USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural businesses. The funding is being provided through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Under this program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to local utilities, which use the funding to create revolving funds for projects that will create or retain jobs in rural areas. USDA is making $37 million in loans and $11 million in grants available. A recipient may receive a loan of up to $1 million, or a grant of up to $300,000.

Officials Encourage Individuals to Register to Participate in an Exercise or Drill, Make a Family Communication Plan, Download Alerts and Know Local Hazards

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler and Chris Henderson, chief executive officer of the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), which administers the Rural Health Care telecommunications program.

Natural Resource partners, farmers and ranchers encouraged to attend

LAKE CLEANUP

The following vouchers were paid at the Regular Meetings held on March 15,2016 and March 30, 2016 to be paid out of 2016 Budget to wit:

COUNTY GENERAL

FIRE

Rupp's Truck & Trailer Repair, Inc., Haswell Fire Truck Repairs, $555.00

                  $555.00

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

By Eads USDA Service Center

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

The election results are not official until the Canvass Board approves them after May 11, 2016  

Gary Augenbaugh             169

Priscilla Waggoner           333

John Negley                       230

Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) are pursing legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fully and expeditiously compensate all communities that were impacted by the Gold King Mine spill.

The Kiowa County Hospital District and County Board met in regular session on March 22, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bank Meeting Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gary Aughenbaugh.

District Board members present were: Gary Aughenbaugh, Roland Sorensen, Robert Woods, John Negley and Cathryn Anderson.

County Board members present were: Sylvia Shields, Craig Kerfoot, Dennis Pearson, Kim Harris and Lori Shalberg. Voting Members: Shields, Pearson and Shalberg