News

LA JUNTA — The Otero College campus was shining bright for the Annual Ag Gala on New Year’s Eve! The night was filled with a beef brisket dinner, live country music by Country Gold, dancing, cash bar, door prizes, and live and silent auctions. With the help of 35 sponsors and the numerous donated auction items, the Otero Agricultural Science Program and Foundation were able to raise just over $16,100 for the Agriculture Scholarships, making this the largest fundraiser yet!

Las Animas High School winter royalty was crowned Friday during the home basketball game. Pictured from left is, King Kaden Maes, Queen Danica Maes, Prince Brander Nichols, and Princess Grace Gardner. Royalty was crowned by Xavier Alonzo, front. (Courtesy photo)

BNSF railroad’s two biggest unions that represent 17,000 workers won’t be able to go on strike over a new attendance policy they say would penalize employees for missing work for any reason. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a strike would likely violate federal law because under their contracts railroad unions aren’t allowed to strike over minor disputes.

Senior Royalty Candidates: l-r: Makyla Whattler, Ben Martinez-Nevland, Aliesia Ybarra, Alex Torres, Danica Maes, Kaden Maes. COURTESY PHOTO Prince/Princess Candidates: l-r: Freshman: Kenneth Whitmire, Carolynn Gilbert, Sophomores: Roper Nichols, Grace Gardener, Juniors: Brandon Gallegos, Annalise Fernandez.

Staff Sergeant Justin Vasquez, 26, native of Manzanola, was killed during his second tour in Iraq on June 5, 2005 by an IED while leading his men south of Baghdad. He was a 1997 graduate of Manzanola High School.

La Junta, CO – Looking for a unique gift idea? Be one of the first to purchase a 2022 annual park entrance pass for Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site! While visiting the fort, pass holders (and up to three of their guests) can see the sights and interact with living history interpreters as they demonstrate historic skills from the mid-1800s. Pass holders can also enjoy the peaceful hiking trails that wind along the Arkansas River. The new annual passes will go on sale in January 2022. Anyone who goes to the park with friends or family more than once a year will benefit by purchasing the annual pass.