Tuesday, February 11

The Crestone Eagle is a trusted nonprofit monthly newspaper serving Crestone, the San Luis Valley, Colorado & beyond. Our mission is to connect each other, one story at a time.

POA Hires Forensic Accountant

By Anya Kaats Late last year, the Baca Grande Property Owners Association (POA) hired a forensic accountant to improve the accuracy of its financial records. “Straightening out our finances has been more difficult than expected,” said LeRoy West, vice president of the POA Board of Directors during the last POA Board of Directors meeting on Jan. 16. The board parted ways with its previous accountant who, after a year, failed to correct long standing issues with its account reconciliation from 2023 and 2024. “Our accountant was unable to deliver accurate financial records or resolve critical discrepancies,” West explained, adding that although the accounting records are in worse shape than the board previously thought, the POA’s financial position is actually better than anticipated.  Addressing a recent rumor that...

LWV stop work order lifted, town residents’ complaints persist

In a tense but ultimately conciliatory meeting, the Crestone Board of Trustees voted to lift the stop work order on Crestone Peak Community Housing’s (CPCH) Living Wisdom Village (LWV) project six weeks after it was issued. The town issued a stop work order in early September 2024 amid concerns that LWV’s 5-foot setbacks did not meet the town’s zoning regulations. The CPCH board insisted that despite the town’s 20-foot setback zoning regulation, the LWV Planned Unit Development was granted an exception, which the town approved. "We don't feel like we're at any fault," said Kirsten Schreiber, CPCH’s board chair. "I understand that the town's setbacks are different, but this was missed by the town,” she continued. After some investigation alongside its attorney, mayor Benjamin Byer confirmed...

From our current editions

POA Hires Forensic Accountant

By Anya Kaats Late last year, the Baca Grande Property Owners Association (POA) hired a forensic accountant to improve the accuracy of its financial records. “Straightening out our finances has been more difficult than expected,” said LeRoy West, vice president of the POA Board of Directors during the last POA Board of Directors meeting on...

Kinney resigns from Crestone BoD & relocates

Photo by Matt Lit By Anya Kaats Adam Kinney, long-time Crestone resident and member of the Town of Crestone Board of Trustees, announced his resignation in mid-January. Kinney cited an opportunity for personal growth and family well-being as his primary motivations for resigning. “I have an opportunity to go have an adventure somewhere else and maybe...

Land access dispute sparks debate over pet cemetery road closure

Photo by Matt Lit By Anya Kaats A dispute over access to Crestone's pet cemetery and public land has intensified after private landowners Elaine Johnson and Steve McDowell closed a road on their property that residents have used for decades to reach both the cemetery and adjacent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. After years of...

Moffat Mayor Resigns, Town Seeks Replacement

By Kimberly Black During a regular Board of Trustees meeting in mid-January, Don Studinski resigned as Mayor of Moffat and was re-sworn in as a Town Trustee shortly after. Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Jung is currently performing mayoral duties until the board appoints a new mayor. However, no board members have stepped forward or been appointed...

Crestone Community Food Bank Update

By Kimberly Black The Crestone Community Food Bank is under new management, as previous managers were dismissed and removed from the building in November. “La Puente Leadership made the decision to separate from Community Care Collective after we were unable to reach agreement on the terms of successfully continuing to work together,” said Amanda Pearson, Director...

Town of Crestone Advances Land Swap Discussion with Charter School

By Anya Kaats The Town of Crestone Board of Trustees is moving forward with discussions about a potential land swap with the Crestone Charter School (CCS), a project that board members say could reshape community access and local services, providing long-term benefit for the school, the town, and the greater community.  The lot adjacent to CCS,...

The Aurora Borealis and the Yeshe Rangsal Stupa with bonus appearance by the International Space Station on May 11, 2024 in a composite from time lapse sequences. photo by Mike Lewinski

Little Bela got on stage with two members from the band The River Arkansas, at T-Road's Open Mic night, Thursday, July 25. Bella is the son of one of the players. photo by Matt Lit

Fog hangs in the trees looking north up North Crestone Creek. photo by Stephen Hume
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Saguache
scattered clouds
38.6 ° F
38.6 °
38.6 °
26 %
4.2mph
40 %
Tue
38 °
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33 °
Thu
28 °
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39 °
Sat
34 °

The February 2025 issue is on sale! Get the full story with the full edition for only $3. Click the image to download.

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR BACA GRANDE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Baca Grande Water and Sanitation District of Saguache County, Colorado. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on...

Crestone E-bikes

Do you have an E-bike that needs servicing? Are you curious about E-bikes and considering buying one? Would you like to try one out? Call or email me: Wade Lockhart: 719-588-9246lockiew@yahoo.com

Twin Size Bed Frame and Mattress

Nice wood four poster bed with comfy mattress. $60. mtnbikers@comcast.net

Office Space for Rent

Large office space, first floor, Camino Baca Grande Professional Center. $325/month includes electric, water, heat, Ciello internet service. Lease and security deposit required. (808) 255-4046

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OF THE BACA GRANDE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT TO FILL VACANCY BY APPOINTMENT 

 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a vacancy exists for the Office of Director of the Baca Grande Water and Sanitation District (the “District”). An eligible elector of the District will be appointed by...

BACA GRANDE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET and NOTICE OF INTENT TO FIX OR INCREASE FEES, RATES, TOLLS, PENALTIES OR CHARGES FOR WATER AND/OR SANITARY SEWER SERVICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties of the Baca...

New Modern Design Home

2bd 2ba W/D D/W on the greenbelt. $2200. 719-221-1333 ph/text.

2 Bed/1 Bath Apartment

In Chalet I. Studio Kitchen, Washer/Dryer. $850 plus Utilities, 2 months security. Smoke free, pet free, 12 month lease, available Nov 1. Call 719-256-5110

Ordinance No. 003-2024

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CRESTONE, COLORADO ADOPTING RULES AND REGULATIONS AS GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING SITE SELECTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR NEW DOMESTIC WATER SYSTEMS AND MAJOR EXTENSIONS OF EXISTING DOMESTIC...

Ordinance No. 004-2024

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF CRESTONE TOWN BOARD REGULATING THE POSSESSION OF FIREARMS IN CRESTONE TOWN BUILDINGS AND MEETING LOCATIONS Done and Signed this 9 day of September 2024 Submitted by Clerk Arielle Blackwell Published By...

Ordinance No. 005-2024

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CRESTONE MODEL TRAFFIC CODE RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARS IN THE TOWN OF CRESTONE, COLORADO Done and Signed this 9 day of September 2024 Submitted by Clerk Arielle Blackwell Published By...

Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of public hearing before the Board of Trustees of Crestone, Colorado at 1:30 p.m. on the 28 day of October 2024, located in the chambers of the Board of Trustees,...

Community Outreach Fire Mitigation Gathering

Attention, Town of Crestone! Join us for an important Community Outreach Fire Mitigation gathering at The Elephant Cloud Cafe on October 11 th , from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a...

Saguache County is seeking an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Inspector.

The On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Inspector for Saguache County is responsible for maintaining and enforcing public health regulations relating to the community’s environmental health.  Through investigation, inspection, education and enforcement, the On-Site Wastewater...

Public Hearing at the Saguache County Road and Bridge

The Saguache County Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at the Saguache County Road and Bridge meeting Room located at 305 – 3rd Street, Saguache, Colorado, on the following date:  THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3,...

Letters to the Editor

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Must include: author’s name, town/city, organization affiliation (if relevant), contact information in case we have a question. Contact information will not be published with your letter. The decision to print any letter to the editor is completely at the discretion of The Crestone Eagle editor, and we reserve the right to edit all letters. Letters considered libelous, obscene, in bad taste, or containing personal attacks will not be printed. Form letters and letters containing long lists of names will not be printed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Thank-you letters are welcomed and encouraged, and letters regarding local news and issues will be prioritized.

Send letters to editor@crestoneeagle.com by the 16th of the month.
Thank you.

Villa Grove FD thanks

To the community, Our Villa Grove/Bonanza VFD annual fundraiser on June 22nd was a huge success. We greatly appreciate our community and donors that continue...

What we can do

Dear community,  With the recent Supreme Court decision on Presidential Immunity, it is clearer than ever that this election is a choice between Democracy and...

NHN Thanks

Dear community, On behalf of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Crestone, a big thanks goes out to the entire community, volunteers and the Baca Grande Property Owners...

Features from our B Section: "Living on the Earth"

Buffalo Soldiers: A tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers and their place in SLV history

by Brandon Gonzales.  Having been shaped for thousands of years by many different Indigenous nations, and more recently by non-Indigenous settlers, the San Luis Valley (SLV) has always been a crossroads of different cultures and traditions. The Fort Garland Museum is showcasing a sliver of the region’s unique human history with their newest exhibit, Buffalo Soldiers: reVision. The exhibit draws from the work of 8 artists to explore the legacy that the “Buffalo Soldiers” left on the SLV and its peoples during American western expansion.  For some background, the Buffalo Soldiers were six Black cavalry regiments that were established by Congress...

Beavers in the SLV: Why you should start giving a dam about this keystone species

By Zaylah Pearson-Good. Due to a history of hunting and habitat loss, beaver colonies have diminished across the San Luis Valley in the last few centuries. Though beaver populations are stable in parts of the Valley, efforts are underway to restore the species to key waterways that they once occupied. Beavers play a major role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting endangered fish and mitigating the impacts of wildfire.   It takes a beaver approximately 24 hours to completely re-engineer an ecosystem. These stout, orange-toothed rodents use sticks, mud, leaves and grasses to build watertight dams that slow and redirect water across...

Partnership: Utes partner with USDA

Reprinted from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. DENVER, CO—Southern Ute Indian Reservation - A historic partnership is forging between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through the USDA or NRCS Agency's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the entities have jointly entered an alternative funding arrangement (AFA) to improve rangeland resiliency and health on Tribal lands. This project is funded through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). "This is an exciting partnership", said Clint Evans, NRCS State Conservationist in Colorado. "The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is the first Tribe in the...

La Colcha: Weaving history with present day HEART

By HEART of Saguache. The San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery project recently hosted a free workshop at the Saguache County Museum in early June. The workshop was at capacity, with most of the attendees being residents of Saguache County.  Participants delved into the history of colcha embroidery in the San Luis Valley, learned the traditional colcha stitch, and examined artwork examples and a library of publications on the topic. Afterwards, everyone picnicked in the front of the museum.  HEART thanked its dedicated instructors from San Luis and Monte Vista, who traveled to Saguache to lead the workshop: Maria Eufemia Barela, Donna Madrid Hernandez, Aurora Martinez, and Julia...

Hiking in the SLV:  Discovering the hidden oasis of San Luis Lake State Wildlife Area

By Tegan Welsch-Rainek Just beyond the edge of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo range, lies the San Luis Lake State Wildlife Area. This time of year, it's a hidden oasis brimming with water and life. The recent snowmelt and rains have revitalized the grasslands, wetlands, and lakes, bringing the area to life. Setting off on my journey, I noticed a storm brewing over the Sangre de Cristos and the distant sand dunes. The clouds cast a purple hue over the dunes, but beams of sunlight still pierced through, creating a striking...

White Mountain Farm

Sustaining the legacy of an ancient crop By Anya Kaats. Paul New’s family has been farming in the San Luis Valley (SLV) for more than 100 years, going back to around 1917. Originally the News grew organic wheat, alfalfa, and raised sheep, but in 1984, New’s father Ernie, alongside their friend John McCamant, started experimenting with quinoa. In 1987, White Mountain Farm was incorporated and became the first large-scale quinoa operation in North America, located in Mosca, CO.  Known as “The Mother Grain” of the Incas, quinoa has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, originating from the Andean region of South America, particularly...

Valley Roots Food Hub: Multi-farm brings fresh to the table

By Maria Karahalios. Valley Roots Food Hub Mosca, Colorado—Valley Roots Food Hub (VRFH) launches the Summer 2024 Fresh Box multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program on June 20 through September 11. The program runs alongside the fresh harvest season to bring shareholders fresh and local produce from growers across the Colorado bio-region.  Every Thursday, shareholders will receive a box of specially curated produce that aims to supplement a family of two to three people. In addition to the produce, shareholders will receive a weekly newsletter filled with valley happenings, producer bios, creative recipes, warehouse highlights, and how to store produce. For June,...

Empowering the heirs to the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant

An interview with Move Mountains Project Executive Director, Shirley Romero Otero By Anna Lee Vargas. Since its official inception in 2014, Move Mountains Project (Move Mountains) has served as an art and entrepreneurship community education program that builds sustainable platforms for the youth leaders of San Luis, Colorado. Move Mountains’ mission is to encourage youth, as heirs to the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant, to develop deeper understandings of art, resource preservation and entrepreneurship in order to empower active community citizens through a focus on local and global social justice issues.  Since lack of employment is a major obstacle for youth of...
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From our columns...

Sports season nears end for school year

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira. Basketball Wrap Up - Boys and Girls Following the end of the basketball season, all seniors from both girls’ and boys’ teams participated in the Arby’s All Star Game. Seniors from teams around the San Luis Valley (SLV)  region were able to practice and compete together one last...

CCS students to create mural for Crestone Town Park stage

By Sequoia Sirois The town of Crestone has always had many community projects going on throughout the years. Projects range from cleaning up the roads of trash for Earth Day, establishing a new town park for the kids, to building a new show stage for community performances.  This year a new...

Sports transition: Bball ends and track runs

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira  HS Boys Basketball ends After a tough 73-39 playoff loss against the Stratton Eagles the Moffat Cowboys season officially comes to an end. The Cowboys finished their season with a 13-8 record while also qualifying for the Colorado Regional Playoff. Over the course of the past four years...

Puerto Rico! 

CCS Seniors mix education, culture, art and fun in their out-of-country trip By Sequoia Sirois. The Crestone Charter School (CCS) gives amazing diverse learning opportunities to all students.  LINK high schoolers are given the lucky chance to go places out of the United States mainland. LINK is a reference to seniors...

Moffat Archers participated in the 2024 NASP Colorado State Virtual Tournament on Tuesday, February 27th, with 30 students participating. This is the most important tournament of the season for our archers. Competitors will shoot 30 arrows to score. Scoring officials will submit results to the State NASP Coordinator and...

Moffat sports 

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira  Moffat Boys Basketball: The Moffat Cowboys have finished the regular season with a 13-6 record; solidifying themselves a place in the regional playoffs. The Cowboys most recently faced the Sierra Grande Panthers in a district play-in tournament. Unfortunately, the team came short, taking a 48-43 loss in a...

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