County commissioner candidates will converge at the Arboles Catholic Church tonight for the third candidate forum cosponsored by the Archuleta County Democratic and Republican parties.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with candidate introductions followed by a question and answer period. Attendees are allowed to ask one question, and questions can be directed either to individual candidates or to all the candidates.

The local Democratic and Republican parties have sponsored two prior forums — one April 17, and the second April 24 — and turnout has averaged around 60 attendees at each.

To date, District One candidates Ron Chacey-D, Nan Rowe-D, Gene Crabtree-R, John Ranson-R and incumbent Robin Schiro-R have attended, the forums. District One candidates Kenneth Cowen and Randall Mettscher — both Republicans — have not attended.

According to Archuleta County Clerk June Madrid, Cowen has had his candidate petition approved by the clerk’s office for circulation. Mettscher, said Madrid, requested the paperwork necessary to formally quit his candidacy, however that paperwork has not been submitted to the clerk’s office yet.

District Two candidates Clifford Lucero-D, Ray Finney-D, Ray Keyawa-R and unaffiliated candidate Marion Francis have also participated.

In District One, Chacey and Crabtree secured places on the primary ballot through the caucus and assembly process, while the remaining District One contenders — Ranson, Rowe and Schiro — will seek the ballot via petition.

According to Madrid, Ranson has successfully completed his petition with the requisite 301 signatures and has earned a place on the ballot. Rowe and Schiro have until May 29 to complete their petitions. Schiro needs 301 signatures while Rowe needs 55.

In District 2, Finney and Keyawa have secured slots on the primary ballot via the caucus and assembly process. Lucero opted to seek the primary ballot via petition, and Madrid said Lucero has successfully gathered the 17 signatures required for a slot on the primary ballot.

Unaffiliated candidate Marion Francis will not appear on a primary ballot. According to Colorado election rules, unaffiliated candidates petition directly on to the general election ballot and Francis has until June 17 to gather his signatures.

Key dates

• July 14, 2008: The last day to register to vote for the primary election. July 14 also marks the last day to change or withdraw from a major political party affiliation. Registered unaffiliated electors may declare a major political party affiliation at the polls for the primary election.

• Aug. 12, 2008: primary election day.

• Nov. 4, 2008: general election day.

The general election is Nov. 4, 2008.

Voters elected two new members to the Pagosa Fire Protection District Board of Directors Tuesday — Dick Cole and Ernest “LeRoy” Lattin.

One hundred and sixty-four voters turned out to cast their votes, and Cole was the big winner with 86 votes. Lattin won the second seat on the board by a margin of just two votes. He received 59 votes, narrowly beating Marvin Graham, who received 57. Candidates Joe Bigley and Toby Brookens each received 51 votes.

Cole and Lattin are both new to the board, and will each serve a term of four years.

The next PFPD election will take place in 2010, when three seats on the board will open.


Thursday, May 8, 2008


Intermediate school Honor Roll

Honor Roll students for the third quarter at Pagosa Springs Intermediate School were announced recently.

Fifth grade — All “A” Honors: J.J. Amato, Colby Anderson-Andresen, Trevor Close, Zackary Curvey, Jacqueline Garcia, Matthew Long, Gabriel Medlin, Dillon Montoya-Dietrich, Owateeka Murphy, Leah Puskas and Taylor Webster.

Sixth Grade — All “A” Honors: Devyn Doctor, Rose Graveson, Shawnee Koster, Lindsay Martinez, Colton Polczynski and Jesse Richardson.

Fifth Grade — A/B Honor Roll: Elias Appenzeller, Chris Archuleta, Mathew Audetat-Mirabal, Ben Bard, Billy Baughman, Kaycee Bennett, D.J. Brown, Duncan Brown, Hayleigh Brown, Savannah Brown, Connor Burkesmith, Kyle Casaceli, Brock Cordova, Kaylynn Daignault, Hailie Davidson, Harrison Day, Angel Delgado, Ryder Dermody, Luke DeVooght, Kelsey Garavito, Hannah Glaim, Austin Harker, Alonso Hernandez, James Hughes, Devon Jurcak, Jacob Keuning, Justen Lucero, Kayla Lucero, Shaylah Lucero, Michael Marchand, Ryan McInnis, Ben Miller, Brian Mints, Denny Mitchell, Michelle Parker, Ayriana Rackham, April Rivas-DeAguero, Fiona Romain, Spence Scott, Jennifer Smith, Joshua Smith-Keagle, William Spears, Payton Talbot, Larissa Turner, Kayla Walker, Samuel Walston and Shannel Wilson.

“There’s No Place Like Hope” is the theme for this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life event to be held June 27 and 28 on the track at Golden Peaks Stadium.

Relay For Life is an overnight community event where individuals and teams camp out and take turns walking around a track relay-style from 6 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday — all in an effort to raise funds to fight cancer.

With a theme of “There’s No Place Like Hope,” the family-oriented event gives participants the opportunity to enjoy community camaraderie and raises funds to support the work of the American Cancer Society.

Relay brings people together in support of each other, to celebrate survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. It’s also about supporting research and education activities that hold the ultimate answers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society, the largest source of nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States. And it’s helping immensely: in 1946, only one in four cancer patients were living five years after diagnosis; today almost 60 percent live longer than five years.

In recognition of the fact that cancer does not sleep, teams typically numbering between eight and 15 people “relay” throughout the overnight event, with at least one member per team walking at all times. Former and current cancer patients, their friends and families, businesses, civic organizations, church groups and the general public are encouraged to form teams and participate.

The atmosphere is one of celebration, beginning with a Cancer Survivor’s Lap to honor the courage of all who have defeated cancer. Each survivor is introduced, and then all are invited to walk the opening lap as a symbolic gesture of hope to those still battling cancer or those who will be touched by cancer in the future. The theme of hope shines brightly during this emotional lap. There is no cost to participate and each survivor will receive a free T-shirt to wear upon registering at the event.

Individuals or organizations can make contributions in memory of those who have lost their fight with cancer and in honor of those who have survived. At nightfall, participants light luminaria around the track to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members who have lost the battle.

While individuals and teams raise many of the funds in advance of the actual Relay For Life event, there are activities planned all night long that will be fun, not only for relay participants, but for those who wish to join in the event for only that evening. Many of the teams will be incorporating the theme in their campsites, with costumes and creative activities for kids of all ages.

In addition to competing in friendly activities and events around the track on Friday night, the teams strive to be awarded the traveling “pig” prize for raising the most money for the cause. Some of the teams are holding advance fund-raisers for their team’s efforts.

Relay For Life is the national signature event of the American Cancer Society and much more than a fund-raiser. In the last 22 years, Relay has spread to more than 4,700 communities in the United States and to more than 22 foreign countries. It celebrates survivors, funds research and cancer education, inspires the public to become involved in the American Cancer Society’s advocacy efforts, and makes important services possible for patients and their families.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, savings lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information about Relay for Life in Pagosa Springs, contact Dori Blauert, event chairman, at 731-9458 or Jon Johnson, team development, at 731-9396.


Thursday, May 8, 2008

Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity
The Erin Richardson family broke ground for their new, three-bedroom Habitat for Humanity home May 4. Families are chosen based on need and the willingness to partner in the building of their home, contributing approximately 500 hours of sweat equity into the building of their home.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on two houses

Sunday, May 4, Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County celebrated the coming of summer and the beginning of our 2008 build season in a groundbreaking ceremony with two partner families.

The Tricia Blankenship and Glen Goss family will help build a four-bedroom home, and the Erin Richardson family will help build a three-bedroom home, both in the Pagosa Lakes area.

Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County (HfHAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-income families with simple, decent houses with no-interest mortgages.

Families are chosen based on need and the willingness to partner in the building of their home. Each family will contribute approximately 500 hours of sweat equity into the building of their home.

The cost to build a Habitat home in Archuleta County is approximately 50 percent of its market value. Habitat functions almost entirely on donated funds, grants and labor to build our homes. Generous support from local individuals and businesses helps us to keep our costs down. In 2007, our 16th home was built entirely with volunteer labor, totaling more than 2,500 hours.

If you are passionate about eliminating poverty housing in our county and are interested in volunteering with an outstanding organization dedicated to affordable housing, we have a job for you.

A variety of volunteer positions are available, from house building to serving on a committee. The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, Inc. is to partner with families in need and people of all faiths to provide affordable housing as a ministry in service to our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to know more about how you can become involved in this mission as a volunteer, financial supporter, or potential partner family, contact Cindi Galabota at 264-6960.


Thursday, May 8, 2008

Especially designed for drivers over 50 years old, the class will help drivers adjust to their changing abilities. AARP has kept the cost down so everyone can take advantage of this class. Colorado law also provides that those taking the class are able to receive a discount on their insurance by providing a copy to their insurance company.

The class covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, local driving problems and license renewal requirements.

Additional classes are scheduled for July 9-10, Sept. 10-11 and Nov. 12-13.

What is Colorado Historic Preservation Month?

Historic Preservation Month is a statewide celebration of archaeology and cultural history that is annually organized by the State Historical Fund.

The month is established to recognize special preservation projects, locally designated historical sites and archeological sites through lectures, walking tours or public displays. To celebrate preservation month, the Town of Pagosa Springs’ Historic Preservation Board has committed to the following activities:

• On May 10, at 10 a.m., Historic Preservation Chairman Glenn Raby will guide a walking tour of the downtown historic district and other properties identified in the Historic Business District Walking Tour Brochure. The guided tour will begin at Goodman’s Department Store located at 404 Pagosa St. For additional information contact the town planning department at 264-4151.

• The Historic Preservation Board holds its fifth annual poster contest this month. Students from the Pagosa Springs Intermediate School are given the opportunity to interpret the State Historic Preservation Month theme “Documenting the Past” into a drawing. The drawings are judged by the Historic Preservation Board and three students are awarded prizes for their outstanding drawings. The top drawing is converted into a poster/framed and displayed at Town Hall alongside previous first place drawings.

• In addition, each week throughout the month of May in The SUN, the Historic Preservation Board will highlight a few locally designated landmarks, structures or merit and/or preservation projects to further recognize Historic Preservation Month and significant properties in Pagosa Springs.

Locally designated historic landmarks

The Historic Preservation Board has designated 13 properties as local landmarks that demonstrate architectural and cultural integrity. Property owners can apply to “landmark” their property so that the architectural or cultural integrity of the structure or site may be preserved. In addition, property owners that construct improvements to their landmarked property may be eligible for state and federal income tax credits. All buildings designated as local landmarks or located within the historic district boundaries are required to comply with adopted design guidelines and all exterior alterations must be approved prior to commencement of construction.

Structures of Merit

In June 2007 the Town of Pagosa Springs revised and re-adopted regulations on Historic Preservation. The revised code directed the Historic Preservation Board to create a list, based on documented survey information of structures and sites that merited preservation and rehabilitation. The Historic Preservation Board has identified 22 structures and two sites that demonstrate architectural and cultural integrity or geographic/environmental significance in hopes that the town can, as a unified entity, recognize and promote the protection of these resources. Inclusion of property on the Structures of Merit List enacts no regulatory policy, guidelines, requirements or restrictions on the property, but may allow a property owner to receive incentives for work completed on the property. A hard copy of this document is available upon request from the town planning department.

• 402 Pagosa St., Goodman’s Department Store.

Following the departure of soldiers from Fort Lewis in 1880, pioneer David Lowenstein opened a clothing store at this location, conducting some of his business with Jicarilla Apache Indians. Through marriage the Goodman family became associated with the business and eventually remodeled the structure in 1929 by completely enclosing the existing structure and then removing the old store from the inside without closing for a day. In 2000, Goodman’s Department Store celebrated its 100th year in the building, continuing its legacy as the longest operating department store in Pagosa Springs. Goodman’s Department Store was designated as a local landmark by the Historic Preservation Board in 2001.

• 302 Lewis St., Catchpole residence.

This residence was constructed as a Queen Anne style home by Fred and Mabel Catchpole in 1910. From 1996 to 2002, the home experienced extensive remodeling including siding, shingles, doors, windows and roof. The Catchpoles were active community members with Fred serving terms as county commissioner and county treasurer and Mabel serving terms on the school board and Methodist Church board. The residence is no longer owned by the Catchpole family. The Catchpole residence was identified by the Historic Preservation Board as a Structure of Merit.

Photo courtesy Joanne Irons
From left, Grant Logan, Zack Irons, Karen Greco, Hope Kurz, Mary Kurt-Mason, Jesse Aragon, Trey Gholson and Jason Reece went on a field trip to Main Street Antique Mall to fill their vintage suitcase for the Seeds of Learning fund-raiser on May 17.  Their theme is “Grandma’s Attic.”  The class had earned money on a service learning project and purchased antique items for the fund-raiser project. Theirs is one of 40 themed baskets that will be up for auction.

Tisket-A-Tasket, a Seeds of Learning Basket

By Ann Bubb

A vintage suitcase is just one superb example of what you can expect in the live and silent auction on May 17 at the “Tisket-A-Tasket, A Seeds of Learning Basket” fund-raiser.

Created by Mary Kurt-Mason and her Special Talents class, this suitcase is filled with jewelry, linens, shoes and clothing. For this “Trip Down Memory Lane” the class, taught by Kurt-Mason, took a field trip and used some of their own money to purchase items to add to the “basket.” It was a special day for them and with the help of a lucky bidder, will help add to the funds for the children at Seeds of Learning.

Other “baskets” include “It’s About Time,” “Happy Camper,” “A Chocolate Lover’s Delight” and “I’ve Taken To My Bed.”

Rumor has it that there is even “A Senior Moment” basket, with a reclining chair and flat screen television.

The event takes place at the community center on May 17 and will be a unique, whimsical evening, with a twist during the live auction that promises to entertain.

Amazingly, there are tickets still available and they can be purchased at Switchback Mountain Wear located in the westside City Market shopping center. Individual tickets for reserved seating are $50 and table sponsorships, which can be shared, are $600 for 10 seats.

For information, call Ann Bubb at 731-9138. Don’t miss this elegant picnic “in the meadow.”

Correction

An article in the April 24 issue of The SUN incorrectly stated local residents can’t obtain a season pass from The Springs Resort.

In fact, local residents can obtain a season pass at the facility. See the Springs Resort ads in this week’s SUN and PREVIEW.

The SUN apologizes for the error.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

County’s emergency call-back system is up and running

Archuleta County’s emergency call-back system is up and running, and county emergency management staff are encouraging citizens to register telephone numbers that have not already been automatically registered with the system.

Sometimes called a reverse 911 program, the system is designed to notify county residents by telephone of emergency situations such as environmental disasters, including wildfire, flooding or snow events, search and rescue operations, public works incidents such as power outages, man-made disasters such as hazardous materials emergencies, crime, utility incidents and school closures.

According to Archuleta County Emergency Services Coordinator Drew Petersen, telephone numbers listed with CenturyTel are already registered with the system. Unlisted numbers, voice over internet protocol telephones (VoIP), and cell phone numbers, however, are not. According to Petersen, in order to receive emergency information or notification, owners of such phones or those with unlisted phone numbers must register the number with CodeRED — the emergency call-back system provider.

To register a phone number go to www.archuletacounty.org. Scroll to the bottom of the county’s home page and follow the CodeRED links to register the phone number.

Archuleta County Special Projects Manager Karin Kohake said she will work with Petersen to provide a way for those without Internet access to register their phone number.

Kohake and Petersen said details on alternative registration options will be provided in the coming weeks.

Petersen said although the system marks a significant addition to the county’s ability to manage emergency situations, he acknowledged the system has its limitations.

For example, not everyone registered with the system receives a phone call simultaneously, although Petersen said this is true of all emergency call back systems. Second, making the calls and leaving the message regarding the emergency takes time, and Petersen said system testing will reveal how long it will take to notify all county residents. One of the program’s strengths, Petersen said, is the system can pinpoint the call back area, such that those nearest the incident are notified first. Lastly, power outages will render cordless phones useless and thus incapable of receiving an emergency message. Therefore, Petersen encouraged home owners to have at least one non-cordless telephone available in order to ensure they receive notification should an emergency occur.

“This ( the emergency call back system) is just another tool in the toolbox, and we’ll continue looking for more methods to notify people,” Petersen said.

Petersen anticipated county staff would conduct a system wide test in May.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Mayor proclaims ‘Clean-up Week’ in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs Mayor Ross Aragon has announced the annual town clean-up week, set for May 12-18.

In a proclamation, Aragon wrote, “Over the past two decades, the pride in our community has increased dramatically. Improvements in the physical infrastructure and cleaner neighborhoods have been occurring every year. This year I would like to personally urge you to participate in Clean-Up Week 2008.”

To assist citizens in cleaning up the community, the town and other entities will provide:

1) Dumpsters for trash will be located at the end of South 5th Street within the Sanitation District fence. The site will be open for dumping from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday (May 12-18).

2) Curbside pickup of larger items such as old lumber, branches or appliances placed along the curb or right-of-way will be completed according to the below schedule.

• Monday (May 12): North 1st Street-North 5th Street.

• Tuesday (May 13): North 5th Street-North 14th Street.

• Wednesday (May 14): San Juan Street/Hot Springs Boulevard-South 6th Street.

• Thursday (May 15): South 7th Street-10th Street (Garvin Addition).

• Friday (May 16): Bienvenido Street and Piedra Estates.

If a resident cannot place items at the curb and a hardship exists, please call Town Hall at 264-4151, ext. 238, to coordinate assistance. Town staff will confirm all hardships and if valid, will coordinate town crew assistance while the resident is present during pickup. Please remember that the town will not remove or pick up household trash, hazardous materials, engines and appliances with Freon.

3) Removal of junk vehicles can be coordinated by calling Rita Prokop or Deanna Jaramillo at Town Hall at 264-4151, Ext. 237 or 238. Please call and request the removal of your junk vehicles, however, the town cannot guarantee that all removals can be completed for various circumstances. Proof of ownership is required.

4) Cemetery clean-up is scheduled for the week of May 19-25. All items to be disposed of must be placed alongside the roads within the cemetery for pickup by town crews. No dumpsters will be provided at the cemetery.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Real property value, classification protest period starts Friday

From May 2 through June 2, an owner may protest the real property value or the classification established by the assessor. This is the taxpayer’s opportunity to correct values based on misclassifications, errors in property descriptions, or other discrepancies that may exist in the property records.

Objections must be filed with the assessor’s office by mail or in person by June 2. The information used by the assessor to value your property is available for your review. Upon review of the supplied information, the assessor may need to physically inspect your property to confirm that the property characteristics are accurate.

If you choose to file an objection, the assessor must make a decision concerning your protest and mail you a written Notice of Determination on or before the last working day in June. If you are satisfied with the assessor’s determination, the process ends, and your tax will be based on the value reflected on the Notice of Determination.

If you disagree with the assessor’s decision, your next step is to file an appeal with the county board of equalization. The county board’s address is listed on the assessor’s Notice of Determination, and space is provided to explain your reasons for requesting further review.

An appeal to the county board of equalization must be postmarked or hand-delivered by July 15. The county board will notify you by mail of the hearing date, time and place where you present evidence to substantiate your case. Evidence includes documentation such as the sales prices of properties similar to yours that sold during the time frame specified on your Real Property Notice of Valuation. The county board will conclude the hearings and render decisions by the close of business on Aug. 5. The county board must mail decisions within five business days of rendering its decisions. If the county board adjusts your value, your tax bill for the current year will be based on the adjusted value.

If you disagree with the action of the county board, you may file an appeal with the state Board of Assessment Appeals, district court, or request a binding arbitration hearing. Your appeal must be made within 30 days of the county board’s decision.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Rendering courtesy Historic Preservation Board
The Metropolitan Hotel and Liberty Theatre, at 418 and 422 Pagosa St. Pagosa Lumber Company founder A.T. Sullenberger purchased the two-story brick building at this location in 1918 which was previously occupied by Archuleta Mercantile and built by J.M. Archuleta Jr. in the early 1900s. After a fire destroyed the structure in 1919, Sullenberger constructed the Metropolitan Hotel which featured modern rooms, hot baths for guests and a motion picture theatre. The Metropolitan Hotel and Liberty Theatre were designated as local landmarks by the Historic Preservation Board in 2002.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Pagosa celebrates Historic Preservation Month

Historic Preservation Month is a statewide celebration of archaeology and cultural history that is annually organized by the State Historical Fund.

The month is established to recognize special preservation projects, locally designated historical sites and archeological sites through lectures, walking tours or public displays. To celebrate preservation month, the Town of Pagosa Springs’ Historic Preservation Board has committed to the following activities:

• May 2008 — The Historic Preservation Board will hold its fifth annual poster contest. Students from the Pagosa Springs Intermediate School are given the opportunity to interpret the State Historic Preservation Month theme “Documenting the Past’” into a drawing. The drawings are judged by the Historic Preservation Board and three students are awarded prizes for their outstanding drawings. The top drawing is converted into a poster/framed and displayed at Town Hall along side previous first place drawings.

• May 10 — Historic Preservation Chairman Glenn Raby will guide a walking tour of the downtown historic district and other properties identified in the Historic Business District Walking Tour Brochure at 10 a.m. The guided tour will begin at Goodman’s Department Store located at 404 Pagosa St. For additional information contact the town planning department at 264-4151.

• In addition, each week throughout the month of May, the Historic Preservation Board will highlight a few locally designated landmarks, structures of merit and/or preservation projects in The SUN, to further recognize Historic Preservation Month and significant properties in Pagosa Springs.

The Town of Pagosa Springs’ Historic Preservation Board has drafted the following proclamation, adopted by town council and signed by Mayor Ross Aragón, to promote Historic Preservation Month. The proclamation is intended to acknowledge the importance of promoting the cultural, educational and economic welfare of Pagosa Springs.

PROCLAMATION: HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH 2008

WHEREAS, the Town of Pagosa Springs has recognized the importance of historic preservation with the establishment of a historic preservation program by Ordinance in 1999; and completion of historic resource surveys in 2001 and 2004; and

WHEREAS, historic preservation promotes the cultural, educational and economic welfare of Pagosa Springs through the preservation of historic structures and areas, the stabilization of historic neighborhoods and the preservation of the historic character of the community; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Pagosa Springs has an active historic preservation program with a total of thirteen (13) individually designated local landmarks and an established historic business district; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Pagosa Springs was designated as a ‘Preserve America’ community in 2006; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Pagosa Springs has achieved certified local government (CLG) status pursuant to the program managed by the Colorado Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Historical Society encourages local governments to join in a month-long statewide celebration of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Pagosa Springs Historic Preservation Board serves as the town’s official body to identify, preserve and protect the town’s historic resources and to educate the public about historic preservation.

THEREFORE, let it be proclaimed that Thursday, May 1st through Saturday, May 31st will be designated: “Pagosa Springs Historic Preservation Month.”

Resolved this First Day of May, 2008.

Locally designated historic landmarks

The Historic Preservation Board has designated 13 properties as local landmarks that demonstrate architectural and cultural integrity.

A property owner can apply to “landmark” their property so that the architectural or cultural integrity of the structure or site may be preserved. In addition, property owners who construct improvements to their landmarked property may be eligible for state and federal income tax credits. All buildings designated as local landmarks or located within the historic district boundaries are required to comply with adopted Design Guidelines and all exterior alterations must be approved prior to commencement of construction.

For information, go to www.townofpagosasprings.com and/or http://coloradohistory-oahp.org.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Photo courtesy Debbie McAlister
Work has begun on St. James Mission Church, in Trujillo. Money raised last year has allowed repairs to begin. Exterior painting was done last weekend and a new roof is being installed. The next big project will be replacement of flooring. The trim and steeple will be painted this weekend.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Summit addresses random student drug tests

Members of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) visited Pagosa last Thursday to conduct a summit, discussing random student drug testing and the possibility of implementing a program in Pagosa.

Community members packed the gymnasium in the community center to hear presenters address the legal and financial aspects of student drug testing, and to hear testimonials from teachers who use the program at their schools.

Dr. Bertha Madras, deputy director of the ONDCP, opened the summit with an introduction to the topic of drug use among children in America. She said prescription drugs are swiftly overtaking marijuana as the drug of choice, and the death rate with prescription drugs is higher than with heroine and cocaine use.

“Drugs are chemicals that interact with the brain,” said Madras. “The brain of a young person is not fully developed. It is still going under changes chemically and anatomically.”

She also stated that overall drug use dropped 24 percent from 2001 to 2007. “But, it’s still not enough. The levels are still too high,” she said.

According to Madras, 4,100 schools nationwide use random student drug tests. Madras said that, while random student drug testing is another tool to use to prevent and treat drug use, prevention messages and education are critical.

“It’s not enough to say ‘don’t use because I don’t like drugs,’” said Madras. “We need to give reasons. Don’t use drugs, and here’s why.”

In a separate interview, Madras said she spoke with several local high school students about drug use in Pagosa. “They feel the problem is gigantic,” she said. “They’re seeing younger and younger kids getting involved.” Madras also said in the interview that if random student drug testing were to come to Pagosa, then “it needs to be a grassroots movement involved at the community level.”

The legality of the process was called into question many times during the presentation, and Edward H. Jurith, general counsel of the ONDCP, addressed the legal aspects of random student drug testing. According to Jurith, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and requires officials to have probable cause before conducting searches.

“A chemical test of bodily fluids or hair comes under the definition of ‘search’ under federal constitution,” said Jurith. However, a Supreme Court ruling in 1985 (New Jersey v. T.L.O.) defined school campuses as special environments because of the responsibility to protect students, and therefore only “reasonable suspicion” is needed, not probable cause, to justify searching public school students.

“This is a critical distinction,” said Jurith.

The Supreme Court determined that students’ expectations of privacy are lowered while at school because they are required to submit to physical examinations and receive immunizations.

The Supreme Court has also identified two categories of students who may be subject to drug tests. The first category is essentially the entire student body, as the school can test any student if there is reasonable suspicion the student is using drugs, even if a positive test will result in expulsion. This is called “for cause” testing. The second category is any student involved in extracurricular activities who may be subject to a random test. In 1995, the Supreme Court ruled that schools can test any student involved in athletics as long as a positive test will not affect the student’s academic status (that definition was expanded to include all students engaged in competitive extracurricular activities in 2002).

Jurith said that while under federal law the testing is legal, state constitutions, laws, regulations and local ordinances may also apply, so state and local laws must be thoroughly investigated. “It is imperative that you consult with your legal counsel licensed in your jurisdiction,” said Jurith. “Ultimately, this is a local decision you all must make.”

Presenters also addressed issues such as the logistics of testing, the price of testing, and student morale.

Sonja Hoppe, laboratory administrator and vice president of Southwest Laboratories, said that, when tests are administered, students and parents do not need to be notified of what drugs will be on the test panel. Hoppe said it is best to administer mixed panels — otherwise, students might just use drugs they know are not on the tests. “Don’t limit yourself,” said Hoppe. “The drug du jour changes.”

Hoppe also discussed which tests are available. Urine tests are the cheapest tests at $15-30 per test, but they only detect drugs used within a two- to three-day period, and are considered invasive and embarrassing. Testing hair can detect drug use within a 90-day window, and is non-invasive. However, hair tests can run up to $50 per student. Testing oral fluids or blood are other options, although Hoppe said blood tests are uncommon and she knows of no districts that use them.

Presenter Chris Steffner, a principal at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington, N.J., has been using random student drug tests in her schools since 1996. Steffner views the testing as an “opportunity to monitor” students and not to punish them. Under law, the student cannot be expelled and law enforcement cannot be contacted. Only the parents and counselor are notified; teachers and coaches cannot be told. The student must also forfeit one week of participation in their extracurricular activity. Any records of drug use are destroyed once the child leaves school; the record doesn’t follow them.

Identifying and helping students who are using drugs is one of the goals of random testing; however, Steffner said the tests also act as a strong deterrent to discourage students from using drugs.

“It can be the reason that the hair on the back of their neck stands up,” she said. She also said that tests can help discover and help students who might be “flying under the radar.” “Do we think that because they are a football player or class president, they’re immune?” she asked. “We have biases and stereotypes that are not true.”

Steffner emphasized the fact that drugs pose not only a physical danger to children, but also a detrimental effect on their academic and social goals. “We measure losses in accidents, overdoses, and deaths,” she said. “We often forget the lost opportunities.”

Critics of the tests, said Steffner, argue that it is the responsibility of parents to monitor their children, not the school’s. “And we agree. But often (the parents) are the last to know,” she said. “Finding out your kids are using drugs and alcohol won’t be the worst thing in the world. Not finding out very well may be.”

But, before Pagosa can consider using a program like Steffner’s, there are many steps to be taken. Laws must be researched, and it must be documented that drugs are a problem in the area.

“Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to get data that shows that drugs are a problem everywhere,” said Steffner.

Joanne Irons, member of the Promoting Prevention Coalition of Pagosa Springs and the Archuleta County School District 50 Joint School Board, said that a work session to engage the community will most likely be the next step for Pagosa. “As far as a possibility, I think the information we heard was very positive,” said Irons. “No one gets arrested, no one gets expelled.”

She said that, since the program is in the planning stage in Pagosa, it is unknown whether tests may be administered at the junior high level as well. “I’m just excited that we’re talking about these hard issues,” she said. “We need to deal with them.”

Superintendent Mark DeVoti also said he heard many benefits of the program at the summit. However, DeVoti said a greater focus on a curriculum for drug awareness and education is also needed. He said if random student drug testing came to Pagosa, it wouldn’t be anytime soon.

“It’s a really big process. We need to get the building blocks in place,” said DeVoti. “It’s nothing that we’d see in the next year.”

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Basin snowpack still above average

By Monday, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reported the San Juan River Basin snowpack at 133 percent of average, and 189 percent of last year’s total on the same date. Additionally, the service reported a lingering snow depth of 92.3 inches at the Wolf Creek Summit SnoTel site, with 81.3 inches still showing at the upper San Juan SnoTel site, some distance downstream.

Depending on which Web pages one examines, the NRCS displays a baffling array of snow, precipitation and water-equivalent numbers on its site. Nonetheless, all indications seem to suggest a Monday year-to-date precipitation total for the combined Animas, Dolores, San Juan and San Miguel basins of 113 percent.

The point is, despite well-below-average precipitation in March and April (a 2.58-inch deficit in Pagosa Lakes), last winter’s colossal snowpack has kept Pagosa Country numbers slightly above average, so far. No doubt, though, we need moisture … soon.

According to the National Weather Service, if it comes, it’ll arrive this morning in the form of snow showers. In fact, a cold front passing through the area will limit today’s high temperatures to around 50 degrees, while tonight’s readings should drop to about 20. Southwest winds between 15 and 20 miles per hour will usher in a 20-percent chance of precipitation.

Tomorrow should be partly sunny and warmer, with a high near 60. Winds mostly out of the south will range between 10 and 15 miles per hour, before tonight’s low dips to the upper 20s.

Saturday and Saturday night will bring partly cloudy skies, with light and variable winds and a daytime high in the mid-60s. The nighttime low will hover near the freezing mark.

Under mostly cloudy skies, a 20-percent chance of rain showers will arrive Sunday into Sunday night, as temperatures mirror those predicted for Saturday. Monday will clear again, with daytime readings reaching the mid-60s.

AccuWeather.com anticipates little or no precipitation in the first two weeks of May. Daytime temperatures will fluctuate between 50 and 70 degrees, while sunny and breezy conditions prevail. Lows will hover mostly in the 20s.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Photo courtesy Lisa Scott
Archuleta County High School students Alexandra Gallegos, left, and Devin Whomble attended the El Pomar Foundation awards ceremony last week with school principal Doug Bowen. Gallegos was named the Outstanding EPYCS Student at ACHS and received her award at the event.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Archuleta County High School awards EPYCS grants

The Four Corners Regional Grants Presentation for 2008 El Pomar Youth In Community Service (EPYCS) awards was held April 23.

Archuleta County High School (ACHS) awarded a total of $8,302 to eight local nonprofit agencies. Alexandra Gallegos was selected as the Outstanding EPYCS student for ACHS, was recognized during the awards celebration and received a gift.

The organizations receiving grants include: Crazy Horse Educational Expeditions, for marketing future environmental projects for student participation; Dr. Mary Fisher Medical Foundation, for the meditation room; LASSO, for educational information and food and veterinarian services for large animals; Pagosa Springs Arts Council, for scholarships to the summer youth art program; Pagosa Waldorf Initiative, to purchase playground equipment; Seeds of Learning, to assist the hot lunch and snack program; Special Olympics, to help fund travel to competitions; and Pagosa Springs High School, for redecorating the SRT/Pirate Achievement Center classroom.

ACHS students and EPYCS Grant Committee members include Ashley Bradford, Ryan Bromley, Andrea Burch, Alexandra Gallegos, Jeremy Lister, Heath Rivas, Jesse Whisman and Devin Whomble. Doug Bowen, principal of ACHS, was the advisor on this project and stated that, “This is an excellent program that shows our youth how to raise money and give it to nonprofit organizations in a responsible manner.” The committee received 36 grant applications, interviewed finalist candidates and eventually chose eight organizations to award grants.

ACHS students raised a total of $802 by holding two car washes and soliciting donations from local citizens and businesses. Those who donated were Abba Eye Care, Alpha Engineering, Colorado Dream Homes, Edward Jones Investments, Kerry & Don Evans, Frame Designers Inc, Earl & Arlyss Greenwood, High Meadows Mortgage, Hill Agency Inc., Moore Chiropractic, Diane Owens, Paint Connection Plus, Mary Przybruski, Smith Development, Dr. Harold Thompson, Village Interiors, Whispering Creek Log Homes, and Youth Rescue Inc.

EPYCS is one of the nation’s largest youth philanthropy programs and the Archuleta County High School students have participated for 10 years. EPYCS is a leadership experience that teaches high school students the importance of service, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, while empowering them to directly make an impact on their community through grant making.

The El Pomar Foundation collaborates with 144 high schools across the state and provides a $7,500 matching grant to each school group that raises $500 or more within their community. Then EPYCS students can participate in a granting process that allows them to award at lease $8,000 within their community.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Photo courtesy Sally Capistrant
Prom royalty was crowned last Saturday and the prom king, Brad Iverson, and prom queen, Laci Jones, enjoyed the traditional post-coronation dance.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Crisis Box Food Pantry needs donations

It was a long, cold winter, and Pagosa Springs had its share of hungry families.

The Community United Methodist Church Crisis Box food program for the needy gave out hundreds of boxes of food and the shelves are now close to being empty … and people in our community are still in need of food to feed their families.

Pagosa Women’s Club decided to help fill those shelves and collected food at their April meeting to donate to the Crisis Box food pantry program. Two shopping carts worth of food and $40 in checks were given to CUMC to help restock the shelves and keep the food boxes filled and ready to be given out to those in need. The club hopes that other organizations will pitch in and help, too.

“We average about three boxes given out a day.  The need gets stronger toward the middle and end of the months, or until pay checks begin to run out.  We believe that there is so much food in this country that no one should go without food, for any reason,” said CUMC Pastor Don Ford.  “If a person comes in and asks for a food box at the church, they will get one.”

Each box contains enough food to serve a family of four for three days.  It totals about $40 worth of food.  The following items are needed to keep the shelves stocked and ready to fill the boxes:

• Canned meat or fish.

• Canned vegetables.

• Canned fruit.

• Canned soup or dried soup mixes.

• Dried pasta, rice or beans (cans or dried).

• Sauces or meal mixes for pasta or rice.

• Boxes of Jell-O or pudding mix.

• Macaroni and cheese mixes.

• Jars of peanut butter (16 ounces).

• Boxes of saltine crackers.

• Baking mix (40 ounces) i.e., Bisquick.

• Small boxes of powdered milk (9.6 ounces).

• Cereal — hot or cold.

• 2-pound bags of sugar.

• Small bottles of dish soap (12 ounces).

• Rolls of paper towels and toilet tissue.

If anyone or any group is interested in donating food or having a food drive, collected items can be brought to the church office at 434 Lewis St. for delivery to the food pantry. If those interested in helping would rather donate money, put “Crisis Box” on the memo line of the check, and volunteers will do the shopping.

“Crisis boxes are filled once or twice a month and volunteers are always appreciated,” said Robin Ball, program coordinator, and “if this community service is really special to anyone’s heart, we would like to add them to our volunteer list.”

Those interested may call Robin at 731-3005 or the church office at 264-5508 for further information.

Kindergarten registration underway

Kindergarten registration began April 23 at Pagosa Springs Elementary School and continues through May 30.

Next year, the school will offer half-day and full-day kindergarten classes. There will be two half-day sessions and three full-day sessions, pending school board approval.

Because the district is only funded for half-day kindergarten by the state, one full-day session will be funded on a tuition basis. There are 30 slots available due to funding received from a Colorado Preschool/Kindergarten Program (CPKP) grant.

The CPKP provides full-day funding to those students who are eligible. At enrollment, each student’s family is asked to complete the CPKP Eligibility Checklist. Upon reviewing the checklists, those students with the most eligibility factors will be offered a full-day funded kindergarten slot.

The tuition based full-day price is $200 a month. There are 20 slots open. If there is higher demand, these slots will be by a lottery drawing.

The following information will help you decide what is best for you and your child.

Half-day kindergarten

• A half-day schedule can be a low stress way to ease your child into the school routine.

• A student may be away from home for the first time, and a half-day experience could be the best for your child.

• As a parent you may not be ready to send your child to school for a full day, preferring to spend extra time with him or her for one final year.

• A student may still need a nap or a later wake up time at this age. As you know, each child is unique.

Full-day kindergarten

• A full-day schedule allows for additional activities to enrich the variety and depth of our young children’s educational experience. There is more time to give individualized attention to students.

• A full-day schedule helps parents manage their day between family and work.

• Students have additional time to process the concepts being taught.

Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, immunization records and his or her Social Security number. You will not be able to register your child without these items.

You may request full-day or half-day morning or afternoon at this time. Again, if there are more than 20 requested slots for tuition based full day, the slots will be filled by a lottery drawing. The morning and afternoon slots will be filled as students are registered. There will be waiting lists for any slots that are completely filled. Tuition for the full-day classes will be $200 a month; a $100 deposit is required at registration.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Luncheon to celebrate 20 years of history at Ed Center

It all began 20 years ago, with a small vision to reach out to members of our adult community to offer additional educational opportunities.

Today, the Archuleta County Education Center (ACEC) has a vision statement, which guides all of the decisions and future planning — that every person in our community has access to effective educational programs and services.

This year, the ACEC is celebrating the 20 successful years it has operated and collaborated in this community. This rich history includes a vast array of community members in leadership, educational and volunteer roles.

The community is invited to attend the seventh annual luncheon celebrating “20 Years of Mind Over Matter.” It will be held Wednesday, April 30, starting at 11:45 a.m. at Center Point Church on U.S. 160.

This annual ACEC event has two aspects. First, it serves as a fund-raiser for the organization that operates a budget of nearly $500,000, the money used to plan and execute the variety of educational programs that are offered for all ages of people in this community. Second, it engages and reminds the community of the purpose and successes in enriching and educating people in Pagosa Country over the decades.

Tickets are available for a donation of $50 each and you may put together a table of eight. This is an event that will enlighten you to some of the trials that ordinary people go through, the steps people take to help themselves or help others, and will make you proud of your community.

The ACEC board has planned an exciting format during the luncheon, which will outline the highlights of the progress and successes over the past two decades and will spotlight the numerous people who have been involved. You will be tickled and amazed at the places, logistics and individuals that have been a significant part of this rich history.

Current programs offered by the ACEC include tutoring and enrichment programs for K-eighth grades, adult learning opportunities like GED and ESL training and a vast array of community classes that are offered year-round. The ACEC also operates the Archuleta County High School which is currently serving over 60 students who are working toward their diploma or GED and are also participating in a very rewarding service learning component to their education.

For more information about the luncheon or the Ed Center, call the ACEC at 264-2835.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Fire protection district to hold election: candidates speak

Five candidates will vie for two open spots in the Pagosa Fire Protection District Board of Directors in an election to be held May 6.

The candidates are Joe Bigley, Toby Brookens, Dick Cole, Marvin Graham and Ernest “LeRoy” Lattin.” There are no incumbents; anyone elected will be new to the board.

The SUN asked the candidates to submit a brief biography concerning their background and qualifications.

Voting will take place May 6 at Fire Station 1, located at 191 North Pagosa Blvd. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Mail-in and absentee ballots are also available, and can be cast prior to the election. Those interested in mail-in or absentee ballots should contact the Pagosa Fire Protection District at 731-4191 for more information.

Joe Bigley

“I moved to Chromo in 2003 where I live with my wife Diane. Since then, I’ve been involved in the emergency management structure of Archuleta County as a volunteer for search and rescue, an EMT for Pagosa EMS, a volunteer firefighter for the PFPD, a member of the county’s Incident Management team, and interim director of emergency management for Archuleta County.

“I have been on the boards of several regional emergency response committees, including the Southwest All Hazards Committee, the Southwest Regional Communications Committee and the Archuleta County Multi-Agency Coordination Group. I have been on the board of several companies and associations, both professional and as a volunteer. With over 25 years of business experience, I can provide business, human resource, and financial management experience.

“I am Firefighter 1 and arduous wild land firefighter certified, and a Colorado licensed EMT. I have over 200 hours of firefighter training, have been on many emergency incidents, including fires, both with the PFPD and the county, and have worked with the current PFPD board on the South 84 inclusion during the past two years, most recently securing a grant of $297,500 to purchase a new wild land brush truck for the district and to help build station 7.

“I believe in entrusting the daily operations of fire fighting to the professionals and volunteers the district’s board has delegated these responsibilities to, within established policies, budgets, and limits.”

Toby Brookens

“Hi, my name is Toby Brookens and I am running for the Pagosa Springs Fire Protection District Board. I have lived here in Pagosa for around nine years, and I was introduced to the fire department within a few months of living here. I joined with no prior knowledge of firefighting, but I picked up on it quickly. I was on the screening committee for the hiring of the new chief and worked with the board members in previous years. I have also spent many hours dedicated to the fire department; in doing so, I believe I have the adequate knowledge to become a board member for the fire department. I decided to run for the PFPD to challenge myself and to strive for an ultimate achievement of working with the best operating board in Pagosa.”

Dick Cole

“My wife, Barb, and I have been residents of Pagosa Springs for 17 years. I retired after 41 years as a public servant, both as a firefighter and a peace officer. I hold a degree in fire science with post graduate work in both fire and police administration, and I was employed by the San Diego Fire Department for eleven years. I am court qualified as an expert pertaining to fire cause and origin in both state and federal courts. I left the San Diego Fire Department and finished my public service career as a district attorney investigator, retiring from the San Diego DA’s Office as a supervising investigator. I was an investigator for the local DA’s office and retired in 1998. I have been a volunteer firefighter with the Pagosa Fire District since 2001.

“I am running because I believe it is another way to serve people in the community that I love. I believe the existing board has been able to successfully maintain the fire department infrastructure in view of the rapid growth in our community. I would like to continue in that endeavor working with the new Fire Chief and his staff to maintain a progressive fire department.”

Marvin Graham

“I am running for the Fire District Board of Directors. I have 27 years of experience in commercial construction projects before retiring to Pagosa Springs. I am currently a member of the Pagosa Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter.

“I feel I have both the practical knowledge and business sense to be an asset to this board. I have been working with the PFPD for the last year, learning all I was able to about the fire fighting in this area. I also grew up in the firefighter atmosphere with a father who eventually retired as a Fire Chief. I am continuing my own education through training classes at the fire department. I hope that my years of practical experience in the construction field will also be a benefit to this board. I’ve dealt with large contractors and large businesses with success. I understand both cooperation and compromise when it comes to business dealings.”

Ernest “LeRoy” Lattin

“I was born in Durango and have lived all my life in Pagosa Springs. I am a 1975 graduate of Pagosa Springs High School, and my parents are Dewey and Maxine Lattin. My wife Linda and I have a blended family with five grown kids and one grandson, all of whom live here too. I have been a volunteer firefighter for 31 years. I started with the Town of Pagosa Springs Volunteer Fire Department and served as assistant chief and chief until the inclusion with the Pagosa Fire Protection District. I am now a captain at station 4, the station east of town. I am certified as a Firefighter 1 (structure) and Firefighter 2 (wildland). I have taken classes at the Colorado Firefighters Convention and also the Colorado’s Wildland Academy. I served on the committee that started the Colorado Firefighters Academy. As our area is growing and our department is expanding, we need to also expand our capabilities to train and equip our volunteers. I feel with my years of service on the department, I will bring with me firefighting experience and a willingness to listen to all ideas and concerns that the firefighters have. I would appreciate your vote on May 6 at Station 1.”

Thursday, April 24, 2008

American Legion Post holds raffle

Members of the Pagosa Springs American Legion Post 108 have begun selling raffle tickets for their July 17 drawing for a new Yamaha ATV.

Second and third prizes will be $1,000 and $500, respectively.

Last Saturday, April 19, members of the post were outside the City Market on the west end of town, and they will be at other locations during the next few weekends.

All proceeds will go to support the American Legion Post 108 activities locally. The $20 tickets can also be purchased directly from any member of Post 108.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Community Resource Directory available

The Archuleta County Regional Substance Abuse Prevention Program (RSAPP) Committee recently published the first “Pagosa Springs Area Community Resource Directory,” a thorough compendium of the resources available to Pagosa Area residents. The directory is intended to help those seeking services, as well as to encourage more dialogue between resource organizations, and to “show how much the community cares, and get people talking to each other,” said Anna Royer, prevention specialist with the Archuleta County Education Center.

The resource directory contains phone numbers, addresses and information for a long list of services, including childcare, counseling, disability related services, domestic violence and sexual assault services, housing assistance, food assistance, health care, legal assistance, pregnancy services and senior citizen care. The directory also has the numbers to many 24-hour hotlines concerning mental health, youth crisis, domestic violence, and suicide prevention.

The directory has been distributed to teachers, counselors and other officials throughout the community, and can be picked up at the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce or the Archuleta County Education Center. It will also be put on the Archuleta County Web site at www.archuletacounty.org in the future.

Royer said that even though months were spent on organizing the directory, it’s still incomplete.

“It’s a human project, so it’s going to have errors and omissions,” she said.

Royer encouraged anyone who wishes to supplement the directory to contact her at aroyer@pagosa.k12.co.us or at 264-2835.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Photo courtesy
Jennifer Lindberg
Members and Leaders of Cub Scout Pack 807 and Boy Scout Troop 807 came together Thursday, March 27, for the Annual Cub Scout Crossover to Boy Scout Ceremony.  Every year, boys from the Cub Scouts become eligible to become Boy Scouts.  Pack 807 and Troop 807 meet at the Community United Methodist Church, which has been the sponsor of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for more than 35 years.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Mass casualty exercise planned Saturday

Local emergency response agencies, hospitals and government offices are preparing for Operation Yellow Jacket, a mass casualty exercise Saturday, April 26.

This exercise will help participants assess the cooperative actions of Archuleta and La Plata county resources in response to a mass casualty incident. More than 30 agencies are participating, including emergency medical resources, local and state law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, search and rescue, and dispatch centers. The exercise will focus on incident management, patient transport, patient tracking and mass patient care.

Public in and around Bayfield High School, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Animas Surgical Hospital and Pagosa Mountain Hospital will see activity from emergency response personnel. Unless you need to access one of the hospitals for an emergency or appointment, we are asking the public to stay clear of the above locations from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our primary objectives are to facilitate cooperation and communication between our agencies, organizations and the public as we test emergency plans for La Plata and Archuleta Counties,” said Drew Petersen, Archuleta County director of Emergency Management and coordinator of the exercise. “Going through an exercise like this is a great way to sustain and improve our skills in these areas.”

On Saturday, at 9 a.m., exercise participants will stage a mass casualty incident in the parking lot of Bayfield High School. This incident will involve a 60-passenger school bus and a few personal vehicles. This incident will be carried out as if it had occurred at Yellow Jacket Pass on U.S. 160, on the west end of Archuleta County

There is no cell phone coverage in this location and the response would be from both counties. The pretend patients will be volunteers from high schools, the Boy Scouts and other youth organizations, adults from various emergency organizations and parents.

“We’re setting up the exercise to reflect the real-world situation as closely as possible. This includes a lack of cell phone service at the crash site, patients whose conditions change during the incident, parents wanting to know where their children are and media on scene,” Petersen said.

Agencies involved in the exercise will include: Animas Surgical Hospital, Air Care of Farmington, Archuleta Office of Emergency Management, Archuleta Sheriff’s Office, Archuleta Coroner’s Office, Bayfield Marshal’s Office, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Colorado State Patrol, Durango Fire-Rescue, Durango Police Department, Durango-La Plata Airport, Durango-La Plata Communication, La Plata County Coroner’s Office, La Plata Office of Emergency Management, La Plata Search and Rescue, La Plata Sheriff’s Office, Los Pinos Fire, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Mounted Search and Rescue, Pagosa EMS, Pagosa Fire, Pagosa Mountain Hospital, Southwest Chapter American Red Cross, Southwest Colorado Medical Reserve Corps, Southwest Colorado RETAC, Tri-State Care Flight, Upper Pine Fire and Upper San Juan Search and Rescue.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

SUN photo/Sarah O. Smith
A record number of marchers turned out last Thursday for the third annual Walk A Mile In Their Shoes march, all participating to show their support of victims of sexual assault and abuse.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Annual ‘Walk A Mile In their Shoes’ held in Pagosa

No amount of snow, wind, rain or cold kept our dedicated troops of walkers from the third annual Walk A Mile In Their Shoes last Thursday.

We had another record-breaking number of marchers coming to show their support of victims of sexual assault and abuse.

It is our hope that, in years to come, the event will get so big we’ll need a parade permit.

Each year is exciting and humbling at the same time. Even more bittersweet was the contingent of enthusiastic high school and junior high students who came to participate. One student got into the competition and won the highest heel contest. We also had the worst toe-cruncher contest and the funkiest shoe award. One entrant had a wedding theme on her shoes, another wrapped hers with colors. And the bravest “sole” wore no shoes, instead carrying those of an infant.

Sexual assault is a devastating act, leaving victims to pick up the pieces of their lives. Each tries to make sense of what has happened — even when there is no sense to make of it. Sexual assault affects a total of 150 million victims each year, but its effects are far reaching to affect friends, family, spouses and our community. Today you will likely encounter someone who’s been a victim of sexual abuse. Walk a mile in their shoes before you judge their actions.

Thank you to all who participated. We’ll see you next year.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Trooper's Tips

A game you should never play

Have you ever heard of the game of Russian Roulette? The rules for this game are simple:

1. Load a revolver-style pistol with only one bullet.

2. Spin the cylinder, then close it so you don’t know where the bullet is.

3. Aim the gun at your head, and begin pulling the trigger.

With a five out of six chance that you’ll be lucky enough to find an empty chamber, you’re odds of survival are not great, but higher at first. With each pull of the trigger, however, your odds of certain death increase dramatically in this game of chance.

Sound like a game you want to play? If you drink and drive, that’s exactly the kind of game you’re playing. Maybe in the past you’ve driven home after having a few drinks, and you didn’t have a problem or cause a crash. Maybe you’ll even do it again in the future. But pull that trigger often enough, and eventually you’ll lose — you, or worse yet, your innocent victim.

Don’t play stupid games. The Colorado State Patrol urges you, please, don’t drink and drive.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Apply now and receive town business license credit

Local business owners have less than a week left to save $25 on the purchase of a business license from the Town of Pagosa Springs.

The town will credit $25 toward the annually-renewed license required of all businesses operating within town limits, if an application is received by April 30. If a business is located in town or an individual or organization is doing business within town boundaries, the annual license must be obtained.

Applications may be picked up at Town Hall or downloaded from the town Web site www.townofpagosasprings.com.

Contact town officials with any questions at 264-4151, Ext. 225.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Summit to consider random student drug testing and related issues

Deputy director for Demand Reduction at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Bertha K. Madras, will address local commmunity leaders and education officials today at a regional drug prevention summit on school-based, random drug testing, hosted by the Promoting Prevention Coalition of Pagosa Springs.

The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Community Center and will be geared specifically toward middle and high schools in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Kansas.

The summit will address relevant legal and programmatic issues and serve as an introduction for school districts that want to learn more about drug prevention, intervention and treatment programs like random student drug testing.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Clean-up Week starts May 12 in Pagosa Springs

Perhaps the spirit of Earth Day is upon us; or maybe our collective fancies have turned towards the spring-cleaning urge.

Whatever the case, town government certainly has caught the bug, having presented two proclamations this past week, urging not just environmental awareness but environmental action.

Both proclamations went before town council at the April 17 mid-month council meeting. The first proclaimed April 22 “will be acknowledged Town of Pagosa Springs Earth Day 2008 and that Town employees and volunteers will assist citizens with education and information in regards to environmentally sound action.”

As reported in The SUN last week, town employees and Mayor Ross Aragon have taken the reins in leading an effort to invigorate local interest in Earth Day. With unanimous approval, town council concurred, lending their support to the town’s effort to embrace Earth Day.

While the first proclamation had a distinctly global flavor, the second was decidedly local in scope and spirit. With appeals to civic pride as well as recent economic unease, the proclamation designated Monday, May 12, through Sunday, May 18, as “Pagosa Springs Clean-up Week 2008,” calling on local residents to get involved with some town spring cleaning.

Although the main focus of the proclamation was to motivate area residents to get together for the purpose of cleaning up after litterbugs, discussion of the proclamation quickly turned to the issue of privately-owned eyesores: local properties littered with large-scale junk such as derelict cars, heavy-machinery and piles of debris.

With the proclamation stating that “town crews and volunteers will assist citizens with clean-up and trash disposal,” council members wondered just how far the town would go towards that assistance. After all, as new council member Jerry Jackson said, “Some properties need more clean-up than others. While it might be incumbent for the town to provide some incentive for cleaning up properties, the town needs to begin enforcing existing ordinances pertaining to properties regarded as nuisances.”

Former Town Manager Mark Garcia responded to Jackson’s concern by claiming that enforcement of the code had been applied on a limited basis. Council member Mark Weiler asked Garcia, “Do we have selective enforcement of the municipal code?” Garcia responded, “Yes, but we need to consider circumstances in some cases.” And Garcia cited two examples in the past where enforcement of the code had been quelled by court injunction. In response, Weiler called for consistency in enforcement or changing the code.

The discussion was resolved when council member Angela Atkinson asked if the clean-up effort might be better served if, “the town took less of a punitive approach and instead was a partner and assisted in cleaning up properties around town.”

Both council and Mayor Aragon concurred that a softer, friendlier approach might be more productive in getting property owners involved in Clean-up Week. Mayor Aragon directed council member Jerry Jackson to head up a steering committee to organize clean-up week efforts.

To assist citizens in cleaning up the community, the town and other entities will provide:

1) Dumpsters for trash will be located at the end of South 5th Street within the Sanitation District fence. The site will be open for dumping from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday (May 12-18).

2) Curbside pickup of larger items such as old lumber, branches or appliances placed along the curb or right-of-way will be completed according to the below schedule.

• Monday (May 12); North 1st Street-North 5th Street.

• Tuesday (May 13): North 5th Street-North 14th Street.

• Wednesday (May 14): San Juan Street/Hot Springs Boulevard-South 6th Street.

• Thursday (May 15): South 7th Street-10th Street (Garvin Addition).

• Friday (May 16): Bienvenido Street and Piedra Estates.

If a resident cannot place items at the curb and a hardship exists, please call Town Hall at 264-4151, Ext. 238, to coordinate assistance. Town staff will confirm all hardships and if valid, will coordinate town crew assistance while the resident is present during pickup. Please remember that the town will not remove or pick up household trash, hazardous materials, engines and appliances with Freon.

3) Removal of junk vehicles can be coordinated by calling Rita Prokop or Deanna Jaramillo at Town Hall at 264-4151, ext. 237 or 238. Please call and request the removal of your junk vehicles, however, the town cannot guarantee that all removals can be completed for various circumstances. Proof of ownership is required.

4) Cemetery clean-up is scheduled for the week of May 19-25. All items to be disposed of must be placed alongside the roads within the cemetery for pickup by town crews. No dumpsters will be provided at the cemetery.

Local organizations and citizens alike are encouraged to volunteer during Clean-up Week. Interested parties should contact council member Jackson or Town Hall at 264-4151 to offer assistance or input.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Chimney Rock makes the New York Times

The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is one of several Ancestral Puebloan sites discussed in the April 8, 2008 New York Times article titled, “Vanished: A Pueblo Mystery.”

A stunning half-page color photograph of the Great House at Chimney Rock leads the piece, and a second photo of a kiva of the Great House is included. In the article New York Science Times journalist George Johnson presents prevailing theory and current research of the abandonment of the Four Corners area by the ancient culture in the late 1300s and their relocation south to Arizona and New Mexico.

According to the article, scientists are looking beyond the known theories for the mass migration from the Colorado Plateau that have focused on drought or a little ice age. Other motives are being considered, such as the possible effects of warfare or social, political and religious ferment. Archeologists see evid