Good article.
Joyce M. Rosenberg:
"NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Levien has no plans to hire more people for his real estate project management company in New York. He says his business has only about 85 percent of the amount of work it can handle because the building industry is still hurting from the recession.
"Things are looking down in the construction business in New York City," he says.
Levien has a lot of company. Many small business owners aren't hiring or expanding because the outlook for the economy, or their own companies, is uncertain.
That raises the question of whether small businesses will give the economy the boost that it needs. Economists say that in past recoveries, small companies were the first to hire. When the economy was improving, they were more nimble than large companies because they didn't have the bureaucracy that can slow the hiring process. Their hiring helped propel the economy forward.
The economy is growing, but that growth has slowed — and so has the pace of hiring among business with less than 500 employees. The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of just 2.2 percent from January through March, according to government figures. That's down from the moderate 3 percent growth during the last three months of 2011. Making things worse, the pace of hiring by small businesses is slowing, according to the payroll company ADP, which issues a monthly report on employment at companies in the private sector. ADP says that employment at small and medium-sized businesses rose by 181,000 in March. Employment rose by just 116,000 in April......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
May 4, 2012
SandBoxBlogs; Glenwood Springs Post Independent "DDA looks to county for help on alleyway project"
There is no doubt in most folks minds that it is long overdue for the City of Glenwood Springs City Council to come down off their high dais and work nicer with Garfield County Commissioners.
There is an obvious uptick to that happening since the folks put Todd Leahy in his seat....(yes, sometimes the best strategy is to leave a race with a much needed seat as uncontested. There was at least one more besides Dirk Myers who would have run if needed)...even if Todd is on the outer fringes of becoming a good 'ol boy's club member. Leahy's doing a great job and is perfect for the seat he's in. Let's all hope he has more terms in front of him.
There has been no doubt for many years... (remember back to the inception of DDA and then Downtown Market and then Downtown Partners and who knows how many private collaborations there are to help the disenfranchised promote downtown 81601)... that downtown merchants and numerous other small businesses in Garfield County... (remember back to the inception of Randi Lowenthal's enterprise and the more recent Rifle Economic Development Corp)...need a number of capital and infrastructure improvements alongside a lot more attention paid.. (thank goodness for the entrance of Leslie Bethel!)...to tourism promotion that hits everybody and not just a select few.
But here's a point that just keeps getting missed by our esteemed leaders.
You have to listen to everybody.
If they won't come to you for whatever reason? (..from the sound of things out here they have very valid concerns..) then it is your job not theirs, to get communication flowing in to you.
John Martin will likely lose his seat this time around. Not because he hasn't done a good job, he has. He will likely lose it due to the last two years of almost unbridled chest thumping from that infamous Garfield County 'good 'ol boys club'. The folks have given (even conservative folks) BOCC a full sweep of political power for two years now. Going deaf was not part of the deal.
There is a balance of sorts on council now, if Dave Sturges keeps on showing signs of remembering who he really is rather than taking the power at face value, there might be even more balance between now and the time 2013 council races hit.
What does all this have to do with alleys in downtown?
Jankovsky would be wise to cease the chest thumping and pushing of a tourism promotion agenda and sit back and listen to his county first. The next two posts today give some insight into the real world of the folks <less> the view from the Lion's den.
John Stroud:
"Glenwood Springs City Councilman Todd Leahy said it makes sense for the city, the DDA and the county to partner on some of the downtown projects.
“One of my main goals when I decided to run for council was to work on the relationship between the city and the county,” said Leahy, who is also city council's liaison to the DDA board.
“The more we can work together to enhance that area the better,” he said.
County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky agreed.
“The face of the downtown is changing, and we have an interest in what goes on there,” Jankovsky said, noting that the county's main government campus is also a major part of downtown Glenwood Springs.
The county is also increasing its stake in downtown. Earlier this week, it signed a $2.5 million contract to purchase a large portion of the 700 block of Colorado Avenue from local attorneys Stephen Worrell and Anthony Durrett. The deal, which is scheduled to close June 1, would include the law office building at the northeast corner of Eighth and Colorado, and a building that now houses an auto glass shop.
Though there are no immediate redevelopment plans, the county eventually may create more public parking and expand its government office facilities on the site....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
There is an obvious uptick to that happening since the folks put Todd Leahy in his seat....(yes, sometimes the best strategy is to leave a race with a much needed seat as uncontested. There was at least one more besides Dirk Myers who would have run if needed)...even if Todd is on the outer fringes of becoming a good 'ol boy's club member. Leahy's doing a great job and is perfect for the seat he's in. Let's all hope he has more terms in front of him.
There has been no doubt for many years... (remember back to the inception of DDA and then Downtown Market and then Downtown Partners and who knows how many private collaborations there are to help the disenfranchised promote downtown 81601)... that downtown merchants and numerous other small businesses in Garfield County... (remember back to the inception of Randi Lowenthal's enterprise and the more recent Rifle Economic Development Corp)...need a number of capital and infrastructure improvements alongside a lot more attention paid.. (thank goodness for the entrance of Leslie Bethel!)...to tourism promotion that hits everybody and not just a select few.
But here's a point that just keeps getting missed by our esteemed leaders.
You have to listen to everybody.
If they won't come to you for whatever reason? (..from the sound of things out here they have very valid concerns..) then it is your job not theirs, to get communication flowing in to you.
John Martin will likely lose his seat this time around. Not because he hasn't done a good job, he has. He will likely lose it due to the last two years of almost unbridled chest thumping from that infamous Garfield County 'good 'ol boys club'. The folks have given (even conservative folks) BOCC a full sweep of political power for two years now. Going deaf was not part of the deal.
There is a balance of sorts on council now, if Dave Sturges keeps on showing signs of remembering who he really is rather than taking the power at face value, there might be even more balance between now and the time 2013 council races hit.
What does all this have to do with alleys in downtown?
Jankovsky would be wise to cease the chest thumping and pushing of a tourism promotion agenda and sit back and listen to his county first. The next two posts today give some insight into the real world of the folks <less> the view from the Lion's den.
John Stroud:
"Glenwood Springs City Councilman Todd Leahy said it makes sense for the city, the DDA and the county to partner on some of the downtown projects.
“One of my main goals when I decided to run for council was to work on the relationship between the city and the county,” said Leahy, who is also city council's liaison to the DDA board.
“The more we can work together to enhance that area the better,” he said.
County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky agreed.
“The face of the downtown is changing, and we have an interest in what goes on there,” Jankovsky said, noting that the county's main government campus is also a major part of downtown Glenwood Springs.
The county is also increasing its stake in downtown. Earlier this week, it signed a $2.5 million contract to purchase a large portion of the 700 block of Colorado Avenue from local attorneys Stephen Worrell and Anthony Durrett. The deal, which is scheduled to close June 1, would include the law office building at the northeast corner of Eighth and Colorado, and a building that now houses an auto glass shop.
Though there are no immediate redevelopment plans, the county eventually may create more public parking and expand its government office facilities on the site....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: ABC News "Can Going Without Money Hurt the Economy? One Man's Quest to Be Penniless"
Abby Ellin:
"Daniel Suelo is 51 years old and broke. Happily broke. Consciously, deliberately, blessedly broke.
Not only does he not have debt, a mortgage or rent, he does not earn a salary. Nor does he buy food or clothes, or own any product with a lower case "i" before it. Home is a cave on public land outside Moab, Utah. He scavenges for food from the garbage or off the land (fried grasshoppers, anyone?). He has been known to carve up and boil fresh road kill. He bathes, without soap, in the creek.
In the fall of 2000, Suelo (who changed his name from Shellabarger), decided to stop using money altogether. That meant no "conscious barter," food stamps or other government handouts. His mission was to "use only what is freely given or discarded and what is already present and already running," he wrote on his web site, Zero Currency....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Daniel Suelo is 51 years old and broke. Happily broke. Consciously, deliberately, blessedly broke.
Not only does he not have debt, a mortgage or rent, he does not earn a salary. Nor does he buy food or clothes, or own any product with a lower case "i" before it. Home is a cave on public land outside Moab, Utah. He scavenges for food from the garbage or off the land (fried grasshoppers, anyone?). He has been known to carve up and boil fresh road kill. He bathes, without soap, in the creek.
In the fall of 2000, Suelo (who changed his name from Shellabarger), decided to stop using money altogether. That meant no "conscious barter," food stamps or other government handouts. His mission was to "use only what is freely given or discarded and what is already present and already running," he wrote on his web site, Zero Currency....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Colorado: ‘Supermoon’ to light up the sky this weekend"
All credit, including photo of December 2011 full moon over Dillon Reservoir is Bob Berwyn's:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — About once a year, the moon, in its elliptical orbit, reaches its closest point to the Earth the same time as the full moon. This year’s so-called supermoon is this weekend, and skywatchers will be treated to a moon that appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the average full moon.
This year, the timing is almost perfect, as the moon reaches perigee at 9:30 p.m. on May 5, then becomes completely full just one minute later.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — About once a year, the moon, in its elliptical orbit, reaches its closest point to the Earth the same time as the full moon. This year’s so-called supermoon is this weekend, and skywatchers will be treated to a moon that appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the average full moon.
At its perigee, the moon is about 30,000 miles closer to Earth then when it’s at its apogee, which explains why the so-called supermoon looks especially bright and large, especially at moonrise, when viewed against a foreground.
This year, the timing is almost perfect, as the moon reaches perigee at 9:30 p.m. on May 5, then becomes completely full just one minute later.
According to NASA, it may be hard to tell that the moon appears bigger than normal....."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Flower power!"
All credt Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I was pretty excited when #FriFotos creator @EpsteinTravels announced this week’s theme for the popular #FriFotos Twitter chat. I’m all about flowers, in the garden, in the wild, in a vase …
The biggest challenge was whittling down the selection to something manageable. In the end I went to my Flickr feed and put together a set that highlights some of Colorado’s best flora, including shots from the backyard, along chilly mountain streams, high country forests and even the fabulous Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. I like using Flickr because it embeds nicely in a WordPress post and also on Facebook, plus, you can view these spectacular photos full screen. Enjoy … and join in the fun by uploading flower pics, tagging them with #FriFotos and feeding them to your Twitter stream....."
Want to see? Click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/summitvoice1/sets/72157629956704301/
Watch the slideshow? Go here: http://www.flickr.com//photos/summitvoice1/sets/72157629956704301/show/
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I was pretty excited when #FriFotos creator @EpsteinTravels announced this week’s theme for the popular #FriFotos Twitter chat. I’m all about flowers, in the garden, in the wild, in a vase …
The biggest challenge was whittling down the selection to something manageable. In the end I went to my Flickr feed and put together a set that highlights some of Colorado’s best flora, including shots from the backyard, along chilly mountain streams, high country forests and even the fabulous Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. I like using Flickr because it embeds nicely in a WordPress post and also on Facebook, plus, you can view these spectacular photos full screen. Enjoy … and join in the fun by uploading flower pics, tagging them with #FriFotos and feeding them to your Twitter stream....."
Want to see? Click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/summitvoice1/sets/72157629956704301/
Watch the slideshow? Go here: http://www.flickr.com//photos/summitvoice1/sets/72157629956704301/show/
SandBoxBlogs: Note from Nanny "A one day moderation screen on all comments"
There is so much going on out there right now and I am finding that commentary from you all is intense, to put it mildly.
That's a good thing! Always good to see open and flowing communication channels.
With that said, from this end all that activity is not only time consuming, it's a little distracting given the intensity of your content and the energy you're putting into that content.
I think I'll hit the slow button and put the blog on moderation of all comments. Send them in but they will go into the holding tank for the day.
TGIF, everyone.
That's a good thing! Always good to see open and flowing communication channels.
With that said, from this end all that activity is not only time consuming, it's a little distracting given the intensity of your content and the energy you're putting into that content.
I think I'll hit the slow button and put the blog on moderation of all comments. Send them in but they will go into the holding tank for the day.
TGIF, everyone.
May 3, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Daily Caller "It’s the earmarks"
Michael A. Needham & Tim Chapman:
"For many conservatives, the two-year moratorium on the practice of earmarking was the signature accomplishment of the new Republican House majority. Prior to the moratorium, the proliferation of earmarks notoriously greased the legislative skids for massive big-spending legislation, empowered lobbyists and led to corruption. Now, a minor skirmish over miscellaneous tariff bills is being used by the Washington establishment to reopen that moratorium and roll back conservative advances.
Despite the public outcry against the status quo, Washington’s old bulls were never supportive of the earmark moratorium. They went along because they knew they could not withstand the political clout of a newly reinvigorated conservative movement, but being creatures of Washington, the old bulls waited patiently, knowing that there are no permanent victories in this town....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"For many conservatives, the two-year moratorium on the practice of earmarking was the signature accomplishment of the new Republican House majority. Prior to the moratorium, the proliferation of earmarks notoriously greased the legislative skids for massive big-spending legislation, empowered lobbyists and led to corruption. Now, a minor skirmish over miscellaneous tariff bills is being used by the Washington establishment to reopen that moratorium and roll back conservative advances.
Despite the public outcry against the status quo, Washington’s old bulls were never supportive of the earmark moratorium. They went along because they knew they could not withstand the political clout of a newly reinvigorated conservative movement, but being creatures of Washington, the old bulls waited patiently, knowing that there are no permanent victories in this town....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Since SEAL Team 6 Can’t Rescue the Economy, Don’t Get Distracted"
Erick Erickson:
"A week ago I wrote:
It’s hard to combat Barack Obama going to Afghanistan — his first war zone visit in 17 months — when our guy flew in a fighter jet, landed on an aircraft carrier, and gave a speech in front of a “Mission Accomplished” sign. We may know the differences, but the average voter does not. It’s not worth our time and effort trying to set the record straight because it is all a distraction anyway.
What the average voter does know that we can use are two things that are not distractions...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A week ago I wrote:
Like the Great Oz, the Democrats prefer no one pay attention to the economic disaster behind the curtains. I have run a great many campaigns. Each has a real narrative focus. The goal of the campaign is to try to stay on that narrative focus and not get distracted by the team worried about losing. The Democrats’ antics reveal they are deeply worried about losing. They cannot fight on the issue that is singularly at play in this election — Barack Obama’s bungling of the economy, so they must try to force Mitt Romney to play elsewhere.Now Mr. Obama has gone to Afghanistan to address the nation for seven minutes.
It’s hard to combat Barack Obama going to Afghanistan — his first war zone visit in 17 months — when our guy flew in a fighter jet, landed on an aircraft carrier, and gave a speech in front of a “Mission Accomplished” sign. We may know the differences, but the average voter does not. It’s not worth our time and effort trying to set the record straight because it is all a distraction anyway.
What the average voter does know that we can use are two things that are not distractions...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Washington Times "Bin Laden documents to be posted Thursday morning"
Kristina Wong:
"The Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will post on its website at 9 a.m. Thursday documents seized last year by Navy SEALs from Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan after they had killed the al Qaeda leader.
The publication of the terror network’s documents comes amid criticism that President Obama is politicizing the one-year anniversary of bin Laden’s death for political gain.
A spokesman for the Office of Director for National Intelligence said Wednesday that the timing of the release of documents is not linked to the anniversary of bin Laden’s death.
“Identifying the documents, declassifying the document analyzing and reviewing the documents required considerable time since they were obtained a year ago,” spokesman Michael Birmingham said.
He said that time was needed to transcribe the 17 documents, which will be posted in English and Arabic.
Mr. Birmingham said the director for national intelligence decided to pass the documents to West Point to review and post “because of its ability to publish expert commentary and analysis by subject matter experts alongside the documents, because of their previous experience with analyzing and posting captured battlefield documents.”
The documents were selected by a U.S. inter-agency government group and vetted to make sure there was no operationally sensitive information posted, the spokesman said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"The Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., will post on its website at 9 a.m. Thursday documents seized last year by Navy SEALs from Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan after they had killed the al Qaeda leader.
The publication of the terror network’s documents comes amid criticism that President Obama is politicizing the one-year anniversary of bin Laden’s death for political gain.
A spokesman for the Office of Director for National Intelligence said Wednesday that the timing of the release of documents is not linked to the anniversary of bin Laden’s death.
“Identifying the documents, declassifying the document analyzing and reviewing the documents required considerable time since they were obtained a year ago,” spokesman Michael Birmingham said.
He said that time was needed to transcribe the 17 documents, which will be posted in English and Arabic.
Mr. Birmingham said the director for national intelligence decided to pass the documents to West Point to review and post “because of its ability to publish expert commentary and analysis by subject matter experts alongside the documents, because of their previous experience with analyzing and posting captured battlefield documents.”
The documents were selected by a U.S. inter-agency government group and vetted to make sure there was no operationally sensitive information posted, the spokesman said....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Charlie Leonard: President's math doesn't add up"
Charlie Leonard:
"It's the nature of our politics that we allow our politicians wide latitude when they make promises about the future. More often than not, this is the triumph of hope over reason, but it's the small probabilities that sustain us in this optimism. It's because we know it's actually possible to solve problems — even if in our hearts we know certain individuals lack the courage or the competence to get it done — that we continue to give them some benefit of our doubt.
But what are we to believe when our politicians start to make promises that are beyond improbable and enter the realm of impossibility?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It's the nature of our politics that we allow our politicians wide latitude when they make promises about the future. More often than not, this is the triumph of hope over reason, but it's the small probabilities that sustain us in this optimism. It's because we know it's actually possible to solve problems — even if in our hearts we know certain individuals lack the courage or the competence to get it done — that we continue to give them some benefit of our doubt.
But what are we to believe when our politicians start to make promises that are beyond improbable and enter the realm of impossibility?...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Beauprez headlines Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser in Steamboat"
Matt Stensland:
"Former Colorado gubernatorial candidate and U.S. congressman Bob Beauprez will headline a Friday fundraiser and dinner for local Republicans.
“He talks to anybody and everybody and is a good guy and a good speaker,” said Chuck McConnell, chairman of the Routt County Republican Central Committee.
The GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. The barbecue dinner is at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include silent and live auctions. Admission is $40 for adults 23 and older and $20 for those 22 and younger.
McConnell said local Republicans have been busy in recent months designating candidates at the state, district and county levels. Now the party has its sights set on the Nov. 6 election.
“We are absolutely motivated and fired up and excited about this election cycle,” McConnell said. “We consider this to be an incredibly important campaign cycle.”
Lincoln Day dinners are held in communities throughout the country. McConnell said the dinner helps raise money for the local party, which then uses it to cover administrative costs and to provide support for local candidates. Routt County Republicans annually purchase a pig from the Routt County Fair to host a big roast for seniors. The group also has established a $500 annual scholarship for a local graduating high school student....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Former Colorado gubernatorial candidate and U.S. congressman Bob Beauprez will headline a Friday fundraiser and dinner for local Republicans.
“He talks to anybody and everybody and is a good guy and a good speaker,” said Chuck McConnell, chairman of the Routt County Republican Central Committee.
The GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. The barbecue dinner is at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include silent and live auctions. Admission is $40 for adults 23 and older and $20 for those 22 and younger.
McConnell said local Republicans have been busy in recent months designating candidates at the state, district and county levels. Now the party has its sights set on the Nov. 6 election.
“We are absolutely motivated and fired up and excited about this election cycle,” McConnell said. “We consider this to be an incredibly important campaign cycle.”
Lincoln Day dinners are held in communities throughout the country. McConnell said the dinner helps raise money for the local party, which then uses it to cover administrative costs and to provide support for local candidates. Routt County Republicans annually purchase a pig from the Routt County Fair to host a big roast for seniors. The group also has established a $500 annual scholarship for a local graduating high school student....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Statesman "Deputy DA forces surprise primary in 18th Judicial District"
Another Colorado district attorney race heats up, this time from the 18th Judicial District.
At issue is still yet more controversy sparked from the policies of outgoing District Attorney Carol Chambers and interestingly enough, another technical issue on validity of candidates.
Ben Conarck:
"It looks like there will be a Republican primary in the 18th Judicial District’s district attorney race after all.
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hansen successfully petitioned onto the ballot for the 18th JD’s district attorney race after she failed to receive enough delegates at the district’s nominating assembly last month.
The secretary of state’s office certified 1,487 of the submitted signatures, well exceeding the requirement of 1,000 signatures.
At the 18th JD nominating assembly on March 26, Hansen received 27 percent of the vote in the four-way contest, just shy of the 30 percent threshold needed to secure a place on the ballot.
Denver attorney and JAG officer George Brauchler earned 47 percent of the vote at the assembly, in what some called an upset victory.
Hansen said she was “very pleased” to make the ballot, and that she was encouraged to petition ahead by delegates at the assembly, as well as the two other candidates who failed to meet the 30 percent delegate threshold.
Brauchler said that he had hoped he would be able to focus his efforts and resources on the general election given his “overwhelming victory,” and that he could not think of any other time when a candidate for district attorney has petitioned onto the ballot despite losing at the nominating assembly.
In response, Hansen said she didn’t think it was rare for someone to go through the nominating assembly and still petition on to the ballot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
At issue is still yet more controversy sparked from the policies of outgoing District Attorney Carol Chambers and interestingly enough, another technical issue on validity of candidates.
Ben Conarck:
"It looks like there will be a Republican primary in the 18th Judicial District’s district attorney race after all.
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Hansen successfully petitioned onto the ballot for the 18th JD’s district attorney race after she failed to receive enough delegates at the district’s nominating assembly last month.
The secretary of state’s office certified 1,487 of the submitted signatures, well exceeding the requirement of 1,000 signatures.
At the 18th JD nominating assembly on March 26, Hansen received 27 percent of the vote in the four-way contest, just shy of the 30 percent threshold needed to secure a place on the ballot.
Denver attorney and JAG officer George Brauchler earned 47 percent of the vote at the assembly, in what some called an upset victory.
Hansen said she was “very pleased” to make the ballot, and that she was encouraged to petition ahead by delegates at the assembly, as well as the two other candidates who failed to meet the 30 percent delegate threshold.
Brauchler said that he had hoped he would be able to focus his efforts and resources on the general election given his “overwhelming victory,” and that he could not think of any other time when a candidate for district attorney has petitioned onto the ballot despite losing at the nominating assembly.
In response, Hansen said she didn’t think it was rare for someone to go through the nominating assembly and still petition on to the ballot...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Accused Drug Thief Pleads to Murder Charge"
Don Coleman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The man accused of stealing drugs from an Orchard Mesa dealer before shooting and killing a 16-year-old co-conspirator has agreed to a plea deal.
Joshua Ringold, 22, has agreed to plead guilty to one charge of 2nd Degree Murder and another of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. As part of the plea deal, one count of 1st Degree Murder, one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, three counts of 1st Degree Burglary, and two counts of Felony Menacing with a Weapon were all dropped.
According to Prosecutor Dan Rubinstein, the sentences for each charge must run consecutively meaning Ringold faces anywhere from 21 to 64 years in prison at a sentencing hearing in July...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The man accused of stealing drugs from an Orchard Mesa dealer before shooting and killing a 16-year-old co-conspirator has agreed to a plea deal.
Joshua Ringold, 22, has agreed to plead guilty to one charge of 2nd Degree Murder and another of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. As part of the plea deal, one count of 1st Degree Murder, one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, three counts of 1st Degree Burglary, and two counts of Felony Menacing with a Weapon were all dropped.
According to Prosecutor Dan Rubinstein, the sentences for each charge must run consecutively meaning Ringold faces anywhere from 21 to 64 years in prison at a sentencing hearing in July...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs And Border Protection Officers Seize Nearly $477,000 In Cocaine At South Texas Port Of Entry"
"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Los Indios International Bridge on Monday discovered cocaine valued at approximately $476,800 concealed within a Dodge Stratus.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
On Monday, April 30, CBP officers at the Los Indios International Bridge stopped a female driving a white 2006 Dodge Stratus for a primary inspection. The driver, identified as a 42-year-old female citizen of Mexico who resides in Santa Maria, Texas, was referred to secondary for further inspection. Examination by CBP officers in secondary revealed six hidden packages concealed within the vehicle's battery. CBP officers removed the packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 14.9 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The alleged cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $476,800. CBP officers turned the woman over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
“Observational training has resulted in CBP officers stopping the dangerous narcotics from entering the country.” said CBP Port Director Michael Freeman. “This seizure and arrest exemplifies the outstanding work being done by CBP officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry each and every day.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs; Customs and Border Protection "CBP in Los Angeles Seizes $40 Million in Meth Chemicals Bound for Mexico"
"Los Angeles — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) aggressive enforcement posture against Mexican drug trafficking organizations continue bringing record-breaking drugs seizures beyond the land border, at U.S. airports and seaports.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
CBP officers at an air cargo consignment facility of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seized two shipments of 80 bags, containing 5,700 pounds of methylamine chloride, a known chemical that is used as a precursor to methamphetamine. If used to make methamphetamine, the street value of this seizure is $40 million.
The shipments arrived from China on April 19 and 23, with a final destination in central Mexico. Samples of the white powdery chemical were positively identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as methylamine chloride, a List 1 controlled substance.
“Once again, we take enormous pride in the exceptional caliber of our officers in intercepting these drug precursors from Asia and preventing their reaching the cartels in Mexico,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP Director of Field Operations, Los Angeles. “The alertness and attention to duty is vital to the mission of CBP in protecting the homeland from all harm, including that of dangerous drugs.”
Methylamine chloride is a corrosive, flammable, strong-odor chemical. In one pathway, it is essential to manufacture methamphetamine and ecstasy. Methylamine chloride is a List 1 controlled substance by the DEA with many legitimate industrial applications in pesticides, solvents and pharmaceutical products.
Suppliers of these products are subject to regulations and control measures. The Controlled Substances Act establishes parameters and strict rules on the manufacture, importation, use and distribution of controlled substances.
On a typical day in fiscal year 2011, CBP seized 13,717 pounds of drugs nationwide.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Aspen’s latest status symbol"
Mid-morning post update: a) notice "Anonymous" comment #1 starting off the thread for this post. b) Note the 'strike-through correction' below:
Aspen? Sometimes the 'cost' is just way, way too high.
Politics in the valley? Similar to pig-wrestling. Always entertaining.
Local folk hero Correction: "Beloved, currently out-of-state 'local' (gosh, what's a long-standing past with a weekly gig in the respected opinion columnists category of the only locally owned and operated newspaper in Aspen worth??) and world-class famous icon Jeremy Madden running around with a Big Chief and a #2 pencil in his souped-up 'cop engine' car? Priceless.
Jeremy Madden:
"Congratulations Aspen. You never cease to amaze me. Nor do you disappoint. And this time you’ve really outdone yourself.
What can I say? Using the environment to further exclusivity and elitism is pure genius. Not since feudal Europe has anyone been so clever and creative at dividing the haves and the have-nots. This time you’ve even impressed me.
Aspen is all about image. In Aspen money doesn’t talk, it screams. Everything is about wealth, excess and purchasing power. It is a place where folks are free to flaunt it if they got it. The homes, the clothes, the cars, the furs, the shoes, the surgery, the shades, the bling. If there is a way to show one’s wealth in Aspen it will be done. Everything in Aspen is a status symbol.
However, just when you thought you had seen it all, somehow Aspen has managed to do the impossible. Like turning lead into gold, Aspen has taken the symbol for simplicity and frugality and made it fancy. Although unlikely, Aspen’s latest status symbol is a brown paper bag.
Yes it’s true. Following its ban on single-use plastic grocery sacks, which took effect on May 1, Aspen has taken the fight for exclusivity into the aisles of its grocery stores, and once again the people are losing.
Thinly veiled as an attempt at environmentalism, Aspen’s bag ban is nothing more than a regressive tax, a continuation of class warfare that further promotes division and exclusivity between the classes.
As part of the new ordinance, brown paper bags will still be available for a cost of 20 cents. While this may seem like a negligible sum, symbolically it is an attack on the working-class stronghold we call the grocery store. It is just another way to divide, rather than unite. Sadly, now even a trip to the grocery store can make one feel inferior.
I can already see it: The working-class folks will show up with their reusable bags while the wealthy direct their manservant to load up on provisions packed in brown paper bags. Cries of, “double bag it!” are sure to fall from the lips of the most decadent as they lord themselves above the others..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Aspen? Sometimes the 'cost' is just way, way too high.
Politics in the valley? Similar to pig-wrestling. Always entertaining.
Jeremy Madden:
"Congratulations Aspen. You never cease to amaze me. Nor do you disappoint. And this time you’ve really outdone yourself.
What can I say? Using the environment to further exclusivity and elitism is pure genius. Not since feudal Europe has anyone been so clever and creative at dividing the haves and the have-nots. This time you’ve even impressed me.
Aspen is all about image. In Aspen money doesn’t talk, it screams. Everything is about wealth, excess and purchasing power. It is a place where folks are free to flaunt it if they got it. The homes, the clothes, the cars, the furs, the shoes, the surgery, the shades, the bling. If there is a way to show one’s wealth in Aspen it will be done. Everything in Aspen is a status symbol.
However, just when you thought you had seen it all, somehow Aspen has managed to do the impossible. Like turning lead into gold, Aspen has taken the symbol for simplicity and frugality and made it fancy. Although unlikely, Aspen’s latest status symbol is a brown paper bag.
Yes it’s true. Following its ban on single-use plastic grocery sacks, which took effect on May 1, Aspen has taken the fight for exclusivity into the aisles of its grocery stores, and once again the people are losing.
Thinly veiled as an attempt at environmentalism, Aspen’s bag ban is nothing more than a regressive tax, a continuation of class warfare that further promotes division and exclusivity between the classes.
As part of the new ordinance, brown paper bags will still be available for a cost of 20 cents. While this may seem like a negligible sum, symbolically it is an attack on the working-class stronghold we call the grocery store. It is just another way to divide, rather than unite. Sadly, now even a trip to the grocery store can make one feel inferior.
I can already see it: The working-class folks will show up with their reusable bags while the wealthy direct their manservant to load up on provisions packed in brown paper bags. Cries of, “double bag it!” are sure to fall from the lips of the most decadent as they lord themselves above the others..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC has until this Friday to decide on gas compressor site"
And.....they're off! From the jihad pen of investigative reporter John Colson, still yet another 'no news' article about the "CMC Compressor Station Massacre"!
Not unlike the flaming blaze of glory penned in the original "Strawberry Days Massacre" article...Colson weaves and spins...twists and turns...his...."carefully choreographed half-truths" and brings us more 'no real news' from Spring Valley!
(whisper...whisper....one ringie-dingie...two ringie dingie...what are some definitions of "corruption" again?...."the process of gradually becoming inferior"..."a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor"..."systemic corrosion"...three ringie-dingie...four ringie-dingie...whisper...whisper...(yes, this is a whispering campaign coming at you from this one location on the web)...whisper...whisper...hey, get off the line!...whisper...whisper..)
How about instead we stick to just the facts?
Who are your CMC Trustees? Click here, complete with contact information direct to source. If anything..at least drop an email and thank them for being the best board we've had in a long time.
They're doing a terrific job, even when up against "aging-party liners" stirring up minions who are relying on little to nothing that is factual.
Support your CMC and your CMC Trustees.
(Read today's article from Colson? Are you sure? Click title, then.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Not unlike the flaming blaze of glory penned in the original "Strawberry Days Massacre" article...Colson weaves and spins...twists and turns...his...."carefully choreographed half-truths" and brings us more 'no real news' from Spring Valley!
(whisper...whisper....one ringie-dingie...two ringie dingie...what are some definitions of "corruption" again?...."the process of gradually becoming inferior"..."a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor"..."systemic corrosion"...three ringie-dingie...four ringie-dingie...whisper...whisper...(yes, this is a whispering campaign coming at you from this one location on the web)...whisper...whisper...hey, get off the line!...whisper...whisper..)
How about instead we stick to just the facts?
Who are your CMC Trustees? Click here, complete with contact information direct to source. If anything..at least drop an email and thank them for being the best board we've had in a long time.
They're doing a terrific job, even when up against "aging-party liners" stirring up minions who are relying on little to nothing that is factual.
Support your CMC and your CMC Trustees.
(Read today's article from Colson? Are you sure? Click title, then.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Questioning PI's judgment"
Respectfully written in to the PI by Kathryn Trauger:
"In the Tuesday, May 1, edition of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, there was a lovely, very large picture of chickens on page one. Don't get me wrong, I love animals and birds.
However, on page two was a very tiny (less than 1 inch-by-1 inch) picture of an at-large bank robber. While the quality of the photo was probably not great, since it was a surveillance photo, there was almost nothing distinguishable in that tiny photo.
I am questioning the journalistic judgment of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent editorial team. How can a chicken story that is going to appear in a later edition and a bag ban in Carbondale be more newsworthy than an at-large bank robber? This is just one more example of poor journalism that is currently displayed by the editorial team at the Post Independent."
Apparently mocking and feeling like a drip of sarcasm and arrogance; the Editorial/Publishing staff at the PI's response:
"Editor's Note: It was indeed debatable whether it was worth running the tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect, but if there is even a slight chance that doing so might help the case be solved, then it was worth it."
(Read the originals? Click title)
Hmmm...another milestone in the mass exodus of lost readers and subscribers from Swift's Aspen Times, PI and Citizen Telegram happens when? Right. This week. May 4th.
What changes can everyone expect to see at the PI? That is the only one left in the local Swift family that needs to finally finish cleaning itself up.
The Aspen Times made the break last year. Still has issues but that's ...well, Aspen. Consumers expect the output from the Times.
Citizen Telegram under Mike McKibbin has shot itself out of a cannon and is going strong again.
The PI has been obviously reluctant but still cleaning up, slow but sure. Forced by the powers that are or by such negative input from the community?
Nobody has really cared, because the change is obviously not permanent and the ink still runs bright CDOT yellow whenever staff can slip it in.
Things have been somewhat better since Heather McGregor came on board but she has hardly raised her own singular voice. So, it is difficult to tell what control she has over output. Impossible to tell what she will do as managing editor once Weatherred exists. We hope she chooses to finally move up to her full, obvious potential.
How about you?
Wouldn't you have rather seen a "tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect" instead of chickens on the front page?
Given the overall sense of safety and wellness in the county at this time, 'SandBox Nanny' would have.
Special thank you goes out to Kathryn Trauger, today. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
And a special wish for good luck and best to the PI staff as they hopefully seize the opportunity to make permanent and positive changes.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In the Tuesday, May 1, edition of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, there was a lovely, very large picture of chickens on page one. Don't get me wrong, I love animals and birds.
However, on page two was a very tiny (less than 1 inch-by-1 inch) picture of an at-large bank robber. While the quality of the photo was probably not great, since it was a surveillance photo, there was almost nothing distinguishable in that tiny photo.
I am questioning the journalistic judgment of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent editorial team. How can a chicken story that is going to appear in a later edition and a bag ban in Carbondale be more newsworthy than an at-large bank robber? This is just one more example of poor journalism that is currently displayed by the editorial team at the Post Independent."
Apparently mocking and feeling like a drip of sarcasm and arrogance; the Editorial/Publishing staff at the PI's response:
"Editor's Note: It was indeed debatable whether it was worth running the tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect, but if there is even a slight chance that doing so might help the case be solved, then it was worth it."
(Read the originals? Click title)
Hmmm...another milestone in the mass exodus of lost readers and subscribers from Swift's Aspen Times, PI and Citizen Telegram happens when? Right. This week. May 4th.
What changes can everyone expect to see at the PI? That is the only one left in the local Swift family that needs to finally finish cleaning itself up.
The Aspen Times made the break last year. Still has issues but that's ...well, Aspen. Consumers expect the output from the Times.
Citizen Telegram under Mike McKibbin has shot itself out of a cannon and is going strong again.
The PI has been obviously reluctant but still cleaning up, slow but sure. Forced by the powers that are or by such negative input from the community?
Nobody has really cared, because the change is obviously not permanent and the ink still runs bright CDOT yellow whenever staff can slip it in.
Things have been somewhat better since Heather McGregor came on board but she has hardly raised her own singular voice. So, it is difficult to tell what control she has over output. Impossible to tell what she will do as managing editor once Weatherred exists. We hope she chooses to finally move up to her full, obvious potential.
How about you?
Wouldn't you have rather seen a "tiny, low-resolution photo of the bank robbery suspect" instead of chickens on the front page?
Given the overall sense of safety and wellness in the county at this time, 'SandBox Nanny' would have.
Special thank you goes out to Kathryn Trauger, today. Here on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
And a special wish for good luck and best to the PI staff as they hopefully seize the opportunity to make permanent and positive changes.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Glenwood festival arrestee sentenced"
Dennis Webb:
"A man arrested last June as part of a controversial law enforcement action during Glenwood Springs’ Strawberry Days festival has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.
David Adrian Ramirez-Centeno will be deported after serving his sentence, said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver.
Following his June arrest, he was indicted last September on a charge of unlawful re-entry of an alien with an aggravated felony conviction.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and some local political leaders, event organizers and businesses had criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement for having conducted the enforcement action during the festival.
ICE and Garfield Sheriff Lou Vallario have defended the action, saying it targeted local gang members. The sheriff’s office said in a news release today that a multijurisdictional gang unit in the county “will continue to cooperate with all agencies necessary to disrupt and dismantle gang activity and the threat it brings to our communities.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A man arrested last June as part of a controversial law enforcement action during Glenwood Springs’ Strawberry Days festival has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.
David Adrian Ramirez-Centeno will be deported after serving his sentence, said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver.
Following his June arrest, he was indicted last September on a charge of unlawful re-entry of an alien with an aggravated felony conviction.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and some local political leaders, event organizers and businesses had criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement for having conducted the enforcement action during the festival.
ICE and Garfield Sheriff Lou Vallario have defended the action, saying it targeted local gang members. The sheriff’s office said in a news release today that a multijurisdictional gang unit in the county “will continue to cooperate with all agencies necessary to disrupt and dismantle gang activity and the threat it brings to our communities.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Rifle fire district election features a contested race"
Yowza!!
He even tosses up West End political news and does it without bias dripping off every word!!!!
(Cue sound of cheering crowds in Rifle...Rifle birds singing in chorus...Rifle fireworks popping and Rifle marching bands playing in the streets....Hip, Hip Hooray!!!....)
See related West End politics off the Telegram here.
Mike McKibbin:
"Voters in the Rifle Fire Protection District can cast ballots on Tuesday, May 8 and will choose between three incumbents and a former director to fill three seats on the district board of directors.
They include incumbents Yvonne Long, Rex Rhule and John Sandquist. Former director Lee Martens is seeking to return to the board. He served for four years, before he lost his seat in the 2010 election. Long and Sandquist are each seeking a second, four-year term, while Rhule is running for a third term.
The Rifle district serves some 24,000 people spread out over 411 square miles, including the Rifle city limits. Voters can cast ballots on May 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office, 1850 Railroad Ave.
The Citizen Telegram asked each candidate to provide their background and experience and to identify the top issues facing the district. Each provided e-mail answers, which were only edited for clarity, spelling and style....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
He even tosses up West End political news and does it without bias dripping off every word!!!!
(Cue sound of cheering crowds in Rifle...Rifle birds singing in chorus...Rifle fireworks popping and Rifle marching bands playing in the streets....Hip, Hip Hooray!!!....)
See related West End politics off the Telegram here.
Mike McKibbin:
"Voters in the Rifle Fire Protection District can cast ballots on Tuesday, May 8 and will choose between three incumbents and a former director to fill three seats on the district board of directors.
They include incumbents Yvonne Long, Rex Rhule and John Sandquist. Former director Lee Martens is seeking to return to the board. He served for four years, before he lost his seat in the 2010 election. Long and Sandquist are each seeking a second, four-year term, while Rhule is running for a third term.
The Rifle district serves some 24,000 people spread out over 411 square miles, including the Rifle city limits. Voters can cast ballots on May 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office, 1850 Railroad Ave.
The Citizen Telegram asked each candidate to provide their background and experience and to identify the top issues facing the district. Each provided e-mail answers, which were only edited for clarity, spelling and style....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Citizen Telegram "Time to take stock"
A special thank you goes out to Mike McKibbin down on the Citizen Telegram.
Why?
For taking a look around at his beloved City of Rifle, Colorado and with near effortless (appearing as effortless) ease, restoring that lost voice of the folks, The Citizen Telegram.
Finally, we all have at least a chance at hearing the news in Garfield County. Facts, details and diverse voices rather than just the voice of reporter John Colson covering his version of the county.
McKibbin has taken the reins of editorial and publishing control, with the end result after only a few publications being an entirely new feel to the Telegram.
Letters to the Editor are coming in, columns are appearing again, data on the lives of folks in the West End and an overall sense that maybe trust in the output could be on the horizon.
Well done. Today, another 'McKibbin's Sribblin's'. Down on the Citizen Telegram.
Mike McKibbin:
"Change is constant and never-ending. Sometimes there's good changes,, sometimes bad changes. It's often up to your point of view.
That's how it seems for the natural gas industry over the past decade. Ten years is how long Encana USA has held Energy Expos at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. This Saturday's event is a good time to look back at how natural gas development, and our lives, have changed in that time.
I was here during that time, as were a lot of folks. We saw how the changes affected us, our neighbors, perhaps even the air we breathe and water we drink. Definitely in terms of the nice, new buildings, roads and other amenities made possible by either taxes or generous donations from the companies involved.
I must have written hundreds and hundreds of stories about the industry and its impacts on the area and people, especially leading up to the Bureau of Land Management's leasing decision for the Roan Plateau a few years ago. I remember the people who had bought or even built their dream homes out in the country around Rifle, Silt and Parachute. And how many felt violated or even saw their health suffer after huge drilling rigs arrived and big truck after big truck drove up and down in front of their homes. Others welcomed the industry with open arms.
Many people left for what they felt was a better quality of life. That's their right. We all live where we want to live.
I also remember how all the white pickup trucks would line up in Parachute each morning to get on Interstate 70 and the county roads that led them to their next well site. All those trucks equaled a lot of money for a lot of people. A lot of good, beneficial projects many of us will always enjoy.
Just a few facts from Encana you can learn more about at Saturday's Expo...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Why?
For taking a look around at his beloved City of Rifle, Colorado and with near effortless (appearing as effortless) ease, restoring that lost voice of the folks, The Citizen Telegram.
Finally, we all have at least a chance at hearing the news in Garfield County. Facts, details and diverse voices rather than just the voice of reporter John Colson covering his version of the county.
McKibbin has taken the reins of editorial and publishing control, with the end result after only a few publications being an entirely new feel to the Telegram.
Letters to the Editor are coming in, columns are appearing again, data on the lives of folks in the West End and an overall sense that maybe trust in the output could be on the horizon.
Well done. Today, another 'McKibbin's Sribblin's'. Down on the Citizen Telegram.
Mike McKibbin:
"Change is constant and never-ending. Sometimes there's good changes,, sometimes bad changes. It's often up to your point of view.
That's how it seems for the natural gas industry over the past decade. Ten years is how long Encana USA has held Energy Expos at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. This Saturday's event is a good time to look back at how natural gas development, and our lives, have changed in that time.
I was here during that time, as were a lot of folks. We saw how the changes affected us, our neighbors, perhaps even the air we breathe and water we drink. Definitely in terms of the nice, new buildings, roads and other amenities made possible by either taxes or generous donations from the companies involved.
I must have written hundreds and hundreds of stories about the industry and its impacts on the area and people, especially leading up to the Bureau of Land Management's leasing decision for the Roan Plateau a few years ago. I remember the people who had bought or even built their dream homes out in the country around Rifle, Silt and Parachute. And how many felt violated or even saw their health suffer after huge drilling rigs arrived and big truck after big truck drove up and down in front of their homes. Others welcomed the industry with open arms.
Many people left for what they felt was a better quality of life. That's their right. We all live where we want to live.
I also remember how all the white pickup trucks would line up in Parachute each morning to get on Interstate 70 and the county roads that led them to their next well site. All those trucks equaled a lot of money for a lot of people. A lot of good, beneficial projects many of us will always enjoy.
Just a few facts from Encana you can learn more about at Saturday's Expo...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Back to my roots, to the place where I learned the most"
I wonder, in listening to John Colson reminisce with such heartfelt emotion, where it is that he lost his way?
Very little, to nothing as some would say, of the traits he instilled in himself back in the Cardinal days show up anywhere in his output while working for Swift Communications. Worse, his lack of journalistic integrity that fails so abysmally pulling in fact from fiction and both sides to all stories for the PI and the Times has harmed far more lives, businesses, law enforcement activity and case trials than he has helped.
With such a resume as claimed in his column this week, one can only wonder what happened to John Colson along the way that changed him from what he 'used to be'?
Is that hole in the bucket widening for John?
It appears so.
John Colson:
"I went home last weekend to revel in an atmosphere that was part past, part present and entirely aimed at the future of journalism in our benighted nation.
Which is to say I went back to Madison, Wis., the town where I grew up, for the 120th birthday party of The Daily Cardinal, the student newspaper where I learned for certain and forever that being a reporter was to be my life.
The Cardinal, with the bird itself as its emblem, was and is a unique institution, the sixth-oldest campus paper in the nation.....
.....I learned, at the Cardinal, about everything from the democratic ideals that kept the Cardinal going to deeply held certitudes about the role of journalists in this madcap world.
I learned about the technical aspects of the journalistic business and about how my words went from my brain to my fingers on the keyboard to the typesetting department and the press.
I learned about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and how it is used and abused every day.
I learned about the perfidy of large corporations, which even then were beginning to buy up small newspapers in a spreading contagion of monopoly newsmongering that continues to this day.
I learned how to ask questions that interviewees really did not want to answer and how to dig into public records to ferret out the secrets that these interviewees tried to hide.
I learned that the hardships endured by people often told a more complete story than the press releases and carefully choreographed half-truths of the official government and corporate worlds.
Yes, I learned how to be what I am at that spunky little paper, and I am grateful to The Daily Cardinal and the culture it embodied in ways I can never fully express or explain..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Very little, to nothing as some would say, of the traits he instilled in himself back in the Cardinal days show up anywhere in his output while working for Swift Communications. Worse, his lack of journalistic integrity that fails so abysmally pulling in fact from fiction and both sides to all stories for the PI and the Times has harmed far more lives, businesses, law enforcement activity and case trials than he has helped.
With such a resume as claimed in his column this week, one can only wonder what happened to John Colson along the way that changed him from what he 'used to be'?
Is that hole in the bucket widening for John?
It appears so.
John Colson:
"I went home last weekend to revel in an atmosphere that was part past, part present and entirely aimed at the future of journalism in our benighted nation.
Which is to say I went back to Madison, Wis., the town where I grew up, for the 120th birthday party of The Daily Cardinal, the student newspaper where I learned for certain and forever that being a reporter was to be my life.
The Cardinal, with the bird itself as its emblem, was and is a unique institution, the sixth-oldest campus paper in the nation.....
.....I learned, at the Cardinal, about everything from the democratic ideals that kept the Cardinal going to deeply held certitudes about the role of journalists in this madcap world.
I learned about the technical aspects of the journalistic business and about how my words went from my brain to my fingers on the keyboard to the typesetting department and the press.
I learned about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and how it is used and abused every day.
I learned about the perfidy of large corporations, which even then were beginning to buy up small newspapers in a spreading contagion of monopoly newsmongering that continues to this day.
I learned how to ask questions that interviewees really did not want to answer and how to dig into public records to ferret out the secrets that these interviewees tried to hide.
I learned that the hardships endured by people often told a more complete story than the press releases and carefully choreographed half-truths of the official government and corporate worlds.
Yes, I learned how to be what I am at that spunky little paper, and I am grateful to The Daily Cardinal and the culture it embodied in ways I can never fully express or explain..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Roadless rule for Colorado released"
The Sentinel gets the nod this morning on the 'Colorado Roadless Rules' story.
The Aspen Times is trying to once again ineffectively "pound their liberal chest" alongside the Real sites attempting to wage eco-pen jihad. Our favorite and the area's most trusted environmental reports off the Summit County Citizens Voice has the most reference resources and is always a good read; but it is the Sentinel that nails the facts without the emotion.
There are only four print newspapers in Colorado that are held in respect and at a standard that is worthy of being held up to the true meaning of journalistic integrity. They are the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since under the ownership of the Seaton family, the Pueblo Chieftain, Steamboat Today and the Aspen Daily News.
Let's hope that the 'Roadless saga' is over for now and all trade, commerce and general enjoyment of life for the folks when they head out to the hills can move forward.
win win. Who knew?
(On a side note that is complete political snark and antagonistic on my part:....(yes...this is a "whispering campaign"..)...hey!...how about that 'fracking is inherently safe'...takes campaign donations from Oxbow/Koch and Corzine....Sen. Mark Udall (D)??...he's like...well...the conservatives idea of a secret weapon on 'their' side.....hooah....save a gas rig...vote Sonja Linman (D) for balanced representation for GarCo in the never-ending quest to have neither side completely get their way...hooah..)
Matthew Berger:
"The final version of a long-awaited rule governing roadless areas in Colorado’s national forest lands was released Wednesday.
When finalized a month from now, the rule will exempt Colorado from the federal roadless rule released in 2001 and allow exemptions from roadless protections in some locations in the state for activities such as ski-resort and coal-mine expansions and the thinning of bark-beetle-damaged trees.
It would set a larger acreage than previously expected under protections that exceed those of the federal rule.
Wednesday’s announcement is the culmination of seven years of work on various drafts, and in Denver on Wednesday, the theme from state and federal officials was self-congratulation for a collaborative rule-making process and a victory in which Colorado’s independent spirit was seen as winning out against federal “one-size-fits-all” regulations.
“The new roadless rule represents a characteristically Colorado achievement,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The rule enhances all that makes Colorado special while at the same time providing a measure of flexibility that supports local economies and ensures communities can take steps to protect themselves from threats of wildfire.”
In a letter last week urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt the Colorado rule, Sen. Mark Udall described the proposed rule as “a compromise in which almost no party got everything it wanted, but nearly all have agreed is fair.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The Aspen Times is trying to once again ineffectively "pound their liberal chest" alongside the Real sites attempting to wage eco-pen jihad. Our favorite and the area's most trusted environmental reports off the Summit County Citizens Voice has the most reference resources and is always a good read; but it is the Sentinel that nails the facts without the emotion.
There are only four print newspapers in Colorado that are held in respect and at a standard that is worthy of being held up to the true meaning of journalistic integrity. They are the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel since under the ownership of the Seaton family, the Pueblo Chieftain, Steamboat Today and the Aspen Daily News.
Let's hope that the 'Roadless saga' is over for now and all trade, commerce and general enjoyment of life for the folks when they head out to the hills can move forward.
win win. Who knew?
(On a side note that is complete political snark and antagonistic on my part:....(yes...this is a "whispering campaign"..)...hey!...how about that 'fracking is inherently safe'...takes campaign donations from Oxbow/Koch and Corzine....Sen. Mark Udall (D)??...he's like...well...the conservatives idea of a secret weapon on 'their' side.....hooah....save a gas rig...vote Sonja Linman (D) for balanced representation for GarCo in the never-ending quest to have neither side completely get their way...hooah..)
Matthew Berger:
"The final version of a long-awaited rule governing roadless areas in Colorado’s national forest lands was released Wednesday.
When finalized a month from now, the rule will exempt Colorado from the federal roadless rule released in 2001 and allow exemptions from roadless protections in some locations in the state for activities such as ski-resort and coal-mine expansions and the thinning of bark-beetle-damaged trees.
It would set a larger acreage than previously expected under protections that exceed those of the federal rule.
Wednesday’s announcement is the culmination of seven years of work on various drafts, and in Denver on Wednesday, the theme from state and federal officials was self-congratulation for a collaborative rule-making process and a victory in which Colorado’s independent spirit was seen as winning out against federal “one-size-fits-all” regulations.
“The new roadless rule represents a characteristically Colorado achievement,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The rule enhances all that makes Colorado special while at the same time providing a measure of flexibility that supports local economies and ensures communities can take steps to protect themselves from threats of wildfire.”
In a letter last week urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt the Colorado rule, Sen. Mark Udall described the proposed rule as “a compromise in which almost no party got everything it wanted, but nearly all have agreed is fair.....” (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: half-light"
All credit: Bob Berwyn
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I love shooting in the half-light, trying to catch that moment when there’s balance. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking in the digital darkroom, but when it comes out right, it’s worth the effort. Other times, it’s just right, straight from the camera....."
"SUMMIT COUNTY — I love shooting in the half-light, trying to catch that moment when there’s balance. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking in the digital darkroom, but when it comes out right, it’s worth the effort. Other times, it’s just right, straight from the camera....."
May 2, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Dept of Defense/Face of Defense "Child chat"
"U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Smith chats with an Afghan boy during a combined patrol clearing operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 28, 2012. Smith is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "USA Pro Cycling Challenge becomes presenting partner of the Colorado Mini Classic"
Today's 'prime real estate' (always the last post of the day on a blog as it is the first post seen by viewers) goes to the Town of Silt, Colorado.
Goes to Mayor Dave Moore and his rebels with a cause.
Why, you ask?
Because on June 2nd and 3rd, the itty bitty teeny tiny Town of Silt will hold a chunk of the world stage in bicycle racing.
(lol) Oh my goodness, says, 'SandBox Nanny'.
'Staff Report':
"The USA Pro Cycling Challenge, one of the largest professional cycling races in the United States, has signed on to be the presenting partner for the third annual Colorado Mini Classic, which will run June 2-3 in Silt.
Taking place in the quiet, small town with the same street decal signage as the Pro Challenge, the event provides junior athletes with the opportunity to get a taste of world-class competitive cycling action.
“The Colorado Mini Classic reinforces the unique ability of cycling events to impact communities and peoples' lives in a positive and healthy way, while focusing on sportsmanship, racing lessons, good citizenship, athletic performance and the role of family in the quest for individual achievement,” said Chris McGee, executive director, Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado. “The event is a stepping stone for all involved, and with this year's invaluable partnership with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, we have made a tangible connection between the stars of today and American's future cycling champions.”
Modeled after the famous Mini Classics in the days of the Red Zinger and Coors Classic, which helped launch the careers of Bobby Julich, Jonathan Vaughters, Clark Sheehan and many other cycling legends, the 2012 Colorado Mini Classic presented by the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a three-stage omnium, consisting of a time trial, criterium and road race.
Specially designed for junior racers age 10 to 18, the Mini Classic places the focus on juniors and their families.
“Our goal has always been to grow interest and participation in the sport of cycling in the U.S.,” said Brian Farris, chief operating officer of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “Through this partnership between the USA Pro Challenge and the Colorado Mini Classic, we are fostering growth of the sport, while bringing the experience of a professional race to some of the state's best junior riders. It's just a matter of time before we see one of these very same kids standing on the USA Pro Challenge podium.”
This year's event has been recognized as one of the premier juniors-only events in the country, and is part of the 2012 Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Goes to Mayor Dave Moore and his rebels with a cause.
Why, you ask?
Because on June 2nd and 3rd, the itty bitty teeny tiny Town of Silt will hold a chunk of the world stage in bicycle racing.
(lol) Oh my goodness, says, 'SandBox Nanny'.
'Staff Report':
"The USA Pro Cycling Challenge, one of the largest professional cycling races in the United States, has signed on to be the presenting partner for the third annual Colorado Mini Classic, which will run June 2-3 in Silt.
Taking place in the quiet, small town with the same street decal signage as the Pro Challenge, the event provides junior athletes with the opportunity to get a taste of world-class competitive cycling action.
“The Colorado Mini Classic reinforces the unique ability of cycling events to impact communities and peoples' lives in a positive and healthy way, while focusing on sportsmanship, racing lessons, good citizenship, athletic performance and the role of family in the quest for individual achievement,” said Chris McGee, executive director, Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado. “The event is a stepping stone for all involved, and with this year's invaluable partnership with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, we have made a tangible connection between the stars of today and American's future cycling champions.”
Modeled after the famous Mini Classics in the days of the Red Zinger and Coors Classic, which helped launch the careers of Bobby Julich, Jonathan Vaughters, Clark Sheehan and many other cycling legends, the 2012 Colorado Mini Classic presented by the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a three-stage omnium, consisting of a time trial, criterium and road race.
Specially designed for junior racers age 10 to 18, the Mini Classic places the focus on juniors and their families.
“Our goal has always been to grow interest and participation in the sport of cycling in the U.S.,” said Brian Farris, chief operating officer of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “Through this partnership between the USA Pro Challenge and the Colorado Mini Classic, we are fostering growth of the sport, while bringing the experience of a professional race to some of the state's best junior riders. It's just a matter of time before we see one of these very same kids standing on the USA Pro Challenge podium.”
This year's event has been recognized as one of the premier juniors-only events in the country, and is part of the 2012 Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Fox News "At least 7 killed in blasts in Afghan capital, as Taliban says attacks a response to Obama's visit"
"A suicide car bomber and Taliban militants disguised in burqas attacked a compound housing hundreds of foreigners in the Afghan capital on Wednesday, killing seven people, officials and witnesses said.
The Taliban said the attack was a response to President Barack Obama's surprise visit just hours earlier.
At least 17 people were also wounded in the assault, most of them Afghan children on their way to school, the Interior Ministry said.
The second major assault in Kabul in less than three weeks, the attack highlights the Taliban's continued ability to strike in the heavily guarded capital even when the city is on its tightest security for a combination of events -- the Obama visit and Wednesday's anniversary of the killing of Usama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan.
The attack started around 6 a.m. in eastern Kabul with a series of explosions and gunfire ringing out from the privately guarded compound known as Green Village that houses hundreds of international contractors.
Shooting and blasts continued for hours later as militants who had stormed into the compound held out against security forces, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The Taliban said the attack was a response to President Barack Obama's surprise visit just hours earlier.
At least 17 people were also wounded in the assault, most of them Afghan children on their way to school, the Interior Ministry said.
The second major assault in Kabul in less than three weeks, the attack highlights the Taliban's continued ability to strike in the heavily guarded capital even when the city is on its tightest security for a combination of events -- the Obama visit and Wednesday's anniversary of the killing of Usama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan.
The attack started around 6 a.m. in eastern Kabul with a series of explosions and gunfire ringing out from the privately guarded compound known as Green Village that houses hundreds of international contractors.
Shooting and blasts continued for hours later as militants who had stormed into the compound held out against security forces, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Analysis: Obama has 2 narratives on Afghanistan"
ANNE GEARAN and ROBERT BURNS:
"WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Barack Obama's twin narratives, the United States is both leaving Afghanistan and staying there.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Barack Obama's twin narratives, the United States is both leaving Afghanistan and staying there.
The different messages are meant for different audiences, one at home and one away. As Obama's brief, symbolic visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday made clear, the more important audience is American voters fed up with a war that will be in its 12th year on Election Day this fall.
The president flew in secret to sign a long-awaited security compact with Afghanistan. It was after midnight in Kabul when the signing took place, and 4 a.m. there when Obama addressed
Americans in a specially arranged 7:30 p.m. EDT speech on network television. By the time most Afghans woke up, Obama was gone....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican "SCC Member’s Refusal to Support Mitt Romney Hurts Iowa Republicans"
Kevin Hall:
"It is the job of the Iowa GOP’s State Central Committee to help Republicans defeat Democrats. Period.
That is their primary task. However, one new member of the committee is publicly refusing to help the likely GOP presidential nominee. Over the past few days, Jamie Johnson declared his distaste for Mitt Romney on WHO Radio and in a national news publication.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"It is the job of the Iowa GOP’s State Central Committee to help Republicans defeat Democrats. Period.
That is their primary task. However, one new member of the committee is publicly refusing to help the likely GOP presidential nominee. Over the past few days, Jamie Johnson declared his distaste for Mitt Romney on WHO Radio and in a national news publication.
“I don’t care for Mitt Romney,” Johnson said on Simon Conway’s radio program last week. “Everyone who knows me knows that I do not care for Governor Mitt Romney. That is a personal perspective that I have.”
Jamie Johnson was the state coalitions director for Rick Santorum’s campaign. Santorum has a meeting scheduled with Mitt Romney on Friday. An endorsement is likely to follow. Another of Jamie Johnson’s former bosses recently became Romney’s national coalitions director. Mike Biundo was the national campaign manager for Rick Santorum. However, Biundo and Santorum’s support of Romney is not enough to sway Johnson to change his opinion of the former Massachusetts governor.
“I am personally not going to help Mitt Romney with his presidential aspirations, because I do not support him personally,” Johnson told the Washington Examiner. “My conscience will not let me help him.....”
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Barack Obama: A Legend In His Own Mind "
'strieff' Diary:
"In terms of iconography this photo is destined to rival that taken of FDR on D-Day.*
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In terms of iconography this photo is destined to rival that taken of FDR on D-Day.*
With some trying to turn bin Laden’s death into a campaign talking point for Obama’s reelection, it is useful to remember that the trail to bin Laden started in a CIA black site — all of which Obama ordered closed, forever, on the second full day of his administration — and stemmed from information obtained from hardened terrorists who agreed to tell us some (but not all) of what they knew after undergoing harsh but legal interrogation methods. Obama banned those methods on Jan. 22, 2009.(Read more? Click title)
–Jose A. Rodriguez
The Washington Post, The path to bin Laden’s death didn’t start with Obama"
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Willits News "Covelo pair gets five years for federal pot crime; supplied marijuana for coast-to-coast ring"
Linda Williams:
"Two Covelo pot growers were among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012 in a multi-state federal marijuana prosecution originating in Virginia. The defendants received sentences ranging from five to 18 years in federal prison.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Two Covelo pot growers were among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012 in a multi-state federal marijuana prosecution originating in Virginia. The defendants received sentences ranging from five to 18 years in federal prison.
The operation generated profits estimated at $3 million from 2005 until the June 2011 arrests, according to court documents. The operation mailed packages of boutique California marijuana to individuals and groups in Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The ringleader, Anthony Guidry, 46, of Vallejo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos of marijuana or more and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and is now serving 220 months in federal prison.
Guidry could have been sentenced from 40 years to life in prison.
He and all the other defendants also agreed to forfeit all assets including guns, property, a motorcycle, banking accounts and cash discovered by federal agents.
Agents seized 71 total pounds of weed and about $160,000 in cash from various locations during the arrests.
Guidry purchased specialty bud marijuana from a variety of sources throughout Northern California including Anthony Scott Giuliani, 45, and Annette Marie Ross, 52, both of Covelo.....
.......One of his East Coast distributors recruited an ever-growing group of friends and family members willing to accept pot shipments to avoid raising the suspicions of postal, Fedex and UPS workers. The group admitted it was "sometimes necessary and prudent to use violence to enforce debts" in court documents.
Whenever a bank became too inquisitive, members of the group would open a new account at a different bank or arrange for a courier to fly out to transport the cash.
The entire plot began to unravel when Virginia police arrested Moataz Mohammad Masoud in January 2010 with $2,000 cash, three pounds of pot and a sales list of people owing him a total of $20,000. Masoud was still on probation after a 2008 conviction for intent to deliver marijuana for sale.
Masoud phoned several members of the network from the tapped phone at the jail asking for help to collect enough money to pay for his lawyer. Detectives from a growing number of state and federal agencies began investigating the people Masoud called. By the time the conspirators were arrested in June 2011, agents had intercepted more than 14,000 calls or texts from across the nation and tracked 38 marijuana packages and 21 bulk-cash packages.
Most of the individual conspirators received five-year prison sentences; the main distributors got 90 months. In exchange for a reduction in the number of counts and charges, all defendants agreed to provide law enforcement with detailed accounts of their operations.....(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: The State/Breaking News "Haley cleared of illegal lobbying by House panel"
Gina Smith:
"In a five to one vote, a House panel cleared Gov. Nikki Haley on Wednesday of charges that she illegally lobbied while a House member.
The six members of the House Ethics Committee have been meeting behind closed doors for more than a month, looking into a complaint that Haley lobbied on behalf of two employers, Wilbur Smith, a Midlands engineering firm that has done state work, and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation.
"We found no evidence that she lobbied," said Rep. Roland Smith, R-Aiken and chairman of the committee..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"In a five to one vote, a House panel cleared Gov. Nikki Haley on Wednesday of charges that she illegally lobbied while a House member.
The six members of the House Ethics Committee have been meeting behind closed doors for more than a month, looking into a complaint that Haley lobbied on behalf of two employers, Wilbur Smith, a Midlands engineering firm that has done state work, and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation.
"We found no evidence that she lobbied," said Rep. Roland Smith, R-Aiken and chairman of the committee..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Colo. Exoneration Program to Expand"
A very interesting piece from Don Coleman off KJCT News 8. Over Grand Junction way.
Sort of sounds like Sheriff Stan Hilkey's 'Evidence Based Decision Making Project'.
Don Coleman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Colorado's Attorney General's Office says it has been awarded additional funding to expand the program that exonerated Robert Dewey after 17 years in prison.
Since being convicted, Dewey tried to appeal through the justice system, but nothing ever came about until phase one of the Justice Review Project (JRP) that began in 2010.
It was a process that began back in 2009 when money suddenly became available at the federal level.
"There was a pool of money available for organizations and state offices and we applied for it," Julie Selsberg, Senior Assistant Attorney General for Colorado, said. "We were the only pure prosecution office to be awarded some of that` grant."
A total of 15 organizations from across the country were awarded funds by the National Institute of Justice. Colorado's were aimed at identifying cases in our state where DNA testing could potentially exonerate a wrongfully-convicted inmate.
Nearly 5,000 cases of murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault were screened state-wide without applications for review. Under the strict rules of the JRP, further eligibility would be determined.
First, only the cases of inmates who maintain a claim of innocence without ever admitting any degree of guilt would be screened. Then, someone from the Attorney General's Office would look at any and all court documents related to the case.
If the review passed those eyes, staff would contact the inmate, any witnesses, and all attorneys assigned to the case. Upon further screening, it would be up to a panel of investigators and attorneys to decide if DNA testing was needed to continue the process....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Sort of sounds like Sheriff Stan Hilkey's 'Evidence Based Decision Making Project'.
Don Coleman:
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Colorado's Attorney General's Office says it has been awarded additional funding to expand the program that exonerated Robert Dewey after 17 years in prison.
Since being convicted, Dewey tried to appeal through the justice system, but nothing ever came about until phase one of the Justice Review Project (JRP) that began in 2010.
It was a process that began back in 2009 when money suddenly became available at the federal level.
"There was a pool of money available for organizations and state offices and we applied for it," Julie Selsberg, Senior Assistant Attorney General for Colorado, said. "We were the only pure prosecution office to be awarded some of that` grant."
A total of 15 organizations from across the country were awarded funds by the National Institute of Justice. Colorado's were aimed at identifying cases in our state where DNA testing could potentially exonerate a wrongfully-convicted inmate.
Nearly 5,000 cases of murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault were screened state-wide without applications for review. Under the strict rules of the JRP, further eligibility would be determined.
First, only the cases of inmates who maintain a claim of innocence without ever admitting any degree of guilt would be screened. Then, someone from the Attorney General's Office would look at any and all court documents related to the case.
If the review passed those eyes, staff would contact the inmate, any witnesses, and all attorneys assigned to the case. Upon further screening, it would be up to a panel of investigators and attorneys to decide if DNA testing was needed to continue the process....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Troubled by Basalt criminal activity"
A little over a year ago, 'SandBox Nanny' received a thoughtful, appreciative and detailed email letter from a follower.
This individual has been writing their frequent letters to the editor in the valley for many years. Long, long before SandBoxBlogs or SafePlaceBlogs ever came to be. (Notice the present tense, yes..they are still at it.)
Their purpose in sending the letter was to share a long laundry list of 'saved' news stories off the (mostly, there were a few other regional media enclosed as well) PI and the Aspen Times.
Amazing (stunning in some cases, actually) how the past that plays such a role in the present has been 'tracked' by area news media, despite their very best efforts to quash a number of issues. The content of the tracking system in their letter was fascinating reading material!
Lest we 'forget', let's walk back to the fairly recent past and talk about the old Members Hub for a bit.
Checking in on the comments to Nancy Heard's letter to the editor today up on the Aspen Times would be a good stop for you to head to first. Click title.
Granted, Nancy may not have communicated her 'snark' as well as she might have, but the point is that Nancy Heard obviously cares about her community and is obviously noticing some patterns that should be concerning to all. Regardless of your political views, etc. etc.
Who knows why Nancy decided to try a letter to the editor. Let's toss a hypothetical out. Let's say Nancy thought she would give the Times another try because things seem to be better and more open to unbiased, uncensored channels of communication. Let's say Nancy is paying attention to her valley wide goings on and thought that just maybe..there was room for her voice too in an environment where she wouldn't be targeted by the old 'bad' or 'predator' style 'trolls' from the old Times members hub.
After all, they have to login with DNA now. No 'room to hide' as the Times and PI are so fond of using as an excuse for their own shortcomings in handling responsibility.
Have we now gone full circle for the Times and the PI, folks?
Blatantly obvious from the growing numbers of alternate media and chat forums that it was a huge mistake censoring and banning the voices of the folks.
Acute awareness, given the failure of their new comment system, that they didn't hold as much of a commodity on the market out here as they thought. Heck, it's doubtful that they will ever get the 'good ones' back on again. Even if they nix the DNA login.
Keenly aware, that the level of discussion they do get when the sparse few logon, is sorely lacking in both content and attention-grabbing power.
But, the hypothetical today is a blast from the past regarding chats, good trolls, bad trolls, predator trolls and the overall sense of security and wellbeing of the folks when it comes to local news media. Not the blind eyes of Swift management.
Moderation works two ways.
The first is the elimination of content that is undesired. Such as rudeness, swearing or whatever the forum rules and regs do not allow.
The second is to protect the person whose voice might not be the most popular in content or person. The concept of a watering hole is that everyone gets to belly up.
What a shame that sitting around the Aspen Times newsroom today are lazy journalists and writers who could care less about Nancy Heard's viewpoint (or) Nancy Heard herself. Just letting her letter shift for itself and/or not bothering to join in the dialogue. Gosh, there must be major, attention grabbing goings on in Aspen today and they must be way too busy to participate.
To mimic some of the more dramatic commentators that drop by: "Are we forever doomed to be stuck in their version of what gets censored and banned...and what does not?"
A shout out today to Nancy Heard of Basalt. Keep talking.
Nancy Heard:
"Dear Editor:
Perhaps the city would be a better place to raise my children? We left good jobs in the city for a rural mountain community. “A nice place to raise our kids,” we thought.
The recent events of a foiled murder plot at the park where my children hang out just 100 yards from my house has me rethinking whether this rural mountain community is in fact a good place to raise my children.
In recent years, all within a half-mile radius of our house we have experienced: shooting at 7-Eleven, armed robbery at Clark's market, a sex offender stalking kids as they leave school (yes, my kids walked right past his car), three suicides, two overdose deaths and a felony embezzlement charge. Wow!...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
This individual has been writing their frequent letters to the editor in the valley for many years. Long, long before SandBoxBlogs or SafePlaceBlogs ever came to be. (Notice the present tense, yes..they are still at it.)
Their purpose in sending the letter was to share a long laundry list of 'saved' news stories off the (mostly, there were a few other regional media enclosed as well) PI and the Aspen Times.
Amazing (stunning in some cases, actually) how the past that plays such a role in the present has been 'tracked' by area news media, despite their very best efforts to quash a number of issues. The content of the tracking system in their letter was fascinating reading material!
Lest we 'forget', let's walk back to the fairly recent past and talk about the old Members Hub for a bit.
Checking in on the comments to Nancy Heard's letter to the editor today up on the Aspen Times would be a good stop for you to head to first. Click title.
Granted, Nancy may not have communicated her 'snark' as well as she might have, but the point is that Nancy Heard obviously cares about her community and is obviously noticing some patterns that should be concerning to all. Regardless of your political views, etc. etc.
Who knows why Nancy decided to try a letter to the editor. Let's toss a hypothetical out. Let's say Nancy thought she would give the Times another try because things seem to be better and more open to unbiased, uncensored channels of communication. Let's say Nancy is paying attention to her valley wide goings on and thought that just maybe..there was room for her voice too in an environment where she wouldn't be targeted by the old 'bad' or 'predator' style 'trolls' from the old Times members hub.
After all, they have to login with DNA now. No 'room to hide' as the Times and PI are so fond of using as an excuse for their own shortcomings in handling responsibility.
Have we now gone full circle for the Times and the PI, folks?
Blatantly obvious from the growing numbers of alternate media and chat forums that it was a huge mistake censoring and banning the voices of the folks.
Acute awareness, given the failure of their new comment system, that they didn't hold as much of a commodity on the market out here as they thought. Heck, it's doubtful that they will ever get the 'good ones' back on again. Even if they nix the DNA login.
Keenly aware, that the level of discussion they do get when the sparse few logon, is sorely lacking in both content and attention-grabbing power.
But, the hypothetical today is a blast from the past regarding chats, good trolls, bad trolls, predator trolls and the overall sense of security and wellbeing of the folks when it comes to local news media. Not the blind eyes of Swift management.
Moderation works two ways.
The first is the elimination of content that is undesired. Such as rudeness, swearing or whatever the forum rules and regs do not allow.
The second is to protect the person whose voice might not be the most popular in content or person. The concept of a watering hole is that everyone gets to belly up.
What a shame that sitting around the Aspen Times newsroom today are lazy journalists and writers who could care less about Nancy Heard's viewpoint (or) Nancy Heard herself. Just letting her letter shift for itself and/or not bothering to join in the dialogue. Gosh, there must be major, attention grabbing goings on in Aspen today and they must be way too busy to participate.
To mimic some of the more dramatic commentators that drop by: "Are we forever doomed to be stuck in their version of what gets censored and banned...and what does not?"
A shout out today to Nancy Heard of Basalt. Keep talking.
Nancy Heard:
"Dear Editor:
Perhaps the city would be a better place to raise my children? We left good jobs in the city for a rural mountain community. “A nice place to raise our kids,” we thought.
The recent events of a foiled murder plot at the park where my children hang out just 100 yards from my house has me rethinking whether this rural mountain community is in fact a good place to raise my children.
In recent years, all within a half-mile radius of our house we have experienced: shooting at 7-Eleven, armed robbery at Clark's market, a sex offender stalking kids as they leave school (yes, my kids walked right past his car), three suicides, two overdose deaths and a felony embezzlement charge. Wow!...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "San Juan CBP Seizes 102 Kilos of Cocaine in Two Separate Seizures"
"San Juan, Puerto Rico- For the third time this month, the diligence and commitment to duty of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in the San Juan Area Port prevented drug traffickers from using commercial shipments to introduce cocaine through our shores.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Yesterday, while performing inspectional duties on MV CFS Paradero, arriving from Rio Haina, Dominican Republic, CBP officers assigned to the San Juan Seaport selected various containers for additional
examination. Using available technology, they detected anomalies in two of the containers.
When the containers were physically inspected, two bags, believed to contain narcotics, were found inside each container. On one of the containers the two bags contained a total of 32 packages that when field tested proved positive for cocaine, with an approximate weight of 35 kilograms (77 pounds).
On the second container, 60 packages, with an approximate weight of 67 kilograms (148 pounds), also tested positive for cocaine.
The container cargo description on one of the containers was “napkins” and on the other “Calcium Carbonate.”
Estimated street value for the seizures is $2,224,000.
The custody of the duffle bags and the contraband was transferred to ICE Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
Last Thursday, CBP also seized 28 kilos (61.73 pounds) of cocaine and 5.53 kilos (12.19 pounds) of heroin inside a container on board the M/V Maesk Tarragona arriving from Caucedo, Dominican Republic.
On April 4, 28.5 kilos of cocaine (63 pounds) were seized on board the vessel M/V Freemantle Express also arriving from Caucedo.
“Every day, our officers work tirelessly to protect our nation from those that intend to do us harm by introducing dangerous drugs that could end up in our streets and communities and harm our families. Customs and Border Protection will not tire in the pursuit of those that break our laws and attempt to use commercial shipments to accomplish their damaging goals,” said Port Director for the San Juan Area Port, Maria Palmer.
“We have stepped up our inspection of cargo through a risk-management based, layered enforcement approach closing routes for smugglers,” indicated Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
CBP uses sophisticated methods to identify and target potentially high-risk cargo, including advanced electronic information about every cargo shipment to the U.S. before it arrives.
CBP’s dual mission is to facilitate travel and trade in the United States while securing our borders, our people and our visitors from those that would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals, and contraband. CBP officers are charged with enforcing not only immigration and customs laws, but they enforce over 400 laws for 40 other agencies and have stopped thousands of violators of U.S. law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Telegraph UK "Chaos at border control deepens as immigration staff announce strike"
Let's do a reverse hypothetical.
After all, with all the posting of patterns she sees between illegal immigration uprisings in the area, demonizing of authority in the area, blanketing through power and censorship of voices in the area, gangs and drugs in the area (and) our culture and lifestyle in the area; it's only fair to give a voice spot to the 'other side'.
Those that are for wide open borders.
For legalizing all drugs.
For zero checks and balances in the illegal foreign nationals sectors of our population.
Here's the questions:
What would happen if we just stepped back as a nation, took our hands off all of the above and just let it all run loose and free?
For that matter, what would happen if we all woke up tomorrow and there were no customs, ICE, DEA agents and no cops helping out those agencies?
Matthew Holehouse:
"The Immigration Services Union, representing 4,500 border staff, will stage industrial action next Thursday as part of a national public sector strike over pensions. It will inform the Cabinet Office today of its plans.
The move could see hundreds of staff at Heathrow and other airports affected, adding to the delays already being endured at passport control.
Home Office ministers yesterday revealed they would draft in an extra 80 border staff at Heathrow in "hit squads" to tackle the immigration crisis after the Home Secretary Thereas May was brought before the Prime Minister to explain the "unacceptable" queues of over two hours.
Lucy Moreton, the deputy general secretary of the Immigration Services Union, today said: "We don't want to cause disruption, but if the Cabinet Office continues to ignore our concerns over pensions then that is what we are going to do. We have hundreds of members at Heathrowso it will have a significant impact."
The dispute is over Government plans to give border staff with a flexible retirement age instead of pegging it at 65. Ms Moreton said that could force her members to work until their late sixties or even 70 as the state retirement age rose...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
After all, with all the posting of patterns she sees between illegal immigration uprisings in the area, demonizing of authority in the area, blanketing through power and censorship of voices in the area, gangs and drugs in the area (and) our culture and lifestyle in the area; it's only fair to give a voice spot to the 'other side'.
Those that are for wide open borders.
For legalizing all drugs.
For zero checks and balances in the illegal foreign nationals sectors of our population.
Here's the questions:
What would happen if we just stepped back as a nation, took our hands off all of the above and just let it all run loose and free?
For that matter, what would happen if we all woke up tomorrow and there were no customs, ICE, DEA agents and no cops helping out those agencies?
Matthew Holehouse:
"The Immigration Services Union, representing 4,500 border staff, will stage industrial action next Thursday as part of a national public sector strike over pensions. It will inform the Cabinet Office today of its plans.
The move could see hundreds of staff at Heathrow and other airports affected, adding to the delays already being endured at passport control.
Home Office ministers yesterday revealed they would draft in an extra 80 border staff at Heathrow in "hit squads" to tackle the immigration crisis after the Home Secretary Thereas May was brought before the Prime Minister to explain the "unacceptable" queues of over two hours.
Lucy Moreton, the deputy general secretary of the Immigration Services Union, today said: "We don't want to cause disruption, but if the Cabinet Office continues to ignore our concerns over pensions then that is what we are going to do. We have hundreds of members at Heathrowso it will have a significant impact."
The dispute is over Government plans to give border staff with a flexible retirement age instead of pegging it at 65. Ms Moreton said that could force her members to work until their late sixties or even 70 as the state retirement age rose...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "West Desert Task Force Operation Results in Dope Seizure, Vehicle Recovery"
"Tucson, Ariz. – A targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational criminal organizations operating in the west desert resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the seizure of 1,867 pounds of marijuana Friday evening, worth an estimated $933,500
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
The West Desert Task Force is a collaboration between the Tucson Sector Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. In this operation, Ajo Station agents responded to detection technology and discovered an abandoned pickup truck containing 82 bundles of marijuana, weighing 1,867 pounds and worth an estimated $933,500. The bundles were transported to the Ajo Station for processing (photo available). The vehicle, reported stolen out of Phoenix, was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.
Partnerships with other federal, state, tribal and local agencies continue to yield significant dividends against transnational criminal organizations attempting to exploit Arizona’s border region.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.
All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attached website for more information.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Greeley Tribune "Oil and gas companies pick up the property tax bill in Weld County"
One of the things that Sonja Linman could do for Garfield County is help facilitate a middle ground for conservative values and liberal values when it comes to the subject of hypocrisy.
Oh, how these radical extremist groups moan and cry over loss of funding to county needs and citizenry. Pretty baseless when you think about that. Since pretty much everything is funded by property taxes. Who pays millions of dollars per year in property taxes? Why, it is the oil and gas industry!
Oh, how the vulture capitalists (we do have a few if we would only be open about it) thump their chests and holler when the tax bill comes. Who is it that generally always pays their taxes on time and is glad to lend a hand bringing jobs to the area? Why, it is the oil and gas industry!
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)"
Analisa Romano:
"At the mention of taxes, no one groaned or even flinched Tuesday at the Anadarko Petroleum Corp. regional office in Evans.
Instead, government and community leaders gathered to applaud the largest tax payment Anadarko has made to Weld County — $52 million in 2011 property taxes — with an oversized check and cake.
And Anadarko wasn’t event the largest taxpayer in Weld.
Noble Energy paid $57 million in 2011 property taxes, said John Lefebvre, Weld County treasurer. Together, those two oil and gas companies paid 25 percent of the total property taxes collected by Weld County for last year. The deadline to pay was Monday.
“A payment of this size represents success,” said Travis Holland, senior staff accountant for Anadarko, at the celebration Tuesday....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Oh, how these radical extremist groups moan and cry over loss of funding to county needs and citizenry. Pretty baseless when you think about that. Since pretty much everything is funded by property taxes. Who pays millions of dollars per year in property taxes? Why, it is the oil and gas industry!
Oh, how the vulture capitalists (we do have a few if we would only be open about it) thump their chests and holler when the tax bill comes. Who is it that generally always pays their taxes on time and is glad to lend a hand bringing jobs to the area? Why, it is the oil and gas industry!
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)"
Analisa Romano:
"At the mention of taxes, no one groaned or even flinched Tuesday at the Anadarko Petroleum Corp. regional office in Evans.
Instead, government and community leaders gathered to applaud the largest tax payment Anadarko has made to Weld County — $52 million in 2011 property taxes — with an oversized check and cake.
And Anadarko wasn’t event the largest taxpayer in Weld.
Noble Energy paid $57 million in 2011 property taxes, said John Lefebvre, Weld County treasurer. Together, those two oil and gas companies paid 25 percent of the total property taxes collected by Weld County for last year. The deadline to pay was Monday.
“A payment of this size represents success,” said Travis Holland, senior staff accountant for Anadarko, at the celebration Tuesday....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "State bill would withhold revenues from counties that thwart oil drilling "
Hooray!!
House Bill 1356 is being rewritten.
With the idea that only the counties that unnecessarily harm the oil and gas industry will be penalized.
Just maybe, Coloradans can finally gain some control over baseless, frivolous accusations, lawsuits and protests waged by extremist groups against energy development in Colorado.
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)
Tom Ross:
"Steamboat Springs — A bill before the Colorado Legislature that appears to threaten hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual revenue to Routt County from energy severance taxes is on hold after a hearing before the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.
As it stands, House Bill 1356 would have imposed a financial penalty on any local governments in Colorado that “in any way restricted or delayed the ability of an oil and gas producer to” exercise rights to extract oil and gas.
The penalty would come from the withholding of mining and energy-related severance taxes returned to local governments by the state.
County Finance Director Dan Strnad confirmed Tuesday that Routt County received $528,106 in severance tax revenues through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in 2011. The money goes in the county’s Road and Bridge Department fund, Strnad said.
It appears the sanctions in the bill won’t be as far reaching when it returns to committee Wednesday.
The Durango Herald reported Tuesday that state Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who co-sponsored the bill and chairs the committee, began Monday’s session by announcing he intends to rewrite the bill so that it applies only to governments that impose moratoriums on new drilling permits....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
House Bill 1356 is being rewritten.
With the idea that only the counties that unnecessarily harm the oil and gas industry will be penalized.
Just maybe, Coloradans can finally gain some control over baseless, frivolous accusations, lawsuits and protests waged by extremist groups against energy development in Colorado.
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)
Tom Ross:
"Steamboat Springs — A bill before the Colorado Legislature that appears to threaten hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual revenue to Routt County from energy severance taxes is on hold after a hearing before the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.
As it stands, House Bill 1356 would have imposed a financial penalty on any local governments in Colorado that “in any way restricted or delayed the ability of an oil and gas producer to” exercise rights to extract oil and gas.
The penalty would come from the withholding of mining and energy-related severance taxes returned to local governments by the state.
County Finance Director Dan Strnad confirmed Tuesday that Routt County received $528,106 in severance tax revenues through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in 2011. The money goes in the county’s Road and Bridge Department fund, Strnad said.
It appears the sanctions in the bill won’t be as far reaching when it returns to committee Wednesday.
The Durango Herald reported Tuesday that state Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who co-sponsored the bill and chairs the committee, began Monday’s session by announcing he intends to rewrite the bill so that it applies only to governments that impose moratoriums on new drilling permits....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Group says Vernal oil shale meeting was illegal"
If you have not already checked SandBox Utah out, scroll on over to the right sidebar and click on that gorgeous photo of Utah mountains and desert.
Amazing (stunning, even) how twisted oil and gas (especially oil shale) stories can get just traveling the few miles from Utah to Glenwood Springs...
Utahans, for the majority part, were thrilled that the summit of regional governors, commissioners and other various officials gathered in Utah recently to discuss everything from politics to oil shale to tourism.
Again:
Local democrats should probably not get too excited that they have made two good choices (Linman and Caloia) in their never ending search for political candidates. Good enough that for the offices in front of them those two candidates have some fairly decent conservative scrappers out here that are voting for them.
Why?
Because both your candidates are not women who will let anyone steamroll over balance, fairness and justice.
In other words, it's going to be a long, hot summer this political year so maybe distortion of facts isn't the best way to go.
just sayin.
If you would like to read up on the facts and a more balanced look at the recent summit in Vernal, hit google and keyword in. Shed some sunlight on the facts.
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)"
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — A Colorado public watchdog group has filed an open records request with Garfield County and several other counties across three states that took part in a closed-door meeting in Utah in late March to discuss federal lands oil shale policy.
“Our local county commissioners shouldn't be traveling across state lines to meet in secret with industry lobbyists and attorneys,” Elena Nunez, executive director of Colorado Common Cause, said in a prepared statement issued Tuesday.
The meeting itself, which was hosted by the Uintah County, Utah, county commissioners in Vernal on March 27, may have been illegal per Utah's open meetings laws because it was held in executive session, Nunez said.
Any other county that had a quorum of its commissioners attending, which would include Garfield County, may also have been in violation of their state's open meetings laws, she said.
The meeting produced a draft version of a joint resolution urging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to reinstate a Bush-era oil shale policy.
The 2008 plan allocated 2 million acres of public lands for oil shale research and development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The BLM is now re-evaluating the policy, and has come up with a new preferred plan to reduce the acreage to about 462,000 acres. It would include roughly 35,000 acres in northwest Colorado, as opposed to 360,000 acres in the 2008 plan.
Garfield County commissioners, at an April 9 meeting, unanimously adopted a slightly revised version of the joint resolution. The statement served as the county's official comment to the BLM's environmental analysis.
The strongly worded resolution accused the BLM, under the Obama administration, of bowing to environmental and wilderness interests in revisiting the oil shale leasing policy.
Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky confirmed that he and commissioners John Martin and Mike Samson attended the Vernal meeting.
Their intentions to travel to the meeting were disclosed at a March 19 regular Board of County Commissioners meeting, Jankovsky said.
“For our part, we made a few comments, but we were mostly there to listen,” Jankovsky said, characterizing it as an “informational” meeting....." (Read more? Click here.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Amazing (stunning, even) how twisted oil and gas (especially oil shale) stories can get just traveling the few miles from Utah to Glenwood Springs...
Utahans, for the majority part, were thrilled that the summit of regional governors, commissioners and other various officials gathered in Utah recently to discuss everything from politics to oil shale to tourism.
Again:
Local democrats should probably not get too excited that they have made two good choices (Linman and Caloia) in their never ending search for political candidates. Good enough that for the offices in front of them those two candidates have some fairly decent conservative scrappers out here that are voting for them.
Why?
Because both your candidates are not women who will let anyone steamroll over balance, fairness and justice.
In other words, it's going to be a long, hot summer this political year so maybe distortion of facts isn't the best way to go.
just sayin.
If you would like to read up on the facts and a more balanced look at the recent summit in Vernal, hit google and keyword in. Shed some sunlight on the facts.
"Save a gas rig. Opt for fair representation. Vote Sonja Linman (D-Garfield County)"
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — A Colorado public watchdog group has filed an open records request with Garfield County and several other counties across three states that took part in a closed-door meeting in Utah in late March to discuss federal lands oil shale policy.
“Our local county commissioners shouldn't be traveling across state lines to meet in secret with industry lobbyists and attorneys,” Elena Nunez, executive director of Colorado Common Cause, said in a prepared statement issued Tuesday.
The meeting itself, which was hosted by the Uintah County, Utah, county commissioners in Vernal on March 27, may have been illegal per Utah's open meetings laws because it was held in executive session, Nunez said.
Any other county that had a quorum of its commissioners attending, which would include Garfield County, may also have been in violation of their state's open meetings laws, she said.
The meeting produced a draft version of a joint resolution urging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to reinstate a Bush-era oil shale policy.
The 2008 plan allocated 2 million acres of public lands for oil shale research and development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The BLM is now re-evaluating the policy, and has come up with a new preferred plan to reduce the acreage to about 462,000 acres. It would include roughly 35,000 acres in northwest Colorado, as opposed to 360,000 acres in the 2008 plan.
Garfield County commissioners, at an April 9 meeting, unanimously adopted a slightly revised version of the joint resolution. The statement served as the county's official comment to the BLM's environmental analysis.
The strongly worded resolution accused the BLM, under the Obama administration, of bowing to environmental and wilderness interests in revisiting the oil shale leasing policy.
Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky confirmed that he and commissioners John Martin and Mike Samson attended the Vernal meeting.
Their intentions to travel to the meeting were disclosed at a March 19 regular Board of County Commissioners meeting, Jankovsky said.
“For our part, we made a few comments, but we were mostly there to listen,” Jankovsky said, characterizing it as an “informational” meeting....." (Read more? Click here.)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
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