Hemp farm bill

The federal government is ready to let farmers grow cannabis — at least the kind that can't get people high.  Hemp — marijuana's non-intoxicating cousin — could soon be cultivated in 10 states under the farm bill agreement reached late yesterday.  Some wonder if the move is an indication that the federal government is ready to follow the 20 states that have already legalized medical marijuana and recreational pot.  Opponents insist the hemp change doesn't mean pot is closer to becoming legal.  Hemp can be used to make everything from clothes to cooking oil.   The hemp industry's currently dominated by China.

Ice rescue training

Ice rescues was the focus of a a two-day training session. The Logan County Search and Rescue team hosted the training, where crews spent the first part of Saturday in the classroom, then moved to the fishing pond. Sunday, the group worked through a couple of scenarios designed to test their ice rescue skills. At the close of training, the workers received certificates and "ice rescue specialist" badges, but were reminded the group that the keys to successful ice rescues is to stick to the basics and avoid becoming another victim.

US 550 Rockslide

Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation are getting closer to reopening U.S. Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass. Workers installed nine rock fall nets on the debris field on Monday and expect to install seven more on Tuesday. Officials say a giant slab of rocks about the size of a football field came loose and crumbled into smaller pieces, punching a hole in the highway on Jan. 12. The closure has severed the only direct route from Ouray (yoo-RAY') to Silverton, normally a 70-mile drive over Red Mountain Pass. A detour over Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass adds nearly 100 miles to the trip. Transportation officials say an average of 2,200 vehicles a day use the highway.

Teachers Sue

Colorado's largest teachers union says it is suing over a 2010 law that gives educators a new rating system.  The education law includes a statewide teacher-grading system that sorts educators from "highly effective" to "ineffective."  Teachers with too many consecutive low ratings could lose tenure, while new teachers and those on probationary status will need passing marks before achieving tenure, or non-probationary status.  The Colorado Education Association says the law has "proven flaws."  The teachers' group says it is also backing new legislation to change the law.  The effectiveness ratings began for all 178 Colorado school districts this fall.