| promoting the business community |
organizing civic functions |
encouraging tourism and economic development |
About Del Norte
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A view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range toward the east from Mount Lookout with the town of Del Norte in the foreground.
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Description
Location: Situated on the Rio Grande River in southwestern Colorado (about 225 miles southwest of Denver), Del Norte can be reached from the east and west, by traveling on US Highway 160, and from the north and south by US Highway 285 and State Road 112.
Population: 1,674 friendly, down-home folks.
Elevation: 7,874 breath-taking feet!
Annual Precipitation: Known for its moderate, semi-arid climate, Del Norte receives about 9.5 inches of precipitation each year.
The climate in the Del Norte area is marked by much sunshine, light precipitation, cold winters (highs in the thirties, lows around zero), and moderate summers. Approximately 80 percent of the annual precipitation occurs between April and October, mostly in the form of light showers that develop over the mountains and move into the Valley in the afternoon. Winter snows, which mainly occur in frequent light falls, average 25 to 35 inches per year. Summer is mostly characterized by days with maximum temperatures in the mid-eighties and lows in the forties.
Del Norte Weather
Area History
You will be attracted to the far-off beauty of the Del Norte area just as the first Spanish families, in 1859, were drawn to this peaceful niche in the shadows of the San Juan Mountains. But long before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, Del Norte was first inhabited by the Folsom peoples 10,000 years ago, followed by the Anasazi, Navajos, Utes and others who came and went. By the mid 1870's, prospectors had found the nearby San Juan Mountains rich in gold and silver deposits. Many mining claims were registered and the fury of the mining activities began. Recognized as the "Gateway to the San Juans"...and the gold...Del Norte, organized and incorporated in 1872.
Town Government
The town administration is composed of a town administrator, a mayor and six trustees.
Town Hall
140 Spruce Street
Del Norte, CO 81132
719-657-2708
Del Norte is the Rio Grande County Seat: The county has an administrator with three elected county commissioners:
719-657-2744
County Clerk and Recorder: 719-657-3334
Gross receipt Tax Rates:
Town: 2% State: 2.9%
County: 2.6% Lodgers' Tax: 2.0%
Zoning:
There are commercial and residential zoning requirements within the city limits.
For information, call Town Hall for assistance.
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General Information
Public Safety and Social Services
Del Norte Police: Serving Del Norte within city limits is a Chief of Police and four officers:
719-657-2600, 911 and 911 reverse service
Fire Department: The Chief and all firefighters are volunteers: 719-657-3131
Rio Grande County sheriff: 719-657-4000
Dept. of Social Services: 719-657-3381
Utilities
Water/Sewer: The town requires connection to water and sewer. The town within city limits provides water. Sewage, which is handled by a wastewater treatment plant, is included in the monthly cost. 719-657-2708
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Heating:
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Natural gas and electricity
Xcel energy
Public Service Co. of CO
800-772-7875
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Electricity
San Luis Valley Rural electric
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Co-op
800-332-7634
719-852-3538
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Propane
Windy's LP
719-657-2466
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Trash Removal: The regional landfill is located between Del Norte and Monte Vista. Companies are also available for private refuse removal.
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Telephone:
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Qwest is the primary server for Del Norte. Mobile and cellular services are also available.
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Media
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Newspapers
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Del Norte Prospector (weekly)
719-852-3531
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Valley Courier (Tuesday - Saturday)
719-589-2553
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Other major Colorado newspapers are available by subscription or at newsstands.
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Radio
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KSLV-AM Country format
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KSLV-FM Adult Contemporary
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KGIW-AM Country format
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KALQ-FM Rock station
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KRZA-FM Public information format
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Cable Television
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AT&T Cable Services
312 State Avenue
Alamosa, CO 81101
719-589-3221
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Education
Our schools want students to be the best they can be. Our administration and teachers are committed to their success. Instruction is organized so that it insures the greatest development of each student academically, socially and emotionally. This means keeping up with proven concepts in learning and teaching, plus technology. And parents' participation is always encouraged and welcome!
Public Schools
Superintendent
770 11th Street
P.O. Box 159
Del Norte, CO 81132
719-657-4040 719-657-2546
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Mesa Elementary
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(Grades K-1)
870 Oak Street
719-657-4050
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Underwood Elementary
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(Grades 2-5)
870 Oak Street
719-657-4050
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Del Norte Middle School
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(Grades 6-8)
855 Oak Street
719-657-4030
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Del Norte High School
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(Grades 9-12)
1055 9th Street
719-657-4020
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Del Norte Headstart
440 6th Street
719-657-3101
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Non-public Schools
Emmanuel Chapel School
(Interdenominational)
432 West Highway 149
South Fork
719-873-5411
Daycare Facilities
Sensitive, caring environments are provided by our daycare centers.
Plus, all fully licensed centers have providers who are certified in first aid and CPR.
Noah's Ark
1210 Grand Avenue
719-657-2992 |
Noah's Ark Afterschool
855 Oak Street
719-657-0990 |
Good Shepherd Daycare
365 Spruce Street
719-657-4754 |
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Hospitals/Healthcare:
The new(August 2004) Rio Grande Hospital provides care for residents in the Upper Rio Grande Valley with modern, comfortable patient rooms, diagnostic capabilities including ultrasound and CY scan, 24-hour emergency room facilities possessing sophisticated equipment, surgical services, and additional space for consultation with specialists. The skilled nursing facility is also recognized as a Trauma Level IV facility.
Rio Grande Hospital
0310 County Rd. 14
719-657-2510
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Rio Grande Hospital Clinic
1280 Grand Avenue
719-657-2485
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Del Norte Clinic
825 Sixth Avenue
719-657-3318
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Los Pinos Health Center
1280 Grand Avenue
719-657-3342
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Public Health:
The Rio Grande County Public Health office in Del Norte is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 719-657-3352
Mental Health:
The San Luis Valley Comprehensive Mental Health Center is located in Monte Vista.
Emergency Services:
The hospital is connected with all communities by local ambulance services; plus, it can provide helicopter fights to other Colorado and New Mexico hospitals, if necessary. 719-657-0616
Dental, physician and veterinarian care is also available in town.
Assisted Care:
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Casa Illuninaria
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(formerly San Juan Care Ctr.)
1280 Grand Avenue
Del Norte, CO 81132
719-657-3311
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Colorado State Veterans Center
Homelake
719-852-5118
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The Legacy at
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Monte Vista
Monte Vista
719-852-5179
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Mountain Meadows Nursing Center
Monte Vista
719-852-5138
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Tri-County Senior Citizens
Monte Vista
719-852-5778
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Transportation
The Del Norte Municipal Airport, which has limited services, is located three miles north of the city
with runway lights activated by pilot control. Monte Vista Airport, 15 miles east, has 24 hr. fuel.
Alamosa Airport, 32 miles to the east, has scheduled airline service.
Short flights to Denver, Colorado Springs or Albuquerque, NM can connect you to the rest of the world.
There is also limited bus service in Alamosa, which can connect with other major towns.
Commercial trucking companies, Federal Express and United Parcel Service also serve the area.
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