Spring Runoff to Come 

High elevation snowmelt looms with possible flooding in low lying areas. The above average
snowpack and water content across the mountains in Conejos County may be cause for
flooding this spring. In 2019 the County experienced flooding in low lying areas with several
roads being closed due to high water. Water resources reported that the water content was 32
inches in 2019. This year it is well above that number and storms are still adding to the total.
As temperatures warm the imminent threat of flooding is expected to increase. The Road and
Bridge crews have been working diligently cleaning culverts and bridges. The Sheriff’s Office
and Emergency Manager’s Office have been preparing equipment and sandbags. We are all
hoping the weather will warm slowly and there will be no flooding. If there is very high water
and flooding, please keep the following in mind:
During flood watch or warning
1. Gather emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water. Store at least 1
gallon of drinking water per day for each person and pet.
2. Listen to your local radio and please make sure you are signed up with Everbridge.
3. If it looks like you need to evacuate, turn off all utilities at the main switch and close the
main gas valve.
4. Leave the areas subject to flooding such as low spots, canyons, washes etc.
After Flooding Occurs
1. Don’t drive through flooded areas or standing water, cars or other vehicles won’t
protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water
2. Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash or prepare food.
(Drink clean safe water).
3. If you evacuated, return home only after local authorities have given the ok to do so.
4. Listen for boil water advisories. Local authorities will let you know if your water is safe
for drinking.
5. When in doubt, throw it out. Throw away any food or bottled water that comes or may
have come into contact with floodwater.
6. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any door,
window, or vents.
We hope it warms slowly and we don’t have to deal any flooding. Please be safe and do not
take risks.

Sheriff Crowther

On February 14, 2023 at 8:20 PM the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the San Luis Valley Communications Center of an Emergency SPOT Signal in the Trujillo Meadows Area of LaManga Pass.  The signal was coming from a device carried by 72 year old Carey M. Bare of Chromo Colorado.  Carey was in the back country cross country skiing when he got lost in blizzard conditions, approximately five miles west of Colorado Highway 17 above Trujillo Meadows Reservoir.

Both Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther and Undersheriff Blake Crowther responded to the area.  Carey’s vehicle was found parked unattended at the Trujillo Meadows Reservoir Turn Off. Due to the blizzard conditions and poor visibility the decision was made to leave the area and return early the following morning.

Sheriff and Undersheriff Crowther returned to the area early on the morning of the 15^th with help from US Forest Service Officers Lynn Wubben, Milo Medina, and Ariel Rodriguez.  With Forest Service snowmobiles and a recently purchased snowcat, from the Conejos County Search and Rescue, Officers were able to make their way back to Bare’s location.   Bare was located from coordinates supplied by his emergency device.

Bare was found by Officers in a Yurt but reported he had been outside in the elements all night.  He was wet, cold and on the verge of hypothermia when he was found.  Mr. Bare was brought out in the snowcat to an awaiting ambulance that transported him to the Conejos County Hospital.

Sheriff Crowther would like to thank  the San Luis Valley Communications Center, members of the Conejos County Search and Rescue Team and the Officers from the US Forest Service for their help. Photo attached.

CONEJOS COUNTY SHERIFF

NEWS RELEASE                                  

14044 County Road G.5

Antonito, CO  81129

Phone # 719-376-2196                            Sheriff Garth Crowther

________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:        Date: October 19, 2022         Time: 10:00 pm

On October 19, 2022 the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office received a “Lifespot” alert from Centauri High School.  Officers from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office along with officers from La Jara Police Department, Manassa Police Department and Troopers from the Colorado State patrol responded to the call immediately.  Within minutes officers were on scene assessing the situation.  Officers immediately cleared high school and within a short period of time were able to give the all clear alert.  Investigation revealed the alert was accidentally set off and there never was a threat.  All North Conejos schools went into lock down utill the all clear was given.  I would like parents to know your teachers and students did an outstanding job and and were prepared to defend themselves.  As the sheriff I am proud of our students and teachers and the way they responded to the situation.     

Conejos County Sheriff's Deputies were called out to South Conejos Schools for a call of shots fired near the school. After a short lockout, Conejos Deputies were able to confirm that there was no cause for concern or danger to the community at this time.  Conejos Deputies were able to have the school lift their lockout quickly.   

Conejos County Sheriff's Office encourages the community to call if they suspect any suspicious activity or have any concerns.  All residents can call Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at 719-589-5807 to report a crime or suspicious activity.

The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the following positions;

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, and be Colorado POST certified or be able to obtain certification. Must be 21+ years and possess a valid driver’s license.

Job duties to include enforcing state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; investigating violations of any state or local laws; enforcing local, state, and federal motor vehicle code violations. Must be able to work and interact with the public and colleagues in a professional & respectful manner, while upholding the core values and mission of the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office.

Starting pay; $46,470 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.

Detention Deputy: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, must be 18+ years and have a High School diploma or equivalent.

Job duties to include performing the day to day operations of the jail, perform routine work in the safekeeping of inmates, process arrest/booking paperwork for the courts and detention, oversee inmates during transports, and testify in court when needed.

Starting pay; $37, 674 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.

If you are ready to join our team and make a difference in our communities, applications are available at the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office 719-376-2196 or Conejos County Human Resources Office 719-376-6799. 

Platinum Supplemental Insurance will be in Conejos County for the next 4- 8 weeks and do not want to alarm the citizens or cause concern with strange cars or representatives going door to door. They are a supplemental insurance company trying to explain the insurance and coverages to Conejos residents and wants everyone to beware of them.

The Conejos County Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone of the fire danger due to the windy conditions we are experiencing. The Conejos County Sheriff's Office along with State Fire and local County Fire Crews have responded to several fires the past couple of months. No burning is allowed on RED FLAG days. Citizens can go to the National Weather Service Web Site for up-to-date Red Flag information.

We would like to remind people to plan ahead before starting to burn as conditions can change rapidly. People who burn on Non-Red Flag days nee dot make sure the fire is completely extinguished when they are finished. We have witnessed several fires flare up and start burning days after the fire was thought to be extinguished due to the wind fanning lingering embers. We can never assume a fire will burn itself out. 

Conejos County does have a Burning Restrictions Ordinance or Statue. If deemed necessary, Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther can put a fire ban on at any time to protect citizens and property from negligent burning.

If you have any questions about restrictions, please feel free to contact the Sheriff's Office 719-376-2196 or Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at 719-589-5807.