Melon Chunkin’ Contest Sept.17
Tri-County Family Care Center will be hosting a Melon Chunkin’ contest on Saturday, September 17 at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Read MoreMelon Chunkin’ Contest Sept.17
Why are gas prices higher in Bent County?
Since hitting record highs in mid-June, gas prices have steadily declined nationwide over the last few weeks. However, residents of Bent County may not have noticed since gas prices remain high in their area. So why are gas prices higher in Bent County?
VA ECHCS to host a resource fair and town hall in Otero County
VA ECHCS (Veterans Affairs Colorado Health Care System) is planning to host resource fairs and town halls August 8-12 for Veterans in five rural communities, including Lamar and La Junta. “This is an important opportunity for our Veterans,” said Dennis Hunter, commander of the American Legion Post 64. “Come talk to VA professionals about your eligibility and care, then stay for the town hall to listen to and interact with their leadership.”
MacDonnell appointed to History Colorado board
History Colorado recently announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors at an exciting time for the organization. Among appointees is Bent County Commissioner Kim MacDonnell, as well as Aaron Abeyta, Nancy Chisholm, and Zebulon. Each individual was appointed by Governor Jared Polis for a term ending July 1, 2025.
Lamar Police, CBI investigate triple shooting
A man and a woman were found dead in a shooting in southeastern Colorado and the suspected gunman later shot and killed himself after a chase, authorities said Sunday. Members of the Lamar Police Department responded to reports of gun shots being fired at the Lamar Apartments, located in the 700 Block of Mullen St.
COVID positivity rates stable in Otero and Bent, decrease in Crowley.
Bent County remains in a level of “concern” for COVID-related cases, as does Otero County and much of the State of Colorado, while neighboring Crowley County has moved to the lesser level of “caution.”
Housing shortage? Local expert weighs in on Bent County market
It’s no secret Bent County prices to purchase a new home have never been higher. Although inflation has risen nationwide, what is the situation like for the County, specifically? Thankfully, the President and Broker of Norm Murphy & Associates Inc., Tom Brann, provided some insight in an interview with the Bent County Democrat. At the time of writing, a home in Las Animas is listed for sale for around $330K. That same home in 2019 and an estimated value of only 48K. That’s a staggering 587.5%% increase in less than three years. According to Realtor.com, as of June 2022, the Bent County housing market has a median listing home price of $172.5K, trending up 25.5% year-over-year. The median home sold price was $145K.
Otero College Nursing to hold Pinning Ceremony July 30
The Otero College Nursing program will award 30 Licensed Practical Certificates to nursing students this summer. These students will be honored for their accomplishments during the licensed practical nurse pinning ceremony at 1 p.m. on July 30 in the Ed Stafford Theatre on the Otero College campus. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony in the lobby with refreshments provided.
Bent County Fair begins this weekend
The 2022 Bent County Fair gets underway this weekend and will run through July 30. All fair events will take place at the Bent County Fairgrounds.
Extreme heat plagues Arkansas Valley
Bent County residents should prepare themselves for another weekend of extremely warm weather, with temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 100 degrees. Consider today (Thursday) “relief” from the heat, as temperatures tomorrow and Saturday are expected to exceed 100 degrees.