Judge sends TV tower issue back to Jeffco commission
Jefferson County – A local TV consortium’s proposal to build a 730-foot-high broadcast tower on Lookout Mountain has been remanded for a third time back to county commissioners.
Jefferson County District Judge Brooke Jackson ruled Tuesday that the board’s responsibility “now is to review the record and then to make a decision on the proposed rezoning,” with the decision supported by an explanation.
Jackson left the issue of further testimony up to the board but instructed it to move quickly. “It is surely frustrating to all interested parties that this matter continues to drag on,” Jackson wrote.
The tower, which would broadcast digital signals, has been sought for six years by a consortium consisting of KCNC-Channel 4, KMGH-Channel 7, KUSA-Channel 9 and KTVD-Channel 20.
The city of Golden, which is pursuing condemnation of the tower’s 70-acre site, and the homeowner group Canyon Area Residents for the Environment, have been battling the tower project.
DENVER
Election commission names new director
The Denver Election Commission named a new executive director Tuesday as the city overhauls the way residents vote.
John Gaydeski said he was trying to adjust as quickly as possible to his new post. Election officials have been under a time crunch to update voting equipment in order to comply with federal and state regulations. Denver is also in the middle of a switch from small, local precincts to a handful of large “vote centers.”
“I’m not sure I’ve hit the ground yet,” Gaydeski said, “but I’m already running.”
Gaydeski takes over for Alton Dillard, who served as interim director after Karon Hatchett resigned the position in January.
Hatchett oversaw a tumultuous period for the commission during which the City Council considered doing away with the commission altogether.
Gaydeski takes over a week after City Auditor Dennis Gallagher criticized contracts with voting-machine vendor Sequoia Voting Systems Inc. and weeks before major primary elections in August.
COLORADO SPRINGS
Four parishes to host immigration meetings
The Most Rev. Michael Sheridan, bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, will hold a series of town-hall meetings on immigration.
Four parishes will host meetings at 7 p.m. The meetings will be at St. Paul, 9 El Pomar Road, in Colorado Springs on June 1; St. Rose, 118 S. Gunnison Ave. in Buena Vista on June 9; St. Mark, 9905 Foothills Canyon Blvd., in Highlands Ranch on June 13; and Our Lady of Victory, 425 H Ave., in Limon on June 23.
The presentations will explore the current economic, legal and social realities of immigration through the lens of Scripture and Catholic social teaching.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in the dialogue with questions and personal reflection on the issue. Events will include forums for dialogue facilitated by Sheridan.
SILVERTHORNE
18-year-old man dies from apparent fall
An 18-year-old apparently fell to his death from a third-story balcony Monday evening, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Department.
Michael J. Milberger was found unconscious about 10:35 p.m. on the ground outside the condominium complex in the Wildernest neighborhood west of town.
Foul play is not suspected in the death, but authorities suspect alcohol was involved.
DENVER
DNA burglary project brings first charges
The first criminal charges resulting from Denver’s “DNA Burglary Project” were filed Tuesday against Michael Davis, 46. Davis is charged with three separate cases of second-degree burglary in connection with three burglaries in Denver in December and January.
The “DNA Burglary Project” is a joint effort of the Denver Police Department and the Denver district attorney’s office. The grant-funded project, started last year, focuses on property crimes and their perpetrators. The process begins with patrol officers collecting DNA evidence at burglary scenes. Detectives then request laboratory analysis to assist their traditional investigative work.
COLORADO SPRINGS
Bruce quotes Bible in snub of public prayer
An El Paso County commissioner known for quoting the U.S. Constitution during public meetings instead used a passage from the Bible to illustrate his opposition to praying at the meetings.
Douglas Bruce read to his fellow commissioners a passage from Matthew in which Jesus instructed his followers to pray in private.
“It says prayer should be done privately and personally and not in a public ceremony,” Bruce said. “If the savior himself says we should pray privately, that’s good enough for me.” Bruce found no support among the other four commissioners.
