Level 3 Communications is cutting about 700 jobs as the Broomfield-based Internet operator tries to trim costs and reach profitability for the first time in its 15 years as a publicly traded company. The reductions will include about 150 positions in Colorado, where Level 3 employs 2,700 people. The company employs 10,600 worldwide. The Denver Post reports the company cut about 400 jobs last year during its merger with Global Crossing.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Judge Orders Mental Health Records of James Holmes Released to Prosecutors
The judge in the Colorado theater shootings case says a mental hospital and a university must turn over their mental health records on James Holmes on Sept. 30. Holmes is accused of killing 12 and injuring 70 last July. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder. The records are from the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo and the University of Colorado, Denver. Holmes was a grad student at the university and saw a psychiatrist there before the shootings. He was ordered to undergo a sanity evaluation at the mental health institute after pleading insanity.
Review Recommends Changes in Parolee Alerts
An outside review says the Colorado's prison system doesn't have clear guidelines for how officers should respond when electronic alarms indicate a parolee is breaking the rules. The review was launched by the murder of the state's prisons director and another person, apparently by a parolee who cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet but wasn't pursued for days. The National Institute of Corrections review recommended clarifying electronic monitoring rules, improve training, develop better plans for individual inmates and transfer inmates less often, among other changes. New prisons director Rick Raemisch says the recommendations are being implemented. The prison systems already put in a place a requirement that authorities respond more quickly to alarms indicating a monitoring bracelet was tampered with.
Polls Open for Colorado's First Ever Recall of a State Representative
Vote centers opened in Pueblo today for Colorado's first-ever recall election for a state lawmaker is under way. Democratic Sen. Angela Giron is being recalled because she supported a gun control package this year that gun-right advocates say goes too far. Democratic Senate President John Morse of Colorado Springs is also being recalled, though polling locations in his district haven't opened yet. The Sept. 10 recalls have been mired in legal confusion ever since gun-rights activist turned in petitions to force the lawmakers to a recall vote.
67.7 percent of RE-1 Valley '11 grads in college
The Department of Higher Education, led by Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, earlier this week released new reports showing the outcomes of Colorado's public high school graduates.
This DHE information-sharing project, called District at a Glance, links data from the Colorado Department of Education with data from the DHE and the National Student Clearinghouse to report on the progress of students as they move through Colorado's public schools and into colleges and universities.
The report provides information on college enrollment, first year college progress, concurrent enrollment and remedial education. Indicators are broken down by school district and, in a searchable database, by high school.
Two-page reports highlighting Colorado's high school class of 2011, by school district, are being mailed to K-12 school district superintendents this week and the reports are posted on the DHE website as well. The website also includes data from the prior two years, dating back to 2009.
RE-1 Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Jan DeLay said these reports show the good work that both Sterling and Caliche High School are doing.
According to the report, the average grade point average of RE-1's class of 2011 for the first year of college was 2.97, slightly higher than the state average of 2.67. It also shows that 67.7 percent of students enrolled in college, compared to 57.4 percent at the state level, and 35.6 percent of RE-1 students needed remediation, slightly lower than the 39.2 percent at the state level.
Of the students RE-1 has enrolled in college, 64 percent are enrolled in an in-state two-year institution, 19 percent in an in-state four-year institution, 12 percent in an out-of-state four-year institution and 5 percent in an out-of-state two-year institution.
Additionally, the report shows that 47.7 percent of the district's free and reduced lunch students are enrolled in college, compared to 41.9 percent at the state level.
DeLay pointed out that RE-1's statistics were significantly better than those of some online schools, such as Vilas Schools. The data shows the average grade point average for Vilas students was 2.06, only 20.8 percent of students are enrolled in college 55.6 percent of students needed remediation when they entered college.
Branson Reorganized School District No. 82, another online school, faired somewhat better than Vilas. The average grade point average for Branson students was 2.53, 40 percent of students are enrolled in college and 46.7 percent required remediation.
Data for other local school districts is also available.
Students in the Buffalo RE-4J School District, in Merino, had an average grade point average of 2.8, 80 percent of students are enrolled in college and 40 percent required remediation.
The limited data available for Frenchman RE-3 School District, in Fleming, shows 78.6 percent of students are enrolled in college.
There is no data available for Plateau RE-5 School District, in Peetz.
DeLay said she will be sharing this information with building administration, so that they can use it to make improvements.
This DHE information-sharing project, called District at a Glance, links data from the Colorado Department of Education with data from the DHE and the National Student Clearinghouse to report on the progress of students as they move through Colorado's public schools and into colleges and universities.
The report provides information on college enrollment, first year college progress, concurrent enrollment and remedial education. Indicators are broken down by school district and, in a searchable database, by high school.
Two-page reports highlighting Colorado's high school class of 2011, by school district, are being mailed to K-12 school district superintendents this week and the reports are posted on the DHE website as well. The website also includes data from the prior two years, dating back to 2009.
RE-1 Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Jan DeLay said these reports show the good work that both Sterling and Caliche High School are doing.
According to the report, the average grade point average of RE-1's class of 2011 for the first year of college was 2.97, slightly higher than the state average of 2.67. It also shows that 67.7 percent of students enrolled in college, compared to 57.4 percent at the state level, and 35.6 percent of RE-1 students needed remediation, slightly lower than the 39.2 percent at the state level.
Of the students RE-1 has enrolled in college, 64 percent are enrolled in an in-state two-year institution, 19 percent in an in-state four-year institution, 12 percent in an out-of-state four-year institution and 5 percent in an out-of-state two-year institution.
Additionally, the report shows that 47.7 percent of the district's free and reduced lunch students are enrolled in college, compared to 41.9 percent at the state level.
DeLay pointed out that RE-1's statistics were significantly better than those of some online schools, such as Vilas Schools. The data shows the average grade point average for Vilas students was 2.06, only 20.8 percent of students are enrolled in college 55.6 percent of students needed remediation when they entered college.
Branson Reorganized School District No. 82, another online school, faired somewhat better than Vilas. The average grade point average for Branson students was 2.53, 40 percent of students are enrolled in college and 46.7 percent required remediation.
Data for other local school districts is also available.
Students in the Buffalo RE-4J School District, in Merino, had an average grade point average of 2.8, 80 percent of students are enrolled in college and 40 percent required remediation.
The limited data available for Frenchman RE-3 School District, in Fleming, shows 78.6 percent of students are enrolled in college.
There is no data available for Plateau RE-5 School District, in Peetz.
DeLay said she will be sharing this information with building administration, so that they can use it to make improvements.
FM council hears plan for determining "admin support" lines
The Fort Morgan City Council now has answers to the long-standing question of how to determine the administrative support budget line items in the Fort Morgan city budget.
"We can easily explain why we did it now," Fort Morgan City Manager Jeff Wells told the council at the Aug. 20 regular meeting.
As part of their 2014 budget planning, several of the veteran council members pointed to this as one of the big frustrations when working on the coming year's budget, and similar concerns had been aired in previous years' budget planning sessions.
The last couple years, the best answer they had gotten was that there was a formula in a spreadsheet, and the numbers were determined by that formula.
But there was not a set policy for how that formula had come to be or what it represented, which meant that the council members didn't really understand why the dollars were moving around to different places.
The administrative support allocation is meant to be a bit of a budget pass through, moving money from one place to another to cover work done across departments or by shared staff.
The lack of an explainable set policy for budgeting this allocation was something the city's auditor recommended changing for the future during his presentation of the 2012 audit.
So City Treasurer Jeanne Kinney and Wells spent time figuring out a "rational basis" for figuring out the administrative support allocations.
"Figuring out how to do allocations is really challenging, and it's really fun," Kinney said, showing her usual excitment about all things dealing with numbers. "We looked at a lot of different ways to do this."
Some of the things they took into account were the revenues different departments create, costs they incur, their ability to bear expenses and debt obligations, she said.
One of the key questions Kinney wound up looking to answer when figuring the allocations was "what areas use up the resources of those staff?"
Kinney said she went through each fund and figured out which funds were impacted by others and assigned values for that impact.
Those values were then turned into percentages, which allowed for a better way to show how the amounts of money were determined for the various departments' admin support allocations.
While the new, explainable system means some departments will see changes in the admin support allocation, others will stay close to the same.
For example, the General Fund will see the admin support allocation drop to $312,771 from $366,684, but the Electric Fund will only drop by $639.
Most of the other departments will see increases of several thousand dollars in admin support allocations.
"We wanted to have some way to approximate somewhat what it was before, but still have a rational basis," Kinney said. "This isn't by any means cast in concrete... but for next year, what we're hoping to do is go to using the new method."
While the city could have gone with much more complicated ways of determining the allocation, Wells said he thought what Kinney came up with made sense and was simpler, which the auditor had recommended.
"By doing it in this more simplistic way... now there's some sort of rational basis," Wells said.
The council seemed happy to finally have an explanation for how the numbers came to be plunked into the budget.
"So it's not shocking differences, but you can explain how we got to those numbers," Councilwoman Lisa Northrup said. "To me, that was the big thing."
"We can easily explain why we did it now," Fort Morgan City Manager Jeff Wells told the council at the Aug. 20 regular meeting.
As part of their 2014 budget planning, several of the veteran council members pointed to this as one of the big frustrations when working on the coming year's budget, and similar concerns had been aired in previous years' budget planning sessions.
The last couple years, the best answer they had gotten was that there was a formula in a spreadsheet, and the numbers were determined by that formula.
But there was not a set policy for how that formula had come to be or what it represented, which meant that the council members didn't really understand why the dollars were moving around to different places.
The administrative support allocation is meant to be a bit of a budget pass through, moving money from one place to another to cover work done across departments or by shared staff.
The lack of an explainable set policy for budgeting this allocation was something the city's auditor recommended changing for the future during his presentation of the 2012 audit.
So City Treasurer Jeanne Kinney and Wells spent time figuring out a "rational basis" for figuring out the administrative support allocations.
"Figuring out how to do allocations is really challenging, and it's really fun," Kinney said, showing her usual excitment about all things dealing with numbers. "We looked at a lot of different ways to do this."
Some of the things they took into account were the revenues different departments create, costs they incur, their ability to bear expenses and debt obligations, she said.
One of the key questions Kinney wound up looking to answer when figuring the allocations was "what areas use up the resources of those staff?"
Kinney said she went through each fund and figured out which funds were impacted by others and assigned values for that impact.
Those values were then turned into percentages, which allowed for a better way to show how the amounts of money were determined for the various departments' admin support allocations.
While the new, explainable system means some departments will see changes in the admin support allocation, others will stay close to the same.
For example, the General Fund will see the admin support allocation drop to $312,771 from $366,684, but the Electric Fund will only drop by $639.
Most of the other departments will see increases of several thousand dollars in admin support allocations.
"We wanted to have some way to approximate somewhat what it was before, but still have a rational basis," Kinney said. "This isn't by any means cast in concrete... but for next year, what we're hoping to do is go to using the new method."
While the city could have gone with much more complicated ways of determining the allocation, Wells said he thought what Kinney came up with made sense and was simpler, which the auditor had recommended.
"By doing it in this more simplistic way... now there's some sort of rational basis," Wells said.
The council seemed happy to finally have an explanation for how the numbers came to be plunked into the budget.
"So it's not shocking differences, but you can explain how we got to those numbers," Councilwoman Lisa Northrup said. "To me, that was the big thing."
Leprino Foods consolidating operations
Denver-based Leprino Foods Co. is consolidating its string cheese operations in Colorado, a move that includes the closure of its Ravenna, Neb. facility in early November, the company announced.
Much of the consolidation will occur at the Leprino facility in Ft. Morgan.
Leprino said the decision to close the Ravenna facility was necessary, driven by technological advances at other facilities, the changing milk supply situation in the region and "Leprino Food's continuing commitment to meet its customers' requirements."
"We are working closely with our employees and their community during this transition," said Robert Schwartz Sr., vice president of Human Resources.
"Leprino Foods is offering employees at the Ravenna plant severance pay, health care benefit continuation assistance, potential opportunities at other Leprino locations with relocation assistance, and a retention bonus program to those employees who stay with us through the plant closing date," Schwartz said in a statement.
Mike Reidy, Sr. Vice President Corporate Affairs, said that the company is committed to plant upgrades and expansions and that the company is utilizing "the technological advances and capacity increases at other Leprino facilities, specifically at Ft. Morgan."
"Production and supply to our customers will be the top priority - our customers will continue to seamlessly receive their orders without interruption from our Ft. Morgan, Tracy, Calif., and Remus, Mich. facilities," said Reidy.
Much of the consolidation will occur at the Leprino facility in Ft. Morgan.
Leprino said the decision to close the Ravenna facility was necessary, driven by technological advances at other facilities, the changing milk supply situation in the region and "Leprino Food's continuing commitment to meet its customers' requirements."
"We are working closely with our employees and their community during this transition," said Robert Schwartz Sr., vice president of Human Resources.
"Leprino Foods is offering employees at the Ravenna plant severance pay, health care benefit continuation assistance, potential opportunities at other Leprino locations with relocation assistance, and a retention bonus program to those employees who stay with us through the plant closing date," Schwartz said in a statement.
Mike Reidy, Sr. Vice President Corporate Affairs, said that the company is committed to plant upgrades and expansions and that the company is utilizing "the technological advances and capacity increases at other Leprino facilities, specifically at Ft. Morgan."
"Production and supply to our customers will be the top priority - our customers will continue to seamlessly receive their orders without interruption from our Ft. Morgan, Tracy, Calif., and Remus, Mich. facilities," said Reidy.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Adams Co. cities want prisoners in jail
Seven Adams County cities want the sheriff to admit their inmates to the county jail.
The jail has turned away municipal inmates, and the cities' mayors have sent a letter to commissioners demanding they accept them.
Commissioners say they have approved more money to increase jail staffing, but the training continues.
The jail has turned away municipal inmates, and the cities' mayors have sent a letter to commissioners demanding they accept them.
Commissioners say they have approved more money to increase jail staffing, but the training continues.
Taste of Colorado starts tomorrow
Food may give people a reason to head down to Denver this weekend.
The Taste of Colorado begins there tomorrow and runs through Monday.
Organizers say the event at Civic Center Park includes food, a marketplace, and live performances from MC Hammer and Aaron Neville.
The Taste of Colorado begins there tomorrow and runs through Monday.
Organizers say the event at Civic Center Park includes food, a marketplace, and live performances from MC Hammer and Aaron Neville.
Home prices rise
Home prices in the Denver area have increased.
RealtyTrac says the median price of a home has jumped two percent in the last month.
The report also shows the median price of a home at $250,000.
RealtyTrac says the median price of a home has jumped two percent in the last month.
The report also shows the median price of a home at $250,000.
Fast-food workers participate in nationwide protest
People had a tough time getting a quick bite in Denver today, as well as other places around the country.
Fast food employees particiapted in a nationwide strike in an effort to raise pay.
Fast food employees particiapted in a nationwide strike in an effort to raise pay.
Logan Co. youths do well at livestock sale
Logan County has done well at this year's Colorado's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale.
The Logan County 4-H program had six participants qualify for the sale.
The Journal-Advocate reports Allie Stromberger of Iliff brought home a champion spot placing for her hog, which sold to Pigskin Buckaroos for $2,600.
The Logan County 4-H program had six participants qualify for the sale.
The Journal-Advocate reports Allie Stromberger of Iliff brought home a champion spot placing for her hog, which sold to Pigskin Buckaroos for $2,600.
No trash collected in Sterling on Labor Day
The city of Sterling will observe Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2.
Because of this holiday, there will be no trash collected on Monday. Rollouts normally collected on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, along with Tuesday's route.
The schedule will return to normal the following week.
Because of this holiday, there will be no trash collected on Monday. Rollouts normally collected on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, along with Tuesday's route.
The schedule will return to normal the following week.
Bennet discusses Farm Bill, immigration
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet stopped in Fort Morgan Monday during a listening tour through northeast Colorado this week.
He came to discuss the Farm Bill and the immigration reform bill that are currently awaiting a vote by the House of Representatives. Bennet has been closely involved in both pieces of legislation as a member of the Senate Ag Committee that has written the Senate version of the Farm Bill, and as a member of the so-called "Gang of Eight," a bipartisan group of legislators that negotiated the immigration reform bill recently passed by the Senate.
"The quality of the political conversation we've been having in this country is nowhere near where it needs to be," Bennet said. "So whatever is on your mind I'd like to talk about."
He said the Senate has twice passed a bipartisan Farm Bill. The bill includes $24 million of deficit reduction — making the Ag Committee the only Congressional committee to create bipartisan deficit reduction, he said — it also eliminates direct payments, but strengthens crop insurance; it shrinks the number of conservation programs from 23 to 13; strengthens the conservation part of the bills so that farmers and ranchers will be able to count more of the value of their land in easement programs.
"As I said we've passed that bill twice," Bennet said of the Farm Bill. "And it's been endorsed by all the farm groups across Colorado and across the country. We just haven't been able to get it through the House of Representatives. Our farmers and ranchers are now going through the third year of a drought, the worst drought in a generations, and we need to get this bill passed."
He said he's also spent a lot of time over the last several months working on the immigration reform bill — legislation that he believes in important to rural Colorado.
"We have a broken immigration system in this country," Bennet said. "We've had a broken immigration system for a long time, almost a generation."
He was a member of the "Gang of Eight" a term he does not use, he said, because Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is also a member, does not like being referred to a as a gang member.
"The Group of Eight, four Democrats, four Republicans, who negotiated this bill in a complete, I wouldn't even say bipartisan way, I'd say non-partisan way," he said. "And I gotta tell you, having been there the last four years when all there has been has been partisan bickering in one way or another, it really was a pleasure to be in that room."
He said the Democrats — Bennet, Richard Dubin (D-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) — who were in that room had an easier time than the Republicans — McCain, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) — to sit at that table.
"And we passed that bill with 68 votes in the United States Senate," he said. "Nothing passes with 68 votes in the United States Senate."
And now, he said, there was more waiting for the bill to pass through the House of Representatives.
"Just like the Farm Bill, the uncertainty of not having passed this bill, actually affects people's businesses every single day," he said. "The failure to have an immigration system that actually functions is hurting our businesses every single day."
The Congressional Budget Office says this immigration bill would reduce the deficit by $800 billion over the next 20 years, it would bring 11 million people "out of the shadows", and importantly for agriculture, he said, it gets rid of the H2A program and puts in a visa program that is workable and makes sense, moving the program out of the Department of Labor and into the Department of Agriculture.
"This is a bill that I feel very comfortable supporting everywhere I go," he said. "And it is desperately needed. If we don't get it done, it's going to be another generation before we get it done."
Most of the approximately 30 people who came to speak with the senator at Morgan Community College expressed general support for the two pieces of legislation, even while expressing some concerns about specific provisions.
Also during the tour, Bennet made stops including Cooksey's Farm in Roggen, as well as schools throughout the region including Prairie Public School in New Raymer.
"This is truly one of the highlights of my year," Bennet said of his tour through the various parts of the state. "I've spent a lot of July and August in rural parts of the state. People think we should knock off the politics and pass these bills."
Bennet said he is very optimistic about where the state is going.
"And I like the state just the way it is, by the way," he said.
He came to discuss the Farm Bill and the immigration reform bill that are currently awaiting a vote by the House of Representatives. Bennet has been closely involved in both pieces of legislation as a member of the Senate Ag Committee that has written the Senate version of the Farm Bill, and as a member of the so-called "Gang of Eight," a bipartisan group of legislators that negotiated the immigration reform bill recently passed by the Senate.
"The quality of the political conversation we've been having in this country is nowhere near where it needs to be," Bennet said. "So whatever is on your mind I'd like to talk about."
He said the Senate has twice passed a bipartisan Farm Bill. The bill includes $24 million of deficit reduction — making the Ag Committee the only Congressional committee to create bipartisan deficit reduction, he said — it also eliminates direct payments, but strengthens crop insurance; it shrinks the number of conservation programs from 23 to 13; strengthens the conservation part of the bills so that farmers and ranchers will be able to count more of the value of their land in easement programs.
"As I said we've passed that bill twice," Bennet said of the Farm Bill. "And it's been endorsed by all the farm groups across Colorado and across the country. We just haven't been able to get it through the House of Representatives. Our farmers and ranchers are now going through the third year of a drought, the worst drought in a generations, and we need to get this bill passed."
He said he's also spent a lot of time over the last several months working on the immigration reform bill — legislation that he believes in important to rural Colorado.
"We have a broken immigration system in this country," Bennet said. "We've had a broken immigration system for a long time, almost a generation."
He was a member of the "Gang of Eight" a term he does not use, he said, because Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is also a member, does not like being referred to a as a gang member.
"The Group of Eight, four Democrats, four Republicans, who negotiated this bill in a complete, I wouldn't even say bipartisan way, I'd say non-partisan way," he said. "And I gotta tell you, having been there the last four years when all there has been has been partisan bickering in one way or another, it really was a pleasure to be in that room."
He said the Democrats — Bennet, Richard Dubin (D-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) — who were in that room had an easier time than the Republicans — McCain, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) — to sit at that table.
"And we passed that bill with 68 votes in the United States Senate," he said. "Nothing passes with 68 votes in the United States Senate."
And now, he said, there was more waiting for the bill to pass through the House of Representatives.
"Just like the Farm Bill, the uncertainty of not having passed this bill, actually affects people's businesses every single day," he said. "The failure to have an immigration system that actually functions is hurting our businesses every single day."
The Congressional Budget Office says this immigration bill would reduce the deficit by $800 billion over the next 20 years, it would bring 11 million people "out of the shadows", and importantly for agriculture, he said, it gets rid of the H2A program and puts in a visa program that is workable and makes sense, moving the program out of the Department of Labor and into the Department of Agriculture.
"This is a bill that I feel very comfortable supporting everywhere I go," he said. "And it is desperately needed. If we don't get it done, it's going to be another generation before we get it done."
Most of the approximately 30 people who came to speak with the senator at Morgan Community College expressed general support for the two pieces of legislation, even while expressing some concerns about specific provisions.
Also during the tour, Bennet made stops including Cooksey's Farm in Roggen, as well as schools throughout the region including Prairie Public School in New Raymer.
"This is truly one of the highlights of my year," Bennet said of his tour through the various parts of the state. "I've spent a lot of July and August in rural parts of the state. People think we should knock off the politics and pass these bills."
Bennet said he is very optimistic about where the state is going.
"And I like the state just the way it is, by the way," he said.
Riverview Avenue, Highway 144 remain closed
A portion of Riverview Avenue/Highway 144 is expected to be closed to traffic Thursday and Friday as the final phase of the water line replacement in Ensign Street is completed.
The work will require the closure of the intersection of Ensign and Riverview/144. Excavation is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, and paving for Friday, Aug. 30.
Riverview will be closed to through traffic between Main Street and Alco Road. Truck traffic will be detoured south to Platte Avenue/US 34 as the work proceeds. Ensign also will be closed between 9th Avenue and Riverview/Highway 144.
The water line replacement project is part of the City of Fort Morgan’s continuing program of infrastructure improvements. It involves replacement of water main lines in Ensign between Platte and Riverview as well as repaving of the project area.
Upgrades to the stormwater system in the area of Eighth Avenue and Ensign are also part of the project. This work should begin in mid-September and is expected to help alleviate at least some of the perennial flooding in that area during major rain events.
Detours and extensive signage will be placed, and the city asks residents to be patient and avoid these areas during the closures.
This and other projects now under way are part of the City of Fort Morgan’s capital improvement plan, which is aimed at continually investing in infrastructure such as streets, water and sewer lines, parks and other public amenities. City officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during the periods of disruption caused by these necessary upgrades.
The work will require the closure of the intersection of Ensign and Riverview/144. Excavation is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, and paving for Friday, Aug. 30.
Riverview will be closed to through traffic between Main Street and Alco Road. Truck traffic will be detoured south to Platte Avenue/US 34 as the work proceeds. Ensign also will be closed between 9th Avenue and Riverview/Highway 144.
The water line replacement project is part of the City of Fort Morgan’s continuing program of infrastructure improvements. It involves replacement of water main lines in Ensign between Platte and Riverview as well as repaving of the project area.
Upgrades to the stormwater system in the area of Eighth Avenue and Ensign are also part of the project. This work should begin in mid-September and is expected to help alleviate at least some of the perennial flooding in that area during major rain events.
Detours and extensive signage will be placed, and the city asks residents to be patient and avoid these areas during the closures.
This and other projects now under way are part of the City of Fort Morgan’s capital improvement plan, which is aimed at continually investing in infrastructure such as streets, water and sewer lines, parks and other public amenities. City officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during the periods of disruption caused by these necessary upgrades.
Fort Morgan to Host USTA Free Tennis Play Event
The City of Fort Morgan Recreation Department will host a Free Tennis Play Event at the city tennis courts in Old Fort Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the United States Tennis Association and is part of the Nickelodeon television network’s Worldwide Day of Play. It is a nationwide effort to get kids active and involved in tennis during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.
Thousands of similar events will be held throughout the country on the same day, showcasing how fun and easy it now is for families to get into the sport of tennis. It’s a great way for parents to spend time with their children while keeping them active, according to the USTA.
Tennis courts and equipment are now “sized right” for age groups, so kids can play on shorter courts with smaller racquets and slower, lower-bouncing balls. This allows children to have a great time with the game and influences them to keep playing and improving, the USTA says.
“USTA Free Tennis Play Events are a great opportunity to get kids active and to encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “In addition, these events provide a fantastic platform to showcase the fun and excitement of youth tennis, and will encourage families to get involved in the sport.”
For more information on the Sept. 28 Free Tennis Play Event in Fort Morgan, visit the City Recreation Department at 528 State St. or call (970) 542-3921. Old Fort Park is located on the north side of Riverview Avenue one block east of Main Street.
To learn more about USTA Free Tennis Play Events, visit www.youthtennis.com.
The event is sponsored by the United States Tennis Association and is part of the Nickelodeon television network’s Worldwide Day of Play. It is a nationwide effort to get kids active and involved in tennis during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.
Thousands of similar events will be held throughout the country on the same day, showcasing how fun and easy it now is for families to get into the sport of tennis. It’s a great way for parents to spend time with their children while keeping them active, according to the USTA.
Tennis courts and equipment are now “sized right” for age groups, so kids can play on shorter courts with smaller racquets and slower, lower-bouncing balls. This allows children to have a great time with the game and influences them to keep playing and improving, the USTA says.
“USTA Free Tennis Play Events are a great opportunity to get kids active and to encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “In addition, these events provide a fantastic platform to showcase the fun and excitement of youth tennis, and will encourage families to get involved in the sport.”
For more information on the Sept. 28 Free Tennis Play Event in Fort Morgan, visit the City Recreation Department at 528 State St. or call (970) 542-3921. Old Fort Park is located on the north side of Riverview Avenue one block east of Main Street.
To learn more about USTA Free Tennis Play Events, visit www.youthtennis.com.
The Colorado Flatlanders' annual Rod Run left behind more than just dust in Sterling this summer
The Colorado Flatlanders' annual Rod Run left behind more than just dust in Sterling this summer. The event, which brings car enthusiasts and collectors to the town every summer, supports the automotive programs at Northeastern Junior College, as well. For years, members have donated their time and money to help with student projects, scholarships, and day to day operations, and the Flatlanders recently announced that they donated $620 raised during their car show this summer at Pioneer Park to the Secondary Auto Tech Skills USA Club. The skills club will use the money to help pay for a race car they run at an area track, auto show expenses, and the club's annual skills events and competitions.
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750 tons of dangerous computer parts dumped
A property owner says a company paid to recycle hazardous electronics waste has abandoned 750 tons of dangerous computer parts. Luminous Recycling started hauling trailers full of computer glass in June, just before a new law went into effect that makes dumping the glass in landfills illegal. The property owner says he is trying to figure out how to clean it up.
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Fairer wages
Fairer wages. Those are the rallying cries of some Coloradans who are joining fast-food workers across the country in calling for their fair share. About 50 people picketed outside a McDonald's in the Denver suburb of Northglenn for about an hour, Thursday morning as part of protests in over 50 cities demanding an increase in the federal minimum wage. Nationally, workers say they want $15 an hour, which is more than twice what minimum wagers currently make. The hike would be about $31,000 a year for full-time employees, compared to the current $7.25 an hour, or $15,000 a year. The minimum wage in Colorado is $7.78 an hour because it's one of eight states that link it to inflation. There have been similar protests organized by unions and community groups over the past several months.
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Too hot to go to school
At least one Denver school is making attendance for students optional Thursday due to the heat, and it plans to be closed Friday with high temperatures once again predicted to be in the 90s. The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School said on its website that students whose parents decide to have them stay home Thursday will have an excused absence. The charter school says it will be closed Friday. Denver Public Schools has dozens of buildings without air conditioning. Some schools were built more than 100 years ago.
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Aurora Police are investigating a disturbance that left one person dead
Aurora Police are investigating a disturbance that left one person dead. Police said in a statement Thursday they received a call about a family disturbance and found a woman in serious condition. The woman later died, and the cause of death has not been released. Police said they are looking for a woman who left the house before they arrived.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Greley Woman Convicted of Menacing
A jury's convicted 76-year-old Joyce Bradmon of Greeley of felony menacing after accusations that she pointed a pellet gun at a neighbor in a dispute in 2011. The neighbor, Michael Crawley told police Bradmon pointed a replica of a semi-automatic handgun at him after he confronted her for yelling at neighborhood children drawing on a sidewalk with chalk. At the time, Crawley believed the gun was real. Bradmon testified that she only held the gun on her lap as she sat in a wheelchair and had never loaded or fired it. She also denied pointing it at anyone. She'll be sentenced Oct. 25.
It was a roll of the dice, but it paid off for one area school
It was a roll of the dice, but it paid off for one area school. Deb Vedsted says she wasn't sure what the district would get, but she applied for The Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant anyway. The 2013 recipients of the youth literacy programs was recently announced, and on the roster, Ayres Elementary, who was awarded $2,000 to purchase non-fiction books.
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Area kids are climbing for a cause
Area kids are climbing for a cause. The first annual Logan County Climb For Kids will challenge Sterling youngsters to climb as many floors as they can in one hour as a tribute to all that were lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Sterling Fire fighters will also be collecting donations before the event, next Saturday morning, (Sept. 7), at the Logan County Fairgrounds, on behalf of two children’s charities, including Tuesday’s Children, an organization formed to help kids who lost their parents in the after the 9/11 attacks. Donations are also being accepted at the Sterling Fire Department.
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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, this Labor Day weekend
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, this Labor Day weekend. The Colorado State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state will be beefing up patrol on the roads this holiday weekend to encourage drivers to make smart driving choices and plan ahead for a sober ride home. The Heat is On Campaign runs through Sept. 3, and concludes a summer-long campaign, which included sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and increased DUI enforcement across the state.
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After a lengthy trial and a bizare video a jury handed down a guilty verdict in the 2012 homicide case of a Sterling resident
After a lengthy trial and a bizare video a jury handed down a guilty verdict in the 2012 homicide case of a Sterling resident. The trial for Roger Archuleta, charged in the death of Mikel Haynes, ended late Tuesday afternoon and included intensive testimony from Sterling Police officers, who headed up the investigation, and jurors also saw a video, which showed Archuleta dragging Haynes lifeless body into the hallway of a Sterling Housing complex, on MacGregor Road, and a few minutes later dragging him back into the apartment, Dec. 6. Sentencing on the murder conviction has been set for Oct. 7 in a Sterling Court room.
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Brush will be flying high next weekend
Brush will be flying high next weekend. Colorful hot air balloons will once again grace the skies at the Brush 2013 Hot Air Balloon Festival, September 7 and 8, at the VFW/Memorial Park area. The festival is the only one of its kind, and organizers say the festival attacts balloons and pilots from all over the Front Range, including the Denver area, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, as well as from Wyoming. Organizers say they're still looking for food and arts and crafts vendors as well as activities for the Kids Fun Area. For additional information about the festival, call 970-380-9097.
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The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's monthly numbers for nonfarm payroll jobs went up
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's monthly numbers for nonfarm payroll jobs went up. The March 2013 total nonfarm payroll jobs estimates is expected to be revised up by about 18,300 jobs, a nearly 1 percent jump. The revisions would shift the return of the payroll jobs peak prior to the so called Great Recession.
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A boost to the economy
A boost to the economy. That's what Brighton City officials, say the new King Soopers will bring to the region. King Soopers representatives, and members of the community broke ground last week on the new location, to be built at Bridge Street and 50th Avenue. Officials say the project will be a welcome relief in an area where there are no services or amenities. The project will create an estimated 300 construction jobs for the next year, over 200 permanent jobs once King Soopers opens, more than 150 jobs from future development in the shopping center, and an estimated $25 million in sales when additional retail and restaurants open in this northeastern part of the city, which will serve surrounding areas, including Brush, Fort Morgan, Bennett, and Byers. The store is expected to be up and running, hopefully within about a year.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Ft Morgan Seccession in Trouble
A proposal to secede from Colorado has run into trouble in Morgan County. The Fort Morgan Times reports secession supporters only turned in about 900 signatures by yesterday's deadline, less than the 2,300 county commissioners set as the threshold to put the 51st state measure on the ballot. Commissioners are expected to discuss the petition when they meet on Sept. 3. Commission chairwoman Laura Teague has said secession would be costly for the agricultural county. She says water rights would be challenged, hurting farmers and ranchers. Morgan County is surrounded by three other counties where the issue will be on the ballot - Weld, Logan and Washington counties.
Vehicle Tracking Data Kept Too Long in Ft. Collins
Authorities in Fort Collins say they inadvertently kept vehicle tracking data longer than they were supposed to. A truck-mounted system used by parking enforcement officers recognizes and photographs every license plate it sees. The Fort Collins Coloradoan reports the pictures are used as evidence whenever someone contests a parking ticket and the records are supposed to be disposed of after 6-months. City officials recently discovered the system has been keeping the information for two years.
State Supreme Court Weighs in on Legislative Recall
The Colorado Supreme Court says voters in two legislative recalls don't have to vote "yes" or "no" first on the recall to have their votes for a successor validated. The court says a state constitutional requirement that voters must first vote on the recall before voting for a candidate violates rights to voting and expression under the U.S. Constitution. The opinion came in response to a question from Gov. John Hickenlooper. Election ballots were expected to be printed today.
Save Christmas
Save Christmas. Those are the rallying cries of some Sterling residents who say, if something isn't done soon, another of the town's great traditions will fall to the wayside. The Logan County lights are gone, thanks to budget cuts, and community members say it's dimming the Christmas spirit. The same thing happened in Denver decades ago, and the solution was a "Save The Lights" campaign. People chipped in, established a trust fund, and made sure the magic of the season shone on. Some say that's what could be done to bring back the Logan County Courthouse Christmas lights, without burdening the taxpayers. One resident is excited about the idea, and says if someone will establish the fund he'll kick in fifty bucks. Anybody else?
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Northeastern Junior College has added 22 new staff members as it opens a new school year
Northeastern Junior College has added 22 new staff members as it opens a new school year. Several joined the staff last spring or over the summer, but all of the new staff members were formally introduced to their colleagues at the college's in-service held last week.
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There is one thing for sure that investigators now believe was part of the bizarre turn of events that led to the murder of Sterling prisons chief Tom Clements
There is one thing for sure that investigators now believe was part of the bizarre turn of events that led to the murder of Sterling prisons chief Tom Clements. Evan Ebel was more than likely repaying a prison debt, authorities said, after a rival gang threatened the white supremacist and a member of the 211 Crew protected him, leaving Ebel owing the gangbanger. That debt authorities suspect, was repaid when Ebel killed Clements. BI and El Paso County investigators still don't have the answers to several other questions though, including how Clements murder is connected to a pizza delivery driver who Ebel killed in March, and whether that murder involved a Saudi inmate imprisoned in Colorado. One thing is clear, Ebel was loyal to the white supremacist prison gang, 211 Crew ring leader, Benjamin Davis. Investigators have also concluded that Ebel was driving to the home of a paroled 211 Crew member, who lived south of Dallas, when he was killed in a shootout with Texas lawmen, March 21. The investigation is ongoing.
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Remarks by a Republican state senator, interpreted as racist, stunned her colleagues
Remarks by a Republican state senator, interpreted as racist, stunned her colleagues. During a discussion on poverty, Sen. Vicki Marble of Fort Collins drew a stinging rebuke from a black state lawmaker, when she said blacks eat chicken and Mexicans eat vegetables until they move to the United States. Marble defended her comments, saying she didn't mean to offend any community, and she was saddened her remarks were taken in that regard.
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A Craig doctor accused of illegally prescribing drugs that killed two people will soon learn his fate
A Craig doctor accused of illegally prescribing drugs that killed two people will soon learn his fate. Joel E. Miller was scheduled to appear in Grand Junction court, Tuesday. He was arrested Monday in Steamboat Springs on charges he tried to defraud health care benefits programs by prescribing painkillers to patients who didn't necessarily need them, and at lethal dosages. Miller also is accused of pre-signing prescriptions and allowing office employees to distribute prescriptions in his absence. Miller believes he's the victim of a witch hunt.
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A Florida soldier who was shot and killed outside a nightclub in nearby Colorado Springs, will be remembered
A Florida soldier who was shot and killed outside a nightclub in nearby Colorado Springs, will be remembered. Fort Carson is holding a memorial service, Tuesday, for 22-year-old Cpl. Deangelo M. Brown, who was part of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson. Police say Brown was shot and killed Aug. 18 outside the Circa Nightclub. So far, no arrests have been made.
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A 33-year-old Leadville man died while in police custody
A 33-year-old Leadville man died while in police custody. Authorities say no charges will be filed against the Summit County Jail, after Zackary Moffitt collapsed and died while deputies were trying to stop him from harming himself. Moffitt was being held on an outstanding warrant and for violating a restraining order.
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Monday, August 26, 2013
Wiggins Closer to New Water Supply
Construction's started on the final piece of pipeline that will bring a new water supply to Wiggins. Town officials expect water to start flowing in the next three to four weeks. The Fort Morgan Times reports Wiggins needs a new water supply, because its old wells are slowly drying up, and the water quality's fallen. Wiggins also has to replace the water it takes out of the ground, because state officials believe that the ground water feeds the South Platte River, and taking water out of the ground could affect other people's water rights.
Morgan Secession Signatures Due Today
Voters in Morgan County will learn soon whether they'll also get a chance to vote on seceding from Colorado. 4p.m. today was the deadline for secession supporters to turn in a petition to get the 51st state measure on the ballot this fall. They need the signatures of at least 15% of county voters, about 2,300 people. Morgan County is surrounded by three other counties where the issue will already be on the ballot - Weld, Logan and Washington counties. A new state would have to be approved by the state Legislature and the U.S. Congress, making the secession votes mostly symbolic.
"No Farms, No Food."
"No Farms, No Food." That's the sticker that caught everyone's attention among hundreds of posters and pictures hanging on the walls of R.D's Bar in Sedgwick, and it's the message the town of roughly 180 people, want to send. Farmers in extreme northeast Colorado are worried that Denver lawmakers are ignoring how much rural Colorado is needed. Case in point say farmer's is how Front Range cities are allowed to buy up water rights that should be going to irrigate crops, and they're worried that the farm bill approved this session will leave rural areas financially and fundamentally shortchanged. Producers say agricultural areas are withering, despite their importance, and the real problem is the disconnect between urban and rural thinking.
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A former Fort Carson soldier is getting the Medal of Honor for bravery
A former Fort Carson soldier is getting the Medal of Honor for bravery he showed during a firefight in Afghanistan. Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter is being honored Monday by President Barack Obama. Carter is being recognized for resupplying ammunition to American fighters, rendering first aid and risking his own life to save an injured soldier pinned down by enemy fire. At the time of the battle, Carter was a specialist assigned to the Black Knight Troop of the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Carson.
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Colorado State University student Andrew Schneeweis won't have to take out any loans for this year's classes
Colorado State University student Andrew Schneeweis won't have to take out any loans for this year's classes. Schneeweis nailed a half-court shot during the university's pep rally Saturday to earn his tuition-free year. CSU coaches Tom Hilbert, Larry Eustachy (u-stacy), Jim McElwain and Ryun Williams put up the money for the lucky shot.
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And action!
And action! Universal Pictures crews will be shooting a film, and portions of the Pikes Peak Highway will be closed to visitors, Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. The film title is being kept under wraps, but the director asked that the highway be shutdown while rolling tape because several shots will involve a long setup time. The highway will be open Labor Day weekend and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway will operate during normal hours while the thourafare is closed.
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A 30-year-old Fort Morgan man died after being taken into custody by Fort Morgan Police officers
A 30-year-old Fort Morgan man died after being taken into custody by Fort Morgan Police officers early Saturday morning.
Authorities say 30 year old Rick Santistevan ran from police before he was caught and arrested in connection with a home invasion and the assault of another man, at a residence on Prospect Street, just after midnight, Friday. Officiers say the found Santistevan in an alley near the home and when he tried to get away they tased him and physically took him to the ground, where he continued to resist arrest. Officers were eventually able to place him in handcuffs, and when they rolled him over onto his back they realized he had stopped breathing. The officers immediately began to administer CPR and called for an ambulance, but failed to revive Santistevan. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone who may have any information that might assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Santistevan’s family has been notified.
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Authorities say 30 year old Rick Santistevan ran from police before he was caught and arrested in connection with a home invasion and the assault of another man, at a residence on Prospect Street, just after midnight, Friday. Officiers say the found Santistevan in an alley near the home and when he tried to get away they tased him and physically took him to the ground, where he continued to resist arrest. Officers were eventually able to place him in handcuffs, and when they rolled him over onto his back they realized he had stopped breathing. The officers immediately began to administer CPR and called for an ambulance, but failed to revive Santistevan. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone who may have any information that might assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Santistevan’s family has been notified.
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Friday, August 23, 2013
Colorado Officials COnsidering New College Tuition Idea
Colorado educators are considering a new plan basing college tuition on student earnings. Colorado Commission on Higher Education vice chairman Patricia Pacey raised the idea. The Denver Post reports the proposal's based on an Oregon plan that would let people attend Oregon's public universities without paying tuition or fees, as long as they agree to pay a percentage of their future income to the school after they graduate.
Ty Lawson Domestic Violence Hearing Delayed to Next Month
An initial hearing in the domestic violence case against Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson has been delayed until net month at the request of prosecutors who say they need more time to investigate. Lawson and his pregnant girlfriend Ashley Pettiford were both arrested after a fight at their home Saturday. Pettiford says she heard Lawson on the phone with another woman and that Lawson pushed her as she packed her things. She's accused of breaking Lawson's phone.
An Aarapahoe County Sheriff's spokesperson says the conflict "was a mutual situation."
An Aarapahoe County Sheriff's spokesperson says the conflict "was a mutual situation."
New Poil Says Hickenlooper Not a Shoe-In for Re-Election
A new poll shows just 45% of Colorado voters want Democratic Gov. John Hickenloooper re-elected, and half of voters don't agree disapprove of his position on new gun laws and the death penalty. The Quinnipiac University poll released says Hickenlooper's approval rating is 48%, just and ahead of potential GOP candidate Tom Tancredo. Hickenlooper leads the former congressman 46 to 45%. Hickenlooper signed new gun laws this year, including more background checks and limits on the size of ammo magazines. He also granted an indefinite stay of execution to Nathan Dunlap, who killed four people at a Chuck E. Cheese in 1993. The poll of 1,184 registered voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
The Logan County Clerk and Recorder's office has been mailing letters to residents to make sure they're voter registration info is up to date
The Logan County Clerk and Recorder's office has been mailing letters to residents to make sure they're voter registration info is up to date. If you receive a letter and have questions, Logan County officials say just call the clerks office. Most of the letters are just asking you to make note of any changes to your information and return the form in the self-addressed stamped envelope. You can also go on line at govotecolorado.com and make your updates. Nov. 5 is election Day! There will be NO voting at the polling centers on election day, and the Logan County Clerk and Recorder's Office says it's important they have your current information on file, because they'll be mailing out ballots to all active registered voters. The ballots will be mailed out between Oct. 15 and Oct. 18.
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It's gonna be a homegrwon feeling at Colorado's State Fair opening
It's gonna be a homegrwon feeling at Colorado's State Fair opening. The Fair in Pueblo opens today with a new "Colorado Proud" store, where visitors can shop for locally grown goods. Not everything at the fair is new. There will be an encore return of an annual Pueblo Chamber of Commerce barbecue with Gov. John Hickenlooper along with other members of Congress and aspiring lawmakers. The fair runs through Sept. 2.
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It's back to home, for area home-schoolers
It's back to home, for area home-schoolers. The Morgan County Homeschool Network (MCHN) is gearing up for the first day of "home classes" at their annual BACK-TO-SCHOOL POTLUCK, next week. Veterans and first time homeschool families are encouraged to bring a covered dish and join the fellowship, Monday (August 26), from 6 to 8:30, at the Nazarene Church Gymnasium, on West 7th, in Fort Morgan. Learn about lots of fun activities, field trips, and parent support for home education throughout the year, at The Back-To-School Potluck which will also include crafts and recreation for the kids, as well as a supervised nursery, while parents pow-wow for the new school year.
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Wiggins residents will soon have all the water they need
Wiggins residents will soon have all the water they need. Construction has begun on the last section of pipeline, linking it to miles of pipeline already in place, which will have a new water supply flowing to residents in the town wihtin the next three or four weeks. Wiggins needs a new water supply, because its old wells are slowly drying up, and the quality of water has become dangerous. The Northeast Colorado Department of Health warned people against letting infants drink the water at all, because even boiling it doesn't kill the germs. This section of pipe was delayed when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initially did not approve the design, because it was uncertain if Wiggins could replace the water it takes out of the ground, which is crucial state officials believe, since the ground water feeds the South Platte River.
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Mother Nature spared the already flood-damaged Colorado city of Manitou Springs from the latest round of torrential rain
Mother Nature spared the already flood-damaged Colorado city of Manitou Springs from the latest round of torrential rain. Most of last night's (thu) rain fell upstream from the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest, sending water runoff into Fountain Creek. The storms still caused plenty of problems though, as some mororitsts wound up getting stuck on washed out roads. And hail had crews busy in area S.W. of Denver.
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Thursday, August 22, 2013
Drinking Water Being Brought to Sterling Correctional Facility
As a precaution, Colorado's Corrections Department is bringing about 4800 gallons of drinking water every day to the Sterling Correctional Facility, for prisoners staff, visitors and volunteers. The reason is testing of the water provided to the facility by the City of Sterling showed a slight increase in uranium last month. According to the Journal Advocate, the State Health Department says the health risk is low, corrections officials decided on an alternative water source for drinking. Water provided by the city of Sterling will continue to be used in the preparation of food, showering and washing and will be available for drinking.
The West Nile Virus has found it's way onto Colorado ranches
The West Nile Virus has found it's way onto Colorado ranches. A 3-month-old colt from Montezuma County was diagnosed with West Nile, Aug. 14, and is the first reported equine case in the state, but health officials said this week, 30 people have been infected with the virus so far this year, with Larimer County officials reporting the worst outbreak of WNV in years. However, recently released report shows only 16 cases have been reported in the rest of the state, as of Aug. 19. Tests show the virus is still active in Morgan County, and residents are being warned to take precautions to avoid getting infected. How the disease is transmitted varies from year to year, officials say, and depends on myriad factors, including the number of mosquitos, who are carriers and become infected after biting diseased birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans and animals.
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Just say no
Just say no. That's the message the state Board of Health sent to pot patients after members rejected an emergency petition they filed demanding the panel stop giving out personal medical information to law enforcement. Marijuana activists demonstrated during a special meeting outside the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, yesterday, protesting a June audit that found Colorado Health officials havn't kept the registry confidential, and they want the board to destroy and rebuild the 107,000-person registry. Information from the registry is supposed to be accessible to law enforcement only under limited circumstances, and pot patients are concerned they're being unfairly targeted. Board president Laura Davis said the panel doesn't have enough information to determine that the registry is not working properly. That information will come from the state Attorney General's Office, which so far has made no formal recommendations about what, if anything, should be changed.
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The city of Glenwood Springs is extending its moratorium on accepting applications for retail marijuana businesses
The city of Glenwood Springs is extending its moratorium on accepting applications for retail marijuana businesses through the end of the year after the city council said it cannot meet an Oct. 1 deadline to put local regulations in place. The council voted 4-1 at a special meeting Tuesday to continue the moratorium until Dec. 31. The vote reverses an earlier decision to let the current moratorium expire on Oct. 1. Authorities say the new deadline was set because existing medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to apply with the state for permission to expand into the retail marijuana market starting in January.
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A paraglider is lucky to be alive
A paraglider is lucky to be alive after crashing halfway up Red Mountain near Glenwood Springs. The man was placed on a stretcher and taken away in a helicopter, Wednesday. Authorities say the man had to cling to a steep grade of soil before he could be rescued. There was no word on any injuries.
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A Montrose woman is being accused of filing a false police report
A Montrose woman is being accused of filing a false police report after she told authorities a gun-wielding intruder shot her in the arm. Authorities say Cindy Booth told them she was home alone, Tuesday, when the shooting occurred. Police say a Montrose officer who lives in the home was on patrol at the time and was not involved in the incident.
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Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Greeley PD Trying to Find Owners of Recovered Underwear
Greeley Police say they've arrested a man whose home had more than 350 stolen items of women's clothing, mostly underwear. Police say Joey Gallegos is being held on suspicion of theft and burglary. Investigators say they talked to him while investigating complaints from two women who reported under garments missing from the laundry room of their apartment complex, a complex near Gallegos' home. Police say Gallegos handed over the missing items. Officers then got a search warrant for Gallegos home where they found the 350-plus undergarments. Police are trying to find their owners. They say Gallegos has been linked to two other burglaries in the same apartment complex.
Pot Patient Confidentiality?
Colorado health authorities have rejected an emergency petition from medical marijuana patients to destroy the state patient registry because of security breaches. The state Board of Health apologized today to marijuana patients who demanded they destroy the 107,000-name long marijuana patient registry. The patients are angry about security problems outlined in a June audit. The health board says it wants to hear from the state attorney general before proceeding. Colorado's medical patient list is supposed to be accessible to law enforcement only under limited circumstances. But state auditors in June blasted the health department for lax security of the registry.
Fed Appeals Court Says Colorado's Online Sales Tax Legal
A federal appeals court has ruled Colorado's law requiring large online retailers to collect millions of dollars in state taxes on Internet sales is legal. The court found a lower court overstepped its jurisdiction in tossing out the law last year. The law passed in 2010 requires Internet companies to collect Colorado's 2.9 percent tax on purchases. The Denver Post reports the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has lifted a permanent injunction issued by a lower court last year.
Informal Secession Petitions Circulating in Morgan County
A few informal petitions are circulating to get enough signatures to put secession on the ballot for Morgan County. Should they collect 2,300 good signatures, the issue would go on the ballot for the November election - and it could cost the county government $13,000 to $15,000 to hold that election. A county spokesperson tells the Ft. Morgan Times it's not clear just how much it would cost, since it depends on how many other things end up on the ballot and who will share the costs of the election.
Sterling High School's Tiger Field is going high tech
Sterling High School's Tiger Field is going high tech. A video scoreboard donated to Sterling High School will soon serve as a big screen monitor capable of displaying all sporting events at Tiger Field, while also selling sponsorships to raise school funds. The scoreboard, the genius of Damon Mitchek and his wife Jacqueline, is just a diamond in the rough right now, but when it's finished it will stand 4 ½ feet tall by 9 feet wide.
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It was a warm welcome for district staff, at RE-1 Valley's annual Back-to-School inservice, Tuesday
It was a warm welcome for district staff, at RE-1 Valley's annual Back-to-School inservice, Tuesday. Classes don't actually begin for students until tomorrow (Thursday), but Dr. Jan DeLay, the district's new superintendent, shared her beliefs with at this year's welcoming ceremonies, encouraging staff not to stop at just being good, but to strive for greatness saying, “we must attend to relationships and nurture a culture that builds trust, where people feel safe.” DeLay talked about the importance of team work, and also discussed some of the issues facing RE-1 right now, including declining enrollment and lack of funds.
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack designated 30 Colorado counties as a primary natural disaster area
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack designated 30 Colorado counties as a primary natural disaster area due to a recent drought. Primary counties in Colorado include: Logan, Sedgwick and Washington. This designation makes all family-sized farm operators in both primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. The final date to apply for this assistance will be Sept. 9. For more information, contact the Farm Service Agency, in Sterling.
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You'll be paying more for Colorado peaches
You'll be paying more for Colorado peaches. Frost damage means higher prices and fewer Palisade peaches for customers on the Front Range this year. Farmers say this has been the worst weather year for peaches on the Western Slope in more than two decades. Palisade growers say they are harvesting only 20 to 40 percent of their normal crops. Unusual April freezes killed the rest.
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West Nile infections continue to climb
West Nile infections continue to climb. Larimer County health officials say this year's outbreak of the West Nile virus is the worst in years. Health officials say 30 people have been infected with virus so far this year and those numbers are expected to climb. The virus was first reported in the United States in 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human infections from the mosquito-borne disease can occur without symptoms or can cause mild or severe illness, fever and aches. Infections can also lead to disability and even death.
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Pot proponents got fired up today
Pot proponents got fired up today. Medical marijuana users in Colorado protested with paper bags over their heads asking the state health board to dismantle the medical marijuana registry in light of security breaches uncovered in a recent audit. About a dozen patients have asked the Colorado Department of Health and Environment to shut down its list of about 107,000 people who have cards that allow them to buy marijuana at dispensaries. Colorado's medical marijuana registry is supposed to be confidential, with limited exceptions for law enforcement. But a state audit two months ago revealed the state health department hasn't kept the records secret. The audit criticized the department for sharing the list with contractors without requiring confidentiality agreements. The health department has agreed to improve security, but the protesters want to see quicker action.
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Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Charges Filed in June Death in Brush
Two people face charges in June 19's murder of Christopher Hernandez in Brush. 34-year old Cassandra Bustos and 19-year old Cody Tucker are eached charged with felony first-degree burglary and misdemeanor third-degree assault during the incident at 126 S. Curtis St. The Ft. Morgan Times reports Bustos claims she used a key to try and reclaim items from her former apartment, but prosecutors say she had no legal right to enter the property. The current renter confronted Bustos, Tucker and Hernandez, and Anthony Reyez stabbed Hernandez and Tucker. He says he was defending himself from an assault by all three. He is not facing charges.
Selling Pot in Colorado Won't Be Cheap
Colorado's pot regulators are laying out how much it's going to cost to join the newly legal business. The state Revenue Department today started three days of public hearings to explain all the regulations to people who want to be in Colorado's marijuana business. It's legal, but that doesn't mean it's going to be cheap. Application fees run up to $5,000. Operational licenses cost another $2,750 to $14,000. Those who want to sell both medical and recreational pot would have to pay double. The regulations are final Oct. 15. Retail marijuana sales begin in Colorado Jan. 1.
Nursing Home Employee Charged with Sexually Assaulting Residents
Charges have been filed against a nursing assistant accused of sexually assaulting two women at a Broomfield nursing home where he worked. 41-year-old Antonio Nieto's been charged with two counts of sexual assault on an at-risk adult and four counts of sexual assault involving two female patients at Broomfield Skilled Nursing. Prosecutors allege Nieto sexually assaulted a 73-year-old patient on Aug. 14 and a 59-year-old patient between July 10 and July 19. He's being held on $100,000 bond.
"We want change."
"We want change." That's the rallying cry in several counties, indluding Logan, that are joining a growing list of northeastern Colorado counties getting serious about secession. The commissioners of both Weld and Phillips counties voted Monday to ask voters on the fall ballot if they wish to divorce Colorado and create a 51st state. Commissioners in 10 northeastern counties have been considering a breakaway, after bills were passed at the expense of farmers, oil and gas producers, and gun owners, during the last legislative session. Yuma, Cheyenne, and Sedgwick counties have already OK'd secession ballot questions. Logan and Washington county commissioners will vote on the issue Tuesday, and Kit Carson County will take it up Wednesday. Morgan County has set an Aug. 26 deadline for signatures to be submitted to place the question on the fall ballot. Lincoln County officials are taking a wait-and-see approach. If voters do go for forming a 51st state it still has to first be approved in the Legislature and Congress.
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The Ramos family will be honored at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sterling
The Ramos family will be honored at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sterling. Efrain Ramos and his family have been actively involved with volunteering at the Alzheimer Association's Colorado Chapter, and as he fights his own battle with the memory stealing disease, the Alzheimer’s Association is honored to have him cut the ribbon at the Sterling Walk to End Alzheimer,” this Sat., (Aug. 24) at Columbine Park. The annual Walk helps provide services and programs at no cost to families in need. To register for the Walk, go to coloradoalzwalk.org.
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Folks in Sterling will soon be sweatin' it out
Folks in Sterling will soon be sweatin' it out. Residents have enjoyed mild temp's so far this month, but that won't be the case this week with forecasters calling for highs in the 90s through Friday. They're crossing their fingers for a slight chance of rain, Wednesday, but say the rest of the week it will be hot and dry. That's good news for road crews, though, who are busy this week with street improvements on Elm Street, Sidney Avenue, and on South Sixth Avenue. Work is also underway on the interstate between Sterling and Sedgwick.
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Helping kids is what one Morgan County resident will be honored for
Helping kids is what one Morgan County resident will be honored for. The ribbon cutting for the George Saiter School of Excellence in Colorado Springs on Aug. 1, caught Fort Morgan Board of Education member Dr. George Saiter, for whom the school was named, by surprise. Saiter is credited with starting the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services program, which helps students with special social, emotional and behavioral needs in the Pike Peak region. Originally, the program, created in 1978, was called New Emotional Educational Development, or NEED. Saiter ran NEED for 13 years until his retirement. Saiter said he did not learn the school was named for him until he received the invitation to the ribbon cutting in the mail. He said while it is an honor to have a school named for him, the honor is not his alone, it also belongs to all of the staff members who helped build the program and keep it running.
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Morgan County settlers looking to become US citizens will have a chance to join the ranks of Americans next month
Morgan County settlers looking to become US citizens will have a chance to join the ranks of Americans next month. Another citizenship class will begin on Sept. 10 and last through Nov. 19, in the latest of the tutorials that help immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship. Instructors will assist applicants in filling out and filing their naturalization papers, as well as help them practice for citizenship interviews, and prepare them for the English and civics tests. Those who want to apply for citizenship must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years as a lawful permanent resident, and have a basic knowledge of English. The class will meet for 10 weeks from 5:45 to 7:45, on Tuesday nights starting Sept. 10 at the East Morgan County Library in Brush. For more information, call the library. Registration is on the first day of class.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller could be called as a witness in a death penalty case
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller could be called as a witness in the death penalty murder case against a man accused of stabbing five people to death in a Denver bar in October. Miller is among more than 100 potential witnesses in the case. He is listed as a possible acquaintance of suspect Dexter Lewis, but there is no indication Miller had ever met or knew anyone in the case.
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The Denver Housing Authority says it had no choice but to evict the relatives of a woman killed
The Denver Housing Authority says it had no choice but to evict the relatives of a woman killed by a rampaging gunman three days after her slaying because the victim was the only person listed on the lease. Authorities said 47-year-old Sandra Roskilly was standing on her front porch on Friday when a man armed with a rifle killed her. Police Chief Robert White said a police sniper shot and wounded the gunman as he shot a propane canister in an attempt to detonate it. The Denver Housing Authority was apologetic about Monday's eviction of the victim's autistic son and mother and issued a statement saying they had no choice under federal policies and regulations. Family members tell KMGH-TV because Roskilly died without a will, her personal belongings will be held by a public administrator.
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Weld County Voters Get Say on Secession
It looks like Weld County voters will be casting ballots this fall on whether to pursue seceding from Colorado. The Greeley Tribune reports that Weld County commissioners unanimously voted this morning to place a 51st state initiative on the ballot. Weld and other northeastern Colorado counties have expressed interest in seceding to become North Colorado.
It takes a village at Northeastern Junior College
It takes a village at Northeastern Junior College. A warm hand shake or brief conversation is a really important part of recruitment, officials said, during the Fall Semester 2013 Faculty and Staff In-service held this past week on campus. In recent years this has become NJC's M/O when it comes to the recruitment of new students to campus, and say they believe it's everyone's responsibility. From the custodial staff to the president's visit with touring students and their families they're all working together to help boost enrollment. The "village teamwork" has paid off this year too, as all of the residence halls on campus are full, and while the final numbers aren't in yet, NJC saw an increase in fall enrollment, thanks to the very successful Summer Bridge Program that was implemented this year. New freshmen, and returning sophomores moved onto campus this weekend. Classes begin Tuesday, (Aug. 20).
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Story Time at the Fort Morgan Public Library is back
Story Time at the Fort Morgan Public Library is back. After a summer break, the program will begin again on Sept. 10, with readinging each Tuesday and Thursday morning in the Children's Library, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This year's program is open to children ages 2 to 5 years old. Special guests and activities are planned during the course of the program, which runs from September to May. Register online, at cityoffortmorgan.com. The Story Time program is free. For more information, call the Fort Morgan Public library.
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From, wide-screen TVs to high-tech laboratories, the new Prairie School is stepping into the future
From, wide-screen TVs to high-tech laboratories, the new Prairie School is stepping into the future. At the grand opening of the all-new facility last week, (Thursday), history was made as school officials unveiled all the new technology and updated infrastructure, which they assured students and staff is everything the school needs to succeed in the 21st century. The old school was torn down and construction began in May for the new pre-k to 12th grade school building. The school now has a specific distance learning classroom with wide-screen TVs and high-tech laboratories. And with a computer for nearly every student, as well as netbooks and iPads in classrooms, officials said the $17 million improvement project will help the school, which is the heart of New Raymer and Stoneham, compete as one of the best schools in Colorado. The school will not be totally done until the finishing touches are completed over the next week, but teachers were moving in and making it come alive with the "Prairie spirit."
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You won't be able to light up on the University of Colorado's campus
You won't be able to light up on the University of Colorado's campus. The schools smoking ban, which was approved in February, is now in full effect, and prohibits smoking on the Boulder campus beginning Monday, except in designated smoking areas. The university will not issue tickets to those who smoke on campus, but students caught smoking on campus could be sent to the Office of Student Conduct, and employees could be reported to their supervisors.
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A News reporter is being ordered to reveal their sources in last years Colorado movie massacre
A News reporter is being ordered to reveal their sources in last years Colorado movie massacre. A judge has ordered Jana Winter to return to court in September for possible questioning about her confidential sources for a story on defendant James Holmes. Winter appeared in court Monday so the judge could extend her subpoena until the Sept. 30 hearing. Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 and injuring 70 in the July 2012 mass shooting. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. His attorneys want to know who told Winter that Holmes sent a psychiatrist a notebook containing violent drawings. Defense lawyers contend the leak violated a gag order. They also say police officers may have undermined their credibility as witnesses if they lied when denying being Winter's source. Winter refuses to identify her sources.
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Friday, August 16, 2013
Milliken School's TCAP Test Results Tossed
The superintendent of the Johnstown/Milliken Re-5J School District has declared standardized test scores for Milliken Elementary School invalid, due to procedure violations. The Greeley Tribune reports Superintendent Martin Foster made the decision after noticing more erasures on students' 2013 Transitional Colorado Assessment Program, or TCAP, tests than normal, and most of the answers changed from wrong to right. Foster says former Principal Paul Dillehay allegedly said he had directed his secretary to review test booklets after teachers turned them in and to note any marks that could cost the school points, even though Dillehay knew it was against the rules to do so. Dillehay's resigned.
More Info Out on Health Insurance Premiums
Coloradans with no health insurance are finally finding out what it will cost them to comply with the insurance mandate taking effect next year. The Division of Insurance today released rates of plans that comply with the health care overhaul. Eighteen insurance companies will offer 541 separate plans for individuals and small groups. For a 40-year-old, monthly premiums will range from $177 a month to more than $1,000 a month. The wide range of rates is because premiums depend on the level of coverage and where in the state a person lives. Colorado's marketplace opens Oct. 1 to help customers shop for insurance. Most people will qualify for government subsidies to help pay premiums.
Eighty-three former students, teachers and guests were welcomed to the 54th annual Crook High School Reunion
Eighty-three former students, teachers and guests were welcomed to the 54th annual Crook High School Reunion held recently at the Plainsman Grill in Sterling. Honored classes were 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, and 1968, and a letter was also read from the one surviving graduate of 1933, who was unable to attend. Members of those classes attending were recognized, with some traveling as far away as Florida, New Jersey, and Montana, and some former faculty members showed up as well. The group known as The Roommates and Friends provided entertainment, joined by twelve other singers who joined in a medley of doo wop music. Plans for the 2014 reunion are underway, and will mark the 100th anniversary of the Crook School.
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Logan County's free 'Vaccine for Children' program is in jeopardy
Logan County's free 'Vaccine for Children' program is in jeopardy. Federal budget cuts are affecting area kids, residents were told at Monday night’s Logan County Citizens’ Oversight Committee (LCCOC) meeting. Public health departments are no longer able to provide immunizations to everyone was the message from the Northeast Colorado Health Department, because changes at the federal level restrict who is eligible to receive these immunizations locally, they explained. The Vaccine for Children program provided vaccinations at no charge for anyone 18 years old or younger, but the government sequester has forced the program to only allow children who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, underinsured or American Indian and Alaska Native. That means the NCHD cannot service a child who is not VFC eligible under the new criteria. A Ft. Morgan school nurse coordinated an event providing immunizations to incoming sixth graders. Sterling officials are looking into whether they can offer a similar service. The new criteria would mean that almost half of clients who were immunized last year, would not be eligible this year.
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New City Barber has a new owner
New City Barber has a new owner. Georgia Tournai says even though she'll continue to provide the same cut and shave services to longtime shop customers, she wants to make City Barber “a modern day barber shop”, which caters to both men and women. The new shop owner took over in June from Teresa Latimer, who had owned and operated it for more than 22 years.
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"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." The Heat Is On campaign started today, with The Colorado State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state beefing up patrol, as part of the Labor Day Holiday DUI enforcement efforts. Officials say it's a very simple message, 'Don't Drink and Drive.' Last year, more than 1,400 Colorado residents were arrested for impaired driving during the Labor Day crackdown, and 13 people died in DUI related crashes. Law enforcement officers will be out in full force across the state this holiday weekend to encourage drivers to make smart driving choices and plan ahead for a sober ride.
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Gov. John Hickenlooper helped launch a public campaign, Thursday, to raise income taxes to pay for public school upgrades
Gov. John Hickenlooper helped launch a public campaign, Thursday, to raise income taxes to pay for public school upgrades, at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood. It would increase income taxes nearly $1 billion a year to pay for school improvements including statewide full-day kindergarten. Hickenlooper said Initiative 22 would be an investment in the economic development of Colorado, but would still remain a low tax state. Supporters have already turned in signatures to get a measure onto November ballots. If voters approve the schools tax, they'll also enact an education funding overhaul that includes new accountability monitoring. The schools measure would join a marijuana tax proposal about excise and sales taxes on the newly legalized drug.
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The fate of a Fort Morgan woman accused of embezzling local Girl Scout funds will have to wait
The fate of a Fort Morgan woman accused of embezzling local Girl Scout funds will have to wait. 33 year old Jennifer Streit-Jensen, is charged with stealing between $1,000 to $20,000, in connection with money that went missing from local Girl Scout troops, 3334, 357, and 108, between April 2 and Aug. 4, 2012, but a switch in public defenders delayed the hearing, Wednesday. A Morgan County District Court Judge continued the case to Sept. 19 to allow the new lawyer to get caught up. At her next court appearance in September, Streit-Jensen may accept a plea deal from prosecutors to settle the case or enter a plea and have a trial date set.
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Thursday, August 15, 2013
Three Arrested in Civic Center Park Shooting
Three suspects are in custody after shots were fired at Civic Center Park this afternoon. KUSA reports officers were already on the scene doing extra patrols. Witnesses tell police one person was walking on one side of Colfax Avenue when two shots were fired across the street at another man. Then, that man fired four shots back the other way at the first shooter. Three people were arrested in the 1500 block of Grant Street, and a weapon was recovered. There were no injuries. The Governor's office was put on lockdown briefly.
Ft Morgan Band Shell On Schedule
Construction's on schedule for the Dahms-Talton Band Shell in Fort Morgan City Park. The Fort Morgan Times reports some concrete structures are already in place. City officials say the next steps include forms and preparation of the main stage concrete, the concrete pour and "marbling" of main stage, then steel beams and columns, the preparation and pour of concrete for patio areas and walks and the band shell frame.
Initiative 22 Drive Officially Starts
The drive to raise income taxes to pay for public school upgrades has started with the support backing of Gov. John Hickenlooper, a supporter of Initiative 22. It asks voters to increase income taxes nearly $1 billion a year to pay for school improvements including statewide full-day kindergarten. Supporters have already turned in signatures to get the question onto ballots. They're still awaiting a ruling from the secretary of state on whether they made ballots this November. If voters approve the schools tax, they'll also enact an education funding overhaul that includes new accountability tracking.
Our furry four legged friends are feeling the love from a Sterling middle schooler
Our furry four legged friends are feeling the love from a Sterling middle schooler. Tuesday's Parks, Library and Recreation board meeting began with a request from 11 year-old Jenna Barnett, who presented the board with a petition that had 110 signatures on it in support of developing a dog park. She explained that she would like to see a dog park, because “lots of dogs have a lot of energy and they can't get enough exercise in a small yard.” Plus, the student at Sterling Middle School added, the socializing would make the dogs happier and friendlier. You can't argue that logic. Parks and Rec officials told her the department is in the middle of updating their master plan and a dog park is something that they're going to really consider, but warned her it may be a year or two down the road before it can be worked into the budget. Officials suggested the "pre-teen" animal activist, visit an upcoming MindMixer website that allows people to connect with the department on different topics and offer suggestions.
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It was a message of unity at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) this week
It was a message of unity at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) this week. Gov. John Hickenlooper talked aobut how Colorado residents are connected regardless of party affiliation or geographic location, Tuesday morning, when he stopped by NJC as part of his Community Forum tour. Wrapping up his visit, he said he will continue to meet with rural Colorado voters.
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This is a test, this is only a test
This is a test, this is only a test. That will be the message to Sterling residetns next Wednesday (Aug. 21), when the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) Search Team executes a training exercise between midnight and 9 a.m. in and around the City of Sterling. 40 team members as well as several vehicles will be involved in the drill, which may also occupy some Logan County city streets and roads. If you'd like more information contact Captain Gary Little at the Sterling Correctional Facility.
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A local family is paying it forward
A local family is paying it forward. Anissa Buhring, and her children, Anabelle and Brandon, say they feel blessed to be able to kick off another school supply donation drive for students in the Brush School District, for the third straight year. The family has received donations from area business in the past and this year, Anissa is challenging other Brush businesses and community members to join the family in helping children in need. To join the movement, you can drop off school supply items at the East Morgan County Library and Brush News-Tribune, through Monday, (August 19).
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Colorado elections administrators are meeting Thursday to map out how to run next month's recall elections
Colorado elections administrators are meeting Thursday to map out how to run next month's recall elections. The legislative recalls in El Paso and Pueblo counties have been complicated by a recent court decision giving third-party candidates more time to qualify for ballots. The decision means that unless the state Supreme Court intervenes, elections administrators won't have more than 15 days to print and mail ballots. Secretary of State Scott Gessler has vowed the elections will still take place Sept. 10.
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Prove it
If Morgan County residents want to secede from the state of Colorado, they'll have to prove it. Some Weld County commissioners have proposed that Northeast Colorado split off from Colorado and form a separate state called North Colorado, and the board decided that secession supporters will need to bring a completed petition containing 2,300 authentic signatures from registered voters to the Board of Morgan County Commissioners by Aug. 26, to get the measure on the ballot, should one be approved. The board said if secession is somethng the people want then the process should be initiated by the people of Morgan County. Proponents of secession have said they are pushing for it following recent changes, including gun control laws and a requirement for rural electric associations to have a certain percentage of their electricity come from renewable energy sources.
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It looked like something out of the Wizard of Oz
Severe storms and heavy winds plummeted Colorado this week. It looked like something out of the Wizard of Oz, Monday (August 12), as cars were blown off the road in opposite directions near Keensburg, Colorado when a ‘severe warned’ storm swirled over HWY 76. There was also a newly split cottonwood tree near the area where the storm and heavy winds passed over the highway. Severe rotating thunderstorms also touched down near Ft. Morgan and Raymer. Officials say hail stones near the storm that passed over 76, were between dime to quarter size in diameter.
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Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Stte Moving Faster on Bridge Repairs
A fee on Colorado vehicle registrations is letting the state to step up repairs for dangerous bridges. The State Transportation Department says 53 bridges have already been replaced, 22 are under construction and 33 are in the design phase as of the end of July. The additional funds come from a program called FASTER, which stands for Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery. In 2009, the Legislature approved Colorado Bridge Enterprise, which provides about $100 million a year for bridge repair and replacement.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
More Projects Might Make Ft Morgan School Bond Question
Fort Morgan's Board of Education talked over the idea of adding projects to the bond question being put to voters in November, to get a matching grant from the state for a new middle school. The extra projects could include replacing the plumbing and bringing the number of plumbing fixtures up to code in Columbine Elementary, Green Acres Elementary and Sherman Elementary Schools; building secure vestibules on the entrances of all three of those schools; adding new security systems for Lincoln High, Baker Elementary and Pioneer Elementary Schools; and replacing the air conditioning system at Fort Morgan High and adding air conditioning to the auditorium.
Hickenlooper Files Paperwork to Seek Re-Election
No big surprise, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper filed paperwork today to run for a second term as governor. Hickenlooper, a Democrat, has said many times he would seek a second term.
While there are no Democrats expected to challenge him next year, at least three Republicans have said they’ll try to unseat him. They are Secretary of State Scott Gessler, State Sen. Greg Brophy and former Congressman Tom Tancredo.
While there are no Democrats expected to challenge him next year, at least three Republicans have said they’ll try to unseat him. They are Secretary of State Scott Gessler, State Sen. Greg Brophy and former Congressman Tom Tancredo.
Man charged with murder of two Adams Co. teens
Adams County authorities have a suspect in custody investigators say has admitted to killing two boys. They say 43-year-old William Otto says he killed the 15- and 16-year-olds, and buried them near the town of Sedgwick. Investigators say they did find two bodies at the location, and they're being evaluated by the county coroner. Arrest records say a friend of the boys told investigators they had video of Otto asking one of them for sex, and they had planned to blackmail him with it.
40K ears of corn picked in Fort Morgan for state's needy
About 100 people gathered at Mike Kosman's farm Saturday to pick approximately 40,000 ears of sweet corn to donate to the Food Bank of the Rockies.
Kosman had doubled the number of acres he devoted to the project this year, thus doubling the amount of corn that will be dispersed to food pantries across Colorado. Some of the corn will go to Caring Ministries of Morgan County.
Quite a few of the harvesters came from the Denver Metro area to join with local people on the project, including kids from the area, employees of area fertilizer companies and the Fort Morgan Young Farmers, Kosman said.
Kosman had doubled the number of acres he devoted to the project this year, thus doubling the amount of corn that will be dispersed to food pantries across Colorado. Some of the corn will go to Caring Ministries of Morgan County.
Quite a few of the harvesters came from the Denver Metro area to join with local people on the project, including kids from the area, employees of area fertilizer companies and the Fort Morgan Young Farmers, Kosman said.
Veteran honored for service
Veteran Jack Miller was recently honored for his service by the Hospice of the Plains. Miller, a retired school teacher, resides in Fort Morgan.
Hospice of the Plains is a member of the We Honor Veterans Program through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration. Hospice of the Plains has local veterans trained as hospice volunteers who are available to present Certificates of Appreciation to hospice patients that have served in the military.
Hospice of the Plains volunteers are available to provide companionship to the patient and respite for their families, if they so choose.
Hospice of the Plains is a member of the We Honor Veterans Program through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration. Hospice of the Plains has local veterans trained as hospice volunteers who are available to present Certificates of Appreciation to hospice patients that have served in the military.
Hospice of the Plains volunteers are available to provide companionship to the patient and respite for their families, if they so choose.
Fort Morgan American Legion received 2 awards
Fort Morgan's Harold DeHaan American Legion Post 19 received two awards at the annual convention in Fort Collins this year.
The Annual Americanism Award is give for promoting Americanism within its community and the amount of work the post does for groups in the area.
The 2013 Community Service Award goes to the post that does so much for community groups. Fort Morgan took first place for community service for its sponsorship of Boys State, baseball teams, Boy Scouts, local schools and presentations at nursing homes, the award says.
Fort Morgan had the highest number of hours and funds spent out of the posts in the state.
The Annual Americanism Award is give for promoting Americanism within its community and the amount of work the post does for groups in the area.
The 2013 Community Service Award goes to the post that does so much for community groups. Fort Morgan took first place for community service for its sponsorship of Boys State, baseball teams, Boy Scouts, local schools and presentations at nursing homes, the award says.
Fort Morgan had the highest number of hours and funds spent out of the posts in the state.
8 counties exploring creation of New Colorado
Eight Colorado counties want to form a new state -- New Colorado.
The Examiner says it has spoken exclusively with Weld County commissioners Sean Conway and Douglas Rademacher, who have given the name of the aspiring 51st state.
Conway and Rademacher cite what they call an ongoing disenfranchisement of the rural population by the state government. The two particularly have issue with gun control legislation.
Fifty-four Colorado sheriffs have come together to file a lawsuit over government overreach. Seven sheriffs spoke at last month's rally in Brush about the lawsuit.
All eight counties have put the secession initiative on their ballots. Those interested in supporting the secession effort can "like" "The 51st State Initiative" Facebook page.
The Examiner says it has spoken exclusively with Weld County commissioners Sean Conway and Douglas Rademacher, who have given the name of the aspiring 51st state.
Conway and Rademacher cite what they call an ongoing disenfranchisement of the rural population by the state government. The two particularly have issue with gun control legislation.
Fifty-four Colorado sheriffs have come together to file a lawsuit over government overreach. Seven sheriffs spoke at last month's rally in Brush about the lawsuit.
All eight counties have put the secession initiative on their ballots. Those interested in supporting the secession effort can "like" "The 51st State Initiative" Facebook page.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Ft. Morgan School Board Specisl Meeting Tonight at 6p.m.
The Fort Morgan School District Board of Education's holding a special meeting starting at 6 at the District Support Center. The Fort Morgan Times reports one of the issues is the bond question that'll be on the November ballot to help pay for construction of a new middle school. The district's eligible for a grant from the state, but that's tied to approval of the bond question. The new school would be south of Legion Field on land currently being used for farming between Main and West Streets.
Another Flash Flood Watch for Manitou Springs
Another flash flood watch is in effect, after that fast-moving mudslide swept through Manitou (MAN'-ih-too) Springs on Friday. Authorities are still trying to determine what happened to an unidentified woman who witnesses saw clinging to a tree during Friday's flood. Two other people who were reported missing have been found. At least one person was killed in the slide, which destroyed six houses and damaged more than 30 others in an area burned by the Waldo Canyon Fire last year.
Police Worried About New Sex Offender Law
Law enforcement agencies are worried about a new state law that relieves them of the requirement of keeping track to sex offenders who are homeless. Authorities are worried that more sex offenders will tell law enforcement agencies that they no longer have home addresses. The Denver Post reports the new law was intended to prevent police from spending a lot of time trying to find sex offenders who move often and have no permanent home.
Two trustees walk out on work session
Log Lane's village board hopes to have a longer meeting this Wendesday than it did last Wednesday.
The Fort Morgan Times reports last Wednesday's regular work session ended after just seventeen minutes.
With two trustees absent and Jeanie Cardona leaving before the session over legal concerns, the board did not have a quorum to continue discussing business or work on an agenda for the next board meeting.
That next meeting takes place at six-thirty at the town hall.
The Fort Morgan Times reports last Wednesday's regular work session ended after just seventeen minutes.
With two trustees absent and Jeanie Cardona leaving before the session over legal concerns, the board did not have a quorum to continue discussing business or work on an agenda for the next board meeting.
That next meeting takes place at six-thirty at the town hall.
Continuance in aiding escape case
A Long Lane Village woman returns to court September nineteenth.
A judge has continued the aiding an escape case against fifty-three-year-old Jeanie Cardona until that time.
Cardon stands accused of assisting the alleged escape from custody of her former brother-in-law last year.
The Fort Morgan Times reports the Long Lane Village trustee may face four to twelve years in prison with a conviction.
A judge has continued the aiding an escape case against fifty-three-year-old Jeanie Cardona until that time.
Cardon stands accused of assisting the alleged escape from custody of her former brother-in-law last year.
The Fort Morgan Times reports the Long Lane Village trustee may face four to twelve years in prison with a conviction.
Hickenlooper visiting Sterling tomorrow
The governor comes to Sterling tomorrow.
The Journal-Advocate reports John Hickenlooper's appearance begins a two-day series of community forums on the Eastern Plains and in Southern Colorado.
Hickenlooper meets at Northeastern Junior College tomorrow morning at eight-thirty. This takes place at the Tennant Art Gallery in the Hays Student Center.
The governor then makes stops later in the day at the Y-W Electric Association Community Room in Akron and the Burlington Community Center before venturing into the southeastern corner of the state.
Hickenlooper joins business and community leaders at each forum to discuss water, economic development, healthcare, and education.
The Journal-Advocate reports John Hickenlooper's appearance begins a two-day series of community forums on the Eastern Plains and in Southern Colorado.
Hickenlooper meets at Northeastern Junior College tomorrow morning at eight-thirty. This takes place at the Tennant Art Gallery in the Hays Student Center.
The governor then makes stops later in the day at the Y-W Electric Association Community Room in Akron and the Burlington Community Center before venturing into the southeastern corner of the state.
Hickenlooper joins business and community leaders at each forum to discuss water, economic development, healthcare, and education.
Planners send Gateway subdivision request to city council
Sterling's planning commission has recommended that the city council approve a request for a subdivision of a lot in the Gateway Business Park north of SunMart along Railway Street. The Journal-Advocate reports the division would separate the lot that the Doneland Company and the Land Leasing Company jointly hold into two. Each company would claim one. The city council meets tomorrow night at seven o'clock. Its topics for discussion include the first reading of an ordiance dealing wit the subdivision request.
Marlin Eisenach treated for ankle injury
Extension agent Marlin Eisenach continues recovering following an injury during the Morgan County Fair's Catch-it Contest on Wednesday.
The Fort Morgan Times reports Eisenach had surgery Thursday.
Susan Kendrick told the crowd at the livestock sale Thursday that a calf stepped on Eisenach's ankle the wrong way, leaving it fractured and dislocated.
He went to Colorado Plains Medical Center for treatment.
The Fort Morgan Times reports Eisenach had surgery Thursday.
Susan Kendrick told the crowd at the livestock sale Thursday that a calf stepped on Eisenach's ankle the wrong way, leaving it fractured and dislocated.
He went to Colorado Plains Medical Center for treatment.
Fort Morgan's city council OKs ADA agreement
Fort Morgan's city council has approved a settlement agreement concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Fort Morgan Times reports the deal with the D-O-J covers things the city must do in order to comply with the A-D-A. H-R risk management director Michael Boyers says the city has undergone an audit from justice department officials as part of the department's initiative ensuring A-D-A compliance. Boyer says the city has already worked on making changes the audit process has identified, some work remains. He says the city has not received any penalties at this point.
Plans to make Fort Morgan more attractive to builders
Fort Morgan's city manager has made some recommendations on how to make the city more appealing to developers. The Fort Morgan Times reports Jeff Wells' suggestions including making it more customer service friendly to receive city services and reorganizing some city departments. Wells claims these would address complaints and requests that contractors, developers, real estate agents, and bankers have made. The city has a housing shortage, especially in rentals. Residential building has declined and the city wants to reverse that.
Morgan Co. Fair Livestock sale totals $273,662
The Morgan County Fair Livestock Sale has taken just shy of two-hundred-seventy-four-thousand dollars. However, the Brush News-Tribune reports that falls short of last year's total of just over two-hundred-ninety-one-thousand dollars. Nevertheless, it remains higher than the total from two years ago of just over two-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars and the twenty-ten total of just under two-hundred-twenty-five-thousand.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Brush City Council meets Monday night
The Brush City Council meets in the city council chambers tonight at six o'clock.
The council discusses the development of a backyard chicken ordinance, as well as a recycling agreement.
Lawmakers also intend to talk about an agreement concerning coordinated election services, a GoCo Skate Park grant, and a request to buy a fire truck.
The finance committee meets at five-thirty.
The council discusses the development of a backyard chicken ordinance, as well as a recycling agreement.
Lawmakers also intend to talk about an agreement concerning coordinated election services, a GoCo Skate Park grant, and a request to buy a fire truck.
The finance committee meets at five-thirty.
Brown Bag continues Tues. with handwriting analysis
The Brown Bag lunch program continues tomorrow at Fort Morgan Public Library.
Jo-Anne Rohn-Cook from Holistic Health Center in Fort Morgan speaks tomorrow at noon in the library's community room.
Rohn-Cook offers a program on handwriting analysis and a look at what your handwriting shows about you.
Jo-Anne Rohn-Cook from Holistic Health Center in Fort Morgan speaks tomorrow at noon in the library's community room.
Rohn-Cook offers a program on handwriting analysis and a look at what your handwriting shows about you.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Fr. Morgan City Council Hears Ideas to Make City More Development Friendly
Fort Morgan City Manager Jeff Wells has offered some ideas for the City Council to consider in making the city more attractive for residential development. The Fort Morgan Times reports Wells ideas, from a forum in April with local contractors, developers, real estate agents and bankers, include changing the timing for collection of the city use tax, and reorganizing some city departments. Fort Morgan has a housing shortage, particularly rental housing, and the city wants to reverse the decline in residential construction. Wells says developers want to be able to access all city services they'll need done on a project when they apply for the building permit.
Ebel Case-Woman Who Alleged Bought Him Gun Indicted
The woman accused of giving Evan Ebel the gun authorities believe he used to kill Colorado prisons chief Tom Clements has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a county of knowingly transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. Arapahoe County prosecutors dropped charges against 22-year old Stevie Vigil's this morning due to the federal charge, and she's in the custody of ATF agents. Police said Vigil bought a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun for Ebel from an Englewood gun shop in March. Ebel killed Clements at his home on March 19, two days after killing a Denver pizza delivery driver.
4 New West Nile Cases in Colorado
Colorado health officials say the state has four new cases of West Nile, bringing the total number infected statewide to 11. The Denver Post reports all the victims reported their symptoms started last month. The victims, three women and a man are in Boulder, Larimer, and Prowers counties.Your best protection against the disease, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, is to prevent their bites, and experts suggest remembering the 4 'D's: Drain, Dress, Dusk, and DEET.
Colorado has two Powerball millionaires
Two Powerball tickets from Colorado have still found ways to make people millionaires. They may not have won Wednesday's grand prize, but lottery officials say they have still each won two-million dollars. One sold near Colorado Springs, and the other near Grand Junction. Both matched five out of five numbers, and both buyers had bought the Power Play option.
Former queens returning for 65-year reunion
The P-R-C-A Rodeo takes place tonight at the Logan County Fair. Call it "Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night." The competition begins at seven o'clock. Tonight also features the coronation of Miss Rodeo Logan County. Royalty coordinator Brandee Gillham tells the Journal-Advocate that she expects twenty-five former queens for tonight's events, as well as tomorrow's fair parade and Queen's Luncheon. Rodeo Queen of nineteen-forty-nine Phyllis Anderson McNear plans on coming tonight to the rodeo. She intends to ride a horse in the Grand Entry of the event.
Copper wire theft at Circle L Irrigation
Sterling Police report a theft at Circle L Irrigation. The Journal-Advocate indicates the disappearance of of seven rolls of insulated copper wire from the East Chestnut Street business. Each one runs one-hundred-eighty-seven feet long. It happened at some point last weekend. The copper wire's total value runs over forty-six-hundred dollars.
Morgan Marlins to host triathlon
The Morgan Marlins Swim Team on Sunday hosts a youth triathlon. Youngsters should arrive at Riverside Park in Fort Morgan by seven o'clock in the morning. The race begins at eight. Competitors must have bike helmets. Park in the lot next to the softball fields in the park's northwest corner. Registration and check-in takes place at the swimming pool.
Dog's home found through microchip
A microchip allows a pug to find its way back to New Mexico. Someone affiliated with FUR-ever Friends has rescued the animal from Highway Fifty-Two between Moragan County roads K and L south of Wiggins. The local animal protection organization has taken him to Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic for a scanning. It turns out the pug belongs to a man in Albuquerque. The owner says he thought someone had either stolen him or that he had escaped his yard. For now, the dog remains in a foster home until he can go back to New Mexico. He does not have a collar or a tag. Betty Eubanks founded FUR-ever Friends. She tells The Fort Morgan Times that this episode shows the value or putting microchips into dogs.
Fort Morgan may change code for water tap abandonments
Fort Morgan's city council has taken an initial step toward changing city code regarding water tap abandonments. This would allow more flexibility with base fee payment deadlines involving a foreclosure. However, The Fort Morgan Times reports the ordinance the council has approved may undergo some tweaking before final approval. That may happen when it meets August twentieth.
Morgan Co. Fair begins today
The Morgan County Fair officially begins today. The new Four-H Ranch Horse event begins at three o'clock. Gymkhana begins at six o'clock. Other horse events take place today and tomorrow.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Ft. Morgan Domestic Violence Bust
A 25-year old Fort Morgan man's behind bars after an alleged incident of domestic violence yesterday. Deputies say they were called to the 18000 block of Morgan County Road T on a report that Gabriel Rocha allegedly threatened his 21-year old girlfriend with a knife, threatened to kill her, their one month old baby girl, punched holes in the walls and slashed the tires on her car. Deputies say Rocha tried to use the girlfriend as a shield against them. He's being held without bond on charges that include suspicion of felony kidnapping and menacing with a weapon, criminal mischief (all involving domestic violence), child abuse and resisting arrest.
Libertarian Party sues Gessler over access to recall ballot
The Libertarian Party has sued Colorado's secretary of state for lack of access to the recall ballots.
The votes September tenth put Senate President John Morse and Senator Angela Giron on trial for their support of gun legislation.
The suit says Scott Gessler's imposed ten-day deadline for candidates to submit nominating petitions violates the state constitution's guarantee of fair access.
The votes September tenth put Senate President John Morse and Senator Angela Giron on trial for their support of gun legislation.
The suit says Scott Gessler's imposed ten-day deadline for candidates to submit nominating petitions violates the state constitution's guarantee of fair access.
Lufts receive awards from Sterling Lions
The Sterling Lions Club held their 60th annual Cowboy Breakfast this morning and as usual took time to recognize families that have made an impact in Logan County.
Two of this year's Pioneer Award recipients were Augie and Dorothy Luft. The Luft family has spent a total of 142 years in Logan County and they are truly pioneers.
Augie's father, John, was born in 1879 and his mother, Maria, in 1883, in Russia. They were married in Russia on Nov. 12, 1892.
With Maria's brother already here, the couple, taking only their clothing with them, came to Sterling in 1909 with their three children. They rented the Martin Hoel farm and lived in a housed located where Wal-Mart is today. The couple was able to borrow money from a bank to purchase a team of horses, some equipment and three cows.
John and Maria had seven sons and seven daughters and another son they adopted, who was the nephew of his mother. Augie, the 10th child in the family, was born March 31, 1921. He is the last surviving child.
In 1923, Augie's father bought a large two story house built by the Hoffman brothers, located beside the Post Office to the west. The house was moved west on Main Street, with 20 horses and power line poles, to where the Luft home now sits, across from Wal-Mart.
Augie's father built a barn near the home and constructed a large cattle feedlot, where the main shopping center is today. When he sold cattle they were herded through the edge of town, where Phelps Street is located, to the railroad track stockyards. The cattle were then loaded on the train and shipped to Chicago.
Augie attended Sterling Lutheran Elementary School and walked to school every day. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1939.
From the age of 4, Augie was the horseman of the family. He broke draft horses, along with numerous saddle horses. At a young age, he was one of the first horsemen in the country to break riding horses with the horse never bucking. He said it hurt too much when they bucked him off.
Augie gave an exhibition on roping calf, tying the calf without the use of a bridle on the horse and without breaking the barrier.
For more than 30 years, he was always eager to help major cow producers and feedlot operators with their cattle. He has ridden all of the grassland around Sterling and more, working cattle. Many times he didn't get reimbursed for his time and expenses, but he enjoyed it.
Augie and his first wife lived on an irrigated farm southeast of Sterling that he rented from his dad. They raise four children, two sons and two daughters.
He divorced his first wife and married Dorothy Trout in 1981. They lived on the rented farm, which he eventually purchased, until last year, when they moved into town.
Augie has always had a story or two to tell. As a youngster, he stuttered very badly and it took him forever to say one sentence. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II and was soon given a medical discharge because of his stuttering. While in the army, a doctor told him to slow down and start telling stories and that's why he became a story teller.
One of Augie's biggest thrills was at the age of 64, when he qualified for calf roping in Amarillo, Texas, and got a standing ovation when he roped his calf. As he pulled the pigging string from his mouth, his false teeth came out with it, falling on the ground. He proceeded to pick up his teeth and put them in his pocket.
Augie was a fixture at the Logan County Fair and parade for more than 50 years. He was there to help all of his nieces and nephews, who rode in the parade, to make sure there were no runaways and no one was hurt.
He also competed in the rodeo, primarily in calf roping and sometimes in the wild horse race. His daughter, Susanne, was the Logan County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 1964.
"We know he would be very honored to receive this award," said Susanne, upon accepting the award for him and Dorothy.
Two of this year's Pioneer Award recipients were Augie and Dorothy Luft. The Luft family has spent a total of 142 years in Logan County and they are truly pioneers.
Augie's father, John, was born in 1879 and his mother, Maria, in 1883, in Russia. They were married in Russia on Nov. 12, 1892.
With Maria's brother already here, the couple, taking only their clothing with them, came to Sterling in 1909 with their three children. They rented the Martin Hoel farm and lived in a housed located where Wal-Mart is today. The couple was able to borrow money from a bank to purchase a team of horses, some equipment and three cows.
John and Maria had seven sons and seven daughters and another son they adopted, who was the nephew of his mother. Augie, the 10th child in the family, was born March 31, 1921. He is the last surviving child.
In 1923, Augie's father bought a large two story house built by the Hoffman brothers, located beside the Post Office to the west. The house was moved west on Main Street, with 20 horses and power line poles, to where the Luft home now sits, across from Wal-Mart.
Augie's father built a barn near the home and constructed a large cattle feedlot, where the main shopping center is today. When he sold cattle they were herded through the edge of town, where Phelps Street is located, to the railroad track stockyards. The cattle were then loaded on the train and shipped to Chicago.
Augie attended Sterling Lutheran Elementary School and walked to school every day. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1939.
From the age of 4, Augie was the horseman of the family. He broke draft horses, along with numerous saddle horses. At a young age, he was one of the first horsemen in the country to break riding horses with the horse never bucking. He said it hurt too much when they bucked him off.
Augie gave an exhibition on roping calf, tying the calf without the use of a bridle on the horse and without breaking the barrier.
For more than 30 years, he was always eager to help major cow producers and feedlot operators with their cattle. He has ridden all of the grassland around Sterling and more, working cattle. Many times he didn't get reimbursed for his time and expenses, but he enjoyed it.
Augie and his first wife lived on an irrigated farm southeast of Sterling that he rented from his dad. They raise four children, two sons and two daughters.
He divorced his first wife and married Dorothy Trout in 1981. They lived on the rented farm, which he eventually purchased, until last year, when they moved into town.
Augie has always had a story or two to tell. As a youngster, he stuttered very badly and it took him forever to say one sentence. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II and was soon given a medical discharge because of his stuttering. While in the army, a doctor told him to slow down and start telling stories and that's why he became a story teller.
One of Augie's biggest thrills was at the age of 64, when he qualified for calf roping in Amarillo, Texas, and got a standing ovation when he roped his calf. As he pulled the pigging string from his mouth, his false teeth came out with it, falling on the ground. He proceeded to pick up his teeth and put them in his pocket.
Augie was a fixture at the Logan County Fair and parade for more than 50 years. He was there to help all of his nieces and nephews, who rode in the parade, to make sure there were no runaways and no one was hurt.
He also competed in the rodeo, primarily in calf roping and sometimes in the wild horse race. His daughter, Susanne, was the Logan County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 1964.
"We know he would be very honored to receive this award," said Susanne, upon accepting the award for him and Dorothy.
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