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MAN CHARGED IN ATTEMPTED DISPENSARY ROBBERYDenver Daily News staff reportThursday, December 24, 2009 | |
MAN CHARGED IN ATTEMPTED DISPENSARY ROBBERY: Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has formally charged a man accused of trying to rob a Denver marijuana dispensary last week. James Leyva, 21, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, three counts of attempted aggravated robbery, second-degree assault and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. The charges allege that Leyva went into a Denver marijuana dispensary on Dec. 16 armed with a handgun and tried to rob the facility. Leyva remains in custody in the Denver County Jail; his bond is set at $150,000. He is scheduled to appear in Denver County Courtroom 472W on Monday at 1:30 p.m. to be formally advised of the charges.
REPUBLICANS CHALLENGE BENNET ON HEALTH CARE VOTE: Colorado Republicans yesterday challenged U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., to vote against health reform if he truly opposes the use of “bribes” to win votes for the bill. Republicans are pointing to special deals included in the legislation that were included to sway wavering Democrats. A deal for Nebraska that would provide tens of millions of dollars for Medicaid funding is at the center of the debate. Colorado Republican Party Chair Dick Wadhams pointed to a recent floor speech by Bennet in which the senator spoke out against the special deals. Wadhams says if Bennet is truly against the special deals, then he should reject the health care bill. But Bennet maintains that he is voting for the legislation because he wants to provide insurance to the uninsured and end unfair practices by the insurance industry.
DELIVERED PACKAGES BEING STOLEN OFF FRONT PORCHES: Over the past week the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has received four reports of packages, which had been delivered by United Parcel Service, being stolen off of the front porches of neighborhood residences. The thefts have occurred in both unincorporated Arapahoe County and the City of Centennial in the following areas:
• 16000 block of East Lake Drive, Unincorporated Arapahoe County
• 4400 block of South Jebel Court, Unincorporated Arapahoe County
• 5500 block of South Olathe Lane, City of Centennial
• 15000 block of East Aberdeen Avenue, City of Centennial
In one case a suspect vehicle was described as a white pickup. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has contacted United Parcel Service and Federal Express to advise them of the incidents and to request their assistance in reporting any suspicious vehicles following their trucks in and around neighborhoods. If you have any information about this criminal activity, please contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at 303-795-4711.
KEYSTONE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF TRAILS ON OUTBACK: Keystone Resort is expanding its open terrain to include its third and final peak, the Outback, and expects to open the half pipe in its top-ranked A51 Terrain Park this weekend. Additionally, Keystone has some fun-filled activities planned throughout the holiday season and is still offering up to 40 percent off lodging for last minute getaways. The groomed Elk Run trail opened on Outback yesterday for the remainder of the season. Badger and Timberwolf runs will open for limited access while natural snow conditions permit.
RITTER SIGNS MOU BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND COLORADO WINS: Colorado Department of Revenue employees have ratified a memorandum of understanding between management and employees. With 70 percent of the Colorado WINS members voting, 97 percent voted in favor of the “groundbreaking” agreement that will improve training, communication and driver’s license offices throughout the department. For the first time ever, there will be an online, word-searchable procedure manual in all drivers license office workstations; starting April 2010, every performance evaluation will include career path planning and desired training; and by January 2010, WINS members and DOR management will form an ongoing task force to improve communication, including universal access to e-mail/intranet and creating new avenues for communication.
CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR HOMELESS: For the 14th consecutive year, the Denver ChopHouse together with the surrounding Denver community will serve Christmas dinner to the city’s hungry and homeless. This event is known locally as the Miracle on 19th Street. Together with local non-profits and the generous financial and volunteer support of community members, the ChopHouse serves up to 2,500 homeless and displaced individuals each year on Christmas. All guests receive a delicious ChopHouse meal and have the opportunity to take a souvenir photo with Santa home from the event. The event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Day.
CRESTED BUTTE GETS FRESH SNOWFALL FOR CHRISTMAS: Mother Nature delivered an early holiday present to Crested Butte Mountain Resort in the form of another snowstorm. With all of the resort’s beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain open, and fantastic snow conditions, Crested Butte Mountain Resort welcomes visitors to not only enjoy the slopes, but also to participate in the myriad of activities during the holiday period. Some of the festive options include a Christmas Eve torchlight parade, glittering ice sculptures in Mountaineer Square and even a special full-moon New Year’s Eve snowshoe adventure. As the snow keeps falling, and the special events keep coming, be sure to watch for Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s announcement when snow totals equal 100 inches — so far! Celebrate the New Year in style at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and the Elevation Hotel & Spa for only $210 per person. This special includes two nights of lodging at the luxurious slopeside Elevation Hotel & Spa, one day of lift tickets for two people and a bottle of champagne to christen the Baby New Year. Call Crested Butte Vacations at 1-800-600-2803.
FOUR INDICTED ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY, SMUGGLING, TRAFFICKING IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS: Four Boulder men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on charges of conspiracy, smuggling, and trafficking in counterfeit goods, the department of justice announced yesterday. The indictment alleges that the defendants smuggled counterfeit computer network components in to the United States form rogue manufactures in China, which they then sold throughout the country. The defendant’s arraignments are scheduled for Dec. 30.
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