Category: Community

Republic Services Updates Holiday Schedule for Trash Services

Good Morning & Happy Holidays.

Republic Services appreciates the continued partnership between our organization and the SUIT.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we wanted to inform you of our holiday schedule to ensure a seamless waste collection service for the Tribe.

Republic Services will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

As a result, there will be a one-day delay in our solid waste collection services for the remainder of the week.

Looking ahead to the Christmas and New Year holidays, please be advised that Republic Services will be closed on December 25th, 2023, and January 1st, 2024, respectively. Similar to Thanksgiving, there will be a one-day delay in waste collection services on these dates.

If you have any specific concerns or require further clarification, feel free to reach out to me directly at 505-419-3842.

We value our partnership with the Tribe, and your understanding during these holiday closures is greatly appreciated.

Wishing you and your team a wonderful holiday season.

 

JC Velasquez

Operations Manager Southern CO/NM

Bloomfield Hauling | Durango Transfer | Bondad Landfill

203 Idaho

Bloomfield, NM 87413

e  jvelasquez2@republicservices.com

o  505.793.8435

w  RepublicServices.com

The Southern Ute Election Board Announces Notice of Run-Off Election for Tribal Chairman and (1) Tribal Council Seat

The Southern Ute Election Board has determined the Run-Off Election dates and deadlines according to the Southern Ute Constitution and Election Code of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Run-Off Election will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Election will be held at 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO. A sample ballot has been provided containing Tribal Council Chairman candidates James M. Olguin and Melvin J. Baker. The Tribal Council candidates are Marty M. Pinnecoose and Cedric J. Chavez. Please call the Southern Ute Election Board at (970) 563-2303/2305/2730. Off reservation tribal members can call (800)772-1236 Ext, 2303. Email correspondence can be sent to election@southernute-nsn.gov

Southern Ute Election Board Announces 2023 Run-Off Election

Greetings,

The Election Board has determined the dates for the upcoming 2023 Run-off Election according to the Constitution and Election Code.  Run-off Election will be on Friday, December 15, 2023, 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. with voting located at the Election Office, 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO.

Tribal Council Chairman candidates are James M. Olguin and Melvin J. Baker.

The Tribal Council candidates are Marty M. Pinnecoose and Cedric J. Chavez.

For further inquiry, please call (970) 563-2303 or 2305/2730; Off Reservation Tribal Members:  1-800-772-1236 ext. 2303; Email is also an option at election@southernute-nsn.gov

Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Unofficial November 2023 General Election Results

The 2023 Tribal General Election vote count has concluded.
The “unofficial” results for Tribal Council are:
• Tara Vigil: 111
• Andrew Gallegos: 204
• Conrad Thompson: 93
• Cedric Chavez: 147
• Marty Pinnecoose: 134
Andrew Gallegos has received the majority of votes. A runoff election will be between Marty Pinnecoose and Cedric Chavez.
A special meeting was scheduled by the Election Board for Monday, November 6th to certify the vote count. Runoff dates are forthcoming.
The 2023 Tribal General Election vote count has concluded.
The “unofficial” results for the Chairman seat are:
• Christine Baker Sage: 42
• Byron Frost: 37
• Renee Cloud: 17
• James “Mike” Olguin: 72
• Ramona Eagle: 71
• Melvin J. Baker: 141
A runoff election will be between James “Mike” Olguin and Melvin J. Baker. A special meeting was scheduled by the Election Board for Monday, November 6th to certify the vote count. Runoff dates are forthcoming.

PC: The Southern Ute Drum

– Summer Begay, Communication Specialist.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe/State of Colorado Environmental Commission To Meet

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe/State of Colorado Environmental Commission (Commission) will meet on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Justice & Regulatory Administration Building- EPD Large Conference Room located at 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado 81137. The agenda will include Call to Order/Introductions, New Business, Tribal Air Quality Program Updates, Tribal Air Initiatives, CDPHE Updates, Open Discussion/Questions and Public Comment, and Schedule Next Commission Meeting. For more information on the meeting, how to attend virtually, or to obtain a copy of the meeting agenda please contact Mr. Michael Kirsch, Air Quality Scientist at (970) 563-2258 or visit the Commission website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/departments/epd/a….

Michael J. Kirsch

Air Quality Scientist II – Planner

Environmental Programs Department

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Phone: (970) 563-2258

Notice of Leasing and TERP Code Effective Dates

By Resolution No. 2023-005, the Tribal Council adopted the Residential, Business, Agricultural, and Renewable Energy Resource Leasing Code (Leasing Code) and Tribal Environmental Review Policy Code (TERP Code). Resolution No. 2023-005 required Tribal Council to set effective dates for the Leasing and TERP Codes after approval by the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, approved the TERP Code on February 28, 2023 and the Leasing Code on April 5, 2023. The Leasing Code was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 88, No. 63, on April 3, 2023.

By Resolution No. 2023-172, the Tribal Council established March 1, 2024 as the effective date for both the Leasing and TERP Codes.

The Leasing and TERP Codes will be published online at:

Printed hard copies of the codes may be obtained from the Tribal Information Services Department at:

For further information please contact: Amy Barry, Tribal Information Services Department, abarry@southernute-nsn.gov, (970) 563-2250.

Public Notice Effective Dates Leasing TERP Codes13 – October 2023

Growth Fund Announces Arrowhead Propane as Strategic Supplier

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2023
Growth Fund Announces Arrowhead Propane as Strategic Supplier
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In early 2023, the Southern Ute Tribal Council became aware of instances where propane fuel suppliers had failed to make timely deliveries, leaving Tribal Members without reliable and consistent heat during the winter months, in some cases for extended periods of time. Tribal Council requested the Growth Fund’s assistance to evaluate and propose options for improved reliability of propane delivery to Tribal Members.
To assess Tribal Members’ experiences, the Growth Fund partnered with Tribal Information Services to conduct a survey, which was released in July 2023 on the Tribal Member Portal and paper surveys were mailed to Tribal elders for inclusion of all voices.
The results of the survey indicated a significant difference between the suppliers in the area. The overall conclusion is that four of the six suppliers were the most prominent. Two national suppliers, which provide service to many survey respondents, were given an average customer satisfaction rating, while two of regional suppliers scored very high in customer satisfaction. After further consultation, one highly rated regional supplier offered the Tribe and its Members a beneficial rate without additional conditions. The survey summary data is available on the Tribal Member Portal.
Concurrently with the Tribal Member survey, the Growth Fund completed an assessment of area suppliers as well as evaluated developing its own propane supply company. However, the challenges associated with market pricing, cost, safety, infrastructure, and timing on execution outweighed the potential benefits and could result in higher costs to Tribal Members. Following a comprehensive review of the survey and assessment results, the Growth Fund Management Committee recommended that Tribal Council name Arrowhead Propane as a strategic supplier.
Arrowhead Propane will extend favorable pricing on both tank rental and propane fuel to enrolled Tribal Members. Tribal Council recommends Tribal Members choose a propane supplier that meets their own needs, and there is no requirement to use the strategic supplier or change suppliers.
“Safety is our greatest consideration and elimination of supply disruption is our top priority,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “Arrowhead’s outstanding customer service ratings and favorable pricing will bring improved service and savings to our Membership. However, this is an individual choice, and only an option, we encourage Tribal Members to make the decision that is right for them and their home.”
Mike Helms, General Manager of Arrowhead Propane, commented, “Arrowhead Propane is pleased to offer beneficial pricing to Southern Ute Tribal Members. We are proud of the service we provide and enjoy working with several members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe today. Safety is our first priority, but excellent customer service is a close second, and Arrowhead has equipment and capacity to meet the needs of new Southern Ute customers.”
Running out of propane during cold winter months can create potentially dangerous situations, so it is imperative to communicate regularly with your propane supplier for options to best suit your heating needs. For additional information please contact, Mr. Meade Harbison with the Growth Fund Business Development at 970-563-5037. To contact Arrowhead Propane, please find them at https://arrowheadpropaneco.com or at 970-422-5280.
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-Summer Begay, Communications Specialist.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) conducts its Annual Lake Nighthorse Kokanee Salmon Giveaway

With permission from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Animas-La Plata Association, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is again conducting its annual Lake Nighthorse kokanee salmon spawning operation. This spawning operation is important for fisheries within the Southwest Region and across the State of Colorado.

CPW wants to let the Southern Ute Tribe and its members know about the spawning and fish giveaways. We are inviting Southern Ute Tribal members to share this fish resource.

Please see the flyer for additional information on the Salmon Giveaway Event.