A new health plan is making its way to Morgan County. Ron Marshall of Ingmire-Phillips Insurance told a meeting of the Brush Rotary Club the new policies from Colorado Choice Health Plans, which may be available as early as February, would emphasize preventative medicine as a long-range approach to reducing costs. He says Morgan County health plans currently average 35 to 40 percent higher than in other areas around the state.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Locals Sears and Kmart Stores Not on Closings List
The Sears and Kmart stores in the Fort Morgan area appear to have been spared. None of them are on the list released today of 79 stores slated to be closed. The company announced earlier this week that as many as 120 Sears and Kmart locations would be shutting down after poor holiday sales. A Sears store in Longmont, and Kmart stores in Glenwood Springs and Broomfield are on the list of store to be closed.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
If you're looking to get rid of your Christmas tree this weekend, Fort Morgan is accepting them to be recycled. City Clerk John Brennan says the trees will go to good use...
TAG: Brennan says the trees will be accepted all day Saturday at the vacant lot next to the city animal shelter located at 900 East Railroad Avenue.
TAG: Brennan says the trees will be accepted all day Saturday at the vacant lot next to the city animal shelter located at 900 East Railroad Avenue.
Man Rams Several Cars In Centennial
(Centennial, CO) -- A man is facing charges for deliberately ramming five parked cars in Centennial. Authorities say Carlos Ayala was arrested Tuesday night after ramming the cars and a fence and attempting to run over four people. Investigators have found no motive, but they do know there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs.
Four Injured In Ohio Crash Of Plane Piloted By Coloradan
(Turtlecreek Township, OH) -- Four people are hurt, one seriously, after the crash in Ohio of a plane piloted by a Colorado man. Officials said Zeb Bowles was piloting the single-engine Piper Cherokee that crashed yesterday afternoon about 30 miles north of Cincinnati. Authorities said Katherine Bowles of Sacramento, California, was airlifted in critical condition to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.
Election Dates Coming Up
There are several deadlines coming up with respect to the 2012 election cycle:
Start with Friday, January 6. If you're a democrat or an AC Party member, that 's the last day to affiliate with a political party in order to participate in the precinct caucus.
If you're a Republican Party member, Monday, January 9 is your last day to register to vote in the February 7 precinct caucus.
If you're not registered to vote at all, you have until January 9 to do so.
The primary is on June 26 and the presidential election is November 6.
2012 Election Dates
Feb. 6, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the March 6 Democratic and AC Party precinct caucuses. (No later than 29 days before the precinct caucus)
Feb. 6, 2012: First day to circulate major/minor party petitions for the primary election. April 2, 2012: Last day to file major/minor party candidate petitions for the primary.
Feb. 7, 2012: Republican precinct caucus day
March 6, 2012: Democratic and AC Party precinct caucus day
Feb. 22-March 28, 2012: Republican Party County Assemblies (held in this time frame) (if caucus held Feb 7 no later than 50 days after caucus)
March 7 -31, 2012: Democratic Party County Assemblies (held in this time frame) (if caucus was held March 6) (no later than 25 days after caucus)
April 9, 2012: First day an unaffiliated candidate may circulate a petition for the general election. Last day to file is June 4, 2012.
April 20, 2012: Last day a write-in candidate may file an Affidavit of Intent for the primary election.
April 24, 2012: Last day an unaffiliated voter may give notice in writing to the County Clerk that he/she wishes to serve as an election judge.
May 25, 2012: Last day to change or withdraw from major political party affiliation for the primary election.
May 29, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the primary election.
June 19, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the primary election if mailed.
June 22, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the primary election if the ballot is picked up in person by the voter.
June 26, 2012: Primary election
July 17, 2012: Last day for a write-in candidate to file an Affidavit of Intent for the general election.
Oct. 9, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the general election.
Oct. 22, 2012: Early voting begins for the general election.
Nov. 2, 2012: Last day for early voting for the general election.
Oct. 30, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the general election if mailed.
Nov. 2, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the general election if picked up by the voter.
Nov. 6, 2012: General election
Start with Friday, January 6. If you're a democrat or an AC Party member, that 's the last day to affiliate with a political party in order to participate in the precinct caucus.
If you're a Republican Party member, Monday, January 9 is your last day to register to vote in the February 7 precinct caucus.
If you're not registered to vote at all, you have until January 9 to do so.
The primary is on June 26 and the presidential election is November 6.
2012 Election Dates
Feb. 6, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the March 6 Democratic and AC Party precinct caucuses. (No later than 29 days before the precinct caucus)
Feb. 6, 2012: First day to circulate major/minor party petitions for the primary election. April 2, 2012: Last day to file major/minor party candidate petitions for the primary.
Feb. 7, 2012: Republican precinct caucus day
March 6, 2012: Democratic and AC Party precinct caucus day
Feb. 22-March 28, 2012: Republican Party County Assemblies (held in this time frame) (if caucus held Feb 7 no later than 50 days after caucus)
March 7 -31, 2012: Democratic Party County Assemblies (held in this time frame) (if caucus was held March 6) (no later than 25 days after caucus)
April 9, 2012: First day an unaffiliated candidate may circulate a petition for the general election. Last day to file is June 4, 2012.
April 20, 2012: Last day a write-in candidate may file an Affidavit of Intent for the primary election.
April 24, 2012: Last day an unaffiliated voter may give notice in writing to the County Clerk that he/she wishes to serve as an election judge.
May 25, 2012: Last day to change or withdraw from major political party affiliation for the primary election.
May 29, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the primary election.
June 19, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the primary election if mailed.
June 22, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the primary election if the ballot is picked up in person by the voter.
June 26, 2012: Primary election
July 17, 2012: Last day for a write-in candidate to file an Affidavit of Intent for the general election.
Oct. 9, 2012: Last day to register to vote for the general election.
Oct. 22, 2012: Early voting begins for the general election.
Nov. 2, 2012: Last day for early voting for the general election.
Oct. 30, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the general election if mailed.
Nov. 2, 2012: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for the general election if picked up by the voter.
Nov. 6, 2012: General election
Holiday DUI Arrests Top 13-Hundred
(Denver, CO) -- Over 13-hundred Colorado drivers have been arrested so far over the holiday season for drinking and driving, and officials expect more arrests this weekend. The Colorado State Patrol said more than 90 Colorado law enforcement agencies plan extra patrols and sobriety checkpoints. Police are encouraging motorists to appoint a non-drinking driver or call a cab if they plan to party.
Xcel Pushes Rate Hike Without Public Hearing
(Denver, CO) -- Xcel Energy is looking to raise its rates, but Colorado's Public Utilities Commission may have something to say about it. The Denver Post reports the PUC is receiving a lot of complaints about it, and Xcel has refused to allow public hearings on the issue. Critics say Xcel has no justification for its proposed 142-million dollar rate hike.
Denver In Top Ten Places To Spend New Year's
(Denver, CO) -- Denver is the sixth best place in the country to celebrate New Year's. Travelocity.com lists the city on their "Top Ten Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve 2011." According to the site, Denver is a great place to "watch the fireworks against a mountain backdrop." Orlando, New York City and South Florida were ranked as the top three.
High Winds Sweeping Down Mountains
(Denver, CO) -- A high wind warning is in effect until 5 p.m. this afternoon. The warning has been issued for the Front Range, down into the foothills of Larimer and Boulder counties. The National Weather Service said some communities could see gusts as strong as 80-miles-per-hour.
Colorado seeks new pot classification
DENVER (AP) — Colorado has become the third state to ask the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify marijuana in way that allows doctors to prescribe it as a medical treatment.
Following the governors of Rhode Island and Washington state, Colorado says that the discrepancy between federal drug law, which does not permit medicinal uses of marijuana, and state drug law is problematic.
The head of Colorado's Department of Revenue, the agency that oversees the state's booming medical marijuana business, sent the letter Dec. 22. It wasn't released to the public until Wednesday because of the Christmas holiday.
Last month, the governors of Washington and Rhode Island also asked that the government list marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug.
Following the governors of Rhode Island and Washington state, Colorado says that the discrepancy between federal drug law, which does not permit medicinal uses of marijuana, and state drug law is problematic.
The head of Colorado's Department of Revenue, the agency that oversees the state's booming medical marijuana business, sent the letter Dec. 22. It wasn't released to the public until Wednesday because of the Christmas holiday.
Last month, the governors of Washington and Rhode Island also asked that the government list marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Offers Ice Safety Tips
DENVER - At many Colorado Parks and Wildlife Areas, ice has covered the reservoirs and ponds, attracting visitors to go outdoors to ice fish, ice skate, ice sail and enjoy other winter activities on the ice. The winter landscapes beckon and there is plenty of room to roam. To safely enjoy winter outdoor recreation adventures on the ice, here are a few basic safety rules to follow.
Ice conditions can vary, so always assume that unsafe ice conditions can occur anywhere and that ice thickness varies from place to place. Four inches of ice will provide a margin of safety and is generally considered safe for ice fishing and ice skating. Snowmobiles and ATVs need at least five inches of ice thickness. The best advice is stay off the ice when there is any question about thickness and conditions.
Be on the lookout for the signs of unsafe ice, including ice of different colors, water on top of the ice, cracks, pressure ridges, open water and bubbles in the ice. Also, beware of ice covered with snow. Sometimes the snow serves as insulation, keeping the ice from melting. Other times, the snow has the opposite effect, insulating the surface from freezing.
When venturing onto the ice, remember the following ice safety tips:
Never go onto the ice alone. A buddy may be able to call for help if you fall in. Also, never attempt to walk out onto the ice to rescue a friend as you risk falling through the ice as well.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while on the ice. Alcohol increases your chance for hypothermia, which is the rapid loss of body temperature.
Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) over winter clothing. Life jackets can provide excellent flotation and protection from hypothermia.
Assemble a personal safety kit. Always wear a safety kit on your body when going out onto the ice. Safety kits should include an ice pick, rope and a whistle to call for help.
Always keep your pets on a leash. Never allow your dog to run out onto the ice and never walk your dog near a frozen lake or pond without a leash. If your dog falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Go for help.
Reach-Throw-Go. If you can't reach the person from shore, throw them a flotation device or a rope. If you still can't help the person quickly—go for help.
If you do fall through the ice, remember these tips:
Do not panic. Try to remain calm to conserve as much energy as possible. Try to get your arms onto the ice and kick as hard as you can with your feet to help lift you onto the ice, and then roll to safety. If you can't get out of the cold water by yourself, take appropriate actions to extend your survival time while waiting to be rescued.
Do not swim. Swimming will cause your body to lose heat much faster than if you stay as still as possible.
Act slowly and deliberately to conserve heat. Expect a progressive decrease in your strength and ability to move. Make the harder maneuvers at the beginning, while you can.
Keep your upper body above water. Keep your head and upper body as far out of the water as reasonably possible to conserve body heat.
There is lots of outdoor fun to enjoy at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s frozen reservoirs and waterways. Just take precautions and follow the safety tips. The special beauty of snow covered landscapes awaits you. Avoid the winter blues by packing up the family ice skates to take the kids for a spin or a twirl. Try ice fishing for a change of pace.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Ice conditions can vary, so always assume that unsafe ice conditions can occur anywhere and that ice thickness varies from place to place. Four inches of ice will provide a margin of safety and is generally considered safe for ice fishing and ice skating. Snowmobiles and ATVs need at least five inches of ice thickness. The best advice is stay off the ice when there is any question about thickness and conditions.
Be on the lookout for the signs of unsafe ice, including ice of different colors, water on top of the ice, cracks, pressure ridges, open water and bubbles in the ice. Also, beware of ice covered with snow. Sometimes the snow serves as insulation, keeping the ice from melting. Other times, the snow has the opposite effect, insulating the surface from freezing.
When venturing onto the ice, remember the following ice safety tips:
Never go onto the ice alone. A buddy may be able to call for help if you fall in. Also, never attempt to walk out onto the ice to rescue a friend as you risk falling through the ice as well.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while on the ice. Alcohol increases your chance for hypothermia, which is the rapid loss of body temperature.
Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) over winter clothing. Life jackets can provide excellent flotation and protection from hypothermia.
Assemble a personal safety kit. Always wear a safety kit on your body when going out onto the ice. Safety kits should include an ice pick, rope and a whistle to call for help.
Always keep your pets on a leash. Never allow your dog to run out onto the ice and never walk your dog near a frozen lake or pond without a leash. If your dog falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Go for help.
Reach-Throw-Go. If you can't reach the person from shore, throw them a flotation device or a rope. If you still can't help the person quickly—go for help.
If you do fall through the ice, remember these tips:
Do not panic. Try to remain calm to conserve as much energy as possible. Try to get your arms onto the ice and kick as hard as you can with your feet to help lift you onto the ice, and then roll to safety. If you can't get out of the cold water by yourself, take appropriate actions to extend your survival time while waiting to be rescued.
Do not swim. Swimming will cause your body to lose heat much faster than if you stay as still as possible.
Act slowly and deliberately to conserve heat. Expect a progressive decrease in your strength and ability to move. Make the harder maneuvers at the beginning, while you can.
Keep your upper body above water. Keep your head and upper body as far out of the water as reasonably possible to conserve body heat.
There is lots of outdoor fun to enjoy at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s frozen reservoirs and waterways. Just take precautions and follow the safety tips. The special beauty of snow covered landscapes awaits you. Avoid the winter blues by packing up the family ice skates to take the kids for a spin or a twirl. Try ice fishing for a change of pace.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
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