Casino Bus Fight Turns Fatal

A man faces second-degree murder charges after an argument on a bus from a casino town lead to an assault that resulted in death. Loveland police say 32-year-old Cory James Nix of Loveland is charged in the early Sunday death of 41-year-old Billy Kirk Page of Greeley. Police say both men got into an argument while on a chartered bus that was transporting passengers from Blackhawk. Police say Nix assault Page at a recreation center in Loveland once Page got off the bus. The Larimer County Coroner's office says Page died from blunt force trauma. Police did not release details about the argument.

Couple Faces Human Trafficking Charges

A Denver couple accused of running a prostitution business out of their massage parlor have been charged with human trafficking and numerous sex crimes. Prosecutors say Joshua Billingslea and Diana Billingslea each face eight counts and are due in court Feb. 27.

Extended Bar Hours

Lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow Colorado cities and towns to extend bar hours after the legislator sponsoring the bill asked them to vote no.  The bill from Denver Democratic Rep. Crisanta Duran failed in the House today. She told lawmakers she wanted to "go back to the drawing board" with her bill. Municipalities would've had the authority to decide whether to let bars stay open until 4:30 a.m.  Current law bars alcohol sales from 2 to 7 a.m.  Opponents say the bill could contribute to more drunk driving; supporters say local governments would have more control and potentially cut down on large, unruly crowds leaving at closing time.

Gay Couples Taxes

Gay couples in Colorado who are married in another state and in a civil union here could file joint state tax returns under a measure headed to the governor's desk.  The Colorado House passed it today on a largely party-line vote with Democrats in favor. The bill already cleared the Senate so it's now up to Gov. Hickenlooper.  It requires gay couples in a civil union to file their Colorado taxes using the same filing status on their federal tax return if they are married in another state.  Republicans argued the measure undermines Colorado's constitutional ban on gay marriage.  Democrats say the bill's meant to align with updated federal tax law.

License Plate Scanners

Aurora police used surveillance cameras to scan 12 million vehicle license plates last year.  Eight cameras mounted atop stoplights throughout the city as well as scanners on 11 police cruisers are used to capture the license plate, as well as a photo of the vehicle.  KMGH-TV reports the collection of plates has resulted in 322,000 alerts of stolen vehicles or wanted suspects.  Lt. Dan Mark says the department recovers an average of two to three stolen cars per week because of the system.  Mark says the photos are kept for 18 months, while the plate number is kept for two years.  The ACLU's raised privacy concerns.  The cameras are also used in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Erie, Louisville, and Thornton.

Fracking Moratorium

Backers of a five-year ban on fracking in Fort Collins and two environmental groups are seeking to join a court fight over the moratorium. Citizens for a Healthy Fort Collins, the Sierra Club and Earthworks have filed a motion with the District Court asking to be included in a lawsuit filed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association that seeks to overturn the moratorium.  Voters approved the moratorium in November. The suit contends the mortaorium violates state law and economically harms the organization and its members. The lawsuit asks the court to block enforcement because it interferes with local government regulations.

Internet Services

The city of Fort Morgan is looking for feedback from Fort Morgan businesses concerning their broadband needs and services... it's part of a citywide marketing study to come up with a long-term, sustainable plan for broadband and internet services... The goals of this study are to determine what Internet service is currently available and where there are gaps, to identify related community goals and, ultimately, to produce a strategic “road map” of how to best close gaps in service and achieve community objectives. To participate in the survey, go to www.cityoffortmorgan.com and select the Fort Morgan Broadband Survey link from the menu on the left side of the home page.

Log Lane Village Board

The log lane village board of trustees this week approved an ordinance that sets up a licensing procedure for pot businesses in the community... the fort morgan times says the ordinance allows the licensing of up to six each of recreational pot stores and medical marijuana dispensaries. The vote on the board of trustees was split at 5 to 2.

Pot Biz Wants More

The marijuana industry's happy with the federal decision giving them access basic banking services, but they say the industry needs more to be fully legitimate.  Business owners and industry advocates say the memo is just a beginning.  They are hoping Congress will act to give them more certainty and expand access to things like insurance, loans and the federal courts.