Government

The third Monday in February is a holiday, at least for Federal government employees, though some people may be confused about the actual name of the holiday.

Looking at many calendars, including the electronic kind found on computers and tablets, one could be forgiven for thinking Monday's holiday is called "Presidents' Day" (with or without the apostrophe after the 's'). However, there is no Federally-recognized holiday with that name.

The Regular Meeting of the Town of Eads Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Shields, Tuesday January 9, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall. Robin Fox, Town Clerk, took roll call:

Mayor - Joe D. Shields- present

Trustees - Present - Dennis Pearson, Kathy McCracken, Terry Riley, Lisa Trigilio, and Priscilla Waggoner

Absent - Justin McLoud

Town Clerk- Robin Fox -Absent

Assistant Clerk- Shealynn McCracken-Present

Colorado received the highest grade in a report released this week by the Center for American Progress that examined election security.

The organization examined seven factors, including voting machine certification requirements and post-election audits, in grading all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Colorado received a B, the highest grade given, and was singled out for being the first state to conduct mandatory risk-limiting post-election audits, in 2017.  

The Kiowa County Commissioners Regular meeting was called to order on January 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. by Commissioner Donald Oswald. Oswald opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Those in attendance were:

Cindy McLoud, Commissioner

Donald Oswald, Commissioner

Delisa Weeks, County Clerk

Tina Adamson, County Administrator

Chairman Richard Scott, Absent due to illness

McLoud moved and Oswald seconded the motion to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Former Colorado State Representative and businessman Elwood Gillis died Tuesday at the age of 83. His daughters were at his side.

Gillis served in the state legislature from 1981 to 1990, and chaired the Joint Budget Committee, which oversees the state's annual budget. He also served as Mayor of Lamar in Prowers county from 1994 to 1995.

He was well-known in southeast Colorado as owner and operator of a number of businesses starting in 1963, and as a member of civic groups such as the Masons, Lion's Club, and Lamar Jaycees.

La Junta police and fire department members were called to a report of a possible explosive device Thursday morning according to La Junta Fire Chief Aaron Eveatt.

While executing a search warrant in the 500 block of Lawrence, officers with the La Junta Police department discovered the potential explosive object. Assistance was requested from the Southern Region Bomb Squad response team, which arrived mid-afternoon. The team determined the device represented an explosive threat. The U.S. Air Force 21^st Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was also requested to assist.

Congressman Ken Buck announced the beginning of the Congressional Art Competition for the 4th Congressional District of Colorado. Started in 1982, the annual competition draws artistic talent from young artists across the country, offering high school students the opportunity to share their creative talents with the community by submitting an original piece of two-dimensional artwork.

KIOWA COUNTY

COMMISSIONER MEETING

FEBRUARY 8, 2018 MEETING DATE

APPOINTMENTS:

For the second consecutive year, the Elbert County Sheriff's Office Foundation is holding a fundraising dinner in support of the brave men and women of the Elbert County Sheriff's Office in the event they are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. 
The evening will include dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions, along with dancing to music provided by John Hillmann. Activities will be taking place March 10 at the Elbert County fairgrounds exhibit building. A cash bar will open at 5:00 p.m., will dinner to follow at 6:00 p.m.