River City, Iowa, set the scene for the triumphant return of the Pueblo-wide scholastic Summer Musical. “The Music Man,” a musical by Meredith Willson and based on a story Willson co-wrote with Franklin Lacey, will close today at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.
The story revolves around a con man named Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band leader and who sells instruments and uniforms to the citizens of River City. He also sells promises to train the new band members he conveniently convinces to join.
Hill is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any lessons. Librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo sees through his scam. Still, when Hill helps Paroo’s younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, the reluctant teacher falls in love with him. He risks being caught to win her heart.
The talented youths and young adults from across the region worked hard to present a spectacular presentation, complete with costumes, backdrops and a crowd-pleasing performance. The audience knew the performers took pride in the work that they had done.
Mark Gomes captured his role as Hill — it was like watching the mini version of Hugh Jackman, who will return to the Broadway stage in the same roll next month. Gomes captivated while walking among the crowd with a smile that could light up the room. He spoke with great pose and did not skip a beat on his lines. The future is bright for this upcoming star!
Taylor Filler (Marian Paroo) has a beautiful voice. The South High School junior was great at acting, but she stood out when she sang. You could close your eyes while she sings, and be transported to church. She is another Pueblo star in the making.
The River City kids were the cutest and the most disciplined actors on stage. All knew their lines, and when Sam Masciotra (Winthrop Paroo) sang, the whole theater cheered.
The Summer Musical took a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing our community’s talented youth bring joy back to Pueblo is incredible. Catch the closing show at 7 p.m. today at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Tickets cost $12 each and may be purchased at sdc-arts.org or by calling 719-295-7200.
Fire safety is one of the most significant issues during these dry seasons in the community of Pueblo. Drought can be a contributing factor to wildfire. Dry, hot, and windy weather combined with dried-out (and more explosive) vegetation can increase the probability of large-scale wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are most common during the dry season, with frequency and area burned increasing as the dry season progresses.
Our college radio station, Rev 89, sat down with Tim Trujillo, a firefighter for the Pueblo Fire Department and the founder and operator of Fire Fit Kids, a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping kids lead active lives in Pueblo. Trujillo discussed Fire Fit Kids, the dry weather and the resilient winds.
This interview was edited for clarity and space. To hear the full interview about fire safety with our distinguished firefighters Tim Trujillo, tune in to “T-Wolf Talk,” a Rev 89 Production.
Courtesy photo/Tim Trujillo
Q: How did Fire Fit Kids start?
A: It is a funny story: Sitting at a community table, everyone asked the community leaders what plans they had for the community. When the fire department revealed plans, I said I wanted to do something for the community’s children but did not implement it. One of the community leaders said I would be fired for not going through with my plan. If you want something to be successful, you must go through the plan.
Q: How many fires broke out during this dry-weather season in Pueblo?
A: So, we have been busy. We had a fire at Lake Minnequa, we just had a big fire down off the river bottom near the Fountain. Number wise, I could not even tell you. I’ve been sitting in the station all day, and I see multiple units going to wildland fires.
The interview happened to take place on the 10th anniversary of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Trujillo discussed the devastating events that occurred.
The firefighters were working on a canyon fire for two weeks. Within four hours, the fire approached the city of Colorado Springs on the hottest and windiest day of the year. The neighbor’s fire department assisted with the fire. The fire had houses melting from the mountainside, and the scorching blaze destroyed nearly 300 homes. As you were coming up I-25, you can see the homes falling off the mountains.
Q: What is the difference and safety issue between a gas and a wood fire pit?
A: Gas is the safest way to go. I have a propane grill that does not leave any ash or smoke.
There is no open burning of rubbish or trash in Pueblo. The fire should not reach any more than three feet high. You have to maintain your fire constantly. If the fire is burning, you must be outside with a garden hoe readily available. A five-pound extinguisher is also a great tool to have — (as well as) a shovel or an ax that can move some dirt. Covering a fire with dirt is another way to contain a fire. Being respectable and reasonable to your neighbors.
Intervening, calling 911, give a good report of the location … is helpful, and early intervention.
CSU Pueblo President Dr. Timothy Mottet welcomes the crowd to the new Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology Thursday, July 7, on the Patio at the Occhiato Student Center. [Today photo/Kimmy Reinhardt]
Campus, partners celebrate program as ‘transportation epicenter of the Southwest’
By: Hailee Langowski
On Thursday morning, outside the Occhiato Student Center on the Patio, Colorado State University Pueblo unveiled the Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology (SCITT), a new, innovative institute. An initiative of SCITT is to support research into, and the expansion and development of, transportation infrastructure throughout the 21st century.
The institute intends to research fundamental topics relating to the challenges and opportunities the state’s transportation system presents. It has been tasked with conducting research relevant to the safety, security and innovation of railroad, ground and intermodal transportation. In addition to supporting governmental and academic research on surface transportation, the institute will serve as a financial resource for Colorado businesses engaged in the research and development of transportation technology.
Dr. Timothy Mottet, president of CSU Pueblo, said the university’s establishment of the School of Engineering within a new college of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) makes this a perfect time to advance experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for their careers. SCITT will support the drive for the economic development of Pueblo, Southern Colorado and throughout the U.S.
He said, “Our university is committed to growing and recruiting industries that will create jobs in Pueblo and beyond.”
The Center for Surface Transportation Testing and Academic Research (C-STTAR), managed by ENSCO, Inc., has tasked several educational institutions, one of which is CSU Pueblo, with the mission of finding solutions to integrated surface transportation issues that exist across the country. The Federal Railroad Administration selected ENSCO as the primary contractor responsible for operations, research, testing and training activities for the Transportation Technology Center (TTC).
CSU Pueblo and the new institute will work in conjunction with eight other research universities, including the University of Hawaii, Michigan State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Oregon State University, to investigate the shortcomings in the existing infrastructure and develop transportation systems that can meet the demands of the future.
Dr. Mottet explained Pueblo is uniquely located as the transportation epicenter of the Southwest, as it is home to the test track commonly known as the Transportation Testing Center (TTC). CSU Pueblo, with innovative programming, will bring solutions to the issues of the modern world, such as the rise in population and climate change.
Inaugural SCITT Director Dr. Md Rashad Islam speaks to the audience during the July 7 press conference on The Patio. [Today photo/Kimmy Reinhardt]
I am committed to making this institute a versatile and responsive leader in education, training and research that support transformative transportation solutions. – Dr. Md Rashad Islam
Beginning this year, ENSCO will provide research and development, testing and training services at the TTC.
Ruben Peña is a CSU Pueblo alumnus, a supporter of the Pueblo community and director of marketing and business development with ENSCO. He said it was important for ENSCO to establish a close relationship between the TTC, the local community and the citizens of Pueblo.
Peña explained, “This new center will help retain students by offering opportunities to work on new and existing transportation issues … by offering the market applicable experience in this great community of Pueblo, which has become a hub of Colorado and the U.S.A.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, the immediate past provost and executive vice president at CSU Pueblo, said SCITT would prepare students for the exciting new world of transportation. He said CSU Pueblo’s collaborations and innovations to go beyond STEM, integrating business and the social sciences.
“Over the next few years, CSU Pueblo will capitalize on SCITT as a platform for creating innovative degrees and connecting existing programs, faculty and students to this new interdisciplinary world of transportation,” Abdelrahman said.
In addition to the other announcements made on Thursday, the institution presented Dr. Md Rashad Islam as the institute’s first director. He is an associate professor in the School of Engineering and a professional civil engineer, who received several honors and awards during his academic and professional career. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, earning his Ph.D. in civil (transportation) engineering.
Islam said he intends for SCITT to conduct research and provide initiative services to enhance the safe and efficient mobility of people and goods while preserving the environment.
He said the institution would: “Educate people to invent new technology and publicly disseminate transportation knowledge. … I am committed to making this institute a versatile and responsive leader in education, training and research that support transformative transportation solutions.”
“I am promising that this institute will always be at your side for any transportation innovation training and research,” Islam concluded. “Thank you for supporting our transportation institute.”
Parade kicks off three days of classic cars, food and fun
By Kimmy Reinhardt
Excitement grew as the Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals parade reached the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. Cheers could be heard when the first 100 cars
pulled into the grounds bright and early Friday morning, and were welcomed by spectators and car collectors alike.
Families traveled from all around Colorado and surrounding areas, including right here in Pueblo, but also from Wyoming and New Mexico. Colorado State University Pueblo even had a member of its staff, Grounds Keeper II Mike Riggio, with his 1940 Ford truck on display.
The Rocky Mountain Street Rod National Car Show has become an event passed down through generations. There were families who attended the first event 37 years ago, and those spending their first year at the show. Walking through the fairgrounds, families were gathered, enjoying their time together. Parents and grandparents were showing younger generations the joy and history of this car show and telling them stories of the times they spent at the event over the years.
Attendees enjoyed not only rows of classic cars but vendors ranging from Rocky Mountain Street Rod National merchandise to local favorite food trucks including Passkey and Toler Brothers.
The car show runs June 24 through 26 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds; hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Discounts are available for military personnel, NSRA members, or spectators 60 years of age or older.
For more details visit https://nsra-usa.com/events/ or www.coloradostatefairgrounds.com/event/rocky-mountain-street-rod-nationals/.
50 years ago on June 23, 1972, the world of education was changed forever as Title IX was signed into law amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex within any publicly funded school system, including, but not limited, to women athletes in sports and students in classroom settings. This law was passed with the goal of allowing students to receive the same opportunities within their schooling and school-based extracurriculars, no matter their sex.
While Title IX was implemented within all areas of the education field, it has become most well known for its importance in school sports. The law allows female students the same opportunity as their male peers.
Schools had to be tested on their following of the law and ensure that they were offering options for students regardless of their sex. The institutions began having women’s and men’s sports teams to allow for the same opportunities, as well as allowing more female students to try out for men’s teams.
Now Title IX is not only known for how it applies to sports, but for its use to stop sexual harassment and assault within schools. Students are unable to receive the same opportunities for education, if they are having to experience and work in fear of sexual assault or harassment.
Having these actions in place not only protects female students who experience sexual assault, but also male students in similar positions.
Title IX has led to change in the educational field and more protection for students and faculty in publicly funded education over the last 50 years, and will allow for continued change for years to come.
Nicole Ferguson is the director of compliance and Title IX coordinator at Colorado State University Pueblo. She explained that Title IX of the Federal law on education is aimed at gender-based equity.
As many women could not participate in athletics in the 1970s, Congresswoman Rep. Patsy Mink from Hawaii helped pass a bill that stated universities would not receive federal funding if women were not receiving equal opportunities as men. The initial purpose of the law was to say women could participate in athletics. In the 50 years since, the Supreme Court ruled the Title IX policy also applied to sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
If a person is sexually harassed or abused in some way, Ferguson said, they cannot have the same access to their education and school compared to someone who doesn’t have that experience. The Title IX law was outlined in that way for universities and schools to provide provisions for these people, making sure that these sorts of sexual harassment incidents do not occur and creating specific student experiences and opportunities that are equitable.
Ferguson said she appreciates the gender-based equity portion of the law because, for a long time, Title IX applied heavily toward women. It is not new that men or other individuals can also be victims of sexual harassment and assault.
“I feel like every student should have equal opportunities and be treated equitably regardless of gender, sex or identity. Whatever we have to do to protect them, I am all for.” – Nicole Ferguson, Colorado State University Title IX coordinator and director of compliance
“I want everyone to have the same opportunity to participate in college. Be the best person they can be and get their education; whether that involves sport or otherwise… making sure we have a safe environment on campus, and everyone feels like they are getting a fair shot,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson mentioned Dr. Paul Plinske, CSU Pueblo’s athletic director and vice president for athletics and strategic partnerships, who is a strong advocate and ally of Title IX. It is important to him for all athletes at CSU Pueblo to have fair and equal opportunities. Equity amongst men and women in sports, scholarships and opportunities for women’s teams are essential to Ferguson and Plinske.
Recent international bans on trangender women in swimming and rugby this week raised questions about whether Title IX would protect athletes who identify as transgender. Unfortunately, the answer is unclear, as these policies are continuing to take shape under President Joe Biden’s administration. The president did release new policies on June 23 protecting transgender students from sexual harassment or discrimination on campus, but it had not yet established guidelines regarding whether those same students could participate on the team of their choosing.
Ferguson mentioned other title laws, such as Title VI and Title VII, which protect against class harassment that affects sex and gender. If it was ruled transgender student-athletes were protected under Title IX, Ferguson believes there can be protections to help under Title VI and Title VII.
She said: “I feel like every student should have equal opportunities and be treated equitably regardless of gender, sex or identity. Whatever we have to do to protect
Women track and field runners bound from the starting blocks during a conference-wide meet at the Thunderbowl in this March file photo. [Today photo/file/David Moody]
them, I am all for.”
CSU Pueblo has a Title IX Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination Policy, which became updated and effective in 2020. As it is a relatively new policy, Ferguson explained it is a policy she has to watch and monitor constantly.
As the law changes, the university’s policy changes because if it doesn’t change, it loses federal funding, including scholarships and grant money for students to attend campus. It is crucial to monitor those changes and new suggested guidelines to protect the students and the university.
Title IX requires the university to provide solutions to students who experience sexual harassment and discrimination during their education. Ferguson mentioned the importance of interaction and people when utilizing this policy.
She said supportive measures are offered to individuals who have had such experiences, including counseling, schedule adjustments to a student’s courses, safe-walk services to help people comfortable while traveling through campus, mutual restrictions on contacts and other actions the university can take to create a safe environment for its students.
“I think it is important that [CSU Pueblo] has a very close working relationship with our campus safety office and the Pueblo Sheriff’s Office,” Ferguson shared.
She mentioned the most significant role is getting students in contact with resources to help their situation. Counseling and the CARES support navigator, who can help with outreach, are options for students who don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to faculty about problems.
“Laws don’t protect people from other people’s behavior … law doesn’t prevent people from breaking the law,” Ferguson said. “I think it helps provide guidance, and it tells people where they can go if something happens. It tells them we don’t tolerate that behavior and we are supportive of people that need help.”
She shared it is important to have conversations about these issues. Sexual and gender discrimination is happening, and it will continue to happen unless we stop being bystanders, stand up for each other, understand healthy boundaries, understand consent and understand strong relationships. It starts the conversation about how we can respond and support, which is essential.
If you or someone you know needs help with resources or someone to talk to regarding Title IX, sexual harassment, or discrimination, the university offers a Title IX incident report at
The land filled with excitement as the canon boomed, announcing the opening of the 2022 season of the Colorado Renaissance Festival June 18 in Larkspur. Fairies, dragons and royalty roamed the streets of the village, as children and adults alike immersed themselves into a world of fantasy and adventure.
Knights prepare for the Saturday Joust [Today photo/Kimmy Reinhardt]
Every year Colorado Renaissance Festival welcomes a variety of performers both on stage and throughout the grounds, interacting with visitors to help bring the event to life.
The performers range in roles from royalty and jesters to traveling acts such as Acrobatrix, The Washing Well Wenches and The Knights of Noble Cause. Many have been visiting Colorado for years, and welcomed back visitors who looked forward to seeing their favorites again. Events happened nonstop; from shows to costume contests there was never a dull moment. While all of the shows drew large audiences and caught the eyes of passerby, a crowd favorite was certainly The Knights of Noble Cause as they joust for “honor, glory and bloodshed.”
With three shows everyday, the knights battled before the king, queen, royal court and crowds of visitors. Audience members cheered on each knight, as they displayed their skills; the sounds could be heard throughout much of the village grounds.
Aysun the Mermaid sits on her rock greeting visitors [Today photo/Kimmy Reinhardt]
Guests strolled the ground, visiting with the king and queen of the land, Aysun the Mermaid, Link from “The Legends of Zelda” and staff of the royal court, and also diving into the historical realm of magic and adventure. Throughout the festival, many visitors could be seen dressed within the time period – as fantasy creatures, pirates or even their favorite pop culture characters, different interests came together and people connected over their shared love of the environment and community within the festival.
Shops across the grounds sold everything from food to jewelry, flower crowns and other memorabilia. Skip the line by stopping any of the traveling vendors with treats and merchandise available throughout the day. Be sure to grab a crowd favorite turkey leg for lunch, and select a flower crown from the rows of options to really immerse yourself into the time period.
The Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 7, with free parking on site. Each weekend features a new theme with special events and activities specific to that week. From Children’s Weekend to Love and Romance Weekend there is something for everyone.
The Colorado Renaissance Festival is located at 650 Perry Park Ave., Larkspur, 80118. The trip should take around 78 miles and slightly more than an hour.
To get there:
Head north up Interstate 25 to Exit 172 (Upper Lake Gulch Road).
Take Upper Lake Gulch Road west over the interstate to Spruce Mountain Road.
Turn south on Spruce Mountain Road and follow it just shy of a mile to East Perry Park Avenue.
Turn west again on East Perry Park Avenue and follow it to the festival grounds located on your left.
Mike Lucas plays and sings an original composition on June 9 during the closing day of the 2022 FFA convention at Massari Arena [Today photos/Cassime Joseph].
Mike Lucas’ vibrant guitar reverberated through Massari Arena on June 9. The soloist auditioned the prior night during a talent show for the 2022 Colorado FFA convention, held June 4 through 9 on the Colorado State University Pueblo campus.
This year’s convention was a vital gathering for FFA, the first in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of the conference was not just to award members’ talents, such as public speaking, quiz bowl, and agriculture knowledge, but also to show camaraderie, teamwork, leadership, discipline, and networking among the self-described “extraordinary” teens.
One of those remarkable teens, 19-year-old District 17 President Collin Ochsner from Kersey, showed gratitude in every answer he gave. Ochsner won the State Star Farmer award during the convention for his hard work and dedication to his family farm and the registered cows and cow horses he shows.
Being in the FFA for five years, Ochsner understood that looking in someone’s eye when speaking is essential. One of the challenges of being in the FFA, Ochsner said, is if you are not into hard work, you won’t be successful.
“In the last four years, I have already logged in 6500 hours of labor,” he said. “I also judge over 12 agriculture events.”
Ochsner pointed out that the FFA is not just for, in his words, “sows and plows.” Instead, he said, it can broaden horizons outside the traditional farm.
Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers, and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. According to the Colorado FFA website, the youth leadership organization makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership. The FFA Motto is “Learning to Do/Doing to Learn/Earning to Live/Living to Serve.” FFA members can compete in career development events that cover job skills such as public speaking. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others will enable them to compete in teams. These competitions can happen at the local, district, state and national levels.
Ochsner plans to go to school at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, next year to study agricultural science with an emphasis on business. He hopes to own a few agriculture businesses, some day.
FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; it also welcomes members who aspire to careers such as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the organization’s name was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the agriculture industry.
A cheerleader waves the Colorado High School Coaches Association Flag Thursday evening during a tailgate event at the ThunderBowl. [Today photo/Kimmy Reinhardt]
CSU Pueblo hosts 2022 Colorado High School Coaches Association All-State Games
By Kimmy Reinhardt and Brenden Vigil
Some of the state’s finest high school athletes will be on campus this weekend for the 2022 Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) All-State Games.
This invitation event is a capstone for high school seniors from across the state who, along with top coaches, are given one last opportunity to represent their schools, teams and communities and regions in eight different sports. Starting Friday morning, prep sports fans were treated to a full day of wrestling, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, and, at 7 p.m. football in the ThunderBowl. The action continues Saturday with volleyball and basketball in Massari Arena.
The two days of contests kicked off Thursday night with a tailgate event on the turf in the ThunderBowl. For a full schedule of events, see the CHSCA website, and stay with the CSU Pueblo Today online and on social media for Friday night coverage from the gridiron.
The first five years of life are critical to a child’s physical and mental development. It’s during these earliest years that relationships and experiences create millions of pathways in kids’ brains, and that the lifelong learning, health and behaviors begin to take shape.
These are the foundation of the rest of a child’s life, so it’s critical that parents and caregivers have the resources, support and items they need to give their youngster the best possible start.
“It is important to … the health of the community,” said Ellen Montgomery, a CSU Pueblo nursing student. “You want to get resources out so people are living an optimal life.”
Montgomery, who plans to pursue a career in pediatrics and maternal care after finishing her degree this August, is facilitating the 12th annual Community Baby Shower. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 at Praise Assembly, 2000 Troy Ave.
A joint offering of the nursing school and the Pueblo Early Childhood Council, the shower gives parents, parents-to-be and caregivers of the community’s youngest residents a place to access services, information and critical items for free. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment WIC program is among the groups slated to be on hand.
Sometimes, just knowing that there are people and organizations who care can make a difference in a parent’s or caregiver’s life, Montgomery said.
“We get different exhibitors and resources for the community; we get donations from the community,” Montgomery said.
Then, in true baby shower fashion, those resources, donations and items are distributed to families that need them.
“We have the resources out there to live a healthy lifestyle,” Montgomery said.
To help out, the nursing program is seeking donations such as:
Diapers;
Wipes;
Bottles;
Bath supplies;
Toddler safety items such as outlet covers and cabinet clips;
New and gently used toys;
Educational items like school supplies, books and art supplies;
New and gently used clothing; and
Gift cards and monetary support.
Donations may be dropped through June 12 in boxes located on campus at the Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry and the Occhiato Student Center.
The baby shower is one of four public health-focused happenings powered by the students and staff of the department’s Global Public Health class this year.
How to help: Donations may be dropped through June 12 in the Center for Integrated Health and Human Inquiry or Occhiato Student Center on the Colorado State University Pueblo campus, 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Requested contributions include monetary donations, gift cards and items like diapers, wipes, bottles, bath supplies, outlet covers, cabinet clips, new and gently used toys, school supplies, books, art supplies, and new and gently used clothing.
“I feel like every student should have equal opportunities and be treated equitably regardless of gender, sex or identity. Whatever we have to do to protect them, I am all for.” – Nicole Ferguson, Colorado State University Title IX coordinator and director of compliance
