FT. CARSON MOURNS THE LOSS OF HIGHEST RANKING OFFICER TO DIE IN IRAQ
Lt. Col. Eric John Kruger was killed by a roadside bomb on his first mission in Iraq, shortly after Ft. Carson’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team arrived. The 40-year-old father of four will be sorely missed. We take you to the memorial held for him at Ft. Carson Wednesday. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AT FT. CARSON, Q AND A WITH NPR’S DANIEL ZWERDLING
On Monday, National Public Radio aired a half-hour report by veteran investigative Reporter Daniel Zwerdling, that he gathered at at Ft. Carson. We had a chance to visit with Zwerdling to hear about how he put his story together, and what kind of reaction it’s getting. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
It’s just over a month until Colorado’s new governor, Bill Ritter gives his inaugural state of the state address on January 9th. The following day, the Colorado legislature convenes for it’s four month session.
John Straayer, a longtime Colorado government watcher and professor of political science at Colorado State University recently sat down with our capitol reporter Bente Birkeland to talk about what we’re likely to see this legislative session.
[LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

COMMENTARY: ENOUGH WITH THE TURKEY, ALREADY
The staff here at Western Skies was preparing to start our holiday baking the other day when, rooting around in the ‘fridge, we couldn’t help but notice, there’s still quite a bit leftover from Thanksgiving. We were in a quandary. Thank goodness for commentator Barry Smith, who told us just what to do. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: AN INSIDER’S VIEW
Last summer, organizations in Colorado Springs that help people with developmental disabilities held a first-ever “awareness day.” The idea was to let the community know about how many people locally need and get help with some of the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted. Attendance was less than overwhelming, but reporter Lindsay Patterson was there, and wanted to learn more about the Springs’ disabled community. In this story, Lindsay talks with people who help the disabled, and one local man who is aware of developmental disabilities every day. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
Nearly three-quarters of a million people in Colorado don’t have health insurance. Caring for them drives up costs for everyone else who does. Every year the state legislature tries to come up with solutions to the state’s health care crisis, and last year lawmakers and Governor Owens appointed a task force to recommend fixes. Bente Birkeland reports what the state health care task force is trying to accomplish. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

2ND SPRING’S OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY
For the second time this year, a Colorado Springs police officer has been killed in the line of duty. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

COMMENTARY: FORGETTING THE DAY KENNEDY DIED
What were you doing on November 22nd? That date ring a bell for you? For people of a certain age, November 22nd, 1963 is a day frozen in time, when they can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing. Commentator Caroline Vulgamore explains why. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

FEEDING THE HUNGRY VS. FEEDING COMMERCE AT CHRISTMAS
For some people, it’s the gifts that ruin the holidays. The endless hawking of gadgets we don’t need, the frenzied quest for the perfect present, and the nagging doubt about buying iPods when others can’t afford food. Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to buy something really practical for someone who really needs it? Some people actually try, as producer Julie Siple discovered. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]

ARCHAEOLOGY, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
In the last four decades, there’s been an explosion in study of the Southwest’s substantial archaeological resources. It’s mostly due to a federal law mandating that energy companies and other industries document what they find on public land. We talk with High Country News Associate Editor Jonathan Thompson about what’s been found, and a new pilot program to improve the system. [LISTEN] [TRANSCRIPT]