Fall Updates: News & Events

As we move further into the fall season, we’re excited to share the latest updates from across the city. In this issue, you’ll find highlights of ongoing projects, upcoming election details, community events, and ways to stay connected. Thank you for your continued commitment and hard work in serving our residents.

Staff Birthdays

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to all our teammates celebrating in August and September!  We’re so lucky to have each of you as part of our team.

We will be sharing shout-outs to other birthday buddies all year long, so stay tuned for more celebrations to come!

 City of Lamar Shoutout Nominations!

To:  Elise Crockett, Chris Duffy, Madison Park, Nathan Wertz, Elijah Neilson & Eli Jones

From: Michell Munoz

• These are all large accomplishments: Elise as the City's first paramedic; Chris, Madison, Nathan, Elijah great accomplishment for their Advanced EMT credentials; and our newest volunteer Eli for passing his Basic EMT test on the first try.... So proud of all of them!!!

To: Madison Park

From:  Amanda Duffy

• Ms. Park has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in pursuing her career in fire and emergency services. She successfully put herself through college and earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science, showcasing both determination and self-discipline. Recently, she achieved her Firefighter II Certification, further strengthening her qualifications and commitment to professional development. She is currently working toward her Hazardous Materials Technician Certification and is in the process of enrolling in paramedic school to expand her ability to serve in critical emergency situations. Ms. Park is not only a highly motivated individual but also an outstanding member of the community. She is always willing to assist others, often going out of her way to support those in need. Her dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic make her an invaluable asset, and our community is truly fortunate to have her.

To: Michell Munoz

From: Courtney Recio

• Michell is a pleasure to work with and demonstrates a willingness to lend a helping hand. For our recent Employee Wellness Fair, she went above and beyond in supporting the event from assisting with preparations and setup to welcoming employees and helping with cleanup. Her dedication played a key role in the success of the event, and I truly appreciate the time and effort she invested.

Human Resources Updates

Celebrating Employee Service Milestones, July-September 2025

We honor the dedication and commitment of our employees who have reached a significant milestone in their service to the City of Lamar. Thank you for your loyalty, professionalism, and impact on our community.

44 Years of Service

• Ted Vasquez, Superintendent of Streets, Public Works (Hired: 9/17/2000)
  • He previously worked for the City from 1981-2000 for a  total of 44 service years.

20 Years of Service

• Linda Williams, City Clerk, Administration (Hired:  9/12/2005)
• Sheri Eirhart,  Library Associate, Library (Hired: 5/10/2010)
  • She previously worked for the City from 2000-2005 for a total of 20 service years.

15 Years of Service

• Marvin Leatherman, Control Room Operator, Light & Power (Hired: 7/21/10)

10 Years of Service

• Braxton Warn, Electrical Technician, Light & Power  (Hired: 8/10/2015)

We appreciate each of you for your continued service and the contributions you make every day. Your dedication supports the success and growth of the City of Lamar.

Congratulations, and thank you!

New Hires

It is my pleasure to announce that the following employees have joined the City of Lamar. 

• David Berry –Code Enforcement Officer, Police Department   DOH:  9/28/25
• James Anthony “Tony” Gratta   - Building Inspector, Building Department   DOH:  9/15/25
• Anna Jimenez – part-time Front Desk Clerk, Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries Department  DOH:  9/14/25
• Mario Ruiz- Code Enforcement Officer, Police Department  DOH:  8/31/25
• Ashton Werth – Volunteer, Fire Department   DOH:  9/1/25

Promotions

• Mike Bellomy, Code Enforcement Supervisor, Police Department   9/28/25

Healthy Eating!

Marry Me Tortellini

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (from 1 pint)
• 2 medium shallots, chopped (about ½ cup)
• ⅓ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 5 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper, plus more for garnish
• 1½ cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
• ½ cup water
• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach (about 5 cups)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons loosely packed fresh small basil leaves

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ cups cherry tomatoes and the chopped shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have mostly blistered and the liquid has released and started to evaporate, about 5 minutes. Add ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes, the chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1½ cups vegetable broth and ½ cup water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer; add tortellini. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.
2. Add baby spinach; cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup peas, ½ cup cream and ⅓ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano until incorporated. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons basil leaves and the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 2½ tablespoons). Garnish with additional pepper, if desired.

City of Lamar Wellness Guide

How the Wellness Program Works

• The program runs January 1 – December 31 each year.
• Join in on pre-approved activities and events that promote wellness.
• Each activity is assigned a gift value by the Wellness Committee.
• Did you know? You can also submit receipts from doctor’s appointments, dental checkups, vision exams, and other health-related visits to earn credit toward your wellness goals! Example: You can submit a recent receipt from a dental checkup and earn a $25 Amazon gift card.

Visit our website for more information:  https://ci.lamar.co.us/wellness-program

Wellness Fair 2025

Congratulations to the winners of the $25 Amazon gift card drawings:

• Jessica Belkacemi
• Stephanie Strube
• Ruben Chavez
• Robbie Batdorf
• Margaret Longoria
• Quentin Sitts
• Joe Zavala
• Anne-Marie Crampton
• William Munoz
• Drew Griego
• Krystan Foulk
• Keegan Marquez
• Mario Ruiz
• Mike Machone
• Curtis Holbert
• Madison Park
• Blanca Lopez De Chavez
• Leo Hernandez

Open Enrollment

To:  All City of Lamar FT Employees

From: Human Resources

Date: October 1, 2025

Subject: 2026 Open Enrollment

Dear City of Lamar FT Employee,

It’s that time of year again!  The open enrollment period for making changes begins Monday, October 22 and ends November 3, 2025.   This year’s enrollment will be passive.  This means that your current benefit elections will stay the same unless you submit a change.

The City of Lamar  stayed in  Rate Band 1 which equals a  6.65% increase for 2026  Medical/Rx Rates.  Dental increased 8.5% and Vision approx. 3.5% (see cost comparison sheet).  The rates for Life/AD&D, Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short Term Disability , and Long Term Disability with Lincoln are in a rate guarantee and will remain the same for 2026. 

If you wish to:

1. Make no changes – complete the NO CHANGE Form and return it to HR

2. Change your medical plan tier, add or remove dependents, or waive coverage – Indicate on the Change Form that you plan to make a change.   Submit the Change Form along with an updated election form before the deadline of November 3, 2025.

Zoom Meetings with CHP

Betty Apt, our benefits administrator from the County Health Pool (CHP)  will be conducting  Zoom meetings in a group setting or pre-record the presentation for later viewing.  More information will follow.

Remember, once open enrollment closes, you may only make changes if you experience a qualified life event (marriage, birth, divorce, etc.).

Prior to the first day of open enrollment, you will receive  a Benefits Enrollment Election Report showing your current medical benefit election, (plan, tier, effective date and YTD premium contributions).  You will also receive the NO Change/Change Form.

Why?  Many of you have asked, “Which plan am I in?”  This report will give you visibility and help you decide whether you want to make a change during open enrollment.

What should you do?

Review the details and submit any changes that need to be made.  All other voluntary benefits remain unchanged unless you request otherwise.

Many of your questions can be answered at the Zoom meeting with Betty.  If you have any other questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Margaret Saldana, Human Resources Manager

cc:  Kristin Schwartz, City Treasurer

Betty Apt, CHP

News

Mitch Hammes Selected as City Administrator

The Lamar City Council voted unanimously to confirm Mitchel Hammes as Lamar’s next City Administrator at a Special Meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025. Hammes was one of three finalists that visited Lamar last week for meetings, tours, and a community meet & greet. He brings substantial technical municipal administration experience, conservative fiscal practices, and proven community engagement strategies to the community. Hammes’ first day at the City of Lamar will be October 27.  To read the full press release, please visit:  https://ci.lamar.co.us/hammes-selected-as-city-administrator

 Kevin Ridder Promoted to Chief of Police

The City of Lamar has promoted Kevin Ridder as its Chief of Police. Ridder has served in the interim capacity since Chief Al Fear’s departure in May. With previous experience in the agency, Ridder rejoined the Lamar Police Department in January of 2025 as Lamar’s Commander of Support Services. Support Services includes the detective bureau/drug task force, training services, records division, and evidence management.

“I am pleased that the City of Lamar has promoted one of our own to serve as Chief of Police. Kevin Ridder, a local resident and dedicated member of our team, has done an outstanding job as Commander and Interim Chief. He has led with integrity, encouraged strong community engagement, managed resources effectively, and shown a deep commitment to our city,” commented Mayor Kirk Crespin. “I look forward to working with Chief Ridder to continue promoting safety and stability in Lamar. Please join me in welcoming our new Chief of Police, Kevin Ridder.”

To read the full press release, please visit https://ci.lamar.co.us/ridder-promoted-to-chief-of-police.

Community Partner Profile Series

The City of Lamar is pleased to a highlight community partner that is doing amazing things in our community - Sparrow House Ministries!

Thanks to a generous gift from Calvary Baptist Church, Sparrow House now owns the building that it’s called home since 2018. Serving 1,400–1,600 people each month with 15,000–20,000 lbs. of food.

Sparrow House is growing fast and plans to add a commercial kitchen, host group dinners, and make energy-efficient upgrades to the building. Victory Garden is thriving with 3,234 lbs. harvested in August alone. 

For more information about Sparrow House Ministries, please visit: https://www.sparrowhouseministries.com/.

Candidates for the November 4, 2025 Coordinated Election

The following candidates are set to run for Council and Mayor in the City of Lamar Coordinated Election:

Mayor At-Large: 2-year term

• Kirk Crespin

Ward I: 4-year term

• Brad Johnson

Ward II: 4-year term

• David Zavala
• Mike Duffy
• Don Williamson

Ward III: 4-year term

• Mark Headlee
• Shalah Lynn Mata
• Shawnarae Falconburg

Ballots for the November 2025 Election will be mailed to all registered voters beginning on October 10, 2025. All completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to be counted. Ballots may be dropped off at the Prowers County Clerk’s office located at 301 South Main, Suite 210 or in the Ballot Drop Box located in the parking lot east of the County Courthouse Building.

Voters are encouraged to return their ballots early to ensure timely delivery. For questions about registration, voting options, or ballot drop-off locations, please contact the Prowers County Clerk and Recorder’s Office or visit their official website.

2025 Paving Season Completed

The 2025 paving season was completed on time (9/2–9/30), with only a few minor projects remaining. Sending a shoutout to Ted Vasquez and the Street crew! We appreciate all you do!

Upcoming Events

Join P&R for their Community Workout Challenge 

The Community Workout Challenge is still going strong and runs through Saturday, November 1st, 2025. There's still time to get involved! Track your walk, run, or bike ride using your favorite fitness app, take a screenshot of your route, and email it to tyndan.marquez@ci.lamar.co.us.

You can submit as many workouts as you'd like, and each one increases your chances to win prizes. For app suggestions and full challenge details, visit https://ci.lamar.co.us/community-workout-challenge.

As part of this effort to reimagine Lamar’s Parks & Recreation system, we’re also asking for your input. Please take a moment to complete our short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MB22TNC.

4th Annual Spooky Sprint 5k at North Gateway Park

The Lamar Fire Department is hosting their 4th annual Spooky Sprint 5K at the North Gateway park on Saturday, October 25. Registration starts at 6:00 PM and the race starts at 7:00 PM. See more details at https://www.facebook.com/photo Entry Form: Sign up here

Moonlight Madness

The Lamar Chamber of Commerce’s Moonlight Madness will be held on Thursday, October 23 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in downtown Lamar Main Street. Help our monsters kick off holiday shopping! Visit local merchants and compete in the Scavenger Hunt to win great prizes! For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/174k16UNy9/

Trunk-or-Treat Events!

Lamar Public Library will be hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, October 31 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the east parking lot of the City Complex at 102 East Parmenter Street. We look forward to seeing you there!

Southeastern Developmental Services (SDS) will be hosting their Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, October 31 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at 1111 East 4th Street in Lamar. 

 Community & City Events

Employee Shoutouts (with a twist)

Recognize someone from another department who's making a difference.

The City of Lamar is made up of many dedicated departments, each playing a vital role in keeping our city running smoothly.

Every employee contributes to our shared mission & vision. Sometimes an employee reaches beyond their assigned scope to go above and beyond to help another department. 

Click here:  https://ci.lamar.co.us/city-of-lamar-shoutout-nomination-form 

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