All Entries in the "Energy" Category
Light Plant and City Budget Public Hearings Set for October 8
The Lamar City Council has a brief agenda set for this evening’s meeting, Monday, October 8, following their 6pm work session. The work session will review the city’s personnel management manual. Agenda items include a public hearing regarding the council’s review of the 2013 operating and capital budget. Lamar Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh will […]
Holly Trustees Discuss 2013 Budget, Street Lighting and City Improvements
The Town of Holly Trustee’s Board considered the 2013 budget and some infrastructure improvements during their monthly meeting, Wednesday, October 3. Marsha Willhite, Town Administrator said the trustees would receive preliminary budget information by mid month for their consideration. She added that several RFP’s, requests for proposals will be sent out for town improvement projects […]
ARPA Responds to U.S. District Court Ruling
ARPA Responds to U.S. District Court Ruling On September 28, 2012, the U.S. District Court in Denver issued a ruling that the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) and Lamar Utilities Board (LUB) violated the Clean Air Act by operating the Lamar Repowering Project without a determination that it met the “maximum achievable control technology” standard. […]
NWS Recaps Hot and Dry Summer on S.E. Plains
Southeast Colorado Drought Update The Colorado Water Conservation Board reports in their September 25, 2012 Drought Monitor Report, that 100% of the state is experiencing some level of drought classification with D2 and D3 conditions predominating over 80% of Colorado. Seventeen per cent of the state is experiencing exceptional drought all of which is isolated […]
U.S. District Judge Rules Against Lamar Light Plant for Emissions Violations
ARPA, Arkansas River Power Authority, and members of the Lamar Utility Board, are holding an executive session meeting, Tuesday, October 2, to discuss options in light of a Friday, September 28, 2012 ruling by U.S. District Judge, David Ebel regarding the Lamar Repowering Project. Lamar Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh said the meeting was called […]
Prowers County Farm Bureau Hosting Candidates Night, October 2
The pubic is invited to a statewide candidate’s forum hosted by the Prowers County Farm Bureau at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn, in Lamar,Tuesday, October 2, at 7pm. Gary Melcher, Prowers County Farm Bureau President, said the event will run about two hours, but will be open ended, including a general meet and greet for […]
Major Power Purchaser Voices Electric Rate Concern to LUB
“My electric bill last month was $15,000 and I and several other local business owners are considering our options on future power purchases from the light plant,” stated Jim Miller, President and sole proprietor of the Ports to Plains Travel Plaza located west of Lamar off Highway 50. Miller voiced those concerns during the Lamar […]
Lamar Utility Board Reviews Portions of 2013 Budget
The System Operating report from the Lamar Utilities Board indicates that Platte River Power Authority plans to end the contract with the board and ARPA for the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates, effective the end of this month. Light Plant Superintendent Houssin Hourieh said Platte River is not taking the option to extend the […]
Holly Trustees Hire Two Employees, Plan for Parking Ordinance Discussion
Two new employees were added to the Holly Town roster recently. Keith Dennis was hired after a series of candidate application interviews, as full time Field Services Supervisor and provided the board with a run down of crew services in Holly for August. Town Administrator, Marsha Willhite, also introduced Claudia Parker who was hired […]
Honkers Visit New Business Sutphin Petroleum & Feeds
The Lamar Chamber of Commerce Honkers and Directors Welcomed John and Angela Sutphin, the owners of their new business, Sutphin Petroleum & Feeds, and presented them with a First Dollar of Profit Plaque sponsored by Valley National Bank. John Sutphin Jr. recently purchased the former Southeast Coop property and has been converting the operation into […]
Lamar Utility Board Reviews Customer Disconnect Policies
Most of the discussion during the August 29 Lamar Utility Board meeting focused on items not specifically on the agenda. Lamar Light Plant Superintendent Houssin Hourieh discussed the rules and regulations pertaining to policies for re-connect and disconnect for electric service, mostly for residential customers. The Light Plant follows at 70 page document set […]
Growth in Colorado Agricultural Exports Important for State
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado’s agricultural exports increased by $107.1 million or 18 percent to $710.1 million in the first six months of 2012 over 2011, led by export increases in meats, dairy, wheat and dry beans. “Colorado agriculture is the fabric of this state, with quality locally grown products sold from our local farmers markets […]
Vandals Punch Out Tourism Sign
A wildlife information sign at the Lamar Welcome Center was vandalized about a week ago, according to Judy Douglass, Center director. The sign, erected at the Center in 2006, had a fist-sized hole punched through the middle, splitting the sign from top to bottom. The information sign to the rear was undamaged. Douglass received $500 […]
Review Continues for Prowers County Fire Ban Ordinance
The Prowers County Commissioners took no action on the proposed fire ban ordinance during their Tuesday, August 21 meeting. 15th Judicial Court District Attorney Jennifer Swanson responded to an invitation for suggestions with a letter recommending two state statutes, different from the ones the commissioners had included in their ordinance proposal. Swanson’s statutes address differences […]
Lamar Utility Board Recognizes Former Member John Munez
Lamar Utility Board members held a brief meeting Tuesday, August 14 before going into executive session for advice on various legal questions. The board recognized the contributions made by former member, John Munez who had served as a director from August 2007 to this past year. Purchase orders and bills received approval for payment […]
Holly Sales Tax Increase on November Ballot
The November 6 general election is less than 90 days away. Along with a potential new President or Prowers County Commissioners, Holly voters will be asked to decide on a sale tax increase. According to Holly Mayor, Brad Simon, “The Board of Trustees has given notice to the county clerk to conduct a coordinated November […]
County Fire Ban Ordinance Being Reviewed, Hospice Fundraiser Receives Special Events Permit
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 15th Judicial District. During discussion on the first reading of the ordinance, Prowers County Attorney, John Lefferdink, suggested the district attorney review the revisions […]
ARPA Board Authorizes Filing of a Lawsuit Against Trinidad on Breach of Fiduciary Duties
Press Release The Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) authorized its legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the City of Trinidad at a special board meeting held on August 7, 2012. The Complaint asserts that Trinidad breached its fiduciary duties and acted in bad faith assisting the environmental group WildEarth Guardians (WEG) with its lawsuit […]
Water Restrictions Set for Granada, Grasmick Back on Board
Granada residents will be under water restrictions from August 13 to the end of the month while repairs are made to one of the town’s water storage tanks. Town Crew Manager, John McMillan said support beams under the roof of the tank need replacing and he anticipates that the water will become dirty during repairs. […]
Holly Town Trustees Approve Theater Improvements
Kammie Cathcart of the Holly Pride Committee discussed structural improvement plans for the Holly Theater with town trustees during their monthly meeting, Wednesday, August 1. Cathcart explained that $30,000 will be needed to bolster a supporting wall which separates the theater from Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel on South Main Street. The wall has been […]