Terry Barton faces $30.5 million in Hayman restitution costs
CRIPPLE CREEK - When Terry Lynn Barton completes her prison sentence for starting the Hayman Fire, she'll be told to pay $30.5 million in restitution to private property owners.

"We have submitted a final figure of $30,561,567," Fourth Judicial District Attorney Jeanne Smith said Thursday. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.14.03 @ 07:59 AM MST [link]

Is a mountain lion really to blame for Jaryd Atadero's dissapearance?
The eyes glared through the night.

The animal kept its distance from the downed U.S. Air Force helicopter that the airmen were guarding. It had crashed on the second day of the search for 3-year-old Jaryd Atadero in the mountains of northern Colorado.

Watching the eyes through infrared binoculars, the airmen could not be sure what they were seeing out in the deep-forest dark. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.14.03 @ 07:57 AM MST [link]

Jeffco Schools renegotiates Pepsi sponsorship agreement
Jeffco Public Schools has renegotiated a new seven-year sponsorship agreement with Pepsi, the district’s current exclusive provider of carbonated beverages, juices, tea and water products.

The new agreement is effective July 1, 2003 and replaces the current agreement, negotiated in 1998 and set to expire in 2005.

Pepsi will pay an annual sponsorship fee of $250,000 to the district for each year of the agreement, In addition, average annual commissions from the sale of Pepsi products are estimated at $800,000. Each school receives roughly half of the money collected from the on-site soda and water machines. The new agreement also includes the addition of Gatorade products and machines.

Pepsi also agreed to continue its free product and promotional programs for students, including scholarships, that could amount to an additional $81,000 per year.

“These kinds of strategic partnerships between corporations and the school district ultimately provide more resources to our students,” said Ken Hoover, the district’s chief operating officer.
06.13.03 @ 02:50 PM MST [link]

Editorial: Cash versus community
BAILEY - A few weeks ago, Evergreen Newspapers, Inc. pulled a maneuver designed to create dissension among Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce members. It dangled a $3,000 financial carrot in front of the chamber to promote the upcoming Bailey Day. (Fairplay Flume)

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06.13.03 @ 12:05 PM MST [link]

Colorado high on skier visits
SUMMIT COUNTY - In a year that saw war, a feeble economy, airline bankruptcies and SARS, somehow, some way, Colorado posted its fourth-highest number of skier visits in history.

The 2002-03 ski season saw an increase of nearly 4.3 percent for a total of 11.6 million overall visits in the state. Nationwide, the Associated Press reported the National Ski Areas Association as saying ski areas are expected to post a record tally of 57.6 million. (Summit Daily News)

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06.13.03 @ 10:41 AM MST [link]

Creekside trail through downtown Evergreen proposed
GOLDEN - Jefferson County Open Space commissioners favorably received a preliminary plan for a trail along Bear Creek through downtown Evergreen at their study session Thursday. (Canyon Courier)

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06.13.03 @ 10:31 AM MST [link]

Officials eye costs of I-70 upgrades
EAGLE - Proposed improvements to Interstate 70 through the mountains could fuel development and increase demand for water in resort communities, two unintended consequences considered by transit officials here Thursday.

Even more basic are questions of which projects should be completed and how to pay for them, representatives of the Colorado Department of Transportation told members of the Western Slope lobbying group Club 20. (Denverf Post)

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06.13.03 @ 10:29 AM MST [link]

Disclosures dog Jeffco sheriff
State Sen. Norma Anderson was one of four people who confronted Jefferson County Sheriff Russ Cook about his drinking Monday morning, hours before he announced he would take a leave of absence to deal with the problem.

The Lakewood Republican said she was blunt with Cook, saying, "We're here to ask you to resign."

After a long conversation, Cook said he would take a leave of absence. (Denver Post)

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06.13.03 @ 10:13 AM MST [link]

Travel restriction on WB I-70 through Ike Tunnel
As a result of the collapsed culvert on I-70 near Vail, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has focused attention on inspecting culverts with similar characteristics along the I-70 corridor.

During an inspection today, CDOT engineers detected voids in the soil under a section of the westbound lanes of I-70, on the west side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent a situation such as the large sinkhole on I-70 at East Vail. As a result, CDOT is restricting trucks over 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight from traveling through the tunnel on westbound I-70 only, effective immediately. These vehicles are being detoured over Loveland Pass (US 6). CDOT will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

In the meantime, work is underway to stabilize the roadway and develop a plan to divert water in the culvert so the condition of the pipe can be assessed. (CDOT)

06.12.03 @ 04:41 PM MST [link]

Tar cleaned up on Hoosier Pass
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. -- A tanker truck overturned and spilled about 300 gallons of 280-degree tar onto Colorado 9 near the summit of Hoosier Pass, but firefighters kept the spill from oozing into a creek.

The truck overturned at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday a mile from the 11,541-foot pass. The driver was taken to Summit Medical Center with minor injuries. Neither his name nor the nature of his injuries was released. (The Denver Channel.com)

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06.12.03 @ 10:43 AM MST [link]

Survey: Economy, drought top Coloradans' concerns
DENVER — Coloradans, worried about the economy and the drought, would ease limits on state taxes and spending and back a bond measure to pay for water projects.

Those are among the findings of the annual "Mind of Colorado" survey by the Graduate School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado-Denver. (Boulder Daily Camera)

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06.12.03 @ 05:55 AM MST [link]

Drugs found at ranch of Eagle murder suspect
EAGLE - local rancher accused of murdering her former boyfriend will have to enroll in a substance-abuse treatment program after violating the conditions of her bond, a judge ordered Wednesday.

Kathleen "Kathy" Denson, 44, owner of the 77-acre Draggin' A Ranch between Eagle and Gypsum, as well as Designer Furs in Vail, is out on $500,000 bail. She is charged with the second-degree murder of Gerald "Cody" Boyd, 45, who died of a shotgun wound on June 27. (Vail Daily News)

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06.12.03 @ 05:52 AM MST [link]

Officials probe shooting of bear
ASPEN - The first reported shooting of an alleged marauding black bear in Colorado this year is under investigation by state game officials, said Todd Malmsbury of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The man who shot the bear near Aspen on May 28 said he did so in self-defense.

Earlier this spring, a sow and three cubs broke into trailers in South Park looking for food. And another sow and three cubs recently rummaged through bird feeders and garbage cans around Durango. (Denver Post)

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06.12.03 @ 05:46 AM MST [link]

Jeffco sheriff: 'If I don't stop, I will die'
Jefferson County Sheriff Russ Cook was found last month incoherent in his official vehicle after gulping down a large amount of liquor. Although the episode resulted in an ambulance trip to the hospital, Cook continued to drink.

Although the episode resulted in an ambulance trip to the hospital, Cook continued to drink. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.12.03 @ 05:43 AM MST [link]

Evergreen homeowner's life threatened by telemarketer
EVERGREEN – A homeowner hung up on a telemarketer. The telemarketer called back with a deadly threat and now a criminal investigation is underway.

The telemarketer was trying to sell long distance service to an Evergreen resident.

The resident wants answers and is concerned for his safety. 9NEWS Investigative reporter Chip Yost interviewed the resident, who only wants his first name, Michael, used. One reason is the telemarketer had plenty of information on him and Michael had no idea who the telemarketer was or even where he was calling from. (9news.com) (warning, contains graphic language)

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06.11.03 @ 03:21 PM MST [link]

Jefferson County Sheriff takes action against false alarms
On July 1, 2003 the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will kick-off a program aimed at addressing one of the most time consuming and costly issues facing law enforcement agencies across the country. Security alarms in Jefferson County, while necessary in many instances have statistically shown to be false 98 percent of the time.

Currently, a minimum of two deputies routinely respond to business and residential alarms. In 2002 alone the sheriff's office responded to nearly 7,500 alarms, costing taxpayers approximately $250,000. With all agencies having to tighten the financial belt, responding to false alarms became an obvious issue for the sheriff's office to address.

Beginning in July, if deputies determine an alarm to be false, a notification card will be left on the premises and a notation will be made to record the response. After the third false alarm within six months, deputies will not respond unless documentation is provided indicating that the problem has been remedied.

"By working in partnership with our communities we can provide outstanding service, criminal justice education, and to promote mutual trust and respect. With that in mind, we can also be responsible in the use of our resources resulting in a win-win situation," said acting Sheriff Ted Mink.

06.11.03 @ 09:19 AM MST [link]

Whitewater rafting companies prepare for peak season
SUMMIT COUNTY - After this year's spring snowpack melted virtually overnight, leaving rivers bursting at the seams, raft company owners re-entered the business of explaining, again, that Colorado is not under the vice of a natural disaster.

In fact, it's the opposite.

The Arkansas River is flowing at four times the volume of last season and has Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting owner Glenn Morse calling it "perfect," adding, "the best time of the summer to go rafting is now." (Summit Daily News)

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06.11.03 @ 06:50 AM MST [link]

Wildfire near Interstate 70 contained
SUMMIT COUNTY - A squatter's campfire that torched trees near I-70 at mile marker 201 Tuesday morning was contained within a couple hours and caused no injuries. (Summit Daily News)

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06.11.03 @ 06:47 AM MST [link]

Jeffco Sheriff missed 30 workdays
GOLDEN - Jefferson County Sheriff Russ Cook, who announced Monday that he was taking a leave of absence to seek treatment for alcohol addiction, missed 30 days of work in his five-month tenure.

Most of the missed workdays were in April, sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Tallman said Tuesday, and all were paid days off. (Denver Post)

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06.11.03 @ 06:45 AM MST [link]

Tranquil, mountainous Colorado point renamed to honor Columbia crew
WASHINGTON - A tranquil mountaintop overlooking the Colorado frontier now stands as a memorial to seven astronauts lost exploring the "final frontier."

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton signed papers Tuesday designating a 13,980-foot summit on the east side of Kit Carson Mountain near Crestone as "Columbia Point" in memory of the crew of the space shuttle that broke apart re-entering Earth's atmosphere Feb. 1.

"Few will ever climb Columbia Point, but everyone can join those who do and give thanks to our heroes who soared far beyond the mountains, traveled past the sky and live on in our memories forever," Norton said at a brief ceremony at her Washington offices. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.11.03 @ 06:39 AM MST [link]

Year after fire, widower battles sadness
COLORADO SPRINGS - On Tuesday, Gary Dow's lunch companion was a painful memory.

He ate alone at On The Border restaurant in north Colorado Springs, a favorite haunt of Dow and his wife of 20 years, Ann.

Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of her death. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.11.03 @ 06:36 AM MST [link]

Jeffco Schools saves millions by 'refinancing' bonds
Jeffco Public Schools will save district taxpayers over $1.7 million over the life of bonds purchased in 1998 due to a refunding of those bonds.

A refunding of bonds is similar to refinancing a home. New bonds are issued to take advantage of lower interest rates. The new bonds pay off the old bonds and the school district receives savings in interest payments as it repays the new bonds.

By taking advantage of low interest rates, the district was able to refund $48.3 million of the 1998A bonds, which were issued as part of the five-year capital plan, according to Jeffco Public Schools’ chief operating officer Ken Hoover.

“This refinancing translates into an annual savings of more than $150,000,” said Hoover.

The district will continue to monitor its other outstanding bond issues for future refunding opportunities and potential savings for taxpayers.
06.10.03 @ 03:13 PM MST [link]

Swallows protected by federal law
SUMMIT COUNTY - Migratory birds such as robins, bluebirds, swallows and hummingbirds can add song and color to Summit County summers. Though the avian visitors usually are appreciated, they don't always arrive to open arms.

Swallows, in particular, tend to be a source of conflict with humans who don't want to share their homes with the nesting birds. (Summit Daily News)

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06.10.03 @ 06:42 AM MST [link]

Colorado peak to be named for Columbia crew
WASHINGTON -- A Colorado mountain peak will be named Columbia Point today in honor of the seven astronauts who died when the space shuttle Columbia broke up over Texas on Feb. 1.

The peak on Kit Carson Mountain in the Sangre de Cristo Range near Colorado Springs is close to the 14,081-foot Challenger Point, Interior Department spokeswoman Joan Moody said Monday. That peak was named in honor of the seven crew members who died in the Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986. (Houston Post)

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06.10.03 @ 06:39 AM MST [link]

3 possible Big Straw routes unveiled
GRAND JUNCTION - Three possible routes for the so-called Big Straw project were unveiled at a forum Monday night.

The concept is to ship Colorado's share of the Colorado River from the Western Slope to thirsty Front Range cities and farms. The legislature authorized $500,000 to study the idea, with results due in November. The forum, which will be repeated in Frisco tonight, introduced three general routes to the public. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.10.03 @ 06:36 AM MST [link]

Governor declines to look for way past federal forest rules
DENVER - Gov. Bill Owens said Monday that he won't seek exemptions from the federal roadless rule that protects about 4 million acres in Colorado. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.10.03 @ 06:33 AM MST [link]

Mountaineer begins painful recovery, plans to spread survival story
Aron Ralston says he is in pain.

Ralston has fielded calls from publicists, media and movie agents after freeing himself from a boulder by cutting off his arm.

But it's not the kind of pain one would expect for a man who hacked off his own arm after being pinned under a boulder for six days in a Utah desert canyon. Not the pain expected of an active outdoorsman whose cremated arm now sits in a box next to his bed in a basement room at his parents' Centennial home. (Denver Post)

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06.10.03 @ 06:31 AM MST [link]

Clothes Of Boy Missing Since 1999 Found
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a toddler in the rugged Comanche Peak Wilderness is one step closer to being solved. Clothes belonging to 3-year-old Jaryd John Atadero were found Thursday near where the young boy disappeared in 1999, 7NEWS reported.

The boy's father, Allyn Atadero, confirmed the discovery in an exclusive interview with 7NEWS reporter Ronda Scholting. (TheDenverChannel.com)

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06.09.03 @ 01:41 PM MST [link]

Jeffco Sheriff Takes Leave Of Absence To Battle Alcoholism
Jefferson County Sheriff Russ Cook revealed Monday that he has a drinking problem and will take an indefinite leave of absence.

"I am here to let you all know that I am placing myself on administrative leave, effective immediately. This has become necessary so I can devote my full attention to confronting and defeating my addiction to alcohol," Cook said during a news conference.

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06.09.03 @ 12:42 PM MST [link]

Firefighters Anticipate Change In Tactics After Tanker Shortage
BOISE, Idaho -- Many of the heavy air tankers needed to drop retardant on remote wildfires this summer will be grounded due to structural problems.

Some of the tankers used by the National Interagency Fire Center are more than 40 years old. Many were originally designed for long-range bombing runs.

The planes were not designed for firefighting maneuvers, and years of that activity has beaten them up, National Interagency Fire Center spokesman Don Smurthwaite said. (TheDenverChannel.com)

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06.09.03 @ 09:38 AM MST [link]

Teacher pay raise forces Jeffco to cut $4.6 million
GOLDEN - School budget officials went back to the cutting board in late May after the district agreed to give its employees a 1.2-percent raise.

The Jefferson County R-1 Board of Education is considering $4.7 million in cuts to balance the budget after agreeing to the cost of living adjustment for most of the district’s 12,000 employees. (Jefferson County Transcript)

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06.09.03 @ 05:50 AM MST [link]

Snowpack melt brings danger to area rivers
DENVER - At least three people have drowned on Colorado's runoff-swollen rivers this spring, and authorities are bracing for more when flows peak.

The three people died last week while kayaking or swimming, and a fourth is presumed dead after disappearing while canoeing in the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs.

Another person was hospitalized after nearly drowning when a commercial raft flipped Tuesday in Clear Creek a half-mile west of Idaho Springs. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.09.03 @ 05:46 AM MST [link]

Trees that survived wildfiire killed by bugs
DURANGO - Tens of thousands of trees that survived last year's Missionary Ridge wildfire are dying from a beetle infestation, increasing the risk of wildfires this season.

Piñon and juniper forests south of U.S. 160 pose an especially high threat because they surround more subdivisions than the more dense evergreen forests at higher elevations. (Rocky Mtn News)

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06.09.03 @ 05:44 AM MST [link]

Residents rebuilding on Hayman fire anniversary
LAKE GEORGE, Colo. (AP) - A cloud of fog recently rolled across this tree-draped, blackened valley where Colorado's largest wildfire burned last summer. Anxious residents dialed 911; some even cried.

''You couldn't smell smoke but you could see this dense gray coming at us,'' innkeeper Bani Kurth said. ''Like deja vu, here comes the fire. We're going to have to leave again.''

Homeowners are cautiously returning to rebuild retirement nests, vacation cabins and homes destroyed in the 138,000-acre Hayman fire started a year ago Sunday by a then-U.S. Forest Service employee.

The blaze raced through the rolling foothills, gobbling up trees and vegetation left tinder-dry by years of drought. It crawled to the southern fringe of metropolitan Denver as it burned for 24 days, destroying 151 structures, including 133 homes. (Trib.com)

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Read the minute-by-minute account in the Pinecam Blog Archive
06.08.03 @ 10:31 AM MST [link]

Stop working on the ark - no rain forecast
Snow that powdered the mountains above 6,500 feet this weekend was unusual for this time of year, but not unheard of, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow is an infrequent June visitor to the state, said Dave Barjenbruch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Boulder.

"It was a nice return of a little winter - unusual, but not unprecedented for Colorado," he said.

Had the clouds sat still long enough to hold down the temperatures, more snow could have fallen in some areas, he said. (Denver Post)

Full story - Our local forecast
06.08.03 @ 08:15 AM MST [link]