In Colorado Springs, D-12 school officials urge parents to sign their kids up for a voluntary drug testing program (Gazette). The visitors bureau chooses a new CEO (Gazette, Colorado Springs Business Journal). The League of Women Voters is urging a “no” vote on Issue 300 regarding the proposal for a strong mayor (CSBJ). Users of the Manitou Incline react to a recommendation for paid parking (KRDO).

Ellicot grieves after the unexpected loss of a teacher (Gazette, KXRM).

In Pueblo, voters are not waiting until Election Day (Chieftain). More than 2000 people listened to author Sherman Alexie at CSU-Pueblo (Chieftain).

In Trinidad local auto sales have seen an increase (Trinidad Times-Independent). Political candidates address the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (Times-Independent). The Times-Independent profiles one couple’s restoration efforts in Trinidad.

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Governor Bill Ritter is taking money out of K though 12 schools and suspending grants for communities impacted by the energy industry to help balance the latest budget shortfall. He unveiled his plans Friday and blasted those who are criticizing him for his choices. Bente Birkeland reports from the state capitol.

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In Colorado Springs, medical marijuana dispenaries compete for business (Gazette). A vacancy on the D-49 School Board is still open (Gazette). The Gazette takes a look at one park volunteer who’s had enough of hauling trash. A solar-powered car heads to the top of Pikes Peak (Gazette).

Ellicot District 22 closes for the day after the unexpected death of a teacher (KOAA, KRDO, KKTV).

The Pueblo Chieftain profiles one effort to help clean up a mine field.

The LaJunta Tribune-Democrat looks at three government entities in the area opposed to statewide ballot initiatives 60, 61, and 101.

Courthouse Square in Trinidad prepares for a makeover (Trinidad Times-Independent). Las Animas County commissioners listen to concerns over proposed low-level training flight proposal (Times-Independent).

The Wet Mountain Tribune reports on groups opposed to statewide ballot initiatives 60, 61, and 101, and a government class at Custer County High School that’s examined the issues.

The Canon City Daily Record reports on a bond issue that voters will decide upon, aimed at renovating schools in Florence and Penrose.

The Denver Post reports on a strong harvest for Colorado farmers.

Disclaimer: KRCC and KRCC News make no guarantees regarding the content within these reports, however consider them part of the news and media outlets reporting on issues affecting our coverage area. The Index is not exhaustive, and is not an endorsement of any kind. * indicates subscription required.

A bi-partisan group of business leaders and education officials tasked with examining the state’s higher education system say without more money, critical programs and even schools could go away. Governor Bill Ritter appointed the group earlier this year to create a roadmap for the future of the state’s colleges and universities. The findings were released yesterday. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter plans to close a $262 million shortfall in this year’s state budget by using federal stimulus funds and severance taxes…At a recent voter forum, Democrat Pete Lee and Republican Karen Cullen debated jobs and trimming the budget, in their bids to represent District 18 of the Colorado state legislature.

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In an effort to change America’s lagging status in the broadband global market the Federal Communications Commission is implementing an expansive plan that aims to make high speed service available and affordable to low-income families in Colorado and across the country over the next decade…Poor medical marijuana patients in Colorado won’t have pay state marijuana registration fees or sales tax on the pot they buy…and, nearly 200 thousand Coloradans have already cast their votes for the mid-term elections since the start of early voting.

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Colorado elections officials rolled out the first look at who’s voting early this election, and so far more Republicans are voting than Democrats…and, an environmental group says Congresswoman Betsy Markey and other vulnerable Democrats should talk up their vote on the ‘cap and trade’ energy and climate bill.

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Colorado’s U.S. senate race will be closely watched race this November. Democratic Senator Michael Bennet is trying to win his first election campaign after being appointed to the position by Governor Ritter. Republican challenger and Weld county prosecutor Ken Buck won the primary with tea party and grass roots support. Bente Birkeland examines the race as part of our weekly capitol conversation series that runs between now and election day.

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The Army has set up a new veterinary medical unit at Fort Carson to treat U.S. and allied military working dogs…and, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crops program has approved funding for seventeen projects, after receiving an award from the U.S.D.A.

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A crowd of about 1,500 people filled a gymnasium at a Denver Public charter school last night, to hear former President Bill Clinton speak. Clinton urged the group to vote for Senator Michael Bennet, who is facing a tough campaign to keep his senate seat. Clinton is stumping for Democrats in close races across the country. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

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