News Now Blog

The two month process of hearing property valuation appeals at the Fremont County Assessor's Office and by the Fremont County Commissioners concluded Monday with the final protest hearing before the County Board of Equalization. Assessor Stacey Seifert said the 2007 reassessment year protest was not as heavy as they had anticipated.

The Fremont County Tourism Council (FCTC) has issued a 'Request for Proposals' to secure the services of a qualified marketing group or individual to provide professional services in completing and implementing a marketing plan for the Tourism Council. As part of its' tourism promotional efforts FCTC is in need of administrative assistance and expertise relating to annual media buys, publication of the annual visitor's guide, guide distribution, handling website and telephone fulfillment requests, and attending tourism and marketing conferences.

The Board of County Commissioners is accepting letters of interest from citizens of Fremont County wishing to serve on the Fremont County Planning Commission.

The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. to review land use proposals, such as subdivisions, zone changes and use permits and make recommendations to the County Commissioners who render a final decision on land use proposals. The Planning Commission is also responsible for updating the Master Plan, a county-wide guideline for reviewing land use proposals.

The Fremont County Commissioners Tuesday rejected a site development plan for a new bar in Penrose saying it was not compatible with the neighborhood. The decision on the proposed Lincoln Center Saloon at the intersection of 9th and Broadway in Penrose followed a public hearing in which all public comments were in opposition. Thomas and Sandra Lincoln, who now operate Marv's Place bar in Penrose, had hoped to relocate and open a new bar at the site of the former library in Penrose.

Fremont County's application for additional grant monies to enhance the new outdoor arena at Pathfinder Regional Park west of Florence did not make the cut before the Great Outdoors Colorado Board. Fremont County was seeking a $200,000 grant to help install outdoor toilets, bleachers, and lighting. Great Outdoors Colorado notified the County Commissioners this week that at the recent GOCO Board meeting in Trinidad the Board approved $3.48 million in grants for 22 parks and recreation projects statewide. GOCO had received 47 grant applications totaling $7.2 million.

Finalization of conditions and contingencies for a zipline attraction in western Fremont County highlighted the business agenda for the Fremont County Commissioners regular meeting Tuesday.

The Fremont County Commissioners Tuesday approved a zipline cable ride operation in western Fremont County and indicated they expect to impose some tight restrictions on the operation when conditions are considered on June 26th.

Fremont County Environmental Health Officer Sid Darden is reminding area residents about the procedures that must be followed if people want sick or dead birds tested for West Nile Virus. COHELP, the Colorado Health Emergency Line for Public Information, is a special toll free phone number that must be contacted first before birds are brought in for testing. The toll free number is 1-877-462-2911. If the COHELP staff determines that a sick or dead bird is suitable for testing, you will be referred back to Fremont County Environmental Health Services using the following criteria:

The Fremont County Board of Commissioners dealt with a short agenda of business for their May 22nd regular meeting.

The Board approved a three lot minor subdivision for Kurtis and Trudy Zerby on 4.77 acres of land just northeast of Field and Melvina Streets north of Canon City. Lot 1 will cover one acre, lot 2 - 1 acre, and lot 3 - 2.77 acres. The property will be in agricultural and residential uses.