City of Lamar Fall Newsletter: Seasonal Updates, Projects & Community Events

Hello Lamar Community,

We’re excited to bring you the latest news and happenings around our city. In this edition, you’ll find updates on current projects, important election information, upcoming events, and opportunities to stay engaged in our community. Thank you for being an active part of what makes Lamar a great place to live, work, and grow!

News

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 has been promoted to our 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.

Candidtates 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.

October Common Grounds

The City held October’s Common Grounds with Lamar City Council and featuring Public Works yesterday morning. Below are some of the key highlights:

• Public Works Director Pat Mason commended Fleet Maintenance, referring to it as Public Works’ “unsung heroes.” He emphasized that, while their work often takes place behind the scenes, their efforts are essential in keeping the City’s equipment and vehicles in optimal condition—enabling Public Works and other departments to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Mason also noted that the Fleet Maintenance team is committed to providing service around the clock, including evenings and weekends, to ensure continuous operational support.

• Airport – David Payne provided an update on last weekend’s Yak formation training. He clarified that the event was not organized as a public airshow, but rather involved a scheduled training with Yak aircraft refueling at the airport. For this reason, the event was not promoted to the public or intended as a community viewing opportunity.

• Streets – 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!

• Water/Wastewater – Superintendent Rob Batdorf explained that Water will begin a major project in Willow Valley. As part of this project, all service lines in the designated area will be replaced. Tresa Holbert also provided a reminder that the division will be mailing its annual “Notice of Possible Lead Service Line Material” letters to all commercial and residential water customers that the City has not verified what type of service line was used for either a property’s City supply line and/or the customer’s water line. Last year, 22 of 250 lines tested were positive for lead or copper and have been replaced. Again, Public Works will offer free testing to residents who want to test their residential lines.

October’s Common Grounds also attracted numerous community members to discuss a recent recreation disciplinary action. The issue was discussed and resolved, with a plan for the future in motion.

Upcoming Events

5th Anniversary Celebration

Cornerstone Resource Center is celebrating their 5 year anniversary! Join them in celebrating this milestone with cake, game, convesation, and prizes on Friday, October 3rd from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at 111 West Parmenter Street in Lamar.

Career Fair & Business Expo Exhibition Hall 

Join Lamar Community College for the 2025 Career Fair & Business Expo! This is your chance to connect, explore, and discover exciting opportunities right here in Southeast Colorado! The event is schedule for Wednesday, October 8th in the Lamar Community College Wellness Center. This event is open to high school and college students as well as adult job seekers.

Schedule:

• Exhibition Hall: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Breakout Sessions: 12:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Cozy Book Swap

A Cozy Book Swap event is taking place at the Pocket Park on Saturday, October 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM. Bring up to 5 gently used books to swap and take home something new! We’ll have acoustic music, friendly readers, and a cozy atmosphere. Come for the books. Stay for the music. Bring a friend and make it a delightful afternoon!
For more, visit:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1M34iBzRyB/

Library Movie Day

The Lamar Public Library will be showing 2 movies on Saturday, October 18th in the Cultural Events Center. This is a free event for all ages. 

• Wizard of Oz 10:00 A
• Wicked 1:00 P

Join us for our 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.

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