Current Edition

By Sharon Corcoran. The Crestone Threshold singers are a familiar musical accompaniment to cremations at the Crestone pyre, and, more privately, to community members who are transitioning, whether into death or birth. The Crestone Threshold Choir — Anrahyah Arstad, Sharon Corcoran, Joanna Bolek, Jillian Ellzey, Hamida Nur (Kate Steichen), Darci Myers, Susan Skellenger, Julia Voss and Joan Stigliani — will offer a song bath to the community on Saturday, July 20, 3 p.m., at Shumei International Institute in the Gallery, 3000 Dream Way, Crestone, CO. Audience members will be invited in pairs to take seats in zero-gravity chairs encircled by the...

By Maureen VanWalleghan. Saguache, CO—Saguache County Housing Authority (SCHA) recently hired Cathy Maestas as the new housing director to replace Evan Samora, who has transitioned to a position with the State of Colorado.  Maestas brings 15 years of extensive experience in property management from her work throughout Colorado. Her appointment aligns with the SCHA goals and strategies for future growth as development towards building the Range View Apartments in Saguache continues.  Leveraging partnerships and innovative financing has been an essential strategy for realizing affordable housing goals in Saguache County. Just before Samora’s last day on the job, he received word that Saguache...

Understanding the crisis By Kimberly Black. The San Luis Valley faces a troubling reality as the rampant use of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has surged to alarming levels in recent years. As local healthcare providers, law enforcement and community organizations grapple with the escalating crisis, a multifaceted approach is emerging to combat addiction and provide support to those affected.    “The fentanyl on the streets right now is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Less than a grain of salt can be fatal,” reported Lindsey Renner, a nurse practitioner at San Luis Valley Behavioral...

By Chandler Elmore​​​​, Blue public relations manager. Who & what: Blue Federal Credit Union’s Merger with Aventa Credit Union Where: Aventa Credit Union, based in Colorado Springs, has fully merged with Blue Federal Credit Union, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. When: The merger was approved by Aventa members on February 26, 2024, and officially took effect on March 1. Why and how does this affect Aventa members: Mergers in the financial industry often signify growth and progress, and this decision is driven by a heartfelt commitment to enhance the members’ experience. This anticipated merger between Blue Federal Credit Union and Aventa Credit Union signifies...

By Carita Ginn, Saguache Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy the Magic of the 2024 Saguache Arts Walk and Hollyhock Festival. The Town of Saguache is busy preparing for its signature annual event, the Saguache Arts Walk, Hollyhock Festival and Fairy House Tour to take place on July 27 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Each summer downtown Saguache comes alive with this vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit, showcasing the diverse talents of local artists, artisans, and performers while opening up local gardens that showcase our town flower, the Hollyhock. The heart of the Arts Walk is located on the picturesque Saguache County Courthouse...

By Nick Nevares, July Fourth organizer. As the sun rises over Crestone on the Fourth of July, the community comes together to celebrate not only our nation’s independence but also the unique spirit that defines our town. This year’s theme, “Unique, United and Undivided” is a mantra of hope for the future of the Crestone-Baca community.  Unique: Crestone is a tapestry woven with diverse backgrounds, talents, and stories. Each individual in our community contributes a unique thread, creating a rich and vibrant fabric that sets us apart from anywhere else. From artists and musicians to farmers and entrepreneurs, the eclectic mix...

By Chris Ryan Editor’s note: Both interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. The full interviews are available on The Crestone Eagle website: www.CrestoneEagle.org. Tom McCracken What have you learned in your experience that you think would be especially valuable for you moving forward? There’s a lot to learn about this job. I didn’t even have my legs under me for the first two years. The biggest responsibility the county has is the budget. We have 1,600 plus budget items on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and manage about 120 employees. What is valuable is learning all that, figuring out the priorities, getting a...

By Tricia Toney. Pieces of an complicated puzzle are beginning to fall into place on the way to funding 32 units of affordable housing in Saguache. The proposed Range View Apartment complex will require an estimated $16.1 million to complete. Puzzle pieces include cooperation with multiple governmental agencies, grant approvals, partnership with private business enterprises, private investors, and a tax incentive program.  And that’s all before a shovel hits the dirt.  Once complete, the apartments will provide housing for school teachers, restaurant workers, retirees, and others who make less than $60,300 a year for a two-person household. Evan Samora, out-going director of the...