Commissioners approve tower use

by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG — The Huerfano County Commissioners okayed a request by DD Wireless for use of an abandoned county owned tower. Kent Mace, owner of DD Wireless, said his company would use it to improve communication opportunities for citizens and businesses in the county. DD Wireless is willing to maintain the tower, which had previously been used by the county for road and bridge communications.
DD Wireless wants to put a microwave transmitter on the tower in order to shoot signals to currently unserved locations in the county, providing wireless internet service for new potential users. So far, they are serving 50 businesses in Huerfano County with high speed service.
The commissioners commended DD Wireless for its efforts despite the fact they had been turned down for grant money from the USDA to further serve local citizens.
The commissioners approved the use of the Huerfano County Community Center for the Livewell banquet and program on March 14th and for the annual Spanish Peaks Health Fair on April 21st.
A report of a phone survey done by two students of Walsenburg’s Opportunity and Enrichment school was given to the commissioners on Wednesday. Haylea East and Kevin Kleinschmidt, led by teacher Deb Nott, surveyed Huerfano County citizens about oil and gas exploration, wind energy and land ownership in the county. (See full HWJ story on page 7).
Commissioners were surprised at the number of land line phones no longer in service. It was noted the survey was not able to include households using only cell phones. The commissioners also were surprised at how many people of working age were home during the survey hours of 8 am to 4 pm. Those surveyed in the age group of 41 to 62 had 38% at home during the daytime. It was speculated during the meeting that number could have been so high due to working different shifts, being retired or being unemployed.
The commissioners thanked the O & E students for their efforts, felt it was a good educational experience for the students, and the survey provided good information for the commissioners.