Black bears are a natural and important part of life in the San Luis Valley. Seeing one can be exciting, but it also reminds us that everyone has a responsibility to protect both the community and local wildlife.

Most conflicts involving bears can be prevented.

Bears that repeatedly find food near homes or businesses can begin to associate people with easy meals. A food-conditioned bear may lose its normal fear of humans. When this happens, Colorado Parks and Wildlife may need to relocate the bear or, in serious situations, euthanize it.

The most effective way to protect bears is to make sure they are never rewarded with human food or other attractants.

Six Simple Ways to Help Keep Bears Wild

1. Secure garbage and recycling.
   Keep trash indoors or inside a bear-resistant container until the morning of collection whenever possible.

2. Never intentionally feed bears.
   Pet food, birdseed, livestock feed, unsecured garbage, and other food left outside can attract bears.

3. Take down bird feeders when bears are active.
   Birdseed contains a large number of calories and can quickly become a regular food source for bears.

4. Clean grills and outdoor cooking areas.
   Thoroughly clean grills, smokers, outdoor kitchens, and related equipment after each use.

5. Keep your neighbors informed.
   Let nearby residents know when bears are active so that everyone can remove potential attractants.

6. Report concerning bear activity to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
   Reports help wildlife officials track bear activity and determine the appropriate response.

A Community Effort

Unsecured trash cans, dumpsters, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food can draw bears into residential areas. A single accessible food source may cause a bear to return repeatedly and can create problems throughout an entire neighborhood.

Community members can help by:

• Waiting until the morning of collection to place garbage at the curb whenever possible.
• Keeping commercial dumpsters closed and properly latched.
• Making sure short-term rental guests receive clear instructions about garbage storage and bear safety.

Preventing human-bear conflicts requires cooperation throughout the community.

Looking Ahead

The Town of Crestone is considering additional ways to reduce conflicts between people and bears through public education and improved bear-resistant infrastructure.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers grant opportunities that may help communities purchase bear-resistant dumpsters, support residential bear-proofing projects, and implement other long-term measures that protect residents and wildlife.

If You Encounter a Bear

Most bears are simply attempting to move through the area while avoiding people.

When you encounter a bear:

• Give it plenty of room.
• Do not approach it.
• Do not attempt to take photographs at close range.
• Keep pets controlled.
• Report bears that repeatedly enter neighborhoods, access garbage, or exhibit unusually bold behavior to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Learn More

Additional bear-safety information, educational materials, and reporting resources are available from the following organizations:

• BearWise: Keep Bears Out
• BearWise Community Resources
• BearWise Educational Materials
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with Bears
• Report a Bear Sighting
• Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grants

A fed bear is often a dead bear.

Securing food and other attractants protects our neighbors, our property, and the bears that live in this area.

View or Print the Flyer

Download the Bear Aware, Crestone flyer

Sign up at https://crestone-co.tcbroadcast.online. Enter your phone number, your email, or both, confirm the message we send you, and you’re set.

Here’s what you can receive:

• Emergency Alerts (wildfire, evacuations, water emergencies, immediate road closures)
• Water & Utilities (outages, hydrant flushing, conservation, billing deadlines)
• Roads & Public Works (snow removal and grading, trash, project work)
• Meetings & Public Notices (Trustees, Planning Commission, hearings, public comment)
• Town News & Announcements (office closures, deadlines, job openings)
• Community Events (Energy Fair, cleanups, celebrations)
• Elections & Voting (candidate filing, ballots, polling places, deadlines)

Want it all? You don’t have to do a thing. New subscribers automatically receive every category.

Prefer to pick and choose? Return to https://crestone-co.tcbroadcast.online anytime and select “Manage Subscription.”

Worth knowing:

• The service is free. Standard message and data rates from your carrier may apply to texts.
• Messages come from hello@crestone-co.tcbroadcast.email and from (719) 735-5702. Save both so we don’t land in your spam folder.
• Your contact information is used only to send you Town updates. It is never sold.
• You can change your topics or unsubscribe at any time. Reply STOP to any text to stop texts.
• Broadcast adds a layer of communication and transparency. It is in addition to, not a replacement for, the Town’s official posting of meeting notices and legal notices.

Pass the link along to a neighbor so we can all stay informed.

The public hearing for the 2026 Draft Budget, originally scheduled for April 13, 2026, has been postponed.

The Town is awaiting final information related to the 2024 audit, which is necessary to ensure the most accurate and complete budget presentation. Rather than proceed with incomplete data, the Town will take additional time to finalize the draft budget.

A new hearing date will be scheduled and noticed in accordance with statutory requirements.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this process.

This issue highlights progress since our July newsletter and explains what’s still being planned, what comes next, and how residents can stay involved.

Take a few minutes to check out the newsletter below and learn more about the work happening around Town!

https://townofcrestone.gov/uploads/crestone_community_update_august_2026_minimalist_canva.pptx.pdf

The Roy Williams Foundation will hold a Patriot Day tribute honoring first responders and veterans on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until sunset at Poncha Town Hall in Poncha Springs.

The event will include guest speakers, a silent auction, and a barbecue sponsored by Hunger Junction. Admission is free for first responders and veterans. A $15 donation per plate is suggested for adults, and meals for children under 12 are $10.

Please see the attached flyer for complete details.

This event is organized by the Roy Williams Foundation and is not sponsored, organized, or endorsed by the Town of Crestone. This information is shared as a community announcement.

View or Print the Flyer

Download the Patriot Day flyers

The structure itself is privately owned and was previously leased to the Town, which assisted with insurance and trash service during the term of the agreement. Following the recent transition in volunteer leadership, the Town evaluated the operational and staffing capacity required to continue involvement and determined that it is not sustainable for the Town to manage or coordinate the Free Box at this time.

The Town appreciates the time, care, and effort that community members and volunteers have contributed to this project over the years, as well as the many people who expressed interest in helping moving forward.

As the structure is privately owned, any future operation, coordination, relocation, or use of the Free Box will now be at the discretion of the owner.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the project and contributed to the spirit of community care behind it.

You can stop by during office hours to collect supplies for yourself or others. No appointment or paperwork is required—just drop in and take what you need. If you need a test outside of our office hours, please call and leave a message at 719-256-4313 or email crestonetownoffice@gmail.com and we will try to facilitate your request in timely manner.

Let’s work together to keep Crestone safe!

Members of the community should be aware that the effects of wildfires can extend long after the flames are extinguished. Communities in or near burned areas are at significantly greater risk for flooding for up to five years or more after a fire. Flood damage after fire is often more severe, and dangerous mudflows may occur when rainwater moves across barren ground, picking up soil and sediment and carrying it in a stream of floodwaters. 

Individuals can protect themselves against the financial risk of flooding after a fire by purchasing flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

There is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy goes into effect. The NFIP has a variety of educational resources available online to help property owners and renters better understand their flood risk and mitigation options. We invite you to amplify this message by sharing the social media toolkit available on Floodsmart.gov with your networks and communities. 

Join or start a conversation on social media by using the #FloodAfterFire hashtag and learn more about your risk and take action.

We are committed to providing you with the best possible service and want to inform you of important updates to your billing cycle.

Recent Changes and Upcoming Adjustments

Due to technical limitations within our billing system, we were unable to implement our initial plan discussed by our Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees to adjust the billing cycle by issuing a half-month bill or a six-week bill. Attempting these adjustments would have caused significant issues with customer billing accuracy.

As a result, we will be making the following changes:

1. Two Bills Issued This Month:
2. • First Bill (Dated Today): Covers your water and sewer usage for the month of October. This bill is due by the 23rd of this month.
   • Second Bill (Also Dated Today): Covers your usage for the month of November. This bill will be due next month.
3. New Billing Schedule Moving Forward:
4. • Starting immediately, we will be on a set schedule of reading meters at the end of each month and sending out bills at the beginning of each month.
   • This means your usage from the first to the last day of each month will be billed at the beginning of the following month.

Why These Changes Are Necessary

We understand that receiving two bills in one month may be unexpected and possibly inconvenient. However, these adjustments are essential to align our billing cycle with the calendar month and to ensure accurate and timely billing moving forward. By making these changes now, we aim to:

• Enhance Billing Accuracy: Eliminating partial billing periods prevents confusion and ensures each bill reflects a full month’s usage.
• Simplify Budgeting: A consistent monthly billing schedule helps you plan and manage your expenses more effectively.
• Improve Service Efficiency: A standardized billing cycle allows us to operate more efficiently, ultimately providing you with better service.

Looking Ahead

We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience these changes may cause. We believe that with the adjustments to these two bills, we will be on track for a smooth and consistent billing cycle in 2025 and beyond.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes or your bills, please do not hesitate to contact us at 719-256-4313 or crestonetownoffice@gmail.com.

We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we make these necessary adjustments.

Sincerely,

Arielle Blackwell

Town Clerk & Interim Treasurer

Town of Crestone

Please reach out with any questions or concerns to 719-256-4313 or crestonetownoffice@gmail.com.

Dear Residents of the Town of Crestone,

You are invited to attend an informational meeting this Friday, October 11, at 5:00 PM at the Cloud Station Café regarding upcoming mitigation efforts within the Town. Earlier this year, Crestone was awarded a grant to conduct mitigation on 90 acres within the Town’s boundaries. This meeting will provide details on how, where, and when the mitigation work will take place. Additionally, information will be shared on how homeowners can volunteer to mitigate their own properties.

Attached is a flyer that will be posted around town. Please join us on Friday, October 11, to learn how these efforts will benefit our entire community.

Warm Regards

We would like to inform you about ongoing mitigation efforts taking place in and around our town as part of the BRIC 2022 Grant. These efforts include controlled burns and other activities aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing community safety.

You may notice controlled burns occurring outside and around town over the coming weeks. These burns are carefully planned and conducted by trained professionals to minimize any inconvenience and ensure public safety.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Town Office at 719-256-4313 or crestonetownoffice@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support as we work together to make our community safer.

Sincerely,

Arielle Blackwell

Town Clerk & Interim Treasurer

This issue includes updates on water-system improvements, grant applications, road maintenance, parks and forestry, Town facilities, and municipal services. It also highlights community participation at the Crestone Energy Fair and Town staff members’ completion of the San Luis Valley Water Leadership Institute.

The newsletter distinguishes between work currently underway, proposals awaiting funding, and matters requiring further evaluation or Board action. Residents will also find information about the Town’s Broadcast notification system, upcoming community activities, and the next regular Board meeting.

Residents are encouraged to read the newsletter to remain informed about the Town’s priorities, public investments, and opportunities for community participation.

Read the October 2026 Community Newsletter Issue #4

Read the October 2026 Community Newsletter Issue #4

At this time, Town Hall is closed to walk-in services while the Town evaluates remediation needs, operational continuity, and potential temporary or alternative office solutions.

While mold has been identified within the building and remediation planning is underway, Town Hall has not been condemned, and Town operations remain active and ongoing.

At this time, the Town’s primary focus is maintaining continuity of operations and public services while longer-term remediation and facility planning efforts continue.

Staff are currently working from multiple remote and temporary locations while new communication systems, workflows, and operational procedures are implemented. As a result, residents and applicants may experience delayed response times while staff work through a significant communications and administrative backlog across multiple departments.

Staff are actively responding to:

• Emails
• Phone calls
• Applications
• Billing matters
• Licensing requests
• Work orders
• Ongoing operational projects

We are asking the public for patience and understanding while we continue stabilizing operations and transitioning into more sustainable remote and distributed systems.

At this time, we strongly encourage:

• Calling or emailing rather than attempting walk-in visits
• Scheduling appointments in advance whenever possible
• Utilizing virtual meetings and online systems when appropriate
• Allowing additional time for administrative processing and responses

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 719-256-4313\ Email: crestonetownoffice@gmail.com

Virtual appointments with Town Manager Blackwell may also be scheduled at:\ https://calendly.com/crestoneclerk-iyxq

Payments may continue to be:

• Mailed to the Town
• Left in the secure payment drop box located on the Galena Avenue side of Town Hall

Additional updates regarding office operations, meeting locations, remediation planning, and operational changes will continue to be posted through the Town website and official communication channels.

We appreciate the community’s patience, flexibility, and support while we navigate this transition and continue working toward long-term operational stability.

The Town of Crestone plans to submit a Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) application to the State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs. CDBG funds are intended to provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons through rehabilitation and preservation, economic and job development, and public facilities improvements.

The application being considered would request up to $50,000 through the 2026 CDBG-PF Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance Grant Program for design, engineering, planning, and environmental clearance activities associated with improvements to the Town of Crestone municipal drinking water system. The anticipated project includes planning and design associated with pressure regulation, water supply and treatment, water storage, and related municipal water system improvements.

It is estimated that approximately 90% of the project beneficiaries are low- and moderate-income persons.

Permanent involuntary displacement of neighborhood residents or businesses is not anticipated as a result of the proposed design and engineering project. Should displacement later become necessary in connection with a CDBG-funded activity, alternatives will be examined to minimize displacement. If no feasible alternatives exist, required and reasonable benefits will be provided to persons displaced in accordance with applicable federal requirements. Any low- and moderate-income housing demolished or converted in connection with a CDBG-assisted project will be addressed in accordance with applicable replacement housing requirements.

A public hearing will be held during the regular meeting of the Town of Crestone Board of Trustees at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 240 Cottonwood Street, Crestone, Colorado 81131, to obtain citizen views and respond to proposals and questions related to:

• the proposed CDBG application and water system design, engineering, and environmental clearance project;
• community development and housing needs, including the needs of low- and moderate-income persons and other community needs that may be addressed through the CDBG Program;
• the Town of Crestone’s performance in carrying out its community development responsibilities; and
• potential historical effects associated with the proposed project.

Virtual participation information will be included on the September 14, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting agenda posted on the Town’s website.

Draft application materials and written summary information concerning the proposed CDBG application will be available for public review at Town Hall, 108 W. Galena Avenue, Crestone, Colorado 81131, during regular office hours and on the Town’s website.

Written comments are also welcome and should be received no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Comments may be mailed or delivered to the Town of Crestone, P.O. Box 64, 108 W. Galena Avenue, Crestone, Colorado 81131, or emailed to crestoneclerk@gmail.com. Oral and written comments will be considered by the Board of Trustees in deciding whether to submit the proposed application.

Information and records regarding the Town of Crestone’s proposed and past use of CDBG funds are available at Town Hall, 108 W. Galena Avenue, Crestone, Colorado 81131, during regular office hours.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary communication aids or services, to attend or participate in the hearing should contact Town Manager Arielle Blackwell at 719-429-8298or crestoneclerk@gmail.com** at least three days before the hearing so appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

TOWN OF CRESTONE, COLORADO\ Arielle Blackwell, Town Manager

The selected firm will provide auditing services for the Town’s financial statements and related reporting requirements in accordance with applicable auditing standards and state requirements.

Proposal Deadline: June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) MST

Submission Method: Electronic submissions only

Submit Proposals To: Arielle Blackwell, Town Manager crestoneclerk@gmail.com

Questions Regarding the RFP: All questions concerning the Request for Proposals should be submitted by email to crestoneclerk@gmail.com. Responses to questions and any addenda issued by the Town will be posted on the Town website.

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, negotiate changes in the scope of services, and select the proposer determined to be in the best interest of the Town.

The complete Request for Proposals and related documents are available on the website under “Documents”.

• Link: Safe Senior Driving: A Complete Guide For Older Drivers Based On NHTSA Guidelines

I understand many of you purchased seasonal permits expecting to participate throughout the season, and I appreciate your patience as we worked through this. To ensure you still receive the value of your seasonal permit, the Town intends to schedule an additional Saturday Market later this season. I’ll share those details as soon as they are finalized. I also reached out to the Fourth of July event coordinator to ask whether an additional discount could be offered to current Saturday Market vendors. While an additional discount is not available, the event is already offering a discounted vendor fee for vendors who complete 10 hours of community service. Vendors interested in participating in the Fourth of July celebration are encouraged to contact the event coordinator directly for additional information about that program.

Looking ahead, I’m happy to share that the organizers of the Vortex Festival have agreed to honor Saturday Market vendors by offering a discounted vendor fee for that event. I appreciate their willingness to work with the Town and our vendor community. At this time, I cannot make any commitments regarding the Energy Fair, but I’ll share additional information as it becomes available. This situation highlighted the need for clearer expectations when Town events overlap with the Saturday Market.

Before next season, I’ll be working to establish a clearer policy so everyone understands how these situations will be handled moving forward. Thank you all for your understanding, for your flexibility, and for supporting the Saturday Market. I truly appreciate each of you and look forward to seeing everyone back at the market soon. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re pleased to share the following updates:

Two complimentary Friday markets in Moffat for current Saturday Market vendors, including live music and complimentary Gosar sausages and side dishes for vendors.

50% off vendor registration for the Vortex Festival (August 8-9) for current Saturday Market vendors. Additional information will be shared by the festival organizers.

The Town is also working with organizers regarding the September Energy Fair, which will overlap with the Saturday Market. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

The Town intends to schedule an additional Saturday Market later this season and is exploring an expanded Halloween Market Weekend.

This experience highlighted opportunities to improve how overlapping community events are managed. Before next season, the Town will review and update its Saturday Market policies to provide greater clarity for vendors, event organizers, and the community.

We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and continued support of our local vendors.

This issue offers a closer look at the work happening throughout the Town, including continued financial recovery efforts, water infrastructure planning, wildfire preparedness, and other long-term community improvements.

Readers can also learn more about the newly licensed People’s Pub & Kitchen, find information about participating in the weekly Saturday Market, and see what the Board of Trustees and Town staff will be focusing on in the coming months—including business licensing updates, Town Hall planning, grants, flood planning, and water system improvements.

The newsletter also includes the Town’s regular meeting schedule, information about the 311 system, and ways residents can stay informed and involved.

Read the full newsletter to learn more about what is happening behind the scenes and what is ahead for Crestone.

To reduce potential exposure concerns for staff and the public, walk-in services are suspended for the foreseeable future. Town services are continuing remotely during normal business hours at this time.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday to Thursday

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

CONTACT US

Phone: 719-256-4313

Email: crestonetownoffice@gmail.com

Payments & Other Drop Offs may be:

Mailed to the Town (PO BOX 64, Crestone CO 81131)

or

Left in the secure payment drop slot located on the Galena Avenue side of the building

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work through testing, remediation, and temporary operational adjustments.

To support a smooth implementation and reduce the potential for billing issues during the transition, the Town has delayed one utility billing cycle. As a result, utility customers will not receive a utility bill during the current billing cycle.

This is a one-time adjustment related to the implementation of the new system.

Customers do not need to take any action. The next utility bill will be issued through the new billing system and will include the appropriate charges for the service period covered during this temporary delay.

Customers who wish to make a payment before the next bill is issued are welcome to do so. Payments will continue to be accepted and will be properly applied to utility accounts throughout the transition.

As part of this implementation, the Town is also evaluating a revised billing schedule. Meter readings are expected to continue near the beginning of each month, while utility bills may be issued closer to the middle of the month. This adjustment will provide additional time for processing and verification, helping to establish a more consistent and dependable billing cycle.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important system upgrade. These improvements are intended to better serve our utility customers and strengthen the Town’s utility billing process for years to come.

If you have any questions regarding your utility account, please contact Town Hall during regular business hours.

Colorado

• Governor Polis Takes Urgent Executive Action to Provide State Resources for Alexander Mountain and Currant Creek Fires
• Governor Polis Takes Executive Action to Provide State Resources for Stone Mountain Fire
• Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) (For a list of emergency alerts by county.)
• Wildfire Information & Resources | 211 Colorado (Evacuation shelters, animal shelters, and other location specific information.)
• 211 Colorado (Dial 2-1-1 for help locating potential evacuation shelters and other resources for your family.)
• Wildfire Information Resource Center | Colorado Division of Wildfire Prevention and Control
• Colorado | FEMA
• Colorado Department of Transportation (Traffic conditions.)
• Colorado Power Outages Map

Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery

• Wildfires | Ready.gov
• Wildfire Safety | American Red Cross
• Wildfires and Your Safety | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Wildfire Preparedness Tips | National Fire Protection Association

We encourage all eligible voters to participate.

Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.\ At this time, ballots should be returned in person at Town Hall, as mailed ballots may not arrive in time.

If you believe you did not receive a ballot or need a replacement, please contact Town Hall as soon as possible.

Write-In Candidate Information:\ Write-in votes are only counted for individuals who have submitted the required write-in candidate affidavit in advance of the election.

This means a name written on the ballot will only be counted if that individual has officially filed as a write-in candidate.\ At this time, the only valid write-in candidate is Gabriela Locastro.

If you have questions about candidates, voting, or the election process, please contact Town Hall.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged in our community.