Local, Regional & State News

(content provided by Pima Medical) For Colorado residents, their animals are more than just pets. They are four-legged family members, loyal companions and an important part of their lives. Keeping them healthy and well cared for is a responsibility pet parents take seriously, but getting the services they need is becoming increasingly challenging as veterinary shortages continue across the state. In Colorado, there is a significant workforce shortage affecting veterinary cli

~Anne Boswell Arkansas River Farms drew an unusually large attendance Tuesday at a 1041 hearing in Bent County, asking to be released from regulations that would allow them to sell. ARF's company representatives were there along with attorneys, experts, and other consultants to present it to Bent County Commissioners. The community was there to listen. Under the deal, Arkansas River Farms stated they would sell off previously purchased, and sometimes dried up farmland to lo

There are many people in our community who need a little help. This is a non-profit dedicated to helping families and students who may not have access to everyday personal care products, get them. Please support them if you can.

The following is from the Colorado Secretary of State and shows currently, how many ballots have been turned in, where they're coming from and who is voting.

by Norman L. Kincaide, Ph.D. Representative Jeff Hurd, Colorado House District 3, met briefly with the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District Board during their work session on October 21, 2026. Rep. Hurd arrived shortly after 10 A.M. with his regional representative, Cathy Garcia-Winder. Norman Kincaide, covering the regular Lower Ark meeting for the Rocky Ford Gazette, greeted Rep. Hurd and gave him a brief update on the Comanche Revised Management Plan proces

~Anne Boswell This week, our Colorado legislators are meeting in committee to once again discuss the 2027 outlook for Medicaid. The program has been in the red and faces severe structural and budgetary sustainability challenges. Reports from the Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing show that $176,573,197 is spent every year just in Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers counties. Last year, the state was reportedly 158 million dollars over budget and the upcom

~Anne Boswell Just two weeks away from the pre-trial conference for Las Animas Police Officer Thomas Dunagan and you might be wondering what could go down that day. On November 2nd at 10am, Dunagan is expected to appear for the hearing, which can be described as a check-in with the judge, the District Attorney, and Dunagan's defense attorney. The purpose is to update on the case's progress. Dunagan faces extortion charges and official misconduct. According to the City of La

A Hidden Southern Colorado Treasure: The Story Behind Painted Canyon Just outside Trinidad lies a remarkable artistic landscape with a story worth rediscovering. For nearly 40 years, self-taught immigrant artist Martin Bowden transformed Painted Canyon into an outdoor art environment unlike any other. Now, Alanna Blu is bringing Bowden’s story back into the spotlight through historical photographs, newspaper archives, oral histories, and community research. Her work is helpin

(news release provided from the Western Heritage and Education Campus Foundation) LA JUNTA, Colo. — For more than 90 years, the Koshare organization has played an important role in the Arkansas Valley, providing opportunities for young people while preserving and sharing the art, history, and cultural heritage of the American West. Today, the organization is taking definitive steps to ensure that this legacy continues for generations to come. The recent acquisition of the for

~Anne Boswell, & CNYW Staff There will be another 1041 permit hearing October 27th in Bent County. You might remember, there's been a long history with Arkansas River Farms, LLC. Some might even call the relationship with Bent County contentious. In 2018 Arkansas River Farms, LLC received a conditional 1041 permit for a project involving farmland dry-up and revegetation tied to water-related transactions. Arkansas River Farms, LLC is a Colorado-based limited liability compa

~Anne Boswell, with help from CNYW Staff While Bent County currently doesn't have a business wanting to move in to open a healing center, the Bent County Zoning Board is expected to consider regulations governing where and how they would operate should that happen in the future. While Bent County currently doesn't have a business wanting to move in to open a healing center, the Bent County Planning and Zoning Commission will consider regulations governing where and how they w

This is a follow up from an earlier story we did. Not a big story, but an ask. Because you asked us if we had heard if a second Las Animas Police Officer was currently on leave, we reached out to Police Chief David Doughtery. The response we received stated: Good afternoon Anne, The department does not comment on individual personnel matters. Any such matters are handled in accordance with the applicable law and department policy. Have an outstanding day... Respectfully,

~Anne Boswell Colorado News Your Way is waiting for a response from Las Animas Police Chief David Doughtery concerning an inquiry we made to a second police officer placed on leave. A follower reached out to ask us, so we asked the Chief last week, September 30th. Chief Doughtery responded that he would have something to us by the end of the day. So, we waited, and followed up. Response was that the Chief was on his days off but would have something for us by Monday. We aske

~Anne Boswell The wolf population is Colorado isn't thriving the way that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife thought it would. So, you might've heard, they've suspended putting down wolves who are attacking livestock. According to the annual report on wolves for 2026, the CPW's research found that just 61% were surviving in the year 2025-2026. A plan had been in place that if it fell below 70 percent, they would review the plan. CPW had implemented staff as range-riders who w

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Announces Arrest of Montrose School Counselor October 1, 2026 - CBI - MONTROSE, Colo. — Please see the updated tip line related to the arrest of Konnie Kelly Fries, 40, of Montrose, following an investigation into allegations involving the illegal distribution of controlled substances to a minor. Tip line number: 970-639-1202 ***Original News Release*** The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Konnie Kelly Fries, 40, of Montro

(The following is a news release from the Colorado State Patrol) Colorado State Patrol sees annual increases in wildlife crashes (Colorado)—While wildlife crashes happen year-round in Colorado, October through December is the peak season due to animals moving to lower elevations (migration) for the coming season. Many species of Colorado wildlife are highly vulnerable to being struck at this time of year because it is also their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easil

Norman L. Kincaide, Ph.D. A small group of invitees gathered in Room 107, Otero County Court House to hear from Bob Fowler of La Junta and Nancy Harrison Finley of Adams County, about the creation of a nonprofit organization that has acquired the former Boys Ranch north of La Junta. The nonprofit status of Western Heritage Education Foundation has yet to be finalized. But the acquisition of the property has been closed upon through the efforts of a partnership of local and re

I've put together a few videos. The topic of questions from the audience at Tuesday Night's forum were heavily weighted with concerns on the budget, doing more with less and working together with neighboring law enforcement agencies. The budget concerns likely stem from more legislation written into law that places unfunded mandates on law enforcement with increased demands for more paperwork, regulations etc. Two men running for Sheriff answered more than a dozen questions

~Anne Boswell Colorado Sportsmen are busy this time of year, it's hunting season but many got together this week to talk about what is coming up in the legislative session. Hosted by Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, the zoom call had close to 50 in attendance Thursday afternoon. Representative Ty Winter summarized a recent two day meeting in La Junta he attended of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Commission and said he was disappointed to put it mildly. Win

~CNYW Staff Las Animas Police Office Thomas Dunagan went before a judge Monday for his first hearing in connection with charges of extortion and official misconduct. The judge ordered a mandatory protection order for Dunagan to have no contact with the three following individuals: Michael Nicholl Justin Stillwell James Phil Carbajal, II Dunagan must also be fingerprinted within 14 days with the Bent County Sheriff's Office. Last week, there was a request for Discovery filed i