A week after drought had stabilized in Colorado, conditions degraded dramatically, particularly for the western half of the state.

Mesa and Delta counites, along with northwest Gunnison County, saw extreme drought replaced by exceptional drought – the worst category – as hot and dry conditions persisted in the area.

The Colorado Trust, a foundation dedicated to creating fair and equal opportunities for Coloradans to lead healthy lives, announced it has granted $5,000 each to five rural nonprofit organizations in southeast Colorado in conjunction with the June 2018 Rural Philanthropy Days.

The Galaxy Gallery, located at 108 North Main in Lamar, has recently opened to provide a showcase for artists of different styles, media, and visions.  The hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment.

Vincent Gearhart, one of the gallery curators said, “We are very happy to be able to provide artists of all types in southeast Colorado a location where they can have their artwork available for display to the public and not kept in a closet or storage area someplace.”

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• COUNTY FOR CRP EMERGENCY GRAZING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30th
• MFP – Market Facilitation Program – SIGNUP DEADLINE January 15,2019
• Apply for Livestock Forage Program - Call office for appointment – SIGNUP DEADLINE DECEMBER 31, 2018
• NAP COVERAGE DEADLINE- December 1^st, native grass 
• FARM LOAN Personnel in Kiowa County Service Center – Tuesday, October 9^th
• County Committee Meeting – TBA

Colorado’s agricultural landscapes provide the perfect subject for photographers. It’s once again time to capture the “spirit” of Colorado agriculture through pictures. The 21^st annual “Colorado…it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage.

“It is always exciting to see how people capture the beauty of agriculture in photos,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown. “The diversity of Colorado agriculture truly shines in this contest.”

Lamar Community College is currently accepting vendor applications for the 44^thAnnual Art, Craft & Food Festival set for November 10.  Vendor space is limited, so any interested businesses are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible to reserve their space.

Vendor applications are available online at lamarcc.edu/about-lcc/communityinvolvement.  Applications are due by October 22.

The Kiowa County Commissioner's Regular meeting was called to order on August 30, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. by Chairman Richard Scott. Scott opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Those in attendance were:

Richard Scott, Chairman; Cindy McLoud,Commissioner; Donald Oswald,Commissioner; Delisa Weeks, County Clerk; Tina Adamson, County Administrator

Oswald moved and Scott seconded the motion to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Oswald moved and McLoud seconded the motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Motion carried.

The Kiowa County Hospital District and County Board met in regular session on July 24, 2018 at 6:32 p.m. at the Bransgrove Building Meeting Room.

District Board members present were: Mary Eikner, Sylvia Shields, Cathryn Anderson and Priscilla Waggoner. Absent: Lori Shalberg (called)

County Board members present were: Dennis Pearson, John Negley and Ken Flory. Absent: Craig Kerfoot (called).

Others present: Shannon Dixon, Char Korrell, Cindy McLoud and Beth Spady.

A Memorial Service for Jeanie Ray Aldrich Maes will be held Friday September 28, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant – 8100 E. Union Ave. – Denver.