Colorado News Your Way/Local Legal Conversations

Southeast Colorado Author Havilah Hall decided too many children don't understand what really happens on the ranch and where their food comes from. Since her family ranches she wanted to share in a children's book how it all happens.

Body armor is a vital part of a small town deputies gear and yet, some Sheriffs' offices and small town departments are lacking in the latest technology. This month LV Petroleum, TA Express Truck Stop in Lamar, Colorado decided to write a check for some state of the art, all day protection for the people who protect them. Listen in as Shield 616 Founder Jake Skifstad explains why the gift was so important and why he started the non-profit to help outfit our law enforcement.

It's always a great show when the Children's Theatre of La Junta presents. This summer, the Southeast Colorado youth involved will get to bring the community a childhood favorite, Finding Nemo Jr. Listen in as we talk to director Kelly Jo Smith and a cast member who says it was truly her dream role to play.

When you get to the end of nearing a deadline, you pick up the pace. It's been happening in the Colorado House and Senate with the hurried passage of bills as the last week is ahead. Southeast Colorado legislator, Senator Rod Pelton breaks down why some bills haven't made it through and talks about the passage of one bill that will be very important to small rural communities in the Centennial State.

District 47 Representative Ty Winter is wrapping up the last two weeks of his first legislative session. He shares that he keeps the faith and hope that it will end well. Winter tells us as the minority party, they've had to fight hard working long nights to represent rural conservative Colorado.

What would you say if I told you that a computer could totally replace you at work. It's already happening in many fields, but you tell me, but Anne, I'm a writer, a computer can't actually do that. Well, you'd be wrong. The many ways that AI could change our world we address, some are very frightening.

Not everyone will agree but the city of Rocky Ford in Southeast Colorado sure wants input on what to create with an outdoor space.  Stacey Milenski of the city of Rocky Ford joins us to tell us what they need to move forward.

Fewer and fewer journalists actually reporting and writing news means folks head over to social media to read what they digest as...news.  Companies are cutting costs by cutting positions and eliminating traditional news segments.  It means small communities miles away from bigger cities are often left with little information that truly tailored to their communities.  We chat with a man who has been involved with radio operations to include news about his take on it all.

Edward Aragon waited seven years to learn his fate.  A jury in Otero County district court returned his verdict finally in the death of his girlfriend.  We talk to the assistant district attorney about the trial, the challenges and why it took so long to get the case to trial and to a verdict.

Long time radio personality Pat McGee is retiring.  He's been the voice of the Arkansas Valley for 23 plus years.  This was his last show on AM 1400 KBLJ.

CASA is a non profit that is the voice of the child in court.  They are so important to our community and one of our outstanding non-profits.  This is a recap of a recent fundraiser, Director Cynthia updates the numbers.  And a little about what training to become a volunteer is like.

October is domestic violence awareness month.  We chat with Liz Randall of the Arkansas Valley Resource Center in La Junta.  What you need to know about it, what you can do to help raise awareness about it and more.

It's been a hot minute since we learned Civics in school.  We thought sitting down with attorney Jim Bullock would be a great way to brush up on what we know and don't about the Constitution, since it's Constitution day.

Today's episode is about power, the power government has when it's not watched.  You should watch your government, at the national, state and local levels.  Laura Carno joins us to talk about why and shares with us what we can do as citizens.  Also, a special short interview with Freedom Mom blogger and Colorado award winner of the grassroots leadership award.  

Colorado Legal Services attorney Erin Harris joins us to talk about health benefits.  Why is it important to have one thing in place before launching into the next big thing, employment wise that is. 

In this short interview with Greg Lopez, he discusses some reasons why he feels he would lead Colorado the way it should be led. 

Today we interviewed Eli Bremer who has competed in Pentathlon in the Olympics.  Now, he's challenging himself to a new role, US Senator.  

Do you know the difference between conservatorship and guardianship?  Local attorney Nathan Shultz joins us to talk about them.

In January, a new law took effect in Colorado, Equal Pay for Equal Work.  Attorney Erin Harris joins me with an update, we look at some of the ways it's affecting the state and workers.

Ok, so the media is often attacked for not being ethical, and there are a plethora of lawyer jokes.....so there must be a reason.  The code of ethics we must follow and how it plays out. 

Unemployment specialist Jonathan Greschler joins us to tell us what he's learned working as an unemployment hearing officer.  Can you still file for unemployment if you've quit your job?  Maybe.  He answers that and more on this edition of LLC Local Legal Conversation.

There's a lot to a dog project when you're doing 4H.  The students doing these projects came on the radio today on TTO this morning on AM 1400 KBLJ to talk about how they do it.  You'll get a little insight to dog training by listening.

If you've been before, you know this top notch talented crew never disappoints with a great show.  The show starts Wednesday June 23rd and runs through the weekend.  Hear some of the cast talk about their characters and the production.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation wears many hats and does many things.  They are essential in small communities who call on them to assist in large scale investigations.  We chat with the director of the CBI today, John Camper.  

Today, I got to have kids AND dogs in the studio on AM 1400 KBLJ.  Here's some useful and fun information from the students about their 4H dog projects.  

Legal things you need to know about summer.  Can you really get a DUI on a pool noodle?  It is a vessel.  Our local attorney Nathan Shultz joins us to clear up some confusion about our liabilities and summer.  

When you have a high profile trial coming up in a small town, it's challenging enough to seat a jury.  What happens when there aren't enough to seat a jury?  Well, you reschedule.  We talk to the District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney and the Defense attorney all affected by the shuffle. Why jury duty isn't an invitation.

When my husband was driving our little Volvo in the mountains over passes of more than 10,000, Little Inga, the Volvo-who-could, well, couldn't.  It's not that we had car trouble but there are some things you should know about mountain driving and what to expect.  Engineer and Mechanic Extraordinaire Mark Sarlo helps me understand it all.  We hope you learn something too.

It's soil health month.  There's a lot you probably don't know about that stuff that you might refer to as dirt.  But soils are as unique as your thumbprint.  Maybe.  But if you have a brown thumb, the foundation for your vegetation might be the reason.  We talk to some soil health enthusiast about best practices.  Don't worry, it's not too sciency, just enough.  Carry on and enjoy the show. ~Anne

When families recover and build stronger relationships and healthier lifestyles, children benefit.  CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates are in the mix of a multitude of resources now available to help families thrive.  Today we speak to 16th judicial district judge Mark Macdonnell and CASA director Cynthia Sollenbarger.  They share what Family Recovery Court is and isn't.  As always if you would love to volunteer with CASA, they always need great people.  Contact Cynthia at (719) 470-0148.

The news has been crazy.  Covering it for the last year has been too.  What will history say about these "unprecedented times" and our "new normal?"  Talk Show host and Colorado mom Michelle Morin joins me to talk about it.

Evictions!  

It's something that has changed a bit since the pandemic. 

 It's also harder to find something to rent should you need to.  Colorado Legal Services works with tenants on these issues.  Attorney Erin Harris and Paralegal Heather Setter join us today to talk about what can be done and what resources you MIGHT be able to access should you qualify.

This time around we meet a man who decided that law enforcement needed better protection.  On their website, the non-profit states that SHIELD616 was founded to provide all-day rifle protection for peace officers and
first responders who sacrificially serve our communities.  Founder Jake Skifsted talks about his passion that has now equipped officers with protection across the state of Colorado.

If you've never been on a ride along with law enforcement, you learn a lot and it can be a lot of fun.  Listen in as we let the recorder roll on a Friday night in Bent County, Colorado.

The latest way thieves want to scam you is to steal your identity to open a claim for unemployment.  You usually find out because you're still working, you didn't file.  Colorado Legal Services attorney Erin Harris shares some ways to keep yourself from being a victim and what to do if it's too late.

Liz Randall with the Arkansas Valley Resource Center in La Junta, Colorado tells us sexual assault has little to do with sex and mostly about power.  We learn more about sexual assault when we talk about sexual assault prevention and awareness month.  

Attorney Nathan Shultz joins us to talk about the process of a child abuse case through the court system.  April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month.  

Attorney Nathan Shultz joins me to talk about how taxes were born.  Ah, it's tax week so we're just being festive. 

A religious freedom group wants a monument honoring Veterans removed.  The monument was an Eagle Scout project and honors Veterans to include the scout's father and grandfather.  It reads:  Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American Soldier; one died for your soul, the other died for your freedom." "We honor those who made freedom a reality"   

Attorney Jim Bullock joins us to talk about it.

Former CNN news reporter Cary Poarch thought he'd landed a dream job but the bias he saw happening at the network moved him to action.  Wearing a camera he went undercover to expose the bias.  He says he feels it was something that he could do. 

Challenges small rural towns in America have in attracting and keeping legal talent.  Erin Harris of Colorado Legal Services says our new way of conducting legal business might actually help cure this in the years to come.

CASA is well known for being a child's voice in court but they do much more than just that.  This week, we chat with Zane Grant and Cynthia Sollenbarger of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. 

Researcher Belinda Sturgess feels private money influenced our elections.  Why does it matter?  Well, that depends on who should be deciding elections, because shouldn't that be We The People?

Your potential employer can no longer ask you certain questions in a job interview.  There's more to the new Colorado law that came to be in January of 2021.  Colorado Legal Services attorney Erin Harris fills us in on the changes and what we need to know.  A compare and contrast to how it was and how it is.

Colorado author and activist K. P. Lovejoy joins us to share her new book that she's giving away.  She wants all parents and caregivers to understand the real dangers of porn and the effects on the developing brain. 

So you think you're headed toward divorce.  What do you need to know?  You'll have a lot to prepare for, Southeast Colorado attorney Nathan Shultz runs down the list of what's first and what's next.

Liz Randall from the Arkansas Valley Resource Center in La Junta, Colorado joins me to test my knowledge about what I know about teen dating violence.  February in Teen Dating Violence Awareness month.

Colorado Legal Services attorney Erin Harris says you need to have your ducks in a row when heading to talk to an attorney.  Not knowing exactly what you need can cost you.  She gives advice on how to prepare so that you're not trying to buy something that you don't really need.

Attorneys rely on precedents when taking a case to court.  Has it been done before?  Yeah, well, what happened.  That's why these "firsts" or precedents as they're called are significant to the legal field.