La Veta – Cuchara Valley Blog

One Night Only – December 5th at 7:45 p.m. at The Fox Theater in Walsenburg. Multi-million selling artist Tommy Tutone (Nashville) and Fred James and Mary-Ann Brandon (Nashville & La Veta) in a rare acoustic Benefit Concert. A night to remember for the benefit of The Spanish Peaks Alliance for Arts and Education.  Advance tickets at www.spanishpeaksalliance.org or by calling 719-742-3069

Huerfano Planning & Zoning Board voted “No” on the application for the proposed Silver Mountain Wind Farm.  Final Board of Commissioners vote to be held December 9th at 10 a.m.

Update:  The P & Z will still meet tomorrow on the Wind Farm, but the final Board of County Commisioners vote has been postponed an additional week.  Deb says the County Board meeting was postponed til Dec 9th  10 A.M. due to Dec 02 conflict …  She really wants people to show UP for the Commissioners meeting. Thanks for the alert Phia.

County Planning and Zoning Board will make their recommendations known tomorrow, Nov. 24 concerning the application for the Silver Mountain Wind Farm.  P & Z  vote will be Tuesday followed by official vote by Board of  County Commissioners the following Wednesday at 10:00 AM.

The original title song, Christmas In A Small Town, written and performed by Ricky Tims, was composed as a result of his experiences of living in the small mountain town of La Veta, Colorado. The song led him to produce the new CD, but the message behind the song led to the development of a new website. That website,  www.christmasinasmalltown.com   has a creative interactive blog called Your Town encouraging people to register their town, village, or neighborhood and document their own special holiday memories.

Come to La Veta, Colorado for a holiday get away and enjoy a concert by Ricky Tims and a talented ensemble of musicians. The six concerts are December 17-19, 2009 at 5:00pm and 7:30pm each day. Tickets are $20 – call 719-742-3755 for tickets. Ride the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and top of your visit by staying in one of La Veta’s charming bed and breakfasts.  

More than 200 people crowded the P.U.C. Public Hearing expressing opposition and “substantive evidence” against the proposed power transmission lines and their routes through the County.  La Veta Town Board presented a letter of opposition to the County.  The County has expressed support for the northern ARCO route as having the least impact.   And Rural Utilities Service has now requested an Environmental Impact Statement.  Tri-State has tentatively agreed to remove the Middle Creek southern route from consideration.  See the project website maps at www.socotransmission.com

2 Peak Fitness in La Veta could be closing its doors by year-end.  Former owners Pattersons have reported that the business economic climate of the past year has made it impossible for current owners  Spencers to continue operations past the end of the year.  The Pattersons have moved to Kansas and will not be able to operate  the business as absentee owners.  Closure of the fitness gym would  be a tremendous loss to many regular and seasonal members. All are hoping that someone or some group in the community could take over the facility and keep this terrific  asset available to La Veta.  Contact me with your interest or ideas.

Colorado Open Land is hosting a Conservation Eaasement workshop in La Veta on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Easements have provided a method of conserving open spaces and in most cases provide an opportunity for State tax credits and Federal tax deductions.   Huerfano County Commissioners recently adopted a moratorium (a ban) on new Easements. What do you think?

Huerfano County is currently faced with a number of issues that are creating  concern regarding impact in our Scenic Corridor.  In addition to the recent Gas Well Exploration activity, there is also concern over a new proposed  Electric Transmission Line and a new Wind Farm.  While this may constitute progress to some, there are a great number of impact issues that will adversely effect not only property owners but also our tourism, scenic vistas and recreational resources. 

Public Hearings are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9  for the proposed Southern Colorado Transmission Line and for Tuesday, Nov. 17  for the Silver Mountain Wind Farm. Hearings will be held at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg.