online at   www.co.nrcs.usda.gov by clicking on ‘Find a Service Center’ in the left hand column.