1. 50CENTS
TRINIDAD
COLORADO
Proudly Serving Southeastern Colorado and Northeastern New Mexico • www.thechronicle-news.com
~
Vol. 139, No. 24
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 3,2015
FEBRUARY 3
Las Animas County
TUESDAY (9 a.m.) PLEASE
NOTE THIS CHANGE: The Board of
County Commissioners regular meet-
ing has been rescheduled for next
Tuesday, Feb. 10. in the Las Animas
Courthouse, 200 E. First St., Room
201. Information: 719-845-2568.
VETERAN’S TOWN HALL
TUESDAY (5-6:30 p.m.) All veter-
ans and their families are invited to at-
tend an open Town Hall meeting at the
Raton VFW Post, 106 Park Ave. Speak-
er will be Director Andrew Welch with
the NM VA Health Care System. Ques-
tions will be taken. Info: 505-256-6495.
Trinidad City Council
TUESDAY (7 p.m.) Regular ses-
sion will be held in Council Chambers,
City Hall, 135 N. Animas St. Informa-
tion: Audra Garrett, 719-846-9843.
Today’s Quote
“Be happy with being
you. Love your flaws.
Own your quirks. And
know that you are just
as perfect as anyone
else, exactly as
you are.”
~Ariana Grande
FEBRUARY 5
Continuum of Care
THURSDAY (8 a.m.) Group will
meet at Fisher’s Peak Soup Kitchen,
308 Church St. Info: Charlene Tor-
torice, 719-846-9159.
Network Council
THURSDAY (8 a.m.) Regular
meeting will be held in the Bell Block
Building’s Trinidad Community Foun-
dation room. Information: Margaret
Apodaca, 719-846-3943.
SPPRCD Meeting
THURSDAY (1 p.m.) Spanish
Peaks Purgatoire River Conservation
District meets at the District Office. In-
formation: 719-846-3681 Ext. 117.
Carnegie Library Teen Action
THURSDAY (4-6 p.m.) TeenAnime
and Manga (Japanese animation) Club
meets at the library, 202, N. Animas St.
Info: Felicity Boepple, 719-846-6841 or
felicity.boepple@trinidad.co.gov.
PRCWD Water District
THURSDAY (7 p.m.) Purgatoire
River Conservancy meeting will be at
City Hall Council Chambers, 135 N.
Animas. Information: Thelma Lujan,
719-846-7285.
PUBLIC SERVICE
GET ‘EM WHILE THEY LAST!
The Chronicle-News 2014 Col-
lector Mugs with beautiful artwork
by Trinidad Artist Paula Little are
here and waiting for you to come
pick them up, 200 West Church St.
Info: 719-846-3311.
Attention Republican Women
FRIDAY (11:30 a.m.) The Las
Animas County Republican Women’s
Club will meet at the Primero Café at
Mt. Carmel, 911 Robinson. Info: Paula
Marshall, 719-845-9544.
Carnegie Library Event
FRIDAY (3:45-5 p.m.) The Library
will host a Jan Austen Tea Party for all
Austen lovers (teens and adults). Info:
Felicity Boepple, 719-846-6841 or fe-
licity.boepple@trinidad.co.gov.
ABSTRACT WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 7-8 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
TSJC’s Professor of Art Vilas Tonape
will offer the second part of a 2-weekend
abstract painting workshop at the Col-
lege Art Department. Registration and
info: Josephine Chacon, 719-846-5474.
Senior Driving Class
FEBRUARY 12 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
The AARP Driving Class will be held
at the Sayre Senior Center, 1222 San
Pedro St. Registration and information:
Carl Mozengo, 719-868-2288.
SCRT Performance
FEBRUARY 13-22: DON’T MISS
THIS! The Dixie Swim Club runs at the
Southern Colorado Repertoire Theatre,
131 West Main St. Info: 719-846-4765
or www.scrtheatre.com.
FUN & FUNDRAISER DINNER
FEBRUARY 28 (6 p.m.) The Trini-
dad State Educational Foundation will
host their annual fundraiser dinner and
silent auction “Aim for the Fence” with
featured guest speaker Colorado Rock-
ies great Todd Helton at the THS Don-
nelly Gym. Info: Linda Perry (719-846-
5649) or Toni DeAngelis (719-846-5520).
CALL FOR FUN!
MARCH 14 (entry deadline) Call
for artists for “There’s No Such Thing
as an Ordinary Cat” all-media art show
scheduled for March 20 at Oasis Stu-
dios/Galerie Vivant, 214/218 E. Main.
Info: Susan Palmer, 805-603-6181.
THEFINEPRINT
WEATHERWATCH
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Night:
Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West
southwest wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a
high near 51. West wind 5 to 10 mph be-
coming north northeast in the afternoon.
Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around
23. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph be-
coming south in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high
near 59. West southwest wind around
5 mph. Night: Partly cloudy, with a low
around 32. West southwest wind 5 to 10
mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
West wind around 5 mph. Night: Mostly
clear, with a low around 36. West south-
west wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
West wind around 5 mph. Night: Mostly
clear, with a low around 34. West north-
west wind around 5 mph.
RIVERCALL
Purgatoire River Call as of:
02/02/15. Johns Flood ditch: Pri-
ority # 5 --- Appropriation date:
03/30/1862.
Trinidad Reservoir Accounting:
Release 0.10 AF
Inflow 31.10 AF -- 15.68 CFS
Evaporation 0 AF
Content 16,282 AF
Elevation 6,178.06
Precipitation 0.04
Downstream River Call / John
Martin Reservoir: (Conservation
Storage) 05/31/1949.
THECHRONICLENEWSMARIJUANA PRODUCTION
New business serves growing demand
By Steve Block
The Chronicle-News
People wanting to grow marijuana or other
plants might not have access to the kind of fertile
soil they need to get the most benefit out of their
growing operation. Those folks now have a new
option as Grow Generation opened for business
two weeks ago at its location at 2395 Nevada Ave.,
behind The Water Station. Hours of operation are
from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Mondays through Sat-
urdays.
Grow Generation offers a full line of hydropon-
ic and other types of indoor and outdoor growing
equipment. Store Manager Stavi McClees said the
store would beat any price offered by other grow-
ing stores. McClees said marijuana growers have
made up approximately 95 percent of his clientele
so far at the 14,600 square-foot facility. Hydropon-
ic growing uses a circulating water system rather
than soil.
“We please the customer, so any kind of ma-
terials the customer wants we will get,” McClees
said. “If you want to build your own hydroponic
system, we’ve got the supplies for you to do it. You
can buy individual parts or you can buy complete
packages.”
The soil in and around Trinidad tends to have
a lot of shale, which isn’t ideal for growing plants.
McClees said that for growers with poor soil, he
recommends Smart Pots, which are made of fab-
ric mesh and don’t have the hot pockets plastic or
rubber pots are prone to, which lead to uneven
Steve Block / The Chronicle-News
Stavi McClees is the manager of the new Grow Generation facility at 2395 Nevada Ave., behind The
Water Station. The facility offers a full line of hydroponic equipment for every size of greenhouse
grow application. Continued on Page 3 ...
MASONIC AWARD
By Eric John Monson
News Editor
The Chronicle-News
The banquet hall of Trinidad’s
Masonic Lodge was filled Satur-
day evening by local Masons, com-
munity members and supporters
of one of Trinidad’s most popular
local characters, Colorado Parks
and Wildlife District Wildlife Man-
ager Bob Holder, as the Mason’s
honored him as their Outstanding
Law Enforcement Officer of the
Year.
“So one day I’m out with Bob
and if you don’t know, Bob has
bought fishing poles for local kids
for years. And we come across
a couple of kids and Bob says
‘they’re using my poles, we should
go down and check on them.’ As
soon as we get there both kids bolt
in two directions. Bob’s strength
isn’t a foot race… But eventually
one kid couldn’t run anymore
and Bob catches up with him and
their both gasping. ‘Son… I need
to… see… you’re license.’ The kid
gives it to him. ‘Son… this here…
is a valid license.’ The kid says,
‘It… was… my buddy… that didn’t
CPW’s Holder honored
Receives Outstanding Law Enforcement
Officer of the Year Award for efforts
Eric John Monson / The Chronicle-News
Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Manager Bob Holder.Continued on Page 3 ...
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Trinidad State
offers free tax
filing services
to families
through Tax
Help Colorado
Program
By Greg Boyce
Special to The Chronicle-News
Trinidad – This tax season,
Trinidad State Junior College is
partnering with the Denver-based
Piton Foundation to help hard-
working families become more
financially secure by providing
free tax preparation assistance
through the Tax Help Colorado
program. Beginning February 7,
IRS-certified Trinidad State stu-
dents will prepare and e-file tax
returns free of charge for individu-
als with household incomes of less
than about $52,000 a year.
Tax Help Colorado has a pres-
ence on 18 college campuses and
operates 29 free tax sites statewide.
More than 30 percent of Colorado
families are eligible to participate
in the program, which was created
to help alleviate the financial bur-
den of tax preparation on families
that are striving to achieve finan-
cial stability.
Many of the families that qual-
ify for free tax help are also eligi-
ble for valuable tax benefits such
as the Earned Income Tax Credit
(EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and
the preparers at Trinidad State’s
site specialize in ensuring that
taxpayers receive the refunds they
deserve. One of the nation’s most
successful anti-poverty tools, the
EITC helps struggling families
make ends meet. Last year more
than $700,000 was sent back to
southern Colorado residents who
had their tax returns prepared at
Trinidad State’s two campuses.
In 2014, Tax Help Colorado
helped nearly 10,400 taxpayers re-
ceive more than $20.5 million in
tax refunds, including nearly 7.8
million from the Earned Income
Tax Credit. In addition, the pro-
gram saved lower-income taxpay-
ers nearly $2 million in commer-
cial tax preparation fees.
This free service, which is
quick and confidential, will be of-
Individuals with household
incomes less than $52,000
qualify for free tax assistance
Continued on Page 2 ...
Hydroponic facility
offers area growers
multiple options

2. Page 2 Tuesday, February 3, 2015 The Chronicle-News Trinidad, Colorado
Trinidad State offers free tax filing services ... Continued from Page 1
fered at Trinidad State Ju-
nior College, 600 Prospect
Street, Freudenthal Li-
brary, Main Floor on the
following dates: February 7
– March 5, Saturdays 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 5
to 7 p.m. from February 7
through March 5.
People who are getting
their taxes prepared at
Trinidad State should bring
the following documents:
nAll W-2, 1099s and other
income-related documents.
nProof of mortgage in-
terest, property taxes, day-
care payments, college edu-
cation expenses, charitable
contributions, and all other
tax-deductible expenses.
nFor college expenses:
In addition to Form 1098T
from your college, you must
bring your own records of
expenses paid for tuition,
books, fees and supplies.
nSocial Security cards
(or ITINs) for all family
members. Photo I.D. for tax-
payer required.
nA copy of last year’s tax
returns, if available.
nForm 1095-A if you or
any member of your house-
hold got tax credits to pay
for health insurance.
nBank account num-
ber and routing number to
direct deposit the refund.
With direct deposit, refunds
are received in 10 to 14 days.
A list of all the Tax Help
Colorado sites, as well as
the locations of other free
tax assistance sites in Colo-
rado, is available by dialing
2-1-1 (it’s a free call), visit-
ing http://www.piton.
org/tax-help-colorado, or
finding Tax Help Colorado
on Facebook at www.face-
book.com/taxhelpcolo-
rado and Twitter @Tax-
HelpCo.
About Trinidad State
Trinidad State is Colo-
rado’s first Community Col-
lege. Established in 1925, it
operates two campuses; one
in Trinidad, the other in
Alamosa, Colorado.
About The Piton Founda-
tion
The Piton Foundation,
which is part of Gary Com-
munity Investments, is a
private, operating founda-
tion established in 1976 by
Denver oilman Sam Gary.
We are committed to im-
proving the lives of Colo-
rado’s low-income children
and their families by in-
creasing access to quality
early childhood and youth
development opportunities
and fostering healthy fam-
ily and community environ-
ments.
62 Memorials
In Loving Memory of
Manuel Martinez
Feb 3, 1932 - Dec 12,2010
It's been along time since
God took you away from us.
But we still feel you around
us. We love you more and
more everyday.
Sadly missed by,
Your Wife, Daughters, Sons,
and Grandchildren
RIP
In Loving Memory of
Our dad, husband, and
grandpa
Andy Martinez Jr.
Who passed away
3 years ago on Feb 3, 2012
Sometimes we just sit quietly
reflecting for a while
imaging your voice,
your face
your warm smile.
For its so lovely to recall
the happy times we had
when you played such a
special role
as dad, grandpa, and
husband.
And at this very special time
we only wish you knew that
we would give
all the world today for one
more hour with you.
But we still have our
memories and
since weʼve been
apart it comforts us so much
to know that youʼre
right here in our hearts.
We love and miss you!
Sadly missed by
Debbie, Mandy, Ed, Andres
& Jeremiah
HelpServices
COMMUNITY RECYCLE
NEW LOCATION: Terra Firma
Recycling (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 9 a.m.-Noon) will open at
201 W. Indiana and will recycle
paper, cardboard, tin can and
plastic #1-#7. Info: Kelli Van Ma-
tre, 719-859-3998.
THE SAMARITAN CLINIC
Here to serve the under-in-
sured and non-insured commu-
nity with free health care and low-
cost lab work from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.,
1st and 3rd Tues. each month at
413 E. Frost. Info: 719-846-3536.
SUICIDE/CRISIS HOTLINES:
*ADULTHOPE: 800-784-2433
*TEEN: 877-968-8454
*GLB-YOUTH: 866-488-7386
*VET-2-VET: 877-838-2838
“It is often in the darkest skies
that we see the brightest stars.”
~ABUSE HOTLINES:
*Domestic Abuse Hotline:
In Trinidad call 719-846-6665
(24-hours a day). In Walsenburg
call: 719-738-0770. National Hot-
line: 1-800-790-SAFE (7233).
*Animal Abuse: Report ani-
mal abuse and dog/cock fighting
at Crime Stoppers anonymous tip
line: 720-913-7867.
General Manager
Allyson Sheumaker
asheumaker@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Advertising
Sales-Adam Sperandio
advertising@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Classifieds, Memorials, &
Circulation- Joey Loewen
classified@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Design & Legals- Lauri Duran
ktoci@trinidadchroniclenews.com
News Room
Editor: Eric John Monson
editor@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Features Editor & Fine Print
Catherine Moser
cathy@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Reporter: Steve Block
news1@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
USPS #110-040
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P.O. Box 763, Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-3311 • Fax (719) 846-3612
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Periodicals Postage Paid For At Trinidad, CO.
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Community
Clarifying the llama death case actionBy Eric John Monson
News Editor
The Chronicle-News
On Friday, Jan. 30 The Chronicle-
News reported that criminal charg-
es of animal cruelty against a juve-
nile who killed a runaway Llama
named Sally last April, 2014, were
dismissed. In fact, Third District
Judge Claude Appel found the lone
juvenile defendant not guilty—not
dismissed as previously stated.
In pursuing due-diligence for the
story The Chronicle-News acquired
court documents pertinent to the
case. Those documents provide the
following narrative:
“On April 16 [Trinidad Police]
received calls to impound a large
female brown llama that was run-
ning at large on the [Trinidad State
Junior College] campus and at vari-
ous locations on the west section of
[Trinidad].”
In attempting to corral the llama
police chased the animal up Atchi-
son Canyon.
“As a result of this incident, a vid-
eowaspostedtolocalnewsmediade-
tailing the llama’s activities at TSJC
as a ‘human interest’ story. This
story subsequently was broadcast
nationwide on the Today Show.”
On April 17 Trinidad Police were
notified that there were Facebook
posts that stated that the llama had
been killed. Photos showed three
seventeen-year-olds and an 18-year-
old posing with the llama that had
been shot with a bow and arrow and
had it’s throat slit. One post stated
“And in current events, the infa-
mousllamaescapeehasbeenlocated
and irradiated. We are open for hire!
But please, only domesticated ani-
mals.”
The posts resulted in an outpour-
ing of public contempt for the teens
involved.
Investigation found that the lla-
ma was owned by Josh Mondragon
and one of the juveniles involved in
the killing. Mondragon told police
he had gotten several llamas from
an elderly man in Hoehne who just
wanted the llamas gone, because he
could no longer care for them. Mon-
dragon said he planned to sell the
animals as soon as he could, but af-
ter the llamas broke out of a corral,
he was only able to recapture two of
the three and took those to sale. The
other llama remained on the loose
and continued to elude capture.
After the llama was seen at TSJC,
the teens again tried to capture the
animal, but at about 10 a.m. the next
day decided it would be easier to kill
it and claimed public safety as a pos-
sible defense.
Once alerted, Trinidad Police be-
gan their investigation and decided
that the four teens had violated Ag-
gravated Cruelty to Animals and
conspiracy to commit animal cruel-
ty statutes. Due, in part, to the asser-
tion that one of the owners had not
asked that the animal be killed and
because the llama had not attacked
a person and had not damaged prop-
erty and the teens had not contacted
policetorequestassistancewithcap-
ture of the animal.
Originally, it was thought one in-
dividual shot the llama and one slit
the animals throat, but those actions
were later attributed to the one juve-
nile who was found not guilty by the
Third District Court last week.
Charges against the three other
teens involved were dismissed by
the District Attorney in an attempt
to bolster a case against the one who
committed the actual act and be-
cause cases against the other three
were greatly weakened with the
animal’s owners not being full will-
ing participants for the state’s case,
explained District Attorney Frank
Ruybalid in a Sunday conversation
with The Chronicle-News.
The chief concern of Ruybalid,
in respect to The Chronicle-News
article published last week was the
inappropriate use of the word “dis-
missed.” “It gives the public the in-
correctperceptionthatthiscasenev-
er was brought to trial. It was, and
Judge Appel delivered a not-guilty
verdict,” said Ruybalid.
History Colorado
State Historical
Fund gearing up
for preservation
grants
Funding Available for
Community Revitalization
and Preservation Projects
History Colorado
Special to The Chronicle-News
The History Colorado State His-
torical Fund is gearing up for its
spring 2015 grant roundand is ac-
tively soliciting historic preserva-
tion grant applications for educa-
tional programming, community
planning, documentation and sur-
vey, and acquisition and physical
rehabilitation historic properties.
Community Roundtables are be-
ing planned and scheduled for in-
terested parties to learn how to ap-
ply and win a grant.
“Historic preservation projects
can culturally, economically and
aesthetically transform a town,”
says Steve Turner, Director, His-
tory Colorado State Historical
Fund. ”We know from experience
that preservation creates opportu-
nities for innovation and is an in-
vestment that yields tremendous
returns with a ripple effect that
strengthens a community.”
For many organizations, pre-
serving a historic property can feel
like a financial burden that leaves
fewer funds available for carrying
out their mission. But a grant from
the State Historical Fund allows
an organization or community to
rehabilitate a historic property
properly so that existing funds are
applied to achieve a collective idea,
mission or sense of community
pride.
Since 1993, the State Historical
Fund has awarded 4,102 grants,
totaling more than $265 million. In
FY2014 alone, the State Historical
Fund awarded more than $8.8 mil-
lion dollars to nonprofit organiza-
tions and public entities through-
out Colorado.
Want to learn how to get a
grant? Connect with State His-
torical Fund staff at Community
Roundtables happening around
Colorado. The Roundtables guide
participants in the proper way to
apply for a grant. They also show-
case current and past grant recipi-
ents and applicants in each market
to share best practices as well as
provide direct access with staff to
plan a strong preservation project.
The next deadline for grant appli-
cation submission is April 1, 2015.
Community Roundtables:
n February 12: Alamosa
Alamosa Masonic Lodge
n February 17:
Online through Adobe Connect
n February 19: Glenwood Springs
Garfield County Courthouse
n February 19: Pueblo
El Pueblo History Museum
n February 26: Golden
Alpine Mountaineering Center
All Community Roundtables
begin promptly at 10 a.m. Round-
tables are free to attend, but reg-
istration is recommended. RSVP
to Kristi Roberts, Historic Preser-
vation Outreach and Technology
Specialist, at 303-866-3493 or kristi.
roberts@state.co.us.
Associated Press
State drilling panel weighs
disclosure of fracking
chemicals
DENVER (AP) — Gov. John Hick-
enlooper’s task force on oil and gas is
discussing proposals to force energy
companies to disclose all the chemi-
cals they use in hydraulic fracturing.
The 21-member task force opened
two days of public meetings in Den-
ver on Monday. The group is sched-
uled to make its recommendations
to Hickenlooper on Feb. 27 on ways
to resolve disputes over local control
and landowner rights.
The panel hasn’t taken any final
votes but is winnowing down a long
list of recommendations suggested
by its members.
Among the proposals discussed
Monday was one that would no lon-
ger allow companies to withhold
information about hydraulic frac-
turing chemicals they consider to be
trade secrets.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking,
involves pumping water, sand and
chemicals underground to make it
easier to extract oil and gas.
Colorado plunges into gun
debate with GOP flexing
new muscle
DENVER (AP) — Senate Repub-
licans advanced a bill to repeal ex-
panded background checks for gun
sales in Colorado.
The law took effect in 2013 and
was one of the most hotly debated
issues of the year when Democrats
passed it.
At the time, they controlled both
legislative chambers, but Republi-
cans regained the Senate in Novem-
ber and have made undoing the law
a priority.
The law expanded background
checks to sales conducted online
and between private sellers.
On Monday, a Senate committee
passed the repeal bill on a 3-2 vote
and advanced it to another panel. It
stillfacesseverallegislativehurdles
and could be blocked by Democrats
who control the state House.
Republicans also want to repeal
a law limiting the size of ammuni-
tion magazines to 15 rounds.
Democrats passed the laws in
response to mass shootings in Colo-
rado and Connecticut.
Stacey Cook fastest in
women’s downhill training
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP)
— American skier Stacey Cook
clocked the fastest time in a windy
downhill training session at the
world championships Monday with
teammate Lindsey Vonn not that
far behind.
Cook finished in 1 minute, 48.16
seconds despite blowing snow, 0.09
seconds ahead of Switzerland’s
Lara Gut and Norway’s Ragnhild
Mowinckel, who tied for second.
Vonn was tied for fourth, 0.62 sec-
onds back, but stood up after the fi-
nal jump and cruised into the finish
area.
It was an important performance
for Cook because she’s vying with
three other teammates for two re-
maining spots on the U.S. downhill
team. Vonn and Julia Mancuso are
already in.
The event was delayed three
hours as workers removed snow on
the course.
Vonn will be one of the favorites
for the super-G on Tuesday.
Denver DA clears officer
in shooting that injured
armed man
DENVER (AP) — A police officer
was justified in shooting and injur-
ing a man who had been firing a pis-
tol, Denver’s district attorney said
in a letter released Monday.
In his Jan. 30 letter to the Au-
rora police chief, District Attorney
Mitchell Morrissey said a Denver
police investigation showed that
Aurora Police Department Officer
Jeffrey Olson had reason to fear
he was going to be fired on when
he shot once at Omari Cook-Nunn,
grazing his neck.
“I conclude that the use of force
by Officer Olson was justified,”
Morrissey said. “Therefore, crimi-
nal charges will not be filed by this
office against Officer Olson.”
CORRECTION
STATE NEWS