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CBS Colorado

Sen. Kirkmeyer uncovers ‘crisis in spending priorities’ in funding of ‘furniture over neglected kids’
Approved, CBS Colorado, State

Sen. Kirkmeyer uncovers ‘crisis in spending priorities’ in funding of ‘furniture over neglected kids’

By Shaun Boyd | CBS Colorado The hole in the Colorado state budget is getting bigger. The latest figures show a shortfall of about $1.2 billion, and the state's chief economist says the reserve -- or rainy-day fund -- will run out of money by 2029 if nothing changes. "The message is we are on an unsustainable path with our budget if we don't change our spending habits," said State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, who is one of six lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee. The Republican says lawmakers have simply overspent, pointing out the state has added more than 7,000 full time employees and 17 new state offices in the last six years alone. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
New-to-chicken raising Coloradans may find they have roosters and not laying hens, sanctuary says
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

New-to-chicken raising Coloradans may find they have roosters and not laying hens, sanctuary says

By Gabriela Vidal | CBS Colorado As egg prices continue to rise in Colorado and across the country, some people have decided to raise their own chickens and produce their own egg supply. One animal sanctuary is offering a warning to those who take on such a responsibility.  Amid the sounds of roosters crowing at the Rooster Sanctuary at Danzig's Roost in Bennett, is a different kind of noise that's been popping off as of late. "The same call, over and over and over and over again," said Jewel Johnson. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Dillon recall effort centered around council members’ support of development plan
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Dillon recall effort centered around council members’ support of development plan

By Spencer Wilson | CBS Colorado While it only took 14 signatures to begin the recall process of three city council members, the whole town of Dillon is focused on the outcome and what it means for the future of the "sleeping giant" in Summit County.  The members of the council who are facing recall are Dana Christiansen, Renee Imamura, and John Woods. CBS Colorado has reached out to these council members for comment but has not heard back as of yet. As for why those three, Barb Richard, a successor candidate who's looking to replace one of them should the recall pass, said it's based on a breakdown of representation from the council and the public on big issues, particularly with one developer and his plans for the city.  READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Denver mayor brushes off no-confidence vote on Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Denver mayor brushes off no-confidence vote on Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton

By Brian Maass | CBS Colorado Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Monday batted away a no-confidence vote in Fire Chief Desmond Fulton, saying, "I'm confident Chief Fulton will continue to serve our community with honor and distinction." Last week, nearly 900 Denver firefighters weighed in -- with 64% saying they had no confidence in their fire chief and deputy chief. The vote was an expression by firefighters of unhappiness with Fulton following a scandal over his use of comp time, revealed in a 2024 CBS Colorado Investigation. The probe found Fulton and his top commanders were awarding themselves comp time for attending routine events, which then allowed them to cash in vacation days at the end of each year for tens of thousands of dollars. An independent investigation commissi...
Boulder Co. Sheriff’s Office stops using CBI for forensic casework; moves to Jefferson Co. lab
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Boulder Co. Sheriff’s Office stops using CBI for forensic casework; moves to Jefferson Co. lab

By Heather Willard | Fox 31 News The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday afternoon that it will not be using the Colorado Bureau of Investigation crime labs for forensic casework moving forward. Instead, the county agency will transition the casework to the Jefferson County Regional Crime Lab. “This change is driven by our commitment to delivering the highest level of service to those affected by crime in our community,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson told FOX31 on Sunday. READ THE FULL STORY AT FOX 31 NEWS
There are mixed reviews on state bill that would reset wages in service industry
Approved, CBS Colorado, State

There are mixed reviews on state bill that would reset wages in service industry

By Ashley Portillo | CBS Colorado Legislation was proposed at the Colorado State Capitol on Thursday that could change how the tipped employees like servers and bartenders are paid. Struggling restaurant owners are hopeful the bill will not only close the pay gap between back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house workers, but that it will keep their establishments open. But there are concerns among some in the industry that tipped employees could see immediate wage cuts -- as much as $4 per hour. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Greeley men planned to launch tobacco, meth over federal prison fence in Louisiana with air cannon
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Greeley men planned to launch tobacco, meth over federal prison fence in Louisiana with air cannon

By Logan Smith | CBS Colorado Two Colorado men were recently apprehended outside a federal penitentiary in Louisiana before they could carry out a plan to deliver packages of tobacco and methamphetamine to inmates inside the prison.  The Greeley men, 18-year-old Jose Francisco Herrera Munox and 19-year-old Angel Gonzales Gutierrez, planned to launch the packages over a security fence with an air cannon.  That type of cannon uses compressed air. The device is more commonly used by sports teams to send T-shirts into the stands at home events.  READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Denver International Airport unveils final phase of Great Hall renovation, lays out future projects
Approved, CBS Colorado, Local

Denver International Airport unveils final phase of Great Hall renovation, lays out future projects

By Austen Erblat | CBS Colorado Construction inside Denver International Airport's Jeppesen Terminal could soon be nearing its end. And while plenty of other renovation projects at the airport are now in their early stages, airport officials say those won't have nearly the same impact as the Great Hall renovation. DIA CEO Phil Washington unveiled plans and renderings for the final phase of the Great Hall Project on Tuesday, saying the remodeled terminal will showcase "the spirit of Colorado" and better serve passengers. The airport says work will be completed on time and on budget in 2027, but the cost and timeline for completion have changed several times over the last few years. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Colorado bill seeks to create locations on I-70 where private companies can sell and install tire chains
CBS Colorado, Approved, State

Colorado bill seeks to create locations on I-70 where private companies can sell and install tire chains

By Gabriela Vidal | CBS Colorado Driving along Interstate 70 during the winter can be a daunting task for Coloradans as much as out-of-state drivers; however, new legislation in the state could help alleviate some of the challenges motorists face, especially when it comes to putting on tire chains. "We see it as being one piece in an overall puzzle towards solving some of the issues on I-70," said Greg Fulton, president of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. The Motor Carriers Association is among several state groups supporting Senate Bill 69, which would pave the way for the Colorado Department of Transportation to issue permits to private companies to be able to sell and install tire chains along I-70. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO
Colorado Parks and Wildlife acquires 120 acres for new wildlife management area
Approved, CBS Colorado, State

Colorado Parks and Wildlife acquires 120 acres for new wildlife management area

By Christa Swanson | CBS Colorado In an effort to conserve wildlife and increase opportunities for hunters and anglers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is creating a new wildlife area along Michigan Creek. The acquisition of 120 acres in Park County, including a quarter-mile stretch along Michigan Creek, was finalized Friday. The property is located about six miles southeast of Jefferson and will become the Michigan Creek State Wildlife Area. READ THE FULL STORY AT CBS COLORADO