Garfield County grants special-events permit for PEO Sisterhood 'Murder on the Pendulum Express' dinner

Garfield County commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to grant a special-events permit for the PEO Sisterhood International’s “Murder on the Pendulum Express” dinner and fundraiser, to be held Jan. 25 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Valley Recreation Center.

Michelle Davies, office administrator for the Clerk and Recorder, told the board that the public notice for the hearing had been posted on Jan. 2 — more than 10 days before the hearing — and therefore “meets Colorado statute requirements.” Davies described the event’s alcohol-control plan: tip‑certified servers, a roped‑off bar area with ID checks, and stamps for attendees 21 and older.

Deborah Street identified herself as a member of the local PEO chapter and said the group has run the event in previous years and uses proceeds for local scholarships and international women’s programs. Street said the group raised more than $7,000 for scholarships in the most recent event and gave three $2,500 awards last year.

No public opposition was recorded at the hearing. A motion to grant the permit was moved and seconded; the board voted “aye” and approved the permit unanimously. The permit allows alcohol service following the submitted control plan; the chair was authorized to sign the permit paperwork.

The applicant and staff confirmed they would notify the sheriff’s department and follow the submitted alcohol‑control measures. No other conditions were specified in the hearing record.

The event’s organizer, Deborah Street, provided contact details to county staff for post‑permit coordination.