Jeremy Miller Appointed as County Veteran’s Service Officer

The Prowers County Commissioners voted to approve the appointment of Jeremy Miller as the Veteran’s Service Officer, Assistant Officer and Vital Statistics Registrar, replacing Carol Grauberger who resigned last year.  On paper, the title of Service Officer will be Calvin Melcher who was hired to fill the spot until Miller was officially confirmed.  Commissioner Joe Marble explained that Melcher is not a salaried employee, but was given the title as the position required a veteran.  Miller served with the U.S. Navy and began his position with the county January 24.  He wanted to let area veterans know that transportation for medical appointments is still in effect and hopes to reach more veterans to keep them aware of the benefits they are entitled to. 

Larry Coberly of Frog Promotions explained his plan to hold a monster truck event at the Prowers County Fairgrounds on July 20.  He was inquiring about a Fairgrounds Facility Rental Agreement needed to stage the event this summer.  The commissioners were open to a new event coming to Lamar, but told Coberly that more information regarding insurance coverage, preparations for the event and arena clean up afterward were some of their prime concerns.  “I’ve already discussed insurance coverage with a local broker for a special event such as this,” Coberly replied and told county operations manager Kirk Owens that he plans to take safeguards to make sure that no debris from crushed cars is left in the arena.  The commissioners tabled action on his request until he could make a more detailed presentation on how the fairgrounds would be impacted if the event were staged. 

Jim Gill spoke to the commissioners regarding second amendment rights pertaining to the U.S. Constitution, asking for a resolution from them in support of the right to bear arms.  Gill said he and his wife, Claudia, held an initial meeting on January 24 and were pleased to see the response they got from area residents.  “We didn’t expect to see almost 100 persons turn out, but this is something that is on everyone’s mind right now,” he explained.  He said he’s forming a citizen’s group regarding the second amendment and has set another community rally for 1pm at the Cultural Events Center in Lamar on Saturday, February 23.  The commissioners said they would confer with county attorney, John Lefferdink, regarding the resolution, but held a unanimous, non-binding straw vote in favor of supporting Gill’s request.  

The commissioners approved two underground and utility permits as presented by Mark Dorenkamp, County Road and Bridge Supervisor.  A permit to dig an underground waterline for Greg and Justin Emick was approved as was a permit for DeWitt Excavation on behalf of the North Lamar Sanitation District for which the fees were waived.

By Russ Baldwin