fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Blog

  • CSFS breaks ground on seedling tree nursery renovation

    CSFS breaks ground on seedling tree nursery renovation

     

    FORT COLLINS, Colo. —  Today, the Colorado State Forest Service celebrated a groundbreaking for new facilities at the CSFS Seedling Tree Nursery in Fort Collins. This renovation is fundamental to meeting critical reforestation needs in Colorado and other western states. Bills passed in two previous sessions of the Colorado General Assembly allocated $10.3 million for the state-of-the-art facility, and the U.S. Forest Service contributed $5.3 million to the project as well.

    The CSFS Seedling Tree Nursery, located on the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University, is the state’s leader in producing low-cost, Colorado-grown seedling trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. It was established in 1957 and needs major upgrades to meet current reforestation and conservation needs that continue to increase due to climate change and recent catastrophic wildfires and floods.

    CSFS Director and State Forester Matt McCombs welcomed partners and contractors to celebrate the nursery’s groundbreaking, acknowledging that it took many supporters and advocates to launch this huge renovation for the nursery that will have ripple effects across the state and region.

    “We all know it’s not a matter of if but when we have our next Colorado megafire. You look at Colorado’s burned landscape, and [very few] of those lands that were burned have actually had reforestation treatments after,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “With this nursery upgrade, we’re going to be able to do more around the state of Colorado, and we’re also going to be able to help our surrounding states.”

    McCombs, Gibbs, Dean A. Alonso Aguirre from the Warner College of Natural Resources, Larimer County Commissioners Jody Shadduck-McNally and John Kefalas, and Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt all spoke to the impact this innovative facility will have on conservation efforts in Colorado and across the West. With upgraded facilities, the CSFS expects to grow between 1 and 2 million container seedlings a year.

    “This will be the epicenter for the region for reforestation, recovery and for us to have a bright future for our forests to be thriving and adapting to conditions. This will be a key component for our future,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.

    The nursery is situated on 130 acres, allowing for field production of bare-root seedlings and greenhouse space for container plants. With sustainability top-of-mind, the new nursery design improves existing buildings and adds new greenhouse and shadehouse structures.

    Kristin Garrison, the CSFS associate director for forest planning and implementation who leads the nursery construction project, said the planned nursery expansion will both improve the quality of seedlings produced and reduce the labor needs and cost to produce them. Together, this will result in a higher percentage of saleable seedlings and increase overall production capacity of the nursery. The new design includes the following features:

    • Upgraded and expanded greenhouses

    • A new headhouse to mechanize seeding operations

    • Upgraded and expanded shadehouse structures and irrigation systems

    These investments in creating a modern nursery facility will ensure the CSFS is able to increase its annual production of seedling trees that are in high demand to restore and protect critical watersheds after wildfire and flood events on Colorado’s forests.

    CSU Facilities, Hausmann Construction and 2WR and urban-gro have been indispensable partners in the design, planning and construction of the new nursery facilities.

     

  • Governor Polis Announces Saturday, March 15th as Colorado Canada Friendship Day

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis held a mid-legislative session press avail where he was joined by Canadian Consul General Sylvain Fabi, to announce that March 15th, 2025 will be proclaimed Colorado Canada Friendship Day, a day to honor and celebrate the important relationship between Colorado and Canada, the state’s largest trading partner alongside Mexico.
    “Colorado is opening our arms to celebrate the historic, economic and cultural bilateral friendship with Canada. We are made stronger by our connection to international partners like Canada, and Colorado will continue to treat Canada as the strong ally they are. The trade relationship and deep ties between our countries are critical to our efforts to lower costs, and I am proud of our work expanding opportunities that strengthen Colorado businesses and opportunities for cultural, technological, and scientific exchange,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “We stand against tariffs and for even stronger ties built on trust between our two great nations.”
    “Canada is a great partner, ally and friend to Colorado and the United States. We value that relationship which is mutually beneficial.  Thank you Governor Polis for recognizing the history and strength of our partnership,” said Canadian Consul General Sylvain Fabi.
    In 2023, Colorado exported $1.8 billion in Colorado goods and produce to Canada, accounting for  18% of Colorado’s trade exports. Nearly a quarter of those exports were from Colorado beef, supporting our local hardworking farmers and ranchers. In the same year, 176,612 visitors traveled from Canada to enjoy Colorado, strengthening our tourism industry and supporting small businesses and our economy. Colorado is also home to 272 Canadian-owned companies employing 21,000 Colorado workers.
    On Saturday, March 15, 2025, to celebrate Colorado Canada Friendship Day, Governor Polis will fly the Canadian flag and the Colorado State Capitol and the building will be lit red and white in honor of Colorado’s strong partnership with Canada that evening.
    The Governor will also be hosting a Colorado Mexico Friendship Day. Details are forthcoming.
    Canada is Colorado’s largest trading partner and the second largest market for international travelers visiting Colorado.

  • CPW Northeast Region state park boating opening dates

    DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Northeast Region announces 2025 opening dates for boating, paddleboarding and kayaking at six state parks. Before launching into bodies of water in Colorado, boaters will need to ensure they have registered their vessel, purchase an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, complete an ANS inspection and stock their boat with Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers. ANS inspections can be done any day of the week at a state park or CPW administrative offices during weekdays.

    Opening dates:

    Barr Lake – April 1 at 8 a.m.

    Boyd Lake – March 10 at 8 a.m.

    Chatfield – TBA pending ice conditions, please refer to below map

    Cherry Creek – March 10 at 8 a.m.

    Eleven Mile and Spinney – TBA pending ice conditions, but not before April 15

    Jackson Lake – Opened March 1

    North Sterling – March 15 at 8 a.m.

    St Vrain – Opened March 1

    Boaters are also encouraged to complete a boating safety course through CPW. Park visitors are reminded to purchase a Keep Colorado Wild pass for $29 to access state parks all year and save time waiting in park entrance lines.

    Due to recent tree operations at Chatfield, boaters should be aware of potential exposed tree stumps in the areas around the reservoir marked in orange in the below map. Stumps may not be visible due to water levels. They will be removed when reservoir levels allow.

  • Byers Parent Teacher Conference’s

    Byers Parent Teacher Conference’s

    Parent Teacher Conference’s will be held on:
    March 12th from 5:30-8:00 PM and March 13th from 3:45-6:15 for Elementary and Secondary.
    The Elementary School has sent emails to parents asking that you sign up through Sign Up Genius to reserve your time for those evenings. If you did not get an email, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to Ms. Mohatt in the elementary office at 303-822-5292 ext:1140.
    Please sign up by the evening of March 10th
  • Good Samaritan saves 2 crash victims

    Good Samaritan saves 2 crash victims

    CENTENNIAL — A witness who flagged down and directed police to the scene of a one-car accident has been deemed a Good Samaritan and credited with saving the women’s lives.

    His actions enabled Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Officers to find the vehicle and extricate two women, ages 24 and 22, by wading through chest-deep water, while breaking ice to reach the vehicle in 22-degree weather.

    “That witness was in the right place at the right time,” said Deputy Sheriff Derek Helveston. “It was late at night, there was barely anyone on the road, and the chances of these two women surviving were slim, especially being upside down submerged in frigid waters with no way to escape.”

    According to a release, at 1 a.m. Feb. 22, sheriff’s dispatchers received a 911 call in which the caller repeatedly said “please” but would not respond to questions.

    The emergency Rapid SOS system indicated a crash, and the caller was somewhere on South Lima Street between East Easter Avenue and East Arapahoe Road.

    The witness said he saw a black SUV pass him at a high rate of speed and fly off the road into a ditch. Deputies searched the creek bed, but it was challenging to find the vehicle due to deep snow, rocks and heavy vegetation.

    The front and back ends of a black SUV were extensively damaged after it crashed into a creek near East Arapahoe Road and Lima Street in Centennial at 1 a.m. Feb. 22.

    They finally spotted tire tracks, followed a debris trail, and eventually located the vehicle upside down, submerged in the creek.

    When they finally reached the SUV, they could hear someone inside screaming and crying and responding to their calls. They forced open a rear door and pulled one female out, helping rescue crews get her up the steep embankment.

    The second female in the car was extricated with the Jaws of Life by South Metro Fire Rescue.

    “If it weren’t for the witness seeing the car go off the road and staying there to direct us to the crash, we never would have found it that night,” said Patrol Lt. Mike Reed. “When I first saw the vehicle, I thought there was no chance of anyone being alive with the amount of damage it had. The women were submerged in freezing water for 15 to 20 minutes with just inches of breathing room. Had we not found them at that moment, they would have succumbed to hypothermia within minutes, and this would have been a completely different outcome.”

    The women were transported to the hospital and miraculously suffered only minor injuries, according to the release. Both were highly intoxicated. The driver was charged with DUI.

    To see all the photos and the body cam footage click the clink Car Crash Rescue.

     

  • Governor Polis Signs First Bill of Legislative Session into Law Strengthening Colorado’s Healthcare Workforce

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bipartisan HB25-1022 – Qualified Medication Administration Personnel, sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Karen McCormick, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Janice Rich. The bill helps expand qualifications for healthcare professionals and strengthen Colorado’s healthcare workforce.
    “In Colorado we are committed to cutting costs and supporting quality health care that is affordable and accessible to all Coloradans. By boosting our workforce and setting high standards for our medical staff, we can continue to deliver the quality services all Coloradans deserve,” said Governor Polis
    Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law administratively:
    • SB25-088 – Department of Agriculture Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-089 – Department of Corrections Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-090 – Department of Early Childhood Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-091 – Department of Education Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-092 – Department of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Office of State Planning & Budgeting Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-093 – Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-094 – Department of Higher Education Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-095 – Department of Human Services Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-096 – Judicial Department Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-097 – Department of Labor & Employment Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-098 – Department of Law Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-099 – Legislative Department Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-100 – Department of Local Affairs Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-101 – Department of Military Affairs Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-102 – Department of Natural Resources Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-103 – Department of Personnel Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-104 – Department of Public Health & Environment Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-105 – Department of Public Safety Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-106 – Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-107 – Department of Revenue Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-108 – Department of State Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-109 – Department of Transportation Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-110 – Department of Treasury Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25- 111 – Capital Construction Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-112 – Capital Construction Information Technology Supplemental, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Shannon Bird.
    • SB25-113 – Mid-Year Adjustments to School Funding, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Shannon Bird, and Representative Rick Taggart.
    • SB25-114 – Repeal of the FLEX Program, sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Shannon Bird, and Representative Rick Taggart.
    • SB25-115 – Seedling Tree Nursery Spending Authority Extension, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Representative Emily Sirota, and Representative Rick Taggart.
    • HJR25-1004 – Water Project Eligibility Lists, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Ty Winter, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson.

  • State’s largest teacher recruitment fair is Saturday at Dakota Ridge High School

    DENVER — The Colorado Educator Recruitment Fair will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave. in Littleton. The event is the state’s largest teacher employment fair with representatives from 61 hiring school districts.

    The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and the Colorado Association of School Personnel Administrators (CASPA) are hosting the event, which allows licensed educator candidates to meet face-to-face with school district hiring officials from across the state. The Colorado Department of Education, an event sponsor, will have officials present to discuss any licensing issues.

    In the first two years since CERF’s inception, CASE has supported an average of 300 candidates to meet with districts in person.  Recruiters are only from the state, but applicants from both Colorado and applicants outside the state are welcome. Some districts may be offering contracts or letters of intent.

    This event is open to all candidates who either hold or are eligible for a teacher license or alternative licensure for the 2025-26 year in the state of Colorado. This includes positions for teachers and special service providers. These special service provider job titles include counselors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and orientation/mobility specialists.

     “The Colorado Education Recruitment Fair is a crucial opportunity for both aspiring and experienced educators to connect with districts looking for top talent,” said Bret Miles, executive director of CASE. “By bringing candidates face-to-face with hiring officials from across Colorado, we’re helping to strengthen the education workforce and ensure that every student has access to high-quality educators and support professionals.”

    Said Colorado’s Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, “The Colorado Educator Recruitment Fair is a vital event that not only helps fill critical teaching positions but also fosters meaningful connections between educators and school districts. By bringing talented professionals together, we are ensuring that Colorado’s students have access to the high-quality educators they deserve. This event represents our commitment to strengthening and diversifying the education workforce across the state.”

    Onsite registration is available from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, March 1. Only credit card payments will be accepted online and on-site. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and candidates will have the opportunity to meet with districts from 9-10 a.m., and interviews will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    For more information, contact Jeremy Meyer at or 720-668-6434.

  • Don’t cut your weekend short: Presidents Week DUI enforcement begins today

    Statewide — Don’t cut your weekend — or someone’s life — short. Avoid a DUI or crash this Presidents Day and drive sober. From Feb. 13 to 26, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 73 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Presidents Week DUI enforcement period.

    This is part of 21 days of back-to-back DUI enforcement which began on Feb. 6 with Super Bowl weekend. Law enforcement throughout the state will remove impaired drivers from our roads and encourage Coloradans to enjoy the holiday weekend responsibly. Drivers may see sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.

    In 2024, 210 people were killed in crashes involving an impaired driver on Colorado roads, a decrease of 8% from 2023. While impairment driving-related deaths have trended downward in recent years, there is still progress to be made. CDOT encourages all Coloradans to make responsible choices behind the wheel and drive sober to prevent injuries and save lives.

    “Already this year, Colorado State Troopers have investigated over 100 crashes involving an impaired driver. Protect yourself and others by always planning for a sober ride,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of Colorado State Patrol. “There are so many better options than impaired driving. Whether it’s a rideshare service, public transit, taxi or a sober friend, find a way home that doesn’t involve driving drunk or high.”

    This Presidents Day, as ski and snowboard season is well underway, many travelers will head to the mountains to enjoy their long weekend. CDOT urges people to take advantage of impaired driving alternatives available in popular ski towns during their holiday, such as Breckenridge Free Ride, Town of Avon Bus, Summit Stage and more.

    “If you’ll be consuming alcohol or cannabis this Presidents Day weekend, take a minute to make a plan for a safe ride home. Your choice could save lives and prevent a fatal crash,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Stay alert and drive sober this weekend and always to help keep Colorado’s roads safe.”

    Colorado law enforcement made 473 DUI arrests during last year’s Presidents Week enforcement period and over 15,000 DUI arrests last year in total. That’s an average of one DUI arrest every 33 minutes. Last February alone resulted in 13 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers. Planning for a sober ride is the best way to avoid the temptation to drive impaired.

    If you’ll be the designated driver this weekend, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. On Jan. 1, a new law went into effect in Colorado that prohibits drivers from using a mobile electronic device while driving, though hands-free accessories are permitted. CDOT urges all drivers to adopt safer driving practices and ensure you are compliant with the new law. Learn how to use your car’s Bluetooth system, invest in a dashboard cellphone mount or car speakerphone system, and review the penalties for violating the law at codot.gov/handsfreeco.

    The next DUI enforcement period will be St. Patrick’s Day Weekend from March 13 to 19.

    For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

    DUI Checkpoint B-Roll

    CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. Email  to find more about these photos. Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.

    About The Heat Is On

    The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

  • Morgan Conservation District 2025 Annual Meeting

     

    Mark your calendars for the upcoming Morgan Conservation District Annual Meeting on February 13th
    The meeting will be held at The Block, 19592 East 8th Avenue
    Speakers include Joe Frank, Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District General Manager, will provide an update of the Lower South Platte River.
    Bailey Rapp, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Field Operations, will provide an update of NRCS programming and funding opportunities.
    Bryson and Chuck Miller of Auctioneers Miller & Associates, presenting on agricultural equipment trends.
    Speakers start at 5:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.
    $25/person or $50/couple. Enter to win door prizes!
    Please RSVP by 2/7 to Madeline Morrison (970) 427-3358 or

     

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Big Game Harvest Survey will close on February 15

    DENVER — CPW randomly selected approximately 170,000 deer, elk, and pronghorn license holders to participate in the 2024 Big Game Harvest Survey and the deadline to complete the survey is fast approaching. The data collected through this survey is vital to CPW wildlife managers and will be used to inform deer, elk, and pronghorn season and license setting for 2025 and beyond. Your response is important, even if you did not hunt or harvest!

    Selected hunters were notified via email, text message, and/or live-operator phone call that they are eligible to complete the 2024 Big Game Harvest Survey. Hunters that have been selected are encouraged to complete their survey before Feb. 15 by clicking on the link in the email or text message, visiting survey.colobgharvest.com, or by calling toll-free at 1-855-9BG-HARV (1-855-924-4278). Only selected license holders are eligible to complete the survey.

    During the quick survey, selected hunters will be asked where and when they hunted, whether they harvested, what they harvested, and whether they were satisfied with the herd. They will also have the option to answer five additional questions on crowding, satisfaction, and preferences for future herd management.

    Big game harvest reports from past seasons are available on CPW’s website. 2024 reports will be finalized and posted in March.

    Learn more about CPW’s over 150-year history of conserving wildlife in Colorado.