1. 50CENTS
TRINIDAD
COLORADO
Proudly Serving Southeastern Colorado and Northeastern New Mexico • www.thechronicle-news.com
~
Vol. 139, No. 78
MONDAY
APRIL20,2015
■ APRIL 20
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
MONDAY (6 p.m.) A weekly meet-
ing with fellowship, food and music for
help and support will be held at the First
United Methodist Church, 216 Broom
St. Refreshments will be served. Info:
Senior Pastor Bobby L. Barnhill, Jr. or
email www.celebraterecovery.com.
TOWN OF STARKVILLE
MONDAY (6 p.m.) Board of Trust-
ees public meeting in the Fisher’s Peak
Fire Department boardroom, 8361
County Road 69, Starkville. Informa-
tion: Crick Carlisle, 719-680-7199.
Today’s Quote
“You can always, always
give something, even if it
is only kindness!”
~Anne Frank
■ APRIL 21
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY
TUESDAY (9 a.m.) Board of
County Commissioners work session
will be held in the Las Animas Court-
house, 200 E. First St., Room 201.
Information: 719-845-2568. COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS: Gary Hill (719-
845-2595), Mack Louden (719-
845-2592), and Anthony Abeyta
(719-846-9300).
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.
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor: Joe Re-
orda and Council Members: Carol
Bolton, Joe Bonato, Pat Fletcher,
Anthony Mattie, Michelle Miles,
and Liz Torres.
BIBLE TALKS
TUESDAYS / APRIL 21 & 28
(7:30 p.m.) All are welcome to attend
these free quiet, reverent services with
teachings about Jesus Christ that will
be held in the lower level meeting room
at the Sayre Senior Center, 1222 San
Pedro. There will be no collections tak-
en. Info: Daren Kindred, 702-353-4891.
■ PUBLIC SERVICE
PURGATOIRE WATERSHED
WEDNESDAY (6 p.m.) Group reg-
ular meeting will meet in the NRCS Of-
fice, 3590 E. Main. Information: Karen
Wolf, 303-543-8688.
TRINIDAD SCHOOLS
WEDNESDAY (6 p.m.) The Board
of Education will hold its regular ses-
sion at the District Administration Of-
fice, 612 Park St Information: 719-845-
2048.
TRINIDAD AMBULANCE
WEDNESDAY (4:30 p.m.)
PLEASE NOTE: THIS MEETING IS
ON WEDNESDAY — NOT THURS-
DAY — FOR THIS MONTH ONLY.
Trinidad Ambulance District Board of
Directors regular meeting at the Trini-
dad Ambulance District Office, 939
Robinson Ave. Information: 719-846-
6886.
ACOUSTIC EIDOLON CONCERT
FRIDAY (7-9 p.m.) A powerful, en-
chanting night of music at this Mt. Car-
mel concert fundraiser, 911 Robinson
Ave. Tickets and info: 719-845-4894.
FREE LANDFILL DAY
SATURDAY (7 a.m.-4 p.m.) Area
residents are encouraged to take ad-
vantage of this free Saturday disposal
day at the City’s Landfill, 2401 N. State
St. Electronic waste excluded. Tires
will be assessed normal tipping fees.
Info: 719-846-2538.
COMCAST CARES
DATURDAY (8 a.m.) Join your
friends and neighbors to help with the
City’s spring cleanup. Registration and
free breakfast kickoff at Cimino Park.
LADIES GOLF CLUB
SATURDAY (9 a.m.) This group
will hold their annual season kick-off
breakfast at the Trinidad Municipal
Golf Course, 1413 Nolan Drive. Info:
Deborah Bernhardt, 719-680-9048.
Newcomers are always welcome.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
SATURDAY (11 a.m.) Join in the
fun at the Community Coop at Elm and
Maple St. Info: Joni Steiner, 719-680-
0215.
CHARITY FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY (6-11 p.m.) Benefit
Dinner and Dance for Dolores “Dee”
Gierlach will be held at JuJo’s, 125 N.
Chestnut St. Music by The Cliques and
Grupo Vive. Info: John Peach, 719-
680-7161.
THEFINEPRINT
WEATHERWATCH
Monday: A 30 percent chance of show-
ers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Southwest wind around 5 mph becom-
ing east in the afternoon. New precipitation
amounts of less than a tenth of an inch pos-
sible. Night: A 30 percent chance of show-
ers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
East southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of show-
ers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a
high near 65. Light and variable wind becom-
ing east 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Night:
A 20 percent chance of showers and thun-
derstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around
38. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west
southwest after midnight.
Wednesday: A 10 percent chance of
showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny,
with a high near 68. South southwest wind
around 5 mph. Night: A 10 percent chance
of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy,
with a low around 38. West southwest wind
around 5 mph.
RIVERCALL
Purgatoire River Call as of:
04/15/15. Llewelling & McCor-
mick ditch: Priority # 13 --- Ap-
propriation date: 06/01/1865.
Trinidad Reservoir Accounting:
Release 42.86 AF
Inflow 98.66 AF -- 49.74 CFS
Evaporation 12.80 AF
Content 20,788 AF
Elevation 6,184.73
Precipitation 0
Downstream River Call / High-
land Canal: 05/31/1866.
THECHRONICLENEWSTSJC: CELEBRATING 90 YEARS
How Trinidad
got its collegeBy Cosette Henritze
The Chronicle-News
When people in Trinidad got
the news on April 17, 1925 that
legislation had been approved for
a junior college in their southern
Colorado town they were probably
skeptical. After all, the college bill
had been stalled in the state house
of representatives for weeks and
many had lost hope that Denver
politicians would ever quit argu-
ing about it before the session ad-
journed.
“It was a touch and go situation
that spring,” U.S. Congressman J.
Edgar Chenoweth would tell stu-
dents at Trinidad State Jr. College
many years later when he talked
about the events leading up to the
founding of the school. Chenoweth
had been a young lawyer in Trini-
dad at the time, just beginning his
own career and getting a first taste
of politics.
“I’mnot sure anyone heretoday
can understand just how much of
a struggle it was to get this college
established. The idea started with
a group of forward-thinking local
businessmen who realized that a
college would greatly benefit the
young people of the town, many
of whom would never have the op-
portunity of furthering their edu-
cation beyond high school because
they could not afford to travel the
distance required to attend the big
schools such as Colorado Univer-
sity in Boulder or the Teachers
College in Greeley. They also knew
that having a college in Trinidad
would be a great asset for the local
community.”
It took time to gain local accep-
tance of the idea of having a college
in Trinidad but once there was
enough local enthusiasm for the
plan, the next step was to move for-
ward and gain the formal approval
and eventual assistance needed for
accreditation through state legis-
Photos courtesy of Kiddy Korner
Celebrating The Week of the Child
Peyton can be seen playing peekaboo in one of the cardboard box tunnels
the staff and kids crafted at Kiddy Korner Day Care Center on Main Street in
Trinidad. Special events throughout the week helped many children and edu-
cators around the state and across the country celebrate the National Week of
the Child.
Photo courtesy of TSJC
TSJC President Dr. Carmen Simone
Continued on Page 2 ...
RATON CITY COMMISSION
City’s 5-Year Economic
Development Plan unveiled
By Steve Block
The Chronicle-News
All future success depends on
community support. That was the
word at Tuesday’s Raton, N.M.
City Commission meeting as the
City’s new five-year economic de-
velopment strategic plan was un-
veiled and approved by the com-
mission on a unanimous vote.
Paul Jenkins, director of Grow
Raton!, one of the city’s chief eco-
nomic drivers, presented the plan,
whichhesaidwasthecombinedef-
fort of 65 interested citizens work-
ing for over one year. The plan was
endorsed by city staff, according to
City Manager Scott Berry, and will
be made available to the public at
City Hall during normal business
hours.
Two public meetings about the
plan were held, Jenkins said, and
it was subjected to the scrutiny of
a Blue Ribbon Economic Develop-
ment Panel. It was also presented
to the city manager and various
city department heads, to make
sure it was a workable and desir-
able plan.
“I can’t tell you how proud I
am of the work these people did,”
Jenkins said. “I think you will
find that the goals are achievable,
they’re specific, and we have ini-
tiatives listed under each goal, we
have timelines and measurables,
and this is a plan that shouldn’t
wind up sitting on anyone’s desk.”
Jenkins said the plan antici-
pated no city funding in order to
achieve its goals. The extent to
which community got involved
would determine the success of
the plan, he said. The members of
the group that came up with the
plan have committed themselves
to supporting and promoting it.
A vision statement included
with the plan lauds the city’s
beautiful natural environment,
great transportation network, re-
vitalized downtown district and
high quality medical facilities,
and a welcoming environment
for senior citizens looking for
retirement homes. The plan is a
strategic document that contains
goals and initiatives designed to
improve conditions within the
City in order to foster economic
growth throughout the area. Be-
cause of the long range nature of
the plan, the various elements are
not meant to be set in stone but are
intended to be integral parts of a
living document subject to change
as circumstances warrant over the
life of the plan, which covers the
fiscal years 2015 through 2020.
Local organizations, such as
Grow Raton and others, will serve
as individual Champions for a
variety of initiatives relating to
economic development. Each or-
ganization will then recruit indi-
viduals who will champion specif-
ic initiatives or become resources
for those Champions. The ultimate
success of the endeavors outlined
in the plan will depend on the de-
gree to which city employees and
residents identify with the individ-
ual goals and initiatives and are
willing to become participants in
those efforts. The determining fac-
tor in how the plan is implemented
will depend on the extent to which
people will step forward because
of their interest and willingness
to participate in a given segment
of the plan. Jenkins said it would
Steve Block / The Chronicle-News
Paul Jenkins, director of Grow Raton!,
discussed the city’s new five-year
economic development plan at Tues-
day’s City Commission meeting.
STATE’S OLDEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Proud history:
Trinidad State
turns 90
By Greg Boyce
Special to The Chronicle-News
Trinidad State Junior College
was authorized in a bill signed by
Colorado Governor Clarence Mor-
ley on April 20 of 1925, establishing
what is now the oldest community
college in Colorado. In the begin-
ning the college shared space and
faculty with Trinidad High School.
It started with 37 students, com-
pared to about 1,800 now.
By 1935 classes were moved to a
newly remodeled Tillotson Acade-
mybuilding. Thatbuildingsatjust
east of the present-day Berg Build-
ing, but has since been torn down.
The 17-acre Trinidad Campus now
includes 15 buildings, plus two
more in Alamosa and a handful of
off-campus training sites.
Trinidad State continues to of-
fer traditional programs of study
in academic-transfer areas, such
as accounting, business adminis-
tration, English, chemistry, math-
ematics and psychology. Those
students often continue their edu-
cation at a four-year school. Trini-
dad State also offers a wide range
of career and technical training
in programs like gunsmithing,
cosmetology, massage therapy,
welding, diesel mechanics, auto
mechanics and nursing.
Historical highlights:
•The bill that established Trini-
dad State Junior College in 1925
was sponsored by State Senator
Sam Freudenthal, for whom the
campus library is now named
•In the beginning classes were
taught at Trinidad High School by
high school teachers, but college
students were not allowed to min-
gle with high school students
•By 1932 a full two years of class-
es were offered allowing the first
eight students to earn two year de-
grees in May of 1933
•In the spring of 1940 construc-
tion began on what is now the Berg
Administration Building
•In the fall of 1940 construction
began on what is now Scott Gym-
nasium
•Trinidad State’s gunsmithing
progam began in 1947 and is now
regarded as the premier gunsmith-
ing program in the United States
•Trinidad State was accepted
into the Colorado Community Col-
lege System in 1968
•In 1994 Trinidad State merged
with the San Luis Valley Educa-
tional Center in Alamosa, creating
the Trinidad State Valley Campus
Photo courtesy of Greg Boyce / TSJC
Continued on Page 2 ...

2. Page 2 Monday, April 20, 2015 The Chronicle-News Trinidad, Colorado
General Manager
Allyson Sheumaker
asheumaker@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Advertising
Sales-Adam Sperandio
advertising@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Classifieds, Memorials, &
Circulation
classified@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Design & Legals- Lauri Duran
ktoci@trinidadchroniclenews.com
News Room
Editor: Eric John Monson
editor@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Features Editor, Fine Print,
Design & Layout
Catherine Moser
cathy@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Reporter: Steve Block
news1@trinidadchroniclenews.com
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
USPS #110-040
200 West Church Street
P.O. Box 763, Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-3311 • Fax (719) 846-3612
Member: Associated Press, Colorado Press Association
Periodicals Postage Paid For At Trinidad, CO.
Published Monday - Friday
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65 Comi Funeral Home
Leroy Munoz
Leroy Munoz, age 49,
passed away on April 14,
2015, at Parkview Medical
Center after a short illness.
He was born in Trinidad,
Colo, on July 24, 1965 the
son of Mary (Bernal) and
Sam Munoz.
He liked the outdoors and
enjoyed fishing.
Leroy loved the farm and
spending time there.
He enjoyed music and
being with his friends.
H i s k i n d n e s s a n d
generosity will be missed by
many.
Preceding him in death are
parents Mary and Sam
Munoz, brothers Filbert,
Roger and Jesse Munoz and
brother in law Anthony
Gerardo.
He is survived by siblings,
Richard (Betty) Munoz,
P u e b l o , C o l o , E r n i e
(Beatrice) Munoz, Denver,
Colo., John (Anita) Munoz,
Pueblo, Frank (Lydia)
Munoz, Firestone, Colo.,
S a m ( M a r c i e ) M u n o z ,
Firestone, Colo., Irene (Ray)
Armijo, Walsenburg, Colo.,
Elizabeth (Manuel) Martinez,
Aguilar, Colo., Diana (Paul)
Z u b a l , A g u i l a r , C o l o . ,
Theresa Gerardo (Joe),
Pueblo, Colo., Roseanne
Munoz, Commerce City,
Colo., special Cousin Max
(Alice) Bernal, Thornton,
Colo., numerous nieces,
nephews other relatives and
friends.
Visitation will be Monday
from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at the
Comi Chapel and Tuesday
from 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. at
St. Anthonyʼs Catholic
Church in Aguilar.
Funeral Mass will be
Tuesday April 21, 2015 at
10:30 a.m. at St. Anthonyʼs
Catholic Church.
A t L e r o y ʼ s r e q u e s t ,
cremation to follow with
private inurnment at a later
date.
Active pallbearers are
J e s s e O r t i z , A n d r e w
Gerardo, Israel Armijo, Frank
Munoz Jr., Mark Munoz, and
Manuel Munoz.
Arrangements made under
the direction of the Comi
Funeral Home.
62 Memorials
In Loving Memory of
Charles A. Martinez
on his 54th birthday
April 19, 2015, who passed
away 12 years ago
April 20, 2003
The fairest lily is the first to
fall, the sweetest, first to
fade. The fondest, dearest,
best of all, at peaceful rest
are laid. As some sweet
blossom droops and dies,
when blighted by the frost,
he faded from before our
eyes and all too soon was
lost. But in God's garden,
free from pain, where grow
His fairest flowers, we know
that we shall meet again this
fairest bloom of ours.
You are forever in our
hearts. We love and miss
you so much, Mom, Dad,
son Justin, brother Marty,
sister Vicki, brother-in-law
Jay, nieces and nephews
Today is full of memories,
happiness and tears, of
birthday celebrations we've
shared throughout the years.
And though we'll always miss
you. The endless joy you
brought, warms our hearts
with gratitude and fills our
every thought. In heaven you
are resting. We hope that
you can see, how precious
and uplifting your memory is
to us. We feel that you are
with us in everything we do
so we'll celebrate your
birthday. But we'll spend it
missing you.
Forever in our hearts,
Your wife, children,
grandchildren, great
grandchildren and family
In Loving Memory of
Robert LePlatt
who passed away
one year ago
For Our Dad
Please. God, forgive
a silent tear
A fervent wish our
Dad was here
There are others,
yes we know
But he was ours and we
loved him so.
Dear God, please
take a message
To our Father in
Heaven above
Tell him how much
we miss him
And give him our love.
Love forever and always, Jim
& Deb, Darla, Jerry & Shelly
In Loving Memory of
Ernest Lucero
on his 74th Birthday
April 20
Today is full of memories,
happiness and tears, of
birthday celebrations we've
shared throughout the years.
And though we'll always miss
you. The endless joy you
brought, warms our hearts
with gratitude and fills our
every thought. In heaven you
are resting. We hope that
you can see, how precious
and uplifting your memory is
to us. We feel that you are
with us in everything we do
so we'll celebrate your
birthday. But we'll spend it
missing you.
Forever in our hearts,
Your wife, children,
grandchildren, great
grandchildren and family
62 Memorials
n UPCOMING EVENTS
CHILDREN’S CHORALE
APRIL 30 (7 p.m.) This year’s annual
free Spring Musical “Lost in the Mov-
ies” will be presented at the Trinidad Middle
School, 614 Park St. Info: 719-846-2513.
CHENOWETH AWARDS BANQUET
MAY 2 (7 p.m.) Thisannualeventwillbeheld
at the Mt. Carmel Community Center, 911 Rob-
inson St. Tickets & info: Chamber of Commerce,
719-846-9285 or John Schecter, 719-846-7727.
HABITAT PROJECT
MAY 2&3: The Trinidad Chapter of the
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)
and the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS)
invite hunters, conservationists and interested
parties to become more familiar with the area
and participate in the Habitat Improvement
Project. Details, registration and info: Tim
Nash, 719-846-8653.
WATER FESTIVAL
MAY 14 (all day) The community is invited
to attend Trinidad’s 4th Annual event to be
held on the campus of Trinidad State Junior
College. Info: Tom Perry, 719-846-8380 or
email tomandlindaperry@gmail.com.
n CREATIVE ARTS
GALERIE VIVANT ART SHOW
THRU APRIL 23: “There’s No Such
Thing as an Ordinary Cat” all media art
show will run at the Oasis Studio/Galerie Vi-
vant, 214/218 Main St. Info: Susan Palmer,
805-603-6181.
TASTE OF SPRING
APRIL 24 (4-9 p.m.) Come meet the art-
ists at the opening reception for the Spring
Art Show at the Fumio Sawa Fine Art Gallery,
514 W. Main St. Info: Walt Boulden, 719-680-
0739. Refreshments will be served.
TRINIDAD WRITERS GUILD
APRIL 24 (6 p.m.) Join us for an Open
Mike reading at TAAC’s Gallery Main, 130 E.
Main St. Info: Dana Miller, 719-422-8352.
TALAS ART SHOW
APRIL 25-MAY 22: The community is in-
vited to see the spectacular all-media artwork
pieces by Southern Colorado and Northern
New Mexico artists that will be at the Corazon
Gallery, 149 E. Main St. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily).
Artist’s reception and awards ceremony will
be MAY 22 (5 p.m.). Info: Trish Keck, 719-
859-7702.
TAAC ART SHOW
THRU APRIL 30: “Primal Dance:
Movements in Color” an exhibition of art by
Roxanne Regan-Briggs will be held at TAAC’s
Gallery Main, 130 E. Main St. Info: 719-846-
1441.
n SCHOLARSHIPS
PARSONS SCHOLARSHIP
APRIL 27 DEADLINE: Scholarship avail-
able to high school seniors in the Stonewall
Fire Protection District. Applications may be
obtained at Primero High School. Info: Charlie
Hislop, 719-868-3660.
n COMMUNITY
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS
THRU MAY 13 (MONDAYS & WEDNES-
DAYS/ 9-10 a.m.) Group will meet at Mount
Carmel Community Center. Registration &
Info: 719-845-4894.
CALLING ALL GARDENERS
The Trinidad Community Garden has
plots available on a first come, first served
basis. Info: Trinidad Community Co-op, 719-
680-0215.
FURRY FRIENDS
The Noah’s Ark pantry can always use
dog and cat food supplies, which will be used
to help elderly and in-need residents maintain
their pets. If you’d like to make a donation of
food or funds stop by the animal shelter at 224
N. Chestnut St. or call 719-846-8578.
BOOKS & MORE
The Carnegie Library’s bookstore is lo-
cated at 132 N. Commercial St. All proceeds
benefit the public library. (Open noon-4 p.m.,
Mon.-Sat.) Volunteer info and book donations:
719-846-8522.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter
The Fisher’s Peak Veterinary Clinic (719-
846-3211) and the Trinidad Animal Clinic
(719-846-3212) offer grant-funded, low-cost
spay/neuter surgeries. Call for information and
appointments.
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 Matre, 719-859-3998.
Fire Season Volunteers
Anyone over 18 interested in becom-
ing a volunteer fireman for any of our area
fire protection districts, please call Buddie
Curro at 719-859-1535. Any donations of
food, water and funds for our area fire district
volunteers call 719-846-4074.
THE SAMARITAN CLINIC
1st & 3rd TUESDAYS (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Here to serve the under-insured and non-
insured community with free health care and
low-cost lab work, 413 E. Frost. Info: 719-
846-3536.
From the LA County Clerk
License plate renewal online. Go to: www.
colorado.gov/renewplates.
SUICIDE HOTLINES
n ADULT: 800-784-2433
n TEEN: 877-968-8454
n GLB-YOUTH: 866-488-7386
n VET-2-VET: 877-838-2838
“Hope is holding on and going on and
trusting in the Lord. Hope is endurance.”
~Michael Novak
ABUSE HOTLINES
n Domestic Abuse Hotline: In Trini-
dad call 719-846-6665 (24-hours a day). In
Walsenburg call: 719-738-0770. National Ho-
tline: 1-800-790-SAFE (7233).
n Animal Abuse: Report animal abuse
and dog/cock fighting at Crime Stoppers
anonymous tip line: 720-913-7867.
CommunityCalendar
... Continued from Page 1
Celebrating 90 years: How Trinidad got its college
lation.
Chamber of Commerce
board members, along with
others from several service
clubs worked with the pub-
lisher of the newspaper to
begin lobbying state sena-
tors and legislators in the
early 1920s. By 1924 Las
Animas County voters had
also elected a powerful ally
in the State Senate. It would
be Sen. Samuel Freudenthal
who would introduce the
Trinidad college bill dur-
ing the 1925 session. Two
other Las Animas County
legislators, Representative
Ralph Weinboer and Rep-
resentative A.E. Martinez,
would sponsor the bill in the
House.
As one of 1,080 measures
up for consideration by the
General Assembly that year
it wasn’t surprising that the
Trinidad college bill didn’t
get much publicity after an
initial story in The Chron-
icle-News in early Janu-
ary. The focus of attention
of state legislators during
much of the early part of the
session was on a pro-
posed state income
tax, the governor’s
desire to reorganize
the state highway
system, and nego-
tiations with Kansas
and Oklahoma over
water compacts.
In early March,
however, the good
news was printed in
Trinidad papers that
the college bill had
easily cleared the
state senate and was
headed for the house
“where it would be
taken up immedi-
ately,” according to
a quote from Rep.
Weinboer. He appar-
ently spoke too soon
since it would take
nearly five more weeks (the
last one including several
nights extending well past
3 a.m.) as the deadline for
final passage of bills drew
ever closer.
During that final turmoil
of legislative haggling 35
bills were slashed, includ-
ing two educational ones:
a $60,000 appropriation bill
for Adams State Normal
School and a similar $60,000
one for Colorado Universi-
ty. Trinidad’s bill survived
the cut, however. The mea-
sure included provisions for
a college at Grand Junction
as well and both were given
appropriations of $2,500.
Two days later Colorado
Governor Clarence J. Mor-
ley signed the bill into law.
The following week State
Rep. Weinboer came to
Trinidad to celebrate with
members of the Kiwanis
Club at their luncheon
meeting. He talked about
the hard fought battle in the
house, thanking all the local
supporters who had come
north during the past few
months to lobby legislators.
He said there were many
people working against the
bill’s passage, ‘cliques’ that
always form among politi-
cians who band together to
have leverage getting their
projects moved forward.
He admitted that he had
to “trade” 33 times to get
what he wanted. Weinboer
told the group, “It’s not the
speakers who get bills thru,
they merely block legisla-
tion and stir up antago-
nism.” He said he believed
the people in the house had
a new understanding after
this experience of what he
called ‘Trinidad tenacity.’
“We convinced them all
that we were determined to
establish a college here and
we would not yield.”
Community
Photos courtesy of TSJC
An aerial photo, left, from 1940 shows the Scott Gym under con-
struction. Below is a 1940s picture of the Berg Building during
its construction.
A photo of the first class at Trinidad State Junior College in 1925,
at left, while the photo below shows a long line of 1960s kids lin-
ing up for registration at the school.