by Kris Schoech
and Laura Vass

Science teacher, Rae Anne “Randi” Dotter, Cotopaxi Schools was recently the Colorado recipient of the National University System- Colorado Sanford Teacher Award. The Sanford Teacher Awards are given to one teacher in D.C and one in each state for a total of 51 awards nationwide. The Sanford Teacher Award is based on criteria of inspiring teaching, and all finalists qualify for being named the nation’s top inspirational teacher in 2019; The awards are supported by philanthropist I. Denny Sanford. The qualities identified by the Sanford Teacher Award reflect the mission of education-focused programs that are being expanded nationally through the leadership of the private, nonprofit National University System, which is home to one of the top ten largest schools of education in the country.
It’s always a welcome surprise when a rural school teacher wins an award of this caliber. Randi’s teaching methodology and over and above average efforts in and out of the classroom are indeed unique and have won the hearts of her students and their parents. Continue reading Cotopaxi Science Teacher Receives High Honor →

Airport Improvements,
Another Economic Survey, Electronics to Landfill?
Pot Grow Restrictions?

Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC)
—December 4, 2018
WESTCLIFFE, Colo.
by Jackie Bubis
The meeting started at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Introductions of the public followed.
Commissioner Items
Commissioner Canda reported that Kent Beech was at the airport breaking ground today and that the three-week deadline to have the berm removed and the other work done has started. They will handle weather as it comes up.
The survey for the Economic Development Strategic Plan is now available on the County website. Mr. Canda again stated that this survey is not statistically driven but is an opinion survey only. The survey will be on Facebook and other media in the next few days as well as paper copies available at various merchants in town.
Commissioner Printz reported that the hearing in Denver for the Underfunded Courthouse grant went well. He also mentioned that there was a great deal of revision that needed to be done in the attainable housing process. He announced that there was only one applicant for the part-time cleaning position but that the person was fully qualified and he moved that she be offered the position at $14 an hour for 20 hours a week. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Flower reported that the recent staff meeting went very well and that the staff Christmas party plans are moving forward. He reported that former Commissioner Cleo Day had passed away. He thanked Road & Bridge department for plowing the parking lot.
Attorney Items
Attorney Smith presented Resolution 18 – 27 for the name change on Rice Road reported in the last article. The resolution passed unanimously.
Staff Reports
During the landfill/recycling report, the Board discussed with Rusty Christensen the possibility of the landfill taking electronics – with an extra charge involved. He will look into having a special receptacle for that purpose. The plan would be that, when the receptacle is full, a trip would be made to Pueblo to empty it.
Gary Hyde gave the Road & Bridge report and stated that all that’s left in the Hermit Bridge project is the fencing. This project came in under budget by about $30,000.
The County Health Nurse was out sick and submitted her report via email. The lease agreement between the County and the Hospital District for her office space was approved.
Laura Lockhart gave the DHS report.
Veteran service officer Tim Swartz gave his monthly report and announced that his house is under contract and, unless something unforeseen happens, his last working day will be December 14th. Roger Watkins was suggested as an interim VSO for two days a week. The Board will make a decision on this interim position at the mid-month meeting on December 18th at 9 a.m.
New Business
The Board reviewed the Black and Gray Marijuana grant application with DOLA. DOLA will determine the amount of money granted and funds will be used to reimburse expenses incurred by the Sheriff’s Department while combating illegal grows.
Undersheriff Chris Barr reported to the Board that the Victims Assistance Law Enforcement (VALE) grant was awarded for $5,000. Chris Barr has been nominated for the VALE Board. The Board thanked him for his work on this project.
Attorney Smith and Sheriff Byerly discussed with the Commissioners the possibility of an ordinance for Custer County, Silver Cliff, and Westcliffe to reduce the number of marijuana plants that can be grown in the county and two towns from 24 to 12. Sheriff Byerly urged that this be a combined town and county ordinance for consistency.
Commissioner Printz asked if the process had begun for writing a nuisance ordinance. Attorney Smith responded that he had not yet begun writing it.
The meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m.