The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) recently awarded a total of $7,500 to three FFA chapters in Colorado, helping those students and advisers with projects ranging from greenhouse irrigation and fertilization systems to livestock facilities, and in one particular case, helping a brand-new chapter get off the ground. 

Adding to its support of other youth-focused projects, the CCAC began its FFA grant program in 2013, and has now contributed $28,984 total to local FFA chapters through the program.

This year's recipients (receiving $2,500 each) are: 

By Eric Brown

The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) recently selected 20 emerging leaders from across the state and with various backgrounds who will make up CALP’s 13th class.

The nonprofit organization aims to strengthen effective agricultural leaders who reflect Colorado's diverse population, by developing participants in the areas of communication, technology, social issues, cultural diversity, coalition building, resource management and government policy, just to name a few.

By Eric Brown

Improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices helped corn growers achieve ever-higher yields in the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) 2016 National Corn Yield Contest. The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 52nd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. Participation in the contest remained strong in 2016, with 7,972 entries received.

Congratulations to Lauretta Brown!

Lauretta is the very excited winner of a 32" television from KiowaCountyPress.net and PlainsNetworkServices.com.

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-3), have sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding the agency’s decision not to fully reimburse affected states, local, and tribal governments that have been impacted by the EPA-born Gold King Mine disaster.

Birthdays

December 26

Hollie Frederick

December 27

Jenna Lyon

Kelly Darnell

Lucy Barnett

December 28

Paul Simmons* In Memory

Jen Hopkins

Floyd Barnes

December 29

Maggie Vortruba

Bonnie Eder

Ella Hirsh

Ida Hirsh

Jason Weirich

Chloe Gourley

Tyrel Smith

Bill Barnett

Colby Rehm

One of our most popular features over the past 15 years - a full-page color photo on the front of the Kiowa County Press showing various impressions of life in Kiowa County. While a limited number of copies continue to be printed and distributed each week at Kiowa Healthmart, COOP C-Store in Eads, Haswell Propane, and Thunderbird Petroleum, we wanted to bring this feature to our online readers as well.

Shown below - the front page of the December 23, 2016, Kiowa County Press - Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors at the roadside park in Eads. Photo by Chris Sorensen.

By Chris Sorensen

The United State Geological Survey has recorded an earthquake in New Mexico measuring 4.0 of the Richter Scale. The USGS had originally reported the quake as 4.5 on the scale in intial information received 45 minutes after the event occurred.