Today on Colorado Edition: we'll look at what the proposed sale of North Colorado Medical Center would mean. Plus, a look at how Steamboat Springs' history is being remembered as the town grows. We'll also discuss how Fort Collins is working to provide services to its homeless population. And, we'll talk about an upcoming choral celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
News Of The Day:
- Marijuana Banks - Marijuana dispensaries are one step closer to accessing banking services, such as checking accounts. The U.S. House passed legislation Wednesday that would stop federal regulators from punishing banks that serve the industry in states where it's legal, like Colorado. Under the current law, many dispensaries must operate as cash-only businesses. The SAFE Banking Act, authored by representative Ed Perlmutter, now heads to the Senate, which is expected to take up the legislation this fall.
- Vaping In Schools - Douglas County School District is trying a different approach to combat teen vaping. A pilot program ends the practice of suspending students caught vaping on campus and directs them to take diversion programs and substance abuse counseling instead. The goal is to find ways for students to deal with stress factors that might push them to use nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. Colorado has one of the highest youth vaping rates in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 27% of high school students in the state have reported they had vaped nicotine.
- Hiking Longs Peak - As the weather gets cooler, conditions at some of Colorado's high elevation hiking destinations are starting to become more dangerous. Almost all the snow at Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park has melted. With dropping temperatures come icy conditions, creating slick spots for climbers. Park officials say conditions can change quickly, with the temperature dropping 20 and 30 degrees in a matter of minutes. Hikers are urged to pack warm clothes and extra food and to notify someone where they're going and when they'll return.
The Future Of North Colorado Medical Center
For the first time since 1904, Weld County soon may no longer be affiliated with North Colorado Medical Center. The county plans to sell the hospital to Banner Health. The sale just waits on final approval from the state's attorney general, who will visit the area tomorrow to hear public comments.
Cuyler Meade, the public money reporter for The Greeley Tribune, joins us to tell us more.
Growth Versus Steamboat's History
Steamboat Springs prides itself not only on its world-renowned ski slopes, but for its agricultural and ranching heritage. But it hasn't always been able to hold on to that history. Now, some are asking newcomers to help keep Steamboat's past more firmly in the present.
Homelessness In Fort Collins
After several years of attempting to address concerns over homelessness issues, Fort Collins city officials are exploring the idea of a centralized services hub that could help address some of those concerns.
The Coloradoan's Kevin Duggan joins us to tell us more.
Choral Concert Celebrates Stonewall
This Saturday, the Rocky Mountain Arts Association is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York with a concert in Fort Collins. Two choirs will sing as one, the Denver Women's Chorus and the Denver Gay Men's Chorus.
James Knapp, the artistic and managing director for the Denver Gay Men's Chorus, joins us to tell us more.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:
- "Neil Takes Two" by Studio J
- "Partly Sage" by Bodytonic
- "Greylock" by Skittle
- "Astrisx" by Bodytonic
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. News director Catherine Welch and managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a daily news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.