Improvement Projects in Progress Across Kiowa County

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

October 10, 2003

Local business leaders and government officials from across the county met in an Eads Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum last Monday to present updates on projects taking place throughout Kiowa County.

Janet Frederick, Executive Director of the Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation, stated that reconstruction of the Nipps-Bransgrove building in Eads is on schedule, with the sub floor mostly complete. The foundation also recently closed on the purchase of 800 acres of land just south of Eads, and will have the assistance of Colorado State University students in creating a master development plan. In addition, a National Park Service grant has been made available to help plan for the impact of creation of the Sand Creek historic site.

Commissioner Vern Harris said that a project was started several months ago with the RE-2 School Board which provided free housing to families who would enroll two students in Plainview School. Expected enrollment at Plainview was expected to be around 48 students for the 2003-04 school years, but is instead around 60 students. There is also a possibility that boarding homes will be constructed in the area, which would further boost enrollment. A couple from Holly and a group of local investors are considering the purchase of the service station in Sheridan Lake.

Commissioner Rod Brown reported that the county budget is being worked on. Expenses have been increasing while revenues are decreasing, but progress has been made. Kiowa and Bent Counties are working together to upgrade the 911 emergency system.

Work on the main water transmission line to Eads was to be done by the end of the week according to Mayor Larry Michael. Close to half of the water system upgrades within the town have been completed, though the project will continue in to early spring. Reconstruction of the sewer lagoons has been completed.

The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office will be making changes in personnel in the near future. Sheriff Forrest Frazee stated that three full time positions will be converted to one full time and one part time position. Drug issues are still a major focus, and the department is doing a door-to-door survey of residents to determine law enforcement concerns within the community. An application is being made for a $17,000 grant related to homeland security.

Administrator Jim Murphy said work is under way on improvements to the utility system at Weisbrod Hospital. Upgrades include new boilers and chiller, and two-thirds of the building will have new heating and cooling by November. Improvements to the newest section of the building will be held to a later date. A temporary doctor is in place for the Wiley clinic, with a permanent doctor expected in a few months.

Kiowa County Growers, Inc. has numerous vehicles running the company’s AMG-2000, a long-awaited vegetable oil-based motor oil. Rod Johnson stated that he was looking forward to an upbeat shareholder meeting.

Haswell Town Clerk Sharon Pearson reported that the town is looking at a new water system to address issues with nitrate levels. Engineers have looked at the system, and the simplest solution will cost around $180,000. Board member Michelle Nelson and Janet Frederick are exploring grant possibilities to help fund the project.

Chris Sorensen reported that Plains Network Services, Inc. is working through a waiting list of customers for Broadband wDSL internet service, and has added a person to help with installations.

The meeting concluded with a report from Dennis Pearson, Director of the Department of Social Services, who stated that the department had funded a video conference system that will be available for a variety of uses and help cut time and travel expenses.

The Eads Chamber of Commerce holds public meetings at Our Place Restaurant the last Monday of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend.