50°F
weather icon Clear

Resolution of issues on Amargosa property may be close

The long, drawn out issue regarding waste buildup between an Amargosa Valley land owner and Nye County dragged on this week, but a resolution may soon be in sight.

At Tuesday’s Nye County Commission meeting, the subject of what to do with the pig farm located on land owned by Stephen Settlemyer on East Cook Road was discussed.

The issue has been brought up several times over the past few months, as there is an ongoing issue of waste buildup and issues that it’s causing at the site.

A complaint made in March suggested an unknown “white substance” which was believed to be milk or milk substances, being pumped onto green waste or compost piles.

The complaint also alleges that the farm operation does not have the “appropriate controls in place to be protective of human health and the environment,” and that the operator does not have the necessary permits for a “composting operation.”

The board continued an abatement on the property that was issued last month, and went over possible actions and ways to pay for what would be a costly cleanup at the site.

“The only way we recoup our losses from abatement, from sending people in there to clean it up… is that lien is the only way we realize monies back from it is if the property sells, or if they tried to mortgage it.” Commissioner Lorinda Wichman said.

Settlemyer, who showed up after the commissioners’ meeting adjourned, said he could soon move the operation out of the town entirely after issues with compost piles.

“I don’t think it’s going to work out there for us,” he said. “We’re thinking about moving the operation. But it’s OK, Amargosa has its problems.”

Settlemyer questioned the complaint, as he explained the property isn’t near anyone who could be annoyed with anything on the site.

“I’ve lived in this property for 10 years, and I have never seen a person,” he said. “And we’re a nuisance?”

With the continuing issue, Settlemyer said he plans to compost the waste in question, but was having mechanical issues with his machine.

“We’re going to grind everything,” he said. “It was sitting there for month. We were going to grind it and make mulch.

“One of our machines had broke down and we told them we had a problem with the grinder and he (unnamed county commissioner) was very pleasant. They said to give them a water sample of something they were after.”

The commissioners are going to look into what exactly needs to do be done to resolve the issue and put the item on a future agenda in order to finalize their decision.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.