The Crestone Eagle

12/04/2025

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The Crestone Eagle is a trusted nonprofit monthly newspaper serving Crestone, the San Luis Valley, Colorado & beyond.

No hedge funds or unknown forces controlling our paper, just raw transparent local journalism.

Email [email protected] for more information!

This special promotion ends on January 1, 2026.

11/20/2025

Every supporter is a hero this week!

What does a connected and engaged community look like?

It looks like neighbors having productive conversations, leaders being held accountable, and everyone having the facts they need to participate in our community’s future.

You make that vision possible. Every contribution to The Crestone Eagle directly supports the independent local information that strengthens our community.

And right now, your support has an even bigger impact. We are competing in the November Rally, a statewide challenge to see which newsroom can bring in the most unique donors by November 26.

Every single individual donor, at any level, helps us win. Will you be one of them?

Thank you for helping us show how much our community values reliable, local information.

Contribute here: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Crestone-Eagle

Want to support The Crestone Eagle, but don’t want to make an online donation? No problem! Offline donations count toward our goal.

Send a check to:

Crestone Eagle Community Media
PO Box 101
Crestone, CO 81131

The Crestone Eagle is an independent, monthly newspaper published by Crestone Eagle Community Media, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 1989, the Eagle has been crucial to the community in and around Crestone, Colorado. Recent investigative stories include erroneous...

11/05/2025

From the Crestone Food Bank and the Baca Grande.

A letter from Crestone Food Bank

Dear Crestone-Baca Community,
Having food on the table is something we all need and cherish. No matter our differences, food unites us—and yet, food insecurity is a reality for some of our neighbors.

Thanks to your incredible support at this year’s 4th of July Pie Contest and the ongoing Donate a Dollar Drive, we raised over $2,800 for the Crestone-Baca Food Bank! This generosity is heartening and truly makes a difference, helping to put food on the tables of families who might otherwise go hungry.

But the need continues. Food assistance programs are being dramatically reduced at the Federal level, meaning local food banks like ours must stretch even further. Each week, we serve over 100 households, spending $750–$900 on fresh, organic produce and another $200–$400 on pantry staples. With SNAP and other supports being cut, your donations matter more than ever.

Here’s how you can help:

• Every dollar counts! Just $2 buys a carton of shelf-stable milk; $25 provides cases of canned fruit or vegetables; $75 keeps Valley-grown organic quinoa on our shelves.

• Monthly donations—even a small amount—help keep our shelves stocked and our doors open. If you’re able, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation of $1, $5, $10, $20, or whatever feels right to you. Let’s keep this spirit of caring going strong!

How to donate:

Checks:

Crestone Food Bank
PO Box 846
Crestone, CO 81131

Online:

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/aa7cJ1T05FnLVf9l7h52pA

Thank you for supporting your neighbors and making Crestone a place of compassion and abundance for all.

With Gratitude,

The Crestone-Baca Food Bank Team

11/05/2025

Preliminary results from Saguache County election.

"These are the Unofficial Results of the election. Official Results will not be done until after the 8-day cure period." ~ Trish Gilbert,
Saguache County Clerk & Recorder.

According to the Colorado Secretary of State's office 1,354 ballots were submitted in Saguache County.

11/05/2025

Election results from Colorado Public Radio (LL and MM):

The two measures increase funding for Colorado’s universal free school meals program and could bolster SNAP, too.

11/04/2025

In a time of so much noise, rumors, and fear, how do you get the clear, fact-based information you need to navigate daily life?

Like sidewalks and stop signs, trustworthy local news is an essential part of a strong, well-functioning community. It is the resource we all rely on to understand what’s happening in the Town of Crestone, at the POA, with arts, culture and the environment, in the county, at the schools, and it’s how we connect with our neighbors.

That’s why your support for The Crestone Eagle is so important. You are not just supporting a newsroom, you are investing in a vital public good that benefits all of us.

Giving now helps us unlock a $1,500 Access Match from the Colorado Media Project. Click here to support our work - https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Crestone-Eagle

See the November issue of The Crestone Eagle for a full financial update from the Crestone Eagle Community Media Board of Directors.

11/03/2025

SNAP benefit information...this just in from Associate Press. AP

The Eagle will do its best to keep bringing you updates since this particular story has been a roller coaster of changes. Thanks for staying tuned in. Matt Lit, managing editor

https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-11-3-2025

11/03/2025

From the SLV area SaveOurDemocracy:

Hello All,
The government shutdown persists. The House has been in recess since September 23, and the Senate is now in recess as well. Trump has also left town for a golfing weekend.

The military is receiving their pay but the Republicans have chosen to leave SNAP unfunded which leaves millions hungry.

La Puente has a Valley-wide food network. (There may be others so please share that information.) Here is a list of the La Puente food banks.

Alamosa: 802 State Ave., Alamosa, CO 81101 | Mon–Wed & Fri, 12–4 PM | (719) 589-4567
Antonito: 301 Front St., Antonito, CO 81120 | Fri, 11 AM–1:45 PM | (719) 341-8879
Blanca: Blanca/Ft. Garland Community Center, Hwy 160, Blanca, CO 81123 | Mon–Thu, 9 AM–4 PM (Pop-up 1st Mon at 9 AM) | (719) 379-3450
Capulin: 8197 Hwy 15, Capulin, CO 81124 | 1st Mon & following Sat, 10 AM–12 PM | (719) 341-8879
Center: Rainbow’s End Center, 350 S. Worth St., Center, CO 81125 | Wed, 11 AM–1 PM | (719) 341-8879
Creede: Mineral County Public Health, 802 Rio Grande Ave., Creede, CO 81130 | Mon–Thu 8 AM–4 PM, Fri 8 AM–3 PM | (719) 658-2416
Crestone: Across from Baca Grande Library, 67487 County Rd T, Crestone, CO 81131 | Thu 3–5:30 PM; 4th Sat 10 AM–12 PM | (719) 341-8879
Del Norte: 630 Spruce St. (behind Pioneer United Church), Del Norte, CO 81132 | Sat after 3rd Thu, 10 AM–12 PM | (719) 850-2643
Fort Garland: Holy Family Catholic Church, 626 Beaubien Ave., Fort Garland, CO 81133 | Mon, 1–3 PM | (719) 341-8879
La Jara: Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 19617 US 285, La Jara, CO 81140 | 1st Mon 9:45–11 AM; Wed 2:30–5 PM | (719) 341-8879
Moffat: Free Spirit Christian Church, Hwy 17 & Moffat Way, Moffat, CO 81143 | Tue, 2–4 PM | (719) 256-5114
Monte Vista: 245 Washington St., Monte Vista, CO 81144 | Tue 4–6 PM; Fri 10 AM–12 PM | (719) 852-4851
Saguache: Healing HEARTS Pantry, 210 5th St., Saguache, CO 81149 | Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat 7 AM–7 PM; Thu 12–7 PM (call to schedule) | (719) 580-6145
San Luis: Behind El Convento, 5th St. & Calle de Gallo, San Luis, CO 81152 | Mon, 1–3 PM | (719) 341-8879
Adams State University (Alamosa): Student Union Building, CORE Center, 208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa, CO 81101 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM | (719) 587-7962 (for students & community)

What you can do to help:
Make a monetary donation: If you can donate money to their SNAP fundraiser, here is a link for monetary donations: https://lapuentehome.org/snap/
Donate Food: Donated fresh produce, frozen meat, shelf-stable items, and other nutritious food items help us serve our community. Donations are accepted Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:30pm at our Alamosa location (802 State Ave) and then distributed to our other pantries. Volunteer: We can always use volunteers! If interested, please call La Puente’s Volunteer Coordination office at (719) 587-3499 to learn about special events and volunteer opportunities.
Coordinate a Food Drive: Food drives allow us to provide a variety of goods on our shelves, allowing clients to pick from greater options. If you would like to hold a food drive for the Food Bank Network please call (719) 589-4567.
Debbie

PS: Remember to vote! Return your ballot by 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4.

Fill out my LGL Form!

10/21/2025

The Crestone Eagle is seeking writers and reporters to cover a variety of topics including: government coverage (Crestone, Center, Saguache, Moffat and Villa Grove); Schools and education; environmental, features and other areas.

Journalistic or newspaper experience is preferred, but writers with an innate curiosity, desire to seek out the truth and are open to learning a journalistic writing style are encouraged to apply.

Photography experience is a plus but not required.

Please send a resume and writing samples (PDF or text documents) to Matt Lit, managing editor: [email protected].

Pay varies and can be set up as a monthly retainer or per story rate.

We look forward to hearing from you!

09/18/2025

US 285 in Villa Grove

― Highway Maintenance Alert ―
CDOT to perform surface treatment on US 285 in Villa Grove
Motorists can expect brief delays September 22 to 25
South-Central Colorado— Beginning Monday, September 22, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform surface treatment operations on US Highway 285 between Saguache and Poncha Springs. The four day paving operations will take place Monday through Thursday between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Motorists will encounter full stops, alternating traffic, and 15 to 20 delays while crews make repairs to the concrete road surface in Villa Grove (Mile Point 104).

All work is weather-dependent. Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org.

Traffic Impacts
Monday through Thursday daytime work hours range from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic impacts include:
Motorists should plan for 15 to 20 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
Expect full stops and alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel
Watch for flaggers and signage signaling lane shifts and lane closures
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert Map of US 285 paving operations in Villa Grove September 22 to 25 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert Map of US 285 paving operations in Villa Grove September 22 to 25 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

08/21/2025

UPDATE:

District Attorney Anne Kelly will join the next Crestone Peace Patrol meeting to answer questions regarding the Leslie Lorish hearing that took place on August 18, in Alamosa.

All concerned residents are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will be on Thursday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m. at the Elephant Cloud Café, 200 S. Cottonwood St., Crestone, CO.

The Crestone Eagle will be running a detailed story on the hearing in the September issue.

crestoneeagle.org/subscribe/

08/12/2025

Updated at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12:

Leslie Lorish's court time has been changed as follows:

Her appearance is at the Alamosa Combined Courts, Monday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.

The court is located at: 8955 Independence Way, Alamosa, CO.

Those attending her appearance should arrive early as she is likely first on the court docket for that day’s court schedule.

The previous post has been removed to avoid confusion.