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.