WEEK OF JUNE 5, 2025
VOLUME 80 | ISSUE 33
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WESTMINSTER WOLVES CELEBRATE GRADUATION P7
Protestors greet Evans, Boebert at State Capitol Protestors chant their opposition to “One Big, Beautiful Bill” BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
titasking when the gun fired. “I should have known better,” Baird said. “It’s a mistake I’ll never make again.” The City of Thornton said in a statement that Baird immediately tried to contact residents to make sure nobody had been hit. Baird then reported the incident to the interim police chief, who came to the apartment with a sergeant from the Thornton Police Department. The investigation found no evidence of negligence or criminal conduct and Baird was not cited or arrested, according to a statement to CBS 4. Baird replaces Terrence Gordon, who retired in September 2024 after a four-year stint as chief.
Over the loud chants of protesters, U.S. Representatives Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert plowed ahead to outline the benefits of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” for Coloradans Thursday while on the steps of the State Capitol. As about 30 or so protesters chanted “One and Done” and “Gabe You Lie” to Evans, who is in his first term in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District seat. He and Boebert told reporters and supporters that the measure would ensure the longterm viability of Medicaid. By getting 1.4 million illegal immigrants off the Medicaid rolls as well as knocking off 1.2 million people who aren’t eligible for Medicaid benefits, the bill is “preserving the program for the people who need it the most,” Evans said. “It’s about cutting wasteful spending,” Boebert added. “… The waste, the fraud, the abuse, the illegal aliens who are receiving taxpayer benefits. This is going to stop under this one big, beautiful bill.” Evans and Boebert continued to speak into microphones during the one-hour presentation but were often drowned out by the full-throated opposition. About 20 advocates of the two lawmakers stood on one side and clapped their support. Colorado State Troopers formed a single line between the protestors, reporters and the lawmakers to guard against any confrontations which never occurred.
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Thornton’s new police chief sworn New chief accidentally discharged firearm recently BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
During his swearing in as Thornton’s new police chief Tuesday night, Jim Baird vowed to work with the city council to better understand the unique needs of each council member’s ward. “I am very grateful to being entrusted with this role,” said Baird, a 32-year law enforcement veteran. Baird was picked from 35 applicants representing talent and expertise from Colorado and across the nation, according to Thornton officials.
VOICES: 8 | LIFE: 10 | PUZZLES: 12
“Thornton PD will be in strong hands with (Chief ) Baird stirring the ship,” said City of Thornton Presiding Judge Tiffany Sorice, who administered the oath to Baird. His swearing in occurred on the same day it was revealed Baird accidentally fired a new gun at his apartment on May 14. The bullet went through a kitchen cabinet inside the apartment, and nobody was injured, according to CBS News Colorado. “It’s definitely not how anyone wants to start,” Kylynn McTague, public information officer for the Thornton Police Department told CBS News Colorado. “I think it was my fault,” Baird told CBS News Colorado. He told the station that he was trying out different magazines on the new Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun when it fired. He said he was on the phone and was mul-
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