Morgan County Mail Only Ballots May Save Money

Morgan County Clerk and Recorder Connie Ingmire is heading up an effort to make the election an August 10th a mail only ballt. She shays it's an effort to save money






The savings will be substantial






She says neighboring counties are considering similar measures






Written comments can be mailed to the recorder's office or emailed to 2010morgancountyvotes at co.morgan.co.us

Fort Morgan Downtown Project Earns Another Award

Since when is pavement green? While no one doubts there is a lot of oil used in pavement, there are ways to make it more sustainable, and Fort Morgan is being awarded for just that. In the third of a series of awards announced this week for the recent downtown project, the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says it will give a commendation to Fort Morgan officials next month. The ceremony is set for February 24th in Denver.

Fort Morgan Considers Animal Regs Update

The Fort Morgan City Council is seeking public comments on a potential new set of Animal Regulations. A draft of the proposed ordinance was posted on the city website yesterday so those choosing to comment can be fully informed as to what it contains. The review of animal-related code sections is covering some material that goes back more than 50 years. The proposed new ordinance is more than 30 pages long and covers a wide variety of animals.Action on the measure is expected to take some time, to give more than ample opportunity for anyone who wises to make a comment to do so.

Relay for Life Preps Start Tomorrow

It seems like a long time until the mid-June date set for this year's Morgan County Relay For Life, but volunteers are already getting their ducks in a row. The kickoff celebration is tomorrow night at the Morgan County REA multi-purpose room. It starts at 5pm and is a drop-in type event rather than a formal presentation. The 2010 American Cancer Society Morgan County Relay For Life will be held June 11-12 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Legion Field in Fort Morgan.

Sonnenberg to Run Again

Jerry Sonnenberg will use an appearance tomorrow morning here on KPMX to announce his intention to seek re-election to the State Legislature from House District 65. During his appearance, set for 8:45am tomorrow, Sonnenberg will also address the current legislative session including the budget deficit. District 65 encompases Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick and most of Weld County

Former Sterling Resident, Extension Agent to be Honored

A former Sterling resident and CSU Extension agent who has moved to Wyoming will soon be inducted into the Colorado Agricultural Hall of Fame. Jim Read is one of four ag industry leaders to be so honored. Read served during his caree as an extension agent in Cheyenne, Prowers (short o) and Logan Counties. The other three awards will be granted to Dr. John Matsushima of Fort Collins, Mr. Andrew Mair (posthumously), and Mr. Donald Norgren of Platteville. The four will be honored for their lifetime achievements in agriculture during a banquet and ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver.

Former Wiggins Firefighter Jailed for Setting Blazes

A former firefighter has pleaded guilty to starting several grass fires in northeast Colorado last year. According to Associated Press, John Willis was sentenced to 60 days in jail and two years of probation after pleading guilty to false reporting and two counts of setting a fire to woods or prairie in the Wiggins area. No one was injured during the fires. The judge who sentenced Willis Friday said his actions were a "flagrant abuse of public trust."

Police Aske for Leads in Cear Break-In Case

Fort Morgan Police are asking for public help in finding the person responsible for a recent car break-in. According to a police news release, the auto was parked in the 100 block of Grant Street January 19th. The owner saw two men walk up to the car and open the doors. He didn't know the men, so he confronted them. One of the men ran off, while the other turned around and scuffled with the owner before running off. Although a police dog was brought in to track the pair, they have not been found. Authorities say they were described as Hispanic males wearing jackets; one being a black hoodie with white marijuana leafs on the back. The other person wore a big fluffy jacket that was white or beige in color. If you have any information, please call Crimestoppers.

Sterling PD, NJC Team for Neighborhood Watch in Dorms

The Sterling Police Department and Northeastern Junior College’s Department of Residence Life have joined forces to bring Neighborhood Watch to the residence halls located on campus. According to Whitney DeSanti, director of residence life, NJC has already had a similar program in effect, but this new initiative formalizes the agreement between NJC and the police department. Under this agreement, Neighborhood Watch signs will be posted at all NJC residence halls. Additionally, Officer Warren Sica, the Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the Sterling Police Department, will provide training to all resident assistants at the start of the fall and spring semesters.

Officials Caution Consumers on Possible Haiti Scams

Coloradans have been quick to give when it comes to helping fund relief efforts in Haiti and there are now warnings to be on the lookout for scammers taking advantage of people's generosity. When disaster strikes scammers are always quick to take action. Many people have asked how they can make sure they don't get taken. The FBI says the key is to slow down and take a little time to check out where you're sending your money. The BBB says it's important to research the charity and also make sure you're the one who is initiating the donation.

Area Wind Farm Receives Stimulus Grant

Phillips County will receive $2.5-million dollars in federal stimulus funds to help launch a community-owned 30 megawatt wind energy project. In a news release, Betsy Markey said the ultimate goal is to build a 650 megawatt wind farm within Sedgwick, Phillips, and Logan counties In a news release, Rep. Markey said, "local energy systems like this can play a key role in breaking our dependence on Middle East oil. It’s time for America to take back control of our energy, our security, and our jobs, and Northeast Colorado is helping to lead that charge.” The project will as a model for other local governments, campuses or small utilities to replicate, allowing other communities to design projects that fit their individual size and energy demands.

Hunter Ed Class Set in Brush

The Division of Wildlife will hold a Hunter Education class soon in Brush. It starts on February 8th, and will be held that Monday and Wednesday and the Monday and Wednesday of the following week. The first night the course runs from 5:30 to 8:30pm; the other nights it starts at 6. The test and the live fire activity will be held on February 20 from 8 am until noon. To pass the class, you have to attend all five sessions. The class will be held at Brush Service Center, and it costs $7. To find out more, call District Wildlife Manager Devon Young at 842-2306.

Premier Farm Credit Declares $1 Million Patronage Dividend to Stockholders

Submitted by Premier Farm Credit

January 20, 2010 - Sterling, CO - The Board of Directors of Premier Farm Credit recently declared a cash patronage dividend of $1 million to be distributed to its members in March, 2010. The patronage dividend checks will be based on the amount of interest paid by each borrower in 2009.

Rick Sanger, President and CEO said, “We are proud that the Association has the financial strength to enable it to return $1 million in cash to our customers! We are pleased that the quality of the loan portfolio remains sound and that the Association continues to be the leading source of competitive credit for farmers and ranchers in Northeast Colorado. The $1 million patronage payout will reduce the average borrower’s interest rate by an estimated 32 basis points. This dividend brings the total patronage payout to almost $24 million since 2000. Putting $24 million dollars back into the hands of producers has not only directly benefited our members; it has also been a significant economic benefit to all of the local communities.”

Man Covicted of Trying to Contact Teens for Sexual Assualt

In this high tech age, low tech may often times be overlooked. In the case of an inmate sending hand written letters to underaged girls, thankfully someone was watching. Twenty-six-year-old Gino Rael had been given a four-year deferred sentence in 2006. But a judge ruled Tuesday Rael violated the terms of that sentence by mailing letters to girls ages 10 to 17.
Rael denies knowing the girls were under age.
Prosecutors allege the letters were meant to groom the girls for sexual assault. Parents notified police after seeing the letters.
Rael was jailed last year after he was expelled from sex-offender treatment. He says he was unfairly expelled because of his religion and his unconventional clothing.

FM School District Cash Reserves in Danger

Cash in the financial reserves for the Fort Morgan School school district continues to bleed. The state's economic turmoil and recession are using up the money faster than expected. The state issued a recission of about $430,000 recently, then upped it to $513,931.79, said Mike Lee, the district's chief financial officer.
“The bad news is, our recissions aren't over with,” he warned. “They're getting worse.”
There will be a special board meeting on the 26th of this month to address the situation.

Surgery Tech Admits To Exposing Many to Hep C

It is an unthinkable and detestable admission from a surgery technician who infected three dozen people with hepatitis C. She now says she may have exposed thousands of others by switching used syringes with ones filled with a powerful painkiller.
Kristen Diane Parker described for prosecutors how she slipped through a hospital's drug screening process and began stealing drugs as she coped with a heroin addiction.
Parker pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit. She admitted stealing syringes from operating carts while employed at Denver's Rose Medical Center and Colorado Springs' Audubon Surgery Center.
Prosecutors say her scheme exposed nearly 6,000 patients at the two hospitals to the incurable liver disease. Thirty-six of them got infected. She faces 20 years behind bars.

Arrest Made In Connection To Assault In Fort Morgan

An arrest has been made stemming from an assault that occurred in the 100 block of Park Street on Thursday, January 14, 2010. Christopher Hunter, 46, was arrested Saturday afternoon after he was released from the hospital where he was recovering from wounds he suffered during the assault. Richard Solum, 34, and Virgil Roberts, 46, victims of the assault, were both treated and released from the hospital on Thursday. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Roberts were involved in an argument when Mr. Hunter shot Mr. Roberts with a BB gun. Mr. Hunter also had a knife in his hand. Mr. Solum grabbed a hold of Mr. Hunter to try and stop him from shooting the BB gun. When Mr. Hunter grabbed him, he was cut in the back with the knife. Mr. Solum was able to take the knife away from Mr. Hunter and in doing so, Mr. Hunter was also injured. Mr. Hunter is being held without bond at the Morgan County Detention Center. He is being charged with Second Degree Assault, Menacing, and Reckless Endangerment.

Sterling Library Event Postponed

Officials at Sterling Public Library say they will hold the progam that had been set for tonight, next week. It's called "Appreciate a Dragon Day,and had originally bee scheduled for this evening. The event has been postponed until 6:30 p.m. next Monday. Staff will share stories about our special mythical friend, the dragon. Following the stories participants will play nine holes of miniature dragon golf. This is the second rescheduling of the event -- earlier officials had set the postponed date as the 28th.

BBB: Texting to Donate is Good, But Be Cautious

It's easy, when situations like the Haiti earthquake arise, to let your emotions get the better of you and not be as wary of scams as you might usually be. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance says there are some scam artists operating, but so far the majority of the organizations seeking help through such innovations as texting to donate are legitimate. For example, the Wise Giving Alliance says, more than $3 million was donated through text message to such organizations as the Red Cross and others. There are some things to be aware of, the BBB says in a news release. for example, it may take a month or more for your donation to be processed and sent on to the charity. There's also the possibility that by texting a donation, you're agreeing to receive texts from the charity in the future -- check the charity's web site for details of the texting program and how to opt out of future texts.

Bonfils Blood Center Asks for Donations

Bonfils Blood Center is in need of blood. Bonfils officials said in a news release that a sudden increase in the number of trauma cases has pressured their supply at a time of year when donations are typically down. “We want to ensure that blood will always be available if we or someone we love ever would unfortunately need it,” said Debbie Horner, the center's community donor representative. Bonfils strives to maintain a 7-10 day blood supply on hand so they can be prepared to support any unforeseen events. They need thousands of donors each week to meet the needs of their community and meet this goal.

Man Dead Following Apparent Gunshot; Death Under Investigation

Morgan County authorities are investigating a man's death. According to a news release from the Morgan County Coroner's office, Douglas J. Green died last night of an gunshot wound at his Fort Morgan home. Authorities are not releasing further details as to what they believe may have happened, other than to say an autopsy will be performed and that Fort Morgan Police and the Coroner's Office continue to investigate the incident.

Sterling Public Library Program Tuesday Night

Sterling Public Library will provide the program “Appreciate a Dragon Day” on Jan. 19th at 6:30 p.m. Children who attent the event will hear stories about our special mythical friend, the dragon. Following the stories participants will play nine holes of miniature dragon golf. Library officials say the event is free.

Brush Museum Offering Commemorative Bricks

The Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center is offering an opportunity to purchase a personalized brick to be placed on the walkway leading to the historic building. The cost of a single personalized 4”x 8” brick may be purchased for $50 with 3 text lines and a minimum of 20 characters. A single, larger 8”x 8” brick may be purchased for $150 and text, brands or graphics are allowed, including camera ready artwork. All bricks are tax deductible with the proceeds helping fund the continuing needs of the museum. With questions regarding the purchase of a brick, call Carol Moos at 842-0443. Order forms can be obtained at Brush City Hall.

State Graduation Rate Rises

The Colorado Department of Education says nearly 3-quarters of of the class of 2009 graduated from high school, an increase of more than half a point from 2008. There is still a gap in graduation rates for white students and minorities. The graduation rate last school year was 61 percent for minority students and 79 percent for white students. Graduation rates rose for Asian, Hispanic and black students last year but fell for Native Americans. Students who earn a GED are not considered graduates in the statistics.

Colorado Christion Won't Build

There will be no new campus for Colorado Christian University. The school is pulling a bid to build the new campus on space in Highlands Ranch, following opposition from residents concerned about traffic, property values, loss of wildlife habitat and other issues. The Universite wanted to buy the land last fall but University President Bill Armstrong said Tuesday that Colorado Christian abandoned the idea after it became clear the association likely wouldn't sell.
Colorado Christian says it is still considering at least three other sites or redeveloping its existing 30-acre Lakewood campus, which has about 900 students.

FMPD Scam Prevention Class Today

Fort Morgan Police are offering a class today that will help you prevent scams. This afternoon from 2 to 3pm at the Fort Morgan Senior Center, police will detail some of the recent scam cases they have worked, with an eye toward giving you information that will help prevent identity theft and other forms of fraud. The class is free.

EMT Classes Offered

Northeastern Junior College will offer an emergency medical technician-basic course in Sterling starting a week from Thursday. State law requires the course to include 175 hours of classroom and lab instruction and includes a minimum of 25 hours of clinical experience. Students successfully completing this course, who are 18 years of age and older, are eligible to take the national registry Emergency Medical Training Exam which is the credential necessary to be employed by, or serve as a volunteer, on an emergency response team. According to a news release, classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. plus a few Saturdays.

Radon Classes Set

Radon awareness is an important thing for northeast Colorado homeowners to have. In its continuing effort to help homeowners gain awareness of the dangers and ways to handle radon, Morgan COunty Extension will offer its “Radon in the Home” program a week from tomorrow. According to a news release, programs will be given from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and repeated from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs by the decay of soil and rock. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Because you can’t see or smell radon, you don’t know if your home has high radon levels radon without testing.

NJC Job Force Program Starts Soon

The deadline is approaching to register for Northeastern Junior College's spring “Step Into Your Future” program, designed to help those in northeast Colorado who are unemployed and needing help re-entering the job market. This is the third session in the series, according to a news release, and registrations are being accepted though January 22nd. The sessions provide assistance in a number of areas, including exploring personal career goals, brushing up on basic academic/computer skills, earning a GED if necessary, learning or improving various workplace skills and even learning better English skills if necessary.

Ft. Morgan Police Investigate Overnight Vandalism

Fort Morgan Police are investigating an overnight vandalism in the 1200 block of East Burlington Ave. where three vehicles that were all parked at one location, were vandalized and left un-drivable. Sometime between the night of January 1st and the early morning of January 2nd four tires on three vehicles were damaged leaving the tires flat. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered there were cuts in the sidewalls of all the flat tires. The cut marks were consistent with being stabbed with a knife or sharp object of some type. The tires were relatively new and all of them had a lot of tread life left on them. The value of the four damaged tires was approximately $560 dollars Police are looking for possible suspects in the case and are asking anyone with information on this or other crimes to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online.

Young Farmers Meet in Sterling Next Month

The Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association Institute will happen in early February in Sterling. According to a news release, it's the 41st-annual event, and will be held Feb. 5-6 at the Ramada Inn in Sterling. The event includes an educational workshop on Friday morning the 5th, a NASCAR Tail Gate Party Friday evening, and a trade show Saturday. It concludes with a banquet Saturday night the 6th, which features installation of the group's officers for this year and recognition of award-winners for the past year.

A Healthier Weigh, Starting 1/25

Morgan County Extension is offering a challenge to residents: start 2010 living a healthier lifestyle by registering a team for the group's “A Healthier Weigh” challenge. According to a news release, the 12-week challenge begins with a team weigh-in two weeks from today. Participants receive pedometers and begin competition to determine which team can record the most miles each week from walking or other kinds of activity and exercise. Other masures used in the program are waist circumference and todal weight loss. Registration for the four-person team is $200. Cash prizes are given to top teams. Contact Morgan County Extension for more information.

COLORADO PLAINS MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

Submitted by Colorado Plains Medical Center

Experienced Healthcare Executive Kevin Rogols Tapped for Leadership Post


FORT MORGAN. January 7, 2010 – The Governing Board of Trustees at Colorado Plains Medical Center (CPMC) is pleased to announce that Kevin Rogols, FACHE, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer for the hospital on Tuesday, January 19.

“Kevin has a very strong background in hospital operations and will be a tremendous asset to Colorado Plains Medical Center. He has demonstrated an ability to grow hospitals through sound strategic planning and quality improvement while enhancing relationships with all customers and constituents,” said Mike Chabot, Chairman of the CPMC Governing Board of Trustees. “Kevin and his wife Kathy are both from rural communities and are looking forward to moving to Fort Morgan.”

An experienced healthcare leader, Rogols, 49, is skilled in all areas of executive management, including operations and project management, business development, strategic planning, and board and medical staff relations. He has developed and launched new service lines as well as managed a number of expansion projects.

Census Job Fair Jan. 16th

Census officials have announced a job fair in Fort Morgan. According to city officials, the 2010 Census job fair will be held Saturday, January 16th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department Training Center, located at 1320 Burlington Avenue. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply. Additional testing dates are available. For more information, call (866) 861-2010

"Balloon Boy" Father Says Event Was Not a Hoax

The Colorado man who pleaded guilty to the "balloon boy" saga that had Americans glued to media sources nationwide in October says the event was not a hoax. Richard Heene, an aspiring reality show actor, backyard scientist, and storm chaser, said in an interview on CNN's "Larry King Live" that he truly believed that his 6-year-old son, Falcon Heene, was inside the homemade weather balloon as it floated across the state of Colorado. Heene says he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of falsely influencing authorities because he wanted to protect his Japanese wife, Mayumi Heene, who would have been deported if convicted of a more serious crime. Richard Heene, who was sentenced on Dec. 23 to 90 days in jail, will begin serving his sentence on Monday. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of knowingly filing a false report with emergency services and was sentenced to 20 days in jail.

Three Up For Council Seat

An update on the Fort Morgan City Council opening: Ron Shaver did turn in an applicaiton for the Ward 1 seat before Monday night's deadline, so there are three people in contention for the seat. Council members will make a decision next week. In addition to Shaver, the candidates for the position are Daniel Marler , Zack Deal and Ron Shaver. All three have filled out the proper paperwork according to City Clerk for the City of Fort Morgan, Andrea Strand. The city council is expected to interview qualified applicants for the vacancy at the Jan. 12th council meeting.

Governor Ritter Will Not Run Again, Sources Say

Gov. Bill Ritter will announce today that he is withdrawing from the 2010 race for governor. The Denver Post broke the news, citing numerous sources close to the governor. Ritter told other Democrats the job was taking a toll on his family and he could not be successful as a father and husband while running for governor, according to those briefed on the calls. Ritter has one school-age child living with him and wife Jeannie in the Governor's Residence. Three others are grown or in college but still nearby. Sources said Ritter's office contacted key legislators asking them to be available for a news conference today at which Ritter will make his announcement following a morning meeting with his Cabinet.

AP: Unexplained Falling Object Crashes Bar Roof

Something fell from the sky last week and blew a 4-inch hole through the roof of a Colorado Springs
bar. But no one has any idea what it was. The owner of the Red Rock Lounge told The Gazette newspaper that she thought it was a meteorite. But five days after the incident, the owner and firefighters still hadn't found the object in the bar's ceiling tiles. Firefighters heard the boom three blocks away. The hole was made from the roof down, which meant it wasn't caused by gunfire in the bar, and there's no burn marks indicating lightning. Scientists say the object probably wasn't a meteorite because it wasn't preceded by a booming noise.

AP: FDA Downgrades Airline Caterer For Denver Facility

Federal regulators have downgraded a Denver facility that prepares airline food after inspectors found live and dead roaches and listeria bacteria in the kitchen. If the company flunks a follow-up inspection, it could be barred from selling food to the airlines. The company, LSG Sky Chefs, provides food to Delta, American, United and other airlines. A spokeswoman said Monday that the company fired the head chef and mounted an aggressive clean-up and believes it will pass a follow-up inspection. According to a Food and Drug Administration letter to the company obtained by The Associated Press, inspectors found live and dead roaches "too numerous to count" in several areas of the kitchen, including at least 40 live insects in the silverware station.

AP: Former UNC Prof Pleads Guilty To bathroom Videotaping

A former University of Northern Colorado theater professor has admitted he secretly videotaped male students in his home bathroom. Sentencing for Raymond "Vance" Fulkerson on sexual exploitation of a minor charges is in early march. Fulkerson was arrested in July after a student found a video camera inside a digital clock in the bathroom. He resigned his tenured position in September after 18 years on the faculty. An outside firm hired by the university to investigate allegations that UNC staff ignored repeated complaints about Fulkerson concluded that the school did not ignore the reports but did fail to inform people who had complained about whether any disciplinary action had been taken.

Blue Sky Nixes Logan County Project

Blue Sky Gas Storage has scrapped plans for its proposed facility in Logan County after the company was unable to raise sufficient capital for the project. SNL Financial reported on its website yesterday that Blue Sky notified the Federal Energy regulatory Commission last week of its decision. In a letter to the commission, Blue Sky said, "access to both capital and credit has continued to contract, and our efforts to find an investor that could provide the necessary injection of capital have been unsuccessful. Blue Sky will not be able to go forward with the project and we must respectfully decline to accept the certificate [issued by FERC]."

Fort Morgan Police Investigate Holiday Residential Burglary

Fort Morgan police are investigating a Holiday burglary that occurred between December 25th and December 27th in the 900 block of Deuel Street. The homeowner was out of town for a couple of days and had another person watching the residence while they were away. When the owner returned they found the home had been illegally entered and several items taken, including a 60 inch Sony television, a Phillips DVD player and four speakers all valued at $1,550. Police are investigating the case but have no new leads or information on who may have committed this crime. No visible force was used to enter the residence and police are asking for the public’s assistance. 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. Anyone giving information that results in an arrest could receive a cash reward.

Morgan Co Extension Offers Parenting Classes

The Morgan County Extension service is offering classes in parenting skill starting next week. In a news release, the group says “Let's Talk About Parenting” classes begin January 12 and meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. At the Jan. 12 session, participants will be divided into 2 groups with one group completing the parenting series from Jan. 12 through Feb. 23, and second group meeting from February 23 through April 13. This series of parenting classes is funded by a grant from Colorado State University, there is no charge for those registering by January 8th. To find out more, call Morgan County Extension at 542-3540.