Ariana Brocious

Area runners made an impressive showing at Wednesday's Western Slope regional cross country races at Confluence Park in Delta. KVNF’s Tamie Meck has this report.

In the two years that it’s been open, Delta County’s Homeless Shelter, the Abraham Connection, has seen local use increase dramatically. The shelter provides emergency, overnight winter housing to homeless families, women and men in Delta County from November 1st through April 30th. The increased need is driving the shelter board and volunteers to purchase their own building in hopes of expanding the services they offer the community.

Sal Pace is running for a seat in Congress in Colorado's Third Congressional District. He's currently a Democratic representative in the Colorado State House, based in Pueblo. KVNF's Ariana Brocious sat down with Pace on a recent tour through the district, to talk about his campaign platform and key issues.

It’s been more than a month since the Delta County Commissioners held a special public hearing to take more evidence in a decision on whether to allow two laying hen operations in the county. KVNF’s Ariana Brocious reports that neighbors of the already-operational hen house on Powell Mesa are tired of waiting for the county to act.

Listen to the debate between Republican Incumbent J Paul Brown and Democratic challenger Mike McLachlan, candidates for State House District 59, which comprises Ouray, Hinsdale, San Juan, La Plata and parts of Archuleta and Gunnison counties. Ray Beck moderated the debate. Each candidate was given three minutes for opening remarks, and Rep. J Paul Brown was first.

Bill Koch has made news lately for the construction of his own private Western village on his Bear Ranch property near Kebler pass. But this spring, Bear Ranch may also have played host to a private interrogation. A former employee of the energy magnate has filed a complaint against him, alleging that he was illegally held on Bear Ranch and unjustly fired. KVNF’s Ariana Brocious has more.  

In an effort to give the public more information on the impact of oil and gas drilling in their communities – the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is launching a new public database on water quality near drilling well sites. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Koch accused of holding former employee captive
• COGCC launches new water quality database
• Gessler continues to draw fire for RNC trip
• Ouray Student National Merit Finalist
• Abraham Connection Continues to Grow

The West Elk Mine near Somerset has been given a temporary reduction in the royalties it pays to the state and federal governments. KVNF’s Ariana Brocious reports that the reduction is because the mine has encountered some tricky geological conditions.