Tree failure is a major cause of residential property damage and the leading cause of power outages nationwide. There are many ways a tree can fail: an ice storm can overload all the branches on a tree, a hurricane or high wind can blow down a tree if its roots are compromised, or a cracked tree can fail under its own weight.

"Homeowners who are worried about trees falling and damaging property should call a professional arborist for an on-site inspection," advises Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA*, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $832,830 in grants for two new projects, one that empowers veterans, older Americans and others with disabilities to pursue or maintain careers in agriculture, and another to deliver farm safety education to youth seeking employment or already employed in agricultural production. 

Downlod and print the handy list attached at the bottom of the page (free Adobe Acrobat PDF reader required).

This year, seven entities across the state will receive $525,185 in grant funds for projects aimed to improve water quality. Projects must be focused in one of three areas: stormwater management training, projects that improve water quality where there’s been a violation, and the planning and/or construction of stormwater or wastewater improvement projects. Government agencies, publicly owned water systems and nonprofit water systems, watershed groups, stormwater program administrators, training providers, and private landowners were eligible to apply.

The Kiowa County Hospital District and County Board met in regular session on October 25, 2016 at 6:32 p.m. at the Bank Meeting Room.

District Board members present were: Robert Woods, Priscilla Waggoner, Mary Eikner, Sylvia Shields and Cathryn Anderson.

County Board members present were: Kim Harris, Craig Kerfoot and Lori Shalberg. Absent: Dennis Pearson (called) and John Negley

Others present: Tristen Sheridan, Wendy McDowell, Shannon Dixon, Kevin Siefkas, Braylynn Eder and Cassie Frey.

The meeting was called to order by Mary Eikner, Chairman of the Board.

By Doris Lessenden

“The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.”  Deuteronomy 16:15….let us all have an attitude of gratitude.

Entry to all 42 Colorado state parks is free on Nov. 25 for a new Colorado Parks and Wildlife tradition called #FreshAirFriday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers this opportunity to those who have signed the pledge to head outside on the day after Thanksgiving. More than 50 retailers in Colorado and nationwide are closing their doors on Black Friday and multiple states are urging people to go outside instead of joining the rush inside to shop this year.