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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • A Haunting Experience: Ye Be Warned – Classic Halloween & Scary Movies

    A Haunting Experience: Ye Be Warned – Classic Halloween & Scary Movies

    5th Annual Haunted House Presented by “The Boo Crew” and Bennett Arts Council

    Fun for everyone!

    Safe fun for kids and adults! Visible from the roadway. Bring your friends! Return as many times as you’d like! Tell your friends!

    This year we have recreated some classic scenes from scary/classic movies. After a spooky walk you’ll visit the pirates in the pirate ship. You’ll enter a witches coven and then meet Jack and Sally from Nightmare before Christmas. Pass through the Pet Sematary and then Dracula will greet you in his castle. If you make it through the zombie horde, you can check in at the Bates Motel. Check out the crop circles from Signs. Watch out for Jack the Ripper and Predator. Finally, have a delicious meat pie at Sweeney Todds. Oh, is that a chainsaw I hear?

    Lit up every night through Halloween, but animatronics turned on and can walk through at times below. We’re dying to see you.

    Scare level is mild – it is suitable for all ages. You don’t need to be in costume to attend. Mostly animatronics. Actors will do their best to scare you, but will NOT touch you. Accessibility – Two steps to access ship, gravel uneven walkway, narrow passages, strobe lights. Treats – No contact grab and go treats available at concession stand

    Visit www.facebook.com/ahauntingexperience.yebewarned/ for pictures and more information.

    —

    Admission: FREE OPTIONAL Donations to the Bennett Arts Council Accepted

    Location: 985 Pinehurst Ct., Bennett CO, 80102 Date: Thu, Fri, Sat & Mon – Oct 27, 28, 29, 31

    (Closed Sunday) Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • 2022 Denver Nuggets Basketball Clinic for Special Olympics Colorado Athletes

    Kroenke Sports & Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) are pleased to bring back a once in a lifetime opportunity for SOCO Athletes. You’re invited to join us for this heartwarming event featuring Denver Nuggets players leading a basketball skills clinic for Colorado athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This event is at full capacity and booked up in record time.  
     
    LOGISTICS 
     
    When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 
     
    Where: Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204 
     
    Time: Registration: 12:45 pm, Clinic: 1:30pm – 2:30pm 
  • Additional invasive zebra mussels found at Highline Lake State Park

    Additional invasive zebra mussels found at Highline Lake State Park

    LOMA, Colo. – CPW staff has discovered the presence of additional invasive zebra mussels at Highline Lake located at Highline Lake State Park north of Loma, Colorado. The discovery comes following increased testing after CPW found a single adult zebra mussel on an artificial PVC substrate in the lake during routine invasive species sampling on Sept. 14.

    The discovery of additional invasive mussels in the water is indicative of an established population in the reservoir and has prompted CPW to change the status of the body of water from “Suspect” to “Infested.” This is the first time a body of water has been categorized as infested with zebra mussels in the state of Colorado. 

    There is currently no boating on the lake because Highline Lake closes to all surface-water activities for the season annually on October 1. 

    “Thanks to Colorado’s robust early detection sampling and monitoring program, we were able to make this discovery,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “As more and more people use our water resources for boating, we must continue to work tirelessly to prevent the spread of these harmful invasive species.”

    The State of Colorado requires boats to be professionally inspected if:

    • a boat has been in any body of water that is positive, or suspect for ANS
    • a boat has been in any body of water outside of Colorado
    • a boat will be entering any water body where inspections are required

    Boats exiting infested waters that are not cleaned, drained, and dry are subject to mandatory decontamination requirements.

    The establishment of invasive species can lead to millions of dollars in damages to water-based infrastructure, impact water quality and limit recreational opportunity. CPW’s invasive species experts are evaluating next steps and will have more to communicate on the actions it is taking at Highline Lake at a later date. 

    Please help CPW stop the movement of harmful invasive species, such as zebra mussels, into new waters. Public awareness and participation is the best weapon in the prevention of invasive species. 

    Please visit the CPW website for more information about zebra and quagga mussels.

  • ATF and the Denver Police Department seek public’s help

    Denver, Colorado — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Denver Police Department, are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the April 8th, 2022, murders of 14-year-old Adrian Foster, 13-year-old Jayden Hoyle and Mr. Uriel Reyes-Medina.
     
    The murders occurred in the 3700 block of North Peoria Street in Denver. It is believed the suspects are three to four young men known to law enforcement, however, more information is needed to bring charges against them.
     
    Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Information can also be sent to  or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.
     
    ATF regulates the firearm industry and is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

  • 2022’s Best Cities for Pumpkin Lovers

    Pumpkin nuts (not to be confused with the “pumpkin nut” latte from Starbucks) need somewhere to enjoy the Great Pumpkin this fall, but where?

    Ahead of Halloween and National Pumpkin Day on Oct. 26, LawnStarter ranked 2022’s Best Cities for Pumpkin Lovers.

    We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on seven pumpkin-friendliness factors. We looked for cities with easy access to pumpkin patches, pumpkin treats and beverages, and pumpkin-related events.

    Find out which 10 cities squashed the competition (and which 10 had a lack o’ lanterns) below, followed by some highlights and lowlights from our report. (See where your city ranks.)

    Highlights and Lowlights:

    • (Pumpk)inspired Portland, Oregon: Step aside, Floydada, Texas, and Morton, Illinois! You might be the national and world capitals of pumpkin, but for the second consecutive year, the City of Roses reigns supreme as our No. 1 destination for pumpkin lovers. 

      Taking the pumpkin cake in the “Access” category, Portland boasts the highest number of pumpkin patches, in addition to bakeries, coffee shops, and breweries galore serving up pumpkin-flavored goodies. The city also ranked No. 22 in Google searches for pumpkin-related keywords, reflecting residents’ enormous appetite for the fall favorite.

    • Go Big or Gourd Home: Big cities squashed the competition this year, which caught us off gourd. In 2021, our top pumpkin cities varied from large population centers like New York to small towns like Bridgeport, Connecticut. This year, however, major cities like Los Angeles (No. 2), Miami (No. 4), and Chicago (No. 8) dominated our top 10.

      That’s because of a major recalculation of our ranking that gave bigger cities the upper hand, especially in Access. Smaller cities boast more pumpkin patches, but larger cities are packed with more options for pumpkin treats.

    • Rough Patch for the South: You’d think the pie-loving South would be a better region for pumpkin lovers, but you’d be wrong. Making up our bottom 10 cities are mostly Southern cities. In last place is Macon, Georgia, bested by Laredo, Texas, by a mere 0.003 points, but that’s nothing to gloat about when Texas’ state squash is literally the pumpkin.

      There’s a perfectly logical explanation to this outcome, though. The South is notoriously bad for growing pumpkins, mostly because of extreme heat and humidity in the region. Disease is another problem.

    Our full ranking and analysis, along with a fun Pumpkins by the Numbers infographic, can be found here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-pumpkin-lovers/

  • CDPHE to shift to weekly monkeypox data reporting updates

    STATEWIDE (October 25, 2022) — Starting Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will report all monkeypox data on a weekly basis. All monkeypox data will move to this new weekly reporting schedule, including case counts, vaccine administration, and available demographic information for cases and vaccine recipients. All data will now update at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.


    “Thanks to the work of Coloradans, health care providers, and local public health and community partners across the state, monkeypox case numbers declined to a point where it makes sense to move to weekly reporting,” said Scott Bookman, director, Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response. “With smaller daily case counts, weekly updates will help us better capture and display meaningful trends in the data while we continue to reach higher-risk Coloradans with information about monkeypox and opportunities for free and convenient vaccination.”


    Coloradans can learn more about monkeypox on the CDPHE website, including information on how to access testing and vaccines.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting cdphe.colorado.gov/monkeypox.
  • 2022’s Best Cities for Single Moms

    2022’s Best Cities for Single Moms

    Motherhood is a challenge, especially if you’re alone. That’s why living in a supportive environment can make a world of difference for a single mother.

    So, which cities set up single moms for success?

    To find out, LawnStarter ranked 2022’s Best Cities for Single Moms.

    We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on 36 key metrics. We looked for safe, affordable cities with ample child care and community support, high-quality education and health care, and a decent work-life balance. 

    Find out which 10 cities are best (and which 10 are worst) for single moms below, followed by some highlights and lowlights from our report. (See where your city ranks here.)

    Highlights and Lowlights:

    • There’s No Rose Without a Thorn: Roseville, California, tops our ranking as the Best City for Single Moms this year. Roseville has the lowest share of single moms in poverty, the third highest median annual income for single moms, and plenty of insured women and children. This city also has excellent public schools, low food insecurity, and state policies allowing sick leave for child care. 

      There are plenty of baby supply stores, but Roseville lacks child care workers. California cities in general have some of the priciest hourly rates for babysitters and a high annual cost of child care.

    • Growing Healthy, Smart Kids: Wealthy suburbs Naperville, Illinois (No. 2), Overland Park, Kansas (No. 4), Irvine, California (No. 7), and Frisco, Texas (No. 13), have the highest-rated school districts in the country, making them great for both single moms and dads. 

      In the Health category, Irvine has the best-quality public hospitals in our ranking, followed by Eugene, Oregon, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fremont and Elk Grove, California, have the highest rates of insured women, while Syracuse, New York, Santa Clarita, California, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, have the most insured children.

    • High-Poverty Cities Lacking Policy: Huntsville, Alabama (No. 103), has the highest share of single mothers in poverty, followed by Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Each of these cities has a low median annual income for single mothers, unaffordable housing, and no state law allowing sick leave for child care.

      At the very bottom of our ranking is Detroit, alongside several Texas cities, including Houston (No. 194), Dallas (No. 192), and some of their suburbs. These cities fared poorly across most metrics, such as median annual income for single moms and housing affordability. They also have high rates of food insecurity and high numbers of single moms and children in poverty.

    Our full ranking and analysis are available here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-single-moms/

     

  • Voting centers opening for General Election

    Many Arapahoe County voter service and polling stations (VSPCs) opened on Monday, Oct. 24. 

    Deputy Director of Elections Peg Perl encouraged voters to return ballots or vote in person early to avoid potentially long waits as Election Day nears.

    “We expect the longest waits to be on final Election Day,” Perl said. “Voting early gives you the peace of mind that your ballot is in and you won’t miss your chance to be heard.”

    Voters can visit a VSPC to request a replacement mail ballot, vote in person, and register to vote or update their registration. Four centers also offer curbside ballot pickup for voters on the go who need a ballot.

    Voters can also use accessible voting equipment like audio ballots, tablets with large font ballots, and input jacks to connect to assistive equipment, such as sip and puff devices, paddles or a four-direction joystick. 

    Multilingual voters also have options to help them cast a ballot. Beginning this year, Spanish-speaking voters will be able to use live ballots in Spanish. There’s also a new, statewide translation hotline to translate ballot content, in addition to the interpretation service the County maintains to assist citizens with questions about voter registration.

    All voters casting a ballot in person must provide an acceptable form of ID.

    The Elections Division will manage a total of 32 VSPCs, all across the County, this election cycle, opening in three phases:

    • Phase 1: Oct. 24—Nov. 8. 
    • Phase 2: Nov. 4—Nov. 8. 
    • Phase 3: Nov. 7—Nov. 8.
    • All VSPCs are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M—F to November 7, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 8.
    • Phase 1 and Phase 2 VSPCs will also be open, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Arapahoe County Human Services seeks Thanksgiving food drive contributions

    LITTLETON — More than 400 vulnerable children, their families and individuals served by Arapahoe County Human Services will be on a list to receive a Thanksgiving meal of donated food this year.
    Every year, Human Services staff brings complete Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of clients and their loved ones who would otherwise go without on the holiday. Weeks of preparation and collections of canned goods, gift cards for turkeys, and additional non-perishable items are then distributed door to door by staff, volunteer family members, and others.
    Human Services has partnered with Brave Church in Englewood to coordinate deliveries across the county.
    “This is an incredible effort that brings so many of our vulnerable families joy as they are able to prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones,” said Kala Slater, community outreach supervisor for Human Services.
    Qualifying families/individuals are referred to the program by Human Services staff. While donations adequately fulfilled requests for many years, the growing list of families referred to the program during the pandemic has opened opportunities for outside donations.
    Monetary gifts are also accepted.
    In 2021, the program fed 315 families with a total of 1,524 people.
    What to Donate
    The following non-perishable items will be collected through Oct. 27. Participants can donate a complete meal, certain items on the list, or gift cards so that families can purchase a turkey or other essentials.
    Complete meals
    • 1 large box of instant mashed potatoes
    • 1 large box of stuffing
    • 2 cans of green beans
    • 2 cans of corn
    • 2 cans of fruit
    • 1 large box of Jell-O or pudding
    • 1 large can of yams
    • 1 packet of turkey gravy mix
    • 1 can of cranberry sauce
    • 1 box of cornbread mix
    • $25 gift card for turkey or ham to King Soopers, Safeway or Walmart
    • 1 large reusable grocery bag to carry complete meals
    Extras
    Snack-size items such as granola bars, squeeze apple sauce, crackers to support those without a kitchen.
    Drop Off Locations
    The following drop-off locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:
    Human Services Department at CentrePoint Plaza, 14980 E. Alameda Drive, second floor reception, Aurora;
    Human Service satellite office at Arapahoe Plaza, 1690 W. Littleton Blvd., second floor reception, Littleton;
    Arapahoe County Administration Building, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, first floor lobby by the information desk; and
    Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, 13101 E. Broncos Parkway, mail lobby, Centennial.
  • Best 9 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado – To Visit This Winter

    Best 9 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado – To Visit This Winter

    It’s the time of year when we’re layering on sweaters and blankets, and to celebrate the winter season, the dating reviews website MyDatingAdviser.com has ranked the coziest small towns in the USA.

    These Colorado towns are considered the coziest: Breckenridge (ranked No. 5 coziest in the nation), Leadville (12th), Silverton (13th), Telluride (17th), Snowmass (26th), Steamboat Springs (63rd), Mancos (83rd), Aspen (86th) and Salida (103).

    To determine the coziest small towns in America, MyDatingAdviser compared 170 well-known small towns across the country on ten key metrics.

    They looked into winter temperature, average snowfall, cafes, bakeries, crafts, and bookshops, among other indicators of a cozy small town. By analyzing the data points, each town has been given a ‘Cozy Town Index Score,’ representing the level of coziness you might experience in that small town.

    If you’re in the mood for cozy towns to get into the winter spirit, here are some of the best small towns across the country to visit for some serious winter comfort.

    Here are the 9 coziest towns in Colorado: 

    1. Breckenridge

    You’ll find stunning Colorado mountain vistas year-round in this former gold rush town. In winter, powder hounds flock to Breckenridge’s ski resorts to shred powder. Once the weather warms up, outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking the Vail Pass Path and Boreas Pass Road become the main things to do. Regardless of the visit, you’ll discover plenty of breweries and distilleries to unwind after a busy day.

    • Rank: #5 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 24.5 °F, Winter Season: 4.1 months, Snowfall: 300 inches, Days Below Freezing: 252.8

    1. Leadville

    At around 10,000 feet, the country’s highest-elevation incorporated city—a former mining town that during the late 19th century had Colorado’s second largest population behind Denver—boasts all the goods for foodies and beverage snobs (including a brewery) and is a popular training spot for runners.

    • Rank: #12 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 4 months, Snowfall: 142.7 inches, Days Below Freezing: 254.9

    1. Silverton

    When prospectors headed west in search of precious minerals in the mountains, Silverton was established in 1874. As its name implies, silver was plentiful in the San Juan Mountains, where the small town is found. Although the mining camps are long gone, and the last mines closed in the 1990s, 630 people remain in the city, filled with its original architectural combination of saloons and churches—fun fact: Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level.

    • Rank: #13 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 16 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 173 inches, Days Below Freezing: 263.1

    1. Telluride

    With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But the mountain town also shines during the spring and summer, whether you’re looking for bluegrass and film festivals or vibrant wildflower hikes. In addition to outdoor recreation, downtown Telluride is home to art galleries and independently owned shops selling perfect souvenirs, like belts and wallets at Crossbow Leather and your next favorite plane read at Between the Covers Bookstore.

    • Rank: #17 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 21 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 167.2 inches, Days Below Freezing: 259.7

    1. Snowmass

    Skiers and mountain bikers love this tiny town but so do spa and dining enthusiasts, who can be kept busy for days thanks to resorts like the Westin Snowmass Resort and Viceroy Snowmass. In addition, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is an enclave for artists through its artist-in-residence program and hosts workshops, programs, and events.

    • Rank: #26 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 21.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 191.3 inches, Days Below Freezing: 210.3

    1. Steamboat Springs

    Situated along the banks of the Yampa River, this northern Colorado town offers excellent skiing conditions, a community of friendly locals, and geothermal hot springs that are perfect after a long day spent on the slopes. Travel to Steamboat in the fall for brilliant foliage in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, or visit in the spring to see the cascades at Fish Creek Falls. Meanwhile, the whole family will enjoy rafting down the Yampa River.

    • Rank: #63 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.3 months, Snowfall: 184.5 inches, Days Below Freezing: 216

    1. Mancos

    Ranches, artist workshops, and nature coexist perfectly in beautiful Mancos. Stay at a ranch, enjoy outdoor activities at Mesa Verde National Park, or stroll through the town’s Creative District. Fun fact: Mancos has several Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites.

    • Rank: #83 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 27 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 66.9 inches, Days Below Freezing: 174.2

    1. Aspen

    Aspen’s ski slopes bring in the masses as soon as the snow starts falling, a small town with a giant reputation. However, Aspen’s charm is seasonless, as its location in the Rocky Mountains guarantees year-round trails and hikes. Although the town had an affair with counter-culture back in the day, it now draws in those seeking pampering in the form of sophisticated cuisine and luxe lodging.

    • Rank: #86 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 23 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 179 inches, Days Below Freezing: 14

    1. Salida

    What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the country’s oldest and biggest white water festival? A bunch of former river guides are running things. “We’re everywhere,” jokes Mike “Diesel” Post, Salida’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. “You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking,” adds mayor emeritus P.T. Wood, who is—you guessed it—also a former guide. More of an artsy soul? Salida is also home to Colorado’s first Creative District, with many artist-owned galleries to visit.

    • Rank: #103 out of 170 cities

    • Average Winter Temperature: 27.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.2 months, Snowfall: 43 inches, Days Below Freezing: 204.6


    Find the 20 coziest small towns in the USA:

    1. Stockholm, Wisconsin

    2. Stowe, Vermont

    3. Stanley, Idaho

    4. Ellicottville, New York

    5. Breckenridge, Colorado

    6. Medora, North Dakota

    7. Lake Placid, New York

    8. Keystone, South Dakota

    9. Mackinac Island, Michigan

    10. Lake George, New York

    11. Deadwood, South Dakota

    12. Leadville, Colorado

    13. Silverton, Colorado

    14. Saugatuck, Michigan

    15. Leavenworth, Washington

    16. Kohler, Wisconsin

    17. Telluride, Colorado

    18. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    19. Talkeetna, Alaska

    20. Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin


    Amy Pritchett, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com, said:

    “We’ve swept the country to find some of the coziest towns in America for a winter weekend escape. Whether you’re looking for a ski lover’s paradise, a historic spot that’s still near a major metropolis, or a remote waterfront retreat, you’ll find it on this list.

    Winter can seem like a never-ending season dampened by drizzly weather, cold temperatures, and dark nights that can leave you in a miserable mood to match. Combat the seasonal blues by visiting some of the coziest small towns on this list, which can provide sanctuary and warmth while winter rages on outside.

    I encourage everyone to indulge in some cozy things. Drink hot chocolate, sit by a fireplace, read a book, enjoy warm meals, and curl up with someone special under a warm blanket.”


    What is Hygge? 

    Interestingly, the act of taking pleasure and contentment from a cozy environment is known as ‘hygge’ – a term coined by the Danes. Hygge is a central part of Danish culture, which perhaps explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.


    5 ways to stay cozy this winter

    1. Get your hygge on. Hygge is a Danish term that describes a general feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, and well-being. Danes embrace hygge all year and appreciate life’s simple pleasures like a scented candle, a good book, and a blanket.

    2. Cook up some comfort food. Warming yourself from the inside out is a great excuse to whip up some winter classics. Soups, casseroles, and curries are hearty favorites for a reason and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

    3. Heat the hub. If you live in a place that’s cold enough to run a heater, think about the areas of the house that need to be kept warm and set the space up to capture the heat. Close the doors to rooms you’re not using and, if you’re able to, install unique purpose-built windows and door seals to stop the hot air escaping.

    4. Out with the old. With the weather so uninviting outside, take advantage of the warmth inside and use your extra time indoors to do a spring clean of your wardrobe. Pull out any clothes that don’t fit well or that you haven’t worn in a while.

    5. Soak those winter blues away. If all else fails, retreat to the bathroom and run yourself a warm bath. It may not quite get you through to September, but it’ll help warm you up!


    Methodology: 

    To determine the coziest small towns in the nation, MyDatingAdviser.com compared 170 well-known small towns across the following categories: 1) Weather, 2) Food, and 3) Activities.

    They then evaluated each area using 10 data points of cozy town friendliness—like average winter temperature, snowfall, cafes, bakeries, and craft shops.