2018 Year in Review SEPTEMBER

Future of LRP Coal Domes Explored

The two coal storage domes, an integral part of the Lamar Repowering Project, have sat empty and idle for several years north of East Maple Street. Per a settlement agreement, the City of Lamar owns them and they have been offered for sale.  City Administrator, John Sutherland, informed the city council, there has been an interest in the domes and the Project facility, which is south of the domes across from East Maple.

The Lamar City Council was given a tour of the domes, inside and out, by Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh. The tour was part of the council’s work session prior to their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 24th.

If and when sold, both domes would have to be demolished and transported to a new destination. The city currently has four years left on a five year agreement with Arkansas River Power Authority, ARPA, to dispose of the domes at ARPA’s cost.  If there is no sale, the financial responsibility for removal reverts to the city.

The council agreed there are some financial details between ARPA and the city that need be finalized regarding the settlement suit, something they’d like to see spelled out in a written agreement before ARPA decided to disband as a power broker for its six municipal members. The sale of the Repowering Project’s construction bonds to Tri-State G & T is still being negotiated.  The council plans to invite ARPA Executive Director Rick Rigel to a future meeting or work session.
By Russ Baldwin

New School Year for HOPE Coalition

Members of the HOPE Coalition met for the first regular meeting of the new school year at the Lincoln School on Monday, September 17th. Under New Business, Wendy Buxton Andrade and Byron Hall switched their roles as Coalition President and Vice-President, respectively.   Due to various scheduling conflicts last year, the traditional Chili Dinner and Auction was not held.  Coalition Executive Director, Lori Hammer told the gathering that Lamar Police Officer Tanisha Clevenger has become their new Special Resources Officer and has made it a point to become more integrated into the daily operation of the students at Lincoln School.

Enrollment is up at the Lincoln Alternative School, headed by Anthony La Tour. Hammer said enrollment is now at 30, with Middle School students attending.  One project being conducted is to teach students how to purchase, plan and pay for meals with a series of shopping trips to local grocery stores, working with fixed budget.

Hammer said the student numbers for the start of the year are approximately 170 per day. Hammer and Coalition members were involved in Philanthropy Days, held in Lamar for the first time this past summer.  She said the community received excellent reviews on the effort made to provide a smooth running event during the three days of meetings which accommodated upwards of 250 visitors.  Lamar should be eligible to host the southeastern region in another four years.
By Russ Baldwin

Ida and Manuel Gonzales-Grand Marshalls

Gonzales, Grand Marshalls of 2018 Fiesta de Colores

Ida and Manuel Gonzales led the traditional Fiesta de Colores parade, Saturday, September 15th from the Granada High School to the town’s park as this year’s Grand Marshalls.

The 10am parade featured six candidates for the queen and princess coronation as well as featuring two returning royalty members from 2017.

Dee Melgosa, of Bison Title, told The Prowers Journal, the event had a great turnout which included Frank Ybarra winning Best of Show in the Car Show and $1,000 in scholarships was awarded to the contestants.

The annual celebration’s events included music DJ Fernando as well as the noon coronation for the Fiesta Queen and Princess. Other entertainment included Alma Folklorica de Oklahome, Group Tlaloc Danza Axteca and Car Show as well as cornhole and horseshoe throwing.   Prize drawings were held at 4pm followed by the candidates First Dance.

Melgosa thanked the numerous merchants and residents for their generous donations to help make the annual event a possibility.
By Russ Baldwin