Wednesday, August 12, 2026

The Eastern Plains Badger

Government

La Junta wastewater fund posts $88,271 July shortfall as interest, sludge costs near budget

La Junta’s July wastewater report shows an $88,270.96 monthly shortfall, near-budget interest and sludge costs, and roughly $11.65 million in debt and lease obligations while a separate $15,700 hauling liability remains unexplained.

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Government

Elizabeth Main Street to seek developer for downtown Gesin Lot

A planned request for qualifications would seek a development partner for a pedestrian-scale mixed-use concept, with responses due Sept. 25 and interviews targeted for November.

Energy

Washington County adopts battery-storage zoning rules, ending moratorium

The rules require special review, extensive safety documentation, a 1,000-foot occupancy setback, insurance and full decommissioning security for battery-storage facilities of at least 1 megawatt.

Government

Kit Carson County commissioners to consider tax abatement, change order and fairgrounds bids

The Aug. 12 agenda lists four potentially consequential items but provides few details about their costs, terms or effects.

Housing

Washington County adopts 90-day review track for affordable-housing projects

The policy applies to projects with at least half of their residential units designated affordable, but does not create a public system for tracking results.

Government

Elbert County to hear proposal for veterinary surgery clinic near Elizabeth Aug. 12

The Elbert County BOCC is scheduled to consider a proposed seven-patient-per-day veterinary surgery clinic at 37631 County Road 21; no final decision has been verified.

Government

Sterling council to consider broader liquor-license exemption near Northeastern Junior College

A proposed ordinance would expand eligibility for three liquor-license categories near NJC while retaining the restaurant-only limit near public, private and parochial high schools; no first-reading outcome or future hearing date has been established.

Environment

Burlington reports closing $4.8 million in wastewater loans; other financing, awards pending

The reported closing covers a $4.5 million construction loan and a fully forgivable $300,000 engineering loan, while the broader financing package remains unreconciled.

Public Safety

Colorado extends Ferris Fire emergency, authorizes $958,000 for response and recovery

A new state order puts $958,000 toward broad Ferris Fire response and recovery uses but names no recipients, while the latest available records show high containment, lifted evacuations and no public evidence of non-Compact out-of-state EMS deployment.