News

Longtime Las Animas High School head baseball coach Carl Lindauer earned the prestigious honor of being selected to the Colorado Dugout Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020 on January 22. The Dugout Hall of Fame honors baseball coaches in the State of Colorado who exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character.

LA JUNTA — We are back! After taking 2021off to ensure the safety of our girls during the pandemic, the Girls in the Middle conference returns with flare for our 23rd year. The annual Girls in the Middle Conference will be held on Saturday, March 5, at Otero College from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The theme of this year’s conference is “Ignite Your Future “ and will encourage middle school aged girls to traverse the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

The Ark-Valley Children’s Chorale was an honored group asked to sing at the Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic/ Conference held at the Broadmoor Hotel on January 28. The Chorale (homeschoolers and public students from around the Arkansas Valley) wowed the audience with their vocal talents and their musical venue.

Former Rocky Ford Police Officer James Ashby, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the 2014 murder of 27-year-old Jack Jaquez, was denied relief last Monday by a district court judge. Ashby’s attorneys filed a 35C, argueing that Ashby’s sentence should be adjusted or his guilty verdict overturned.

Jody Sniff - Las Animas Elementary School Counselor Austin Coy - School-based Mental Health Counselor Jenn Pointon - Las Animas Junior / Senior High School Counselor .

LA JUNTA — The 66th Otero Arts Festival is pleased to announce the 2022 contest categories and dates. The annual festival plans to host the public viewing of the visual arts and creative writing from Tuesday, March 29 through Thursday, March 31 in the McDivitt Center Gym on the Otero College campus. Area students’ grade 7-12 will be able to compete in several categories: Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music and Theatrical Contests. Ribbons will be awarded at each level of the competition with Otero Scholarships being awarded to the top senior (grade 12 graduating high school senior) competitor in each category.

The Las Animas High School Knowledge Bowl team placed first at their regional tournament and earned the opportunity to advance to the State Knowledge Bowl Tournament March 14 and 15. The meet will be held digitally. Pictured in front, from left, is Phoebe Frausto and Makyla Whattler; in middle, Shad Chavez, James Zook, and Mayela Jimenez, and; in back, Alez Torres, Markus Vigil, and sponsor Amanda Vaughn. (Courtesy photo)

The Las Animas Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter attended District 7 competition last Tuesday at Otero Jr. College. Members competed in various events, ranging from computer, business, and public speaking. The top four placers in individual and team events will compete at the state level on April 18-20 at the Gaylord Rockies Convention Center. Any member who placed in the top four in two events will have to choose one event to compete in.