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News
Adoptive family seeks award for bomb dog that went to war
News Published: Wed, June 19, 2013
Ruby and Wade Ridpath with their combat veteran dog, Carlos, who served five years as an explosive-detecting dog in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Ridpaths nominated Carlos for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards in the military dog category. by Erin Prater erin.prater@gazette.com – “Bring him home.” As Ruby Ridpath typed those words into an [...]
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- Bernie Herpin may face Sen. John Morse in recall, if he gets signatures
- FIRE NOTEBOOK: Reception canceled for Waldo exhibit
- Red flag fire warning for El Paso County, dry conditions all week
- Man in custody after traffic stop
- UPDATES: New areas to open temporarily Wednesday morning to Black Forest fire residents
Life
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s ‘gentlest giraffe’ dies at age 32
Life Published: Tue, June 18, 2013
Courtesy of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo The Gazette – The most recognizable giraffe at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, known for her unique, nearly all-white coloring, died Tuesday morning due to complications of old age. Becky, a 32-year-old reticulated giraffe, had been on a “quality of life watch” for about a year and a half, the [...]
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A&E
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: The dogs who went Hollywood
Arts & Entertainment Published: Tue, June 18, 2013
by t.d. mobley-martinez tracy@coloradosprings.com – I love dogs. And I’m not alone. Which is probably why they have found themselves pictured or portrayed since men began to walk upright. Cave paintings and Egyptian murals. Those “Blue Dog” paintings. Tin Tin’s Snowy, L. Frank Baum’s Toto in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Astro, Scooby Doo and [...]
Sports
Sky Sox use Chris Volstad’s pitching, solid defense to top Tacoma 4-1
Sports Published: Tue, June 18, 2013
by JOE PAISLEY joe.paisley@gazette.com – Colorado Springs starter Chris Volstad got into a rhythm and the Sky Sox defense came up with three big double plays to down Tacoma 4-1 Tuesday night. The first two double plays ended Rainier scoring threats in the second and seventh innings and the final, a line drive grab by [...]
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- Former Rockie Esmil Rogers shuts down former team in 8-3 Toronto victory
- Northern Colorado football camp entry fees given to Red Cross after fire
- Subhead
- KLEE: With limited roster, CSU football must rely on flexibility of coaches
- McBride and Paulsen can’t carry Colorado Springs Sky Sox to victory in 12-7 loss to Las Vegas
Business
New hires, promotions & honors
Business Published: Wed, June 19, 2013
The Gazette – Tom Reiter has been named chief executive officer and president of Rocky Mountain Health Care Services, which provides a continuum of services to people who are elderly, blind, brain injured, disabled or living with diabetes or AIDS. Reiter will start July 1. He has more than 23 years experience in health-care organizations, [...]
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Military
Army show at home base brings a case of nerves for Fort Carson soldier
Military Published: Mon, June 10, 2013
In The Soldier Show, the stars of the show are not only performers, but soldiers. The Soldier Show travels the world to entertain our soldiers and their families. The show came to Ft. Carson on Thursday, May 30, 2013. (Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) by erin prater erin.prater@gazette.com – hen the Army’s “Soldier Show” rolled into [...]
I could never vote for anyone with a goatee.
Right. I’m out.
Typical of the reich.
I absolutely would never encourage any vandalism. I will win District 3 Council seat by sheer hard work, walking my district, being educated, accessible, and because I am someone who gets things done and believe in meaningful change. Lisa C District 3
I remember there being a hitler-like moustache drawn on Wayne Williams sign on Cimmaron, just south of the park, yet there wasn’t a Gazette article about it. Weird.
Merrifield for District 3!
Sad that someone would stoop so low.
don’t be suckered by petty vandals, notsomuch. Although you’re no longer a resident, most voters who remain look at the substance underneath the disguise.
We better not see a similar smear on Lisa’s image!
I’m sure the person who committed that act of vandalism was some zealous Czelatdko supporter (who was unemployed no thanks to GOP policies/laws enacted under Bush 43), who by the way sounds like a Russian spy. Republicans don’t know how to win an election fairly (or legally for that matter…e.g. 2000 presidential election), so they resort to vandalism and other illicit means to get elected…pathetic really. As for Jenna’s comment about the Hitler-esque mustache being drawn on a Wayne Williams billboard, he deserves it since Hitler is his #1 role model lol. He’d probably fit in perfectly with the Nazi regime were he alive then haha. (As would the rest of his Republican colleagues in El Paso County.)
Also, goatees are itchy. Can’t have that on City Council.
Lisa Czeladtko will threaten you with the police if any legal satire of her which is perfectly legal.
Mike Merrifield’s reaction to the vandalism of his billboard which is illegal reacts by saying “He could have at least put some hair on my head,”
Which candidate can take a little ribbing and which candidate will act like a 14 year old spoiled school girl?
You be the judge
Is that Vladimir Lenin?
He had an absolutely normal reaction and still played with this. Nowadays this kind of vandalism happens in any place of the world. In my opinion this is intrigues of the opposition.
Wow – the double standard that Guy is throwing out is amazing. When a Democratic party sign is vandalized, it is a consipiracy and horrible – but when it happens to a republican, they apparently deserve it and there is no crime there. You sound very illogical.
Mike looks pretty good. Lisa just looks sore.
Lisa Czeladtko probably paid a bunch some teenagers to do that.
Lisa C’s Broadmoor goons were desperate because they know that
There are people who live in District 3 who are sick of the elisist B.S.,
They don’t like it that there are regular people who have had enough
and they want to control the working poor.
Lisa Czeladtko lives a privilaged life because how else can she afford to be a housewife?
I am voting for Mike Merrifield because he knows how to be mature about this.
@ Michael Merrifield: You are a good man, you took this in stride. You are running in a City where you are hated by The Gazette who is going out of their way to make Lisa look like a princess when she is Medusa in Disquise.
Payback is tough, isn’t it, Mr. Merrifield?
Merrifield took it well. It is a pity that people feel the need to stoop so low to get their candidate elected. Seems the canidate can’t stand on their own merits. Things that make you go “hmmmm…”
Lisa is creepy.
I don’t see how the gazette makes Lisa look like a princess. If anything, it shows Mr. Merrifield in positive light, showing that he has a sense of humor, and can “roll with the punches”.
Guy Fawkes…..wow! Those blinders have pinched the brain right out of your head it would seem.
Michael is getting paid back for all of those signs he stole in the last election. Remember when that was on video tape of him and his wife stealing those signs. on the other hand you have Lisa out there pozing like she is a sex for hire chick, can we not vote for either candidate?
He took it in stride, good man! Silly immature people…grow up!
I definitely disagree with Lisa’s politics, but seeing how she handled herself when attacked by resistant videos, I must commit to the idea that she is not worthy to hold any type of leadership position in society. People who choose to run for public office without “representing” the PEOPLE should not only be empathic to the plights of those they are excluding in lieu of their own agendas, but expect to be refuted on their self-aggrandizing politics. Sadly, she is not smart enough to even qualify as a competent opponent…she exhibits very poor form in this game…I think she’ll be hoisted on her own petard (as the saying goes).
Then again, she does know how to spell harassment…so…that may influence some voters…:P
The level of frustration has gotten higher n Colorado Springs. People are tired of the Broadmoor types running Colorado Springs. The Broadmoor Types will do anything to maintain the status quo in Colorado Springs. If you are not a republican and you are running against a rethuglican in Colorado Springs you will be retaliated against. The Conservatives in this town want you to act walk talk and think like they do., Mr. Merrifield I must salute you for your bravery in running against the status quo in Colorado Springs. We do not need more of the same! You have my vote sir!
Sounds to me like ms. lisa is in total denial. Her responses to videos that attack her positions have been nothing short of threatening. I’d rather vote for someone who has a sense of humor, and can handle a little heat with as much calm as Merrifield has. It tells me he’d be a better representative when under a little pressure.
He’s got my vote all the way! I am sick and tired of the nasty, hateful, disgusting conservatives around here. I say he should grow facial hair and dye it black!
lisa czelatdko says:
March 7, 2011 at 6:35 pm
“I absolutely would never encourage any vandalism. I will win District 3 Council seat by sheer hard work, walking my district, being educated, accessible, and because I am someone who gets things done and believe in meaningful change. Lisa C District 3″
I’m gonna lose my lunch!
What’s scary and “creepy” is the ignorance shone by many of you on these comments. Citizens have been complaining for years at the way this city is going and here we have some smart candidates trying to get a crappy job for no money and all i read is lots of mud hurling. All you women commented should be a shamed of yourself. FACT-Lisa is graduate level educated. FACT- being a parent is the hardest job FACT-her husband was seriously injured and hasnt been able to hardly work in a year. they are regular people struggling FACT- she has volunteered for kids events, hospital, pride parade, the homeless, outdoors, downtown. FACT-she’s a woman and with young children. How would you like some creepy guys who you have never met making tons of videos about you. Its not political satire because they dont comment on any of her political beliefs. Watch them. All they do is insult and harrass her. She is getting support from a lot of the groups across the board because she is open to listening and non judgemental and nice. Where is Merrifield? he didnt answer questions in the Citizens link, or for downtown, and hasnt been at some of the events that support the district he’s running for. He’s not working hard because he expects all of you sheep to vote for him and make it easy for him. BAAAAA-go ahead and vote for the angry bald used up man and get the same garbage weve seen the last 10 years. Well at least you can keep writing to these blogs and complain about our city officials.
I want what is best for Colorado Springs. That is someone who is willing to admit they dont know everything, someone I can call or email if I have a problem or question and will write me back, someone who wants to see Colorado Springs be a decent place to live, and someone in touch with what is going on around town. Between the 2 candidates Lisa is the only one showing up to things and sounds like answering the questions. She seems like she is getting support from different groups so she is probably the better candidate and I am voting for her.
Lisa rocks!!!!
I am a mom who stays at home and it is hard work. My husband and I are not priveleged and some months barely make it. I really admire any mom who is teaching her kids to get involved with her community and to be a volunteer. We were driving down Academy last night and saw a woman with blonde hair, 4 kids, and a man putting in a Lisa C sign. It was cold and snowing out. I think it was her and thats not being spoiled. People need to start looking deeper at one another and not just whats on the outside. Lisa, the Logan family supports you.
Sitting at home wearing masks with a flashlight in front of you making videos is CREEPY. Can we say LOSERS. i would be worried to with freaks like that bothering me.
Erica you are creepy!
Dear readers,
I welcome — and encourage — comments in the City Desk blog. But can we please treat each other and the two candidates with a little more respect?
Thanks.
Daniel
@cathey coxix , you really shouldn’t involve Lisa’s Children in this. alot of people have children, So What? You would probably attach President Obama and he has children too. What’s your point? Plenty of prople who have a graduate level of education run for office all the time. I don’t see what your point is there either. Using her husband’s injury to gain sympathy for her is also wrong. I am sympathetic for her husband, but it does not mean that I will vote for her. Lisa only represents the Broadmoor, If the broadmoor were it’s own district then I would have no objections to her running. But it isn’t so I object
My Husband has been seriously injured also but this does not mean that I will vote for Lisa Czeladtko . If I were running for office I would not be using My husband and my children as a puppet show for the audience like Lisa is. I am voting for Michael Merrifield because Michael is a man with a Heart. Lisa probably paid someone to deface Mr. Merrifield’s billboard, I have seen what kind of a temper she has and I wouldn’t put it past her.
This is insane. @ Cathey Coxix, I have seen the videos you are talking about and I saw nothing creepy about them. It looks to me like he is making political statements you make it sound like he has some other kind of motive which I seriously doubt. The fact is that when you become a public figure you open yourself up to criticism. There are far worse videos than that about Obama and you don’t see the President having a fit like Lisa is.
http://notmytribe.com/2011/merrifield-portrayed-as-lenin-princess-lisa-says-she-didnt-do-it-823333.html#more-23333
@ Cathey Coxix. You’re wrong. I have watched the videos you talked about, and i find them very humorous. . just like the cartoons on the gazettes op-ed page, they’re just cartoons. they actually seem to bother lisa in a way that indicates to me, that she doesn’t have the stamina to serve in any capacity…well, maybe dog catcher.
I have been there with Lisa putting up signs in the cold…I’ve talked with her, her husband and her children. Her main concern was not to get her children involved in all this political nonsense and mud slinging. Those of you that thinks she just represents the Broadmoor area should look at who is backing her…it’s not the Broadmoor folks. One of her main concerns in our district is Highway 24 and the West side…by the way that’s not the Broadmoor. She wants to support businesses downtown…that’s not the Broadmoor either.
The point about her family and husband has nothing to do with leveraging them, Lisa didn’t even make that comment. The only comment she has made is about the ones tarnishing her image on the internet, which her children can see. She wants to set a good example and stand up for what is right.
Ask yourself if you really know her or just know the image of her. Ask her what her politics and beliefs are…look a little deeper beyond that she’s attractive and educated with a family. Go to a forum and ask her yourself what she wants to do for our District and our city, I’m guessing she’ll be the only candidate there. Respect is deserved for both sides. Merrifield I’m certain is a great man, but what has he changed in our city? Ask what Lisa has been doing and what has she changed? Please don’t make blatant statements about those of us who are willing to stand up and make a difference in our city. Examine what you are doing to help.
There are a lot of things that need to change in our city and our district. Stand behind whichever candidate you feel is going to be tough and do the work. Who would you hire to do the things you can’t and won’t do to help our city. That’s what your vote is counting towards.
Let’s look forward to a future where our city is known for it’s great things, not the squabbling that happens in politics and differing opinions that have destroyed us the last few decades. We can make the difference as one, but mudslinging isn’t going to help any of us.
Thanks
Sean Holveck
@surftrek You are forgetting something The Prospect Lake Area is part of District 3. Let’s take a look at Downtown for a moment, No One ever mentions the violence that takes place in those nightclubs come to think of it Lisa has not done so. Having walked by those nightclubs on my way home from work I see the Gang Violence that takes place. Lisa probably finds that acceptable. Is this the republican idea of local economic recovery?
Merrifield is a consummate liar. He’s using funds from his last campaign which HE LOST (not won) and the union money who are buying promises. He relys on the union’s money to get elected. How much has he actually gotten from individual supporters for this race? Take a look at his forms. As for his defaced sign, Id check the palms of his sweaty little hands for black paint. Wouldnt put it past him to pull a stunt just for the needed publicity. Middleaged? He’s plain damn ancient. Divorced to.
You talk about him being a politician, well he sure is folks lets remind what he voted for as a politician.
“Fact is, Mike Merrifield voted for Gov. Ritter’s “Dirty Dozen” tax bills in the 2010 legislative session. He has voted to increase your taxes and fees. His oppressive tax burden hurts small businesses, seniors, jobs, farmers, ranchers, consumers. Below is a short list, a dirty dozen list, of some of those oppressive tax bills Merrifield helped pass in the 2010 legislative year alone.
19,119 El Paso County seniors will have paid nearly $10,000,000 in additional property taxes in 2010 as a result of legislation Mike Merrifield voted for. Mike Merrifield supporting the legislation that took a tax break away from qualifying seniors. House Bill 1200 that Mike Merrifield voted in favor of and which is now law. SB-190 Hurts seniors by suspending their property tax exemption.
HB-1200 Hurts businesses by lowering the credit they may claim for enterprise zone investments. Jobs lost!
HB-1199 Hurts Businesses by lowering the amount of net operating losses they can carry forward on tax returns. More jobs lost!
HB-1197 Hurts everyone by lowering the amount taxpayers can deduct for conservation easement donations. Donors suffer increased taxes. Conservation suffers, because donors have less incentive to be generous. You have less open space.
HB-1196 Hurts families and businesses by repealing the tax credit for certain qualifying high mileage vehicles. Businesses and lifestyles that don’t comply with the “Green” police are thrown under the bus!
HB-1195 Hurts farmers and ranchers by removing long-established sales tax exemptions on various agricultural items vital to their operations. Puts those family operations in jeopardy!
HB-1194 Hurts us all by imposing sales taxes on takeout containers and other restaurant supplies. Prices go up. Jobs are lost as fewer families can afford to eat out.
HB-1193 Hurts us all by imposing sales taxes on purchases from out of state internet retailers. Higher purchase costs for us all. Jobs lost as we can afford fewer purchases.
HB-1192 Hurts small businesses hardest by classifying software, downloaded from the internet or manually installed on a computer, as tangible personal property making it subject to sales tax. Ever more jobs lost as operating costs climb ever higher!
HB-1191 Hurts us all by extending sales tax to candy and soda. Nanny state intrusion into personal choice. More jobs lost!
HB-1190 Hurts us all by increasing operating costs to the businesses that supply us with light, heat, the energy we use to live our lives. Places sales taxes on critical items used in energy industry operations. Lots of jobs lost! Higher costs to you!
HB-1189 Hurts direct mail sellers by imposing sales taxes on direct mail advertising. Small businesses face higher advertising costs in local markets.
Mike Merrifield dramatically raised his Legislature per diem and allowances in 2007 and 2008 – see his YES votes on SB07-139 and HB08-1037.
A Face the State Exclusive investigation has uncovered a pointed email written from Rep. Mike Merrifield (D – El Paso County) to Sen. Sue Windels (D – Arvada) in which he states, “There must be a special place in Hell for these Privatizers, Charerizers, [sic] and Voucherizers! They deserve it!”
Merrifield made his comment during an email exchange in which he and Windels searched for ways to gut the state’s Charter School Institute. The full version is available here. The Charter School Institute allows charter school applicants to appeal school districts that inappropriately reject applications by charter schools.
The email exchange shows that both Windels and Merrifield are opposed to parental choice in any form. Indeed, Merrifield’s constituents who choose charter or private schools for their children certainly won’t find solace in his harsh treatment of their decisions.”
Then last but not least. Mike voted for senate bill 200 to allow the opposite sex to go into one another bathrooms. For what purpose?
BOTTOM LINE: MERRIFIELD=LIAR, BAD FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, TAXING SENIORS,FORMER EDUCATOR WHO FEELS PARENTS ARE TO STUPID TO DECIDE SCHOOLING FOR THEIR CHILDREN, DOESNT SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS, WANTS TO GO IN OPPOSITE SEX BATHROOMS,
good choice ?
@cashinconnie
There you go again, ask yourselves this question, has Colorado Springs been better off with City Hall dominated by the republican party?
Cash in Connie, you trippin’
you forgot about TABOR, Michael Merrifield couldn’t raise taxes even if he wanted to. We the people are the ones who decide whether or not to raise taxes.
@ cashinconnie
Give me a break, You are grabbing at straws by your post. Sales Tax can’t be increased without voter approval, you probably know that and you just think we are stupid enough to be hypnotized by what you are saying but it is not going to work. Going into opposite sex restrooms? That’s another sign of your desparation. I’m surprised that you didn’t call Merrifield a muslim.
@ Cashinconnie, As a member of City Council Mike Merrifield would not be able to make a decision concerning public schools, you forget that plenty of jobs were lost because of recent local budget cuts that were decided by republicans. You are leaving alot out that republicans in Colorado Springs have done. Local Government waste is an issue, or did you forget about the millions of taxpayer dollars given to the U.S. Olympic Committee by Republicans on city Council and WITHOUT voter approval.
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