Newly elected state lawmakers are going through freshman orientation at the state capitol this week. They’re learning everything from how to present a bill and debate on the floor, to where they can walk inside the house and senate chambers. Bente Birkeland has more from Denver.

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Colorado regulators are hearing more on Black Hills Energy’s plan to cut emissions by 2018…and, the search for a new president at Colorado State University-Pueblo is gearing up, as the school brings in an interim president.

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In Colorado Springs, Republican Owen Hill concedes the race for state senate D-11 to Democrat John Morse (Gazette). The Colorado Springs Independent looks at how the condition of one building points to failed urban renewal efforts, restoration efforts at the so-called Wheeler House in Manitou Springs, and a declline in medical marijuana businesses in the city. KXRM takes a look at charter schools and traditional schools.

In Pueblo, an audit cites issues with a state-run mental hospital (Chieftain, KOAA). Former city planning director named sole finalist in search for a new HARP director (Chieftain). CSU-Pueblo interim president looks to “hit the ground running” (Chieftain).

Governor Bill Ritter is set to visit Fowler today, to highlight the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative (LaJunta Tribune-Democrat).

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The food security rate in Colorado increased slightly in 2009, according to new government statistics…A federal appeals court will decide whether Colorado has the authority to set a deadline for destroying chemical weapons stored at an Army facility outside Pueblo…and, a Pueblo grand jury is investigating deaths at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.

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State Fair funding is set to remain about the same (Chieftain).

In El Paso County, provisional ballots have been counted, and election results stay the same (Gazette, KKTV).

In Colorado Springs, dark street lights will turn back on (KRDO). Neighbors hear about a proposal for the vacant Ivywild school building (Gazette). A public forum will be held Thursday to talk about Rainbow Falls restoration (KOAA). Drivers react to the way in which new red light cameras work (KRDO). City voters are tasked with picking a “strong” mayor now that Issue 300 has passed (KXRM). KXRM takes a look at the “Glee effect” in area schools.

Portions of US-67 will close near Woodland Park so road crews can replace a bridge (Gazette).

Saguache County officials complete election recount (KRDO).

In Pueblo, a grand jury has launched an investigation into deaths at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (Chieftain). The last of the county’s furlough days is set for Friday (Chieftain). Judicial officials stand behind a recommendation of non-rentention for a Pueblo judge (Chieftain).

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Many people from all over visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year, but perhaps the busiest time for the Northern Colorado area is in the late summer to fall months. People gather in large numbers to witness what’s known as the elk rut. KRCC’s Susan Glairon stopped by the park at the end of the elk mating season and has this report.

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Colorado is projected to have one of the country’s highest percentage increases of Alzhiemer’s disease in the next 15 years…and, Health officials in New Mexico are confirming an outbreak strain of E.coli in an intact sample of cheese sold at some Costco stores, including some in Colorado.

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State park officials examine opening more oil and gas leases to help ease financial burdens (Denver Post).

In Colorado Springs, city officials will look at potential stricter regulations for medical marijuana businesses (Gazette). Efforts to recall a Cherokee Metropolitan District water board member could see an injunction (Gazette). Former employee questions the direction of the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind (KRDO).

In Pueblo, an interim president is recommended for CSU-Pueblo (Chieftain). The Pueblo City-County Health Department plans to discontinue its recycling program (Chieftain). D-70 looks to move forward with projects after the failure of three statewide ballot initiatives (Chieftain).

The Trinidad Times-Independent reports a judge has issued a ruling in the case over troubled Cougar Canyon and that the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Department will suffer under voluntary retirements. The paper also takes a look at grants provided by the Tourism Board to draw more visitors to the area.

The LaJunta Tribune Democrat provides a rundown of the city manager’s report to council, and reports that the Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts was vandalized again.

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Interstate 25 Northbound near Larkspur is reopen after a massive traffic accident this morning forced its closure for about four hours today…U.S. Forest Service chief Tom Tidwell says forests have had bark beetle epidemics before but never one this large and not one that has spread so fast…and, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is ordering federal land managers to consider conservation as the primary focus of some 27 million acres of public lands in the West.

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A massive car crash on Interstate 25 is blocking northbound traffic (Gazette, KOAA, KKTV, KRDO). Colorado Springs Utilities looks at next year’s budget, which could include a rate hike (Gazette). Solar powered road signs have saved the city money (Colorado Springs Business Journal).

El Paso County examines rules for billboards (Gazette).

The Pueblo Chieftain looks at the emerging conflict between the Air Force and Pinon Canyon area ranchers.

In Trinidad, the school district looks to upgrading technology in the classroom (Times-Independent). The city takes a look at liquor laws (Times-Independent). The Carnegie Public Library board considers becoming a city department (Time-Independent).

The Custer County Planning Commission has denied a proposal that would have changed a dude ranch into a camp for troubled teens (Wet Mountain Tribune). Retired military generals urge Custer County officials not to act hastily in regards to commenting on the proposed Air Force training flights (Wet Mountain Tribune).

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