More intrigue with the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s office when District Attorney Alonzo Payne last Friday filed a single county of felony embezzlement against former DA Robert Willett. Read Owen Woods’ report on AlamosaCitizen.com.
Spring road closures in Rio Grande National Forest
MONTE VISTA – The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) announced Monday the annual spring road closures have begun across the Forest. Each year, as late winter temperatures rise and melt snow, forest roadbeds soften and are at increased risk of damage from vehicle traffic.
Wheels can cause ruts in roads that can increase water run-off velocity and cause erosion. Increased silting into local water sources can be damaging to both the waterway and aquatic life. Vehicles on soft roads can also cause large mud holes. To avoid these problems, roads are closed for short periods to allow for drying and hardening of the roadbed.
“We urge the public to respect the seasonal road closures,” said Andy Kelher, deputy forest supervisor for the Rio Grande National Forest. “Road closures are necessary to protect the resource that we love so much.” Kelher recognizes that restricted access can be frustrating but reminds the public that damaged roads cause costly maintenance and resource damage that can have widespread effects.
Roads are reopened as soon as it is determined that the roadbeds will not be damaged by heavy vehicles. Often, roads may appear to be dry in lower elevations but may remain closed until the higher sections of the roads are also appropriately dry enough for vehicle use.
Current road conditions can be found on the RGNF’s homepage by navigating to the individual ranger district’s “road conditions” link on the right side of the page.
All travel on the RGNF is regulated by the Motor Vehicle Use Maps that can be found online.
Iron Horse apartments open to tenant applications
The Iron Horse apartments project near Alamosa High School, at 821 Maroon Drive, is now accepting tenant applications. The housing complex has one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. The preliminary application is available here.
Community pop-up meetings begin on potential mass shuttle routes
The Chaffee Shuttle kicks off its community pop-up events to get public input on potential solutions for shuttle service options in the San Luis Valley and Chaffee County. Here is the full schedule of the Chaffee Shuttle community meetings that begin on Tuesday, March 8.
Murphy Road closures in Alamosa
Starting March 7, the intersections of Murphy Drive and Sunset Drive, Murphy Drive and Oliver Avenue will be closed to install a new manhole and storm water line. Construction is expected to be complete by March 11. There will be access to ASU parking lots and Craig Drive.
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 719-589-6631.
State Avenue reconstruction begins
ALAMOSA – The city of Alamosa has moved into Phase 1 of its reconstruction of State Avenue, which means closure of State Avenue from Sixth Street to Eighth Street. Construction is expected to be completed by May 2. Business access is still available through alternate routes.
Heavy truck traffic will need to use alternate routes like the State Highway system, staying out of residential areas. If you have any questions, contact the Alamosa Public Works Department at 719-589-6631.
National Forest specialist series features
“Archaeology of La Cueva Rockshelter”
MONTE VISTA – Are you interested in the history of those who lived in the areas surrounding the San Luis Valley before us? Join the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Juan Mountains Association for this month’s Forest Specialist Series on Wednesday, March 16, from 5-6 p.m.
This month, Price Heiner, the forest archaeologist, will talk about the history of a local archaeological site, La Cueva Rockshelter. His U.S. Department of Agriculture discussion will focus on the occupational history of the shelter as well as its use and function. There will be time for questions and answers following the online presentation. Follow this link, which will be live for the session.
