Commissioners table Panaca tower appeal, approve upcoming events

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners addressed several items during its April 20 meeting, including a continued discussion on a proposed telecommunications tower near Panaca, updates from county departments and approval of upcoming events.

The most discussed item of the meeting was an appeal regarding a special use permit previously approved by the Lincoln County Planning Commission for the construction of an approximately 185-foot telecommunications tower along U.S. Highway 93 near the junction with State Route 319. Panaca resident Sandy Olsen filed the appeal, citing concerns about the tower’s location near the entrance to town. Several residents spoke in opposition of the tower location, emphasizing concerns about visual impact and proximity to homes, while noting they were not opposed to improved service overall.

During the hearing, a radio frequency engineer outlined the need for the tower and its expected coverage improvements across Lincoln County, including areas toward the Utah border. Plans also include additional towers to the northwest and south at lower heights.

An alternative location was suggested by Shane Matthews, who offered land in an industrial area away from residences in an effort to reduce visual impact. Lincoln County Telephone Company representative John Christian acknowledged concerns but stated that relocating the tower could significantly increase costs and delay or prevent the project altogether.

Commissioners expressed varying perspectives on the proposal. Commissioner Keith Pearson noted that the primary concern appears to be location rather than the tower itself, while Commissioner Mike Reese supported the project, stating that improved communication access could save lives. Commissioner Lisa Polson expressed interest in exploring the feasibility of the alternate site.

Commissioner Pearson made a motion to table the appeal until all five commissioners are present to hear the full discussion as Commissioner Janine Woodworth and Commissioner Diane Path we’re unavailable due to previously scheduled conferences. The motion passed unanimously, and the item will return for further consideration at the May 4 meeting, where additional public comment is expected.

In other business, commissioners approved several upcoming events. The Rocky Road Adventures Boom or Bust Ultra Trail Run is scheduled for June 13 in the Prospector Trails area south of Pioche. The Groundshakers Casey Folks Motorcycle Race will take place May 2 in the Barnes Canyon, Ella Mountain and Clover Creek areas. The Dual Sport America Eagle Valley Shootout Ride is scheduled for May 16 and 17, covering routes through Pioche, Caselton, Eagle Valley, Dry Valley, the Panaca Kilns and Hackett Ranch/Fay areas.

Commissioners also heard updates from the Lincoln County Fire District. Fire Chief Eric Holt reported that five individuals recently attended training with the state fire marshal in Ely. Additionally, one resident each from Caliente and Pioche, along with two from Panaca, successfully completed EMT training.

The board also discussed plans for a new library branch in Panaca. Library District director Sharron Faehling shared that the Lincoln County Library intends to open a branch in the Panaca Town Center. The library will be utilizing space previously occupied by the Lincoln Community Coalition, which has relocated to the Caliente depot. The new branch is expected to operate using staff hours shared across existing library employees, with books sourced from current branches in Alamo and Pioche.