Local News

By Lisa Cyriacks Water users can expect to pay increased rates in 2026 with the approval of a rate increase.  The 2026 budget adopted by the Baca Grande Water and Sewer District (BGWSD) Board of Directors increases monthly rates for water and sewer and water consumption. New rates will take effect on Jan. 1.  Base rates for residential users will increase as follows: water will rise 5% (from $48.13 to $50.54) and sewer will rise 10% (from $40.73 to $44.80), for a new combined monthly base rate of $95.34. The Town of Crestone, under the 2025 intergovernmental agreement (IGA), will also pay an...

By Matt Lit Transportation in the San Luis Valley will see a major change coming in November. Mountain Valley Transit (MVT) announced it will be switching from a "route-based" system to an "on demand" system on Nov. 3. And there will be no change to the cost. All rides are free. The Salida-based transit company (formerly The Chaffee Shuttle) has been operating for almost 30 years starting in the Chaffee County and Salida areas. The company—a rural transit non-profit—began operating routes in the San Luis Valley about seven years ago with a Saguache to Alamosa route. It began adding additional routes including...

By Anya Kaats Two candidates are vying for one open seat on the Baca Grande Property Owners Association Board of Directors, with ballots due by 7 p.m. on Oct. 10. The two candidates are Matt Evers, a local owner-builder, and current member of the Environmental & Architectural Committee, and LeRoy West, the current Board President who has served on the Board for the past three and a half years. Each brings distinct priorities and perspectives on how to manage the community’s growth, finances and future. The Crestone Eagle sent identical questions to each candidate, and their answers are summarized below.  In regard...

By Nick Nevares This year’s 4th of July theme, “Harmony in Diversity” shines as a vibrant celebration of unity amidst unique differences and a reminder of how we in a small community can make a positive difference in our microcosm. Crestone is a cultural mosaic, home to spiritual centers from around the world, from Buddhist monasteries to Hindu ashrams. Each spiritual community brings its own traditions, creating a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that coexist peacefully. As residents in the community, we embrace this diversity, fostering a spirit of respect and collaboration. This year I have invited the spiritual...

By Anya Kaats  The town of Crestone and the Baca Grande Water and Sanitation District (BGWSD) have signed a 20-year Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for BGWSD to process the town of Crestone’s wastewater.  While the town of Crestone has been paying BGWSD for ongoing wastewater treatment services since 2002, the two entities had been operating without a signed IGA since Feb. 2022.  Negotiations of the new IGA provoked questions among Baca residents about discrepancies between the cost they pay for wastewater treatment service versus what the town of Crestone pays.  On average, the town of Crestone currently accounts for around 20% of the monthly...

By Anya KaatsPhoto by Anya Kaats The Crestone Energy Fair (CEF) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Mountain and Plains Environmental Justice Grant Hub (MAP EJ) to further its research on alternative building techniques. The funding will allow the organization to refine its data collection methods and continue advocating for sustainable housing solutions and preserve Saguache County’s lack of building codes. This grant comes on the heels of the recently concluded Sustainable Home Showdown (SHS), a citizen-led research initiative that evaluated a diverse array of homes in the Crestone area. The SHS aimed to collect data on home efficiency,...

By Tricia Toney, Photo by Matt Lit By Tricia Toney Nine residents of Villa Grove have won a significant court ruling against the approval of a conditional land use permit that allowed Viaero Wireless to construct a new cell tower near the town center. The lawsuit, spearheaded by retired teacher Paula Maez and Reverend Marquita Oliver, argued that county commissioners were misinformed about their legal authority over the permit. This misunderstanding, influenced by legal counsel and compounded by ex parte communication rules, ultimately led to a costly lawsuit. Initial land use application and resident concerns In April 2024, residents living within 2,500 feet...

By Kimberly Black Saguache County Undersheriff Royce Brubacher and Deputy Chavez attended a Crestone Peace Patrol meeting to address concerns about the group’s role in community safety in February. The discussion aimed to ensure Peace Patrol members operate within appropriate boundaries and strengthen collaboration. Brubacher said, “Some of the citizens in the area have come to me with concerns.” Additionally, “I observed body cam footage where I felt some individuals were getting a little forceful in how they were inserting themselves into situations,” said Brubacher. The Peace Patrol, a volunteer group dedicated to promoting safety and de-escalation, plays an important role in...