Colorado began funding co-responder efforts in 2018 and now backs 31 such initiatives. An additional 20 or so programs exist across the state that send mental health clinicians out with law enforcement.
Alamosa
Posted inWater
Developers behind San Luis Valley water export plan pour money into Douglas County water district races
Two candidates for Parker water board received large campaign contributions from group wanting to build a $400 million pipeline to siphon water from southern Colorado
Posted inBusiness
Unpaid wages, injuries: The dark side of a celebrated Colorado mushroom farm known for helping migrants
Dozens of interviews show hidden perils for immigrants working at Colorado Mushroom Farm, which sold produce at Whole Foods and King Soopers before going bankrupt.
Posted inBusiness
Denver’s Omnitrax buys San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, driving hope for economic spark in Colorado’s San Luis Valley
The transportation and railroad company Omnitrax acquired the historic 155-mile San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad in a bankruptcy auction with plans for commodity, passenger traffic
Posted inColoradans, COVID, Education, News
“I can’t do this to myself anymore”: Pandemic stress has driven some Colorado teachers to leave the classroom
Diane Santorico was a year shy of completing her third decade as a teacher when the profession that once gave her so much joy nearly stole all of it. She was sick – physically sick – and tired. The first few weeks of school had demanded that she teach in a second-floor classroom baking at […]
Posted inEducation, Equity, News
Skilled workers are needed in the San Luis Valley. A new college program could be an answer.
Codi Fonk loves watching the machines he helps design come to life. Fonk, 23, is an apprentice engineer at Formation Ag in the San Luis Valley, where he designs and tests components for massive equipment used in hemp farming. “It’s a dream job,” Fonk said. “I love what I do.” He considers himself lucky: He […]
Posted inBusiness, COVID, News
Colorado businesses relied on sidewalk extensions to make a profit during COVID. They may be here to stay.
DURANGO — From their office overlooking Durango’s main drag, marketer Maggie Kavan and architect Michael Carrier watched in the spring of 2020 as the pandemic closed businesses and emptied out downtown. And they saw how restaurants responded by erecting a hodgepodge of outdoor seating areas, some of which seemed unsafe or created a messy look. […]
Posted inColoradans, Economy, Education, Equity, Health, News
In the San Luis Valley, a small town is using civic engagement to improve lives
The town of Saguache lies at the northern edge of Colorado’s expansive San Luis Valley. Flanked by the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the east and the San Juan and La Garita ranges on the west, Saguache spans only 13 blocks and houses around 500 people. The small size of the Saguache community means the […]
Posted inCrime and Courts, News
Missing southern Colorado woman found in hidden grave
ALAMOSA— A 21-year-old woman who went missing in early August has been found in a hidden grave in a remote area of southern Colorado. Cheyenne Goins, of Alamosa, was reported missing by her family Aug. 12, and her body was found in Alamosa County on Saturday. Her death was ruled a homicide, but investigators have […]
Posted inColoradans, COVID, Education, News
How southern Colorado is working to bridge the digital divide in schools
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado teachers, parents and students have been forced to adapt to periods of remote learning. Kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and offices have been converted into temporary classrooms as students try to absorb new material through small boxes on a computer screen. But some families have struggled to adapt more than others. […]