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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • Adams County Announces Business-Focused Town Hall

    Adams County Announces Business-Focused Town Hall

    Playing for the Home Team

    Adams County’s business community is stronger when it plays as a team. To support local owners, entrepreneurs, and employers, the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, the Community & Economic Development Department, and the Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP) are hosting a business-focused town hall on Monday, Sept. 29, from 4–5:30 p.m., at the Community Reach Center, 1870 W. 122nd Ave., Westminster.

    The tailgate-themed event, Playing for the Home Team: Adams County Business Huddle, will give business leaders a chance to connect with county officials and resources, share ideas, and ask questions about the opportunities and challenges shaping Adams County’s economic future.

    “Topic-specific town halls allow us to meet people where they are and focus on the issues that matter most to them,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners.
    “This huddle is a way for our business community to get the answers, resources, and connections they need directly from county leaders and allows us to hear directly from people with skin in the game about what they need from us. It’s a win-win.”

    County Manager Dionne Stroter emphasized the value of ongoing dialogue.

    “Businesses are a cornerstone of our economy, and their feedback helps guide how we provide services, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen our workforce,” Stroter said. “By having conversations like this, we’re building two-way communication that benefits both the county and the business community.”

    Jenni Hall, Director of Community & Economic Development at Adams County, added the format is designed to be both engaging and practical. County departments will host resource tables and be available for one-on-one conversations with businesses on the topics that directly affect them from business assistance and workforce development programs to road and infrastructure projects to code enforcement and more.

    “We know time is valuable, especially to our local businesses. That’s why we promise to wrap up in time for kickoff of the Monday Night Football Broncos game,” Hall said. “What better way to get ready for game day than to huddle up with county and business leaders and get like-minded people on your sideline?”

    To add additional value to the event, Adams County is partnering with the AC-REP, spotlighting the county’s continued commitment to collaboration, partnership, and ensuring businesses have access to whatever resources they want and need, both inside the county’s services and out.

    “Adams County is a hub for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and we’re proud to partner on this event and help foster opportunities for conversation,” said Lisa Hough, President and CEO of AC-REP, who will emcee the conversation. “Events like this bring people together to share challenges, celebrate successes, and find ways to move forward as a united team.”

    Business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders of all sizes are encouraged to attend. RSVP to join the huddle in person, receive a calendar invite for the livestream, or submit a question in advance.

  • Modern Square Dancing!

    Looking for a fun activity?
    … look no further than …

    Modern Square Dancing!

    Dance to music of all different genres a great way to spend time
    exercising your body, mind and spirit!
    Ready to Learn?
    Call Prairie Stars Sq Dance Club 720-579-5454 to
    RSVP
    Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm Strasburg American Legion
    (New Community Center)
    with the little red roof!
    Beginning Sept.22nd 2025
    first 2 lessons free, then $10/class

  • Scam Alert

    Scam Alert

    Elbert County Sheriff’s Office is fielding calls from community members concerned about a caller, identifying themselves as a Sheriff’s Office employee, stating there is a warrant out for the individual for either failing to appear in court or failing to show up for jury duty and asking for a form of payment to avoid being arrested and going to jail.

    This is terrifying and it is FRAUD!!!

    This is NOT coming from the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office.

    No Elbert County official will ever contact you by phone, email, or text about jury duty. Official jury duty communication will come by U.S. Mail only.

    If you receive one of these calls, texts, or emails:

    • Do not respond
    • Do not click any links
    • Do not send money

    This is a scam!

     

  • Adams County Sheriff’s Office Invites Community to “Creating Hope Through Action” Suicide Prevention Event

    Adams County Sheriff’s Office Invites Community to “Creating Hope Through Action” Suicide Prevention Event

    Colorado continues to face one of the highest suicide rates in the nation.
    What: The Adams County Sheriff’s Office along with our partners from Adams County Health Department, 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Anythink Libraries are proud to host the 3rd Annual “Creating Hope Through Action”, a suicide prevention event dedicated to raising awareness, connecting residents with resources, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
    Who: All community members are invited to attend and take part in this important conversation.
    When:  Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 3-5:30 p.m. at Anythink Library Wright Farms
    Contact: Madison Soukup,
    Additional Info: Colorado continues to face one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. In 2024, 1,306 Coloradans died by suicide, with an age-adjusted rate of 20.83 deaths per 100,000 people. While youth suicide rates have fallen to their lowest levels since 2007, suicide remains a leading cause of death among adults across the state. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for prevention, awareness, and access to help.
    Sheriff Gene Claps emphasized the importance of community involvement:
    “Creating hope begins with action. We want every member of our community to know that they are not alone, and that help and support are always available. By coming together, we strengthen the safety net of care and compassion that saves lives.”
    The Creating Hope Through Action event will highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of suicide, breaking down stigma, and encouraging those in crisis to seek help. Local organizations and partners will be present to share vital resources, including crisis services, mental health programs, and family support networks.
    If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember: help is only a phone call or text away. Dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7. You can also visit 988Colorado.com for statewide resources or reach out to local mental health providers for support.
    Together, we can create hope and save lives. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office invites all community members to stand with us in this effort to bring awareness, reduce stigma, and build a more connected and hopeful Adams County.
  • Adams County Launches New Website and Domain to Improve Access and Public Trust

    Adams County Launches New Website and Domain to Improve Access and Public Trust

    Adams County is proud to announce the launch of its fully redesigned website and new digital identity atadamscountyco.gov. This major shift includes the transition of both the public website and employee email addresses to the .gov domain, enhancing security, accessibility, and credibility.
    This upgrade reflects Adams County’s deep commitment to serving its residents with a more modern, user-friendly online experience. Visitors will notice a cleaner design, improved navigation, and new features that make it easier to find services, access resources, and interact with county government.
    “This is about putting people first,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “We listened to feedback, prioritized accessibility, and created a website that will help residents quickly find what they need without the confusion or frustration that can sometimes come with government websites. It’s a big step toward building even more trust with our community.”
    The change to adamscountyco.gov from the previous adcogov.org is more than cosmetic. The .gov designation is reserved exclusively for verified government entities, helping the public know they’re interacting with an official source of information. The transition also helps Adams County comply with new legal requirements under Colorado House Bill 21-1110, which focuses on improved digital accessibility for people with disabilities.
    “As your county government, we’re here to serve you, and that means constantly improving how we show up for our community,” said Dionne Stroter, County Manager. “This new website, along with our move to a trusted .gov address, is all about making things clearer, more accessible, and easier to use. We’re excited for residents to explore the new site and see just how much it puts people first.”
    Along with the website, employee email addresses are also changing to match the new domain (e.g., ). However, there is no immediate impact for residents or partners. Emails sent to the old addresses at @adcogov.org will continue to forward for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition.
    The website launch is a key milestone in Adams County’s broader efforts to modernize public services and enhance community engagement. More announcements and updates will follow in the coming weeks, including tips on how to navigate the new site and spotlight features that make it easier than ever to connect with Adams County. For now, this introduction video highlights the new services and features that come with the major refresh.
    To explore the new website, visit adamscountyco.gov.

  • Holiday weekend wrapping up summer travel season

    Colorado – Heavier traffic should be anticipated over the holiday weekend along the Front Range, on mountain highways and most notably on I-70 west of Denver
     The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to expect additional traffic in numerous areas of the state due to the many events and recreational activities taking place over the Labor Day weekend.

    Beginning at noon on Friday, CDOT is suspending all construction projects to reduce potential traffic delays. The only exception is for emergency operations. Projects can resume their regular schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

    Heavier traffic should be anticipated over the holiday weekend along the Front Range, on mountain highways, and most notably on Interstate 70 west of Denver. Traffic on I-70 is at its peak primarily from mid-morning until early evening on Friday, and from early morning to mid-afternoon on Saturday. Eastbound I-70 traffic will be at its highest on Labor Day from mid-morning to late afternoon, especially from Eagle and Summit counties to the Denver area.

    Travel through the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels on non-holiday weekends during the summer high travel season – early July through mid-August – averages 44,744 vehicles per day. Labor Day Weekend traffic averages 46,890 vehicles. In 2024, holiday traffic through the EJMT was as follows:

    Labor Day Weekend Westbound Eastbound Total
    Friday, Aug. 30 31,699 18,802 50,501
    Saturday, Aug. 31 28,194 18,152 46,346
    Sunday, Sept. 1 20,470 26,038 46,508
    Monday, Sept. 2 15,394 28,813 44,207
    Total 95,757 91,805 187,562

    The mountain express lanes will be operating Friday through Monday – westbound from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and eastbound from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, the hours of operation may be modified due to traffic conditions.

    Two of the state’s seasonal roadways – CO 82 over Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen and Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park – remain open through the fall until adverse weather requires a full closure for the winter. The highway to the top of Mount Blue Sky – CO 5 – remains closed for construction. Please visit the Federal Highway Administration webpage for more information.

    Drivers can get the latest information on the status of the state’s roadways by checking cotrip.org or by calling 511. Specific information regarding I-70 is available at: GoI70.com.

    Bustang, Bustang Outrider and Pegasus, CDOT’s transit system, provides an alternative for those who would rather not drive. It offers service to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, and the cities and towns between Denver and Grand Junction and between Fort Collins and Trinidad. Outrider is an option for travel to other rural areas of the state. And Pegasus shuttle vans serve the I-70 west corridor between Denver and Avon. Please visit: ridebustang.com.

    CDOT Safety Patrol vehicles are available to assist motorists in need and to keep traffic flowing over Labor Day weekend. The coverage area includes major highways in the Denver area and I-25 north of Denver to Fort Collins and south of Denver to Colorado Springs. Peak patrol times are 6 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 7 p.m., Off-Peak patrol times are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Weekend Patrol is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    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:

    Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

    The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

    • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
    • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
    • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
    • Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
    • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
    • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
    • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
    • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
    • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
    • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
    • Be patient!

  • Colorado’s mountains will see a stormy start to Labor Day weekend, with sunshine expected by Sunday

    Colorado’s lingering monsoon rains bring warnings of flash flooding and debris flows for parts of the mountains impacted by wildfires

    Colorado’s rainy monsoon season is sticking around for the start of Labor Day weekend, with drier conditions heading into next week.

    The mountainous regions of Colorado’s Western Slope are set to experience more thunderstorms and rain on Friday — an extension of the rainy weather from the past few days — according to a hazardous weather alert from the National Weather Service. The storms could include heavy rainfall, lightning, gusty winds and even hail.

    Though sensitive areas are being warned of possible flash flooding beginning Thursday night, flooding concerns will “taper off quickly overnight,” according to the report. Bruno Rodriguez, a Boulder meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said flooding is less of a risk for higher terrain mountain zones like Summit and Park counties, though minor flooding from localized storms could still occur.

    Friday’s showers are more steady as opposed to the scattered, mainly due to a big push of moisture coming in from a tropical system in the Pacific Ocean, according to Grand Junction Meteorologist Gillian Felton with the National Weather Service.

    The risk of flash flooding significantly reduces Saturday, with some scattered showers and thunderstorms still expected for higher terrains. Temperatures will warm back up to climatological normals Sunday, with drier conditions extending into next week.

    “September tends to actually be a rainier month in this region, with the monsoon,” Felton said. “Precipitation wise, we’re generally still below where we would be in other years.”

    A return to warmer temperatures

    Destinations like Aspen and Vail are on the cooler end in terms of weekend temperatures, with highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s from Friday into Labor Day despite clear, sunny skies beginning Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs are on the warmer side, with temperatures in the low-70s earlier in the weekend, reaching 80 degrees by Monday. Frisco’s 65 to 75-degree weekend will see more of a middle ground.

    Felton said the region’s temperatures from Thursday night into Saturday are below normal for this time of year, partially due to the increased cloud cover as more moisture moves in.

    “We’ll have a bit of a pattern shift as we move into the second half of the weekend, as that drier air moves in as well, so temperatures will start to climb a little bit back towards normal,” Felton said.

    Starting Monday and continuing through  the week, temperatures begin to trend up to 5 degrees above normal for most of the high valleys, Rodriguez said.

    A reminder to recreators: ‘Wear a life vest’

    Those who plan on hitting the road for the holiday weekend should be aware of potential flooding and debris flows in their area, especially in parts of the state with notable burn scars from recent or ongoing wildfires.

    “The flooding on the burn scars has definitely also been a big concern,” Felton said. “We have seen some debris flows over the past few days. … And we have had some localized flooding as well over some highways with heavier rainfall.”

    For those hoping to enjoy some water recreation during the holiday weekend, especially in the afternoon hours, Rodriguez said lightning and localized outflow winds should be a sign to get out of the water.

    “Obviously, wear a life vest,” Rodriguez said.

    Despite the more active rain pattern moving across the state, Rodriguez said parts of the mountain region haven’t received much rain, meaning many are still seeing expansive drought conditions and face notable fire risk as people head out of their Labor Day vacations.

    “Once we dry and warm back out, probably by next week, we’ll still carry some of that fire danger through,” he said “So (we) would certainly not have nearly enough rain to be able to mitigate that danger long term.”

  • Sun, fun and safety: Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with responsible recreation

    Sun, fun and safety: Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with responsible recreation

    As people head outside to celebrate the long weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages the outdoor community to keep safety top of mind to ensure the holiday is filled with fun — not accidents.

    Responsible recreation in the dry late summer months can significantly help protect Colorado’s landscapes, water resources and wildlife populations. Wildfires are currently causing trail closures, fish salvages and campsite closures. To adventure like an expert, it’s important to know before you go. Check if the area you plan to explore has bad weather or road closures due to wildfires.

    Know Before You Go

    Be Careful with Fire
    Colorado is experiencing wildfires across multiple Front Range and Western Slope counties. Information on fire restrictions and bans can change rapidly.

    • Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
    • Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available.
    • Drown the fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
    • Never leave a campfire unattended.
    • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass. Check your tire pressure and exhaust pipes, and check whether chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle, which may create sparks.

    “Fire behavior in Colorado continues to be dynamic, with hot and dry conditions not expected to change soon,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Lounsbury. “It’s imperative to pay close attention to fire restrictions, not ignite new dangerous fires, and be mindful not to park in areas that can block first responder vehicles.”

    Be Safe on the Water
    The majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear lifejackets. CPW officers are actively writing $100 tickets for boaters and paddlers who are not wearing them. While officers do enforce safety rules, personal accountability is essential to safely recreating in Colorado waters.

    • Wear a life jacket​.
    • Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a lifejacket.
    • Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
    • Protect your​self from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
    • “Clean, drain and dry” your boat and gear. Find a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots.
    • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, and can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion. Sun exposure, heat and other stressors boaters experience enhance the effects of alcohol. A general rule to remember is that having one drink on the water is equivalent to having three drinks on land.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    Wildlife can get more aggressive if they aren’t given enough space or are approached by humans.

    Feel like you didn’t get enough time in the outdoors this summer? Plan to do S’more next year by getting a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration. This pass helps fund state park maintenance, local search and rescue volunteers, outdoor education programs, avalanche safety and wildlife conservation. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild.
  • Troopers on High Alert for Labor Day Weekend

    Troopers on High Alert for Labor Day Weekend

  • *CSP (*277) Call Ends with an Arrest on I-70