This past week I interviewed a bookseller in Fort Collins, and he said something that I’ve been carrying around in my back pocket:
“We kind of just need understanding. We don’t always need proof of it.”
I’ll just leave that there for you, see if you can use it this weekend. Now, on to the stories that help me understand Colorado a little bit more each day.
Reporter
THE NEWS
OUTDOORS
Mountain lions and humans “are interacting more than ever” on the Front Range. A new management plan is coming.
The Front Range has one of the densest mountain lion populations in the country, and 3,800 to 4,400 lions roam statewide at any given time. Stabilizing this population is one of the key goals of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s new management plan, which is being toured around for public feedback throughout March. The plan arrives against the backdrop of Proposition 91, a ballot proposal to outlaw trophy hunting of lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado, and the recent release of 10 wolves on the Western Slope. Tracy Ross has more.
ARTS
This giant 24-foot puppet will make its way through Manitou Springs this weekend
On a dining room table in Manitou Springs there’s a giant, papier-maché shoe. In the driveway is a washing machine-sized head. This weekend, at the Manitou Springs Mardi Gras parade, the larger-than-life body parts will appear as a 24-foot tall homage to artist Charles H. Rockey, credited for his whimsical arts portraying the mountain town. Olivia Prentzel entered the world of the puppet-builder, which sounds a little bit like a fairy tale, and a little bit like an arts and craft project gone awry.
ELECTION 2024
Ask The Sun: Why there’s no “noncommitted delegate” option on Colorado’s Republican presidential primary ballot
Political reporter Sandra Fish dives into one reader’s question about why there is no “noncommitted delegate” option on the Republican primary ballot, and what happens if a voter writes that option in. One of the quirks of Colorado election law, Fish explains, is that a candidate must submit an affidavit to state elections officials in order for votes cast for them to count. A couple of Republicans have done that, but none of them are named Noncommittal Delegate, so even writing that in will cause your vote to go uncounted. Fish also looks at why Democrats do have the “noncommitted delegate” option, and what that even means.
MARSHALL FIRE
Soil safe for homeowners and rebuilding in Marshall fire zone, Colorado study says
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Sites sampled in the soil study, including fully-burned homes, unburned residential areas and surrounding grasslands
Homeowners who have moved back into areas scorched by the Marshall fire are safe to play in their yards and plant their gardens, according to a new report by the Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado. Researchers tested soil for toxins that would have seeped into the ground when things like batteries, car engines and household paint melted during the fire. Though they found slightly elevated levels of certain metals, those levels were below a threshold of concern. Michael Booth has the details.
MORE NEWS
Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter
THE COLORADO REPORT
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THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
CARTOONS
As Jim Morrissey looks at Colorado’s primary election menu, he sees both Democrats and Republicans serving up presidential candidates who don’t add much in the way of new flavor.
In “What’d I Miss?” Ossie imagines what it might be like if he dated someone who said the exact things Donald Trump recently said about Black people.
With a nod to the Gershwins’ 1930s tune, Drew Litton just can’t get into the spring training hope-springs-eternal vibe where the Rockies are concerned.
The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy and submit columns, suggest writers or provide feedback at opinion@coloradosun.com.
Podcast Playlist
CONVERSATION
Each weekday The Daily Sun-Up podcast brings you a bit of Colorado history, headlines and a thoughtful conversation. We keep it tight so you can quickly listen, or stack up a few and tune in at your leisure. You can download the Sun-Up for free in your favorite podcasting app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts or RSS to plug into your app.
🗣️ Also, remember to ask your favorite smart device to “play the Daily Sun-Up podcast” and we’ll be on the speaker. As always we appreciate your feedback and comments at podcast@coloradosun.com.
And just like that, March!
— Parker & the whole staff of The Sun
Corrections & Clarifications
Notice something wrong? The Colorado Sun has an ethical responsibility to fix all factual errors. Request a correction by emailing corrections@coloradosun.com.
