January 13, 2017, the independent claims officer within the Environmental Protection Agency - guided by the U.S. Department of Justice - made a decision on the administrative claims brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) in connection with the Aug. 5, 2015 Gold King Mine release. After careful analysis, the claims officer concluded that the agency is not legally able to pay compensation for the claims.
The Internal Revenue Service and its private-sector partners announced the 2017 opening of Free File, the free tax software preparation program that gives eligible taxpayers a dozen options for brand-name products.
Taxpayers can get a jump now on preparing their returns, and the companies will hold the returns until January 23 when the filing season officially begins. Taxpayers also should remember that, by law, the IRS must hold refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit until February 15.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued a brief statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision against reimbursing private businesses and individuals for claims of damages from the Gold King Mine spill:
"We are disappointed in the EPA's decision. We expected the EPA to make good on its promise to reimburse any Colorado resident or business that suffered a legitimate loss as a result of the spill. The Attorney General has agreed to help us find ways we can make sure our residents receive just compensation."
Legislation makes water more affordable for rural Colorado
With snow storms continuing to impact the state throughout the long winter season, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminds all property owners, renters and private snow removal operators that it is against the law to deposit snow onto or next to a public highway.
Incumbent Kiowa County Commissioners Richard Scott and Donald Oswald were sworn in to a new term this week by County Judge Gary W. Davis. Their four-year term runs to January 2021. First term Commissioner Cindy Berry is at the mid-point of her four year term.
(Editor's note: the following item is not an official legal notice and is provided for informational purposes)
Notice of Meeting
CORA Working Group
Date of Notice: January 11, 2017
Date and Time of Meeting: January 20, 2017, 1:30 P.M.
Notice of CORA Working Group Meeting
The Regular Kiowa County Commissioner's Meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Richard Scott on December 29, 2016. Scott opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Those in attendance were:
Richard Scott, Chairman
Cindy McLoud, Commissioner
Donald Oswald, Commissioner
Delisa Weeks, County Clerk
Tina Adamson, County Administrator
McLoud moved and Oswald seconded the motion to accept the minutes as presented. All Commissioners voted Affirmative.
Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams has joined his peers across the country in expressing disappointment with the Department of Homeland Security's decision to classify election systems as "critical infrastructure" without the promised collaboration process.
One concern is that the classification may give the federal government more control over elections, which are run by states and local governments. The designation was made last Friday in the waning days of President Obama's administration.
A staff member from Congressman Ken Buck's office will be in Eads Thursday, January 26, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Kiowa County Courthouse meeting room at 1305 Goff Street, Eads.
The local office visit offers constituents across the Fourth Congressional District an opportunity to share their concerns with Congressman Buck's office and to receive assistance from staff members who specialize in helping constituents navigate federal programs and bureaucratic red tape. Constituents seeking assistance are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation.
