Movie Review: New Mexico Rain: The Story of Bill & Bonnie Hearne

By Mike Rosso Directed by Bunee Tomlinson, 2019 When I first saw Bill and Bonnie Hearne perform at the former Durango nightclub, Farquahrts, in the 1980s, I decided should I ever get married, I would hire them to play the reception. Their mix of folk ballads, country classics and straight-ahead rock and roll had an …

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Q & A with Trace Bundy

A full-time, internationally touring musician, Trace Bundy grew up in Buena Vista and was named “Most Promising New talent” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in 2008, as well as receiving third place for “Best Fingerstyle Guitarist.” Over the past 15 years, trace has performed in 28 countries and throughout the U.S., and has independently sold over …

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Centerville Ranch

By Daniel Smith Large-scale growth has arrived in Chaffee County; from Poncha Springs to Buena Vista to Salida; construction, houses and development all reflect that growth. The growth trend recently was focused on a proposed large development north of Salida at the historic Centerville ranch; a sprawling 950-acre parcel just off U.S. Hwy. 285, across …

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Building A House: Part 7

By Mike Rosso In the previous installment of this series, the drywall had been hung, finished, primed and painted. While this was happening, the stucco crew came back and did the exterior finish coat. At this point, the exterior is finished; doors and windows are hung and the exterior lights have been installed. Inside, Kenny …

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Not Autistic – A Photo essay

About a year ago I was busy obsessing about my entry to the Aaron Siskind Foundation Individual Photographer’s Fellowship Grant. Undaunted by the big city “East Coast” air to this thing, I set about selecting 10 photos from literally hundreds I’d taken of my son Harrison in hopes of not only doing something with my …

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Salida to the U.S.A. by Passenger Train

By Forrest Whitman Passenger rail travel can be accessed conveniently with a three-hour bus ride from Salida to Denver. It’s going to be even more convenient in the future if the Colorado Passenger Rail Commission has its way. I host a rail show on KHEN radio (106.9 or on podcast) and attend many rail meetings. …

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BRANCHING OUT: The Ark Valley Fruit Tree Network

By Ann Marie Swan Claire Mechtly of Poncha Springs daydreamed of fruit trees weighted with fragrant, sweet orbs of all things good, then tenderly harvested. While riding her bike around town, Mechtly noticed neglected apple trees, hairy-looking with branches gnarled and elbowed. She imagined cutting those limbs to bring in light and air, and restoring …

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