Thursday, August 16, 2007

County: Opinions mixed on ‘positive’

By James Robinson
Staff Writer

County staff are suggesting the county’s most pressing financial troubles are largely behind them, but others in the thick of solving the crisis say the assertion may be a matter of perspective.

“This week has resulted in a series of positive events; our beginning week cash balance of $835,607, is higher than expected; the refinancing of our capital equipment option with Wells Fargo will not require an interest payment in December, saving us $72,000 and the property auction netted us approximately $150,000 more than forecasted. These events move our ‘default’ date from mid-September to mid-November based on our projections,” Archuleta County Administrator Bob Campbell said in a prepared statement during a briefing with members of the Citizens’ Financial Advisory Task Force.

Campbell added that those, and other financial projections, look so solid that the sale of the county-owned property on Hot Springs Boulevard is no longer urgent, and seeking a $1.5 million dollar loan against the courthouse is unlikely.

But Archuleta County Special Projects Manager Sheila Berger urged caution.

Berger referred specifically to an Aug. 14 spreadsheet detailing the $835,607 cash balance, and said numbers on the sheet are misleading because restricted and unrestricted funds are commingled, thus giving a potentially inflated and misleading representation of the county’s financial status.

Berger urged her colleagues to utilize a prior spreadsheet format which breaks down balances fund by fund and added that particular attention should be paid to the general fund.

Campbell acknowledged the spreadsheets are problematic.

“When we start putting money into the right accounts, we’ll find out the general fund is hurting,” Campbell said.

Nevertheless, Campbell is comfortable with the projections.

Yet some task force members, in addition to Berger, remain uncomfortable with assertions that the county has truly “turned the corner.”

To make their argument, they point to persistent inconsistencies between finance and treasurer’s department data, recent data entry mistakes, and a number of other significant, more long-term issues that require resolution.

For example, treasurer’s reports list $3.15 million in the road capital improvement fund, which all agree are dollars that do not exist. Secondly, treasurer’s documents mis-classify some funds, such as the E911 fund, which should be restricted, but is listed as unrestricted on treasurer’s reports. (Errors in treasurer’s reports have cultivated a general, and widespread distrust of their data.) Third, it is unclear whether spending continues to go unchecked out of restricted funds, although Kelly Carson-Evans of the treasurer’s office said treasurer’s staff has no control over restricted fund spending.

And fourth, data entry mistakes on spreadsheets regarding cash carryovers led to a perceived exacerbation of the shortfall and once those errors were revealed, the county could add another $300,000 back into the ledgers.

The incidents have caused the task force to uniformly push for hiring a controller, and Mitzi Bowman, human resources specialist, has taken steps to fill the position.

But beyond the short term challenges, a list of mid- to long-term issues remain.

Among them: $214,000 owed to the town, $404,000 owed to La Plata County for district attorney’s services, negative fund balances that will have to be repaid, persistent funding shortfalls with the employee benefit trust fund, allocation of Ballot Issue 1A funds, and institution of accounting policies, procedures and internal controls such that a financial crisis does not happen again.

“We may be rounding a corner on cash flow, but not on balancing the books,” one task force member said.

Some estimate the overall recovery will take years.

james@pagosasun.com


Jail gets good review

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer

Despite the ailing facility, Archuleta County Jail operations received a good bill of health in a draft report issued July 29 by Michael O’Toole of the National Institute of Corrections, following an inspection performed July 17-19.

According to Captain Mencor Valdez, the inspection and report was initiated to ensure compliance with a 1987 federal court consent decree, which was issued in response to a lawsuit prompted by concerns for inmate health and safety, and that mandated the construction of the current facility, completed in 1991.

In addition, the report was intended to be a part of preparations for the design and construction of a new jail facility, which has been put on hold, due to county financial problems.

The jail was constructed in compliance with standards established by the American Correctional Association (ACA) in 1981, which formed the basis for the consent decree. However, revised standards were published in 1991, and the jail implemented those standards in its operations, though the facility was based on the older model, said Valdez.

The current jail is a vast improvement on the facility that prompted the consent decree, which consisted of a large square “cage” divided into four cells, with open toilets and no privacy. In addition there was only one jailer, who left at night, said Valdez.

“It was inhumane and it was inappropriate,” he said.

Though a new facility may be necessary in the near future, the county is not in the same situation as 1987.

According to the report, “Despite design limitations, the jail remains in compliance with the stipulations of the Consent Decree.” In addition, policy and procedure, which are currently under revision, “reflect substantial compliance” with 35 mandatory standards dictated by the 1991 ACA model — which O’Toole describes as “the standards that go to the heart of fire, life safety, medical and mental health care, sanitation and food service — the core issues in determining Constitutional confinement.”

According to Valdez, there are almost 400 non-mandatory standards the jail is guided by.

Facility limitations are still apparent, according to the report: It operates slightly above capacity, housing an average of 30 inmates (with a max of 34) in a space designed for 22, said Valdez; and the facility has no program space, minimal staff space and limited space for storage of personal property and supplies. But the facility is kept clean, orderly and the inmates’ living spaces are adequate, states the report.

Valdez would add to the list of structural deficiencies blind spots, too few rooms, and one toilet in the six-bunk female pod, to name a few.

“We’re well within the law, but it’s still not a good situation,” Valdez said.

The jail was built for minimum security inmates, said Valdez, but now houses more serious criminals as well.

Since the current facility opened its doors, revisions have been made to the standards manuals, and the facility cannot comply with all of the most recent specifications. Built to 1981 standards, operating on 1991 standards, the jail cannot receive full professional accreditation, though it exceeds the Constitutional minimum, states the report.

Valdez said that a new facility would be planned and constructed to allow for accreditation.

With the county financial situation as it is, plans for a new facility are on hold. According to Valdez, the jail was built to last for 20 years. After 10 years, it had to add beds, and year 20 is approaching fast.

The jail’s continued functioning depends on population growth, said Valdez.

In the meantime, Valdez said he hopes to increase his staff. “If I had two more jailers, it would really give good coverage.”

The two additional hires were budgeted this year, until the county’s financial crisis developed.

Currently, detention officers receive basic training through a correspondence course offered by the National Sheriff’s Association. O’Toole suggested the jail also organize a formal training program addressing the specific concerns of the local facility.

The report also recommends the jail improve documentation of inmate classification, which dictates assignment to cells; and encourage the county to purchase a new jail management information system, that would provide “the reporting capabilities necessary for Jail management and jail operations monitoring and control.”

Valdez said the jail does not have enough cells to classify prisoners by all the criteria they should be ordered by, including age, crime, gender, personality and place in the court process.

The jail is left to classify primarily based on inmate interaction. “We have to juggle people around and find happy homes for them again,” Valdez said.

Other suggestions included the implementation of a fire drill with the Pagosa Fire Protection District and a general guideline for the revisions of policy and procedure.

“I’m really pleased with this report, because it is a very fair assessment by a man who really knows his stuff,” said Valdez.

“He said the staff knows their jobs, knows what they are doing ... the inmates are well cared for ... but it’s obvious who’s in charge. He gave us very positive feedback.”

Sheriff Peter Gonzalez said he was optimistic about the report. Even though the facility is inadequate, the jail staff is working effectively, he said, and “Mencor Valdez has really stepped up to the plate.”

louis@pagosasun.com


Information sought in burglaries

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer

Over $30,000 worth of equipment was stolen from construction sites in four related burglaries, beginning in July.

The tools were stolen at various sites as thieves cut locks and latches on equipment trailers, said Det. Richard Valdez of the sheriff’s department.

The first burglary occurred July 12 on North Feather Court at a Snowy River Construction site. Approximately $10,000 in tools were stolen. The tools are marked with the initials “SRC.”

On July 13, a trailer owned by an independent builder was burglarized on Old Sawmill Road. The stolen tools are worth approximately $8,000.

Late last Wednesday night two more sites were hit — Silver Creek construction losing $8,000 in tools from an Oxbow Court location and, in town, Alternative Home Builders losing $8,000 worth on Aspen Village Drive. Silver Creek’s tools were marked with “SC” and Alternative Home Builders’ tools were marked with “AHB.”

Valdez said evidence suggests there was more than one burglar involved.

The sheriff and police departments are working with agencies in the region to locate the tools and uncover other information.

According to Valdez, the burglaries will be a challenge to solve, since a minimal amount of evidence was left at the scenes. “We need to count on the community to give us a hand now and then,” he said.

If anyone has bought a tool they suspect might be stolen, or one marked with any of the initials described above, he or she is asked to call the sheriff’s department. Any other information regarding the burglaries would also be of interest to investigators. Contact Det. Valdez through dispatch at 264-2131.

Valdez also warned contractors and builders to secure equipment, mark tools and keep a list of the tools’ serial numbers. Serial numbers can be entered into the National and Colorado Crime Information Center registries, which can be searched by law enforcement agencies to determine if an item has been stolen.

louis@pagosasun.com


Water districts to seek $22 million loan

By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer

To purchase land and fund studies for a proposed reservoir outside of Pagosa Springs, local water districts hope to borrow more than $22 million from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). If successful, they’ll pay it back over 30 years — at low-interest — with amassed impact fees.

Or, so the plan goes.

The boards of directors for the San Juan Water Conservancy District (SJWCD) and Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) met in joint session Monday and, among other things, reviewed a preliminary loan application, asking the CWCB for $22,392,000. The application was in draft form, with a final version expected by month’s end.

According to the loan application, the next step in developing Dry Gulch Reservoir, a proposed 35,000 acre-foot impoundment more than a mile outside of town, is to acquire the necessary land. In all, the districts hope to purchase two private parcels totaling roughly 900 acres, while exchanging at least 400 to 500 acres of land with the United States Forest Service (USFS).

For the record, an acre-foot equals one acre of land, flooded to a depth of one foot.

At this point, the districts have the largest, most significant privately-owned piece under contract for approximately $9.8 million. The exact closing date on the roughly 680-acre parcel remains uncertain, but it could take place sometime in 2009.

Another private parcel of 150 to 200 acres, “depending on how the boundaries are squared off,” is essential to Dry Gulch, and negotiations with its owners continue.

Meanwhile, the districts would like to swap the USFS for about 1,400 acres, or the balance of the Dry Gulch drainage basin, but the price of purchasing land sufficient to accommodate such an exchange would likely be cost prohibitive. Because only 400 to 500 acres is necessary for the actual reservoir surface, the districts would like to at least swap for that much, while obtaining a Special Use Permit for the rest. The total cost here could reach $7 million.

Aside from land acquisition, the districts will have to acquire other institutional permits before reservoir and pumping facilities construction can begin. In addition to the Forest Service permit, they’ll need a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit (and probable Environmental Impact Study), a Colorado Division of Water Resources Approval of Dam Designs, a Colorado Division of Wildlife Review of Habitat Evaluations and an Endangered Species Section 7 Consultation. Last year’s estimated permit costs stood at $6.58 million.

As currently structured, the total loan amount would be $22,392,000, or 90 percent of the estimated costs of funding permits and land purchases. Two recent grants obtained by the SJWCD, equaling $1,037,000, will serve as a portion of the districts’ 10-percent match, with the balance coming from possible reserves and/or impact fees. To save on interest charges, the loan would actually be four separate loans with individual closing dates, based on the amounts and timing of expenditures. Terms would include 30 years for repayment, at 3.5 percent interest.

Though the SJWCD is mentioned as a probable contributor toward loan repayment, PAWSD holds more tangible assets and is listed as the sole applicant. According to the application, PAWSD will commit to repayment of the loan from funds available through collection of a Water Resource Fee (WRF), which is a component of its Capital Investment Fee. Currently, the WRF on every new water service is $7,000 per Equivalent Unit or, generally speaking, per each single-family residence.

Board members of both districts have frequently insisted that growth pay its own way, and see the recent advent of the WRF as a step in that direction. Unfortunately though, as housing markets rise and fall, and the number of new home starts fluctuates accordingly, estimated future fee collections are never guaranteed.

Therefore, as any judicious lender would, the CWCB has asked PAWSD to detail alternative loan repayment plans, in the event fee collections prove inadequate.

To comply, another provision in the loan application states, “… a portion of the Water Resource Fee is being considered for debt service on this loan, and if that funding source is not adequate, PAWSD will increase water rates to provide loan debt service.”

Elsewhere, in an accompanying Feasibility Study, PAWSD reiterates, “In the event there is not sufficient WRF funds to repay the CWCB loan, PAWSD will commit to including a surcharge on water rates for existing EU’s in combination with funds available from the Water Resource Fee.”

As mentioned, the districts are pursuing this loan to accommodate the purchase of land and facilitate pre-construction studies and permits. Of course, as the $150 million reservoir project moves forward, other funding sources will become vital. Grants are certain to be among them and rates may climb, while “a proposed increase in the current mill levy to support development of Dry Gulch Reservoir is being considered.”

While growth is expected to pay its own way, those of us still around in a few years may also contribute.

chuck@pagosasun.com


NEWS

COUNTY

Park plan open house next week

Serving as a model for collaboration and a harbinger of concerted planning efforts to come, local governments and organizations have been working together since April to produce a Green Print for the community: a Regional Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. The public will have the opportunity to view the results of this effort Tuesday, Aug. 21, at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave. at an open house sponsored by Archuleta County, the Town of Pagosa Springs, School District 50 Jt. and the Southwest Land Alliance.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with the public invited to view maps and speak with the Greenways, Inc. consultants hired to complete this project. At 6:30, Chuck Fink, of Greenways, will give a formal presentation highlighting existing resources, needs identification and recommendations. He will wrap up the presentation with a description of a “toolbox” of financial options and strategies to ensure plan implementation. The public will have until 8 to linger and comment on the plan.

The Master Plan was made possible by two grants to Archuleta County last December: a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) planning grant and a National Parks Service Recreation and Trails Conservation Assistance grant. The Town of Pagosa Springs, School District 50 Jt. and Southwest Land Alliance are equal partners with the county, donating time and money to the project. Numerous other organizations have been represented on a Technical Review Committee, which has reviewed initial drafts.

This project is a Green Printing of the regional community, plotting a future course for the development and preservation of parks, trails and open space around which local governments will direct growth. Realizing that scarce monetary resources are best leveraged when used collaboratively, the three local governing boards — county, town and school district — signed an intergovernmental agreement last winter dedicating resources to complete a Master Plan. Completion is tentatively set for mid to late October. The plan will then be used in all decisions related to the development, operation and management of recreational amenities, the prioritization of capital projects, and the basis of grant applications.

The draft Master Plan is available now for download and review by visiting the Archuleta County Web site, www.archuletacounty.org, the town Web site, www.townofpagosasprings.com or a Greenways, Inc. Web page at www.greenways.com/pages/ArchuletaDraft.html.

TOWN



INSIDE

Conservation district to sponsor irrigation workshop

The San Juan Conservation District will sponsor a half-day irrigation workshop Aug. 21. The workshop will be held at John Taylor’s ranch, 1-4 p.m.

Participants will be introduced to drop structures and pipe extensions for ditch erosion control. They will also be able to see a gated pipeline in operation.

Jerry Archuleta, district conservationist for the NRCS, will discuss the effects of excessive irrigation on plant species and soils and application techniques for PAM, a polyacrylamide, used to help seal leaky ditches and ponds.

Cody Regnier, soil conservationist for the NRCS, will demonstrate the use of atmometers, tensiometers and water mark sensors — instruments used to optimize the proper volume, frequency and application rate of irrigation water. These tools, used in conjunction with traditional methods, can improve irrigation efficiency. Bob Formwalt, water commissioner, will discuss water measuring devices, water accounting, water decrees, and abandonments.

Call to reserve a space, 731-3615.


National DUI crackdown begins Aug. 17

Law enforcement agencies across Colorado are joining a nationwide DUI crackdown that will last through the Labor Day holiday.

The stepped-up Heat is On enforcement begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 and continues until 3 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4.

Last year, between Aug. 17 and Sept. 4, 18 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Colorado — an average of one person killed each day.

“End-of-summer celebrations, in combination with drinking and driving, make this a very dangerous time of year on Colorado roadways,” said Pamela Hutton, CDOT Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety. “With more people expected on our highways leading up to Labor Day, law enforcement officers will be out in force to get drunk drivers off our roads to save lives.”

In 2006, 217 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Colorado. Three-quarter of those killed were men and nearly one in six were riding motorcycles. Seventeen percent of victims were under age 21.

“Drunk driving is the number one killer on Colorado’s highways,” said Colonel Mark Trostel, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  ”Law enforcement agencies have been working together since Memorial Day weekend to increase DUI enforcement and protect citizens from this deadly crime.  We’re at the point with public information and education where every motorist should know that they shouldn’t drink and drive.  If you’re celebrating with alcohol, have a designated driver or line up other safe, sober transportation.  And remember the best defense against drunk drivers is to buckle up yourself and your passengers.”

The Colorado State Patrol and more than 80 agencies have filed plans for increased patrols, saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints over the 18-day period. During last year’s national crackdown, Colorado law enforcement agencies made 1,969 DUI arrests. DUI violators often face jail time, loss of their driver’s license, alcohol-treatment classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

The Heat Is On enforcement is in conjunction with the national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity. This year’s effort is supported by $11 million in paid-national advertising.

Nationwide in 2005, 12,945 crash fatalities involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, amounting to approximately one fatality every 41 minutes.

For more information on Colorado’s enforcement plans and to view enforcement plans by agency, visit www.dot.state.co.us/trafficsafety/ and click Reports on the header. Choose Enforcement Period Plans, select Summer Checkpoints 2007 and National Crackdown Labor Day 2007 and click Report.


New hotel property slated for downtown site

By James Robinson
Staff Writer

Owners of the Springs Resort are preparing for construction of a new hotel wing and maintenance building — hence the chain-link fencing along the pedestrian path and around the large hot spring.

According to town planning department documents, Gulfstream Worldwide, LTD and Pagosa Springs Resort Co. (listed in the documents as owners of the property), plan to construct two structures: a 22,084 square-foot hotel wing adjacent to the hot spring and pedestrian path behind the existing hotel wing; and a 9,920 square-foot maintenance building south of the hotel and west of the Bank of the San Juans.

Although Gulfstream has not yet received a building permit for either structure, project manager Courtney King of the architecture firm Reynolds and Associates anticipates obtaining the building permit for the hotel by the end of August, and a permit for the maintenance building in late September. Once the respective permits are obtained, King said construction should begin soon thereafter.

King said the fencing is in place as part of staging operations for the forthcoming construction.

Town planning documents indicate Gulfstream has submitted conceptual drawings indicating how the hotel will connect — through design, pedestrian and vehicular circulation — with other potential development slated for the 29-acre parcel bordered on the north by the Springs Resort, on the west by the San Juan River, on the east by Hot Springs Boulevard, and on the south by the community center.

Town Planner Tamra Allen said a master plan that set zoning and overlay districts for the property was adopted in 2001, although the plan does not include site specific development components. Allen said once those components are decided, in part or in whole, they will go before the town’s planning commission, or design review board, when applicable, for approval.

Allen explained when subdivision of property does not occur, the town’s design review board reviews and approves, or denies, development applications. When subdivision plays a factor, a project goes before the planning commission.

In either case, a project is subject to the town’s land use and development code, zoning restrictions, design guidelines, and other requirements.

Planning documents indicate the hotel wing received design review board approval in September 2006, while the maintenance building received approval in May 2007.

King said the hotel wing is being designed and constructed with adherence to “green building” standards.

“The biggest item is energy efficiency,” King said.

The hotel will use geothermal energy for heating. In addition, King said careful attention has gone into materials selection in order to reduce toxicity and off-gassing and to minimize construction waste.

King said when complete, the project should achieve a “gold standard” from LEED, The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

 LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

james@pagosasun.com


Hopi Connections seeks donations for charitable projects

By Wilma Sawatzky
Special to The SUN

Hopi Connections, a Pagosa-based charity founded in early 2004, has been providing clothing and household furniture and other goods to needy Hopi families on their northern Arizona reservation.

School supplies for Hopi children have been provided each year. Health care providers have donated their services to the ill and the elderly.

Now, the charity is committed to replacing a badly leaking ancient roof on the home of a Hopi elder in which four generations of his family live. The home’s interior and scarce appliances are also badly deteriorated or broken, with moldy walls and non-functioning bathroom facilities.

Volunteers donating their labor will replace the roof in mid-September, and later will repair the walls and replace appliances to provide a comfortable home for the family members, including the elderly and the children.

Hopi Connections needs to raise $2,500 for materials to replace the roof prior to traveling to the Hopi Reservation before it can do the work. In addition to accepting financial donations for this and other special projects past and present, HC continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture, appliances and household goods, for delivery to needy Hopi families. The cost of gasoline for these deliveries has skyrocketed. Volunteers wash and sort clothing, repair used donated furniture and help load large volumes of goods onto trailers and trucks for periodic deliveries.

Other Hopi homes are badly in need of repair and HC hopes to assist these families in the future, as funds permit. Items needed immediately for delivery are twin mattresses, small chests of drawers, roll-away beds, folding chairs, benches and small sofas.

Later this year, HC will produce a catalogue of Hopi artists’ work, such as baskets and jewelry, to enable the artists to sell their fine authentic handiwork directly to buyers, to avoid paying high commissions.

Financial contributions to pay for building materials and gasoline for deliveries are urgently needed now.

For further information or to make a donation, call Wilma Sawatzky at 731-4846 or write to Hopi Connections, 124 Hackamore, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.


Humane Society continues work on campus, fund-raising

By Linda Lawrie
Special to The SUN

When SUN readers last read about the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs’ ongoing activities, the organization had just broken ground on the Phase I building for the new shelter campus at 465 Cloman Blvd.

Following the groundbreaking in April, we held a very successful fashion show in May to raise funds for the campus. Though articles in The SUN may have been sparse since then, the activity has been nonstop at the building site as have our endeavors to raise the amounts needed to finish the Phase I and Phase II buildings.

The move from 300 Paws Court to 465 Cloman Blvd. may be a short distance overland, but it involves a huge change in accommodations. The Cloman site will include two buildings: the intake and isolation building (Phase I) and the main shelter (Phase II).

Phase I is a quick construct shell from LeFever Building Systems, yet it’s anything but a “temporary” building. After construction of Phase II, this building will become the impound and isolation facility while the Phase II building will house adoptable dogs and cats. The building will conform to all the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CODA) requirements for an animal shelter, and until Phase II is completed it will house all the cats and dogs. Phase II, which must be completed within one year according to CODA regulations, will eventually house all the healthy and adoptable animals.

The impetus for the Humane Society’s move is, of course, the increased population in Archuleta County as well as the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) expansion project at Stevens Lake. Originally, we had negotiated a shelter move date of July 1, 2007. Fortunately, PAWS has been very lenient in granting extensions as our building schedule has suffered from rock, rain and new regulations. If, as seems possible, we cannot move into the new facility when the PAWSD construction gets underway, we will ask people’s patience with our contingency plans for accommodating both adoptable animals and impounded animals.

The urgency of the move (we’re moving before we acquire all the funds necessary for the whole campus) occurs because PAWSD was able to gain all its required documents for creating the lake expansion from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a little ahead of time. So, we estimate our project has had to move 1.5 years before we had imagined it would

We have been fortunate in our fund-raising effort to have accumulated more than half of the required $1.2 million. Current levels show us at approximately $700,000. While this is over half the required amount, it still leaves us short of the goal.

The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is a (501)(c)(3) charitable organization — all donations are deductible to the extent allowed in federal and state tax codes. We’ve had incredible grass roots support, as evidenced by our “PAWs” wall at both the Thrift Store and the shelter. And, of course, we have bigger donations in hand. Please consider the building fund in your charitable organization donation plans.

To make a donation or find out more about the Homeward Bound campaign, visit our Web site at www.humanesociety.biz, e-mail directly to homewardbound@centurytel.net or call our administrative office at 264-5549. We welcome any and all donations for this important capital campaign.


Fabric art donations on exhibit at
San Juan Historical Society Museum

By Shari Pierce
Special to The SUN

The beautiful stone walls at the San Juan Historical Society Museum make the perfect backdrop for display of fabric arts.

This was seen with the “Pieces of Time: Quilts from the Hand of Cindy Vermillion Hamilton” exhibit earlier this summer. Now, the museum walls provide the backing for the Pines of Pagosa Springs quilt and red work community coverlet that were donated to the museum earlier in the summer.

These pieces made their public debut at the Archuleta County Fair the first weekend of August. Now, they are back at home in the museum and are on display.

These two pieces are very special to the Pagosa Springs area. They were donated by Hazella Haptenstall, a granddaughter of early Pagosa Springs pioneers Joe and Hazel Macht.

Red work
The coverlet that was donated to the museum by Haptenstall is a red work coverlet, framed with a red fabric binding. It is made of 20 blocks, each depicting a different aspect of the early Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs community.

Dates on the blocks range from 1889 to 1905, thus it is very fragile. This community coverlet has been conserved by being hand basted to a muslin backing to give it strength and protect the back of the embroidery stitches.

This red work community coverlet features delightful embroidery work of musical instruments, a lady stitching, a government building and more. It also features names of early settlers to the area — in this case hundreds of names.

Early dyes used in dying threads were not very stable and tended to lose their color. In the mid to late 1800s, a red dye was created in Turkey that was much more stable and held its color. At this time, embroidery became more popular. Much work was done using “Turkey red” on inexpensive muslin fabric. This type of needlework has become known as “red work.”

Pines of Pagosa Springs
The donated quilt is a friendship quilt. This type of quilt is traditionally a simple, pieced block with a signature block incorporated into it or under it. The signatures may be written in ink, or embroidered.

This quilt is done in a traditional pine-tree block. At the base of each tree is a signature block with the names embroidered on it. There are 82 names of early families that settled in this area and include Fern Hott, Charles Day, E.M. Taylor Phil Burns, Lenna Catchpole, Ida Born and more.

The pine tree block friendship quilt was made in 1935 by Hazel Macht; she gave it the name “Pines of Pagosa Springs.”

Collecting history
A binder was available at the fair for people to note if they had information about the hundreds of people stitched into these pieces. A number of people took the time to make notations in the book and the next step in the process will be to begin contacting these people to gather more information.

The museum
Pagosa Springs’ history museum is located at the old town waterworks site at the corner of U.S. 160 and First Street. The town offered this location to the San Juan Historical Society when it was first formed in 1970. About the same time, the Job Corps was being phased out and one of the buildings there was determined to be about the right size for the site. It was dismantled, cut into two pieces, relocated to the new site and reconstructed.

The rock building which houses a portion of the museum was constructed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration. It was constructed to cover the water wheel that pushed the water through the town’s system. The large, open-topped tanks that are behind the museum once served as settlement and holding tanks for the town’s water supply.

Volunteers have been working for more than three decades to collect and preserve the history of the area. The collection that has been amassed is varied and informative. Special exhibits depict life in early day Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children. Be sure to stop by and see these remarkable pieces of Pagosa Springs history that have been returned home.


School district continues to address finances, CSAP

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer

The books have been closed on the 2007 fiscal year for Archuleta County School District 50 Joint and were presented to the board of education Tuesday at its regular monthly meeting.

According to a report presented to the board by business manager Nancy Schutz, the district was within budgeted expenses in all areas, but expenditures still exceeded revenues, so the district had to utilize reserve funds.

Schutz said the reason expenses exceeded revenue was a combination of declining enrollment during the year and the addition of salaried math specialists at the elementary school.

With expenditure of reserves, the general fund balance dropped from $8,726,014 in fiscal year 2006 to $8,388,276 in 2007. The general fund is by far the largest and is dedicated to operating costs and salaries.
The final figures for 2007 could change after an audit to be completed this fall.

Superintendent Mark DeVoti has said the school district will address declining enrollment, and its impact on finances, before it becomes a major issue. The district does not want to continue using reserves. The district is encouraging frugality in its buildings, and will consider eliminating positions when they become open, if necessary.

At the meeting, Bill Esterbrook discussed CSAP results with the board, which were a mixed bag in 2007. He congratulated the elementary school on improvements in math, due to the new specialists, but also said that the district’s results showed areas in need of improvement, adding that the district has the infrastructure in place to improve student achievement.

During the 2007-2008 school year, Esterbrook said the school district will fully implement its achievement plan, in the schools — including professional learning communities, common assessments and models for intervention. The district is asking for complete fidelity to the plan from teachers and administrators, he said.

Esterbrook asked the school board and administrators also to be committed to the plan, and to be patient with gradual improvements, saying that its success rested on their shoulders.

DeVoti said there was hard work ahead, “but I’m looking forward to it.”

During his report, DeVoti informed the board that security cameras will be in place at the high school and junior high by the start of the school year, with implementation in other schools following shortly. Law enforcement officers will have access to videos in case of an emergency, and DeVoti said he thought the cameras would likely improve student behavior during school.

DeVoti announced that the district has found new funding for a reading specialist in the elementary school. The position was cut last spring, when federal funding was lost because the school scored too high on CSAP.

Other items on the agenda included the adoption of a new math curriculum, approval of a shorter calendar year for Archuleta County High School, the “alternative school,” and approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the town and county to fund bleacher repairs in the junior high.

The board also discussed a potential “Who We Are” meeting, likely to be held in September, to introduce citizens to the workings of the district and board.

louis@pagosasun.com


Intermediate school orientation and Back-to-School Luau

Aloha! Principal Lisa Hudson and the staff at Pagosa Springs Intermediate School invite all upcoming fifth- and sixth-grade students and their families to a Back-to-School Luau on Thursday, Aug. 30.

Staff will be serving Kahuna burgers and hotdogs from 5 to 7 p.m. on the lawn in front of the intermediate school building.

Students and parents can meet the teachers, tour classrooms, check out their lockers and get reacquainted with old friends.

Bring your ukuleles and come dressed in your favorite Hawaiian clothes, and have an Aloha good time.


Make appointments for new student registration at high school

The registrar at Pagosa Springs High School has announced that new student registration is being held at the high school Wednesday, Aug. 22 and Thursday, Aug. 23, by appointment only.

You can make your half-hour appointment by calling the front office secretary at 264-2231.

In addition, for all new students to the district, there will be required placement exams in mathematics, English and science, given Monday, Aug. 27. Details about the exams will be available at the time of registration.


IGA to help fund bleacher project at junior high school

By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer

The Archuleta School District 50 Joint Board of Education approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the county and town that would, if approved by both governments, bring $10,000 into the district for repairs and motorization of the bleachers in the junior high school gym, which is also used for town and county activities.

For three years, the district has participated in a Joint Recreational Capital Improvement Fund with the town and the county. Each entity dedicated $20,000 per year to fund parks and recreation facilities that could be used by all three entities. The fund was set up to enable acquisition of matching Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grants, which requires interagency cooperation.

The funds went to the town sports complex on South 5th Street for the first two years. In 2007, the interagency cooperation and GOCO funds went to the county-organized trails master plan, though each agency was only asked to contribute $15,000 of their earmarked $20,000.

The original IGA, which set up the joint fund, was instituted on a three-year cycle, to be renewed at the end of the term. At its regular June meeting, the school board discussed whether or not to continue in the IGA, since the district had not received the opportunity to coordinate a project in the first term. There was also confusion about the original IGA itself, since then Superintendent Duane Noggle had organized the agreement with the county, without school board oversight. Without full understanding of the first agreement, it was not clear to members of the board and district administration that the second (which funded the county trails master plan) would require an additional expenditure.

Despite the confusion, the district held to its commitment and contributed $15,000 to the project. But, Superintendent Mark DeVoti said he hoped to ensure that the district would have one of its projects funded in the future, so he entered into discussion with Archuleta County Special Projects Manager Sheila Berger.

Tuesday, DeVoti presented the result of the dialogue with Berger — an IGA under which town and county would contribute the $5,000 they didn’t put into the trails master plan to help fund bleacher repair and upgrades. But, the funds would not be matched by GOCO grants.

The board’s unanimous approval of the IGA, which still must be approved by county and town officials at a later date, does not guarantee a continuation of the Joint Recreational Capital Improvement Fund in the future. But if the small IGA for the bleachers is put into effect, it could give the school board more confidence that the district won’t be shut out of joint funding in the future.

If the Joint Recreational Capital Improvement Fund IGA continues, DeVoti said the district would look into proposing a school-driven project.

“I don’t want to take on a project we don’t need to do,” he said, indicating it would have to be something the district needs and the town and county can benefit from.

louis@pagosasun.com


Ed Center finalizes schedules for next year

By Renee Haywood
Special to The SUN

Summer is coming to a close, and the Archuleta County Education Center is finalizing fall and spring programming schedules that will include courses and learning activities for children, youth and adults.

Elementary activities
Starting the second week of school, on Sept. 10, our after-school clubroom will take place from 3:15-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 1:15 -5 on Fridays. Our elementary tutoring program will begin Sept. 24, under the continued leadership of coordinator Lucille Stretton. As usual, we will also have enrichment classes offered Monday through Thursday from 3:15-5 p.m., and our Fun Friday afternoons are from 1:15 to 5 p.m.

Intermediate school, junior high
The Homework Center is for kids in grades five to eight who need assistance with their homework and school assignments. This year the Homework Center has a new look. We have hired John Clay as the new coordinator. Clay has worked as an instructor in the homework center for the past four years. He taught high school until his retirement in 1996.

This year the Homework Center staff will work closely with the teachers at the intermediate and junior high schools to get updates on students’ areas of need. The homework center will not only be a place for students needing help with homework, but will also help those students needing help in specific subject areas.

Archuleta County High School
We are looking forward to another successful year at our alternative high school. Registration packets will be available beginning Aug. 20. New students should call Doug Bowen, director, at 264-2835 for an appointment.

Adult classes
Throughout the year we offer a number of computer, foreign languages, and First Aid and CPR classes. Most classes are held in the evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The next First Aid and CPR training classes will be held Tuesday, Sept. 11, and Wednesday, Sept. 12.

We also offer classes for anyone needing to complete their GED or learn English as a second language. Call our office for the new fall schedule.

The Archuleta County Education Center staff looks forward to another successful year serving the community. If you would like to register for any of our classes, call us at 264-2835 or stop by our office located at 4th and Lewis streets for complete class listings. Also, if you have a specific topic you would like the education center to offer, contact Renee Haywood at 264-2835.


Legal Notices

_______________________

`NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 28-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Sandra J. Smith
Original Beneficiary: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Date of Deed of Trust: February 22, 2007
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: February 22, 2007
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $160,000.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $160,000.00
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 20701629
Legal Description of Real Property:
LOTS 20 AND 21 BLOCK 9 OF THE LAKE PAGOSA PARK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF FILED FOR RECORD MARCH 13, 1970 AS RECEPTION NO. 72998 THROUGH 73013.
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 123 Butte Drive Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
Wells Fargo Bank, NA, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 a.m. o’clock in the forenoon of September 27, 2007, at the front door of the Archuleta County Public Trustee’s Office, 449 San Juan Street, P O Box 790, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
CASTLE MEINHOLD & STAWIARSKI, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: August 6, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
/s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Attorney:
Castle Meinhold & Stawiarski, LLC
Caren Jacobs Castle
999 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 865-1480
Published August 16, 23, 30, September 6 and 13, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners seeks three volunteers to serve on the County’s Board of Reviews. A vacancy for a 2 year term and two vacancies for 3 year terms. Citizens interested in building issues are encouraged to apply. Please send letters of interest and background information to the County Commissioners Office, Attn: Board of Reviews, PO Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Your application may be faxed to 264-8306 or emailed to commissioners@archuletacounty.org. For more information please see our website at www.archuletacounty.org. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2007.
Published August 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NORTHEAST PARKING LOT REPLACEMENT
Site B

Archuleta Housing Corporation
Archuleta Housing Corporation will contract out the replacement of the parking area along the east side, north end, at Site B. The Work consists of removing the existing concrete and a portion of the asphalt pavement, approximately 3000 SF, replacing any removed base course and repaving the entire area with concrete as per the plans and specifications. All concrete, asphalt and other construction debris shall be properly removed from the site in an acceptable manner approved by the Owner. The Contractor shall visit the site and verify all quantities and dimensions prior to submitting their bid. A one-year warranty is required. Site B is located at North 5th and Juanita Streets. Plans and specifications are available at Archuleta Housing Corporation office, 970-264-2195, located at 702 San Juan Street in Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Bids are due at said office by August 31st, 2007 at 12:00 p.m.
Published August 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (“District”) of Archuleta County, Colorado, will make final payment at 100 Lyn Avenue, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on August 31, 2007, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. to T. Lowell Construction, Inc., of Douglas County, Colorado for all work done by said Contractor(s) for the Dutton Ditch Pipeline Project work performed within the District.
Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the District, whose address is, P. O. Drawer 4610, 100 Lyn Ave., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 , on or before the date and time hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release the District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAGOSA AREA WATER AND
SANITATION DISTRICT
By: /s/ Carrie S. Weiss Manager
Published August 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF SALE

COLORADO- ALL PURPOSE STORAGE WILL SELL OR DISPOSE OF THE CONTENTS OF THE FOLLOWING UNITS # C-60, IN ORDER TO PAY OFF PAST DUE RENTS, LATE CHARGES & COLLECTION CHARGES.
DATE OF SALE: SEPT. 6TH, 2007
TENANT: GAIL STELMASEK
CONTENTS: MISC. HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Published August 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
JOHN RICHARD BROWN, JR. HELEN BROWN and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 72

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 38, Building Number 38, Unit Week Number 19, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE III”, as Reception No. 130203 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 6th day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published August 16, 23, 30, September 6 and 13, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
MARVIN BULLARD, KATHY A. BULLARD and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 73

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 14, Building Number 14, Unit Week Number 13, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE TWO”, as Reception No. 122870 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this ____ day of ___________________, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published August 16, 23, 30, September 6 and 13, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiff
v.
ROBERT E. HUGHES, MARY K. HUGHES and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interest In The Subject Matter Of This Action,
Defendant.
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 94

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 31, Building Number 31, Unit Week Number 26, in “EAGLE’S LOFT – Phase Three, as Reception No. 130203 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 2nd day of August, 2007.
/s/ Larry W. Holthus
Larry W. Holthus
Published August 16, 23, 30, September 6 and 13, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 7,
COLORADO
WATER RESUME

TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN SAID WATER DIVISION NO. 7
Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of July, 2007, for Archuleta County.
07CW48 Dan and Jenifer Fumagalli, P. O. Box 2498, Pagosa springs, CO 81147: Fumagalli Pump; Archuleta County; SW1/4NE1/4, Section 29, T34N, R4W, NMPM, 1906 feet from N and 1742 feet from E, 4346 Highway 151, Northing 4115594, Easting 295387, Zone 13; Stollsteimer Creek; Date of initiation of appropriation, June 26, 2007; Appropriation initiated by pumping from river; Date applied to beneficial use, June 26, 2007; Irrigation; Application for Water Rights (4 pages)
07CW50 Archuleta County; Coyote Creek, Tributary to Navajo River, Tributary to San Juan River, Water District No. 77. Alpine Lakes Ditch and Reservoir Company, Inc., c/o Bill Ide, President, P.O. Box 2073, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF WATER RIGHTS. FIRST CLAIM: Decreed name of structure for which change is sought: Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch. From previous Decree: A. Date Entered: December 31, 1971; Case No.: W-381; Court: District Court, Water Division No. 7, State of Colorado; B. Decreed Point of Diversion: “on Coyote Creek, bears S70°52’E, 3,415.0 feet from the 1⁄4 corner between Section 24, T. 33N., R. 1W., N.M.P.M. and Section 19, T. 33N., R. 1E., N.M.P.M.”. The diversion point for the Coyote-Boone Creek ditch is also described as follows: NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4, Section 19, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., 1,280 feet from the South Section line and 1,730 feet from the East Section line of said Section 19 (based on USGS Edith Quadrangle). Figure 1 included in application. Source: Coyote Creek, tributary to Navajo River, tributary to San Juan River. Appropriation Date: August 01, 1970. Amount: 6.0 cubic feet per second (cfs). In the 2000 Abandonment Case 1.50 cfs of the 6.0 cfs decreed to the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch was abandoned with another 1.50 cfs to be changed to the headgate of the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch (per Division of Water Resources correspondence dated 19 November 2001). Decreed Use: irrigation, domestic, stock watering and recreation. Historic Use: irrigation, stock watering and wildlife watering. Proposed Change: Applicant seeks to change 1.50 cfs of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch water rights to the headgate of the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch. This change is pursuant to prior agreement with the Division of Water Resources as noted under item 3.E. above. The amount of historic irrigated acreage on Alpine Lakes Ranch will remain the same after this change is decreed, thus this change of water right will not create an expansion of historic use. The decreed location of the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch is as follows: As described in the decree dated 19 April, 1962 in Case Nos. 73 and 308, District Court, Archuleta County, appropriation date: 31 October 1947, 1962 District Priority No. 335, for 3.0 cfs for irrigation purposes, on the southeasterly bank of Coyote Creek, whence the southwest corner of Section 20, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., bears S23°42’W, a distance of 5,254.65 feet. The diversion point for the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch is also described as follows: NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4, Section 20, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., 100 feet from the North Section line and 2,740 feet from the East Section line of said Section 20 (based on USGS Chromo Quadrangle). After changing the 1.50 cfs to the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch the decreed diversion amount for the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch will total 3.0 cfs (1.50 cfs abandoned in 2000 Abandonment Case). Name and Address of Owner(s) of Land on Which Structure(s) are Located: Initial reach of Coyote Boone Creek Ditch located on USFS lands; remainder of Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch course located on easement owned by the Applicant. Initial reach of Bigbee No. 1 Ditch course located on USFS lands; remainder of Bigbee No. 1 Ditch course located on easement owned by the Applicant. Remarks: There are no intervening water rights located between the diversion points for the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch and the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch, except for the Krenz Ditch. The Krenz Ditch water rights are owned by the Applicant (Figure 1 in application). After changing 1.50 cfs of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch water rights to the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch, the total decreed amount to be diverted at the headgate of the Bigbee No. 1 Ditch will be 4.50 cfs. SECOND CLAIM: Decreed Name of Structure for Which Changes are Sought: Bigbee No. 2 Ditch. From Previous Decree: A. Date Entered: April 19, 1962; Case No.: W-217; Court: District Court, Water Division No. 7, State of Colorado; B. Decreed Point of Diversion: located in the SE1⁄4, NW1⁄4, SW1/4 of Section 19, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., whence SW corner of Section 24, T. 33N., R. 1W., N.M.P.M. bears S74°30’W, 6,360.0 feet. The original decreed diversion point for the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch is also described as follows: SW1⁄4, NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4, Section 19, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., 1,580 feet from the South Section line and 3,960 feet from the East Section line of said Section 19 (based on USGS Edith Quadrangle). Figure 1 included in application. Source: Coyote Creek, tributary to Navajo River, tributary to San Juan River. Appropriation Date: August 25, 1950. Amount: 2.0 cubic feet per second (cfs). Decreed Use: irrigation. Historic Use: irrigation, stock watering and wildlife watering. Proposed Change: Applicant seeks to change the decreed location of Bigbee No. 2 Ditch to the headgate of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch. Due to downcutting along Coyote Creek, it was becoming very difficult to divert at the original decreed headgate location of the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch. Irrigation water carried in the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch is now supplied to the ditch from a lateral off the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch; thus the actual Bigbee No. 2 Ditch diversions out of Coyote Creek occur at the headgate of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch. After this change is decreed, there will be no change in historic irrigation under the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch. This change merely clarifies that diversions into the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch are occurring from a lateral off the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch instead of direct diversions from Coyote Creek. In either case, the source water for the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch is from diversions out of Coyote Creek. The decreed location for the diversion point of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch is as follows: “on Coyote Creek, bears S70°52’E, 3,415.0 feet from the 1⁄4 corner between Section 24, T. 33N., R. 1W., N.M.P.M. and Section 19, T. 33N., R. 1E., N.M.P.M.”. The diversion point for the Coyote-Boone Creek ditch is also described as follows: NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4, Section 19, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., 1,280 feet from the South Section line and 1,730 feet from the East Section line of said Section 19 (based on USGS Edith Quadrangle). The Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch was decreed in Case W-381 for 6.0 cfs, adjudication date 12/31/1971, appropriation date 08/01/1970 (see First Claim of this application). The location of the lateral diversion point for the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch off the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch is as follows: SE1⁄4, NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4, Section 19, Township 33 North, Range 1 East, N.M.P.M., 1,660 feet from the South Section line and 3,180 feet from the East Section line of said Section 19 (based on USGS Edith Quadrangle). Figure 1 included in application. The initial reach of the changed Bigbee No. 2 Ditch lateral off of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch is located on US Forest Service lands. Applicant has already received a Special Use Permit for the initial reach of the changed Bigbee No. 2 Ditch lateral located on U.S. Forest Service lands in 2002 (USFS File Code 2720 in correspondence dated 28 October 2002). Name and Address of Owner(s) of Land on Which Structure(s) is Located: Initial reach of Coyote Boone Creek Ditch located on USFS lands; remainder of Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch course located on easement owned by the Applicant. Initial reach of changed Bigbee No. 2 Ditch lateral located on USFS lands; remainder of ditch course located on easement owned by the Applicant. Remarks: Figure 1 included in application. There are no intervening water rights located between the original decreed diversion point, and the changed diversion point, for the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch and the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch. After changing the decreed diversion point for the 2.00 cfs of the Bigbee No. 2 Ditch water rights to the headgate of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch, the total decreed amount to be diverted at the headgate of the Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch will be 5.00 cfs (3.0 cfs remaining under Coyote-Boone Creek Ditch water rights (after change described in First Claim of this application) + 2.00 cfs changed from Bigbee No. 2 Ditch water rights) (5 pages)
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE until the last day of September, 2007, to file with the Water Clerk, in quadruplicate, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why a certain application should not be granted or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. A copy of such Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the applicant or the applicant’s attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service shall be filed with the Water Clerk, as prescribed by Rule 5, CRCP. (Filing fee: $90.00; Forms are available through the Office of the Water Clerk or on the Judicial website at www.courts.state.co.us; Paula K. Petersen, Clerk of the Water Court, 1060 E. 2nd Ave., Room 106, Durango, CO 81301-5157; 970-247-2304, Ext. 6115)
Published: before August 31, 2007
Original signature on file
Paula K. Petersen, Water Clerk
Published August 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

Notice is hereby given that final payment will be made on the 30th day of September, 2007 on a contract dated October 13, 2006 between the Seeds of Learning (Owner) and Jaynes Corporation of Colorado (Contractor) under and in connection with the said contract and whose claim has not been paid by the Contractor shall, by the 15th day of September, 2007, file with the Owner a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim. Failure on the part of the claimant to file such settlement will relieve the Owner from any or all liability for such claims.
Owner, Seeds of Learning
Published August 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO
Cemetery Road Reconstruction Project — Phase 2

The Town of Pagosa Springs is in the process of finalizing the above listed project constructed by Strohecker Asphalt and Paving, Inc. Any claims against this project by suppliers, subcontractors, or others should be delivered to the project engineering firm of Davis Engineering Service, Inc. at 188 S. 8th Street, P.O. Box 1208, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147. All claims shall be delivered prior to August 21, 2007. Any claims received after August 21, 2007 shall not be considered. Claim forms can be obtained from Davis Engineering Service, Inc. (Phone 970-264-5055).
Published July 26 and August 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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The Archuleta County Housing Authority hereby gives notice of a Public Hearing to receive and consider public comment on the proposed Annual PHA Plan for fiscal year 2008. The Hearing is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at Housing Solutions for the Southwest, 295 Girard St., Durango, CO 81303. The PHA Plans with attachments and supporting documents for fiscal year 2008 and the 5-year plan for fiscal years 2005-2009 will be available for public inspection beginning August 2nd, 2007 at Housing Solutions for the Southwest, 295 Girard St., Durango, CO from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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A final Minor Subdivision consisting of an .69 acre tract at 600 Cloman Industrial Park located at 600 Cloman Blvd. is being proposed as a Commercial Condominium Complex.
Anyone who wishes to comment should contact the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, Co. 81147-1507, (970)-264-5851, Planner Cindy Schultz cschultz@archuletacounty.org prior to consideration of this final plat request by the Archuleta County Planning Commission on August 22 @ 6:00 pm in the County Courthouse or attend the public meeting and be heard.
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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A final Minor Subdivision consisting of an 18.31 acre tract, and a 21.34 acre tract in size is proposed in the (NW of the NE Quarter of Section 26, Township 36-N and Range 25 W NMPM.) The nearest cross streets are Indian Paint Brush Dr. and Morning Glory Drive. Anyone who wishes to comment should contact the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, Co. 81147-1507, (970)-264-5851, Planner Cindy Schultz cschultz@archuletacounty.org prior to consideration of this final plat request by the Archuleta County Planning Commission on August 22 @ 6:00 pm in the County Courthouse or attend the public meeting and be heard.
Sincerely,
(Peter & Hana Kukla / Owners)
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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Notice for Publication

A variance from section 3.1.4 of the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations regarding the rear setback for one lot located on approximately .1 acres is proposed in a portion of Lot 48, Block 12, Lake Pagosa Park. The property is located at 41 Lofty Court, Pagosa Springs, CO, approximately 260 feet from the intersection of Lofty Ct. and Cloud Cap.
Comments regarding this proposal may be submitted to the Archuleta County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1507, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-1507, telephone: (970) 731-3877 prior to the public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners on August 21, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse. If you prefer, you may attend the public hearing and be heard.
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting and election of directors for Western Heritage Event Center and Pagosa Springs Enterprises, Inc., organizer and sponsor of the annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, will be held at 6 p.m. August 16, 2007.
At the meeting in the Archuleta County Fair building, two directors will be elected to a three-year term each.
Only certificate holders of record as of June 16, 2007 will be entitled to vote. Proxy votes must be in writing designating the person who is to cast the vote (who must be a stockholder of the corporation), and have signature of member and date. Proxies must be presented at the beginning of the annual meeting at registration. The maximum number of proxies any individual can represent is five (5).
Current board members are Wes Lewis, president; Jim Bramwell, vice president; Lisa Scott, secretary/treasurer; J.R. Ford, Terri House, Craig Kamps, Tim McRee, Mike Ray, and Alvin Schaaf, all directors.
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF INTENT OF A CONTINUOUS WINTER PROGRAM TO MODIFY WEATHER

Notice is hereby given that North American Weather Consultants, Inc., 8180 So. Highland Dr., Ste. B-2, Sandy, UT 84093, hereinafter referred to as NAWC, has filed with the Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board an application for renewal of its permit to conduct a weather modification program within the State of Colorado within the areas specified herein. NAWC shall conduct this program for the following entities:
• Gunnison County, Dos Rios Water System, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Town of Crested Butte, City of Gunnison, Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association, Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District, East River Regional Sanitation District, and Crested Butte South Metropolitan District.
The name of the person who shall be in control of the program is Don A. Griffith, President of North American Weather Consultants, Inc. The Primary Target Area for which a continuous Weather Modification Permit is sought is defined as follows:
Mountainous areas above 9000 feet mean sea level located within Gunnison, northern Saguache and northern Hinsdale Counties that contribute streamflow to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Drainages that originate from these areas include, but are not limited to, the upper Gunnison River, East Fork River, Taylor River, Slate River, Ohio Creek, Tomichi Creek, Cochetopa Creek, Cebolla Creek, and Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
The Colorado Revised Statutes (Title 20, 36-20-101 through 36-20-126) do not require notice for permit renewals but in an exercise in caution the applicant is publishing notice in the target area counties and adjacent counties. The adjacent counties include the following: Montrose, Delta, Mesa, Pitkin, Chaffee, Ouray, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Alamosa, Rio Grande, Mineral, Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan.
The expected duration of operations is November 15 through - April 15 each year for a continuous program. Adequate safeguards are in place to limit weather modification operations to the realm of natural variability including but not limited to: severe conditions monitoring, snowpack thresholds, and avalanche danger. The CWCB coordinates regularly with permitted projects to ensure that operations are being conducted judiciously to minimize danger to the land, health, safety, people, property and the environment on behalf of the citizens of Colorado.
The intended effect of the weather modification operations is to increase precipitation/snowpack water content in the Primary Target Area to benefit: the natural habitat, agriculture, municipal water, stock growers, recreational and tourism interests and the area economy.
Complete details of the operations to be conducted by NAWC are available upon request from: North American Weather Consultants, Inc. 8180 So. Highland Dr., Ste. B-2, Sandy, UT 84093 or from the Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Centennial Building, Suite 721, 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203.
If anyone seeks to participate in a hearing on the renewal of this permit such requests shall be filed by August 13th in writing to Joe Busto, Colorado Water Conservation Board, 1313 Sherman Street # 721, Denver, Colorado, 80203 or joe.busto@state.co.us. A hearing will be held by conference call on August 17th, 2007 at 9:00AM.
NORTH AMERICAN WEATHER
CONSULTANTS, INC.
Published August 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE’S SALE

Public Trustee No. 26-2007
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor: Linda D. Paskey
Original Beneficiary: HomeAmerican Credit, Inc.
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, f/k/a JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2004, among Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC, Asset Backed Funding Corporation, Litton Loan Servicing LP and JPMorgan Chase Bank, C-BASS Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-CB5
Date of Deed of Trust: March 19, 2004
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: March 25, 2004
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $471,750.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $454,443.56
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: as Reception No. 20402862
Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 10, TEYUAKAN SUBDIVISION PHASE TWO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF FILED AUGUST 5, 1983 AS RECEPTION NO. 117828.
COUNTY OF ARCHULETA, STATE OF COLORADO Also known as: 1552 Roush Drive, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST, THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, f/k/a JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2004, among Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC, Asset Backed Funding Corporation, Litton Loan Servicing LP and JPMorgan Chase Bank, C-BASS Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-CB5, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law in said Deed of Trust;
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 a.m. o’clock in the forenoon of September 20, 2007 at Public Trustee office at P.O. Box 790, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
THE LAW FIRM OF ARONOWITZ AND FORD, LLP IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
DATED: August 2, 2007.
Lois Baker
Public Trustee of Archuleta County
By: /s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Deputy Public Trustee
Attorney:
Aronowitz and Ford, LLP
Robert J. Aronowitz, Esq Reg. No. 5673 /Stacey L. Aronowitz, Esq. Reg. No. 36290
Joel T. Mecklenburg, Esq. Reg. No. 36291
199 Bannock Street
Denver, Colorado 80204
Telephone: (303) 813-1177
Published August 9, 16, 23, 30 and September 6, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE’S SALE

No. 27-2007
This Notice is given with regard to the Deed of Trust described as follows:
Original Grantor (Borrower): WSRE INVESTMENT, LTD
Original Beneficiary: PAGOSA REALTY, a Colorado Partnership
Current Owner of Evidence of Debt: PAGOSA REALTY, a Colorado Partnership
Date of Deed of Trust: May 1, 2001 (Modified June 27, 2005)
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: May 18, 2001 (Modified Sept. 15, 2005)
County of Recording: ARCHULETA
Reception and/or Film Nos. of Recorded Deed of Trust: 20104195 (modified TD 20509695)
Book and Page of Deed of Trust:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the owner of the evidence of debt secured by the Deed of Trust described above, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided in said Deed of Trust. The original principal amount of the Evidence of Debt was $509,659 (modified to $391,894) ($509,659 (modified to $391,894) dollars. The outstanding principal balance due and owing was THREE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY FOUR DOLLARS AND 00/100 ($369,894.00) dollars, as of May 27, 2007.
The following described property is A PORTION of the property encumbered by the Original Deed of Trust:
Lot 3, Piedra Estates Subdivision the Westerly 6.07 Acres of Tract G, according to the plat thereof recorded December 11,1997 as Reception No. 97009658, Archuleta County, Colorado, and as thereafter amended and pursuant to a Re-Plat of the Subdivision recorded May 18, 2001 as Reception No. 20104196.
Note: the modified deed of trust, recorded September 15, 2005, at Reception No. 20509695, in paragraphs 4, and 6(v) of said modification, changed the legal description of the encumbered parcel such that it is also described as ALL of:
Lot 3, Piedra Estates Subdivision the Westerly 6.07 Acres of Tract G, according to the plat thereof recorded May 18, 2001 as Reception No. 20104196.
Also known by street and number as: parcel Number 569915206047R THEREFORE NOTICE IS GIVEN that I will at 10:00 o’clock a.m., on the date of September 27, 2007, at the Archuleta County Public Trustee Office, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the real property described above, and all interest of the Grantor, the heirs, successors and assigns of the Grantor, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in the evidence of debt and Deed of Trust, attorney’s fees, and the expenses of sale, and will deliver to the purchaser a certificate of purchase, all as provided by law.
Date: August 3, 2007 /s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee, ARCHULETA County, State of Colorado
By: /s/ Vicky Rudock
Deputy Public Trustee
David B. Kirkpatrick #36964
960 E. 2nd Ave
Durango, CO 81301
Phone Number 970-247-0269
FAX Number: 970-247-0277
Published August 9, 16, 23, 30 and September 6, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 25-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Betty Jean McConnell
Original Beneficiary: GreenPoint Mortgage Corporation
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: GreenPoint Mortgage Funding
Date of Deed of Trust: June 13, 1997
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: June 13, 1997
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $126,350.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $110,825.06
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 97003671
Legal Description of Real Property:
LOTS 446 AND 447 IN PAGOSA HIGHLANDS ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION FILED FOR RECORD FEBRUARY 7, 1972 AS RECEPTION NO. 75409
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 30 E Nebo Court Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 a.m. o’clock in the forenoon of September 13, 2007, Office of the Archuleta County Public Trustee, Archuleta County Courthouse, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
ROBERT J. HOPP & ASSOCIATES, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: July 24, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
/s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Attorney:
William R. Arant, III
Robert J. Hopp & Associates, LLC
Denver, CO 80201
(303) 788-9600
Published August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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DISTRICT COURT, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Plaintiff(s):
PATRICIA J. ARTHUR;
STEPHEN S. ARTHUR;
V.
Defendant(s):
THOMAS W. BRADY; MARY CORNELIA BRADY McGRORY; MICHAEL CURRAN BRADY; GERARD PATRICK BRADY; FAIRFIELD USA; PAGOSA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; PAGOSA AREA WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT; LOIS BAKER, Treasurer and Public Trustee of the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado; AD ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION.
Case Number: 07CV61
Party or Parties without attorney:
Patricia J. Arthur and Stephen S. Arthur
11. Silver Spruce Drive
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-7050; 719-539-7051 (fax)
pattiarthur@aol.com (email)

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 30 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this Summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 30 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet the title of the Plaintiffs in and to the real property situate in Archuleta County, Colorado, more particularly described as follows:
PAGOSA HIGHLANDS ESTATES, LOT #268, 7430 N. PAGOSA BLVD., PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO 81147, 25-36-2-1/2W, #558325311004
Dated July 23, 2007
/s/ Patricia J. Arthur
Patricia J. Arthur, Plaintiff Pro Se
/s/ Stephen S. Arthur
Stephen S. Arthur, Plaintiff Pro Se
This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Published August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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DISTRICT COURT, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: 449 San Juan St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Plaintiff(s):
PATRICIA J. ARTHUR;
STEPHEN S. ARTHUR;
V.
Defendant(s):
RALPH ELLSAESSER aka RALPH ELLAESSER; GENEVA I. VEIRS; FAIRFIELD USA; PAGOSA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; PAGOSA AREA WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT; LOIS BAKER, Treasurer and Public Trustee of the County of Archuleta, State of Colorado; AD ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION.
Case Number: 07CV60
Party or Parties without attorney:
Patricia J. Arthur and Stephen S. Arthur
11. Silver Spruce Drive
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-7050; 719-539-7051 (fax)
pattiarthur@aol.com (email)

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 30 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this Summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 30 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet the title of the Plaintiffs in and to the real property situate in Archuleta County, Colorado, more particularly described as follows:
PAGOSA HIGHLANDS ESTATES, LOT #747, 169 SADDLE CIRCLE., PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO 81147, 36-36-2-1/2W, #558336210012
Dated July 23, 2007
/s/ Patricia J. Arthur
Patricia J. Arthur, Plaintiff Pro Se
/s/ Stephen S. Arthur
Stephen S. Arthur, Plaintiff Pro Se
This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Published August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
Public Trustee No. 23-2007

To Whom it may Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
Grantor (Borrower): Alexandria Reeds
Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for NFS Loans, Inc.
Current Owner of the Evidence of Debt: Wells Fargo Bank N.A., trustee for Carrington Mortgage Loan, Trust Series 2006-NC5 Asset-Backed Pass Through Certificates
Date of Deed of Trust: September 18, 2006
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: September 29, 2006
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $225,250.00
Outstanding Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt as of the date hereof: $225,065.18
County of Recording: Archuleta
Book and Page No. or Reception No. of Recorded Deed of Trust: at Reception No. 20609470
Legal Description of Real Property:
SEE EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE
Legal Description
The real property, together with improvements, if any, situate, lying and being in the County of Archuleta and State of Colorado, described as follows:
Lots 158 and 159 Aspen Springs Subdivision No. 5, according to the plat thereof filed August 3, 1971, as Reception No. 74690, in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Archuleta County, Colorado.
WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 215 Toms Place Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
Wells Fargo Bank N.A., trustee for Carrington Mortgage Loan, Trust Series 2006-NC5 Asset-Backed Pass Through Certificates, the owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice is Hereby Given that I will, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of September 6, 2007, Office of the Archuleta County Public Trustee, Archuleta County Courthouse, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
ROBERT J. HOPP & ASSOCIATES, LLC IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Dated: July 16, 2007
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee in and for the County of
Archuleta, Colorado
/s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Attorney:
William R. Arant, III
Robert J. Hopp & Associates, LLC
PO Box 8689
Denver, CO 80201
(303) 788-9600
Published July 26, August 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRUSTEE SALE
(No. 24-2007)

WHEREAS, Chad Lane, Grantor(s), by deed of trust dated February 7, 2006, and recorded February 13, 2006 as Reception No. 20601592 in the records of Archuleta County, Colorado, conveyed to the Public Trustee in Archuleta County, the following described real property in Archuleta County, to wit:
Lot 69, Pagosa In The Pines Unit Two, according to the plat thereof filed February 7, 1972 as Reception No. 75408, in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Archuleta County, Colorado
Also known as street and number: 32 N Birdie Ct., Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147
Said real property is all of the real property currently encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust, however, property other than the real property described above, including, but not limited to, personal property, also may be encumbered by the deed of trust. Said deed of trust secures a promissory note of even date therewith for the original principal amount of $156,000.00 payable to the order of Argent Mortgage Company, LLC on the terms set forth in said note and deed of trust; and
As Required By C.R.S. 24-70-109, We Hereby Notify You That The Above Described Deed Of Trust Being Foreclosed “May Not Be A First Lien.”
WHEREAS, Deutsch Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee of Argent Mortgage Securities, Inc. Asset Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-W2 under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of February 1, 2006, the legal holder of said note and deed of trust has filed written election and demand for sale as provided in said deed of trust. The outstanding principal balance due currently is $156,000.00.
THEREFORE, notice hereby is given that at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of September 6 2007, , I will sell at public auction the said real property and all interest of said Grantor, Grantor’s heirs and/or successors and assigns therein to the highest and best bidder for cash for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said note and deed of trust, attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and all other charges allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser(s) a certificate of purchase, all as provided by law.
BERENBAUM, WEINSHIENK & EASON, P.C.
Charles A. Bewley
370 17th Street, Suite 4800
Denver, Colorado 80202-5698
303-825-0800
Loan No. 0094030913
/s/ Lois Baker
Public Trustee For Archuleta County,
State Of Colorado
By: /s/ Vicky Rudock
Deputy Public Trustee
Dated: July 17, 2007
Published July 26, August 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
vs.
BARBARA J. CHATMAN, SONJA J. CURRY and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests In The Subject Matter Of This Action
Defendants
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 07 CV 71

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the Court in this action, by filing with the Clerk of this Court, an Answer or other response. You are required to file your Answer or other response within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.
This is an action to quiet title to:
Unit Number 49, Building Number 49, Unit Week Number 24, in “EAGLE’S LOFT - PHASE IV”, as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
Dated this 16th day of July, 2007.
Larry W. Holthus
Published July 26, August 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

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PT Sale 22-2007
Notice of Public Trustee’s Sale No.
File # 07-3908; Loan # 0040197519

This Notice of Public Trustee Sale concerns the following described Deed of Trust:
Original Grantor: Justin Robbins
Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for Meridias Capital, Inc
Current Owner of Evidence of Debt: Aurora Loan Services, LLC
Date of Deed of Trust: February 20, 2007
Recording Date of Deed of Trust: March 1, 2007
Recording Information: Reception No. 20701829
County of Recording: Archuleta
Original Principal Amount: $524,000.00
Current Unpaid Principal: $524,000.00
The property being foreclosed is all of the property described as follows:
Lot 33 in North Village Lake, according to the Plat thereof filed for record March 16, 1982 as Reception No. 109817, and Correction Plat filed for record September 30, 1982 as Reception No. 112864, and Affidavit of Correction Plat filed for record April 4, 1983 in Book 197 at Page 366.
alleged property address: 69 Northshore Circle, Pagosa Springs CO 81147
Notice is hereby given:
1) the current owner of the Evidence of Debt secured by the above described Deed of Trust has filed written Notice of Election and Demand for Sale;
2) on August 30, 2007, at 10:00 at the front door of the Archuleta County Public Trustee’s Office located at 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs, CO, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, the real property described above, and all interest of said Grantor, the heirs and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said note and deed of trust, attorneys fees, and the expenses of sale, and will deliver to the purchaser a certificate of purchase, as provided by law; and
3) the lien being foreclosed may not be a first lien.
/s/ Lois Baker
Archuleta County Public Trustee
By: /s/ Vicky Rudock, Deputy
Dated 7-10-07
Toni M. N. Dale, Holly L. Decker, Dale & Decker, LLC, 2 Inverness Drive East, Suite 105, Englewood, CO 80112; Ph#720-493-4600; Fx#866-303-8293, Email: mail@daledecker.com
Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices, this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Published July 19, 26, August 2, 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

District Court, Archuleta County, State of Colorado
Court Address: PO Box 148, 449 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
EAGLE’S LOFT PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Plaintiffs,
Vs.
JOE JANSKI, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOE JANSKI, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THE ESTATE OF JOE JANSKI AND VIRGINIA M. JANSKI and All Unknown Persons Who Claim Any Interests in the Subject Matter of This Action
Defendants.
Attorney for Plaintiffs:
Larry W. Holthus
PO Box 1737
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone Number: (970) 264-4196
FAX Number: (970) 264-4197
Atty. Reg. #: 10535
Case Number: 06 CV 52
SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE

Under a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered July 6, 2007 in the above entitled action, I am ordered to sell the following property which is all of the property currently encumbered by the lien described in said Judgment and decree of Foreclosure:
Unit Number 49, Building Number 49, Unit Week Number 21, in “EAGLE’S LOFT “Phase IV” as Reception No. 137941 and in accordance with and as limited and defined by the Declaration of Individual and/or Interval Ownership, recorded under Reception Number 117700 in Book 200 at Page 834 et seq and amendments and supplements thereto in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder in and for Archuleta County, Colorado.
The Plaintiff named above is the judgment creditor in this action and the current owner of the evidence of debt (the Judgment entered herein) secured by the property being sold; and as of June 1, 2007, the outstanding balance due and owing on such judgment is $4,461.64.
I shall offer for public sale to the highest bidder, for cash, at public auction all the right, title and interest of the Defendants in said property on August 22, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., at the Sheriff’s Office, 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
NOTE: THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN
/s/ John J. Weiss
JOHN J. WEISS, UNDERSHERIFF
FOR: PETER L. GONZALEZ, SHERIFF
Archuleta County, Colorado
Published July 19, 26, August 2, 9 and 16, 2007 in The Pagosa Springs SUN.

_______________________

Women Helping Women sell roses again this year

By Joanne Irons
Special to The PREVIEW
 

Larry and Bonnie Sprague of High Plains Nursery in Allison are supplying beautiful rose shrubs grown at this altitude for Women Helping Women. 

Rose bushes were sold last year for the group and are back by popular demand.  

Assorted colors are available and the plants can be preordered. They will be transported to Pagosa Springs and can be picked up at Airport Self Storage.

Proceeds from the sale of the rose bushes support the group which helps women in need in our community. 

If you would like to order the rose bushes they are $30 each. To order, stop by Airport Self Storage or call Charlotte at 731-2224 or Joanne Irons at 946-7545. 

Women Helping Women hosted a No Wine and Cheese Party last year at the home of JoAnn and Ray Laird, held a Pajama Party at the Liberty Theater  and sold rose bushes to raise money.  Various recipients received support from the group throughout the year.    Donations or requests to help someone in our community are always welcomed.

The Community United Methodist Church of Pagosa Springs sponsors this ministry.


Families-Helping-Families to hold yard and bake sales

By Margaret Gallegos
Special to The PREVIEW

Local families will benefit from Families-Helping-Families yard and bake sales.

Sale organizers are gearing up to host several yard/bake sales this summer. Many people help with this great cause — donate items for the sale, give of their time, or simply purchase any of the hundreds of yard sale treasures.

All proceeds are donated by the non-profit group to families in need of monetary assistance for medical and other expenses.

Organizers are accepting all types of donations and items for resale, and baked goods are also being solicited. Nonperishable food donations are welcome. Donated items should be in working condition. Sale items of interest include household and sporting goods, furniture, appliances, toys, books, televisions, electronics, automotive, tools, linens and baby items. The yard and bake sales are held at the Kiva Mini Storage located at 80 Bastille Drive. From U.S. 160, travel north on North Pagosa Boulevard and turn west on Bastille Drive.

Contact Margaret, 264-2970, or Tessie, 731-9244, for more information, to schedule a drop-off or pickup of donations, or if Families-Helping-Families can assist your family.


Author Hampton Sides at booksigning, fund-raiser

Hampton Sides, author of “Blood and Thunder,” the definitive history of Kit Carson in the West, will visit the Fred Harman Museum for a book signing at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25.

An auction of a photo of the famous Kit Carson tree carving will be held following the book signing. The tree is also on display at the museum.

Proceeds from the photograph auction and a portion of the proceeds from the book signing will go to the Chase Regester and the Mike Valdez Memorial Scholarship Funds.

Sponsors of the event are the Town of Pagosa Springs with Mayor Ross Aragon as chairman of Team Kit Carson, Fred Harman, Moonlight Books and Premier Properties Real Estate. Jerry and Joan Rohwer, owners of Moonlight Books, will have books available for purchase, and a portion of these sales will go to the scholarship funds.

Sides is known for his exhaustive research in establishing the true history of his book subject. Another book, “Ghost Soldiers,” the story of the rescue of the Bataan Death March victims, is also a best seller from which the movie “The Great Raid” was taken. He is editor-at-large for Outside magazine.

History indicates that Kit Carson was injured by a fall while hunting in the San Juan Mountains in October of 1860. Archuleta County history on file with the Colorado State Historical Society relates that Carson had a cabin on the upper Navajo near an oil spring. Will Price (deceased), whose family had ranched in the Navajo valley beginning in 1884, writes that the cabin was still standing in 1879, but reduced to one corner and part of a chimney in 1933, as photos show. Today, there is little left of the site. One of the “Remembrance” books in the San Juan Historical Society Museum contains Mr. Price’s writings.

Descendants of pioneer families in the upper Navajo Valley have passed down remembrances of Carson trapping in the upper Navajo, around V-Rock and possibly as far north as Leche and Fish creeks. The tree carving was found in the Leche Creek drainage. Other 1800s era tree carvings have been reported on the Banded Peak Ranch and bench country of the Chalk Mountains. Another old cabin some distance below Carson’s permanent cabin was reportedly used to store pelts. This cabin has never been located.

The public is welcome at the Fred Harman Museum Saturday, Aug. 25, and donations to the scholarship funds will be greatly appreciated.


Donations being accepted for Auction for the Animals

By Robbie Schwartz
Special to The PREVIEW

It is almost time for the 13th annual Humane Society of Pagosa Springs Auction for the Animals.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.

Are you new to Pagosa Springs and don’t know about this yearly event? It is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs, a local non-profit organization.

Fees that the Humane Society receives through adoptions and impound redemptions support the mission, but do not completely cover the costs of feeding, housing, spay and neutering, medical expenses and care that the animals receive. Revenue from the Auction for the Animals and the Humane Society Thrift Store significantly augment the animal fees to help cover the costs at the animal shelter.

Every March, our organization sends out letters requesting donations from out of the area to the entertainment industry, and in mid-summer we send requests to our local merchants.

More than 375 guests normally attend this dressy fund-raising affair. Ladies: Here’s your chance to wear your favorite dress and get your man out of his T-shirts.

The silent auction starts at 6 p.m. and is followed by the live auction. Auctioneer Jake Montoya and his merry and very entertaining spotters Mark Crain and Mike Branch will once again volunteer their time.

Wonderful donations from near and far have been rolling in, including a brand new 2006 Polaris Predator 50 Youth ATV. Or how about a new grill? If you are more the indoor type of person, how about a J3 two-person Far-Infrared Sauna, an autograph book from Lilian Jackson Braun, Bruce Coville and Dean Koontz, or a signed script from the Simpson characters of the “Apocalypse Cow” episode?

There is something at the event for everyone — from art and jewelry to sporting goods, from yummy baskets filled with chocolates, candies, and other wonderful edible items to a fly-fishing rod.

Everyone is welcome. Advance tickets are available at the Plaid Pony, the Chamber of Commerce visitor Center, Moonlight Books, Pagosa Springs Community Center and our Humane Society Thrift Store. Ticket prices for this extravaganza will be $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Purchase of a ticket includes commemorative glass, complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and hors d’oeuvres from Farrago Market Café and Alley House Grille (who are also auction sponsor).

Thank you to all the local businesses and supporters who have donated items and services to auction off. Cute teddy bears, fine paintings and offers for services are coming in daily. The collection is amazing. Thanks also to the donors who have given financial help; it is greatly appreciated.

It’s not too late to bring in other donations. Be sure to bring your donation by Aug. 21. To offer a donation, contact the Humane Society administration office located above the Humane Society Thrift Store or call 264.5549. Bringing your item in the next few days helps in getting your name listed in main auction program.


College sorority alumnae sought to attend Pagosa Springs event

By Carole Howard
Special to The PREVIEW

Women who were members of a Panhellenic sorority during their college days are asked to save the date of Saturday, Sept. 8, for the second annual luncheon of sorority alumnae to take place in Pagosa Springs.

Prepaid reservations will be required several days before the luncheon, which will be held at PJ’s restaurant, located on Piedra Road — .12 miles from the corner of U.S. 160. Cost will be $15, including your choice from three entrées, a non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip.

Details are being firmed up and will be forthcoming shortly.

Last year 33 women from 22 universities and 12 sororities across the country attended the first Pagosa Panhellenic luncheon. “We hope to have even more women at this gathering,” said Lisa Scott, president of the San Juan Pi Beta Phi alumnae group, which is organizing the event.

There are 26 Panhellenic sororities whose alumnae are invited to this event: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Phi Mu, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Theta Phi Alpha and Zeta Tau Alpha.
The San Juan alumnae group of Pi Beta Phi was formed in Pagosa Springs in March 2000. Chi Omega also has a local alumnae club, which began in August 2004.

A list is being maintained of women who attended last year and/or asked to be added to our Panhellenic list.  If you are on the list and did not receive an e-mail about this event, contact Carole Howard with your current e-mail address. To be added to the list, contact Howard at tailwinds1@aol.com or 731-2448 with your name, address, phone, e-mail, sorority and college where you pledged. 


Archuleta County Fair 4-H results

By Pamela Bomkamp
Special to The SUN

We would like to congratulate all of our 4-H members who competed on the county fair level.

With 198 members in Archuleta County 4-H, competition was tough. You all know that getting those record books and projects completed in time for fair is a big deal. So, give yourselves a round of applause.

Furthermore, we had a great group of members go on to compete at the state fair level. State fair entries are being delivered this week to Pueblo by Archuleta County Extension Director, Bill Nobles.

Everyone who completed their projects and record books, interviewed with a judge and presented an exhibit is a winner.

Here is a list of the 4-H General Project winners for the 2007 Archuleta County Fair: 
Biking, Unit II, Junior:
Ben Miller, Grand Champion.
Cole Smith, Reserve Champion.
Andie Miller, Blue.
Daisy Jones, Red.
Colby Anderson-Andresan, White.
Biking, Unit 2, Intermediate:
Evan Greer, Red
Bread-Unit 2, Senior:
Anna Ball, Grand Champion.
Cake Decorating – Unit 1, Junior:
Amber Onello, Grand Champion.
Cake Decorating - Unit 2, Junior:
Kaycee Bennett, Blue.
Cake Decorating – Unit 2, Senior:
Jennifer Mueller, Grand Champion.
Cake Decorating – Unit 3, Junior:
Jennifer Smith, Reserve Grand Champion.
Cake Decorating – Unit 3, Intermediate:
Danny Shahan, Grand Champion.
Cake Decorating – Unit 8, Junior:
Shaylah Lucero, Reserve Champion.
Cake Decorating – Unit 8, Intermediate:
Tristen Bennett, Grand Champion.
Coin Collecting, Junior:
Dylan read-Lindberg, Reserve Grand Champion.
Dog Agility Project, Juniors:
Megan Farrah, Grand Champion.
David McRee, Reserve Grand Champion.
Madison Lewis, Red.
Ryan McInnis, Red.
Dog Agility Project, Intermediate:
Lauren Parker, Grand Champion.
Katelyn McRee, Red.
Entomology – Unit 1, Junior:
Ally Hamelmann, Grand Champion.
Michelle Hamelmann, Reserve Grand Champion.
Gavin Ross, Blue.
Spence Scott, Blue.
Kyle Casaceli, Blue.
James Weldon-Hughes, Blue.
Entomology–Unit 1, Intermediate:
Keith Archuleta, Grand Champion.
Entomology-Unit 2, Juniors:
Chad Taylor, Grand Champion.
Cole Smith, Reserve Grand Champion.
Ben Miller, Blue.
Cameron Reed, Blue.
Jackson Toth, Blue.
Entomology-Unit 2, Intermediate:
Tim Shepherdson, Grand Champion.
Entomology-Unit 3, Intermediate:
Tyler Greenly, Grand Champion.
Daniel Shepherdson, Reserve Grand Champion.
Entomology-Unit 4, Intermediate:
Dean Scott, Grand Champion.
Chase Purcell, Reserve Grand Champion.
Entomology-Unit 5, Intermediate:
Crystal Purcell, Grand Champion.
Food and Nutrition-Unit 1, Intermediate:
SueAnn Miller, Red.
GIS/GPS, Junior:
Ryan McInnis, Grand Champion.
GIS/GPS, Intermediate:
Evan Greer, Grand Champion.
SueAnn Miller, Reserve Grand Champion.
Heritage Arts-Quilting, Junior:
Payton Shahan, Grand Champion.
Michelle Parker, Reserve Grand Champion.
Jr. Leadership-Leading a Group, Senior:
Emmi Greer, Grand Champion.
Leathercraft Unit 1, Junior:
Shaylah Lucero, Grand Champion.
Jacques Harley, White.
Leathercraft-Units 1 and 2, Intermediate:
Crystal Purcell, Grand Champion
Chase Purcell, Blue.
Leathercraft-Units 1 and 2, Senior:
Anna Ball, Grand Champion.
Courtney Guilliams, Blue
Outdoor Adventures-Hiking:
Ben Miller, Grand Champion.
Daisy Jones, Reserve Grand Champion.
Trey Spears, Blue.
Andie Miller, Blue.
Photography:
Dylan Read-Lindberg, Unit 1-Red.
Range Management:
Anna Ball, Grand Champion.
Scrapbooking, Junior:
Amber Onello, Reserve Grand Champion.
Jennifer Smith, Blue.
Scrapbooking, Intermediate:
Shaylah Lucero, Grand Champion.
Elle McGinn, Reserve Grand Champion.
Kaylee Fitzwater, Reserve Grand Champion.
Tristen Bennett, Red.
Heather Brooks, Red.
Shooting Sports-Archery and Air Rifle, Junior:
David McRee, Blue.
Liam O’Brien, Blue.
Chad Taylor, Red.
James Weldon-Hughes, White.
Shooting Sports- Archery and Air Rifle, Intermediate:
Cody Snow, Reserve Grand Champion.
Elliot Reed, Red.
Sportfishing – Unit 1, Junior:
Nick Hutcherson, Grand Champion.
Sportfishing – Unit 2, Intermediate:
Dean Scott, Grand Champion.
Tyler Greenly, Reserve Grand Champion.
Timothy Shepherdson, Blue.
Daniel Shepherdson, Blue.
Veterinary Science, Intermediate:
Joey Onello, Grand Champion.
Kaylee Fitzwater, Reserve Grand Champion.
Wildlife-Big Game:
Anna Ball, Grand Champion.
County Fair Contests

Dog Agility Contest winners:
Katelyn McRee, first place.
David McRee, second place.
Lauren Parker, third place.
Madison Lewis, fourth place.
Megan Farrah, fifth place.
Ryan McInnis, sixth place.
Angel Lucero, seventh place.

Creative Cooks Contest winners:
Junior Team; Amber Onello and Jennifer Smith, Blue -Grand Champion.
Junior Individual; Shaylah Lucero, Blue-Grand Champion.
Intermediate Individual; Joey Onello, Blue-Grand Champion.

Cake Decorating Contest winners:
Unit 1, Amber Onello, Red.
Unit 3, Jennifer Smith, Blue.
Unit 8, Shaylah Lucero, Reserve Grand Champion.

Operation Helping Hand collects school supplies

By Liz Rosenberg
Department of Human Services

Imagine the first day of school.

It’s a beautiful, sunny morning and you’re out in the schoolyard running and playing. You get to see friends, some of whom you haven’t seen all summer. You want to meet your new teacher. You hear she’s really nice.

The bell rings ... time to head to home room. You get a lump in your throat, a knot in your stomach. Your parents are having another tough year. They just weren’t able to buy all the supplies that you need for school. You know your friends will share. But, still, you wish you had your own pencils and folders and markers.

This is what the first day of school could be like for some Pagosa students.

As the Life Skills Worker at the Department of Human Services, I’ve seen first-hand the struggle some families face. They save up a little each month, as they can, barring any unforeseen situations. Yet, many times it’s not enough to get all the kids the supplies they need. The book bags themselves can be quite expensive.

However, a local group is trying to change the above scenario.

Operation Helping Hand, a group of dedicated citizens, has been assisting those in need for more than 20 years now. They are currently in the process of collecting donations of school supplies for area children. You can help OHH make someone’s first day of school (and in fact the entire school year) a brighter one by contributing some supplies.

Below is a list of items being collected by Operation Helping Hand. It was compiled using supply lists provided by local schools. You can drop off your donations at The Pagosa Springs SUN located on Pagosa Street. Please consider the excitement and happiness you could bring to a child on the first day of school.

First grade
3 dozen sharpened No. 2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand is best)
1 large backpack
Girls bring: 1 box gallon-size Ziplock baggies
Boys bring: 1 box sandwich-size Ziplock baggies

Second grade
5 dozen sharpened No. 2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand is best)
1 backpack
Girls bring: 1 box gallon-size Ziplock baggies
Boys bring: 1 box quart-size Ziplock baggies

Third grade
2 dozen No. 2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand is best)
1 package of wide-ruled paper
Girls bring: 1 box quart-size Ziplock baggies
Boys bring: 1 box gallon-size Ziplock baggies

Fourth grade
3 dozen sharpened No. 2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand is best)
3 glue sticks
Small pencil sharpener with lid
Simple calculator
Zippered pencil bag

Fifth grade
Ruler with centimeters and inches (not bendable)
3 dozen no. 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
6 red marking pencils
Large pointed sharp scissors
3 glue sticks
Colored pencils
Crayons (not needed for Halverson’s class)
3 large boxes of tissues
1 container of disposable disinfectant wipes
2 folders with pockets
3 spiral notebooks — single subject wide lined
3-holed wide lined loose leaf paper — not college ruled
3-holed binder 1” — no Trapperkeepers or larger binders (they don’t fit in the desk or lockers)
No backpack with wheels (they will not fit in the lockers)

Sixth grade
5 3-subject spiral notebooks (minimum of 180-page count) for math, language arts, history, reading and science. Please no Neatbooks.
6 pocket folders, one for each subject area as listed above and one designated for a homework folder.
1 package of 100-count white college lined notebook paper to be turned in to homeroom teacher for storage.
1 dual ruler (metric and standard)
1 inexpensive calculator (math)
1 box 24-count colored pencils
2 dozen No. 2 pencils
1 large pencil bag or box for small items used to carry stuff from class to class
2 large boxes of tissue to be turned in to homeroom teacher
1 package glue sticks to be turned in to homeroom teacher

Seventh grade
1 3-ring notebook binder
500 sheets of loose leaf notebook paper
One journal
2 packages of pencils
2 packages of pens
Colored pencils
Highlighter
Scientific calculator
1 pencil pouch
7 subject dividers
6 spiral notebooks
1 box of Kleenex for Pirate Time

Eighth grade
2 3-ring binders with pockets
500 sheets of college ruled loose leaf paper
Scientific calculator
1 pencil pouch
24 pencils
2 erasable pens
2 regular pens
2 red pens
2 highlighters
2 packages of index cards
1 ruler with standard and metric scales
2 plastic pockets folders with brads
3 subject spiral and graph paper spiral for math
4 spiral notebooks (science, history and PE)
1 package subject dividers with tabs
1 eraser
Those who wish to make monetary donations to the drive may send them to Operation Helping Hand, Wells Fargo Bank, account number 6240417424, or Bank of the San Juans, account number 20014379.


PAGOSA LAKES NEWS

Pet owners: Be considerate, be careful

By Ming Steen
SUN Columnist

Gone are the days when your closest neighbor in Pagosa Lakes may be a good half mile away.

In 1983, when Tom and I built our house in Lake Forest, we were one of eight homes in the entire subdivision. Number of dwellings in Lake Forest now? I couldn’t tell you.

What I can tell you is the neighbors are close.

When their dogs are unhappy, I lose sleep. When they allow the dog poop to accumulate in this warm weather, fresh Rocky Mountain air becomes too foul to leave the windows open.

Either on your property or elsewhere, you are responsible for picking up after your pet (even on common area). Most of us pick up after our pets to be a good neighbor and to keep our yard clean. Nobody likes this daunting task, but it’s got to be done. Proper handling of pet waste is important for you, your dog, your family and your neighbors.

The best and easiest way to prevent disease and problems that can spread through feces is to simply remove them properly a couple times a week. Whether in your yard or on a walk (on the latter, get into the habit of carrying a plastic bag), dispose of your pet’s waste in the trash or down the toilet.

Besides being simply rude, your dog’s uncollected poop can be a serious problem. Next time you’re tempted to leave your dog’s droppings, please remember these facts.

We have many drainage areas throughout Pagosa Lakes, many leading to our lakes which are our drinking water supplies. If fined by the Environmental Protection Agency for failure to comply with the Clean Water Act, the PLPOA could face a potential fine that would be levied against all members — not just dog owners.

The appearance and quality of our areas are known to affect home sales — not just whether and for how much they sell, but how quickly.

Uncollected dog waste spreads disease and attracts rodents who feed on pet waste.

Dog poop stinks and it’s not a lot of fun cleaning it off our walking shoes. So the next time you are tempted to just walk away from the “mess,” remember — your neighbors have to live with it, too.


COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS

Community center not affected by financial woes

By Mercy E. Korsgren
PREVIEW Columnist

We are often asked if we’re OK, referring to the Archuleta County financial turmoil. The answer is a definite “Yes.”

The community center is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization and partly under the Town of Pagosa Springs. We are not part of the county government. The town pays staff salaries, and subsidizes some janitorial, operations and capital improvement costs. The main source for the center’s funding is from rental fees. Other sources of funding are fund-raising events, donations and grants.

The community center houses the Archuleta County Senior Program, and the Pagosa Springs Arts Council. Both agencies share costs of utilities and janitorial expenses at the center.

The Mission Statement of the community center: states we are hereto provide affordable services and space for all ages and diverse groups to gather for social, sports, civic, art and culture, educational, business and faith-based activities; and create and coordinate activities for the benefit of the whole community.

Father John Bowe — update
It is sad to learn that Father John has colon cancer and that his doctor doesn’t want to operate on him because of his age. He also has dementia that comes intermittently — you see him today and he’ll recognize you, and if you visit him the next day, he is like a different person, and he won’t remember you at all.

Father John doesn’t want to stay in the nursing home. The good news is — there are three seminarians who take care of him and he is well looked after.

For those interested in sending him a “wish you well” card, his address is: P.O. Box 326, San Luis, CO 81152.

I would like to thank Tom Bomkamp for the above update.

’70s Dance
Tomorrow night is the ’70s Dance, which promises to be a great and fun event. Wear your wild colored polyesters, bell bottoms and mood rings. Think back, and think young.

This event is a fund-raiser for the center. The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. and will last until 10:30 (not 7-10, as previously reported).

DJ Bobby Hart will spin ’70s songs like “Sentimental Lady,” “Live and Let Die,” “Spinning Wheel,” “When Will I See You Again,” “Takin’ Care of Business,” “You’re Sixteen,” “Satin Soul,” “Ventura Highway” and “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.”

Purchase your ticket before 5 p.m. Friday and save $5. Tickets are $10 each in advance and $15 at the door , and the price includes your favorite ’70s snacks — onion dip and ruffles chips, cocktail sausages, brownies and ’70s drinks. Cash bar will also be available.

Tickets can be purchased at Higher Grounds, the Chamber of Commerce and here at the center. This is an adult, 21-and-older event. Identification cards may be checked.

Auction for the Animals
Mark your calendar for 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24. The Auction for the Animals, a fund-raising event for our four-legged friends, takes place here at the center. Come out and support this event. Proceeds from the fund-raiser will help complete the on-going construction of a new shelter and for other needs of our furry friends.

This event is sponsored by Humane Society of Pagosa Springs. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and the price include a commemorative wine or beer/beverage glass. Alley House Grille and Farrago’s are providing the food.

Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society Thrift Store, the Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Books and the Plaid Pony. For more information, or if you wish to donate items for the auction, call 264-5549 or check the Web site, www.humanesociety.biz.

Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees will start the holiday season in Pagosa country.

Mark your calendar: Nov. 26-27 is when we decorate trees; Nov. 28-30, trees will be on public display; and, the evening of Nov. 30, we hold the party and the auction of the decorated trees to benefit non-profit organizations.

We encourage everyone working for or representing non-profits to find a sponsor now, before someone else snaps them up.

“Christmas Around the World” is the theme for this year’s Festival of Trees. Get ready and plan early for this fund-raising event. Creativity is a must, and planning ahead and getting the ornaments are vital parts of the process.

For those who haven’t heard about this fun holiday fund-raiser event, here’s how it works: Any group, business or individual can sponsor a tree or trees, which includes securing the tree and the decorations, and finding an artist or decorator (the sponsor can be the artist/decorator). Either artificial or real trees may be used. Decorated trees will be displayed in the multi-purpose room for three days for the public to see and vote on, to determine the People’s Choice Award. On the last day of the display, the trees will be auctioned off during a party; and proceeds will benefit non-profit organizations of the sponsor’s choice. Auctioned trees will be delivered to the winner’s home or to a family who needs a tree. Ronnie Zaday and her elves are looking forward to delivering the trees again this year.

The committee is adding new activities for this year’s festival, including a silent auction of different holiday items such as wreaths, glass blocks, gingerbread houses and more.

Robin (owner of Pagosa Candy Company) is donating her time and supplies to conduct a class on gingerbread making techniques for youngsters sometime in October. We can’t wait until school starts and the kids get ready to participate.

Call 264-4152 for more information.

Callanetics
Diane Munson, a 20-year veteran of callanetics, is conducting a free seminar concerning this “innovative powerful muscle exercise technique that can shed years off your figure in hours without putting pressure on your back.”

According to Diane, callanetics activates powerful muscles that quickly tightens hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs; flattens the tummy; lifts the busts and firms underarms and tones the entire body. It also dramatically improves your posture.

Ladies, what are you waiting for? If this sounds too good to be true, come and check it out. The introductory seminar will be at 5:30-6:30 p.m, Monday, Aug. 27, here at the center. Refreshments will be provided.

Line dancing
Gerry Potticary writes:
“Friday is the ’70s DJ Dance night at the community center, so bring your requests for song/artist and enjoy the evening.
“The Italian Stallion is back on his feet; as is Ed, after heart surgery, and Jack, after knee surgery. You might note that the women have remained on their feet during all these repairs.

“Bob and Sharon continue to dazzle us with their fancy footwork as do Gene and Lorna. Welcome back to Gayle and Jim after their three-week break.

“Happy birthday to Teri who, along with John, spent four weeks visiting National Parks.

“We had two winners this week in our Electric Slide contest. It was well worth the $10 awarded to see them do the difficult version of the dance. Most exciting — they did it alone in front of the whole group. Congratulations to Crazy Mike and Boppin’ Bob.

“This free program is fun and it’s a friendly group, too.”

Join Gerry at 9 a.m. for couples and at 10 a.m. for line dancing. For more information, call her at 731-9734, or the center at 264-4152.

Square dancing
We have a new, and talented volunteer: Dennis Riley.

Dennis is a part-time resident and started square dancing class for beginners here at the center last Tuesday. A second class will be held next week, Aug. 22, 7 p.m-9:30 p.m. I guess these classes are in preparation for the Elation Center for the Arts’ Celebration of American Folk Dance event later this month.

Our dance enthusiasts hope that Dennis will continue to offer more classes after the 22nd. So, come to this class, show Dennis the great interest in this program and, who knows, he may consider doing more.

Everyone is invited to join. Wear jeans and boots, and bring water and snacks. Call the center, or Nancy Grovhoug at 264-0329, for more information.

Card-making class
Last Monday our volunteer teacher Tracy Barcus taught the class the techniques of using brass stencil on cards.

I wish I could attend this free program and learn the different techniques, since I come from a big family with almost two dozen nieces and nephews. It would be fun to create personalized greeting cards depicting the uniqueness of each individual. Well, I’ll just try to sneak into the class and get ideas. Hopefully, I will remember these when I’m able to make time for this activity.

The card-making class will continue to meet on Mondays, Aug. 20 and 27, from 1-4 p.m. Tracy said the next class will deal with making cards with ribbons.

This is a free summer class and supplies are provided. Call the community center at 264-4152 to learn more.

Health screening
The health screening event on Aug. 24, sponsored by Life Line Screening, is full – no more available slots. Call (800) 324-1851 to learn about other venues close to our area.

The wellness–package includes stroke screening/carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening and osteoporosis screening — four tests in less than one hour.

Hoopsters
Larry Page, our volunteer leader for this free program writes: “if you want good exercise, laughs and camaraderie, join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-9 a.m., attempting to play basketball, half court only.” This is a free program for all.

Call the center, or Larry at 731-3984 or 264-1024.

Yoga
The number of attendees is getting higher and the room is getting full each Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., thanks to our dedicated program leaders Diana Baird and Addie Greer.