LA VETA — At Tuesday night’s meeting of the La Veta Town Board, Mayor Doug Brgoch swore in former Walsenburg Police Chief Jim Chamberlain as La Veta’s new Deputy Marshal. Chamberlain had to delay his start date by more than six weeks after breaking his ankle in a ranching accident. For the first time in more than a year, La Veta is back to having two law enforcement officials. Marshal Harold Wilburn went on to report that he has seen an influx of homeless people in town, adding that rumors are claiming that he is running the homeless folks out of town. Wilburn stated that his approach is first work with the local churches, which have emergency vouchers to aid people that get stuck in town with no means of support. These vouchers are available to provide food, gasoline and temporary lodging. Wilburn can also provide an escort to other nearby towns, where a person can catch a bus. Apparently Aguilar and Walsenburg are experiencing the same
problem. Last year, the town had only one homeless person in need of help. Since July 1, La Veta has had 12 homeless people in need of assistance. The Marshal stressed that the recent home fire in town was an act of arson on a specific piece of property and the investigation continues. The town’s sewer project is on schedule and budget, according to project representative Mark Hornberger. RMS, the project contractor, has submitted a quote to be reviewed for road base to be placed in the alleys, where much of the work has caused damage to the previous surfaces. The project is now 60% complete and is expected to done by September 9. Two public hearings were set for August 18, at 6:30 pm, for Calvin Hopkins, who resides at 227 West Francisco Street. Hopkins wants to combine three parcels of land into one, which requires a replatt hearing. He also needs a variance hearing for setback for a shed he wants to install. In other business the board: • Voted to open the town’s burn pile at the town lakes on August 22, from 10 am to 1 pm. The burn pile is limited to La Veta residents and for yard waste only. A second date will take place in the early fall. • Agreed to close Main Street from Ryus to Garland for the 27th annual Oktoberfest event on October 3. The board will also grant a special events liquor license for the beer garden and allow the old Marshal’s office to be used as the headquarters for the event. • Granted a request from La Veta High school to close Main Street for the Homecoming Parade on September 11, from 10:45 to 11:30 am. • Leased the town’s hangar at the Cuchara Valley Airport to Larry Moore for another year. • Allowed Two Peaks fitness to use the community center at no charge for senior oriented exercise classes. • Will advertise for bids for sidewalk improvements/replacements. Most of the work will be on Main and Oak Streets with additional work on Field and Cuchara streets. • Heard that the town’s backhoe has been refurbished within budget and will be returned on August 7.
