Aurora – The old saying that lightning never strikes twice in the same place is just that – an old saying.
For the second time in less than two years, Kenneth and Mary Dunnington’s home in Aurora was struck by lightning Sunday.
Mary Dunnington confirmed that the strike, which ignited a fire, was the second for her house in the 3500 block of Richfield Circle but wouldn’t comment further.
Aurora fire officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but that all the evidence pointed to a lightning strike.
Dianne Ott, whose house is across the street from the Dunning tons’, said the couple had just completed repairs on the house three months ago from the last lightning strike.
A tree was also struck Sunday just a few houses from the Dunningtons’ home. The owner of the tree, Wes Ballard, said he saw a flash of light and heard a loud clap of thunder immediately afterward, shortly before noon.
“It was right on top of us,” Ballard said. “Part of the tree flew off to the side.”
After the rain ended around 4 p.m., Ballard was outside looking at the damage done to his tree when he smelled smoke. He rushed to the front yard and saw the Dunnington’s house smoking, he said.
“It’s sad,” Ott said. “It’s just amazing what Mother Nature can do.”
AURORA
Wife critically injured in shooting at home
One woman was sent to the hospital in critical condition Sunday evening after her husband shot her in front of their Aurora home.
According to officials, Aurora police were first sent to the residence in the 1500 block of Ironton St. at about 6:20 p.m. Police left the residence after about 40 minutes.
According to Detective Marcus Dudley, police were sent to the residence again at 7:20 p.m. on a report of a shooting. The woman was sent a local hospital and was listed in critical condition.
The man is being held by Aurora police. Police are not releasing the names or ages of anyone involved.
Two adult children were in the home at the time of the shooting. No one else was injured.
6th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Tancredo considers run for presidency
U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo says he is so dissatisfied with the pace and direction of immigration reform, he is considering running for president to deal with it himself.
“If no one is willing to pick up the banner … yeah, I’ll run,” the Littleton Republican said Saturday during a visit to New Hampshire.
“Though I say that with a great deal of trepidation. It seems like a daunting task. But we need to get a president in there who will support this,” he said. “I don’t know what else to do.”
Tancredo first visited New Hampshire in February, when he gave an award to New Ipswich Police Chief Garrett Chamberlain, calling the chief a national hero for charging illegal immigrants with trespassing.
Tancredo said federal prisons overflow with illegal immigrants, some of whom aim to harm people.
“And they need to be found before it is too late. They’re coming here to kill you, and you, and me, and my grandchildren,” he said, pointing at people in the audience. “It’s just despicable.”
GRAND JUNCTION
Uranium Expo draws worldwide interest
With nuclear power drawing increasing interest as an alternative to coal and natural gas, uranium investors, contractors and producers will meet Friday and Saturday at Uranium Expo 2005.
“We’re doing this convention to give the fledgling companies a place to state their case, because some of them are looking for money,” said Arden Larson, conference organizer and a geologist.
He said 125 people have registered for the conference, some from as far away as Germany, South Korea and Canada.
Uranium prices, which have reached nearly $30 per pound from recent lows of $7 or $8 per pound, are driving the interest.
ALAMOSA
Donor provides larger home for museum
The San Luis Valley museum is getting a larger home, thanks to a donation from a local businessman.
Ralph Outcalt donated the 4,700-square-foot Valley Automotive Building, near city hall and the public library, to the museum. The donation was valued at $200,000.
For 10 years, the museum board has been searching for a better home for its collections, including a wildlife collection belonging to Dorothy and John Brandt.
The San Luis Valley History Center has been operating since 1995 on donations from the public, the city and the county. It is staffed entirely by volunteers in a building next to Cole Park.
