February 11, 2016
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Bill aims to change concealed carry rules Measure in state Senate would eliminate need for gun owners to get permits By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Marta Pardo has been the librarian at Elizabeth Middle School for a year. In that time, she updated the catalog so students can access it online and posted links to other educational sources on the school’s website. Photo by Ben Wiebesiek
Librarian has eyes on the future Marta Pardo shares knowledge, experience with Elizabeth Middle School By Ben Wiebesiek bwiebesiek@coloradocommunitymedia.com When Marta Pardo set out to update the Elizabeth Middle School library for the 21st century, she placed a quote from Jorge Luis Borges front and center on the library’s new website:
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library,” wrote the 20th century Argentine author known for his short stories. “This is my motto,” she said last week while giving a tour of the redesigned library. “Sharing and encouraging people to find knowledge — this is a paradise.” At the end of 2015, Pardo finished a year on the job as Elizabeth Middle School’s librarian. But during that time, the computer systems leapt forward a decade.
Pardo’s first priority was updating the library catalog, which was kept offline inside library computers. The new online database freed up time on circulation duties, but Pardo sees benefits for students, who gained the ability to access the catalog from home and on their phones. On the middle school’s website, Pardo has included a wide selection of links to other Internet resources, such as history and news sites, YouTube, Pardo continues on Page 9
Team Rubicon brushes up on skills Group that aids in natural disaster relief includes military veterans Staff report
The members of Team Rubicon, who trained at Praying Hands Ranch in Douglas County Jan. 24. Courtesy photo
Praying Hands Ranch opened its property Jan. 24 to allow members of Team Rubicon to practice chainsaw skills in preparation for natural disaster relief. The team unites the skills and experiences of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy disaster response teams.
Team Rubicon, which includes civilian members, operates under the mantra “Disasters are our business. Veterans are our passion.” “They are dedicated to using their valuable training by giving back to the community by offering their services. This group of trained responders run to the disaster while everyone is running away,” said Kathryn Waldheim, who helps with outreach at the Praying Hands Ranch, a nonprofit on the Douglas-Elbert
A bill making its way through the state Senate would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits for gun owners. Senate Bill 16-017 is sponsored by state Sen. Tim Neville — a Republican from south Jefferson County who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate — and his son, Tim state Rep. Patrick Neville, Neville a Castle Rock Republican. The measure would allow a person who legally possesses a handgun under state and federal law to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado without applying for additional permits. If the bill were to pass both chambers and be Patrick signed into law, a person Neville who carries a concealed handgun would have the same carrying rights and be subject to the same limitations that apply to a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun under current law. That includes the prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun on the grounds of public schools. “This is an ability for people to defend themselves without paying a tax,” said Tim Neville of his bill, which has been referred to as “constitutional carry.” “No other constitutional right requires a fee to practice,” he said. “There is no fee Bill continues on Page 9
GUN SALES RISE New federal data shows 2015 was a record year for the American firearms industry, with gun sales appearing to hit the highest level on record. According to the FBI Criminal Background Check System, background checks for gun purchases and permits jumped 10 percent in 2015 to 23.1 million, the largest number since the federal background check system began operating in 1998. In Colorado, 342,839 background checks for firearms were approved in 2015 by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. That’s 33,000 more than 2014.
Team continues on Page 9
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