Valley Courier

April 13, 2012 1A Coach of the Year

VOLUME 86, NO. 74

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— Page 6

Alamosa • Antonito • Blanca • Center • Creede • Crestone • Del Norte • Fort Garland • Hooper • La Jara • Manassa • Mosca • Moffat • Monte Vista • Romeo • Saguache • Sanford • San Luis • South Fork

Have you heard Feast to aid Rakhra workers ALAMOSA—La Puente and the Guatemalan community are holding a Celebración Gastronómica (Gastronomic Celebration) this Saturday, April 14. Every dollar raised will help La Puente continue assisting displaced Rakhra workers with their basic needs during this time of financial crisis. Taste dishes from Haiti, Puerto Rico, México, Colombia, Guatemala, and the USA. The event will include cultural music, including Marimbas, face painting, and more. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 537 Main, the mini mall next to Milagros Coffeehouse. Those unable to attend, please consider a donation to the Displaced Mushroom Worker Fund to assist the Guatemalan families in Alamosa. Send to “Displaced Mushroom Worker Fund, La Puente, PO Box 1235, Alamosa 81101.

Assistance sought for fire victims SANFORD — Moses Casias’ home burned down on Monday, March 26. National Honor Society is sponsoring an Item Drive during the week of April 16-19 to collect items to be donated to their family. Items can be anything that a family might need: money; blankets; clothes; food. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Please send items to classroom teachers at the Sanford School or contact Mrs. Bond at 274-5167.

SLV Federal joins the solar movement

By KEITH R. CERNY Courier Publisher ALAMOSA — Joining the green movement to take advantage of the San Luis Valley’s abundant sunshine and to set an example for their commercial and residential customers, San Luis Valley Federal recently installed rooftop solar electrical systems at all three of its Valley branches.

“There’s so much focus on solar energy in the San Luis Valley that we decided

to join the movement,” said Duane Bussey, SLV Federal president.

Bussey said the bank’s staff and board had looked at rooftop solar systems a few years ago but found them to be cost prohibitive. That changed in the past year, he said, thanks in part to declining costs of the panels and related equipment, and the expert assistance of another Alamosa-based business, Alpine Electric.

“Alpine gave us a proposal for each building and what the payback would be,” Bussey said. Based on a 25year projection, all three systems will pay for themselves in about nine years.

At the main office in Alamosa, a 53-kilowatt (kw) system was installed, producing about one-third of the bank’s electrical needs.

Both the Mariposa branch (near Walmart) and the Monte Vista branch had almost identical 21-kw plants installed.

Bussey said the bank invested a total of $522,000 in the three systems, including $280,000 at the headquarters

Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny

Standing amid the 234 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of San Luis Valley Federal’s downtown Alamosa headquarters are, from left, Jeremy Gonzales of Alpine Electric, SLV Federal President Duane Bussey, and the bank’s marketing director, Marsha Madril. Solar systems are producing electricity on all three of the bank’s branches. building where 234 photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed on the roof of the tall, two-story structure.

According to Jeremy Gonzales of Alpine electric, the 230-

DEL NORTE — Dennis Pacheco’s death on January 25 was ruled accidental with the release of the autopsy reports on Thursday.

The Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office initially considered the death of Pacheco, 29, of Del Norte, suspicious, and two people were questioned and released. Sheriff Brian Norton has been waiting for the results of the Pa-

checo autopsy to death has been determine if any ruled accidencharges would be tal,” Sheriff filed.

Norton stated The El Paso on Thursday.

County patholo“Due to the gist in Colorado results of this Springs released investigation no those results this persons will be Dennis Pacheco week. charged or ar“Autopsy final rested due to diagnosis for cause of death Dennis Pacheco’s death.” has been determined to Norton stated that his have been mixed drug office responded to a reintoxication, manner of port of a male who was not

Courier photos by Keith R. Cerny

Recycled rollover Traffic was diverted for several hours Thursday on Highway 160/Sixth Street in downtown Alamosa after an eastbound truck hauling scrap metal overturned on the 6th and Denver curve about 10 a.m. A car was reportedly also involved and was spun around by the truck’s tractor, but neither driver was injured. A logo on the door of the truck indicated that it belonged to Latka Trucking, Pueblo.

Sat: Showers 52 / 25 Sun: Showers 44 / 20

INSIDE Obituaries.......................... Page 2 Valley News ....................... Page 3 Opinion ............................. Page 4 Religion ............................. Page 5 Sports ............................... Page 6 Education ............ Pages 7, 8, 9, 10 Public Notices ...................Page 11 Classified ...................Pages 12, 13 Comics ............................. Page 14

■ See SLV page 3

breathing on January 25 at 6877 Hwy 112. When Sheriff Deputy Sam Coffman arrived at that address he determined that Pacheco had been dropped off at that residence prior to his arrival, and those who had left Pacheco there were no longer on the scene.

Pacheco was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Rio Grande County Hospital.

The sheriff’s office iden-

tified and detained the people who dropped Pacheco off at the residence, and due to the unknown and suspicious nature of Pacheco’s death, several persons were questioned and statements obtained.

The case was then suspended pending the result of the autopsy. Those results, released this week, closed the case with no charges being filed and the case ruled accidental.

Water replacement plan hearing Thurs.

ALAMOSA — Boy Scout Troop 307 in Alamosa is again selling bags of top soil and composted mushroom, cow, and sheep mixtures from Rocky Mountain Soils.

This service enables the boys to raise money for summer camps and other activities. Each bag costs $3 and includes free delivery within the Alamosa area. Quantity discounts are available. Call 589-9800 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Today will be seasonably windy but may provide precipitation later on.

added to the cost, but seasonal adjustments to the angle of the panels make them more efficient.

Autopsy rules Pacheco death accidental

Topsoil sales help Scouts

SLV WEATHER

watt panels are high efficiency Multicrystaline modules that are fairly standard in today’s PV installations. Bussey said the tilt-leg racking system installed at the main branch

By RUTH HEIDE Courier editor ALAMOSA — The proverbial drop in the bucket will begin May 1, with hopes that eventually the bucket will fill.

Groundwater users will begin to pay back surface water users for the harm they have caused them on May 1, at least in the closed basin area north of the Rio Grande where the San Luis Valley’s first water management subdistrict was formed.

Before that happens, however, area residents will have an opportunity to comment on the sub-district’s annual replacement plan detailing how it will begin to replace depletions this year.

The state engineer’s office plans a formal public hearing on the replacement plan next Thursday, April 19, at 10 a.m. at the Ramada Inn (formerly

Inn of the Rio Grande) in Alamosa.

Colorado Division of Water Resources Division Engineer for Division 3 Craig Cotten said the sub-district board at its meeting on April 3 took comments on its replacement plan and voted to send the plan on to the state engineer’s office with some minor modifications and additions. The sub-district has to have its final annual replacement plan to the state engineer by April 15.

The state engineer will then hold a formal public hearing on April 19. People may sign up that morning to speak, and comments will be recorded. State Engineer Dick Wolfe will likely make a decision soon afterward and must make a decision prior to May 1, when the replace-

■ See Water page 3

EPA shares mining water contamination remedies

By LAUREN KRIZANSKY Courier staff writer CREEDE — Solutions to contaminated San Juan Mountain waters are on a slow, steady drip.

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency officials presented the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee, a Creede grassroots mining waste clean-up group, the findings and conclusions of its December 2011 Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Waste Rock Pile Site report.

“We are still not seeing the water quality improve in the Rio Grande,” said EPA Environmental Protection Agency Project Manager Mike Holmes in the Creede Town hall meeting room. “For the old miners, the biggest problem was water. When you put a hole in a mountain, it would

fill up with water. That is the problem that we are still dealing with today.”

Water passing through the site enters Willow Creek, flows through flood plains and spills into the Rio Grande.

The EPA has concluded in order to lower zinc and cadmium levels in the Rio Grande, the water passing through the site must either undergo treatment or reroute through new hydrology.

“We won’t magically make up water quality standards in the Rio Grande,” said EPA Hydrologist Mike Wireman.

“But it is something we should do.”

The site feeds 150 to 250 gallons of water a minute into the Rio Grande and contributes less than 50 percent of the river’s contaminated minerals.

Holmes said water treat-

Photo courtesy of the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee

The Nelson Tunnel is responsible for contaminating water entering the Rio Grande. ments would require a Lime Precipitation Plan, similar to what has been recently installed at the Summitville mine site near Del Norte.

w w w. alamosanews .com

When the water goes This remedy would use lime through the old mine, its pH to cleanse the water of metals levels lower, making it more and raise the pH levels. acidic and contaminating it with heavy metals, he said.

■ See EPA page 3

Page 2

Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Record OBITUARIES Anna Marie Benavidez, 63

DEL NORTE — Del Norte resident Anna Marie Benavidez, 63, passed away April 12, 2012 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Anna was born on January 12, 1949 in Denver, Colorado the daughter of John Martinez and Millie Medina Martinez. Anna was a wonderful mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and sister who enjoyed fishing, camping, and the time she spent with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter Vanessa Benavidez of Del Norte, Colo.; sons Donald Benavidez (Nedra Martinez) David Benavidez (Diane Velasquez) both of Del Norte, Colo.; her partner Noah Blea of Del Norte, Colo.; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sisters Beatrice Maestas, Margie Montoya, Barbara Garcia and DoDo all of Denver, Colo.; brothers Pat Martinez, Bob Martinez, Jack Martinez and Danny Martinez all of Denver, Colo. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents John and Millie Martinez and her husband John Pete Benavidez.

Cremation was chosen and services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in care of Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.

Jeffrey Ellis Rilling, 53

MONTE VISTA — Monte Vista resident Jeffrey Ellis Rilling, 53, died April 10, 2012 at his home in Monte Vista.

Jeff was born August 12, 1958 in Alamosa to Albert and Donna Kay Nash Rilling. He married Rachel E. Young in Alamosa January of 1979.

He served honorably in the United States Army for four years as a Tank Commander in Germany. Jeff worked for 19 years for the City of Alamosa and most recently held the position of Building Official, and loved this job. Jeff also volunteered at the Alamosa Fire Department and was active for many years.

Jeff enjoyed the outdoors and camping in the mountains. As a hobby he worked with wood and took pride in keeping his yard in good condition. Above all, he loved the time spent with his granddaughter Sophia.

He is survived by his wife Rachel Rilling of Alamosa; his sons Christopher Rilling of Morrison, Colorado and Bryan Rilling of Denver; his mother Donna Ditmore of Alamosa; his granddaughter Sophia Rilling; his brothers Stephen Albert Rilling and David Lee (Donna) Chappell of Alamosa; his nieces Jamie Martinez and Jenna (Jason) Quintana as well as many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother Michael Wayne Rilling.

Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life Service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2012 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

Wanda Maxine Harris, 81

PUEBLO — Wanda Maxine Harris, 81, of Pueblo, Colorado passed away April 11, 2012, comfortably at home surrounded by family and friends.

Wanda was born November 26, 1930 in Monte Vista, Colorado, the daughter of the late Melvin Paul and Hilda Cornum Jefferson. She married Wilford G. Harris in Monte Vista, July of 1950.

Wanda worked as an operator for U.S. West for 28 years. She loved to sew and work in her yard. She participated in crafts, baking, puzzles, bingo and was a football lover. She was a true Bronco fan and loved going out to eat at Country Buffet.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, awesome grandmother, loved gardening, family get togethers, traveling, spoiling her dogs, enjoyed visiting with friends, going to church and being with all her kids and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Mary Irene (Phil) Groves of Albuquerque, N.M., Terri Jean (Richard) Deacon of Monte Vista, Mark W. Harris of Pueblo; her sister Paula Hensley of La Jara; her grandchildren Corey Singer, Jeremy (Desiray) Deacon, Matt (Brianna) Lucero, Amber Harris, April Harris, Amanda Lucero and Markie Harris; as well as five great-grandchildren Skylar, Ari, Coy, Jamie and Hayden and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. We will always have a special place in our hearts for this lovely lady Her parents, her husband, her son Elton Paul Harris and her brother Quintin Jefferson preceded her in death.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 13th from 6-8 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa and Saturday, April 14th from 10-10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room at the church. A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday morning at the Alamosa Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located on Weber Street in Alamosa. Interment will follow services in the Alamosa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.

ALAMOSA ALMANAC

SAN LUIS VALLEY FORECAST

Temperature

Today: Windy and clouding up later. Highs, 50s.

Yesterday’s High 58 Yesterday’s Low 34 56 / 22 Avg.High/Low 73 in 2006 Record High 5 in 1997 Record Low

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, chance for some night snow. Lows, 20s.

Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, rain and snow showers. Highs, lower 50s.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

River Basin Rain and snow showers

AM flurries, mostly cloudy

More settled weather

Warmer

Mostly cloudy

44 / 20

45 / 22

61 / 24

65 / 30

64 / 33

REGIONAL FORECAST MAP

Creede 40 / 19

Walsenburg

Valid for today

64 / 36

Alamosa 57 / 24 Fort Garland 56 / 29 San Luis

Antonito 56 / 32

Arkansas Colorado Gunnison North Platte Yampa Animas, Dolores, San Juan, San Miguel

ing consumers about types of fraud and how to report scams to us as well as our federal counterparts.”

During the 2011 calendar year, Colorado consumers filed 7,297 complaints with the Office of the Attorney General - a 12.9 percent increase over 2010’s total of 6,462 complaints and a 54.5 percent increase over 2009’s total of 4,723 complaints.

The top 10 types of complaints received last year were: Type of business Financial planning and management consultants, 410 complaints Utility complaints(cable and satellite television), 349 complaints

Last April 13

New April 21

First April 29

Full May 6

Temperature and precipitation valid through 5 p.m. yesterday

Upper Rio Grande River Basin

Cumbres Pass n/a% of Normal Medano Pass 4% of Normal Rio Grande Res. 0% of Normal Stunner Pass 8% of Normal 69% of Normal Trinchera Weminuche Pass n/a% of Normal 37% of Normal Wolf Creek Pass 63% of Normal

51% of Normal 34% of Normal 46% of Normal 50% of Normal 42% of Normal

Ski Conditions Valid at 6 a.m. yesterday

Lifts New Mid Mtn Open Surface Crested Butte 0" 0 Closed 0" Durango Mtn. 0" 0" 0 Closed 0" Monarch 0 Closed 0" Telluride 0 Closed 0" 0" Wolf Creek 0" 0 Closed 0"

Antonito 56 32 pc 46 25 sh 44 25 sh Canon City 65 41 pc 60 44 pc 47 33 sh Center 57 24 pc 52 23 sh 51 22 sh Creede 40 19 sh 37 15 sh 38 17 sh Del Norte 52 29 pc 47 26 sh 46 26 sh Fort Garland 56 29 pc 50 27 pc 45 24 sh Hooper 57 24 pc 53 24 sh 51 22 sh La Jara 57 27 pc 51 23 sh 48 22 sh Hold onto your hats as there is going La Veta 56 35 pc 50 33 pc 42 30 sh to be a lot of wind today. There is Moffat 55 29 pc 51 29 sh 50 27 sh Monte Vista 56 26 pc 51 24 sh 49 23 sh also a chance for a few light showers Mosca 57 24 pc 53 23 sh 51 22 sh at night. A cold front pushes in from Platoro 39 20 sh 34 15 ls 36 17 sh the north on Saturday. It will bring in Pueblo 68 38 pc 62 40 pc 53 34 sh Romeo 56 31 pc 48 25 sh 45 25 sh mixed showers, some wet snow and Saguache 56 29 pc 51 29 sh 51 28 sh cooler weather.

Salida 57 36 pc 54 37 sh 51 32 sh San Luis 55 31 pc 48 25 pc 43 23 sh South Fork 45 28 pc 41 24 sh 42 24 sh Forecast Produced by: Walsenburg 64 36 pc 57 36 pc 48 33 sh Weather (W): bz-blizzard, c-cloudy, fg-fog, hs-heavy snow, hz-haze, lsCheyenne, Wyoming light snow, mc-mostly cloudy, mx-wintery mix, pc-partly cloudy, r-rain, www.dayweather.com sh-showers, sn-snow, su-sunny, th-thunderstorm, w-wind

55 / 31

Trinidad 65 / 35

BIRTHS Jerek Devin Martinez Jerek Devin Martinez was born on April 3, 2012 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center in Alamosa to Erica and Phillip Martinez Jr. Jerek weighed 6 pounds and measure 19 and one/half inches at birth. He has one sibling, Braelyn Martinez. Maternal grandparents are Debbie Lopez, of Alamosa, and Jim Kalana, of Grand Junction. Paternal grandparents are Victor Duran and Kim Martinez, of Center, and Phillip Martinez, of Center. Great-grandparents are Jim and Joanne Lopez, Agapito and Dorothy Martinez, Wanda Kalana, Olivia Martinez, Henrietta Trujillo and Lynn Montano.

Jacob John-Carleton Anderson MANASSA — Jacob John-Carleton Anderson was born April 6, 2012 at the San Luis Valley Medical Regional Center in Alamosa to Marlo and Kristi Anderson. Jacob weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 inches at birth. Brothers and sisters are Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Samuel, Malachi and Kaleb. Maternal grandparents are John and Maureen, of Denver, and David and Ginny Johnston, of Littleton.

Elizabeth Anderson, of Manassa, is the paternal grandparent. Great-grandparents are Ella Smith, of Denver, and Georgia Keller, of Otterbein, Ind.

De'Mario Rey Galvan CENTER — De'Mario Rey Galvan was born April 7, 2012 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center to Benjamin Galvan and Samantha Silva. De'Mario weighed 8 pounds, 5 and one-half ounces and measured 20 inches at birth. Brothers and sisters are Alberto and Jayla Galvan. Maternal grandparents are Jeanette Maez and Pat Silva, of Center. Paternal grandparents are Gaby and Benjamin Galvan, of San Diego, Calif. Greatgrandparents are Stella Martinez, Easther Maes and Dave Maes, of Center, and Alberto and Gracela Galvan, of San Diego, Calif.

Deadline looms for refunds WASHINGTON, DC (March 19, 2012) — The three-year window of opportunity for non-filers to claim a tax refund for 2008 is about to expire. After Tuesday, April 17, 2012, this year’s federal tax filing deadline, the unclaimed funds will become the property of the US Treasury. Given that IRS is sitting on more than one billion dollars in unclaimed refunds from 2008, the refunds could be substantial.

“IRS estimates that over half of the potential refunds are for $637 or more,” said John Dundon II, EA, president of Taxpayer Advocacy Services in the Greater Denver area, “and there is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. Those who did not file a return in 2008 and are planning to file now in hope of seeing the refund need to keep in mind that IRS requires them to have filed in 2009 or 2010, or else the check may be held.”

Non-filers are not necessarily breaking the law; they may have had so little income that year that they were not required to file a return. If taxes were withheld from a paycheck, or quarterly estimated payments were made, a refund could be waiting at IRS. However, if the taxpayer owes back child support or

is behind on federal loans, such as student loans, IRS may use the funds to offset those debts.

Not filing taxes can also cause taxpayers to miss out on other government funds.

Those who didn’t file in 2008 may now be eligible for some or all of the Recovery Rebate Credit, a one-time payment for taxpayers who didn’t receive the full economic stimulus payment in 2008 and whose circumstances have changed. Low-to-middle income taxpayers could also be missing out on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds.

See IRS.gov. Those who no longer have 2008 tax documents can request a free transcript from IRS, or hire a licensed tax practitioner to take this on.

According to IRS, the three states with the highest number of 2008 non-filers with potential refunds are California, with 122,500, Texas, with 96,200 and Florida, with 70,400. 20,500 Coloradoans may be able to claim refunds, with an average potential refund of $589.

To locate an enrolled agent, go to the “Find an Enrolled Agent” directory at www.naea.org.

Use free file or form 4868 to get a six-month extension WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service on April 11 reminded anyone unable to meet next week’s tax deadline that they can easily get an automatic six-month taxfiling extension. And, the easiest and quickest way to get an extension is online through the Free File link on IRS.gov.

In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically request an automatic extension on Form 4868. Filing this form gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file a return.

This is an extension of time to file; not an extension of time to pay.

To get the extra time, taxpayers must estimate

their tax liability on this form and should also pay any amount due. Taxpayers can e-pay what they owe using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), by electronic funds withdrawal or with a credit or debit card.

Those who choose to pay by check or money order should make the payment out to the “United States Treasury.”

By properly filing Form 4868, a taxpayer will avoid the late-filing penalty, normally five percent per month based on the unpaid balance, that applies to returns filed after the deadline. In addition, any payment made with an extension request will reduce or eliminate interest

and late-payment penalties that apply to payments made after April 17. The current interest rate is three percent per year, compounded daily, and the latepayment penalty is normally 0.5 percent per month.

Besides Free File, taxpayers can choose to request an extension through a paid tax preparer, using tax-preparation software or by filing a paper Form 4868, available on IRS.gov. Of the 10.5 million extension forms received by the IRS last year, about 4 million were filed electronically.

Some taxpayers get more time to file without having to ask for it: * Members of the military on duty outside the U.S., as well as U.S. citizens and resi-

Attorney general unveils top consumer complaints during protection week DENVER — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers unveiled statistics on the top consumer complaints for 2011 and the first two months of 2012 to mark the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week.

“Protecting consumers from fraud is one of the most important jobs of Colorado’s attorney general,” Suthers said. “Thanks to our aggressive outreach, warnings about prevalent scams and informing Coloradans on how to protect themselves, we have made great progress over the past five years. The growing number of complaints Coloradans submit to us highlights the strides we have made in inform-

Sunset 7:38 PM 7:38 PM 7:39 PM

Forecast Discussion

Del Norte 52 / 29

La Jara 57 / 27

Sunrise 6:31 AM 6:29 AM 6:28 AM

Snowpack Information

Today Tomorrow Sunday Hi Lo W Hi Lo W Hi Lo W

Saguache 56 / 29

South Fork 45 / 28 Monte Vista 56 / 26

Trace 0.12" 0.22" 0.56" 1.28"

REGIONAL CITIES

Canon City 65 / 41

Salida 57 / 36

Today Saturday Sunday

Precipitation Yesterday’s Month to Date Avg.Month to Date Year to Date Avg.Year to Date

SAN LUIS VALLEY FIVE-DAY FORECAST Sunday

Sun and Moon

Mail fraud, 264 complaints Health and medical services, 262 complaints Tanning salons, 159 complaints Internet shopping services, 146 complaints Telephone (Cell phones and equipment), 141 complaints Magazine subscription agents, 127 complaints Rebate offers, 108 complaints Roofing and guttering contractors, 95 complaints In addition, the Attorney General’s Office licenses and regulates collection agencies, lenders, creditors, and debt settlement companies.

In 2011, the Office received

732 complaints against collection agencies. The most common complaint was that the collection agency attempted to collect an amount not due or harassed a consumer. By law, collection agencies may not disclose debts to thirdparties not obligated to pay such as parents, children, employers and neighbors; may not call consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone; may not misrepresent the legal status of a debt; must honor a consumer’s written request to cease telephone calls or cease all communication; and must provide verification of the debt upon a consumer’s written request within 30 days after

receipt of its initial collection letter disclosing consumers’ rights.

dent aliens living and working abroad have until June 15 to file and pay, though interest still applies to payments made after April 17. * Members of the military and others serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zone localities can typically wait until at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due. * People in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, affected by tornadoes, severe storms, floods and other recent natural disasters, have until May 31 to file and pay.

Details on all filing and payment options are on IRS.gov.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley Courier

Page 3

Valley News SLV ■ Continued from Page 1

Helping make the system affordable was the 30 percent federal tax credit the bank received. If a business or individual can’t use all the tax credits in the first year, the remainder can be used as needed in up to five successive years, Gonzales said.

These systems also qualify as special capital improvements so the bank can take an accelerated depreciation deduction when filing their tax returns.

Another financial benefit of the system is Xcel rebates.

Gonzales said rebates from Xcel Energy are received on a tiered system based on each system’s kilowatt output. Excess power generated by the systems goes on the electric grid and rebates are issued based on Xcel’s Solar Rewards Program.

Each SLV Federal solar system has two electrical meters, one that measures the bank’s actual usage and a second that measures power going back to the grid.

Monthly refunds are calculated and checks received from Xcel.

March was the first full month the solar system was

Water ■ Continued from Page 1 ments must begin.

Cotten explained that if people object to the state engineer’s decision they can protest to the Water Judge Pattie Swift within 14 days, and the judge will set an expedited hearing.

The current draft of the

EPA ■ Continued from Page 1

The second and preferred option is redirecting the water’s course, he said.

Chances of contamination are greatly reduced if the water never has to pass through the site.

Before deciding on a remedy, the EPA plans to install a well this year between the Bulldog mining site and the tunnel site to further explore flow patterns and contaminant levels. He said the EPA is working in cooperation with the Rio Grande Silver, Inc. and Hecla, who are conducting mining explorations in the area, on this project.

“We have common interests,” Holmes said. “We hope to have this in so we can start taking the next steps.”

Although water sampling methods and collection data is often inconclusive, he said that the non-existent cut-

operational at SLV Federal’s downtown Alamosa headquarters and the bank realized nearly a 30% savings in electrical usage compared to the previous year. Plus, a Solar Rewards check for $992.53, 46% of their total March bill of $2,146.

The bank can track the output of the solar systems on an hourly basis using an internet-based program. A monitor installed in the lobby of the main branch also shows the production.

“We monitor it as well for all of our customers,” Gonzales said, “so we know how well it’s producing.”

Bussey said the reason the bank chose Alpine Electric is they wanted to use a local contractor and the company’s knowledge and experience in working with Xcel energy was invaluable.

“We do all the Xcel paperwork for our solar customers,” Gonzales said, and Alpine can help homeowners install systems at lower cost by using the upfront Xcel Energy rebates.

Bussey said the bank chose the rooftop installation for a couple of reasons; one because land wasn’t readily available and “we wanted to make sure the panels are visible.”

“It’s a nice advertising

Courtesy Photo

Solar panels line the roof of the drive-up bank and main roof of the west branch of San Luis Valley Federal on Mariposa Street just west of Walmart. piece, and it shows we’re concerned about reducing our energy foot print,” he added.

San Luis Valley Federal hopes to help its commercial and residential cus-

tomers join the solar movement with their own systems. Bussey said the bank can finance these types of systems, or other energy efficiency improvements, by using the borrower’s

commercial real estate as collateral.

For homeowners, options include a fixed term second mortgage, a home equity line of credit, or even refinancing the first mortgage

if it makes financial sense.

With interest rates so low, it’s a great time to consider making these kinds of improvements to your home or business building, Bussey said.

annual replacement plan is on the web site for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, the sponsoring entity for the sub-district, www. rgwcd.org, or may be viewed at the district office, 10900 Hwy 160 E., Alamosa.

The plan covers the time period from May 1 of this year to April 30 of 2013.

“That draft plan is essentially what will be sent to the state engineer,” Cotten said.

He explained that the subdistrict will have to replace about 5,000 acre feet this year to the Rio Grande.

“In addition, they will have to fallow or dry up a fair amount of acreage within sub-district 1. They are in the process of getting both water for the replacement of the 5,000 acre feet and in the process of signing up people to fallow their land.”

The annual replacement plan spells out how the sub-

district will do that this year.

Cotten said the sub-district’s plan calls for it to have water in storage, which at this point is leased and stored in reservoirs. In addition, the sub-district is negotiating with the Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association to purchase water from the Rio Grande Canal. The canal would not take all of its water this year so the sub-district can use

some of that water to help make the river whole.

“If we have one or both of those water replacements in place, it will be up to our office to administer those water rights and make sure that water is put into the river on a daily basis to cover the depletions from the wells,” Cotten said.

He explained that the replacements to the river would be different each month, but his office has to

divide those out on a daily basis, and he estimated that would amount to 5-7 cubic feet per second to the stream system.

“On a large river, that isn’t a lot,” he said.

“This is our first subdistrict so it’s a learning experience for everybody,” Cotten added, “but we are on the path to actually getting water in the river to replace depletions. That’s exciting.”

throat trout population in the San Juan waters proves at least one point of truth.

Cutthroats are the most sensitive to zinc, followed by brook trout and rainbow trout. Brown trout are the most metal tolerant and the most prominent in mined areas waters.

The waters of the Rio Grande River between Creede and South Fork are designated as “Gold Medal” waters. These are catch-andrelease fishing areas offering the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. The South Fork area has several stretches of the Rio Grande River that are designated as Gold Medal waters, and one can find brown and rainbow trout fishing from Rio Grande Reservoir downstream to Del Norte. These waters represent important aquatic resources pollutant-loading originating in the Willow Creek drainage might impact.

"How good will be good enough?" asked Willow Creek

Reclamation Committee Chairman Zeke Ward. "The Nelson Tunnel is our biggest source of contamination."

Tritium may be released as steam from these facilities or might leak into the underlying soil and ground water.

“If the water has no traces of tritium, it means that it is very old,” Holmes said. “At least 60 years, but we think it is much more.”

University of Colorado Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research Mark Williams investigated the area from 2007-2010 and confirmed in his reports, “... this water in the tunnel appears to have a residence time on the order of hundreds to thousands of years and tracer results suggest that this water is entering the tunnel in the slow-moving, quasi-stagnant upper mine pool, likely resulting from the intersection of the tunnel with a system of watershed-wide faults.”

to look at options for characterizing and remediating water quality impacts to Willow Creek and the Rio Grande from historic mining activities within the Creede Mining District.

After some preliminary assessment work, the district was considered for listing on the National Priorities List and subsequent assessment and remediation pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as a Superfund or an environmental program established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites.

The citizens of Creede and Mineral County were determined to avoid this listing primarily because they perceived that by designating the mining district as a Superfund site, it would have negative impacts on the local economy and community.

As an alternative, the WCRC was established in

Ancient agua Exploring the Nelson Tunnel/Commodore Rock Site has turned up another discovery: underground San Juan Mounatin water sources might be thousands of years old.

“It is very old deep water that is coming up through the workings,” Holmes said. “It could be between 6,000 and 7,000 years old.”

He explained water age is measured through tritium isotope counts. In the mid-1950s and early 1960s, tritium was widely dispersed during above-ground nuclear weapons testing. The quantity of tritium in the atmosphere from weapons testing peaked in 1963 and has been decreasing ever since.

Today, sources of tritium include commercial nuclear reactors and research reactors and government weapons production plants.

Willow Creek and the EPA In 1998, the USEPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) began

1999 to develop, guide, and implement a stakeholderbased watershed approach to remediating and restoring water quality and riparian conditions along Willow Creek. The WCRC set goals with regard to the community’s vision for the Willow Creek Watershed. Willow Creek visions include: • Protect the Rio Grande from future fish kills associated with non-point source releases during unusual hydrologic events • Improve the visual and aesthetic aspects of the Willow Creek Watershed and its historical mining district • Implement appropriate and cost-effective flood control and stabilization measures for non-point sources • Protect and preserve historic structures • Reclaim the Willow Creek Floodplain below Creede to improve the physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic qualities of the creek as an integral part of the local community • Continue to improve water quality and physical habitat in the Willow introduced throughout the Creek session focused on continued Watershed as part of a job creation and economic long-term watershed mangrowth. agement program This legislation is sponsored in the House by Representative Su Ryden (DAurora) and Representative Crisanta Duran (D-Denver).

It will now be heard in the House of Representatives.

Senate passes Hudak bill focused on hiring Colorado workers

DENVER — On April 11, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1, the HIRE Colorado Act, sponsored by Senator Evie Hudak (D-Westminster). The HIRE (Helping Individuals Realize Employment) Colorado Act is designed to create jobs for Coloradans by giving a preference to companies seeking state contracts when those companies agree to employ 90 percent Colorado workers for the job, certify that they are providing those workers with quality benefits, and offer access to a federally qualified apprenticeship training program. This legislation will aid Coloradans in not just finding employment, but employment with adequate medical and retirement benefits and the opportunity to advance.

Senator Hudak offered the following comment on the passage of the HIRE Colorado Act: “As lawmakers, regardless of party, we have a moral obligation to work for the betterment of our constituents, to improve the state’s economy and to get Coloradans back to work. Over the last two years, we have spent close to $800 million to pay

people in other states to do work for Colorado. This is a common sense bill that will work to reinvest our state taxpayers’ money within our borders, employ workers here, and reenergize local economies.”

The HIRE Colorado Act will direct state agencies that award contracts exceeding $1 million to give up to a five percent preference to a company that bids on a the contract based on a specific set of criteria.

In the case of a service contract a three percent preference is available for a contractor that certifies that at least 90 percent of their employees are Colorado residents. Contractors can receive an additional two percent preference if

they certify that they are offering employees health care and retirement benefits.

In the case of construction contracts for a public project a three percent preference is given to a contractor that certifies that at least 90 percent of their employees are Colorado residents. An additional one percent preference is available if the contactor certifies that they offer health care and retirement benefits, and another one percent is available if the workers have access to an apprentice training program approved by the United States Department of Labor. Any company can take advantage of the preference regardless of where

it is based. Any company that chooses to hire Colorado workers will qualify.

Currently 26 states offer some sort of preference process for state contracts.

The HIRE Colorado Act is a key component in the Senate Majority’s “Colorado Works Jobs package,” a series of bills that will be

Page 4

Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Opinion E-mail us at:

She did it for me

41 hours.

41 hours of painstaking effort.

41 hours of one stitch after another.

41 hours of creating a beautiful picture.

41 hours to make a gift she knew her sister would love.

41 hours of handwork with every minute causing pain from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions.

Every moment, every stitch, every color woven into that beautiful gift, means the world to me because I know how much it took out of my sister to create it.

And she did it for me.

My little sister, who celebrated another birthday yesterday, made a beautiful cross stitch featuring a lighthouse on it Ruth for my birthday Heide last month. It took her 41 hours to create it.

This means so much to me for several reasons. It is a beautiful picture, and it is even more beautiful for the love that went into making it. My sister had to go through a lot of pain to make that for me, which makes it even more special and beautiful.

I am not creative or clever with handiwork and not artistic like both my younger and older sister are. I admire them for what they can create. I stick to words because attempts at anything visual would be pathetic.

But my little sister Kristi has many gifts ranging from handiwork to numbers, which she generously shares with me in helping me figure out my finances.

She also has a compassionate heart and a deep faith, a faith borne through some difficult life trials.

I see that faith in the way she lives, and I am humbled and blessed by it.

Her gift for my birthday reminds me of another gift, one that cost the Giver everything.

And He did it for me.

news@alamosanews.com sports@alamosanews.com

■ Letters policy Letters are welcome and encouraged. All letters submitted for publication in the Valley Courier must be typewritten, signed by the author, and must include a phone number and address where the author can be reached. Letters must not be libelous. The Courier’s editorial board reserves the right to reject a letter for reasons it believes are appropriate. Letters may be subject to editing to fit available space, or exclusion from the Opinion Page. Please, no poetry. Please send signed letters to P.O. Box 1099, Alamosa, CO 81101 or email them to news@alamosanews.com. Letters to staff, not for publication, should be marked “personal.”

Stillwaters

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012 THE WORLD ALMANAC DATABANK TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1941, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a non-aggression pact. In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first African-American to win an Oscar for Best Actor. In 1970, an accident crippled Apollo 13 on its way to the moon. In 2005, Eric Rudolph pleaded guilty to four bombings between 1996 and 1998, including a blast at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), third U.S. president; Samuel Beckett (1906-1989), playwright; Eudora Welty (1909-2001), writer; Howard Keel (1919-2004), actor/singer; Seamus Heaney (1939- ), writer; Al Green (1946- ), singer; Garry Kasparov (1963- ), chess player; Nellie McKay (1982- ), singer/actress.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest player to win the Masters Tournament, at age 21.

TODAY’S FACT: The first African-American to win a Best Actress Oscar was Halle Berry, for the 2001 film “Monster’s Ball.”

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.” -- Thomas Jefferson TODAY’S NUMBER: 19 -- moves it took the IBM Deep Blue supercomputer to defeat chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997.

Strive for your best, not perfection Famed Irish author James Joyce once said, ultimately this person will fail in most ways.

“A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” No one can be the best or perfect in every So many times we forget that people are aspect of life. Yet, so many times we try to flawed, and most of us in many ways. be that most perfect person in It is ludicrous to expect perfection, everything. but it is honorable to strive for the This type of person will sucbest in yourself. ceed in making others happy for Mistakes happen in every form of a time, but it begins to take a toll life - work, friendship, relationships, on everyone involved. Striving sport, education... What we learn for the unachievable disables from these mistakes is the true way happiness because it disables to measure character and growth. personal happiness. If you are I’m guilty of striving for perfection not happy with yourself, chances in many areas of my life. However, I are others are equally unhappy have seen mixed results - both posiwith you. There is an aura about tive and negative. To clarify, seeking happiness or unhappiness and Lance perfection is nothing to look down affects all those involved.

Hostetter upon; rather, it comes as a risk or Striving for perfection, then, reward situation. is flawed. Don’t ever strive for Picture a person who tries to be perfection. Instead strive for perfect in every aspect of life. This person the best you can possibly be. That should wants to be the best son/daughter, the best be the motto for so many things. Perfection sibling, the best friend, the best student, is unattainable. the best employee, the best everything. This Unfortunately, we strive for perfection far type of person may succeed minimally, but too often. Mistakes happen from this; that’s

Women have a civilizing influence on congress “Is it possible that Congress would get more Dana Bash. “We may not agree on every isdone if there were more women in Congress?” sue, but that’s not the point. We know how President Obama asked recently. Then he to work together in the give-and-take of it answered: “I think it’s fair to say. That is and achieve results.” almost guaranteed.”

The percentage of women in There’s no “almost” about it.

Congress has risen steadily but Without a doubt, Congress would very slowly, and now stands be a better place with more female at about 17 percent. On the members. Of course, women can state level, the numbers have be fierce partisan warriors (see dropped a bit. Today, women Bachmann, Michele, and Pelosi, account for 23 percent of stateNancy), but they often bring to wide officeholders, down from the political process a sense of 28 percent in 2001, and 24 decency and a respect for others percent of state legislators, off that is grievously lacking in their one point from two years ago. male colleagues.

One reason for this dispiritOne striking example: The ing trend is that women are female members of the Senate Cokie Roberts & increasingly frustrated with (now 12 Democrats and five Steven V. Roberts the hyperpartisanship that Republicans) meet privately for infects Washington and many dinner once a month. These days state capitals. Snowe recently they can seem like renegade announced her retirement by soldiers, meeting secretly in no-man’s-land denouncing the “political paralysis” gripunder a truce flag while rival armies dig ping Capitol Hill and the “all or nothing” deeper trenches and hurl more incendiary philosophy of congressional leaders in both invectives at each other. parties.

“We are all a team as women,” Sen. OlymSen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Repubpia Snowe, a Maine Republican, told CNN’s lican, and former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, an

Write them ■ STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Edward Vigil (D) Colorado State Representative, District 62, 200 E. Colfax, Denver, 80203, 303-866-2916, edward.vigil.house@state.co.us Tom Massey (R) District 60, 200 E. Colfax, Denver, CO 80203, (303) 866-2747, e-mail: tom.massey.house@state.co.us

■ U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Scott Tipton (R) Regional Office — 719587-5105; 719-587-5137 (fax); Washington, DC — 326 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-4761; 202-226-9669 (fax); http://tipton. house.gov

■ U.S. SENATE Mark Udall (D) San Luis Valley Regional Office, 609 Main Street, Suite 205, Alamosa, CO 81101 phone 719-589-2101; Hart Office Building, Suite SH 317, , Washington DC 20510; DC Phone: 202-224-5941; Phone: 877-7-MUDALL (877-768-3255); DC Fax: 202-224-6471; E-mail: Senator_Mark_Udall@markudall.senate.gov Michael Bennet (D) SLV Regional Office, 609 Main Street, Suite 110, Alamosa 81101; Phone: 587-0096; Fax: 587-0098; Washington office — 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510; DC Phone: 202-224-5852; bennet. senate.gov

the positive aspect. From mistakes we learn and take a step closer to the best person we can be. I believe that striving for perfection, though, can cause greater mistakes.

But, mistakes are an essential part of life.

Guarding against mistakes will only prohibit a person from growth and maturity. For example, a child that is raised completely sheltered will never know how to handle the trials of everyday life. There are many different aspects that life will throw at a person; without learning through experience, the child will never handle those trials correctly.

The aphorism “the older the wiser” is true.

We learn from our experiences, our mistakes.

The important part is that from mistakes we learn to be the best person possible.

Striving for a better me or you is honorable and expected. Instead of striving for perfection in all things we should instead strive for our own personal best. When mistakes happen, learn from them. When others make mistakes, forgive them and hope they learn from them. They happen to us all.

Keith R Cerny

Ruth Heide

Publisher

Managing Editor

(ISSN 1047-1170) The Valley Courier and Conejos County Courier are published daily, Tuesday through Saturday by Alamosa Newspapers, Inc. 2205 State Ave., Alamosa, Colo. 81101. Periodicals Postage: is paid at Alamosa, Colo., Monte Vista, Colo., La Jara, Colo., and Fort Garland, Colo. Phone (719) 589-2553. FAX (719) 589-6573. News Media Corp. Web Site: http://www.newscorporation.com. Postmaster send change of address to P.O. Box 1099.

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Arkansas Democrat, were both attacked as heretics by primary opponents two years ago for daring to work with members of the opposite party. Lincoln barely survived the primary but then was clobbered in the general election; Murkowski lost the primary but retained her seat by running as a write-in candidate.

It’s more important than ever for women lawmakers to keep lines of communication open between the trenches. In this Congress, for example, Snowe and Sen. Barbara Boxer, a liberal Democrat from California, have cooperated on two useful transportation bills: a traveler’s bill of rights, and a law mandating tougher sleep rules for pilots of small planes.

Over the years, however, women have been most effective in highlighting measures that relate to their gender. Cokie’s mother, Lindy Boggs, spent 18 years in Congress, and she was serving on the House Banking Committee in 1974 when male members brought up a bill banning loan discrimination based on race, age or military service. Without telling anyone, she inserted the words “or sex or marital status” into the draft. She recounted what happened next in her memoir, “Washington Though a Purple Veil.”

“Knowing the members composing this committee as well as I do,” she recalls saying, “I’m sure it was just an oversight that we didn’t have ‘sex’ or ‘marital status’ included.

I’ve taken care of that.” Her amendment passed unanimously -- but it never would have been offered if Lindy had not been at that table.

The civilizing effect of women goes far beyond their specific legislative priorities.

Murkowski told CNN that women listen better than men, and “the listening part of it is an important part of how we get results.”

They are better at sharing, too: “I don’t think we have as much ego attached with who’s getting the credit.”

The monthly dinners are a critical part of the listening and sharing process. They were started by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat who just became the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress. Capitol Hill can be a “lonely place” for females, she says -- when Mikulski was elected to the Senate in 1986 there was only one other woman, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas -- and the dinners have always served both social and professional goals.

They allow the lawmakers, notes Mikulski, to find “common ground” outside the spotlight of rancorous floor debates or TV shout-fests.

As a result, says Texas Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison, the women are able to “resolve conflicts the way friends do.”

Now there’s a concept. Treat rivals as friends, and actually listen to what they have to say. Washington needs a whole lot more of that, and the women’s team can lead the way.

(Steve and Cokie Roberts can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.)

Editor's Note: The views expressed in individual columns on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Valley Courier.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley Courier

Religion Sign up for camp before April 15

Family history fair is coming soon

ALAMOSA —Alamosa Presbyterian Church welcomes the Rev. Gary Gardner to their pulpit on Sunday, April 15th for their 10:30 worship service. Adult Sunday School begins at 9:30.

The church is located at 330 San Juan. Those with or without a local church are welcome to join us. Our website is: www.alampres. org

SOUTH FORK — It is time to start thinking about Beaver Creek’s Christian Camp Season in South Fork.

Pre-registrations are due by April 15 for a $30 discount.

Pre-register for $50. Check out our web-site at www. beavercreekcamp.org for details.

Dates for camp are: 3rd & 4th grade----June2429 5th & 6th grade----July 8-13 Jr. High--------------July 15-20 Sr. High--------------July 22-27 1st & 2nd grade----July 29-31 Our Christian Camps are non-denominational. All faiths are welcome. Call the Manager Beth Davis at 719873-5311.

LA JARA — When we think of our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles; in general, those who have been here before we were, we are going “back in time.”

There is so much heritage in our San Luis Valley.

You can help celebrate and honor those who were here long before we were by participating in a very special event that is coming soon.

The Manassa Colorado Stake is holding a Family History Fair that will focus on genealogy and encompass and display four eras of time, specifically, Early American Era, Mormon Pioneer Erafrom early church history through the Pioneers coming to the San Luis Valley, The Immigration Era, and Turn of the Century Era. You will want to come and enjoy the presentations that will demonstrate each era with songs, pictures of local people, ship logs, immigration records, census records, and much, much more.

You may be surprised where your family genealogy shines in the early events of the San Luis Valley.

Here is the schedule for the Family History/Genealogy Fair April 21, from 1 - 5 p.m. at the La Jara LDS Church recreation hall and stage.

The schedule follows:

ALAMOSA — During the Bible Fellowship Hour, the Sunday morning study group for adults at Trinity Lutheran Church and School is learning new Christian songs.

How the songs are developed using both Bible teaching and Bible history is discussed.

This Sunday, April 15, the group will be learning the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord,” assisted by Kacia Schmidt, school music director.

The group meets at 8:45 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages also meet at 8:45 a.m. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. Persons of the community interested in attending are invited to participate.

Weiss to share UU story April 15

ALAMOSA — The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship invites you to join them on Sunday, April 15th.

Peter Weiss, a Unitarian and life long challenger of the words “you must” will share his decision to leave the Catholic church and embark upon a life of questioning almost everything — but particularly organized religion. Copernicus, Newton and Galileo were characters he met along the way. You may find similarities for your own life journey or participate in a lively, but respectful, discussion with Peter and other Unitarians. Grab some coffee and join us.

Unitarians are a creedeless religious fellowship welcoming people with many different viewpoints and beliefs.

The Unitarians meet in the north wing of the Presbyterian Church at 330 San Juan Avenue In Alamosa. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome to join us.

For further information call Judy at 719/672-4009.

Sermon: Empty philosophy

Church Calendar Rev. Gardner to speak on Sunday

Sing a new song at Trinity Lutheran

Page 5

Catholicism series continues

ALAMOSA— The Catholic Ministry and Newman Club at Adams State College are sponsoring a brown bag lunch series on Catholicism.

The series features episodes from the documentary, “Catholicism,” released in September 2011. The entire film collection was donated to the ministry through the generosity of the Diocese of Pueblo.

The series will take place from 12:15 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday through May 8, in the Student Union Building room A131. The parking lot north of the SUB has two hour free parking.

Each session includes the showing of one of the videos plus a short discussion. Those who cannot stay past 1 p.m. or for the entire discussion are invited to participate in an optional online discussion during the week following each episode.

All interested Adams State faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to attend.

Participants are invited to bring their own lunch or purchase lunch from one of the food outlets in the SUB. There is no cost for the series and individuals are welcome to participate in as many or as few as the sessions as they’re interested in.

Visit http://www.catholicismseries.com/ for more information on the documentary, “Catholicism.” For information about the lunches call 587-7516 or email asccampusministry@adams.edu.

Jackson serves Ecuador mission

LA JARA — Brett Taylor Jackson of La Jara accepted a call to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is serving in the Ecuador Quito Mission. He entered the Missionary Training Center on July 13, 2011 and was there for Brett Jackson three weeks.

At that time he transferred to the Missionary Training Center in Peru for an additional six weeks for training in the Spanish language.

Brett is the son of Brian and Cindy Jackson. He graduated from Centauri High School in May of 2011. During his high school years he played football, was on the track team, and participated in FBLA. Brett is expected to return home in July of 2013, and plans on attending BYU.

1 p.m. — Welcome and introduction.

1:15 p.m. — Early American Era from the time of the Mayflower through the Revolutionary War. 2:15 p.m. — Mormon Pioneer Era from Early Church history through the Pioneers coming to the San Luis Valley.

3:15 p.m. — Emigration Era from early Ship logs, Emigration Records, through Ellis Island.

4:15 p.m. — Turn of the Century Era - 1900 through World War II (1900-1940 Census, 1900 is the most informative of all the census records, the 1940 census will become available in April 2012; and World War I and World War II Records).

5 p.m. — Closing At 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. there will be breaks with songs, pictures of local people and displays. Cookies and punch will be served during the breaks.

The Family History Center will be open for browsing before and after the fair. Information fliers will be available. Everyone is invited.

Colossians 2:8 Empty philosophy would be taking any writing of what we hear ahead of the Bible. The Bible is God’s standard and for thousands of years that standard has not changed. In Colossians 2:8 we are warned not to be taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy which depend on human traditions rather than on Christ and what the Bible tells us.

The Bible tells us how to pray. Matthew chapter 6 verse 9 tells us when we want to talk to God just talk like talking to a friend. The Bible is God’s letter to us just like a letter from a friend who tells us to call and talk whenever we feel like, so it is with God when we want to talk just talk because He is a friend.

The Bible tells us how to get to heaven when this life is over. When a member of the Jewish rulers asked Jesus how to be saved Jesus told him you must be born again. The ruler then asked how to be born again and Jesus told him to believe.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

So no matter what we hear it must not contradict God’s standard the Bible. Just as if you were to build something you would not use two different units of measure like the standard used here or the Metric System used in the rest of the world. It just would not come out right.

So it is with life when we use anything but the Bible it won’t come out right.

Revelation 22:18 and 19 tells us if anyone adds to or takes away from God’s word his name will be taken out of the book of life.

Too many people are reading and listening to something other than the Bible forgetting the Bible is the only standard to live by. You can’t use two standards.

That will only cause confusion.

Richard Adams, pastor Hooper Baptist Church

Page 6

Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Sports All-Colorado Teams announced

By ERIC R. FLORES Courier Sports Editor

DENVER—Earlier this week the All-Colorado prep basketball teams were named and the San Luis Valley had 16 players from around the Valley who were honored in their listings.

In Class 1A boys, Sierra Grande head coach Matt Lucero earned a huge accolade in his career as he was named as the Class 1A Coach of the Year. Also in the classification, Panther juniors Victor Howard and Tomas Vigil earned second team honors.

Moffat senior Juniper Pearson-Good was the only other Valley player in Class 1A as he was an honorable mention selection.

In Class 2A boys, Sanford

senior Josh Jarvies, Del Norte senior Kaleb Stephens and Sargent senior Dion Oakes were named as honorable mentions.

On the girl’s side, Alexis Albert, a junior at Centennial High School joined Sierra Grande sophomore Tori Archuleta and Moffat-Mountain Valley junior Brenna Hunter as the three to earn honorable mention in Class 1A. Five girls earned honorable mention in Class 2A, they were Sanford seniors Amberly Edgar and Tori Mortensen, Sargent seniors Emily Pfanninstiel and Adrianna Aguilera and Del Norte’s Molly McPartland.

Centauri junior Taylor Wilson was the only player in Class 3A, boys and girls, to get any recognition as she was named honorable mention.

ASC softball at Metro State moved up a day

DENVER, Colo. — The Adams State softball team's 4-game weekend series with Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rival Metro State has been moved a day earlier from its originally scheduled dates, and will now be played on Friday and Saturday. Friday's contests will take place at Noon and 2 p.m., with Saturday's games slated for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

This weekend's contests were originally slated for Saturday and Sunday, but inclement weather expected to hit the Denver area on Sunday has moved the games up.

Centauri Girl's basketball dinner scheduled for Tuesday

Courier Photo by Eric R. Flores

Sierra Grande Head Coach Matt Lucero was named as the Class 1A Coach of the Year.

Men sit fourth in USTFCCCA rankings

By SCOTT KRETZMANN ASC Sports Info.

NEW ORLEANS - After a weekend of action in which the Grizzly track & field squads saw 15 total NCAA Championships qualifying marks reached, the ASC men have jumped up eight positions to fourth while the women are holding steady at No. 2 in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) Team Rankings, released Tuesday.

ASC's men achieved a total of 10 qualifying efforts, including a trio of automatic qualifiers. Five women's efforts also reached the NCAA standards as Grizzly athletes were split between the University of New Mexico's Don Kirby Memorial Invitational and Stanford Invitational in California.

After opening the season ranked 10th in the USTFCCCA's computer-based rankings, which currently take into account both prior and current season data, the Grizzlies slipped to 12th last week but climb to their highest ranking of the outdoor season this week and surpass Western State as the top-ranked Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) squad.

Saint Augustine's (N.C.) continues its hold on the top spot of the rankings with 192.04 points, followed by Texas A&MKingsville with 154.47, with Abilene Christian close behind in third at 153.87.

Adams State, which made the largest point jump in the top 25 this week, is up 52.06 points for a total of 150.15, which bumps Angelo State (Texas) down to No. 5 with 138.72 points.

The Mountaineers also climbed this week, and now occupy the No. 6 position, one spot better than last week, with 132.40 points after gaining 24.74 over the weekend.

Lincoln (Mo.) and Johnson C. Smith (N.C.), each down two spots from a week ago, Pitts-

ASC Sports Information photo by Eric R. Flores

Sophomore Alicia Nelson left the field in her dust wile running a Lobo Track Complex record time in the 3,000 meter steeplechase Saturday. burg (Kan.) State and Grand Valley State (Mich.) conclude this week's top 10 in DII. The largest rankings jump of the week was accomplished by indoor men's team champion Grand Canyon (Ariz.), which gained 41.3 points and jumped to No. 11, up 10 places.

The Grand Valley State women continue to keep plenty of distance on the rest of the DII landscape, leading that rankings with 288.17 points.

The Grizzlies, who improved upon their score by 9.73 points over the weekend, stand at No. 2 with 184.47 points.

Lincoln and Central Missouri are third and fourth this week, with 160.68 and 139.10 points, respectively, while Johnson C. Smith and Grand Canyon each gained more than 10 points and have taken over the Nos. 5 and 6 slots.

Western State is seventh this week, down two spots from a week ago, followed by Alaska Anchorage, New Mexico Highlands and Ashland (Ohio) to round out the women's top 10.

No RMAC teams appear in the top 25 outside of the top 10 in either the men's or women's poll.

For the Grizzly men, fast times in the three longest events highlighted the weekend, as redshirt-freshman Tabor Stevens (Canon City, Colo.), freshman Kevin Batt (Sydney, Australia) and senior Matt Bond (Worcester, England) each have their tickets punched to the 2012 NCAA DII Championships in Pueblo with automatic qualifiers.

Stevens finished as the runner-up at the Don Kirby meet in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.

His time of eight minutes, 52.96 seconds (8:45.95 adjusted) came in under the Lobo Track Complex stadium record, but was just over two seconds off the event's winning time on Saturday. He currently ranks second in Division II with the time.

Batt and Bond both put forth their automatic qualifying efforts at the Stanford Invitational. Batt clocked a time of 13:59.35 in the 5,000 meters, a time that currently ranks second in the nation. Bond's time of 29:08.69 in the 10,000 meter run is the third fastest of the season.

Also reaching track event provisional times for the ASC

men were freshman Matt Daniels and junior David Sanchez in the 1500 meter run as the pair finished 1-2 in the event, freshman Boris Berian in the 400 meter dash, and senior Rushane Scott in the 100 meter dash.

In the throwing ring, sophomore Wesley Lavong achieved a provisional mark in Friday's hammer throw, and was joined by freshman Jamarius Mathis in reaching a qualifying distance in the shot put on Saturday.

Sophomore Alicia Nelson boasted the top women's performance for ASC of the weekend, running an automatic qualifier in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, and doing so in Lobo Track Complex record fashion. Nelson decimated the field by more than 20 seconds and shaved four seconds off the stadium's record with a clocking of 10:31.03 (10:14.66 adjusted) in the race. Her time leads the nation, and was just three seconds shy of her own ASC record for the event.

Senior Lindsey Grasmick achieved a provisional mark in the 400 meter hurdles in Albuquerque, while the 4x100 meter relay squad of senior Indira Spence and sophomores Kayon Robinson, Chelsea Fenderson and Zenobia Sims teamed up to running a provisional time as well.

Sophomore Katie Kruger improved upon her season opening toss in the shot put for her second qualifier of the season in the shot put, while freshman KrissAnn Walters had a provisional showing in the long jump.

Action resumes for the Grizzlies this weekend as they make their second of three trips this season to the ThunderBowl for the Colorado State-Pueblo Invitational on Friday and Saturday, April 13-14. Adams State will then make one last trip to the venue for the 2012 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 24-26.

Bumgarner, Giants beat Moyer, Rockies 4-2 ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — No win for the ages. Or, for that matter, the aged.

Madison Bumgarner scattered four hits over 7 1-3 innings and took a no-hit bid into the sixth Thursday in the San Francisco Giants' 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies.

At 49, Moyer failed in his second attempt to become the oldest pitcher to win a major league game.

Moyer (0-2) surrendered four runs, two of them earned, and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings.

He walked one, struck out three and hit a batter before leaving to a standing ovation in the sixth.

Bumgarner (1-1), the Giants' 22-year-old lefty who wasn't even born when Colorado's crafty left-hander made his major league debut in 1986, stifled a Rockies lineup that had produced 17 runs on 22 hits the night before, yielding just four hits over 7 1-3 spectacular innings. He walked

two and struck out two.

Brian Wilson got the final three outs, converting his first save opportunity of the season. It wasn't easy, though, and he needed 32 pitches.

Troy Tulowitzki doubled, Michael Cuddyer reached on an infield single. Pinch-hitter Jason Giambi singled with one out, bringing up pinch-hitter Todd Helton, who lined out to second.

Tyler Colin, who broke up Bumgarner's no-hitter in the sixth, drew a walk to make it 4-2, before Marco Scutaro flied out to right, capping an 0-for-5 day at the plate.

Colvin broke up Bumgarner's no hitter with a sinking line drive that went under he glove of a diving left fielder Melky Cabrera for a one-out triple in the sixth. He scored on Dexter Fowler's single to pull Colorado to 4-1.

The age difference between the starting pitchers — 26 years and 256 days — was the largest since Satchel Paige faced Bill Monbouquette in 1965, and the third-largest since 1900, according to

Sports Briefs

STATS LLC. That was Paige's only start that season, so on Thursday, Moyer became the oldest pitcher to make multiple starts in a season.

What he really wants is to get that first win since 2010 with Philadelphia. He missed all of last season following ligament-replacement surgery on his left elbow, which he said has left him feeling like he has a new arm.

The oldest pitcher ever to win a game in the majors was Jack Quinn of the Brooklyn Dodgers on Sept. 13, 1932, when he was 49 years, 70 days old. Moyer was 49 years, 146 days old on Thursday.

Moyer worked his way into and out of trouble in the first, when the Giants loaded the bases by an error, a walk and a hit batsman before Nate Schierholtz fouled out to first base to end the inning.

Brett Pill's bloop RBI single put the Giants ahead 1-0 in the third, and Cabrera's RBI single up the middle in the fourth made it 2-0.

Fowler dropped Ryan Theriot's flyball to center leading

off the fourth for a two-base error that led to two unearned runs. Pagan drove him in with a single and scored on Cabrera's double, making it 4-0 and chasing Moyer, who tipped his cap to the crowd of 25,860 as he left.

Bumgarner looked like a younger version of Moyer, keeping hitters off-balance with a good mix of pitches and superb control that left batters mumbling in frustration on the way back to the dugout.

The Rockies had the tying run at the plate with two outs in the eighth but lefty Javier Lopez came in and got Carlos Gonzalez to ground out to second.

NOTES: C Buster Posey made his first start since coming down with shingles on Sunday night. ... On Friday, Rockies RHP Juan Nicasio (0-0) makes his first start at Coors Field since Aug. 5, when a line drive off the bat of Washington's Ian Desmond left him with a fractured skull and broken neck. He'll face Arizona's Daniel Hudson (1-0).

LA JARA—The Cenaturi girl's basketball teams will host a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday April 17 from 5:30 p.m. at Cenaturi Middle School. In addition there will be a dessert action. The cost is $4 for singles and $15 for families. The funds will go to the middle school team to attend a tournament in Pagosa Springs and to the high school team to attend summer camps.

Final Grizzly Club luncheon set for Apr. 18

ALAMOSA—The Adams State College Grizzly Club Board of Directors has announced that the club's final regular Grizzly Club luncheon of the 2011-12 academic year will be next Wednesday (Apr. 18) in the Dr. Joe I. Vigil Hall of Fame Room in Plachy Hall.

The luncheon will begin at Noon and will be an opportunity for club members and their guests to hear from the ASC Coaches about the happenings within their respective programs.

Grizzly fans are also encouraged to make an afternoon of it and cheer on the Grizzly softball team as they face Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival Colorado State-Pueblo later that afternoon. That doubleheader will begin at 2 p.m. at the ASC Softball Field.

AHS Track Chili Supper

ALAMOSA– The Alamosa High School Track and Field team will be hosting their annual Chili Supper/ Silent Desert Auction on Thursday April 19 at 5:30 p.m. at OMS. Tickets can be purchased at the door or from any Alamosa High School track and field athlete.

Save the date!

ALAMOSA– The Maroon Pride Booster Club will host an athletic banquet for all Mean Moose athletes and their parents on Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. in the Adams State College Field House.

Athletes and coaches will be admitted free. Parents and others will need to buy a ticket for $13.

Upcoming Events Friday, Apr. 13 PREP TRACK 3 p.m., John Tate Challenge Cup (@ Pueblo) (Alamosa) PREP BASEBALL 4 p.m., Centennial vs. Cotopaxi (5 innings, DH) Saturday, Apr. 14 PREP TRACK 9 a.m., Pine River Invite (@ Bayfield) ( Monte Vista, Sanford) 8 a.m., Ray E. Choate Invite (@ Primero) (Center, Centauri, Centennial) PREP BASEBALL 10 a.m., Center vs. Antonito (DH) 10 a.m., Sanford @ Del Norte (DH) 10 a.m., Sargent @ La Veta (DH) 11 a.m., Monte Vista @ Bayfield (DH) ASC SOFTBALL 12 p.m., @ Metro State (DH) ASC TRACK TBA, @ CSU-Pueblo Invitational Sunday, Apr. 15 ASC SOFTBALL 11 a.m., @ Metro State (DH) Monday, Apr. 16 ASC GOLF TBA, Men and Women @ RMAC Championships Tuesday, Apr. 17 PREP BASEBALL 3 p.m., Monte Vista @ Salida (DH) 3 p.m., Center @ Centauri ASC GOLF TBA, Men and Women @ RMAC Championships ASC LACROSSE 9 a.m., Men vs. Shorter (Ga.) 6 p.m., Women @ Lindenwood (Mo.) Wed., Apr. 18 ASC SOFTBALL 2 p.m., vs. CSU-Pueblo (DH) ASC LACROSSE 10 a.m., Men @ Lindenwood (Mo.) Thursday, Apr. 19 PREP BASEBALL 3:30 p.m., Alamosa @ La Veta PREP SOCCER 4 p.m., Alamosa @ Ridgway

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley Courier

Page 7

Education A Maya celebration

Guatemalan families and Alamosa Elementary welcomed teachers and students from the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver to share the vivacious Maya culture through food, conversation, music and dance on Monday.

Left top: Back row, from left, Alamosa Elementary students Miguel Baltazar, Pedro Pablo, Rafael Francisco and Rivaldo Francisco; front, Araceli Pablo.

Left bottom: Alamosa Elementary students dance while Guatemalan community members play music. Pedro Simon plays the bass in the background.

Right: An Alamosa Elementary students chats with a Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver student over homemade tamales during the Maya celebration on Monday in the 3-5 building.

See more photos on page 8.

Courier photos by Lauren Krizansky

Page 8

Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Education A Maya celebration Left, top to bottom: Guatemalan Community Leader Francisco Lucas shares stories with the audience.

Isabella Baltazar tugs at her hat while Catarina Pablo looks on.

Alamosa Elementary students talk sports with Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver students.

Alamosa Elementary students wait for the music to begin and Tayna, below, patiently awaits tamales.

Right: Alamosa Elementary students Catarina Pablo, Isabella Baltazar, Brigida Francisco, Yesenia Francisquez, Mayra Crystobal and Araceli Pablo on drums.

Courier photos by Lauren Krizansky

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley Courier

Page 9

Education Valley students place well at state science fair FORT COLLINS — The following are the results from the 2012 Colorado Science and Engineering Fair, which was held in Ft. Collins, Colorado, April 57, 2012. Eighteen students went to the state fair from this region, and each won an award of some type, and many were winners of more than one award. This may have been a first.

GRAND AWARDS Senior Division, Animal Science: Honorable Mention, Nicholas Lobato, 10th grader, Center High School.

Senior Division, Chemistry: Fourth Place, John Cheslock, 10th grader, Sargent High School.

Junior Division, Earth and Space Science: Third Place, Kelsey Kimberling, 7th grader, Sargent Middle School.

Senior Division, Earth and Space Science: First Place, Johanna Phillips, 12th grader, Monte Vista High School.

Senior Division, Earth and Space Science: Second Place, Anna Kulp, 11th grader, Center High School.

Junior Division, Engineering: First Place, Leighton Burt, 7th grader, Sargent Middle School.

Junior Division, Engineering: Fourth Place, Mary Hood, 8th grader, Sargent Middle School.

Senior Division, Environmental Sciences:

Fourth Place, Clark Cranfill, 12th grader, Sargent High School.

Senior Division, Environmental Sciences: Honorable Mention, Tayler Rocha, 10th grader, Monte Vista High School.

Senior Division, Environmental Sciences: Honorable Mention, Brisha Wakasugi, 11th grader, Sierra Grande High School.

Junior Division, Microbiology: Second Place, Kelsey Lindbloom, 8th grader, Salida Middle School.

Junior Division, Physics: Honorable Mention, Marika Basagoitia, 8th grader, Sargent Middle School.

Senior Division, Physics: Honorable Mention, Genesis Villa and Jasmine Garcia, 9th graders, Center High School.

Junior Division, Plant Sciences: Fourth Place, Cortnie Hunter, 7th grader, Monte Vista Middle School.

Senior Division, Plant Sciences: Second Place, Elizabeth Hoffner, 10th grader, Home School, Center.

SPECIAL AWARDS Pioneers of Science: Marika Basagoitia United States Navy and Marine Corps: Tayler Rocha, $75 gift certificate Air and Waste Management Assoc., Rky. Mtn. States Section: Tayler Rocha, $50 and certificate Kelsey Kimberling, $50

From left are Alison McCallister, Ren Westerman and Laura Owsley.

Oratorical contest winners given

ALAMOSA —The Alamosa Optimist Club is proud to announce the winners of their annual Oratorical Contest which was held in Alamosa on Thursday, March 29.

The contest is designed for middle and high school youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.

This year’s topic for their 4-5 minute speeches was “How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles.”

The winners of this year’s contest are: 1st place Alison McCallister, 2nd place Ren Westerman, and 3rd place Laura Owsley.

Each local winner received medals and a small cash prize.

The 1st and 2nd place winners advance to the Zone competition, and possibly the district level, in an attempt to win a $2,500 college scholarship.

The club would like to thank Ken Burt, Kate Taylor, and Christine Taylor for providing the contestants and coaching, Professor Jim Willis from Adams State for providing the venue and four outstanding student judges: Johnny Mercer, Paul Wu-

rok, Loren Ankrom, and Kat Nuttle, and to all teachers, parents, and participants for another successful competition.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations, with over 114,000 members in 3,500 Optimist Clubs in the United States, Canada, and other nations. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimist Clubs conduct service projects which reach five million young people each year.

The Alamosa Optimist Club has been providing programs to support youth-oriented endeavors for over 23 years and is proud to be serving the youth of Alamosa and the surrounding communities of the San Luis Valley.

The Alamosa Optimist Club meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at noon at the Ramada Inn and invites anyone interested to attend.

For more information, contact Laura at 5881377 or at alamosaoptimistclub@gmail.com or visit our website at: www. slvjunction.com/optimistclub.

and certificate American Water Works Assoc. Rky. Mtn. Section: Shelly Steinert, $200 and certificate ASM International, Best Material Related Award: Leighton Burt, $150 and certificate Assoc. for Women Geoscientists Larimide Chapter: Johanna Phillips, $80 and medal Colorado Assoc. of Science Teachers (CAST): Tayler Rocha, $75 and certificate Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety: Tayler Rocha, $75 and certificate Colorado Mineral Society: Johanna Phillips, $25, certificate, and books; Brisha Wakasugi, $40, certificate, and books Colorado Scientific Society: Brisha Wakasugi, $75

and certificate CSU, Dept of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture: Elizabeth Hoffner, $100 and certificate Colorado-Wyoming Society of American Foresters: Clark Cranfill, $100 savings bond and certificate Ft. Collins Conservation District: Shelly Steinert, $50 and plaque; Johanna Phillips, $50 and plaque MWH Americas, Inc: Kelsey Linbloom, $200 and plaque Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Colorado Section: Brisha Wakasugi, $200 and plaque Society of Women Engineers, Rky. Mtn. Section: Mary Hood, $100 and certificate Trout Unlimited: Tayler Rocha, $100 savings bond, scholarship to attend

Colorado trout Unlimited Youth Camp United States Dept. of Commerce: Johanna Phillips, alternate for opportunity for summer employment with Dept of Commerce SCHOLARSHIPS Adams State College: Nicholas Lobato, one year tuition and fees, value $5000; Anna Kulp, one year tuition and fees, value $5000.

Colorado School of Mines: Brisha Wakasugi, $1000 scholarship, renewable up to three years Colorado State University: Johanna Phillips, $1000 scholarship to attend for one year, renewable up to three years Fort Lewis College: Simon Schaefer, $1500 scholarship, renewable up to

three years SparkFun Electronics: this is a teacher award and was presented to Loree Harvey, teacher at Monte Vista Middle School; Diego Martinez, Center High School and Terri Paulson, Sargent Middle School.

These teachers received a scholarship to attend a one day into to the Arduino class.

Broadcom Foundation: This is a national competition for junior high students and was presented to Leighton Burt and Kelsey Lind bloom.

United States Metric Assoc: Tayler Rocha, certificate.

Further questions please contact Lucy Adams, director, San Luis Valley Regional Science Fair, 719-587-5412

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Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Education ASC first-generation students achieve academic success

ALAMOSA — A firstgeneration college student is the first in their immediate family to attend college. Adams State College continues to recruit and encourage first-generation students to attain their goal of a college education.

Last fall, seniors Jennifer Cliff, Tucker Jones, Caitlin O’Neill and Raina Walters, first-generation students, said personal dedication and supportive professors helped them earn grade point averages at 3.45 or above.

Jones, a psychology major/sociology minor, managed his grades by working hard and not becoming discouraged. He appreciates the psychology faculty for their support and open door policy. His sociology adviser, Cindy Whitney, pushes him to do his best and has “always been able to provide advice in tough situations.” Jones works in the Grizzly Testing and Learning Center as a supplemental instruction

(SI) leader. “Being an SI Leader motivates me to keep my grades up.”

Supplemental instructors hold review sessions for students in specific courses assigned to them.

Students have the opportunity to come to supplemental instructors and receive extra help on homework and review for tests.

Walters, psychology major, also worked as a supplemental instructor last semester. “It helped me put things into perspective how much effort needs to go into school work.”

Walters appreciates the psychology professors’ help in reaching her potential and credits dedication, time management, and organization for her academic success.

Cliff, psychology major/ sociology minor, said her good grades come from hard work, perseverance, and professors who provide students every opportunity to succeed. She also appreciates the support of

her family: husband, Tom, and their children Michael, Jordan, and Isaac.

“The single biggest service on campus is the advising program,” Cliff said. Her advisers kept her focused, listened to her passions and then suggested appropriate classes and electives where she could thrive. Dr. Leslie Alvarez, psychology, and Whitney, sociology, have high expectations for Cliff.

“I am deeply appreciative for their commitment to excellence in their jobs and the passion that they not only bring to the classroom, but on an individual basis with their students.”

Cliff’s husband’s support and “taking up of the slack” allowed her to succeed in the classroom and academic realm. “I am deeply grateful for the way he believes in me and has supported my academic endeavors.”

O’Neill, a business administration/accounting major, is self-motivated

and dedicated to completing every assignment and studying for every test. “I spend a lot of time studying in the library and the business building.” Her professors take the time to meet with her and encourage her to succeed.

“From Dr. Jeanie O’Laughlin, who first turned my interests towards accounting, to Dr.

Linda Reid, who interested me in auditing and forensic accounting, the accounting professors work incredibly hard to make sure that all of their students reach their goals,” O’Neill said.

“The business professors are incredibly helpful and friendly in advising students and helping students find careers during and after college.”

Six other first-generation students, Matthew Basinger, Fallon Crowther, Marissa Elsberry, Kailee Potter, Mark Potter, and Maria Martinez, also attained above average grade point averages in the fall 2011. All of the students were awarded gift certificates to the Adams State Bookstore for their achievement.

Field Institute hosts free lecture

ALAMOSA — The Colorado Field Institute, in partnership with the Adams State EARTH Group and in celebration of Earth Day, invites you to its winter lecture of the 2012 season.

This lecture is entitled “The Remarkable Climate of the San Luis Valley.” It will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, in Room 130 of Porter Hall on the Adams State College campus.

This presentation will be given by Nolan Doesken.

Nolan is a life-long weather enthusiast and has worked at the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University since 1977. In 2006 he was appointed State Climatologist. In that capacity, he is responsible for monitoring and tracking climatic conditions across

all of Colorado.

Residents of the San Luis Valley know that the climate is remarkable. The center of the San Luis Valley is the driest part of Colorado and yet it is relatively rich in water resources from the surrounding rim of high mountains. In his presentation, Nolan will discuss the primary factors that affect and control the climate of southern Colorado. The resulting patterns of sunshine, wind, humidity, temperature and humidity will be presented and compared to other parts of Colorado and the U.S. Weather data in the San Luis Valley date back more than 100 years and these long-term data will be presented showing trends, variations and seasonal fluctuations. Ex-

treme winter cold still takes place but not as often as was observed during parts of the 20th Century. Pre- Raina Walters, Tucker Jones, Jennifer Cliff, and Caitlin O’Neill achieve academic success cipitation, however, varies as first-generation students attending Adams State College. so much from one year to the next that no long-term trend has been detected over the past century.

The lecture will be held in room 130, Porter Hall beginning at 7 pm. The program is free, and everyone is invited to attend.

The Colorado Field Institute is a nonprofit corporation organized in 2005 to promote greater stewardship of the natural and cultural resources within the San Luis Valley. For more information, call 378 6384, email coloradofieldinstitute@gmail.com, or visit www.coloradofieldinstitute.org

Friday, April 13, 2012

STATE OF COLORADO COUNTY OF ALAMOSA NOTICE OF LOST STOCK CERTIFICATE The San Luis Valley Canal Company, a Colorado Mutual Ditch Company, pursuant to C.R.S.A. §7-42-115 causes this NOTICE to be published on the 13 day of April 2012 and once every week thereafter for four consecutive weeks, in the Valley Courier, a newspaper of general circulation in Alamosa County, in which the principal office of the San Luis Valley Canal Company is located.

In accordance with the terms of C.R.S.A. §7-42-114 to §7-42-117, Sandy Farms, Ltd., has filed a Notice with the San Luis Valley Canal Company making Demand for the issuance of duplicate certificates for stock certificates No. 1153 and No. 1154, for 50 and 95 shares, respectively, of capital stock in the San Luis Valley Canal Company. The San Luis Valley Canal Company will issue, on or after the 13 day of June 2012, duplicate certificates to the registered owner, as above stated, unless a contrary claim is filed with the San Luis Valley Canal Company, Attn: Secretary, 1443, County Road 25, Monte Vista, Colorado 81144, prior to the date stated in this NOTICE. Furthermore, in accordance with the terms of C.R.S.A. §7-42-114 to §7-42-117, Sandy Circle Farms has filed a Notice with the San Luis Valley Canal Company making Demand for the issuance of a duplicate certificate for stock certificate No. 1119 for 50 shares of capital stock in the San Luis Valley Canal Company. The San Luis Valley Canal Company will issue, on or after the 13 day of June 2012, a duplicate certificate to the registered owner, as above stated, unless a contrary claim is filed with the San Luis Valley Canal Company, Attn: Secretary, 1443, County Road 25, Monte Vista, Colorado 81144, prior to the date stated in this NOTICE. The San Luis Valley Canal Company Harvey Smalley, President Attest: Lyla Davis, Secretary NO. 6086 PUBLISHED IN THE VALLEY COURIER APRIL 13, 20, 27, AND MAY 4, 2012

District Court Alamosa County, Colorado Court Address: 702 Fourth Street Alamosa, CO 81101 In the Matter of the Estate of ANNA MARIE ORTIZ, Deceased Attorney for Pers. Rep.: Richard J. Jacobs, P.C. Name: Richard J. Jacobs Address: PO Box 120 - 700 Main Street, Suite 200 Alamosa, Colorado 81101 Phone Number: 719-589-3666 Fax Number: 719-589-4627 E-mail: rjjacobs@rjjacobsesq.com Atty. Reg. #: 5608 Case Number: 2012PR12 NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO §15-12801, C.R.S. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Anna Marie Ortiz, Deceased Case Number 2012PR12 All person having claims against the above-named esate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Alamosa, County, Colorado, on or before August 14, 2012, or the claims may be forever barred.

Carol S. Redding, Personal Representative c/o Richard J. Jacobs, P.C. 700 Main Street, Suite 200 - PO Box 120 Alamosa, CO 81101 NO. 6090 PUBLISHED IN THE VALLEY COURIER APRIL 13, 20, AND 27, 2012

Valley Courier

Page 11

Public Notices

099 ANNOUNCEMENTS

173 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

173 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

185 - SERVICES & REPAIRS

TH E A LA MOSA FIRE Dept. is asking anyone who has old pictures related to the department, please contact Zach @ 580-0398 and would like permission to scan the pictures.

(TFN) WHOLESALE MEDICA L CA N NA B I S BLOWOUT. Member ounces from $200 including tax. High-Valley Healing Center, Crestone-719-256 - 4006.

(4/19-TFN)

THERAPEUTIC M A S SAG E F O R You r Hea lt h, L L C, Gift Certificates for any occasion. Infant m a s s a ge fo r sm a l l groups and individual sessions. CMT ment o r i ng. C a l l D eb r a 588 -5815 fo r mo r e information or an appointment. (TFN) HOT TUB REPAIR and Service. All ma kes a nd models, Rio Grande Spa Services. Call 580-8197.

(TFN-4/19) I N H O M E CA R E

By Visiting Angels.

Professional care nonmedical services for you to remain at home.

Friendly caregivers.

Reasonable rates. Free assessment of you r needs. Colorado State licensed agency. Call 719-852-6968. (4/26) W E LL E STA B LISHED YARD Service, Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Stump G r i n d i n g , We e k l y Mowing & Trimming, Weed Control, Hauli ng & D u mp Runs.

FREE Estimates! Senior Discount! Satisfaction Guaranteed!!

719-588-1183. (4/28TFN) M W PROPERT Y SERVICES: Spring Cleanup, Power Raki ng, F lowerb e ds, We e k l y M ow i n g , Hedge and Tree Trimming, Yard Projects, Landscaping, Decks, Fences, Painting. 5889817. (5/4-TFN)

DO YOU NEED insulation? New construction, remodeling, potato storages, or crawl spaces. Call Mullet Spray Foam Insulation for a quote. 852-2001 or 850-1124. (5/4) QUA LI T Y BAT HROOM / K I TCH EN REMODELS. All const r uction done with honesty/respect.

References available.

Call Gene, 719-5884568. (4/14) SPRING INTO SUMMER. Allphase Home & Yard Maintenance. Cleaning yards, garages, rain-gutters, windows, lawn care, pa inting & ca r pent r y. C a l l 719 -379 2481/719- 480-5494.

(TFN-4/19) DOG TRAINING GROUP classes, basic obedience. Now accepting reservations.

Star ting April 21st.

Limited class sizes.

Make your reservation early. Call 626-6172615 or 719-589-4293.

(4/18) DOG GROOMING LA RGE & sma l l dogs welcomed!! Call Tails A Waggin Dog Grooming. Call 5875509. (5/10) COMPUTER R E PAIR, TUNE-UPS, upg rades, vi r us removal, and data recover y. Referenc es available. Call Customadjustem.com 719480-9055.(4/20)

WILL DO CLEANING indoors and outdoors. Free Estimates.

Please call today! Laurie, 719-589-3209. (4/13)

102 CARD OF THANKS WE WOULD LIKE to thank everyone for their condolences, prayers, cards, flowers, donation of food, and phone calls.

Thank you and God Bless you all. The Lucy Garcia Family.(4/14)

163 LOST & FOUND L O S T AT WO L F Creek Ski Area. 1/yr male Dachsund/Chihuahua mix. White, some color on face, green collar. Reward offered. Alpha Humane, 852-2201.

(4/19)

173 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DJ SERVICE: MUSIC Hot Box, providing finest music from oldiesto-latest hits. Fabulous light show. 589-0906.

(TFN-5/10)

221 HELP WANTED SIX DAY DAILY AM PAPER has an opening for a #2 pressman.

Mostly evening hours, 5 days per week. Full time, benefit package, etc. Goss Press. Send resume to the Plainsman, PO 1278, Huron, SD 57350 (TFN) HOM E CA R E BY VISITING ANGELS. New to San Luis Valley.

Remain at home. Excellent care. Trained care givers and professional services. Free in-home assessment. Reasonable rates. Colorado state licensed agency. Call now! 719-852-6968.

(4/20-TFN) MOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL District RE-1 in Saguache is taking applications for a Secondary Math Teacher. Please submit applications and resumes to Superintendent Corey Doss, P. O. Box 127, 403 Pitkin Ave., Saguache, CO 81149 by April 30, 2012. Applications are available on the school websitewww.mountainvalleyschool.org or at the Superintendent’s Office, 403 Pitkin Ave in Saguache, Phone #719655-0267. EOE. (4/28)

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

ELECTRICIAN N E E D E D. J O U RNEYMAN license or close to getting a license. Call 719-8523072. (4/13-TFN) RIO GRANDE INN nursing home is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals with a current RN/LPN license for NOC shift. Will accept applications from new graduates. Please contact us at 719-2743311 or send your resume to Rio Grande Inn, 39 Calle Miller, La Jara, Colorado 81140. Rio Grande Inn is an equal opportunity employer.

(4/25) MOFFAT SCHOOL IS accepting applications for the following teaching positions for the 2012-2013 school year: Full time Middle School English; 1/2 time High School/Middle School Spanish; anticipated 1/2 time K-12 music; K-5 para-professional. Must be Colorado certified.

Call (719) 256-4710 or visit www.moffat.k12. co.us for an application.

EOE. Applications close April 20, 2012. (4/13) MOFFAT SCHOOL DISTRICT is accepting applications for a team member in the business office. The successful candidate must be detail oriented with the ability to multitask and work under the pressure of multiple deadlines. Assignments will include accounting and secretarial tasks.

Duties may include but are not limited to payroll, accounts receivable & payable, state & federal reports and meeting minutes. Candidates should be self-motivated with great public relations skills. We’re looking for a person who is computer proficient with advanced training in accounting and willing to make a commitment to a great District that can provide long term employment. Full-time position with benefits.

To apply call 256-4710 or visit our web at www. moffat.k12.co.us for an application. Applications close April 16, 2012. EOE. (4/13) SALES FULL TIME. Join our sales team and enjoy working with an established account base. Drop resumes off at the Valley Courier, 2205 State Ave., Alamosa or mail to PO Box 1099, attn: Keith.

(TFN)

SANGRE DE CRISTO SCHOOL DISTRICT is now accepting applications for HEAD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL COACH. Applicant should be a responsible, motivated individual who is able to teach athletes from beginning knowledge thru upper level skill development. Applicant must also be able and willing to take on a leadership role in the development of life skills, and be a positive role model for all students.

Must have CO Teaching License or CHSAA Certification. For further information or an application call 719378-2323 Dave Curtis.

Please submit your application to Sangre de Cristo School District, 8751 Lane 7 North; Mosca, CO 81146. Position opened until filled.

EOE. (4/13) BE ST W E ST E R N M OV I E M a n o r i n Monte Vista hiring part time summer positions.

Cook/dishwasher, front desk, housekeepers.

Apply in person 2 miles west of MV. (4/18) S TA R D R I V E - I N IN Monte Vista hiring summer snack bar staff.

Apply @ BW Movie Manor 2 miles west of MV. (4/18) H O U S E K E E P E RFULLTIME POSITION AVAILABLE. Duties include performs assigned work to keep hospital in clean and orderly condition.

Clea ns a nd ser vice wards, bathrooms and other assigned areas.

Cleans, mops dusts and supplies dispensers.

Prior cleaning experience preferred. Send resume to: SLVRMC 106 Blanca Ave., Alamosa, CO 81101 email: hr@slvrmc.org or FAX: 719-587-5716 Closing Date 05/13/12. (4/18) THE CENTENNIAL SCHOOL District R1 is currently seeking a Pk-12 Principal for the 2012-2013 School Year. Please contact Krystle Albert at 719672-3404 or kalbert@ centennialschool.net for additional information.

EOE. (4/17) ARE YOU LOOKING for a full-time or a part-time job? Selling Conklin Products and becoming an Independent Business owner.

It’s an excellent opportunity. Contact 719-8527070. (5/31)

ABBA EYE CARE is seeking a professional, dedicated, energetic individual to join our team. Duties include optical sales, data entry, and other duties as needed. Selected candidate will demonstrate a passion for quality service 32-40 hours per week. Apply in person with resume at 2101 Main, Suite D Alamosa. (4/13) DEL NORTE HIGH School is looking for an Assistant Football Coach with knowledge of defensive backs and receivers. Please call Clint Mondragon at 657-3807 or the superintendent’s office at 657-4040 If you are interested.(4/19) APARTMENT MANAG E R / M A I N T E NANCE WANTED. Responsible person or t ea m to ma nage and do maintenance at two apartment complexes in Center, CO. Ma nagement duties include but not limited too: move in/move out paperwork, rent collection, monthly reports, showing and marketing partments.

Maintenance duties include but not limited to minor plumbing, grounds keeping, maintaining halls and lau nd r y rooms a nd painting. Send resume or short letter of experience to Landmark Management PO Box 2725, Sioux City, IA 51106 or fax it to 712274-1230. Equal Employment Opportunity Provider and Employer. (4/13) I N F OR M AT ION AND TECHNOL OGY (IT) Person. Sier ra Grande School District is now accepting applications for a full-time information and technology (IT) specialist. The ability to troubleshoot and repair computer systems with experience in networks, cabling, troubleshooting, and web-based software is preferred. This is a year round position with benefits and vacation time included.

Applications may be downloaded from the dist r ict web site or picked up at the district office. Please address applications and resumes to Mr. Darren Edgar at Sierra Grande School District 17523 Bla nca , CO 81123.

EOE. (4/27)

Placing a Classified Ad: 12 Noon Deadline the Day Before Publication

099 - Announcements 101 - Memorials 102 - Card Of Thanks 106 - Novenas

JOBS

112 - Business Opportunity 221 - Help Wanted 267 - Work Wanted

AUTO

322 - Dump Trucks 701 - Autos For Sale 710 - Classic Autos 713 - Pick-up Trucks 715 - 4x4 Vehicles 720 - Heavy Equipment 727 - Import Autos 737 - Recreational Vehicles 742 - Trucks & Trailers 748 - Vans Conversions 750 - Vehciles For Rent/Lease 755 - Vehicles Wanted

Email wantads@alamosanews.com

Please read your ad on the first day of publication. If there are mistakes, notify us immediately. All copy must be approved by the newspaper, which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser and not the newspaper is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. Advertising is also subject to credit approval. Payment for all Garage/Rummage Sales is due when the ad is placed. All Garage/Rummage Sale ads must be placed in person at the Valley Courier Office, 2205 State Avenue, Alamosa.

FINDING AN AD: ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call 589-2553

MERCHANDISE

303 - Antiques 307 - Appliances 310 - Building Materials 314 - Clothing 315 - Computers 345 - Wood 347 - Household Goods 357 - Machinery & Tools 360 - Miscellaneous For Sale 361 - Musical Merchandise 362 - Home Furnishings 378 - Store & Equipment 525 - Guns 356 - Meat & Produce

RENTAL

601 - Apartments For Rent 606 - Business Property For Rent 608 - Garages For Rent 611 - Homes For Rent 614 - Mobile Homes For Rent 620 - Storage Units 630 - Rooms For Rent 634 - Roommate Wanted 640 - Wanted To Rent

FARM

353 - Farm & Livestock Services 351 - Livestock 350 - Farm Equipment 324 - Feed & Seed

RECREATION

501 - Bicycles 507 - Boats & Marine Equipment 520 - Camping Equipment 524 - Fishing & Hunting 527 - Hobbies & Toys 532 - Snowmobiles 536 - Sports Equipment 540 - Travel 736 - ATVs/Motorcycles

REAL ESTATE

401 - Business Properties 409 - Farm & Ranch Land 415 - Homes For Sale 420 - Lots & Acreages 426 - Mobile Homes For Sale 436 - Real Estate Wanted 639 - Vacation Property 612 - Mobile Homes Lots

SERVICES

108 - Beauty Services 120 - Child Care 125 - Counseling 173 - Professional Services 185 - Services & Businesses 186 - Snow Removal 344 - Heating & Air Conditioning 410 - Auction 705 - Auto Repair & Parts

MISCELLANEOUS 163 - Lost & Found 165 - Personals 184 - Rewards 330 - Free 341 - Garage Sales 348 - Windows 387 - Wanted To Buy 390 - Let’s Trade 368 - Pets & Supplies

GUARANTEED RESULTS

$19.50 -- $1.40 $1.30 per word over 15 Regular Classifed Rates: 6 Issues- -$21.00 (All Rates Private Party Only)

Please ask for Business Rates

12 Issues- $30.75 - $28.50- -$2.05 $1.90 per word over 15 20 Issues- $49.50 - $47.25- -$3.30 $3.15 per word over 15

Just Say “Charge It”

589-2553

wantads@alamosanews.com

Page 12

Valley Courier

Friday, April 13, 2012

Classifieds 221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

221 HELP WANTED

THE COSTILLA COUNTY Department of Social Services is looking to fill an openi ng i n o u r I n c o m e maintenance team. The Income Maintenance Generalist manages and determines initial and ongoing eligibility for all High level program groups including Food Assistance, Financial Assistance and Medical Assistance. The generalist also enters data into the Colorado Benefits Management system (CBMS). Interested candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and a working knowledge in computer applications. The generalist should also have the ability to research, read, comprehend and apply program rules and regulations in order to determine program eligibility. The ability to organize and manage a caseload is critical, along with the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

The generalist should be self motivated and have the ability and willingness to learn independently as well as have the ability to be flexible to adjust to rapid technical changes. Bilingual a plus but not required. Interested individuals can request an application by calling 1-719-6724131; and returning applications to the Costilla County Department of Social Services office: Attention Tommy Vigil.

Deadline is April 16th.

(4/16)

SLVRMC SEEKS A Diabetes Educator to join our Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP). The Diabetes educator is responsible for providing quality outpatient diabetes self-management education to patients with Diabetes as well as providing education to the community and staff.

The Diabetes Educator also participates in the development of diabetes patient education materials, compiles and enters data for DEEP, and plays an integral role in the clinical team working closely with staff and providers. Successful candidates should be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse or registered as a Dietitian with the Commission of Dietetic Registration. The ideal candidate will have formal training in diabetes patient education and/or recent experience in inpatient or outpatient education with CDE certification or working towards CDE certification. Closing Date 04/27/2012. (4/13) MON T E V I STA SCHOOL District is accepting applications for a HS Girls’ Head Basketball Coach. Applications may be submitted to the District Office, 345 E. Prospect Avenue, Monte Vista, CO 81144, by April 19, 2012, or until the position is filled. For application information visit www. monte.k12.co.us or call 719-852-5996. (4/19)

TOWN OF SOUTH Fork is now accepting resumes for the position of full-time assistant for the Town Clerk. Good people skills, self -motivated, multi-t ask or iented.

Computer, clerical and verbal skills required.

Interested parties will be responsible for up to 40 hours per week, f lexible hours, some weekend, holidays and evenings. Applications will be accepted until 5:00PM, April 20, 2012. Applications or resumes may be received at 0100 Silver Thread Lane or mailed to South Fork Town Ha ll, P.O. Box 369, South Fork, CO 81154.

For more information call Sharon (719)8730152. EOE. (4/20) E QU I PM E N T OPER ATOR F U LL T I M E /SE ASONA L .

April through October or as determined.

Must be able to operate various heavy equipment and maintenance experience with heavy equipment and f leet vehicles able to lift 50100 lbs. work outside in adverse weather conditions walk the landfill property to control litter. Must have good com mu n icat ion a nd customer skills and be able to work Saturdays.

Applications may be picked at the SLV Regional Landfill 1600 CR 44 Monte Vista, CO 81144 -719- 852-3810.

(4/14)

F U LL -TI M E CUS TODI A N. SI ER R A Grande School District is now accepting applications for a full-time custodian. This is a year round position with benefits and vacation time included. Applications may be downloaded from the district web site or picked up at the district office.

Please address applications and resumes to Mr. Darren Edgar at Sierra Grande School District 17523 Blanca, CO 81123. EOE. (4/14) POLICE OFFICER: THE City of Monte Vista is seeking qualified applicants for position of Police Patrolman II. Applicants must be state certified as a Colorado Police Officer. One year of previous law enforcement experience preferred.

Sele ct e d appl ica nt s must be able to pass a physical, phsycolodical evaluation, and background check. Must be available to work various shifts. Annual Salary range is $30,647$37,543 DOE/Q plus an excellent benefit and retirement package. Applications available at City Hall or the Police department or online at: www.cityofmontevista. com. Applications must be submitted to Human Resources at City Hall, 4 Chico Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144,

by April 20, 2012 at 12:00 noon. EOE/ADA. (4/17)

ADAMS STATE COLLEGE seeks applicants for a General Labor I in the Facilities Services Department. For applications or more information, please see _employment.adams. edu_. Deadline is April 13, 2012. A A / EOE .

(4/13) POSITION ANNOU NC E M E N T. CLINIC Support Staff -Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. full-time position available for suppor t staff in our Guadalupe Health Center in Antonito. Primary responsibility of the position is to provide support for clinic operations. This includes; scheduling patients, answering phones, taking and delivering accurate messages, making refer rals, maintaining and preparing medical records in both paper and computerized form according to specified standards. Position will be primarily full-time at GHC however will provide coverage at our San Luis Clinic as needed. Qualified candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent and two years previous office experience. Previous medical office experience and bilingual skills desirable. Please submit application to Human Resources, 128 Market Street, Alamosa, CO 81101 by Monday Apr il 16, 2012.

(4/14)

THE SAN LUIS Care Center has an opening for an in-house contract Beautician for our seniors! The position offers flexible scheduling with consistent clients. Must have personal liability insurance. EEO. (4/18) THE CENTENNIAL SCHOOL District R-1 is now accepting applications for the following positions for the 2012-2013 School Ye a r : E l e m e n t a r y School Teacher (Grade Level TBD), 7/8 Language Arts & Social Studies, and HS Social Studies. Please submit an application (availa bl e by c o n t a c t i n g Krystle Albert at 719672-3404 or kalbert@ centennialschool.net) along with a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation and a current resume listing your qualifications and experiences for the position. Closing date for positions: May 1, 2012.

EOE. (4/21) DRIVER NEEDED, CDL with haz-mat endorsement. Must be able to lift 60 to 110 pounds. Apply at Allca re/Aero ca r e 1123 West Ave. Alamosa.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. (TFN-5/8) N E E D I N G J O U RNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN. Send resume or application to Vemco Electrical, PO Box 520, Center, 81125. (5/8)

ALAMOSA BUILDING SUPPLY is seeking a service minded individual for a full time summer and part time winter cashier. We will work around your college schedule. Email resume or application to ha@centurytel.net or apply at the store.

(4/27) CNA’S----BECOME PART OF a fun and exciting team of care providers at Juniper Village in Monte Vista. We are looking for enthusiastic team players. For more information call 719852-5138. Juniper Village is also looking for PRN Nurses!!!!! (5/9) ALAMOSA COUNTY DEPARTMENT of Human Services is seeking an Administrative Assistant. Duties include but are not limited to: Greets the public, sets appointments, answers multi-line phone system, files, processes all mail, and must be proficient in Microsoft applications.

Strong computer skills a must. High School Diploma or GED required 2 years experience and bi-lingual skills highly desirable. Applications may be picked up at the Alamosa County Human Resource’s Office located at 8900-A Independence Way or on line at www.alamosacounty.org. Deadline for applications is Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 11:00am. Inquiries may be directed to 719-5875166.(4/19)

S U P P O RT S TA F F - VA L L E Y - W I D E Health Systems, Inc. has a full-time position available for support staff in our Convenient Care Clinic. The positions will normally work four ten hour days must have ability to be flexible with schedule and float to other Alamosa campus locations on occasion. Primary responsibility of the position is to provide support for clinic operations. This includes checking in patients, answering phones, taking and delivering accurate messages, making referrals, maintaining and preparing medical records in both paper and computerized form according to specified standards. Qualified candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent and two years previous office experience. Previous medical office experience and bilingual skills desirable. Please submit applications to Huma n Resou rces, 12 8 Ma r ket St r e et , A la mosa, CO 81101

by Thursday April 20, 2012(4/19)

267 WORK WANTED

Q UA L I T Y BAT H RO O M / K I T C H E N REMODELS. All construction done with honesty/respect. References available. Call Gene, 719-588-4568.

(4/14)

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley Courier

Page 13

Classifieds 307 APPLIANCES

351 LIVESTOCK

369 - PETS & SUPPLIES

388 WATER SHARES

415 - HOMES FOR SALE

532 SNOWMOBILES

611 - HOMES FOR RENT

702 - AUTOS FOR SALE

DO YOU HAVE old appliances, scrap, or old batteries around your home? Don’t have the time to remove it? We can remove and haul off at no charge, to you or me! Call 719-580-2222.

(TFN) MAYTAG WASHING MACHINE. Excellent condition, no problems, asking $150. Contact 719-580-5114 or 719580-1754. (5/11)

E XC E L L E N T 4 H HORSE, Pinto papered, 4H Champion show and Gymcona. Has to go to good home. $4750/obo.

719-852-4604. (5/3)

GOT PUPPIES? NEED help to find them good homes? If you can hold on to them from 10 days to two weeks, we can help. We offer free vaccinations, dog food, help with gas money if you need it, and we can help pay for your mama dog to be fixed. When space allows, we also rescue adult dogs and the occasional cat. Animals go to loving, responsible homes. We personally adopt out each animal.

Please call us for details.

Over 7,200 animals have been rescued & adopted in 10 years! SLV Animal Welfare Society - phone 719-587-WOOF (9663), email: woof@slvaws. org, website: www.slvaws.org. (TFN) CHANGING WEATHER IS here! Even with a very warm jacket, humans get cold! Make sure your pets are warm & have shelter and food.

Thank you, Alpha Humane 852-2201. (TFN) VA L L E Y D O G TRAINING, Alamosa.

Obediance, Agility, Rally Classes, $40 6/wks.

Call 719-379-4157 for information. (4/17) DOG TRAINING GROUP classes, basic obedience. Now accepting reservations. Starting April 21st. Limited class sizes. Make your reservation early. Call 626-617-2615 or 719589-4293. (4/18) SNOW WHITE AND pink small poodle mix dumped at VHL. Unneutered male, bleach white hair with pink skin and around eyes, shy. Looking for a loving owner who can help this little guy come out of his shell. VHL 589-0703.

(4/13) ROT T I E / H EELER MIX. 5/MO male, both inside/outside dog. Playful, smaller in size. Will be neutered and have shots. Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/13) A L P H A I S V E RY overcrowded and are not taking animals at this time until we can find homes for our current residents. Please call other rescue groups.

Thank you. Hopefully it will get better. (4/14) FOUND: YELLOW LAB, F, 8 months, no collar/tags. Friendly, good with other dogs, rides well in car. Found running along the river behind ASC. To reclaim this older puppy, call VHL 589-0703. (4/17) PLEASE DO NOT give your children chicks for Easter unless you live on a farm and know how to raise chickens. (4/17) W H I T E GER M A N SHEPHERD/ MIX puppy for adoption. 10/ wks old, female, will be spayed/shots. Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/17) CATA HOOLA HOUND/MIX PUPPIES. 7/mos, up for adoption soon. Were abandoned, very malnourished & scared at present. Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/17) 2/WHITE KITTENS WERE dropped off at someone’s house - they can’t keep them, would you like to have them both for a great adoption fee. Alpha Humane, 8522201. (4/17) V ERY SM A LL , ADORABLE, loving, white, spayed, female Chihuahua who will talk to you. Personality is best trait. At Alamosa Valley Vet Motel, 5892615 or Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/17) N EW D O G S A RRIVED. More residents at Alamosa Valley Vet Motel checked in over the weekend. All sizes, shapes, colors. If one is lost or want to adopt, Valley Vet, 589-2615.

(4/17) GORGEOUS FLOWING HAIR, white, declawed, neutered male cat. Moving and can’t take. Call Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/18)

FARMER LOOKING TO purchase water from Lariat Monte Vista or Santa Maria for farming needs. Will pay top dollar.

Please inquire at Valley Courier, wantads@alamosanews.com Subject: Water. (5/26)

OWNER WILL CARRY at $850/mth with 10% down. Cedar and Log 3/ bdrm, 2/bath, horse property. Just south of Sand Dunes in gated community.

Lease option available. Call 830-693-2065. (5/12) 3/ BDR M, 1/ BATH, CLOSE to Monte Vista Schools. $95000/obo. Call 719-852-4604. (4/27)

2008 YAMAHA FX Nytro MTX snowmobile. 40th Anniversary edition. 68 or igina l miles. Like new! $7,500.

588-1284. (5/25)

1/BR HOUSE W/GARAGE, near Blanca, small pet OK, $425/month +deposit & references, available April 1st, 575756-2294, patandmaryann@windstream.net.

(4/13-TFN) 3/BDRM,2/BTHHOME in La Jara. No smoking. $550/mo plus $550/dep.

Call 274-5876/588-8481.

(TFN-4/19) 5 BDRM. 2.5 bath, fenced yard, garage in great neighborhood. No pets/ smoking. $1600/mo. Call (791)588-7946. (4/17) DEL NORTE, 2/BDRM, 1/bath home w/mountain views, fenced yard, garage. Appliances included.

Non-smoking. $525/mo.

719-657-9114. (5/4) 2 / B D R M W/ BIG FRONT/BACK yard. $600/mo, good neighborhood. Call after 4pm, 5893003. (4/18) 4/ BDR M, 2/ BATH, 3600/SQFT, 40/acres in Alamosa. $1400/mo, pets ok. Call 719-937-3200.

(4/26)

2004 VW PASSAT 64k low miles. All the bells and whistles. Excellent shape. $8500/obo. 719852-4604. (5/10) 2003 YUKON, CLEAN. $8000/obo. Call 719-5882120. (5/12) 1982 CHEVY MONTE Carlo. 2/door, clean, $3000/obo. If interested call 719-992-8029. (5/25) 1974 CHRYSLER NEW Yorker Brougham. All original 440 engine. Excellent. $4500. 850-1534.

(5/26) 92 HONDA CIVIC LX, 4Dr. 5 sp, 1.5L Bgrdy, Ave., 35 MPG, $2500.

719-492-5907. (5/19)

310- BUILDING MATERIALS

353 - FARM & LIVESTOCK SERVICES ATTENTION FARMERS: ARE you looking for a product to increase your yields in your production for crops or dairy? There is good help available: “Proven Products”. Contact 719852-7070. (6/2)

L O O K I N G F O R 360 - MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING materials, FOR SALE barn wood, posts and beams. Building for DO YOU HAVE old demo. Call Dave 587- appliances, scrap, or old 3872. (4/21) batteries around your home? Don’t have the 324 - FEED time to remove it? We & SEED can remove and haul off at no charge, to you or HOR SE H AY, 3X 3 me! Call 719-580-2222. grass/alfalfa, limited (TFN) supply. 719-850-8917. TATTOO KITS 4 sale.

(5/8-TFN) I also have needles, disposable barrels, $3/ea. If 341 - GARAGE you have questions call SALES 719-298-7212. Thanks.

(TFN) NOW OPEN! ALAYOU NEED insulaMOSA THRIFT Store DO tion? New construction, 1433 Main St. at Valley remodeling, potato storPlaza Shopping Mall ages, or crawl spaces. next to Adams State Call Mullet Spray Foam College. Mon-Sat 9am- Insulation for a quote.

6pm. Clothes $1 each 852-2001 or 850-1124. and a variety of fur- (5/4) niture. Donations and Consignment accepted L A R G E A S P E N for furniture, clothes, TREES. $37.50 per root appliances, and toys. ball. 8’-20’ tall, 1”-3” diameter, 2 to 7 trees 719-589-2114(TFN) per root ball. Volume H U G E G A R A G E discounts at wholesale SALE/FUND raiser: prices. Available 5/13.

Saturday, April 14, 2012 Spruce trees available @ at Sacred Heart Parish $22/foot. Call 719-221Hall gym from 8:00 6868 or 719-221-8698. a.m.-2:00 p.m. (4/14) (5/11) HABITAT FOR HU- F OR SA L E: N EW MANITY will be hav- 5000 Gallon Fiberglass ing a Fundraising Sale Fish Tank/Pool. OrigiSaturday, April 7th from nal price, $5000. Ask9am-noon at Appletree ing, $2000/obo. Pick storage (18th and State) up only in Alamosa. in Alamosa. (4/14) Contact: 719-588-4713.

FFA AUCTION, SAT Leave message if no 4/14, 10am at Ortega answer. (5/3) DO YOU HAVE any Middle School. (4/14) pocket watches? PayCLEARANCE SALE old ing cash. Call 852-2001 75% off party, wedding, or 850-1124. (4/17) and decoration supplies.

Old Babcock Rental FOR SALE: 25-400W Building West Highway Haylide Low Bay Shop 160, Alamosa. 9:00am- L ig ht s. Re a s ona ble 5pm Sat. April 14. Call Offer. Call 850-2548.

(4/19) 719-588-8939.(4/14) YA R D S A L E ! FOR SA LE: CASE T O O L S , A r t wo r k , IH 165 6 Bottom Molddishes, cast iron, 512 board Plow Call 8509th St., Alamosa. 4/14 2548. (4/19) 8am-noon.(4/14) SPRING IS HERE and mud. We have large and small potato rock. We 345 also have crushed rock WOOD and road base, sand and B L O C K E D A N D good pit run fill. Also, SPLIT Firewood. $112/ large decorative rock. cord - we load. Delivery Call Dave, 719-588-0291 available! ALLPINE or 719-657-2338. (4/25) LU M BER CO. Ca l l OLDER POOL TA719-274 - 4381. (5/8- BLE, good felt w/accesTFN) sories and light, $500.

F I R E WO O D F O R Older Currier Piano, SALE . Good, solid, fair condition, $100/obo. p i n ewo o d . Spl it o r 587-3050 leave message. blocked. Call 719-850- (4/19) 2632. Delivery avail- ON E G O ODY EA R VIVA Authority Radial able. (5/9-TFN) 215/55R16. Less than 2000/mi. $50. Call 589350 - FARM 6813. (4/18) EQUIPMENT GOOD SHARP MI3 BOTTOM OVER/ CROWAVE. 18” wide.

UNDER plow. Make $20. Call 589- 6813. offer. 587-3050, leave (4/18) message. (4/19) 362 - HOME FOR SALE: SPRINFURNISHINGS KLER parts: mounted tires 14.9 X 24 $150, gearboxes $100, center FOR SALE: LEA Furniture Youth Bedroom drives $75, Set. Full size bed, 6 T R A I LER A X LE S drawer dresser and night $200, wheels/tires $40. stand. Set is maple color 852-4088 or 850-0223. and in excellent condi(4/28) tion. Retail price new is THREE 100/GALLON $1200, asking $600. Call FERTILIZER tanks. 719-588-1848(4/18) Even flow 10ft potato 369 - PETS & bed. 3/point hitch wench crane boom, heavy duty SUPPLIES approx. 14ft. Call 970FEMALE YELLOW 985-8692.(5/10) L A B fo r a d o p t ion .

99.9% purebred. Ex351 tremely friendly, would LIVESTOCK be a great addition to LIMOUSIN BULLS any household. Owner FOR sa le - com ing moving, can’t take along. two’s - black, red, and Give this sweet baby a polled. Eddie Orth, 719- home. Alpha Humane, 852-2201. (4/18) 852-3069. (5/2-TFN) FEMALE, 3/4 ARA- BABY GOAT “MILK active 3/day old BIAN, 1/4 MUSTANG. breed”, Buckling. $50. Call 719Gray/brown. $250/obo. 937-1786(4/20) 719-298-0789. (TFN)

401 - BUSINESS PROPERTIES

FOR SALE BY OWNER. Motivated seller, zoned Commercial light industrial, Hwy frontage, for more information call (719) 580-5901. (TFN)

409 FARM & RANCH LAND CON SCI EN T IOUS CATTLEMAN LOOKING for pasture lease.

Watch your land improve through rotational grazing and thoughtful management. Please call, Adam Skadberg @ (719)4804289. (4/20)

BETWEEN ALAMOSA/LA JARA - 4/bed, 2/bath home on 6+/acres.

Just off paved road (corner of Hwy 368 and 104 South). New flooring, A/C, landscaped, mature trees, domestic well. $155,000. 719-589-3839.

(4/27)

415 - HOMES FOR SALE

601 APARTMENTS FOR RENT

MONTE VISTA - small studio apartment, all utilities paid, no smoking, no pets, year lease $400/mo $400/deposit 719-850-1160 (TFN4/24) MONTE VISTA: 1/ BEDROOM Apt. Deposit+ $425/Mo. No Pets/Smoking. Water/ Trash/Elec Included.

852-2177 Day. 852-2028 Evening. (4/13) 2/ BDRM DUPLEX, 1.5/MI west of Monte Vista. $700/mo, includes utilities. 719-850-1303.

(4/18) 2 / B D R M D OW N S TA I R S A PA R TMENT near college and hospital. $650/mo, $425/dep. Dishwasher, range, refrig., patio. Call 588-1716 or 589-6327.

No pets/smoking. (TFN5/8) ON E BEDROOM APT. $475/mth. We pay all utilities located 117 Ross Apt B 379-3436 or 719-580-6798.(4/20)

606 - BUSINESS PROP. FOR RENT

2001 28X56, 4/BDRM, 2/bath. Laundry room, la rge k it chen, c overed deck. Cannot be moved. $41000. 5894242. (4/27)

525 GUNS FOR SALE: ONCE fired brass, for reloading. Different calibers.

Call for info 580-0398.

(TFN)

1996 1/TON CREW Full-length bed, 4x4, very good condition. 7.3l powerstroke. $7200. 850-1534.

(5/26)

715 - 4X4 VEHICLES

2 / M A LE ROOMMATES NEEDED for furnished home. Drug/ alcohol/smoking free environment. No children/ pets. $350, $25/dep. 5882576. (5/9)

PRICE REDUCED. ‘04 Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton, great work truck. Good maintenance, smooth running, 4/doors. $10800/obo.

719-852-4014. (4/28) 1997 CHEVY BLAZER 4x4, 4 door, $2900/obo.

587-5506 or 719-5800510. (5/1) 1975 GMC 1/2-TON PICKUP. 4/wheel drive, 4/sp standard, flat bed, gooseneck hitch, $1500.

785-656-2572. (4/28) 2001 ISUZU TROOPE 255000 miles. Runs great, 4/wheel drive. Great mudgrip tires, air, heat, never wrecked. $3400/firm.

520-245-1792. (5/19) 2007 F-250 LARIAT Superduty powerstroke turbo diesel, 4/door, runs great, very clean truck, must sell, will let go for balance owed $26650.

719-580-7141. (5/30)

640 - WANTED TO RENT

736 - ATVS & MOTORCYCLES

614 - MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT 3/BDRM, DOUBLEWIDE, 3/MI west of Monte Vista on Lariat Road. $425/mo, $200/dep.

588-5205. (4/18)

630 ROOMS FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT in sunny home close to college. Month to month.

Available now. 588-4568.

(4/26)

634 - ROOMMATE WANTED

WANTED: RENTAL HOME in Alamosa for family of 4. At least 2/ bdrms. Please Call 828273-5616. (4/20) COUPLE MOVING INTO town. Short term lease. Two small dogs.

Please call 702-219-5959, BEAUTIFUL ALA- ASAP. (4/26) MOSA OFFICE spaces, large and small with 702 - AUTOS common board room, FOR SALE lobby and kitchen. 5872776. (4/28-TFN) PRICE REDUCED, NICE OFFICE SPACE MUST sell. 2003 Infiniti for rent. Utilities in- G35, 85k/mi, great condicluded. Call 588-6608. tion, fully loaded. $11000/ (4/19) obo. Call 719-580-4218.

PRIME COMMER- (4/14) CI A L R EN TA L i n 96 CHEVY ASTRO Monte Vista, on the Van. New tires and new corner of Adams and fuel pump. Good condiHwy 160; 2,500 sq ft tion. $2500 or best offer. main floor with a spa- Call 719-274-0420 please cious 1,600 sq ft loft, leave message. (TFN) inside has beautiful trim and attention to detail. 2008 WHITE CHEVY Please Call Pagosa Land Si lve r a d o 2 5 0 0 LT, Company 970-264-5000. 4WD, 6L gas, 6/sp. auto, 81,500/mi., one owner, (4/26) Onstar, B&W ball, Liner, Elec. doors & windows, 611 - HOMES $26,000.00/OBO. 719FOR RENT 580-0798. (4/27) 420 - LOTS & N O R T H M O N T E 1999 JEEP CHEROACREAGE VISTA - 3 bedroom, 2 KEE 4/dr. 184,000/mi. 5/ spd, new tires, runs great, LAKE HIGHLAND, baths. One small pet ok! good condition. $3,999. $525/mo., call 719-8501. 5/ACRE lot, Wild 1716. (4/18-TFN) Call 719-850-2096. (5/2) Horse Mesa. Assessed at 26k. Ma ke offer.

970-663-6318. (5/4) R I V ER BEN D E S TAT E S . 5/ L O T S lef t, g reat location.

Reduced price! Call 588-6608. (5/9)

426 - MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

713 - PICK-UP TRUCKS

2007 HONDA RACING bike. Suped up, good condition. Size, 250. $2500/ obo. Call 719-588-7911.

(5/3) 2006 ARTIC CAT 700 EFI, winch, new tires, $4200. Call 719-298-8362 after 6pm. (5/22) 1971 BMW R50. Total restoration, total engine rebuild, show room condition. $5500. 850-1534.

(5/26) 2000 SOFTAIL CUSTOM. 21000 original miles w/95” S&S Big Bore Kit Installed 2500/ mi ago. $10,200/obo. Call 1-866-344-6148 or email fstcyr61@yahoo.com.

(5/29)

737 RVS

1991 DAMON MOTORHOME 26/ft Class C, 40000 miles, fully self contained, sleeps 8, generator, A/C, microwave. $5300. Call 719-589-6414.

(5/25) MUST SELL RV Sportsmen 2000 view on http:// ebayc.us/18334653. Call 719-589-2634 Ext 12.

Email service@brinklivestock.com. (4/21)

Page 14

Valley Courier

Comics CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARLO & JANIS

THE BORN LOSER

COW & BOY

HERMAN FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

CELEBRITY CIPHER

FRANK & ERNEST

GARFIELD

Family looks for gentle way to ease away from grandpa

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 16 years and have two teenagers. “Mom” died two years ago, and my husband is an only child. How can we tell my widowed father-in-law that we need a weekend to ourselves?

“Pop,” who’s 87, lives an hour away and drives to see us every weekend, staying until Monday afternoon. We don’t doubt that he’s lonely, although he does play bridge twice a week and has dinner with friends occasionally. We love him dearly and would never want to hurt his feelings, but we long for a weekend for “just us.”

How do we ask Pop not to visit? We believe he’s still in mourning over the loss of his wife of 60 years. We don’t want to add to his heartache.

-- TORN IN TEXAS DEAR TORN: You do need to talk to your father-in-law and set some boundaries.

Accomplish it by setting a predetermined visitation schedule that allows you time alone with your husband and nuclear family without him being present. A way to get that message across would be to say: “Pop, we love you, but we need some time to ourselves, so let’s schedule your visits for twice a month.

YOU pick the weekends.”

DEAR ABBY: The neighbor above my apartment has a

snoring problem. My bedroom is directly below his. Around 10 every night he starts snoring to the point that it sounds like an elephant lives above me. I have to sleep with my TV on and sometimes the radio.

Please tell me what to do. Should I confront this neighbor? Should I complain to management? Or should I just live with it? -- FED UP IN NEW JERSEY DEAR FED UP: Write your neighbor a letter and explain to him there is a problem. He may not know that he snores. If he’s snoring steadily, but stops for 20 or 30 seconds before starting again, it could indicate that he has a serious medical condition that should be discussed with his doctor.

If the apartment above you has poor insulation, a carpet under his bed could muffle some of the sound. Playing a tape of “white noise” could block it out more restfully than your television or radio.

Or, because adequate sleep is so important, you could ask a real estate attorney about the possibility of breaking your lease and leaving without penalty.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 23year-old woman who will graduate from college soon.

I am looking to undergo a post-college makeover. I want to find some clothes that will work in the professional

THE GRIZZWELLS

A B IG A I L VA N B U R E N world, but also mix for more casual environments. Taking a recent college grad’s budget for this into account, what signature pieces should a young female have in her wardrobe?

And what tips do you have for building a great collection over time? -- YOUNG, BROKE, BUT FABULOUS DEAR Y.B.F.: Start with two suits -- one with a jacket and matching skirt, the other with jacket and slacks. Make both suits interchangeable and in a neutral color -- black, navy or beige -- whatever looks best on you. Add a couple of blouses and sweater sets, several pairs of shoes and a good handbag. Make sure to look for “classic” styles rather than trendy, and you will have the basis for a business wardrobe and the beginning of a great collection.

PEANUTS

SOUP TO NUTZ

Friday, April 13, 2012