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October 27, 2006
COMMENTARY: CONTROL YOUR PIT BULL, PLEASE
October 27, 2006 10:30 AM
archivesCOMMENTARY: CONTROL YOUR PIT BULL, PLEASE
Commentator Sandy Knauf doesn't think pit bulls should be banned, but as a mother with a neighbor who has a pit bull, she says she's worried. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:30 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado Springs , Commentary
"LOVE A BULLY" PROTEST FOR DOG RIGHTS
October 27, 2006 10:28 AM
archives"LOVE A BULLY" PROTEST FOR DOG RIGHTS
A couple of weeks ago on Western Skies we reported on how citywide bans on pit bulls in Denver and Aurora were resulting in dozens of the iron-jawed canines being sent south to the Colorado Springs area. We now offer two contrasting views on pit bulls. The first from Tracy Green, who is organizing this Saturday's "Love a Bully" march against breed-specific bans on dogs. It starts at 10 a.m. at Monument Valley Park, and Green says, if you come, you should leave your dog at home. Green explains what "Love a Bully" is all about. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:28 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado Springs , Legal Affairs
CANDIDATES STRUGGLE TO WIN DISTICT CONTAINING ASPEN AND ALAMOSA
October 27, 2006 10:27 AM
archivesCANDIDATES STRUGGLE TO WIN DISTICT CONTAINING ASPEN AND ALAMOSA
What do the towns of Alamosa and Aspen have in common? Nominally, they're both in Colorado, although Alamosa has a distinctive northern New Mexico flavor to it, and Aspen, demographically anyway, has more in common with Manhattan or Hollywood than the rest of the state. So it's curious that state senate district five takes in both towns, as well as much of the San Luis Valley and Salida and Buena Vista in the upper Arkansas Valley. The fifth district's senator is currently Lew Entz, a republican potato farmer from Hooper. He's being challenged this year by Gail Schwartz, a democrat University of Colorado Regent from Snowmass Village. Kirk Siegler of Aspen Public Radio has this look at the two contestants. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:27 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Politics , Regional
SPITEFUL ATTACKS DEFINE RACE FOR COLORADO'S 4TH DISTRICT
October 27, 2006 10:24 AM
archivesSPITEFUL ATTACKS DEFINE RACE FOR COLORADO'S 4TH DISTRICT
Also fiercely competitive this year is the race for Colorado's 4th District house seat. The 4th is a sprawling district that includes Weld and Larimer Counties - in addition to much of the eastern plains. Conservative Republican Marilyn Musgrave squared off against Democratic opponent Angie Paccione in Windsor Tuesday night. Also present was Reform Party Candidate Eric Eidsness. KUNC's Brian Larson reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:24 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Politics , Regional
THE HARDEST CONGRESSIONAL SEAT FROM COLORADO TO WIN
October 27, 2006 10:22 AM
archivesTHE HARDEST CONGRESSIONAL SEAT FROM COLORADO TO WIN
Bob Beauprez' decision to run for governor opened up Colorado's newest seat in Congress, the one representing the 7th Congressional District. The 7th is a sprawling, L-shaped conglomeration of mostly of Denver suburbs, and almost evenly split between Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters. KUNC's Nancy Greenleese reports on the Democratic former state lawmaker and Republican ex-cabinet member who are duking it out. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:22 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Denver , Politics
FBI INVESTIGATES BEAUPREZ CAMPAIGN - DOES IT MATTER?
October 27, 2006 10:20 AM
archivesFBI INVESTIGATES BEAUPREZ CAMPAIGN - DOES IT MATTER?
Last week the FBI began investigating whether Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Beauprez broke a federal law to get information for an attack against Democrat Bill Ritter. The scandal has been front page news, but as Bente Birkeland found, many voters say they're not paying much attention. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:20 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal Affairs , Politics
October 25, 2006
STATE HOUSE RACES PART 2: ANNA LORD VS. BOB GARDNER
October 25, 2006 4:18 PM
archivesSTATE HOUSE RACES PART 2: ANNA LORD VS. BOB GARDNER
Democrats in El Paso County feel like one of their strongest candidates for the state legislature is Anna Lord, a 45-year-old member of the Manitou Springs School Board who is running for state office for the first time.
Her opponent is Bob Gardner, a former Republican party chairman who has been active in local campaigns for the last 15 years. The 52-year-old Gardner is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel.
Lord and Gardner are running for the open seat in House District 21, which is being vacated by Republican Keith King, who is term limited. District 21 takes in southwestern El Paso County and eastern Fremont County. Earlier this month, Gardner and Lord faced off at a candidate forum in Canon City.
[LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to El Paso County , Politics
TERM LIMITS FOR JUDGES? A LOOK AT AMENDMENT 40
October 25, 2006 4:17 PM
archivesTERM LIMITS FOR JUDGES? A LOOK AT AMENDMENT 40
Term limits for judges? That's what backers of Amendment 40 on this year's state ballot are advocating. The say Colorado's courts are out of control and term limits are needed to reign in activist judges. A growing list of opponents are fighting this proposed constitutional amendment. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal Affairs , Politics
STATE HOUSE RACES PART ONE: CLOER VS. VARNEY IN DISTRICT 17
October 25, 2006 4:14 PM
archivesSTATE HOUSE RACES PART ONE: CLOER VS. VARNEY IN DISTRICT 17
House District 17 is roughly the territory south of downtown Colorado Springs to the Pueblo county line, bounded on the west by highway 115, and on the east by Interstate 25. Democrat Christine Varney, a first time candidate, is facing an uphill battle against incumbent Republican Mark Cloer. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to El Paso County , Politics
October 20, 2006
COMMENTARY: GUILT
October 20, 2006 4:19 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: GUILT
Commentator Eva Syrovy remembers when she thought guilt was a bad thing, but now, as a mother, she's not so sure. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Commentary , Women's Issues
CSU-PUEBLO'S PLAN TO RETAIN MORE HISPANIC STUDENTS
October 20, 2006 4:17 PM
archivesCSU-PUEBLO'S PLAN TO RETAIN MORE HISPANIC STUDENTS
With a large population of Hispanic students, Colorado State University Pueblo is at the forefront of efforts to see Hispanics through to graduation. The school recently got a grant for nearly $3 million to assist those efforts from the US Department of Education. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Education , Latino/a , Pueblo
ROADLESS RULES - BUSH OUT, CLINTON BACK IN ... FOR NOW
October 20, 2006 4:15 PM
archivesROADLESS RULES - BUSH OUT, CLINTON BACK IN ... FOR NOW
A federal judge has reinstated the Clinton administration's last-minute protections for roadies public lands. What exactly that means on the ground is a matter of conjecture. We talk to High Country News Associate Editor Jonathan Thompson. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Legal
MUDSLINGING IN CD 4 - NEGATIVE ADS TURN OFF VOTERS
October 20, 2006 4:12 PM
archivesMUDSLINGING IN CD 4 - NEGATIVE ADS TURN OFF VOTERS
Earlier this week the head of the National Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said the party expects to pick up three house seats in Colorado this fall. One of those seats is the fourth congressional district, and If you watch TV or listen to the radio you can't miss the candidate's ads. Whether they're from national parties, 527 groups or the candidates themselves, there's no question the ads in the 4th congressional district are getting ugly. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:12 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Media , Politics
"GOD'S POLITICS," EVANGELICAL WRITER PROPHSIZES A NEW GENERATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVISM
October 20, 2006 4:10 PM
archives"GOD'S POLITICS," EVANGELICAL WRITER PROPHSIZES A NEW GENERATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVISM
Jim Wallis, author of "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It" talks about a new generation of evangelical activists who care more about ministering to the poor and needy than "traditional" religious right issues. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Literature , Religion
TRAILHEAD INVESTIGATED OVER ED JONES CAMPAIGN ADS
October 20, 2006 4:08 PM
archivesTRAILHEAD INVESTIGATED OVER ED JONES CAMPAIGN ADS
The group behind a campaign ad targeting Democratic state senate candidate John Morse is being investigated by the El Paso County District Attorney. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal Affairs , Politics
October 18, 2006
"JESUS IN MONTANA" COMES TO MANITOU
October 18, 2006 4:01 PM
archives"JESUS IN MONTANA" COMES TO MANITOU
An interview with Aspen humorist Barry Smith, on his one man play, "Jesus in Montana." [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:01 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Interview , Manitou Springs , Media
RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE - WHY BE AFRAID?
October 18, 2006 3:59 PM
archivesRELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE - WHY BE AFRAID?
That's the title of a symposium this week at Colorado College. CC Student Molly Adams has a preview. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:59 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Politics , Religion
LAMBORN AND FAWCETT ON EXPANSION OF FT. CARSON'S PINON CANYON MANEUVER SITE
October 18, 2006 3:57 PM
archivesLAMBORN AND FAWCETT ON EXPANSION OF FT. CARSON'S PINON CANYON MANEUVER SITE
Saturday's 2nd debate between Republican Doug Lamborn and Democrat Jay Fawcett covered a lot of the same ground as their first meeting two weeks ago. But on Saturday both we asked to address a new issue - the potential expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver site between Trinidad and La Junta. Ft. Carson says it needs to grow the 350 square mile training site by an additional 650 square miles, and that it will use eminent domain to acquire the land if it has to. There is widespread opposition to the expansion among area landowners and business and political leaders in the area. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:57 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Environment , Ft. Carson , Military
PRISONS IN COLORADO - DANGEROUSLY UNDERSTAFFED
October 18, 2006 3:55 PM
archivesPRISONS IN COLORADO - DANGEROUSLY UNDERSTAFFED
In the last week a judge scolded federal prison officials for not having an adequate number of officers, and the state announced fines for private prison contractors. The fines are based on unfilled guard positions. And, as Bente Birkeland reports, state-run prisons have cut hundreds of correctional officers in recent years, too. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal Affairs , Prisons
FAWCETT AND LAMBORN ON "VALUES"
October 18, 2006 3:54 PM
archivesFAWCETT AND LAMBORN ON "VALUES"
When it comes to the marriage and domestic partnership proposals, U.S. House Candidates Jay Fawcett and Doug Lamborn both say they'll vote for amending the constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. But where Lamborn says he'll vote against legally establishing domestic partnerships, Fawcett says he favors the measure.
Here's how the two candidates, in a debate last Saturday, answered the question "What values do you consider key to our national culture?"
[LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:54 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Gay & Lesbian , Politics
WHO'S FAMILY? A LOOK AT COLORADO'S GAY-RELATED BALLOT MEASURES
October 18, 2006 3:46 PM
archivesWHO'S FAMILY? A LOOK AT COLORADO'S GAY-RELATED BALLOT MEASURES
In our continuing coverage of state ballot issues, we now take a look Referendum I, which would legalize domestic partnerships for same sex couples, and Amendment 43, which would enshrine in Colorado's constitution the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. KUNC's Nancy Greenleese reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Gay & Lesbian , Politics
FAWCETT VS. LAMBORN PART ONE
October 18, 2006 3:44 PM
archivesFAWCETT VS. LAMBORN PART ONE
Republicans close ranks, sort of, behind their nominee for Colorado's U.S. House seat in District 5. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
October 13, 2006
COMMENTARY: DRIVE-BY CAMPAIGN LITERATURE
October 13, 2006 2:38 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: DRIVE-BY CAMPAIGN LITERATURE
Andy Lyons reviews attempts to get the attention of voters behind the wheel. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:38 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Commentary , Politics
DENVER'S PIT BULL BAN DUMPS DOGS NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS
October 13, 2006 2:36 PM
archivesDENVER'S PIT BULL BAN DUMPS DOGS NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS
Sometimes the people we vote for, upon getting elected, appear to be someone completely different. And when new legislation, initiatives and referenda pass, they all result in the same law - the law of unintended consequences. An example are the laws passed by Denver and other municipalities in the area banning a specific breed of dog, the pit bull - the unintended consequence is that many of the outlawed dogs are ending up in and around Colorado Springs. Eric Mack reports [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:36 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Politics
COLORADO'S BALLOT MEASURE TO REFORM LOBBYING
October 13, 2006 2:34 PM
archivesCOLORADO'S BALLOT MEASURE TO REFORM LOBBYING
Many lobbyists and legislators say a proposed constitutional amendment to clean up state government is overreaching and unnecessary. But proponents say the state needs to crack down on inappropriate influences. The amendment is one of 14 ballot questions voters will see this fall. It bans gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and sets strict limits on gifts to government workers. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:34 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
COLORADO'S MINIMUM WAGE BALLOT ISSUE
October 13, 2006 2:31 PM
archivesCOLORADO'S MINIMUM WAGE BALLOT ISSUE
One of the most hotly contested of the 14 state ballot measures voters will face this November is one that would amend Colorado's constitution to raise the minimum wage, and to provide for future raises based on the cost of living. KUNC's Brian Larson reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:31 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Politics
"527" MONEY SURGES IN COLORADO
October 13, 2006 2:29 PM
archives"527" MONEY SURGES IN COLORADO
Spending by so-called 527 committees has skyrocketed in Colorado this election cycle. It's six times higher than the last election according to a new study from the Center for Responsive politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Bente Birkeland spoke with Massie Ritsch with the Center for Public Integrity to find out how 527s operate and how the groups are affecting Colorado's campaigns. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:29 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
RACE FOR HEFLEY'S SEAT SUDDENLY COMPETITIVE
October 13, 2006 2:27 PM
archivesRACE FOR HEFLEY'S SEAT SUDDENLY COMPETITIVE
Suddenly, the U.S. House race that conventional wisdom said was a foregone conclusion has turned into a real contest.
This week a poll commissioned by the Denver Post showed Democrat Jay Fawcett tied with Republican Doug Lamborn in the contest for House District 5. A Democrat has never won the district since it was created in 1972.
We hear from Colorado College Political Science Professor Bob Loevey and Colorado Springs City Councilman Scott Hente, a Republican who is endorsing Fawcett.
[LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
October 11, 2006
LAMBORN / FAWCETT DEBATE
October 11, 2006 4:12 PM
archivesLAMBORN / FAWCETT DEBATE
On October 5th, a one-on-one debate took place in Caņon City between US House of Representatives' District 5 candidates Jay Fawcett and Doug Lamborn. The event was sponsored by the Caņon City Chamber of Commerce. KRCC's Eric Whitney was at the event and brought back an uncut tape for KRCC listeners. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:12 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Politics
October 6, 2006
COMMENTARY: SCHOOL SHOOTINGS - DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE
October 6, 2006 5:03 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: SCHOOL SHOOTINGS - DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE
It's hard not to be shocked by the gun violence in three schools last week, including the killings in Bailey, Colorado. But commentator Caroline Vulgamore says we need to keep these incidents in the proper perspective. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:03 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Commentary
COLORADO RESIDENTS ATTACK PROPOSED NEW MEXCIO POWER PLANT
October 6, 2006 5:02 PM
archivesCOLORADO RESIDENTS ATTACK PROPOSED NEW MEXCIO POWER PLANT
A new coal-fired power plant planned for the Navajo Reservation in northern New Mexico is being given the thumbs-down by residents of southwestern Colorado. From KSUT, Four Corners Public Radio, Victor Locke has this report on EPA hearings about the power plant held this week in Durango [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:02 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Legal
VOTES AGAINST ILLEGLA IMMIGRATION USELESS?
October 6, 2006 5:00 PM
archivesVOTES AGAINST ILLEGLA IMMIGRATION USELESS?
Two of the fourteen state ballot measures Colorado voters will face this fall are designed to curb illegal immigration. They target the business community and federal law enforcement, but business leaders and the state's top cop doubt whether either measure will have any impact. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:00 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Immigration , Legal Affairs
JASON BAIN ON THE GOVERNOR'S RACE, AND THE CONGRESSIONAL PAGE SCANDAL
October 6, 2006 4:59 PM
archivesJASON BAIN ON THE GOVERNOR'S RACE, AND THE CONGRESSIONAL PAGE SCANDAL
Perspective on the Governor's race and other political issues from Jason Bain, political writer at 5280 Magazine. He talks politics every week with Sam Fuqua, news director at KGNU in Boulder. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:59 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
GOV CANDIDATES DEBATE ENERGY POLICIES ON WESTERN SLOPE
October 6, 2006 4:57 PM
archivesGOV CANDIDATES DEBATE ENERGY POLICIES ON WESTERN SLOPE
Colorado's candidates for governor squared off in a debate in on the Western Slope last night. Kirk Siegler of Aspen Public Radio reports on the event in Garfield county, where booming natural gas development is the dominant issue [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:57 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Politics
October 4, 2006
COMMENTARY: ZEN DOGGIE
October 4, 2006 3:36 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: ZEN DOGGIE
Choosing to care for an animal is a decision that comes with a lot of responsibility. But sometimes, commentator Sandra Knauf observes, it's the animals that choose us, and who is to say why? [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:36 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado Springs , Commentary
PROFILE OF A BEEKEEPER AT HARVEST TIME
October 4, 2006 3:32 PM
archivesPROFILE OF A BEEKEEPER AT HARVEST TIME
For most working people, the change of season is something that happens beyond our workplace, outside the office windows. But for people of agriculture - farmers, ranchers and even beekeepers - the move from summer to fall often represents payday, the time when harvests come in and they see the return on all the time and effort they've invested. Sometimes those returns are small, due to unpredictable weather and other factors, so it helps that most farmers love what they do, and take satisfaction in working with the natural processes. KRCC's Shanna Lewis introduces us to one such person, a beekeeper in the Wet Mountains near Rye. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Environment
RANCHERS OPPOSE ARMY BASE EXPANSION
October 4, 2006 3:30 PM
archivesRANCHERS OPPOSE ARMY BASE EXPANSION
In Colorado, the U.S. Army wants to grow its 370 square mile remote training site by another 650 square miles. The expanded maneuver site would be about the same size as Rhode Island. But in order to expand, the Army will have to buy out dozens of ranchers, many of whom have been on the land for 100 years or more. We meet some of the ranchers, and hear from business owners in surrounding towns who see no good in the proposal. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Environment , Military , Regional
ELECTRONIC VOTING
October 4, 2006 3:27 PM
archivesELECTRONIC VOTING
Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much, especially at election time. But in Colorado, both parties are pushing absentee voting this year. Republicans say it helps them get out the vote, but Democrats say its because new electronic voting machines can't be trusted. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 3:27 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal , Politics
