By Caleb Stento

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No, the Martians are not coming. At least they didn’t come Thursday morning when a spectacular celestial event was witnessed in many locations throughout the southwestern portion of the United States.

The show was put on by a trio of missiles launched during a test. An unarmed Juno missile was launched from Ft. Wingate in New Mexico and two PAC 3 (Patriot Advanced Capabilities) missiles were subsequently launched from the White Sands Missile Range test facility to intercept it. The two bases are just over two-hundred miles apart, as the crow flies. Conditions were just right and the contrail from the Juno formed a brilliantly lit, twisting cloud-like formation.  The event prompted a flood of calls and e-mails to local and national authorities wondering what they had just witnessed.

Plaindealer Staff Report
The 39th Annual Imogene Pass Run is set to run on Sept. 8 with over 1500 registered participants. The race's long history and the quality of both the course and race organization have made it a benchmark for high altitude trail runs. With a strong following of runners from the four corner states, the race also attracts runners from 30 U.S. states, as well as international runners. “This year we sold out in only nine hours,” said race director John Jett. “Internet registrations were through the roof with a sellout on the first day.”

By Jessi Marlatt

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Contestants for Queen, Princess and attendants are judged on their ability to complete a horsemanship pattern which includes lead changes, stops, reverses, flag carrying and various gaits, as well as to demonstrate a knowledge of the sport of rodeo and be well spoken. Once crowned, the royalty represents Ouray County for a full year during various rodeos, parades and other events across the Western Slope. A panel of four judges choose the top performing girls to serve as Royalty.
To be eligible for princess, girls must be between nine and 14; to compete for queen girls must be between 14 and 18 years old. This year 12 girls entered into the running for the four royalty positions, which was the largest turnout in quite a few years, said Marti Flowers, mother of Darshawn Flowers, who has competed to be in the Royalty for multiple years. This year’s royalty will be crowned during the Sunday performance of the rodeo.