Lawmakers will soon debate a pair of bills that aim to make it easier for students in rural parts of the state to get a higher education degree. The sponsors of the measures say it’s a no-brainer, but some members of the higher ed community don’t think it’s a smart idea. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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The city of Colorado Springs has sold nine surplus buses from its FREX service for $1.44 million…Colorado Congresswoman Betsy Markey (D-4) is introducing a bill aimed at barring health insurance companies from fixing prices…and, U.S. Forest Service officials in Colorado are getting $30 million to help deal with the bark-beetle epidemic.

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KKTV reports that Colorado Springs City Council is expected to consider a “No Camping” proposal aimed at curbing tent cities. The Pueblo Chieftain reports on a scheduled meeting between Pueblo County Commissioners and Pueblo West board members concerning roads, a new turbine in the Walsh School District, and a new dispatch system at the Pueblo Fire Department.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind.

Bills to eliminate roughly 140 million dollars in business tax exemptions have dominated discussions at the state capitol. The debate over the nine measures has pitted Democrats against Republicans, with Democrats arguing the cuts are necessary to balance the budget and protect money for K through 12 education. Republicans say a recession is the wrong time to increase taxes on businesses. Bente Birkeland delves into two of the most controversial exemptions as part of our capitol conversation series.

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The Colorado Springs’ City Auditorium joins many programs and facilities throughout the city facing cuts and possible closure due to a significant budget shortfall. This weekend, the first of several benefit concerts seeking to raise money to help save the auditorium takes place. KRCC is a sponsor. But inside the building sits a relic from another time…a Wurlitzer Theater organ, and a local treasure for many. KRCC’s Michelle Mercer visited the auditorium for a rare demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer from some area musicians…one seasoned on the organ, another, a novice.

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Hear Tom O’Boyle play Stephen Foster’s “Beautiful Dreamer” on the Wurlitzer organ:

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Welcome to Mise en Place, a journey of culinary delight where anything can happen. Based on the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s list of food by month, KRCC takes a look at farmers, chefs, and fodder, all with a Centennial State bent.

Each month, the state’s agriculture department highlights a commodity and provides a recipe using that product. We take it a step further.

Beans take center stage for February and KRCC’s Ellen Mahoney visited Abbondanza Organic Seeds & Produce in Longmont, and spoke with co-owner Rich Pecoraro. Ellen also visited The Kitchen in Boulder and met with sous chef Dennis Phelps who created a bean ragout presented under scallops.

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Click below for the Three-Bean Ragout from Dennis Phelps of the Kitchen, and for Spicy Bean Salsa from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

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