Gay Marriage

A judge in Boulder says he'll rule shortly on whether clerk Hillary Hall can keep issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.  Judge Andrew Hartman held a hearing on the issue this morning. It included testimony from some of the more than 100 same-sex couples who have gotten licenses in Boulder since a federal appeals court ruled against Utah's gay marriage last month.  Tracey MacDermott says not being allowed to marry previously made her feel like a "second-class citizen". She says she and her partner understood the risks of getting married in Boulder even though the court battle over the fate of gay marriage bans isn't done. 

Obama/Udall

President Obama urged Colorado Democrats to throw their support and their money behind the state's Sen. Mark Udall, though Udall was a no-show at a fundraiser in Denver.  Udall's campaign said the senator needed to stay in Washington today to vote for Obama's nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, who was overwhelmingly confirmed.  Ahead of the Udall fundraiser, Obama touted his administration's efforts to boost jobs and economic growth during a speech in a Denver park.  He said that while he understands that Washington looks "screwed up" to many Americans, there have been positive steps toward strengthening the economy.

Pneumonic Plague

A Colorado resident is being treated for the pneumonic plague, the first confirmed case in the state since 2004.  The state health department says tests confirmed the plague in the unidentified patient as well as the family dog, which recently died unexpectedly.  The plague is spread by fleas from rodents, especially prairie dogs, and officials say they may have contracted it in eastern Adams County.  The department isn't saying whether the patient is a man or woman but confirms the person has been hospitalized. Officials are looking for people who may have had contact with the patient so they can be treated with antibiotics.  Pneumonic plague is caused by the same bacteria as bubonic plague but it attacks the lungs and can sometimes be deadly even when treated.

Sterling Library

It's a busy month at the sterling public library... Jim Jackson and the Big Bubble Circus will be at the library on July 10th at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Guffaw has a great bubble program planned. He will make every size of bubble. He will make a bubble sculpture and bubbles large enough to contain an audience member or two, and much more.
The Think Like a Scientist @ the Library program on Monday, July 14th at 2:00 p.m. will be Think Like a Scientist in the Science Lab. Carlye Armstrong will provide the program. She has some wonderful experiments to show the kids.
Don’t forget the last day to turn in your reading time is July 25th at 5:00 p.m.

Longmont Pot

A Longmont man's accused of selling pot to at least two high school students from his apartment.   
The Daily Camera reports police charged 47-year-old Stephen Tuggle after students at Silver Creek High School identified him as their dealer.  Tuggle's charged with suspicion of selling marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  If convicted of selling pot within 1,000 feet of a school, he faces at least eight years in prison.  One student says he knew as many as 20 students who were buying marijuana from Tuggle, who's being held on a $50,000 bond.

Alcohol Factor in Car Crash

Alcohol's believed to have been a factor in a crash that killed three people in southwestern Colorado Saturday.  They were on their way to a campsite after celebrating July 4th in Telluride when their Chevrolet Cruze went off Colorado Highway 145, rolled several times down a steep embankment covered with loose rock.  The only survivor was Weston Gleiss, a math teacher from Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum, who crawled out of the wreckage and flagged down a deputy.  Another Eagle Valley teacher, 26-year-old Garrett LaForce, along with 23-year-old Edward Bollman and 21-year-old Carly Sansone, who both have ties to Michigan, died in the crash.

Fort Collins VA Center Legion

A Veterans Affairs investigation has shown long wait times for veterans seeking treatment at the VA's local community  based outpatient clinic in Fort Collins... and so the American Legion  is sending a team of its experts next week to Fort Collins. The VA investigation showed that many the veterans treated at the Fort Collins CBOC had to wait several months for their appointments, and that clerks there were instructed how to falsify appointment records so it appeared the clinic was meeting VA’s goal of scheduling veterans for medical appointments within 14 day. Members of The American Legion’s System Worth Saving Task Force will hold a town hall meeting and operate a crisis center for local veterans and family members affected by delays in getting access to their health care at the Fort Collins CBOC. The town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 14 at American Legion Post 4 on 2124 Country Road 54 G in Fort Collins. The meeting is open to the general public and local veterans are encouraged to attend, especially those affected by wait-time delays. The American Legion will also set up a Veterans Crisis Command Center at Post 4 from July 15 to the 18th. Members of the Legion’s national staff, along with local Legionnaires, staff from VA facilities and volunteers from other organizations will be on hand to assist veterans and their families. Services provided will include assistance in filing for VA appointment scheduling, grief counseling, benefits claims, and help with enrollment in VA health care.

Health Exchange Policy Drops

Colorado's health insurance exchange has doubled its estimate of how many will drop their policies.  Connect For Health Colorado projected in April that 13% of people would drop or not pay for policies this fiscal year.  But the Denver Post reports that the exchange now expects about 24% to drop their policies.  The newspaper says that the change will result in about $1 million less in revenue this fiscal year.  According to the revised estimates, Connect for Health expects 35,800 of its 152,200 individuals covered with exchange policies this fiscal year to drop coverage.  The drop in revenue will mean a smaller reserve for the exchange.

Suicide By Cop Try

Authorities say a man accused of shooting and wounding two suburban Denver police officers told them he opened fire because he wanted police to kill him.  Court documents released today say 54-year-old Gordon Lee Moench (mench) told 911 dispatchers that he was armed with three guns and ready to hurt people.  Police say Moench fired from the back of his truck when officers arrived at his home Saturday night, woudning two of them.  One officer left the hospital yesterday, the other is still hospitalized.   Moench has been ordered held on $2 million bond.

Boulder Gay Marriage

Boulder County's attorney says the clerk will continue issuing marriage licenses to gay couples because failing to do so is a violation of their constitutional rights.  In a letter Wednesday to the Colorado attorney general's office, County Attorney Ben Pearlman says recent court rulings finding gay marriage bans unconstitutional mean the clerk is acting legally.  Clerk Hillary Hall began issuing licenses last week after a federal appeals court in Denver ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry. The ruling was put on hold pending appeal.

Denver Tech Tax

Technology companies in Denver are fighting a tax the city charges on software services.  They say Denver's unusual in charging sales tax on services such as mobile app and web development. The Denver Post reports that executives from more than 30 companies have met with Denver city officials to push for a change.   Denver officials say its tax code from 1987 covering "data processing programs" allows the city to tax custom software services.  Tech executives and entrepreneurs are hoping that the city can simply re-interpret the code to remove its tax on custom software. 

Rec Shooting Areas

The U.S. Forest Service is floating a plan to restrict recreational shooting to designated areas in 625 square miles near developed areas in Colorado's Front Range foothills and along the Interstate 70 corridor.  The plan also includes opening more approved shooting ranges.  The Forest Service says 50 to 75 percent of the land is close enough to homes, roads and campgrounds that shooting is already illegal there.  Clear Creek County Commissioner Tim Mauck says the amount of land being discussed is staggering.  Kathy Hinkle of the Clear Creek County Sportsmen Club says she supports the idea of more designated ranges but wants more details on the plan.

4th of July Travel

Colorado highway officials say they're expecting heavy traffic on Interstate 70 starting Thursday for the July 4 holiday weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation is promoting its website offering deals on things like tacos and massages to get travelers to stay in the mountains past peak travel times.  In 2013, westbound travel times on July 3 peaked at 97 minutes in the late afternoon.  Travel times for westbound traffic surpassed 100 minutes on July 4 for the noon hour.  If you're heading up the mountain corridor, expect delays throughout the day on July 3 and July 4 when traveling westbound and should allow for extra time or plan to travel earlier in the day.

Aurora Theater Shooting UPD

Defense attorneys in the Colorado theater shootings have subpoenaed disciplinary records of a police officer from Aurora, the Denver suburb where the attack took place.  The subpoena, made public today, seek documents from a 2008 internal affairs investigation of officer Joshua Schol. The subpoena says that investigation concluded Schol was untruthful in a police report that is apparently unrelated to the theater shootings.  It's not clear why the defense wants the records, but it could be to discredit Schol if he is a witness in the upcoming trial. James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the shootings that killed 12 and wounded 70.

GOP Primary

The Republican four-way race to challenge Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper in November ends tomorrow.  The GOP is trying to win the state's highest office for the first time since 2006. And while no candidate has emerged as a clear front-runner, Democrats have made clear who they want Hickenlooper to face: Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, a staunch opponent of illegal immigration who broke from Republicans to unsuccessfully run against Hickenlooper in 2010 as the Constitution Party candidate.  The other candidates are former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez (boh-PRAY'), Secretary of State Scott Gessler and former Republican state Sen. Mike Kopp.

Aurora Arson

Investigators say a fire at a home in Aurora was arson.  A woman and her dog were in the home when the fire broke out early this morning but were able to get out. No firefighters were injured.
Capt. Diane Lord says investigators don't know yet where the fire started.  They don't believe it's related to a fire at an apartment complex in Centennial.  An arson team is leading the investigation into that blaze but the cause hasn't been released.

RedRocks Shooting

Investigators haven't been able to develop a description of a gunman who opened fire on an SUV carrying rapper ScHoolboy Q after a concert at the Red Rocks amphitheater.  A Jefferson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson says witnesses didn't get a good look at the gunman because the suspect was hidden by bushes and fled into the darkness.  The shooting happened late Thursday in a parking lot near Red Rocks, injuring three people but not the Los Angeles rapper.  Investigators say it's possible the gunman targeted ScHoolboy Q but the investigation's ongoing.

Woodland Park Mayor

Court documents allege that Woodland Park Mayor David Turley inappropriately touched a 17-year-old boy in a hot tub at his home.  The 65-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child last month.  The documents provide the first details of the accusations against him.
The father of another boy and an assistant principal became concerned about the ties between Turley and the teen and asked investigators to look into it.   The boy's denied being molested and says Turley was a friend and father figure.  Later, he told social workers that Turley had accidentally touched his genitals, leading police to record a phone call between the two.  Turley's maintained his innocence.

Thornton House Blast

Investigators recovered a body of a man in his 20s from the rubble of a suburban Denver house that was leveled by an explosion. Officials did not immediately say if the body was that of the man reported missing after the blast in Thornton yesterday. A city spokesperson says investigators are looking into whether natural gas was the cause. A neighbor says the blast knocked him and his son off their feet at their home across the street. Debris clung to surrounding trees and rooftops and was scattered across two square blocks in the neighborhood.

State Revenue Forecast

Colorado is projected to collect higher-than-expected tax revenue for the fiscal year that ends this month, and state economists are also estimating a slight increase in tax receipts next year.
The continued increases in tax revenue during the past couple of years means state officials may soon be faced with constitutionality required refunds to people under Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Economists from the governor's office say the state will finish the fiscal year with $96.4 million more in tax revenue than forecast. For the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, the state is expected to collect $127.6 million more than was projected in March.

CO Congressional Primary

Four Colorado Republicans are battling for the chance to compete for a rare open congressional seat in November. Weld County D.A. Ken Buck, State Sen. Scott Renfroe, Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer and businessman Steve Laffey are fighting for the 4th District nomination. The seat covers the eastern plains and Douglas County. It is being vacated because Rep. Cory Gardner is running for U.S. Senate. Whoever wins Tuesday's Republican primary will be the favorite to go to Washington to represent the highly conservative district.

Ex-Arapahoe Co Sheriff Sentenced

Former Arapahoe County Sheriff Patrick Sullivan's been sentenced to 15-months in prison for repeatedly violating his probation in a meth-for-sex case. The 71-year old pleaded guilty to plying young men with in exchange for sexual favors. He was initially placed on probation, but repeatedly tested positive for drugs and alcohol.

Gardner Birth Control

GOP Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Cory Gardner's proposing that women be allowed to buy birth control pills without a prescription. He made the suggestion after taking heat from Democrats for his stance on women's rights. Gardner's challenging Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in the November election. Udall aired an ad this week accusing Gardner of wanting to ban birth control because he backed a measure to give legal rights to fertilized eggs. Planned Parenthood also hit Gardner on the issue in an ad today. Gardner's since disavowed the so-called personhood proposal. 

West Nile Statewide

State health officials say West Nile virus is showing up in mosquitoes unusually early this year. They said today the virus has been found in mosquitoes in Adams, Boulder, Delta, Mesa and Weld counties. Officials say it's likely to be found in other counties as well. Last year, Colorado reported 322 cases of West Nile virus disease, and seven people died.

Brush City Council Meeting Preview

The Brush city council has a regular meeting set for monday the 23rd... there's a finance commtitee meeting at 530pm, and a regular meeting at 6... among the items on the agenda... they'll get a report from the colorado municipal league conference, and a report on the all america city award... they'll talk about a healthy eating policy and a request to waive a building permit fee.

Suspicious Objects at Museum

The sterling police department responded yesterday when staff at the overland trail museum found a suspicious item near the parking lot of the museum... it turned out the object was harmless... the sterling journal advocate says police found a small metal pipe capped on both ends... the bomb squad responded just to be safe, and access to the museum was closed for a while... the bomb squad used a robot to take the pipe across the street, and they shot off one cap, then the bomb squad checked out the object... the pipe contained registration papers for a trailer from new mexico..

Udall VA Inspector General

Sen. Mark Udall's asked the VA's inspector general to investigate the Grand Junction VA hospital, saying employees there are complaining of a "toxic, hostile work environment."
Udall says current and former hospital employees also made allegations of mismanagement and ineffective oversight. He says the employees claimed that senior administrators overruled medical-care decisions to reduce costs and that handling of medical waste was inadequate. The VA said last week it planned to conduct a follow-up review of the Grand Junction hospital and others after checking on wait times for appointments and scheduling records.

Terrorist Lawsuit

A federal judge has ruled a man serving a life for terrorism was wrongly prohibited from communicating with a list of 32 friends and relatives. The court yesterday ruled in favor
of Khalfan Khamis Mohammed, who filed suit against the FBI over the restrictions. Mohammed is in the Supermax federal prison in southern Colorado. He was convicted in the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, which killed 11 and injured 85. An FBI agent testified that Mohammed had told investigators that if he were released, he would try to kill Americans in terrorist attacks.

Fracking Initatives

Supporters of two more ballot questions to restrict oil and gas development in Colorado can start collecting signatures after getting approval from the state Supreme Court.  one proposal, Initiative 88, would require new wells to be at least 2,000 feet from the closest occupied structure.  Current well setbacks are 500 feet.  Initiative 92 would let local governments limit or ban oil and gas development.  The initiatives would be state constitutional amendments and difficult to reverse.  In all, supporters of more local control over oil and gas development are trying to get 11 initiatives on the November ballot.

Gay Marriage Challenge

Two lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Colorado's gay marriage ban were scheduled to be heard in a state court today.  Fifteen state bans against gay marriage have been struck down since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had to recognize gay marriages ratified in states.  The first suit involves an Adams County same-sex couple who sued last year after they were refused a marriage certificate.  The second involves eight other couples who sued earlier this year to overturn the state's voter-approved gay marriage ban. The two cases have been consolidated.

DeGette and GM

Cong. Diana DeGette wants GM to explain how it plans to fix what's been described as a lax corporate culture and how the company plans to compensate victims of crashes tied to faulty ignition switches.  The Colorado Democrat's outlined questions she'll have for new GM CEO Mary Barra during a congressional hearing Wednesday.  DeGette is the ranking member of the House committee investigating GM's recall of 2.6 million small cars.  DeGette says she wants Barra to talk about a company-commissioned report that highlighted bad corporate habits, such as the "GM nod" — agreeing on a plan of action but doing nothing.

GOP State Senate

Republicans hoping to topple Democrats' one-seat majority in the Colorado Senate take a first step next Tuesday when they pick their candidates in two key legislative races in Denver's' suburbs.  Political observers say their challenge will be selecting candidates that can appeal to independent voters during the general election, instead of picking candidates that may be seen as too conservative to win in November.  Primaries are in Senate District 19, which covers Lakewood, and Senate District 22, which is in Arvada.  Mario Nicolais and Tony Sanchez are competing in Lakewood, and Lang Sias and Laura woods in Arvada.

West Nile Greeley

Mosquito's carrying West Nile have been trapped in Weld County.  County officials say the mosquitoes were found this week in two of the three county testing zones.   Dr. Mark Wallace, executive director of the Weld County Health Department, says the overall risk posed by the virus remains low, but he notes that in recent years it usually hasn't shown up until July.
Initial human symptoms of the virus can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, weakness and rash. More severe symptoms can include stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and even death.

High Plains Music Fest

As you're making your weekend plans, consider this - The High Plains Music Fest is set for Saturday, June 14... it's located at the cow creek ranch on county road 57.5 near Iliff...it's a fundraiser put on by megal music for local band programs... five bands will perform this year... gates open at 330pm.

Deadly Dog Rescue

A woman who died after jumping into a Boulder County irrigation ditch to rescue a dog has been identified as 31-year-old Megan Davis of Longmont. Witnesses say Davis went after a dog that fell into the fast-moving water of the Highland Ditch near Longmont on yesterday. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office says her friends pulled her from the water and performed CPR, but she could not revived. The dog was rescued.

Udall Senate Immigration

Democratic Sen. Mark Udall and his Republican challenger are butting head over immigration issues. Udall's campaign released a statement today demanding that Rep. Cory Gardner elaborate on his immigration stance. Gardner last week said he favors citizenship for people here illegally who join the military but wouldn't say who else should get citizenship. Udall's campaign asked what the congressman would do for those service members' family members if they are also here illegally. Gardner's campaign says Udall voted for a bill in 2005 that would have made being in the U.S. illegally a felony. Udall also voted for a Senate bill last year to legalize many immigrants here illegally.

Denver Pot Tax

Denver officials are talking about how to spend marijuana tax revenues. Mayor Michael Hancock's proposed spending $3.35 million in marijuana tax revenues on business regulation and public safety. The mayor's plan includes about $746,000 on youth and public education about marijuana. That would include Denver's "Know The Law" campaign on responsible pot use. The city has a 3.5% tax on retail pot sales, on top of the state's 17.9% tax on recreational pot.

Black Forest Fire

Investigators have narrowed down where the Black Forest Fire broke out, but El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa (mah-KEE'-tah) says they might never know for sure how Colorado's most destructive fire started.  Maketa did not reveal the location during a briefing today on his office's "after-action" report.  He says smoking, a campfire and a train have all been ruled out as fire starters.  Once the U.S. Forest Service finalizes its report on the fire, Maketa says his office's findings will be turned over to prosecutors to determine if criminal charges are warranted.  The Black Forest Fire started a year ago this week. It destroyed nearly 500 houses and killed two people north of Colorado Springs.

Fracking Suit

Two Lafayette residents are suing Colorado officials for not enforcing a ban on hydraulic fracturing.  The Daily Camera reports that the residents say that a fracking ban passed in November is not being enforced.  Sixty percent of Lafayette voters supported a measure that prohibits any new oil and gas extraction in the city. The Colorado Oil & Gas Association has filed a lawsuit against Lafayette challenging the ban.  The suit, filed today, seeks immediate enforcement.

Pot Tax Suit

Some marijuana activists in Colorado are suing over the collection of pot taxes.  A lawsuit filed in Denver District Court claims that collecting pot taxes violates the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. That's the protection from self-incrimination.  The lawsuit says that when marijuana growers and sellers pay their taxes, they effectively incriminate themselves under federal law.  The attorney who filed the case says pot taxes are too high, and the tax rate means there's still a black market for marijuana.  The attorney general's office calls the suit "bizarre."

Hearing Aid Bank

The Sterling Lions Club Hearing Aid Bank needs used hearing aids.

The club last year formed a hearing committee and started collecting used aids.  Some of them needed repairs.

The Fort Morgan Times reports the club has helped nine people in Logan and Morgan counties receive hearing aids.  It continues helping two other people.

The club helps people who cannot afford new hearing aids and do not qualify for Medicaid or any other assistance.

Those interested in refurbished aids can receive applications from the club's hearing committee.  If the committee approves it, then it sets up an appointment with the applicant.  Those receiving refurbished aids contribute what they can towards the cost.

Logan Co Relay For Life

Bad weather Friday did not deter the Relay For Life of Logan County.

The annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society began at the Logan County Courthouse Gazebo.

The Journal-Advocate reports this year's relay had 21 teams registered.

Later in the evening, those participating in the event held a Luminaria Ceremony.  They made their way around the track as luminaria honored survivors and those who died.

The overnight activities included a hotdog eating contest that the Sterling Fire Department hosted.  A Zumba session also took place.

Sterling Nazarene Church raised $4,533, the most of any fundraising team at the event.

This year's relay has raised over $35,000.  It continues accepting money until at least August.

Pot Edibles Maker Sued

Hershey has sued a Colorado marijuana edibles maker.

The company claims TinctureBelle makes four pot-infused candies that too closely resume its iconic products.

The alleged targets: Almond Joy, Heath, Reese's peanut butter cups, and York peppermint patties.

The state's legal pot shops and medical marijuana dispensaries sell the edibles.

Sunday Tornadoes

Bad weather yesterday swept across the Front Range and eastern plans.

This caused several tornadoes, including one that dropped down near a junior golf tournament at Blackstone Country Club in Aurora.

The fire department says it caused one minor injury and flipped an empty trailer.  A spokeswoman says the man went to a hospital after the twister lifted a golf cart and threw it on top of him.

Another tornado touched down in Grover.

Kyle Fredin from the National Weather Service says a trough of low pressure created a large extensive line of severe weather along the Front Range from southern Colorado to the Wyoming border.

VA Wait Times

The VA says over 1,600 patients have had to wait 90-days or more for their initial medical appointments at the Denver VA hospital after requesting them. A report released by the agency today also says 115 patients have had to wait at least 90 days for their first appointment at the Grand Junction veterans hospital.  The report is based on an audit of 731 VA hospitals and large outpatient clinics.  It says that nationwide, a total of more than 57,000 patients have been caught in that 90-day category.  The report says the Grand Junction hospital and an outpatient clinic in Colorado Springs will get follow-up reviews based on the findings of inspections in May.

4th of July in Brush

Brush leaders are getting set for this year's 4th of july festivities... among those - The Brush Rodeo will be held on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th starting at 7 pm each evening. One of the highlights of this 3 day intense activity is the parade on the 4th at 10 am. The theme of the parade is “60 Years Now and Then”. The parade usually has over 100 entries and takes about an hour and a half to do. The 4th begins with the Lions pancake breakfast from 6-10 am at Library Park, the quilt show and book sale at the Library from 6-10 am and 11 am–1 pm, the parade at 10, the museum will have an open house from 12-2 pm, an art show in the event center on the 2nd and 3rd from 1:30-7:30pm and on the 4th from 1-7 pm and the final rodeo at 7 pm followed by a fantastic fireworks display. The art show will also be open on July 2nd and 3rd from 1:30-7:30 pm each day and from 1-7 pm on the 4th. Twenty artists will be displaying and there is no charge for the show.

Denver Drug Bust

Authorities say they have dismantled two drug trafficking organizations with ties to Mexico that peddled meth, heroin, crack and other drugs in the Denver area.   Federal authorities announced indictments against 54 people today. Twenty-eight were arrested today. Authorities are still searching for 12 others.  A two-year investigation found links among street level dealers in Colorado and sources in Mexico.  Officers say they seized nearly 20,000 grams of methamphetamine, other drugs, 13 guns and $94,000 in cash.

Local Control Fracking Proposal

Lawmakers and groups with a stake in oil and gas development in Colorado have a draft bill from the governor's office that tries to find a \compromise on local control rules for the booming fracking industry.  Gov. Hickenlooper will order a special legislative session if there is consensus on the proposal aimed at trying to stave off more than 10 potential ballot initiatives in November to limit fracking.   The draft bill gives local governments more control over setbacks for oil and gas development, and they could set moratoriums on drilling.  However, they could not ban fracking outright.

Weld Quake

A geophysicist from the University of Colorado is hoping to settle the question of whether a small earthquake last weekend near Greeley was caused by wastewater injection wells.  The Greeley Tribune reports Anne Sheehan and a team of graduate students have been deploying seismographs to study the 3.4 magnitude quake.  The quake caused no damage.  Weld County has 28 injection wells for oil and gas waste, or "Class II" disposal wells.  State drilling regulators said earlier this week they were skeptical that the wells caused the earthquake.

Poudre River Flood Warning

A flood warning for the Poudre River near Greeley has been extended through Sunday.  The National Weather Service says the river was still nearly a foot above flood stage at 8.8 feet this morning.  In addition, continued warm weather and expected rainfall today and tomorrow could make the problem worse.  The river's rise is expected to be gradual, with no flash flooding predicted.  The flooding has caused several road closures in Weld County.

Late Season Skiing at ABasin

Late snow storms along the Continental Divide have allowed Arapahoe Basin ski resort to extend its season through at least June 22.  The resort's adding three bonus weekends to the season: June 6-8, June 13-15 and June 20-22, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.  Weekday skiing Sunday.  Since the season opened in October, A-Basin has received more than 440 inches of snow, well above the 307 inches it received during the 2012-13 season. Several storms dropped 47 inches of snow in May.

Baker Has to Bake For Gays

The State Civil Rights Commission today upheld a judge's ruling that baker Jack Phillips cannot refuse to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples. The panel says doing so violates state laws prohibiting businesses from discriminating against gay people.  Phillips is a devout Christian who says he will make other cakes for gay couples but not ones for weddings. He was sued by a gay couple after refusing to make a cake for their reception.  The commission also ordered Phillips' business to make quarterly reports for two years on any anti-discrimination training for staff and on any other gay couples turned away.

Fire Chief Wife Hit and Run

The wife of Aurora's fire chief has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that injured two children in another car.  Arapahoe County prosecutors today charged 50-year-old Adriene Garcia with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries and careless driving. Authorities issued a warrant for her arrest.  Police say she rear ended a sedan stopped at a red light on May 14 and left the scene.  Her SUV was found minutes later.  Two children in the other car were taken to a hospital.  Garcia's attorney, Danny Foster, says his office is investigating whether a prior brain injury contributed to the accident.

Prostitution Sting Shooting

A man is dead, shot by police during a prostitution sting in Greeley. Police say the man was a customer of an undercover officer posing as a prostitute yesterday. When uniformed officers moved in to arrest him, they say he pulled a gun and officers shot and killed him. His name hasn't been released. The Greeley Tribune reports the grew out of the arrests of three woman on prostitution charges in late April. They were p[art of an investigation into Backpage.com, a website where sexual services are offered for cash. Police warned at the time that there could be more arrests to come. The Weld County D.A. and Greeley PD are investigating the shooting.

Interior Dept Grant for Colorado

U.S. Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell was in Commerce City today to announce the Obama administration's plan to spend $6.7 million to hire young adults and veterans to work on public lands. Jewell says the grant will help fund 43 projects around the country as part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Initiative. At the arsenal refuge, the project will include 38 positions through Groundwork Denver to work on habitat for bison and prairie dogs. The goal is to help young adults get new skills and job experience while being of service to their communities.

Court Okays Solitary Confinement

An appeals court has denied a request by a prisoner convicted of killing three people behind bars to be released from solitary confinement, where he has been held the past 30 years. The court ruled today in the case of 62-year-old Thomas Silverstein, who's in the federal Supermax prison in Colorado. Silverstein entered prison in 1978 on a bank robbery conviction. He later was convicted of killing two inmates and a corrections officer at other prisons before he was sent to solitary. The court ruled releasing Silverstein, a leader of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, from solitary would create a substantial risk to himself, officers and other inmates.

TJ Ward Update

Broncos safety T.J. Ward appeared in court on misdemeanor charges, for allegedly throwing a glass mug at a bartender at a Denver strip club. The Denver Post reports that bond was set at $1,900 for the 27-year-old. His next court appearance is June 23. He's charged with misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace. Court documents say Ward tossed the mug at the bartender May 10 after he was told he couldn't bring a drink into the club. Ward signed a four-year, $22.5 million deal with Denver earlier this spring.

Appeals Court Rules on Broadband Fees

A federal appeals court's rejected challenges to the FCC's plan to expand broadband Internet service to rural areas. The expansion is funded partly by fees paid by telecommunications companies. Many of those companies contended the FCC didn't have the authority to use the money for Internet service. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver dismissed the challenges as either unpersuasive or not issues the court could address. In 2011, the FCC estimated the expansion would provide high-speed Internet service to about 7 million people.

Bring Your Own Cannibus

The Colorado Symphony Orchestra's bring-your-own-cannabis fundraising concerts kick off tonight. Plans had hit a snag when the Denver city attorney questioned whether concert-goers would consume marijuana in public, which is banned even though sale and possession of the drug are legal under a state law that went into effect at the start of the year. The city attorney withdrew his objections after the symphony took steps to ensure the events are strictly private. Three invitation-only concerts are being held at a private gallery across town from the symphony's usual home, a city-owned concert hall. A brass quintet of symphony players will perform at the first concert. 

Juveniles Defense Council

Juveniles facing charges in Colorado will be guaranteed defense counsel at detention hearings under a bill expected to be signed into law.  It's a response to data from youth advocates showing that nearly half of juveniles with cases in state courts don't get legal representation.  The bill requires that juveniles have either a court-appointed attorney or a private lawyer at hearings where a judge determines whether a defendant should be released while their case is pending.  Supporters of the bill say the goal is to reduce incarceration rates.  The Governor's expected to sign the bill next week.

Library Services Upgrade

Some services of the Fort Morgan Public Library will not be available on Monday, May 19, as a software upgrade is completed. The library’s circulation software company will be performing the upgrade on the facility’s servers from approximately 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. During this time, the library staff will not be able to search for books, place holds on books, process payment of fines or renew books. Internet access on the library’s public computers will also be down. Patrons will still be able to check out and return books. This upgrade will enhance the service that the library uses for circulation.

Denver MERS

Travelers passing through Denver International are being warned about the danger of the MERS virus.  The airport says the signs went up today at all of its screening areas at the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  They list the symptoms of the virus and ask anyone who gets sick within 14 days of traveling to the Arabian peninsula to contact their doctor and tell the doctor where they have been.  MERS, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, is a respiratory illness that begins with flu-like fever and cough but can lead to shortness of breath, pneumonia and death.

What Minority Contract?

Denver is investigating the largest contract ever awarded to a minority-owned company in its history after the bulk of the work was turned over to another firm.  Mayor Michael Hancock asked his economic development chief to look into a $40 million mechanical contract at Denver International Airport given to Burgess Services.  The company is owned by Denise Burgess, an African-American woman.  She collected a 2% construction management fee but gave most of the construction work to RK Mechanical Inc., a large company that doesn't qualify for Denver's minority and business enterprise program.  Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher's planning to examine the entire program.

Bankers Survey

The economy appears to be gaining strength in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states.  The overall economic index for the region improved to 55.6 in May from April's 53.2, suggesting growth in the months ahead.  The survey of bankers in the region uses indexes that range from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.  Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. He says the results show the economy is improving in these rural areas that depend heavily on agriculture and energy production.  Colorado's among the state's in the survey. 

Edible Pot

Edible marijuana producers in Colorado are meeting again with state regulators and health officials to come up with stricter standards for marijuana-infused foods.  New warning labels and increased education were the main topics of discussion today.  The governor is expected to sign a bill next week to require edible pot to be "clearly identifiable" to make it less likely people accidentally eat pot. Marijuana regulators have 19 months to come up with stricter labeling and warning standards to make sure kids don't accidentally eat pot, or that adults don't eat more than they planned.

Telecom Subsidy

Gov. Hickenlooper's signed legislation rerouting part of a $54 million annual ratepayer subsidy to telecom companies into a broadband fund to provide service in rural areas.  The subsidy goes back to the days when most people had landlines and few provider options.  The money was used to provide service in hard-to-reach areas, with the subsidy going away in 10-years.  In the meantime, areas with few telecom provider options will continue to get money from the fund. But in places with more than three providers, the money will be redirected to deploy broadband in rural areas.

Body Dumped ID

Authorities have identified a woman whose body was dumped on Lookout Mountain outside Denver.  The Jefferson County Sheriff's office says 38-year-old Sandra Mercado was stabbed to death.  Investigators say she had no known connection to Colorado, but did have ties to Nevada and California.   A hiker found the body near Windy Saddle Park and the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave last Thursday.   Investigators think she was killed within 24-hours of her remains being dumped.    

Ex-Arapahoe Sheriff Probation

A former Arapahoe County sheriff convicted in a meth-for-sex case violated his probation by testing positive for meth and alcohol.  71-year-old Patrick Sullivan tested positive for meth use three times between September and March, and alcohol four times between April 2012 and last August.  He was sentenced to 38-days in jail and 2-years probation in 2012, on guilty pleas to felony meth possession and soliciting for prostitution.  His probation's already been extended once, and there's a hearing on his probation Thursday.  

Wildfire Predictions

Gov. Hickenlooper says wildfire experts predict an average year for fires in Colorado this year, welcome news after two consecutive seasons that were worse than average.  But the Governor warned that even an average year means fires could scorch more than 155 square miles, or 100,000 acres.  The governor got his annual wildfire outlook today from state and federal wildfire managers.  He also signed legislation authorizing nearly $20 million for the state to buy two fire-spotting planes and contract for four helicopters and four single-engine tankers.  The state currently has contracts for only two single-engine tankers.

ABasin Skiing into June

The spring storm is bringing good news after causing havoc.  The Arapahoe Basin ski resort says with 2-feet of new snow, they will be open the weekend of June 6-8.  Weekday skiing ends June 1.  A-Basin COO Alan Henceroth says the season may go even further at the Continental Divide resort.  If that happens, lifts will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.  Since the season opened in October, A-Basin has received 419 inches of snow, well above the 307 inches it got during the 2012-13 season.  The spring storm brought up to 3 feet of snow to the Rockies.

Rampart Range Warning

The U.S. Forest Service is warning hikers and bike riders on Rampart Range trails that spike strips have been found hidden underneath trails in the Pike National Forest.  Forest officials say strips studded with nails were buried in a trail bed so that wheeled vehicles would be damaged and unsuspecting hikers could be injured.  A warning posted on one trail said the hidden spikes caused five flat tires on three bikes and one rider suffered an ankle injury.  The Forest Service is asking for help finding those responsible.

Realtors Pot Laws

Representatives of the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and Ft. Morgan Police department met with local realtor's today to give them the latest information on marijuana use in homes.  According to the Ft. Morgan Times, they say it's legal to have and smoke pot in a home with young children, as well as grow a small amount in a home.  You can have up to 6-plants growing for personal use in a home, with half at or near maturity.  That can also mean 6 plants/person in a home.  Over 6-plants, they say a realtor should notify authorities.

Weld Co School Threat & Arrest

Three students have been arrested in connection with an alleged threat against a northern Colorado high school.   Two were arrested yesterday after Weld County sheriff's deputies and detectives were made aware of a potential threat involving weapons at Weld Central High School in Keenesburg.  A third student was arrested today.  A tip about the alleged threat came from a student who wasn't involved. Authorities say there's no remaining credible threat against the school and no other suspects are being sought.

Car Crash Recovery

A woman who survived several days after crashing off a Colorado highway faces a long recovery.
Kristin Hopkins is in critical condition today, her 44th birthday, after doctors were forced to remove both of her feet.  Her car was found flipped over by a couple traveling U.S. Hwy 285 Sunday.  They stopped after noticing some glare and notified authorities, never expecting the car's passenger to still be alive.  Investigators say Hopkins crashed sometime after she left work April 27, the last time she was seen. 

Grow House Theft

Police are looking for three men caught on surveillance video stealing marijuana plants from a Denver grow house.  The men took 25 mature plants, estimated to be worth about $13,000, during the April 23 burglary at Chronic Therapy.  One of them notices a surveillance camera and tries to cover it with a towel.  Another suspect then smashes it with a hammer.  Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to get a reward up to $2,000.

Natural Disaster Property Tax

Lawmakers are trying to agree on last-minute changes to a proposal that would give a property tax break to residents affected by massive Colorado flooding and wildfires last year.  In its original form, the state would pay for a full year of property taxes on destroyed homes.  Senators feared they didn't have enough votes in the chamber to pass it, so they changed it so the state would pay for only the time after the property was destroyed.  Today, a bicameral committee restored the bill to its original form.  Lawmakers have to pass it by midnight tonight.

Education Dollars

Colorado schools are getting a lot more money next year, but the education spending bills nearing completion in the Legislature haven't been as popular as they might seem.  Lawmakers this term focused on a school overhaul that was both more popular and more problematic than reforms such as new teacher tenure guidelines.  The bills give schools money to make the reforms and backfill years of recession-era cuts.  Two K-12 education bills and a higher-education spending plan put a cumulative $320 million toward education from preschool through college.

Fort Morgan Facility Use

As the weather warms up and we get into summer, more people get out and enjoy city parks and other facilities... and that has fort morgan leaders reminding people that if you want to use many city facilities, you'll first have to contact the city... the city says In recent weeks several instances have come to light in which individuals or groups have simply showed up to use facilities that require advance reservations, or advertised events at city-owned facilities without prior communication with the city. Most facilities can be reserved for private use, but in order to do so you must make the reservation through the Recreation Department. If you are planning a special event for the community, all facilities must be approved prior to any promotion of the event. City manager jeff wells says “Making reservations helps avoid conflicts, it allows us to treat everyone fairly and to allocate our resources as directed by City Council.” Use of city parks and other facilities for larger events requires users to file a Special Event application 60 days in advance.  The city’s Recreation Department handles most rentals of city facilities, and can be reached at (970) 542-3921 or by visiting the rec center at 528 State St.

Greeley Animal Hoarder

A woman who has been accused of hoarding dogs in California and Wyoming is under arrest in Colorado.  64-year-old Kimi Peck's being held in the Weld County Jail, a day after being arrested for one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.  Investigators say one of her dogs was emaciated.
She was taken into custody three days after voluntarily surrendered 53 dogs she'd been transporting in a trailer in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Sheriff's bureau chief Steve Reams says Peck was arrested because of the previous allegations of animal hoarding and because it's not clear where she lives. 

Property Tax Bill

People who lost their homes and businesses during historic Colorado floods and wildfires last year may still get some relief on their property taxes, but it'll be smaller than initially expected.  The State Senate's given initial approval to forgiving a portion of the property taxes of affected residents.  As introduced in the House, the bill would've had the state paying the property taxes for the entire year on homes destroyed by the natural disasters.  That didn't have enough support to pass the Senate, so it was amended so the state will pay taxes only for the time after a property was destroyed.  Both chambers have to vote again before tomorrow

VA False Records

Government investigators say employees at a veterans medical clinic in Colorado were instructed to falsify records to make it appear that veterans were getting appointments close to the day they wanted them.   A VA report says employees at the Fort Collins clinic were told to make their records show that vets got appointments within 14 days of the day they wanted, whether or not it was true.  The VA's already under fire over allegations that up to 40 patients may have died because of delays in care at a veterans hospital in Phoenix.  At the Fort Collins clinic, investigators say they found no evidence that anyone's health suffered.

Water Award

The Morgan County Quality Water District has been named the water district of the year by the colorado rural association... the fort morgan times says Morgan County Quality Water won the award for its outstanding service to the community and support of Colorado Rural Water initiatives. the morgan county quality water district has almost 3 thousand tap customers with more than 540 miles of distribution line.

Pot Child Endangerment

A Colorado effort to update child-endangerment drug statutes to account for legal marijuana failed Tuesday night. The Senate approved, but then rejected two bills that sought to protect parents who use or grow marijuana from child-endangerment prohibitions on having pot in a home where a child resides. The bills would have instructed child-protection agencies and law enforcement that the presence of drugs and alcohol in a home don't constitute child endangerment unless they pose a risk to a child's health and welfare. But lawmakers from both parties took issue with the bills, arguing they didn't clarify confusing guidelines on when marijuana or other drugs endanger children.

Traffic Cams Bill

A State House committee's rejected a plan to study speeding and red-light cameras to determine whether they should be banned. Supporters of traffic cameras argue they reduce accidents. But sponsors of the bill, which included Republicans, say the cameras are used primarily as revenue generators. The bill had passed the Senate, and it appeared to have a good chance of clearing the House.

X-Cel

Xcel's proposing a $45.7 million credit for its Colorado electricity customers, citing lower than expected cost increases and higher customer growth.They're asking state regulators to phase the credit in effect for a year beginning Aug. 1. It says customers in Colorado would see a 1.5 percent reduction in bills, or about $1.17 a month for typical residential customers and $2.33 for typical small-business customers.  

Easter Fire Update

morgan county sheriff Jim crone says he's been getting a lot of inquiries from people wanting to help the family of Andrew Clemons, who died in a house fire northeast of Brush on Sunday. Crone says the family has lost most of everything they have in the fire... but right now most of what they need is cash to replace day to day items until they see what insurance will cover... they could use gift certificates that can be used at local business, like Walmart or Safeway, along with debit cards... they do NOT need clothing... and at some point they might need large items like furniture or appliances, but right now they have nowhere to keep those things. A fund has been set up for the family at gofundme.com... you can go directly to the site at gofundme.com/8hwdvw.... you also can drop off donations or gifts to the Morgan county sheriff's office, attention Helberg family, at 801 east beaver avenue in Fort Morgan... meanwhile... Funeral services for Andrew will be Saturday, April 26th at 2:00pm at the Heer Mortuary in Brush. There will also be a candlelight vigil tonight at 8:30 pm at the VFW Park on S Clayton Street in Brush.

Hickenlooper Poll

The same poll that shows Gov. John Hickenlooper leading potential challengers found that voters still oppose the stricter gun control laws which he signed into law last year. The Quinnipiac University poll found that voters oppose the laws 56 to 39 percent but 85 percent said they support background checks for all gun buyers. But, voters opposed banning ammunition magazines holding more than 15 rounds, 51 to 45 percent. The poll also found that 50 percent of voters favor allowing teachers and school officials to carry guns on school grounds, driven by strong support from men, and 74% of voters support metal detectors at school entrances.

Pot in Schools

After fourth graders were caught dealing pot at their northern Colorado school, the principal sent home notes asking parents to take care with the marijuana that adults have been able to buy legally in the state since January. In the letter sent home yesterday, Jennifer Sheldon of Greeley's Monfort elementary cautioned that because it's easier for adults to get marijuana, children potentially have greater access. She says the drug should be kept locked away.

School Discipline Reports

A Colorado state senator says she'll be pushing law enforcement agencies to report statistics showing what happens when trouble at school leads to the arrests of young people, but police see the new requirement as just one more unfunded burden. The Smart School Discipline Law requires police, sheriffs officers and district attorneys to file annual reports, the first of which were due this past fall. As of today, only about 30 of the more than 150 police departments across the state had met the requirement. A few sheriff's departments also had filed, as had three district attorneys from among the state's 22 judicial districts.

Adams County Deputy Busted

Bond was set Friday at $100,000 for an Adams County sheriff's deputy arrested on allegations of sexual assault on a child.  The sheriff's office says Henry Ford's arrest followed an investigation that started Wednesday.  Ford's worked for the sheriff's office since 2006.

Banner Health Sterling Location

Work has officially started on the new banner health center in sterling... there was a groundbreaking this week for the facility, which will be located at 102 hays avenue... it'll open in february of next year. the project totals 6 point 1 million dollars... it'll take up almost 15 thousand square feet, and include space for six medical providers... and extra space that can be used for more medical providers down the road.

Dreamer Teachers

Colorado's largest school district is reaching out to immigrants who came to this country as children without documents to teach.  Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg says the initiative started after President Obama decided to allow young people living in here illegally to stay and work.  Two teachers who qualified under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy started work this school year.  Boasberg says more will be hired this coming year.  Boasberg says the teachers bring crucial languages skills and can inspire students whose circumstances mirror theirs.

Gardner Replacement

With Cong. Cory Gardner after Mark Udall's U.S. Senate seat, republicans have several contenders to pick from to replace Gardner.   The 4th Congressional district covers the eastern plains, the southeastern edge of the state and parts of Douglas County.  Republican delegates at a party assembly today picked chose State Sen. Scott Renfroe and Weld County D.A. Ken Buck to appear on their party's primary ballot.  Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer and former Rhode Island mayor Steve Laffey are expected to make the ballot through another process.

Nicotine Kids

Gov. Hickenlooper signed into law today a bill broadening the definition of tobacco products that are off-limits to minors.  The new law bans nicotine-delivery devices for people under 18.  Colorado already bans e-cigarettes for minors. The new law broadens the definition to include any nicotine-delivery device.  Lawmakers say the existing tobacco law didn't adequately keep nicotine out of the hands of kids.  The law doesn't address the age of buying tobacco.

Inefficient Plumbing

Inefficient faucets, toilets and showerheads are closer to becoming illegal in Colorado. The state House approved the phase-out today. The measure would prohibit the sale of low-efficiency plumbing fixtures by 2016. The House still must take a formal vote on the measure, which would make it illegal to sell new faucets, showerheads and toilets that aren't certified by the federal government as efficient "WaterSense" fixtures. The Senate has already passed the bill, so after the House vote, the plumbing measure awaits the governor's signature. Supporters say the bill could help save up to 13 billion gallons of water by 2050. Republicans say it's unnecessary government intrusion.

National Library Week

National Library Week is the week of April 14-19... and the fort Morgan public library has events planned to help celebrate. There will be a traveling “Library Shirt” that will be displayed in five different stores during the week. By identifying where you saw the shirt in downtown stores, you can register for a drawing to win a “new” traveling shirt! The library staff will also offer two trivia games at checkout during the week.

More Fire Assets

The governor's top fire official says Colorado needs more aircraft to spot and fight wildfires sooner, telling lawmakers during a briefing that the state needs "to bring tools to the game." Paul Cooke outlined a plan to lawmakers calling for two spotter planes to detect fires within an hour after the first smoke sighting. Cooke also recommends that the state contract four helicopters and four single-engine tankers to begin fire suppression within an hour of a request from fire chiefs. It won't be cheap, about $22-million in next years' budget. Cooke's suggestions follow historic back-to-back wildfire seasons.

Rainbow Bridge Annexation

Fort Morgan leaders this week decided to annex the area surrounding rainbow bridge -into the city... the city already owned the bridge... but the Fort Morgan Times says city manager Jeff wells said the ordinances gives the city territorial authority over the bridge and the area.

Udall Disaster Recovery

A U.S. Senate bill that could free up more federal money for natural disaster recovery in Colorado is working its way through the Senate. Sen. Mark Udall introduced legislation that would change how the federal government distributes Emergency Watershed Protection program funds. Colorado has used the funds to repair watersheds damaged by wildfires and floods over the past two years. The program is not consistently funded and currently depends on Congress's annual budget for funding approval.

Marijuana Loophole

Colorado plans to crack down on medical marijuana patients and medical pot growers with permission for more than six plants.  The head of the state Health Department says those so-called "high volume" patients and their designated caregivers show physician justification for "medical necessity" waivers.  Colorado is considering a crackdown on medical marijuana patients and growers now that the drug is legal for everyone over 21.

School Discipline Study

Fewer Colorado students are being expelled in the wake of statewide reforms, according to a new study.  Activists say this raises Colorado's voice in a growing nationwide debate over whether discipline measures are setting students — particularly those from minority communities — on a path to prison and failure.  The study analyzed data for 2012-13, the first full school year since the adoption of Colorado's 2012 Smart School Discipline law.  It found an overall 25% drop from the previous year in expulsion rates, but also that black students were almost four times as likely to be suspended, expelled or referred to law enforcement authorities as white students.

Statehouse Budget

The State House today passed and sent to the Senate a $23 billion budget that increases funding to schools, colleges, and the state's savings for a rainy day.  The budget received unanimous support from Democrats, but it was decried by most Republicans.  Only the Republican member of the budget-writing Joint Budget Committee voted in favor of the spending plan.  The budget adds $100 million to colleges for financial aid and to limit tuition increases.  Per-student spending at public schools is also increasing to keep up with inflation and enrollment growth.  Meanwhile, the state's budget reserves are being increased from 5 to 6.5%. 

Wildlife Bill Killed

The Legislature's shelved a bill to lower wildfire risks.   The bill would have strengthened the ability of county governments to ban agricultural burning and fireworks when winds are high. The proposal was suggested by a committee of lawmakers that studied ways to reduce wildfire risk.  The bill was awaiting a vote in the Senate, but senators used a legislative maneuver today to shelve it.  A Senate committee removed the fireworks provision in the bill, and then farmers complained that the ag-burning provision wasn't needed. 

Goodwill Recycling

Goodwill industries is going to be offering free electronics recycling to morgan county residents... this week, Goodwill Industries will place bins for recycling of computers and other electronics in Fort Morgan and other areas of Morgan County this week. Older tube-style televisions will not be accepted, but other electronics can be placed in the donation containers.
The locations in fort morgan where bins will be placed - include --
• Fort Morgan Recreation Center, 528 State St.
• Fort Morgan Senior Center, 110 Sherman St.
• South parking lot of the Morgan County Administration Building, 231 Ensign St.

Other drop-off bins are scheduled to be placed in other locations across Morgan County, including Wiggins, Brush, Hillrose and the Morgan County Landfill. The Goodwill retail store and donation center at Main Street and Platte Avenue in Fort Morgan can also accept electronics. All electronics are “wiped” of data before being recycled.

Hit and Run Alerts

Gov. Hickenlooper's signed what's believed to be a first-of-its-kind bill, creating statewide roadside alerts for hit-and-run crashes. The new law creates an Amber Alert-style notification system when authorities are looking for vehicles involved in serious hit-and-run crashes. The system includes quickly alerting the media and issuing bulletins on electronic highway signs that describe the fleeing vehicles. It will be implemented next year. Supporters call them "Medina Alerts," after 21-year-old valet worker Jose Medina, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Denver three years ago. Denver and Aurora already have citywide Medina Alerts.

Med Pot Caregivers

An attempt to crack down on medical marijuana caregivers in Colorado has been revived. The state Health Department's scheduled a town hall meeting to explore new limits on people who are designated to grow marijuana on behalf of medical marijuana patients. State officials have said they want to force some high-volume caregivers to go through background checks required of commercial growers. But some caregivers argue that Colorado's 2000 medical marijuana amendment gives them constitutional protection to such checks.

Fort Morgan Water Summit

A non profit group is hosting a water summit in Fort Morgan on Friday... Progressive 15 will answer questions from people about water-related issues, and update people on the latest developments in the water industry... the forum will include comments from john Stulp - the governor's special policy advisor on water - who will talk about the Colorado plan for water... also... other talks will address public legislation related to water... and what's happening with the South Platte and republican rivers... a speech at lunchtime will be an official from the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who will provide forecasts for moisture and potential flooding issues. The summit costs 35 dollars with lunch, or 15 dollars without... you do have to make reservations, and you can do that by going online to progressive15.org.

XCel Energy Rates

Xcel Energy wants to raise your energy bills... the company has asked the Colorado public utilities commission for adjustments in gas and electric rates... if the CPUC says OK, the Electric Commodity Adjustment (ECA) will raise residential and small-business customers' bills by about 4.5 percent over the first quarter of the year... also... the CPUC is considering the company's quarter gas cost adjustment... that would raise average residential customers' bills by 4-dollars and 73 cents a month... and the average small commercial customer would pay an additional 24 dollars and 46 cents per month over the second quarter. the new rates could kick in April first.

Flood Insurance Tax Hike

Thousands of Coloradans could see a big jump in the cost of their flood insurance, just as many are trying to decide whether to rebuild or move on after last September's flooding.  Over 5,700 federally subsidized policies here could be hit with annual premium increases, despite federal legislation signed Friday scaling back the most dramatic price hikes.  Measuring the impact in Colorado is difficult with uncertainty and changes left behind by September, which damaged or destroyed 20,000 homes. 

Mugshots for Profit

Posting mug shots online for profit would be subject to criminal penalties under a bill that got its first yes vote in the State Senate.  The bill would make it illegal to obtain mug shots with the purpose of publishing them to charge for their removal.  In some cases, companies charge hundreds of dollars.  Colorado lawmakers have likened the practice to extortion.  Obtaining mug shots to make profit would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

International Tea

The overland trail museum is hosting the journey stories international tea on April 30th... it was supposed to take place last fall, but flood damage forced the museum to put off the Smithsonian's journey stories exhibit... the tea starts at 2pm in the high plains education center... tickets are on sale now for 12 dollars... to get tickets, you can call 970-522-3895, and pick them up at sterling city hall.

Vaccine Bill

A measure to clamp down on vaccine exemptions overwhelmingly passed in the state House today.
It makes it more difficult for parents to claim personal objections to vaccines before enrolling their kids in schools or daycare.  The bill would require parents seeking the exemption to undergo vaccine education, either a video or consulting with a physician.  Religious and medical vaccine exemptions would not be affected.  Sponsors of the bill say it's too easy to opt out of mandatory vaccines, leading to Colorado having a low vaccination rate relative to other states. Outbreaks of whooping cough and measles have been attributed in part to low vaccination rates.

Fire and Meth Lab

Fort Morgan volunteer firefighters responding to a fire call this week - discovered a meth lab in the home... the call came in for a house fire at 1-thousnd grant street on Wednesday night, but the city says it was just a piece of furniture inside that was burning... firefighters found suspicious items that could be consistent with a meth lab, and they called fort Morgan police... One resident of the home, 26 year old Jessica Riddell, was arrested on suspicion of three felony charges: unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of material to manufacture methamphetamine, and child abuse. The felony child abuse charge stemmed from the fact that a child was present in the home, according to police. An arrest warrant was issued for 26 year old Richard Riddell, also of 1000 Grant St., on the same charges. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Richard Riddell is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police at 867-5678.

Longmont Attempted Murder and Assault

A 29-year-old man arrested after a shootout with a Longmont police officer has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault.  Jonathan Shank pleaded guilty today to all the charges filed against him and he did not receive a plea deal in the case.  Authorities say Longmont police officer Brent Cairns pulled over a car Shank was driving on May 22 because the headlights were off.  Police say Shank's blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit for driving.  He faces up to 128 years in prison when he's sentenced June 6.

Vaccines Bill

The State House has given initial approval by voice vote today to a bill requiring parents to watch a video on the benefits and risks of immunization if they seek an exemption for vaccines for personal reasons.  Colorado is one of 18 states that allow parents and students to opt out of getting required vaccines if they submit a statement of exemption based on religious or personal beliefs.  Under the bill, religious and medical exemptions would not be affected.  Supporters of the bill insist they're trying to educate parents while preserving choice, opponents say it eats away at parental control.

Wildfires & Agriculture

A bill to help prevent agricultural fires from starting wildfires is on the ropes in the Legislature.
The bill would allow county commissioners to ban agricultural burning along with campfires when fire risk is high.  It was a recommendation from a legislative panel that suggests ways to reduce wildfires. The Senate delayed a vote on the agricultural burning bill today because its sponsor wants to kill the plan because farmers oppose it.  Lawmakers have worked on modest proposals this year to address wildfires, but have stayed away from more ambitious measures.

Colorado US Senate

The last major opponent to Rep. Cory Gardner is bowing out of the GOP Senate primary.  State Sen. Owen Hill stepped out of the race yesterday.  That clears the field for Gardner to challenge Democrat Mark Udall.  Gardner shook up the campaign last month with his last-minute entry into the primary. Two other prominent Republicans immediately dropped out and endorsed the congressman.  But Hill accused Gardner of cutting a "backroom deal" and vowed to stay in.  He now says Gardner is the party's best chance to defeat Udall.

Hit and Run Alerts

Emergency alerts for hit-and-run-drivers could be headed to Colorado under a bill that awaits the governor's signature.  The state Senate voted 30-1 today to create an Amber Alert-style notification system when authorities are looking for vehicles that were involved in serious hit-and-run crashes.
The alert system was already approved by the state House and is in place in Denver.  Supporters call them "Medina Alerts," after Jose Medina, who was killed two years ago by a hit-and-run driver while working as a valet.  The bill would expand the hit-and-run alerts statewide in 2015.

Aspen Socialite Murdered

Defense attorneys are battling with prosecutors and authorities over evidence after prosecutors formally filed first-degree murder charges Monday against William Styler III and Nancy Styler in connection with the death of Aspen socialite Nancy Pfister. Attorneys representing the Stylers told Judge Gail Nichols their frustrations in trying to obtain information to assist their clients. The defense attorneys have filed a dozen motions, including some that could be addressed on Tuesday. Authorities have limited access to the home where the slaying occurred. Over the weekend, authorities arrested a third suspect in Pfister's death, 56-year-old Katherine Carpenter. The Stylers rented Pfister's home until she returned home from traveling in Australia last month. Carpenter called police to report finding Pfister's body in a closet in the home on Feb. 26.

New Details in Murder of Colorado Prisons Director

There are new details in the murder of Colorado prisons director Tom Clements. New findings indicate that Ebel didn't act alone and that nearly two dozen people were targeted, as revealed by a hit list found in Ebel's car two days after Clements was killed, March 19, 2013. Those whose names appeared on the hit list remain fearful a year later, implying that Ebel, a parolee who was killed in a shootout with Texas authorities, March 21, may have acted on behalf of a prison gang. So far, only one person has faced prosecution in connection to the murders of Clements and a pizza-delivery driver. Stevie Marie Vigil, a longtime friend of Ebel, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 27 months in prison for giving Ebel the 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun he used to kill both men. The investigation continues, and detectives are vigorously following leads

Revenue Forecasts

Colorado's economy continues to improve, and lawmakers are beginning to talk about constitutionally mandated refunds to taxpayers in the coming years.  The economic figures will play a role when lawmakers debate and vote on next year's budget next month.  The governor's economists projected that general fund revenue for the 2014-2015 fiscal year will be $9.5 billion.  The current fiscal year revenue projection is $8.8 billion. Some of that surplus is already spoken for with the state's savings account for education.  Refunds under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights are not expected next year, but economists say they're possible soon.

Concealed Carry Change

Concealed-gun permit holders in Colorado have greater flexibility to renew their permits under a bill signed into law today by Gov. Hickenlooper.  It allows the renewal of concealed-carry permits at any sheriff's office.  Current law requires people to renew their permits with the sheriff's office that issued it.

Crash on I-76

Morning commuters found themselves stalled Thusday morning on I-76. A chain reaction car crash forced eastbound lanes of I-76 near Hudson to shut down about 6:20 a.m, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Police say a car hit a guard rail, and that car got hit by another vehicle. It took crews a couple hours to reopen the highway.

More Flood Funding

Colorado is getting an additional $199 million from the federal government to help communities devastated by September's historic floods.  The disaster relief funds from HUD will be used for housing repairs, economic development and infrastructure, and flood protection. Donovan says at least 80 percent of the funds will be spent on the hardest-hit communities — Weld, Boulder, and Larimer counties.  This is on top of the nearly $63 million in disaster relief that HUD awarded Colorado in December.

Land Acquisition Fight

Nearly 20 people showed up at the commissioners work session this week, to express concerns about strong arm tactics from land acquisition representatives. Rural property owners confronted representatives of Tall Grass Energy Partners Tuesday to find out why they are using easements and rights of way tactics instead of meeting with them respectfully. Plans for a pipeline project would include a route through the Pawnee receipt point in Weld County with an Interconnect point about eight miles east of Sterling. The new line require easements across privately owned land.

Surveillance Limits Bill

A bill to limit government surveillance in Colorado cleared the state Senate today.  The measure limits how long state agencies can keep "passive surveillance" records, such as still or video images of traffic conditions and activity at parking garages.  The agencies could keep the records for a year. Beyond that, the surveillance records would be available only if they're evidence in a civil or criminal case.  The Senate and House have each passed different versions of the law, both houses have to resolve the differences before it can go to Gov. Hickenlooper.  

LLV Pot Trustees

The Log Lane Village Board of Trustees has a meeting set for tomorrow night... and the group will consider putting a deadline on who long people have to file applications for licenses for medical and retail pot establishments... the applications are available from the town clerk at the town hall... the fort morgan times says the board decided on february 12th to allow the licenses, but there is still a 30 day waiting period before the town can take applications for state and local consideration. tomorrow night's meeting is at 630pm.

Man Sentenced in Hatchet Incident

A Summit County judge has sentenced a man to 10 years in prison for hitting his wife in the head with a hatchet. Michael Newcomb pleaded guilty in December to the assault, and even though his wife made an emotional plea to the judge to impose the minimum sentence of five years in prison, prosecutors said the judge needed to send a message that domestic violence carries a heavy penalty, and ruled for the maximum 10 years.

Peetz Plateau Superintendent

The Board of education for the Peetz plateau school district recently picked the district's new superintendent... mark collard was one of five candidates interviewed for the job... he served as superintendent while the board did a search for a replacement for Ben Dutton... the journal advocate says the board will take a formal vote to approve his contract next Tuesday.

Vestas Wind Hiring

Vestas Wind Systems says it's hiring more than 850 production workers at its four Colorado plants this year.  The company says the openings are at its blade factory in Windsor, its blade and nacelle factories in Brighton and its tower factory in Pueblo.  The Denver Post reports the company says it has already filled 400 of those positions. They're considered temporary with the opportunity to be hired as regular Vestas employees.  The company says it has enough orders on hand to keep them going through at least 2015.   

No2Hate

Fort Morgan residents are spreading the love. A recent alleged hate crime has prompted people to contact the city of Fort Morgan this week to offer assistance for the East African refugees whose vehicle windows were shot out by vandals early Sunday morning, along with racial and ethnic slurs painted on some cars. After hearing about the enthusiasm for helping the victims, city officials and members of OneMorgan County have set up a new initiative called No2Hate, aimed at supporting the victims targeted in these crimes. In a statement released yesterday, officials said OneMorgan County will accept donations from individuals and groups "to compensate the victims of these crimes for the damages suffered.

Fort Morgan St. Pattys Day Party

The Fort Morgan Senior Center is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party on Friday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The cost is $3 per person. there will be games, prizes, and a potato bar... RSVP is required by March 10. Call (970) 542-3922 or sign up at the Senior Center, 110 Sherman St. For more information call (970) 542-3921

Sterling Tree Planting

Individual homeowners who want to plant trees on the city right of way in sterling can get help from the city of sterling's Tree Planting Program... property owners will be reimbursed for half of the price of all trees planted, up to 100 dollars per tree... they do not reimburse for charges like taxes, delivery, or planting fees...where the sidewalk and trees meet, tree have to be planted at least five feet behind the sidewalk, and no more than 10 feet from the sidewalk.  for more information call 970-522-9700.

Taxpayers Bill of Rights

A lawsuit challenging the state's Taxpayer Bill of Rights can continue.  A panel of the U.S. 10th District Court of Appeals in Denver ruled today that current and former state legislators can challenge the 1992 tax limitation law. The lawmakers argue the voter-approved amendment deprives them of the right to have a say in tax policy.  The law called TABOR, blocks the legislature from raising taxes without a vote of the people.

Residents Tired of Events in Community

Some residents of Louisville say they are tired of special events in their community and they want a moratorium on permits. The Louisville City Council is expected to take up their requests on Tuesday. Other options are also on the table, including restricting the hours for music and movies at Community Park, only allowing events sponsored or promoted by the city or civic organizations, and limiting the number of events. The Boulder Daily Camera reports some residents think there are too many events, including bike races, outdoor movies and farmers' markets. Residents say they are tired of trash being thrown on front lawns and people taking up parking places.

Logan Co Red Lights Red Cross

You might notice the lights adorning the Logan county courthouse - shining red this month... it's in honor of american red cross month... and In Logan County, the Northern Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross–spearheaded by Logan County volunteers–is sponsoring the 17th Annual “Your Heart, Our Hands” Benefit coming up on March 28 at the Sterling Elks Lodge. the event includes a dinner, auction, dance, and live music... Tickets are $30 per person and are available by calling 522-9266 or 520-5120. An average of 91¢ out of every $1 donated goes to fulfill the Red Cross humanitarian mission. the money helps support local efforts to assist victims of disaster, including the purchase of needed items for local emergency sheltering sponsoring education to help prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and provide aid to military families.hit hard by both fires and floods.

MCC Fundraiser

the Morgan community college foundation gala raised 45 thousand dollars ... the event was on Friday and the money raised will be used to benefit students through scholarships, and by helping the college put up a new building for the welding program, and for storage. The fort Morgan times says right now the welding program has classes at a facility near the country steak-out, but the program is outgrowing the space... 230 people were at the event.

Police Investigating Possible Hate Crime

Hate crimes are being considered as a possible motive for several cases of vandalism that targeted vehicles in the city's East African refugee community. Fort Morgan police are investigating reports that someone shot out the windows of about five cars with a BB gun early Sunday. Authorities say the locations are known as Somali East African refugee housing areas and all of the vehicles damaged are owned by members of the immigrant community. According to KMGH-TV several vehicles in the same area were spray-painted with obscenities and racial slurs, Feb. 9. Hate crimes can be prosecuted as federal civil rights violations with stiff penalties.

Road Work Continues in Fort Morgan

Lane closures at the intersection of Main Street and Platte Avenue will continue this week as concrete work around the new traffic signals is completed.  the state department of transportation, which is heading up the signal replacement project, says lane closures are set to be in place through today... snow and cold weather delayed the work and more concrete pouring will have to be done today... The sidewalks should be opened by the end of Monday, but will have to remain covered until Thursday.
In conjunction with the replacement of the traffic signals, the project involves installation of these new curbs and sidewalks that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the concrete work that will be protected by the lane closures.

Man Almost Blew Himself Up

A Colorado Springs man almost blew himself up. Police arrested Lee Brown, Sunday, after an apartment exploded while he was trying to make butane hash oil, a high potency extract of marijuana, using butane fuel. Brown is facing several charges. According to KRDO-TV no injuries were reported.

Vigil Sentenced

A federal judge has Stevie Vigil to 27 months in prison for buying the handgun that was used to kill Colorado's prisons director last year.  Vigil pleaded guilty last year to buying the weapon that parolee Evan Ebel allegedly used to kill corrections chief Tom Clements when he answered the door of his home in Monument.  Authorities say the same gun was used to kill another man and wound a sheriff's deputy in Texas.  The 23-year-old was also sentenced to three years supervision.  She faced a maximum 10 years in prison.

Largest Bank Robbery in Colorado History

The reward for information on the duo dubbed the "Trash Talking Bandits", who pulled off the largest bank robbery in Colorado history has increased to $50,000. The two armed men held guns to the heads of customers and employees, as they robbed the Westminster Wells Fargo bank on Federal Blvd., Jan. 21. Authorities call the pair the "Trash Talking Bandits," because of the foul language they used. Authorities say a portion of the money was returned by a private attorney, Feb. 4. The Wells Fargo suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have not ruled out other people being involved in the heist. Anyone with information on the bank robbery is asked to call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force.

Paint Recycling Tax

Household paint sold in Colorado would get a new tax to fund a statewide paint recycling program under a bill approved by the state Senate.  If signed into law, it would make Colorado the eighth state to require paint manufacturers to develop recycling or take-back programs. The program would be funded with a new per-gallon tax on household paint. Leftover paint is currently handled locally by government-run household hazardous waste programs.  Senate Republicans voted against the paint tax after trying unsuccessfully to cap the tax at 75 cents a gallon.  Instead, the tax will be limited to the amount needed to run the take-back program. 

Revenge Pornography

A Colorado Republican lawmaker has shelved her proposal to criminalize minors for so-called revenge pornography. Rep. Amy Stephens of Monument asked lawmakers Thursday to postpone her bill indefinitely. The bill would've made it a Class 5 felony for someone to publish explicit photos or videos of former romantic partners to humiliate them. Critics of Stephens' proposal say it duplicated existing child pornography laws. Stephens says she plans to bring the proposal back later in the session. Revenge porn has become a common enough problem that several state legislatures are debating the issue this year.

Suspicious Package

The Air Force Academy got quite a scare Thursday. Emergency responders were investigating a suspicious package reported found at the facilities. Officials say an area of the 28-square-mile campus was taped off Thursday afternoon after the package as a safety precaution. The academy is just north of Colorado Springs.

Museum Donations

The Fort Morgan Museum is seeking donations from the public. Old graduation programs, photos of sporting events, and anything related to Rainbow Bridge, are just some of the items needed to fill some holes in the museum's collection, and add to the new permanent exhibits in both the East and West galleries. Anyone with something they might want to donate can call the museum, or drop by.

Holmes' Trial Date

The man accused of the mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater in 2012 will stand trial in October.
A judge today set an October 14th trial date for James Holmes, who's facing murder and other charges in a shooting that killed 12 and wounded 70.  The judge says that date could change as both sides argue over sanity evaluations.  He's pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.  Prosecutors want the death penalty.

Missing Money

The Grand County sheriff says a criminal investigation is under way after more than $500,000 was discovered missing from the county building department. Sheriff Rod Johnson says the money is missing from over a period of 12 years. He says no arrests have been made, but one person has been fired. No charges have been filed. According to KUSA-TV the sheriff blames bad record-keeping and he says the case may never be fully resolved.

Revenge Porn Plan Shelved

A State House Republican's shelved her proposal to criminalize the practice of so-called revenge pornography among minors.  Rep. Amy Stephens of Monument asked lawmakers to postpone her bill indefinitely today.  Her bill would've made it a Class 5 felony for someone to publish explicit photos or videos of former romantic partners to humiliate them.  Critics of Stephens' proposal say it duplicated existing child pornography laws.  Stephens says she spiked her proposal because of technical issues regarding the bill title, and says it will be back later in the session.  There are discussions to include offenses up to the age of 21, instead of only under 18.

Solider Sentenced for Sex Crimes

A former Fort Carson soldier will spend at least the next three decades in prison for sexually abusing children. Joseph Garcia pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of sex assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. According to KRDO-TV a detective testifying at the sentencing told the judge he found about 1,100 movies and pictures produced by Garcia. He said in court that he hopes to get treatment in prison

Colorado Springs City Council Scraps Pot Ban

The Colorado Springs City Council has scrapped a proposed ordinance that would have banned marijuana from city buildings. The council voted 6-3 against the ordinance on Tuesday because it did not distinguish between recreational and medical marijuana. The ordinance would have banned pot from city buildings, and reduced fines for violators. The Colorado Springs Gazette reports the council gave preliminary approval on Feb. 11, but some council members expressed concern that people who need medical marijuana will be penalized if they have pot in city buildings.

Gardner/Udall Race

GOP Cong. Cory Gardner plans to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Udall in a last-minute entry into the race.  The front-runner in the race against Udall, Weld County D.A. Ken Buck, says he's dropping out of the Senate race and running for Gardner's open House seat.  Buck narrowly lost a challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in 2010, and some Republicans have been concerned that the mistakes Buck made then would doom him against Udall.  Gardner's a well-regarded congressman viewed as his party's brightest star in the state.

Port-a-Potty Peeping Tom

A registered sex offender from Grand Junction who took hundreds of pictures or videos of women in a portable toilet faces more than four years in prison. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports, Joshua Vohs pleaded guilty Tuesday to invasion of privacy for secretly filming 25 women using a camera he set up inside a portable toilet on the Colorado Riverfront Trail, beginning Aug. 15. The investigation began when a 13-year-old girl spotted the camera inside the toilet and notified her father.

Special Plates

State lawmakers are keeping their special license plates.  A proposal to eliminate the plates over concerns lawmakers don't get some traffic tickets failed to get any traction this year.  The bill's sponsor, GOP Rep. Chris Holbert allowed the proposal to miss deadlines because he couldn't persuade fellow lawmakers to get rid of the plates completely.  Another bill to allow lawmakers to keep the plates, but ensure they get photo radar tickets, is still pending. That bill would tie vehicle registration to the legislative plates.

Tanning Beds and Kids

A ban on the use of commercial tanning beds by children has won initial approval in the Colorado House.  The House approved a bill today barring anyone under 18 from using a tanning salon. Colorado is one of the few states with no restrictions on minors in tanning beds, though many Colorado salons place voluntary limits on childhood use.  Democrats rejected a GOP amendment to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to use them with parental permission, saying doctors and cancer advocates who say tanning beds are like tobacco and should be considered off-limits to children.  The bill needs one more vote before it goes to the Senate.   

Budget Surplus

The city of Fort Morgan came out ahead of the budget game last year. The city finished the year with just more than $5.91 million in collected sales tax revenue, making it the most the city has ever pulled in over a single year from sales tax, according to the City Treasurer's office. The previous record for one year's take came in 2011, which saw almost $5.37 million, followed by $5.31 million in 2012. The surplus is being credited in part to the success of the second year of Fort Morgan's Christmas Capital of the Plains campaign, which is a partnership between the city, area businesses, and media outlets.

Fracking Vote

A judge will now decide the fate of Broomfield's embattled election and whether to throw out a fracking ban that passed by just 20 votes.  Lawyers today wrapped up closing arguments in the two-day trial that focused on how ballots were handled during and after the election. Questions were raised about possibly ineligible voters and uncounted ballots, leading ban opponents to file the lawsuit.  Unofficial results indicated the ban failed by 13 votes, but a recount showed it passed by 20 votes out of more than 20,000 votes cast. Even if the results are invalidated, it's not clear if the judge could order another election.

Logan Co Judge Retiring

There's a spot to fill on the Logan county court bench... Judge Robert B Smith of the 13th judicial district court has announced he plans to retire this spring...applications are being taken for the opening... you can get them online at courts.state.co.us... it has to be in by march third. The 13th judicial district nominating commission will meet march 17th at the Logan county combined courts to consider a replacement for judge smith... ultimately, governor Hickenlooper will choose who gets the spot, after the commission interviews candidates and submits their nominations... he'll fill the opening at the end of April. the journal advocate says the position is a 65 percent position... it's initially a provisional term of two years, then if voters approve, the judge has a term of four years.

Air Quality Standards

New air-quality controls on the oil and gas industry mark a major compromise between environmentalists and large energy producers. The rules include the nation's first statewide limits on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and call for infrared cameras to detect air pollution at oil and gas sites. Gov. John Hickenlooper plans to tout the compromise at an event this afternoon.

Denver Makes 2016 GOP Bid Official

Denver has formally requested that the Republican party hold its 2016 here.  The bid was submitted today.  Mayor Michael Hancock and former Rep. Bob Beauprez argued that the city has shown it can handle such an event by successfully hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  The young and diverse city also holds symbolism for Republicans who are trying to appeal more to young people and minorities. They'd also like to erase the memory of Barack Obama's two victories in the state. Before Obama, Colorado and several other western states were reliable votes for Republicans in presidential elections. Now they lean Democratic.

Gardner Funeral Tuesday

The funeral for former astronaut Dale Gardner is tomorrow.  He helped haul a malfunctioning satellite into the space shuttle and back to Earth in 1984.  He died last Wednesday in Colorado Springs, near his home in Divide.  Gardner flew two shuttle missions, in 1983 and 1984. He logged 337 hours in space and went on space walks totaling 12 hours.  He was a commander in the Navy and returned to military duty in 1986, serving in the U.S. Space Command. 

Senate Approves Bill on Firearms

In a rare move, the Senate came together, last week, to approve a bill on firearms. It was a win for Republican senators who oppose a state law that only allows Colorado residents to purchase firearms in states that share a common border. If passed, the law would allow Colorado residents to purchase a rifle or shotgun in any state. Gun buyers would still have to follow applicable state laws and federal background check laws, and it would not apply to handgun sales. SB 135 now moves on to the House for further consideration.

Taxpayer Money used to Buy Guns

A judge has rejected a proposed plea deal for a former Montezuma County Undersheriff charged with using taxpayer money to pay for personal items, including firearms. The Cortez Journal reports, Robin Cronk's proposed agreement was turned down Thursday, because it did not include any jail time. Cronk, charged with 17 embezzlement counts involving purchases totaling more than $7,400, was arrested in July after a Colorado Bureau of Investigation probe. Cronk is accused trying to sell some of the firearms by posting classified ads.

Corrections Reform

Greyhound Racing

Colorado would become the latest state to ban greyhound dog racing under a bill awaiting the governor's signature.  The State Senate passed the ban today.  There's been no greyhound racing here since 2008, but it's still legal.  Some $250 million was spent on greyhound racing in Colorado in 1999, but it dropped to about $15 million by 2008.  At least seven states still have greyhound racing operations.  The Colorado bill would still allow simulcast betting at Colorado's lone horse-racing facility. A fiscal analysis prepared for lawmakers predicted no impact from the ban because the state has already eliminated greyhound-racing regulators.

NTSB Probe Turbulence

The NTSB's decided to conduct a full investigation of a United Airlines flight from Denver to Billings that hit turbulence over Wyoming, injuring five people.  The agency has the plane's flight data and voice recorders. An NTSB spokesperson says they'll also interview crew and possibly passengers and gather information from the plane to try to determine what happened on Monday's flight and if there are any recommendations that could prevent a recurrence.  Three crew members and two passengers were injured as people were thrown around the plane during the sudden drop.

Lawmakers Education Spending

A bipartisan group of Colorado lawmakers are proposing $263 million more in funding for various education initiatives. Legislative leaders say $80 million would go to districts to fill recession-era budget cuts that resulted in late-state days and other cutbacks. Other areas include $35 million would go to help English-language learners, $100 million for teacher evaluations, and $20 million for literacy programs.
A bill outlining the spending package will soon be introduced in the House. It's all tied to next month's state revenue forecast.