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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • CCA Honors Two Steadfast Industry Leaders!

    LAKEWOOD, Colo. – On Tuesday evening, June 20th during the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Annual Convention “Mountain Meat-Up” banquet, awards were presented to individuals who have made a significant impact on the industry. Of these award winners was T. Wright Dickinson, who received CCA’s Honorary Lifetime Membership, which is the highest honor given by CCA to those who go above and beyond in their roles in the industry to give back to not only the association, but the broader agricultural community.
    Additionally, CCA honored Brice Lee as an honoree of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Foundation Endowment Trust.  The Endowment Trust began in 1959 as an idea to help secure a financial future for the association and today, it continues with this mission. One form of support to the Endowment Trust is through contributions made in memory of a family member or friend. This has provided many with a way to help the Endowment Trust and remember those who have been a part of the beef cattle industry.
    T. Wright Dickinson receiving the CCA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, presented to him by (left) Janie VanWinkle and (middle) Mike Camblin. 
    T. Wright Dickinson – CCA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Recipient
    T. Wright Dickinson is a proud, fourth generation rancher at The Vermillion Ranch. The ranch, which was founded in 1885, spans the corners of three states – northwestern Colorado, southeastern Utah, and Southwestern Wyoming, with high elevation and vast rangelands. T. Wright operates the ranch in partnership with his family, including his parents, Wright and Polly, and siblings. He labels himself as the ranch mechanic and politician of the family, but those who know him say that even with his ranch responsibilities, T. Wright has gone above and beyond in his dedication and time served for the industry. 

    T. Wright has been an engaged member and leader with industry organizations, including Public Lands Council, NCBA, and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. T. Wright was CCA president from 2012-2013 and is among only a few others to be a second generation president after his father, Wright, served as president in 1986-1987. Looking toward the advancement of the industry and protection of agriculture, T. Wright was directly involved in the development of Partners for Western Conservation and the Colorado Habitat Exchange. He also helped to design and initiate the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Councils in Colorado and was appointed by both Democratic and Republican governors to serve on the Northwest Council.

    In addition to his industry involvement, T. Wright has been a champion for agriculture and the western way of life in additional capacities. He served in leadership roles with Great Outdoors Colorado and Club20. He also served many water-related roles, including as a governor’s appointment to the State Inter-basin Compact Committee and as a director on the Colorado River Water Conservation District Board. T. Wright was also a Moffat County commissioner and was term-limited after serving two terms. 

    During his years of local, state, and national experiences, T. Wright is highly respected for his knowledge and passion for the agriculture industry as well as his ability to “tell it how it is” for those who may need a quick reminder.

    CCA extends our gratitude to T. Wright for his steadfast commitment not just as a leader, but to the agricultural community as a whole, specifically CCA. We appreciate T. Wright’s continued involvement in the association and thank him for his advice and service.
    The late Brice Lee, Honoree of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Foundation Endowment Trust.
    Brice Lee – Honoree of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Foundation Endowment Trust
    Brice Lee was a proud rancher from the tough country of Hesperus, Colorado where he started his beloved Hereford herd. However, Brice, along with his late wife Phyllis, made their mark outside their southwestern corner. Brice’s mentorship and guidance was the guiding light for not only those from his Colorado home, but on a national scale as well. From his federal lands expertise to the wealth of water knowledge, you could count on Brice to protect our industry. 

    Brice was involved on the local level at La Plata County Cattlemen’s Association as a member and past president and countless local boards and commissions, particularly water focused. On the state level, Brice was on the CCA Board of Directors for 16 years, serving as President from 1994-1995, and heavily involved in the Colorado Public Lands Council as both a director and chair. Nationally, Brice was dedicated to advocating for public lands grazers as he served as a national PLC Officer for 6 years and was the PLC President from 2012-2014. Brice also proud to have been as a gubernatorial appointee on the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission for nine years. 

    He and his wife Phyllis had a particular passion for supporting and influencing young people, which is demonstrated through their longtime JCCA scholarship and the many 4-H and La Plata County fair events they attended and supported. Brice will be missed, but his legacy will not only live on through his family, but through each rancher, member, and junior who had the opportunity to meet him.

  • The Mañanas perform at the 2023 Anythink Backyard Concert Series

    WHAT:            Anythink’s Backyard Concert Series, presented by Amazon, continues on Friday, July 14 with Denver-based power pop/garage rock band, The Mañanas. The Backyard Concert Series is a family-friendly summer event that celebrates music and community while also raising funds for the Anythink Foundation. Hosted at the beautiful one-acre park adjacent to Anythink Wright Farms, these concerts are just one way that Anythink continues to establish itself as a cultural destination in Adams County and the greater metro area. The show is free and open to all ages. Sandwiches from Nosh Catering, frozen treats from Em’s Ice Cream, wine from The Infinite Monkey Theorem and beer from Great Divide are available for purchase on-site. This year, the Anythink Foundation will use proceeds raised to support efforts to make the performing arts more accessible to all in 2024. From free passes to local performances and immersive theater productions at a local Anythink, the money raised will allow the library to bring this critical art form to Adams County residents of all ages and backgrounds. Supporters can donate online or in-person at the concerts.
    WHEN:            Friday, July 14; doors at 5:30 pm, performance from 6:30-8:30 pm
    WHERE:           Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602

  • Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows

    WASHINGTON (AP) __ ABC’s “This Week” __ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
    White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

    __

    NBC’s “Meet the Press” __ Govs. Doug Burgum, R-N.D., a presidential candidate,
    and Phil Murphy, D-N.J.

    __

    CBS’ “Face the Nation “Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen; Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.; Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah; Oksana Markarova, Ukraine`s ambassador to the United States; Kate Calvin, NASA`s chief scientist and senior climate adviser.

    __

    CNN’s “State of the Union” __ Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Barbara Lee, D-
    Calif.

    ___

    “Fox News Sunday” __ Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Tim Kaine, D-Va.; former
    New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican presidential candidate.

    Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

  • Arrest warrant issued for father of four missing children

    CENTENNIAL – Arapahoe Sheriff Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for violation of a child custody order for Howard Myles, 47, the father of four children, ages 4-9, who have been missing from Centennial, Colorado since June 30. Investigators believe Myles took the children and may be headed to Louisiana where they are from. They also believe the children’s mother, Clarissa Gardette, is with them. There are active warrants for her arrest as well.

    The children were living in a foster care home and Howard Myles had a weekend visit with them, per court order. He picked up the children at 3:45 p.m. on June 30 and was supposed return them on July 2, but failed to show up. Gardette has supervised visits only.

    Investigators are actively looking for Myles and Gardette in conjunction with the above warrants and to return the children to safety. The children are believed to be in immediate danger due to a history of neglect, child abuse, drugs, domestic violence, weapons charges and previous dangerous situations they have been placed in.

    Investigators are also releasing new photos of the children and their parents, in hopes the public will recognize them and contact their local law enforcement agency. Investigators believe Myles may be headed out of state with the children. He has ties to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as Dallas, Texas.

    On July 2, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Child Alert with descriptions of the children, their father and the vehicle they may be in. If you have any information on this crime, please call our dispatch center at 303-795-4711 or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 720-913-STOP (720-913-7867). You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.Missing ChildrenHeaven, Israel, Jehoward, Jyrone

  • Mosquitoes in four Colorado counties test positive for West Nile virus

    STATEWIDE (July 6, 2023) —  State health officials are reminding Coloradans to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus after finding mosquitoes with the virus in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties. This is the first time this season that mosquitoes with the virus have been detected in Colorado. Local health officials in all four counties found the mosquitoes during routine monitoring for West Nile virus. Some local health agencies, including in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties, test mosquitoes for West Nile virus throughout the summer when mosquito activity is highest in Colorado.


    While most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. Talk with a health care provider if you develop severe headaches or begin experiencing confusion.


    West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September. To protect yourself:


    • Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents, visit the

      EPA’s information webpage

      . Always follow label instructions.
    • Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.


    In addition to eliminating standing water around your home weekly, you can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.


    You can find additional data going back to 2003 on CDPHE’s West Nile virus webpage, which is updated weekly throughout the season.

  • Mosquitoes in four Colorado counties test positive for West Nile virus

     

    STATEWIDE (July 6, 2023) —  State health officials are reminding Coloradans to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus after finding mosquitoes with the virus in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties. This is the first time this season that mosquitoes with the virus have been detected in Colorado. Local health officials in all four counties found the mosquitoes during routine monitoring for West Nile virus. Some local health agencies, including in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties, test mosquitoes for West Nile virus throughout the summer when mosquito activity is highest in Colorado.


    While most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. Talk with a health care provider if you develop severe headaches or begin experiencing confusion.


    West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September. To protect yourself:


    • Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents, visit the

      EPA’s information webpage

      . Always follow label instructions.
    • Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.


    In addition to eliminating standing water around your home weekly, you can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.


    You can find additional data going back to 2003 on CDPHE’s West Nile virus webpage, which is updated weekly throughout the season.

  • Chatfield State Park swimming access closed due to E. coli levels


    LITTLETON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed swimming access from the swim beach area at Chatfield State Park due to elevated E. coli levels. Bi-weekly water quality testing showed unsafe bacteria levels above Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requirements, Thursday morning. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli presence.

    Park employees are placing signs notifying visitors of the closure at the entrance, bathrooms, beach area and other visible portions of Chatfield. Boating access and hand-launched vessels will not be restricted during the closure.

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Jefferson County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • Cherry Creek State Park swim area closed due to high E. coli levels


    AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed the natural swim area at Cherry Creek State Park due to unsafe E. coli levels. Thursday morning, routine daily water quality testing revealed higher than allowable levels of the bacteria, as determined by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli.

    Signs have been placed along the swim beach notifying park visitors to the closure. Although the area is closed to swimming, beach access and other water-related activities, like fishing and paddle boarding, are allowed. No other areas of the park are affected.

    “While these closures are not common, we test the water often to make sure the public is safe while enjoying the reservoir,” said Cherry Creek State Park Operations Manager Larry Butterfield. “The elevated bacteria levels can be caused by fecal waste from wildlife, run-off from urban areas, or excessive run-off from rain, and the park has seen heavy rainfall this year.”

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Arapahoe County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by the CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • Bennet, Daines Reintroduce Bill to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species Across the West

    Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act Strengthens Preventative Efforts to Protect Water Infrastructure and Ecosystems from Invasive Mussels
    Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) reintroduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, legislation to slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States. 
    “We have to do everything we can to protect our rivers, lakes, and waterways that are vital to our local communities and outdoor recreation economy,” said Bennet. “This legislation invests on the front end to reduce the spread of invasive species in Colorado – saving money for taxpayers and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.”
    “As Montana’s voice in the U.S. Senate, I’ll always work to preserve what makes Montana the last best place — that means protecting Montana’s wildlife and ecosystems. Invasive species like zebra mussels threaten our native species and obstruct important hydropower projects and irrigation. It’s critical we pass this bipartisan bill and empower Montana’s local communities with the tools and resources they need to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species,” said Daines.
    Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures – like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations – are key to limiting their spread. 
    Specifically, the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act would:
    • Strengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation explicit authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations;
    • Provide all federal agencies who participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force the same authorities to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, eliminating problematic differences between the various agencies; and
    • Ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding. 
    “With the discovery in the last year of a limited infestation of zebra mussels at Highline Lake near Grand Junction, CO, Senator Bennet’s legislation is needed now more than ever,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We commend Senator Bennet’s continued championship of legislation to expand collaboration between state and federal partners, which will be critical to preventing these harmful species from further taking root in western waterways.” 
    “This is a classic: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Doug Kemper, Executive Director of the Colorado Water Congress. “The spread of invasive mussel species continues to be a risk to water bodies throughout the nation and will have a significant impact for all water supplies and infrastructure, including the water projects that were built by the Bureau of Reclamation. Colorado has been proactive in developing and expanding the inspection and decontamination program over the last 14 years and has brought different stakeholders and interests together to support and commit to the protection of water infrastructure and reservoirs against infestation. This bill will provide the necessary authorization, funding, and allow additional partnerships to be developed to support these programs on federal reservoirs, where the inspection and decontaminations are highly effective at preventing the spread of mussels. We applaud the efforts of Senators Bennet and Daines to face this threat head on with a bill to authorize a clear and consistent role as a federal partner in federal water resource projects.”  
    “Aquatic invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to fisheries, western waters, and important economies at all scales. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Bennet and Daines to take action and elevate a sense of urgency. Facilitating coordination across management jurisdictions and working with stakeholder partners to improve processes for inspection and decontamination of watercraft is critical to address the spread of invasives like zebra and quagga mussels. These species have already overwhelmed native aquatic life in many waters and because they are extremely difficult to eradicate once established, they pose an outsized threat to the ecological balance of intact ecosystems,” said John Gale, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
    Bennet secured provisions in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the 2022 WRDA to protect Colorado’s watersheds from invasive species by directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish, operate, or fund watercraft inspection stations in a number of Colorado river basins, and increasing and extending authority for the Corps to combat invasive species. Bennet first introduced this provision as an amendment to the 2016 WRDA.
    Following the August 2017 detection of quagga mussel larvae in the Green Mountain Reservoir, Bennet led the Colorado delegation in sending a letter to then-U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging a rapid response. In 2010, Bennet introduced the Invasive Species Emergency Response Fund Act to establish a loan fund for Western states to combat invasive species.
    The legislation is also supported by: Ute Water Conservancy District, Pueblo Water, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Aurora Water, Northern Water, and Colorado Springs Utilities. 
      
    The bill text is available HERE.

  • CPW offering reward for tips in elk poaching investigation

    Area near Pike National Forest Road 146 where carcass was dumped

    COMO, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help to identify who killed a large bull elk and dumped its carcass June 26 in Park County. CPW believes the elk was shot sometime between June 24-26 in the area between Como and Hartsel.

    Wildlife officers were alerted to a bull elk carcass which had been dumped alongside Pike National Forest Road 146, just east of the Buffalo subdivision. The elk had been shot with a high power rifle and only the meat along the spine, or the backstrap, had been removed. One of the antlers was cut in half and left beside the carcass.

    The elk was killed out of season, and the majority of the meat from the elk was left to waste, in violation of state hunting regulations.

    Officers would like to speak with campers in the Tarryall area during that time or residents of either the Indian Mountain or Buffalo subdivisions who may have information about the crime.

    “This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said District Wildlife Manager Ian Petkash. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”

    Information can be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or . A $1,000 dollar reward is being offered for tips in this case. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

    Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.