County Fire Ban Ordinance Being Reviewed, Hospice Fundraiser Receives Special Events Permit

Rose Anne Yates and Deb Pelley Meet with Commissioners

Action on the revised fire ban for Prowers County has been tabled, pending a look at the penalty aspect of the ordinance by Jennifer Swanson, District Attorney for the 15^th Judicial District.  During discussion on the first reading of the ordinance, Prowers County Attorney, John Lefferdink, suggested the district attorney review the revisions because the new ordinance would take what was a Class 2 Petty Offense and be increased to a Class 6 Felony, which would mandate consideration of harsher penalties.  Attorney Lefferdink felt that because the legal ball on prosecution would be in the district attorney’s court, literally, that office should have a chance to review the proposed ordinance. 

County Sheriff Jim Faull recommended the county adopt a resolution urging a no vote on Amendment 64, appearing on the November General Election ballot.  The Amendment advocates legalizing marijuana in the State of Colorado and Prowers County.  Action on the resolution will be placed on the next commissioner’s meeting, August 21. 

The county’s oil and gas lease with Land Energy, Incorporated has been temporarily delayed.  An addendum to the agreement has been approved by the company, according to Attorney Lefferdink, but the paperwork has not been sent back to the county for signatures.  Action on that item is also expected on August 21. 

A brief public hearing on a special events permit for Lamar Area Hospice was held and the permit was approved.  The annual Lamar Area Hospice dinner and dance fundraiser will be held again this year at County Acres RV and Motel on Highway 287/385.  The event is open to the public and will be held August 25.  Rose Anne Yates from the fundraising committee appeared with Deb Pelley, Executive Director of Lamar Area Hospice to explain the event, which will serve liquor and will not be available to minors.  The annual Angel’s Open Golf Tournament, set for this Sunday and the dinner/dance are the two major fund raisers for the Lamar Area Hospice, garnering approximately $20,000 annually. 

The commissioners approved the annual Emergency Management Program Grant which will provide $10,300 for the county.  The program was presented by Staffon Warn, Emergency Operations Manager.  The Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the State Homeland Security Grant Program was also authorized.  There is no specific dollar figure attached to this.  Warn explained that funds will go towards the purchase of emergency warning sirens and Wiley and Hartman, as well as additional Haz-mat equipment.  The county is reimbursed for its expenditures from Homeland Security.

By Russ Baldwin