50 CENTS
February 16, 2017
DENVER Since 1926
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DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
THUNDER FROM THE MOUNTAIN:
Ancient gods tussle in dark comedy P6
Democrats want permanent funding for transportation
BIG SPORTS WEEKEND
Caveat that education spending must not be hurt is difficult part BY JAMES ANDERSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver South’s Roberto Lopez, left, works to escape the grip of Donaven Palacio of Northglenn during the consolation bracket semifinal match at the Class 5A Region 2 Wrestling Tournament held Feb. 10 and 11 at Legacy High School. Lopez lost in the championship semifinals but came back in the consolation bracket to win two matches, so he finished fourth and qualified to compete in the state wrestling tournament Feb. 16-18 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. TOM MUNDS
Cate Roberts swims the backstroke portion of the medley relay for Denver East on Feb. 9 at the Class 5A State Swimming Championships at the Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center in Thornton. The East team finished with a time of 1:56.42 to finish 20th out of 31 teams in the prelims, missing the finals. IAN WARREN
Colorado’s Democratic House leadership said any effort to create a permanent funding source to improve the state’s congested road network must not sacrifice education spending. On Feb. 8, a month into Colorado’s four-month legislative session, House Speaker Crisanta Duran told reporters she’s “optimistically cautious” that talks with leaders in the Republican-led Senate will produce a possible ballot measure on paying for roads to Duran be referred to voters. Transportation funding was declared a top priority in 2017 by lawmakers of both parties. But a detailed proposal has yet to be introduced by anyone, and Senate Republican President Kevin Grantham suggested this week that talks have been difficult. Colorado roads projects face a $9 billion backlog — plus a $1 billion maintenance bill each year. Other government priorities, including making up for chronically underfunded SEE LEGISLATURE, P5
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘I’ve got a burning desire to call plays, and I did not do that the last four years and that was something hard.’ Mike McCoy, Broncos offensive coordinator | Page 7 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 4 | LIFE: PAGE 6 | SPORTS: PAGE 7 VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 17