News

By Nancy Telos with Matt Lit and release from Colorado Bureau of Investigations report July 25, 2024–CB–Crestone, CO–A pipe-wielding suspect was fatally shot by a Saguache County sheriff deputy Thursday afternoon. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now assisting the Saguache County Sheriff's Office into the investigation of the fatal shooting. On Thursday July 25, 2024, at approximately noon a Saguache County sheriff deputy was driving near the town of Crestone, Colorado to serve papers when he observed a 40-year-old white male walking about a mile from the entrance of the Baca Grande Subdivision. The deputy recognized the man as...

By Nancy Telos with Matt Lit Earlier this afternoon a man was allegedly shot by Saguache County Sheriff’s deputies near the Baca Fire Station. There are conflicting statements, though witnesses stated they saw the still-unidentified man brandishing a pipe and fighting with a deputy along Camino Baca Grande and Baca Grant Way.  Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene within minutes.  The Saguache County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment stating, “It is still under investigation.” The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is participating in the investigation and events leading up to the shooting.  Camino Baca Grande remains closed to through traffic. There is...

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...

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...

Liaisons seeking a community driven organization.  By Cathy Goevert (the hat lady), Crestone/Baca Community Alliance Liaison Do you hear it?  That murmuring growing into a rumbling of the community?  Which then will turn into action by the community. A group of community members want to facilitate defining the vision and focusing resources of the community to steer us into the future. Our voice of the community: Crestone-Baca Community Alliance has developed a tool — community surveys to gather your input! Placed around town these survey boxes will take the pulse of the community. You will see the Our Community, Our Future boxes outside of The Cloud...