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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