Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that 29 rural utilities and cooperatives in 16 states have been selected to receive loans and loan guarantees to build and repair more than 5,600 miles of distribution and transmission lines and make system improvements that will benefit more than 55,000 rural customers. U.S. Senator Mark Udall has announced that one of those rural utilities to receive funding is the Morgan County Rural Electric Association. Appearing on KFTM Radio's In the Booth yesterday, Udall mentioned how pleased he was with the REA and how positive the impact of this funding will be. Infrastructural development will be part of what the funding will go toward. The funding is being provided under USDA Rural Development's Electric Loan Program. It may be used to expand or improve electric service, support renewable energy efforts and establish energy conservation programs. The loans and loan guarantees are part of USDA Rural Development's annual budget and are not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The 9Healthfare will be taking place in Brush April 24th from 7:00 AM-11:00 AM at the Morgan county Fairgrounds' Mark Arndt Event Center. The 9Healthfare will offer 15 free health screenings along with four low-cost screenings. Pre-draws are available March 15-19th from 7:00-10:00 AM at EMCH. Pre-draws will include such tests as blood chemistry, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver, kidney, bone, and muscle function. To make an appointment for blood chemistry, blood cell counts, or prostate specific antigen, call 970-842-6257.

Hunting is a sport which pre-dates agriculture. Humans have hunted wild animals since the beginning of the human race, and hunting still continues in a thriving manner today. Eastern Colorado is abundant with pheasant, deer, and coyotes that hunters enjoy pursuing. A hunter education home story course is being offered to Morgan County residents wishing to qualify for a Colorado Hunter Education Certificate which is required for all state hunting licenses and 4-H shooting sports. Instructor Several shooting courses will be offered, to give shooters a maximum field of experience. Students must attend one intro night and the Saturday class. Classes will be Tuesday, March 9th at MCC's Bloedorn Lecture Hall and Wednesday March 10th at the Wiggins Fire Station from 6:30-9:00 Pm both nights. The test and field day will be Saturday, March 27th at the Wiggins Fire Station from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.