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Delta, Mesa Co. deputies disrupt drug distribution activities in Western Colorado
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Delta, Mesa Co. deputies disrupt drug distribution activities in Western Colorado

By Lindy Browning | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Drug dealers in Western Colorado had some serious disruption in their “business model” last week, when Western Slope law enforcement agencies from both Delta and Mesa counties intercepted and seized large amounts of illegal drugs being transported through their counties. As a result of interaction with police, four suspects were arrested on charges related to possession and distribution of illegal narcotics. According to Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor, deputies in his department seized 1,500 fentanyl pills, 12 grams of ecstasy pills, 454 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of powdered fentanyl, and 21 grams of carfentanyl (an extremely potent opioid that is more powerful than fentanyl, and used as an elephant sedative....
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Businessman Steve Sundberg seeking re-election in Aurora’s Ward 2
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Businessman Steve Sundberg seeking re-election in Aurora’s Ward 2

By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice Around Aurora, some just call him the "one with the beard." Steve Sundberg is a soft-spoken member of the Aurora City Council and serves as mayor pro-tem. He's known to shun the limelight, but more than the beard is a reason he's an easily recognized figure around town. “Having operated a restaurant in Aurora for 28 years and, as the owner the past few, you learnquickly about listening to people and investing in your customers,” Sundberg said. “That’s really what drove my business and my interest in serving these same individuals and families on City Council." Sundberg has announced his intention to seek another four-year term in City Council Ward 2. His priorities have been two-fold: unifying the diverse population of Aurora, and publi...
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‘I’m for choice,’ Rep. Crank says, on health services for America’s veterans
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‘I’m for choice,’ Rep. Crank says, on health services for America’s veterans

By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice When about 90% of the Colorado population wants to see a doctor for an ailment, they call for an appointment and generally within a week or less can be seen on a non-emergency. Other times, a family practice physician is known to "fit them in today" to an already booked schedule in an emergency. That's not so for the other 10%, one Army veteran told U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo. Springs, during a town hall this week. "I don't feel like dying for my country as a peaceful citizen," said the veteran, who had to wait one month to be seen with a stroke. "It is absolute hell getting treatment from the VA. Every time you call them, you spend an hour plus on hold." The veteran's name is being withheld from this story to protect his identity. ...
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RMV founder Heidi Ganahl announces opening of regional Town Center newsroom and community hub
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RMV founder Heidi Ganahl announces opening of regional Town Center newsroom and community hub

By Rocky Mountain Voice The grand opening of Rocky Mountain Voice's first regional Town Center newsroom and community hub will take place Wednesday, March 12, Founder Heidi Ganahl announced this week. "Rocky Mountain Voice was built to inspire a citizen-driven community and collaboration — online and on the ground," Ganahl said. "We're excited to open our first Town Center in Fort Morgan." The Northeast Colorado Town Center is located at 528 State St. in Fort Morgan, which locals will recall formerly as the historic State Armory, created by an act of Colorado's General Assembly in 1921, and presently as the "eLc" Community Complex. It is positioned to served Adams and Weld counties to the west and Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties to the east. The ...
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Kassaw, a political refugee when he arrived 17 years ago, is seeking election to Aurora City Council
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Kassaw, a political refugee when he arrived 17 years ago, is seeking election to Aurora City Council

By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice Seventeen years ago, Ethiopian-born Amsalu Kassaw was a political refugee when he settled in Aurora. “Aurora is more than a city to me; it’s a symbol of opportunity, diversity, and unity,” Kassaw said. Seventeen years later, Kassaw is asking Aurora to support him once again. Kassaw has announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on City Council. “From my early days of building a new life in America to becoming a proud citizen, this community has shaped who I am today," he said. "Over the years, I have dedicated myself to promoting civic engagement, supporting small businesses and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.” Kassaw was selected last year to fill the unexpired term of Dustin Zvonek. Kassaw is the first Ethiopian i...
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Soper: A year late and a billion dollars short
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Soper: A year late and a billion dollars short

By Rep. Matt Soper | Western Slope Statesman Beyond the usual political theatrics making headlines, Colorado's budget crisis has dominated discussions since last fall. Unlike the federal government, the state cannot increase borrowing or mint additional currency. This leaves budget cuts and reduced spending as the only viable options to prevent Colorado from running an overdrawn budget of almost one billion dollars in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budgetary climate under the Golden Dome has taken on a slightly more conservative tone this session—something I welcome as a lifelong Republican. It seems the majority parties in both chambers, along with the Governor, are donning their fiscal conservative caps to help balance the checkbook. READ THE FULL STORY AT THE WESTERN SLOPE STAT...
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Devotional: The six panels of the Helmet of Salvation
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Devotional: The six panels of the Helmet of Salvation

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice What truly defines our humanity? Is it our intelligence, our emotions or perhaps our knack for brewing the perfect cup of coffee? While many creatures display intelligence, experience deep feelings and even utilize tools — just think of a beaver constructing a dam or a squirrel cracking a nut — there's something unique that sets us apart. It's our ability to seek meaning, make moral choices, and pursue right, equable relationships and justice (purpose). Unlike animals that rely on instinct, we possess the gift of self-reflection, wisdom and the power to shape our reality through our decisions, provided we choose to channel that power for good. Yet, despite having this gift, we often make a mess of things. Poor decisions, unclea...
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‘Everyone feels anxiety’ over CPW depredation payments, but commissioners note it’s the law
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‘Everyone feels anxiety’ over CPW depredation payments, but commissioners note it’s the law

By Lindy Browning | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice “Everyone feels anxiety and fear about all this," Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis told commissioners as they approved a large payment to two Colorado ranchers in Grand County that lost livestock as a direct result of the wolf reintroduction program. The agenda item was on the commission's consent agenda — generally reserved for items so routine as to not require discussion. A motion was made to approve the depredation claims in the amount of $343,000 and some change. "I feel like we’re working with ranchers and livestock operations," Davis said. "It may not feel or look like it to them sometimes, but we are.” Davis continued, “These are large claims. We are the only western state that pays for itemize...
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O’Reilly: Special districts bank on your ignorance, residents need to push for transparency 
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O’Reilly: Special districts bank on your ignorance, residents need to push for transparency 

By Chuck O’Reilly | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Meet Colorado’s special districts. Your wallet knows them better than you. Your tax dollars feed special districts most can’t even name. They siphon cash quietly until they are exposed.  Wherever you live in Colorado, you will be in some type of special district for water, fire protection, sanitation, open spaces, metro districts and schools.  Many Colorado voters are uninformed or unaware of how the various special districts, in which they reside, function. They don’t grasp their rights related to those districts or how the property taxes they pay get regulated, assessed or used by those districts.   New property owners are not informed about assessments or the board member election process for their districts. For mos...
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In $210M plan to ditch Tri-State, LPEA members feel the financial pinch
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In $210M plan to ditch Tri-State, LPEA members feel the financial pinch

By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Rancher J. Paul Brown tends sheep and cattle on his La Plata County spread, facing a $4,000 monthly electric bill. Lisa huddles in a home with her children, skipping heat to ease her electric bill’s bite.  This spring, folks like them could owe $90 more a year — or $308 more monthly for Brown — if a rate hike passes.  Meanwhile, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) CEO Chris Hansen, who took the helm in November 2024, earns an estimated $545,000 annually, within the role’s $400,000–$600,000 range reported by the Durango Herald. On Feb. 19, county residents packed the LPEA Board of Directors meeting over climbing rates, tied to a $210 million plan to ditch Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, their longtim...
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