The La Plata County Department of Human Services and Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado will administer the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

This federally funded program assists low-income households with utility costs for their main heating source. To qualify, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer or as part of rent. Eligibility and benefits are determined by factors such as household income, dwelling and fuel types, and family size. Applications are available at the La Plata County Department of Human Services, 1060 East Second Ave., at most fuel vendors, La Plata Electric Association, local libraries and at many community agencies.

LPEA-eligible households also may qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, which provides assistance with the repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating source such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. For assistance and applications, call (855) 469-4328 or (866) 432-8435.

For more information, call (866) 432-8435, (888) 775-5327 or visit www.colorado.gov/LEAP.

Military receives free state park admissions

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will offer members of the armed services free admission to Colorado’s state parks today, Veterans Day.

To obtain free admission to a state park, veterans, active duty military personnel (including active duty, Reserve and National Guard members) and their families must show:

A valid active, reserve or retired military identification card.

An identification card from the Veterans’ Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion.

Discharge papers or a DD214.

Other proof of service.

The identification should be presented at the park gate. All other passengers in the vehicle will be admitted for free.

For more information, visit http://cpw.state.co.us.

Meet the Doulas, midwives event held

A Meet the Doulas and Midwives Night will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Joy of Life Family Medicine, 679 East Second Ave.

This free event is a monthly gathering of expectant (or wanting to be expectant) families, doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, postpartum providers and fertility specialists. The topics discussed cover everything from fertility through pregnancy and post-partum care.

For more information, visit Facebook and search “Meet the Doulas and Midwives Night Durango.”

Parent, youth coach to offer parent talks

Liza Tregillus, parent and youth coach, will offer these free parent talks:

“How to Coach Your Child to a Motivated Mindset” will take place at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Park Elementary School and Nov. 21 at Needham Elementary School. Research shows that a “growth” versus a “fixed” mindset makes all the difference in student success.

“Parenting Angry Teens” will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at La Plata Youth Services, 2301 Main Ave.

A new Kinship Support Group will meet at 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Amaya Natural Therapeutics, 230 East College Drive. People who have taken in a child or children because of loss of parental rights or other reasons are invited to join other grandparents, aunts, uncles or other people who are also raising children to share ideas and experiences. Financial help also is available through this grant-funded activity. The Thursday meeting will include time in a hot tub, so participants are invited to bring a bathing suit.

For more information or to attend the Kinship Support Group, call 749-9607.

Lake pipeline to be discussed

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a meeting about La Plata West Water Authority’s proposal to construct a 4.6-mile raw water pipeline from Lake Nighthorse to Lake Durango at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Eolus Room of the Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave.

The purpose of the public meeting is to provide information about the pipeline project. Reclamation is required to disclose the environmental impacts of the proposal and is in the process of developing an Environmental Assessment. Reclamation is seeking input from the public regarding issues or concerns that should be considered in the EA. The water authority is proposing the pipeline to meet the current and future needs for domestic water supply in western La Plata County. The proposed right-of-way project crosses lands administered by reclamation as well as private property.

Reclamation will consider all comments received before preparing a final EA. Written comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to: Phillip Rieger, Bureau of Reclamation, 185 Suttle St. Ste. 2, Durango, CO 81301.

County-budget hearing to be held Wednesday

La Plata County commissioners will hold a public hearing and take public comment on the proposed 2015 La Plata County budget at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the commissioners’ meeting room at the La Plata County Courthouse, 1060 East Second Ave.

A copy of the draft budget can be viewed at www.co.laplata.co.us. For more information, call James Davis at 382-6314.

Water to be turned off on East Eighth Ave.

About 50 Durango City Water customers on either side of East Eighth Avenue, between College Drive and Jackson Place will be without water much of the day Wednesday to allow the installation of a new valve and fire hydrant on the Fort Lewis College campus.

Water is expected to be turned off to those affected at 8:30 a.m. Work is anticipated to be completed by 4:30 p.m. the same day. People in the designated areas are advised to plan ahead for water needs, including cooking, drinking water and toilet flushing.

For more information, call 375-4801.

Herald Staff