News

By Christina Lakish. People almost never want to see Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), but here’s a great reason to connect with local first responders:  The Baca Grande Ambulance Department is hosting two Mental Health and Wellness Fairs, one April 18 at the Crestone Charter School in the Rainbow Hall, and the other April 25 at Moffat School in the gym. Both run from 6-8 p.m. The Baca Grande Ambulance Department has seen an increase in mental health emergencies in the Crestone/Baca Grande area in the last few years. These occur in people of all ages and from all walks of life. This...

My last month as Crestone mayor I came to the Baca in 1999, with my husband, to retire and live a contemplative life. Never, by background nor by inclination, was I a politician. Rather, I came to Crestone to “find enlightenment” and to reinvent myself.   We lived first in the Baca for four years before moving my Mother here to live with us due to failing health. We were unable at that time to find a home in the Baca which could provide a wheel-chair entrance and found the home in Crestone in 2003, which worked perfectly, and where I...

By Anya Kaats. A town-appointed special events committee was created last month to address town board and resident concerns about hosting events in the town. Despite the formation of this committee, town trustees remain divided in their support. At the March 11 meeting, Crestone trustees reviewed an email from Saguache-based artist Gigi Douglas. Douglas proposed a collaborative mural project along with students from Crestone Charter School and community members, to create a paint-by-numbers outer-space themed mural on a removable plywood backdrop on the town stage. Douglas’ email stated that the mural would be paid for by a Saguache County Sales Tax...

By Anya Kaats. The Crestone Energy Fair (CEF), which returns this year for its 35th year, has remained a pillar of Crestone’s commitment to natural and regenerative building and living.  Through hands-on workshops, educational seminars, and on-going learning opportunities centered around highlighting visionary energy systems, building technologies and sustainable lifestyles, the CEF has become a reliable resource not only for the local community, but also for attendees who travel to Crestone from across the country to learn from the best. The theme of this year’s event is “Rooting Forward” highlighting the CEF’s commitment to finding common ground, reaching across the aisle and...

By Anya KaatsPhoto Matt Lit.Crestone resident and Town Trustee Adam Kinney will run against incumbent County Commissioner Tom McCracken in the upcoming Saguache County Commissioner Democratic Primary for District 1. After announcing his candidacy, Kinney secured the required votes necessary to have his name placed on the June Primary ballot. At the March 5 Caucus and Assembly, Kinney secured 30 votes, and McCracken 20. “People deserve a choice,” Kinney explained. “One candidate is underwhelming and leads to complacency and taking the position for granted. Competition causes candidates to work harder to earn your votes and to consider your needs.” McCracken, who...

By Lori Nagel The struggle for healthy, prepared and affordable food in Crestone is real and it’s not uncommon to overhear local conversations about it on any given day. Those options have recently expanded, thanks to the Ruby Rose Bakery at the Hooper Junction Sinclair gas station (11704 CO-17, Hooper), a short 25-minute drive from the town of Crestone.  There have been rumblings around the community about that terrific new bakery and restaurant, but what many don’t know is, they have healthy, nutritious to-go meals as well.  Angelica Quintana, head chef and baker at Ruby Rose, has enjoyed the culinary arts for many...

Born July 15, 1965. Passed Feb. 14, 2024. Editor’s note: This isn’t your ordinary obituary. But then, Woozer wasn’t the ordinary friend. Mike sent this to me and I’m running it as is, no edits, along with a few comments from his Facebook page.  By Mike and Lori Booth ME: Hi, I’m Mike JW: I’m Jim Whoozssley ME: Woolyzee? JW: NO... WOOZ...LEY ME: WOOZLEY? JW: Yeah, that’s better, just call me Wooz. That was my first encounter with my new friend Wooz. We just moved to Crestone and were spreading our wings. Lori and I felt comfortable with Wooz, kinda like broken-in shoes, he was always there to...

ALAMOSA, CO — Sand Dunes Mushroom Cooperative, LCA, has launched a campaign to raise $20,000. The co-op will use the funds to purchase equipment and complete renovation of its warehouse.   After months of training on both the production side of growing specialty mushrooms and the business side of owning their own company, the eight founding worker-owners are ready for their next step: growing and selling.  The co-op aims to begin production of specialty mushrooms in April for sale at farmers markets and to restaurants from Santa Fe to Denver and from eastern Kansas to Aspen. The co-op is in its pilot-project...