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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • 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.

  • Colorado Missing Persons Day—February 4, 2025 Ceremony to be held at State Capitol

    Colorado Missing Persons Day—February 4, 2025 Ceremony to be held at State Capitol

  • New Ownership For Mobile Home Park Brings Stability For Seniors

    Arapahoe County is proud to have supported a critical component of quality of life by assisting fixed-income older adults with the purchase of their mobile home park.

    Residents of the Meadowood Village Mobile Home Park in Littleton faced drastic increases in the cost of renting the lots under their mobile homes when their community was set to be sold for $18 million. Meadowood residents formed a cooperative that began work toward submitting an offer to buy the property. Doing so would allow Meadowood to become a resident-owned community and allow residents to remain in their homes.

    Arapahoe County contributed a $750,000 grant to support the purchase. The County, with the City of Littleton, also provided a combined $75,000 for inspection and legal expenses. Additional funding came from other entities through various grants and loans. Following a year-long process, earlier this month, the Meadowood Cooperative became proud owners of their property.

    “What Meadowood Village residents have accomplished is truly incredible and Arapahoe County Commissioners were honored to play a key role in helping the community become a resident-owned community,” said County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully. “Without this historic purchase, residents would be subject to rent hikes and eviction and would lose control over key decisions that affect their lives.”

    Affordable housing is in short supply across the County and across the state. The Board of County Commissioners is seeking to increase the number of affordable units by 3% annually—a goal set in their strategic plan where housing is a top focus area. Since adopting the strategic plan, the County has contributed to numerous projects dedicated to safe and affordable housing with federal grants and funds. Housing-related funds typically come from the Community Development Block Grant, which supports affordable housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, and  . Over the last several years, the County has also been able to utilize one-time American Rescue Plan Act dollars to support housing diversity.

    Learn more about other focus areas of the Board of County Commissioners and additional housing resources.

  • January Is Human Trafficking Prevention Month: How To Recognize And Report It

    Human trafficking is hidden and often hard to spot, but January’s recognition as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month highlights the need for awareness and action. Recognizing the signs and taking action can make a difference.

    Signs of Trafficking:

    • Unpaid labor: Victims often work without pay or receive little compensation.
    • Fearful behavior: Victims may seem anxious or submissive to their trafficker.
    • Physical abuse: Untreated injuries or signs of abuse are common.
    • Isolation: Victims are isolated from others and have little freedom.
    • Lack of control: Victims can’t make basic decisions for themselves.
    • No ID: Many victims don’t have personal documents.
    • Inconsistent stories: Traffickers often manipulate victims into telling false or inconsistent stories.

    How to Report Suspicious Activity:

    • National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call or text 1-888-373-7888.
    • Local Law Enforcement: In emergencies, call 911 or contact police directly.
    • Arapahoe County Hotline: If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911. For concerns about abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult that is not an immediate danger, call 303-636-1750. Your report is anonymous and confidential.

    Local Resources:

    If you spot the signs of human trafficking, report it. Your actions can help prevent human trafficking and support survivors. Together, we can build a safer community.

  • NFL Divisional Round Playoffs

    NFL Divisional Round Playoffs

    NFL Divisional Round games are in full swing with games being played Jan. 18 and 19.

    Saturday, Jan. 18:

    AFC: No. 4 seed Houston, Texans Vs. No. 1 seed Kansas City, Chiefs at 2:30 p.m.

    NFC: No. 6 seed Washington, Commanders Vs. No. 1 seed Detroit, Lions at 6 p.m.

    Sunday, Jan. 19:

    NFC: No. 4 seed Los Angeles, Rams Vs. No 2 seed Philadelphia, Eagles at 1 p.m.

    AFC: No. 3 seed Baltimore, Ravens Vs. No. 2 seed Buffalo, Bills at 4:30 p.m.

  • Join an Artist Selection Panel

     

    Do you want to make an impact on Adams County’s cultural legacy?

    Consider joining an artist selection panel. Artist Selection Panel members help identify thought-provoking artists who speak to a place, represent our diverse communities, add vitality to Adams County’s vast environments, and enrich and diversify the county’s art collection.

    Why join an artist selection panel?

    Being a part of our selection panels is great way to take your passion for the arts to the next level, and to make a meaningful impact on your community.

    As a panel member you get to:

    • Directly influence the cultural landscape of your community.
    • Engage with your community and public spaces in new ways.
    • Promote innovation and diverse perspectives in Adams County.
    • Collaborate with other local art and community lovers.
    • Increase the quality of life for all Adams County residents through selecting thought-provoking and engaging public artists.
    • Help revitalize communities and contribute to economic vitality.

    To learn more click the link https://adcogov.org/supporting-arts-adams-county.

     

  • Foster Care Coffee Meetup

    Want to learn more about the steps to becoming a foster parent? Here’s your chance! Join the foster care team and current foster parents at 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, for a coffee meet up at Starbucks, 45 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. To learn more about Adams County foster care, visit fosteradamscountycokids.org.

  • Read Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in its entirety

    Read Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in its entirety

    Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington.
    AFP via Getty Images

    Monday marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Below is a transcript of his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. NPR’s Talk of the Nation aired the speech in 2010 — listen to that broadcast at the audio link above.

    Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders gather before a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington.

    National Archives/Hulton Archive via Getty Images

    Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

    But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check.

    When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

    It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds.