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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • DMV offers tips to avoid groggy driving ahead of daylight saving time

    LAKEWOOD, Friday March 10, 2023 — While many might sleep on the dangers of fatigued driving and Daylight Saving Time, the Colorado DMV is reminding motorists to rest up before Monday’s commute.
    Daylight Saving Time, which begins this Sunday and springs clocks ahead an hour, means Coloradans may wake up feeling more tired than usual. In the U.S., fatal car crashes spike by 6% during the workweek after “spring forward” resulting in an additional 28 deaths each year, according to a 2020 University of Colorado Boulder study.
    But, there are steps motorists can take to make Monday’s commute safer for all Coloradans.
    The DMV encourages drivers to take extra care during this time of change and hopes to raise awareness of fatigued driving following the beginning of Daylight Saving Time.
    Before driving or when planning a roadtrip, please consider the following information:
    Eight drowsy driving warning signs to watch for:
    • Finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
    • Starting to daydream, wandering eyes and having disconnected thoughts
    • Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven 
    • Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs
    • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
    • Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off
    • Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
    • Feeling restless and irritable or becoming aggravated with common annoyances such as sitting in traffic.
    Before getting into the car with someone or driving yourself, ask the following:
    • Are you sleep-deprived or fatigued? Are you suffering regularly from sleep problems? Less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep while driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
    • Are you planning to drive long distances without proper rest breaks?
    • Will you be driving through the night, mid-afternoon or when you would normally be asleep?
    • Are you taking medications that can make you sleepy such as antidepressants, cold tablets or antihistamines?
    • Have you been working over 60 hours a week? A tightly packed work schedule increases your risk of drowsy driving by 40%, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
    • Have you been working more than one job and your main job involves shift work?
    • Did you drink alcohol? Even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on your body.
    According to the National Sleep Foundation, specific at-risk groups for driving sleep-deprived include:
    • Young drivers — especially males under 25 years old.
    • Shift workers and people with long work hours — working the night shift can increase your risk of drowsy driving by nearly six times. Rotating-shift workers and people working more than 60 hours a week need to be particularly careful.
    • Commercial drivers — especially long-haul drivers. At least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue and sleep-deprived driving.
    • People with undiagnosed or untreated disorders — People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have up to seven times the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
    • Business travelers — who spend long hours driving or may be jet-lagged from a previous trip.
    Helpful tips for driving, include:
    • Planning your trip ahead of time.
    • If it is a long-distance trip, ask a friend to join you so they can help drive and monitor for signs of drowsy driving.
    • If you feel tired, drowsy or notice any of the signs above, pull over and get some rest and only continue driving when alert.
    For more information on prevention tips against drowsy driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving.

  • Buck Votes To Overturn Biden Administration’s Disastrous 2023 WOTUS Rule

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of H.J.Res. 27, the “Congressional Disapproval of Waters of the United States rules”
    “Today, I voted to stop and overturn the Biden Administration’s ridiculous 2023 WOTUS rule. This disastrous rule is an attack on rural Americans and would give the government more power to regulate every puddle, ditch, and gully in eastern Colorado. 
    “I know that farmers, ranchers, and landowners across Colorado are stewards of the land and don’t need more burdensome regulations in our way from unelected bureaucrats in Washington D.C.”
  • — Winter Travel Alert — Persistent stormy weather will make travel difficult to impossible at higher elevations

    — Winter Travel Alert — Persistent stormy weather will make travel difficult to impossible at higher elevations

    Skiers, backcountry users and spring break travelers are urged to “know before you go”

     

    Colorado – Travelers to Colorado’s high country will encounter treacherous winter driving conditions this weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation urges skiers, backcountry users and spring break travelers to plan ahead. Highway mountain passes and the Interstate 70 corridor will see severe impacts with heavy snowfall and wind-driven snow causing slushy roads, snowpacked conditions and potential white-outs.

    “Motorists need to be prepared with more than just their outdoor gear when traveling during winter weather conditions,” said John Lorme, CDOT’s director of maintenance and operations. “Pack your vehicle with extra food, water, warm clothes, blankets and necessities like medications. Safety closures may happen at any time during severe weather and if you are held up on the highway you want to be prepared.”

    The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for western Colorado and the I-70 mountain corridor, emphasizing that travel will be difficult to impossible. Heavy snow and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, especially on mountain passes.

    “Commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers must drive for the conditions and consider the hazards before heading out on the roads,” said Lorme. “If you do not have experience driving in winter weather, please avoid driving in the mountains this weekend. We understand that many folks may be visiting Colorado this weekend and urge them to consider taking CDOT’s Pegasus, Snowstang or Bustang to get to their destinations safely. The more vehicles off the roadway, the easier it is to keep our roads clear of both snow and incidents.”

    East of the Divide and the Denver area will experience more spring-like storm conditions. Rain and light snow showers will begin late Friday night and will last through the weekend. Roads will be slick. Additionally, the Front Range and Eastern Plains are under a red flag warning. Travelers along the I-25 corridor, especially drivers in high-profile vehicles, should drive with extreme caution.

    Drivers are urged to “know before you go”, check road conditions on COtrip.org, and stay on top of the latest forecast information as the winter weather evolves.

    What Motorists Should Know

    • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts.
    • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (see info sources below).
    • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
    • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
    • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snowplows.

    Safety Closures

    A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

    Chain & Traction Laws

    When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

    COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

    If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

    The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

    CDOT is also pleased to offer motorists the opportunity to track CDOT snow plows on the app and website, and can even follow some of our “celebrity” plows that were named by elementary school students last year. Using the snow plow tracker allows motorists to see where our plows have been and even see what the road conditions look like by viewing the cameras in the area of the plows. CDOT plows have thousands of miles of roadway to maintain, so motorists are asked to please be patient and are reminded to never pass a plow on the right or while in echelon formation. It is always safer to stay behind a plow.

    Know Before You Go

    Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

  • John Doe Remains Found in Lake County Identified

    John Doe Remains Found in Lake County Identified

    March 7, 2023 — Remains located in Lake County dating back more than 50 years have been identified through work performed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Cold Case team at the request of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

    Using Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) and other investigative tools, the remains have been identified as those of Gardner Paul Smith (DOB: 09/22/1930) of Modesto, Calif.

    Smith’s body was found on Independence Pass in June 1970. Remains were submitted for analysis, but no identification was made from DNA or fingerprint analysis. Facial reconstruction was also performed but did not lead to identification.

    In 2022, previously extracted DNA was submitted for Forensic Genetic Genealogy testing, in which a lead was developed and led to the identification of Smith.

    Foul play is not suspected in his death, but if anyone has any information about his disappearance and death, contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 719-486-1249.

    Smith

    Smith

    Gardner Smith

    Smith

  • USDA Celebrates Inaugural National Biobased Products Day

    Department Also Announces BioPreferred® Program “Excellence in Procurement” Award Winners for 2022

    WASHINGTON, March 8, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today kicked off the inaugural National Biobased Products Day and highlighted the accomplishments of people and organizations working to improve sustainability within the federal government.
    “By designating March 8 as National Biobased Products Day, we honor the 20 years of progress the BioPreferred Program has achieved,” USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said. “As we look to the future, rural communities are at the forefront of addressing climate change by using biobased innovations to convert feedstocks, such as commodities and agricultural waste, into a multitude of products that will create sustainability, promote job growth and revitalize our rural economies.”
    USDA’s ongoing work includes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative programs, which fund research that advances climate- smart agriculture and forestry and strengthens the bioeconomy. In line with President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy, these programs develop sources of clean energy and power, biomass systems and high-value biobased products from agricultural feedstocks to foster economic development. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funded innovative new USDA programs like NIFA’s $9.5 million Bioproduct Pilot Program, which supports research into the benefits of using materials derived from agricultural commodities to manufacture construction and consumer products. The projects have special emphasis on benefits to underserved communities.
    “Scientific innovation is paramount to address agricultural issues impacting Americans from the field to the fork,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “By driving ag innovation with a keen focus on delivering solutions to everyday people, we have the opportunity to transform our nation’s food system in real and meaningful ways while creating new revenue streams and increasing productivity for more people in the rural economy.”
    National Biobased Products Day is an annual celebration on March 8 to raise awareness of the benefits of biobased products. The day recognizes the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to use the vast array of federal resources to combat climate change and help rural communities address its impacts. The day also aligns with President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan and Executive Order #14057, which focuses on making the federal government carbon-neutral by 2050 and reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030.
    A key component of these federal sustainability efforts is USDA’s BioPreferred® Program, which Congress created under the 2002 Farm Bill. The program is the Federal government’s official advocate and market accelerator for biobased products.
    Rural producers use innovative techniques to create biobased products derived from plants and other agricultural, marine and forestry materials. Examples include construction materials made using cashew nut, castor and canola; cleaning products made from sugarcane, agave plants and microbial cultures; and tires made from soy.
    USDA congratulates the four winners of the BioPreferred® Program’s “Excellence in Procurement Award” for 2022 for reducing their respective agencies’ environmental impact by using biobased products and championing farmers in rural America. They are:
    • The Department of Energy’s Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee;
    • Christina Graves with USDA’s Forest Service;
    • Brian McCabe with the National Park Service, and
    • Brooke Siegel with the FBI.
    To learn more about each award winner, visit www.biopreferred.gov.
    All of these efforts support President Biden’s Executive Order to advance U.S. biotechnology and biomanufacturing. USDA is supporting this effort by providing tools, resources, and scientific research to ensure American farmers and producers remain globally competitive.
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden- Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
    To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.

  • Scheduled Upgrades to ColoradoSOS.gov to Take Place March 10-13

    Denver, Colo – The Department of State’s website, www.ColoradoSOS.gov, will be undergoing scheduled upgrades beginning Friday, March 10 at 6 p.m. and continuing as late as Monday, March 13 at 6 a.m.

    Online services, including business filings and online voter registration, will be unavailable during this time. Business owners and other filers should complete any online filings before 5 p.m. on March 10.

    For information on when this work is completed and services are restored, please visit the Secretary of State’s Office’s Social Media pages by clicking the links below:

  • Polis-Primavera Administration Celebrates International Women’s Day, Honors the Historic Accomplishments & Legacies of Colorado Women Throughout History

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera honored International Women’s Day and celebrated women’s historic contributions to shaping Colorado. Since day one, Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera have worked to build a Colorado for All, and celebrating women’s achievements is an important part of that work. A majority of the Governor’s cabinet and  senior staff team are women, and this year, Colorado’s General Assembly is comprised of 50% women.


    “We celebrate and honor the bold achievements of Colorado women throughout history who shaped the state we love today and the future we are building for tomorrow. Colorado is proudly the first state that voted by ballot to grant women the right to vote in 1893, 25 years ahead of the rest of the country. This powerful legacy continues to inspire and motivate us today as we work to build a Colorado for All. We are committed to making sure Colorado remains the best place for women and all Coloradans to live, work, and thrive,” said Governor Polis.


    “Women are leading in bold ways across our state, including at the Capitol. Today we celebrate those achievements and the pioneering work of the many women that came before us. Through our continued efforts to expand access to affordable high-quality healthcare, promote gender equity, and support women in the workforce, we are making sure all Coloradans can thrive here in our great state,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera.


    The Center for Colorado Women’s History at History Colorado is offering free admission today in celebration of International Women’s Day. 

  • Labor Department recognizes International Women’s Day with continued focus on narrowing workforce gender gaps

    Despite pandemic-era headwinds facing women in the workplace, CDLE is committed to boosting gender equality and increasing workforce participation

    (DENVER) – The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is marking International Women’s Day (March 8) by highlighting steps Colorado has taken to make it easier for women to thrive in the workforce. From establishing the new Office of the Future of Work (OFW) to addressing demographic shifts, globalization and new technology, to implementing Colorado’s first statewide paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program that will ultimately help new parents and caregivers stay in the workforce, gender equality in the workforce is a priority for the Department.

    The initiatives come at a crucial time. Surveys show that women are stepping away from their jobs in unprecedented numbers in a national post-pandemic shift analysts call a “Great Breakup.” And Colorado’s progress in getting more women in board seats has recently slowed, with just 24% of the board seats at Colorado public companies held by women last year.

    “CDLE and the OFW are committed to building programs and shaping policy that makes the world of work more accessible and equitable for women,” said Katherine Keegan, Director of the OFW, “Skills-based hiring initiatives, flexible workplace policies, and new work-based learning initiatives create workplaces in which women can thrive and provide the talent Colorado businesses need. We’re meeting that call by supporting employers and job seekers alike through the expansion of the State Apprenticeship Agency, the Digital Equity, Literacy and Inclusion Initiative and the Remote Work Initiative. ”

    Keegan will be among the CDLE leaders taking the stage Wednesday to discuss strategies on creating work cultures where women thrive. The event is sponsored by Bossed Up, a Denver-based leadership development and career services company focused on closing the gender leadership gap.

    Also joining the discussion are Jade Humphries-Graves, Customer Success Branch Manager, Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Division and Hannah Matthys, PhD, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer at CDLE.

    “Keeping women active and engaged with the workforce not only makes our communities stronger, but it makes Colorado families stronger as well,” said Humphries-Graves, Customer Success Branch Manager, Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Division. “Research shows that ensuring new parents have paid time off to care for a new child contributes to a family’s healthy development, improves maternal health, and enhances a family’s economic security. At CDLE we’re building a paid leave program that will ensure working families have access to a crucial benefit that Colorado voters want.”

    “CDLE is committed to making the workforce more accessible to ALL women–including women with disabilities, women of color, low-income women, LGBTQ+ women, and women from other marginalized backgrounds,” said Matthys. “Whether it be the expansion of our Disability Program Navigator (DPN) program, or our ongoing workforce development events and training opportunities to build confidence in interviewing and resume writing, our goal is to meet women–and all job seekers–where they are and help bring them where they want to be.”

    The sold out event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, at The Commons on Champa, located at 1245 Champa St. in Denver.

  • LawnLove: Colorado is the No. 6 Best State for Horse Lovers

    Whether you work with horses for a living or are looking for equestrian escapes, America has plenty of room to roam on horseback.

    But which states are ideal for equine enthusiasts?

    To mark National Horse Protection Day on March 1, Lawn Love ranked 2023’s Best States for Horse Lovers.

    How does Colorado stack up?

    Colorado’s Rank in Some Key Metrics (1st = Best)

    • Number of Equestrian Programs – 3rd
    • Number of Horse Camps – 7th
    • Number of Rescue Horses Up for Adoption – 5th
    • Number of Barn Builders – 4th
    • Number of Horse Sanctuaries and Rescue Facilities – 4th
    • Annual Cost of Equine Care (as % of Average Household Income) – 10th

    To come up with our ranking, we compared the 50 states based on 27 metrics, such as equestrian programs, horseback riding trails, horse shows, and museums. We also considered horses for sale, boarding facilities, veterinarians, trainers, and affordability.

    Our full ranking is available here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-states-horse-lovers/

  • Colorado Establishes Urban Landscape Water Conservation Task Force

    Statewide – The Sweetwater Lake partnership will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Monday, March, 6 to update the public on the Sweetwater Lake planning process and get additional feedback from the public to help develop a proposed action for the site. 

    “Over the last year, the partnership has been working  closely to begin creating a long-term management plan for Sweetwater Lake, considering feedback from public meetings in early 2022 and ongoing engagement efforts with the local community,” said CPW Park Manager Mark Lehman. “Concurrently, the partnership has undertaken several projects including the purchase and installation of a new boat dock to improve access to the lake, resource inventories of the property to help guide management decisions, as well as the enhancement of amenities for visitors to the Sweetwater property.”

    In addition, the Eagle Valley Land Trust provided funding to hire two Forest Service staff to assist in the maintenance of the site, while working to educate the public on changes to the Sweetwater property.

    Meeting details: 
    Date: Monday, March 6
    Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    Location: Virtual, Register at https://cpw.info/sweetwater-lake-public-meeting

    Spanish interpretation will be offered during the meeting.

    Feedback from the meeting will help provide guidance as the partnership works to create management strategies for the lake area to allow for increased public access while protecting the site’s social, natural, cultural resource values. 

    “This will not be the only opportunity for public comment,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis. “Once a proposed action is developed this spring or summer, the Forest Service will initiate an environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act.”

    On August 31, 2021 the Forest Service closed on the purchase of the 486-acre Sweetwater Lake area property. Shortly after the purchase, the Sweetwater Lake Partnership was formed between CPW, EVLT, and USFS to create and implement a long-term plan improving public access to Sweetwater Lake, enhance the recreation opportunities historically offered in the Sweetwater Lake area and protect the social and natural characteristics of the area.


    Spanish translation

    La asociación del lago Sweetwater celebrará una reunión pública virtual el lunes 6 de marzo para poner al día al público sobre el proceso de planificación del lago Sweetwater y obtener más opiniones del público que ayuden a desarrollar una propuesta de actuación para el lugar. 

    “Durante el último año, la asociación ha estado trabajando estrechamente para comenzar a crear un plan de gestión a largo plazo para el lago Sweetwater, teniendo en cuenta los comentarios de las reuniones públicas a principios de 2022 y los esfuerzos de compromiso en curso con la comunidad local”, dijo el gerente del parque CPW Mark Lehman. “Al mismo tiempo, la asociación ha emprendido varios proyectos, incluida la compra e instalación de un nuevo muelle para botes para mejorar el acceso al lago, inventarios de recursos de la propiedad para ayudar a guiar las decisiones de gestión, así como la mejora de las comodidades para los visitantes de la propiedad de Sweetwater.”

    Además, el Eagle Valley Land Trust proporcionó financiación para contratar a dos empleados del Servicio Forestal que ayudarán en el mantenimiento del lugar, al tiempo que trabajarán para educar al público sobre los cambios en la propiedad de Sweetwater.

    Detalles de la reunión:
    Fecha: Lunes, 6 de marzo
    Hora: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    Lugar: Virtual, Inscríbase en https://cpw.info/sweetwater-lake-public-meeting

    Se ofrecerá interpretación al español durante la reunión.

    Los resultados de la reunión servirán de orientación a la asociación para elaborar estrategias de gestión de la zona del lago que permitan un mayor acceso público y protejan al mismo tiempo los valores sociales, naturales y culturales del lugar. 

    “Leanne Veldhuis, guardabosques del distrito de Eagle-Holy Cross, ha declarado: “Esta no será la única oportunidad de recibir comentarios del público. “Una vez que se desarrolle una acción propuesta esta primavera o verano, el Servicio Forestal iniciará un proceso de revisión ambiental bajo la Ley Nacional de Política Ambiental”.

    El 31 de agosto de 2021, el Servicio Forestal cerró la compra de la propiedad de 486 acres de la zona de Sweetwater Lake. Poco después de la compra, se formó la Asociación del Lago Sweetwater entre CPW, EVLT y USFS para crear e implementar un plan a largo plazo que mejore el acceso público al Lago Sweetwater, mejore las oportunidades de recreación ofrecidas históricamente en el área del Lago Sweetwater y proteja las características sociales y naturales del área.