Briefs for May 13, 2010

Pickleball in the ‘burg

WALSENBURG- Pickleball games will be held at the Walsenburg Community Center on Thursday nights starting at 7 pm.

HUERFANO- The Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly meeting on May 13 at the Chamber office, 400 Main St. in Walsenburg at 5:30. Dick Edler from the Economic Development  Committee will be a guest speaker. We hope to see you there.

Loom beading workshop

WALSENBURG– Local Native American artists will hold a loom beading workshop at Spanish Peaks Library Thurs. and Fri. May 13 and 14, 4:30-6 pm.  A finishing workshop will be available May 15 at 2 pm.  Please sign up for the workshop at the library.  For further information call 738-2774.

Volunteers needed for endangered species study

SALIDA- The Division of Wildlife is looking for volunteers interested in searching for boreal toads in Colorado′s high country.  Training for interested volunteers begins on Thurs. May 13 at 5:30 pm at the DOW office in Salida.

    "We need folks willing to hike into some of our high mountain lakes and ponds to determine which locations might have boreal toads," said Tina Jackson of the DOW. 

     Boreal toads are small amphibians that were once common throughout the Southern Rocky Mountains.  Their population has steadily declined over the past two decades and now they are considered an endangered species in Colorado and New Mexico, as well as a protected species in Wyoming. 

     Boreal toads live at elevations between 7,000 – 12,000 feet above sea level.  Due to the short summer season in the high country, volunteers are needed to assist researchers to gather data from as many locations as possible.

     Volunteers are trained over two sessions.   The first session, May 13, is indoors.  It teaches how to identify boreal toads or their tadpoles and where to look.

     The second session takes place Sat. May 22 when Jackson will lead a field trip to a location where boreal toads are known to exist and provide hands-on training on how to identify the species and collect data.

     Boreal toads are not the only amphibian to start disappearing.  Amphibians around the globe are experiencing alarming declines. Of the over three thousand amphibian species in the Americas, 39 percent are threatened with extinction.

    Researchers believe the declines are related to infection by a fungus.  The fungus invades the thin, permeable skin of amphibians and appears to kill them by interrupting their ability to absorb oxygen through their skin.  The fungus is not dangerous to humans, but deadly to amphibians.

    For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Raquel Stotler, DOW Area Wildlife Conservation Biologist in Salida at 719-530-5526, or raquel.stotler@state.co.us); or Jena Sanchez, DOW Volunteer Coordinator in Colorado Springs at 719-227-5204, or jena.sanchez@state.co.us).

Armed Forces Day pancake and sausage supper

WALSENBURG– Patriotic music will featured at the Armed Forces Day pancake and sausage supper for the public Sat., May 15, 5 to 7 pm.

   The United Church is hosting the third in its series of music-with-supper evenings.  John Stroh and family and friends will provide the music, both vocal and instrumental.

   Tickets are free for active military, $4 for veterans, $5 for other adults and $3 for children. The United Church is on North Main in Walsenburg, across from Loaf ′n Jug.

Slow-Pitch Softball signup

WALSENBURG- Walsenburg adult recreation slow-pitch softball program will be having meetings for the Men’s League on Sun. May 16 at  7:30 pm and the Women’s League on Tues. May 18, at 7:30 pm.  Meetings will be at the Fiesta Park Softball Field.  Topics are team sign up and rules for the  upcoming season.  Exhibition games prior to season will be assigned.  For more information call Dave Manzanares at 738-2001.

Low-cost dentistry for kids coming to Walsenburg

WALSENBURG- Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is teaming up with Kids in need of Dentistry to provide low cost dental care to our community.  CHP+ and Medicaid will be accepted, and for those families who are uninsured, there is a minimal fee.  The dental van will arrive May 17 and be here until June 10.  The van will be located in Heritage Park at 400 Main St. (at the depot).  If you would like to make an appointment for your children, please call Sharon at 303-859-9624 or the Outreach Clinic at 738-2718.

Free computer classes

WALSENBURG- LoboSavvy Technologies will be holding a Basic Spreadsheet class at the Spanish Peaks Public Library on May 18 at 5:30 pm. The next classes scheduled will be Computer Basics on May 25, Word Processing on June 1 and Spreadsheets on June 8.

Grow your own diesel type fuel

ROCKY FORD- “Grow my own diesel type fuel-you have got to be kidding!”  “No, I’m not kidding!  In fact, we are using it in our diesel pickups now”.  Winter canola is now being grown in the Arkansas Valley and being crushed for the oil which is being used to make a fuel that can be used in diesel vehicles.  And, the by-product meal is being used in rations to feed cattle.

    Colorado State University will be holding a field day and short workshop on Wed. May 19 at the Arkansas Valley Research Center on Road 21, east of Rocky Ford, beginning at 1 pm.  People attending will see winter canola growing in the field: the visit will include a variety trial and cultural studies.  After a visit to the field, a meal will be served and speakers will explain how the diesel type fuel is being made from canola oil.  Also, speakers will talk about how canola meal is being fed to cattle and its value as a feed additive.

    Field speakers will include Dr. Perry Cabot, CSU Regional Water Management Specialist for southern Colorado and Jim Valliant, CSU Irrigation Specialist.  Giving workshop presentations will be Hal Holder of Big Squeeze, Tim Macklin of Southeast RC&D and Perry Cabot. 

    A tour of the Big Squeeze Mill, where the canola seed is crushed, will follow the workshop for those interested.  Additional information will be provided on the production of the diesel type fuel and feed meal.  For more information, contact the Otero County Extension office at  719-254-7608, Jim Valliant at 719-469-0945 or Perry Cabot at 719-334-2558.

Author Sharon Niederman kicks off La Veta Library FoodFest

LA VETA- Celebrating food is the focus of three events in three days for the La Veta Public Library’s Spring FoodFest, May 20-22.  Author Sharon Niederman of Raton, NM, will kickoff the events with her slideshow “New Mexico’s Tasty Traditions” at the Library on Thurs. May 20 at 7 pm. Her slide show will explore unique New Mexico food traditions such as Potica Bread, Latkes, Dutch Oven Cooking, Horno Bread Baking, and Navajo Blue Corn Cookery.  We hope to have at least one of her recipes for you to taste during her show. 

    Sharon teaches writing and Southwestern literature at Trinidad State Junior College and is director of the Writing Center there. She is currently finishing her book New Mexico’s Tasty Traditions which will be published this fall.    Sharon has written several other books including New Mexico: An Explorer’s Guide; The Santa Fe & Taos Book: A Complete Guide; and Return to Abo, a novel about three generations of women on a New Mexico Ranch.  Sharon will have copies of her books for sale and autographing at the program.

    The Spring FoodFest continues at the Library on Fri. May 21 at 6:30 pm as we screen the film Julie and Julia which is actually based on two books: Julie and Julia by Amy Powell, and My Life in France by Julia Child.  Weaving a narrative between these two women, the film portrays their hilarious adventures as they try to “Master the Art of French Cooking.” Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Julia Child won her an Academy Award nomination for best actress. 

    The Spring FoodFest concludes on Saturday, May 22, as we invite you to view the show “Food As Art” on display at the SPACe Gallery in the La Veta Town Park.

WALSENBURG- The Citizens for a Better Walsenburg cordially invite any interested parties to present concerns, questions, and ideas to the Walsenburg City Council.  A Town hall meeting will be held at 6 pm, May 26 at the Spanish Peaks Library.  Please attend and support your community.

Michael Moore at SPL

WALSENBURG- Michael Moore hits Walsenburg capitalism, a love story with music, poetry, food, & libations (?) on  Saturday, May 29 at 4 pm.  Donations ′preciated.  Bring instruments, food and soul stuff for fun in Walsenburg.

Forest Service reports late opening for campgrounds:

PUEBLO– The U.S. Forest Service – Pike and San Isabel National Forests as well as Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) will have various campgrounds opening later in the season due to some late heavy spring snows.  Even though temperatures are warming, there will be several campgrounds that won’t be opening as scheduled. 

    The following campgrounds should be checked prior to travel:  Kite Lake, Selkirk, Lost Park, Weston Pass, Kenosha Pass, Devil’s Head, Alvarado, Purgatorie, Bear Lake and Blue Lake

    Local Ranger Districts are a great resource for campground information. Campers should contact the Ranger District closest to their preferred campground.

    Leadville             719-486-0749

    Canon City          719-260-8500

    Colorado Springs         719-636-1602

    Fairplay             719-836-2031

    Morrison             303-275-5610

    Pueblo            719-553-1400

    PSICC will be happy to assist with any questions.  Anyone interested in calling ahead to make a reservation may do so at 1-877-444-6777  or for the hearing impaired 1-877-833-6777.  Campers may also go online at www.recreation.gov.

Soccer camp scheduled

WALSENBURG– Families can reserve a spot on the field and register today for the 2010 Soccer Camp June 7-11 at  the Panther’s new field in Walsenburg.  The $25 fee will include a Youth Soccer Day Camp T-shirt and  5 days of soccer training. Students  will  sharpen skills, strengthen speed and agility,  learn rules, find new talent and have tons of fun!  The Camp is sponsored by Huerfano County Youth Services and Colorado Health Foundation.  To register call Cindy @ Huerfano County Youth Services (719) 738-1573 or 719-890-0009.

Grants training

COLORADO. SPRINGS- The Colorado Springs Police Department and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop June 28-29. Participants will learn how to find grants and write winning grant proposals.  This training is applicable across all disciplines. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are invited to attend.

    Multi-enrollment discounts and discounts for Grant Writing USA returning alumni are available.  Tuition payment is not required at the time of enrollment. Tuition is $425 and includes all materials: workbook and accompanying 420MB resource CD that′s packed full of tools and more than 200 sample grant proposals.  Seating is limited, online reservations are necessary.

    For complete event details including learning objectives, class location, graduate testimonials and online registration, contact the following:

Cathy Rittenhouse

Grant Writing USA

800.814.8191

cathy@grantwritingusa.com

   or

Officer Mike Singels

Colorado Springs Police Department

719.444.7682

singelmi@ci.colospgs.co.us

Southern Colorado State of the State

PUEBLO– Friday, July 30 will be the 2nd Annual Southern Colorado State Of The State Luncheon with the Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of Colorado.  The luncheon will be from 11:45-1 pm at the Pueblo Convention Center.

    In conjunction with the State of the State Luncheon, Action 22 will hold its Committee Summit at which the majority of committees will be meeting on issues ranging from energy/transmission lines to economic development to tourism and water issues.

MOF needs an angel

WALSENBURG– Guardian angel needed to sponsor two summer youth employment opportunities at the Museum of Friends, a not-for-profit cultural institution. Forward thinking individual interested in the future of Walsenburg′s youth needed to donate $3,600 (tax deductible).  Please call Brendt at 719-738-2858 for more info.

Northlands section of Hwy 85/87 up for “adoption”

WALSENBURG- Dennis and Betty Rains want to let everyone know that the stretch of highway they adopted two years ago is up for re-adoption.  The Rains will be doing one more spring cleanup along the stretch of  Hwy 85/87 from the hogback to Exit 53 this week, then they are hanging up their trash bags.    The Rains  have done a great job of helping Walsenburg look good for the  last couple of years.  Give them a big thank you when you see them!  If you or your group would like to adopt that portion of the highway, contact Amber at the Pueblo CDOT office:  719-546-5426.

Bovine Trichomoniasis Talk to your veterinarian, test your herd

LAKEWOOD- The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds cattle owners to test their herd for Bovine Trichomoniasis.

    "Testing and monitoring herds for trichomoniasis is the best method of controlling this infection," said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  "Cattle owners should talk to their veterinarian to determine the best management practices for their herd."

    As of April 26, there is one positive "trich" location in Colorado.  So far this year, two Colorado counties have had positive trich cases: Crowley and Prowers.  An updated map highlighting Colorado counties with trichomoniasis locations can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag. A map detailing trichomoniasis sample submissions by county and the prevalence for trichomoniasis-positive counties can also be found on the website.

    "The Department has seen a decrease in the number of positive trich cases and is encouraged by these numbers; this shows that the livestock industry and the CDA mitigation efforts have been working," continued Roehr, "but this doesn′t mean ranchers should decrease their testing rates.  It is important to remember that this infection does not respect county lines."

    "Trich" is a costly, yet preventable, infection that can affect dairy and beef cattle.  If bulls become infected, the percentage of open cows can increase from 5 to 30 percent.  Trich is a venereal disease of cattle caused by Trichomonas foetus (T. Foetus).  The T. foetus infection causes fertility problems, such as early embryonic death or abortion of the calf, and is asymptomatic in bulls.

    Colorado trich regulations require all non-virgin bulls changing ownership or being transported into Colorado be tested for T. foetus unless the animal is going to slaughter.  Bulls on public land grazing permits or with grazing associations must also be tested prior to turn-out.

    Several diagnostic laboratories across the state offer trich testing; samples must be taken by an accredited veterinarian.  For testing questions call CDA Animal Industry Division at (303) 239-4161.

Clean Coal Technology means thousands of Colorado jobs

 ALEXANDRIA, VA- The deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies at advanced coal facilities would create or support 1,600 jobs in Colorado and more than 150,000 jobs nationally, according to a study released today by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE).

     The study done for ACCCE provides a state-by-state breakout of economic opportunities associated with commercial deployment of CCS projects at U.S. coal-based power plants.     Though Colorado is unlikely to see construction of any new CCS facilities in state, the study found that Colorado stands to gain more than 1,600 jobs in coal mining and related industries in order to supply new CCS facilities in other areas. Total economic output of the increase in jobs is projected to be $.4 billion annually in Colorado.

     For more information, or to view the complete study, please visit www.americaspower.org/ccs-state-jobs.

    The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is a non-profit, non-partisan partnership of companies involved in producing electricity from coal. ACCCE advocates for the development of advanced clean coal technologies that will produce electricity with near-zero emissions. For more information, visit www.cleancoalusa.org or www.americaspower.org.