The Dolores community has been generous with time and donations.
Before longtime local Don Lightenburger passed away, he directed his family to make a donation in his name to the new Dolores playground project.
During a ceremony at Town Hall, his daughter Kerry Lightenburger presented a check for $4,850 for the project.
“Dad contributed to the first playground, and he wanted to continue that support for the new one,” Kerry said. “He was always very philanthropic and understood that it is important to give where you live.”
So far, about $11,000 has been raised in donations for the playground project. To contribute, go to the Onward! A Legacy Foundation website and hit the “donate” button, scroll down to the Dolores Playground Group and enter an amount.
Animal advocate Marcia Gard was recognized by Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin for supplying her horses and experience as part of a livestock awareness program for deputies.
All 17 deputies went through the daylong training for assessing the health of horses and cattle, and how to catch one that has escaped.
The event at the county fairgrounds was organized by the sheriff, Colorado Humane Society, Colorado Department of Agriculture and the state veterinarian.
The sheriff investigates about 50 cases of neglect per year and responds to more than 200 livestock at large calls.
“Having hands-on training for our deputies on how to handle livestock and knowing what to look for in neglect investigation is important in an agricultural area,” Nowlin said. “Marsha did not hesitate when asked to supply her horses. It is this response by citizens that make our county a special place to live.”
Deputies learned the property way to approach a horse or cow to safely capture it. They learned basic livestock health to help them investigate, and about misconceptions. For example, an older horses get skinnier, but it does not mean it is undernourished.
Deputies all carry grain, lead ropes, and halters in their vehicles for responding to livestock on the loose.
“For me it is about education. I want to help people understand so we can all help each other with our animals,” Gard said.
