KRCC-FM: Radio Colorado College News

Thursday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:35:08 +0000

The Colorado Department of Education has released its audit of the Cesar Chavez Schools Network (KKTV, KRDO, Chieftain), and the board reacts (Chieftain). Attorney General John Suthers is encouraging Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas to work out a water dispute (CSBJ).

In Colorado Springs, organizers of a movement for a ‘strong mayor’ held a town hall meeting (KXRM). D-11 releases new plans for Irving, Jefferson, and Adams (Gazette). School lunches receive national attention (Gazette). The Pikes Peak Library District tags items with ID chips (Gazette). D-20 staff instructed not to participate in the National Day of Prayer (KRDO). El Paso County increases immigration enforcement (KOAA).

In Canon City, voters reinstated incumbents to the fire board (Daily Record). Penrose voters elect three to the region’s water board (Daily Record).

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.

Senate Debates Medical Marijuana

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:35:28 +0000

Colorado’s medical marijuana dispensaries are one step closer to falling under state regulations. The full senate debated regulations yesterday and a final vote is expected this week. The measure has widespread support from members in both parties, but leaves some members feeling uneasy. The house already passed the bill. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (050510MarijuanaSen.mp3)

House Gears up for Teacher Tenure Debate

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:06:33 +0000

The fate of a controversial teacher tenure bill now rests in the house’s hands. The measure has cleared the senate and gets its first hearing in the house education committee later today. It’s expected to be a long and heated debate, and proponents say passage could come down to the wire in the final week of the legislative session. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (050510TeachTenure.mp3)

Senate Debates Higher Education Tuition Bill

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:00:15 +0000

The state senate initially passed a bill yesterday that would give colleges and universities more flexibility to increase tuition. The measure has wide bi-partisan support with almost all of the senators on board. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (040510TuitionFlex.mp3)

Wednesday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:44:17 +0000

In Colorado Springs, a proposal to restructure city council has been filed at the city clerk’s office (Gazette). D-2 teachers confront the school board about evaluations (KRDO).

Easements in Pueblo for the SDS Pipeline have run $1 million thus far (Chieftain). Regional third graders show a slip in reading scores (Gazette, KKTV, KXRM, Chieftain).

In Pueblo, developers are looking at a former police building for renovations (KOAA).

Lawmakers Debate Bill to Ban Shackles for Pregnant Inmates

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 +0000

Among everything else they’re debating in the final days of the legislative session, Colorado lawmakers are considering banning the use of restraints on pregnant prison inmates. The measure has strong bi-partisan support but debate in the senate touched a nerve when it delved into the topic of abortion. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (050410InmateRestraints.mp3)

Round-Up: Bark Beetle Mitigation, and Pueblo’s Urban Renewal Authority

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:41 +0000

U.S. Forest officials say they may have to shut down some national forests in Colorado and Wyoming…and, Pueblo’s Urban Renewal Authority is expected to begin its search for a new Executive Director tomorrow.

Download audio file (050410_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Tuesday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:31:52 +0000

In Colorado Springs, the commission looking into Memorial Health System names a new chairman (Gazette, Business Journal). Ft. Carson soldiers return (Gazette, KKTV, KRDO, KOAA).

In Trinidad, officials are concerned about proposals that could reduce government revenues (Times). A state owned nursing home could get a one-year reprieve (Times). Census forms are returned by little more than half of Las Animas County residents (Times).

In Raton, officials with the planned racino are confident racing will begin by September (Range).

Campaign Finance Disclosure Moves Forward

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:10:45 +0000

A measure that would require more disclosure for corporations and labor unions who want to spend freely in Colorado’s elections cleared its first committee yesterday. The bill stems from a recent Supreme Court decision and passed along party lines. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (050310CampaignFinance.mp3)

Cultural Services and the City Budget

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:49:40 +0000

After budget shortfalls and a failed ballot initiative in Colorado Springs, cultural services found itself on the chopping block. That means the Pioneers’ Museum, Rock Ledge Ranch, and other facilities and programs were facing closure. KRCC’s Kate Jonuska recently checked in with the museum and the ranch to see how they’re faring.

Download audio file (050310_054430_KJ_cultural.mp3)

Round-Up: Congressional Briefing at Ft. Carson, Immigrant Sheepherders, and more

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:41:34 +0000

Colorado Springs Congressman Doug Lamborn and Colorado Senator Mark Udall took part in a congressional briefing on the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson…The Colorado House approved a bill to create a committee this summer that could work with the federal government to resolve complaints between immigrant sheepherders and their employers…and, Aspen home prices also feel feeling the pinch of this recession.

Download audio file (050310_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Monday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:57:26 +0000

The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports on an uptick in apartment occupancy rates in the city, an emergence of other kinds of retailers in store fronts, infighting at in the commission taking a look at the Memorial Health System, and air traffic at the Colorado Springs airport. The new USOC building is set to open in downtown Colorado Springs (KKTV).

In Pueblo, methamphetamine arrests are up (Chieftain).

The Colorado Springs Gazette takes a look at how the economy is affecting Woodland Park.

The Penrose Water District has an election Tuesday (Canon City Daily Record).

In Raton, city officials are concerned about a budget shortfall for this fiscal year (Raton Range). The Range also updates issues with the planned racino.

Capitol Conversation: Big-Ticket Items at the End of the Session

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:00:14 +0000

State lawmakers could be scrambling in the final days of the legislative session, with several big-ticket items still on the table. As part of our weekly capitol conversation series, Bente Birkeland examines why lawmakers will be going out with a bang, not a whimper.

Download audio file (043010CapConvo.mp3)

Payday Lending Restriction Clears Both Chambers

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:21:11 +0000

A bill to restrict payday lending in Colorado has cleared both chambers. It narrowly passed the senate on Friday. The measure led to passionate debate, and several Democrats joined with Republicans to try and defeat the bill. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (043010Payday.mp3)

Senate Passes Teacher Tenure Bill

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:15:05 +0000

The state senate passed a controversial education bill today that changes teacher tenure rules and evaluations for principals and teachers. Seven Democrats joined with Republicans to pass the bill which now heads to the house, where strong opposition is mounting. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (043010TenureSPOT.mp3)

Round-Up: The Pueblo Chemical Depot, and the Immigration Debate in Colorado Races

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:03:52 +0000

The Department of Defense and the Colorado health department have reached an agreement on monitoring chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot…and, as the immigration debate gains traction in Congress, an advocacy group says Latino voters could make a big difference this November in tight Colorado races.

Download audio file (043010_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Friday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:27:25 +0000

The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports on issues with the state’s new system for processing tax returns. KOAA takes a look at Colorado storm chasers based in Boulder.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports on a literacy program that aims to help families with English, and that the state-owned nursing home in Trinidad will likely become a ballot question in regional elections. The Trinidad Times Independent also reports on the nursing home.

Round-Up: Ritter Signs Budget, Teacher Evaluations, and Furlough Days in Trinidad

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:15:42 +0000

Governor Bill Ritter signed the state’s 18.2 billion dollar budget into law today. It goes into effect this July and fills a more than 1 billion dollar shortfall…State lawmakers are divided on whether teachers should be held accountable for the poor performance of students whose parents aren’t involved in their education…and, city employees in Trinidad are seeking a compromise on furlough days aimed at helping fill the city’s budget gap.

Download audio file (042910_054430_AC_roundup.mp3)

Thursday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:50:36 +0000

In Colorado Springs, a group pushing for a ‘strong mayor’ style of government has released its proposed charter (CSBJ). D-11 has approved changes at Wasson High School (KRDO). And, King’s Chef Diner gets national attention (KOAA).

Cotter uranium mines and mills face cleanup after lawmakers pass HB1348 (Chieftain). Victor votes on medical marijuana (CS Independent). The Independent also reports on toxic waste in ponds south of Ellicot.

Officials with Pueblo City Schools cut credit requirements (Chieftain). Officials with the Colorado State Fair testify at the statehouse on proposals for a racing operation in Pueblo (Chieftain). The state prepares to release water from Lake Pueblo (Chieftain).

The East Otero School Board begins refining next year’s budget (LaJunta Tribune-Democrat).The Tribune-Democrat highlights agricultural research at the Arkansas Valley Research Center.

Higher Tuition for Colleges Debated

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:00:27 +0000

State lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a bill today aimed at helping colleges and universities weather the financial storm. Senate leaders unveiled the bi-partisan measure last week, only to have it go through a major re-write that’s more in line with what the Governor wants. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042810HigherEd.mp3)

Medical Marijuana Regulations Debated

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:30:40 +0000

With just a few weeks remaining in the session, Colorado lawmakers are hoping to wind down what’s been a lengthy and contentious debate over how to regulate the booming medical marijuana industry. Yesterday the public got what could be one of the last chances to weigh in on House Bill 1284. It would require dispensary owners to pay hefty licensing fees, undergo criminal background checks and grow most of the pot they sell. That could lead to the closure of many dispensaries, and medical marijuana patients worry that will make it harder to get the drugs they need. Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland and KUNC’s Kirk Siegler have more.

Download audio file (042710Marijuana.mp3)

Round-Up: Higher Education Funding, Uranium Mines, and more

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:08:45 +0000

College presidents and educators are telling Colorado lawmakers they need flexibility to set tuition rates if the state wants them to give up $300 million in state funding…The state Senate officially approved a bill today that would require all uranium mines and mills in Colorado to clean up nuclear waste…Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado is repeating his call to limit lobbying in Washington…and, Colorado Springs Deputy Chief heads to Washington state.

Download audio file (042810_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Wednesday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:23:04 +0000

In Colorado Springs, Utilities seeks to raise water rates in order to help fund construction of the SDS Pipeline (Gazette). City Attorney Patricia Kelly has recommended council to “drop” the matter of former City Manager Penelope Culbreth-Graft’s request for severance (Gazette). Two D-49 principals retire (Gazette).

In Pueblo, officials held a public meeting last night to talk about the destruction of chemical weapons (KRDO). The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Manager is resigning (Chieftain).

Round-Up: Uranium Mine Cleanup and Financial Regulatory Reform

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:00:47 +0000

The state Senate has given initial backing to a bill that would require uranium mines and mills to clean up nuclear waste before accepting more radioactive material…and, Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet says it is a shame his colleagues would not begin debate on financial regulatory reform yesterday.

Download audio file (042710_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Tuesday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:19:47 +0000

Ft. Carson and Army officials react to an article in the New York Times that examines the Warrior Transition Units (Gazette, New York Times, KKTV).

In Colorado Springs, city officials comment on the streetlights that have been shutoff (Gazette, KOAA). The city is also struggling to fix potholes (KKTV). The Pikes Peak Library District will utilize technology to help track items (KOAA). The proceeds from the possible sale of Memorial Health System may not be available for general use (CSBJ). The Visitor’s Bureau CEO is set to retire (Colorado Springs Business Journal).

In Pueblo, the public is invited to another open meeting to discuss the destruction of chemical weapons (KKTV). A new development is planned for the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (Chieftain). State Representative Sal Pace (D-Pueblo) wants new studies regarding the planned SDS pipeline (Chieftain).

In Las Animas County, a proposed wind farm moves one step closer to being reality (Trinidad Times). Students in Las Animas County lag behind the rest of the state in education and poverty (Trinidad Times).

Campaign Finance Disclosure

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:35:44 +0000

Democrats introduced a bill yesterday that aims to place stricter requirements on companies and unions that want to spend money in Colorado elections. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042610CampaignFinance.mp3)

Round-Up: Attorneys General Talk Water, State Campaign Donations, and more

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:04 +0000

The nation’s top military official spoke to members of the Colorado National Guard today, and says Air Force units that fly aging F-16 fighter jets on homeland security missions may not learn their future for two years…Attorneys general from western states are planning to meet this week to discuss water law, including the Colorado River Compact, the Clean Water Act and transbasin diversions…Colorado lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require businesses and unions to disclose major campaign donations…and, health officials in El Paso County say a fox tested positive for rabies.

Download audio file (042610_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Shorter Legislative Session

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:30:06 +0000

Some state lawmakers want to spend a little less time under the gold dome each year and streamline Colorado’s annual legislative session. A bi-partisan measure that was introduced on Friday would shorten future legislative sessions by 20 days. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042310ShorterSess.mp3)

Capitol Conversation:

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:03:00 +0000

Education reform is likely to dominate the final stretch of the legislative session. Several big proposals to shift education policy are just beginning their journeys through the state house. Bente Birkeland discusses what’s on the table as part of our weekly capitol conversation series.

Download audio file (042310CapConvo.mp3)

I-70 Zipper Lane

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:30:23 +0000

Drivers could soon be zipping along stretches of I-70 a bit faster. A pair of measures to try and ease congestion on the busy interstate recently cleared the senate transportation committee unanimously. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042310ZipperLane.mp3)

Friday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:27:20 +0000

In Colorado Springs, outgoing City Manager Penny Culbreth-Graft has asked the city for a payout (Gazette, CSBJ).The city will close two pools this summer (Gazette). Harrison D-2 parents are upset over the school board’s handling over the district (KRDO). The Colorado Springs Business Journal reports on the airport’s updated master plan.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports on tornados spotted in southeastern Colorado, the materials remaining from the Fourth Street Bridge, and Representative Mike Coffman’s (R-6) defense of his proposed Pinon Canyon bill.

The LaJunta City Council has approved a request to hold Early Settlers celebration in the city park (LaJunta Tribune-Democrat).

Teacher Tenure Bill Sparks Heated Debate

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:06:45 +0000

A controversial bill that would change teacher and principal evaluations and teacher tenure got a lengthy hearing over the last two days at the state capitol. A final vote in the senate education committee is expected today. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042210TenureHearing.mp3)

E-cycling in the Pikes Peak Region

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:10:04 +0000

With Earth Day today, many communities around the Pikes Peak region are beginning celebrations and events tied to environmentalism. KRCC’s Kate Jonuska previews one event coming up in Colorado Springs that seeks to inspire a little spring-cleaning.

Download audio file (042210_54430_KJ_ecycle.mp3)

Round-Up: Marijuana Bill Passes House, Physical Fitness and the Military

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:00:40 +0000

The Colorado House of Representatives has approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow the state to license marijuana dispensaries and growers…A new study documenting the physical condition of 18-to-24 year olds has found that Colorado has one of the country’s lowest levels of obesity in that group, but that still has military implications.

Download audio file (042210_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Thursday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:23:32 +0000

In Colorado Springs, D-11 is changing lunch (Gazette). A Ft. Carson soldier receives a Bronze Star (Gazette, KKTV, KRDO). The Colorado Springs Independent reports on reaction to a planned Army rail line in Stratmoor Hills, and profiles three businesses working to aid the environment.

The Pueblo Chieftain has reaction to Representative Mike Coffman’s (R-6) proposed eminent domain ban for the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, and on a proposal to bring water from Wyoming’s Flaming Gorge Reservior.

Higher Education Proposal Released

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:00:14 +0000

Senate leaders unveiled a bi-partisan proposal yesterday that would give colleges and universities more independence from the state, and flexibility to increase tuition. Lawmakers say the changes are necessary to keep the higher education system in tact. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042110TuitionFlex.mp3)

Round-Up: Coal Mine Subjected to Inspection, a Proposal to Ban Eminent Domain for Pinon Canyon, and more

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:15:51 +0000

Colorado lawmakers have unveiled a major overhaul of the state’s college tuition program…A Colorado coal mine had a surprise visit from inspectors over the weekend…Republican Congressman Mike Coffman says he’s trying to help the Army expand a training site in southeast Colorado…and, Vice President Joe Biden is coming to Colorado to campaign for Democrat Betsy Markey.

Download audio file (042110_053230_AC_roundup.mp3)

Wednesday Index

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:14:22 +0000

Colorado Representative Mike Coffman (R-6) has introduced legislation that would ban the use of condemnation for obtaining land related to the expansion of the Army’s Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (Gazette). Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) is proposing a bill aimed at Western states coping with damage from the bark beetle (KOAA).Senator Michael Bennet is pushing for a farm bill aimed at access to credit (Chieftain).

The Manitou Springs City Council discusses the trash hauler debate (Gazette).

In Pueblo, D-70 has voted to outsource bus service (Chieftain, KKTV, KOAA).

In LaJunta, the public weighs in on lodging tax funds (Tribune-Democrat).

And, after 37 years as Fremont County Clerk and Recorder, 83-year-old Norma Hatfield plans to retire (Canon City Daily Record).

Lawmakers Debate Medical Marijuana

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:01 +0000

State lawmakers hashed out more restrictive regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries yesterday. The bill would let cities and towns ban dispensaries altogether, and limit on site consumption of the drug. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Download audio file (042010MarDispenaries.mp3)

Capitol Dome Fundraising Clears Hurdle

Andrea Chalfin, News Dir. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:30:53 +0000

Lawmakers at the state house could be headed for a showdown on how to pay for repairs to the dome on the capitol building. But this time, the division won’t fall along party lines, but between the two chambers. The house state affairs committee unanimously passed a bill yesterday to raise private funds to repair the dome, but an alternate proposal in the senate gets its first hearing on Thursday. Bente Birkeland has more from Denver.

Download audio file (042010Dome.mp3)