Archived March 31, 2006
CANINE FLU NO SHAGGY DOG TALE - The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association has issued a warning to veterinarians that at least 16 dog flu cases have been confirmed in the state. (Bianca Prieto, Rocky Mountain News, March 15, 2006)

PUBLIC COMMENT ON MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is inviting public comment and participation as part of the scoping process in drafting a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on the hunting of migratory birds. (March 27, 2006)

WIENIE WATCH - The Giant 14-ton Coney Island Hot Dog from Aspen Park moves to Bailey with mixed reviews. Join the discussion! (March 18, 2006)
Wienie Watch Photos

Archived March 24, 2006
GARDNER WITHDRAWS FROM COMMISSIONER RACE - Park County District 3 Commissioner James Gardner announces that he is withdrawing his re-election bid. (March 21, 2006, 12:27 pm)

FIRE THREAT HIGH DESPITE HIGH COUNTRY SNOW - ... And like in 2002 there have been strong winds and higher-than-average temperatures. Sixty-five fires have already been reported, including a 10-acre blaze Saturday morning near Castle Rock. (AP, Rocky Mountain News, March 4, 2006)

STATE EYES LAND-FOR-OFFICE SWAP - The Colorado State Land Board might trade 21 square miles of Park County land to a rancher in return for a nearby Denver office building and some cash. (David Olinger, Denver Post, March 14, 2006)

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: INVITATION OR INVASION? - Guest Panelists: U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo, Steve Moore - Wall Street Journal, Daniel Griswold - CATO Institute, and Yeh Ling Ling - Diversity Alliance for a Sustainable America. (RSVP by March 15, 2006) (Independence Institute, March 2006)

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS JAIL REPORT - On February 10, 2006, the Colorado Department of Corrections sent two representatives from the Private Prisons Monitoring Unit to the Park County Jail for a routine facility visit. (March 8, 2006)

SECRETARY NORTON ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE FROM INTERIOR - In a letter to President Bush, Secretary Norton thanked the President, "for inviting me to be part of your Administration for a meaningful and rewarding five years." (USDOI, March 10, 2006)

14-TON WIENIE WAGON CLOSING FOR MOVE TO BAILEY - The History Channel plans to film the 15-mile odyssey, which includes a 900-foot elevation drop during the last 2 miles as U.S. 285 plunges from the top of Crow Hill into Bailey. (Ann Schrader, Denver Post Staff Writer, March 4, 2006)

Archived March 11, 2006
STENGEL RESIGNS AS MINORITY LEADER - In another extraordinary day at the legislature, Republican Joe Stengel of Littleton resigned his post as House minority leader, saying issues about the pay he collected last year have become "a major distraction not only for me but for my colleagues as well." (Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News, March 2, 2006)

REVERSE 911 CAUSES CONFUSION - The Sheriff's Department wishes to apologize for the vagueness of the Reverse 911 message relayed on Tuesday night and the inconvenience it may have caused to households in the area. (March 1, 2006)

LINDSTROM DROPS OUT OF GOVERNOR'S RACE - State Representative Gary Lindstrom has decided to drop out of the race for governor. (CBS4 Denver, February 28, 2006)

Archived February 28, 2006
TOWN OF ALMA MUNICIPAL ELECTION - Deadline to register to vote or petition as a candidate for office in the Town of Alma is March 3, 2006. (February 17, 2006)

CLERK'S OFFICES CLOSING FOR TRAINING: on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - The Park County Clerk and Recorder's Fairplay and Bailey offices will be closed for the day on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 for training. (February 21, 2006)

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR COLORADO REDISTRICTING COMPLAINT - Justices on Tuesday gave Republicans a new chance to challenge boundaries drawn by a state judge in 2002. (Associated Press, FoxNews.Com, February 21, 2006)

CONGRESSMAN HEFLEY WILL RETIRE - The 70-year-old Congressman representing the 5th District, which includes most of Park County, has decided that this is the time for a career change. (February 16, 2006)

ARTIFACTS FOUND AT HOME OF FORMER DEPUTY - Earlier this month, National Park Service investigators carried away piece after piece from the home of what they believe is evidence in a case against a former Park County sheriff’s deputy and investigator with the Colorado Division of Gaming. (Deedee Correll, The Gazette, February 16, 2006)

PARK COUNTY DESIGNATED A PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY - The national designation is awarded to communities demonstrating strong dedication to the preservation of local history and a desire to share that legacy through heritage tourism. (February 13, 2006)

Archived February 18, 2006
TERM CUT IN TRIPLE MURDER - Jonathan Matheny, whose original sentence of 68 years was overturned by the Colorado Court of Appeals ... was ordered instead to serve 66 years through a recalculation of the penalties. (Steve Lipsher, Denver Post Staff Writer, February 11, 2006)
Related: Teen's Slaying Sentence Will Stand
Related: Leniency Sought For Son's Killer

AUTHORITIES PUSHING FOR HARSHER SENTENCES - District Attorney Molly Chilson said in her 2005 annual report there has been “a push for harsher sentences for defendants who manufacture and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.” (Alison Miller, The Daily Record, February 10, 2006)

GROUP CHALKS ONE UP FOR OLD SCHOOLHOUSES.. Slate of Endangered Places - "We hope to get the (Como) depot restored, so it steps up to the other two buildings," said Linda Balough, Park County historic preservation advisory commission coordinator. "This is a recognition that this poor thing needs some help." (Mary Voelz Chandler, Rocky Mountain News, February 9, 2006)

Archived February 11, 2006
PARK COUNTY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR NEW VOTING MACHINES - Park County Clerk and Recorder Debra Green was notified at the end of December 2005 that Park County will receive funding of $121,400 from Colorado's allocation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). (February 2, 2006)

LONG COMMUTE, FEW GRIPES - The people of Park County hold the dubious distinction of having the ninth-longest commute in the United States and the longest in Colorado. (Deedee Correll, The Gazette, February 6, 2006)

PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD STRENGTHEN "MAKE MY DAY" - State Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Yuma) introduced legislation today to strengthen and expand Colorado’s Homeowner Protection Law, commonly referred to as the “Make My Day” law. (January 30, 2006)

KEEPING MINERS ALIVE - "Safety in (Colorado) mines is as good as any place in the U.S. But we should never be satisfied," says Bob Ferriter, director of the mine safety training program at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. (Gargi Chakrabarty, Rocky Mountain News, February 4, 2006)

Archived February 5, 2006
FEBRUARY WORKSHOP TO HELP LOGGERS AND TIMBER OPERATORS - The [US and Colorado Forest Services] are sponsoring a no-cost workshop Friday, February 22 in Buena Vista for both loggers and wood purchasers. It begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Buena Vista Community Center and is open to all interested persons. (USFS, January 31, 2006)

CLARIFICATION ON COUNTY OFFICES - Park County Government issues a press release to clear up misinformation regarding construction of new county offices. (January 26, 2006)

SAYLOR FOUND GUILTY: Convicted of Second Degree Assault - FAIRPLAY, Colo... On Tuesday, January 24, 2006, a Park County jury returned a guilty verdict against Bailey resident Shawn Saylor for assault in the second degree... (January 24, 2006)

BILL PROTECTING FOURTEENERS' LANDOWNERS CLIMBS IN HOUSE - Hikers may once again be able to scale three Park County fourteeners that were closed last summer because of private landowners' fear of lawsuits. (Jim Hughes, Denver Post, January 24, 2006)

FUGITIVE DIES IN SHOOTING: Weapons, Survival Gear, Marijuana Grow Found at House (Update: Coroner's Autopsy) - A fugitive sought by the Park County Sheriff's Department died in the ambulance after he was shot during a struggle as S.W.A.T. attempted to execute a search warrant. (January 15, 2006)

Archived January 29, 2006
JURY TO BE CALLED IN TERRY BARTON SENTENCING - (AP) CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. A Teller County judge ruled Tuesday that a jury should decide whether "aggravated circumstances" justify an extended sentence for a former forestry worker who started the worst wildfire in Colorado history. (AP, CBS4denver, January 18, 2005)

SHERIFF ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS, REORGANIZATION - Wegener Elected President of CSOC - The Park County Sheriff's Office is continuing the reorganization of the department's command structure that began in late 2005. Sheriff Wegener recently announced promotions and new positions within the department. (January 12, 2006)

Archived January 19, 2006
PARK COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER ANNOUNCEMENT ON LATE FEE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OPENS IN SOUTH PARK (Press Release - Boys and Girls Club of South Park) South Park is excited to announce that we have our own Boys & Girls Club. The mission of Boys and Girls Club of South Park is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, healthy, responsible and caring citizens. (January 11, 2006)

Archived January 15, 2006
ANDERSON ANNOUNCES RUN FOR CONGRESS - John Wesley Anderson, former El Paso County Sheriff, formally announced today that he is seeking the Republican Party nomination as a candidate for Colorado's Fifth Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. (January 10, 2006)

CANDIDATES BEGIN FILING FOR 2006 ELECTION - Update: Week of Jan 9, 2006 - According to Wanda Stevenson, Election Supervisor for Park County, almost all incumbent elected officials and one challenger have filed their intent to seek office in 2006. (January 6, 2006)

MULE DEER SURVIVAL STUDY - The helicopter will be operating in the Leadville area beginning Monday, Jan. 9. Flights will continue in the Fairplay, Buena Vista, Salida, Texas Creek, Cañon City, Guffey, and Cripple Creek areas as the week progresses. (Colorado DOW, December 29, 2005)

Archived January 11, 2006
JEFFCO FIRE EXPLODES OVERNIGHT - (Plainview Fire near Arvada, Colorado) - Blowing smoke and firefighting operations have closed Highway 93 between Highway 72 and 128, just north of Rocky Flats, according to Sky9 traffic reporter Taunia Hottman. (9News.com and DenverPost.com, January 11, 2006)

GOVERNOR BANS OPEN FIRES ON SOME STATE LANDS - Gov. Bill Owens today initiated a ban on open burning on all state lands below 8,000 feet. The Governor also urged county commissioners to carefully assess the situation in their counties and determine what actions may be necessary in their jurisdictions. (Press Release, January 9, 2006)

MAURICIO FIRE FORTY PERCENT CONTAINED - Aguilar, CO…Firefighters have 40% containment of the Mauricio Fire located six miles west of the town of Aguilar, Colorado. (USFS, January 10, 2006)

WARMTH, WINDS CREATE FIRE HAZARD - (CBS4) PUEBLO, Colo. The National Weather Service in Pueblo issued wildfire warnings for southeast Colorado Saturday because of warm weather and wind. (CBS4Denver, January 7, 2006)

COUPLE RELISHES NEW FUTURE FOR "THE DOG": (Coney Island Hot Dog Stand) - The deal...is contingent upon Ron Aigner and Diane Wisecamp buying land where Reggie's Restaurant was located near Pine Junction. (Ann Schrader, Denver Post, January 6, 2006)

NIGHTMARE OF FAMILY'S SLAYING LIVES ON - Five years later, the raw brutality of the murders near the hamlet of Guffey, in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, still proves utterly shocking and unfathomable. (Steve Lipsher, Denver Post, January 1, 2006)

PARK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FIRST TOY DRIVE A SUCCESS - The Park County Sheriff's Department's first Christmas Toy Drive was a very rewarding success, according to spokesman Corporal Dean Morgan. (December 28, 2005)

Archived January 6, 2006
WILL MINING RETURN TO PARK COUNTY? - Recently, there has been a revival in interest in mines near Lake George that in the 1950s, were the biggest suppliers of beryllium — used to make bullet-proof vests in the United States. (Linda Balough, Summit Daily News, December 24, 2005)

GRASSLANDS NEW LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN - PUEBLO, Colo., Dec. 21, 2005 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service today released the draft land management plan for the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (December 21, 2005)

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