Flooding Limits USA Pro Challenge

Fort Collins will not bid to host a stage of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge cycling race as portions of Larimer County rebuild following September's devastating floods. The race's Local Organizing Committee will focus on 2015. The Fort Collins Coloradoan reports the local committee had planned a bid to host the cycling race next year, but historic rainfall raised the Big Thompson River, which washed out large chunks of U.S. Highway 34 in the Big Thompson Canyon below Estes Park. Contractors are still working on U.S. 34 from Estes Park to Loveland in hopes of reopening the highway by Dec. 1.

Judge Allows Theater Shooter Statements to Police

Prosecutors will be allowed to use statements theater shooting defendant James Holmes made to police immediately after his arrest. The judge ruled today the statements can be used at Holmes' trial on murder and attempted-murder charges. Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The 2012 attack killed 12. Police say when they asked Holmes if he had an accomplice, he replied, "It's just me." Police also say Holmes told them bombs would go off in his apartment if wires were tripped. The defense argued Holmes hadn't been read his rights and that his statements weren't voluntary.

Pilkington Financial Services is nearing a 40 year milestone

Pilkington Financial Services is nearing a 40 year milestone. The family run business will celebrate 4 decades of serving Sterling and surrounding communities this April. The company, founded by Sterling natives Curt and Cindy Pilkington, began it's journey in the '70's as a small financial and estate planning business. Pilkington Financial has helped community members fund college educations, retirements, and businesses and farms. Joined by daughter and financial adviser Shanan Doherty, Pilkington Financial says, whether facing the challenges of a recession or handling the many changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act, Pilkington Financial prides itself on serving the needs of the community beyond the basic call of duty.
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Local farmers and ranchers , impacted by the South Platte River flood are getting some help

Local farmers and ranchers , impacted by the South Platte River flood are getting some help. The Southern Baptists of Colorado and the Fellowship of Christian Farmers along with about a dozen volunteers came from as far away as Indiana, Oklahoma and Idaho to help farmers rebuild downed barbed-wire fences, and remove debris washed in from the floods. The ‘church men’, in Fellowship with Christian Farmers respond to crises, helping fellow growers rebuild after a catastrophic event. Locally, Emmanuel Baptist Church provided food and lodging for the volunteers. Organizers are anticipating up to 100 volunteers to help with various projects in Logan County.

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Sterling family whose husband and father was killed are feeling the love

Several fundraisers have been established to help a Sterling family whose husband and father was killed in a drive-by shooting in Sacramento, Calif., Sunday morning. The shooting – that also injured six others – claimed the life of 29 year old Keylen Ellis, of Sterling. He and his wife Brittany Dock, also 29, are the parents of three children ranging in age from 4-10. Ellis was in California for work and was planning to relocate his wife and kids to California once he got settled. Friends have launced a giveforward.com page to help raise money for the family to go to California for the funeral.
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A squatting scheme in Colo. Springs has landed two men in hot water

A squatting scheme in Colo. Springs has landed two men in hot water. Bryan Jensen and Ethan Eaton Two are accused of squatting in homes in Colorado Springs as part of a scheme to lure homeowners facing foreclosure. Police say the two were hoping to use the little known law of adverse possession to gain ownership and split the proceeds with homeowners. Under Colorado law, if someone uses a property for at least 18 years, they can claim ownership. The Gazette reports that Jensen and Eaton were allegedly squatting in homes owned by people who live elsewhere. Investigators say they also established businesses to promote the scheme.
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Weld County candidate against proposal to secede from Colorado

Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, says he will vote against a proposal for his county and 10 others to secede from Colorado. Buck told The Denver Post Wednesday that it makes more sense to defeat politicians who he said are out of touch and have left some northern Colorado residents feeling ignored. Voters in the 11 counties will cast ballots Tuesday on whether their county commissioners should pursue seceding from Colorado and forming a new state. The vote is only an initial step. Secession eventually would need congressional approval. No state has successfully broken off since West Virginia in 1863. Buck is one of at least three Republicans seeking their party's nomination to oppose Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in 2014.
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A cold case murder has been solved

A cold case murder has been solved. Weld County jurors convicted Consuelo Zavala of first-degree murder in the 1997 death of a fellow onion field worker near Platteville. He was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. The Greeley Tribune reports that Zavala had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
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Police now know the identity of that 32-year-old woman who crashed a single-engine plane in Castle Rock

Police now know the identity of that 32-year-old woman who crashed a single-engine plane in Castle Rock, Monday night. Authorities identified the pilot Wednesday, as Helen Cernik. She was the only one aboard the home-built plane that crashed into a gully after striking power lines near a residential area. She remains in serious condition at an area hospital.
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