Flooding legislation

Colorado counties are closer to getting more flexibility to repair roads and bridges after a disaster.  The State Senate's given preliminary approval to a bill giving counties new power to spend on road and bridge repairs when there has been an officially declared emergency.  Right now, counties are limited to road and bridge funds for that spending and can't use general tax dollars for that purpose.  One more Senate vote is required before the bill goes to the House.  Several more measures aimed at helping disaster responders and victims are pending in the Legislature including tax exemptions to property owners, business owners and disaster-relief workers affected by flooding.

I-76 Crash

A Sterling man is recovering from injuries he received after a rollover accident on Interstate 76... Police say it happened a little before 7 p-m on Wednesday... 74 year old Harold J Schneider was driving westbound, when he lost control of his GMC Sierra on the icy road... the Journal-Advocate said he vehicle went off the side of the road, and was in a broadside skid for 116 feet... then hit sand... and the vehicle rolled multiple times. Schneider was wearing his seat belt... he was seriously hurt and was taken to Northern Colorado Medical Center. Reportedly, excessive speed and poor road conditions might have contributed to the crash.

Oil spill uncovered

Melting snow over the past week has revealed a fuel spill along a bike path on I-70. Apparently the spill happened when a tractor-trailer went off the road several weeks ago, east of Glenwood Springs. The Colorado Department of Transportation says an oily slick was contained and did not appear to pose a threat to the Colorado River runoff. The oily layer was an inch thick in some spots. The accident occurred and was one of a number of accidents that day.

Suspect falls thru ceiling

A man hiding out from police in a bathroom, has been caught, after he fell through a ceiling. Colorado Springs police say 27-year-old Andrew Stiern burst into Comfort Dental, Thursday in an attempt to escape through the roof, but fell through the ceiling. After negotiating with police, Stiern turned himself in. Stiern was wanted for three active felony warrants. He now faces additional charges.