Author: I-70 Scout

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.

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.

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.

 

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

 

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.

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.

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:

• Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking—A hub for resources, training, and the trafficking hotline.
• From Silenced to Saved—A nonprofit supporting trafficking survivors.
• JAC—Serving trafficking survivors and at-risk youth.
• Streets Hope—Providing restorative services for women impacted by sex trafficking.
• Denver Street School—Helping at-risk youth, including trafficking survivors, achieve success.
• CO4kids—Supporting children affected by trafficking.
• Atlas Free (formerly National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance)—Providing shelter and support for trafficking survivors.

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.