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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • Bridge House Ready to Work Tri-Cities location Opens

    New residential program helps break cycles of homelessness and chronic unemployment
    In a collaborative effort to help those who are unhoused, Arapahoe County, the City of Englewood, the City of Littleton and the City of Sheridan have opened a new Bridge House Ready to Work Tri-Cities location, offering a comprehensive solution to homelessness, unemployment, and community reintegration.
    The state-of-the-art facility, located at 4675 S. Windermere St. in Englewood, represents a significant investment in human potential. Spanning 13,150 square feet, the center can accommodate up to 50 participants in a transformative 9-month to one-year program that boasts an 80% success rate.
    “Addressing homelessness and harm reduction are top priorities for the residents of Arapahoe County,” said Board Chair Leslie Summey. “Our $1.5 million ARPA investment demonstrates our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our most vulnerable community members.”
    Bridge House’s Ready to Work program provides a holistic approach to breaking cycles of poverty and marginalization through three critical components:
    – Paid work in social enterprise settings
    – Supportive dormitory housing
    – Comprehensive case management support
    “This project reflects what’s possible when local governments and nonprofits come together with a shared purpose,” said Englewood Mayor Othoniel Sierra. “We’re proud to support a program that offers not just shelter, but a real path forward for people who are ready to rebuild their lives. This is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity in our community.”
    “Littleton is grateful to be a partner in such important work. Bridge House, Ready to Work and the Navigation Center will offer support and hope, transforming the lives of people facing hardship. I’m thankful for the hard work of everyone who brought this project to life,” said Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter
    The project’s funding represents a significant multi-jurisdictional commitment:
    – Arapahoe County: $1 million (American Rescue Plan Act Funds)
    – Arapahoe County: $577,000 (Community Development Block Grants)
    – City of Englewood: $850,000
    – City of Littleton: $175,000 (American Rescue Plan Funds)
    – City of Littleton: $1.5 million Housing & Urban Development grant
    – City of Sheridan: $250,000
    – Additional support from foundation and operational grants
    “By expanding our basic needs and work-first model services and increasing our resources, we are turning the dial on homelessness, creating waves of positive change, and flipping the script on homelessness in our communities,” said Bridge House CEO Melissa Arguello-Green. “Together, we can empower lives, foster hope, and transform challenges into opportunities for those who need it most.”
    Housed also in the same facility is the Tri-Cities Homelessness Navigation Center which offers walk-in services for those looking to escape homelessness and establish stability in their lives. The Navigation Center provides a variety of resources, including housing assistance, employment services, medical and mental health care, counseling, showers, laundry facilities, hot meals, and 20 short-term beds. The Navigation Center is not an emergency weather shelter or drop-off overnight shelter.
    The Bridge House represents a major step in the Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan. Learn more at TriCitiesHomeless.com.

  • The National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive This Saturday

    Saturday, May 10, 2025, marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving – The National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
    Throughout its history, the NALC has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food nationally, thanks to a postal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    Attached is the proclamation from the Aurora mayor designating May 10th as Letter Carriers’ Food Drive Day.
    Participating in this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple: leave a non-perishable food donation (glass is not suggested) in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Your letter carrier will collect the item, and we will get the food to a local food bank or pantry. With your help, letter carriers in the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers can help fight hunger.
    This year, and every year, they are seeking volunteers to assist at post offices. Carriers always need assistance with unloading their vehicles at the end of the day when they return from their collections. Food banks may also require assistance loading food onto their trucks. Have a vehicle? You can help unload carriers’ vehicles of food during the day when their vehicles become too full. Bags and boxes need to be broken down, and food weights must be documented. Anyone who needs a volunteer certificate, they would also be happy to mail or email the completion certificate to you or directly to any organization.
    Please contact NALC to express your interest in volunteering your time this year to help feed our community. Many area post offices need volunteers. The attached list includes the presidents of the branches in Colorado. They would be the best people to reach out to.
    We appreciate your time and willingness. With your help, we can help STAMP OUT HUNGER!
    Colorado Branch President contacts

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to meet May 7-8, 2025

    Durango, Colo — Next week, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will convene for a hybrid meeting in Durango. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wed., May 7, and recess at 4:10 p.m. The commission will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Thu., May 8, and adjourn at 3 p.m.

    A complete agenda along with all materials for this meeting is available on CPW’s website for public review. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page.

    The Parks and Wildlife Commission will open for consideration of the adoption of all limited license numbers for black bear, deer, elk, pronghorn and moose for all game management units in the state that have limited licenses for these species for the 2025 big game seasons.

    The commission will also open for necessary changes to implement SB 24-161, relating to denials, suspensions, or revocations of river outfitter license.

    Additional agenda items include:

    • Department of Natural Resources update
    • Department of Agriculture update
    • Financial update
    • GOCO update
    • Wolf Program Update
    • Wolf Damage Claim
    • 2026 OHV Trail Grant Funding Recommendations
    • CPW’s Habitat Conservation and Connectivity Plan
    • Navajo/Mancos State Park Presentation
    • Project 7 Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan
    • Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program
    • Citizen Petition to petition to allow the use of non-Migratory Bird Treaty Act corvids for conservation education

    The Consent Agenda includes:

    • Wildlife Damage Claims
    • Citizen petition for rulemaking related to using crossbows during the archery season
    • License Suspension Appeals
    • Real Estate Projects

    The public is encouraged to email written comments to the commission at . Details on providing oral public comments for hybrid meetings are available on CPW’s website.

    The commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs administered by the agency.

    Learn more about the Parks and Wildlife Commission on CPW’s website.

  • Hamrick’s Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia Advances

    DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to jumpstart early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia.
    “Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability, yet Colorado schools do not have a universal screening process,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “As a former teacher, I know early intervention is key to setting our students on a pathway to success. This bill would require Colorado schools to implement a universal dyslexia screening to ensure our elementary students receive the support, resources and tools they need to thrive.”
    SB25-200 is also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta. This bill would require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia. The bill would add an extra layer of reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.
    According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Colorado is one of seven states that does not mandate screenings for dyslexia.

  • House Approves Hamrick Bill to Support Military Families

    DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick to better support military families by expanding driver license extensions to dependents of active duty members. HB25-1083 unanimously passed by a vote of 63-0.
    “As a former military spouse, I understand the importance of supporting and honoring military members and their families,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Current law allows service members outside of Colorado to extend their expired license for up to three years, and this legislation would expand this benefit to dependents of military service members. I’m proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado military families and recognize the sacrifices they make for our state and country.”
    If a Coloradan’s driver license expires while they are on active duty outside of Colorado, current state law allows the expiration date to be extended for three years. Beginning January 1, 2027, HB25-1083 would also allow dependents of these service members to benefit from this three-year extension.

  • Governor Polis Signs Bills to Protect Coloradans’ Privacy and Healthcare Freedom Into Law, Signs Additional Laws, and Takes Action on Bill

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed into law protections to ensure Coloradans’ healthcare freedoms and safeguard privacy. During a ceremony in the Governor’s Office, Governor Polis signed the following bills into law:
    • SB25-129 – Legally Protected Health-Care Activity Protections, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Faith Winter, and Representatives Junie Joseph and Karen McCormick
    • SB25-183 – Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services, sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Lindsey Daugherty, and Representatives Lorena Garcia and Julie McCluskie
    “In the Free State of Colorado, we are protecting Coloradans’ healthcare freedoms, while leaders in DC and across the country are focused on bringing government between doctors and patients, overreaching into our families and lives. This past November, Coloradans from every walk of life overwhelmingly voted to enshrine reproductive freedom into our state constitution. Today, we are aligning our laws with the will of voters to strengthen access to reproductive care, protect our privacy from Washington, DC, and safeguard freedoms,” said Governor Polis.
    “We trust patients. We trust families. And we trust providers. While other states are turning back the clock, we’re moving forward — protecting privacy, expanding access, and standing up for fundamental freedoms,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “These laws don’t just reflect our values — they protect real people in real ways. As a woman who’s faced serious illness and spent my career fighting for high-quality and affordable health care for all Coloradans, I’m proud that Colorado continues to lead with compassion, conviction, and courage.”
    Governor Polis also signed the following bipartisan bills into law administratively:
    • SB25-216 – Eliminate Reprinting of Education Laws, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Emily Sirota and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-217 – Repeal Computer Science Education Grant Program, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • SB25-222 – Repeal Proficiency Tests Administered by Schools, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Judy Amabile, and Representatives Emily Sirota and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-231 – Repeal Inclusive Higher Education Act, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • SB25-232 – Repeal Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-246 – Eliminate Gray & Black Market Marijuana Grant Program, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • SB25-250 – Repeal Disordered Eating Prevention Program, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-252 – Repeal Radiation Advisory Committee, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-255 – Transfer to Hazardous Substance Response Fund, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart
    • SB25-256 – Funds for Support of Digital Trunked Radio System, sponsored by Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Judy Amabile, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • SB25-266 – Repeal Statutory Appropriation Requirements, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Emily Sirota and Rick Taggart
    Governor Polis also vetoed the following bill:
    “This law imposes sweeping requirements that social media platforms, rather than law enforcement, enforce state law. It mandates a private company to investigate and impose the government’s chosen penalty of permanently deplatforming a user even if the underlying complaint is malicious and unwarranted. In our judicial proceedings, people receive due process when they are suspected of breaking the law. This bill, however, conscripts social media platforms to be judge and jury when users may have broken the law or even a company’s own content rules. This proposed law would incentivize platforms, in order to reduce liability risk, to simply deplatform a user in order to comply with this proposed law,” Governor Polis wrote in his veto letter.

  • Carter, Espenoza Bill to Protect Consumers Passes House

    HB25-1322 would require insurance companies to provide a copy of a customer’s insurance documentation when requested
    DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Michael Carter and Cecelia Espenoza that would ensure Coloradans who request a copy of their insurance policy receive it. HB25-1322 passed the House by a vote of 42 to 20.
    “Insurance companies cannot withhold your policy from you, yet many of them are, and it’s causing headaches for consumers,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “This bill protects consumers by holding insurance companies liable when they don’t share requested policy documents with consumers on time.”
    “Whether you’re looking to file a claim after a disaster or just updating your records, Coloradans deserve access to a certified copy of the insurance policies they are paying for,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “This bill strengthens consumer protections by making sure insurance companies follow through when a customer requests a copy of their insurance policy.”
    Under current law, insurance companies are required to provide policyholders with a certified copy of their policy within 30 days of a request. However, some companies are not following through with the request, which means consumers do not receive a copy of their policy when they ask. HB25-1322 ramps up consumer protections by holding insurance companies liable for violating the law.
    Under HB25-1322, if insurance companies do not provide documentation within 30 days, they would be held liable for damages and attorney’s fees, including a daily $50 charge for every day past the 30-day window that the consumer does not receive their policy. This bill also clarifies that the consumer’s request must be in writing and submitted to the insurance company’s registered agent.
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracks wide-ranging movements of gray wolves as part of this month’s Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map update

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracks wide-ranging movements of gray wolves as part of this month’s Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map update

     

    DENVER — A female gray wolf, released in Colorado in January after being translocated from British Columbia, has made significant movements across the state, covering more than 1,230 miles since translocation — an extraordinary display of the species’ natural roaming behavior.

    “This single wolf’s movement traveled nearly the entire southern line of watersheds on our map,” said CPW Wolf Monitoring and Data Coordinator Brenna Cassidy.

    In addition to the southern line of watersheds covered by this one female wolf’s movement, CPW’s latest Monthly Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map shows recent activity in watersheds west of major population centers like Denver, Boulder, and Estes Park that were due to the movement of other collared gray wolves. While these areas saw brief movement on the western fringes of these watersheds, it does not mean that wolves were or are currently in those cities or neighborhoods.

    “Wolves can and do travel long distances,” said Cassidy. “It simply shows that a GPS-collared wolf moved through a watershed that encompasses areas of wilderness and the city, often very quickly.”

    As wolves continue to explore Colorado, CPW reminds the public that these movements were expected and are a natural part of the reintroduction process. Wolves are habitat generalists, meaning they can thrive in many environments as long as prey is present. Over time, wolves will continue to disperse across the state to establish territories.

    What if a Colorado wolf wanders into another state?
    CPW has an agreement in place with Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona to ensure wolves that cross into those states can be safely recaptured and returned to Colorado. These protocols are designed to protect the genetic integrity of the federally listed Mexican gray wolf, a separate subspecies.

    “Several states have agreed that if a wolf from Colorado enters their jurisdiction, they will capture  and return the animal to CPW,” said Cassidy. “That helps protect both Colorado’s reintroduction effort and ongoing recovery efforts for Mexican wolves in the Southwest.”

    CPW is committed to transparency and public safety. The agency publishes an updated Monthly Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map, offering a broad view of where wolves are moving based on watershed data. This month’s movement map covering late March – late April was slightly delayed. As noted in prior map releases, CPW reserves the right to buffer maps that will be shared with the public if doing so protects wolf welfare during sensitive times of the year (e.g., mating season), and these rare circumstances may change the appearance or timing of the monthly wolf movement map. Today’s update is available here.

    Field staff notify local producers when wolves are known to be in the area and deploy conflict mitigation tools when needed.

    “We want to remind everyone that you may not have wolves on your property, but you likely already live among mountain lions and black bears,” said Cassidy. “The same precautions that help prevent conflicts with those animals — like securing attractants and watching pets — are just as effective with wolves.”

    Think you’ve seen a wolf?
    CPW encourages the public to use the wolf sighting report form on the agency’s website if they believe they have observed a wolf.

    Additional resources are available for living and recreating in areas with wolf presence in CPW’s Living with Wolves brochure.

     

  • USDA Delivers Immediate Relief to Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Communities Impacted by Recent Disasters

    USDA Delivers Immediate Relief to Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Communities Impacted by Recent Disasters

  • Deer Trail School District Families, Staff & Community

    Join Us for Dinner & Town Hall with the CSU Prevention Research Center!

    Engage with Dr. Nate Riggs and Sydney Pryor, PhD Candidate on a CDPHE-funded needs assessment to related to academic achievement and promoting healthy youth behaviors.

    Parents, students, educators and community members are encouraged to attend a free prevention‐science town hall in collaboration with Deer Trail School District on Tuesday, April 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at the Deer Trail school cafeteria. The event, hosted by Colorado State University’s Prevention Research Center and CSU Extension, will discuss a grant funded needs assessment and school-community survey which will help Deer Trail School District to better respond to identified needs and later apply for larger grants to support academic success and healthy schools and communities long-term. Online survey can be completed at: col.st/2U7xc in English, Spanish and Somali languages.

    Dr. Nate Riggs, along with Sydney Pryor, PhD candidate, will lead the event with an engaging presentation on “The Power of Prevention: Identifying School Academic and Health Priorities.” Using evidence-based approaches, they will highlight how early interventions and community partnerships can foster school connectedness, identify student needs, and ultimately improve outcomes both inside and outside the classroom ​.

    Following the presentation, Dr. Riggs and Pryor will facilitate a discussion on identifying prevention priorities related to promoting mental and behavioral health and preventing academic challenges, as well as identifying barriers to strong school-community relationships.

    Event Details

    • When: Tuesday, May 6, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
    • Where: Deer Trail School District Cafeteria, 130 S. 2nd Ave, Deer Trail, CO 80105
    • Who Should Attend: Parents/guardians, students, teachers/staff, and community members without school‐aged children ​.

    Dinner and childcare are provided at no cost, and interpretation services in Spanish are available (other languages upon request).

    Those unable to attend in person can complete the anonymous survey online or via paper forms available at the district office. Parents and guardians of students will also receive the survey through the district e-newsletter, Class Dojo, email, and Thursday folders home (if applicable). All responses are anonymous, using Colorado State University software, and go directly to Dr. Riggs​ and Pryor. A summary of the results will be shared with the district.

    We’d like to recognize Mr. Josh Rogan, K–12 counselor, for his vision and dedication in securing this grant—opening new opportunities for both students, staff and the whole community to thrive.

    This town hall is made possible by funding from a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) prevention grant. For more information or difficulties with the survey, contact Josh Rogan, K-12 Counselor, at or (303) 769-4421, or Ginger Williams, MHA, CSU Extension State Program Specialist, at .