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1 month ago | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
A six-member jury composed of four men and two women was seated Monday afternoon in the first of two scheduled trials involving staff at The Schoolhouse at Poncha Springs. Amy Lovato, former executive director of the preschool, faced misdemeanor charges of child abuse and failure to report as a mandated reporter following incidents that occurred in January.
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Jun 20, 2024 | 
heartoftherockiesradio.com | D.j. DeJong
Chaffee County Commissioners cut the ribbon Tuesday to officially open the new Granite bridge on CR 397. The bridge, which has been a topic of discussion for the Board of Commissioners since 2013, spans the Arkansas River at Granite. It was recently completed by Native Sun Construction. Construction oversight for the county on the project was handled by engineering firm HDR.
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Jan 8, 2024 | 
heartoftherockiesradio.com | D.j. DeJong
Local bartender and manager Diamond Redfeather was recently celebrated for his record 10 years being voted Salida’s best bartender in the annual “Best of Salida” survey. Currents Steak and Seafood, 122 F Street, where Redfeather has tended bar for many years hosted a gathering of friends and patrons Dec. 28 to celebrate. Redfeather grew up in the area after his family moved from Ohio when he was two or three years old and settled in Poncha Springs. His father was a traveling silversmith.
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Jan 3, 2024 | 
heartoftherockiesradio.com | D.j. DeJong
Chaffee County Commissioners approved a motion for Chaffee County Government to participate in the Colorado Executives Investing in Children Design Lab program as a collaborating employer for childcare needs assessments and analyses. Katy Welter of Watershed, Inc. and Buena Vista School District Superintendent Lisa Yates, made a presentation to the commissioners regarding the Buena Vista Childcare Needs Assessment and the potential relocation and expansion of early childhood care in Buena Vista.
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Dec 18, 2023 | 
heartoftherockiesradio.com | D.j. DeJong
Local law enforcement officers played chauffeurs and shopping buddies for a record 22 Chaffee County fourth-graders Saturday, during the annual Shop with a Cop event. More than $16,000 was raised this year for the program, which provides funds for less advantaged kids to purchase gifts. Funds were raised through the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event in October and donations from other sources, including private individuals.
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Aug 9, 2023 | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce recently named Kaizen Collision Center as its August Business of the Month. Kaizen Collision Center is a manufacturer-certified collision repair shop at 716 Park Ave. in Salida. As a business, Kaizen focuses on the essentials of providing the most excellent customer service and repairs possible, Salida General Manager Brandon Wrigley said. He said the biggest thing they do for the community is sponsor local schools.
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Aug 7, 2023 | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Ark-Valley Humane Society as its nonprofit of the quarter. AVHS Board Chair Terri Buchanan accepted the award from the chamber. Ark-Valley Humane Society’s mission is to ensure the welfare of companion animals through compassion and care. Last year, its team of nine staff members, nine board members and 56 volunteers helped 1,833 animals through sheltering, spay/neuter, microchipping, safety net and adoption programs.
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Aug 7, 2023 | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
Chaffee County commissioners will consider renewal of the Connect for Health Colorado contract for $72,400 for Chaffee County Public Health during their meeting at 9 a.m. today. The contract would be grant funded. An annual memorandum of understanding between Chaffee County Public Health and Colorado Prevention Center, doing business as CPC Community Health, for the Colorado Heart Healthy Solutions Program will also be considered. The $46,063 cost of the program would be covered by grant funds.
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Aug 5, 2023 | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
It’ll be all hands on deck as Snowcaps Theatre presents “Pirates the Musical” at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10 in the upstairs performance space at Salida Boys & Girls Club, 709 Palmer St.Jimmy Criswell, 12, is the producer and director of the show, whose young cast members have put a lot of time and energy into the production. Criswell said he saved his money and bought the licensing from Hal Leonard LLC to have permission to perform the play.
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Aug 4, 2023 | 
themountainmail.com | D.j. DeJong
Chaffee County commissioners met as the Board of Equalization during their regular meeting Tuesday and conducted four property tax appeal hearings presented by Chaffee County Assessor Rick Roberts. Of the four appeals heard, three were denied and one was approved with a re-evaluation lower than the original evaluation. An additional 166 appeal recommendations made by referees in the preceding week were also approved by the board.
