Pubdate: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 Source: Colorado Springs Independent (CO) Copyright: 2013 Colorado Springs Independent Contact: http://www.csindy.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1536 Author: Bryce Crawford ENFORCEMENT LEADER STEPS DOWN, HEMP FLAG FLIES, MORE De-headed The Denver Post reported Monday that Laura Harris, director of the Marijuana Enforcement Division, is retiring. She leaves in the wake of a scathing audit that found the division spent wastefully and sometimes failed to fully vet industry applicants. Though problems occurred prior to her tenure, the paper cited an email from Harris in which she wrote that "the personal toll of this job was too much." Current Department of Revenue employees Ron Kammerzell and Lewis Koski will run the division while a new director is found. Betsy would approve According to a story last week from the Washington Post, the Fourth of July shined a light on a new old standby when an American flag made from hemp fibers flew over the U.S. Capitol building for the first time since the 1930s. "Colorado hemp advocate Michael Bowman is the man responsible for getting the flag, made from Colorado-raised hemp and screen-printed with the stars and stripes, up there," the paper wrote last week. "After its Capitol flight, the flag will make its way back to Colorado, where it will fly over the state capitol building in Denver. After that, Bowman is sending it out on a tour of statehouses in states where legislation is pending that would legalize hemp." The industry saw a symbolic victory a few weeks ago, when a federal amendment pushed by Rep. Jared Polis to legalize hemp was passed - only to become part of a farm bill that was ultimately killed. Watch for weeds Few things that happen during the day are as awesome as something like a water fight in the park, and that's what's coming at you at noon Sunday, July 14. Memorial Park (1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave.) will host the WP Nation Water Balloon War from the guys at Weed Pimp Clothing. "Continuing our 'Summer of fun' event series with another exciting and inexpensive way to have a good time," reads the Facebook event page. "All you need to take part in this awesome water war is: water guns, water balloons, and the will to have fun!!" Keef crumbs Colorado Springs City Council voted Monday to fund the defense of the city in a civil case brought by Bob Crouse. The MMJ patient seeks remuneration for marijuana destroyed in police custody during the 2012 trial wherein Crouse was eventually acquitted. (Also on Monday came clues that Council is unlikely to approve recreational-marijuana sales, at least for the time being; go here for more on that.) At 9 a.m., Saturday, July 13, the MMJ Business Academy will host an eight-hour "how to" seminar for those interested in either the medical-or recreational-marijuana industry. Held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center (314 W. Bijou St., mmjbusinessacademy.com), the event costs $299. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt