[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8674]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 YUMA, COLORADO, CELEBRATES 125TH YEAR

  (Mr. GARDNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GARDNER. Madam Speaker, in the late 1880s, landmen circulated 
flyers throughout the country about a place in the Republican River 
Valley with fertile soil and plenty of open land--a place named Yuma, 
Colorado. By 1886, the town had established itself a school, churches, 
and a thriving ranching community.
  This year Yuma celebrates its 125th year, a community defined by the 
cycles of Mother Nature and the Ogallala Aquifer, made vibrant by 
agriculture and energized by businessmen and -women who are constantly 
looking for new ways to be successful.
  A little town on the high plains of Colorado, population just over 
3,000 people, Yuma has been home to a U.S. Open PGA champion; an Emmy 
winner; a National Book Award finalist; a Medal of Honor recipient; 
professional football players; some of the Nation's leading farmers, 
ranchers, and business owners; and, yes, even a Member of the United 
States Congress.
  Yuma lies in the heart of Colorado agriculture. Yuma County is often 
the Nation's leader in corn production. It has weathered the boom and 
bust of farm prices, hailstorms, drought, and wind. For a small town, 
it seems like no matter where you go, you find someone who is either 
from there, lived there, or has family there. In many ways, it is one 
of the biggest little towns in the Nation.
  From its Old Thresher celebration in the fall and the Yuma County 
Fair to high school sports and academics, it is an incredible place to 
live, to raise a family, to grow, and to do business. I am proud to 
call Yuma, Colorado, home. Congratulations on 125 years, and here's to 
wishing the people of that great town many more years of success.

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