Barlean Out as City Attorney

The city of Sterling and its attorney have parted company.

Sterling Mayor Larry Fetzer said, "Council decided that the city would be better served by making a change at this time. And they also would like to express appreciation to Kelly for his years of service to the city."

The council met in a long closed door session on Tuesday and quelled rumors that had been afloat as to whether Barlean was still with the city. The city will pay Barlean a total of more than 85 thousand dollars as part of the separation agreement to cover salary and benefits.

OSHA Cites FM Company with 13 Violations

OSHA -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration did an inspection recently at Delta Oilfield Tank Company LLC in Fort Morgan and cited the company for more than a dozen violations. OSHA says the company exposed its employees to hazards like no proper eye protection, not training employees properly for their jobs, issues with proper lifting, using forklifts and more. The company makes oilfield products and could pay nearly 53 thousand dollars in penalties. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

Contests Now Lead to Morgan County Fair

Morgan County Commissioners have approved the rules for the upcoming Morgan County Fair. What rules? I thought the rules were to have fun! Anyway, the fair is still a few weeks off, but things like shooting contests are underway now, and will continue until July 24. First Christian Church is again hosting the annual Fashion Revue on July 25. The public event is at 7:30 p.m. Those are just a few items and more is available at:
www.extension.colostate.edu/morgan

Loveland Woman Dies When Homemade Dune Buggy Crashes

(Weld County, CO) -- A Loveland woman was killed in a crash involving her homemade dune buggy. The Colorado State Patrol says Joy Lutz died on Monday when her buggy was plowed into north of Platteville. The buggy's driver, Wally Birkley, is still hospitalized in Loveland in serious condition. The driver of the car that hit them, Julie Gunter, has been cited for careless driving causing death.

HUD Giving Millions To Colorado For Public Housing

(Denver, CO) -- Colorado is getting over 12-million dollars from the federal government for public housing. HUD Regional Administrator Rick Garcia calls the funding essential because it can be used for energy efficient upgrades and new roofs. The money is part of HUD's Capital Fund Program.

Study Says Sick Leave Used As Vacation Time

(Washington, DC) -- A new study claims too many people use sick leave as vacation time. The Employment Policies Institute studied sick leave in response to Denver's ballot initiative wanting paid sick time for all workers. Washington DC-based EPI says it's against the ballot initiative, calling it a "free lunch" for employees and believes it could hurt the economy.

Colorado Department Of Labor Preparing For Layoffs

(Denver, CO) -- Some employees at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment are preparing to join the ranks of the unemployed. Even though the department is already overwhelmed with unemployment claims, it is expecting to lay off between 30 and 100 workers. In 2008, 30-thousand Coloradans had active unemployment claims, but that number is up to 137-thousand this year.

New Wind Farm Up And Running

(Weld County, CO) -- Colorado's newest wind farm is up and running near the border with Wyoming. The 475-million-dollar, 250-megawatt facility was dedicated yesterday in Weld County. The Cedar Creek 2 farm has 123 turbines on 30-thousand acres about 20 miles north of New Raymer.

Airman Who Disappeared In North Vietnam Will Be Buried Tomorrow

(Air Force Academy, CO) -- An Airman who vanished in action in 1966 over North Vietnam is going to be buried with full military honors tomorrow. Canon City resident Colonel Leo S. Boston will be buried at the Air Force Academy. He was part of the 14th Air Commando Wing assigned to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, and vanished while the pilot of an A-1E Skyraider leading a search and rescue mission. From 1966 to 2005 joint U.S.-Vietnam teams recovered human remains and they positively identified him April 4th of this year.