KIOWA COUNTY

COMMISSIONER MEETING

DECEMBER 28, 2017 MEETING DATE

APPOINTMENTS:

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve been having trouble sleeping and my doctor suggested that indoor air pollution could be a contributing factor. Do you have any tips for how to improve my home’s air quality without breaking the bank?                                         -- Jennifer Abromovitch, Putney, VT

The United States Geological Survey recorded an earthquake in Las Animas county at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. It was centered 27 miles southwest of Trinidad.

The quake, measuring 3.0 on the Richter Scale, occurred at a depth of 3.1 miles. A week ago, a 3.4 earthquake occurred about 20 miles north of the area, which regularly experiences such minor quakes.

No damage or injuries have been reported.

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” bears very little resemblance to its 1995 predecessor. That film was about a jungle-themed board game that invaded our world. This movie is about a jungle-themed video game that sucks players into its world. It’s probably better that this film goes in a different direction. All the inevitable jokes about the displaced animals invading suburbia and becoming Internet sensations would get old real quick.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to welcome in the new year by once again participating in First Day Hikes. Over 30 events are scheduled in state parks across Colorado on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

USDA is offering grants for innovative ideas for conservation strategies and technologies. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest $10 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, funding innovative conservation projects in three focus areas: grazing lands, organic systems and soil health. Grant proposals are due February 26, 2018.

The Internal Revenue Service said today that it expects more than 90 percent of all 2017 individual tax returns to be prepared using tax software. The majority of those will be e-filed. Since 1986 when the IRS started accepting electronically filed tax returns, more than 1.8 billion have been securely processed.

Storms are becoming more frequent as winter weather sets in, so it is time to ensure your car, truck or SUV is ready for driving as conditions change for the season.

Tires are a critical part of safe winter driving. Tire tread should be at least 1/8 inch deep. You can check your tires using a quarter – insert the quarter into the tread with George Washington’s head pointed toward the center of the tire. If you can see the top of his head, your tires will not provide enough traction should be replaced.

The angel of the Lord said, “Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people … A Savior has been born to you.” And Dear Readers, that Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the “reason for the season.”