Mary Ann Donovan, (center) daughter of the late Cara Fisher, is pictured after placing the brass plate bearing the name of Cara Fisher on the Outstanding Civic Leaders plaque. The plaque is located just inside the south entrance of the Fremont County Administration Building. Pictured with Donovan are Mary Chamberlain (left) and Carol McNew (right) both of the Fremont County Heritage Commission.
The name of local historian and artist Cara Fisher, who died in February at the age of 90, had her name added Tuesday to the plaque honoring Fremont County’s Outstanding Civic Leaders. The Fremont County Board of Commissioners took that formal action to recognize Fisher’s contributions during her decades of work as a local historian and preservationist. The honor is bestowed posthumously with Fisher’s name being nominated by the Friends of the Royal Gorge Museum and History Center.
In her letter of nomination Geri Collette said Fisher laid a solid foundation for preserving our unique local history, the story of its people, its buildings, and our future. District 2 Commissioner Debbie Bell said Fisher had a lot to teach people because of her amazing life lessons. Mary Chamberlain and Carol McNew of the Fremont County Heritage Commission also praised Fisher’s contributions. Fisher’s name is the sixth name to be added to the plaque of Outstanding Leaders since it was created in 2002. It’s been six years since names were added to the plaque. The last two names were former State Senator Harold McCormick and Barbara Lamborn who was very active in the Fremont Cattlewomen and Farm Bureau.
The Commissioners on Tuesday also approved a proclamation declaring June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Fremont County. Janelle Miller of the Fremont County Department of Human Services Adult Protection Division said her staff handles 25 to 30 reports every month of elder abuse. Miller said 75% of those cases typically involved exploitation of the elderly.
In other business on Tuesday the Board of Commissioners:
- Approved an update of the Fremont County Airport Security Plan which had not been updated since 2006;
- Tabled consideration of a hotel and restaurant liquor license for the Crossroads Events Center at Highways 50 and 115 in Penrose. Owner William Peetz had still not fulfilled his obligation to secure a food service license which is required as part of a hotel and restaurant liquor license. The Commissioners tabled the matter until July 14th;
- Authorized the chairman to sign a new contract offer for the possible purchase of a hangar at the Fremont County Airport. The offer to purchase is for the same amount as the Commissioners approved a month ago but reportedly lost out when another buyer stepped in;
- Scheduled a public hearing for 10 a.m. on July 14th for renewal of a conditional use permit for B & B Septage on property located northeast of the Fremont County Airport.