All Entries in the "Energy" Category
No Leeway for Electric Rate Reductions in Near Future
The Lamar Repowering Project and the debt service needed to pay the construction bonds is here to stay, whether the plant is producing electricity or placed in cold storage. And if the rates for purchasing power from a grid, as is being done now seem high, the rates would probably be higher if the […]
Water Supplies, Storm Alerts Discussed at Community Conversation
Although the drought in southeast Colorado continues, the water supply from the City of Lamar well fields is in good shape, according to City Administrator, John Sutherland. “At this time, we’re not anticipating a need for any water use restrictions for the coming summer,” he told the Community Conversation audience at the Lamar Foursquare Life […]
Repowering Project Upgrades May Run through 2013
ARPA, Arkansas River Power Authority, provided utility board members with a written update on the status of the Repowering Project. The boiler manufacturer, Babcock and Wilcox, has continued to make modifications to allow the unit to operate at maximum potential without exceeding emissions limitations stipulated in the light plant air quality permit. To date, […]
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 […]
Commissioners Hear Businessmen’s Concerns over Electric Rates
Going to ARPA for Answers Several of the county’s major commercial electric users addressed their concerns regarding the high cost of local utilities and its potential negative impact on new and current businesses to the Prowers County Commissioners during their Thursday, February 21 meeting. Doug Morris of JBS Five Rivers, and Rick Robbins of Colorado […]
Lamar Airport Receiving State Grant
Gov. Hickenlooper announces grants to 44 Colorado airports DENVER — Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today authorized the distribution of $20.6 million in state aviation fuel tax revenues through 44 grants to Colorado general aviation airports under the Aviation Discretionary Grant program. The program is administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation’s […]
Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture Focuses on Innovation
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The critical role of innovation to the future of US agriculture was the focus of the “Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture” on February 14, 2013 in Denver. The forum, called “Cultivating Innovation: Creating Ideas for the Future,” challenged attendees to think about the need for innovation when considering a future with a […]
Lamar RE-2 Board Continues Discussions for MHDC/Lincoln School Consolidation
Action to approve the consolidation of the Melvin Hendrickson Developmental Center Pre School students to Lincoln Elementary School in Lamar was tabled pending further discussion with board members of Melvin Hendrickson, according to Lamar RE-2 School District Superintendent, David Tecklenburg. The superintendent said 126 students are using three buildings and some savings on utilities […]
Leo Hernandez Approved as New Lamar Utility Board Member
Judge Larry Stutler administered the oath of office to Leo Hernandez, the newest Lamar Utility Board member Tuesday, February 12. Hernandez’s application was approved by the Lamar City Council this past Monday. He will serve a five year term and is filling the vacancy on the board that developed when John Munez’s term […]
Colorado Exports Set Record High
DENVER — Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 — Colorado’s exports of manufactured, agricultural and mineral products increased 11.3 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, growing from $7.3 billion to $8.1 billion. Colorado’s rate of growth topped the 4.4 percent national average for merchandise export growth for the same period. “Despite a challenging global economy, exports continue […]
Holly Trustees Approve Third Street Improvements
The Holly Town Trustees approved a request from the school board for improvements to Third Street consisting of a center line concrete overlay of 40 feet including curbing. Three additional pole lights for the school were also approved. Two will be 15 feet tall at $2,430 each and one 25 foot tall pole costs […]
Light Plant Parts Arriving in Spring
The Lamar Repowering Project may not refire its boilers for new emissions tests until this July, according to Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh. Hourieh informed Utility Board members that a deal to purchase two 600HP air compressors was finalized by the boiler manufacturers on January 18. Babcock and Wilcox will use the new equipment […]
PMC Begins HVAC/Electric Upgrade Program
The Prowers Medical Center $5M expansion proposal was defeated last May by area voters. Part of the package included upgrades to the hospital’s HVAC (heating-venting-air conditioning)and electrical system, approximately $1million. Despite the lack of needed votes for the bond, the need for the upgrades remains. The PMC board of directors is following examples set by […]
Utility Board OK’s New Rates for General Service Large Class Users
The Lamar Utilities Board held their first meeting for 2013 approving several annual agenda items including designating the front entrance to Lamar Light and Power as the open meeting posting site at 100 North Second Street in Lamar; a resolution establishing the interest rate paid on utility deposits per Public Utilities Commission regulations. There […]
Holly Trustees Make Appointments for 2013
Board and committee appointments occupied most of the regular business of the Holly Trustees during their first meeting of the New Year, this past Wednesday evening, January 9. The top four positions were maintained by unanimous vote with Marsha Willhite as Town Administrator, Darla Scranton-Specht as Town Attorney, Kim Verhoeff as Municipal Judge and Sheriff […]
2012 in Review – November and December
November 2012 in Review The national election and the local election were on everyone’s mind as the final weeks and months before November 6 inched along during the late summer and early fall. A number of political forums were conducted for the Prowers County Commissioner’s race, mostly in October, affording an opportunity for […]
PATS Will Roll for New Year’s Eve
Prowers Area Transit received enough local donations to defray the costs of offering free rides to local residents for the approaching New Year’s Eve celebrations. A ‘Safe Ride with PATS’ will be available to those who reserve a ride between 7pm December 31 to 2am on January 1. Riders who don’t want to be behind […]
Lamar City Council Wraps up 2012
The Lamar City Council voted to approve several end-of-year city-oriented housekeeping measures during their final meeting of the year, Monday, December 17, 2012. City Administrator, John Sutherland, reminded the audience of the annual holiday office schedules during which the city offices will be closed December 24 and 25 and Tuesday, January 1 for New Year’s […]
Local CSU Extension Provides Do-It-Yourself Energy Assessment
South East Area Extension Offices Offer New Home Energy Audit Loan Program The power is in your hands—CSU Southeast Area Extension Offices have a new set of tools to loan out to aid you in conducting an audit of energy use (and waste) in your home. Part of our Home Energy Audit Loan program […]
Holly Trustees Set 2013 Budget
The Holly Board of Trustees voted to approve a balanced 2013 municipal budget in the amount of $2,141,504, following a public hearing on the budget prior to their monthly meeting, Wednesday, December 5. The 2013 mill levy will be 28.866 mills; the assessed valuation of the town increased by $13,879 to $2,385,815. The General Fund […]