Man Still Not ID'd

Police are still trying to identify a man that was involved in a serious crash earlier this month. Colorado State Patrol reports show the man sped by an officer going at least 100 mile an hour. While the name on the report shows Miguel A. Ginez-Altamirano of Greeley, investigators are still having problems with a positive ID.
The man didn't have ID at the time of the crash and the car was registered to Altamirano. Police aren't sure if it's the same person because the photo on the driver's license record of Altamirano didn't match the injured man.

Blood Drive in Brush Next Wednesday

The holiday season always leaves area blood banks hurting for supply, as regular donaors travel to spend time with family and miss blood drives. Donors are needed urgently throughout the season, and shortly after the new year a drive will be in northeast Colorado. The Brush High School Community Blood Drive is a week from today - Wednesday, Jan. 6 from noon to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Bonfils Appointment Center at (800) 365-0006 opt. 2 or visit www.bonfils.org

Plow Rural Roads, Legislators Urge

The state Department of Transportation plans to leave snow on nearly 2,800 miles of less-traveled rural highways during evening hours this winter, and lawmakers who represent those areas are fuming. A spokeswoman for the transportation department said the state's general practice has always been to leave those stretches unplowed overnight unless they are a school route, a hospital route or unless heavier snowfall would otherwise shut them down. The difference, said spokeswoman Stacey Stegman, is that the state has reposted signs warning drivers that roads won't be cleared between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., and the state will better enforce those hours this year. The policy applies to roads with 1,000 or fewer drivers a day, which include great swaths of roads on the Eastern Plains. Citing public safety concerns, a dozen legislators, mostly Republicans, have drafted a letter asking transportation officials and Gov. Bill Ritter to send out plows to the farther reaches of the state's highway system.

Plan for DIA LInes

If you have family members heading home today, they should plan some extra time to deal with the lines at D-I-A. More than 156-thousand people are expected to board a plane at DIA, making it one of the busiest days of the holiday season. About 153-thousand departed yesterday. .

"Drink a big cup of patience," advised airport spokesperson Erica Gingerich. New security measures related to Friday's alleged terrorist attempt in Detroit have not added much, if any, to wait times. "The reason there are lines is because it's Christmas," she said. Last Wednesday was the busiest day at DIA with more than 158-thousand travelers. Gingerich advised travelers to plan on being at the airport about two hours before departure as a precautionary measure.

Christmas Tree Recycling Starts Today

Now that the presents are gone from under the Christmas tree, it's time to take it for recycling. The City of Fort Morgan encourages residents to recycle Christmas trees and spare them from the landfill. The City is accepting Christmas trees for recycling at the Animal Shelter, 900 East Railroad Avenue from Today through Thursday. All tinsel, decorations, wire and stands must be removed from the trees and trees must be placed in the designated area at the shelter.

Sterling Woman Dies in I-76 Wreck

A Sterling woman is dead following a single-vehicle spinoff yesterday on I-76 northeast of Hillrose. The Colorado State Patrol reports 51-year old Julie Williams was a passenger in a westbound GMC Yukon driven by Patrick Mahaffey of Sterling. He lost control at milepost 100, spinning off the left side of the road into the media. Troopers say the Yukon rolled, ejecting Williams, who was not wearing a seat belt. She died at the scene. Amy Mahaffey, a back-seat passenger, and Patrick Mahaffey were both taken to Colorado Plains Medical Center. Amy Mahaffey, who was not wearing a seat belt, was reported to have serious injuries and Patrick Mahaffey, who was wearing a seat belt, had minor injuries.

Snow Ending, Blowing Continues

...SNOW DECREASING...BUT GUSTY WINDS AND BLOWING SNOW CONTINUE OVER THE NORTHEAST PLAINS...

.A LARGE WINTER STORM COVERING THE GREAT PLAINS WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE GUSTY WINDS ACROSS THE NORTHEAST PLAINS OF COLORADO THROUGH TODAY. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW HAD BLOCKED SOME RURAL ROADS...WHILE SNOW DRIFTS WERE ALSO BEGINNING TO BUILD ONTO HIGHWAYS. SNOWFALL HAS BEEN DECREASING ACORSS THE PLAINS, BUT IS STILL HEAVY BY THE TIME YOU REACH THE KANSAS BORDER. TOTAL SNOWFALL ACROSS THE PLAINS AND FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS FROM THIS STORM HAS RANGED BETWEEN 5 AND 10 INCHES IN MOST LOCATIONS.

Road Conditions as of 5am

Road conditions: I-76 from Denver to Fort Morgan is reported to be snow packed in spots with blowing snow, high wind and icy conditions. From Fort Morgan to Nebraska, I-76 is reported Icy and snow-packed in spots. I-70 from Denver to Kansas is reported to be snow packed in spots with blowing snow, high wind, and icy spots as well. US-36 from Watkins to Kansas is reported icy and snowpacked in spots. Colorado 71, US-24 and other numbered highways in northeast Colorado are reported in similar shape, with snow pack and ice in spots. No road closures are reported.

Fort Morgan Police Ask for Burglary Leads

Fort Morgan Police are asking for public help in their investigation of a burglary last week. According to police, the burglary occurred on December 13th sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the 600 block of Aspen Street. The homeowners had been out and returend to find the front door was slightly open and the garage door had been opened as well. Someone had taken a laptop computer and cash, with a total value more than $5,800. The burglars had spent some time in the home looking through rooms. Police currently have no leads in the case and are asking anyone who may have been in the area and seen anything suspicious to please call police at 867-5678 or Crime Stoppers at: 542-3411.

Latest Winter Weather Advisories

...SNOW AND COLD HAS RETURNED TO NORTHEAST AND NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO...

SO FAR...SNOW ACCUMULATIONS HAVE GENERALLY RANGED BETWEEN 1 AND 4 INCHES...WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW FALLING ACROSS LARIMER AND WELD COUNTIES INCLUDING GREELEY AND FORT COLLINS. SOME FREEZING DRIZZLE HAS ALSO PRODUCED HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE STATE.

For Logan and Washington Counties,
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM TOMORROW. aREAS OF DENSE FOG AND FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL GIVE WAY TO MORE WIDESPREAD SNOW EARLY THIS MORNING. PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT AND THEN TAPER OFF TOMORROW MORNING. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. NORTH WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 35 MPH TONIGHT AND TOMORROW...WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH BY TOMORROW MORNING.

AREAS OF DENSE FOG AND FREEZING DRIZZLE MAY RESULT IN ICY ROADS THIS MORNING. SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CAUSE RESTRICTED VISIBILITIES LATER TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT AND THURSDAY. ROADS AND HIGHWAYS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME SNOW COVERED WITH HAZARDOUS AND SLOW TRAVEL CONDITIONS...AND ROAD CLOSURES ARE POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND THURSDAY.


FOR MORGAN COUNTY:
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 TOMORROW MORNING. PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT...AND THEN TAPER OFF BY DAYBREAK THURSDAY.

ACCUMULATION/WIND...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. NORTH WINDS INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH EARLY THIS EVENING WILL PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. ROADS AND HIGHWAYS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME SNOW COVERED
WITH HAZARDOUS AND SLOW TRAVEL CONDITIONS. BLOWING SNOW WILL DROP VISIBILITIES TO JUST A FEW HUNDRED FEET IN OPEN AREAS.

Log Lane Fire

Emergency responders say a Log Lane couple was critically injured in a fire at their home yesterday. Dwayne Melvin and Carolyn Dalpe were taken by ambulance to Colorado Plains Medical Center and then transferred by helicopter to North Colorado Medical Center’s burn unit with burns and severe smoke inhalation. According to a sheriff's department news release, Melvin ran from the burning home to a neighbor's to call 911 and get help. That neighbor, Bernie Ewertz, called 911 and then helped Melvin drag Ms. Dalpe from the burning home. Melvin ran back inside the residence to try and find a dog and when he re-appeared, Ewertz pulled Melvin outside and prevented him from returning. According to Sherrif Jim Crone, the actions of Mr. Ewertz very likely helped save Ms Dalpe’s life and in all likelihood prevented Mr. Melvin from being more seriously injured and quite possibly being killed, by stopping him from re-entering the home. It appears the home will be a total loss from the fire, which is believed at this point to be of an accidental nature.

Winter Weather on the Way

FOR MORGAN AND WELD COUNTY ALONG WITH MOST OF THE FRONT RANGE, A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 5PM THURSDAY.

FOR LOGAN AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES ALONG WITH MOST OF EASTERN COLORADO AND KANSAS, A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM THURSDAY.

SNOW WILL DEVELOP TONIGHT AND BECOME HEAVIER WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE SNOW WILL THEN TAPER OFF THURSDAY.

SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES IN MORGAN AND WELD COUNTIES, 5 TO 10 INCHES IN LOGAN AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, ARE EXPECTED. NORTH WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WEDNESDAY WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY.

AT THIS TIME...THE HEAVIEST SNOW AND STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR FROM THE FAR EASTERN PLAINS OF COLORADO INTO KANSAS AND NEBRASKA. HOWEVER...ANY CHANGE TO THE TRACK AND INTENSITY OF THIS STORM COULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS NORTHEAST AND NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO.

NECALG to Increase Budget

The Northeast Colorado Association of Local Governments is increasing its budget for next year. Executive Director Larry Worth says the budget will go up about a million dollars in 2010:






The money may be a one-time shot in the arm, Worth says, depending on whether Congress chooses to extend the federal stimulus plan past its scheduled expiration next September.

Peetz Phone Coop Gets Broadband Grant

The first handful of awards from the federal government’s $7.2 billion broadband stimulus program includes funding for a northeast Colorado project. A $1.5 million project proposed by the Peetz Cooperative Telephone Co. is part of $182 million in grants announced by Vice President Joe Biden yesterday. The grants are meant to improve high-speed Internet access in areas of United States that lack it. The local telecom for the Peetz area, along the Colorado-Nebraska state line north of Sterling, Colo., said in its application it would use the money to connect about 550 locations to high speed Internet, which would spur economic activity and access to distance learning and telemedicine services.

Applications Being Taken for Ward 1 Council Seat

Fort Morgan officials are taking applicaitons now for the open seat for Ward 1 Council Member. According to a vacancy announcement on the city website, applicaitons are being taken through January 4th. Qualifications to be appointed to the unexpired term include being a resident of Fort Morgan for at least one year, being a resident of the first ward at the time of appointment, being a citizen and a qualified elector. The term runs for nearly two years, through January 2012.

Former FM Administrator Takes Lyons Admin Job

A former Fort Morgan City Administrator is coming back to Colorado. Victoria Simonsen, who was in Fort Morgan from 2000 to 2004, was chosen from a field of 44 applicants to be the Town Administrator in Lyons. Simonsen has been City Manager in Albert Lea, Minnesota since she left Fort Morgan. Her last day there will be February 12th, and she starts in Lyons March 1st. She's moving back to Colorado for family reasons, she says. Her long-term boyfriend is from Colorado. She's taking a pay cut to make the move, going form $100,000 a year in Minnesota to $82,000 a year in Lyons.

Police Warn of Scam Currently Operating in Area

Area police are warning residents about a phone scam that has claimed several victims in northeast Colorado. Fort Morgan police call it the "Hi, it's me scam." The caller calls the unsuspecting victim and does not give a name, saying only, “it’s me”, and gives a reason why they urgently need money. The reasons are usually emergency situations such as an arrest, traffic accident, or medical bill. The fraudster convinces the victim they are a relative and asks them to not to tell anyone else because they don’t want to get into trouble with their family. Area victims have been told various ruses, but a common theme seems to be that a
relative, usually a grandchild has been arrested in Canada and they need money to post a bond or retrieve a vehicle from impound. Police say these calls are scams, and if you receive a call from someone asking you to use a wire transfer to send money to another location, especially out of the country, be absolutely sure who and where, and that you know the person is who they say. Nearly 7-thousand dollars has been lost by area residents this way.

Hybrid Snow Plow on Golden Streets

Hybrid vehicles have now come to an unexpected place -- behind a snow plow. Erase the image of a Prius pushing a blade from your head right now -- Jefferson County officials have modified a hybrid dump truck to be what they believe is the country's first hybrid snowplow. The 2009 International Model 7300 Hybrid is normally used as a delivery vehicle. Fleet services tricked out the truck to push a plow, while reducing hydrocarbon emissions from a typical diesel snowplow by as much as 65 percent, according to the county. County officials said the hybrid snowplow will use 30 percent to 50 percent less fuel than standard snowplows, a real savings given the roughly $250 cost to a fill the snowplow's tank. Officials will measure the performance of the $162,240 snowplow before deciding whether to add more to the fleet.

`

Flu Shot Clinics Tomorrow

A reminder that the H1N1 flu vaccine is now available to everyone in the area served by the Northeast Colorado Health Department, and there are two mass clinics tomorrow. The first is in Yuma at the Quintech Building; the second is in Wray at the Wray Rehabilitation and Activities Center. They will both be from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or until vaccine runs out. H1N1 vaccinations from NCHD are free of charge.

In order to speed up the process of a large walk-in clinic, residents are urged to visit the health department’s web site, www.nchd.org, and print out the appropriate H1N1 consent forms listed on the front page. There are two forms listed in both English and Spanish, one for adults age 18 and over and one for children. A separate consent form must be filled out for each person receiving a vaccination. Those that print and fill out the forms prior to showing up at the clinic will move through the check-in process faster.

Fort Morgan Farmer Jailed in Water Rights Issue

In a case being watch by water rights-holders across the plains, a Fort Morgan farmer believed to be the first sent to jail by a Colorado water court on allegations of stealing water is now free but owes penalties to the state. Craig Kroskob explained his side of the story to KUSA last night:






To protect senior water rights holders, wells in the South Platte Basin cannot be pumped unless there is first an agreement with the state to replace the water. District Water Engineer Jim Hall told the Greeley Tribune Kroskob was pumping water from the basin from five of his wells though he didn't have a legal right to it and kept pumping for about 100 days from each well despite a cease-and-desist order in 2005 from the courts. Krosskob has documentation that the wells aren't in the South Platte basin; that's the key point of disagreement.

Tri-State May Accept More State Supervision

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Co., the supplier for many area REA's, and an environmental group have submitted a proposal that would allow more input into the utility's planning while maintaining its independence. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has been considering whether to increase its oversight of Tri-State, Colorado's second-largest utility. Environmentalists say Tri-State is too dependent on coal-fired power plants. Tri-State had objected to more state involvement in its planning. It serves customers in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

AP: Colorado Tops in Do-Not-Call Registrations

Colorado tops the nation in participation in the Do Not Call Registry. Attorney General John Suthers says that a new report by the Federal Trade Commission shows Colorado has the highest participation rate. More than 3.8 million people in Colorado has registered their phone numbers with the program as of Sept. 30. That's over 78-percent of the state's population. The report showed high participation rates were also found in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Delaware. Alaska had the lowest participation.

MCC Announces Donation to Benefit Glenn Miller Project

Morgan Community College Foundation officials say a donation from the The Dahms-Talton Foundation is an early Christmas gift. The bequest of 10-thousand dollars in stock is earmarked for the Glenn Miller Music Project. According to an MCC news release, the gift will help build the $200,000 endowment to sustain the project for years to come. Since its inception last spring, the Glenn Miller project established an MCC Jazz Ensemble and produced a CD entitled "Home Grown: The Music of Glenn Miller." The CD is being used by the Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce to promote Morgan County.

AP: Meeting Carbon Goal Means New Power Lines

A state report says Colorado needs new, well-planned transmission lines to meet its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020. The report by the Governor's Energy Office says existing policies will allow Colorado to reach about 40 percent of the goal in Gov. Ritter's Climate Action Plan. There is a lack of capacity on the high-voltage transmission lines where Colorado's best renewable energy resources are found, according to the report. It suggests regulatory changes to speed up construction of power lines for large-scale renewable energy projects, increased natural gas production, onsite renewable energy production and improved energy efficiency.

CBI Says H1N1 Vaccination Fraud is Being Emailed in State

The Colorado Fraud Investigators Unit of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has issued an alert warning e-mail recipients of a new phishing scam circulating through the Internet. The scam attempts to solicit personal information by suggesting that, in order to receive a vaccine for the H1N1 virus, they must register with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the Internet. Officials say if you respond, you'll leave yoruself open to identity theft. The information requested through this e-mail message would never be requested by the CDC. The email claims it is necessary to register with the CDC before you can receive an H1N1 shot -- this is not correct.

To And Through Scholarship Available Soon

The new Colorado To and Through Scholarship is offered to help Colorado students access and complete higher education. According to officials at Morgan Community College, the scholarship will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning January 1st. The first 250 eligible students will receive $2,500 to use toward their 2010-2011 higher education expenses. $600,000 is designated to help students in Colorado get to and through college beginning January1, 2010.

State School $ Likely to Decrease Next Year

Area board of education members and superintendents are learning for state officials what they can expect in the way of budget cuts next year. State funding is expected to go down between 3-percent and 6-percent, according to officials at a meeting in Fort Morgan this week. With school spending making up 42-percent of the state budget, legislators say they will be hard-pressed to leave K-12 education alone as they struggle to balance the budget with falling tax revenues and the effects of Amendment 23. Local schools' costs are going up, including required contributions to the Public Employees' Retirement System.

Tickets Still Available for Sunday Air Force Band Concert

There is just a short time left to get free tickets to Sunday's special holiday concert by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. Some tickets are still available at the Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce office at 300 Main St., but they must be picked by Friday. The free performance will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Glenn Miller Auditorium at Fort Morgan High School. You need to be seated in the auditorium at least 15 minutes before the 3 p.m. start time. The doors are scheduled to open at 2:30 p.m.

AP: DPS Board to See A Marriage Counselor

The Denver school board has hired a marriage counselor to deal with rifts exposed after a rancorous meeting with newly elected members. New board member Andrea Merida voted against reforms at a troubled middle school this week. She and other opponents question whether the reforms, which were approved, are legal. The board will meet with a marital counselor at a special meeting Thursday at the five-star Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs to sort through the disputes

AP: Denver Has High-Speed 'Net. Plains -- Not So Much

While most Denverites have access to broadband Internet, here on the plains -- well, not so much. The Governor's office says about 97 percent of Colorado households have some high-speed Internet service available without an extraordinary commitment of resources. In Colorado's 15 most rural counties, at least 20-percent of homes lack convenient access to broadband. That's the finding of a broadband mapping survey released yesterday by the state and broadband advocacy group Connected Nation.

Christmas Event at Overland Trail Museum Saturday

The Overland Trail Museum’s third annual “A Child’s Christmas on the Prairie” is this Saturday. The event offers local families a chance to celebrate the holiday with activities including cookie decorating and making ornaments. Organizers say the event, which runs from 1 to 3pm on Saturday, is open to kids of all ages. Families will get to enjoy the holiday decor hung around the museum as well as trim the tree located in the Karg Barn. There will be Christmas stories and caroling, plus cookies and cider for refreshments. And yes, Santa will be there.

AP: DIA Security Breach Bineg Investigated

A Denver television station is reporting that a top-level police officer is being investigated for allegedly bypassing security at Denver International Airport. KCNC-TV cites anonymous sources who say Denver Police Division Chief David Fisher illegally used a special electronic access card to bypass security screeners to board a plane. Denver police Lt. Matt Murray told KCNC that the TSA is involved and that police also are investigating. He would not provide details.

CSU Students Oppose Gun Ban

Only a few universities in the country allow students to carry guns on campus. One of them, Colorado State, is considering a change. Before the decision is made, however, the school wants to hear what students think. Last night the student governing body voted overwhelmingly in support of keeping CSU a conceal-and-carry campus. CSU spokesperson Brad Bohlander says the Public Safety Team and the president's cabinet are united against the issue. Besides Utah, where universities aren't allowed to ban guns, CSU is one of only a handful of universities across the country allowing concealed weapons.

Ft. Morgan Police Blue Santa Event is Saturday

Now in its 9th year, the Ft. Morgan Police Department's Blue Santa program focuses on older adults and disabled persons living alone. Many of the recipients have no family living close by and spend the holidays alone. This Saturday, Fort Morgan police officers and other volunteers will be in the community at Safeway and Wal-Mart between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items or monetary donations for the Blue Santa program. Items collected will be sorted into care boxes and delivered to local residents who have been referred to the program.

NJC President Throws Hat in Ring for Florida Job

According to media in Florida, the president of Northeastern Junior College has applied to become St. Petersburg College's next president. Applications were due last night, and Lance Bolton is listed as one of 25 applicants in a report on the St. Petersburg Times web site. Others applying for the position include the Mayor of St. Petersburg, who has an extensive education background, and a former St Petersburg College official now working at another Florida college. Bolton is one of three college presidents to apply for the job.

AP: Arrest Made in Greeley Cold Case

An arrest has been made in a 32 year old Greeley kidnapping and murder. Marcello Maldonado-Perez was arrested in Port Charlotte, Florida yesterday. Police say he's responsible for kidnapping, raping and killing Mary Pierce back in 1977. Pierce was 22-years-old at the time and working at a 7-Eleven in Greeley when police say she was kidnapped. A customer called police when he found the store empty. When her body was found two days later in a field outside town, investigators discovered she'd been stabbed repeatedly and sexually assaulted.

AP: Another Complaint Filed Against Ethics Watchdog Group

A former Colorado state senator has filed an ethics complaint against an attorney representing an ethics watchdog group, accusing her of misrepresenting facts in a legal case. Andy McElhany lodged the complaint against Chantell Taylor. The Colorado Springs Republican says Taylor falsely accused him of misusing private funds to run a political Web site even though a district attorney investigated and refused to file charges. A similar complaint filed by Republican Congressman Mike Coffman was rejected last month after the council ruled that Coffman's complaint was ambiguous. Taylor said her organization won't stop investigating allegations of wrongdoing in political campaigns

Local Man Jailed on Sex Abuse Charge

A Fort Morgan man is held on 100-thousand dollars bond on charges he sexually abused a 6-year old and a 7-year old child over a period of time. Jesus Jimenez is charged with sexual assault on children and enticement of children. According to Fort Morgan Police Chief Keith Kuretich, the charges alleged Jimenez "committed a pattern of sexual abuse and tried to persuade, attempt or invite children to a sexual act." Jimenez has been jailed since mid-November awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Sonnenberg to Participate in Rose Parade

An area student will soon appear on national TV. Josh Sonnenberg, State President of the Colorado FFA Association, will walk alongside RFD-TV’s “FFA TODAY” float Jan. 1 in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. The RFD-TV float honors the National FFA Organization, a dynamic youth organization helping more than a half million students pursue careers in science, business or technology of agriculture. Careers in this diverse industry include biotechnology, horticulture, forestry, production farming, research scientist and environmental management. According to a news release, Josh will help apply seeds and flowers to the float the last few days before the parade and participate in Tournament festivities.

Brophy: Texting Law Unneeded

We've been talking all day about the new law that makes texting while driving illegal in Colorado. Area representative Greg Brophy from Wray says the law is unneeded:






He went on to say that as he reads the law, a trooper could have pulled him over and issued a ticket while Brophy was scrolling through his address book to find the radio station number to call. The law is what's called a primary law, meaning troopers can pull you over for no other violation than the illegal phone use.

AP: CO Man Wanted for Child Sex Crimes Collared in VT

The U.S. Border Patrol says an agent apprehended a Colorado man wanted on sexual assault charges after he had crossed into Vermont from Canada. The Border Patrol says 50-year-old Glen L. Vigil was spotted Saturday in Derby Line after an agent saw fresh tracks coming from Quebec. The agent followed the tracks and found Vigil in the woods with his luggage. The Border Patrol says a record check found the Adams County Sheriff's office has six warrants for Vigil on charges that include sexual assault on a child. He now awaits extradition to Colorado.

Greeley Census Office Opens Tomorrow

The U.S. Census Bureau will officially open tomorrow in Greeley with fanfare that includes Greeley Mayor Tom Norton and other local and state dignitaries. The census count begins in four months, and operations will be more visible throughout northern Colorado. Offices will organize communication with the public on census activities, as well as recruit, hire and train workers to conduct outreach operations, the release stated. The entire operation will impact federal, state and local funding as well as the reapportionment of congressional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

AP: Ritter Marks Start of Cell Phone Ban Today

Gov. Bill Ritter is helping mark the start of a statewide ban on texting while driving by honoring Colorado Springs-area students who helped design public awareness announcements to publicize the new law. He also was joining legislators and state transportation and safety officials at a news conference in Denver today to discuss the ban. As of midnight this morning, it is illegal for drivers to send text messages, e-mail or tweet while driving. The new law also bars those under 18 from talking on their cell phones while driving.

The Class Ring -- Dying Tradition?

For many of us, a class ring is one of the required rites of passage through our high school years. But for our kids -- maybe not so much. For many Colorado students, high school no longer represents the social focus of years past. Increasingly mobile populations churn student bodies and dilute even long-standing traditions. And there's the economy, of course. Class rings are a bit out of vogue because they're becoming more and more thought of as a luxury item.

Authorities Release Name of CO Man who Died at Grand Canyon

Authorities have identified the Colorado man who fell to his death from the rim of the Grand Canyon over the holidy weekend. He was identified as 62-year-old Holt Vaughn from Broomfield. Vaughn was visiting the national park with his son, daughter-in-law and other family members when he fell over the edge of the South Rim. The cause is still being investigated by the National Park Service. Vaughn was a retired social worker who assisted veterans, and was a disabled Army veteran. On average, three people a year die falling from the canyon rim. About 5-million visitors flock to the canyon annually.

Ambulance Assistance Subscription Program

The Morgan County Ambulance Service is conducting a drive this month to sign up local residents for its Emergency Treatment and Transport Subscription Program.
Administrative Assistant Jane Jensen talked to KSIR News about the program






The program offers protection from large out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical

Costs are extremely affordable when weighed against out of pocket expenses






Anyone interested in the service is encouraged to call 542-3570

Governor Ritter Will Bring Ag Commissioner, Too

More details are being released concerning the Governor's visit to Northeast Colorado on Tuesday. Gov. Ritter will be accompanied by state Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp when he visits. The Tuesday town halls will be in Sterling, Burlington and Lamar. They will be discussing the governor’s strategies for creating jobs, helping family-owned businesses and keeping the state budget balanced in this tough economic climate. The governor will hold a town hall meeting in Sterling on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon at Sterling High School.

Sterlling School Board Talks Money

Sterling school officials are among those statewide trying to grapple with reduced funding -- and trying to prevent more take-backs form the state. The school board this week discussed, but did not decide on. a resolution in support of preventing the rescission of $110-million in statewide K-12 funding. ON the flip side, the district is getting a bit more state money,as its head count is up. Officials at the board meeting said the increase appears to be in the secondary grades district-wide. Notes released by the district following the meeting indicate Sterling schools will have over $77-thousand in new funding. The priority for the money, they say, is teacher and staff pay and benefits.

Leaf Pickup is Done

Fort Morgan officials say, if you still have leaves out front of your house to be picked up, you're too late. They have completed the annual leaf pickup program and ask anyone who still has leaves in the City streets and gutters to get rid of them some other way.

Two H1N1 Immunization Clinics Set Saturday

The Northeast Colorado Health Department has scheduled two large walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinics on Saturday. One is in Fort Morgan, at the high school The other is in Akron, at the Washington county events center. It is expected that several hundred doses will be available in each location, but officials say high-priority groups will get first dibs. Those groups are:

* Pregnant women
* Those who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
* All healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
* Children and Young Adults from 6 months through 24 years of age
* Those aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

In Fort Morgan, the clinic runs from 10 to 3 at Fort Morgan High School. In Akron, the clinic is at the Washington county Events Center, also from 10 to 3. If vaccine runs out sooner in either location, that location will be shut down. Pre-registration is not needed; the shots are also free. The lines will move faster if you visit the health department web site, www.nchd.org, fill out the H1N1 consent forms to bring with you.

Ft. Morgan Council to Meet Tonight

Fort Morgan city council will meet this evening. According to an agenda released late Friday, the council will start its meeting with an executive session to discuss property purchases being considered by the City. The first reading of next year's budget is also set. Council members will also choose the winning bidder for upcoming work on the Rainbow Bridge Historic Byway Interpretative Pullout, and authorize signing of the needed documents to contract for the work. Council members are also expected to approve creation of a Historic Preservation Board, and to eliminate the current downtown sanitation consumer charge, which is being replaced by a more general commercial consumer charge on December 1st.

Fort Morgan Police Ask for Tips in Theft Case

Fort Morgan Police are asking for public help regarding the theft of a leaf blower recently from a yard in the 500 block of Ensign St. According to a news release, the victim told police he had used his leaf blower November 8th and left it in his back yard at approximately five in the evening. Later that same night at about ten P.M., the victim went to get his leaf blower and discovered it had been taken from his yard. The leaf blower is a Homelite brand and valued at $150. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online and remain anonymous.

Brush BOE Meets Tonight

Brush school board members will meet tonight. Following the reorganization of the board and swearing in of board members, the board will hear a number of reports from Superintendent Donna Howell. Those items include a report on the process of the district's ongoing strategic planning work, a discussion of what Colorado and the Brush District might be receiving from President Obama's Race to the Top initiative, and an update on the Technology Audit that's currently in progress in the district. The meeting starts at 6:30pm.

Medical Marijuana Could Lead to Zoning Changes in Sterling

The medical marijuana measure is leading to the discussion of zoning changes in Sterling. At this week's meeting, the council directed the planning commission to look into what changes might need to be made in zoning regulations to accommodate the possibility that someone would want to set up a medical marijuana dispensary. Outgoing Mayor Dan Jones says it's just the first step of the process:






Any needed changes would go through the regular process of consideration by the planning commission, recommendation to the city council, and discussion by the council prior to being implemented.

Fort Morgan City Council Work Session Tonight

Fort Morgan City Council members will hold a work session this evening. The agenda includes discussions of next year's budget. Council members will also hear a presentation from the Executive Director of the Fort Morgan Humane Society, Crystal Tweeten, according to an agenda released by the city. The agenda also lists a discussion of downtown sanitation rates. No binding action is taken in work sessions.

NEC Patient Okay After Medical Helicopter Makes Emegency Landing

A patient from an unidentified Northeast Colorado hospital was aboard a medical helicopter when it made an emergency landing last night in Adams county. The helicopter was from North Colorado Medical Center. The three-person crew and the patient were not injured. According to a hospital spokesman, the landing was forced because of an emergency light on the instrument panel. The pilot began to land the aircraft about 10 miles northeast of Strasburg, but about 10 feet from the ground, the engine stalled. The pilot was able to land the chopper safely, and the aircraft did not appear to sustain damage from the landing. The patient made the rest of the journey to the Denver hospital in an AirLife of Denver helicopter.

Stabbing Victim Officially Identified

Submitted by the Morgan County Coroner's Office

On Saturday, November 7, 2009i the Morgan County Coroner's Office posititively identified the victim of a fatal stabbing incident that occurred November 3, 2009, in Fort Morgan, Colorado.  The name of the victim is Warsan Aden Abdi.  Her birthdate, provided by family members, is January 1, 1982.

Identification of Warsan Abdi was complicated by the lack of ante-mortem records.  The Morgan County Coroner's Office and the Fort Morgan Police Department worked together to obtain postmortem fingerprints, dental exam, and medical exams but were unable to locate any antemortem records.  Contact the Immigration Services and Lutheran Services, the sponsoring agency of refugees from eastern Africa, were unable to provide any antemortem records.  Identification efforts were finalized by visual examination by family members of the decedent.

Several media agencies had previously announced the identification of the victim, however, the Morgan County Coroner's Office did not positively identify the decedent until November 7, 2009.

Fort Morgan Elks to Commemorate Veterans Day

The Veterans Committee of the Fort Morgan Elks will hold a Veterans Day service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Elks Lodge in Fort Morgan. According to a news release, an American flag will be presented to every veteran in attendance. The program will highlight Morgan County residents currently serving in the military and recognizes area veterans. Ther eis still time to get photos into the presentation. Contact Jan Garcia through the Elks for inclusion in the video. According to the release, a spaghetti dinner will be held starting at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday evening. Proceeds will go to the veterans’ home in Florence, local veterans’ project and food packages for a local man and his platoon in Iraq.

Emergency Drill Set for Saturday at Water Plant in Wiggins

Here's a heads-up to what will look like an emergency situation on Saturday: The city of Fort Morgan will be conducting a chlorine emergency drill at the City's Water Treatment Plant in Wiggins. The exact time of the drill is not being announced, but sometime during the day emergency responders will rush tot he plant and run through the scenario as if one of the chlorine tanks had a leak. In order that the drill can be accomplished smoothly, city officials ask those who are not directly part of the drill to stay away from the water treatment plant in Wiggins on Saturday.

Closing Reception for Yust Show is Friday at NJC

Submitted by Northeastern Junior College

For more than 40 years, Dave Yust has been a distinguished artist and professor of art at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He is best known for large circular format canvasses featuring both geometric and biomorphic abstract images. Over his long and distinguished career, he has participated in more than 50 prestigious group and invitational exhibitions and has had over 20 one-person shows at recognized galleries and museums. His work is in numerous permanent collections at museums, including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Wichita Art Museum, Portland (Oregon) Museum of Art and the Denver Art Museum.


And for the past month, students and visitors to Northeastern Junior College have enjoyed his work on display in the Peter L. Youngers Fine Art Gallery located in E. S. French Hall on campus. This Friday, at 4 p.m., a closing reception will be held for his show at the gallery. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Gallery Reception at Fort Morgan Museum

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Museum

 

The Fort Morgan Museum is hosting a Gallery Reception!

What: Gallery Reception for Modern Morgan: Three Modern Artists from Morgan County. 

When: Thursday Nov. 5th, from 6:00 to 7:30

Where: At the Fort Morgan Museum, in the Lower Level Gallery

Who: Meet the artists and learn more about what influences their individual voices. 

     The Fort Morgan Museum is hosting a gallery reception for Modern Morgan: Three Modern Artists from Morgan County.  Join us this Thursday, Nov. 5th, from 6:00 to 7:30 in the Lower Level Gallery at the Fort Morgan Museum.  Meet with two of the artists whose works are on exhibit now in the museum, and learn more about what influences their work and how they came to be artists.  The show will be on exhibit at the museum, now through the end of the year.  Don't miss your chance to discover how these unique works were created.  For more details or to schedule a group tour of the gallery, contact Andrew Dunehoo, Museum Educator at 970-542-4014.   

Police Round Up 11 Alleged Drug Dealers

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Police Department

Eleven drug dealers who were suspected of Distribution of Methamphetamine and Marijuana in Morgan County were targeted to be arrested Wednesday morning in coordinated drug raids.

The suspects were arrested on Morgan County District Court warrants from cases put together by the Fort Morgan Police Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, Brush Police Department, and the Eastern Colorado Drug Task Force from investigations during the last six months. They were taken to the Morgan County Detention Center to await arraignment. More arrests are pending.

About 15 law enforcement officers from Morgan County and the Eastern Colorado Drug Task Force participated in the early morning roundup.

Arrested were:

• Luis Morales-Alvarez, 52, of 601 S. Sherman Street #27, Fort Morgan, for Distribution and Possession of Schedule II Drug (Methamphetamine).
• Daniel Wells, 31, 710 Cameron Street, Brush, for Distribution and Possession of Schedule II Drug (Methamphetamine).
• Rey Gonzales, 21, of 14530 Hwy 34 #25, Fort Morgan, for Distribution and Possession of Schedule II Drug (Methamphetamine).
• Randy Meza, 49, of 2911 Mill Street, Brush, for 2 (two) counts of Distribution and Possession of Marijuana.
• Dorothy Aileen Munoz, 40, of 720 Edison Street, Brush, for 2 (two) counts of Distribution and Possession of Marijuana and Schedule II Drug (Methamphetamine).
• Miguel Angel Munoz, 40, of 720 Edison Street, Brush, for Distribution and Possession of Marijuana.
• Rex Allen Rucker, 44, of 19606 Virginia Avenue, of Fort Morgan, for 4 (four) counts of Distribution and Possession of Schedule II Drug (Methamphetamine).

We executed two search warrants which netted small quantities of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash. Illegal drug distribution is an ongoing rural problem that has resulted in citizens having their quality of life affected. These kind of multiple law enforcement arrests are a continual process in the effort to clean up Morgan County. We want to go after the people who are responsible and we were successful today in rounding up a number of them. The message we want to send out is to identify these individuals so that they are known in Morgan County by each citizen.

Ft. Morgan Police Chief Talks About Murder Case

Updated information concerning the murder of a woman last night in Fort Morgan,a nd the man who is now jailed in conneciton with her death. The audio clip is an unedited interview with Ft. Morgan Police Chief Keith Kuretich:

Woman Stabbed to Death in Ft. Morgan

Fort Morgan Police have already made an arrest in connection with the community's first murder in three years.
A disturbance was reported shortly after 11:30pm at a home in the 400 block of Kiowa, according to police officials. They have not released the name of the woman. According to a department news release, she was stabbed to death. While investigators are not releasing the name of the victim, they say she was of eastern African descent. Officers arrested the suspect int he killing, 25-year old Ahmed Abdi of Greeley, and charged him with second-degree murder along with two assault charges. He is being held in the Morgan County Detention Center.

Read the complete release from Fort Morgan Police here

Fort Morgan, Greeley SBDCs Merge

Small business owners in the 12 counties of northeast Colorado will soon be served by a unified Small Business Development Center. The SBDC in Fort Morgan is merging with the Greeley/Weld County SBDC. The merged organization will now be known as the Northeast-East Central Colorado Small Business Development Center. Greeley/Weld SBDC director Richard Pickett says the new organization will be more active in outlying cities and towns throughout the region.

Colorado Springs Soldier Dies in Iraq

A Colorado soldier has died while serving in Iraq. The Defense Department said early this morning that Spc. Jonathon Sylvestre of Colorado Springs died Nov. 2nd in Kut, Iraq. He was injured in a non-combat incident, which the military says is still under investigations. He was assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team at Fort Benning, Ga. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Railroad Crossing Closed in Brush Next Week

Submitted by the City of Brush

The Clayton St. railroad crossing in Brush will be closed for one week due to repairs starting on Monday, Nov. 9th.  We apolgize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Father and Son Murder Charges

A 16-year-old boy accused in a fatal shooting in the Fort Lupton area in Weld County has been charged as an adult.








A feud between neighbors has a father and son facing charges of murder. 16 year old Alonzo Rodriguez-Lopez appeared in court Monday. He and his father both faced charges after their neighbor Hugo Botello-Gonzalez was killed and the victim's wife Olga Torrez, was wounded last month.
Authorities say the double shooting appeared to have been sparked by the families' ongoing argument over the victims' dogs chasing chickens and horses owned by the suspect's family.
Authorities are still looking for the father of the teen, Jose Rodriguez.

Brush BOE Meets Tonight

The Brush School board has scheduled an executive session tonight before their regular school board meeting. The session, which is set to start at 6pm, is related to a personnel matter, which is one of the exemptions to the state open meetings act. Because of the exemption, the employee involved and the matter being discussed are not disclosed. An agenda for the regular meeting also indicates the possibility of an executive session. During the regular meeting, which starts at 7pm, board members have a light agenda, highlighted by reports from the Superintendent concerning the Strategic Planning forums and the Technoogy Audit.

Absences Due to Illness Are Declining, School Officials Say

Area school districts report absences due to the flu are tapering off -- a trend being seen across the nation where the H1N1-related absences tend to be a problem for about six weeks. In Fleming, for instance, school officials say absences due to the flu, strep throat and stomach virus have tapered off form a mid-October peak of about 25 percent of enrollment for preK-12th grade. late in the month, officials say, the absences went from being mostly in the secondary grades to more in the elementary.

Man Jailed in Auto Theft Case

A Sterling man is behind bars today, charged with taking another person's automobile at gunpoint. According to a Colorado State Patrol news release, David Scott Hoppal of Sterling was arrested without incident after a trooper spotted him on I-76 westbound shortly after the theft was reported yesterday afternoon. The stop occurred at Milepost 49 on the Interstate. Police agencies continue to investigate the theft, but believe all the items recovered at the time of the stop, including a 2004 Chevy Tahoe, two flatbed trailers, two ATVs and a generator, were all stolen. Trooper report no injuries to the victim of the theft. Hoppal is in the Logan County jail awaiting formal charges.

Norton to be in Ft. Morgan Today

Jane Norton, who is running for U.S. Senate, will kick off a three-day tour of Eastern Colorado today. According to her office, Norton will meet with the public in Larimer, Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Yuma, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Prowers, Bent, Otero, and Crowley counties. A meet and greet is scheduled in Morgan County between 3 and 4 this afternoon. at the Fort Morgan Public Library. You may remember Norton from her stint as lieutenant governor. She was elected in 2002 on a ticket with former Governor Bill Owens.

Woman Drives In to Greeley Village Inn

Patrons and employees at a Greeley Village Inn got an early Halloween trick Saturday afternoon when a woman trying to park her car ran into the building. The woman, who was not cited by police in the incident, was trying to park her car in the handicapped parking space. Sgt. Susie West of he Greeley police said, the woman just hit the wrong pedal as she was trying to park. A building inspector confirmed the building was structurally fine, but the restaurant did close off the damaged portion. No one was sitting in the two booths that were impacted.

Sen. Bennett Representative to be in Sterling

Submitted by Office of U.S. Senator Michael Bennet

Bennet’s High Plains Regional Director to Hold ‘Conversations with Coloradans’ In Sterling

Sterling, CO – Mac McGraw, High Plains Regional Director for United States Senator Michael Bennet, wants to hear from constituents in Sterling and help those needing assistance with a federal agency.

McGraw will be in the Meeting Room of the Sterling Journal-Advocate in Sterling from 9 to 10 AM MT on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, and available to meet with members of the public who would like to communicate information to Bennet or who are experiencing difficulty with a federal agency.

No appointment is necessary but if you would like to schedule one in advance please contact McGraw at 970-542-9446.

 

WHO:             Mac McGraw, High Plains Regional Director for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet

WHAT:           Staff for Michael Bennet Holds ‘Conversations with Coloradans’

WHERE:        Sterling Journal-Advocate Meeting Room, 504 N 3^rd, Sterling

WHEN:           Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. MT

Heartburn Seminar

The East Morgan County Hospital surgeons, Thomas Bryant, M.D., Lawrence Schoelkopf, M.D., invite area residents to join them Nov. 12 for the next Lobby Lecture Series topic: Acid Reflux. Lobby Lectures will be in the EMCH lobby at 7 p.m., Nov. 12
Attendees will be taught about Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease and how it differs from heartburn; the causes and symptoms of it and the medical complications that it causes; how it is diagnosed; and both medical and non-medical treatments. The lecture is freeand you will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information.

Road Closures, 5am Friday

Most highways in the area are closed this morning due to the blowing snow and crews just needing to get the stuff plowed out of the way. Some of the major ones in our area include I-70 from he Front Range to Kansas, I-76 from Brighton to Nebraska, US 36 from Byers to Kansas, US 34 form Brush to Nebraska, CO 71 from Ordway to Brush and Hwy. 14 to Nebraska, CO 113 from Sterling to Nebraska. Most other roads are closed as well.

Some Morgan County Residents Will Not Receive Mail-In Ballots

Some people in unincorporated Morgan County will not receive mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election.

That is because they do not have any candidates or issues to vote on, said Morgan County Clerk Connie Ingmire.

Those who are in the city of Fort Morgan, the city of Brush, the Brush School District and the Wiggins School District will receive ballots, she said.

However, the Fort Morgan School District canceled its election because there are no races for the board of education seats, Ingmire said. There are three vacancies and three people running.

If you live in the unincorporated areas of Morgan county, you may not get the mail in ballot for the November 3rd elections. That's because they're aren't any candidates or issues to vote on according to Morgan County Clerk Connie Ingmire. Also, the Fort Morgan School District canceled its election because there are no races for the board of education seats, Ingmire said. There are three vacancies and three people running.

Brush Resident Addresses Fort Morgan City Council

Brush resident Frank Phillips, Jr. told the Brush City Council on Monday that he was concerned about the way the city’s public works department is managed. Phillips, Jr said he is a concerned citizen and taxpayer who has been closely monitoring the city’s public works department’s work.
Phillips said he has seen department employees smoking in city vehicles and equipment, and they have been unsafely transported in the back of pickup trucks.
He also mentioned concerns about the use of tax dollars within the department. Mayor Scalise thanked Phillips for his comments and said city officials will research and respond to his concerns.

Logan County Commissioner October 27 Agenda

Submitted by Logan County Commission


AGENDA
Logan County Board of Commissioners
Logan County Courthouse, 315 Main Street, Sterling, Colorado
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

Click here for a PDF copy of the agenda
Click "Continued>>" to see text copy of the agenda

CSU Extension Offers Expertise

Submitted by CSU Extension

         Colorado State University Extension provides information and education to individuals and communities in Colorado.  It encourages individuals to apply research-based information to issues that are affecting individuals and communities.

           Now, not only can you call the local extension office at 542-3540 and talk to agents with expertise in agronomy, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, livestock and youth development, but you can access information 24/7.  A variety of on-line fact sheets are available at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html.  With winter coming on, longer evenings may give you a chance to catch up on reading in broad range of areas including yard and garden, insects, agriculture and natural resources, nutrition, health and food safety, family, home and consumer, water and energy.

County 4-H Members to be Recognized for Achievements

Submitted by CSU Extension

    Morgan County 4-H members will be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the 2008-2009 4-H year at the Morgan County Achievement Night on Sunday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mark Arndt Event Center at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Brush.

Brush School Board Warned of Looming Cuts

While property valuation in the Brush School District is up, leaders are bracing for significant budget cuts. District Business Officer Mandy Fellman says the preliminary assessed valuation for the Brush district is $162 million, which is an increase 6 percent rise. While it is projected that will bring 151-thousand dollars more into the district's coffers, reductions in state aid and the loss of a one-time federal payment will mean the district has a net loss of 355-thousand dollars from this year's budget to 20-10.

Logan County "Chamber of Horrors" Open Now

You might say it’s horrifying. You might say it’s terrifying. But whatever you say, just don’t say it too loud, because you might draw the attention of one of the ghouls, monsters or other scary creatures occupying the Chamber of Horrors. The Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber of Horrors,” in the former jail at the Courthouse Annex , opened last night and runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Halloween. Each night, youngsters are invited to take the tour without the goblins - but still plenty of gore - from 5 to 7 p.m. The scare is on for “brave souls” from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5 for children 12 and under, and $7 for 13 and older. Enter on the south side of the annex.

Agland Financials: Growing, But Facing Challenges

Despite some volatile markets and low prices in the livestock industry, Agland reports it had sales of $202 million for its fiscal year that ended June 30. That was an increase of 8 percent over the previous year, a slightly smaller increase than the company experienced in 2008. And the largest member-owned cooperative in the state faces more challenges in the coming years, Mitch Anderson told more than 300 people who attended Agland's annual meeting Thursday evening at the Exhibition Building in Greeley's Island Grove Regional Park.

Southwest Airlines Adding Flights

Speaking of getting places, prices will soon be on their way down on more flights out of Denver. Southwest has announced it is adding flights to six new destinations and additional trips to 13 more locations. Southwest also has acquired two additional gates at Denver International Airport, where it is the third-largest carrier, and plans to hire more people to support the increased service. Starting in March, new non-stops will be available to Boise, Detroit, Dulles Airport in Washington, DC, Oklahoma City, Hartford, CT and Ontario, CA. More flights will be added in May to Tulsa, Sacramento, New Orleans, Portland, Oakland, Baltimore/Washington, Seattle and New York LaGuardia.

RTA to Add Second Bus Nov. 1

The South Platte Regional Transportation Authority will be add a second bus to its all-day route on November 1st. Ridership for the agency has been up recently, with nearly 300 more riders in September and almost 6-thousand more riders since the beginning of the year. The agency has recently purchased a new bus, which will be on the road soon. As of mid-week, it still needed a radio installed. Currently fares on the RTA are 75-cents, which is half the normal fare. The fare promotion runs through the end of the year. Discussions are underway about the feasibility of adding a Saturday route to the service, which currently runs weekdays only.

Fly Cheap From Denver to More Places

Prices will soon be on their way down on more flights out of Denver. Southwest has announced it is adding flights to six new destinations and additional trips to 13 more locations. Southwest also has acquired two additional gates at Denver International Airport, where it is the third-largest carrier, and plans to hire more people to support the increased service. Starting in March, new non-stops will be available to Boise, Detroit, Dulles Airport in Washington, DC, Oklahoma City, Hartford, CT and Ontario, CA. More flights will be added in May to Tulsa, Sacramento, New Orleans, Portland, Oakland, Baltimore/Washington, Seattle and New York LaGuardia.

Bad Weather Woes are Easing

The first major weather story of the season saw the closure of I-70 between Denver and Kansas but it has since re-opened, Parts of the highway are still slushy and icy in spots.
The highway had been shut down Wednesday after heavy snow fell in parts of the Plains.
Areas south and east of the Denver metro area had some of the biggest accumulations. The National Weather Service says 15 inches fell in Arapahoe County near Elizabeth.
In the mountains, Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park officially closed for the season Wednesday after days of drifting snow, high winds and temperatures below freezing above 10,000 feet.
Locally, the weather has closed a few schools including Akron and Otis. No word on tomorrow's schedule though.
I-76 wass icy in spots, with some blowing snow between Fort Morgan and Sterling, but the sun has since aleviated most of those problems.

Winter Weather Closes 2 Area Schools, Leaves 9+ Inches of Snow in Arapahoe County

We woke up to blowing snow and ice this morning, and parts of northeast Colorado were covered in heavy snow. Locally the weather conditions caused school closures in Akron and Otis, while some patches of ice were reported on I-76 before sunrise. Spotters reported 9.1 inches of snow last night in Arapahoe County and 4 inches in Fairplay. Trooper Gary Cutler with the Colorado State Patrol was on B106's Morgan Matters this morning, and talked briefly about road conditions:

More Changes Could Be Coming to State, Ensign Streets

Fort Morgan drivers could see some changes to the striping along State and Ensign streets to make that new diagonal parking a bit easier to navigate. The city council was told this week by Engineer Brad Curtis the diagonal parking should stay because it has added capacity to downtown parking. he'd like to restripe the two driving lanes to make them more equal and alleviate some confusion for motorists. There's been no decision yet, but if the council approves, the work would include adding turn lanes at the ends of the one-way portions of both streets, at Platte and Railroad avenues. The Downtown Business Association has asked that the two-hour time limit on the State and Ensign parking spaces be taken away and placed instead on the city parking lots downtown. They believe that would encourage employees to park on the one-way's and leave the downtown lots open for customers.

Why All the Purple Pinkies?

When Fort Morgan travels to Greeley tomorrow night, there will be something going on at the game other than Northridge High's homecoming. it's called the Purple Pinkie Project. The fundraiser supports efforts to eradicate polio in certain areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The purple pinkie shows those who have donated a dollar at any one of a number of sporting events this week for Northridge High in Greeley. At the powder-puff football game earlier this week, the Rotary club raised $385, according to club member Bill Widmaier. Tomorrow they'll take donations at a chili supper at 5:30 p.m. in the Northridge cafeteria and at Northridge's homecoming football game against Fort Morgan. And sure, they'll take donations from those making the drive to support Fort Morgan tomorrow night.

Marijuana Dispensaries Snuffed Out

The Greeley City Council on Tuesday night snuffed medical marijuana dispensaries, voting 6-1 on an ordinance that bans the facilities in the city.
About a dozen people spoke during the public hearing, with most asking that the council allow, not prohibit, dispensaries. Two speakers each presented petitions containing 230 and 143 signatures of city residents who they said support medical marijuana dispensaries in Greeley.
Several people hoping to open dispensaries, allowed by Amendment 20 passed by voters nine years ago, urged the council to grant what they consider responsible operations that serve patients in need.

Haunted Hallows

It's almost time for the 3rd Annual Haunted Hallows Halloween Night from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Riverside Park Nature Trail put on by the city of Fort Morgan.
Don Shedd Fort Morgan Director is hoping for good weather once again this year






Last year had a good turnout and Don is hopng for just as many this year

^ New Deaths May Be Swine Flu Related

Colorado has 6 new deaths reported that may be linked to the swine flu. The six new deaths were reported to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment last week. Officials posted the new totals online Wednesday but didn't immediately return a call. Officials said 183 more people were hospitalized with all types of flu last week, including 59 confirmed cases of swine flu. To date, 1058 cases of the flu have been reported statewide since August 30th and of those, 578 are confirmed H1N1, or swine, flu.

EMCH Phones May Be Busy

You may get a busy signal come Friday when you try to call East Morgan County Hospital. In a press release, the Hospital says that they will be upgrading the phone system at the hospital starting October 23.
The upgrade will cause temporary busy signal or no answer between the hours of 8 and 10 p.m.
If you call and have this problem, please use the temporary phone number, 970-842-0723.
The phone system will be working as normal on October 24.

Cheer Camp to Begin

The Brush High School Cheerleaders will be holding their Youth Cheer Camp for Beaver Valley and Middle School students beginning Monday, October 26 at 3:30 p.m.
The camp will be held at BHS in the auxiliary gym on October 26, 27, 28, 29 and November 3, 4, 5 and 6. Students will learn cheers, jumps, stunts and a routine that will be performed at half time of the Brush Beetdigger Football game on November 6.
The Brush News Tribune says that Cost for the camp is $20, which includes the purchase of a Cheer Camp Shirt. A parent permit slip must be completed before camp participation. Flyers will be available at Beaver Valley and the Middle School by October 21.

New Texting Ban Coming

It's national teen driver week right now and the student council at Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver is challenging fellow teens, as well as adults, to turn off their cell phones when they get behind the wheel. A new law goes into effect December 1st making it illegle to use a cell phone while driving for those under 18. The law only bans texting for those 18 and over. Expect to start seeing PSAs on TV announcing the new law soon.

2 Teens Charged in Brush Fire

THORNTON - A brush fire near 100th Avenue and Washington Street resulted in two teens being issued summonses.
The brush fire was first reported around 1 p.m. Sunday and burned five acres of brush in Thornton dangerously near some apartments. Crews fought back flames reaching 30 feet high, while winds were clocked at close to 15 miles per hour during the wildfire.
It took firefighters about 30 minutes to douse the flames.
After interviewing witnesses, Thornton police detained and ticketed the two kids for starting the fire. Specific details about how the fire was started were not disclosed.

H1N1 Vaccine Details

The first doses of H1N1 vaccine have arrived in northeast Colorado, but supplies are very limited at this time.

“Trish McClain, director of client health services for the Northeast Colorado Health Department says “For the first few weeks our shipments of H1N1 vaccine will be less than originally anticipated, but we expect that to change as we head into November and December. As we receive vaccine every week, we divide it among each of our health department offices, as well as 33 private providers throughout our six counties that signed up to be a distributor of the vaccine.”

According to McClain, NCHD is following the federal and state vaccine guidelines in offering the first doses to those populations most at risk for developing severe illness from influenza. Those groups include:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
Children 6 months through 4 years of age, and
Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

Nasal spray vaccine, which is the only vaccine that is currently available, is only approved for healthy persons age two through 49. Some Advice; stay home if you’re ill, cover your cough, wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth,” said McClain.

For more information about H1N1 visit www.nchd.org or to inquire about making an appointment with NCHD in Logan, Phillips, or Sedgwick counties call (970) 522-3741; in Morgan County call (970) 867-4918; in Washington County call (970) 345-6562; and in Yuma County call (970) 848-3811.

Rotarians Recognize 4-H Senior Record Book Winners

Submitted by CSU Extension

    In an atmosphere of celebration and accomplishment, the Fort Morgan Rotarians recognized ten 4-H members for their outstanding record books on Tuesday at the Fort Morgan Elks Club.  Fort Morgan Rotarians sponsor the senior record book contest conducting both the judging and recognition of youth's efforts.  Rotarians involved in this effort were Charlene Holzworth, Jo Kline, and Sharon Kauffman.  Youth recognized were Christine Dreitz, Ryan Ernst, Conner Gerken, Sarah Goss, Jeffrey Hanson, Kelsey Hergenreter, Kelsey Heupel, Jake Lockhart, and Megan McMinn.

    The Fort Morgan Rotarians mark their 73rd year in support of the 4-H program and over 50 years in judging record books.  We appreciate the support of the Fort Morgan Rotarians in sponsoring this program and recognizing these youth for their hard work in record keeping.

Women's Health Symposium

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Chamber

Be A Part Of The Women's Health Symposium!!

Presented by Colorado Plains Medical Center

Wednesday Evening

October 28th, 2009

5:30pm to 8:30pm

Fort Morgan High School

Glenn Miller Auditorium

Keynote Speaker - Julie Pech - The Chocolate Therapist

Click Here for Event Agenda and other important info!

Fort Morgan Times celebrates 125th Anniversary

Submitted by Fort Morgan Chamber

Come out and Join The Fort Morgan Times 125th Anniversary Celebration and Open House!

Friday, October 23rd

2:00pm - Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

2:00pm to 3:00pm - Remarks from Invited Guest and Dignitaries

3:00pm to 5:00pm - Community Open House and Former/Current Staff Member Reception

The Fort Morgan Times

329 Main Street

Fort Morgan, CO 3970-867-5651

RE-1 Valley School Board Agenda - Oct. 19, 2009

RE-1 VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Logan County, Colorado
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Sterling Middle School
October 19, 2009
PUBLIC AGENDA

Click here for full agenda

Source: RE-1 Valley School District

H1N1 vaccine has arrived, but in limited supplies

Submitted by the Northeast Colorado Health Department


The first doses of H1N1 vaccine have arrived in northeast Colorado, but supplies are very limited at this time.

“We have received our first doses of H1N1 vaccine, but the amount we received was very small, and the type we received was the nasal spray vaccine which is only available to certain individuals,” said Trish McClain, director of client health services for the Northeast Colorado Health Department. “For the first few weeks our shipments of H1N1 vaccine will be less than originally anticipated, but we expect that to change as we head into November and December. As we receive vaccine every week, we divide it among each of our health department offices, as well as 33 private providers throughout our six counties that signed up to be a distributor of the vaccine. This helps us ensure that the vaccine is available through a variety of providers in multiple locations.”

The Noteables & Friends

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Chamber

One Afternoon....

Eight Hands............

Two Pianos.....................

The Noteables & Friends!

Sunday, November 15th at 3pm

Gathering for a benefit event supporting:

The School for the Performing Arts

and

The Refurbishment of the Historic All Saints Pipe Organ

at the All Saints Lutheran Church on the Eben Ezer Campus

For Tickets : 842-2861x232

Ticket Price: $10.00

Get your tickets early - remember this is a small venue - Sold Out last time!

Morgan County Youth Attend 4-H Gala

Submitted by CSU Extension

Morgan County 4-H members, Hayley McMinn and Kelsey Hergenreter, attended the Colorado 4-H Gala on October 3, 2009, at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Monies raised will be used to support 4-H science and technology programs statewide and to help expand the 4-H program in Denver County. A highlight of the evening was a planetarium show on the history and future of 4-H produced by a CSU scholar and former Morgan County 4-H member, Adam Goss.

"Work Smarter No Harder" Workshop

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Chamber

"Work Smarter Not Harder"

A Presentation by Cathi Hight

October 20, 2009

Morgan Count Events Center

5:30-8:00pm

Hosted by:

Colorado SBDC, Morgan County Economic Development Corp, Fort Morgan Workforce Center,

Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce and Brush! Chamber.

Click here for registration and more information.

Jon Becker announcing for House District 63

Jon Becker is hosting a press conference announcing that he will be running for the 63rd House of Representative Seat. Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:00 at the Country Steak Out, Fort Morgan.

Morgan Community College is hosting a brown bag lunch....What Not To Wear!

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Chamber

Morgan Community College is hosting a brown bag lunch....What Not To Wear!

The MCC Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) student business organization is doing a brown bag lunch seminar on “What Not To Wear.” It is to show people what is appropriate for casual, business casual and business attire. We will have students modeling what to wear and what not to wear in each of the 3.

“What Not To Wear” will be at MCC in Founders on Tuesday, October 20th at noon.

Graff's Turf Farms Hits Primetime

Submitted by the Fort Morgan Chamber

Here's a message from Marti at Graff Turf Farms!

Graff’s Turf Farms hits Primetime!

Graff’s Turf Farms and James Graff will have an appearance on DIY Network’s brand new series called “Disaster House”. James went to the filming last spring to help “fix” a backyard tore up after a demolition derby. It will air Tuesday evening @ 8 p.m. MST on the DIY network. That’s channel 230 on Directv. Channel 111 on Dish Network. Channel 205 on Bresnan.

Click on this link for more about what “Disaster House” is all about. If you watch really closely at the 1 minute, 32 second mark in the preview, you can see James Graff with the show host Josh Temple.

http://www.diynetwork.com/disaster-house/show/index.html

Manicures, Massages, and Mammograms at EMCH

Submitted by East Morgan County Hospital

BRUSH (Oct. 9, 2009) – East Morgan County Hospital is excited to bring you a fun, relaxing event that will also help you monitor your breast health. Women can experience a day of pampering with free massages and free manicures. Most importantly, we will be offering digital mammogram screenings.

To participate in this relaxing event on Oct. 27, call 842-6288 for an appointment between 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Appointments are limited so call soon. Participates will receive free educational information, chair massages, and manicures.

Early detection is the best way to protect yourself from breast cancer and mammograms are the best tool for finding and fighting breast cancer early. Mammograms are especially important for women over 40.

Candidate Forums for Brush School Board and Brush City Council

Submitted by the Brush Chamber

The Brush Area Chamber of Commerce/Main Street is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 13th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Carroll Building and on Wednesday, October 14th at our noon luncheon from noon to 1:30 PM at Bunker Hill Country Club.

The Morgan County Clerk’s office will begin sending out mail-in ballots on the 12th of October. All voting will be done by mail-in ballot this year.

Brush School District Community Forums

Submitted by the Brush School District

The Brush School District is beginning a long range planning process.

Parent and community meetings have been scheduled on the following dates:

October 7 -- East Morgan County Library at 1:00 pm

October 12 -- Middle School at 6:00 pm

October 19 -- Beaver Valley Elementary School at 7:00 pm

October 21 -- East Morgan County Library at 7:00 pm

October 26 -- Thompson Primary School at 6:00 pm

October 26 -- High School at 7:30 pm

October 28 -- Thompson Primary School at 7:00 pm -- Translation available

We encourage parents and community members to attend any of the meetings listed. Input from our parents and community is very important in developing long range goals for the School district.

A community wide strategic planning meeting will be scheduled in November. Input from the October meetings will be reviewed and will serve as the basis for establishing district wide goals.