Las Animas County

LAC emergency manager commends Apogaea board of directors for decision to shut down festival amid fentanyl spiking risk  

Joe Richards, Las Animas County’s emergency manager, was chopping wood on the night of Friday, June 6, when he received a call from Apogaea’s board of directors, seeking his advice on how to proceed after multiple drinks tested positive for fentanyl.

Read MoreLAC emergency manager commends Apogaea board of directors for decision to shut down festival amid fentanyl spiking risk  

Representative Boebert takes major shot at Front Range Passenger Rail, urging DOGE to cut funding: Las Animas County had advocated for rail involvement for years

On Apr. 22, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert released a letter that she submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation, secretary Sean Duffy and Elon Musk, chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, often referred to as DOGE, urging them to withhold funding from the Front Range Passenger Rail project.

Read MoreRepresentative Boebert takes major shot at Front Range Passenger Rail, urging DOGE to cut funding: Las Animas County had advocated for rail involvement for years

LAC commissioner slams house bills purported to ‘protect’ trans rights, calling it an ‘attack’ on parental rights  

Las Animas County commissioner Tony Hass took positions on several state legislative bills on Monday, Apr. 15, most notably in opposition to two, during the commissioner’s update section of the LAC Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, claiming that they infringed on parental rights regarding transgender children.

Read MoreLAC commissioner slams house bills purported to ‘protect’ trans rights, calling it an ‘attack’ on parental rights  

Debate rages at City Hall over local unhoused population, as council considers enacting ‘camping ban’ in public places 

Opposing viewpoints flooded City Hall on Tuesday, Apr. 15, during the Trinidad City Council Meeting’s petitions and communications section over the council’s proposed city ordinance to enact a camping ban, with those in favor, citing economic losses to business and tourism and those who opposed, stating the humanitarian concerns and unforeseen consequences.  

Read MoreDebate rages at City Hall over local unhoused population, as council considers enacting ‘camping ban’ in public places 

As Trinidad struggles with teacher shortage, Trump administration funding cuts could exacerbate issue

Last Friday, Apr. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to uphold the Trump administration’s termination of $600 million in teacher-training grants, which could have a significant and immediate impact on rural communities struggling with teacher shortages, including Trinidad, with Trinidad State Collage being one of the partners for a teacher preparation program.

Read MoreAs Trinidad struggles with teacher shortage, Trump administration funding cuts could exacerbate issue