Big Timbers Roof Project Moves Forward

Prowers County Courthouse

Three documents needed to repair the roof to the Big Timbers Museum were approved by the Prowers County Commissioners during their last meeting of the month, Thursday, August 26.  The commissioners reviewed the paperwork with Hans Friederichs, Building Operations Supervisor which included the contract agreement with the contractor and a financial report form for the State Historical Fund.  Total cost of the project is $55,427 with the county providing a cash match of $26,595.  The roof leaks from almost a dozen points, and a shed roof is also being replaced in the project. 

County Coroner Joe Giadone told the commissioners he has been on 29 calls so far this year, compared to 32 last year.  That included three autopsies conducted in 2011, compared to two so far this year.  He said by comparison, Arapaho County had five suicide incidents in one week, compared to one this year and last for Prowers County.  Giadone said autopsies can be mandated by the state for what is termed a questionable death and not necessarily an unattended death.  As there is only one coroner for autopsies in the state, in El Paso County, a report may take as long as ten weeks to receive.   Giadone will attend the annual state coroner’s convention in Pueblo this June. 

Two appointments to two board were approved by the commissioners.  Joel Kalma was re-appointed  to the East Prowers Cemetery District Board and Kim Fornier was appointed to serve on the Prowers County Historic Preservation Advisory Board.  The commissioners also approved the annual membership contribution to SCEDD, Southern Colorado Economic Development District, but reduced the annual payment to only $1,000.

By Russ Baldwin