Posted by Samdt5 on July 31, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beer served in the name of the Lord? Give me a break. Where is this guy from? I also live in May Valley and wanted to attend the meeting but wasn't able to be there. I say Thank You Lord for protecting the people of Prowers County from even more drunk drivers on our roads. The commissioners did an excellant job by denying this. I'm still sitting here in disbelief that a minister would promote such a thing.

Posted by poolboy on July 31, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CAN I GET AN AMEN !!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Carny on July 31, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why doesn't the minister just give out free water and . . . well, pray for another miracle?

Posted by gaius on August 1, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh brother...

Jesus, Coors, and fast cars! All this needed was bikini clad buxom babes handing out bibles! What a country!

Posted by BlueBike on August 4, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Been to your fine little town a time or two and found no immediate shortage of watering holes from city limits in to city limits out! I think the good Reverend should take himself a bus, fill it with legal drinkers, toss back a few cold ones at a this nice little place called "the hott spott". (Found the owner & his wife to be just downright hospitable and lots of fun too!) Then head on out north to the track and there you go! Quick solution...accomplished all goals! Captive audience on the bus, Fellowship at the bar, and race cars at the track! Ya"ll get along now..ya hear!

Posted by mc1996 on August 5, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Beer is proof that God loves us!" -Ben Franklin!

Posted by educator on August 6, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Heck, get permission from the land-owner on the adjacent property and set up there. It's not illegal to have an open container outside of the city limits.
But, it's election time... gotta reach out to those Conservative Republicans. This would have been approved in January 09', or 1 1/2 years ago. A bit deeper than ya thought isn't it.
I may have to pick up some O'Douls and meet you in the parking lot, if that doesn't work out.

Posted by socialite on August 6, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What people are failing to mention is that you better have a designated driver. I have absolutely zero political goals, but, I still would not encourage this. Somebody will not follow the rules and either get a ticket, a wreck, or hurt themselves or someone else.
Why is it that just about every event held in Prowers County has to include alcohol? I think its great that the powers that be finally said no.

Posted by Carny on August 6, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator, are you insinuating that "conservative republicans" are the only ones that care about drunk drivers? Your life, obviously, has not yet been impacted by such. You say this would be approved if Democrats were in charge. What a great direction for our country (county) to go.

Posted by tristar12 on August 7, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to think that common sense and responsible decision making on this type of request would cross partisan lines. Democrats, Republicans, Independents....hopefully all would understand the idiocracy and profound liability concerns of such a request. Way to go Prowers County Commissioners! Keep it up.

Posted by educator on August 7, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Responsiblility definitely! Always! I'm not saying that if Dems were in control, I'm only saying that any commissioner, no matter the party would have approved this if it weren't this time of the year. That is all.
Designated drivers are designated life savers, literally. It takes a lot for a person to ignore the peer pressure throughout the night with friends, and staying sober. Especially as a man that used to drink like a fish. But, I'm willing.
The idea about the bus is a great idea. If the County would put PATS in service, we could even make profit off of such an event, including Sand and Sage Weekend for visitors to Lamar, and our County. Genius isn't it. Come on...
By the way, I appreciate the extra S.O. patrol around my neighborhood. Great for community policing efforts within the City. It must have been discussed in your meeting this morning to patrol more in the City, again? Especially around my house? Thanks, we appreciate the security!

Posted by educator on August 7, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that my binoculars are a bit more powerful than yours, and I have a heat seeking device that I carry near my pocket. It is actually used as well!
This is not beyond the point of this blog, as it goes right back to the far reaches of the few. Odd is it? Not really. A voice that stirs change, really does cause some controversy as we are witnessing here. Wake the F*** up people! You are puppets to traditional Prowers County Bull****. Even the badge carriers at the county level.

Posted by tristar12 on August 8, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Designated drivers are wonderful but do you think it would a responsible action for our county commissioners to place all their faith in this concept and believe that every single person who drank alcohol at this event would be that influenced by peer pressure? If that were the case we would never have a child or adult killed by a head-on collision with a drunk driver now would we?

What's up with the whole "heat seeking device that I carry near my pocket" comment? Is that relevant to your political views? I doubt that most of us would consider ourselves puppets to the traditional Prowers County BS. Quite the opposite I would say. We would be puppets if we blindly followed the rhetoric of disgruntled ex-county employees with an axe to grind.

Posted by educator on August 8, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The alcohol debate could go on forever and I do agree with you regarding the few idiots. The only thing that I see is that the line leading out of there would be long and slow all the way to town, and heavily patrolled by all agencies. Good time for a checkpoint right? With perimeter officers on county roads parellel for those that turn off? Pretty easy to dictate. If an arrest is not made, because of traffic volume and manpower, than put a sober one in the driver's seat, or dump the car and make them walk home. Better yet, have the Sheriff's vans out there and cuff and stuff. Heck have volunteers and the posse, make citizen's arrests... nothing wrong with that. I know that with manpower it is somewhat fictitous, but we do have other agencies that I'm sure would be willing to assist.
I know that you are one of the few educated. I enjoy our sharing of ideas and debates, and I believe that it is productive for all.
The word rhetoric usually comes out when one is on the defense. I appreciate your integrity. But, don't take my kindness as a sign of weakness.

Posted by Carny on August 9, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Election year or not, this was a no-brainer for the commissioners, and I'm glad they turned it down. And they DID say no, so hypothetical solutions to potential problems are sort of obsolete at this point.

Posted by educator on August 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I tend to look at reality and look forward, so pardon me for doing so. Hypotheticals lead to future solutions and raise questions to improve on a certain decision. Economy wise and marketing wise (City and County)... not a good decision. I have never heard anyone complain about money coming into our community... "big picture".
Let's think about the big picture for a moment. The PD is NOT ignoring the fact that we have a drug problem, therefore these fricken idiots are moving their crap into the county...hmmm. A Department using every law available to protect us, or the denial of a problem. Sounds pretty common regarding the conservative commissioners.
Maybe a pro-active decision to save some face, but the last time I checked alcohol was legal and drugs were illegal. You do realize that it is illegal to be drunk in public, but not high in public, including minors.
Seems as though there may be some personal interest in such? Actually you'd be surprised, but that is for my campaign. I'm sure that the Chief and the PD will get to the certain influences by then. Great for publicity and reality in a campaign right:)

Posted by Someonehere on August 11, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator, just wondering is the Sheriffs Office fault that it is illegal to be drunk in public but not high. Just wondering. One more question. How do you know that the drug dealers are moving into the county and out of the city? Just a question. You comment earlier about putting a sober driver behind the wheel if you catch someone drunk driving. Just thought that I would help you remember the laws. There are two offences that it is mandatory to arrest. Driving under the influence and Domestic Violence. That would be a stupid move for anyone in Law Enforcment to make. I too have done a little research and talk to outside sorces for my bloggs.

Posted by Carny on August 11, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someonehere, you've asked many of the same questions I have thought of.

Educator, you've overlooked a couple of points. You say this was a bad marketing/economy decision by the commish, as people have never complained about money coming into the community. Problem is, there was no money coming into the community. Donations would be accepted, which would all go to this ministry for its use. I seriously doubt that the offer of a couple free 3.2 beers would bring a stampede of race fans to Lamar to drop money on local businesses, either.

Also, since we are being hypothetical here, suppose the commish did approve something like this, and someone did get drunk and hurt someone. Wouldn't the county be open to a lawsuit? You bet your britches they would. Look at this reality, and look forward.

Hypothetically, if this had been approved, it would have been a slap in the face to P3, area churches, and other organizations that strive to provide family entertainment sans alcohol.

Lastly, it is not legal to be high on drugs in public, or anywhere else. I believe that is covered in the unlawful use statutes (separate laws for marijuana). Minors get lessor penalties, but it is illegal for them, too. DUI laws cover both alcohol AND drugs.

Posted by geronimo on August 11, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Several things are being overlooked here. One is that the application is for a "Liquor License". I know all the talk is about beer, but a liquor license leaves it open to all alcohol. Also at the meeting the minister talked about moving the alcohol to the pit area later so the race drivers could partake!! Do you suppose they would have a designated driver? Not!! Has anyone ever heard someone who has been drinking say, "I don't think I can drive, I've had too much to drink!!"?? And these drivers will not only be driving, but they will also be pulling trailers!!!

Posted by makinsenseofit on August 12, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points Carny... But I don't mean it as trying to correct you just clarify. The money would go to the ministry, but the complaint is about the local money. The ministry is not local, nor are the owners of the track. So any money spent there is not coming back to our community it is going to where ever they are from, metro area somewhere. Granted they do employ local people so a little does come back, but the majority of it is thiers I'm sure.
The city doesn't let the fans or drivers drink at the demo derby for the fair, it was pretty packed there, so why can't the speedway draw a crowd?
Why doesn't the owners of the speedway just apply for the license instead of asking others to do it for them. I'm not implying anything, but maybe they aren't eligible to possess one, or they think of it as not such a good idea either and that in thier minds someone else holding the license will relieve the liability? Don't know, but its a bad idea all around. No need for DUI checkpoints, or buses, just keep the alcohol in the bars and in places where it does belong.
To those of you that want it: Hey have a few before you go, they probably won't say anything, if it is really that important to you, just don't drive. Come to think of it, if it is really that important to you, you probably are gonna have several before you go and your gonna drive anyway. Thats my thoughts anyway.
hope this isn't gonna get me attacked in a dark alley by educator, since I've been hiding thinking he was gonna get me!LOL

Posted by Carny on August 12, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on, makinsenseofit. Thanks for the added detail. Didn't know the track owners weren't local, but now we do!

Posted by educator on August 13, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gas sales, if not that night then in the future when they return for another event. Store sales regarding the same. Marketing through word of mouth from wherever they came from, "Lamar is pretty cool, we should go back", and so on.
"Have a few before the race", where did they buy it... not La Junta, probably in Lamar, Granada, or Holly. It doesn't take an astronaut to figure out marketing, sales, and income through taxes for our cities and county.
You all figured out who I am through my posts. Do you not realize that I have done the same? It's not that hard. Especially when you are creating accounts in different names, and accusing me of doing the same to take the heat off of yourself. Pure giveaway. One of your personalities crossed the line though... check out "Understanding the Sheriff".
I'm not posting on this issue anymore. Point proven. Let's get back to our next President, and hopefully commissioners.
The dark alley comment was not necessary. I don't find the humor in it? 7 years ago maybe, but not these days, unless you mess with my family. In that category, I do not walk the other way. Please get back to productive debates that can benefit someone, if not all.

Posted by makinsenseofit on August 14, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again we hear from UN"educated"- who do you think are the ones spending the money at all those places. People that already live in Lamar and Prowers County. They are the one's racing and watching. I really haven't seen a large crowd of out of towners there. I don't think that the 2 owners are spending that much on gas, or if they even come to town for a meal. So there isn't that much money coming into Prowers County that wasn't here already!
As for the other comments, I don't think 7 years ago makes a difference, and you started it, so maybe your in regression. And if you could "smell" the sarcasm, I really wasn't scared of you.

Posted by educator on August 14, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A penny is a penny to me, and it should be looked at that way across the board. My daughter isn't going to have the student loans that I had to take out, because of pennies, nickels, and dimes being saved. She's 3 years old by the way.
Just as a vote is a vote, and every one counts. Just as every person that visits this community and spends money here, increases that penny's worth, so why not go all out? Ignorant.
As for your sarcasm, I not only smell it, I taste it! You're playing with the best in that category, but I'm not playing your game today.
Regression is a good word, but I don't have time to define what all it entails to you right now. That is a pretty rough statement for one that is supposedly to be empathetic and keep recidivism rates down by showing a tiny bit of care and emotion. It is people like you that keep recidivism rates above 62% yearly. Crime rates of drop outs about 80%. Tell me that you didn't have something to do with that? You should take a look at those who wear the blue/black in our city. Take some notes.
You know where I live if you wanna see regression by the way. Anytime.

Posted by Carny on August 14, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm curious to know what educator's view is on bringing adult entertainment to town. Porn shops and strip bars would bring a lot of out-of-town visitors.

Posted by educator on August 15, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Carny, to each their own. Definintely would cause more to stay the night in Lamar spending money, instead of driving through Lamar en route to a city that offers such.
Gotta think outside the box sometimes there Carny.
Whether we believe in such a choice or not, we do not have a right to look down or be prejiduced towards other's personal decisions or career choices.
Would I attend such, probably not, but would I agree with such to produce income for our communities, definitely. This goes right back to the ignorance of not bringing in a prison. That kinda bit you all in the a** didn't it. Bit all of us in the a** regarding our economy.

Posted by gaius on August 15, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

You may find this interesting....Ex-Police Chief Hall made sure such "adult entertainment" will never come to Lamar by pushing the city council for the only location it can be zoned for....just outside the city dump transfer station. So much for that idea unless its in the county.

One mans vice is another mans income, and vice versa (sorry for the play on words). We have a liquor store or bar for every church in Lamar. Here we sell cigarettes in most all stop and rob and grocery stores in town, and we as a city do not regulate that behavior (just look at all the minors walking around with a cancer stick in their mouths). So how are we to dictate what adults (let me say it again...adults) would want to spend there money on.

Could, or would having such "entertainment" in Lamar really hurt our community? Look back into the history of Lamar and you will find prostitution and sex were the economic backbone for this community until about 45 years ago. This was a city built on sin!

Posted by educator on August 16, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I said, to each their own. Free will is also in the Bible and I am not promoting such, just gave my response to Carny.
As for the rest of your comments... kinda odd? You're attempting to disagree with me, yet it sounds as though you agree with me and made comments to justify such?
Either way, let's not this get out of hand, as I said, I was only answering a question and I am definitely not promoting such.

Posted by educator on August 16, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gotta do it here, hoping that I can find an answer? Does anyone know what happened to the LCC anouncement of new positions that was on here last night?
I have some great input to post there. Don't know if any of you witnessed one of the comments posted by staff, but I'd love to have my opportunity. If none of you know, than we have a perfect example of personal interests and influence right before you. Let me know. Thanks.

Posted by gaius on August 16, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

Geee..don't bite my head off. All I was trying to do was share some facts I thought you would find interesting concerning Lamar and its history. Sorry!

I was neither trying to agree to disagree with you, just add to the discussion. Oh well you can't make everyone (or someone) happy.

I'm done with this board. Its gone from talking (or airing) frustrations over our community and trying to find solutions to a closed ring knife fight between a few folks. Not wanting to be stabbed in the back or kicked in the n**s again trying to add to the debate I believe I'm done with this circus...

So typical Lamar though.....small minds in a small town.....

Posted by Carny on August 16, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wanted to see if educator would stand by his statement that a penny is a penny, it doesn't matter where it comes from, and he does. His opinion, I respect that, but don't agree.

Going back to the prison issue, I was actually in favor of bringing one in but can certainly understand where people were coming from that opposed it. Many of them didn't want their home to be known (marketed) as a "prison town". At the time, the focus was on tourism, and having a prison in town was not apt to attract a whole lot of that. Of course, that was all before gas got so expensive and tourism as a whole took a beating.

I think the same negative connotation is why we don't need porn shops, etc in town. It gives the town kind of a sleazy image. The free beer offered by a "minister" just gives it a weird, incongruent image (along with the other reasons I've already listed as to why saying no to this was the right thing.)

I didn't quite understand what gaius' point was either until he/she came back and explained, but now he's kicked sand in our faces, called us names, and left the sandbox. Too bad.

As for the LCC article educator is talking about, I did see it last night, but now you can't even find it on a search. Maybe there was an error in it and they took it down to edit. Will be interesting to see if it ever reappears.

Posted by educator on August 17, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I may have came across kind of harsh in response to gaius. I'm not used to people agreeing with me or even considering intellect prior to responding to me. I can't necessarily apologize, as I believe this is a very productive debate. We need all thoughts. That is what produces advancement and community.
As for the harsh small town comment. Politics is a part of our life at all levels, just a bit more personal in the small towns, especially when pointing fingers is involved. I love this city and county!
As for the porn shops and strip clubs.... remember I don't promote such, just answering a question. Every penny counts! Thanks Carny.

Posted by tristar12 on August 29, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been studying the photos of Mr. Knox shown above. All I can say is I must have missed quite a performance. I sometimes wonder if Mr. Knox felt like he could waltz into our community and blindly lead us all like a bunch of sheep. He certainly came here dressed to the hilt with his dog and pony show.

Posted by Carny on August 30, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ha! You're so right tristar12! What a weirdo.