Friday, October 18, 2013

Welcome to the Mayor of Chugwater's Blog! This is open for ideas, thoughts, and opinions on what is best for the town of Chugwater.

Why did I run for Mayor? I wanted to do something to help Chugwater. We are facing economic issues, low enrollment in school, no gas station, empty homes with no people, and empty businesses with no people. I would like to spend my time enhancing what we have rather then building new. To protect our way of life. Chugwater is a small town with a big heart. The people here are full of passion. With a wide range of difference of opinions. However, in order for us to move forward it will take all of us working together for the common good of Chugwater.

 In the past 10 months we have accomplished: Teal Pathways Phase 1, and finished the Street Project on 7th Street, which also included a Safe Routes to School Side Walk. We also looped the water line on 7th Street for an even flow of water. Two more Safe Routes to School Side Walks will be bid on in the spring. Through Net Work Solutions we have a new Website (www.Chugwater.com), and a Facebook page. We now have our industrial lots business ready and available for sale. The ambulance equipment has been updated with a new gurney, and two EAD machines. It is now prepared and supply ready for any natural disaster that our small community might encounter. The walls in the Ambulance Bay, the archive room and another office space are all complete due to a grant.

The next project we are working on is getting funding for a Firing Range outside of town limits west of town. We are currently having a Craft Fair October 26th at the Business Center from 10am-3pm. Followed by a Monster Mash Dance from 6pm-9pm at the Community Center. Starting in October The Town is working with the Community Center in organizing a Cancer Quilt for survivors as well as those who didn't make it. Anyone can do a block for a family member, friend or love one. Once the quilt is complete it will be on a rotating display throughout Chugwater's businesses, museum, town hall, and library. Each block will cost $15, an you can paint on the block, quilt on it whatever you choose to represent your loved one. There are 40 blocks  available. Also, we are looking into a grant to open up an Art and Craft Gallery at the Business Center. This would help bring people into town as well as promote our Business Center for future businesses.

With the loss of Horton's Corner we have lost a lot of income in our small town. We lost our gas and cigarette tax, 9 jobs, and high way traffic coming through town. The property is for sale at $400,000 with Rite Agency in Wheatland. The tanks are DEQ and EPA certified and ready to go.

I look forward to hearing your ideas and your thoughts for Chugwater.

LaDonna Sand