‘Machette-attack’ case comes to a close, mostly

The jury came back with a verdict in a trial that essentially boiled down to credibility of key participants in a bizarre night attack near Swan Mountain Road.

In the end, though, Tyrus Vanmatre was found guilty of seven out of nine charges, which involved several first- and second-degree felonies.

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The question is now, what kind of punishment would be just in his case? The prosecution has the option of a life sentence without the possibility of parole, but is that really warranted?

It could very well mean that 10-12 years, if that, would be enough — given his age, the time he’ll have in prison to contemplate his actions and the prevalence of, sadly, prison rape.

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His fate will be decided at the end of October.

Friday Night Lights

It’s that time of year again, as autumn approaches and high school football begins.

Summit High School started off their season with a crushing win at home over Skyview — 34-7.

Hopefully, the team’s coaches are doing what they can to significantly cut down on the number of concussions their players receive, as increasingly brighter light is shown on how debilitating this form of injury can be in the long run.

Universal health care in Colorado?

This could very well happen.

Best-selling, Colorado-based author T.R. Reid has made a convincing case for this to become reality in a November 2016 ballot vote.

His own personal experience, in addition to best-selling book on the subject and a renown PBS documentary, lend themselves, in toto, for this initiative to be taken very seriously. Of course, the details in the actual ballot measure are what will count.

But, as things stand now, it’s sounds as if it’s worth your signature.

Ski areas prepare for the snow season

Hopefully, only a few more weeks remain before enough snow dumps down in the county to allow the ski season to officially kick off at Araphoe Basin Ski Area.

In the meantime and throughout the summer, the other ski areas, too, have made changes from both big and small to give their visitors a memorable experience. This runs the gamut from apps, to restaurants, to slope upgrades, to major capital projects.

So, until the snow season starts, enjoy whatever outdoor activity you can to its upmost.