Nine people reported feeling an earthquake that occurred south of New Castle in Garfield County Monday afternoon.

The quake, measuring 3.3 on the Richter Scale according to the United States Geological Survey, was centered about three miles south of New Castle, and was located 30 miles north west of a group of 17 smaller earthquakes that shook southwest Pitkin and northern Gunnison Counties earlier in the month. Those quakes measured between 1.1 and 2.8.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site will be closed on Wednesday, February 8, and Thursday, February 9, 2017. The purpose of the two-day closure is for annual staff and administrative planning purposes and will include both the park, near Chivington, and the park’s administrative office in Eads. Both the park and the administrative office will reopen Friday, February 10 at 9 am.

For additional information, please call (719) 729-3003, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, or visit www.nps.gov/sand.

The Bent's Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association will hold its Annual Meeting on February 11, 2017 in the Grand Room of the JW Rawlings Heritage Center and Museum in Las Animas.  The Museum is located at 560 Bent Avenue (corner of Hwy 50 and 5th St.) in Las Animas.

Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced he joined Senator John Thune (R-SD) in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act, legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

October 14, 1955-January 26, 2017

A graveside service for longtime Wiley resident Ruth Ann Esgar, affectionately known as Ruthie, were held Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Wiley Cemetery. A celebration of Ruthie’s life service followed at the Wiley United Methodist Church with Zack Esgar officiating.

Ruthie was born on October 14, 1955 at La Junta, Colorado to Frederick and Jayne Esgar and passed away on January 26, 2017 at her home in Wiley at the age of 61.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Jayne Esgar.

By Sharon Scott

I would like to congratulate Cora Coffman's granddaughter Jordan, who has been accepted at the Air Force Academy, starting this June. This is quite an honor.  Jordan is the daughter of Cecil and Lana Coffman of Trinidad, CO.  Once again, Congrats Jordan and best wishes on your future endeavors.

Cora Coffman and I went to Garden City last Thursday for some shopping and eating out.  That evening, we went over to Deerfield, KS and watched the Plainview girls and boys basketball teams play ball.

I would like to invite parents to the Clothing Closet in the Elementary building this week during parent-teacher conferences.

There are no requirements to receive clothing from us!

I have tons of jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, jeans, shirts and shoes! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at lindsey.seybold@eadseagles.org

--Lindsey Seybold

This tax season, Lamar Community College is partnering with the Denver-based Piton Foundation to help hard-working families become more financially secure by providing free tax preparation services through the Tax Help Colorado program.  Beginning Tuesday, February 14, IRS-certified LCC students will be available for six days in February to prepare and e-file tax returns free of charge for individuals with household incomes of less than about $54,000 a year.

Tax preparers are trained to ensure the individuals they serve get the best refund possible, as many of them are eligible

By Rhonda Uhland

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced this week that Major General H. Michael Edwards, Colorado’s Adjutant General, will retire effective March 31, 2017, upon reaching his mandatory retirement date.