Leonard Appointed to Lamar Utility Board

Leonard Sworn in by Judge Kim Verhoff

Pat Leonard was given his oath of office by Lamar Municipal Court Judge, Kim Verhoff, as he was sworn in as the newest Lamar Utility Board member, replacing Rick Beard. Leonard will serve a five year term on the board.  His nomination was approved by the Lamar City Council this past Monday night.

As one member was absent from the Tuesday meeting, and a full membership is required for a reorganization vote, Doug Thrall will remain the interim board chairman until the next meeting, set for September 27^th.

Members held a light agenda meeting, approving purchase orders totaling $1,136,739 and payment of bills at $162,704. One bid for 1,000 feet of underground cable was approved at $3.65 a foot.  Light Plant Superintended Hourieh said that purchase would be good for the next five to seven years and the cable has a life expectancy of 30 years, so there’s no worry about deterioration in the foreseeable future.

Storm Damage to Power Poles

Hourieh said Light Plant crews were kept busy last week with severe wind storms that knocked out power poles, beginning around 6:30pm on September 4^th.  Breaker systems operated twice to clear faults on the line due to the severe thunderstorm and fifteen poles were broken because of strong winds in the area, mostly between County Roads SS and RR, Five and Seven, plus two poles in Wiley.  Power was restored to Wiley’s western section around 11:30 that night and by 2:30pm the following day for the rest of the affected area.

Site of Accident (Courtesy Photos from LL&P)

Power was also knocked out to a portion of the Wiley area due to a highway accident near the Wiley C-Store. According to the report from Hourieh, a northbound semi-tractor apparently had to swerve off Highway 287 to avoid a head on collision that had allegedly crossed the center line.  The semi and vehicle collided and the semi went into a guard median, totaling the tractor.  The passenger vehicle also sustained damage.  Hourieh said there were no serious injuries in the accident.  Claims will be sent to the LUB insurance company for coverage of the storm damage and accident.  The board went into executive session for legal questions concerning the Lamar Repowering Project.

By Russ Baldwin