Tribune-Phonograph
A resolution pledging Clark County’s support for federal immigration enforcement was effectively buried by the county’s Law Enforcement Committee on Monday, but it could be revived at a future county board meeting.
The Colby/Abbotsford Police Commission approved a proposed budget for 2026 at their most recent meeting held on Monday. With wage increases for officers following the approval of the new union contract, and a corresponding raise for the chief, lieutenant and secretary, as well as hikes in health insurance costs, the overall costs went up roughly 5 percent from this year’s budget. The city of Abbotsford will see its share increase from approximately $556,000 to $587,000, while the city of Colby’s pay-in will go from approximately $411,000 to $434,000. The Abbotsford School District will go from $88,000 to $96,000 and the Colby School District’s contribution will go from $77,000 to $82,000.
The Thorp Courier
The Rock Church will open its doors (at its new location) for its first service on Sunday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m. The Rock Church is located at 316 North Washington Street in downtown Thorp.
Thorp Police Chief Daryl Pries told Thorp’s City Council that despite recently conducting several interviews, his department is still without a second full-time police officer. Pries suggested the city continue to advertise for a full-time officer while also entertaining hiring a part-time officer until a more permanent solution can be found.
Stanley Republican
The City of Stanley has elaborated on a proposed doubling to its current water rates, following application to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and public questions on the prospective two step rate increase for water projects at its central water plant. A 103 percent estimated cumulative increase in current water rates mean rates just over twice the current rates, subject to a public hearing and Public Service Commission approval of said increases. A two year, two step rate increase would raise 2025 rates to $34.56 per quarter for fixed, $83.13 per quarter for public fire, and $9.63 for volume per 1,000 gallons, rising to $48.75 per quarter for fixed, $117.20 per quarter for public fire, and $13.58 for volume per 1,000 gallons by 2026.
City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim asked the Stanley City Council to approve requiring utility companies to obtain permits before beginning work in city right-of-way’s, noting that the city should be notified of such projects regardless. Pilgrim explained that fees are based on the size of the project. The council approved Ordinance 2025-001, amending Section 6-2-4 on excavations of streets, alleys, public ways, and grounds. Council members noted that some companies have previously completed work without properly restoring the right-of-way, and the new ordinance could help prevent that. The council also approved the fee schedule for right-of-way management.