Rocky Mountain Voice

Rocky Mountain Voice

The special session leaves Polis with a $783M deficit — here’s how he can fix it without new taxes
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Commentary, State, Top Stories

The special session leaves Polis with a $783M deficit — here’s how he can fix it without new taxes

By Russ Minary | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Governor Polis recently called—and lawmakers have now concluded—a special session aimed at addressing the estimated State budget deficit of $1.2 to 1.6 BILLION. That means that every man, woman and child in CO has to pay $208 more this year. That’s in addition to all of the other current local, county, state, sales and special district taxes they are already paying. But kids don’t pay taxes; adults do. I think CO taxpayers and citizens already pay enough in taxes. While lawmakers passed roughly $300 million in tax changes during the session, the ball is now in Gov. Polis’ court. He has been given authority to sign the bills and make deep spending cuts, up to $300 million, to close the remaining $783 million gap. Rather than a...
From farm kid to parliamentarian: Gregory Carlson launches Fremont County commissioner bid
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Local, Top Stories

From farm kid to parliamentarian: Gregory Carlson launches Fremont County commissioner bid

By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice Gregory Carlson, a Fremont County native known nationally for his work as a parliamentarian, announced his candidacy for District 2 commissioner on Aug. 26 at the Republican meeting in Florence. “After prayerful consideration and the support of my family and friends, I am excited to announce my candidacy for County Commissioner,” Carlson shared in a media release. “Our local businesses, families and seniors are facing increasing pressure from rising costs. I am bringing my experience as a math teacher for 14 years and running my two successful businesses to unite community leaders, make life more affordable and bring prosperity to our community.” Gregory Carlson announces his candidacy for Fremont County Commissioner District 2 during the...
A political refugee in Colorado: The painful choice to leave my homeland
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Commentary, State, Top Stories

A political refugee in Colorado: The painful choice to leave my homeland

By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice After months of prayer, deliberation, and heartbreak, my wife and I have made the decision to leave Colorado. We’ve accepted an offer on our home in Castle Rock. For the first time in my life, I am saying goodbye to the state of my birth - the mountains where I learned to hike, the skyline I memorized as a child, the people and culture I have served, fought for, and loved.  This was not an easy decision. This is pain. This is grief. This is exile. But I am not moving for a job. I’m not moving for a change of scenery. I am leaving because Colorado has made it abundantly clear that I no longer have a voice in the government of my own state.  I am a political refugee. My family is being forced out, not by a singular...
Shots for Freedom: Colorado gun owners rally to push back against new restrictions
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Shots for Freedom: Colorado gun owners rally to push back against new restrictions

By Huey Laugesen | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice At a time when Colorado is at the forefront of the national war over the Second Amendment, it’s not enough to be indignant. We must be active.That’s why the Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) is proud to host the Shots for Freedom Range Weekend and Banquet, taking place in Colorado Springs September 20–21 at Magnum Shooting Center South. It’s more than just a celebration of firearm culture. It's a strategic stand for freedom.The weekend kicks off with a two-day range event, featuring leading firearm industry vendors from across the country. From machine gun and other firearm rentals, to top-tier manufactures, events for kids, and premium gun raffles, it’ll be an unforgettable time for Second Amendment supporters of every ...
When Will the Call Come? One Man’s Wait and the Organ Crisis in America
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, State, Top Stories

When Will the Call Come? One Man’s Wait and the Organ Crisis in America

RMV Staff | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice Pastor John Waters is still waiting for a life-saving call—a call he desperately hopes will arrive soon, bringing news of a donor match and a brighter tomorrow. Months earlier, his story touched the hearts of Rocky Mountain Voice readers, and the support continues. People from all backgrounds offered to help, with many signing up for potential liver donation. However, most were disqualified due to age, health issues, or a mismatch, leaving behind overwhelming generosity mixed with deep disappointment. Across the U.S., over 10,000 individuals await liver transplants, with an average of 17 dying daily while waiting for a donor. For John, these statistics are more than figures—they represent a relentless countdown. His doctors emph...
Colorado election results may violate 1946 Secret Ballots Amendment
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Colorado election results may violate 1946 Secret Ballots Amendment

By Mike O’Donnell | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice The Colorado Constitution guarantees the right for citizens to vote in secret.  Article VII, Section 8 states that all elections by the people shall be by ballot, and no ballots shall be marked in any way that would allow the ballot to be identified as the ballot of a particular person. And in 1946, Colorado voters approved the Secret Ballots Amendment that explicitly provided for secret ballots.  However, if a voter voluntarily shares how he or she voted, they may do so. Colorado Revised Statute §1-13-712 says that any voter who makes available an image of the voter’s own ballot through electronic means, after it is prepared for voting, is deemed to have consented to the transmittal of that image. So i...
The culture war at home: How modern trends leave kids vulnerable
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Commentary, National, Top Stories

The culture war at home: How modern trends leave kids vulnerable

By John DiGirolamo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Modern culture directly affects our society. This is not your parent’s Yoplait yogurt. The current culture’s influence is stronger than ever and is constantly evolving. Ask a typical high school student what they want to be when they grow up, and you won’t hear answers of doctor, lawyer or accountant. They dream of being an influencer. But they've already been influenced themselves. The Influence of Modern Culture The culture and its sphere of influence include several facets. Changing societal norms benefit predators. Vulnerable kids and teens correlate with an increased risk of manipulation and exploitation. Specific examples are summarized below: Unstable home life: Unsupervised children have a higher tendency to s...
Faith over fear: How Christians can stand strong when the world unravels
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Commentary, Devotional, Top Stories

Faith over fear: How Christians can stand strong when the world unravels

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. ~ Genesis 1:2–3 Long, long ago…God brought order to chaos—and He’s still doing it today. How? Through our acts of faith. While chaos bullies its way into our lives uninvited, faith rolls out the welcome mat for God's power to bring order, peace, and purpose (Luke 24:49). Let’s talk about chaos. Not just the kind playing out on the news, but the kind that shows up in your story, in childhood wounds, military mayhem, workplace drama, and ministry madness. For me, chaos wasn’t a stranger. It was a full-time roommate. I grew up with it, wore i...
Four candidates launch common-sense campaign for Douglas County school board
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Local, Top Stories

Four candidates launch common-sense campaign for Douglas County school board

By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice Platform centers on academic excellence, parental rights, teacher support and protections for female athletes In Douglas County, a new slate calling itself Common Sense DCSD is stepping into the school board race. The group — Matt Smith, Keaton Gambill, Dede Kramer and Steve Vail — says the district’s future depends on keeping academics and safety at the forefront. They argue that balanced leadership has helped produce high test scores, a strong graduation rate and standout career training programs, and they want to carry that momentum forward. Smith, a former sheriff’s deputy, military veteran, global IT leader and father of a Douglas County student, said his goal is to keep the district centered on students.  “I’m running for school...
Heidi Ganahl Rallies Conservatives at Northeastern Colorado Women’s Event
Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, State, Top Stories

Heidi Ganahl Rallies Conservatives at Northeastern Colorado Women’s Event

By Drake Hunter | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice The Greeley Republican Women (GRW) hosted a packed event at Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza in Hudson, Weld County, where former 2022 candidate for Colorado governor and Rocky Mountain Voice founder Heidi Ganahl delivered the keynote address. Stacey Casteel of GRW led the gathering and drew notable attendees, including Weld County Commissioner Perry Buck and State Senator Scott Bright. The venue itself, owned by Ben Skoglund and family, was highlighted by Ganahl as an example of businesses willing to stand firm in their values despite cultural and political pressures. Ganahl opened with humor, but quickly pivoted to the challenges facing Colorado. “Colorado’s kind of a mess right now,” she said, stressing that Weld County remain...