SOUTH FORK — At 11:43 p.m. on Nov. 23, the South Fork Police Department and South Fork Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle rollover accident on Highway 160, quickly supported by the Rio Grande Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol.
Estimated to be traveling 95 mph at mile post 186, the single vehicle rolled and sent its two 24-year-old occupants to Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte. The driver, Jeremy Loftus, was arrested for reckless and careless driving and was remanded to the Rio Grande County jail. The case is still pending further investigation by the South Fork Police Department (and possibly added charges).
The passenger, Aaron Mazzoleni, sustained injuries serious enough to warrant transport to Denver for treatment.

Drug bust
On the morning of Dec. 4, coordinated support from the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office and Monte Vista Police Department helped the South Fork Police Department conclude a long-term investigation to SFPD executing a search warrant at 22 Cedar Drive in the town of South Fork. Officers devoted months responding to calls from neighbors and the occupants themselves.
The search warrant was executed without incident at the residence, and authorities seized a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms and drug paraphernalia, among other things.
Officers arrested Shane Bealmear, 48, and charged him with various drug-related offenses, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance hallucinogenic mushrooms and possession of controlled-substance paraphernalia.
Officers also arrested Margarette McKee, 50, and charged her with various drug-related offenses, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance hallucinogenic mushrooms and possession of controlled-substance paraphernalia.
James Amick, 51, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine and possession of controlled-substance paraphernalia.
Authorities transported all accused parties to the Rio Grande County Jail for processing. Total street value of narcotics taken during the search was estimated at approximately $12,253. According to Corporal Coty Arthur, acting police chief while Don McDonald transitions to Rio Grande County Sheriff, the investigation continues with the South Fork Police Department.