County Approves Railroad Crossing Safety System Near Granada

A railroad crossing warning system will be installed at CR 22.5 near Granada in the near future.  The Prowers County Commissioners, CDOT and the BNSF Railway Company entered into a contract to furnish and install flashing light signals, gates, bells, constant warning circuitry, new cabin and concrete crossing pads.  The county’s contribution to the project includes some road work on the approach as well as barricades which will be used to close the roadway when appropriate.  The estimated cost of the entire project is $210,000. 

The commissioners waived the fairground arena fees as requested by Shali Lord for a barrel racing event for Git-R-Done Productions.  Lord said the one day event will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the fairgrounds and should attract about 100 riders.   

No action was taken on the request of use of the arena by Vic Coberly of Frog Productions who plans to hold a monster truck event this July.  The commissioners had asked for additional documentation for his project and Coberly has secured insurance for his planned event at the fairgrounds and is making arrangements to keep the arena clear of any debris that may result from crushed and demolished trucks and vehicles.  He told the commissioners he’ll secure the needed written agreement with a contractor to bring in and remove several loads of dirt necessary for construction of ramps for the event. 

Anne-Marie Crampton, Foundation Director at Lamar Community College told the commissioners that the spring enrollment for LCC remained level on top of a 1.7% increase in student enrollment from the fall semester, which she said, was one of the better percentages in the state’s community college system.  Crampton said the college has hired Gwen Crum as a full time grant coordinator who will assist Crampton in seeking on-going funds for the Foundation.  The April 27 commencement will mark the college’s 75^th year and nominations are being accepted for alumnus of the year until March 8.  Several departments at the college are planning events for a luncheon and homecoming activities associated with the April commencement. 

Mary Root, County Land Use Administrator, provided draft copies of a complaint form she created to help coordinate efforts to address any problems referred to the commissioner’s office.  Once the forms have been reviewed by the county attorney and approved by the commissioners, they will be accessed from the county’s website pages.  The commissioners stipulated that signed hard copies of the complaint form must be presented before any action can be taken.  A similar document will outline what steps were taken to remedy the complaint.

By Russ Baldwin