[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 121 (Thursday, July 25, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL COLORADO NEWSPAPER CLOSINGS

  (Mr. LOPEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
dedication of local newspapers to the communities of Colorado's Eastern 
Plains. The Burlington Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and Lamar 
Ledger have kept citizens of eastern Colorado informed for over 100 
years. It is an honor to celebrate their achievements today. Sadly, all 
three newspapers will be closing their doors at the end of this week.
  Established in 1888, 1905, and 1907 respectively, the Burlington 
Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and Lamar Ledger have consistently 
provided plainspoken, accurate, and even-handed reporting and resources 
for their communities.
  Upholding the highest journalistic standards, they have reported on 
some of the most influential moments in our country's history from the 
Great Depression to the world wars to 9/11, covering births, 
graduations, deaths, and local triumphs. They have covered 20 
Presidential Inaugurations, watched 28 Colorado Governors take office, 
and existed before the district that I represent was even created. To 
say that these newspapers were ingrained in the local communities they 
served would be an understatement.
  Local journalism has long served as the bedrock of American society. 
Responsible for not just educating their local community but 
highlighting local stories, they offer an experience more personal to 
citizens in Prowers or Kit Carson County. The closure of these 
institutions will certainly impact the communities of eastern Colorado.
  I thank each talented staff member for their many years of service to 
their neighbors. The Burlington Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and 
the Lamar Ledger will be missed.

                          ____________________