Chaffee County Build A Generation, with support and cooperation of the sheriff’s office and the Buena Vista and Salida police departments, is promoting National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Prescription drugs are being misused and abused at alarming rates throughout the United States. As part of the effort to address this problem, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled the fourth National Prescription Take-Back Day to collect potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

On Saturday, April 28, from 10am until 2pm, local citizens can drop off their unwanted prescription drugs at either of two collection points staffed by local police and volunteers.  In Salida, the drop off point is the Touber Building parking lot, 448 East First Street.  In Buena Vista, the collection point is the parking lot of the County Annex at 112 Linderman Avenue.

Americans that participated in the DEA’s third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the three prior Take-Back Days are combined, the DEA, and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation in the past 13 months.

***
For more information, contact Nancy Mallet at 719-530-2583; Rebecca Rice at 719-395-0344; or Sheriff Pete Palmer at 719-530-5727.

Dick Cuyler, with two degrees in English literature, has taught at both the college and secondary level, and been on the staff of two university presses.  He retired in 2005 after twenty years as principal of Cuyler Lighting Agency, a manufacturers’ representative for architectural lighting companies.

Since moving to Salida from Connecticut, he has indulged his interest in the outdoors and volunteered extensively doing field work with the local office of the U. S. Forest Service.  He is a past president of Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity.

Dan Larkin has lived in the Upper Arkansas Valley for forty-one years.  He made his career in loss prevention, primarily in mining and heavy industry.  He is a past director of the Lake County Building and Land Use Department, before that serving as a member of that county’s Planning and Zoning Committee.

In retirement, Dan has devoted his expertise to wildlife and habitat conservation.  He is a past president and current board member of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, and chairman of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Habitat Committee.  An avid outdoorsman and mule rider, Dan is a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society.

The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas is a non-profit, membership based organization that protects important natural, agricultural, and historic lands and water resources in Chaffee, Lake, Fremont, Saguache, and Park counties to enhance the quality of life for people in the region. The Land Trust currently protects over 2,000 acres. For more information on conservation easements and programs, or to make a donation, contact the Land Trust at 719-539-7700 or info@ltua.org. To visit the website go to www.ltua.org.

Staff Job Opening – SCC is looking for a seasonal, part-time Administrative Assistant to work in our Salida office 10-20 hours per week from mid-April through November.  Job duties will include collection and processing of member enrollment and exit paperwork, management of member files, submission of bi-weekly payroll summaries, database entry, program reporting and other administrative tasks.  To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Julie Mach: julie@sccorps.org or 701 E. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201.

Community Corps Member positions available – SCC is looking for Chaffee Count Youth ages 14-18 to participate in a 4-week summer program from July 16 through August 10, 2012.  The crew will meet Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, and complete local community service and conservation projects including: trail maintenance, invasive species removal, painting and more.  To apply visit our website at www.sccorps.org/join or contact Greg Baxter: greg@sccorps.org or 719-539-2438.  Deadline April 13, 2012

Volunteer Events – SCC will be hosting Friday Service Days for local youth and community volunteers on April 20^th, 27^th, May 4th and 11^th.  Local agricultural project will include a service and educational component – learn how to start a garden, build raised beds, install fencing and irrigation, plant your own seeds and help SCC promote local food production in our community!  Sign up at your school or contact Tyler Lincoln for more information: tyler@sccorps.org or 719-539-2438. *Youth participants must have a parent/guardian complete a volunteer liability release and must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 10.

May 16^th – Save the date for SCC’s annual Community Open House and Summer Kick-Off Party!  Tour our office and facility in Salida, meet staff and crew leaders, help launch our new on-site garden, and have fun!  Food and beverages will be provided.

Where to find us this summer: SCC will be completing a number of projects in and around Salida and Chaffee County this year.  Look for us on the San Isabel National Forest at Greens Creek Trail, Silver Creek Trail, Agnes Vaille Trail, and on the Continental Divide Trail at Tunnel Gulch.  BLM projects will include restoration at the Four-mile Recreation Area and County projects will include work at the Fairgrounds.  This year, new programs will include local agriculture and gardening projects in partnership with Guidestone, LiveWell Chaffee County and the Salida School District.  SCC will also complete projects with Colorado State Parks & Wildlife, the Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Pike National Forest and more.

About SCC: The Southwest Conservation Corps is a non-profit 501c3 whose mission is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment.  The Los Valles Region, based in Salida, runs crews of youth and young adults (ages 14-25) who complete environmental conservation projects on public lands throughout South-Central Colorado.  In 2012, SCC-LV will engage over 200 local and national participants on camping crews, community day crews and volunteer projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, stream bank stabilization and more.  For more information about our programs, please visit our website or contact our office: www.sccorps.org (719) 539-2438, 701 E. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201.

Warmer weather is around the corner and it’s time once again to think about “spring cleaning”.  Calendars fill up quickly this time of year, so I want to let you know ahead of time that the 21^st Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup (CUGU) will be held on Saturday, May 19^th.   It’s hard to believe we’ve been at it since 1992, and we want to continue to make our CUGU celebration a special event that honors the resources of the upper Arkansas River valley and the people throughout the years who preserve and protect them.

I will be seeking the help of you and your respective groups and organizations to assist with advance planning for the event and/or participation on May 19^th by registering for clean-up areas or assisting in other ways with the event.  One of the best ways you can help to promote Cleanup Day is to get the word out!  Alison Ramsey with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is also taking up the reins to make sure 2012’s event comes together without a hitch.

Since CUGU focuses on not just the Arkansas River but surrounding public lands and areas, your group or community may have a place in need of TLC and helping hands.  Let me know if you have suggested cleanup areas in the Arkansas River valley, need volunteers or have volunteers wanting to participate.

Volunteer sign-ups will take place the day of the event in Salida and Buena Vista (and other sites TBA) from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.  Advance registration for groups and individuals can also be arranged by calling the AHRA office.  Volunteers will receive trash bags and our collectible CUGU button, and beginning at 11:30 a.m. we will host our Volunteer picnic at Riverside Park in Salida.  We are excited this year to have AHRA Volunteer Geologist Extraordinaire, Bob Hickey, give a presentation and provide rock samples of the geology of the Arkansas River Valley, how it was formed and why it is so unique.  FIBArk will also have their Cruiser Crit parade later in the day, and it should be a fun afternoon for all!

We thank you for your past contributions of time and labor, which have made CUGU such a great success over the past 21 years, and we would appreciate your volunteer participation again this year.  If you and/or your organization are interested in taking part, please contact me at 719-539-7289 or e-mail rose.bayless@state.co.us as we begin planning this special event.

I look forward to hearing from you!

DENVER ­— Friday, March 9, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced the formal certification of two new Colorado Creative Districts: Downtown Salida and Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. The districts will each receive a $15,000 grant and assistance to attract artists, creative entrepreneurs and visitors as a strategy to infuse new energy and innovation and enhance the economic and civic capital of the community. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through the Colorado Creative Industries division.

“Colorado is filled with vibrant centers of commerce, culture and creativity, and is a magnet for creative workers,” Hickenlooper said. “The formation of Creative Districts provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to participate and invest in the arts, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists.”

Forty-four different districts from 25 counties applied for the designation. In addition to the two Certified Creative Districts, five applicants were designated as Prospective Creative Districts and will each receive $8,000 and a customized package of technical assistance to enhance the likelihood that they will be certified in the future. Eight were designated as Emerging Creative Districts and will each receive $2,000 and technical assistance to further their district planning.

Prospective Creative Districts:

Emerging Creative Districts:

The remaining applicants not selected will be eligible for assistance through the “Colorado Creates” grant program, which supports arts activities in communities. They can also receive assistance through the inaugural Creative Industries Summit and Colorado Creative Industry’s website.

“The Art District on Santa Fe is thrilled to be an inaugural designee”, said Jack Pappalardo, board president. “The receipt of this recognition validates our accomplishments to date and illustrates what a cooperative effort of creative individuals can produce. We now look forward to collaborating with CCI to facilitate sustainability, attract new creative entrepreneurs, and achieve the next level of economic and cultural vibrancy in our creative community. An enhanced Art District on Santa Fe will be a benefit not only to our creative district but also to all of metro Denver and the state of Colorado.

Salida Mayor Don Stephens said “Salida is a creative, vibrant community and we are honored by the recognition we are receiving from CCI. We understand Salida was awarded this grant in a very competitive grant process. The assistance that will be provided as part of the Creative District program will have a significant impact in our planning and marketing efforts as we further develop our creative industries. We anticipate this will allow Salida to leverage its creative resources for a stronger economic future.”

In 2011, Gov. Hickenlooper signed legislation that encourages the formation of Creative Districts in communities for the purposes of attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists to a community, infusing new energy and innovation which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community; creating hubs of economic activity, thereby enhancing the area as an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business, as well as create new economic activity; attracting visitors; revitalizing and beautifying communities; providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community’s unique identity; and showcasing cultural and artistic organizations, events, and amenities.

Nine other states have recently developed this economic development strategy of developing programs to certify such districts (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Texas).

Applications were reviewed by a panel of professionals with experience in arts and creative industries, city planning, economic development, and business development. Panelists assessed applications based primarily on district characteristics, management and planning, and community support.

For more information, visit www.coloradocreativeindustries.org.

Earlier today, Colorado Department of Corrections Fugitive Operations alerted the Chaffee County Sheriff”s Office that a subject wanted for escape was likely in the Mount Princeton area south of Buena Vista.  The subject, David Butler, age 46, was wanted on an original charge of homicide and was said to have “violent tendencies.”

Deputies located an unoccupied pickup truck registered to Butler in a field off County Road 321 in the Mount Princeton area and initiated a search for Butler who was thought to be on foot.

At about 3:30pm, Undersheriff John Spezze noticed smoke coming from a small barn nearby and called for the fire department to respond.  Arriving a few minutes later, firefighters from the Chaffee County Fire Protection District found the barn completely engulfed in flames.  Firefighters extinguished the blaze and in the process discovered the body of an adult male inside.  The barn was completely destroyed and the body was burned beyond recognition.

Chaffee County Coroner Randy Amettis examined the body at the scene after which the body was removed to the county morgue.  An autopsy is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow, Friday.  The body has not been positively identified.

The search for Butler continued until darkness prevented further efforts.

The fire is under investigation by investigators from the sheriff’s office, the Chaffee County Fire Protection District, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Other agencies involved in the operation were the Buena Vista and Salida police departments, the Buena Vista Correctional Facility, Chaffee EMS, Colorado State Patrol, Saguache County Sheriff‚s Office, and the local office of the district attorney.

2012 Crew Leader Job Posting

Adult crew leaders wanted for local Youth Conservation Crews. $460 – $500/week, Full-time M-F, May 29 – August 10. Work outdoors. Supervise & educate high school crew members. Complete environmental conservation and community service projects. Send cover letter and resume to Julie@sccorps.org or call 719-539-2438 for more information.

2012 Press Release

Date: February 29, 2012 Contact: Julie Mach, Program Director, Southwest Conservation Corps Address: 701 E. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201 Phone: (719) 539-2438 E-mail: Julie@sccorps.org

SCC is gearing up for 2012 Youth Programs: Help your community, make money, and learn new skills! The Southwest Conservation

Corps (SCC) is now hiring crew leaders and corpsmembers for summer youth programs. SCC is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment.

For the past four summers, SCC has worked with counties throughout the San Luis and Upper Arkansas Valleys to engage local youth in environmental conservation and community service projects on public lands. In 2011, SCC served over 50 local students and provided leadership development, job skills, and education opportunities. The youth crews completed 44 weeks of work which included: 10.6 miles of trail maintenance and construction; 153 bags of weeds and invasive species removed; and 883 bags of trash picked up.

SCC is currently looking for Community Corps Crew Members (ages 14-18), NPS Crew Members (ages 16-20) and Crew Leaders (over 21) to complete four-week day programs. Crews meet Monday through Friday and will complete projects such as: landscaping; trail construction and maintenance; habitat restoration; community beautification; painting; tree planting; and special event set-up/ break-down. Additionally, field trips and guest speakers enhance service- learning projects on topics including: environmental conservation; local ecology; regional history; and career preparation.

The Community Corps is an excellent program for motivated and hard-working teens looking to gain valuable job skills and immerse themselves in their communities. Crew members will receive up to $1040 upon completion of a four-week program. Local high school students are encouraged to apply for a crew in Costilla County (June 11 – July 6 and July 16 – August 10), Mineral/Hinsdale Counties (June 11 – July 6 and July 16 – August 10), Saguache County (June 11 – July 6), or Chaffee County (July 16 – August 10). Participants must reside in the county and must be 14-18 years old on the first day of the program. All applications must be submitted online at www.sccorps.org before April 13, 2011.

The NPS crew seeks young adults interested in natural resource conservation, and will complete educational, career development and service-learning activities in the San Luis Valley. Crew members will receive up to $1040 upon completion of a four-week program. Each week, corps members will begin with two educational days to learn about jobs with land management agencies, develop career preparation resources, and explore post-secondary educational opportunities. The other three days per week will be spent in the field completing environmental conservation and education projects and will include two nights of camping. Crews work in all kinds of weather and in various locations throughout Conejos, Costilla and Alamosa County. Crews will consist of six crew members with two adult leaders and will work closely with agency staff from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado State Parks and Wildlife and more. The program dates are Costilla County (June 11 – July 6) and Conejos County (July 16 – August 10). Participants must reside in the county and must be 16-20 years old on the first day of the program. All applications must be submitted online at www.sccorps.org before April 13, 2011.

Crew Leaders will work in teams to supervise up to 10 corpsmembers, manage project logistics and facilitate service-learning activities for the Community Corps crews. Leaders should have some youth leadership experience and will complete two weeks of paid training prior to the program on topics including: risk management; youth development; education; teambuilding; and technical conservation skills. Crew Leader weekly salary is $460 – $500 for 10 weeks from May 29 – August 10. Resumes can be sent to Julie@sccorps.org or call 719-539- 2438 for more information. Application deadline is March 16, 2012.

SCC will be partnering with the Costilla County, Saguache County, Chaffee County, the Rio Grande National Forest and the National Parks Service to sponsor the 2012 youth programs. Other municipalities, non-profits, service groups or individuals interested in hosting a service- learning project or educational activity should contact Julie Mach at 719-539-2438.

January 2000, Paul Ilecki, my original partner, put to voice our vision and mission:  in one word – community. By intention, we wanted to create a place where everyone was welcome, a place where people could come together to experience community – second graders, artists, athletes, seniors, writers, moms and dads, new arrivals, tourists, benefits and charities, meetings and music – everyone and anyone.  We set out to create a place where the important stuff of life would happen, where people would feel not only welcomed, but at home.

For me it was a thrill to be a part of all that; to hold a newborn, and to hug a senior, to see children’s first steps, to share the loss of family, my dad included, to hear of love and lost love, to inspire people, to know that we are a part of something larger. To have people hear music and host a place for them to play music, to have a staff that was always like family, to have people sit with their neighbors.  It was always an honor and a privilege to look around and see what we have created, what we all have created together, to see and listen to that beauty.

We built a place where community could happen, an accomplishment of which I will be proud for the rest of my life.  I am forever grateful and honored. Thank you all, staff over the years, family and friends. Salida and more. What we have done has been huge, indeed, it was a beautiful song.

Clark T. Roberts

The 20 hour CERT training teaches individuals and families how to better prepare themselves and their communities for disasters and emergencies.  The curriculum includes classes on selecting preparedness supplies, family emergency planning, recognizing natural and human-caused hazards, fire prevention, an introduction to first aid, and terrorism awareness.

The CERT training will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mt. Shavano Room of the Touber Building (old hospital) at 448 E. 1^st Street.  Students must attend all sessions.  There is no charge to attend and everyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate.  We plan to offer the same class in the Buena Vista area sometime in the fall.

To sign up or for further details, contact Don Breece at 395-0344 or dbreece@chaffeecounty.org