January
Java Jackie’s opened the first part of January, bringing a meeting place and community hub to Las Animas.
A trial date was set in the murder case of Chasity Stine. Mark Anthony Gonzales was to go to trial June 8 on charges related to her death. Gonzales later committed suicide.
The City of Las Animas began its water and sewer line construction.
A UFO was sighted by Mark Lucero outside Tank N’ Tummy.
February
Randy Freed, as part of a Homeland Security funding, requested emergency warning sirens for Las Animas, Hasty and McClave.
Barb Martin stepped down as administrator of Bent County HealthCare Center and became Director of Nursing. Cindy Kovalik took over the position of interim acting director.
Cliff Smart was selected to fill the full time vacancy on the Las Animas Police Department. Milton Gribble was appointed to the part-time position previously held by Smart.
A large grass fire erupted at Treetop, prairie grassland four miles west of Hasty and north of U.S. 50.
A $25,000 grant from USDA Rural Development was awarded to help fund landscaping and other ground improvements for the renovation of the Bent County Courthouse.
The McClave Lady Cardinals won the final two games of the season and headed into the playoffs.
Rachel Dunning, principal at McClave School, was serving her first year in that position.
Vern Faus entered formal guilty pleas to class 5 felony, attempted criminal sexual assault on a child and a class 3 felony charge of first degree burglary.
March
The McClave Lady Cardinals won their second consecutive District 2 championship with a victory over Eads, then defeated Springfield to advance to the state tournament, where they captured the state basketball crown.
The inmate population at the Bent County Correctional Facility topped 1,000 for the first time and was hiring 40-50 positions.
Derek Wilson and Jade Japhet were selected validictorian and salutatorian for Las Animas High School.
Plans for the 75th celebration of Santa Fe Trail Day were underway.
