Tuesday, September 30

The Crestone Eagle is a trusted nonprofit monthly newspaper serving Crestone, the San Luis Valley, Colorado & beyond. Our mission is to connect each other, one story at a time.

Lorish remains in custody after hearings

Breaking News
Hearing highlights issues with state hospital systemic failure by Kim Black Baca Resident Leslie Lorish remains in custody and it is unlikely that she will be released any time soon. That decision was handed down by a judge following a hearing on Aug. 28. Judge Kim Cortez ruled Lorish incompetent to stand trial and ordered inpatient restoration, requiring her to remain in-custody until the state hospital can admit her. Lorish’s next hearing on restoration treatment is set for Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m., at the Alamosa Competency Court, in Alamosa, CO.  The most recent ruling followed an earlier hearing on Aug. 18 that drew strong concern from the Crestone community. At that hearing, Judge Cortez ruled Lorish had a constitutional right for reasonable access to bond and a...

Casita Park: Affordable Housing Project pushes onward; affordability a hurdle

Colorado
By Tricia Toney  Plans to build affordable single-family homes in Casita Park, on lots owned by Saguache County, are moving forward, but multiple challenges remain. The county’s goal is to offer these homes for sale at or below $225,000. But with construction costs continuing to climb and many grant sources drying up, officials and project partners acknowledge that hitting that target may not be realistic.  Project architect Cillian Liam Barrett of Hearth Design Build in Gunnison was selected from a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process last year. Barrett brings a background in sustainable, community-minded building practices, having worked extensively with the Gunnison chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Commissioner Tom McCracken noted that Hearth Design Build was the only RFP respondent with a demonstrated history of using...

From our current editions

Pyramid Mountain becomes the first mountain to own itself; Indigenous-led council to serve as guardian

From Sacred Contract As of June 7, 2025, an iconic local landmark became the first mountain in the United States to own itself. Following a transfer of title from a private foundation to the mountain itself, Pyramid Mountain now holds its own deed. This revolutionary act not only protects the near 30-acre parcel of land...

Casita Park: Affordable Housing Project pushes onward; affordability a hurdle

By Tricia Toney  Plans to build affordable single-family homes in Casita Park, on lots owned by Saguache County, are moving forward, but multiple challenges remain. The county’s goal is to offer these homes for sale at or below $225,000. But with construction costs continuing to climb and many grant sources drying up, officials and project...

Lorish remains in custody after hearings

Hearing highlights issues with state hospital systemic failure by Kim Black Baca Resident Leslie Lorish remains in custody and it is unlikely that she will be released any time soon. That decision was handed down by a judge following a hearing on Aug. 28. Judge Kim Cortez ruled Lorish incompetent to stand trial and ordered inpatient restoration,...

New child abuse reporting law in Colorado takes effect

A guide for educators on the new requirements By Ann Schimke Originally published by Chalkbeat  Teachers, child care providers, and other people who work with children will soon be subject to a new state law governing how and when suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported. The law, which takes effect Sept. 1, includes several changes recommended...

The Old Spanish Trail: A Crown Jewel of the Valley’s Heritage

By Kaitlyn Fletcher Spanning 2,700 miles of harsh landscape, the Old Spanish National Historic Trail snakes through six western states: New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California.  At the height of its prevalence, this expansive trade network ran through the San Luis Valley, cementing its role in the western expansion of the Southwest from 1829...

Fed bill could impact food, Crestone-Baca Food Bank ok for now

By Kimberly Black The Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, will affect national, state and local food banks over the next decade. The legislation will cut $187 billion in SNAP benefits.   “People who lose SNAP benefits will turn to food banks to get their food,” wrote policy analyst Kyle Ross in a recent...

The Aurora Borealis and the Yeshe Rangsal Stupa with bonus appearance by the International Space Station on May 11, 2024 in a composite from time lapse sequences. photo by Mike Lewinski

Little Bela got on stage with two members from the band The River Arkansas, at T-Road's Open Mic night, Thursday, July 25. Bella is the son of one of the players. photo by Matt Lit

Fog hangs in the trees looking north up North Crestone Creek. photo by Stephen Hume
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The October 2025 issue is on sale! Get the full story with the full edition for only $3. Click the image to download.

LISTEN IN!

NEW! Recorded for community radio station KRZA 88.7 FM. Janet Woodman reads about the mushroom coop growing in Alamosa, CO from our April 2024 edition.

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PODCAST

Chris Ryan interviews Liza Marron for his podcast "Tangentially Speaking." Liza came to the San Luis valley about 30 years ago to work on a buffalo ranch with her husband. Since then, she’s lived a lot of life in this valley. Raising kids, horses, dogs, working as school board president and County Commissioner, and founding and running the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition are just a few of the things that have kept her busy over the years.

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Classifieds

Computer Tutor Needed

Computer tutor needed at my Crestone home assisting in learning and updating Apple laptop, Macbook and iphone applications. $30 an hour  anglelaabsher@gmail.com

LOVELY 2 BR HOUSE WITH MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR 3 OR 4 MONTHS

Two bedroom house in the Chalets with mountain view, full kitchen, washer and dryer, wood stove and radiant floor heating. It has huge windows and is full of light. October 1 to December 31....

Private Live-In Elder Care & Personal Assistant

Private Live-In Elder Care & Personal AssistantDiscreet, holistic support for dignified living at home.• Memory care, special needs• Medications, mobility, nutrition• Household management, errands• Tech-savvy, grounded & spiritually awareJade – 720-692-0777jadeisrainbowdancing@proton.me

Apartment for Rent

Beautiful apartment and views, Chalet 1. Partially furnished plus W/D, DW, full kitchen. Utilities plus internet service included, available 11/1/25. No smoking, no pets. $1200/month. 1st month & security to start. One year...

Avatar Meher Baba

Curious about?… Interested in?… Avatar Meher Baba (310) 808-5949 vishnudatta109@gmail.com

Certified Public Accountant

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT Steven Scott Maurer CPA 609 Main Street Suite 110 Alamosa 719-298-7970 www.SLVCPA.com

Apartment for Rent

In town quiet and private apartment, 1/2 house with separate driveway and entrance, screened porch, kitchen and living area, bedroom, bathroom, use of creekside yard. $1100 includes utilities, trash and WiFi.  References plus first,...

HELP WANTED: Saguache County Chief Financial Officer

Saguache County is in search of a Chief Finance Officer that will takecharge of the financial health of Saguache County by administeringaccounting operations to meet legal requirements, also ability tomanage the financed department...

For Sale: Tools, Bike & More

FOR SALE STIHL MS180C 16inch bar chain saw $160.0010 inch wet tile/stone saw with laser cut guide, LED work light and built in portable folding support stand $650.00Gary Fisher mountain bike $200.00Atomic backcountry/telemark skis,...

STUNNING 2/BR 2BA HOME

STUNNING 2/BR 2BA HOME Impeccably Furnished, Landscaped, Garage Renovated Kitchen, BATHS with FAB views and Smart Toilets, Pvt. Patio, Sunroom with 270 views, Short term or month to month Lease. Pets Poss. www.madamebwolfe.wixsite.com/rentals $175/night $2500/month + cleaning/pet fees

Help Wanted: Program & Grassroots Coordinator

Location: Remote within Western Colorado, strong preference for San Luis Valley. Limited in-state travel required depending on location of candidate Position details: part-time salary position Mountain Mamas is seeking a Program and Grassroots Coordinator based...

Saguache County Department of Social Services Announces Temporary Closure of Center Office

Saguache County, CO — The Saguache County Department of Social Services (DSS) announces the temporary closure of its office in Center, CO. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen countywide service delivery...

Massage Therapy

Nourish body, mind and spirit with a restorative massage! Intuitive, experienced LMT offering therapeutic Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, as well as integrative spa treatments utilizing Earth and skin friendly products. Lovely, private...

Help Wanted – Front Desk Administrator

Help Wanted – Front Desk Administrator The Baca Grande POA is hiring a full-time Front Desk Administrator to start August 4th. This role is the first point of contact for members and visitors—handling calls,...

Help Wanted: Code Enforcement Officer

Help Wanted Saguache County Land Use Department is accepting applications for a fulltime Code Enforcement Officer position. Salary to be determined onexperience starting at $42,000/year. Applicants must have a valid ColoradoDrivers License, must pass...

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor criteria:
We’re glad you’re part of this community. Here’s how it works:
Max Length: 350 words. If your letter is longer than this, we will return it to you to trim.
Must include: author’s name, town/city, organization affiliation (if relevant), contact information in case we have a question. Contact information will not be published with your letter. The decision to print any letter to the editor is completely at the discretion of The Crestone Eagle editor, and we reserve the right to edit all letters. Letters considered libelous, obscene, in bad taste, or containing personal attacks will not be printed. Form letters and letters containing long lists of names will not be printed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Thank-you letters are welcomed and encouraged, and letters regarding local news and issues will be prioritized.

Send letters to editor@crestoneeagle.com by the 16th of the month.
Thank you.

Villa Grove FD thanks

To the community, Our Villa Grove/Bonanza VFD annual fundraiser on June 22nd was a huge success. We greatly appreciate our community and donors that continue...
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What we can do

Dear community,  With the recent Supreme Court decision on Presidential Immunity, it is clearer than ever that this election is a choice between Democracy and...
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NHN Thanks

Dear community, On behalf of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Crestone, a big thanks goes out to the entire community, volunteers and the Baca Grande Property Owners...
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Features from our B Section: "Living on the Earth"

CEF Ongoing Education draws teachers and students from across the US

By Anya Kaats The Crestone Energy Fair’s recent Natural Plasters & Earthbag Greenhouse workshops were a huge success, drawing participants from across Colorado and New Mexico—and as far as California—for two distinct weekends of immersive, hands-on learning. The Natural Plaster workshop was led by world-renowned natural plaster expert Athena Steen of the Canelo Project, whose decades of experience brought depth, artistry, and inspiration to the process of mixing and applying clay-based finishes. The Earthbag Greenhouse workshop was guided by local builder and CEF crew member Dana Oglesby, who taught participants how to construct strong, sustainable walls using scoria-filled earthbags—a DIY...

The Valley is vital to threatened bird populations

By Kaitlyn Fletcher Photo Credit: John Rawinski The 2025 State of Birds report raises alarm for birds across every habitat, again. Nearly one-third of America’s bird species need immediate conservation action. About 50% of all bird species found in the U.S. can be spotted in Colorado, which boasts a total of 521 species from 63 different families. The state of valley birds Local bird expert John Rawinski has documented 369 bird species in the San Luis Valley as of 2024, adding one to three new species annually. That’s over two-thirds of Colorado’s birds. Lined by rugged mountains, the desertscape slopes into piñon-juniper and conifer...

Crestone Energy Fair secures $75K grant to advance sustainable building research

By Anya KaatsPhoto by Anya Kaats The Crestone Energy Fair (CEF) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Mountain and Plains Environmental Justice Grant Hub (MAP EJ) to further its research on alternative building techniques. The funding will allow the organization to refine its data collection methods and continue advocating for sustainable housing solutions and preserve Saguache County’s lack of building codes. This grant comes on the heels of the recently concluded Sustainable Home Showdown (SHS), a citizen-led research initiative that evaluated a diverse array of homes in the Crestone area. The SHS aimed to collect data on home efficiency,...

The Crestone Energy Fair returns for 36th year

By CEF Crew, Photo by Anya Kaats The theme for this year’s Energy Fair (CEF) is Nurturing Resilience, and the event will be focused on what it means to cultivate communal solidarity and forward-thinking leadership to navigate change on our own terms. CEF has remained a pillar of Crestone’s commitment to natural and regenerative building and living, and is one of the longest-running sustainability festivals in the nation. CEF features hands-on workshops, educational panels and presentations, and on-going learning opportunities centered around innovative, sustainable and regenerative ideas and practices in construction, lifestyle and community. The event has become a reliable resource...

Beavers in the SLV: Why you should start giving a dam about this keystone species

By Zaylah Pearson-Good. Due to a history of hunting and habitat loss, beaver colonies have diminished across the San Luis Valley in the last few centuries. Though beaver populations are stable in parts of the Valley, efforts are underway to restore the species to key waterways that they once occupied. Beavers play a major role in maintaining ecological balance, protecting endangered fish and mitigating the impacts of wildfire.   It takes a beaver approximately 24 hours to completely re-engineer an ecosystem. These stout, orange-toothed rodents use sticks, mud, leaves and grasses to build watertight dams that slow and redirect water across...

Buffalo Soldiers: A tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers and their place in SLV history

by Brandon Gonzales.  Having been shaped for thousands of years by many different Indigenous nations, and more recently by non-Indigenous settlers, the San Luis Valley (SLV) has always been a crossroads of different cultures and traditions. The Fort Garland Museum is showcasing a sliver of the region’s unique human history with their newest exhibit, Buffalo Soldiers: reVision. The exhibit draws from the work of 8 artists to explore the legacy that the “Buffalo Soldiers” left on the SLV and its peoples during American western expansion.  For some background, the Buffalo Soldiers were six Black cavalry regiments that were established by Congress...

Partnership: Utes partner with USDA

Reprinted from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. DENVER, CO—Southern Ute Indian Reservation - A historic partnership is forging between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through the USDA or NRCS Agency's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the entities have jointly entered an alternative funding arrangement (AFA) to improve rangeland resiliency and health on Tribal lands. This project is funded through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). "This is an exciting partnership", said Clint Evans, NRCS State Conservationist in Colorado. "The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is the first Tribe in the...

La Colcha: Weaving history with present day HEART

By HEART of Saguache. The San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery project recently hosted a free workshop at the Saguache County Museum in early June. The workshop was at capacity, with most of the attendees being residents of Saguache County.  Participants delved into the history of colcha embroidery in the San Luis Valley, learned the traditional colcha stitch, and examined artwork examples and a library of publications on the topic. Afterwards, everyone picnicked in the front of the museum.  HEART thanked its dedicated instructors from San Luis and Monte Vista, who traveled to Saguache to lead the workshop: Maria Eufemia Barela, Donna Madrid Hernandez, Aurora Martinez, and Julia...
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From our columns...

Sports season nears end for school year

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira. Basketball Wrap Up - Boys and Girls Following the end of the basketball season, all seniors from both girls’ and boys’ teams participated in the Arby’s All Star Game. Seniors from teams around the San Luis Valley (SLV)  region were able to practice and compete together one last...

CCS students to create mural for Crestone Town Park stage

By Sequoia Sirois The town of Crestone has always had many community projects going on throughout the years. Projects range from cleaning up the roads of trash for Earth Day, establishing a new town park for the kids, to building a new show stage for community performances.  This year a new...

Sports transition: Bball ends and track runs

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira  HS Boys Basketball ends After a tough 73-39 playoff loss against the Stratton Eagles the Moffat Cowboys season officially comes to an end. The Cowboys finished their season with a 13-8 record while also qualifying for the Colorado Regional Playoff. Over the course of the past four years...

Puerto Rico! 

CCS Seniors mix education, culture, art and fun in their out-of-country trip By Sequoia Sirois. The Crestone Charter School (CCS) gives amazing diverse learning opportunities to all students.  LINK high schoolers are given the lucky chance to go places out of the United States mainland. LINK is a reference to seniors...

Moffat Archers participated in the 2024 NASP Colorado State Virtual Tournament on Tuesday, February 27th, with 30 students participating. This is the most important tournament of the season for our archers. Competitors will shoot 30 arrows to score. Scoring officials will submit results to the State NASP Coordinator and...

Moffat sports 

By Ziah Knight-Pesqueira  Moffat Boys Basketball: The Moffat Cowboys have finished the regular season with a 13-6 record; solidifying themselves a place in the regional playoffs. The Cowboys most recently faced the Sierra Grande Panthers in a district play-in tournament. Unfortunately, the team came short, taking a 48-43 loss in a...
At the end of the road

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