All Entries in the "Utilities" Category
Wind Energy Guide Available for Rural Landowners
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – A new resource created for Colorado agricultural producers and rural dwellers eliminates guess-work for landowners interested in harnessing wind power. The resource video and booklet, entitled Colorado Wind Energy Installation Guide for Agriculture and Rural Applications, explains how to evaluate a site’s wind energy potential, select the right wind turbine and tower […]
Burn Firewood, Not Your Money
With the colder months just around the corner, many Colorado Consumers may turn to the use of firewood as an alternative means of reducing heating costs. Consequently, consumer purchases of firewood will increase statewide. Unfortunately, many consumers will pay a lot for firewood, without receiving the amount they think they purchased. The Colorado Department of […]
Alta Vista Students Rock the Gym
Boy, did they have a good time! The youngest of the Alta Vista school students probably didn’t fully comprehend the award being given to this school this past Tuesday, October 16, but they definitely understood, “It’s time to sing”. The Alta Vista Charter School had the distinction of being the first school in the nation to achieve […]
Granada Trustees Approve Tree Trimming Project
The Granada Board of Trustees accepted a $30,000 bid for needed tree trimming in the community during their monthly meeting, October 10. Tree branches are extending past a safety margin, coming into contact with power lines around the community. The Trustees accepted the bid from All Seasons Tree Service out of Pueblo of which half […]
Congressman Gardner Meets with Lamar Council
Touching upon such subjects as Wind Production Tax Credit, the Arkansas Valley Conduit, agricultural growth in Colorado, the national budget and EPA restrictions, U.S. Fourth Congressional District Congressman, Cory Gardner, met with the Lamar City Council and department heads this past Friday, October 5. Gardner was touring a portion of his district in southeast […]
RE-2 School District Receives $1.8M BEST Grant
Washington, Parkview and the Lamar Middle schools have secured a BEST grant for $1.8 million to improve their HVAC systems. The application for the grant was made last spring and the school district received word it had been approved this past summer. BEST is an acronym for Building Excellent Schools Today. RE-2 District Superintendent, David […]
ARPA Files Motion to Have Court Reconsider Recent Ruling
The Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) and Lamar Utilities Board (LUB) filed a motion yesterday asking the U.S. District Court in Denver to reconsider its September 28, 2012 order, finding that the Lamar Repowering Project had been constructed in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. The order was entered in connection with a […]
City of Lamar Sales Tax Revenue Squeaks into a Gain for September
Revenue was up less than a full percentage point for the August Use and Sales Tax, collected this past September, at 0.82%. That marks an increase over last year at $2,227.91 for City and Use Tax collections. 2011 revenues were at $271,596.95 for the month and 2012 showed revenues at $273,824.86. Year-to-Date figures for City […]
Lamar Light Plant Could Remain Idle for Years
Rick Rigel, General Manager for ARPA, addressed the Lamar Utility Board on the regional power supplier’s current financial status through this past August. During the Tuesday, October 9 meeting, Rigel also outlined ARPA’s 2013 budget and discussed the challenges and goals the company will face next year. Rigel mentioned the possibility that the Repowering […]
City Holds Public Hearing on 2013 Budget, Light Plant Discusses Rate Reduction
While not finalized yet, the Lamar City Council reviewed the city’s 2013 budget during Monday night’s public hearing, October 8. City Administrator, John Sutherland, said that although the 2013 figures are reflected in the proposed budget ordinance, more discussion will be held with the council and department heads on October 19. Sutherland said tax revenues […]
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 […]
Lamar Chamber Providing News of A Telephone Scam
Be on the Lookout for Lookalike Telephone Invoice The Better Business Bureau is alerting area businesses that they may receive a questionable invoice from a California-based company. The phony bill is actually a solicitation. Businesses in several states have reported receiving an invoice from “US Telecom” for hundreds of dollars to cover the cost […]
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 […]
Colorado Employment Situation – August 2012
Nonfarm payroll jobs were unchanged from July to August at 2,293,300 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments. Private sector payroll jobs decreased 1,700 and government increased 1,700. According to the survey of households, the unemployment rate decreased one tenth of one percentage point over the month to 8.2 percent. The decrease in the […]
Lamar Downtown Branding Project Moves Forward
The Lamar City Council held a brief meeting this past Monday, September 24, during which time, a new police officer, Vince Dravecky, was given his oath of office by Mayor Roger Stagner. City Administrator, John Sutherland provided a calendar update on future events relating to city and community activities. Sutherland mentioned Lamar Community College will […]
PCDI Needs Funding for Big R Incentive Property
Funds allocated to the maintenance of the Big R, Washington Street offices and warehouse are almost depleted. The property, which has been for sale, was donated to Prowers County Development Incorporated as an incentive package by Big R when the local company relocated its headquarter staff to the Pueblo area several years ago. Property maintenance, […]
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 […]