FEATURE: On today’s KVNF Regional Newscast, we continue our conversation with Samie Alteri of Valley Food Partnership, on the Community Food Access Program established in 2022 by the Colorado legislature. The program aims to improve access to and lower prices for healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state by supporting small food retailers. Alteri talks about the technical assistance available to ag producers and small food retailers.
NEWS: The Delta County District Court ruled in favor of the Town of Paonia regarding claims brought by a former out-of-town water customer who sought free, unmetered access to the Town’s public water system. The decision was issued on June 11th by Judge Mary Deganhart.
According to a press release from the town, the lawsuit, filed by Erik Gilbertson, stemmed from his refusal to allow the Town to install a radio-read water meter on his property to track usage per the town’s code. In her ruling, the judge stated “ that Gilberston did not have a constitutional right to receive unmetered water service and his claims against the town were not reasonable.
Gilbertson was asking the court for reinstatement of service without a functioning meter, monetary damages of $3,000 per day, reimbursement of legal fees, removal of the Town Administrator, and a letter of apology. The Court dismissed all of his requests.
In more Paonia town news, Nicki Poulos is the new Public Works Director for the town of Paonia. Poulos replaces Cory Heiniger, who resigned this month. The announcement was made by Town Administrator Stefen Wynn at the regular Board of Trustees meeting on June 10.
Tomorrow is the grand opening ceremony for the North Fork Miner’s trail in Hotchkiss. Festivities begin at 10 am with speeches, a ribbon cutting and food. The event takes place at the bridge at the Delta County Fairgrounds. A bike tour and free admission to the North Fork Pool will also take place.
ENERGY AND WATER: KVNF’s Brody Wilson has details on some new energy projects in the West End of Montrose County recently announced by San Miguel Power Association and he takes a look at negotiations over the Colorado River Compact continue between upper and lower basin states - the states and interested parties met recently in Boulder to discuss the path forward.
