Nonfarm businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by drought may now qualify for low interest loans in 12 Colorado counties as well as two counties in Utah. 

The Badger Hole Fire in Baca county has been declared contained following several days of efforts by dozens of firefighters from across the state.

Commercial red meat productionfor the United States totaled 4.52 billion pounds in March, down slightly from the 4.54 billion pounds produced in March 2017.

Beef production, at 2.20 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.70 million head, down 2 percent from March 2017. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,358 pounds.

Employers in Colorado added 5,400 nonfarm payroll jobs from February to March for a total of 2,707,800 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments. Private sector payroll jobs increased 4,300 and government increased 1,100.

Three days of red flag warnings for fire danger are being replaced with cooler temperatures and the potential for rain and snow for large portions of Colorado Friday.

Mountain areas may see 3-6 inches of snow Friday, with some of the highest elevations receiving a foot of new snow.

This week, the State Veterinarian’s Office was notified that a Weld County horse tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).  This time of year typically kicks off horseback riding, jackpots, horse shows, and a number of other horse events and the Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds horse owners that there are a number of steps to protect their horses this season.

Northeast Colorado saw some continued improvement in drought conditions following a blizzard last weekend while four counties in the southwest corner continued rapid deterioration.

This week at Lamar Theatre

Starts Friday

Sherlock Gnomes, 6:45 p.m. daily

Ready Player One, 8:30 p.m. daily

Coming Soon

A Quiet Place

Blockers

Rampage

Breakfast

April 23: egg patty, toast, apple juice, milk, fruit

April 24: breakfast casserole, orange juice, milk, fruit

April 25: omelet, toast, grape juice, milk, fruit

People 26: French toast, apple juice, milk, fruit

Lunch

April 23: barbecue rib sandwich, Pasta salad, Jell-O cup, milk, fruit and veggie bar

April 24: chili fiesta, lettuce, tomato, pineapple, milk, fruit and veggie bar

April 25: Turkey wrap, lettuce, tomato, peas, apple, milk, fruit and veggie bar