Monday September 17, 2012

Coloradans don't want stricter gun control laws according to a new Denver Post poll.  A group of likely voters were asked which is more important: to protect the right of Americans to own guns, or to control gun ownership.  56% said protecting the right to own guns, 39% to control gun ownership.  The Post took the poll in the wake of the Aurora theater shootings.  The poll also found voters believe enforcing existing gun laws rather than passing new ones is the best way to address gun violence.

The BLM is getting ready for the Grand Jucntion air show with public land closures in the area of the airport beginning Thursday.  The FAA requires a designated perimeter for aircraft to conduct aerobatic maneuvers.  BLM lands 3/4 of a mile parallel to the main airport runway from 27 1/4 to 30 will be closed.  The BLM has a map posted on the Grand Junction Field Office website.

State House Repbulicans say Democrats are putting a road block up, killing a bill before the Transportation Legislation Review Committee.  The bill would have increased transportation funding without raising taxes or imposing new fees. Democrats on the committee turned down the proposal.  Bill sponsor Kevin Priola of Denver says although the bill won't be befor the Transportation Committee, he'll likely introduce the measure during the 2013 session.

Grand Jucntion veterans who need a flu shot can get one at a drive-thru clinic tomorrow.  Vets should wear short sleeves and show up at the VA medical center front entrance from 10-noon and 1-3.  In the past, the VA has held the drive-thru clinic on a Saturday.

If you want to know what candidates for State House are raising and spending on their campaigns, the Daily Sentinel has list in today's issue. Republican House District 54 candidate Jared Wright has raised just over $3,000 since reports of a recent bankrputcy and concerns over leaving his job as a Fruita Police Officer. He's spent $8,000 of a total $13,000 raised.  Opponent Libertarian Tim Menger has not raised nor spent any money on his campaign and says he won't.

An Australian shepherd puppy police say was assaulted by its owner has a good prognosis.  A report from Mesa County Animal Services says the 5-month old dog suffered a possible concussion, but no broken bones in the incident in Grand Junction last week.  The Daily Sentinel says 31 year old Nathan Bionaz was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of cruelty to animals and other charges.  Animal Services says cruelty investigations through July of this year are nearly double the number in the same period in 2011.

A Colorado Springs man is dead in a fall in Maroon Bells near Aspen. Authorities say 34 year old Derek Kelley suffered fatal head injuries when he fell more than 600 feet near the summit of North Maroon Peak Saturday morning.

Mitt Romney forced to cancel a campaign appearance in Pueblo.  An experimental plane crashed at the airport yesterday morning, killing the pilot, and closing the airport.  There's no word on whether Romney will schedule another rally there.

Coloradans don't want stricter gun control laws according to a new Denver Post poll.  A group of likely voters were asked which is more important: to protect the right of Americans to own guns, or to control gun ownership.  56% said protecting the right to own guns, 39% to control gun ownership.  The Post took the poll in the wake of the Aurora theater shootings.  The poll also found voters believe enforcing existing gun laws rather than passing new ones is the best way to address gun violence.

Predictions of falling gasoline prices are not coming true.  In Colorado, the price has climbed 8 1/2 cents a gallon in the past week, with the average now $3.69.  The national average is $3.86.  GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says even with the national average near its highest ever September level, he remains optimistic the prices will begin to come down.