The Fremont County Board of County Commissioners met December 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the County Building at 615 Macon Ave, Canon City. Present were Chair Kevin Grantham, Debbie Bell, and Dwayne McFall.
Alethea Butler, animal control officer with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, was named 2025 Fremont County Employee of the Year. The county received 40 nominations for 20 different employees.
Butler was recognized for carrying out duties with professionalism, commitment, and compassion. She responds to calls with empathy, ensuring safety of residents and deputies while advocating tirelessly for animal welfare. She demonstrates exceptional initiative by taking on extra responsibilities, improving community outreach, and strengthening partnerships with local shelters and veterinarians.
Commissioner Bell explained that line staff typically nominate their coworkers for the honor. The award is selected by all elected officials in Fremont County, not just the commissioners or based on number of nominations received.
The other 19 employees honored were: Alexis Caraballo, detention deputy; Lindsay Clark, office manager for building department; Victoria Gordon, child support specialist; Wanda Goss, agency administrator for Department of Human Services; David Hankins, assessment tech; Lisa Holgerson, victims assistance coordinator; Lonnie Hudnall, appraiser; Rose Leyva, case manager; Kathy Lutz, office administrator for HR; Kaylee Mahoney, clerk; Ed Newkirk, maintenance worker; Bailey Owen, administrative sergeant; Brenda Pilcher, custodian; Kelsey Smith, lead clerk; Amanda Thomas, lead caseworker for intake; Charles Trenhale, corporal patrol; Jade Wallace, deputy patrol; Janine Wheeler, finance and operations administrator; and Jenna Yislas.
Jim Nelson Honored for Heritage Commission Service
The board approved a proclamation honoring Jim Nelson for 11.5 years of service to the Fremont County Heritage Commission. Betsy Denney from the Heritage Commission presented the recognition.
Nelson served as treasurer from January 2014 to September 2025 and as liaison to the Crossroads Through Time Geologic Trail Project, Canon City Tourism Board, Canon City Historic Preservation Commission, and Friends of the Royal Gorge Regional Museum. He led the design and research of the Fremont County Self-Guided Tour and Heritage Guides, organized the annual Fremont County Heritage Days Celebration, and set up a webpage offering guides as free downloads.
Commissioner McFall noted Nelson also worked with the tourism board and called the self-guided books “really cool guides.” Commissioners said they wished Nelson could have attended but thanked the Heritage Commission for continuing his work.
America 250, Colorado 150 Proclamation Approved
Lisa Studts from the Fremont County Heritage Commission presented a proclamation marking America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood in 2026.
The proclamation commits Fremont County to fully engage in commemorative activities from July 4, 2025, through December 31, 2026. It encourages citizens to coordinate commemorative events, plan historical activities, provide opportunities for public discourse, create new scholarship around Colorado’s history, develop educational opportunities, and seek opportunities for historic preservation.
Studts explained the Heritage Commission is leading a consortium of local organizations including the Fremont County Historical Society, museums throughout the county, and school districts to plan events. Commissioner Grantham noted Fremont County will celebrate its 165th anniversary because it became a county in 1861 before Colorado became a state. Events will be published on participating organizations’ websites and the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance website.
Board Appointments
The board made seven appointments and reappointments to county boards. Commissioner Grantham noted all appointees requested the positions and encouraged interested residents to check FremontCountyCO.gov for board openings.
John Daniels was reappointed to the Fremont County Fair Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028. Paul Garrett was reappointed to the Fremont County Weed Advisory Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028. Gina Gall was reappointed to the Livestock Sale Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2028.
Mark Klingensmith was appointed to the Airport Advisory Board for a term expiring October 1, 2028. Mary Bergman was appointed to the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee for a term expiring October 1, 2028.
Brad Appel was appointed to the Tourism Council for a term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028. Commissioner Grantham said Appel recently moved to Canon City and has extensive tourism background. Barbara Smith, a well-known artist from Florence, was appointed to the Tourism Council for a term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028. Commissioner Bell noted Smith has been involved with shops and nonprofits in Florence for many years.
Other Business
The consent agenda included approval of bills totaling $1,660,344.04. No minutes were approved and no public hearings were scheduled.
Assistant County Administrator Sean Sutton reported job openings: event coordinator at Pathfinder Park closing December 15; detention deputy closing December 29; detention center sergeant closing December 22; prevention programs coordinator closing December 15; and social caseworker closing January 5, 2026. Information is available at FremontCountyCO.gov or 719-276-7409.
The Department of Transportation will conduct repairs to Bridge 209A on County Road 19 (Asylum Road) at mile marker 3.7. The road will be closed in both directions December 8, 2025, with detours directing traffic to County Road 106.
Sutton attended the Colorado Counties Incorporated Winter Conference in Westminster last week and praised the three Fremont County commissioners for their leadership and experience guiding new commissioners across the state.
Commissioner McFall reported on federal issues including the Secure Rural Schools program, which provides over $100,000 annually to Fremont County schools. Congress was expected to vote December 9 on reauthorizing the program, which lapsed in 2023. He also serves on an intergovernmental disaster reform task force working with FEMA and has a meeting in Washington, D.C., in January.
Commissioner Bell noted Fremont County had strong attendance at the Colorado Counties Incorporated conference with commissioners, the county administrator, assistant county administrator, and department heads for Human Services and Transportation attending different sessions.
Assistant County Attorney Sean Biddle introduced himself to the board. He has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years and has served as assistant county attorney for just over two years, primarily representing the Department of Human Services. He graduated from the University of Denver with his law degree and has two degrees from Colorado School of Mines.
The meeting adjourned with no further business.
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