CSU Consortium Gets Grant for Beetle Killed Trees Biofuel Study

A consortium led by Colorado State University has been awarded a $10 million grant to study obstacles to using insect-killed trees in biofuel production. The USDA grant was awarded to the Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies. Advantages of using beetle-killed trees for biofuel include the fact that they require no cultivation and don't compete with food production. Obstacles include the difficulty of getting beetle-killed trees from remote forests to industrial centers. CSU says other potential barriers that haven't been explored included environmental impacts, social issues and local policy constraints.

Tickets Issued in Church Sex Scandal Coverup in Longmont

Boulder police have issued tickets to two pastors and two elders associated with VineLife Church in Longmont after investigators said the officials failed to report allegations that a youth pastor sexually assaulted a child who was a member of the church. Police say a fifth church official, who is currently out of the country, will be served a summons when he returns to Colorado. The victim, now 23 years, told police the relationship with her pastor began when she was 15 years old and continued for seven years.
The youth pastor Jason Roberson was arrested in September on sex assault charges. The pastors and elders face charges of failing to report child abuse, a misdemeanor.

Voters Approvr 25% Marijuana Tax

Colorado's hearty embrace of a 25% marijuana tax this week could prove a turning point for legalization backers. They've long argued that weed should come out of the black market and contribute to state revenues instead of prison populations. But it's too soon to say how much revenue the marijuana tax will produce when retail sales begin next year. Colorado's vote Tuesday showed there's an appetite for the tax benefits, which the state estimates at nearly $70 million a year.

Sterling has a new mayor

Sterling has a new mayor. In one of only two contested races voters casting ballots Tuesday elected Dan Torres, Jr as the new Mayor of Sterling, unseating Heather Brungardt in the mayor’s race. Torres came into the council after Brungardt was appointed as mayor replacing Rocky Joy who resigned last year. Four seats on the RE-1 Valley School Board of Education were also up for grabs in Tuesday's elections. Cinthia Johnson walked away with 57% of the vote to challengers Heather Harris and Paul A. Jones to claim the four year District 5 Director Seat. Returning to the school board is Marty Smock, District 6 and elected unopposed Tuesday were Lora Grippin, District 1, and William Joseph Ball II, District 2. Local voters also followed the statewide lead in defeating Amendment 66, the two-tiered tax rate based on income to fund public education. Of the 151 voters in the Highland Park Sanitation District, an overwhelming 133 supported changes in taxes for improvements. Voters in the Frenchman and Plateau School Districts also elected members to their school boards.
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An injured hunter has been rescued from Huntsman Ridge northwest of McClure Pass in Pitkin County

An injured hunter has been rescued from Huntsman Ridge northwest of McClure Pass in Pitkin County. Sheriff's deputies say Randy Bonner of Elizabeth was airlifted to Aspen Valley Hospital yesterday. The nature and extent of his injuries weren't released.
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Colorado Rockies co-owner Charlie Monfort has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence

Colorado Rockies co-owner Charlie Monfort has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Police said Monfort was arrested late Monday in Windsor, about 60 miles north of Denver. Monfort issued a statement apologizing to the team, fans and his family. He said he was "committed to do what's necessary to deal with my problems."
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A Hotchkiss man who stole weapons and ammunition from a Special Weapons and Tactics detective will serve a year in community corrections

A Hotchkiss man who stole weapons and ammunition from a Special Weapons and Tactics detective will serve a year in community corrections as part of a five-year probationary sentence. Keaton Bell was sentenced in federal court Monday after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen firearms and ammunition and one count of possession of machinegun.
According to the Montrose Daily Press, Bell must also complete 100 hours of community service. He was released pending bed availability at a community corrections facility where he will serve the first year of his sentence.
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At least six people have been arrested after protesters blocked a Denver polling place

At least six people have been arrested after protesters blocked a Denver polling place. At one point, Denver SWAT officers formed a line on yesterday blocking protesters from getting to the Denver City and County Building. The Denver Post reports the protesters were denouncing banks, corporations and greed.
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