4:19 pm UTC Jan. 8, 2021
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colorado Beside a river that winds through a mountain valley, the charred trunks of pine trees lie toppled on the blackened ground, covered in a thin layer of fresh snow.
Weeks after flames ripped through this alpine forest, a smoky odor still lingers in the air.
The fire, called the East Troublesome, burned later into the fall than what once was normal. It cut across Rocky Mountain National Park, racing up and over the Continental Divide. It raged in the headwaters of the Colorado River, reducing thick forests to ashes and scorching the ground along the river’s banks.
WATERLOO â The Seneca County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to segment county Sewer District No. 2 into two separate service areas, and to increase the cost to the two remaining users of a wastewater treatment plant on the former Hillside Childrenâs Center property by over 1,000%.
There was considerable discussion during public comment, but the 13-0 vote itself occurred without discussion. Jim Cleere of Waterloo was the only board member not in attendance.
David Cook, an attorney representing Earl Martin and his businesses, objected to the segmentation and fee increase. He said it was âarbitrary and capriciousâ and could lead to an Article 78 proceeding if approved.