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April 25, 2008

Indie Spirit Film Festival
April 25, 2008 3:44 PM

Being independent isn't always easy. Eric Shively, a first time independent filmmaker, captured the subtle joys and deep lonliness that comes with trying to fulfill your dreams on your own. Shively's film "Everyone but You," is the opening night feature for the first Annual Indie Spirit Film Festival here is Colorado Spring. KRCC's Kate Dawson met up with Shiveley and the costars of his documentary.








Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:44 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs

April 11, 2008

Boxatron
April 11, 2008 5:37 PM


Photo: Noel BlackAs you walk downtown this spring you may have accompaniment from musicians playing guitars, saxophones, or harmonicas. But keep your ears open for a slightly different sound. Noel Black interviewed Logan while he played his portable instrument of choice, a cigar box banjo or as he likes to call it, his boxatron. Kate Dawson produced this piece for KRCC.








The interview with Logan and his Boxatron was by Noel Black and produced by Kate Dawson.

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:37 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs

Aaron Anstett: Pikes Peak Region's first poet laureate
April 11, 2008 4:51 PM

The Pikes Peak Region's first poet laureate will be crowned this Saturday and his name is Aaron Anstett. The author of Sustenance, No Accident, and Each Place the Body's, Anstett is a graduate of the prestigioius Iowa Writer's Workshop and calls Colorado Springs home. Arts Reporter Noel Black spoke with him to find out just what a poet laureate does.







Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:51 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado Springs

January 15, 2008

Bruce's Kick Under Investigation
January 15, 2008 4:33 PM


State lawmakers have formed a committee to deal with a kicking incident on the House floor on Monday by Republican Representative Douglas Bruce. The Colorado Springs lawmaker is refusing to apologize to a Rocky Mountain News Photographer who took his picture during the morning prayer. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:33 PM| | Comments (1) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Legal , Media , Politics

January 9, 2008

Sheriff Seeks Help Finding Missing Woman
January 9, 2008 5:10 PM


The El Paso County Sheriff's department is asking for help locating a woman missing for nearly a month. Late last month the sheriff's office was asked to check on the welfare of 51-year-old Audrey Blake of 2345 Piros Drive in unincorporated El Paso County.

Blake was last seen was at the Greyhound Bus Station where she was dropped off by Yellow Cab on November 27th. Her bus ticket said she was going to Miami, Florida and was due to return December 11th. She has had no contact with any friends or family since November 27th.

Family and friends say Blake's lack of contact with family is unusual, and that she normally returns on the date she'll be home.

Audrey Ellen Blake is described as a white female, 51 years of age, with short white hair, hazel eyes, 5'9" tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds. A photo is available at KRCC.org.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Blake's whereabouts to Detective Charles Kull at 719-520-7190.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:10 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , El Paso County , Regional , Transportation

December 12, 2007

Local News Roundup, Wed., Dec. 12, 2007
December 12, 2007 5:43 PM

Murray's Parents Speak

Ritter Visits Colorado Troops in Iraq

Salazar: No Renewable Mandate in Federal Energy Bill

Spud Pests in Colorado?

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Health , Military , Religion

Statement From Killer's Parents
December 12, 2007 12:04 PM

Text of a statement issued Wednesday by Ronald and Loretta Murray, parents of Matthew Murray, the gunman who killed four people at a Colorado church and youth mission center on Sunday:

Out of respect for the grieving families of the victims of this unthinkable tragedy, our family will not be making any statements to the press until funeral services for all the victims have concluded. Our thoughts and constant prayers are with the families of Stephanie and Rachel Works, Phillip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson as well as those who were injured in the shootings.

Read More --> Continue reading "Statement From Killer's Parents" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:04 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Denver , Memorial

December 11, 2007

Ft. Carson Continues Preparing to Care for Wounded Troops
December 11, 2007 6:11 PM



Col. Kelly Wolgast is the chief medical officer at Ft. Carson

As Fort Carson prepares to welcome home about 4,000 soldiers from a 15 month tour in Iraq, it continues to ramp up it ability to care for those wounded in action.The Mountain Post on Tuesday formally formally activated a special battalion for battle-injured soldiers only. The so-called "Warrior Transition Unit" was launched four months ago.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:11 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military , Regional

Latest Details on New Life Shootings
December 11, 2007 5:28 PM

Colorado Springs police say the man who killed four people at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and the Youth With a Mission training center in Arvada on Sunday died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:28 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Religion

December 10, 2007

Jeanne Assam, "Hero" of New Life Shooting Speaks to the Press
December 10, 2007 6:02 PM

After keeping her identity secret for 24 hours, New Life Church and Colorado Springs police announced that the volunteer security guard who stopped the killing spree at the church Sunday is 42-year-old Jeanne Assam. Assam then took questions from the media at a press conference at the Colorado Springs police operations center downtown for about 10 minutes. Here is the press conference in its entirety.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:02 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Religion

December 4, 2007

Plans for Spring's New Skate Park
December 4, 2007 5:46 PM

Trinidad, Colorado, population 10,000, has a world renowned skate park, rated in pro-skateboarder Tony Hawk's top ten. So why, many skaters wonder, does Colorado Springs, with over 35 times as many people, lack a professionally built skate park? Well, that's set to change. The city is planning a new 40,000 sq foot skate park, and this one will be built by people who know what they're doing. Colorado College student Kate Dawson has this report on what people want.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:46 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Sports

November 29, 2007

Governor's "Health Dialogue" Soaks up Valuable Data
November 29, 2007 5:23 PM



Graph appears in "Governor's Dialogue on Health Care Vision and Values"

Governor Ritter has described the American healthcare system as "broken," and now he's asking hundreds of Coloradoans some very difficult and specific questions about how to fix it. We take you to one of his "Dialogs on Health Care Vision and Values" held in Colorado Springs Wednesday.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:23 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Health , Politics , Regional

November 28, 2007

City Drops Charges Against Last of St. Patrick's Day Protesters
November 28, 2007 2:32 PM


Photo by Mark Lewis, CSAction.org


This press release was issued by the City of Colorado Springs at about 2:30pm.

City Attorney Patricia K. Kelly said:

"The City Attorney's Office has just concluded a comprehensive review of evidence regarding further prosecution of Eric Verlo and Elizabeth Fineron. Based upon that review, we have decided that it is not in the public interest to continue the further prosecutions. We have decided to seek a dismissal of charges against the two defendants."

"The comprehensive review revealed police actions were appropriate during the St. Patrick's Day parade and there was probable cause to arrest the defendants. Further, the review found ample and sufficient evidence, along with multiple witnesses to continue with the prosecution. However, a second trial would require a significant time commitment from police officers, citizen witnesses and prosecutors, and, in this case, it would appear that the public has already spoken when the first trial ended in a hung jury."

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:32 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Holiday , Legal Affairs , Military , Politics

November 23, 2007

Ft. Carson Families Talk About Multiple Deployments, Part III
November 23, 2007 4:01 PM


Cannons are fired in honor of deploying troops at Ft. Carson Nov. 20, 2007

The third of three stories in which members of Ft. Carson's 3rd Brigade and their families talk about deploying to Iraq, many for the third time. The brigade has just begun to deploy, and all 3,800 members should be on the ground in Iraq by mid-December.

[LISTEN]

To hear part two, CLICK HERE

To hear part one, CLICK HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:01 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Military

Empty Stocking Fund Drive Kicks Off
November 23, 2007 9:15 AM

As the temperature is dropping, many charitable organization's needs are rising in the Pike's Peak region. This weekend kicks off a month filled with events that will benefit 14 non-profit health and human service agencies in the Pike's Peak region at this time of increased need. Colorado College student Kate Dawson has more about the annual Empty Stocking Fund Drive.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:15 AM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Health , Poverty , Regional

November 21, 2007

Broadmoor Offers "Spa for the Troops"
November 21, 2007 4:48 PM


image from Broadmoor.com

This week on KRCC we've been hearing from soldiers about to deploy to Iraq and their families. Some listeners may feel moved to do something for the troops, well, the spa at the Broadmoor has an answer: Go get a massage and a pedicure. The Spa has launched what it's calling "Spa for the Troops," in which the facility donates a portion of it's fees to a fund that will allow military members returning from war zones to get Broadmoor spa treatments for free.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:48 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military

November 20, 2007

Commanders of Deploying Troops Speak
November 20, 2007 5:46 PM


Col. John Hort is the commander of the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade

This week we're hearing from the soldiers and families of Ft. Carson's 3rd Brigade, which is currently deploying to Iraq for the 3rd time in five years. In this segment we hear from two of the unit's leaders.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:46 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics

November 19, 2007

Carson Soldiers Prepare to Deploy - Again
November 19, 2007 5:17 PM



R to L, 1st Sgt. Richard Weldon and his wife Natalie talk with KRCC's Eric Whitney

This week one of Ft. Carson's three combat brigades starts heading to Iraq. For most, it won't be their first trip into the danger zone.Throughout the week, we'll be hearing from deploying soldiers and their spouses.

In this piece, 1st. Sgt. Richard Weldon and his wife Natalie talk about the challenges of multiple deployments.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:17 PM| | Comments (1) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Health , Military

November 15, 2007

Defense Bill Sends $224 Million to Colorado
November 15, 2007 5:38 PM

Colorado will receive a quarter-billion dollars in military-related funding from the Defense appropriations act that President Bush signed Monday.

The lion's share, $142 million, goes to the Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot, to fund de-activation of World War Two era munitions stored there. An international treaty the U.S. signed requires them to be destroyed by 2012, but defense officials say their target date for destruction, with the new funding, is now 2017.

[LISTEN]

Read More --> Continue reading "Defense Bill Sends $224 Million to Colorado" »

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Military , Politics , Pueblo , Regional

November 8, 2007

Ft. Carson: Troops Return, Prepare to Leave, and Remember Fallen Comrades
November 8, 2007 5:35 PM

Ft. Carson is preparing for a lot of turnover in the next couple of months. By the end of December two different brigades of about 4,000 soldiers each are going to switch places. One will be coming home from Iraq, the other will leaving to go there. This story takes us to a "pre-deployment fair" held this week, and the memorial service for two Ft. Carson soldiers killed in Iraq in October.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:35 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Ft. Carson , Memorial , Military , Regional

November 7, 2007

GOP Vows to Overturn Gov.'s Order Authorizing State Employee Unions
November 7, 2007 5:34 PM


Republican State Rep. Bob Gardner, Colorado Springs

Republican lawmakers say theyll try to overturn the Governors executive order that allows state workers to join unions. They say it will lead to strikes and drive up government costs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:34 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Politics

November 1, 2007

Rocky Mountain Women's Film Fest: 20 Films by Women Celebrating 20 Years
November 1, 2007 6:30 PM

This weekend is the 20th anniversary for the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival. There will be twenty films, all made by women filmmakers, shown at the Fine Arts Center and Colorado college's Armstrong Hall. CC student Kate Dawson spoke with the festival's executive director and a featured filmmaker about the event.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:30 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Colorado Springs , Entertainment , Media

Rev. Armstrong Formally De-Frocked by Colorado Episcopal Diocese
November 1, 2007 5:06 PM

The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado has formally de-frocked the Reverend Don Armstrong, of Grace Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. The action came 30 days after a church court found him guilty of several financial crimes.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Gay & Lesbian , Legal , Religion

October 30, 2007

Local News Roundup, Tue., Oct. 30, 2007
October 30, 2007 5:00 PM

State GOP Lawmakers Unveil Illegal Immigration Bills

Audit: Emergency Radio Network Remains Useless

State's Democratic Superdelegates Split

Springs Funeral Director Offered Plea Deal

Ritter: "New Energy Economy" Taking Root

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:00 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal , Politics , Regional

October 29, 2007

On the Scene With Springs-based Firefighting Air Tankers in California
October 29, 2007 10:33 AM

On Friday, Oct. 26, the Air Force Reserve unit based at Peterson Field flew members of the local media to California to see their air and ground crews in action fighting fires.

[LISTEN]

[SLIDESHOW]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:33 AM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Media , Military , Regional , Slideshow , Wildfires

October 25, 2007

Interview With Springs Firefighter in California
October 25, 2007 6:24 PM

To listen to an interview with Master Sergeant Pamela Ammon of the 302nd Airlift Wing, click here.


Photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana

U.S. Northern Command also supplied us with this video of C-130s fighting the California wildfires


U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs issued this press release at 1:30 Thursday morning, Oct. 25, 2007

CHANNEL ISLANDS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. At the request of the local incident commander Wednesday afternoon, five Air National Guard and Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System flew their first missions in support of the California wildfires. The aircraft, under operational control of U.S. Northern Command, were tasked to attack the Poomacha fire burning in San Diego County. The five aircraft came from three units; the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo, 153rd AW, Cheyenne, Wy, and the 145th AW from Charlotte, N.C. All aircraft successfully completed their missions and have returned to base. Operations will resume Thursday morning.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:24 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Military , Wildfires

October 23, 2007

Armtrong's Attorney: Audit Says Client is Innocent of Financial Crimes
October 23, 2007 4:56 PM

An auditor hired by the Reverend Don Armstrong's attorney has found no evidence the pastor committed fraud or theft. Armstrong is the pastor of Grace Episcopal Church and St. Stephen's Parish in Colorado Springs. Last December, he was suspended by the Episcopal diocese of Colorado on suspicion of financial misconduct. In August, that body found him guilty of misappropriating nearly $400,000, lying to the IRS, illegally encumbering church property and other crimes. Armstrong has denied any wrongdoing, and says the diocese has no jurisdiction over him. But he remains under investigation by the Colorado Springs police department's financial crimes unit.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:56 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal Affairs , Religion

October 22, 2007

D-11 School Board Candidates Forum, 10/16/07
October 22, 2007 9:19 AM


(L-R) Jan Tanner, Charlie Bobbitt
Chyrese Exline and Willie H. Breazell, Sr.

(L-R) Delia B. Armstrong-Busby, Tom Strand
and Robert (Bob) Null

On Tue., Oct. 16, 2007 Citizens Project hosted a forum for the candidates for Colorado Springs District 11 School Board. Co-sponsors included KRCC, The Colorado Springs Independent, Colorado Springs Black/Latino Coalition, League of Women Voters, Pikes Peak Equality Coalition, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Freethinkers.

To listen to the debate in its entirety [CLICK HERE]
[ SLIDESHOW ]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:19 AM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Education , Elections

October 19, 2007

Local News Round-Up for Fri., Oct. 19, 2007
October 19, 2007 5:04 PM




State Senator Ron May

Springs Senator Ron May Resigns - Bruce to Statehouse?

Accused Springs Cop Killer Asks for Venue Change

State Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Slightly

Bones From Pueblo Frontier Days Found in Vermont

Sewage Spill at Camp for Gas Workers

CU President Brown's "Ghetto" Comment Criticized

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:04 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , History , Legal , Native American , Politics , Pueblo

October 18, 2007

Help for Homeless Veterans
October 18, 2007 6:21 PM


Homeless veterans in Colorado Springs were able to get a hot meal, a hot shower, free clothes and help getting other services Thursday, Oct. 18th, at the ninth annual El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition Stand Down. We stopped by the event at the City Auditorium and talked to Debbie Fowler with the Colorado Springs office of the Veterans Administration, she helped coordinate the event.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:21 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Health , Interview , Military

October 17, 2007

Rep. Lamborn on SCHIP
October 17, 2007 4:59 PM

Thursday, Oct. 18 is showdown day in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thats when lawmakers will vote on whether to override President Bushs veto of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program, or S-CHIP. Democrats say they can beat the veto if they can find about 15 more Republicans to vote with them.

But they're not going to get Rep. Doug Lamborn to change his mind. [LISTEN]

For a brief overview of the SCHIP bill vetoed by President Bush CLICK HERE

To see an NPR poll reflects Republican divisions on SCHIP CLICK HERE

New Analysis Reveals Nearly Half of Increase in Uninsured Children in 2006 Occurred in Middle Income Families CLICK HERE

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:59 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Children & Youth , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Health , Politics , Poverty

October 16, 2007

$13 Million Solar Project Under Construction at Ft. Carson
October 16, 2007 5:22 PM




These are the types of solar panels that will be built at Fort Carson.
Photo courtesy Orea Renewable Energies

Construction has started on one of the largest solar power projects in the state, and it's at Ft. Carson. The $13 million project got underway at the beginning of the month and, when finished, will cover nearly 12 acres at Ft. Carson with photovoltaic solar panels. At maximum capacity it will generate 2 megawatts of electricity, that's a little less than seven percent of the Army base's total electricity needs.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:22 PM| | Comments (2) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Science , Utilities

October 12, 2007

Local News Roundup for Fri, October 12, 2007
October 12, 2007 5:43 PM

Foster Mother Jailed in Death of Two-Year-Old

222nd Ft. Carson Soldier Killed in Iraq

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Ft. Carson , Military , Regional

Panty Liners as Art Cause Kerfuffle Downtown
October 12, 2007 5:35 PM




A project that uses art to distract from empty downtown storefronts has proved a little too distracting. Colorado Springs' Downtown Partnership started the "Visually Aesthetic Spaces" program in September. It fills empty shop windows with works by local artists. But one piece, called "Freedom," by Jocelyn Nevel was only up for 9 days before the building's owner asked that it be removed. Noel Black and Kate Dawson report.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:35 PM| | Comments (2) | Posted to Arts & Culture , Business , Colorado Springs , Women's Issues

October 11, 2007

Local News Round-Up for October 11, 2007
October 11, 2007 6:02 PM


Memorial Hospital Says It's Not At Fault in Family Deaths

Overdose Victim Was Set to Testify Against Pueblo City Schools

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:02 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Children & Youth , Colorado Springs , Crime , Drug Use , Health , Legal

October 8, 2007

Local News Round-Up for October 8, 2007
October 8, 2007 5:08 PM

Affordable Housing Scarce in Colorado Springs, Pueblo
(For more details, click HERE)

Salazar Talks Expansion at Pinon Canyon, Buckley

Search Scaled Back for Calhan Man at Lake Powell

Pilot Killed in Air Ambulance Crash Was Experienced, Safe

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Environment , Politics , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities

October 5, 2007

Diversity Workshop Draws Small Crowd
October 5, 2007 5:07 PM

Concerned about being able to recruit talented young professionals, prominent Colorado Springs business leaders have been working to improve the city's image. In 2005 they formed the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum. This spring the forum asked the city to sponsor an event called "Everyone Welcome," to showcase the city's diversity. After some initial controversy, the city did provide financial support for the event, which Diversity Forum members hope will help convince businesses and potential employees that Colorado Springs is more tolerant than its reputation might suggest. Several thousand people attended the Everybody Welcome events. Now, the Diversity Forum is holding a series of workshops aimed at helping businesses manage diverse talent. Colorado College student Kate Dawson went to the first, held Oct. 4, and has this report.

[LISTEN]

To view a .pdf file of the Divesity Forum's Diversity Resource GuideClick Here

Vist the Diversity Forum's website here.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:07 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs

Pilot of Crashed Air Ambulance Had Clean Record
October 5, 2007 2:10 PM

ALAMOSA, Colo. (AP) _ The pilot of a medical plane that slammed into a southern Colorado mountainside had a clean record in 22 years of flying, according to his employer.

Eagle Air Med Incorporated says 46-year-old pilot Ric Miller of Wenatchee, Washington, died in the crash along with 25-year-old flight nurse Ronnie Helton, of Birmingham, Alabama, and 32-year-old flight paramedic Dana Dedman, of Chinle (CHIN-lee), Arizona.

The wreckage was found Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

The crew left Chinle late Thursday in the twin-engine plane to pick up a patient in Alamosa but never arrived.

Eagle Air Med says Miller had made no distress calls to the company's communications center.

It says this was the company's first fatal accident.

Eagle Air Med says Miller held helicopter and fixed wing pilot certificates and was airline transport pilot rated, with more than 12,000 hours of logged flight time, including 2,400 hours with the U.S. Marine Corps reserve.

Eagle Air Med says it's possible some air medical services could resume as early as today.

a Beechcraft King Air C 90 like the one that crashed near Alamosa, photo courtesy University of St. Francis

Posted by Eric Whitney at 2:10 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Health , Regional , Transportation

October 2, 2007

St. Paddy's Day Two Have New Lawyers
October 2, 2007 5:38 PM

The two remaining defendants from the group of peace activists arrested last spring during the St. Patrick's day parade have new lawyers. Colorado College Student Jaimie Stevenson has more.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:38 PM| | Comments (2) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal

October 1, 2007

Charges Dropped Against Five of "St. Paddy's Day Seven"
October 1, 2007 6:01 PM

The St. Paddy's Day Seven are now down to just two. Charges have been dropped against five of the seven activists who were arrested at Colorado Springs' St. Patrick's Day parade last March.

To hear the story, and the perspective of one of the activists against whom charges have been dropped, click here: [LISTEN]

To hear perspective from the City of Colorado Springs, click here: [LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:01 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , Legal

Bijou Street Bridge Reopens
October 1, 2007 5:36 PM

Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera presided over the long-awaited opening of the Bijou Street bridge Monday morning. Bijou Street is the central access point to downtown, and for nine months now, drivers exiting off of Interstate 25 or trying to get to or from the city's west side have had to go elsewhere. Opening the new bridge is a major milestone in the multi-year COSMIX roadbuilding project that is primarily re-building I-25 through Colorado Springs.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:36 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Transportation

September 28, 2007

Kidnapping Suspect Arrested, Victim Safe
September 28, 2007 4:12 PM


Jerry Gilley


Nancy Gilley


MEDIA RELEASE September 29, 2007 [1:25 p.m.]

KIDNAPPING SUSPECT ARRESTED AND VICTIM SAFE

El Paso County Sheriff's investigators worked through the night on Friday to find information on the kidnapping victim, Nancy Gilley and her alleged kidnapper. Their diligence paid off and the two were located late Friday night.

Investigators followed leads which indicated Jerry Gilley and Nancy Gilley may have been at a hotel in Trinidad, Colorado. With assistance from the Trinidad Police Department, investigators confirmed their location. At approximately 11:35 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007, Sheriff's investigators worked in collaboration with the Trinidad Police and the Trinidd SWAT team to contact and subsequently arrest Jerry Gilley. Nancy Gilley was with him and was taken to safety.

Currently Jerry Gilley is in the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center facing charges of Domestic Violence-First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Burglary, and Felony Menacing. He is being held without bond at this time.

Nancy Gilley is safe with family and friends today.

This investigation is ongoing and more details may be available at a later time.

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:12 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Crime , El Paso County , Regional

September 26, 2007

Local News Roundup, Wed., Sept. 26, 2007
September 26, 2007 4:55 PM

Paccione Drops Out of 4th CD Race

Private Developer to Build Housing on Petersen, Schreiver

Murder-Suicide in Fremont County

Cotopaxi Man Missing

Arapahoe, Douglas Counties Plan $20 Billion for Water by 2020

Boulder to Hire Urban Wildlife Coordinator

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:55 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Military , Politics , Regional , Utilities

September 19, 2007

Salazar: Air Force Bases Need More Land
September 19, 2007 6:33 PM

Senator Ken Salazar says the Air Force needs to start preserving land around the boundaries of their bases in Colorado. The Democrat has introduced an amendment to the Defense appropriations bill currently before the Senate that would require the Air Force to do so.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:33 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Military , Politics

El Paso County Attorney On His Way Out
September 19, 2007 6:33 PM

El Paso County Attorney Jay Lauer was placed on administrative leave Monday, six months after he started the job. County Commission Chairman Dennis Hisey says commissioners do not intend to bring Lauer back when his 30-day leave is over.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:33 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Legal Affairs , Politics

COSMIX Contractor Fined for Traffic Jam
September 19, 2007 6:26 PM

If you found yourself stuck in traffic on I-25 Tuesday morning, it may come as some consolation that the road construction company responsible for the delay has been fined about $9,000 an hour for the mishap.

[LISTEN]

Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:26 PM| | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Transportation

September 15, 2007

Mario Benedict Valdes April 3, 1953 - September 14, 2007
September 15, 2007 3:33 PM


Dear Friends,

We are deeply saddened to bring you the news that KRCC's mentor, friend and former station manager, Mario Valdes, passed away Friday morning, September 14th, 2007. He was with family, and died peacefully. We will provide you with more information about memorial services and tributes in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Mario's obituary follows.

-Delaney Utterback and the KRCC crew


Mario Benedict Valdes
April 3, 1953 - September 14, 2007

Mario Valdes entered eternal life on September 14, 2007. He was born in Havana, Cuba on April 3, 1953. His father was a dealer of import/export domestics and the family moved to New York City when Mario was a 2-year old. He grew up in Brooklyn and Queens and attended Brooklyn Technical High School.

In third grade, Mario determined he had three goals in life: to be a New York City cab driver, to design houses and to run a radio station. After briefly living in Miami, 19 year-old Mario returned to New York and drove a yellow cab in Manhattan for a year--his most famous passenger being Katherine Hepburn.

Mario attended Oklahoma State University to study architecture and moved to Denver in the mid 1970s to begin a career as an architectural designer. For several years he designed beautiful custom homes and offices for clients in Denver, Perry Park, Monument and Colorado Springs.

A music collector, Mario started at radio station KRCC in 1979. He became the station's manager and first paid employee in 1980 and first full-time employee in 1983. He left the station in 2006. As station manager he created the blueprint of what KRCC is today. He was instrumental in bringing National Public Radio to Colorado Springs and all the listening areas throughout southern Colorado.

Mario was married to wife Donna from 1982-2000; their son, Adam was born in 1986. Mario enjoyed giving Adam the unique opportunity of meeting such personalities as Johnny Winter, Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman at the concerts which KRCC produced in the early 1990s.

A self-proclaimed "political junkie," Mario thoroughly enjoyed the intricacies, philosophies and personalities of politics. As a naturalized United States citizen, he held close to his heart the personal rights and freedom of his country.

Mario's favorite peaceful past-time was fishing. He particularly enjoyed the many times he spent fishing with his son at 11 Mile Reservoir and Lake Powell, Utah.

Mario was preceded in death by his mother Gilda Valdes and grandparents Jacqueline and Jean Gall. He is survived by his son, Adam Valdes; his sisters Joyce Skowron and Frances Collado; his nephew Luis Hernandez and his father Mario Valdes. He is also survived by many dear friends including Shari Montgomery, Pat Bass Black, Delaney Utterback and Donna (Valdes) Sheloski.

Memorial information to follow.

Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:33 PM| | Comments (2) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , El Paso County , Memorial

September 14, 2007

Sierra Club Suit Against City Delayed Until January
September 14, 2007 12:08 AM

Colorado Springs won't be going to federal court with the Sierra Club as planned on Monday, Sept. 17.

Last Friday a federal judge granted the Sierra Club's request for more time to prepare it's case brought under the Clean Water Act against the city for r