MINIMUM WAGE RAISE
Undated–If you’ve been earning the minimum wage in Colorado, you’re getting a small pay raise. The hourly rate of $7.78 went into effect January 1st. That’s an increase of 14 cents an hour. The raise was the same for people who rely on tips. Waiters and waitresses will now earn a minimum of 4.76 an hour. This is the third straight year Colorado’s minimum wage has gone up.
COLORADO POT LAW COULD IMPACT NEIGHBORING STATES
Denver–With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado, some neighboring states are bracing for a surge in pot-related crimes. For example, law enforcement authorities in Wyoming expect to see a dramatic increase in the flow of weed because of Colorado’s new amendment allowing adults 21 and older to use the drug. In Wyoming, anyone caught with up to an ounce of weed could get a year in jail and a one thousand dollar fine.
NATION’S FIRST POT CLUB ALREADY CLOSED
Del Norte–The nation’s first recreational marijuana club that opened in Del Norte on New Year’s day is now closed. The White Horse Inn was forced to shut down following a dispute with the landlord. White Horse owner Paul Lovato says the landlord canceled the lease when he saw the publicity about the weed club. Colorado’s pot legalization amendment does not allow public consumption but private, smoke-out clubs are permitted.
AURORA THEATER MASSACRE HEARING SET
Centennial–Prosecutors and defense lawyers say they’re ready to move forward with a hearing next week in the Aurora movie theater massacre that left 12 people dead and 70 wounded last summer. Attorneys for both sides met with State District Judge William Sylvester today to see if there’s enough evidence to try James Holmes for shooting and killing movie-goers during a midnight screening of the latest Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”
