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December 15, 2006
COMMENTARY - THE JOYS OF HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVELS
December 15, 2006 2:46 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY - THE JOYS OF HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVELS
The holidays - a joyous time to be together with our families. Sometimes that means traveling, with our families, and sometimes, the joyousness somehow evaporates. Commentator Sandra Knauf finds that that might be a multi-generational experience. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:46 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Commentary , Holiday
2006 IN REVIEW, PART ONE
December 15, 2006 2:44 PM
archives2006 IN REVIEW, PART ONE
We begin our look back at 2006 as heard on Western Skies. This time: dark skies, a Ft. Carson soldier is convicted of killing an Iraqi general and we meet Tressie Knowlton, aka Miss Rodeo USA 2006 - she's from Pueblo County.
[LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Holiday
GOV. LAWMAKERS STATE GOALS FOR 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
December 15, 2006 2:42 PM
archivesGOV. LAWMAKERS STATE GOALS FOR 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Health care, transportation and the economy - Democrats and Republicans agree those will be top priorities in 2007, but the parties differ on how they'll choose to address them. Bente Birkeland reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Politics
December 14, 2006
COMMENTARY -VALUING THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
December 14, 2006 7:23 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY -VALUING THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
Last week on Western Skies, we aired a story by reporter Lindsay Patterson about efforts to make Colorado Springs more aware of local people with developmental disabilities. Much of the story was about how difficult it is to find public funding for services for the developmentally disabled. It prompted this response from Debbie Swanson, development director at The Resource Exchange, a local non-profit that coordinates services for the disabled. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Commentary , Health
TOP DWI REDUCTION PROGRAM TAKES ON METH
December 14, 2006 7:21 PM
archivesTOP DWI REDUCTION PROGRAM TAKES ON METH
San Juan County, New Mexico's DWI reduction program is about twice as effective as any treatment center in the nation when it comes to reducing the number of repeat offenders. The county is hoping its new methamphetamine treatment program will show great results as well. Joan Zwisler of Four Corners Public Radio reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Health , Legal Affairs , New Mexico
PETE DOMENICI FLIP-FLOPS ON PROTECTION FOR NEW MEXICO NATURAL AREA
December 14, 2006 7:20 PM
archivesPETE DOMENICI FLIP-FLOPS ON PROTECTION FOR NEW MEXICO NATURAL AREA
In our twice-monthly interview with editors at High Country News, we hear about NM senior Senator Pete Domenici, who mysteriously dropped his opposition to federal protection for the Valle Vidal. Valle Vidal is a 100,000 acre parcel of public land between Raton and Taos that environmentalists have long sought to protect from energy development. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Environment , New Mexico , Politics
AUDIT: PRISON OFFICIAL MOONLIGHTED FOR PRIVATE PRISON COMPANY
December 14, 2006 7:18 PM
archivesAUDIT: PRISON OFFICIAL MOONLIGHTED FOR PRIVATE PRISON COMPANY
An audit report made public Tuesday says a top state prison official was on the payroll of a private prison company while the company was doing business with the state. He could reap $1 million for his efforts. Meanwhile, the company he worked for says it won't fulfill a contract unless the state guarantees it a certain amount of business. Bente Birkeland reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Legal , Prisons
IMMIGRATION RAID Q AND A
December 14, 2006 7:16 PM
archivesIMMIGRATION RAID Q AND A
On Tuesday federal immigration agents raided meatpacking plants in six states run by Greeley-based Swift and Company, arresting about 1,300 employees for alleged identity theft-related crimes. Swift's facility in Greeley was included in the raids. We talk with Brian Larson of KUNC in Greeley, who was on the scene. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:16 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Immigration
December 8, 2006
COMMENTARY: SCHOOL CHOICE, BY D-11 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE JAN TANNER
December 8, 2006 6:48 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: SCHOOL CHOICE, BY D-11 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE JAN TANNER
This Tuesday is the deadline by which voters in Colorado Springs School District 11 must return ballots in the school board recall election. Jan Tanner is a candidate for one of the seats that could be open if voters oust Eric Christen or Sandy Shakes. Earlier this week, Jan Tanner got in touch with us and asked to record a commentary for Western Skies. Our policy is to give anyone with an opinion 3 minutes of airtime, and here is Jan Tanner's commentary. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Education , Politics
EMPTY STOCKING FUND
December 8, 2006 6:47 PM
archivesEMPTY STOCKING FUND
Charities in the Pikes Peak Region are hoping to receive some $850,000 from the Gazette-El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund. But first, the Fund has to raise it. Reporting on a couple of events this Saturday designed to make donating fun is Colorado College student Matthias Barker. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:47 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Holiday
FT. CARSON MOURNS THE LOSS OF HIGHEST RANKING OFFICER TO DIE IN IRAQ
December 8, 2006 6:45 PM
archivesFT. CARSON MOURNS THE LOSS OF HIGHEST RANKING OFFICER TO DIE IN IRAQ
Lt. Col. Eric John Kruger was killed by a roadside bomb on his first mission in Iraq, shortly after Ft. Carson's 2nd Brigade Combat Team arrived. The 40-year-old father of four will be sorely missed. We take you to the memorial held for him at Ft. Carson Wednesday. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:45 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Ft. Carson , Memorial , Military
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AT FT. CARSON, Q AND A WITH NPR'S DANIEL ZWERDLING
December 8, 2006 6:43 PM
archivesPOST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AT FT. CARSON, Q AND A WITH NPR'S DANIEL ZWERDLING
On Monday, National Public Radio aired a half-hour report by veteran investigative Reporter Daniel Zwerdling, that he gathered at at Ft. Carson. We had a chance to visit with Zwerdling to hear about how he put his story together, and what kind of reaction it's getting. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Ft. Carson , Interview , Military
LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
December 8, 2006 6:42 PM
archivesLEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
It's just over a month until Colorado's new governor, Bill Ritter gives his inaugural state of the state address on January 9th. The following day, the Colorado legislature convenes for it's four month session.
John Straayer, a longtime Colorado government watcher and professor of political science at Colorado State University recently sat down with our capitol reporter Bente Birkeland to talk about what we're likely to see this legislative session.
[LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Interview , Politics
December 7, 2006
COMMENTARY: ENOUGH WITH THE TURKEY, ALREADY
December 7, 2006 1:28 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: ENOUGH WITH THE TURKEY, ALREADY
The staff here at Western Skies was preparing to start our holiday baking the other day when, rooting around in the 'fridge, we couldn't help but notice, there's still quite a bit leftover from Thanksgiving. We were in a quandary. Thank goodness for commentator Barry Smith, who told us just what to do. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:28 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Commentary , Holiday
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: AN INSIDER'S VIEW
December 7, 2006 1:25 PM
archivesDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: AN INSIDER'S VIEW
Last summer, organizations in Colorado Springs that help people with developmental disabilities held a first-ever "awareness day." The idea was to let the community know about how many people locally need and get help with some of the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted. Attendance was less than overwhelming, but reporter Lindsay Patterson was there, and wanted to learn more about the Springs' disabled community. In this story, Lindsay talks with people who help the disabled, and one local man who is aware of developmental disabilities every day. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:25 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Education , Health
HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
December 7, 2006 1:23 PM
archivesHEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
Nearly three-quarters of a million people in Colorado don't have health insurance. Caring for them drives up costs for everyone else who does. Every year the state legislature tries to come up with solutions to the state's health care crisis, and last year lawmakers and Governor Owens appointed a task force to recommend fixes. Bente Birkeland reports what the state health care task force is trying to accomplish. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Health , Politics
2ND SPRING'S OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY
December 7, 2006 1:21 PM
archives2ND SPRING'S OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY
For the second time this year, a Colorado Springs police officer has been killed in the line of duty. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 1:21 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Legal Affairs
December 1, 2006
COMMENTARY: FORGETTING THE DAY KENNEDY DIED
December 1, 2006 2:26 PM
archivesCOMMENTARY: FORGETTING THE DAY KENNEDY DIED
What were you doing on November 22nd? That date ring a bell for you? For people of a certain age, November 22nd, 1963 is a day frozen in time, when they can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing. Commentator Caroline Vulgamore explains why. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:26 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Commentary , Memorial
FEEDING THE HUNGRY VS. FEEDING COMMERCE AT CHRISTMAS
December 1, 2006 2:24 PM
archivesFEEDING THE HUNGRY VS. FEEDING COMMERCE AT CHRISTMAS
For some people, it's the gifts that ruin the holidays. The endless hawking of gadgets we don't need, the frenzied quest for the perfect present, and the nagging doubt about buying iPods when others can't afford food. Wouldn't it be more fulfilling to buy something really practical for someone who really needs it? Some people actually try, as producer Julie Siple discovered. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Holiday , Poverty
ARCHAEOLOGY, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
December 1, 2006 2:22 PM
archivesARCHAEOLOGY, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
In the last four decades, there's been an explosion in study of the Southwest's substantial archaeological resources. It's mostly due to a federal law mandating that energy companies and other industries document what they find on public land. We talk with High Country News Associate Editor Jonathan Thompson about what's been found, and a new pilot program to improve the system. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Science , Utilities
14'ER FILM ON HOLD BECAUSE IT "EXPLOITS" WILDERNESS
December 1, 2006 2:20 PM
archives14'ER FILM ON HOLD BECAUSE IT "EXPLOITS" WILDERNESS
Colorado is home to more mountains 14,000 feet and higher in elevation than any other state, there's 54 of them. And if you're not careful, you might just run into someone at a cocktail party who has made it their personal quest to climb each one - worst case scenario is they'll have pictures or even a video handy. But one Fourteener-head from Aspen is running into trouble trying screen his home movie about climbing and skiing all of Colorado's big, gnarly mountains. The Forest Service says he needs a permit to do so, and won't give it to him. Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler has the story. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:20 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Legal
SMALL BUSINESSES HOPE TO BENEFIT FROM NEW STATE TOURISM MONEY
December 1, 2006 2:18 PM
archivesSMALL BUSINESSES HOPE TO BENEFIT FROM NEW STATE TOURISM MONEY
With the Christmas holidays coming up, Colorado's winter tourist season is about to kick into high gear. Colorado ranks as one of the top states people say they want to visit, and last year tourists spent more than $8 billion here. But not all parts of the state benefit equally. A new law could help level the playing field and give a boost to less traveled areas. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Politics
DEMS: SUTHERS FAILS TO ENFORCE NEW IMMIGRATION LAW
December 1, 2006 2:17 PM
archivesDEMS: SUTHERS FAILS TO ENFORCE NEW IMMIGRATION LAW
State Attorney General John Suthers, a republican, says his office lacks the resources to enforce a tough new illegal immigration law. Democratic house leadership scoffs at his claim. KUNC's Nancy Greenleese reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:17 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Colorado , Immigration , Politics
JUDGE REVOKES DRILLERS' ACCESS TO ROADLESS AREAS
December 1, 2006 2:15 PM
archivesJUDGE REVOKES DRILLERS' ACCESS TO ROADLESS AREAS
A federal judge in California has effectively voided several hundred oil and gas leases across the interior West. The judge said a Clinton-era roadless rule that was reinstated in September applies to leases awarded from 2001 to this year by the Bush Administration. From Denver, NPR's Jeff Brady reports. [LISTEN] []
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Posted to Environment , Legal , Regional
