As we approach Homecoming 2008 we thought you might like to hear some of the things that are being done in the Genoa-Hugo area. A number of projects are underway that might be of interest to you.

     For a long time the Genoa-Hugo area has needed an additional ball field for T-Ball and Coach Pitch. Work has begun on that project and by homecoming the new field should be a reality, however, the field will not be usable until summer of 2008. Funds for this project came from Greater Colorado Outdoors. The project cost is $60,000. Watering and vegetation are state of the art. Two separate methods of reducing water use for recreational fields will be used: subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) and low water use native buffalo and blue grama grasses. Conventional grass recreation fields use sprinklers to water the fields. Sprinkler efficiency is affected by wind and heat. Sprinklers also restrict when the field is available for use. SDI places irrigation water and nutrients in the root zone of the plant eliminating losses from drift and evaporation and improving plant health by reducing stress. Native grasses have a lower water requirement when compared to nonnative bluegrasses and fescues. By combining these two methods there is an expected water savings of two acre feet of water per acre per year.

     The Hugo Union Pacific Roundhouse is undergoing restoration. Built in 1909, the roundhouse is the last surviving brick roundhouse in Colorado and one of three remaining UP roundhouses in the country. Current efforts are to replace the roof, estimated at more than $400,000. Grants received include State Historic Fund, Cooper Clark Foundation, Department of Transportation, and Walmart. Fundraising will help with matching funds. Nearly $100,000 is required for matching funds. If you are interested in this project, contact Roundhouse Preservation, Inc., PO Box 343, Hugo, CO 80821. www.hugoroundhouse.com

     The four-panel mural of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stagecoach has returned to Hugo! Commissioned by the owners of the Greymont Hotel, it was painted by artist Vern Parker about 50 years ago. The Town of Hugo purchased and mounted the work in the Community Building. Some restoration of the painting is needed. If you are interested in this project, contact the Town of Hugo, PO Box 367, Hugo, CO 80821.

     Lincoln County’s Hedlund House Museum received a state grant to stabilize its foundation. Matching funds are needed. If you are interested in this project, contact the Town of Hugo, PO Box 367, Hugo, CO 80821.

     The Hugo Improvement Partnership has built a two-mile nature/walking trail, installed "Welcome to Hugo" signs at each end of town and installed silhouettes commemorating Teddy Roosevelt’s visit. They are planning to install decorative street lights, build a gazebo, arrange for the return the historic (1913) Hugo fountain and install a larger than life bronze statue on Main Street. If you are interested in these projects, contact the Hugo Improvement Partnership, PO Box 781, Hugo, CO 80821. www.cityofhugoco.org

     Some of you may have heard about the Genoa Motorsports Country Club race track that is being planned for construction on the former Westfall Ranch just south of Genoa. It will be a 6.26 mile dual-circuit with about 115 feet of elevation change available for private Country Club membership use for info on membership as well as car and motorcycle and open test and tune use. This location was selected because the track will be equally accessible from Kansas, Denver and Colorado Springs. If you are interested in this project, you can go online for more information. www.genoamotorsports.com

     So many things are occurring in our community. Some of them are listed below.

     June is full every year. The first weekend of June is the Gift of Life fundraiser at the Homestead Barn owned by the Beedy’s, north of Genoa. The Streets of Fire Car show will be Saturday June 14th in Hugo.Saturday, June 7th is the Hugo Bike race sponsored by a group out of Denver. We will update this time as soon as we find out the day. This year there may be more than 600 racers in Hugo. The fourth weekend of June is the Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo. www.coloradochampionshipranchrodeo.com

     August 4-9 is the Lincoln County Fair. The fair is still one of the highlights of the summer and a great time to meet old friends.

     September will be the first of what we hope is an annual event here in Hugo. The Eastern Plains Annual Intertribal Pow Wow will be held September 26-28 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. We believe it will bring in as many as 2000 participants and spectators. Additional information can be obtained by calling Helena White 719-743-2701. EPAIpowwow@yahoo.com

     And, of course we hope you continue to support the scholarship fund of the Genoa-Hugo Alumni Association.

Other web sites that you might find useful.

Genoa-Hugo School www.genoahugo.org

Lincoln County www.lincolncountyco.us

Northeast Colorado Tourism www.northeastcoloradotourism.com

Lincoln County Economic Development Corp. lcedc@qwest.net

Our Journey www.ourjourney.info