Blog

Help Arapahoe County families stay healthy and avoid hunger this Thanksgiving and beyond by spreading the word about resources there to help. The County’s Public Health WIC program has a large list of community resources available to families, including local pantries that typically provide holiday food boxes as well as normal distributions. Resources include:

• Integrated Family Community Service’s drive-through Fresh Thanks Food Distribution on Saturday, Nov. 23. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. Event begins at 11:30 a.m. at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Sante Fe Dr. in Littleton. Registration not required.
• Register for a Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box at Empower Field at 1701 Bryant St. in Denver on Nov. 21.
• Visit the Salvation Army food pantry located at 802 Quari Ct. in Aurora. They are open Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., and 1–3 p.m.
• Register for a Thanksgiving food box or bi-monthly food box at Hope Starts Here at 19401 E. Chenango Dr. in Centennial.
• Find a local pantry via your zip code or address. Contact them for holiday basket offerings.
• Contact Hunger Free Colorado for food assistance online or by calling 855-855-4626.
• Plentiful connects people to food pantries on their website app.
• Kenzi’s Causes: provides toys for the holiday at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St. in Denver on Dec. 5. Registration is required.

MEEKER, Colo – At the July 18-19, 2024 meeting, the Parks and Wildlife Commission heard proposed changes to regulations as follows. All final regulations approved at the July 18-19, 2024 meeting will go into effect on September 1, 2024 unless otherwise noted. Updated chapters include W-0, W-09, W-10, W-16, and P-01. FINAL REGULATIONS  Agenda Item 18.d: Chapter W-10 – “Nongame Wildlife” 2 CCR 406-10 (Step 1 of 1) (PERMANENT REGULATIONS) The Commission finalized emergency regulations related to cleanup of regulation #1000.D.2 to align it with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ 10(j) rule, 88 FR 77014. ISSUES IDENTIFICATION  Agenda Item 11: Chapter P-1 – “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2CCR 405-1 (Step 1 of 2) Open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, generally-applicable and property-specific requirements for, or restrictions on use of, parks properties controlled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Specific regulatory changes include the following: Adopting a permanent timed entry reservation system at Eldorado Canyon State Park. Updating the property specific hunting regulations for Fishers Peak. Adopting regulations for a limited spring turkey hunting opportunity at Lone Mesa State Park. Agenda Item 12: Chapter P-7 – “Passes, Permits and Registrations” – 2 CCR 405-7 (Step 1 of 2) The Commission is open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, regulations pertaining to eligibility requirements and fees for individual and vehicle park passes, use permits, vessel, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations and license agent requirements. Specific regulatory changes include, but are not limited to, the following: Removing Harmsen Ranch House from the Guest House Program at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Modifying the Aspen Leaf Lifetime pass program. Extending the Keep Colorado Wild pass refund opportunity for accidental purchases. Agenda Item 13: Chapter W-16 – “Parks and Wildlife Procedural Rules” 2 CCR 406-16 and those related provisions of Chapter P-1 (“Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2 CCR 405-1), Chapter P-7 (“Passes, Permits and Registrations” 2 CCR 405-7), Chapter W-8 (“Field Trials and Training of Hunting Dogs” 2 CCR 406-8), and Chapter W-9 (“Wildlife Properties” 2 CCR 406-9) necessary to accommodate changes to or ensure consistency with Chapter W-16 (Step 1 of 3) The Commission is open for consideration of changes to commercial use on state parks and state wildlife areas. CONSENT AGENDA (Agenda Item 25) Final Regulations  Agenda Item 25.1: Chapter P-1 – “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2 CCR 405-1 The Commission finalized changes to the hunter reservation system at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Agenda Item 25.2: Chapter W-9 – “Wildlife Properties” 2 CCR 406-9 The Commission finalized changes necessary to: Ensure hunting access continuity on indemnity lands transferred from the Bureau of Land Management to the State Land Board. Remove Richard State Wildlife Area from regulation after the land was purchased and the lease was not renewed. (Effective date October 1, 2024.) Agenda Item 25.3: Chapter W-0 – “General Provisions” 2 CCR 406-0 (Step 1 of 1) (PERMANENT REGULATIONS) The Commission finalized increasing the fee for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp. Agenda Item 25.4: Chapter W-16 – “Parks and Wildlife Procedural Rules” 2 CCR 406-16 The Commission finalized modifying the procedure to request a public presentation be added to a commission meeting agenda. Issue Identification Agenda Item 25.5: Chapter W-14 – “Wildlife Rehabilitation” 2 CCR 406-14 Open for consideration to modify license distribution timing for wildlife rehabilitation. About CPW Commission Meetings A complete agenda along with all materials for public review for this meeting can be found on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the Commission at . Details on providing public comments at meetings are available on the CPW website. The Commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can view Commission meetings on Youtube. 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. Find out more about the Commission on the CPW website. The next Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on August 22-23 in Colorado Springs.

Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

Issued for Kiowa, Bent, Otero, Sedgwick, Logan, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Baca, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Park Counties
Issued at 8:11 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Affected Area: Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, Bent, Prowers, Baca, Las Animas, Huerfano, Custer, Park, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Fort Morgan, Wray, Akron, Kiowa, Limon, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Ordway, Eads, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar, Springfield, Kim, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Westcliffe, Fairplay, Georgetown and Central City.

Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 to 9:00 AM MDT, Thursday, July 25, 2024

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Outlook: Widespread wildfire smoke will impact the advisory area through at least Thursday morning.

For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

For the latest Smoke Blog, visit: https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/

For more information about smoke and your health, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning/wildfire-smoke-and-health

ARAPAHOE COUNTY – In anticipation of Fourth of July festivities, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public when 911 shouldbe called and not be called.

Do call 911 if:

Don’t call 911 if:

On average, our 911 dispatch center receives 700-800 calls per day. Those numbers nearly double on the fourth of July.

July 4, 2023 – 1,276 calls

July 4, 2022 – 1,283 calls

If you’re not sure when to call, you can always call our non-emergencynumber at 303-795-4711. If you do call in, remember the voice you hear on the other end of the line is a person who is trying their best to help everyone on the busiest day of the year. Please be polite and understanding, it can go a long way. Let’s help our dispatchers and deputies during one of the toughest holidays and keep our phone lines open for real emergencies.

The Sheriff’s Office will also have deputies out patrolling residentialneighborhoods to make sure everyone is safe. Please do not call the Sheriff’s Office requesting increased patrols for fireworks. Don’t forget all fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Unincorporated Arapahoe County and Centennial. For more detailed information on fireworks visitwww.arapahoeco.gov/Fireworks.

Fireworks can be dangerous; leave them to the professionals

DENVER, JUNE 26, 2024 —It will soon be time to celebrate Independence Day. What do your plans include? Are you going to the local fireworks display? Maybe you’re looking forward to some fun in the water. The American Red Cross of Mile High wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe 4th of July and offers these tips you can follow during the upcoming holiday.

“As we celebrate the first holiday weekend of the summer, it’s important to remember that safety doesn’t interfere with fun,” said Gino Greco, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “No matter how you, your family and your friends choose to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, please be careful to protect yourself and take care of your loved ones.” 

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

PICNIC SAFETY

1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
2. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

WATER SAFETY

Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and  get out of the water safely.

1. Whether swimming in a pool, at the beach or visiting a waterpark, always swim in an area where lifeguards are on duty.
2. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
3. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in! You could be in danger of drowning yourself.
4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
5. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore. 

Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Swim apps for instant access to safety tips.

EV analysis shows the change will decrease operational  

costs and green house gases 

   

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 24, 2024— Arapahoe County is holding a ceremony for the first electric vehicle (EV) to be add to the County fleet on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. 

The County’s Weatherization team will use the Ford E-Transit 350 Cargo Van, which is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and save the County $15,000–$18,000 in operational costs over the lifetime of the vehicle compared to the previous vehicle, a gas-powered Chevy Express van. The van was selected following a robust data collection and analysis process and will be the pilot vehicle in a program to test electric vehicle effectiveness for the County. 

The Weatherization program installs free energy conservation measures and energy-efficient appliances in low-income households in both Arapahoe and Adams Counties. The program helps households conserve energy and save money on heating and cooling bills, while improving comfort year-round. Since July 1, 2023, Weatherization has served over 1,140 residents in Arapahoe and Adams counties.  

Who:                                     Arapahoe County 

What:                                   Electric vehicle unveiling 

When:                                 Thursday, June 27, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Where:                                 5335 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 

June 19, 2024 – CBI –  Alamosa, CO – The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is investigating a law enforcement shooting in Alamosa that left a suspect with non-life threatening injuries. On Wednesday June 19, 2024, at approximately 12:06 am, (just after midnight) an Alamosa Sheriff’s deputy attempted to contact a red Ford Explorer driving carelessly in a Safeway Parking lot. The driver attempted to elude, and a pursuit ensued, with two other deputies assisting. The driver drove over a grassy median into a residential area, where the driver then got of his SUV and ran on foot. An Alamosa Deputy verbally engaged an adult male in the 1200 block of 3rd St, later identified as Justin Claude Trujillo, DOB 7/24/1995. The male produced a handgun and fired at least one shot. All three deputies returned fire, striking Trujillo two times, once in the abdomen and once in the leg.  Alamosa deputies provided medical intervention, and then took him into custody. Trujillo was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Colorado Springs, where he is in stable condition. The suspect will face the following charges: Criminal Attempt, murder in the first degree of a peace officer (F2)                                Assault in the first degree (F3)                                                                                    Vehicular Eluding (F5)                                                                                                Menacing (F5)                                                                                                          Possession of a Weapon by Previous Offender (F5) All three deputies have been placed on Administrative Leave pending the investigation. Below is a previous mugshot of suspect Justin Claude Trujillo.