Gobbler Gallop Coming Up

No Turkeys in this race, but the seventh annual Gobbler Gallop is in Fort Morgan on Saturday, November 20. Anybody can participate in the 5K race/walk around Riverside Park and everybody gets a T-shirt. The deadline to register is November 19, 5 p.m. at the Fort Morgan Recreation Center. Late reg is on race day.

Halloween Weeknd inFull Swing

It is officially Halloween weekend. Yes, all weekend! There is stuff to do today, on Saturday, and on Sunday. For instance, downtown Sterling will have activities starting this afternoon. NJC Treat Street is from 7 to 9 tonight. The Chamber of Terror in the former Logan County jail is all weekend. And even on Sunday, several churches are even offering fun for the day. Be safe, have a great time, and BOO!

Task Force to Consider EMS

Logan County now has a task force to look at the county's ambulance service. Commissioners said the task force is already meeting to figure out how it will work. The group will bring its suggestions on how the county should handle its emergency services to commissioners. The task force will look at all of the options including the private service model; the fire-based model and the stand-alone model. Each of those models will be represented to the task force at its next meeting.

Army Major Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes

An Army officer who served in Afghanistan, Iraq an Kuwait has pleaded guilty to bribery for accepting money and items in exchange for awarding Army contracts and could get 15 years in prison when he's sentenced in January.
The U.S. attorney's office in Colorado says 45-year-old Major Roderick Sanchez of Pueblo pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of bribery. He was accused of accepting money, Rolex watches and other items totaling about $200,000 in value from 2004 through 2007.

Meningitis Case Not a Public Health Issue

State health officials said yesterday there is no public threat in the aftermath of a college student who died of meningitis last week. The Larimer County Health Department also said 23-year-old Christina Adame died of sepsis caused by the Group-C meningococcal infection which is the same strain of bacteria that infected and killed three people in June. Adame was the seventh confirmed case of of the disease in Larimer County. According to health officials, her case is not a public threat as less than one-percent of the population gets this particular strain of bacteria.

Man Killed in Industrial Accident Yesterday

A 21-year-old man who was working in Pueblo at the Vestas Towers America Inc. tower factory died Wednesday in what company officials called an industrial accident. Authorities told "The Pueblo Chieftain" the man had been working on train tracks, helping to load parts of wind towers, when a forklift forced him down against a flatbed train car. Pueblo County Coroner James Kramer told the paper the man died as a result of quote, "crushing injuries." Vestas also has facilities in Brighton and Windsor.

Feds Put Out Anti-Bullying Letter

If public schools fail to deal with bullies appropriately, they could lose federal funding. In a letter sent yesterday by the U.S. Department of Education, the nation's public schools including those in Colorado will face cuts in federal funding if they violate certain anti-discrimination laws. The letter comes in response to recent national cases in which students committed suicide after incidents in which they were bullied. The letter gives specific instructions on how to deal with bullying, how to identify it and what types of behavior violate civil rights laws.

NJC Trick or Treat Street Friday

Northeastern Junior College is hosting Trick or Treat Street on campus this Halloween. The students are doing the work to make it happen, but the school's employees are giving up the goodies! The fun is this Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the ballroom at the top of the Hays Student Center. NJC students will decorate and be in costume. They'll also hand out the candy and have some interactive games for the little ghouls and goblins.
Now, there is a catch, but its a good one: each costumed character who comes to the event is asked to bring a canned good or donate a dollar at the door. All the proceeds and food collected go to the Cooperating Ministries Food Bank.
So if you thought you'd only wear that costume once this year -- WRONG! Here's another chance to see and be seen in your best Halloween frock!

Congressman Tows Truck Out of His Way

Democratic Congressman John Salazar was blocked on the campaign trail Monday when a flatbed truck ran into a snowy ditch during a mountain snowstorm.
Instead of missing the next stop, Salazar hitched the truck to his Buick SUV, towed the truck to safety and continued to the next stop.
Salazar is a farmer who plays up his rugged character with ads showing him riding a horse. He's facing a tough re-election fight against Cortez Republican Scott Tipton.

Snow Falls in Mountains

More than a foot of snow fell on Colorado's mountains, where winds up to 75 mph briefly shut down parts of the state's major east-west route through Denver, delayed flights, and downed power lines Tuesday.
Strong wind was recorded along the eastern side of the Rockies, including near the foothills west and north of Denver, according to the National Weather Service. Arrivals and departures were delayed at Denver International Airport. Gusts that reached up to 60 mph in Boulder damaged a covering over a tennis court at a hotel and downed power lines, starting a small brush fire at a school. Fire officials said other small fires were sparked by power lines hitting each other and trees were toppled.

Clerk Announces Polling Places in Morgan County

The general election is this coming Tuesday and polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Morgan County Clerk and Recorder's Office reminds voters that there are five polling places in the county:

Morgan County Fairgrounds, 750 Ellsworth St. in Brush.
Hillrose Town Hall, 315 Emerson in Hillrose.
American Legion Post #19, 16913 Morgan County Road 17.7 in Fort Morgan.
Wiggins Fire Hall, 701 Central Ave. in Wiggins.
And the basement of the Morgan County Administration Building, 231 Ensign St. in Fort Morgan.

For early voting and dropping off mail in ballots, go to the first floor of the Morgan County Administration Building. Early voting is open this week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To mail in a ballot, the clerk's office reminded voters to be sure to apply the proper postage of 61 cents. And remember, ballots have to arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day to count.

Woman's Body That of Missing Fort Collins Woman AP

Authorities say a woman found dead in a wooded area in northern Colorado is a 57-year-old Fort Collins woman reported missing earlier this month. The Larimer County sheriff's office said Monday that the body of Kathy Adams was found Saturday in a ravine along U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park. Authorities are investigating her death as a homicide. Her brother reported Adams missing Oct. 12 after not hearing from her for several days. Police who went to her home said there was evidence that made her disappearance suspicious. Adams worked as a psychic in a shop in Fort Collins. Authorities tell The Coloradoan in Fort Collins that they want to talk to 48-year-old John Marks Jr., who lived with Adams.

Special City Council Meeting Tonight

Fort Morgan's Municipal Code will be on the table at tonight's special city council meeting. some of those issues are garbage and sewage, zoning and land use, city defense and disaster, and municipal code organizational update. Council will also talk about when it will hold its retreat to review its own rules. Tonight's meeting is at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

Car Vandalized in Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan Police are investigating a vehicle vandalism that required a costly fix. Police took a report on October 20 from a person in the 11 hundred block of Linda Street. The car's owner told police that they had found the vehicle in a parking lot and it had a flat tire. They suspected that the person who allegedly took the car ran over something that blew the tire, so they took the tire to be repaired. It was then that an employee discovered that the tire had been cut or punctured, possibly with a knife, and that the owner realized their vehicle had been intentionally damaged. It cost the vehicle's owner 85 dollars. If you know anything about the vandalism, call police.

Burlington Ave Work Tomorrow

Parts of Burlington Avenue from Main Street to Sherman Street will be closed tomorrow, October 27th, instead of today. The closure is for a water distribution maintenance project on Wednesday.

Denver County GOP HQ Vandalized

Vandals struck the Denver chapter of the Republican Party in two separate incidents last weekend. Officials from the Denver County Republican headquarters said 17 holes were hammered into the building on Saturday and on Sunday signs placed in the side of the building were torn down. They said the signs ripped down were in support of Senate candidate Ken Buck and other Republican candidates. The Denver County Republican Party Chairman said they were not certain if the events were politically motivated or just the result of mischief.

Denver Sets Pot Limit

The Denver City Council has put a limit on the number of medical marijuana plants that patients can legally grow in a residence. Responding to complaints from homeowners, the council voted 12-to-1 yesterday in favor of a motion that limits the number of plants to six per patient and 12 per residence. The motion was pushed by Councilwoman Jeanne Rob who believed doing so would protect residential areas. Violators of the new restriction face a 150-dollar fine on the first offense, 500-dollars for a second offense and 999-dollars for a third.

Beware of Scam

The state Attorney General's Office is warning residents about identity thieves who pose as police officers to solicit residents by phone. The scammers call, claiming to be authorities looking to collect on fake loans. Attorney General's Office spokesperson Mike Saccone says the suspects are more than likely overseas, making them hard to track.
Saccone also says when authorities are able to get any evidence against the scammers, they immediately start working to find them. Authorities say don't give out personal information on the phone, and call 911 immediately.

Winter Coming to Some Areas of Colorado

Portions of northern Colorado will get hammered by heavy snow and gusty winds today as a powerful storm cuts through the northern and central mountains. Gusts that had whipped along the Front Range and urban corridor are set to die down. Denver is expected to see its first freeze of the season and a freeze warning is in effect until 9 a.m. for all locations along and east of I-25.

Triaal Delayed for Man Accused of Stabbing

They're not saying specifically what caused the change, but defense attorneys for a man accused of stabbing another to death have asked for a delay of trial. Miguel Angel Vicente of Fort Morgan was to go on trial on November first for a stabbing in the Wayward Wind Trailer Park, but his attorney asked for and got a delay of trial when Vincente presented some new evidence. The judge in the case granted the delay and the court cleared two weeks for the trial. Vincente's trial is set to start on January 10.

CSU to Become Federal Regional Climate Science Center

The Interior Department has chosen Colorado State University as a regional climate science center.

The selection was announced Thursday.

CSU says the center will research regional issues such as the effects of pine beetle outbreaks and whether dust from overgrazed areas accelerates snowmelt.

The center will have up to eight federal scientists and several postdoctoral fellows. It's expected to start in early 2011.

CSU will lead a research coalition including universities in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. Some federal agencies are also included.

Other regional climate centers will be in Alaska, Arizona, North Carolina and Washington. Three others haven't been announced yet.

Markey Rep in Sterling Today

Mac McGraw, who's a district representative for Congresswoman Betsy Markey, will hold office hours at the Sterling Journal-Advocate meeting room today. The office hours will provide area residents an opportunity to receive individual assistance dealing with issues involving federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare and Veterans Affairs. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to noon today.

USDA, ARRA Funds Entire Wiggins Water System Replacement

The warning is if you're an infant, dont' drink the water in Wiggins, but that will change. The town got a more than 5.5 million dollar USDA funded loan and grant package this week to replace its entire water system. Wiggins Town Administrator Bill Rogers said nobody deserves the project more than Wiggins. The ceremony on Monday was a culmination of six years of the town council's work to get the funding for the system. The money was the final project for Colorado this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funding.

Haunted Museum October 28

The Chills and Thrills Haunted Museum is coming up on October 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
There will be reenactments, costumes and "ghostly" impersonations by Fort Morgan High School Drama and Performing Arts Center students. Its at Fort Morgan Museum at 414 Main Street and its free!

CAROLERS NEEDED

Choirs and ensembles that would like to participate in the annual Christmas on the Prairie open house Mondays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, please call 522-3895.

Hanging of the Greens Coming Up

Christmas is just around the corner at The Overland Trail Museum! Families,
individuals and community groups are invited to join Museum Staff for the
annual “Hanging of the Greens” decorating party on Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to - 2 p.m. COMMUNITY GROUPS need to call if your group would like to decorate a
specific building or area!! Chili lunch will be provided. Participants must RSVP by
November 17 to be included in the lunch count. Please call 522-3895.

Still No Word on Missing Morgan County Teen

There's still no word on missing 17 year old Savannah Odekirk. Morgan County Sheriff Jim Crone said this isn't the first time the teen has disappeared for several days.

He said, "In the past, she has stayed away for days on end before, so we're hoping that she has just intentionally left home and that there is nothing else going on that is putting her safety in jeopardy."

Crone said investigators have talked with Odekirk's classmates and teachers and have come up with nothing that would lead them to her. If you know where Savannah Odekirk might be, contact the Morgan County Sheriff's department.

Sterling Public Library Hosts Fright Night

Sterling Public Library will hold Fright Night on October 25th at 6:30 p.m. It starts with a costume contest, so come in your scariest, funniest creative costume because there will be prizes for each age group. Denise Ladd will share Halloween stories that are appropriate for all ages and there will be a special activity following the stories.

Fort Morgan Police Looking for Missing Artwork

Fort Morgan Police are investigating the theft of artwork after a resident, moving from her house in the 500 block of Cove Lane, reported over $3,000 in artwork missing after she had packed it for the move.

The owner told police she had placed several different oil paintings into a plastic container
and left it in the home she was vacating.

The artwork had been purchased from a single artist over a period of several years and several of the paintings were described as having floral images.

Fort Morgan Police would like to return this artwork to its owner and are asking anyone with information to call them at (970) 867-5678.

If a person with information wishes to remain anonymous they can call Crime Stoppers at
(970) 542-3411 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Tips can also be sent on-line by visiting the police department’s web-page at www.cityoffortmorgan.com
Following the “crime stoppers” link on the side of the page.

Lunch Lady Learns at Boot Camp

Kay Wernsman is the food service director for RE-1 Valley Schools and recently went to the LiveWell Colorado’s School Chef Culinary Boot Camp which reauthorized the Child Nutrition Act. She got the district a bunch of orange wedgers and apple corers with a one thousand dollar grant she won. Wernsman also learned about school food policies, time management, flavor profiles, cleaning and sanitation and lots more that will make school lunches better for everybody. She said the district is working on doing more with fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains too, so she learned some of that. Wernsman said that if the reauthorization act passes, the district will be ready as it will require just that to get more federal dollars for lunch programs.

"Who wants to play like a Millionaire?"

"Who wants to play like a Millionaire?" is happing
at the Fort Morgan Municipal Golf Course this Saturday this exciting event for Couples and four person teams.
Come play this 18-hole - Two Net Best Ball tournament. 3 Life Lines per player! 9:00 am shotgun start. $10 per person entry fee with green fee and cart $20 extra. The link for more is below.

http://www.cityoffortmorgan.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1027

Fright Night Golf Outing Coming Up

Come enjoy some "frightful fun" at the Fort Morgan Municipal Golf Course on Friday, October 29, 2010 during Fright Night Golfing Fun. Tee-times begin at dusk... about 6:45 pm... if you dare ...
Come play 5 holes of golf - walking only... Cost is $20 per person, which includes 2 night golf balls that are yours to keep when you are done playing. Call the Pro Shop for details at (970) 867-5990

Morgan County Sheriff''s Officials Looking for Missing Girl

Morgan County Sheriff's officials are looking for a missing girl, believed to be a runaway. They say
Savannah Odekirk was last seen late Saturday afternoon, October 16th, leaving her home in the 5000 Block of Rd P east of Wiggins.

She has not been heard from since.

Officials say Savannah has a history of running away from home, however at this point there is no evidence to indicate she has intentionally run away, nor is there any reason at this point to suspect any foul play.

Savannah is 17 years old, about 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. She may have been wearing a white “hoodie” and either blue pants, sweatpants or jeans.
She has a tattoo of three stars on her left wrist.

Anyone who know where Savannah might be should call the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office at 970-867-2461 or your local law enforcement
agency.

No One Hurt, but Two Cited in Crash

Sterling Police issued citations to two drivers after a crash last week. They say 26 year old Ryan Kays of Sterling was at a stop sign on North Division and Alfonso Espino-Bustillos of Sterling was heading east on Broadway. Police said Kays started to go through the intersection and hit Espino-Bustillos' vehicle. No one was hurt in the crash, but Kays was cited for running the stop sign and Espino-Bustillos was cited for driving without a license.

Weldona Valley BOE to Consider Raises Tonight

The Weldon Valley Board of Education will be asked tonight to approve pay increases for employees that they did not get earlier because the board couldn't afford them. They'll be asked to give those raises retroactive to this month's pay. School Superintendent Robert Petterson said he'll present the pay increase request and also ask for an increase for himself and a principal. Tonight's work session is at 6 p.m. in the board room and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.

27-year-old Woman Dies in Adams County Jail

The Adams County Sheriff's office says a woman serving a 45-day jail sentence for theft was found dead in her cell. Sheriff's officials say 27-year-old Bernadette Jaquez was unresponsive during a routine check Oct. 12. She was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead later that day. Officials announced the death Monday. The sheriff's office says there's no indication of foul play and they are investigating the cause of death.

City Contributions at Tonight's Fort Morgan Council Meeting -- 6 p.m.

City contributions will be on the agenda of tonight's Fort Morgan City Council meeting.
A memo from City Manager Pat Merrill about city donations lists a dozen requests to the city and ranks them in order of priority. The group on top of the list is the Northeast Colorado Association of Local Governments, which is requesting ten-thousand dollars from the city; followed by the Fall Harvest Car Show, which is asking for four-thousand dollars. The total amount of all requested contributions is just under 57-thousand dollars. Tonight's meeting starts one hour earlier than usual -- at six p-m.

Brush Holds Breakfast in Classroom

The Breakfast in the Classroom program may become a permanent fixture in Brush.
The Brush Board of Education will consider that possibility during its regular meeting tonight. During the first seven weeks of the program, all students at Thomson Primary School and Beaver Valley Elementary School received breakfast at their desks at no cost to the kids or their families. Other items on the meeting agenda for tonight include looking over the superintendent's most recent quarterly report, which will include proposals regarding the evaluation of several district job descriptions and their associated salaries.

Chagoya to Paint Art for Church

The congregation at a Loveland church has given its full approval for a controversial artist to create a new work of art for their parish. Resurrection Fellowship senior pastor Jonathan Wiggins said yesterday his parishioners overwhelmingly supported the proposed work by Stanford University artist Enrique Chagoya. Chagoya came under fire recently for a highly controversial painting shown at the Loveland Museum/Gallery which allegedly showed Jesus Christ in a sex act. Chagoya has since revealed that piece was misrepresented and said the figure in the painting was not actually Jesus Christ. Wiggins said he hopes to showcase Chagoya's new work sometime next year.

Former Pres. Clinton Stumps for Bennet

The campaign for Democratic Senate hopeful Michael Bennet believes it got a shot in the arm yesterday. Former President Bill Clinton made an appearance at a rally for Bennet at the Evie Garrett Dennis school in Green Valley Ranch. About two-thousand people came out to hear Clinton rail against Republicans and the Tea Party movement. The former President also gave his nod to Barack Obama and his stimulus program to help the economy. Bennet is running against Republican Ken Buck.

Colorado Supreme Court Hears Gum Ban

The state's highest court will listen to arguments over whether gun bans on college campuses are legal. Colorado's seven Supreme Court justices agreed yesterday to hear the arguments surrounding a 1994 ban on concealed weapons by the University of Colorado. Gun advocates say the college's policy violates the state's gun laws. Nationally, 26 states have laws banning concealed weapons from its college and university campuses.

Officials Suspect Foul Play in Couple's Disappearance

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) --The Larimer County Sheriff's office says detectives suspect foul play in the disappearance of a Fort Collins couple.
Spokeswoman Eloise Campanella says sheriff's deputies conducting a welfare check at the home of Kathy Adams and her husband John Marks Jr. on Oct. 12 discovered "suspicious circumstances" that made them think foul play is involved.
Investigators found a 1995 silver four-door Buick LaSabre at a Weld County motel on Wednesday and say they believe it's the vehicle last driven by the couple.

DA: Stabbing was Self-Defense

Morgan County Distinct Attorney Robert Watson said the thinks Rocky Perez's fatal stabbing was self defense. The 25 year old suffered stab wounds to his chest more than a week ago at a house on Meeker Street. Watson said Perez was holding a knife as he assaulted a pregnant woman and threatened to kill her when she wrestled the knife from him and cut him once, but he kept beating her. She then stabbed him one in the heard and a police investigation confirmed the stabbing was a self defense move. Watson has not decided whether any charges will be filed.

Markey's Rep Holds Local Office Hours

Congresswoman Betsy Markey's representative will hold office hours in Sterling this coming Friday. Mac McGraw will be at the Sterling Journal-Advocate meeting room on Friday. The idea, the congresswoman's office said, is to give area residents a chance to get individual help in handling federal issues like Veterans Affairs, Social Security and Medicare. McGraw will be at the newspaper's office from 11 a.m. to noon next Friday.

Arvada Man Allegedly Shoos at Cops

Police in Arvada say a man was arrested after he allegedly fired shots at officers yesterday. Arvada police say William Hernandez was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment and prohibited use of a weapon. They said Hernandez fired several shots outside of Woody's Wood Fired Pizza on Sheridan Boulevard around 1:30 in the morning and fired several more shots as he drove off. Officers believe the man may not have been firing at anyone in particular but did so to impress people from a party he attended.

Colorado Doc Gets Probation

A federal judge has sentenced a doctor who cooperated with drug investigators in Mobile in a steroids probe to a year of probation.
The Press-Register newspaper reports that 55-year-old Scott A. Corliss of Greeley, was sentenced Friday.
Corliss pleaded guilty in January 2008 to withholding information about a conspiracy to write prescriptions for anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.
His guilty plea led to criminal charges against several others in the investigation of Mobile-based Applied Pharmacy Services. A prosecutor had asked for leniency on his behalf.
As part of his plea bargain, Corliss forfeited $12,000.

El Paso Co Calls for Maes to Drop Out of Race

An El Paso County elected official has urged gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes to drop out of the race. El Paso County clerk and member of the GOP Colorado executive committee Bob Balink sent an e-mail to Maes Saturday saying that if stayed in the gubernatorial race he would kill any chances of a conservative winning the seat. Balink, who attempted to help Maes establish appropriate safeguards for his campaign finances in September, also reportedly accused Maes of walking quote, "away from your responsibilities" when he filed for bankruptcy in 1989. Maes told KRDO-TV that he plans to stay in the race and added quote, "We remain very proud of the fact that we run a shoestring budget."

Colorado, Three Other States Join Health Care Lawsuit AP

Governor Bill Ritter will collaborate with three other Democratic governors in a fight to defend a federal lawsuit that was filed against the country's health care overhaul legislation.
Ritter joined governors in the states of Washington, Pennsylvania and Michigan in an agreement that calls for their offices to share information on the lawsuit. The Denver Post reports the lawsuit will be handled for free on behalf of the governors by law firms in Florida and Washington state.
Attorneys general in 15 states joined a lawsuit opposing the health care legislation, saying its unconstitutional because it requires everyone to buy health insurance. Fourteen of the attorneys general, including Colorado's John Suthers, are Republican.

Miners' Rescuers Return Home

The rescuers returned over the weekend after 33 Chilean miners were pulled to safety and Denver International Airport was the site on Saturday of the heroes homecoming. KMGH TV reports that
Dozens of family members and friends greeted drillers Jeff Hart, Matt Staffel, Jorge Herrera, and Doug Reeves with cheers, claps and warm embraces. The men work for the US Army and were called from their post in Afghanistan to go to Chile to help with the rescue, and Hart said that while it was a tough job, they put the pressure on themselves remembering that there were 33 lives under the ground that depended on them to bring them up safely. He said the drill broke through into the chamber where 33 men awaited rescue, and that drew a few more than 33 cheers. The escape shaft will be closed with a lid signed by Hart's team marking their historic accomplishment..

Chills and Thrills Halloween Week

Its a first and as they say, its a community event: The Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its first "Chills and Thrills". Chamber officials say there will be something for everyone. What is it? Its a business driven couple of days to help local businesses drum of business. On Saturday, the 23rd, there'll be cemetery tours at 10 a.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and will cost three dollars. On Wednesday, October 27, its the Monster Bash at the Senior Center for two dollars a person.



Thursday Oct 28
Haunted Museum at the Fort Morgan Museum, 6 to 8 p.m.
Scared Silly — “Bats at the Library,” based on book by Brian Lies, Children’s Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the kids. Wear a costume and bring a flashlight.
Friday Oct 29
Fright Night at the Fort Morgan Golf Course with tee times beginning at 6:45 p.m. Play five holes of golf, walking only. $20 per person includes two night golf balls.
Saturday Oct 30
City of Fort Morgan Pumpkin Bowl at Riverside Park, 9 a.m. Flag Football finale grades 1-6.
Trick or Treat Street from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Fort Morgan.
Lots of food and craft vendors, games, entertainment all day, Chili and Dutch Oven Cookoff at Wells Fargo parking lot at 11 a.m. Haunted House Winner Announcement so register your decorated house with the chamber.
Zombie Walk at 4 p.m. downtown.
“Night of the Living Dead” Movie on the lawn at City Park at dark. Bring your jackets, chairs, blankets.
Spookfest at Valley Drive In. Three scary movies, $12 per carload. Gate opens at 5:30 p.m. Movies start at dusk -- around 6:45 p.m.
Nightmare on Elks Street Costume Contest and Dance. Unleashed will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Contact the Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 970-867-6702.

No Arrests Yet in Fort Morgan Stabbing

There are still no arrests in Sunday night's stabbing murder of a 25 year old Fort Morgan man. Fort Morgan Police Chief Keith Kuretich said yesterday that there are more interviews to conduct and more evidence to collect and all that has to be given to the District Attorney to determine charges that would be filed. We told you Monday morning that police were called to the 200 block of Meeker Street where they found Rocky Perez stabbed. He was taken to Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, where he died. Chief Kuretich said the Morgan County Coroner is also involved in the investigation into who killed Perez.

Merino Schools Not Involved in Ballot Politics

Unlike other school boards and governmental entities, Buffalo RE-4J School Board said at this week's meeting that it will not take a side on Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61. Superintendent Robert Sanders said it wasn't the board's place in the politic of the ballot issues.

Sterlin PD Sends Out Annual Survey

The Sterling Police Department is mailing its annual Citizen Survey with resident's next city utility bill. It gives you a chance to give the police department feedback on the department. It also gives the community a chance to put in their two cents worth on quality of life issues, concerns with criminal activity in Sterling, police performance, and what they, the citizens know about available programs. Police Chief Roy Breivik said the surveys will help guide him and his department to make it more user-friendly. He said the survey questions are pretty much the same as in the past, but there is one new question: What night of the week would be best for the respondent to attend a one to three hour educational or informational session, if they chose to attend a meeting? Police want to figure out what night would be best to hold regular community meetings. Breivik said they want the surveys back by January 8, 2011 and you can drop them off at the Sterling Police Department, or mail them back in the envelope that's with the survey.

Be Prepared for Winter Driving

Okay, so the highs in the Sterling area will be in the 60s and 70 and lows in the 30s and 40s, CDOT is reminding drivers that winter is not far away.
• Stock up on windshield wiper fluid as liquid de-icers may stick to your windshield;
• Slow down! Even roads that have been treated with liquid de-icers may be slippery;
• Don’t use cruise control when traveling in winter conditions;
• Be prepared. Have a scraper, snow brush, coat, hat, gloves, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, tire chains, matches and nonperishable food in your car;
• Make sure your tires have good tread or put those snow tires on.
• Get your fluids checked and ready for cold weather;

Remember to call 511 or visit www.cotrip.org for the latest information on road conditions. Look for the link at the bottom where you can sign up to receive text and email alerts on the latest information that can affect your travel.
Remember: Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!

Still No Arrests in Sunday Night Stabbing

While Fort Morgan Police have interviewed the people in the home where 25 year old Rocky Perez was stabbed late Sunday night, they say no one's been arrested. Police were called to the home on Meeker Street just before midnight Sunday and found Perez stabbed several times. He was taken to Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, where he died. Police said the incident was not a public safety concern.

Search Halted for Missing Chicago Man

The search for a Chicago hiker missing in the western Colorado mountains is being suspended. Five search and rescue teams have been looking for 31-year-old James Nelson in the Holy Cross Wilderness near Vail since his finance reported him missing Friday. The Eagle County sheriff's office says he was last seen Oct. 3 by two hikers. Sheriff Joe Hoy said the search would be halted at midnight Tuesday. He says searchers have covered all the areas that can be safely reached on foot and aerial searches have been conducted, but nothing has turned up.

Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation Published

There's the so-called "blue book," a voter's guide approved by Colorado lawmakers.

Now, advocates of legalizing marijuana are offering their own voters' guide. The group SAFER Voter Education Fund will release the results Wednesday of a marijuana-specfic guide for the upcoming election.

The group says it asked candidates running for governor, attorney general and the Legislature whether they support regulating marijuana like alcohol. Members say a majority of the candidates failed to respond.

Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation coordinated the successful effort to waive criminal penalties in Denver for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adults over 21.

But the vote was largely symbolic because pot possession remains a state crime except for those with medical clearance for the drug.

Investigator into Lake Killing Himself Killed

A Texas sheriff said yesterday that a Mexican police commander investigating the reported shooting of an American tourist on a border lake plagued by pirates was decapitated.
Texas Governor Rick Perry said the death of Rolando Flores, commander of state investigators in Ciudad Miguel Aleman, was a message from gangsters for investigators to "stay out of their territory." Flores was part of a group investigating the reported shooting of Colorado native David Hartley on Falcon Lake.

CU Considers Lower Tuition Cap AP

The University of Colorado regents are expected to consider a 4 percent cap on tuition increases, lower than the 9.5 percent cap recently requested by administrators.

Regents were scheduled to consider the lower cap during their meeting Wednesday.

CU-Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano spoke against the proposal yesterday. The Daily Camera reports that he says now isn't the best time to decide tuition levels because the state budget is still uncertain.

University officials say their formal request to increase in-state tuition by up to 9.5 percent next year keeps their options open if state funding keeps dropping.

Third Man Dies of Meningitis

A third man who contracted meningitis during an adult hockey league game in Fort Collins has died. Fifty-two-year-old Bill Jubert died Monday of complications from several strokes. Jubert had recently been diagnosed with vasculitis and that might be connected to the meningitis he contracted while playing in a hockey game June 9th at EPIC arena in Fort Collins. Twenty-nine-year-old Brian Wormus and 28-year-old Nick Smith died from meningitis complications which also have been traced back to the hockey game.

Renwick in Court Today

An inmate who escaped from an Arizona prison is due in court to face arraignment on charges stemming from a shootout during his capture in western Colorado. Thirty-six-year-old Daniel Renwick faces three counts of attempted murder, vehicular eluding and possession of a weapon by a previous offender when he's in court today in Glenwood Springs . Renwick is 1 of 3 convicts who escaped on July 30 from a privately run prison in Kingman, Arizona.

Dust Grains -- The Start of a Planet

An instrument designed by University of Colorado-Boulder students has traveled 1.67 billion miles from Earth as it gathers data about grains of dust, the building blocks of the solar system. CU researchers say the dust counter onboard NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto has traveled farther than any other such instrument. Students at CU-Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics designed the dust counter, which was launched in 2006 and is now slightly beyond the orbit of Uranus. Student Andrew Poppe tells the Daily Camera that the dust grains, really micrometeorites, are the building blocks of planets. New Horizons is expected to encounter dust beyond Neptune's orbit that contains icy objects thought to encompass samples of ancient material formed billions of years ago.

LifePoint Not On Banner's Radar

Is LifePoint Health Care going to be part of Banner's new hospital plans between Fort Morgan and Brush? Colorado Plains Medical Center's CEO Mike Patterson says that it doesn't look like it. CPMC is run by LifePoint. Patterson said that when Banner, which operates East Morgan County Hospital in Brush, sent information to the public, it looked like the two were talking about joining forces. But Patterson said CPMC has not been included in Banner's plans. He said collaboration between the two health providers can only better the health of the entire community.

Sterling City Fall Cleanup Starts October 18

Sterling's 2010 City Fall cleanup starts on October 18th. City officials says on the 18th and 19th, cleaning is for those north of Broadway and east of Division Avenue. On Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st, cleanup is for those north of Phelps Street and West of Division. On Friday, October 22nd, clean up is for those south of Broadway and east of Division and on Monday and Tuesday October 25th and 26th, it's for those south of Phelps and west of Division.

Fort Morgan Police ID Stabbing Victim, Continue Investigation

Fort Morgan Police are still investigating what lead to a local man's death. Police Lieutenant Jared Crone said they got a call just before midnight Sunday night about an incident.

He said, "There was some kind of fight going on in the 200 block of Meeker Street. We responded to an address there and found a 25 year old male, later Identified as Rocky Perez that had a couple of stab wounds to his torso area."

Perez died later at the hospital. Crone said police know who was at the house at the time that Perez was stabbed and have been talking to them, but no one's been arrested. He said anybody else with information about the stabbing can call Fort Morgan Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Fort Morgan Police Investigating Homicide

Fort Morgan Police are investigating a homicide.
Police say a man was stabbed on Sunday night, just before midnight in the 200 block of Meeker Street. They say the 25 year old man had stab wounds to his upper body. The man was taken to Colorado Plains Medical Center where he later died. The victim's name hasn't been released, as police are notifying family members. If you know anything about the murder, call Crimestoppers.

Brush Council Holds Wastewater Financing

There's a public hearing tonight during the Brush City Council on financing that new wastewater facility. The hearing will allow the public to tell the council what it thinks about issuing a government bond to finance the project. The Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority will buy the 11 million dollar bond and Brush would pay it back plus 2.5 percent interest. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Longmont Has Largest Increase in Immigrants

New Census data shows that Longmont has seen one of the largest increases in the number of foreign-born residents in Colorado during the past decade. The recently released figures from the American Community Survey shows that Longmont's foreign-born population increased from nearly 11 percent in 2000 to 17 percent last year. The data does not specify the countries where the immigrants are coming from, but Longmont business leaders say they have seen a spike in the number of stores and services catering to Latinos.

Five Arrested in Drug Sweep Last Week

It took a day in the life of several law enforcement agencies, but five people were arrested on various drug charges and a sixth on a warrant last week. Fort Morgan Police said they got help from Brush Police, Morgan County Sheriff's, Eastern Colorado Plains Drug Task Force and Logan County Sheriff's serving search warrants throughout the day last Tuesday. Police arrested two Fort Morgan men on Maple Street with possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Two people from Fort Morgan and one from Log Lane Village were arrested at a location on Main Street with possession and distribution of meth. A third person on Main was arrested for not showing up in court on a grand jury subpoena.

No Money To Be Paid Back

The Colorado Corn Growers Association says corn growers will not have to repay the money from corn sold in 2008 to bankrupt ethanol producer VeraSun. A news release from the association said attorneys for VeraSun are dropping their claims for payment. National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen said its very good news when growers are trying to bring crops in. He said growers are glad that lawyers realized there was no legal justification for going after corn growers.

Meeting Wednesday on 60, 61 and 101

If you've hear way more than you wanted and your head is spinning over Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101, go to a meeting this coming Wednesday. It be at 6 p.m. at the Tennant Art Gallery on the NJC campus. If you're for or against the issues, you can get the fact for and against the issues as both sides will be presented. Those on hand will talk about how the issues will affect us locally. There will also be a light dinner before the event and RSVPs are not required, but if you do, you'll be entered in a prize drawing.





RSVP to Jacie Davis with Early Childhood Council Logan, Phillips and Sedgwick (ECCLPS) at (970) 526-2440. All RSVPs received by Oct. 10 will be entered in a prize drawing.
Groups co-hosting this event include the ECCLPS, Colorado WINS, Logan County Commissioners, Peetz and RE-1 Valley Boards of Education, Quota International of Sterling, South Platte Education Association (SPEA), and Sterling City Council.
Plan to attend this informational meeting on Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61 to get the facts before you vote. For more information, contact Jacie Davis at (970) 526-2440, Carol Brom at (970) 522-9266, or Cody Engelhaupt at (970) 520-0803.

Morgan County Commissioners Come Out Against Ballot Issues

Morgan County Commissioners approved a resolution coming out against Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101. Commissioners said at this week's meeting that Amendment 61 would cut paying off the new construction of the county's human services building, so commissioners are considering paying it off early. Commissioners said that individually, the three issues might not be bad, not raising taxes and such, but when you put them together, they say they're excessive. Several other local entities have come out against the three ballot issues.

RE-1 Valley Sup Pushes for Vote Against Prop 101, 60 and 61

As the election draws closer, voters are being reminded of what Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101 will do to schools. RE-1 Valley Superintendent Betty Summers reminded those at Monday's school board meeting that voting for the issues would cause the district to eventually lose about half a million dollars because of Prop 101. She said the district would lose about one point two million dollars if the amendments are voted in.

Free Utility Week Barbecue Today

We've told you about this, and today's the day: Free barbecue for Fort Morgan utility customers! The Q is from 11 this morning to 1:30 this afternoon at the electric department building. That's at 710 East Railroad Avenue in the City Complex. So what's on the menu? Well, Q, of course, and exhibits, and chances to win utility gift certificates. Those last two, no so edible, but delicious just the same. The good stuff: hamburgers, cheese, fixins, and all of that donated. Utility officials say the barbecue is a way to say thanks to customers.

Missing Balloonists Believed Dead

A frantic search for two missing balloonists lost over the Adriatic Sea has ended. Rescue crews in Italy called off the search yesterday for Carol Rymer Davis of Denver and Richard Abruzzo of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pair were flying in a competition called the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race when officials lost contact with them last Wednesday as their balloon was over the Adriatic. On Friday, race organizers said their radar data showed the balloon had plunged into the Sea at 50 miles-per-hour and that the crew likely didn't survive. Abruzzo was set to fly this year with former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. Abruzzo had won the American race five times.

Douglas Alward Faces New Charges After Escape

Douglas Alward faces several charges. The Sterling Correctional Facility inmate now faces escape, kidnapping and holding hostages charges after he fled the maximum security facility on August 22. Those charges came on Monday, as did charges of being a habitual criminal, first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. So how did Alward get out? Authorities said he grounded himself and crawling under an electric fence. He surrendered three days later at a home near Yuma, where he held a woman hostage for a few hours. Alward was serving time for attempted murder, assault, kidnapping and burglary. Authorities say it was his fourth escape from a prison.

Wron Numbers Called By Emergency Warning Sydtem

Last Friday, some 28 hundred people were called by the emergency call system and told to evacuate their homes because of a wildfire. Wiggins Fire Officials said the call was a mistake -- the wrong message was sent out. Wiggins Fire Chief Landre Walker took the heat for the wrong call and apologized to everyone who left their homes. He said the message that was supposed to go out was for just a few homes between County Roads six and seven on County Road K and it was for a grass fire.
So what caused the evacuations? Emergency Management Director Steve Enfante said a week ago, he learned something new about the system he uses. He had not deleted some of the county as he worked on the messaging system.

Take the Community Wildfire Protection Survey

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a community-based planning effort to clarify and refine priorities for the protection of life, property and critical infrastructure in the wildland urban interface. The process brings together local government, the Colorado State Forest Service, local fire protection districts, and community members to establish and accomplish objectives through a collaborative process. CWPPs should address concerns for public safety, community sustainability, natural resources and analyzes areas of interest including hazard mitigation, wildfire response, community preparedness, and structural ignitability through the Community Risk Assessment. All CWPPs must meet minimum standards established by the Colorado State Forest Service.

Please take a few minutes and complete our survey. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22B593RJR7Q”>Click

Dozens Arrested Last Week as Illgal Aliens

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said last week that 78 people were arrested as convicted criminal aliens.
It was the largest operation in Colorado this year. An official with ICE said 64 of those arrested had been arrested before as illegal aliens and five of those were members of gangs. Arrests were made in more than two dozen cities including: Akron, Sterling, Platteville, Yuma, Longmont and Greeley.

Yuma Water Rates Flowing Upward

For the first time in three years, Yuma residents could see their water rates go up. The Yuma City Council approved the introduction of the measure to raise rates on a unanimous vote. Council has taken the economy to heart and raise the basic water rate by 50 cents. That means the basic charge will be 8.50 a month for five thousand gallons of water a month. Each one thousand gallons beyond that will be 1.25. Council will give its final approve to the rate increase on November 2. Before the vote, there'll be a public hearing on the rate increase.

Pawnee Lodge Needs Your Help

Do the Girl Scouts help you out with your taste bud issues every March, bringing the cookies you ordered? Are they not there for you, outside local stores selling the cookies even before March? Yes, and yes. So now, you can help the Girl Scouts. Pawnee Lodge in Sterling's Pioneer Park needs some work and to get the work done, the Girl Scouts need some money. That's why they're starting a fundraising campaign. The lodge needs -- well, you name it, it needs it. So come to Pawnee Lodge on October 9 to find out more. The Girl Scouts are trying to raise 38 thousand dollars so that the renovations can be done to historic standards.