Mail ballots going around in Logan Co.

Expect something in the mail in Logan County this week.

Mail ballots go out to voters, making this year's elections different from the ones in the past.

Election legislation that the governor signed in the spring eliminated polling places.

This year, all ballots go to the clerk and recorder's office at the county courthouse. However, next year's elections feature two additional sites.

The Journal-Advocate quotes clerk and recorder Pam Bacon saying those who lose ballots and need replacements would have to go to one of those three places next year.

United Presbyterian craft fair bigger than ever

The United Presbyterian Church Craft Fair in Fort Morgan this year had 28 booths, the biggest fair yet.

Organizer Shari Lucas described the event to the Fort Morgan Times as the fifth annual edition.

Lucas said she asked the church five years ago whether or not she could start a fair like this one and invite the community into the church.

A-Basin kicks off ski season

The ski and snowboard season has opened a few days earlier than last year.

People hopped onto the lifts yesterday at A-Basin, the first mountain to open in North America.

Loveland may open sometime this week, and Copper Mountain and Wolf Creek hope for the first week of next month.

CBI to review thousands of untested rape kits

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation may revisit five-thousand untested rape kits.

This responds to a new state law requiring police departments to inventory and submit the numbers of the untested kits to the C-B-I.

The kits contain untested D-N-A evidence that sexual assault victims provide in rape cases.

Some agencies have called the testing of all the kits unnecessary.

Anti-fracking measures appear on next year's ballots

Voters in Colorado have made their state a hydrofracking battleground.

The Denver Post reports ballot measures in Boulder, Broomfield and Fort Collins call for moratoriums on oil and gas drilling, while one in Lafayette desires an outright ban.

Some groups keep pushing for a moratorium or ban for the whole state. Supporters say they have safety concerns, as well as a mistrust of the state effectively regulating the industry.

The 2013 election will soon be in full swing

The 2013 election will soon be in full swing, but this year's election will be somewhat different. Thanks to new election legislation, which was passed this spring, polling places are no more and all elections will now be by mail ballot. Another change voters can expect is no more registration deadlines. But while there is no registration deadline, residency requirements remain in place. Ballots go out in the mail Tuesday. If you don't get one, you can stop by the Logan County Courthouse.
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Insurance claims from damage in the September flood was the focus of discussion during the Sterling City Council meeting last week.

Insurance claims from damage in the September flood was the focus of discussion during the Sterling City Council meeting last week. Members were updated about the damage at the Overland Trail Recreation Area, and Museum where several buildings had 3 to 5 feet of water; as well as the headworks facility for the waste water treatment system. Damage to that site is still under evaluation, and officials said they applied for federal assistance, but the city won't know how much they'll get until estimated costs are tallied. The city has 60 days from applying to submit repair estimates. Ironically, the council's flood prevention and protection ordinance had already been in the works, and now meets FEMA requirements to make flood insurance coverage available within the community.
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"Thank you chief for being to us what we want to be for others."

"Thank you chief for being to us what we want to be for others." Those were the sentiments expressed by friends, family, and coworkers who gathered this weekend to mourn the loss of Sterling Police Chief Roy Breivik. People from across the miles, including officers from Castle Rock and Wyoming, were also among those who had come to pay their respects, to a man they celebrated as "honorable, loyal, strong, and kind". The closing of the ceremony included a 21-bell salute by the SPD officers, and a "last call" from dispatch, where they thanked Breivik for his service, dedication, loyalty and friendship, and then signed off. Breivik had been chief of police for the last eight years.
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The Durango City Council is holding a public hearing on the contentious issue of accessory dwellings

The Durango City Council is holding a public hearing on the contentious issue of accessory dwellings, also known as mother-in-law apartments and alley cottages. The issue has divided residents between those who like the income potential from renters and those who fear it will lead to overcrowding and loss of privacy in their neighborhoods. The debate is part of a new land-use development code.
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The Denver District Attorney's Office has cleared a police officer who shot and wounded a man

The Denver District Attorney's Office has cleared a police officer who shot and wounded a man accused of killing a neighbor and using makeshift explosives. A report released Monday states that Sgt. Jerry Heimbigner committed no crime when he shot 31-year-old Daniel Abeyta, who is accused of wounding his wife, and killing a neighbor, Aug. 16. The officer shot Abeyta after after he was alerted that Abeyta shot at a propane tank with gunpowder on top. Abeyta is facing several charges, including first-degree murder.
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Two young children are safe after a truck that was stolen in Commerce City was recovered by police

Two young children are safe after a truck that was stolen in Commerce City was recovered by police. According to the Denver Post, the mother of the children went into a store on Sunday and their father went to a nearby liquor store. Police say the father left the unlocked truck running, and someone got into the truck and drove off. The children were unharmed and police say no arrests have been made.
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Officials say signs of child abuse was reported at least three times

State officials are looking into reports that hospital and daycare workers alerted the Pueblo County Department of Social Services of signs of child abuse at least three times before several children were removed from their home. Reports indicate that several of the children suffered burns and broken bones before they were removed. State child welfare officials say it was a serious situation that should have been brought to the attention of state social services. Deputies arrested the children's adoptive aunt and her husband last month. They are facing charges of felony child abuse.
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Mayor Michael Hancock wants to act now to stop public pot smoking

With Denver poised to allow recreational marijuana sales, Mayor Michael Hancock wants to act now to stop public pot smoking. Under an ordinance he plans to introduce Monday, possessing or smoking marijuana would be illegal in city parks, Denver's downtown pedestrian mall and recreational facilities. Even the smell of marijuana coming from private property would be barred.
Colorado voters passed an amendment last year that allows recreational pot use but it prohibits public consumption. Nevertheless, there has been some public smoking following recent pot giveaways by marijuana advocates. Tens of thousands of people have also attended annual marijuana rallies.
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A winter storm warning is in effect for portions of western Colorado

A winter storm warning is in effect for portions of western Colorado. The National Weather Service said Monday up to 10 inches of snow could fall in the Elkhead and Park mountains. Communities included in the warning include Toponas (tuh-POE-nus) and Buford. Forecasters say visibility could be less than a mile at times.
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