Rain and thunderstorms that have helped improve drought conditions in eastern Colorado since the end of July largely came to an end last week, while the western half of the state continued to bake under warm temperatures.

Nearly half of Colorado remains in extreme and exceptional drought, the two worst categories. South central and much of the west slope have been suffering under a lack of moisture for most of the year, while the northeast benefited from a late season blizzard and periodic rain to reach drought-free conditions over the summer.

Local and area students from Colorado are among 616 who completed associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, in the summer 2018 term. 

Graduates are listed with their degrees and majors and, in parentheses, areas of concentration. The university conferred 149 graduate degrees (master’s, Education Specialist and Doctor of Nursing Practice), 454 bachelor’s degrees and 13 associate degrees. 

The Bent County Harvest Show began in 1942 as the Victory Harvest Show and has since become a long-time tradition to Bent County.

Even at its start, the first Harvest Show was identified as a huge success, with prizes totaling $110.00 and red, blue, and white ribbons distributed to about 100 winners.  

Dear Readers,

Recently, a Harvard doctor referred to coconut oil as “pure poison,” which set off a social media firestorm. What’s all the fuss about?  Another doctor was quoted as saying coconut oil is safe to use in moderation. What, exactly,ismoderation?

After extensive, internal staff discussions and weeks of listening to public comments, including comments expressed during two meetings in Basalt with more than 400 people in attendance, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will reopen the Basalt State Wildlife Area shooting range to the public September 15.

Beginning Saturday, the Basalt State Wildlife Area shooting range hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, until further notice.

A referendum to establish a millet marketing order funded by an assessment on every bushel of millet sold in Colorado failed. A total of 308 votes were received, with 164 “no” votes and 144 “yes” votes.

The High Plains Millet Association spearheaded the effort to establish a marketing order following legislation that passed this year to include millet in the Marketing Act of 1939.

Friday, Sept. 14

• 9:00 a.m. Golf at Holleydot lv 5:30 a.m. 
• 3:00 p.m. MS VB (H) Kit Carson
• 4:00 p.m. MS FB (H)
• 5:00 p.m. HS VB (H)
• 7:30 p.m. HS FB (H)*Half Time Check presentation for the Monsanto Grant

Saturday, Sept. 15

HS VB Trny at High Plains

Leave Time 7:00 a.m.

HI-PLAINS BLACK AND BLUE VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC

9:00 a.m.