Prowers County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 16, 2026 as Southeastern Developmental Services Day

From left, Commissioner Ty Harmon, SDS Director of Operations Mackenzie Stornetta, SDS Executive Director Don Yoxsimer, Commissioner Roger Stagner, and Commissioner Ron Cook

The Prowers County Board of Commissioners, at their April 14, 2026 meeting, signed a proclamation declaring April 16^th as “Southeastern Developmental Services Day”.  Present at the meeting were Don Yoxsimer, Executive Director of SDS, along with Mackenzie Stornetta, Director of Operations of SDS.  Mr. Yoxsimer addressed the commissioners, thanking them for all the support SDS has received from the county.  He said SDS has been part of the community since 1961 and that their goal is “to be around for another 51 years”.  The commissioners were invited to attend the Open House to be held on April 16 for a tour and lunch.

Commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing April 6-12 as “National Public Health Week”.  Approved was a fairgrounds facility rental agreement and waiver of fees for the Southeast Colorado Can Chasers events scheduled for April through September of 2026.  A verbal poll approval of a letter sent to The Honorable Michael Bennett and The Honorable John Hickenlooper for Lamar Community College’s FY27 Congressionally directed Spending request regarding Water and Wastewater Operator Credentialling program was approved.  A Special Event Liquor Permit for Lamar Community College Foundation’s “Boots, Bling and Blessings” event scheduled for April 18, 2026 at the college’s Equine Complex was approved.

Tabled was an approval of a Fairgrounds Facility Rental Agreement and waiver of fees for the City of Lamar for use of South Saddle Club Drive and the south parking lot event scheduled for May 16, 2026.  The commissioners felt that more background for the request was needed and will be pursuing discussions with the City.  A credit card increase authorization request for Anthony Letteer was approved to align with limits approved for other departments.  Letteer will be attending the annual spring CASTA (Colorado Association of Transit Agencies) Conference in May.  Commissioners also voted to retain Balcomb & Green as outside counsel for opposition in Case No. 19CW3036 Applicaation of LAWMA at the request of County Attorney Rose Pugliese, as she feels the county needs specialized water attorneys to represent them.  An underground and utility permit No. 987 with fees waived for the May Valley Water Association was approved.  A water main along Highway 196, extending south approximately 1,250 feet from the south edge of Wiley with a crossing at the north end of town is proposed.

The meeting was then adjourned for an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation matters as well as receiving specific legal advice.  The next meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, April 28 at 1:00 pm.

By: Barbara Crimond