ProgressNow Daily News Digest

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult subjects. For example, in my "Asians" piece, I poked fun at Asian stereotypes for the purpose of mocking racist white people who never bother to understand or even consider Asian cultures and race relations at the University of Colorado.And I can deal with the fact that most people don't read my writing before condemning it. I can deal with people thinking I'm racist. I can deal with the fact that nearly all of my fellow editors at Campus Press have publicly denounced the decision to publish my piece. I can even deal with the death threats.Up until Wednesday, I felt good about the conversations taking place. I had set out with the goal of sparking dialogue about racism at CU, and that's what I did. When I found out there was an anti-racism rally organized by the Facebook group, "Plan for Action in Response to Max Karson's Hate Speech," I was thrilled. I've been at CU for almost two years now, and rarely do I see people of different colors band together in such large numbers.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400190 Rolo the dog trotted around a private kennel's play yard Thursday, and his owner, Laura Hagan, couldn't stop smiling."I think he knows," said Hagan, who saw her 5-year-old German shepherd for the first time since he escaped a possible date with the executioner.An Arvada judge Wednesday spared Rolo's life but handed Hagan a 90-day suspended jail sentence, a required training regimen and other conditions for a scratch or bite that Rolo inflicted on a neighbor last summer.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_mesa_state_911_test.html Cell phones lit up across campus Thursday at Mesa State College, where roughly half of the students got a test message for the college’s new emergency text and cell phone alert system.The campus test showed that the phone calls went out a lot faster than the text messages, college spokeswoman Dana Nunn said. Calls went out in 30 seconds. The text messages took longer, in some cases as long as two minutes, Nunn said.“What we’re going to look at now is setting it up so that everybody gets both (types of messages) to see if we can’t speed it up,” Nunn said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/584453075 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding Summit residents and visitors that moose are common ... and a little jittery.“Surprising a moose is never a good idea,” said Kirk Oldham, district wildlife manager for the Grand Lake area.According to the Division of Wildlife, it is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only food but protection from danger. People hiking around willow stands should be alert to the possible presence of moose.Another dangerous situation can occur when people are out with their dogs.“I would say that 95 percent of the moose incidents I hear about start with someone saying ‘I was walking my dog when ...’” added Oldham. “Because wolves are a moose’s main natural predator, moose are extremely aggressive toward dogs, regardless of the dog’s domestic nature.”

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

http://montrosepress.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/doc47c785a8c65c7640536553.txt Information on a Safe-2-Tell program will be distributed throughout the community next week, as many supporters believe community awareness is the basis for the program’s success.Safe-2-Tell, based on the Colorado Prevention Initiative for School Safety, provides a safe, anonymous way to report information about a crime, potential dangerous situation or other concerns.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400471 Colorado has again been left out of the "critical habitat" area for the Canada lynx, despite the state's effort to bring back the threatened species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed an expanded territory for the reclusive cat across the northern RockiesColorado's reintroduced population of an estimated 125 lynx was not yet "biologically sustainable," the agency said.Conservationists said not having a critical habitat designation, which requires federal and private landowners to take into consideration the impact of land-use activities on species recovery, was a setback.

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/police-find-mother-of-dead-baby/ Police have found the mother of the baby girl who died after being left in a basket outside a Denver hospital Tuesday."We're in contact with her," Detective Sharon Hahn, spokeswoman for Denver police, said Thursday. "She's cooperating with the investigation."The woman has not been arrested and police declined to identify her.

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/partnership-may-buy-stake-in-aeg-live/ Part of Phil Anschutz's concert promoter company AEG Live may be purchased by Ticketmaster and Cablevision, Billboard magazine reported Thursday, citing sources.Billboard said a partnership of Ticketmaster and Cablevision may buy a 49 percent stake in AEG Live.AEG Live is part of Anschutz Entertainment Group. It ranks as the second-largest promoter in the world.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/larger-lynx-refuge-proposed/ Wildlife advocates were cautious as they waited to see whether the proposal would stick, while some were upset no area in the southern Rockies was included.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday it wants to designate 42,753 square miles in six states that could come under tighter federal oversight as critical habitat.That's more than 20 times the 1,841 square miles in three states the agency designated in late 2006.A final decision might not come until Feb. 15, 2009. Fish and Wildlife said it was accepting public comments on the proposal until April 28.The agency reconsidered its earlier rulings about the lynx and seven other species after allegations that Julie MacDonald, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior, interfered in the decisions. She has resigned.States where land would now be designated as critical lynx habitat are Maine, Minnesota, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/daniels-fund-oks-1st-quarter-grants/ The Daniels Fund approved $8.2 million in first-quarter grants for organizations "that face increasing demands for services during uncertain economic times."Among the recipients: Addiction Treatment Center of Longmont, Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado UpLift, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Seniors Incorporated and the Women's Bean Project.The Daniels Fund expects to give out an estimated $38 million in grants and $12 million in college scholarships in 2008.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/the-medvedev-riddle-a-pawn-or-his-own-man/ On Sunday, the Russian people will go to the polls to elect as their president a young lawyer who has never held elected office and, until outgoing President Vladimir Putin named him his successor, most Russians had never heard of.Dmitry Medvedev will win in a landslide. The Kremlin ensured that by barring from the election any credible opposition candidates, leaving three fringe candidates who seem to be on the ballot only so the election won't look totally rigged. One analyst called it less an election than a certification.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news1.txt It was the tragedy of all ages, forever serving as the ultimate perspective check. Failed relationships, subpar grades, and waning popularity become suddenly irrelevant when placed against the overwhelming horror of the Holocaust.In a chillingly systematic fashion, the Nazi Regime killed six million Jews, along with millions of others who didn't meet Hitler's perverse concept of the superior human-being. Branded into the moral intuition of all of humanity, the Holocaust will never be forgotten.To ensure that history's gravest misfortune remains close to heart, CU students from a number of organizations, including Hillel, the center of Jewish life on the CU campus, arranged the 24th annual Holocaust Awareness Week (HAW), which took place over the last four days and continues today.

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_KREX.html KREX-TV will resume local newscasts Monday, six weeks after a massive fire destroyed the television station.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022808_1b_De_Beque_mayor.html Don Cramer has been De Beque’s mayor for the past six years. Two weeks ago, he called it quits and resigned, saying he needed to care for his ailing wife.Cramer, 75, leaves the town at a critical time. It is being inundated with speculative developers and energy companies seeking profit.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/COLUMNISTS/993983297 It seems that almost every other word we hear from the mouths of presidential hopefuls — primarily the Democratic candidates — is “change.” They all tell us they are for change from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, but the unanswered question is, “Change to what?” The change that is needed the most (and is least likely to happen), is a change in the election process.The first thing that is wrong with the present election process is that it is way too long. The major professional sports seasons go on for five to seven months, and many complain that is too long. But the current presidential race has been going on for well over a year, and the election is more than eight months away. This year, they almost pushed the earliest primary elections and caucuses into the year preceding the election. There is no reason for not limiting the process to seven months — four for the primaries, and three for the general election campaign. What would be a more fitting date to start the race than April 1 — April Fool’s Day?

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

http://summitdaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/788320784 An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town councilmembers elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.Future elected councilmembers will receive $800 per month, compared to $500 now.

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/774828939 State Sen. Chris Romer of Denver has gone on-line to seek ideas to relieve weekend congestion on Interstate 70. It’s nice that he’s asking the public, in a forum removed from transportation jargon.But whatever Romer gleans from the on-line community, he, and they, need to understand some very basic issues.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400205 Volunteer Fire Capt. Shane Stewart was remembered in Greeley on Thursday as a fellow with an impish grin, a mischievous streak and a kind-hearted father of two who went out of his way to help others.Between laughter at some of his practical jokes and a large-screen picture of Stewart in drag, there were heartfelt words of condolence and loss."He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him," said Scott Wagner, the chief of the Ault-Pierce Fire Protection District."I felt honored when we moved into the new station, and he asked to have the locker next to mine."Stewart, 33, was killed early Saturday when the 1995 pumper engine he was driving ran off the road as he answered an Ault medical call.

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8401411 A 35-year-old murder case will go to trial in Arapahoe County after a judge denied a request Wednesday to dismiss the case.Arapahoe County District Judge Valeria Spencer ruled there is sufficient evidence still available to try Duane Frye, now 82, for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Frye, on June 9, 1973. Frye, who is in failing health, will be arraigned next month.The case, which involves a number of prominent players in Denver's legal community, was the subject of a popular book, Quiet Time, written in 2004 by Stephanie Shaffer Kane, who was engaged to the Fryes' son, Douglas, at the time of the murder and is now married to U.S. District Senior Judge John Kane.

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/aurora-to-tout-name-on-signs-by-med-center/ What's in a name? For this city working hard to emerge from Denver's shadow, it means everything.That's why Aurora officials are so rankled over the name of a premier medical campus in the city: University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. They complain it plays up ties to Denver, not Aurora.So, to bolster its identity, Aurora plans to install three illuminated "City of Aurora" signs around the Fitzsimons campus on East Colfax Avenue at a cost of up to $270,000.The city has grown more aggressive in its push to establish high name recognition at the campus since the school adopted the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus moniker in October.

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399606 Downtown will lose a corporate headquarters when Newmont Mining Corp. relocates to Greenwood Village by the end of the year.Newmont is leasing 166,000 square feet in the $100 million Palazzo Verdi, a 300,000-square-foot building that developer John Madden is constructing at 6401 S. Fiddler's Green Circle.One of the largest gold producers in the world, Newmont is moving its 400 Denver employees to the new building from about 99,000 square feet in downtown's Wells Fargo Center, also known as the cash-register building, and from 33,000 square feet in the Denver Technological Center.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400224 A federal grand jury in Denver has indicted Roch Allen Croteau, 43, of Loveland on charges of odometer tampering. Croteau was a used-car dealer in metro Denver, operating Sun Sports RV & Marine.

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400221 Heart Center of the Rockies is relocating its administrative offices to Precision Drive Business Park at Centerra, bringing 40 jobs to Loveland.The move will bring the Heart Center's accounting and finance, heart aware, research and IT departments to the business park.

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8397165 Kenya has spiraled down an all too familiar path in Africa, similar to its 1992-93 marred election of former strongman Daniel arap Moi. Now, Kenya is expected to loose about $3 billion in the first half of 2008, and about 400,000 jobs, out of an annual GDP of $26 billion, more than 7 percent of GDP.At least 1,000 people have been killed. Likely many more have and will die indirectly, as a result of exposure, food and medical shortages, and the spread of disease in the camps. Sexual violence against women has jumped, and at least 600,000 have been displaced.This is the result its citizens' anger over widely reported fraudulent presidential elections. But it did not have to be.International election monitors were in Kenya to report on fraud soon after it occurred. Many rightly see international election observers as important for the success of one vital component of democracy: free and fair elections. Yet the international community, specifically unbiased U.N. election organizers, could and should do more to ensure fair elections. Let me explain why.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/jeffco-schools-say-bye-bye-to-beef-that-is-part/ Lunch for tens of thousands of Jefferson County schoolchildren won't include 400 cases of frozen beef, which were disposed of Thursday morning.Colorado's largest school district had bought some of the 143 million pounds of frozen beef recalled from Chino, Calif.-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.Jeffco warehouse staff threw the meat in dumpsters, said district spokeswoman Melissa Reeves.The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the recall Feb. 17.Westland/Hallmark supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/superiors-election-a-no-go/ Candidates for Superior's Board of Trustees had better get their petitions to the town clerk quickly, or there won't be an election April 1.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/892060593 Moments after the prosecution rested its case of first-degree murder against Shawna Nelson, she took the stand in her own defense.Three times Nelson said she did not shoot, or have anything to do with the shooting, of Heather Garraus.Nelson faces life in prison for the execution-style shooting of Garraus on Jan. 23, 2007. Nelson had an affair with Garraus' husband, Ignacio Garraus, and gave birth to his son.Defense attorney Kevin Strobel led Nelson step-by-step through her affair with Ignacio Garraus, her relationship with Michelle Moore and her communications with Garraus; many of her accounts conflicted with prior testimony this week.

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/883340622 In a phone call Shawna Nelson made to her husband from Weld County Jail, she often blacked out, and that she had no memory of what happened the night Heather Garraus was shot except that she woke up in front of College Green Liquors.“I don’t know Ken, I mean I don’t remember anything,” Nelson told her husband, Ken Nelson.

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Accused murderer Shawna Nelson calmly refuted the charges against her Thursday, saying she was at a liquor store when her ex-lover's wife was gunned down last year and that she had never worn shoes found near the scene that contained her DNA.

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400188 Shawna Nelson tried to explain Thursday why witnesses and a good portion of physical evidence pointed to her as the one who shot Heather Garraus execution-style in January 2007.At the end of her nearly three hours of testimony, she denied plotting to kill Garraus, who was married to her lover, then-Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus."Did you shoot her?" asked her lawyer, Kevin Strobel."No, I didn't," Nelson said.Closing arguments in the first-degree-murder case are expected today.Nelson testified she wanted to protect Heather Garraus and told her in a telephone conversation in 2004 that she was not having an affair with her husband."I told her I loved her and I would never get between her and Ig," Nelson said.But she lied to Heather Garraus then, Nelson said, adding that her conversation happened about a month after she told Ignacio she was pregnant with their child.

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/324491455 "Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words of Weld County dispatcher Ron Gies echoed over the radios Thursday afternoon at the Eaton Cemetery as hundreds of people stood in absolute silence."Dispatch calling Capt. Shane Stewart..."The words came again on the sun-drenched cemetery, as the last call for Stewart, who died Saturday in a fire truck on his way to an emergency call.It was the end of the ceremonious day for the family and friends of Stewart, who was laid to rest after an extensive funeral and procession from the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley to the Eaton Cemetery.

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

http://www.gazette.com/articles/county_33676___article.html/committee_budget.html A handful of citizens will get the chance this year to tell El Paso County commissioners how the county should be spending its money in 2009.Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create the county’s first Citizen Budget Oversight Committee, which will set priorities for next year’s budget and present recommendations in May.“We want a budget process where if the citizens can understand it, then they can make recommendations,” said commission Chairman Dennis Hisey.Approval came after a tense discussion of who should be appointed to the committee, with Commissioner Sallie Clark in favor of limiting the group to residents.

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6889 A month after one of the city’s most divisive elections, about 300 people turned out to help the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate “Unity in the Community.”The crowd, which included 60 elected officials, surpassed the 220 who came to last year’s “Unity” gathering. The chamber began the event five years ago as “Meet Your Elected Officials” but later changed the name to reflect the chamber’s hopes of going beyond politics to cooperation.“We felt we had a need for an event that brought people together,” said Tracy Taylor-Sea, the chamber’s event marketing director.Business owners mixed with officials from the local, state and even national levels: Both U.S. Sen Wayne Allard and U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave sent representatives. The conversations might be simple pleasantries, discussions of tax policies or questions to a deputy about what the REAL speed limit is.

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

http://www.timescall.com/News_Story.asp?id=6890 Gabe Santos raised and spent more money than all his opponents combined in this year’s Longmont City Council race, according to campaign-finance documents released Thursday.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290326/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 An ineffective vaccine could be one factor fueling a spike in flu cases in Larimer County, health officials say.Thirty-five people have been hospitalized in Larimer with the flu this season, 29 more than the same time last year, said Jane Viste, spokeswoman for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290312/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 It's not uncommon for Dan and Katharine Gregory to have a $7.08 utility bill for their 2,800-square-foot house.The couple's house runs completely on electricity, 70 percent of which is generated through the 35 solar panels that sit on the south side of the roof.A geo exchange system uses the earth's heat to warm the house and displaces the house's heat back into the earth to cool it.The entirely green house is the couple's dream home. But it's also going on the market.The winner of the Colorado Built Green Home of the Year award in 2006 and the 2008 EnergyValue Housing Award, the Gregorys are ready to sell the house and move back to their old neighborhood."It's never a good idea to speculate," said Lara Williams, a certified eco-broker and founder of the Green Team Real Estate. "But I think there will be a lot of interest in this house."The Gregorys have not set a date to put the house up for sale but plan to ask for $450,000 when they do.

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_GarCo_candidate.html An artist and blacksmith spoke Thursday of forging new directions for Garfield County as he announced his candidacy for county commissioner.Democrat Stephen Bershenyi will challenge Republican incumbent and fellow Glenwood Springs resident John Martin for one of two county commission seats up for election this fall.Bershenyi called for instituting tougher controls on the oil and gas industry, working to preserve open space and pursuing improved relations with municipalities. He also said if Democrats gain a majority control of the three-person county commission, it would be able to move forward on stalled issues.“We have myriad complex problems, many of which are not being addressed, and they will not wait for us,” he said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2008/feb/29/school_board_decides_postpone_bible_class_decision/ The Moffat County School board decided to hold off approving a Bible literature and history course until a review period scheduled for the 2010-11 school year.Pete Bergmann, MCHS superintendent, recommended the action to the group at the School Board’s monthly meeting Thursday night, calling them to “commit to consider” the course and similar curricular additions.Father Randy Dolins, St. Michael Catholic Church priest, saw the decision as a fair compromise between the school district and concerned Craig citizens who petitioned for the course.“The proposal that was approved satisfied the needs of both parties,” Dolins said.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/72327527 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging participation in the County Sheriffs of Colorado’s Honorary Membership Program.In a news release, Sheriff Lou Vallario wrote, “As Sheriff of Garfield County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My office is committed to making our neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old, it is imperative that we seek programs to reduce the negative influences that crime has on our children and to help safeguard the elderly.“In the past year, this office has worked extremely hard to make significantimprovements in our county. Through community-based programs and an emphasis on professionalism, we hope to reduce the number of gun-related crimes, thefts, incidents of domestic violence and other disturbances.”The statement outlines a list of plans including: providing officers with the resourcesto improve preparedness and response capabilities, notifying victims and keepingcitizens informed, promoting the importance of neighborhood watch programs,continuing specialized training and crime prevention measures, protecting seniorcitizens from acts of violence, neglect and fraud, increasing drug awareness,developing opportunities for law enforcement to work more closely with shelters andorganizations to provide counseling and support, integrating rehabilitation programsto help criminals become productive members of society and implementing activitiesto redirect kids from illegal activity.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/933520269 Mayor Dave Moore has announced plans to develop about 34 affordable housing units in Silt.“I believe that we can lead the parade on affordable housing in Garfield County,” Moore said in an interview Thursday. “And I’m looking forward to some great things happening in the town of Silt.”Moore, his family members, and a few business partners purchased three acres of land in the eastern part of Silt in August. The area sits on the north side of Main Street, across from the Intermountain Transfer and Storage business. He said he grew frustrated hearing lots of talk about affordable housing.“We all talk about affordable housing, but nobody does anything about it,” Mooresaid.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/491696662 A Democratic challenger to Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, a three-term incumbent, declared his candidacy Thursday.Stephen Bershenyi made his announcement to run for the District 2 commissionerseat at the train station in downtown Glenwood Springs with about 15 supporters watching.Bershenyi said that there are a “myriad of issues” that are not being addressed and“that they will not wait for us,” adding that the county needs to build a betterrelationship with the oil and gas industry and to institute a county open-space policy.“Imagine, if you will for one moment, that on the other side of this station there is atrain sitting,” Bershenyi said. “That train is the future express for Garfield County. Thismorning I am inviting all of the citizens of Garfield County to board that train with meand help me take this county in a new direction so that when that train arrives at itsdestination, which is the future of Garfield County, we can all be proud of the resultswe see.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080228/VALLEYNEWS/411834173 Before, it didn’t cost a thing. Now, it’s $4,000 a pop.The Bureau of Land Management has been collecting a $4,000 fee for each new application for a permit to drill (APD) on federal mineral leases throughout the nation after the requirement was inserted into a $555-billion spending package that Congress approved Dec. 26.About two months after the requirement became law, the Glenwood Springs BLM field office has already collected about $148,000 from 37 APD permits, said David Boyd, northwest Colorado public affairs specialist for the BLM.Across the state of Colorado, the BLM has received 123 permit applications for a total of about $490,000, Boyd said.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/607810078 A stalled Edwards land deal was the was the source of contention between residents and county officials Wednesday night.About 50 residents gathered at the Homestead Court Club to question County Commissioners Sara Fisher and Peter Runyon about a potential $12 million land purchase that may be a future site for affordable housing.Negotiations for buying the 105-acre B&B Excavating property just west of the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards are stalled, commissioners said.

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/570160272 The municipal ballot in Eagle keeps getting more and more crowded.Town residents will elect a new mayor and fill three seats on the Eagle Town Board on April 1. The deadline for turning in nomination petitions is Friday.As of mid-week, two candidates had announced intentions to seek the position of Eagle mayor, and nine other residents had picked up petitions for three open town board seats.To date, only two candidates have turned in nomination petitions at the town office — Ed Woodland, who is running for mayor, and Donald Horst, who is running for a town board seat.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/391795413 Avon is still grappling with some of the big environmental ideas, the ones that would take major investments but could also have some of the biggest pay-offs.“These tend to cost more money up front, but in the long term, they will save money,” said Jenny Strehler, director of public works.For instance: should the town start installing solar power systems on new or existing buildings? They cost a lot of money, and can take 25 to 30 years to pay back. But, it is a renewable source of energy, one that never runs out.Streets in the new downtown are being designed to include solar-powered lighting, but beyond that, it’s hard to say now how extensively solar energy will be used in Avon in the future. Town planners are studying what sort of solar power, if any, would work best for the town.

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/NEWS/31082612 To get more affordable housing built in the valley, the county wants to form a “housing authority,” an approach that has been taken in both Summit and Pitkin counties.The county commissioners would preside over the housing authority, whose main goal would be to build affordable homes and buy free market homes to resell at affordable prices in the county. Initially, it would not be funded by a tax, unlike those in other counties.Forming the authority would give the county greater flexibility in investing money, selling or buying land, making bylaws or rules pertaining to housing, and managing any affordable homes the county owns, said County Commissioner Arn Menconi.“I think it should be apparent that the county is trying to take leadership in listening to residents and producing affordable housing. This is one tool to do that,” Menconi said.

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

http://vaildaily.com/article/20080228/EDITS/679677173 It seemed like smooth sailing for the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.OK, so the “nanny tax” and home rule failed, but those were just small bumps in the road amidst soaring approval ratings, a jackpot of tax funds with which to pay for the children’s programs voters had rejected, a failed recall campaign, affordable housing deals, endorsements from the local paper and open space purchases.And then kablammo! Citizens groups all over the place. Constituents having well-attended meetings to talk about how upset they are with Arn, Peter and Sara. This trio is all of the sudden facing residential revolts over having raised property taxes and having kicked the tires on several million dollars’ worth of land in Edwards for affordable housing.(OK, to be accurate, the county commissioners didn’t raise property taxes. Assessed valuations of homes in our hot market went up, and the commissioners left the mill levy rate the same, which effectively raised property taxes. They coulda-shoulda lowered the mill levy, the angry mob says.)

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-jeffco-treasurer-faces-retrial/ Former Jefferson County treasurer Mark Paschall wasn't smiling Thursday as he learned that prosecutors plan to put him on trial again for a charge that a hung jury didn't reach a verdict in his trial this month.Paschall was all smiles then, after a jury acquitted him of attempted theft for allegedly soliciting a kickback from a bonus he approved for a top aide.But the jury hung on a second charge of compensation for past official behavior, and prosecutors told the judge Thursday that they want to set the case for retrial. That will take place July 29.Paschall looked grim-faced as he heard the news just before the 8 a.m. hearing."Oh, man," he said, heaving a sigh as he left the courtroom without comment after the brief hearing.Defense attorney David Lane said he wasn't surprised."This is the county of Jefferson, Colorado," Lane said. "This is a white, rich, suburban county without a lot of serious crime. But it has the most overblown criminal justice system in the state. They take the weakest cases to trial to justify their existence."Lane said his client was disappointed.

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x288024336 She is half Jewish American, half Iraqi Muslim and 100 percent anti-war activist.In 2004, disillusioned by overt anti-Arab sentiment displayed by her colleagues at Maryland’s Georgetown University Hospital after 9/11, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi put medicine on the back burner and hit the lecture circuit under the banner of the human rights organization Global Exchange. Her bottom line: We should get of Iraq yesterday.The Out Loud Lecture Series and the San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) are co-sponsoring a talk by Wasfi in honor of Sexual Awareness Month.The free event on Saturday at the Ah Haa School opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Wasfi’s talk begins at 7 p.m.“The lecture is also kick-off for Phenomenal Women, a week of activities in honor of International Women’s Day,” said SMRC’s executive director, Nancy Anderson. “The phenomenal women in my organization participate in the event and support its mission.”

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400189 Roxane White is leaving her post as manager of Denver's Human Services Department to become executive director of the Timothy and Bernadette Marquez Foundation.White has been a key figure in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's administration, championing and crafting during her five-year tenure the mayor's initiative against homelessness."The really good ones, if you're lucky, you get to keep them three years or four years," the mayor said in an interview. "She is one of the most talented people I've worked with."Marquez, an oilman, and his wife have been instrumental players in establishing the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which will pay for underprivileged Denver high school graduates to go to college. The two created a $50 million matching-gift scholarship program.White will head a new foundation, which will focus on human-services issues.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/7 The leader of Pueblo’s Democratic Party has said he was trying to head off a confrontation with the city schools board and not condemn the district for the chaos that occurred at some of the party’s caucuses earlier this month.At the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education meeting this week, President Stephanie Garcia complained about statements she said were made at Saturday’s Pueblo County Assembly.Attendance at the caucuses was much larger than expected. At East High School and Roncalli Middle School, hundreds of people had to hold their precinct meetings in cramped quarters.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/1 The jittery national economy may force Pueblo County to change its strategy to pay for the new City-County Health Department building.The county now may have to borrow money to pay for the building, if it wants to secure the best financing deal to pay for a $35 million judicial building as well.The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Alan Matlosz, senior vice president of public finance for George K. Baum Investment Bankers, who said it may be in the best interest of the county to borrow money to build the health department after all.He said the county should combine the health department financing package with $35 million for the justice center in order to save money in interest rates.Matlosz said the problem is that the country's subprime mortgage crises, which led to millions of home foreclosures nationwide, has had a ripple effect in the government bond market.

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

http://www.gazette.com/articles/bonds_33649___article.html/rate_auction.html Memorial Health System is scrambling to refinance $272 million in bonds, more than 90 percent of its debt, to curb sharply higher interest payments triggered by the national subprime mortgage meltdown.The rates Memorial pays on so-called auction-rate bonds have more than doubled in recent weeks in the wake of the credit trouble, but it’s unclear what the fallout from higher payments will be for the cityowned hospital, said Chief Financial Officer Gary Flansburg.“It’s definitely increasing our expenses and will impact our net operating income (profit) this year,” he said.Memorial sold auction-rate bonds in 2002 and 2004 to pay for expanding its main hospital campus, building a hospital in Briargate and remodeling projects. The interest rate on those bonds has jumped from an average of 3 percent to 6.5 percent Thursday, Flansburg said. That has increased Memorial’s monthly payment on the bonds by $800,000 to $1.5 million, he said.“Interest rates started to trend up a little in January and got acute in the last two to three weeks of February,” Flansburg said.Auction-rate bonds became a popular financing tool for governments and nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities and now account for more than $300 billion in outstanding debt, according to The Bond Buyer, a New York-based publication specializing in public finance.

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8393891 Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall will be retried on a charge related to an alleged kickback scheme.On Feb. 15, Paschall was found not guilty on a charge of attempted felony theft, but a mistrial was declared on a second charge when the jury could not reach unanimous verdict.The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office today refiled the deadlocked charge — receiving compensation for past official behavior.State law defines the charge as a public servant who "offers, confers or agrees to confer compensation" in violation of his duty.Paschall was indicted a year ago on charges that shortly before he left office in 2006 he offered a former top aide a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him $9,000 out of the post-tax proceeds.A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 29.

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/littwin-clinton-needs-texas-and-to-win-here-she/ Everything is big in Texas, except apparently for this undersized room where they've crammed in 200 people to see Bill Clinton.This was not supposed to be a public event. Clinton was scheduled to stop by - he'd be late, of course - to thank his wife's campaign workers. But the news got out, and while 200 Clintonistas wait with varying degrees of patience inside - including a few who have to be carried out from the heat - many hundreds more are outside, some aggressively staking out positions to get just a glimpse of the Big Dog.The cops are out in force. And somebody keeps yelling for people to get back, away from the door, but it is the kind of crowd for which getting back just doesn't seem like an option."My people are getting rowdy," says a Clinton volunteer manning the door. She smiles. "I can say 'my people,' because they are my people."Her people - who, in the end, don't get rowdy at all - are the Hispanics who dominate this city and this region, here in South Texas, hard by the Rio Grande Valley, where, as Corpus political activist and one-time talk-show host Vicente Carranza explained to me, the people are not Anglo enough for Americans and not Mexican enough for Mexicans.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400334 The Colorado Division of Real Estate said Thursday that it has revoked the license of Greeley-area real estate broker Tracy Todd and suspended that of Steve G. Boyer for 90 days over an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.Todd made a $425,000 offer on a home that hadn't sold for nine months at a $300,000 listing price. His offer, made on behalf of a relative, included a separate commission agreement to pay a $135,000 "consulting fee" to Medicine Creek Consulting, a company owned by a business partner of Todd's.In another case, Todd executed a contract to buy a Greeley home for $425,000 with a $72,250 consulting fee to Medicine Creek Consulting. The buyer was Todd's mother-in-law. Steve Boyer was the listing agent, and his participation in the transaction resulted in his suspension.

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8400225 Janus Capital Group, the Denver-based mutual fund manager, said a $16.2 million writedown of debt issued by a structured investment vehicle cut previously reported fourth-quarter profit by 6 cents a share.The debt, issued by Stanfield Victoria Funding LLC, was bought from Janus money-market funds, the company said Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The write-off reduced profit from continuing operations to 30 cents a share.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/roll-call-february-29/ Rep. Debbie Stafford looked like a natural holding the baby."I just had my 16th grandchild the week of Christmas - six biological, 10 adopted through creative means - so I love being a grandmother," said Stafford, D-Aurora.Stafford took 8-month-old Morgan Baker to the podium of the House chambers to introduce her and her family.The adorable baby was visiting the Capitol with her mother for Cyber Schools' Day.

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/level-3-ibm-share-patents/ Level 3 Communications Inc. and IBM today announced that the companies recently entered into a long-term patent cross-license agreement.Under the terms of the agreement, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM granted Level 3 licenses to about of 42,000 of IBM's pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of telecommunications services and technologies. In turn, Broomfield-based Level 3 granted IBM licenses to those of Level 3's more than 850 pending and issued patents, which cover a broad range of information-handling systems.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/applications-to-cu-spike-number-of-freshmen-to/ Freshman applications to the University of Colorado's flagship campus have hit an all-time high, increasing 16 percent from this time last year and blowing past the 20,000 mark.So far, CU has received a total of 23,030 applications from potential freshmen -- which compares with 19,839 at the same time last year. Of those, 8,420 are from Colorado students, and 14,610 are from out-of-state applicants, said CU Admissions Director Kevin MacLennan."We are seeing an increase in applicants from both in Colorado and outside of Colorado," he said.Out-of-state students pay five times what in-state students pay and, university officials say, have subsidized Colorado students as taxpayer funding has declined.The target size for next year's freshman class is 5,600, MacLennan said. Last fall, there were 5,555 incoming freshmen.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Voting equipment OK’d

http://steamboatpilot.com/news/2008/feb/29/voting_equipment_okd/ Secretary of State Mike Coffman reversed Thursday his decertification of voting equipment used in 47 Colorado counties, including Routt and Moffat.The recertification of the machines, which are manufactured by Hart InterCivic and used to count ballots, is not expected to affect plans to hold paper-ballot elections in Colorado this year, but it will eliminate the need to count ballots by hand.“This will allow us to have an electronic means to count paper ballots,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland. “It’s monumental. To count them by hand would have been not only labor intensive, but also it’s been proven to be the least accurate means to count ballots.”Routt County also owns electronic voting machines manufactured by Hart that received conditional certification when Coffman announced in December the results of his court-ordered recertification of electronic voting equipment used throughout the state.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Colorado Daily News - Hart approved

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news3.txt Boulder County will be able to use a familiar voting system in the 2008 elections, as Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the system's conditional recertification on Thursday.The announcement was good news for Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Hillary Hall, partially because it means the county will not need to purchase or lease different equipment for what promises to be a very busy 2008 election cycle.“We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with our tax dollars,” said Hall in a press release. “We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections.”

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Boulder County voting machines get OK : Election : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/county-voting-machines-get-ok/ Two critical pieces of Boulder County's election equipment got the green light from state voting officials Thursday.Secretary of State Mike Coffman cleared the way for 47 counties to use their optical scanners to count paper ballots in this year's elections. Coffman had decertified most of the state's electronic voting machines in December, including the scanners made by Hart InterCivic, citing security and accuracy concerns."This is huge," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and recorder. "The vast majority of our voters vote on paper ballots, and now we know we'll be able to count them."Coffman also approved the Ballot Now vote-counting software used by Boulder County. Local election officials will still have to work with the Secretary of State’s Office on outstanding issues concerning the county’s direct-record electronic machines, Hall said.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Vote scanning devices OK’d : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/e-vote-machines-get-green-light/ Nearly all the electronic voting and tallying machines deemed unfit for use two months ago have now been OK'd for the August primary and November general elections.But that doesn't mean voters will use most of them.A bill calling for all-paper-ballot elections - an effort by lawmakers to restore voter confidence in the election process - is expected to soon become law.On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified scanning equipment and software used to count paper ballots in 47 counties. The announcement came three days after he recertified electronic voting machines used in six counties.These are the same machines that Coffman on Dec. 17 declared insufficiently secure or insufficiently accurate.Activists who don't trust e-voting machines complained that the machines haven't been improved. They say Coffman is violating law by reapproving them.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Clerks rejoice at machines’ recertification - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400053 A big piece of Colorado's election puzzle fell into place Thursday when Secretary of State Mike Coffman recertified the paper-ballot-counting machines used in the large majority of Colorado's counties.The move brings a dose of certainty to this year's elections for the 47 counties that use the Hart InterCivic machines, and it means all but two counties in Colorado now have their full complement of elections machines certified."I'm ecstatic," said Park County Clerk Debra Green, whose county uses the machines. "This is just one thing taken off my large platter. This is a good thing."Counties see paper-ballot-counting machines — known as optical scanners — as crucial to holding this year's elections. Lawmakers this week introduced a bill requiring a mostly paper-ballot election system for Colorado this year.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher abuse bill moves to Judiciary Committee : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/legislature-teacher-abuse-bill-moves-to/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

Liberty Media plans new tracking stock : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/liberty-media-plans-new-tracking-stock/ Douglas County-based Liberty Media Corp. said Thursday it expects to launch a third tracking stock next week that includes the newly acquired 41 percent interest in DirecTV.

More stories in National/Media | Colorado/Media

A free-speech crucible : Editorials : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/a-free-speech-crucible/ T here is a repulsive ignition, then a campus conflagration. This is an old story. Every so often, it rears its head, perturbing the populace and offending a critical mass of students, propelling the story to Page 1.The story causes outrage, confusion, introspection and debate. In the end, the university community learns about itself, about civic discourse about the proper response to offensive speech. Max Karson is not the story at the University of Colorado. The story has appeared and reappeared for decades. Its essential components remain unchanged. The only new element is the name, which this time is "Karson."Karson is a CU student who seems to delight in provoking his peers. After the Virginia Tech slaughter last year, Karson told classmates he could "relate to the killer." Police reports say the class discussion got "heated," and Karson said he could understand what would drive someone to kill, "especially on a college campus." Karson said he was trying to stimulate an intellectual discussion. Some people believe him.Previously, Karson had offended women and ethnic minorities with his vulgar, offensive and patently sexist newsletter. He said his work was intended to be satire.That's the way he frames his most recent rhetorical bombshell, a column in the student-run CU Campus Press. Its title was, "If it's war the Asians want ... It's war they'll get." If Karson's work were intended as satire, it failed. Again, his goal appears to be provocation.Let's be clear about this: Both high-minded satire and pointless provocation are protected by the First Amendment. This is no First Amendment issue; it's a dispute over the student editors' decision to publish Karson's constitutionally protected writing.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

SPEAKOUT: Anti-teacher charges untrue, don’t help : Speakout : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/speakout-anti-teacher-charges-untrue-dont-help/ After reading Bill Moloney's Speakout commentary of Feb. 1, "American teachers unions: the fatal flaw," we are compelled to respond. We understand Moloney's frustration, but find that blaming the Denver Classroom Teachers Association specifically and teachers unions in general, as the major impediments to school reform, is counterproductive and simply not true.Teacher unions continue to be a necessary force in protecting teachers' rights and sounding the alarm against unwise administrative policies.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Colorado Daily News - Better together

http://coloradodaily.com/articles/2008/02/28/news/c_u_and_boulder/news2.txt In order to better serve the homeless and working poor in Boulder County, two nonprofit organizations will merge at the end of March to strengthen fundraising and provide better services to those in need.The Carriage House Homeless Community Center and Community Table have both been serving Boulder County's homeless for about 10 years. Though each organization currently has its own way of providing for the community, they believe that joining forces will help offer the community the best level of service possible.“We both serve similar clientele and guests, and we think it's a much better use of resources,” said Lee Strongwater, president of Community Table. “The merger is about common vision, more exposure and delivery of our services to our clientele in the best possible way.”

Marilyn Musgrave sends Larimer commissioners letter urging opposition of uranium mine | News | The T

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/NEWS/195838661 Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan, has sent a letter to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners urging them to oppose a proposed uranium mine near Nunn.The letter follows a similar one Musgrave sent the Board of Weld County Commissioners in January asking them to oppose the mine over health and safety concerns.“Like many of my constituents, I am particularly concerned about the impact this mining could have on our groundwater resources in northern Colorado,” Musgrave said in a release. Musgrave also said the in-situ — or “in-place” — mining method that is being proposed has the “potential to contaminate the underground aquifers that our families, communities and agricultural producers rely upon for clean safe water.”Powertech Uranium Corp., a Canadian firm that owns the mineral rights to 5,760 acres between Nunn and Wellington, has said the mining process will be completely safe and will not pollute ground water.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Senator’s “attempted joke” raises eyebrows - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397492 Sen. Shawn Mitchell said he was just poking fun at Democrats, not race, when he directed a comment today at Senate President Peter Groff and Sen. Ken Gordon that some lawmakers found insensitive.Mitchell, a Broomfield Republican who is white, was speaking on a medical malpractice law bill sponsored by Groff, a Denver Democrat and the Senate's first black president.Groff and Majority Leader Ken Gordon, who is white, were standing near the podium as Mitchell argued in opposition to the bill. At one point, Mitchell mistakenly addressed Gordon as Groff, prompting him to correct himself and say to Groff, "Excuse me, Mr. President. You all look alike to me."Neither Gordon nor Groff said anything about the comment at the time and the debate continued. At a later, point, Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, who was presiding over the Senate during the debate, referred to Mitchell's comment. Shaffer said that while he didn't think there was anything "racial" about the remark, he nonetheless should have struck down the gavel when it was said and pointed out that it was inappropriate.

Tribune opinion: Board of Education wasted thousands of dollars | Opinion Page | The Tribune

http://greeleytribune.com/article/20080229/TRIBEDIT/558777009/-1/TRIBEDIT Times are tight for everyone, for the private and public sectors alike. While those of us in the private sector are having to do some serious belt tightening, it's only reasonable to expect government to do the same.Government spends our tax dollars, after all.You'd think that in 2008 it wouldn't be necessary to give elected officials a gentle reminder about maintaining the public trust by spending tax dollars wisely, but a recent Associated Press examination of spending by the state board of education proves otherwise.The AP investigation found that members of the board claimed as much as $60,000 in individual expenses in the past fiscal year. The extravagant spending included a night out in Telluride where the eight-member board took 17 state employees out to a fancy restaurant with the bill totalling $2,028 plus a $305 tip. During meetings in Denver, the board routinely catered breakfasts and lunches costing up to $300 per meal.Of the expenses claimed by members, chairwoman Pamela Jo Suckla was the worst offender at $26,000. This, while schools are struggling to meet mandated test scores?"This is outrageous. This is taxpayer money, and there is no control," said Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pipeline environmental report to be released today

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/2 A draft environmental impact study on the proposed Southern Delivery System will be released today by the Bureau of Reclamation.Reclamation is considering seven alternatives, including a plan by Colorado Springs to build a 66-inch-diameter pipeline 43 miles north from Pueblo Dam. The $1.1 billion project could be on line as soon as 2012 and would serve Colorado Springs, Fountain and Security. Pueblo West would tap into the line if the route from the dam is chosen.SDS would serve the water needs of the communities through 2046 and pump up to 78 million gallons per day to El Paso County communities. Colorado Springs is paying for and will receive 95 percent of the benefit from the project.The draft EIS will contain a specific recommendation for the SDS route, and is open for review and comment for 60 days, said Kara Lamb, Reclamation public affairs officer.

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Governor says water tied to rural growth

http://pueblochieftain.com/metro/1204297679/6 Rural economies are tied to water and how it will be used in a “new energy economy,” Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday.Ritter was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual Governors Forum on Colorado Agriculture.Strengthening foreign markets for state agricultural projects, increased production of crops for biofuels, developing more wind power and using farms to help take carbon out of the atmosphere are steps the state will take in the next few years, Ritter said.In the process, the decline of rural communities could be stopped.“We have to understand that agriculture is the fiber of the state,” Ritter said. “We’re challenged as a state with agriculture as to how we preserve that tradition for our children.”

The Coloradoan - Detention center violence slightly up; gang members eyed as possible cause

http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/NEWS01/802290325/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02 Violence between inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center ticked up slightly last year, a rise that jail managers attribute in part to gang confrontations.Jail statistics show 63 reports of inmate-on-inmate violence last year, compared to 57 in 2006. That's a 10.5 percent increase.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Democrats plan Mesa County assembly

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_10b_Democrat_assembly.html Mesa County Democrats will gather Saturday at Central High School for their assembly and convention.More than 500 Democrats will kick off Bernie Buescher’s bid for a third term in the state House of Representatives.They will also nominate Dan Robinson for the Mesa County Commission.Buescher is opposed by Republican Laura Bradford.Robinson’s race is the first bid by the two-term member of the School District 51 board for a partisan office.Robinson is seeking to replace Craig Meis, a Republican looking to be elected to his second term on the commission.Meis also is facing an intraparty challenge from Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - New armory on list of building projects

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1B_capital_construction.html A series of Western Slope construction projects will receive nearly one-fifth of the state’s capital construction budget next year, the Capital Development Committee agreed Thursday morning.The committee, including Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, approved a $239.3 million budget for 35 projects.The panel’s short list includes $4 million for a new armory in Grand Junction and $18.4 million for Mesa State College’s Saunders Fieldhouse.“This is the best capital funding list for rural Colorado in a very long time,” Penry said.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Want your rebate? Better file that return

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_1a_Tax_rebate.html Some people who otherwise don’t need to file a tax return may want to take the time to do so this year. Receiving an economic stimulus rebate check depends on it.

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Report: Voter database needs costly tweaks : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/28/report-vote-database-needs-35m-upgrade/ The new statewide voter-registration database is sound but needs technical and supervisory changes and more staff - at an estimated added cost of $3.5 million - to be successfully implemented for the August primary and November general elections, a consultant said in a new report.The report recommends following the current rollout schedule for SCORE (the State of Colorado Registration and Election system) but also allowing certain counties to use their own databases on Election Day.Widespread concern among county clerks about the progress of the unfinished $10 million database spurred Gov. Bill Ritter, with the cooperation of Secretary of State Mike Coffman, to hire a consultant last month to conduct an assessment. SCORE is two years late and must be used this year to comply with federal law.Atlanta's North Highland Company did the work on the report.To make the elections successful, the firm recommends the state hire 13 full-time staff members to help counties in the field and provide other support.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Grand Junction Sentinel - Environmental group complains about permit for Crested Butte mine

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/28/022908_3A_Enviros_complaint.html High Country Citizens’ Alliance, which has been fighting molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons for years, says a recent state permit approval could allow mining to start this spring.Bob Salter, mineral resources director for the alliance, said the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety recently approved changing the exploration permit for mining firm Kobex to create a new mine shaft instead of using the old Keystone Mine site, as originally planned.Salter said creating a new horizontal mine will harm the local water supply.He also claims that Kobex and partner U.S. Energy Corporation have misled the public in the past about their intentions toward mining on Mount Emmons, which locals call Red Lady.

Grand Junction Sentinel - Corrections needed quickly at Community Corrections

http://www.gjsentinel.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2008/02/28/022908_4A_corrects_edit.html Chief District Judge David Bottger blasted a warning shot at Mesa County criminal justice officials recently.They appear to have heard it loud and clear. Word is that leaders of county government and law enforcement met Thursday to begin to discuss how to make sure people sentenced to Community Corrections don’t end up in jail illegally.They need to resolve that quickly. At the same time, we hope Bottger and other judges don’t carry out threats to severely cut back on sentencing people to Community Corrections, which has been a largely successful program for both inmates and county taxpayers.Bottger’s anger was ignited when he discovered that at least 10 people who violated terms of their Community Corrections sentences had been rearrested and sent to the county jail without bond and without having a hearing before a judge within 48 hours.Certainly, law enforcement officials need to have immediate recourse for people who flagrantly violate terms of their Community Corrections sentences. Inmates cannot be allowed to walk away from the work-release facility, for instance, with no intention of returning and not face severe consequences.But state law says people rearrested in such circumstances must have a hearing before a judge within 48 hours. And they can’t be held without bond or a hearing for as long as five months, as Bottger says has happened in at least one case.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Aspen Times News - Housing woes take toll on Aspen schools

http://aspentimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/998112296 Aspen school officials have concluded that a majority of their employees are in rental housing, and, unless they are somehow able to buy their homes, many might end up leaving the district soon.A recent employee survey also shows that a third of the district’s employees are unhappy with their current housing, would like to own their homes and can afford a fairly hefty mortgage if given the chance to buy.The survey, which drew 153 responses from the district’s 229 employees, was designed to give the district administration an idea of how many teachers, bus drivers, office workers and other employees might want an opportunity to buy into government-subsidized housing.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - BLM seeks nominees for several Resource Advisory Council seats

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080229/VALLEYNEWS/162168530 The Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that the agency is seeking public nominations for five open positions with the agency’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC).Along with the five open spots for the Northwest RAC, the BLM is seeking nominations for 10 positions on Colorado’s two other RACs, according to the agency. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after Thursday, when the agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.Garfield County Commissioner Larry McCown, who is a member of the Northwest RAC, said participating on the council gives “everyone a whole new perspective” on the planning that goes into BLM land use decisions.“Anyone who has not been involved with it seems to think that (BLM decisions) are conducted in a vacuum,” McCown. “There is a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into their planning efforts.”RAC members are chosen for their “expertise in natural resource issues and to help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands,” according to the agency.

More stories in National/Energy Policy | Colorado/Energy Policy

Durango Herald Online - Senate panel approves defensible-space tax break

http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article;_path=/news/08/news080229_3.htm Rural homeowners are one step closer to getting tax breaks for clearing flammable brush and dead trees. But senators still might vote the bill down over worries about the state budget.House Bill 1110 would let homeowners deduct half the cost of fire mitigation from their taxable income, as much as $5,000. At Colorado's current tax rate, that would translate to a maximum deduction of $116.The sponsor, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, said the state needs a way to give rural homeowners an incentive to create firebreaks, because thinning projects won't be effective unless everyone in the neighborhood participates.The Senate Finance Committee approved the bill 4-1 Thursday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, was the lone "no" vote. She is worried about giving out tax breaks that could reduce the budget in future years.The Legislature's budget experts predict the bill would cost the state $411,000 next year and $822,000 the year after.

State GOP vowing long look at donors - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400472 State Republicans are vowing "extraordinary scrutiny" of the big-money donors behind influential independent advocacy groups that have pummeled the party in several recent elections, including the two biggest players, Pat Stryker and Tim Gill.The first shot was fired this week by Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams, who during a speech here Wednesday highlighted a Medicare fraud settlement — an issue first raised by Republicans in 2006 — against Stryker Corp., the Michigan-based medical products company started by the billionaire heiress' grandfather."When Democrats talk about corporate greed, what could be more greedy than ripping off the federal program that takes care of the poor and the elderly? What could be a better example of corporate greed than the Stryker Corp. being convicted of Medicare fraud in South Dakota," Wadhams said in an interview, echoing his public comments.These donors aren't "going to get away with hiding in the shadows in this election," he said.The charge has failed to gain traction since it first surfaced two years ago, partly because Stryker has insisted she has no management control over the company, which reached a $345,000 settlement with the Justice Department in 2006.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

Teacher sex bill shifted : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/teacher-sex-bill-shifted/ Concerned over reports of schoolteachers involved in sexual misconduct with students and other illegal behavior, lawmakers transferred a bill giving school districts a 24-hour deadline to report violations to the state from the House Education Committee to the Judiciary Committee on Thursday."I think the issues on this bill are much more legal than educational," said Mike Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, chairman of the Education Committee.No testimony was taken and no new hearing date was set.

More stories in National/Education | Colorado/Education

CHSAA’s decision against Jewish players despicable - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398961 When Peter Groff, the soft-spoken president of the Colorado Senate, denounces the action of a government agency as "despicable," you can be sure of one thing:It's despicable.Groff has been praised on both sides of the aisle for the civil tone he maintains in the Senate. But he was moved to denounce the Colorado High School Activities Association this week after its board unanimously refused to make a scheduling change that would allow the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy to compete in the regional high school basketball tournament.Both the boys and girls teams of the Herzl/RMHA Tigers need just one more win to secure a berth in the upcoming regional tournament that opens March 8 in Sterling. The problem is that date falls on a Saturday and the contest in question is scheduled during daylight hours. That places the game squarely within the Jewish sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. It is a violation of Jewish law to perform unnecessary work on the sabbath.Rather than violate the tenets of their faith, the student athletes have said they will forfeit the game. We applaud their integrity, which is reminiscent of Sandy Koufax's famous decision not to pitch in the first game of the 1965 World Series because the contest fell on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Prescription costs straying from script - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400050 Coloradans using a new state prescription program for lower-income people will end up paying more for most drugs than they would at chain pharmacies, according to a Denver Post cost comparison.Those findings have triggered questions from some retailers about the Colorado program.Colorado Cares Rx, unveiled this month by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is aimed at helping low-income, uninsured and underinsured people afford lifesaving drugs for chronic diseases, said department spokeswoman Joanne Lindsay.The new program is a partnership with RxOutreach, the nonprofit branch of mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts Inc. in St. Louis.

Death-penalty pursuit puts DA under fire - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400186 District Attorney Carol Chambers has billed the state for more than $200,000 in her quest to convict and put to death two inmates who are charged with killing another inmate four years ago.Westword reported Thursday that Chambers asked the Colorado Department of Corrections for $204,000 for work last year in the prosecutions of David Bueno and Alejandro Perez.Both have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey Heird at the Limon Correctional Facility in Lincoln County in 2004. Chambers is the DA for Arapahoe, Lincoln, Douglas and Elbert counties.Under Colorado law, counties can be reimbursed by the DOC to prosecute crimes committed in state prisons.Chambers was in meetings Thursday, said her spokeswoman, Kathleen Walsh, and could not be reached for comment. But Walsh said the DA's office has "charged the proper amount" in the prosecution of Bueno and Perez. She said she could not go into specifics because the cases are ongoing.

Bishops haven’t endorsed state conception amendment - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400204 The Colorado Catholic Conference says it has not endorsed a Colorado ballot measure that would grant personhood and constitutional rights from the moment of conception.The conference, which speaks for the state's three Catholic bishops, issued a statement Thursday contradicting the petitioners — Colorado for Equal Rights — which claimed Wednesday that the church's state leaders are on board.Colorado for Equal Rights organizer Keith Mason had issued a statement listing the anti-abortion group's prominent supporters.Mason said that Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan and Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput had "personally expressed their support."

Sunday liquor-sales bill wins over House panel despite corner-store opposition - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400346 Start chilling the champagne, liquor fans, because you're three steps away from buying booze on Sundays after Thursday's vote in a House committee.Consumer demand trumped dozens of concerned convenience store owners who bellied up to the witness table to discuss how Sunday sales will drive down demand for lower-strength beer and siphon off their profits.The committee voted 8-3 to pass Senate Bill 82, which must clear a finance committee, the full House and the governor's desk before liquor storeowners can swing open their doors on Sundays.An amendment by Rep. David Balmer that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer died before it was introduced. The committee chair refused to let it be heard.Balmer ultimately voted for the bill, though he said it was unfair to the corner stores that are not allowed to sell full-strength beer.

Visiting Iraqi lawmakers warn security will crumble if U.S. exits - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8400344 While assassinations, kidnappings and suicide bombings have decreased, security will collapse if U.S. forces leave Baghdad, visiting Iraqi lawmakers warned Thursday.The 10 Baghdad-area council members — Sunnis and Shiites who collectively represent 4 million Iraqis — were in agreement on that as they began a three-day tour to get a dose of democracy in Denver.They're the latest of hundreds of Iraqi officials whom the U.S. State Department has sent to observe local governments and civil society. The idea: Showing Iraqis government done right will lead to a stable system that could help U.S. soldiers come home.For now, "they must stay," said Omar al-Rahmani, deputy chairman of the Adhamiyah district council. "We don't have a loyal army, we don't have loyal police. . . . How long? We don't know."A key hurdle is separating religion from politics, al-Rahmani said."If America goes now, they're going to give the country to Iran," he said.

Energy future rides on Senate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398958 Colorado has millions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs riding on the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the bill will extend tax credits for renewable energy production, such as wind- and solar-generated power. Otherwise, many of the existing incentives will expire by the end of this year.Those credits have helped spark a boom in renewable energy in Colorado, with 700 megawatts coming on line last year, primarily from wind power, said Tom Plant, director of Gov. Bill Ritter's energy office."But when companies can't plan on those credits continuing, they have to hold off on new production," he said. "There are a number of renewable energy projects on hold in Colorado already."

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Mom gets 40 years for leaving newborn to die - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_8397399 Erin Pendleton will spend up to 40 years in prison for leaving her newborn to die in plastic bag she tossed in a restroom trash can at a Cherry Creek sports bar in 2004.An autopsy on the baby boy indicated he was born alive but probably was suffocated by the plastic bag.Pendleton, 32, was sentenced today after pleading guilty on Jan. 18 to child abuse resulting in death, a second-degree felony.

Swift raids turn screen saga - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399944 Immigration enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley in 2006 turned out to have a silver lining for a Denver video documentary company.While the raids caused havoc for hundreds of workers and disrupted company operations, they helped establish a platform for nonprofit filmmaker Little Voice to address the controversy over immigration policies."Our goal is to create a dialogue," said Julie Speer Hunniford, executive director and founder of Little Voice. "We want to shed some light on the economic, social, political and human aspects of immigration."The film, "Swift Justice," is expected to be finished this summer and rolled out in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. It will have footage from the raids and interviews with workers, politicians and analysts.Denver-based Local 7 of the United Food and Commercial Workers is underwriting the $200,000 production to the tune of $20,000. The union represents workers at the Swift plant.

More stories in National/Immigration | Colorado/Immigration

Seniors, poor must file for rebate - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_8399609 Senior citizens and other low-income earners who don't normally have to file a tax return will miss out on federal stimulus refund checks if they don't file this year.To raise awareness, the Internal Revenue Service is mounting a publicity campaign that's expected to hit mailboxes soon. But only those who filed a return last year will see the first letter. Separate letters will be sent to those collecting Social Security benefits and veterans' benefits."We are working to get the word out to these people that they are entitled to a payment, but they must file a tax return to get one," said Jean Carl, IRS spokeswoman in Denver. "We're still figuring out how to reach those who never file taxes."

More stories in National/Economy | Colorado/Economy

Film fest focuses on democracy : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/29/ex-broncos-punter-pleads-not-guilty/ The Denver 2008 Host Committee announced Thursday the launch of a film festival to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in August.Called "Cinemocracy," it invites people to make short films about what democracy is or isn't. Films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the convention, Aug. 25-28.The winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13-23.

More stories in National/Election | Colorado/Election

David Sirota - The new, permanent campaign - The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/opinionheadlines/ci_8398971 In 1976, a young political consultant named Patrick Caddell sent a memo to Jimmy Carter telling the president-elect to wage "a continuing political campaign" that fuses public policy and political goals. This doctrine became known as the permanent campaign, and it is now changing from a White House tactic into a national grassroots organizing strategy.Today's permanent campaign aims to ensure that the recent surge in Democratic voter turnout becomes the foundation of a lasting political infrastructure for progressives, rather than a momentary boomlet of presidential election euphoria. That means "creating mechanisms for people to remain engaged in politics between elections," as Thomas Bates says.He co-founded Democrats Work, a nonprofit group whose mission was on display when 12 volunteers of varying ages gathered last week to prepare dinner for residents at a Denver homeless shelter. The participants were not just giving back to their city — they were becoming Democratic Party activists."Lots of folks want to do community service but are not political," says Erin Egan, who runs the 500-member Colorado branch of Democrats Work. "But when they volunteer with us, they see the Democratic Party's values and often become committed political volunteers."For many activists already involved in Democratic politics, the permanent campaign is an extension of their enthusiasm for Howard Dean's reformist presidential candidacy in 2004. But the emergence of another organization, Blue Tiger Democrats, shows that the new efforts actually hearken back to Tammany Hall.

More stories in National/Opinion | Colorado/Opinion

Campus Press opinion section on hold : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/web-sites-opinion-section-on-hold/ The duties of the entire opinion-section staff at the University of Colorado's Campus Press newspaper have been suspended in the wake of fervent outcry about a student column that said Asians "hate us all," school officials said Thursday.Meanwhile, the columnist who sparked the firestorm, Max Karson, defended himself in a letter to the Camera in which he describes CU as a "racist hell-hole."A statement posted on the student newspaper's Web site Wednesday singled out Karson as the only person suspended from contributing to the online-only newspaper's content. But CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard on Thursday said all of the regular opinion-writing staff will be reassigned to other duties while changes are made.“Max has been an editorial page assistant editor, and all of the duties of all of the editorial page editors have been suspended because the editorial page itself at the Campus Press has been suspended pending a restructuring and re-envisioning of what they’re going to do with it,” Hilliard said.

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

http://dailycamera.com/news/2008/feb/29/real-issue-is-racism/ This is a personal statement and does not represent the views of the CU Campus Press.I don't mind offending people. Sometimes it's necessary to offend in order to provoke thought about difficult sub

Support the Daily News Digest

Categories

National News

Colorado News

ProgressNow Daily News Digest

Daily News Digest for 02/28/2008

Top Stories

National News

Colorado News

News by Category

Colorado News

Civil Liberties and Equality

Crime and Penal Reform

Economy

Education

Effective and Ethical Government

Election

Energy Policy

Environment and Conservation

Foreign Policy

Max Karson: Real issue is racism : Guest Opinions : Boulder Daily Camera

Dog’s tale continues with reunion - The Denver Post

Grand Junction Sentinel - Campus tests emergency alert system

Summit Daily News - Division of Wildlife sends out moose alert

News : Schools looking to implement Safe-2-Tell program (Montrose, CO)

Canada lynx “critical habitat” leaves Colorado out of it again - The Denver Post

Police find mother of dead baby : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

Partnership may buy stake in AEG Live : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

Larger lynx refuge proposed : State and West : Boulder Daily Camera

Daniels Fund OKs 1st-quarter grants : More Business : The Rocky Mountain News

The Medvedev riddle: a pawn or his own man? : Editorials : The Rocky Mountain News

Colorado Daily News - Never forget

KREX to resume newscasts Monday

Grand Junction Sentinel - De Beque mayor quits; critical time for town

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Hal Sundin - Election system needs to change

Summit Daily News - Breck council gets salary bump

Vail Daily - The I-70 Web site cure

Sunny, sad salute to fire captain - The Denver Post

35-year-old murder case to go to trial - The Denver Post

Aurora to tout name on signs by med center : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

Richer digs for Newmont - The Denver Post

Loveland man charged with odometer tampering - The Denver Post

Heart Center moves offices to Loveland - The Denver Post

Eamon Aloyo - We need free and fair elections in Kenya - The Denver Post

Jeffco schools say bye-bye to beef that is part of largest U.S. recall : Education : The Rocky Mount

Superior’s election a no-go? : Superior : Boulder Daily Camera

Shawna Nelson’s testimony contradicts that of husband, best friend | News | The Tribune

Shawna Nelson told husband she blacked out | News | The Tribune

The Coloradoan - Nelson takes stand, denies she killed ex-lover’s wife

Nelson: Hoped to protect victim - The Denver Post

Saying good-bye to Capt. Shane Stewart (with video) | News | The Tribune

Metro: Have a say in the El Paso County budget | county, committee, budget : Gazette.com

The Longmont Times-Call - 300 celebrate ‘Unity in the Community’

The Longmont Times-Call - Santos top money raiser in winning race

The Coloradoan - Officials: Flu vaccine not a good match for strains in circulation

The Coloradoan - Fort Collins couple’s dream ‘green’ home going on the market

Grand Junction Sentinel - GarCo candidate calls for tough oil rules

Craig Daily Press / School board decides to postpone Bible class decision

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Garfield County Sheriff’s Office asks for support

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Silt mayor works on housing

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Democrat steps into Garfield County commissioner race

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Drilling permit fees adding up nicely

Vail Daily - Edwards residents question commissioners on land deal

Vail Daily - Eagle may have busy ballot

Vail Daily - Green ideas mean investments for Avon

Vail Daily - Eagle County wants to form housing authority

Vail Daily - Matt Zalaznick: What would a GOP county commission do?

Ex-Jeffco treasurer faces retrial : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

An outspoken voice rages against the Iraq war - Telluride, CO - The Daily Planet

Mayor losing top aide - The Denver Post

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Democrats and city schools board almost clash over school use

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Subprime crisis filters to Pueblo building plans

Top Stories: Memorial Health Systems scrambling to refinance more than 90 percent of its debt to cur

Former Jeffco treasurer to be retried - The Denver Post

LITTWIN: Battle for heart of Texas : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News

Brokers hit for alleged scheme - The Denver Post

Janus writedown of SIV debt reduces fourth-quarter profit - The Denver Post

Roll call, February 29 : Colorado Government : The Rocky Mountain News

Level 3, IBM share patents : Tech & Telecom : The Rocky Mountain News

Applications to CU spike : CU News : Boulder Daily Camera