by Marcia Darnell
Election First
Alamosa will have its first woman mayor, following Kathy Rogers’ election Nov. 3. Alamosa voters also voted no on a new aquatic center, raises for city council members, and opening city boards to non-residents.
Saguache County voters voted to take on more debt to get a BEST grant for the Crestone Charter School, while Mineral County said no to a tax increase for its community center.
In Monte Vista, Art Medina will be the new mayor, while Conejos County voted down increased funds for its hospital.
Blame it on El Niño
It’s been a busy autumn for law enforcement. An accused internet child predator was released on bond from Saguache County Jail only to be arrested by Alamosa police. Joseph Lukondi, 43, is being held while Valley authorities try to identify more alleged victims.
Meanwhile, the recent spate of daytime burglaries in Alamosa spiked into a nighttime home invasion while the residents were home. A couple confronted two black-clad men in their home at 2 a.m. The intruders fled, and Alamosans are locking their windows and doors at night, many for the first time.
And the feds charged former Alamosa Housing Authority director Patricia Martinez with embezzlement and money laundering. She’s admitted taking $1.3 million, which she used for gambling. Another AHA employee, Presiliano Romero, has also been arraigned in the case.
Labor Pains
The troubles continue at Harborlite Corp. south of Antonito, where the company locked out 29 union members in early October. The workers say they’re being asked to work more hours for less pay; the company says the union presented new demands after a final offer was made, and in the absence of a valid contract, it had to lock out the union members. U.S. Rep. John Salazar has urged both parties to return to the bargaining table. Harborlite has reportedly begun hiring non-union workers to fill those jobs.
Cold Feet?
The Alamosa City Council awarded a contract to Reynolds and Associates for the next phase of the new city hall/library complex. Some city residents are having second thoughts, however, and are now circulating a petition asking for reconsideration of the proposed site of the new building at Cole Park.
Brief Briefs
• Captain Hook, one of the star reptiles at Colorado Gators near Mosca, will be featured in the new Warren Miller film, “Dynasty.”
• The ASC Trustees put off consideration of a name change to Adams State University. For now, ASC is ASC.
• The Colorado Welcome Center opened in the old depot in Alamosa. The refurbished facility will also house the Chamber of Commerce, Alamosa Community Economic Development, the Alamosa Convention and Visitors Bureau, Department of Local Affairs, the Governor’s Energy office, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, and SLV Habitat for Humanity.
• A moving ceremony marked the dedication of the Hillside Cemetery Veterans Memorial near Saguache.
• The Alamosa City Council imposed a 120-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries, one of which opened outside the city limits.
• Linette Cooper, convicted of stealing from the nursing home where she worked, was sentenced to 90 days plus five years’ probation, along with $50,000 in restitution.
• Jim Cornwall, survivor of a nasty mountain fall on Sept. 10, returned to Alamosa from Woodland Park to thank the Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue Team for saving him.
• Alamosa scored $425,000 in federal funds to upgrade its fire department, including purchase of an aerial ladder truck.
• Corey DeAngelis is the new assistant division water engineer for the Division of Water Resources.
• Adams State received a $280,000 grant for the Hispanic Serving Institutions leadership program.
• Wolf Creek Ski Area opened on Halloween, marking its 70th season.
• Mary Rice of Alamosa was named president of the Colorado Medical Society Connection.
