Weekend Search and Fundraiser Planned In Case of Missing Fort Morgan Teen

It's been more than 3 months since anyone has seen 17-year-old Kayla Chadwick. A search party will gather Saturday morning at Jensen Onion. Chastity Houser says they're also planning a fundraiser and local residents are encouraged to come out to the event...






TAG: Houser is hoping that local residents will come out to support the search effort even if they don't go out to look for clues in the case. She says volunteers are encouraged to bring atv's or horses so they can cover more area.

Not Guilty in Child Porn Case

KSIR-062912- Logan County man Pleads Not Guilty To Child Porn Charges

A Logan County man entered a "not guilty" plea in Logan County District Court yesterday. Lesley Klinzmann stands accused of a class 3 felony charge for possession or control of Child Pornography. A police investigation showed an IP address linked to Klinzmann had downloaded several child porn files. Klinzmann's defense attorney says there will be no pleas deal, and the case will go to trial.

Brush Cancels Fireworks

KSIR-062912-All Morgan Co Fireworks Cancelled -FM


Sighting concerns about the danger of starting fires, and the lack of resources to fight them, Brush officials have cancelled all 4th of July fireworks displays. Recently Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued an executive ban on all open burning and the igniting of private fireworks throughout the state. Morgan County Sheriff Jim Crone left the decision on whether or not individual municipalities would move forward with community displays up to their respective fire chiefs.

Looters Nabbed In Colorado Springs Evacuation Area

KSIR-062912-Looting Suspects Arrested In Colorado Springs Fire Evacuation Area.


Police arrested some looters in neighborhoods evacutated due to the Colorado Springs fire yesterday. 38 year old Belinda Yates and 36-year old Shane Garrett are in custody facing burglary and weapons charges. The pair were also in possession of methamphetamine when they were nabbed. Their first court appearance was earlier today.

Road Closure Saturday

KSIR-062912-Road Closure Saturday - FM


More work on Ft. Morgan's water system is scheduled for tomorrow. The intersection of Railroad Ave and Grant Street will be closed to all traffic most of the day so water main lines and valves can be installed. The water service in the 200 and 300 blocks of Grant Street could be disrupted from 6am til 12 noon. The roads should be reopened by 7pm.

Morgan County REA Completes Power Restoration

KSIR-062912-Morgan Co REA Completes Power Restoration - FM


All of the electric service taken out by the Last Chance Fire has been restored,according to Morgan County REA representatives. Line crews worked 14 - 16 hour days most of the week to get the work done. REA crews were assisted by teams from Highline Electric, Y-W Electric and The City of Ft. Morgan.

US Rep Cory Gardner Vows Republicans Will Continue Fight Against Obamacare

Congressman Cory Gardner is sounding off against the US Supreme Court's decision Thursday to uphold the individual mandate of President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare reform legislation. Gardner also says Republicans are undeterred in their effort to overturn the legislation...






TAG: The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to upold the provision of the healthcare reform law dubbed "Obamacare" with chief justice John Roberts casting the deciding vote.

Supreme Court Upholds Healthcare Reform

KSIR-062812-Supreme Court Upholds Healthcare Reform - BOTH


The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Obama's Healthcare reform in a ruling released this morningt. The Decision paves the way for virtually all Colorado residents to get health insurance. The ruling affirms a number of provisions, including expansion of medicaid, health insurance exchanges, major cost and quality provisions, and insurance for those with pre-existing conditions.

Sterling Cancels Fireworks Displays

KSIR-062812-Sterling Cancels Fireworks Displays - ST


The City of Sterling and The Sterling Boat Club have both cancelled their 4th of July fireworks displays. Sterling Fire Chief Kurt Vogel said the original plan was to wait a few days before making the call, but the arid conditions that make the danger of wildfires so great are not expected to abate anytime soon. The rapid spread of the Last Chance Fire demonstrated just how dangerous the conditions currently are.

Friends and Family Planning New Search for Kayla

Friends and family of a missing Fort Morgan teen are vowing to redouble their efforts to find her. Kayla Chadwick disappeared March 27, after a fight with her boyfriend. Chastity Houser is helping to organize a search and fund-raiser this weekend at Jensen Onion in Fort Morgan...






TAG: In recent weeks, the number of volunteers showing up for weekend searches has dwindled. Houser says they will have venders, a local barbecue restaurant will be set up, there will also be karaoke and events for children. The event begins at 9am at Jensen Onion.

Morgan Co fireworks questionable

KSIR-062812-Morgan County Fireworks Questionable - FM


Morgan County Sheriff Jim Crone has the authority to decide whether or not public fireworks displays can take place this year, but he's decided to let local fire chiefs make their own decisions. The fireworks displays at Jackson Lake and I-76 Speedway have been canceled or postponed. The dry conditions expose the area to the potential for wildfires caused by fireworks. The fire departments in Brush and Wiggins are taking a "wait and see" attitude prior to making a final decision.

Wildfires

KSIR-062712- Wild Fires 12n Wed 062712


After consuming more than 45-thousand acres, The last Chance Fire has been contained...but at a significant cost. 11 structures, including 4 homes were lost, A Washignton County Bridge at County Roads 18 and D is unusable, a fire truck is gone, and several power poles came down, disrupting electrial service.

Meanwhile, the fire threatening Colorado Springs doubled in size overnight. Evacuation orders went out to 32-thousand residents, including more than 21-hundred people at The Air Force Academy. Authorities say it is still too dangerous for them to assess the damage, but several homes were incinerated.

In Larimer County, The High Park Fire is 55 percent contained. It has now burned more than 136 square miles of land and 257 homes, making it the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history.

Ft. Morgan To Hire New Police Officer

KSIR-062712-Ft. Morgan Gets Federal Funds To Hire New Police Officer - FM

The Fort Morgan Police Department is going to hire a new officer, thanks to a grant from the US Justice Department's office of Community Oriented Policing Services...known as the COPS program. The Ft. Morgan Police department is set to receive 125-thousand dollars. The COPS hiring program is designed for post 9-11 military veterans who service on active dutyr for at least 180 days.

Sterling New Mayor

KSIR-062712-Sterling Selects New Mayor



Sterling has a new mayor. The City Council elected Mayor Pro Tem Hearther Brungardt at last night's meeting. She replaces Rocky Joy. Brungardt, who's had perfect attendence during her two years on the council, defeated councilmembers Patrick Lawson and Marcus Flores by a 3 to 2 margin.

Fort Morgan Rural Electric Association Responds to Last Chance Fire

The Last Chance Fire in Washington County scorched some 45,000 acres and disrupted power to Fort Morgan Rural Electric Association customers. Communications Specialist Geoff Baumgartner says their crews were busy yesterday responding to the fire...






TAG: Baumgartner says REA crews will be back out today, planting new poles along Highway 71 and Highway 36. He says they're hoping to have power restored to all of their customers as soon as possible.

Brush Downtown Improvement Plans

KSIR-062612-Brush Finalizes Downtown Improvement Plans - ST



At last night's meeting, The Brush City Council hired a contractor for phase three of the Downtown Improvement project that will spruce up the200 and 300 blocks of Clayton Street. Ft. Collins-based "Connell Resources" submitted the lowest bid. The company now has 10 days to produce the necessary documents to formalize the agreement. A meeting is scheduled for 5:30 Thursday afternoon at the Brush Chamber of Commerce with downtown business owners to discuss the construction schedule.

Denver Gets 8 New Schools

KSIR-062612-Denver Gets 8 New Schools - BOTH


Eighrt new schools are set to open in Denver during the fall of 2012. Four of them will be district run, and the balance will be charter schools. Four of the schools will include high school grades, 3 will be elementary, and one will cover kindergarten through eigth grade. The newly approved schools will join two others already on track for a fall 2013 opening.

Water Service Interruption Tuesday Night

KSIR-062612-Water Service Interrupted Tonight - FM


Some residents on the northwest side of Ft. Morgan may have their water service interrupted tonight. A water valve is being replace in the area of Highway 34 and Euclid Street. The shut off is scheduled to take place between 8pm and midnight tonight. The exact area that will be without water is uncertain, but it could include the area between U.S. 34/Platte Avenue and and 7th Avenue, between Aurora and Main Streets. Depending on how the work goes tonight, further outages might be necessary later this week, but in much smaller areas. City workers will notify businesses and residents in the effected areas if that comes to pass.

Last Chance Fire Update

Evacuations in Washington County have been lifted and highways 71 and 36 are now back open. County Administrator Chris Packer says crews are moitoring hot spots at the site of the Last Chance Fire...






TAG: Packer says the fire was ignited by a car accident that sent sparks into the ditch. The Last Chance Fire burned 45,000 acres.

Poll: Most Voters Support Civil Union Legislation

During the previous legislative session Colorado Republicans refused to consider a bill that would have created civil union legislation. Dustin Ingles with Public Policy Polling says according their latest poll, most voters disagree...






TAG: Civil union supporters say they are undaunted by the conservative-leaning legislature and have vowed to try again during the next session.

Fire Crews Take Back Lost Ground Against High Park Fire

Fire crews in Larimer County continue to battle the High Park Fire. On Monday, firefighters were able to contain an additional 10-percent of the over 83,000 acres that have been charred. Information Officer Reagan Cloudman says crews now have the fire 55-percent contained...






So far, the High Park Fire has destroyed at least 248 homes and claimed one life.

ID Theft Arrest in Sterling

KSIR-062512-ID Theft Arrest - ST

A woman supected in a number of identity theft cases is expected to be formally charged this week. 40-year old Marianne Marcum alledgedly stole a wallet containing credit cards from the center console of a pick up truck. Within the next 72 hours she charged more than 3-thousand dollars at a variety of retail outlets. Some of the transactions were caught on the stores' security cameras.

Fire Crews Losing Ground Against High Park Fire

It was a tough weekend for fire crews battling the High Park Fire in Larimer County. Information officer Reagan Cloudman says the fire has grown to over 83,000 acres is now only 45-percent conatined...






TAG: There are over 2,000 firefighters on the ground, 170 engines, 19 helicopters and 5 heavy air tankers available. There is also another red flag warning in effect for the area which means crews will have to compete against low humidity and strong winds.

Denver Ptiching For Olympics

KSIR-062512-Denver Pitching For Olympics - BOTH


A Denver TV station is reporting that a local Olympic Exploratory Committee will recommend that the Mayor of Denver and The Governor proceed with a bid for an upcoming Olympic Games. KUSA-TV says a formal announcement will be coming from the committee on Wednesday. It is not clear whether the bid will be for the 2022 Winter games of the 2024 Summer Games. Either one is contingent upon whether the U.S. Olympic Committee decides to push forward with a bid.

Kennesburg Man Killed in Crash South of Wiggins

A Kennesburg man was killed Saturday in a single car accident on highway 52 south of Wiggins. According to the Colorado Highway Patrol, 45-year-old Scott Cravens was ejected from a vehicle when it crashed late Saturday night. Cravens was declared dead at the scene. Another man, 47-year-old Keith Meyer suffered only minor injuries in the crash and declined to be taken to the hospital. Troopers say the two men were in a 2003 Buick Century that missed a curve on 52. The car spun out and eventually rolled twice. It's unclear who was driving or why the vehicle left the roadway. The accident remains under investigation.

Water Works Disrupts Traffic

KSIR-062512-Water Work Disrupts Traffic -FM



The Ft. Morgan Water Distribution Department is doing some work in the 600 and 700 blocks of Euclid Street. The construction area will be closed to all traffic through tomorrow. The work being done includes replacing water main lines, valves and hydrants.

Greeley Mom Faces 2 Counts of Sexaul Assault On A Minor

KSIR-062212-Greeley Mom Faces Two Sexual Assault on a Minor Charges - FM


Freedom was short-lived for a Greeley mother arrested earlier this week on charges of sexual assaulting a friend of her 14-year old daughter. Moments after 38-year old Lynne Freeman was released on bond from The Weld County Jail yesterday evening, she was handcuffed and re-arrested. Greeley Police say a second victim has come forward. Freeman, who volunteers at a Greeley Charter School, is not allowed to be around any children, including her 7 and 13 year old daughters, while her case is pending. She is due back in court on Monday.

RE-1 Valley BOE Discusses Endorsed Diplomas

KSIR-062212-RE-1 Valley BOE Discusses Endorsed Diplomas - ST


The RE-1 Valley Board of Education heard from parents and students at a recent workshop to continue discussions about endorsed diplomas in the district. Edorsed diplomas would indicate that students have achieved post-secondary and workforce readiness. The local discussions are contributing to a statewide effort to standardize criteria of endorsed diplomas. Further discussions with the local community will be scheduled after school department officials return from statewide meeting in mid July.



Print Email Font ResizeReturn to Top

Primary Election Ballots Due Wednesday

Primary election ballots are due this weekend. Connie Ingmire, Morgan County Clerk and recorder says local voters are choosing their candidates for upcoming elections...






TAG: The clerk's office located at 232 Ensign Street will be accepting primary ballots Saturday from 8 until noon.

Officials Predict High Park Fire Expiration Date

KSIR-062212-Officials Predict Expiration Date For High Park Fire

Firefighters battling the High Park wildfire say they are on track to have the flames fully contained on or about July 15th. As of today, it is 60 percent contained. So far, one person has been killed, 191 homes have gone up in smoke, and 68-thousand 4-hundred acres have been consumed. The 21-point-6 million dollar price tag to battle this one makes it the most destructive fire in Colorado history

New Poll Gives Gov. Hickenlooper High Praise

According to a new study, Democrat John Hickenlooper is one of the most popular governors in the country. Dustin Ingles, assistant director of Public Policy Polling says Hickenlooper is popular on both sides of the aisle...






TAG: Public Policy Polling's new poll gives Hickenlooper a 60-percent approval rating, compared to a disapproval rating of just 26-percent.

Ford Gets Bond Reduction

KSIR-062112-Ford Gets Bond Reduction - ST

The 18-year-old man who lead Sterling Police on a high speed chase through town in the early morning hours of May 19th appeared in Logan County District Court yesterday. Timothy Ford is facing a variety of felony charges, including "vehicular eluding" and reckless driving charges. The court reduced Ford's bond to 10-thousand dollars on the condition that he live in Sterling with his brother. Proscecutors objected to the bond reduction, pointing out that Ford had a long juvenile record in other parts of the state.

Majority of Ft Morgan Students Qualify for Lunch Assistance

KSIR-062112-Majority of Ft. Morgan Students Get Free or Discounted Lunches - FM



Its a sign of the economic times....59 percent of the students in the Ft. Morgan district got free lunches during this past school year, and 11 percent got their lunches at a reduced price. The highest percentage in the district was at Pioneer Elementary where 89 percent of students qualified for free or discounted lunches. Federal guidelines say a family of four that makes less than 41-thousand 348 dollars per year qualifies. A family of three can earn up to 34-thousand 281 dollars per year.

Protecting Greeley Water From Effects of Wildfires

KSIR-062112-Protecting Greeley Water Supply From Wildfire After-Effects Costly - FM


At yesterday afternoon's meeting,The Greeley Water and Sewer board heard it will cost about 11-hundred dollars per acre to protect Greeley's drinking water supplies from the effects of the recent wildfires. The steps that need to be taken include placing straw and possibly seed in burned areas to keep ash from running offi into the city's high mountain reservoirs and into the region's rivers if rain comes in the near future. City officials plan to meet with federal authorities from The Natural Resources Conservation Service to discuss federal money for the work, and to get an idea on how many acres will require mitigation efforts.

High Park Fire Update

The battle continues in Larimer County as fire crews continue to fight the High Park Fire. Public Information Officer Regan Cloudman says the fire has grown now to 68,200 acres. Crews have the fire 55-percent contained...






TAG: Cloudman says they have 1,978 firefighters on the ground, 135 engines, 41 hand crews, 18 helicopters and two heavy tankers battling the blaze. Just this hour, residents of Poudre Park, on the north side of Poudre Canyon, were allowed to return to their homes.

NJC Phone Outage Yesterday

KSIR-062012-Phone Outage at Northeastern Junior College -ST


Phone service at Northeastern Junior College was out for most of the day yesterday. An unexpected failure of power lines and communications lines in the area was blamed for the problem. People were, however still able to communicate using email. Phone service was restored shortly after 12-a..m. this morning.

Michelle Obama In Colorado Today

KSIR-062012-Michelle Obama Speaks At Arapahoe High School - BOTH



First Lady Michelle Obama was in Colorado today. She spoke at Arapahoe High School before an enthusiastic standing room only crowd; then later at The Creative Arts Building at The Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. Both stops were designed to drum up grass roots support for her husband's re-election campaign. Colorado is considered a key battleground state in the November election.

Greeley Mosquitos Carry West Nile Virus

KSIR-062012-Greeley Mosquito Control Underway/West Nile Detected - FM


For the first time since the 1980's, Greeley has funded a mosquito control program this year...and it couldn't have come soon enough. Last week, a mosquito pool trap near Linn Cemetery tested positive for West Nile Virus. No human illness due to West Nile has been reported yet, but finding infected mosquitos this early could mean a bad summer for West Nile activity. Greeley has allotted 50-thousand dollars for mosquito control this summer.

Log Lane Mosquito Control

KSIR-062012-Log Lane Mosquito Control - FM


The Log Lane Village summer mosquito control program is up and running. Spraying is planned for Thursday nights, assuming the weather and wind conditions are acceptable. The insecticide being used this year is not dangerous to pets, according to a Log Lane Village Public Works spokesperson.

High Park Fire Update

The High Park Fire in Larimer County has grown to over 65,000 acres. Emergency officials say the fire is currently 55-percent contained. There are over 1,900 firefighters, 118 engines and 17 helicopters battling the blaze. The estimated cost of fighting the High Park Fire has risen to over $17 million. Earlier this morning, fire officials issued an all-clear for Soldier Canyon and Mill Canyon Estates and power has been restored to those communities. So far, the fire has consumed 189 homes and claimed one life.

Overlay Projects Underway in Morgan and Logan Counties

The Colorado Department of Transportation is conducting a pair of overlay projects in Morgan and Logan counties. C-DOT spokeswoman Ashley Mohr says crews are resurfacing the asphalt on highways 52 and 71...






TAG: Mohr says speed limits through the work zones have been reduced and lane closures are expected to result in some delays. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the day Thursday.

Brush Girls Compete in Junior High Rodeo National Finals

KSIR-061912- Three Brush Girls Go To National Junior Rodeo - FM




This weekend, the National Junior High Finals Rodeo takes place in Gallup New Mexico, and three competitors from Brush have earned the right to compete. Alex Odle, Sydney Odle and Quincy Segelke all won honors in their events at the state finals. Quincy also won the all-around girls state title, and Sydney won rookie of the year. The three girls attend school together and practice together as well.

Fire Update 11am Tuesday

KSIR-061912-High Park Fire Update Tuesday 11am

More pre-evacuation notices given to residents living in the glow of the High Park Fire today. Residents in homes in the area of Highway 14 from Pingree Park Rd west to mile marker 90, west of Glen Echo rersort have been told to get ready to go.
Mother nature offered no relief today...just more extreme heat, high winds and dry conditions. The fire is 50-percent contained. Cost so far: 14-point-7 million dollars.
Officials issued a new pre-evacuation order for residents living near the High Park Fire west of Fort Collins Tuesday.

High Park Fire 50% Contained

The High Park Fire is approaching 60,000 acres. Forestry officials say the wildfire is now 50-percent contained. A total of 1,773 firefighters are on the ground in Larimer County battling the blaze. Pre-evacuation notices were issued this morning for the area of Highway 14 from Pingree Park Road west of the Glen Echo Resort. Residents are being warned to be ready to leave at a moments notice. So far, the High Park fire has destroyed 189 homes and caused one death. The current cost of fighting the fire is estimated at $14.7 million. Officials believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike on private land.

Fort Morgan City Council Meeting Held Tuesday Morning

The Fort Morgna city council met this morning and much of the meeting was taken up with airport business. Council members heard a presentation on a proposal to purchase property for the airport runway project as well as a plan to hire an airport engineering services consultant. The Stormwater Ad Hoc Committee made a presentation to the council and there were discussions about the city's budget for next year. There was a presentation of the city's self insurance fund, liabilities, risks and costs.

Water Line Work Closes Fort Morgan Intersections

Intersections in the northeast part of Fort Morgan will be closed through Thursday as water line work is performed.

Water main lines will be installed at the intersection of Eighth Ave. and Diana St. on Tuesday, June 19th, from 7 am to 6 pm, and at the intersection of Ninth Ave. and Diana St. on Wednesday, June 20th, from 7 am to 6 pm. During these times, the entire intersection will be closed to all traffic. The intersection of Diana and Fremont may also be closed on Thursday, June 21st.

Delays are to be expected and motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternative routes.

For more information or questions, call Mitch Church, Water Distribution Superintendent, at (970) 542-3911.

Fort Morgan School Board Meets Tonight

KSIR-061812-FT Morgan School Board Mtg - FM


At this evening Ft. Morgan Board of Education Meeting, plans to establish a school district foundation are on the agenda. The foundation would provide a clearing house for monetary donations to the the disctrict, and give tax incentives to donors. The board holds their work session at 6. the regular meeting begins at 7:30. Both take place at the school support center.

New Darrell Smith Academy Hosts Info Night

kSIR-061812-Darrell Smith High Parent Info Session-ST




Parents and students entering 8th grade at Sterling High School next year are invited to an information session about the new Darrell Smith Academy. The RE-1 Valley School District scheduled the meeting for Wednesday at 6:30pm in Hunter Auditorium at Sterling High. D-S-A will be co-housed at Sterling High beginning this fall due to budget consraints. The Wednesday meeting is set up to provide information about the instructional program and how small class sizes are used to support standards based instruction. Parents and students who are wanting an alternative to the traditional high school setting are encouraged to attend.

High Park Fire: The Latest

Firefighters made major ground this weekend battling the High Park fire in Larimer County. Darrell Moody has the details...






The High Park fire has grown now to over 56,000 acres and is about 45-percent contained. So far, the cost to fight the fire is estimated at $12.6 million. Dozens of homes have been destroyed and officials have issued hundreds of evacuation orders. The Red Cross has opened evacuation centers for residents. There are currently 1,748 firefighters, 113 engines and 17 helicopters fighting the fire. A Red Flag Warning was issued Sunday due to winds in excess of 50 miles per hour. Aircraft were also grounded part of the day Sunday because of the heavy winds.

Weekend Search Planned for Missing Fort Morgan Teen

Friends and family of a missing Fort Morgan teen are organizing another weekend serch. Authorities say 17-year-old Kayla Chadwick disappeared March 27 after a fight with her boyfriend. For weeks, volunteers have been gathering on weekends to search for Kayla. On Saturday, they will be gathering at the Library Park on Main Street in Fort Morgan. Organizers are asking local residents to come out Saturday morning at 9 a.m. to help search for clues in the case. Searchers on horseback or ATV are also encouraged to come out. For more information, call Chastity Houser at 970-380-0595. If you have any information on Kayla's whereabouts you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 970-542-3411. There's a $7,500 reward being offered for information leading to Kayla's safe return.

SCF Inmate Faces Assault Charges

KSIR-061512-SCF Inmate Charged With Assault

Sterling Correctional Facitlity Inmate Bret Smith was in Logan County District Court yesterday to face charges of 2nd degree assoulat causing serious bodily injury. Smith, is already serving time for an assault conviction out of Moffat County, is alleged to have followed another inmate into a cell, where, with two accomplices, he beat the inmate until he was unconcious. The attack was captured on security cameras.

New Wildfire Near Lake George

KSIR-061512-New Wildfire Near Lake George


Asd if the Forest Service didn't have enough on its hands, a new wildfire has ignited in Park County. They are calling this one the Arkansas fire. Lightening started it about a mile south of Highway 24 in The Pike National Forest near Lake George. More than 10 acres have already been torched.

Fire Update 11am Friday

KSIR-061512-Fire Update Friday 11am


New evacuations were ordered overnight for about 200 addition residents northwest of the fire, including some boy scouts at The Ben Delatour Camp...this after high winds pushed the flames across Highway 14. Pre-evacuation orders remain in place for 16-hundred homes on the fire's northwest flank. So far, nearly 53-thousand acres have gone up in smoke. The fire is just 15-percent contained. The cost so far to battle this one: 7-point-2 million dollars.

High Park Fire Grows to 50,000 Acres

The High Park fire in Larimer County has grown to 50,000 acres. Public information officer Reid Armstrong says they're using all available resources to battle the blaze...






TAG: So far, the fire has destroyed more than 30 homes and damaged dozens more. The High Park fire has also claimed one life.

Sterling Firefighters Battle High Park Blaze

KSIR-061412-Sterling Firefighter Help With High Park Blaze



Three Sterling Volunteer Firefighters have signed on to help battle the High Park Inferno. Engine Boss Bill Eastman, Cody Ritter and Ty Honstein are working 16 hour shifts trying to save structures. So far they've assisting in saving 6 buildings from the flames. The three may be on the front line of the fire for as much as two weeks. They also took with them one of Sterling's Wild Land Trucks. The Forest Service is paying The Sterling Fire Department about 8-hundred dollars a day to use it.

Summer Reading Program Heats Up

KSIR-061412-Summer Reading Program Heats Up - FM


A magician and some hands on science experiments are on tap for particiapants in Ft. Morgan's Summer Reading Program over the next week.
Saturday at 2:30, "The Amazing Arthur" brings his magic show to the library. Its billed as entertaining for the entire family, not just kids. Then, next Thursday, Ft. Morgan High School Students are bringing their gear to the library for some science experiments beginning at 1:30. Both events are part of the "Dream Bid - READ" summer program. They are free and open to the public.

CO Parks and Wildlife Officials Warning Against Fire Danger

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials announced Wednesday that park rangers will be enforcing burn bans at state parks. Spokesman Randy Hampton says burn bans are in place in a total of 14 Colorado counties...






TAG: Hampton says if your weekend plans include a visit to any state park, make sure you check with park officials, the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management to see if there are burn ban notices in place.

Logan Commissioners OK Fire Works Sales

KSIR-061312-Logan Commissioners OK Fire Works Sales.


Despite some fire safety concerns, Logan County Commissioners okayed permits for two fireworks retailers at yesterday's meeting. One permit allows for sales from this Friday through July 5th in the field next to First Christian Church. A second permit is for June 23rd through July 5th inside the Masonic Lodge on Springdale Road. Both operations will be inspected by The Sterling Fire Department and The Logan County Building Inspector. While issuing the permits, commissioners directed the fireworks sales operators to display information regarding red flag burn ordinances and notices from The National Weather Service.

Brush Farmers Market Starts Early

KSIR-061312-Brush Setting Up For Farmers Market - FM

The Farmers Market in Brush is getting an earlier start this year, and running a bit later. The first day is Monday June 25th. It will continue on Mondays from 5 til 7pm through October 1st in the Brush Grocery Cart parking lot on Edison Street. Items eligible for sale this year include home-grown produce, crafts, and information. The booths will not have electricity. Contact the Brusch Chamber of Commerce for information at 842-2666.

CU Considering Tuition Break For Undocumented Immigrants

KSIR-061312-University Of Colorado Considering Tuition Break For In State Illegals

Following last week's decision by Metro State College in Denver to give tuition breaks to undocumented immigrants who live in state, University of Colorado is considering a similar measure. Before jumping in, however, CU officials want to take a look at the legal and financial fall out behind Metro State's Move. At least one Colorado Lawmaker...Republican Ft. Morgan Rep Jon Becker...says Metro put their state funding in jeopardy because they went with a plan that had been rejected by the legislature. Becker contends that, because the school receives state funding, the tuition break is being paid for with tax-payer dollars.

US Rep Gardner Calls For More Support For High Park Fire

The battle continues in Larimer County as over 500 fire fighters are working to contain a massive wild fire that has grown to over 43,000 acres. Congressman Cory Gardner says he and other Colorado lawmakers are calling for the U.S. Forest Service to use all available assets to fight the High Park fire...






TAG: Gardner visited with emergency officials Monday at the command center. So far, there are five heavy air tankers and more than ten helicopters battling the blaze.

Banshell Fundraising Gets Boost

KSIR-061212-Ft. Morgan Bandshell Fundraising Gets Big Boost - FM


Organizers of the fundraising effort to build a bandshell at Ft. Morgan's city park got a big boost from The Bloedorn Foundation. A 50-thousand dollar donation was presented at last week's Live at the Park concert. The city spent money last year on the engineering work for the Bandshell project, but private and corporate donations are being solicited for the actual construction. Among the many fundraisers underway, The Bandshell Project committee is selling bricks, engraved with the name of the donor, to be installed as part of the Bandshell's back wall.

Latest Details on High Park Fire

Crews continue to battle a massive fire outside of Fort Collins. Reagan Cloudman with the US Forest Service says the High Park Fire has grown now to over 43,000 acres...






TAG: Clouderman says they have confirmed one fatality. She says they haven't had a chance to assess exactly how many structures have been damaged by the fire because it's too dangerous at this point. Over 2,600 pre-evacuation notifications have been issued to Larimer County homes and businesses.

High Plains Music Fest This Saturday

KSIR-061212-High Plains Music Festival Saturday-ST



The 13th annual High Plains Music Fest is this Saturday at The Starlite Drive In. The event raises funds for local school band programs in Sterling, Fleming, Peetz and other towns in the area. Gates open at 3:30 with 6 live plans set to perform. There'll also be a variety of vendors, and family friendly activities. .

Wildfire update 10am Tuesday

KSIR-061212-Wildfire Spreads, Pre-Evacuation Notice Issued - BOTH.

With the High Park wild fire still raging out of control, The Larimer County Sheriff's Office issued pre-evacuation orders for parts of Glacier View, South of Conty Road 74-E, and east of McNay Hill. Residents don't have to leave yet, but they should be getting prepared. So far, the flames have consumed nearlty 45-thousand acres, taken one life, and burned more than 100 structures. More than a dozen aircraft and 500 fighters are working to contain the inferno.

Greeley Water Supply Endangered By Wildfires

KSIR-061112-Greeley Water Supply Endangered By Wildfires - ST


Water Officials in Greeley are keeping an eye on their main water supplies and back up sources. Rainwater run off from last weeks storms mixed with the soot from the recent wildfire forced the city to go to its first line back up supply, Horestooth Reservoir. Now, that source could become contaminated by the High Park fire, which would make it necessary for the city to go to its second line back up, Boyd Lake, which is typically brought on line only during summer water shortages. It the city does have to move to back up sources, Greeley residents will likely face tighter water use restrictions.

Wildfire Update Monday 11am

KSIR-061112-Wildfire Update


At this hour, the High Park Fire remains out of control. Larimer County Sheriffs describe it as having a life of its own...running through stands of trees, and crawling through grasslands and brush. Over the weekend, the flames jumped Colorado 14 and The Cache La Poundre river moving north. A wall of smoke and burning embers forced the closure ofn US 287 north of Ft. Collins. Hundreds have been forced from their homes, and the number of structures destroyed is climbing.
So far 250 firefighters on the ground, 4 helicopters, five single engine tankers, and three heavy air tankers are engaged in the battle.

State Highway 392 Washed Out In Weld County

Severe weather overnight in Weld County washed out a busy highway. Ashley Mohr with the Colorado Department of Transportation says crews are working at this hour to rebuild a portion of State Highway 392 near mile marker 119....






TAG: C-DOT has set up local detours around the work which is expected to take about a week.

Denver College Lowers Tuition For Illegal Aliens

KSIR-060812-Denver College Lowers Tuition For In-state Illegals


Denver's Metro State College Board of Trustees approved a plan to lower tuition for illegal aliens living in Colorado by 58-percent. The motion carried 7 to 1 at Thursday's meeting. At least one Colorado Lawmaker...Republican Ft. Morgan Rep Jon Becker...has a problem with the decision. He says the school has put their state funding in jeopardy because they went with a plan that had been rejected by the legislature. Becker contends that, because the school receives state funding, the tuition break is being paid for with tax-payer dollars.

Greeley Man Convicted of manslaughter by Rock

KSIR-060812-Greeley Man Convicted of Rock Slaying - ST


A Weld County jury has convicted a man on charges that he threw a rock from his balcony and killed a man.
Dominick Ramirez threw the rock at 60-year old Larry Pino following an altercation. The manslaughter conviction carries a sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Ramirez will be sentenced on August 8th.

Brush Schools Get Distance Learning Grant

KSIR-060812-Brush Schools Get Distance Learning Grant


More than 285-thousand dollars of USDA grant money is coming to the Brush School District to set up a Distance learning Lab at Brush High School. The grant also involves The Pawnee, Prairie, and Wiggins School Districts. Brush would not have gotten the grant alone because it is not considered "rural" enough based on grant guidelines. The money will be used to set up a lab that will allow students to access classrooms all over the world via interactive video conferences.

CO Republicans Tout Domestic Energy and Jobs Act

Four Colorado Congressman are touting what they call a National Energy Production Initiative. Darrell Moody has the details...






The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act, unveiled earlier this week on Capitol Hill, is a package of seven domestic energy production bills including Gardner's Strategic Energy Production Act. District 3 Representative Mike Tipton is sponsoring the Planning for American Energy Act. District 6 Representative Mike Coffman is sponsoring the Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act and District 5 Representative Doug Lamborn is sponsoring the Streamlining Permitting on American Energy Act. Republicans call the package a long-term strategy to address America's energy needs that promotes energy independence.

Greeley Prostitution Sentencing

KSIR-060712-Greeley Prostitution Sentencing - ST


A woman who was busted after advertising a prostitution business on a website has pleaded guilty to Child abuse and keeping a place of prostitution. 25-year-old Amanda Becker of Greeley agreed to plead guilty to those charges in exchange for having other charges dropped. She will serve 12 months probabation. Becker's mother, 43-year-old Sherry Whitacre, was also arrested in connection with the prostitution charges. She'll be arraigned later this month.

Logan County Ballots Mailed This Week

KSIR-060712-Logan County Ballots Mailed This Week - ST


Ballots for Logan County's June 26th Primary were put in the mail this week. This election will be conducted by mail only. No precints will be on on election day. Election officials says ballots are being mailed to all active and inactive "failed to vote" voters affiliated with the Democrat, Republican, or Americian Constitution Parties. Its important to remember that your ballot musc be at the County Clerk's office by 7pm on June 26th. Postmarks do not count.

Ballot Postage

KSIR-060712-Mail In Ballot Postage Costs - FM




Mailing your primary election ballot back to the Morgan County Clerk and Recorder's Office may cost less than you think. The Question came up at the County Commissioners Meeting earlier this week. According to the county clerk's office, mailing the ballot cost the same a mailing a regular first class letter: 45-cents. Some were concerned that it would cost more, and ballots would be returned to senders for insufficient postage.

Weather Forces Live @ The Park Concert Inside

Tonight's opening concert in Fort Morgan's "Live @ The Park" summer concert series will be moved indoors because of weather. City Clerk John Brennan says they will hold the concert at the Clarion Inn off Highway 34 at I-76...






TAG: Brennan says the concert is still free and folks are encouraged to still come out. The MCC Platte Valley Festival Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. The show is expected to run until 8 p.m.

Ground Water Wells Mtg

KSIR-060612-Ground Water Wells Meeting - ST


A meeting is set for Thursday between State and Weld County Officials and local farmers and residents to discuss ground water wells that were ordered shut down during the hieght of the historic drought in the early 2000's. Nearly 8-thousand wells were blocked from pumping because they were depleting water supplies down stream for senior water rights holders. Now, some area farmers and residents are concerned that the closed wells have led to higher ground water levels which have damaged structures, and diminished agricultural production. The meeting is at 10am Thursday at Fritzler's Corn Maze on Weld Coumty Road 33, South of LaSalle, just off US-85.

State Sending 128-million dollar bill to Unemployed

KSIR-060612-Unemployed Coloradan Could Get Bill From The State - BOTH



State officials say it was due to a clerical error, but apparently Colorado paid out nearly 128-million dollars in unemployment benefits last year. Now, the state wants the money back. People on unemployment who were overpaid can look for notices from the state demanding repayment.

Juanita Kinzie Sentenced Today

KSIR-060512-Kinzie Sentenced Today For Killing 3-year Old Son - ST


32 years in prison, with a possibility of parole after serving 24 years. That's the sentence prosecutors agreed to in exchange for Juanita Kinzie's guilty plea in connection with the death of her 3 year old son, Caleb Pacheco. Caleb's body was found wrapped in plastic and a blanket under a mobile home where Kinzie used to live in January. Kinzie pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse resulting in death, and one count of second degree murder, in exchange for prosecutors dropping the original first degree murder and concealing the death of a child charges. The 32 year sentence is 6 years longer than the normal range for second degree murder.

RE-1 Valley BOE Modifies Next Year's Budget

KSIR-060512-Changes To RE-1 Valley Board of Education Budget. - ST

At yesterday's board meeting, The RE-1 Valley Board of Education made some adjustments to next year's budget. 15-thousand dollars was pulled from an account for library books. 5-thousand of that will be used to cover the Colorado Association of School Board dues. The remaining 10-thousand will cover money the district might potentially have to pay back to the state after auditors look at their enrollment.

Disc Golf Champs In Town This Weekend

KSIR-060512-Disc Golf Champions in Town This Weekend - FM


Some describe it as golf, played with a frisbee instead of clubs and balls. This weekend, some of the world's best at it are playing at Ft. Morgan's Riverside Park in this year's High Plains Challenge, including past world champions and current touring professionals. The tournament runs Saturday and Sunday, set up much like a traditional pro-am golf tournament. The awards ceremony is set for The Pavillion of The Optimist Course following Sunday's rounds. The event is sponsored by The Colorado Disc Sports Association and Mile High Disc Golf..

Transit Of Venus Today

KSIR-060512-Transit Of Venus Today - BOTH


A rare astronomical event is underway right now. Scientists call it "the transit of Venus", when Venus passes between Earth andThe Sun. It won't happen again until 2117...more than an century from now. The transit of venus is not as visually impressive as an eclipse of the sun. It will look like a small dot crossing the upper portion of the sun between now and sunset. Experts warn that looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes...even if you have on sun glasses. You can learn how to safely view this event at the NASA website.

Road Work Planned For Wednesday Morning

Part of a busy Fort Morgan street will be closed Wednesday. City Clerk John Brennan says road crews will be working on Sherman Street between the four-way stop and the rail road crossing...






TAG: Brennan says the work should only take from 8am to 1pm on Wednesday...weather permitting. Drivers will have to cross the train tracks at either Main Street or Barlow Road.

Weekend Search For Missing Teen Comes Up Empty

Another weekend search for Kayla Chadwick came up empty. Kayla's mother, Robin Adams, says she is now reaching out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children...







TAG: Adams says only 15 volunteers showed up for this Saturday's search. She's hoping for better numbers this weekend. Organizers are also in the process of reaching out to Texas-based Equusearch. Chadwick has been missing since March 27, following a fight with her boyfriend.

Sterling Cashes In on Lodging Tax Proceeds

KSIR-060412-Sterling Cashes In on Lodging Tax Proceeds - ST



Sterling's new hotel tax fund has netted more than 27-thousand 5-hundred dollars for the City's coffers so far this year. The Fund was approved by voters last November. Guests at local motels and hotels now pay a 5-percent tax. However, the cityy pays 38-percent of the revenue raised to Logan County to fund marketing for local tourism and to operate the visitor's center.

Wildfire Updates

KSIR-060412-Wildfire updates - BOTH


A fire that burned nearly 9 square miles of rugged terrain north of Paradox near the Utah border is under control. Firefighters spent much of today mopping up hot spots. Meanwhile, the wildfire near Pagaosa Springs is about 30 percent contained. That blaze, caused by lightening, has chewed up more than 8 square miles.

Teen Job Prospects

KSIR-060412-Teen Job Prospects - BOTH



Some good news for teens looking for jobs this summer. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment says the number of job postings and employers at youth hiring fairs are up this year. The most recent state job numbers show unemployment among Colorado teens stands at 26 percent.

Brush Mosquito Control Program Underway

KSIR-060412-Brush Mosquito Control Program underway - FM



The City of Brush began its summer long mosquito control program last week with crews putting larvacide into catch basins and standing water areas. This week, they'll start spraying the biomist used to kill adult mosquitos. The city also has a supply of Malathion insecticide on hand to spot treat areas where the mosquito population becomes a nuisance. City officials say spray applications will be done during the evening when the mosquitos are most active, and people are less likely to be directly exposed.

Sterling Inmate Earns Extra Time In The Pen

KSIR-060112-Sterling Inmate Gets Extra Time - ST


64-year-old James Rogers Duncan is going to be in the Sterling Correctional Facility for a long, long time. He's currrently almost 13 years into a 64 year sentence for sexual assault on a child under 15. Now, five and half year have been added after he was convicted of forgery charges yesterday in Logan County District Court. Duncan was accused of forging a signature on a lien between himself and a grievance officer at Sterling Correctional Facility. The lien would have given Duncan title to millions of dollars in gold bullion. Duncan acted as his own defense attorney during the trial.

School Program Funding Approved

KSIR-School Program Funded -FM


Morgan County Commissioners have approved funding for a day treatment program at Brush Middle School. Its designed to serve children who have difficulty functioning in a regular classroom setting. The program, a collective collaboration of the county's public school districts, will be able to accommodate 12 children. They'll get individual mental health counseling as well as a carefully structured classroom environment. .

Trooper Laid To Rest Today

KSIR-060112-Trooper Death-BOTH



Flags on public buildings across the state are flying at half staff today, this in honor of an Englewood police officer who was killed in a hit-and-run collision. 39-year-old Trooper Jeremy Bitner and a motorist he'd pulled over early Monday Morning were both struck. The motorist survived. 20-year-old Conner Donohue is being held on 100-thousand-dollars bond on charges of vehicluar assault, DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident. Trooper Bitner was laid to rest today.

US Rep Gardner Aims To Make VA Facilities More Energy Efficient

Congressman Cory Gardner is pushing for legislation that will make government buildings more energy efficient at no cost to taxpayers. Gardner says his amendment would also make it easier for private sector companies to do the work. The amendment pushes for the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify ways in which their facilities could be more efficent by allowing them to participate in Energy Savings Performance Contracts with private companies. The company must then guarantee that the project improvements will produce energy savings sufficient to pay for the project and would only receive such payments if performance guarantees are met. Last month, Gardner offered a similar amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.