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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