ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. Below, he answers a concern in regard to lawn care at the Child Development Center.  

QUESTION
Good morning, I am writing with a concern for the lawn area at the CDC. I have only received bits and pieces of information concerning this topic so I thought I would turn it over to you and have you look into it. The director (of the CDC) has been told that because the base contractor had to cut back on the amount of grass they mow, they won't be cutting inside the fence at the CDC. My concern as a parent is that the grass is getting really tall on the playground area and there are a lot of bugs and increases the possibility of snakes and other critters.

I am not sure in CE who to call which is why I am writing the Commander's Action Line. I hope you can help the director of the CDC come to a solution on this and keep a safe environment for our children to play in.

Thank you very much for your time.

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Col. Mark Weatherington

RESPONSE I understand and share your concern. The base grounds maintenance contract specifies a standard of 2-4 inches of grass and that weeds are to be controlled. Heavy rains this spring put the contractor behind schedule on mowing. The contractor recently mowed the grass inside the CDC fence and I anticipate they will stay on track through the rest of the summer. If you have any other questions on CE operations, please contact CE Customer Service at 385-2580.