Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday January 7th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

Today - Peter Marshall was killed in an avalanche near Red Mountain Pass in 2019. His family says the school, the guide, and Backcountry Access violated a raft of laws that led to his death. 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to January 1899 when, desperate for a new source of income after the collapse of silver mining, Colorado entrepreneurs gave the sweet beets a try. Investors filed to incorporate the Colorado Sugar Manufacturing Company and imported nearly 40 tons of beet seed from Germany.

Now, our feature story.

The family of a Longmont man killed in an avalanche safety class is now suing the guide and the local rescue group among other parties. The lawsuit is based on research, interviews and reports gathered by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 

Marshall’s death was the first avalanche fatality of the 2018-19 season. The first ever of a student at the Silverton Avalanche School which is one of the nation’s oldest avalanche education schools. 

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins  is joining us today to talk more about the lawsuit. Jason thank you so much for your time, can you start off with an overview of this lawsuit and who is involved?

As Jason mentioned, the lawsuit focuses on the mistakes highlighted in the avalanche report, breaking down every step taken leading up to the avalanche.

The lawsuit cites several dozen failures including charges of negligence, like failing to communicate the day’s avalanche forecast, and allowing instructors to lead students “into, through and below” avalanche terrain.

Jim Moss, a recreation law attorney who has spent more than 30 years working with outdoor recreation companies and clients, suspects that Marshall signed waivers releasing Silverton Avalanche School from liability in case of an accident. 

Moss sees the case, if it goes to trial, hinging on the testimony of expert witnesses. 

Thanks for listening. Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

Four members of Colorado’s congressional delegation were in the U.S. House chambers during Wednesday's deadly riot at the Capitol. All four escaped unharmed. They described their harrowing ordeal to The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul. You can read more at coloradosun.com.

Some Colorado counties are struggling to roll out vaccination programs. But Summit County is receiving praise for its approach to distribution. Officials say the county’s drive-thru method for distributing the vaccine has received attention across the state and nationally.

Mesa County's clerk has posted claims of voter fraud without providing evidence and despite assurances from election officials nationwide that the November election was safe and secure. The Daily Sentinel reports that Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters tweeted on Sunday that ballots could be counted more than once and that software used in voting machines could be manipulated.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

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Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday January 6th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories, and a quick summary of other important things happening in our state.

 

Today - families who lost homes in wildfires this year are starting to rebuild.

 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to January 6th, 1942 when a new industry debuted in El Paso County. The US Army announced their plans for a training facility on donated land south of the city, The local newspaper described the news as a belated Christmas present.

 

Now, our feature story. 

 

Hundreds of homes were lost in Colorado's record-breaking wildfires last year. For those families, the process to rebuild has only just begun. Colorado Sun reporter Lucy Haggard has the story of one family's house and what life is like after losing almost everything.

 

To read more stories of wildfire recovery, go to coloradosun.com.

 

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

It will take two to four weeks for the state to begin distributing new federal unemployment benefits, though it may be a little sooner because the state is upgrading its outdated computer system this week, according to Joe Barela, executive director of Colorado’s Department of Labor and employment, in a surprise visit during a call with reporters on Tuesday. 

 

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The Colorado Department of Transportation estimates it will receive $150 million from the coronavirus pandemic relief bill Congress passed late last year. 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Colorado Sun Daily Podcast

The Colorado Sun Daily Podcast

The Colorado Sun Daily Podcast

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The Colorado Sun Daily Podcast