Judge tosses Arch Coal leases in roadless area

GRAND JUNCTION – A federal judge canceled Arch Coal Inc.’s plans to mine beneath a roadless area, saying the government failed to consider the effect on climate change.

The Daily Sentinel reported that Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration plans to challenge U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson’s decision because of its impact on jobs. Jackson ruled Thursday in a lawsuit filed by environmental group EarthJustice.

Jackson in June halted construction, road-building or mining activity related to the West Elk Mine expansion on about 1,700 acres in the Sunset Roadless Area, near Paonia. The latest ruling cancels the expansion approved in 2012.

Jackson also vacated a 19,000-acre exemption in a roadless area in the North Fork Valley.

Man sues after losing 5 toes in Colorado jail

CENTENNIAL – A man who lost five toes to diabetes while incarcerated at Arapahoe County jail has filed a lawsuit, claiming the loss was due to lack of medical care.

The lawsuit filed in federal court alleges Correctional Healthcare Cos. failed to properly provide medical treatment to James Neisler.

The Denver Post reported that Neisler suffered a broken blister on his big toe from ill-fitting boots while working in the kitchen. He claims that medical staff ignored a serious injury for a diabetic and waited a month last summer before taking him to a hospital.

He was in jail awaiting resolution of misdemeanor domestic violence and drunken driving charges.

In a response to the lawsuit, CHC claims others outside their control, including Neisler, may have contributed to Neisler’s injury.

Associated Press