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Structural damage to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Lobato Trestle may dictate that the trestle will have to be completely rebuilt before the train will be able to pass over it once again. Cumbres president and CEO Elmer Salazar said that while the “most prudent course of action would be to replace the entire thing… [the railroad is] still exploring less extreme alternatives”. If the entire structure has to be replaced, the trestle would likely be out of service for the remainder of the summer season. In the meantime, the railroad is moving a locomotive and passenger cars to the north side of the damaged trestle so that passenger service can commence from the Cumbres station and on to Osier. Service from Cumbres station is expected to commence this week. Trains continue to run from the Colorado side of the railroad beginning in Antonito, which was unaffected by the fire.

The Medano Fire began its 5th week on Sunday and costs for fighting the fire now total $4 million. Public information officer explained yesterday that the federal agencies involved will be paying for costs associated with the fire, but not all of the details have been worked out. The fire is burning on the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and on the San Isabel National Forest. The fire was reported to be 6,231 acres yesterday with 199 firefighters currently on scene. Expected weather for the next few days will be warmer and drier and officials are expecting an increase in fire behavior because of the weather that may cause more visible smoke. The primary goal, consumption of the hazardous fuels on the forest floor continues. Crews will continue to patrol, mop up, construct and improve control lines as needed. Aerial resources will also continue to provide reconnaissance and support of containment actions. Divisions will also begin to identify constructed fire lines and roads in need of rehab.

The San Luis Town Board has decided to lay off five part-time police officers, including its police chief, and maintenance staff in an effort to shore up a roughly $750,000 deficit. Friday was the first day of the layoffs. The series of cuts is designed to shore up a sagging budget. The lone remaining town employee is the town clerk. San Luis Mayor Theresa Medina said that the effort to balance the town’s budget has been hurt by the lagging economy, which has dented the town’s sales tax revenue. Medina said that property tax revenue collection has also been delinquent, a problem that has also plagued the town’s school district in recent years. Town officials hope to lean on the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office to cover the town of roughly 700 residents, however, no official agreement has been finalized.

Colorado State Patrol troopers were dispatched to a single vehicle accident on Costilla County Road 21, near San Pablo, last Thursday. An investigation into the accident revealed that Bernard Velasquez, 58, of San Luis, was driving eastbound when he lost control of his 2001 Ford F150. The pickup went off the right side of the road and rolled over causing minor injuries. Velasquez was transported to the Conejos County Hospital where he was treated and released. He was then arrested on charges of DUI and driving while revoked as a habitual offender. Velasquez was also booked on two outstanding warrants. This marks the 10th arrest for Velasquez in the valley for suspicion of DUI since 1987 and his 13th overall in Colorado. Bail has been set at $100,000.

The City of Trinidad and ReGroup will sponsor a July Recycling Event on Friday, July 23rd, from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturday, July 24th, from 8am to noon. Items accepted include paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel and tin cans, empty aerosol cans and loose metal lids and steel bottle caps. The recycling event will take place at Waste Connections at 2600 Freedom Road. For more information, call ReGroup at 719-845-8218.