WEDNESDAY

Vol. 137, No. 77

APRIL 17, 2013

APRIL 17 Pal Play Group WEDNESDAY (9:30-11 a.m.) Nocost playgroup meets for children (0-2 years) at Alta Vista Alternatives, 415 S. Indiana. Information: 719-846-4400. E-911 Authority Board WEDNESDAY (3 p.m.) E-911 Authority Board meets at the Garcia Justice Center in the Las Animas County Sheriffs Office, 2309 E. Main St. Information: Rita Mantelli, 719-8464441. Veterans Council WEDNESDAY (5 p.m.) Meets at the Welcome Center, corner of Animas and Nevada Streets. Information: John Garduno, 719-680-1277. FP Fire District WEDNESDAY (6 p.m.) Fishers Peak Fire Protection District Board of Directors public meeting at the Starkville Fire Station. Information: 719-846-6077. Youth Art Show WEDNESDAY (6-7:30 p.m.) Southern Colorado Youth Academy Strengthening Families art show featuring students from Trinidad High School, Middle School and COG Childrens Center at the SCRT Building, 132 E. Main St. Information: 719-846-9792. Trinidad Schools WEDNESDAY (6 p.m.) Board of Education regular session at the Administration Building, 215 S. Maple St. Information: 719-846-3324. THURSDAY (6 p.m.) Purgatoire River Anglers meeting is in the Purgatoire on Elm Restaurant, behind the Post Office. Information: Joanie Muzzulin, 719-846-7307. Meetings are always open to the public. CU in the Community THURSDAY (7 p.m.) Join University of Colorado Professor Tom Zeiler who will discuss baseball as a historical reflection of society and the American Dream in the Massari Theater, corner of Broom and State Streets. Proceeds benefit the Mitchell Museum. PUBLIC SERVICE Spring Clean-Up SATURDAY (7 a.m.-4 p.m.) City of Trinidad free Landfill Disposal Day, 2401 N. State St., is open to all residents to help with spring cleaning projects. No fees charged to dispose of residential refuse. Information: 719846-2538. 2013 9Health Fair SATURDAY (7:30 a.m.-Noon) Mt. San Rafael Hospital annual 9Health Fair in the hospital lobby. Register online at 9healthfair.org or in the lobby. Information: Lynda Pachelli, 719-8468051. 2013 Child Health Fair SATURDAY (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) The Huerfano-Las Animas Early Childhood Advisory Council Child Health Fair will be in Cimino Park across from Safeway. Information: Jennifer Sanchez-McDonald at 719-845-0463 or jsmcdonald@la-h-health.org. Museum Benefit Event SATURDAY (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) & SUNDAY (Noon-4 p.m.) Annual spring benefit with overstock art sale will be at the Mitchell Museum on Main Street. Information: 719-846-4224. Head Start Program Currently enrolling for the 2013-14 school year. Information and appointments: Loretta Madrid, 719-846-4391. Free Kids Art Classes Kids Art Project classes are available at no charge at the Mitchell Museum, 150 E. First St. Information and reservations: 719-846-4224. Calling all Volunteers APRIL 23 (11 a.m.) The Mitchell Museum is hosting its annual Volunteer Tea for anyone who wants to volunteer or explore opportunities as a volunteer at the museum. Information: Elaine Trujillo, 719-8464224. Earth Day Celebration APRIL 27 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Join the Trinidad Community Coops Elm Street Party festivities for Earth Day, which includes a city bike ride, artisans, crafts, live music, food and fun for the whole family. Information: 719846-7869. Call for Artists MAY 13-14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Taking entries for the Anything Goes Art & Craft Show at the Mitchell, 150 E. First St. Information: Sharone Galbraith, 719-846-8564. Trinidad Water Festival MAY 16: Looking for volunteers and clean, empty gallon-size milk and water jugs for this event. Information: Kimber Bergano, 719-846-9792. Help Save the Veterans Post All interested parties who would like to help the veterans save Trinidads local VFW Post 984 from closing, please contact Commander John Rios at 719-846-6094. The Post is in desperate need of caring individuals to champion this organization that provides so many honorable benefits to the community. April Showers of Books MONTH of APRIL (M-Sat. Noon-4 p.m.) To commemorate National Poetry Month and Earth Day its buy one get one free on all Poetry and Gardening books at Novel Destinations Bookstore, 132 N. Commercial St. Information: 719-846-8522. As always, proceeds benefit the Carnegie Library.
Trout Unlimited

THE FINE PRINT

THE CHRONICLE NEWS

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By Michael Hiesiger The Chronicle-News Las Animas County commissioners Tuesday tabled consideration of a letter supporting environmentalists opposition to natural gas companies plans to seek a relaxation of water quality standards for boron that is released into the Purgatoire River Watershed. The Southern Colorado Environmental Council appeared before the Las Animas County Commission last month seeking commissioners support for the groups efforts to keep the current 0.75 milligram per liter standard. XTO Inc. and Pioneer Natural Resources are asking the Colorado State Water Commission to ease the standard to increase boron levels to 5 mg per liter in water that is released into the watershed from the companies hydraulic fracturing process. Paula Ozzello, chairwoman of the environmental group, told commissioners the new standard would threaten agriculture in Las Animas County because it would increase sodium levels in the soil and water. XTO public and government affairs manager Bill Holbrook, however, said the current standard is too high for this area where the major crops are hay and alfalfa. He said the 0.75 mg per liter level is more suited for areas where citrus is grown. That argument was backed by Karen Salapich, chairwoman of the Las Animas County Landowners Inc., a non-profit group of landowners who hold more than 50,000 acres of land in the county . At Tuesdays meeting, Salapich noted that the natural gas compa-

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County delays decision on boron standard

nies fracking operations produce water for agriculture and wildlife purposes. And with the areas drought conditions continuing for more than a decade already, she said every drop of water is essential. Were trying to survive in this last 10 to 12 years. Its been a nightmare, she said. She also noted that the water that is produced by the coal-bed methane operators is already being used for irrigation in the county , without any ill effects. Continued on page 2

APRIL 18

Gunsmithing teacher gone from TSJC

Faculty member allegedly attacked student in class
By Michael Hiesiger The Chronicle-News Trinidad State Junior College gunsmithing program faculty member Dave Nolan was let go Tuesday, several weeks after allegedly assaulting one of his students during a machine shop class. A gunsmithing program student Tuesday told The ChronicleNews that i n t e r i m President C h a r l e s Bohlen came to the gunsmithing s c h o o l Tuesday afternoon to inform students that Nolan was no NOLAN longer on the junior colleges staff. Trinidad State public affairs spokesman Greg Boyce confirmed that Nolan was no longer associated with the gunsmith program. He referred all other questions about Nolan and the alleged assault to Colorado Community College System director of media and government relations Rhonda Bentz. Bentz also confirmed that Nolan was gone, saying Nolan is no longer with Trinidad State. I can say no more. According to several students, Nolan got into an argument with one of his students during a machine shop class before the Easter break. Nolan reportedly yelled at the student and then stiff-armed him against the wall. After other students convinced the student to file a report with the junior college, Nolan was placed on administrative leave last week, the student said. The student said after hearing that the students report on the incident had been sent to junior college Vice President Paula Davis, they went to Bohlens office to find out what action was being taken against Nolan. Apparently they were keeping the president out of the loop, the student said. After reporting the incident to Bohlen a few days ago, the student said the interim president came to the gunsmithing school Tuesday afternoon to tell the staff and students that Nolan was no longer with the school. Another student, Jarrod Rathorn, reported on The Chronicle-News Facebook page last week that six people were in the classroom and witnessed the attack. A call to Nolans home also was not returned by press time Tuesday . Nolan was with Trinidad State for 18 years, Bentz said.
one quarter and one half of an inch possible. Thursday: Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs around 30F. Wind chill around 19F. North wind 10 to 18 MPH, gusting to 32 MPH. Chance of precipitation near 70%.

Courtesy Louis Fineberg

The Purgatoire River corridor along the Sopris Trail is one of the areas the city wants to use new grant funds to improve.

City wants to use new grant funds to develop regional trail system
By Pankaj Khadka The Chronicle-News The city of Trinidad received a new grant it will use to develop an open space and trail plan for the region. The $45,000 grant was awarded by the Division of Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program and will be used to complete a master trail and greenway plan for the city, said City Planner Louis Fineberg. The city will match the grant with $13,500, increasing the total for the project to $58,500. Fineberg said the new plan will differ from the citys current trail plan, which focuses just on trying to develop a trail system within the city limits. The new plan will focus on open spaces surrounding Trinidad, such as the Mesas on the west, Fishers Peak on one side and the river corridor that goes up to Trinidad Lake. We have a lot of opportunity to build a really nice trail system around Trinidad. I think we could have something here similar to what Boulder has the flat iron system, Fineberg said. In addition to the grant funds to develop a plan, the city will use available funds to acquire open spaces and build the trails. The plan will research the land

Purgatoire River Call as of 04/16/2013, Baca Ditch priority # 3. Appropriation date: 11/30/1861 Trinidad Reservoir Accounting Release 44.97 AF Inflow 27.51 AF - 13.87 CFS Evaporation 11.54 AF Content 12,720 AF Elevation 6,171.54 Precipitation 0 Downstream River Call Burns & Duncan ditch 01/01/1866

RIVER CALL

Courtesy Louis Fineberg

The undeveloped Mesa Trail is one of the trails the the city wants to develop.
around the city to determine ownership and find land that is available for purchase, he said. So it will be the master plan that guides the effort to create this interconnected trail system, he said. The city has identified several areas like the Mesas, which is pretty much open contiguous space, for future trails. Continued on page 2
to 16 MPH, gusting to 22 MPH. Chance of precipitation near 20%. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with light wintry mix likely. Lows around 21F. Wind chill around 7F. North wind to 19 MPH, gusting to 33 MPH. Chance of precipitation near 70%. Precipitation amounts between

Today: Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Highs around 48F. West wind 5

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