12 million dollars sounds like a lot of money, but Logan County Commissioners have been told that’s a lot less than last year. The Journal-Advocate reports Treasurer Patricia Barlett made a semi-annual report this week. She says the lower account balance is due to a 4 million dollar change when refinancing was done for the justice center. Taxes collected last month were 3-point-9 million dollars, about two and a half percent ahead of last year.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Farmers need rain
Wheat farmers say it’s unlikely they will match last year’s record crop yields due to the drought conditions being experienced. March is normally one of the wettest months of the year, but not this time. Extension agent Marlin Eisenach tells the Fort Morgan Times there was not more than an inch of moisture from snow or rain since January and that is impacting crops right now. Across Colorado, only 2 percent of topsoil reportedly has surplus topsoil moisture right now, and only 20 percent was adequate.
None on Bus, But Three in Car Hurt in Crash
Three teens from the Sterling area were hospitalized after a crash on Tuesday. The crash closed Highway 6 about 10 miles east of Sterling for a few hours. Investigators said it happed around 7:30 a.m. when the driver of an eastbound car lost control on a slushy, snow covered Highway 6. The car spun into the westbound lanes and was hit by a Fleming school bus. There were 15 passengers on the bus, and the driver, who tried to steer around the car, but hit the car. Nobody on the bus was hurt, but two 17 year olds and a 13 year old from the car were taken to the hospital.
Police: Rural Click It or Ticket a Good Idea
In an effort to increase seat belt use and save lives on rural Colorado roadways, the Colorado State Patrol and 36 rural law enforcement agencies in 50 counties are mobilizing for a Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement period, March 31 through April 6th. The enforcement is combined with a seat belt education campaign, aimed at dispelling the myths and excuses people make for not buckling up.
"The focus of this Click It or Ticket enforcement period is to help save lives across Colorado," said James Chamberlain, chief of police for Walsenburg Police Department. "Crashes on rural roadways represented over half of the state's fatalities in 2009. We are working to enforce seat belt use in our local communities because we care about our community members and want to keep everyone safe on the roads."
In 2009, 254 people were killed in crashes on rural roadways, representing 54% of the state’s total fatalities. And more than half of those killed in rural areas were not wearing a seat belt, compared to 36% in urban areas.
One of the biggest reasons people give for not buckling up is that they aren’t traveling very far. The reality is that 85% of crashes occur within five miles of a person’s home. Others say they simply forget to buckle up because they never developed the habit.
“It’s a fact that seat belts save lives,” said Mark Bray, firefighter and paramedic for the Montrose Fire Department. “I’ve arrived on the scene of crashes with vehicles so mangled that you can’t imagine anyone would survive, but they have survived because they remembered to buckle up. We hope Click It or Ticket will remind everyone to start a habit that can save lives.”
Drivers of pickup trucks have the lowest overall seat belt use at just 73%, compared to 85% in cars. Nearly 8 out of 10 people killed in pickup trucks in Colorado did not wear a seat belt. Pickup trucks are twice as likely to roll over in a crash, despite the belief that they are safer vehicles.
The increased seat belt enforcement will take place in several counties, including Logan, Morgan, Washington, Weld, and Yuma.
During last year’s seven-day rural Click It or Ticket enforcement period, 2,147 seat belt citations were written.
Colorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and front-seat passengers. Drivers can be ticketed for violating the seat belt law if they are stopped for another traffic violation. Click It or Ticket enforcement focuses on speeding and aggressive drivers. Drivers who are stopped for a traffic violation and are not using a seat belt will be ticketed. Seat belt fines are $65 per violation.
Colorado's child-passenger safety law and its teen driver seat belt law are primary enforcement, meaning the driver can be stopped and ticketed if an officer sees an unrestrained or improperly restrained child in the vehicle or if a teen driver and their passengers are not buckled up. The public can find more information about the law www.seatbeltscolorado.com and www.carseatscolorado.com.
"The focus of this Click It or Ticket enforcement period is to help save lives across Colorado," said James Chamberlain, chief of police for Walsenburg Police Department. "Crashes on rural roadways represented over half of the state's fatalities in 2009. We are working to enforce seat belt use in our local communities because we care about our community members and want to keep everyone safe on the roads."
In 2009, 254 people were killed in crashes on rural roadways, representing 54% of the state’s total fatalities. And more than half of those killed in rural areas were not wearing a seat belt, compared to 36% in urban areas.
One of the biggest reasons people give for not buckling up is that they aren’t traveling very far. The reality is that 85% of crashes occur within five miles of a person’s home. Others say they simply forget to buckle up because they never developed the habit.
“It’s a fact that seat belts save lives,” said Mark Bray, firefighter and paramedic for the Montrose Fire Department. “I’ve arrived on the scene of crashes with vehicles so mangled that you can’t imagine anyone would survive, but they have survived because they remembered to buckle up. We hope Click It or Ticket will remind everyone to start a habit that can save lives.”
Drivers of pickup trucks have the lowest overall seat belt use at just 73%, compared to 85% in cars. Nearly 8 out of 10 people killed in pickup trucks in Colorado did not wear a seat belt. Pickup trucks are twice as likely to roll over in a crash, despite the belief that they are safer vehicles.
The increased seat belt enforcement will take place in several counties, including Logan, Morgan, Washington, Weld, and Yuma.
During last year’s seven-day rural Click It or Ticket enforcement period, 2,147 seat belt citations were written.
Colorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and front-seat passengers. Drivers can be ticketed for violating the seat belt law if they are stopped for another traffic violation. Click It or Ticket enforcement focuses on speeding and aggressive drivers. Drivers who are stopped for a traffic violation and are not using a seat belt will be ticketed. Seat belt fines are $65 per violation.
Colorado's child-passenger safety law and its teen driver seat belt law are primary enforcement, meaning the driver can be stopped and ticketed if an officer sees an unrestrained or improperly restrained child in the vehicle or if a teen driver and their passengers are not buckled up. The public can find more information about the law www.seatbeltscolorado.com and www.carseatscolorado.com.
Retired Air Force Colonel May Have Violated Federal Law
A retired Air Force Colonel in Colorado Springs may have violated federal law when he allegedly impersonated Barack Obama to gain access to the president's Selective Service documents. In a report by the "Gazette," Gregory Hollister says he used a Social Security number he believed was Obama's to access the Social Security Number Verification Service, which allows registered users to verify information for employment purposes. But to do so under false pretenses is against federal law. Hollister made previous attempts to verify where Obama was born, and has even said Obama's birth certificate, which shows Hawaii as the president's birth state is a forgery.
Reward Offered For Missing Tortoise
Someone wants Butti badly. That's the name of the famous missing tortoise, allegedly stolen Sunday from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. A person from Denver who wishes to remain anonymous has offered a reward of 700 dollars for the creature's safe return. Butti [[ boo-tee ]] is the tiny, grapefruit-sized star from India that lives with its brother Tutti in a popular zoo exhibit that lets people interact with zoo creatures. Officials from the zoo also say they won't press charges against whomever brings Butti back, adding the tortoise needs special care and food to survive. If you have any information, please call (719) 633-9925, extension 140.
Teen Named As POI In Deaths Of Grandparents Near Hugo
Sheriff's deputies in Lincoln County are calling a 16-year-old boy a person-of-interest in the apparent murders of his grandparents. It was yesterday morning outside the sleepy town of Hugo in east-central Colorado when deputies found the young man after he rolled a pickup truck belonging to 80-year-old Charles Clagett and his 82-year-old wife Laura Clagett. When authorities arrived at the Clagett's home to inform them of their grandson's wreck, they found the elderly couple's bodies in a downstairs bedroom. An official from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said the case is in the early stages, and they have not yet determined a cause for the deaths, nor have any charges been filed.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Army chief: No plan to expand Colorado training site
The Army has halted its contentious plan to expand a southeast Colorado training site for at least five years, Army Secretary John McHugh told the state's U.S. senators in a letter made public Tuesday.
The assurance included in a letter dated Monday to Democratic Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet is the highest-level pledge to date that the Army has paused its 5-year campaign to expand the 370-square-mile Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The site is about 120 miles south of Fort Carson, whose soldiers train there.
In January, Brig. Gen. James Doty, Fort Carson's acting commander, told the Pueblo Chieftain that the plan was off the table because of looming budget cuts and because the Army had decided that future large-scale, live-fire exercises would take place only at one post in California and one in Louisiana.
McHugh's letter, released by both senators, didn't discuss why the Army had dropped the expansion plan but said Pinon Canyon remains "critical" to train Fort Carson troops.
At one time, the Army proposed enlarging the site to more than 1,000 square miles but later reduced that to about 525 square miles. Army leaders said they needed more land to accommodate more troops and new weapons and tactics.
Farmers and ranchers near the site said taking even the lesser amount of land out of agricultural production could undercut the area's economy.
Lon Robertson, a southeast Colorado rancher and president of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition, said McHugh's letter didn't go far enough.
"It doesn't do anything to give us any sense of assurance that we're not going to have them breathing down our necks after five years," he said.
Robertson said the Defense Department should withdraw a waiver it granted the Army in about 2006 to pursue acquisition of land around Pinon Canyon despite a military-wide prohibition on buying more acreage.
With the waiver, "it's like they have the approval to go ahead any time they have the money," Robertson said.
Army spokesman Dave Foster said he couldn't immediately answer whether the waiver was still in force or whether it could be withdrawn.
The assurance included in a letter dated Monday to Democratic Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet is the highest-level pledge to date that the Army has paused its 5-year campaign to expand the 370-square-mile Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The site is about 120 miles south of Fort Carson, whose soldiers train there.
In January, Brig. Gen. James Doty, Fort Carson's acting commander, told the Pueblo Chieftain that the plan was off the table because of looming budget cuts and because the Army had decided that future large-scale, live-fire exercises would take place only at one post in California and one in Louisiana.
McHugh's letter, released by both senators, didn't discuss why the Army had dropped the expansion plan but said Pinon Canyon remains "critical" to train Fort Carson troops.
At one time, the Army proposed enlarging the site to more than 1,000 square miles but later reduced that to about 525 square miles. Army leaders said they needed more land to accommodate more troops and new weapons and tactics.
Farmers and ranchers near the site said taking even the lesser amount of land out of agricultural production could undercut the area's economy.
Lon Robertson, a southeast Colorado rancher and president of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition, said McHugh's letter didn't go far enough.
"It doesn't do anything to give us any sense of assurance that we're not going to have them breathing down our necks after five years," he said.
Robertson said the Defense Department should withdraw a waiver it granted the Army in about 2006 to pursue acquisition of land around Pinon Canyon despite a military-wide prohibition on buying more acreage.
With the waiver, "it's like they have the approval to go ahead any time they have the money," Robertson said.
Army spokesman Dave Foster said he couldn't immediately answer whether the waiver was still in force or whether it could be withdrawn.
Loopy: Reapply For Your Jobs
Colorado's governor is asking senior managers in state government to reapply for their jobs. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has told 96 people in the state's "senior executive service" to reapply for their jobs, and he'll decide who stays by midsummer. The Denver Post first reported the move today.
Man presumably shot by Mexican thugs still missing
The widow of a man presumably gunned down on a lake on the Texas-Mexico border wants federal officials to do more to find her husband's body and bring closure to her and his family.
Tiffany Hartley says the body of her husband, David, remains missing and nothing's been done since Mexican officials called off the search on Falcon Lake Oct. 14. Hartley says her husband was shot to death Sept. 30 by Mexican pirates chasing them on speedboats as they returned on Jet Skis from a trip to photograph a historic Mexican church.
Hartley will attend a rally at noon Wednesday at the west steps of the state Capitol to call attention to her case.
Tiffany Hartley says the body of her husband, David, remains missing and nothing's been done since Mexican officials called off the search on Falcon Lake Oct. 14. Hartley says her husband was shot to death Sept. 30 by Mexican pirates chasing them on speedboats as they returned on Jet Skis from a trip to photograph a historic Mexican church.
Hartley will attend a rally at noon Wednesday at the west steps of the state Capitol to call attention to her case.
Colorado ag officials ask brewers to try millet
Colorado agriculture officials are turning to brewers to see if they can help boost sales of millet.
Colorado produced a little more than 60 percent of all millet in the U.S. last year.
The cereal grain is only a $50 million crop for the United States, while wheat is worth several billion dollars each year. But Timothy Larsen of the state agriculture department says it represents an area where rural Colorado businesses can grow.
Millet is often used as birdseed, but Colorado agriculture officials have been promoting its gluten-free qualities and working with Colorado State University to develop recipes for it.
They've also asked Colorado Malting Co. in Alamosa to malt it for beer companies to try as a substitute for barley or wheat.
Colorado produced a little more than 60 percent of all millet in the U.S. last year.
The cereal grain is only a $50 million crop for the United States, while wheat is worth several billion dollars each year. But Timothy Larsen of the state agriculture department says it represents an area where rural Colorado businesses can grow.
Millet is often used as birdseed, but Colorado agriculture officials have been promoting its gluten-free qualities and working with Colorado State University to develop recipes for it.
They've also asked Colorado Malting Co. in Alamosa to malt it for beer companies to try as a substitute for barley or wheat.
Colo. gov. touring forest to learn about wildfires
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is in the mountains to learn about suppressing wildfires.
Hickenlooper planned to visit forests around Dillon in Summit County Wednesday to learn about efforts to clear dead wood in forests damages heavily by bark beetles.
The governor has other events planned in the mountains. After his wildfire tour, Hickenlooper heads to the Buena Vista Correctional Facility. Then he planned a town hall-style meeting in Breckenridge and a trip to Avon to address the Vail Valley Rotary Club.
Hickenlooper scheduled visits Thursday to Glenwood Springs and Minturn.
Hickenlooper planned to visit forests around Dillon in Summit County Wednesday to learn about efforts to clear dead wood in forests damages heavily by bark beetles.
The governor has other events planned in the mountains. After his wildfire tour, Hickenlooper heads to the Buena Vista Correctional Facility. Then he planned a town hall-style meeting in Breckenridge and a trip to Avon to address the Vail Valley Rotary Club.
Hickenlooper scheduled visits Thursday to Glenwood Springs and Minturn.
Colorado Scientist Honored
A researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden is being honored for his work in solar energy.
Arthur Nozik will receive the award from the American Chemical Society's Northeastern Section at Harvard University April 14. He and his colleagues have identified processes in solar cells that could increase solar conversion efficiency by using more of the sun's energy to produce electricity or fuel.
Nozik is also a professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Federal energy officials say Nozik and fellow researchers at the university have reported a breakthrough that could lead to a 35 percent increase in the light-harvesting yield in solar cells and fuels.
Nozik is receiving the Gustavus John Esselen Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest.
Arthur Nozik will receive the award from the American Chemical Society's Northeastern Section at Harvard University April 14. He and his colleagues have identified processes in solar cells that could increase solar conversion efficiency by using more of the sun's energy to produce electricity or fuel.
Nozik is also a professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Federal energy officials say Nozik and fellow researchers at the university have reported a breakthrough that could lead to a 35 percent increase in the light-harvesting yield in solar cells and fuels.
Nozik is receiving the Gustavus John Esselen Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest.
Ayres Elementary Helps Japan
Students all across the US are finding ways to help Japan, and Sterling will not be left out. Students at Ayers Elementary are part of Kids in Colorado Care which teaches students that they're part of a world community and can help in other parts of the world from right here at home. Students at Ayres are following a Japanese belief that if a thousand paper cranes are folded, wishes come true. So they folded and they hope to raise a thousand dollars to help Japan. The thousand cranes will sell for a dollar each, and all the money will go to the Red Cross for Japan Relief.
CU Study To Help U.S. Soldiers
A study by the University of Colorado's Altitude Research Center could help soldiers overseas. Researchers are trying to find a simple test that can be used on soldiers to check their aptitude for dealing with high-altitude conditions, such as those experienced in combat situations in Afghanistan. They'd like to find out which soldiers are more vulnerable to symptoms like headaches, nausea and fatigue. A four-million-dollar grant from the Defense Department will pay for the study.
State Workers, Agencies Anxiously Await Budget Cut Proposals
Colorado workers and agencies are anxiously waiting to see how much cash their departments will lose in the coming year's budget. It's unknown when the Joint Budget Committee will show its budget to the state Senate after it missed a deadline to do so last week. JBC member Senator Kent Lambert, a Colorado Springs Republican, told the "Gazette" the state is moving as fast as it can. He says the state has an "historic" budget issue with over a one-billion-dollar shortfall and conflicting budget predictions.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Commissioners Concerned About Costs of Public Transit
Logan County Commissioner say they're concerned about the rising cost of gasoline as it relates to South Platte Valley Regional Transportation Authority They say we're just under 20 percent into the year, and so far, the public transit has used about 33 percent of its fuel budget. While there was no action taken on the issue at a recent meeting, commissioners heard from several involve with the transit system who said ridership has been increasing. Their next meeting is on April 8 at the Logan County Courthouse.
CU Boulder Loses Newsgathering Accreditation; Could Lose Journalism School
CU Boulder could lose its Journalism school, now that its lost accreditation for its masters in newsgathering. The accreditation team found what they said was dysfunction in the program's leadership. CU President Bruce Benson will announce next month whether the Journalism school will be discontinued, and if so, it will require approval from the Board of Regents. The Board is scheduled to discuss the future of the journalism school at its meeting April 8.
Aviation Brigade With 27-Hundred Soldiers Coming To Fort Carson
Officials say 27-hundred soldiers are coming to an aviation brigade in Fort Carson. Army leaders told Colorado's congressional delegation yesterday it will boost the post's number of GIs to almost 30-thousand. They say the 113-helicopter unit will also bring a predicted 240-million dollars worth of military construction to the Pikes Peak region. The Army's 13th combat aviation brigade will also bring hundreds of civilian jobs to the area.
Rescued Lions Doing Well At Colorado Sanctuary
Life in Colorado is suiting a group of rescued circus lions just fine. Workers at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg tell KMGH-TV the 25 lions rescued from Bolivia are now living in a heated tent so they can get acclimated to the weather. In time, the sanctuary says it will release the wild animals into a 20-acre space where they can roam free.
State Car Title Computers Won't Return For A Week
It'll be at least another week before the state's computer system to title and register vehicles is up and running again. The Department of Revenue says local DMV's cannot print documents and they will be mailed instead while officials repair the computer system's server. State officials say the 28-year-old computer system should be operational again by April 4th.
48-Years In Prison For Keenesburg Man
It's a 48-year prison sentence for a Keenesburg man who was involved in an eleven-hour armed standoff with SWAT officers. Prosecutors say Richard Norton fired his weapon at Weld County Sheriff's deputies who were responding to a call that Norton had stabbed his former boss and then set fire to the man's house in 2009. Norton was convicted in December for charges including attempted first-degree murder, arson and assault.
Blood Drive in Sterling on Friday
Sterling Regional MedCenter is holding a Community Blood Drive. The North Colorado Medical Center Mobile Blood Bank will be on site Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the south parking lot. Appointments can be made by calling 521-3284.
Two Apartments on Main Street Broken Into
Fort Morgan Police say two apartments in the 200 block of Main Street were broken into on March 16. They said that thieves took a purse and a wallet from one apartment, then several hours later a laptop was taken from another. Both thefts occurred during daylight hours. Police said that both victims told them the apartment doors were locked, and police found no forced entry. They think the suspect got into the apartments with a duplicate key.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sonnenberg: Money Would Come Back To Colorado
Now that the bill to restore the tax exemptions on ag products is on its way to the full House, some state legislators are asking how Colorado will make up the nearly four million dollars in lost revenue over the next two fiscal years from HB 11-1005. Bill sponsor, Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, the Republican from Sterling said the money will be made up through millions of dollars in revenue that left the state when the tax was imposed on agriculture related products. Many in the farming industry opted to spend their money out of state to avoid paying taxes on those products, but Sonnenberg says with the bill's passage, the money will come back to Colorado.
Colorado Legislature Still Not Decided on Phys. Ed.
A physical activity requirement in elementary schools is still in limbo at the Colorado Legislature.
Lawmakers put off until Monday a meeting to try to hammer out a compromise on a bill mandating 30 minutes a day of physical activity for most kids in elementary school. The delay came after Democratic Sen. Irene Aguilar was delayed by a morning car accident. The senator was uninjured, but the meeting was rescheduled.
The House and Senate have both approved the exercise requirement, but in different forms. Lawmakers must agree legislation before it can become law.
Supporters of the bill say students need time to exercise during school to combat rising obesity rates. They say physical activity also improves students' academic performance. Some school officials have complained it would be an unfunded mandate.
Lawmakers put off until Monday a meeting to try to hammer out a compromise on a bill mandating 30 minutes a day of physical activity for most kids in elementary school. The delay came after Democratic Sen. Irene Aguilar was delayed by a morning car accident. The senator was uninjured, but the meeting was rescheduled.
The House and Senate have both approved the exercise requirement, but in different forms. Lawmakers must agree legislation before it can become law.
Supporters of the bill say students need time to exercise during school to combat rising obesity rates. They say physical activity also improves students' academic performance. Some school officials have complained it would be an unfunded mandate.
Teen convicted of sex assault against missing girl
A 19-year-old has been convicted of sexual assault for having sex with a 12-year-old Greeley girl who later disappeared.
The jury returned the verdict against Robert Montoya on Friday.
The defense rested its case against Montoya on Thursday. The Greeley Tribune reported that Montoya's defense chose not to put any witnesses on the stand Friday and went straight to closing arguments.
Montoya, who is an adult, is accused of having sex with Kayleah Wilson.
Montoya's lawyer said he's innocent because he said the two had sex when Montoya was still a juvenile.
The girl's murder remains unsolved.
The jury returned the verdict against Robert Montoya on Friday.
The defense rested its case against Montoya on Thursday. The Greeley Tribune reported that Montoya's defense chose not to put any witnesses on the stand Friday and went straight to closing arguments.
Montoya, who is an adult, is accused of having sex with Kayleah Wilson.
Montoya's lawyer said he's innocent because he said the two had sex when Montoya was still a juvenile.
The girl's murder remains unsolved.
E-cigarette age limit signed into law in Colorado
Electronic cigarettes are now illegal for minors in Colorado.
Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the age restriction into law Friday, making e-cigarettes off-limits for people under 18. E-cigarettes are battery-operated nicotine inhalers advertised as cessation aids. Anti-smoking activists say the e-cigarettes appeal to youths with exotic flavors and shouldn't be permitted for kids.
The new law lists e-cigarettes as a "tobacco product" off-limits to minors. E-cigarettes are available at mall kiosks and some gas stations. Manufacturers didn't oppose the change because they say they already don't sell to minors.
Colorado becomes the second state, after New Jersey, to limit e-cigarettes for minors. Arizona lawmakers are also considering an age limit this year.
Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the age restriction into law Friday, making e-cigarettes off-limits for people under 18. E-cigarettes are battery-operated nicotine inhalers advertised as cessation aids. Anti-smoking activists say the e-cigarettes appeal to youths with exotic flavors and shouldn't be permitted for kids.
The new law lists e-cigarettes as a "tobacco product" off-limits to minors. E-cigarettes are available at mall kiosks and some gas stations. Manufacturers didn't oppose the change because they say they already don't sell to minors.
Colorado becomes the second state, after New Jersey, to limit e-cigarettes for minors. Arizona lawmakers are also considering an age limit this year.
Big fines for prostitute customers approved in CO
A bill tacking on much bigger penalties for soliciting a prostitute has won initial backing in the Colorado Senate.
Lawmakers supported the change Friday with no debate.
The measure adds a minimum $5,000 fine for the crime of buying sex, up to a maximum of $10,000. The money would go to so-called "john schools" to teach men about human trafficking.
Anti-prostitution advocates say Colorado should raise fines, which are usually levied by cities and can be as low as $75. That's less than littering in some cases.
The higher fines would be used for scared straight-type programs for johns. John schools are in place in several large cities and have been credited for reducing recidivism, though no Colorado city currently has a john school.
The bill faces a more formal Senate vote before it can move to the House.
Lawmakers supported the change Friday with no debate.
The measure adds a minimum $5,000 fine for the crime of buying sex, up to a maximum of $10,000. The money would go to so-called "john schools" to teach men about human trafficking.
Anti-prostitution advocates say Colorado should raise fines, which are usually levied by cities and can be as low as $75. That's less than littering in some cases.
The higher fines would be used for scared straight-type programs for johns. John schools are in place in several large cities and have been credited for reducing recidivism, though no Colorado city currently has a john school.
The bill faces a more formal Senate vote before it can move to the House.
Two accused in Colorado of $30 million Ponzi schemes
Regulators have filed civil suits in Denver alleging two men bilked nearly 200 people of almost $30 million in separate Ponzi schemes.
The Denver Post reports the Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuits in federal court accuse 64-year-old Richard Dalton of Golden of taking almost $20 million from 130 people.
Forty-six-year-old Larry Michael Parrish of Walkersville, Md., is accused of bilking 70 investors of almost $10 million.
No one answered a call by The Associated Press to a phone listed for Dalton Friday. No listing could be found for Parrish.
The Post reports an arrest warrant was issued for Parrish when he failed to surrender his passport in court.
The lawsuits say investors were told their money would be kept in an escrow account and used to obtain loans and credit for investments.
The Denver Post reports the Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuits in federal court accuse 64-year-old Richard Dalton of Golden of taking almost $20 million from 130 people.
Forty-six-year-old Larry Michael Parrish of Walkersville, Md., is accused of bilking 70 investors of almost $10 million.
No one answered a call by The Associated Press to a phone listed for Dalton Friday. No listing could be found for Parrish.
The Post reports an arrest warrant was issued for Parrish when he failed to surrender his passport in court.
The lawsuits say investors were told their money would be kept in an escrow account and used to obtain loans and credit for investments.
State Will Get More Snow Today
Moisture will continue to hit Colorado overnight as a steady stream of systems out of the west pass over the state. Widespread light snow and freezing drizzle was seen from Sterling to Burlington last night. Areas south of I-70 could see over a foot of new snow by tomorrow morning. By Wednesday, the storms should be gone and expect war, dry conditions the rest of the week.
Number Of Unemployed Rises In Colorado
Colorado's unemployment rate set a new high in February. Those out of work here rose two-tenths of a percent to nine-point-three-percent. But the U.S. Department of Labor said 27 other states saw a decrease in the number of unemployed, suggesting an overall strengthening in the nation's labor market. The national unemployment rate last month fell to eight-point-nine-percent.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Ginger Weeks Pleads Guilty; Mark Weeks Pleads Not Guilty
Mark and Ginger Weeks were in separate Logan County courtrooms for separate hearings this week in connection with the death of three year old Alexis McClain. Both are charged with first degree murder and child abuse in the child's death, but each pled differently. Ginger Weeks pled guilty to lesser charges. She'll serve a mandatory 12 years in prison for child abuse resulting in death. Mark Weeks pled not guilty to the charges. No trial date's been set for him yet. Ginger Weeks will be required to testify at Mark Weeks' trial. Both were arrested last July when Alexis was taken to Sterling Regional Medical Center with what officials said were injuries conducive to child abuse. She was then taken to Children's Hospital in Denver where she died a few days later.
Condoleezza Rice to speak at CSU in April
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is set to visit Fort Collins next month.
Rice is scheduled to speak at Colorado State University April 19 as part of its Monfort Lecture Series. She will share her thoughts on current global events, foreign policy and education.
She also will speak about her experiences as secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 under George W. Bush. A moderated question-and-answer session will follow.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Alabama native received her bachelor's and doctorate degrees from the University of Denver.
She is now a professor of political science at Stanford University.
Rice is scheduled to speak at Colorado State University April 19 as part of its Monfort Lecture Series. She will share her thoughts on current global events, foreign policy and education.
She also will speak about her experiences as secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 under George W. Bush. A moderated question-and-answer session will follow.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Alabama native received her bachelor's and doctorate degrees from the University of Denver.
She is now a professor of political science at Stanford University.
Comet-hunting spacecraft shuts down after 12 years
Comet-hunting spacecraft shuts down after 12 years
NASA has ordered its comet-hunting Stardust probe to burn its remaining fuel, setting off a series of events that will shut down the spacecraft after a 12-year career.
Engineers gave the order Thursday afternoon from Lockheed Martin's Denver complex, where Stardust was built. Shortly after 5:30 p.m. MDT, ground controllers lost radio contact with the space probe for the last time.
Stardust will perform one last experiment by telling engineers how much fuel it has left. That will tell them how accurate their fuel calculations were and help with the design of future probes.
Spacecraft don't carry fuel gauges because they don't work in zero gravity.
Stardust was launched in 1999. It completed its primary mission in 2004 by flying through a cloud of dust and gas enveloping the Wild 2 comet and capturing samples. Those were sent to Earth for study via a parachute-equipped canister.
NASA then recycled Stardust, sending it past another comet last month to photograph a crater.
NASA has ordered its comet-hunting Stardust probe to burn its remaining fuel, setting off a series of events that will shut down the spacecraft after a 12-year career.
Engineers gave the order Thursday afternoon from Lockheed Martin's Denver complex, where Stardust was built. Shortly after 5:30 p.m. MDT, ground controllers lost radio contact with the space probe for the last time.
Stardust will perform one last experiment by telling engineers how much fuel it has left. That will tell them how accurate their fuel calculations were and help with the design of future probes.
Spacecraft don't carry fuel gauges because they don't work in zero gravity.
Stardust was launched in 1999. It completed its primary mission in 2004 by flying through a cloud of dust and gas enveloping the Wild 2 comet and capturing samples. Those were sent to Earth for study via a parachute-equipped canister.
NASA then recycled Stardust, sending it past another comet last month to photograph a crater.
Bill to exempt 2 Colorado counties from car tests fails
State Senate Democrats have killed a Republican proposal to waive vehicle emission inspections in Larimer and Weld counties.
Lawmakers on Thursday indefinitely postponed consideration of House Bill 1082 by a 4-to-3 party line vote.
Democrats argued that looming federal clean air standards will make emissions tests mandatory anyway. The bill's supporters argued that requiring inspections in Larimer and Weld will have a negative economic impact.
Larimer and Weld counties are not required by federal law to inspect vehicle emissions.
But state legislators added them to a group of counties around Denver where the tests are mandatory.
Lawmakers on Thursday indefinitely postponed consideration of House Bill 1082 by a 4-to-3 party line vote.
Democrats argued that looming federal clean air standards will make emissions tests mandatory anyway. The bill's supporters argued that requiring inspections in Larimer and Weld will have a negative economic impact.
Larimer and Weld counties are not required by federal law to inspect vehicle emissions.
But state legislators added them to a group of counties around Denver where the tests are mandatory.
Bill to exempt two Colorado counties from car tests fails
State Senate Democrats have killed a Republican proposal to waive vehicle emission inspections in Larimer and Weld counties.
Lawmakers on Thursday indefinitely postponed consideration of House Bill 1082 by a 4-to-3 party line vote.
Democrats argued that looming federal clean air standards will make emissions tests mandatory anyway. The bill's supporters argued that requiring inspections in Larimer and Weld will have a negative economic impact.
Larimer and Weld counties are not required by federal law to inspect vehicle emissions.
But state legislators added them to a group of counties around Denver where the tests are mandatory.
Lawmakers on Thursday indefinitely postponed consideration of House Bill 1082 by a 4-to-3 party line vote.
Democrats argued that looming federal clean air standards will make emissions tests mandatory anyway. The bill's supporters argued that requiring inspections in Larimer and Weld will have a negative economic impact.
Larimer and Weld counties are not required by federal law to inspect vehicle emissions.
But state legislators added them to a group of counties around Denver where the tests are mandatory.
Educators warn further Colorado cuts will gut schools
Bad news for Colorado schools — improving state finances may not mean they won't face deep budget cuts for next school year.
Educators from across Colorado lined up Thursday to give members of the Senate Education Committee an earful about how those cuts will hurt students.
Teacher layoffs, fewer Spanish and art classes, even closing schools and higher dropout rates were predicted by educators from across the state. The Democratic committee invited teachers to share consequences of looming cuts.
Gov. John Hickenlooper last month proposed cutting some $332 million to K-12 schools to balance the budget.
Updated tax forecasts and previous budget cuts mean Colorado's looming budget has shrunk from about $1 billion to about $450 million — but lawmakers have not yet decided on specific cuts to make.
Educators from across Colorado lined up Thursday to give members of the Senate Education Committee an earful about how those cuts will hurt students.
Teacher layoffs, fewer Spanish and art classes, even closing schools and higher dropout rates were predicted by educators from across the state. The Democratic committee invited teachers to share consequences of looming cuts.
Gov. John Hickenlooper last month proposed cutting some $332 million to K-12 schools to balance the budget.
Updated tax forecasts and previous budget cuts mean Colorado's looming budget has shrunk from about $1 billion to about $450 million — but lawmakers have not yet decided on specific cuts to make.
Senate Approves Civil Unions; Bill Headed To House
Colorado has taken a huge step toward recognizing same-sex civil unions. The Senate approved SB 172 today by a vote of 23-to-12 and it's now headed to the House. Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper has already promised to sign the bill into law. If that happens, Colorado would become the sixth state to recognize same-sex civil unions, along with Washington, DC.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
71,000 Children Are Poisoned Every Year By Medications
An estimated 71,000 children and teenagers are seen in emergency departments each year because of medication poisonings. Over 80% of visits were because an unsupervised child found and consumed medications.
Gail Banach with the American Association of Poison Centers wants to remind adults to put away all prescription medications where young children and teenagers cannot get to them.
Gail Banach with the American Association of Poison Centers wants to remind adults to put away all prescription medications where young children and teenagers cannot get to them.
Rachel's Challenge Introduced
Be nice, show some kindness to somebody else. That's the goal of "Rachel`s Challenge". Its a program introduced by Rachel Scott's father. She was the first person killed in the Columbine High School Shooting in April 1999. Her father says Rachel's acts of kindness are the basis for the program.
SLOW DOWN!
SLOW DOWN!
That's what some South 10th Avenue residents told the Sterling City Council last night. The city needs to slow down drivers in that area who are going faster than the 30 mile an hour speed limit. They say its dangerous for people living there. Residents complained that there have been numerous hit and run crashes in the past few years, one woman having her car hit three times. Residents say they need more stop signs along 10th Avenue, and that would be one way to slow the speeders.
That's what some South 10th Avenue residents told the Sterling City Council last night. The city needs to slow down drivers in that area who are going faster than the 30 mile an hour speed limit. They say its dangerous for people living there. Residents complained that there have been numerous hit and run crashes in the past few years, one woman having her car hit three times. Residents say they need more stop signs along 10th Avenue, and that would be one way to slow the speeders.
North Sterling State Park is Planting Trees -- Help Needed
North Sterling State Park is looking for help putting down roots. Coming up on April 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the first ever springtime "Put Down Roots" tree-planting. After the trees are planted, they'll also need help caring for them. First, on that Saturday, you'll help remove the dead trees, then plant the new ones. Then, there's a barbecue for lunch at Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach. Then, its back to work...sort of. There'll be tree related talks for the afternoon.
Late car registration fines staying in Colorado
Higher late registration fees for drivers who miss renewing their tags are staying in Colorado after a Democratic Senate committee rejected a GOP plan to roll those fines back.
Colorado Republicans have tried all session to undo higher car registration fees and late fines that became law under an all-Democratic Legislature two years ago. The Republican House approved a bill rolling back late tag registration fees from a maximum of $100 to a maximum of $10, with county clerks able to waive those fines altogether.
But a Senate committee voted 3-2 Wednesday to keep the higher late fees, which raise some $25 million a year for road and bridge work and mass transit.
The bill's rejection marks the final GOP attempt to chip away at the higher fees.
Colorado Republicans have tried all session to undo higher car registration fees and late fines that became law under an all-Democratic Legislature two years ago. The Republican House approved a bill rolling back late tag registration fees from a maximum of $100 to a maximum of $10, with county clerks able to waive those fines altogether.
But a Senate committee voted 3-2 Wednesday to keep the higher late fees, which raise some $25 million a year for road and bridge work and mass transit.
The bill's rejection marks the final GOP attempt to chip away at the higher fees.
Tiny levels of radiation from Japan in Colorado
Colorado is among the states reporting minuscule levels of radiation fallout from an earthquake-damaged nuclear power plant in Japan.
State health director Dr. Chris Urbina says the levels aren't a health risk for people. He says the radiation levels in Colorado are similar to those detected in other states.
Urbina says there's no need for Coloradans to take potassium iodide, which helps prevent radiation-induced thyroid cancer. He notes that federal health officials say Americans typically receive daily doses of radiation from natural sources, such as rocks and the sun, that are 100,000 times higher than the fallout from Japan.
Colorado health officials are sending samples of the radiation detected in the state to the Environmental Protection Agency for analysis.
State health director Dr. Chris Urbina says the levels aren't a health risk for people. He says the radiation levels in Colorado are similar to those detected in other states.
Urbina says there's no need for Coloradans to take potassium iodide, which helps prevent radiation-induced thyroid cancer. He notes that federal health officials say Americans typically receive daily doses of radiation from natural sources, such as rocks and the sun, that are 100,000 times higher than the fallout from Japan.
Colorado health officials are sending samples of the radiation detected in the state to the Environmental Protection Agency for analysis.
Fallen Marine Returns Home
The body of a U.S. Marine killed last week in combat overseas arrived yesterday in Aurora. Lance Corporal Christopher Meis was killed in action last Thursday in Afghanistan. Meis' mother and father were on hand at Buckley Air Force Base to receive their son's flag-covered casket. Meis, a third-generation member of the military, was a Colorado native. He once attended Bennett High School.
Lawmakers To Debate Beer Bill Today
Lawmakers are going to stir up a battle over beer today. A state House committee will vote on if full-strength beer can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Several liquor stores and breweries say the recommendation could force them to close. Those against HB1284 protested the concept of full-strength beer being sold in chain stores last night.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Time For Chemicals... Use An Ounce of Prevention
The time has come again to begin getting outside and working. Whether you are on a farm or in the city, you may utilize chemicals on your lawn, garden or in the field. Gail Banach of the American Association of Poison Control Centers reminds us that poisoning can take many forms.
As part of National Poison Prevention week, be sure to take the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline and to remember to read all labels and precautions before using any chemicals.
As part of National Poison Prevention week, be sure to take the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline and to remember to read all labels and precautions before using any chemicals.
RE-1 Schools Could See Changes for Savings
The RE-1 Board of Ed continue work on its budget, and lots of people were there. Superintendent Betty Summers told the crowd that one way to cut school spending is to limit taking school owned vehicles home except for maintenance employees who are on call. She said ag instructors could also continue to take vehicles home. She said lunch prices might have to go up and the campus could be closed to keep the money at the school, instead of its going to nearby eateries. She also said the climate at school buildings might have to change to save money: heat down, AC up. Summers said fees might go up, parents might be asked to volunteer more, and some paid staff might be cut. There'll be another workshop before the next regular meeting at 6:15 p.m., Monday, April 4.
Woman Hit By Pick Up Truck
Emergency responders investigated a pedestrian who was hit by a car on Monday. Sterling Fire Department said the unidentified woman was hit by a vehicle, which wasn't going all that fast, on the corner of North Second Avenue and Main Street at around 9 a.m. They said the woman was trying to cross Main when a pickup truck making a right hand turn off of North Second Avenue hit her. She was taken to the Sterling Regional MedCenter with minor injuries.
MCC Community Garden Gets Funding
A Colorado Health Foundation grant to the Morgan County Family Center will bring some funding to the Morgan Community College Hector Varela Community Garden. That is now the official name of the community garden which was started at the college last year. It was named for the garden manager who was instrumental in making it happen last year.
Mary Gross, the director of the Morgan County Family Center said this year, the garden will have a little more than $4,000 in funding to help it along, thanks to the family center sharing part of a grant to the Family Resource Center Association.
That money will go to help pay someone to manage the garden, someone to bring in volunteers, materials for the garden and office supplies, she said.
The garden manager position would not be a full-time position and would be by contract, Gross said.
Those who want to be a part of the garden can contact Caralee Sommers at 542-3129.
Mary Gross, the director of the Morgan County Family Center said this year, the garden will have a little more than $4,000 in funding to help it along, thanks to the family center sharing part of a grant to the Family Resource Center Association.
That money will go to help pay someone to manage the garden, someone to bring in volunteers, materials for the garden and office supplies, she said.
The garden manager position would not be a full-time position and would be by contract, Gross said.
Those who want to be a part of the garden can contact Caralee Sommers at 542-3129.
Golf Course Solicits Local Caterers
Fort Morgan is seeking food and or meal providers to assist tournament directors hosting events at the Fort Morgan Municipal Golf Course.
Most tournament directors want quotes on meals as part of the player package that is coordinated in advance of the event. Fort Morgan Municipal Golf Course staff are offering to provide a listing of local vendors to those directors as plans are taking shape, outlining the various food choices or meal packages that are available.
Food providers are being asked to provide a flier, a menu or an information packet in electronic format that can be reproduced by staff as necessary. Interested vendors should direct their information to Community Services Director Patti Evans by email at pevans@cityoffortmorgan.com or by regular mail to Patti's attention at P.O. Box 100, Fort Morgan, CO 80701. Questions? Call Patti at (970) 542-3919.
Most tournament directors want quotes on meals as part of the player package that is coordinated in advance of the event. Fort Morgan Municipal Golf Course staff are offering to provide a listing of local vendors to those directors as plans are taking shape, outlining the various food choices or meal packages that are available.
Food providers are being asked to provide a flier, a menu or an information packet in electronic format that can be reproduced by staff as necessary. Interested vendors should direct their information to Community Services Director Patti Evans by email at pevans@cityoffortmorgan.com or by regular mail to Patti's attention at P.O. Box 100, Fort Morgan, CO 80701. Questions? Call Patti at (970) 542-3919.
New pot rules nearly final in Colorado
The nation's most extensive regulations for how medical marijuana should be sold are nearly complete in Colorado.
An official with the state Department of Revenue has signed off on nearly 100 pages of regulations governing everything from how commercial marijuana should be grown, to security measures designed to make sure medical pot doesn't end up on the black market.
Barring a legal challenge from the state attorney general or legislative lawyers, the regulations will take effect July 1.
The department official made a minor change to how dispensaries record transactions, but businesses will still have to record who is buying what. Safety regulations remain, including the nation's first legal guidelines for the safe production of hashish.
The Legislature is considering some additional requirements this session.
An official with the state Department of Revenue has signed off on nearly 100 pages of regulations governing everything from how commercial marijuana should be grown, to security measures designed to make sure medical pot doesn't end up on the black market.
Barring a legal challenge from the state attorney general or legislative lawyers, the regulations will take effect July 1.
The department official made a minor change to how dispensaries record transactions, but businesses will still have to record who is buying what. Safety regulations remain, including the nation's first legal guidelines for the safe production of hashish.
The Legislature is considering some additional requirements this session.
Denver could get Japan evacuee flights
Denver International Airport is preparing to receive possible flights of American evacuees from Japan.
Denver's KUSA-TV reported that airport officials were advised Sunday that flights could be arriving as early as this week.
Currently, the Department of Defense flights from Japan are landing in Anchorage, Seattle and San Francisco. DIA says some of those flights could be sent to Colorado as those airports reach capacity.
The flights aren't expected to affect regular operations at the airport.
Denver's KUSA-TV reported that airport officials were advised Sunday that flights could be arriving as early as this week.
Currently, the Department of Defense flights from Japan are landing in Anchorage, Seattle and San Francisco. DIA says some of those flights could be sent to Colorado as those airports reach capacity.
The flights aren't expected to affect regular operations at the airport.
Northcom meets military kin returning from Japan
The U.S. Northern Command has set up two reception centers on the West Coast to arrange temporary lodging, food, pet care and other accommodations for U.S. military families who are returning from Japan after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor crisis.
Northern Command, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., said Tuesday that the centers had been set up at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington and Travis Air Force Base in California.
Officials said another reception center could be opened if necessary.
Northern Command is responsible for the military defense of U.S. soil and supporting civilian agencies in natural or human-caused disasters.
Northern Command, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., said Tuesday that the centers had been set up at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington and Travis Air Force Base in California.
Officials said another reception center could be opened if necessary.
Northern Command is responsible for the military defense of U.S. soil and supporting civilian agencies in natural or human-caused disasters.
Denver-Based Web Start-Up Launches Health-Based Social Networking
A Denver-based web start-up is launching a social networking site to share knowledge of contagious diseases. It's called "What's Going Round," as in what's going 'round in your community. The site's founder says skyrocketing healthcare costs and the acceptance of web-based medical information will make WGR thrive. He compared the site to a combination of Facebook and WebMD.
Northglenn Baby Miraculously Survives Two-Story Fall
A nine-month-old baby miraculously suffered no serious injuries after falling out of a two-story window. It happened last night at an apartment in Northglenn where authorities say the baby pushed through a window screen, then landed on some gravel down below. The infant was taken to Denver Health Medical Center and did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
Today Is National 'Kick Butts Day'
Today is national Kick Butts Day. Hundreds of events are planned across the nation, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. In Colorado, tobacco use claims 43-hundred lives a year. More than 17-percent of the state's high school students smoke.
Law Would Keep People From Driving High
A proposed law that keeps people from driving while high is gaining traction in Colorado. The House yesterday passed HB 1261, which would put limits on the amount of THC a person would be allowed to have in their blood while driving. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. The bill still faces another House vote before going to the Senate and governor.
Bologna Recalled
About 23-thousand pounds of bologna from Palmyra Bologna Company are being recalled. The voluntary recall affects packages of deli-sliced and packaged Seltzer's Regular Beef Lebanon Bologna made in December 2010. Four people have gotten sick. The bologna was sent to California, Colorado, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Program Your Phone With The National Poison Control Hotline This Week
This week is National Poison Prevention Week. According to Gail Banach, director of public education and communications with the Upstate New York poison center, this is the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline which is 1 800 222 1222.
By calling 1-800-222-1222, you will be connected immediately to your local poison control center. Take the time to program your phone so you can be immediately connected. That one small effort could save a life… maybe your own.
By calling 1-800-222-1222, you will be connected immediately to your local poison control center. Take the time to program your phone so you can be immediately connected. That one small effort could save a life… maybe your own.
Health Fair Saturday
The 16th annual Sterling Community Health fair will be this Saturday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at Sterling Middle School. The fee for the fair is 30 dollars and brings attendees the results of a number of tests. Walk-ins are also welcome at the health fair. Be there early, as the fair will close promptly at 11 a.m.
Screenings and health information displays include:
Blood pressure checks by NJC Nursing students;
Vision screening;
Lumps/Bumps screening with Dr. Robert Fillion;
Centennial Mental Health Center -- depression and anxiety screenings;
Peripheral vascular screening;
Hearing screening with Dr. Terry Cummings;
Foot and ankle screening with Dr. Dormish;
Pulmonary function screening;
Nutrition Consultations
Body Composition screening, $5
David Walsh Cancer Center -- colon kits, $10;
HgbA1c for $15
Screenings and health information displays include:
Blood pressure checks by NJC Nursing students;
Vision screening;
Lumps/Bumps screening with Dr. Robert Fillion;
Centennial Mental Health Center -- depression and anxiety screenings;
Peripheral vascular screening;
Hearing screening with Dr. Terry Cummings;
Foot and ankle screening with Dr. Dormish;
Pulmonary function screening;
Nutrition Consultations
Body Composition screening, $5
David Walsh Cancer Center -- colon kits, $10;
HgbA1c for $15
Permanent DST Bill Moving Through Colorado Legislature
Do you want to NOT have to spring ahead or fall back? It could happen! Senator Greg Brophy got unanimous support for making daylight savings time a year round thing in Colorado. Last week the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee voted 6-0 to send the bill onto the Senate Appropriations Committee. Republican Brophy said its crazy that schedules have to be upset twice a year to please the clock. Brophy said he intentionally brought the matter up after the spring clock change to make his point.
Cut! Colorado lawmakers defeat movie donation bill
That's a wrap.
Lawmakers rejected an idea to let Colorado moviegoers have the option to donate a dime at theaters to attract filmmakers by boosting a state incentive fund. A Senate committee voted unanimously to indefinitely postpone House Bill 1207 on Monday.
The bill would have allowed voluntary donations at movie theaters for the Colorado Film Commission, which offers incentives to filmmakers.
The film industry has largely abandoned Colorado in favor of other states to make their movies because other places have more lucrative rebates. Republican Rep. Tom Massey said having more movies filmed in Colorado would help local economies.
The proposal started out as a 10-cent fee on movie tickets but the bill sponsors changed it to a voluntary donation. The bill did not require theaters to solicit donations.
Lawmakers rejected an idea to let Colorado moviegoers have the option to donate a dime at theaters to attract filmmakers by boosting a state incentive fund. A Senate committee voted unanimously to indefinitely postpone House Bill 1207 on Monday.
The bill would have allowed voluntary donations at movie theaters for the Colorado Film Commission, which offers incentives to filmmakers.
The film industry has largely abandoned Colorado in favor of other states to make their movies because other places have more lucrative rebates. Republican Rep. Tom Massey said having more movies filmed in Colorado would help local economies.
The proposal started out as a 10-cent fee on movie tickets but the bill sponsors changed it to a voluntary donation. The bill did not require theaters to solicit donations.
ACLU, jail propose settlement of suit over mail
Boulder County jail will develop a new policy on inmates' outgoing mail under a proposed settlement of a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union.
The Colorado chapter of the ACLU sued Boulder and El Paso counties to overturn the requirement that inmates' outgoing mail be restricted to post cards. El Paso County ended the practice in December after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to the ACLU, which called the policy unconstitutional.
Sheriff's officials told The Daily Camera Monday that the new policy will allow jail employees to screen mail for inappropriate uses.
Boulder County restricted outgoing mail last spring after two sex offenders sent Boulder-area children letters in envelopes that were stuffed inside envelopes addressed to a third party, who forwarded the letters.
The Colorado chapter of the ACLU sued Boulder and El Paso counties to overturn the requirement that inmates' outgoing mail be restricted to post cards. El Paso County ended the practice in December after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to the ACLU, which called the policy unconstitutional.
Sheriff's officials told The Daily Camera Monday that the new policy will allow jail employees to screen mail for inappropriate uses.
Boulder County restricted outgoing mail last spring after two sex offenders sent Boulder-area children letters in envelopes that were stuffed inside envelopes addressed to a third party, who forwarded the letters.
Trial begins for boyfriend of slain girl
Jury selection is under way in the trial of a man accused of having sex with a 12-year-old girl who was later found dead.
Nineteen-year-old Robert Montoya is charged with sexually assaulting 12-year-old Kayleah Wilson. Kayleah disappeared March 29 and her body was found in a drainage ditch on May 19, nearly two months after she was reported missing.
Prosecutors charged Montoya with sex assault the day Kayleah's body was found. Her slaying remains unsolved.
Montoya's attorney says Kayleah's family is using the case to hold him responsible for her death.
District Judge Marcelo Kopcow says opening statements in Montoya's trial are expected Tuesday.
Nineteen-year-old Robert Montoya is charged with sexually assaulting 12-year-old Kayleah Wilson. Kayleah disappeared March 29 and her body was found in a drainage ditch on May 19, nearly two months after she was reported missing.
Prosecutors charged Montoya with sex assault the day Kayleah's body was found. Her slaying remains unsolved.
Montoya's attorney says Kayleah's family is using the case to hold him responsible for her death.
District Judge Marcelo Kopcow says opening statements in Montoya's trial are expected Tuesday.
Springs May Host World Figure Skating Championships
It's possible the 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championships will be held in Colorado Springs. They had been planned for March 21st to 27th in Japan but have been postponed and then canceled after the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami there. ISU officials are now looking for somewhere else to hold the event. The championships have been held in the Springs five times in the past.
Bill With Hefty Fines For Johns Moves Forward
A bill that would fine people caught soliciting prostitutes up to ten-thousand dollars is closer to becoming law. A state Senate committee yesterday approved the bill that would let first-time offenders enroll in awareness classes rather than being convicted. Municipal courts would be able to create day-long, frightening programs aimed at informing johns about the dark realities of the sex trade. Current laws allow most offenders to get a one-thousand dollar fine and up to a year in jail.
Lockheed Shows Off Orion Spacecraft
The next age of space exploration could include the city of Denver. Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin unveiled a test version of its spacecraft of the future, Orion, and a mock test facility for the craft yesterday at the Waterton Canyon site, south of Denver. Orion was once designed to carry humans to the moon. The craft is assembled here in Denver and the site could eventually be used for ground tests, and maybe even a suborbital test flight for Orion.
Members Of Greeley Gang Under Indictment
Members of a Weld County street gang are under indictment this morning. Five members of the "18th Street Gang" face charges including one-count they violated the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Greeley police say the gang is responsible for numerous crimes and is known for terrorizing the community.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 2011 Colorado Outlook: Economic and Fiscal Review Presented Last Week
Governor John Hickenlooper’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting last week presented the “March 2011 Colorado Outlook: Economic and Fiscal Review” to the Joint Budget Committee.
Henry Sobanet, executive director of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting said, “A faster-than-expected rebound of income tax is expected to bring an additional $161.3 million into state coffers this fiscal year. Because we believe much of this increase is from one-time sources from capital gains and higher profits, these funds may mitigate some budget cuts but a lot of tough work remains to close our structural gap. Governor Hickenlooper’s first choice for scaling back reductions would be in K-12 education.”
No decisions have been made about how the $161.3 million will be spent. Until then, a recent law change requires the money go to the State Education Fund, which has been close to insolvency during the economic downturn. Important next steps include the JBC’s final decisions on key program budgets as well as other bills that are required for budget balancing. This process will continue next week.
“The forecast indicates that Colorado’s economy is expected to continue to grow,” Sobanet said. “However, global conditions such as the earthquake in Japan, rising food and energy prices and political unrest in the Middle East create heightened risks for unfavorable economic conditions in the coming months. We are continuing to monitor all economic indicators.”
Henry Sobanet, executive director of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting said, “A faster-than-expected rebound of income tax is expected to bring an additional $161.3 million into state coffers this fiscal year. Because we believe much of this increase is from one-time sources from capital gains and higher profits, these funds may mitigate some budget cuts but a lot of tough work remains to close our structural gap. Governor Hickenlooper’s first choice for scaling back reductions would be in K-12 education.”
No decisions have been made about how the $161.3 million will be spent. Until then, a recent law change requires the money go to the State Education Fund, which has been close to insolvency during the economic downturn. Important next steps include the JBC’s final decisions on key program budgets as well as other bills that are required for budget balancing. This process will continue next week.
“The forecast indicates that Colorado’s economy is expected to continue to grow,” Sobanet said. “However, global conditions such as the earthquake in Japan, rising food and energy prices and political unrest in the Middle East create heightened risks for unfavorable economic conditions in the coming months. We are continuing to monitor all economic indicators.”
Crocs kicks off lightweight sneaker line for men
Crocs Inc. stepped out of its element when it launched a brand of high heels and other women's shoes that looked nothing like its iconic bright, lightweight clogs.
Now it's doing it again, with sneakers for men.
Crocs' chief marketing officer Andrew Davison says the Niwot, Colo.-based company has no intention of abandoning its signature clogs. But it's pushing to become a shoe brand for all seasons and buyers.
This summer Crocs plans to extend the sneakers to women and offer women's shoes made with more translucent materials, all while maintaining its ideals of lightweight, odor-resistant, fun, casual footwear.
Marketing professor Steven Hartley of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver says the key for Crocs will be maintaining its trademark attributes in its new offerings.
Now it's doing it again, with sneakers for men.
Crocs' chief marketing officer Andrew Davison says the Niwot, Colo.-based company has no intention of abandoning its signature clogs. But it's pushing to become a shoe brand for all seasons and buyers.
This summer Crocs plans to extend the sneakers to women and offer women's shoes made with more translucent materials, all while maintaining its ideals of lightweight, odor-resistant, fun, casual footwear.
Marketing professor Steven Hartley of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver says the key for Crocs will be maintaining its trademark attributes in its new offerings.
Greeley businesses get assist from UNC basketball
The University of Northern Colorado's unprecedented run to the NCAA men's basketball tournament has given Greeley businesses a boost.
The men's team won its first Big Sky Conference title at home this year to make the NCAA tournament. The Greeley Tribune reports that the Big Sky semifinals and finals in Greeley, followed closely by the state Class 1A high school basketball tournament, helped restaurants and hotels meet or beat March 2010 sales figures within the first 10 days of this month.
Kim Parker of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce says that between the two events, the Greeley-Evans area reaped an estimated $350,000 economic impact.
Restaurants and bars say they were busy again on St. Patrick's Day, when the Bears played San Diego State University in their first NCAA postseason game.
The men's team won its first Big Sky Conference title at home this year to make the NCAA tournament. The Greeley Tribune reports that the Big Sky semifinals and finals in Greeley, followed closely by the state Class 1A high school basketball tournament, helped restaurants and hotels meet or beat March 2010 sales figures within the first 10 days of this month.
Kim Parker of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce says that between the two events, the Greeley-Evans area reaped an estimated $350,000 economic impact.
Restaurants and bars say they were busy again on St. Patrick's Day, when the Bears played San Diego State University in their first NCAA postseason game.
Baby left in bathroom sink at Denver church
Denver police are trying to determine who left a newborn boy in a bathroom sink at a church in northwest Denver.
Children attending a Friday night service at St. Dominic church found the baby wrapped in a T-shirt. The Rev. Clint Honokomp says no one knows who the mother could be.
The baby was taken to a hospital. Police spokeswoman Leslie Branch-Wise says doctors estimate the baby was left at the church within four hours of birth.
Police consider the baby to be abandoned. It is not a crime in Colorado to leave a baby with a fire station or at a hospital within three days of birth, but churches are not included as safe havens under state law.
Children attending a Friday night service at St. Dominic church found the baby wrapped in a T-shirt. The Rev. Clint Honokomp says no one knows who the mother could be.
The baby was taken to a hospital. Police spokeswoman Leslie Branch-Wise says doctors estimate the baby was left at the church within four hours of birth.
Police consider the baby to be abandoned. It is not a crime in Colorado to leave a baby with a fire station or at a hospital within three days of birth, but churches are not included as safe havens under state law.
Lawmakers Cracking Down On Prostitution
Colorado lawmakers will start looking at how to crack down on prostitution around the state. They're expected to begin working on a bill that would add a class for first-time offenders designed to dissuade so-called "johns" from soliciting sex. The programs would work much like the "scared straight" classes that bring young people to prisons to literally scare them from wanting to commit crimes.
Glider Pilot Crashes, Dies In Larimer
The pilot of a glider plane is dead after his craft crashed into a ravine in Wellington yesterday afternoon. Larimer County Sheriff's officials say the male pilot, believed to be in his early 80s, was found amongst the wreckage of his fixed-wing plane near a home north of town. The pilot was the only person on board and no one else was injured in the accident. Officials said the plane took off from Owl Canyon Gliderport in the afternoon hours and went down about a half-mile away from its departure site.
Clean Up Week is March 25 to April 3
As part of Fort Morgan's Beautification Campaign, March 25 through April 3, 2011 has been designated Clean Up Week. The Street and Sanitation Departments will issue FREE pickup of items of which you want to dispose. But there are exceptions. You cannot dispose of computers, copy machines, tires, cans of paint or hazardous chemicals including motor oil, railroad ties, refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners.
• Items must be placed in alley and clearly marked.
• Areas without alley access place items by curb.
• Place tree branches in a separate pile.
• Place metal items in a separate pile.
• Batteries can be disposed of by taking them to either Central Auto Parts or The Auto Zone.
• Used oil disposal can be taken to either Central Auto Parts or The Auto Zone.
• Crews will NOT go on private property.
• No charge to Fort Morgan residents in the City Limits.
• This service ends April 3. Nothing is to be placed in the alleys after April 3, 2011. After April 3, customers will be charged for service.
If you have any questions, please contact the Sanitation Department at (970) 542-3985.
Contractors are prohibited from Clean Up.
• Items must be placed in alley and clearly marked.
• Areas without alley access place items by curb.
• Place tree branches in a separate pile.
• Place metal items in a separate pile.
• Batteries can be disposed of by taking them to either Central Auto Parts or The Auto Zone.
• Used oil disposal can be taken to either Central Auto Parts or The Auto Zone.
• Crews will NOT go on private property.
• No charge to Fort Morgan residents in the City Limits.
• This service ends April 3. Nothing is to be placed in the alleys after April 3, 2011. After April 3, customers will be charged for service.
If you have any questions, please contact the Sanitation Department at (970) 542-3985.
Contractors are prohibited from Clean Up.
Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of UNH Football Player
Twenty-two-year-old Kevin Michael McGregor of Longmont, Colorado will be arraigned today on several charges, including first-degree murder, in the shooting death of 20-year-old University of New Hampshire football player Todd Walker. Police say McGregor shot Walker during a botched holdup as the UNH athlete and a female companion walked home from a party early Friday morning. McGregor was arrested Friday night at the sandwich shop where he worked in Boulder.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Idalia Man Killed In Single Vehicle Crash
Colorado State Patrol said a man was killed in a single vehicle crash yesterday.
CSP said Bradley Snow of Idalia was driving his 18 wheeler southbound on Colorado 385 just after 9 p.m. when the vehicle went off the right side of the road. CSP said Snow then over corrected, the vehicle skidded sideways off the left side of the road and hit a ditch. The semi then rolled twice and landed upside down. CSP said Snow was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle. He was taken to Wray Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
CSP said Bradley Snow of Idalia was driving his 18 wheeler southbound on Colorado 385 just after 9 p.m. when the vehicle went off the right side of the road. CSP said Snow then over corrected, the vehicle skidded sideways off the left side of the road and hit a ditch. The semi then rolled twice and landed upside down. CSP said Snow was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle. He was taken to Wray Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Oops! Fort Morgan Forgot to Up the Charge
Did you notice an increase in your water bill in January? No? That's because Fort Morgan city employees forgot to charge you more. The rate was supposed to have gone up in January, and it did, you just weren't charged the increase. But unfortunately, you will have to pay the increase, and pay it retroactively. The base rate was supposed to have gone up about$1.70 and 1000 gallon volume charge was supposed to have gone up about 13 cents. None of that happened in January, but it will now.
Volunteers Concerned
Several of the volunteers at the Visitors Information Center went to Logan County Commissioner this week when the Logan County Lodging Tax Board talked about then tabled a proposal for volunteer incentives. First the LTB suggested small cash incentives for volunteers, then decided on chamber bucks, which can only be spent at specific businesses. Then LTB suggested that the volunteers' annual out of town trip be taken locally. But the volunteers' biggest issue was that LTB suggested that volunteers were not properly trained and were not guiding visitors in Sterling and Logan County. Commissioners said they would talk with LTB members.
Sterling Accepted Appliications
The City of Sterling is accepting applications for Planning Commission members, Housing Authority members, Urban Renewal Authority members, Public Works Board members and Parks, Library and Recreation Board members. Applications are available in the City Manager’s office at City Hall, 421 North 4th Street or call 522-9700 and an application will be mailed.
Northern Command to Japan
The Colorado-based U.S. Northern Command has sent a planning team with expertise in hazardous material and medical and logistical support to Japan to determine what assistance the United States can provide in the nuclear reactor crisis. Pentagon spokesman Marine Col. Dave Lapan says the team will report to the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and will work with the Japanese military to and assess whether more U.S. help is needed.
Arrow finally removed from goose impaled in Colorado
A Canada goose is recovering after wandering around Denver for more than a month with an arrow lodged in its chest.
The arrow was removed and the goose was given antibiotics after volunteers with the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center finally caught the bird Thursday.
The veterinarian treating the goose says it is doing well since the surgery. The Denver Post reports the goose will be released back into the wild once it heals.
The goose was first spotted in Denver's Washington Park on Feb. 12. It was captured at Garland Park after managing to avoid several attempts by Colorado Division of Wildlife officers to catch it.
The arrow was removed and the goose was given antibiotics after volunteers with the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center finally caught the bird Thursday.
The veterinarian treating the goose says it is doing well since the surgery. The Denver Post reports the goose will be released back into the wild once it heals.
The goose was first spotted in Denver's Washington Park on Feb. 12. It was captured at Garland Park after managing to avoid several attempts by Colorado Division of Wildlife officers to catch it.
Warm weather has bears stirring from hibernation
Colorado's recent warm weather has some black bears stirring from their dens a little earlier than usual, prompting state wildlife officials to urge people to give the bruins wide berth.
The Gazette in Colorado Springs reports there have been some sightings of black bears roaming in the mountains. The Colorado Division of Wildlife says residents have reported seeing a mother bear and two cubs wandering in northeast Colorado Springs.
Division spokesman Randy Hampton says most bears end hibernation in late April to early May, but individuals might leave their dens sooner. He says warmer weather is probably contributing to some bears waking up earlier.
Wildlife officials say people shouldn't leave out trash or pet food that will attract bears. Bear-human conflicts often end with the bear being relocated or euthanized.
The Gazette in Colorado Springs reports there have been some sightings of black bears roaming in the mountains. The Colorado Division of Wildlife says residents have reported seeing a mother bear and two cubs wandering in northeast Colorado Springs.
Division spokesman Randy Hampton says most bears end hibernation in late April to early May, but individuals might leave their dens sooner. He says warmer weather is probably contributing to some bears waking up earlier.
Wildlife officials say people shouldn't leave out trash or pet food that will attract bears. Bear-human conflicts often end with the bear being relocated or euthanized.
Homeowners decry anti-prairie dog explosive device
Landowners have been using an explosive, state-approved device to blow up prairie dog holes — and some neighbors don't like it.
The Daily Camera reported Thursday the Colorado Wildlife Commission approved the "Rodenator" in 2006. It explodes burrows by igniting a propane mixture pumped into the holes.
Nearby residents in Boulder have complained the method is cruel, inhumane and extremely loud. Some have reported seeing prairie dogs on fire.
Boulder County sheriff's officials have estimated the explosions exceed the county's sound limit of 50 to 55 decibels.
Employees at a ranch where the device is being used say it isn't meant to kill the animals.
It's illegal to use Rodenator in Boulder, but not in the county, where the ranch is located.
The Daily Camera reported Thursday the Colorado Wildlife Commission approved the "Rodenator" in 2006. It explodes burrows by igniting a propane mixture pumped into the holes.
Nearby residents in Boulder have complained the method is cruel, inhumane and extremely loud. Some have reported seeing prairie dogs on fire.
Boulder County sheriff's officials have estimated the explosions exceed the county's sound limit of 50 to 55 decibels.
Employees at a ranch where the device is being used say it isn't meant to kill the animals.
It's illegal to use Rodenator in Boulder, but not in the county, where the ranch is located.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Morgan County Concert Association Kicks Off New Season
Not just a concert series, but a learning experience! The Morgan County Concert Association has professional artists again this season as in seasons past. Some 40 workers will start contact residents in Fort Morgan, Sterling, Brush, Wiggins and Akron for the season's membership drive. The 2011-2012 will not be just music, but a total entertainment experience. Those who become members before April 7 will also get to go to "The Brett Family" concert, the last of the season. The education part of the series is the workshops that are presented in schools in the area before a concert, and the price for a membership has not increased from last season.
Senators announce bill for education task force
U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Michael Bennet of Colorado are announcing a bill to establish a national task force to examine regulations and testing governing public schools.
The national task force will make recommendations for policy makers to reduce regulatory compliance and improve the quality of assessment systems.
The senators are also planning on Wednesday to announce a working group that will study the regulations and assessment systems in Colorado and Tennessee to determine effectiveness. The group will include Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Both senators are members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and are part of the committee's negotiating team crafting a bill to reform No Child Left Behind.
The national task force will make recommendations for policy makers to reduce regulatory compliance and improve the quality of assessment systems.
The senators are also planning on Wednesday to announce a working group that will study the regulations and assessment systems in Colorado and Tennessee to determine effectiveness. The group will include Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Both senators are members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and are part of the committee's negotiating team crafting a bill to reform No Child Left Behind.
Columbine dad joins push for national gun bill
The father of a Columbine shooting victim who has since become a prominent gun-control advocate is at the Colorado Capitol to push for increased background checks for guns.
Tom Mauser, the father of Daniel Mauser, planned to join Senate Democratic Leader John Morse Thursday to call for Congress to tighten rules for background checks for gun purchases.
Gun-control advocates planned to drive a mobile billboard calling for congressional action before delivering signatures to the Denver office of Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.
Prominent big-city mayors have joined the effort, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Denver Mayor Bill Vidal.
Tom Mauser, the father of Daniel Mauser, planned to join Senate Democratic Leader John Morse Thursday to call for Congress to tighten rules for background checks for gun purchases.
Gun-control advocates planned to drive a mobile billboard calling for congressional action before delivering signatures to the Denver office of Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.
Prominent big-city mayors have joined the effort, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Denver Mayor Bill Vidal.
"Blue Alert" to nab police attackers coming to Colorado
A new "blue alert" advisory system to help nab people accused of hurting police officers is among bills Gov. John Hickenlooper plans to sign into law Thursday.
Blue Alerts have been adopted in several states and work similarly to Amber Alerts for missing children.
The Democratic governor also plans to make a new requirement for an informative statement to accompany ballot initiatives.
On Friday, Hickenlooper was headed to a Denver day care center to sign a bill allowing child care facilities with common owners to share fingerprint-based criminal history checks for employees.
When the Legislature is in session, Colorado's governor has just 10 days to sign or veto bills after lawmakers send them to him.
Blue Alerts have been adopted in several states and work similarly to Amber Alerts for missing children.
The Democratic governor also plans to make a new requirement for an informative statement to accompany ballot initiatives.
On Friday, Hickenlooper was headed to a Denver day care center to sign a bill allowing child care facilities with common owners to share fingerprint-based criminal history checks for employees.
When the Legislature is in session, Colorado's governor has just 10 days to sign or veto bills after lawmakers send them to him.
Colorado Congressional Members Seek Information On Nuclear Safety
Colorado members of Congress are pushing officials to find out if the United States is safe after the nuclear crisis in Japan. Denver Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette asked Energy Secretary Steven Chu at a committee hearing yesterday how the nation could prepare for the worst situation. Chu said the U.S. Department of Energy is working to make the nation's nuclear reactors safer. Republican Congressman Cory Gardner of Yuma said the U.S. must learn from Japan's issues.
Boy Falls From Keystone Chairlift
A 13-year-old boy has fallen from a Chairlift at Keystone Resort. He was airlifted to St. Anthony Central in Denver in an unknown condition. A report in the "Summit Daily" says the boy wasn't wearing a helmet. Authorities didn't disclose his name.
Wife Of Cop Killer Arrested
The common-law wife of a man who killed a cop from Limon is under arrest herself today. Charges facing 49-year-old Jackie Hasty include reckless manslaughter and accessory to crime. Her common-law husband Dennis Hasty is accused of fatally shooting Limon policeman Jay Sheridan as officers tried to serve a search warrant. Dennis Hasty then turned the gun on himself.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Details Coming Out About Burlington Murders
Details of the double murder in Burlington, allegedly by the victims' 12 year old son are now coming out after a judge in Kit Carson County made them so. That means that Morgan County attorney Bob Watson could tell us about the charges, court dates and more in the case. There's a preliminary hearing on June 6 and after that, the court and the prosecutor have 30 days to decide if the boy will be tried as an adult. That could make him the youngest person in Colorado to be tried as an adult if it happens. The law allows it for those as young as 12 years old, who are charged with felonies. The boy has been in the Greeley Platte Valley Youth Services Center since his arrest.
Backpack is Local Idea
A local woman invented the backpack to end all backpacks for people who need to carry life saving oxygen and other items. Michelle Stanley came up with the concept when her son was born prematurely and he had to have oxygen for two years to help develop his lungs. Stanley got a 15 thousand dollar grant to market the product. She said the backpack which holds three cylinders of oxygen, has openings for the tubing and room for other necessities is now available at Walgreens stores in Fort Morgan and Sterling.
FRC and Millers Winners
Kathy and Gene Miller of Atwood are winners and so is the Family Resource Center in Logan County. The Millers were winners in America`s Farmers Grow Communities program. They then designated the FRC as the to get the 25 hundred dollar award as their favorite local non-profit. The money's from the Monsanto Fund, which invests millions in local communities. The check was presented this week from Monsanto, to the Millers to the FRC.
Fire Contained
Crews have fully contained a wildfire that burned 622 acres on national forest land in the mountains west of Boulder and prompted the evacuation of more than 200 homes. The fire started Friday and was spread quickly by strong winds. Boulder County and federal officials say the fire was 100 percent contained yesterday. Most of the people who left their homes returned Friday.
Judge hears dispute over Loveland medical pot ban
Attorneys for three medical marijuana businesses in Loveland have asked a judge to allow the dispensaries to stay open despite a voter-approved ban.
District Judge Daniel Kaup heard the arguments Tuesday in Fort Collins. The hearing was continued to March 22.
The Loveland Reporter-Herald reports that several patients, a doctor and a dispensary manager testified about the hardships they would face if the judge doesn't grant a temporary injunction allowing the businesses to operate as the lawsuit challenging the ban proceeds.
City attorneys say patients could go to neighboring communities, such as Fort Collins and Berthoud.
Loveland residents voted in November to ban dispensaries in the city limits and gave existing ones until last week to close.
Colorado is one of 16 states that allows marijuana for medical use.
District Judge Daniel Kaup heard the arguments Tuesday in Fort Collins. The hearing was continued to March 22.
The Loveland Reporter-Herald reports that several patients, a doctor and a dispensary manager testified about the hardships they would face if the judge doesn't grant a temporary injunction allowing the businesses to operate as the lawsuit challenging the ban proceeds.
City attorneys say patients could go to neighboring communities, such as Fort Collins and Berthoud.
Loveland residents voted in November to ban dispensaries in the city limits and gave existing ones until last week to close.
Colorado is one of 16 states that allows marijuana for medical use.
Edible Marijuana Will Not Be Banned In State
Edible marijuana will not be prohibited in Colorado after a state legislator withdrew her recommendation to ban it. State Representative and bill sponsor Cindy Acree had proposed a ban on pot-laced products for medical-marijuana users but instead proposed optional childproof-packaging guidelines. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill yesterday seven-to-three. The full House will consider a bill that would allow, but not require, tamper-proof packages for the pot.
State House Leader Proposes Opting Out Of Health Reform Law
Colorado's House Majority Leader Amy Stephens is pitching a bill that would let the state get out of following the federal health reform law. The Monument Republican is co-sponsoring legislation that would carry out one aspect of health reform: Establishing health insurance "exchanges." These are marketplaces where residents and small businesses can shop for insurance. Congress passed reforms last year that mandate states start the exchanges by 2014.
Funeral For Murdered Limon Police Officer Held
Remembering him as a true family man, hundreds mourned the loss of murdered Limon Police Officer Jay Sheridan yesterday. Hi-Plains Baptist Church Pastor Greg Scherrer says Sheridan's death reminded him how important the police department is. Authorities say Sheridan was killed March 9th when Dennis Hasty opened fire on him at a trailer park. Hasty was found dead four hours later, having apparently committed suicide.
Activists Protest Congress' Proposed Budget Cuts
Activists are demanding Congress leave workers' and veterans' benefits alone. Activist group MoveOn.org organized the protests after budget recommendations the group says would cut jobs and bargaining rights. Protesters say the proposed Congressional budget cuts of 100-billion dollars would harm average Americans.
Eatery Owner Wants To Help Japan
The owner of several Japanese restaurants in Denver is reaching out to help people in her ravaged homeland. Masayo DesMarais says she's donating ten-percent of profits taken at Sushi Den, Izakaya Den and Ototo to Red Cross efforts to benefit Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. DesMarais' uncle from Sendai survived despite that city being hardest hit by the natural disasters.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Colorado Senate approves school exercise bill
The Colorado Senate approved a proposal that would require 30 minutes of physical activity for elementary students each day.
House Bill 1069 directs school districts to make sure students are getting exercise, whether it's during recess, physical education classes, or field trips. The Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday but House lawmakers still need to consider amendments to the measure before deciding whether to send it to Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Supporters of the bill say students need time to exercise during school to combat rising obesity rates. They say physical activity also improves students' academic performance.
Several states have implemented similar legislation in recent years.
House Bill 1069 directs school districts to make sure students are getting exercise, whether it's during recess, physical education classes, or field trips. The Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday but House lawmakers still need to consider amendments to the measure before deciding whether to send it to Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Supporters of the bill say students need time to exercise during school to combat rising obesity rates. They say physical activity also improves students' academic performance.
Several states have implemented similar legislation in recent years.
Vote delayed on Colorado solitary confinement bill
A Senate committee delayed a vote on a Colorado proposal to limit the number of mentally ill inmates placed in solitary confinement.
Senators heard testimony on the bill Monday but will vote on it later. It would direct state prisons to have a physician evaluate inmates with mental illnesses before they're placed in solitary confinement. The bill would also require that inmates in solitary confinement get a chance to integrate with the general prison population before they're released to the public.
The Department of Corrections opposes the bill and says solitary confinement is used appropriately to protect the prison population.
Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy, both Democrats, say the bill is intended to curb the rising trend of mentally ill inmates who are put in solitary confinement.
Senators heard testimony on the bill Monday but will vote on it later. It would direct state prisons to have a physician evaluate inmates with mental illnesses before they're placed in solitary confinement. The bill would also require that inmates in solitary confinement get a chance to integrate with the general prison population before they're released to the public.
The Department of Corrections opposes the bill and says solitary confinement is used appropriately to protect the prison population.
Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy, both Democrats, say the bill is intended to curb the rising trend of mentally ill inmates who are put in solitary confinement.
Colorado man can sue Secret Service in Cheney case
An appeals court ruled that a Colorado man can sue two Secret Service agents who arrested him after he touched former Vice President Dick Cheney on the arm in 2006 and told him his Iraq War policies were "disgusting."
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that Steven Howards can sue Virgil D. "Gus" Reichle Jr., and Dan Doyle on First Amendment grounds. But the court ruled that two other agents named the lawsuit are immune in the case.
Howards was arrested after he approached Cheney at a mall in Beaver Creek, a resort town west of Denver. The agents alleged that Howards' contact with Cheney constituted assault but a local prosecutor dropped the case.
Sean R. Gallagher, the attorney for Reichle and Doyle, says he is considering appealing.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that Steven Howards can sue Virgil D. "Gus" Reichle Jr., and Dan Doyle on First Amendment grounds. But the court ruled that two other agents named the lawsuit are immune in the case.
Howards was arrested after he approached Cheney at a mall in Beaver Creek, a resort town west of Denver. The agents alleged that Howards' contact with Cheney constituted assault but a local prosecutor dropped the case.
Sean R. Gallagher, the attorney for Reichle and Doyle, says he is considering appealing.
Colorado boy faces nine charges in parents' deaths
Newly released documents in the case of a 12-year-old Colorado boy accused of fatally shooting his parents and wounding two siblings show prosecutors filed nine charges against him, including two counts of first-degree murder.
The documents released by a judge Monday also offer new details from investigators alleging the boy tried to hurt his 5-year-old sister with a knife and stabbed and shot his 9-year-old brother. The Denver Post and KUSA-TV report that the documents were released after a closed court hearing.
Police say the found the bodies of Charles and Marilyn Long after the boy called 911 to report a shooting at their Burlington home.
Prosecutors have not decided whether to charge the boy as an adult.
The documents released by a judge Monday also offer new details from investigators alleging the boy tried to hurt his 5-year-old sister with a knife and stabbed and shot his 9-year-old brother. The Denver Post and KUSA-TV report that the documents were released after a closed court hearing.
Police say the found the bodies of Charles and Marilyn Long after the boy called 911 to report a shooting at their Burlington home.
Prosecutors have not decided whether to charge the boy as an adult.
Gas Prices Up Again
Gas prices are up again. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded across Denver is three-dollars, 31-cents. That's an increase of more than four cents from a week ago. The "Denver Business Journal" reports the hike is still seven cents less than the previous week.
Denver Third On List For Social Networking
It's hard to beat Denver when it comes to social networking. "Men's Health" magazine reports only Washington D.C and Atlanta do more social networking than Denver. The rankings were based on counting the number of Facebook and Linkedin users per capita, Twitter use and other social networking sites.
Mom Gives Birth On Denver Highway
A woman gave birth on the side of a Denver highway today. The "Post" reports it happened around six this morning on the shoulder of 6th Avenue near the Knox Street overpass. The woman and her husband were on their way to the hospital after she began having contractions, but felt they weren't going to make it there in time. The mother was assisted by emergency personnel and both the woman and the child are doing fine.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sendai Resident Learns Of Family's Fate In Japan
A Denver resident who grew up where much of the damage from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan took place has told a local TV station she's relieved her family members living there are alive and well. Masayo DesMarais tells KUSA-TV her parents in Sendai, Japan, are safe despite the loss of their home. DesMarais said her mother and father escaped the area just ten minutes before the deadly tsunami washed away most of the city. DesMarais said watching the pictures on TV was, quote, "like a dream."
New DNA machine to be used in Colo. Springs cases
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Springs homicide detectives will begin using a new DNA machine aimed at helping them identify suspects in unsolved slayings dating back to 1949.
Some of the cases the detectives will be looking at have already been through DNA testing but this new machine will catch evidence older technology couldn't. The machine will be able to identify tiny skin cells a killer may have left behind at crime scenes.
The Denver Post reports Sunday that the DNA machine will analyze evidence from 89 unsolved homicide cases since 1949. Colorado Springs Police are dedicating staff to work on the cold cases full-time.
Some of the cases the detectives will be looking at have already been through DNA testing but this new machine will catch evidence older technology couldn't. The machine will be able to identify tiny skin cells a killer may have left behind at crime scenes.
The Denver Post reports Sunday that the DNA machine will analyze evidence from 89 unsolved homicide cases since 1949. Colorado Springs Police are dedicating staff to work on the cold cases full-time.
CU weighs extending staff tuition benefits
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The University of Colorado is looking at ways it can increase the tuition benefits it makes available to its faculty and staff so the school can compete with what other colleges provide.
The university is considering extending the tuition wavier to the dependents or children of employees who don't take advantage of the free courses or offering a tuition discount of up to 50 percent to employees and their dependents. The Boulder Daily Camera reported Saturday that CU currently allows employees not classified as state workers to take up to nine credit hours a year for free.
University officials say a consulting firm told them that CU's tuition benefit program is inferior to some other schools and that there are places that allow employees to take up to 12.3 credit hours for free.
The university is considering extending the tuition wavier to the dependents or children of employees who don't take advantage of the free courses or offering a tuition discount of up to 50 percent to employees and their dependents. The Boulder Daily Camera reported Saturday that CU currently allows employees not classified as state workers to take up to nine credit hours a year for free.
University officials say a consulting firm told them that CU's tuition benefit program is inferior to some other schools and that there are places that allow employees to take up to 12.3 credit hours for free.
Colo. medical pot users mostly men, figures show
DENVER (AP) — Colorado Health Department figures show that men make up the vast majority of registered medical marijuana users in the state.
The Denver Post reported Sunday that men consistently made up more than 70 percent of the patients listed on the state's medical marijuana registry list between January 2009 and June 2010. The figures show that during time, the state's registry grew by more than 90,000 people and Colorado now has about 120,000 listed medical marijuana patients.
The figures were released last week.
Colorado is one of 16 states where marijuana is allowed for medical use.
The Denver Post reported Sunday that men consistently made up more than 70 percent of the patients listed on the state's medical marijuana registry list between January 2009 and June 2010. The figures show that during time, the state's registry grew by more than 90,000 people and Colorado now has about 120,000 listed medical marijuana patients.
The figures were released last week.
Colorado is one of 16 states where marijuana is allowed for medical use.
Colorado bill seeks to limit solitary confinement
DENVER (AP) — Two Colorado Democratic lawmakers want to limit the number of mentally ill inmates who are placed in solitary confinement.
State Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy say their bill is needed to lower the recidivism rate for inmates with mental health problems who are placed in solitary confinement.
The Senate bill would require state prisons to have a physician evaluate inmates with mental illnesses before they're placed in solitary confinement. The bill gets its first hearing Monday.
But the Department of Corrections opposes the bill. It says solitary confinement is used appropriately to protect the prison population.
State Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy say their bill is needed to lower the recidivism rate for inmates with mental health problems who are placed in solitary confinement.
The Senate bill would require state prisons to have a physician evaluate inmates with mental illnesses before they're placed in solitary confinement. The bill gets its first hearing Monday.
But the Department of Corrections opposes the bill. It says solitary confinement is used appropriately to protect the prison population.
Phoenix flight makes emergency landing in Colo.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A report of smoke in the cockpit forced a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to make an emergency landing at the Colorado Springs Airport but no one was injured.
The Denver Post reports that the plane landed without incident at 11:42 a.m. Sunday after the pilots reported the smoke. Airport spokeswoman Agnes Blachut says the plane is going to be inspected once the passengers leave. It was not immediately known where the plane was heading to but it had 8,000 pounds of fuel.
Blachut says the plane had 141 passengers and none reported injuries.
The Denver Post reports that the plane landed without incident at 11:42 a.m. Sunday after the pilots reported the smoke. Airport spokeswoman Agnes Blachut says the plane is going to be inspected once the passengers leave. It was not immediately known where the plane was heading to but it had 8,000 pounds of fuel.
Blachut says the plane had 141 passengers and none reported injuries.
Firefighters working on containing Boulder blaze
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Two helicopters and an air tanker will be helping 150 firefighters as they try to finish containment on a wildfire in the foothills west of Boulder.
Firefighters say the fire was 60 percent contained as they started work Sunday on the remaining burn areas in steep terrain with no roads. Officials say the fire has burned 600 acres since it started Friday.
People in more than 200 homes were evacuated at one point but all have been allowed to return. Twelve homes and six other buildings were threatened, but none have been damaged.
Fire managers say the blaze was caused by people but they haven't said exactly how it started.
Firefighters say the fire was 60 percent contained as they started work Sunday on the remaining burn areas in steep terrain with no roads. Officials say the fire has burned 600 acres since it started Friday.
People in more than 200 homes were evacuated at one point but all have been allowed to return. Twelve homes and six other buildings were threatened, but none have been damaged.
Fire managers say the blaze was caused by people but they haven't said exactly how it started.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Two Killed in Friday Crash Identified
Two Morgan County residents were killed in a crash in Fort Morgan on Friday morning. Investigators identified the victims as the driver, 16 year old Justin Moss of Wiggins and one passenger, 22 year old Michael Aguirre from Fort Morgan. The other passenger is 18 year old William Mull of Fort Morgan. He was airlifted to Swedish Medical Center in Denver, but there's no information on his condition. Police said the crash happened when the pick up the three were in slammed into a parked railroad car at the end of Prospect Street, which dead ends at the end of a rail yard in Fort Morgan early Friday morning. Workers at the rail yard found the crash scene when they got to work just before 7 a.m, Friday and called police. Police said the figure Moss was speeding and didn't even brake before the truck hit the rail car that was fill 200 thousand pounds of grain, as the rail car was partially derailed.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Two Killed, One Injured as Truck Crashes Into Parked Railroad Car
The two people killed and one person seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash in Fort Morgan on Friday morning have been identified.
The driver killed in the crash was identified as Justin Moss, 16, whose last known address was in Wiggins, Colo., according to the Fort Morgan Police Department.
The passenger killed was identified as Michael Aguirre, 22, of Fort Morgan.
The surviving passenger is William Mull, 18, whose last known address was in Fort Morgan.
Mull was airlifted to Swedish Medical Center in the Denver metro area Friday morning, and no information on his condition was available.
The older model Ford pickup truck in which the three victims were riding slammed into a parked railroad car at the end of a dead-end street in Fort Morgan sometime overnight.
The accident scene was discovered when workers at businesses in the surrounding area began arriving at work Friday morning, and police were called at 6:44 a.m. The Morgan County Coroner’s Office originally estimated that the accident happened sometime between 3 a.m. and the time of the first reports, but the time of the crash is still under investigation, according to Fort Morgan Police.
One of the first responding officers on the scene said it appeared at first that all three occupants of the vehicle were deceased, but then Mull moved. Police said he was conscious and speaking to ambulance workers when he was transported to Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, from which he was later flown to the Front Range.
The truck was headed southbound on Prospect Street from Railroad Avenue, and there were no signs that the driver had applied the brakes before hitting the parked railroad car. Police said the collision obviously occurred at a high rate of speed, and partially derailed the railroad car.
The rail car was filled with fertilizer and weighed an estimated 200,000 pounds.
The rail car was parked on a siding of the tracks and extended about three quarters of the way across the junction with Prospect Street. The street extends only one block south from Railroad Avenue before dead-ending at the railroad siding.
Beyond the siding are the actual railroad tracks, which lie atop a berm at least six feet high. There was no effect from the accident on rail traffic passing through Fort Morgan.
Responding to the accident scene Friday morning along with Fort Morgan Police were the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the county coroner’s office and the Colorado State Patrol. Accident reconstruction officers worked well into the day, and many aspects of the incident are still being investigated.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Press Release submitted by the City of Fort Morgan
The driver killed in the crash was identified as Justin Moss, 16, whose last known address was in Wiggins, Colo., according to the Fort Morgan Police Department.
The passenger killed was identified as Michael Aguirre, 22, of Fort Morgan.
The surviving passenger is William Mull, 18, whose last known address was in Fort Morgan.
Mull was airlifted to Swedish Medical Center in the Denver metro area Friday morning, and no information on his condition was available.
The older model Ford pickup truck in which the three victims were riding slammed into a parked railroad car at the end of a dead-end street in Fort Morgan sometime overnight.
The accident scene was discovered when workers at businesses in the surrounding area began arriving at work Friday morning, and police were called at 6:44 a.m. The Morgan County Coroner’s Office originally estimated that the accident happened sometime between 3 a.m. and the time of the first reports, but the time of the crash is still under investigation, according to Fort Morgan Police.
One of the first responding officers on the scene said it appeared at first that all three occupants of the vehicle were deceased, but then Mull moved. Police said he was conscious and speaking to ambulance workers when he was transported to Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, from which he was later flown to the Front Range.
The truck was headed southbound on Prospect Street from Railroad Avenue, and there were no signs that the driver had applied the brakes before hitting the parked railroad car. Police said the collision obviously occurred at a high rate of speed, and partially derailed the railroad car.
The rail car was filled with fertilizer and weighed an estimated 200,000 pounds.
The rail car was parked on a siding of the tracks and extended about three quarters of the way across the junction with Prospect Street. The street extends only one block south from Railroad Avenue before dead-ending at the railroad siding.
Beyond the siding are the actual railroad tracks, which lie atop a berm at least six feet high. There was no effect from the accident on rail traffic passing through Fort Morgan.
Responding to the accident scene Friday morning along with Fort Morgan Police were the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the county coroner’s office and the Colorado State Patrol. Accident reconstruction officers worked well into the day, and many aspects of the incident are still being investigated.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Press Release submitted by the City of Fort Morgan
Pair Booked on Por Related Charges
When Colorado State Patrol pulled over a car driving Fort Morgan this week, they found 40 bricks of marijuana. CSP said they arrested 22 year old Reyes Chavez-Rojo and 40 year old Camacho Lorenzo and the pair was booked into the Morgan County Jail with no bond. They were apparently taking the pot from New Mexico to South Dakota. The stop was because Chavez Rojo failed to signal a turn.
Wade in Court
Charles Wade was in Logan County District Court yesterday. Sterling Police arrested Wade a month ago, charging him with sexual assault on a child and being an habitual sex offender. Wade waived the preliminary hearing and asked that the case be set for disposition. If he's convicted, it will be the second time that Wade's been convicted on sexual assault on a child. He'll be back in court next month.
Cop Shooter Wanted in Tennessee
Authorities on Thursday identified the man responsible for the first officer killing in the history of the Limon Police Department as a 52-year-old Tennessee sex offender who had vowed not to be taken alive.
Officer Jay Sheridan, 27, was shot and killed Wednesday evening as he tried to arrest Dennis Mark Hasty.
Hasty, who later killed himself, had been in and out of trouble in Tennessee for more than a decade. He was wanted out of Roane County, Tenn., for violating sex-offender-registry requirements stemming from a 1993 conviction for incest.
Choking back tears Thursday, Limon Police Chief Lynn Yowell described Sheridan, a six-year veteran, as a dedicated officer and local man who died just miles from the Simla farm where he spent most of his life.
"He wore the uniform with a lot of pride and a lot of respect," Yowell said. "He is going to be sorely missed."
Lincoln County sheriff's deputies and State Patrol troopers filled in Thursday as Limon's four surviving officers comforted Sheridan's widow and 21-month-old daughter.
Hasty was hiding in a mobile home at the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park in Limon when Sheridan and two other officers went to find him at the request of the U.S. Marshals Service, acting on a tip from Tennessee. All three entered the home about 6:10 p.m., and gunfire was heard.
Sheridan was shot and killed, and the two other officers took cover in another room of the home and tried to coax Hasty out from the back during a four-hour standoff.
During that time, Hasty called his cousin, Davetta, in Tennessee. He left a voice mail, obtained by 9News, in which he said the shooting was an accident.
"I'm in deep s--t, man," Hasty said. "They busted in the house and I shot a cop by accident. . . .
"I didn't mean to. . . . Then they pulled out the gun on me and stuff. It was an accident. . . . I gotta go. Tell everybody I said goodbye."
Dennis Hasty (Special to The Denver Post)Authorities said Hasty then killed himself.
There were questions Thursday about whether the Limon officers were aware Hasty had a weapon, or perhaps several weapons, before they tried to arrest him.
Jim Hartwig, manager of the mobile home park, said he lived next door to Hasty, who had been living in the park with a woman since November.
Hartwig described Hasty in contradictory terms, saying he was soft-spoken and a decent person. Next he described him as unhappy, struggling with his relationship and finances.
"He told me every day how much he hated life," Hartwig said. "Every day, he told me he wished he was dead."
Hasty often carried a .25-caliber handgun and had "guns everywhere," Hartwig said.
Hasty once told Hartwig, "If police try to come into my house, they are going to get shot."
Hartwig said he saw law enforcement officers outside the mobile home Wednesday evening, warned them that Hasty had guns and asked whether he could try to coax him out.
But before that could happen, he heard three gunshots from inside the mobile home as Sheridan and the two other officers apparently entered.
Police referred questions to the district attorney's office, which declined to answer because the investigation is ongoing.
The woman Hasty was living with was in the mobile home at the time of the shooting. Her whereabouts Thursday were not disclosed.
Hartwig offered reporters a tour of the crime scene,
Officer Jay Sheridan. (Limon Police Department)showing boxes of bullets in the area where Hasty was holed up, signs of a struggle, and blood on the floor.
"How do you justify killing someone?" Hartwig asked. "He should have killed himself and been done with it instead of killing the officer."
In the town of about 1,800 southeast of Denver, residents were trying to fathom how the kind of violence they are used to seeing on television news had occurred in their town.
Hannah Seaman, who was washing a front window at Family Tree Chiropractic across the street from town hall, said business was slow and residents probably stayed home to deal with the news.
"People are concerned. Nothing like this happens in a small town," she said, "and you know the people who are involved."
Diana Lopez, a local mother who was shopping at a downtown store, had a similar reaction.
"It is sad to see so much violence in people now, especially in a small community," Lopez said. "It is shocking and sad. Sometimes you don't think it is so close to you, but it is."
Hasty was convicted of incest in 1993 and sentenced to probation in Tennessee. After twice violating that probation, he was sent to prison in 2001, then released in 2005, said Tennessee Department of Corrections spokeswoman Dorinda Carter.
But he failed to properly register as a sex offender while moving around Tennessee, and in 2009, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He had apparently been on the run since.
Officer Jay Sheridan, 27, was shot and killed Wednesday evening as he tried to arrest Dennis Mark Hasty.
Hasty, who later killed himself, had been in and out of trouble in Tennessee for more than a decade. He was wanted out of Roane County, Tenn., for violating sex-offender-registry requirements stemming from a 1993 conviction for incest.
Choking back tears Thursday, Limon Police Chief Lynn Yowell described Sheridan, a six-year veteran, as a dedicated officer and local man who died just miles from the Simla farm where he spent most of his life.
"He wore the uniform with a lot of pride and a lot of respect," Yowell said. "He is going to be sorely missed."
Lincoln County sheriff's deputies and State Patrol troopers filled in Thursday as Limon's four surviving officers comforted Sheridan's widow and 21-month-old daughter.
Hasty was hiding in a mobile home at the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park in Limon when Sheridan and two other officers went to find him at the request of the U.S. Marshals Service, acting on a tip from Tennessee. All three entered the home about 6:10 p.m., and gunfire was heard.
Sheridan was shot and killed, and the two other officers took cover in another room of the home and tried to coax Hasty out from the back during a four-hour standoff.
During that time, Hasty called his cousin, Davetta, in Tennessee. He left a voice mail, obtained by 9News, in which he said the shooting was an accident.
"I'm in deep s--t, man," Hasty said. "They busted in the house and I shot a cop by accident. . . .
"I didn't mean to. . . . Then they pulled out the gun on me and stuff. It was an accident. . . . I gotta go. Tell everybody I said goodbye."
Dennis Hasty (Special to The Denver Post)Authorities said Hasty then killed himself.
There were questions Thursday about whether the Limon officers were aware Hasty had a weapon, or perhaps several weapons, before they tried to arrest him.
Jim Hartwig, manager of the mobile home park, said he lived next door to Hasty, who had been living in the park with a woman since November.
Hartwig described Hasty in contradictory terms, saying he was soft-spoken and a decent person. Next he described him as unhappy, struggling with his relationship and finances.
"He told me every day how much he hated life," Hartwig said. "Every day, he told me he wished he was dead."
Hasty often carried a .25-caliber handgun and had "guns everywhere," Hartwig said.
Hasty once told Hartwig, "If police try to come into my house, they are going to get shot."
Hartwig said he saw law enforcement officers outside the mobile home Wednesday evening, warned them that Hasty had guns and asked whether he could try to coax him out.
But before that could happen, he heard three gunshots from inside the mobile home as Sheridan and the two other officers apparently entered.
Police referred questions to the district attorney's office, which declined to answer because the investigation is ongoing.
The woman Hasty was living with was in the mobile home at the time of the shooting. Her whereabouts Thursday were not disclosed.
Hartwig offered reporters a tour of the crime scene,
Officer Jay Sheridan. (Limon Police Department)showing boxes of bullets in the area where Hasty was holed up, signs of a struggle, and blood on the floor.
"How do you justify killing someone?" Hartwig asked. "He should have killed himself and been done with it instead of killing the officer."
In the town of about 1,800 southeast of Denver, residents were trying to fathom how the kind of violence they are used to seeing on television news had occurred in their town.
Hannah Seaman, who was washing a front window at Family Tree Chiropractic across the street from town hall, said business was slow and residents probably stayed home to deal with the news.
"People are concerned. Nothing like this happens in a small town," she said, "and you know the people who are involved."
Diana Lopez, a local mother who was shopping at a downtown store, had a similar reaction.
"It is sad to see so much violence in people now, especially in a small community," Lopez said. "It is shocking and sad. Sometimes you don't think it is so close to you, but it is."
Hasty was convicted of incest in 1993 and sentenced to probation in Tennessee. After twice violating that probation, he was sent to prison in 2001, then released in 2005, said Tennessee Department of Corrections spokeswoman Dorinda Carter.
But he failed to properly register as a sex offender while moving around Tennessee, and in 2009, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He had apparently been on the run since.
80s Group Journey Plans Stop In Denver
Denver music lovers may want to take in this news with quote "Open Arms." The popular 80s music group, Journey, announced it will make a stop in Denver in October. For 80s music lovers, this concert with be full of popular stars as Foreigner and Night Ranger. The concert is scheduled for October 1st, at the Comfort Dental Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale today, Friday, March 11th.
Gas Prices Keep Rising But Colorado's Are Cheaper Than Elsewhere
Gas prices in the Denver area have remained steady for the last 24 hours. Drivers are now paying an average three-29 per gallon of regular unleaded gas. That's just about the same as yesterday but unfortunately, is still up ten cents from one week ago and up an astounding 35 cents from one month ago. Triple A says folks in Denver are pretty fortunate however, with some of the lowest gas prices in the nation.
Colorado's Unemployment Rate Tops National Rate
The state's unemployment rate now tops the U.S. unemployment rate. Colorado's unemployment rate hit nine-point-one percent. That's more than the U.S. rate of nine-percent. That's also up from eight-point-nine percent in Colorado from one year ago. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, nearly two-point-43-million residents across the state are employed, which is down about one-percent from the same time one year ago.
Small Colorado Town Shocked By Officer's Murder During Standoff
The small Colorado town of Limon remains in shock after an officer was fatally shot during a standoff. Police Chief Lynn Yowell says he loved Officer Jay Sheridan and all four of Limon's police officers have taken a leave of absence to mourn Sheridan. Neighboring police departments have stepped in to help keep the town safe. Authorities say the shooter was 52-year-old Dennis Hasty from Tennessee.
Hickenlooper says state employees must sacrifice
Gov. John Hickenlooper says state employees and contractors will have to make more sacrifices as the state grapples with the Great Recession.
Hickenlooper says he knows state employees are unhappy with cuts to their pensions and no one likes working several years without a raise, but many people are without jobs and state government will have to be lean. He said doctors and others who receive tax dollars are also unhappy that state funding has been cut.
The state Legislature recently wrapped up about $400 million in cuts to this year's budget that ends in June and lawmakers are now trying to find more than $1 billion more in cuts for next year's budget that begins in July.
Hickenlooper says he knows state employees are unhappy with cuts to their pensions and no one likes working several years without a raise, but many people are without jobs and state government will have to be lean. He said doctors and others who receive tax dollars are also unhappy that state funding has been cut.
The state Legislature recently wrapped up about $400 million in cuts to this year's budget that ends in June and lawmakers are now trying to find more than $1 billion more in cuts for next year's budget that begins in July.
State parks, wildlife agencies to merge July 1
The Hickenlooper administration plans to introduce legislation soon that would combine the state wildlife and parks agencies to save money.
Gov. John Hickenlooper told the parks board and the Colorado Wildlife Commission Thursday that the two boards would also be merged in a move first announced earlier this week and aimed at streamlining operations in the face of budget shortfalls. The two agencies in the Department of Natural Resources would become one July 1.
State officials say teams of employees from the wildlife and parks divisions will be asked to help shape the new organization. They say several other Western states have combined their parks and wildlife agencies.
Hickenlooper has said the state could save $3 million to $4 million a year by combining the boards and the 900 jobs.
Gov. John Hickenlooper told the parks board and the Colorado Wildlife Commission Thursday that the two boards would also be merged in a move first announced earlier this week and aimed at streamlining operations in the face of budget shortfalls. The two agencies in the Department of Natural Resources would become one July 1.
State officials say teams of employees from the wildlife and parks divisions will be asked to help shape the new organization. They say several other Western states have combined their parks and wildlife agencies.
Hickenlooper has said the state could save $3 million to $4 million a year by combining the boards and the 900 jobs.
Bill asking citizenship proof to vote gets 1st OK
A Republican proposal to prevent people from voting if they can't prove they're U.S. citizens got its first approval from a GOP-controlled House committee.
The bill approved Thursday would require the secretary of state's office to compare voter rolls with state and federal records to determine whether registered voters are U.S. citizens. The government would send a letter to people asking them to show proof of citizenship within 90 days if there is doubt about their ability to vote. People would be unable to vote if they don't comply.
Democrats oppose the bill and say it could inadvertently put a burden on U.S. citizens to prove their right to vote. Republicans say the bill is necessary to prevent voter fraud.
House Bill 1252 faces another committee hearing before it can go to the full House.
The bill approved Thursday would require the secretary of state's office to compare voter rolls with state and federal records to determine whether registered voters are U.S. citizens. The government would send a letter to people asking them to show proof of citizenship within 90 days if there is doubt about their ability to vote. People would be unable to vote if they don't comply.
Democrats oppose the bill and say it could inadvertently put a burden on U.S. citizens to prove their right to vote. Republicans say the bill is necessary to prevent voter fraud.
House Bill 1252 faces another committee hearing before it can go to the full House.
Colo. pot DUIs bill gets first OK at Capitol
A proposal to set a blood-content threshold for what's too high to drive got its first approval from Colorado lawmakers Thursday, making the state venture into an area few others have tested in the age of booming medical marijuana use.
The bill would allow prosecutors to charge a driver with driving under the influence if they test positive for 5 nanograms or more of THC, a level that would be the most liberal in statute in the country. Pennsylvania also has a 5 nanogram limit, it's one that set by the state Health Department that can be used as evidence in driving violation cases. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Supporters of House Bill 1261 said it's a matter of public safety to have a standard of how much pot is too much to be able to drive.
Several pot activists spoke against the bill, saying it would adversely impact medical marijuana users who may have a higher tolerance for the drug that would allow them to safely drive at the blood-content limit lawmakers are proposing to set.
The bill faces several steps before it becomes law and it still faces another committee hearing before the full House debates it.
The bill would allow prosecutors to charge a driver with driving under the influence if they test positive for 5 nanograms or more of THC, a level that would be the most liberal in statute in the country. Pennsylvania also has a 5 nanogram limit, it's one that set by the state Health Department that can be used as evidence in driving violation cases. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Supporters of House Bill 1261 said it's a matter of public safety to have a standard of how much pot is too much to be able to drive.
Several pot activists spoke against the bill, saying it would adversely impact medical marijuana users who may have a higher tolerance for the drug that would allow them to safely drive at the blood-content limit lawmakers are proposing to set.
The bill faces several steps before it becomes law and it still faces another committee hearing before the full House debates it.
Lafayette man charged with murdering his mother
The Lafayette man police say admitted to stomping his mother's head after she shot him several times has been formally charged with second-degree murder.
The Daily Camera reported that 33-year-old Adam Ari Raszynski was charged with his mother's death at a hearing at the Boulder County Jail on Wednesday.
Raszynski was arrested last week at a Denver hospital while recovering from gunshot wounds he said were inflicted Feb. 23 by his mother, 60-year-old Rita C. Redford.
According to an arrest affidavit, Redford said in a 911 call that her son is mentally ill and that she told people was afraid of him and kept a gun in her room.
Raszynski is being held on a $1 million bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 23.
The Daily Camera reported that 33-year-old Adam Ari Raszynski was charged with his mother's death at a hearing at the Boulder County Jail on Wednesday.
Raszynski was arrested last week at a Denver hospital while recovering from gunshot wounds he said were inflicted Feb. 23 by his mother, 60-year-old Rita C. Redford.
According to an arrest affidavit, Redford said in a 911 call that her son is mentally ill and that she told people was afraid of him and kept a gun in her room.
Raszynski is being held on a $1 million bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 23.
Suspect killed was sex offender from Tennessee
The U.S. marshals say the suspect who died in a standoff in Colorado was a man wanted on a sex offender registry violation from Tennessee's Roane County.
In a statement, the U.S. Marshals Service said Thursday that authorities in Colorado's Lincoln County were notified late Wednesday that Dennis Mark Hasty was believed to be in the area.
Authorities say Limon police officer Jay Sheridan was killed Wednesday by gunfire when police tried to serve a warrant to Hasty in a mobile home park in Limon, a small town about 90 miles east of Denver. Officers say they found Hasty's body after a four-hour standoff. They say he apparently shot himself.
In a statement, the U.S. Marshals Service said Thursday that authorities in Colorado's Lincoln County were notified late Wednesday that Dennis Mark Hasty was believed to be in the area.
Authorities say Limon police officer Jay Sheridan was killed Wednesday by gunfire when police tried to serve a warrant to Hasty in a mobile home park in Limon, a small town about 90 miles east of Denver. Officers say they found Hasty's body after a four-hour standoff. They say he apparently shot himself.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Colorado bill would require voters to prove citizenship
Colorado lawmakers are weighing a Republican proposal that would prevent people from voting if they can't prove they're U.S. citizens.
Supporters and opponents testified Wednesday on the bill that would direct the secretary of state's office to compare voter rolls with state and federal records to determine if registered voters are U.S. citizens. When there is doubt, people would receive a letter asking them to show proof of citizenship within 90 days. They would be ineligible to vote if they don't comply.
Lawmakers will vote on House Bill 1252 on Thursday.
Supporters say they bill is necessary to prevent fraud. Opponents say the bill could unduly burden people who are eligible to vote.
Other Republican legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote has already failed in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Supporters and opponents testified Wednesday on the bill that would direct the secretary of state's office to compare voter rolls with state and federal records to determine if registered voters are U.S. citizens. When there is doubt, people would receive a letter asking them to show proof of citizenship within 90 days. They would be ineligible to vote if they don't comply.
Lawmakers will vote on House Bill 1252 on Thursday.
Supporters say they bill is necessary to prevent fraud. Opponents say the bill could unduly burden people who are eligible to vote.
Other Republican legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote has already failed in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Synthetic marijuana ban faces first Colorado test
Synthetic marijuana, known as "Spice," is closer to a permanent ban in Colorado after state senators heard testimony about making the fake pot permanently illegal.
Senators heard testimony from doctors and law enforcement officers calling for Colorado to join at least 18 other states with a permanent ban on chemicals used to produce synthetic cannabinoids.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration banned "Spice" on March 1, but the federal ban lasts only a year while the agency reviews the new drug.,
Colorado's ban would also ban salvia, a hallucinogen banned in some states but not nationwide.
Senators heard testimony from doctors and law enforcement officers calling for Colorado to join at least 18 other states with a permanent ban on chemicals used to produce synthetic cannabinoids.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration banned "Spice" on March 1, but the federal ban lasts only a year while the agency reviews the new drug.,
Colorado's ban would also ban salvia, a hallucinogen banned in some states but not nationwide.
Gov in Stitches
The Governor was probably feeling a little loopy yesterday. John Hickenlooper needed five stitches after he bumped his head just after leaving a meeting with local business leaders in Craig. As Hickenlooper entered the backseat of a State Patrol car, he cracked his noggin on a shotgun rack. After some medical attention, Hickenlooper made it to his scheduled engagement, and he was only late by four minutes.
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