“It’s been many years since there was an actual election for the position of Mayor, let alone multiple seats on the Town Board,” said Norwood Chamber of Commerce President Terry Esch. “It is my opinion that this is a very important event for the community, and all interested parties should be encouraged to get petitions distributed and signed, enabling he/she to be placed on the ballot.”
The mayor and two trustees positions are four-year terms; one trustee position is a two-year term. Every registered elector age 18 or older and living within the Town of Norwood for at least 12 consecutive months preceding the election is eligible to run for office. Nomination petitions are available for circulation beginning Monday, Feb. 15, and may be picked up at the Norwood Town Hall, 1670 Naturita St. Candidates must obtain signatures from at least 10 registered voters living within the town limits. Petitions are due back to Town Clerk/Designated Election Official Gretchen Wells prior to Friday, March 5.
In the meantime, the Board of Trustees has a position open for one member, which will be an appointed position until the April election. The position will be appointed by the Mayor and ratified by a majority vote by the board.
For more information, including absentee ballot applications, go to town.norwood.co.us.
San Miguel Power Launches Newly Designed Website
WESTERN SAN JUANS – San Miguel Power Association, Inc. launched a new and improved website, www.smpa.com, last month. The site includes the same features –online bill pay, rebate applications and efficiency information – that members have come to depend on, but they are now easier to find with simply icons on the homepage.
“Our website has always been a useful online energy resource. It just needed a bit of fine-tuning” explained SMPA General Manager Kevin Ritter. “We’ve reorganized the site so our members can find the items they want and need easier.”
Coupled with the introduction of SMPA’s new website is the co-op’s recently created electronic member newsletter. Members currently signed up for paperless billingalready receive the electronic version of the co-op’s newsletter, called EnergyWise.
“We’ve really enhanced our online presence for our members’ convenience. We encourage any member who utilizes the convenient 24/7 online bill pay to take the next step and go completely paperless,” said Ritter. “With our updated website and electronic newsletter, paperless members won’t miss a thing.
All members, even those who choose to receive a paper bill, are encouraged to visit www.smpa.com. The site boasts plenty of useful information, including effective and low cost energy savings tips, co-op news and renewable energy facts. Some new additions include a revamped main menu, community calendar and information about the co-op’s practices and history.
San Miguel Power Association, Inc. is a member owned, locally controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway. Its mission is to demonstrate corporate responsibility and community service while providing safe, reliable, cost effective and environmentally responsible electrical service. SMPA serves approximately 9,600 members and 13,000 meters and supports local communities with $200,000 annually in property taxes.
Ouray Public Runs February Food Drive
OURAY – The Ouray Public Library is collecting donations to restock the shelves of the Ouray County Food Bank. Patrons can contribute by dropping off canned food and dry goods at the Ouray Public Library.
The library will be collecting food throughout the month of February and will deliver all items collected to the Ouray Food Bank during the last week of the month.
The Ouray County Food Bank is located at the Calvary Church on 2nd Street and is open on Tuesday afternoons from 1-4 p.m.
The Ouray Public Library is located at 320 6th Avenue and is open from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For access to the online catalog, see ouray.colibraries.org (and search the Ouray Library District’s catalog) or see ouray.aspencat.info.
Free Weatherization Services Available for Low Income Families
WESTERN SLOPE – Qualifying members of San Miguel Power Association, Inc. are eligible for free weatherization services from the Governor’s Energy Office. In partnership with local agencies, the GEO is providing free weatherization improvements for low-income Colorado residents, which include:
• Insulation in Attics and Walls
• Furnace Replacement
• Furnace Safety Testing
• Refrigerator Replacement
• Sealing Air Leaks
• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
• Energy Audit
• Storm Windows and Doors
• Energy Conservation Information
SMPA members who are qualified homeowners or renters can apply for these free services by contacting the local weatherization agency in their county. Residents of Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale counties should contact the Mexican American Development Association (MADA) in Montrose at 970/249-4774. Residents of San Juan and Dolores counties should contact 4 Core in Durango at 970/259-1913. Residents of Mesa County should contact Housing Resources of Western Colorado in Grand Junction at 970/241-2871.Qualifying members will be required to complete and application and schedule a free home energy audit.
“While SMPA may not be able to provide direct financial assistance, we want to make sure our members have access to any available funds that are out there,” said SMPA General Manager, Kevin Ritter. “We encourage any of our members who are eligible for the weatherization program to take advantage of it. Any assistance a member gets will help them have a more comfortable home and more affordable energy bills.”
The GEO has set the following guidelines to help residents determine their eligibility. If a resident currently receives financial assistance from any of the following programs they automatically quality for weatherization services:
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Aid to Needy and Disabled (AND)
• Old Age Pension (OAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• MEDICAID
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Eligibility can also be determined by household incomes. Visit www.smpa.com for a detailed chart.
SMPA is a member owned, locally controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway. SMPA serves approximately 9,600 members and 13,000 meters and supports local communities with $200,000 annually in property taxes.
Post a Comment
