Colorado Trail Adds New Section

On March 12, 2013 By

The nearly 500-mile Colorado Trail is adding a new section expected to be ready for hiking this summer. The section takes part of the Canada-Mexico Continental Divide Trail and incorporates it into the Colorado Trail.

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Round-Up: Civil Unions gets initial approval; CS Council to consider employee compensation; Colorado Trail gets new loop option

On March 12, 2013 By

A bill to allow civil unions in Colorado could be headed to the Governor’s desk by the end of the week…Colorado Springs police and firefighters would get a raise, but the whole workforce would have to shoulder more healthcare costs. Those are among the proposals Mayor Steve Bach’s administration presented to City Council…The nearly 500-mile Colorado Trail is adding a new section expected to be ready for hiking this summer.

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Sonny Joel Flock waves at his friend moments before a major ski crash at Arapahoe Basin two years ago. Photo courtesy Sonny Joel Flock and Kyle Hoehn. (CPN)

Brain Injuries Decrease as Skier Helmet Use Rises

On February 19, 2013 By

67% of skiers and snowboarders in the country now wear helmets on the slopes, according to the National Ski Areas Association. That’s compared to 25% who wore helmets ten years ago. Rabah Kamal of Colorado Public News shares how helmets are preventing serious injury, but with limits.

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Manitou Incline Set to Legally Open Friday

On January 29, 2013 By

Manitou Springs City Council took the last step tonight to approve the legal opening of the Manitou Incline to hikers, beginning Friday, February 1st.

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Snow Series: Resorts Bank on International Business

On December 26, 2012 By

The ski industry runs on snow, some resorts more than others. Ski towns like Aspen and Vail still get business in spite of poor snow. Last year while many resorts took a huge hit, Aspen did well because of one type of guest: the international visitor. This sought after tourist books longer vacations, spends [...]

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Western Skies: December 2012, “Retrospective”

On December 2, 2012 By

We covered a lot of ground this past year with Western Skies, and this month we’re spending some time revisiting those stories and conversations.

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huntingduck125

Hunting and Conservation Go Hand in Hand

On October 30, 2012 By

The National Wildlife Federation recently released the results of their Hunters and Anglers survey. KRCC’s Kate Dunn says the report shows conservation continues to be an important issue for many sportsmen.

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AM Round-Up: Early voting numbers; CS Mayor seeks pension sustainability; Conservation continues to be important to hunters and anglers; and more

On October 30, 2012 By

With the election now only one week away, nearly a quarter of Colorado voters have already cast their ballots…Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach has announced the formation of what he’s calling the Pension Solutions Team…El Paso County Health officials are reporting the first hospitalized flu patients this season…The National Wildlife Federation recently released the results of their Hunters and Anglers survey…and, more.

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The Gaming and Mining Relationship, Past and Present

On June 12, 2012 By

Cripple Creek is a gold-mining town, ever since the first lodes were found in the 1800s. But, it’s also a gaming town, with limited-stakes gambling approved by voters statewide in 1991. KRCC’s Kate Jonuska traveled to Cripple Creek to investigate these two industries’ complex relationship with the city and with each other. She has [...]

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Round-Up: Damage assessments begin after 2nd night of strong storms; Today is deadline for signing or vetoing bills; and more

On June 8, 2012 By

Authorities are assessing damages after a powerful, slow-moving storm made its way through eastern El Paso County yesterday, damaging homes and cars…Today is the deadline for Governor John Hickenlooper to sign or veto bills passed during this year’s legislative session…A bill in Congress aimed at clarifying the status of the Manitou Incline unanimously passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee yesterday.

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Round-Up: Special Session to start Monday; CS Utils to meet with business leaders; and more

On May 10, 2012 By

Governor John Hickenlooper has officially set Monday as the start of a legislative special session to address seven topics, including legalizing civil unions and funding Water Conservation Board projects…Colorado Springs Utilities has agreed to meet with a group of downtown business leaders regarding Drake Power Plant…and, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is considering reducing big game hunting for elk, deer and pronghorn sheep this year.

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Western Skies: April 2012, “Parks & Open Space”

On April 1, 2012 By

As winter releases its hold on the region and gives way to warmer temperatures and the green leaves of spring, we thought it an appropriate time to visit the topic of Parks and Open Space.

You can hear listen to the full show here, or download by right-clicking this link.

You can also [...]

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Round-Up: Drug testing public assistance recipients fails at statehouse; Gov. tours Lower North Fork burn area; and more

On March 29, 2012 By

A handful of Republicans joined Democrats at the statehouse to defeat a bill that would’ve required people applying for public welfare to take a drug test in order to receive their monthly benefits…Governor John Hickenlooper took a helicopter tour of the Lower North Fork Fire that continues to burn southwest of Denver…and, warm temperatures [...]

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Round-Up: CO’s Dept. of Ag. to manage organic certification funds; Cotter Corp. to reroute creek away from uranium; and, more

On March 6, 2012 By

The Colorado Department of Agriculture, or CDA, is managing funds set aside by the United States Department of Agriculture for partially reimbursing farmers for organic certifications…The owners of a leaking uranium mine west of Denver are rerouting Ralston Creek to avoid toxic waste…and, a new zipline is being built at the scenic Royal Gorge [...]

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Round-Up: Bill to legalize gold and silver as usable currency fails; BLM raises fees at campsites north of Canon City

On March 2, 2012 By

Senate Democrats rejected a Republican attempt to legalize gold and silver coins as usable currency amid fears about the nation’s financial stability…The Bureau of Land Management has raised fees for two popular campsites along the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.

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Round-Up: Inter-governmental agreement reached for Incline; Task force to look at energy industry and local governments

On February 29, 2012 By

Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs City Councils agreed unanimously yesterday to approve an inter-governmental agreement for managing the Manitou Incline…and, Gov. John Hickenlooper is stepping into a dispute between local governments and the oil and gas industry over drilling by forming a task force to examine the issue.

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Round-Up: Guilty verdict in tow truck dragging death; Pueblo Health Department sets health priorities; and more

On February 24, 2012 By

Jurors in Colorado Springs have convicted a woman accused in the death of a tow truck driver who was dragged by her vehicle…With the help of local hospitals, school districts, and other community players, the Pueblo Health Department has determined the health priorities they’d like to address over the next five years…and, Manitou Springs [...]

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Round-Up: Postal distribution centers to close; Gov. Hickenlooper weighs in on pay raise for rural lawmakers; and, more

On February 24, 2012 By

The U.S. Postal Service is closing four mail processing centers in Colorado as part of a broader plan to consolidate or close facilities around the country, including centers in Colorado Springs, Alamosa, and Salida…Governor John Hickenlooper says he’s sympathetic to the legislature’s plans to give more money to rural lawmakers who have to stay [...]

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skiing

Skiing into the Golden Years

On February 20, 2012 By

Much like the rest of the country, Colorado is getting older. The state’s group of baby boomers is reaching the golden years, and quickly. Some private companies in the state are starting to cash in on this aging demographic, on those people who might have a little cash to spare, and who will soon [...]

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Round-Up: State gets $205 million in mortgage settlement; Frontier Airlines to add routes from CS airport; Manitou Incline closer to legalization

On February 9, 2012 By

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers says the state will get $205 million as part of a multistate settlement with the nations five largest national banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo…Frontier Airlines has announced plans to expand routes available at the Colorado Springs airport…The Colorado Springs parks board has approved a [...]

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Round-Up: GOP caucuses; CO sportsmen back federal disclosure rules for hydrating fracturing; and protecting the sage grouse

On February 7, 2012 By

Colorado lawmakers left the Capitol early today to take part in Republican caucuses across the state…Colorado sportsmen are backing proposed federal rules for public disclosure of chemicals in fracking fluids used in oil and gas drilling…and, the Federal Bureau of Land Management is revisiting an effort to protect sage grouse in Colorado.

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Mt. Everest

Revisiting Tragedy on Everest

On December 26, 2011 By

Aspen resident Neal Biedleman returned to climb Mount Everest earlier this year, retracing the steps he took on a trip there 15 years ago that turned into a tragedy. Aspen Public Radio’s Marci Krivonen recently caught up with the climber, and has this report.

Aspen Public Radio and KRCC are both members [...]

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Round-Up: Power outages still in Custer, Fremont Counties; Pace steps down from leadership role; and more

On November 15, 2011 By

The Sangre de Christo Electric Association has brought in two more crews to help repair downed power lines in Custer and Fremont Counties…Colorado’s Democratic House leader is stepping down from the post to focus on his race against incumbent Republican Congressman Scott Tipton…and, Colorado parks and wildlife commissioners have adopted changes in [...]

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News

Getty Images
The Doors’ Keyboard Counterpoint Goes Silent: Remembering Ray Manzarek
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Ray Manzarek, whose keyboard was a trademark of The Doors sound, died at the age of 74 on Monday.
 

Courtesy of the Brownsville Community Health Center
Texas Medicaid Debate Complicated By Politics And Poverty
May 21, 2013 | KHN · In Texas, it may be politically unwise to cross the governor, but some politicians and advocates in the poor Rio Grande Valley are starting to speak out in support of expanding Medicaid. Governor Perry opposes all parts of Obamacare.
 

NPR
The Global Afterlife Of Your Donated Clothes
May 21, 2013 | NPR · The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported.
 

Arts & Life

After Crashing In Canadian ‘Abyss,’ Four Men Fight To Survive
May 21, 2013 | NPR · On an icy night in 1984, a commuter plane crashed in the wilderness. Six passengers died, but four survived: the pilot, a politician, a policeman and a prisoner. Carol Shaben’s Into The Abyss describes their fight to make it through that frigid night alive.
 

Courtside Chemistry: How NBA’s Phil Jackson Won ‘Eleven Rings’
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Jackson is famous for his philosophical take on basketball and for the many stars he led to championship triumphs. He taught his players yoga and gave them assigned reading — but also pushed them to intensely practice fundamental skills. His new book looks back on a legendary coaching career.
 

UnCabaret
At L.A.’s UnCabaret, 25 Years Of Letting It All Hang Out
May 20, 2013 | NPR · Launched as an alternative to the stale stylings of the ’80s stand-up circuit, Beth Lapides’ event bills itself as a venue for “idiosyncratic, conversational comedy.” It’s helped establish careers for performers from Kathy Griffin to Randy and Jason Sklar.
Windows Media | MP3 | NPR Player | Add to NPR Player
 

Music

Getty Images
The Doors’ Keyboard Counterpoint Goes Silent: Remembering Ray Manzarek
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Ray Manzarek, whose keyboard was a trademark of The Doors sound, died at the age of 74 on Monday.
 

Getty Images
Ray Manzarek, Founding Member Of The Doors, Dies
May 20, 2013 | NPR · The keyboardist co-founded the band after meeting Jim Morrison in California. The Doors went on to become one of the most successful rock ‘n’ roll acts of the 1960s. Manzarek, 74, died in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.
 

Courtesy of the artist
Aesop Rock And Kimya Dawson Showcase Their Strengths
May 20, 2013 | NPR · As The Uncluded, the two cancel each other’s weaknesses — Dawson gains heft, while Aesop Rock lightens up. Critic Robert Christgau says the collaborative album is almost like two halves of a whole.
Windows Media | MP3 | NPR Player | Add to NPR Player
 

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