Prices of Postage Stamps Up in 2012

Posted on January 16, 2012 by fvtimes

First Class Mail Stamp prices will increase one cent to .45 on January 22, 2012 for letters.  Each additional ounce will remain the same at .20 cents. Postcards will now be .32 cents to mail out.   If using Forever stamp,s you may still use those stamps to mail your First Class letters without adding an additional .02 cent stamp to the envelopes within the United States.  Remember Forever Stamps are only available for First Class, one ounce letters.  If you think your letter weighs more than ounce ounce, be sure to weight it before sending as letters heavier than one ounce will be returned due to lack of postage.

When using Forever Stamps internationally, calcualate the difference between the current First Class rate and the international rate and affix the additional postage to ensure delivery.

Current Price List and New 2012 Stamp Prices

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Fountain Creek Winter Bird Count

Posted on January 5, 2012 by fvtimes

The Fountain Creek Nature Center will begin its Fountain Creek Winter Bird Count on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.  Beginning to advanced birders are invited to observe and record the number of bird species and populations found in the Fountain Creek Regional Park.  Reservations for the Fountain Creek Winter Bird Count can be made at 719.520.6745.

Fee:  $5 donation for birdseed.

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Shooting Victim in Widefield

Posted on December 31, 2011 by fvtimes

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Rayshawn Laster suspected in a shooting and attempted carjacking on Friday night without incident.  Officers were called to a home on Kiva Road near Watson Junior High for a family dispute around 6:00 p.m.  Officers returned to the home just before 8:00 pm to investigate a report of shots fired and found a woman who had been shot in the head.  Minutes later an attempted carjacking was reported at Uncle Fred’s Tavern across the street from the Laster home.  Patrons described a man who matched Laster’s description. 

Prior to being arrested Rayshawn Laster made several comments on his Facebook page via his mobile phone:

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Be a good mom to our kids. Dont let them grow up to hate u chica. B tbere for them. No matter what u gotta do. They are all over. Everywhere around me so its only a mattet of time. I love u chica

Another posted replied: 
Rayshawn please don’t make things even worse! You have a baby on the way. Think of your kids!!!

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Im sorry for nothing. My journey has come to an end.

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Alot of people will never understand. Why? Only a few kno the truth. Life goes on. Solid

Brenda Laster 49 years old was shot and died at Memorial Hospital Friday night. Brenda Laster was  Rayshawn Laster’s mother. 

Lashawn Laster attended Widefield High School and graduated in 2002.  
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001568147921&sk=wall

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Fatal Accident on Marksheffel and Fontaine Boulevard

Posted on December 28, 2011 by fvtimes

There was a two vehicle accident on Marksheffel and Fontaine Boulevard on Tuesday evening.  The driver received fatal injuries and three passengers were transported to Memorial Hospital.

With the new Larson Ranch development and new growth in the Fountain Valley there is an increase in traffic on Marksheffel.  Drivers turning onto Marksheffel Blvd from Fontaine Blvd should be cautious as vehicles drive at high speeds on Marksheffel making this a dangerous intersection.  Drivers should check both ways and not proceed until all is clear.  Please take your time and make the roads safe for everyone.

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Colorado State Minimum Wage to Increase In 2012

Posted on December 25, 2011 by fvtimes

The Colorado state Minimum Wage will increase to $7.64 per hour from the current $7.36 per hour starting on January 1, 2012. If an employee is covered by federal and Colorado state minimum wage laws, the employer must pay the higher minimum wage. 

Article XVIII, Section 15, of the Colorado Constitution, requires the  Colorado Minimum Wage to be adjusted each year for inflation.

 Colorado State Minimum Wage vs Federal Minimum Wage

 Minimum Wage

If an employee is covered by federal and Colorado state minimum wage laws, then the employer must pay the higher minimum wage. Federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, which is lower than the Colorado state minimum wage of $7.64. Therefore, based upon current information, covered employers in Colorado will have to pay their employees the higher value of $7.64 per hour under Colorado law beginning January 1, 2012.

 Tipped Minimum Wage

If an employee is covered by federal and Colorado state minimum wage laws, then the employer must pay the higher minimum wage for tipped employees. Federal tipped minimum wage is currently $2.13 per hour, which is lower than the Colorado tipped minimum wage of $4.62 per hour. Therefore, based upon current information, covered employers in Colorado will have to pay their tipped employees the higher value of $4.62 per hour under Colorado law beginning January 1, 2012.

 If an employee’s tips combined with the employer’s cash wage of at least $4.62 per hour do not equal the minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference in cash wages.

Learn more at the Department of Labor & Employment Web Portal

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