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273 Impaired Drivers Arrested

Super Bowl Weekend Took Down 273 Impaired Drivers.. Are You Next?

St. Patrick’s Day Enforcement Begins March 10

STATEWIDE — While the Patriots defeated the Falcons to become Super Bowl 51 champions in Houston, back in Colorado law enforcement agencies were busy defending state roads from impaired drivers.

From Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law agencies collaborated for the Super Bowl DUI enforcement as part of The Heat Is On campaign. Officers arrested 273 impaired drivers during the heightened weekend enforcement, a decrease from the 325 arrests during the same enforcement period last year.

“Last year, nearly one-third of Colorado’s traffic fatalities involved an impaired driver,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Impaired driving is a major issue CDOT will continue to address to help curb Colorado’s traffic deaths. Every time someone chooses to drive impaired, they are putting everyone on the road at risk.”

97 agencies participated in the Super Bowl enforcement, with Aurora Police Department (29 arrests), Colorado Springs Police Department (28 arrests) and Denver Police Department (27 arrests) recording the highest arrest totals. CSP also reported 38 arrests statewide. Visit bit.ly/HIOarrests to access all arrest results statewide. Arrest data can be sorted by county, law enforcement agency, and enforcement period.

“It’s important to make a plan to get to and from your destination before you start to drink alcohol,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the CSP. “Alcohol not only impairs motor skills, but also decision-making. It only takes a few drinks and one bad decision and to cause serious harm to yourself and others on the road.”

The legal BAC limit in Colorado is 0.05 percent for driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and 0.08 percent for driving under the influence (DUI). First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and thousands of dollars in fines. On average, a DUI can cost more than $13,500 after considering fines, legal fees and increased insurance costs. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.

The Heat Is On returns March 10 for the 10-day St. Patrick’s Day enforcement. Last year, 355 drivers were arrested during the heightened patrols.

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year with 12 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.

Learn more about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

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February 15, 2017
It’s Valentine’s Day — WATCH OUT for the Sweetheart Scam
Shocking Statistics Reveal Just How Common ‘Catfishing’ Might Be…
- With online dating comes catfishing: One study shows that 1 out of every 10 online dating profiles are fake…most of these are not just looking to catfish you.. but also hack you!
- A decade ago, only 11% of people knew someone who has dated online, that number has jumped to 42% in recent times. This means a lot more opportunities for catfishers to fool you…
- Take proper precautions!!! Click here for the full story!
Wishing our followers a Safe and Happy Valentine’s Day!!
February 14, 2017
Victims of Sexual Assault May Have a Way Out…

Lawmakers Propose Bill to Break Lease for Victims

Rep. Dominique Jackson’s bill will help victims of stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence break their leases to protect their safety passed out of the House Judiciary Committee today on a unanimous 11-0 vote.

HB17-1035, also sponsored by Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley, adds victims of sexual assault and stalking to the group of victims eligible to break their leases due to safety concerns, and also adds types of acceptable documentation to prove victim status in order to vacate the lease. It also prohibits tenants from being penalized for damage to property or nuisance violations that are due to a situation involving the assault or stalking.

“Survivors should not have to face financial ruin to be able to escape to safety,” said Rep. Jackson. “Victims and advocates have been asking for this bill for years because it’s an important step to providing safety and protection for those who are most at risk.”

Testimony included the accounts of several women who have been attacked and threatened in their own homes. They spoke of the need to break their lease for their physical safety, but the inability to do so and the lack of financial means to overcome that barrier.

One woman told the committee that she and her daughter moved to a new home due to a violent stalker. Just days into a new lease, their stalker had found them; they saw him multiple times lurking near their property. Even so, she couldn’t legally break her new lease and could not afford to take on the financial burden of doing so.

A tearful Michelle Aswad told the committee her story of violent sexual assault by her ex-boyfriend in her own home. Though he knew where she lived and even had access to the apartment, she was not allowed to break her lease.

“I was held prisoner in my home, not only by my attacker, but by my lease and my landlord,” said Aswad. “My life is worth more than someone’s fear of potential loss to their bottom line.”

A survivor who requested to be anonymous stated that when she found out her assault did not provide the grounds necessary to break her lease, she felt trapped. “My assault was not good enough.”

Under current law, if a tenant notifies their landlord in writing that he or she is the victim of domestic violence and provides evidence in the form of a recent police report or protection order, they may terminate the lease and vacate with minimal remaining obligations. HB17-1035 extends this same privilege to victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking. The bill also adds additional forms of acceptable documentation to present to the landlord: a statement from either a licensed medical professional or a statement from an application assistant within the Address Confidentiality Program.

The 11-0 vote sends the bill to the full House for consideration.

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February 13, 2017
TODAY’S EVENTS – Sunday, Feb. 12
WHAT’S HAPPENING??
- FREEBIE DAY @ DENVER ZOO!!
  
  Pack up the fam-bam and head out for a FREE fun filled day at the Denver Zoo!
- BORED?
  
  Loungin around the house today? Check out our FREE daily crossword and sudoku puzzles RIGHT HERE!
EVERY SUNDAY
- Alcoholics Anonymous
  
  For more information call (303)903-6734.
SPORTS:

• Cobra Baseball, Hemp Hill Middle School Gym, 2 – 4 p.m.
February 12, 2017
TODAY’S EVENTS – Saturday, Feb. 11
WHAT’S HAPPENING??
- Bennett-Watkins Lions Club
  
  High Plains Diner, 100 Bennett Ave., Bennett @ 8:30 a.m. Contact Jo Brandenburg (303)908-0796.
- Byers Masons
  
  Byers Masonic Lodge @ 8 p.m.
- Screen printing
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St. @ 10:30 a.m. Tweens through adults will discover the fun of screen printing while customizing their own screen-printed note card in this workshop with Denver-based InkLounge.
- Computer tutelage
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St. @ 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. One-on-one technical assistance in half-hour segments on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Movie Night: I Am Not Ashamed
  
  Calvary Chapel Bennett, at the Bennett Community Center, 1100 Colfax Ave. will host a free movie night featuring “I’m Not Ashamed,” the true story of Rachel Scott at Columbine High School. The evening will begin with free hot dogs and popcorn served from @ 6 – 6:40 p.m., followed by the film at 6:45 p.m. Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School massacre on April 20,1999. The movie is rated PG-13.
EVERY SATURDAY
- LOL
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St. @ 1 – 4 p.m. Families can demonstrate their “Love of LEGOs” by creating original designs and participating in group or individual building challenges. LEGOs are supplied.
SPORTS

• Byers 2A Regional Wrestling Tourney @ Sterling, time TBA
• Byers Basketball C, JV & V @ Frontier Academy, 2 p.m.
• Strasburg High School- Boys & Girls basketball @ Limon, 4 p.m.
• Strasburg High School-Knowledge Bowl @ University
• Strasburg Wrestling @ Regionals – Eaton
• SMPRD Pee Wee Basketball, Hemp Hill Middle School Gym, 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Bennett High School Wrestling Regional – All Day
• Bennett High School Basketball @ Platte Canyon, 2:30 p.m.
February 11, 2017
Crusade Attracts More Coloradans: “Don’t Take Away Our Care”

….588,000 Coloradans Will Lose Health Care:

DENVER— State Senator Irene Aguilar, Colorado AFL-CIO Executive Director Sam Gilchrist, small business owners and community members joined the nationwide Save My Care Bus Tour to stand against Republican lawmakers’ efforts to dismantle Connect for Health Colorado and repeal the Affordable Care Act. At a press conference outside the State Capitol organized by Save My Care, Progress Now Colorado, Colorado Health Initiative and Healthier Colorado, community members called on lawmakers to reject State Senate Bill 3, which would scrap the state’s health exchange, and protect Coloradans’ access to health care.

It’s unconscionable that our representatives are considering legislation that will take health care away from hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Health care is a fundamental right. Our legislators must oppose Senate Bill 3 and stand against any effort to take quality, affordable care away from working families. said Sam Gilchrist, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO

Coloradans fear the impact..

For small business owners like me, repealing the Affordable Care Act could mean bankruptcy and homelessness,” said Howard Paul, a self-employed commercial photographer, writer and editor. “Without the insurance I obtained under the Affordable Care Act, I may go bankrupt or lose my home and business—or even die. Today, I am terrified of what will happen if Congress votes to take health care away from hundreds of thousands of Coloradans like me.

The ACA (Affordable Care Act) allowed me to enroll in Medicaid, get my health back on track and complete my doctorate degree,” said Dr. Reyna Ulibarri, a doctorate in sociology and Denver area resident. “If I can continue my upward path with the help of Medicaid, I hope to return to work by next year. I don’t know what I will do if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and I lose my access to care. Honestly, I’m terrified.

If the Colorado health exchange is repealed, my history of heart problems and cancer could be considered pre-existing conditions and leave me completely uninsurable, said Ann Cowie-Bozner, a Denver metro area resident. I am 60 years old. I still have a lot to contribute to society and without health insurance, I am not sure that can happen.

In both Denver and Washington, Republican lawmakers are rushing forward with proposals that would strip health care away from hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. At the State Capitol, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 3, which would undermine quality of care for everyone and throw the state’s entire health care system into chaos. In Congress, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner and his fellow Republican lawmakers are backing a reckless repeal plan that will take health coverage from 30 million Americans and destroy 39,000 jobs in Colorado.

Save My Care Bus Tour’s two-month, cross-country tour focuses on telling the stories of the more than 30 million Americans who will lose their health care under Congress’ dangerous repeal plan.

Share your story with us!

Tell us how changes to Connect for Health Colorado and the Affordable Care Act will impact you

@I70Scout #ConnectForHealthColorado #CHC #AffordableCareAct #ACA #Obamacare

February 10, 2017
TODAY’S EVENTS: Friday, Feb. 10
What’s Happening?!
- Embossing with Valerie Doyle
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St. @ 1 p.m. Adults will create sophisticated designs on one-of-a-kind cards with dimension through the process of embossing.
- Handiwork
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St. @ 1 – 4 p.m. Adults can share their new knitting, crocheting, embroidery or other handiwork projects. Help available for new crafters at some gatherings.
- Roses Are Red
  
  Davies Library, 303 Third Ave., Deer Trail @ 2 – 3 p.m. Children ages 5-12 will create handmade Valentines for their loved ones.
EVERY FRIDAY
- Al-Anon family group.
  For more information call (303)888-4525.
- Story time.
  Kelver Library, Byers @ 10 a.m.
SCHOOL NEWS

• Deer Trail High School Boys & Girls V Basketball v Genoa-Hugo/Karval @ DT, 5:00 p.m.

• Byers Basketball C, JV & V vs Limon, 4 p.m.

• Strasburg Boys Basketball vs. Resurrection Christian, 4:00 p.m.

• Strasburg Girls @ Resurrection Christian, 4:00 p.m.

• Strasburg Wrestling @ Regionals – Eaton

• Cannon Youth Baseball Practice, Hemp Hill Middle School Gym, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Bennett High School Wrestling Regional – ALL DAY
February 10, 2017
TODAY’S EVENTS: Thursday, Feb. 9
What’s Happening?
- DID YOU KNOW?! IT’S NATIONAL PIZZA DAY!!!! YYUMMMM!!
Observed annually on February 9th, grab a thin crust, chicago-style, deep dish or anything in between, pizza is amazing and an American favorite. Here are some interesting facts about pizza:
1. Pepperoni is the most popular pizza; 36% of all pies ordered.
2. Over 3 billion pizzas are sold in the USA each year; and add another 1 billion with frozen pizzas!
3. 17% of all US Restaurants are pizzerias.
4. Antica Pizzeria, the first Pizzeria, opened in Naples, Italy, in 1738.
5. Gennaro Lombardi, the first Pizzeria in the United States, opened in 1895 in New York City.
6. Americans consume on average 23 pounds of pizza per person each year.
- I-70 Regional Economic Advancement Partnership
  
  Front Range Airport @ 11:45 a.m. Lunch available for $15.
- Bennett Fire Protection District Board
  
  Station No. 3 @ 7 p.m.
- Byers Park & Recreation District Board
  
  Quint Valley Fairgrounds @ 7 p.m.
- Eastern Plains Honor Guard practice
  
  Strasburg American Legion Hall @ 7 p.m. Contact (303)719-8292.
- Bingo for Books
  
  Bennett Anythink library, 495 Seventh St., @ 4:15 p.m. Contact (303)405-3231
- Youth Wrestling Sign-ups
  
  Bennett Middle School. The Bennett Wrestling Club will host spring registration from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9 in the Bennett Middle School multipurpose room. Parents must provide a copy of the wrestler’s birth certificate at registration. The cost is $20 for the season. Practice runs from 6:30 – 8 p.m. starting Tuesday, Jan. 31, also in the multipurpose room. For more information, call James DuBois at (720)290-8716 or Seana DuBois at (720)290-8718.
- Reservation Notice: Free Lunch for Local Business Owners
  
  A free lunch will be provided by High Plains Bank at the next I-70 Corridor Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn at Valley Bank Community Room in Strasburg @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Reservations for lunch are needed by Monday, Feb. 13. The gathering will center on a roundtable discussion of ideas about the opportunities and challenges of doing business along the I-70 Corridor. Donations will be accepted for Chamber outreach programs. Local businesses can RSVP by calling Rhonda at (303)644-4900.
EVERY THURSDAY
- AA Strasburg Sobriety
  
  Saron Lutheran Church, 1656 Main St. Lane Shade, @ 7:30 p.m. Contact (303)717-2263.
- Music & Movement
  
  Anythink Bennett library @ 10 a.m. Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments.
- Family Story Time
  
  Davies Library, Deer Trail @ 11 a.m. for ages 3-5.
- Color Me Happy
  
  Bennett Anythink library @ 5:30 p.m. Adults color together for relaxation and conversation. Coloring sheets, colored pencils, instrumental music, and refreshments provided.
SCHOOL NEWS

• Deer Trail Youth Wrestling @ 6:15 p.m.

• Hemp Hill Middle School Girls vs. Brush, 4 p.m.

• Strasburg Art Club, HS Art Room @ 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Strasburg Wrestling Practice, SES cafeteria @ 3:45 – 6 p.m.

• Strasburg Youth Strasburg Wrestling Practice, Hemp Hill Middle School Cafeteria, 6 – 8 p.m.

• Bennett Rock-A-Thon @ ALL DAY

• FBLA District Conf @ ALL DAY

• Bennett Middle School Wrestling Tourney (this was changed from January 18, then February 7.) @ 3:00 p.m.

• Bennett Middle School Girls Basketball @ Fort Logan (Sheridan), 4:15 p.m.
February 9, 2017
TODAY’S EVENTS – Wednesday, Feb. 8
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
- Strasburg School Board
  
  Strasburg High School Community Room @ 6:30 p.m.
- Crafternoon
  
  Bennett Anythink Library, 495 Seventh St, @ 4:15 p.m. Art Stop on the Go art-making workshop with the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Contact (303)405-3231.
- IOU with Love
  
  Social Hour 6 – 7 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m., location varies. For location and directions, call (303)913-7094 or (303)261-0680 or visit www.iougivingcircle.com.
- Energy Efficiency Seminar
  
  LITTLETON — Colorado State University in Arapahoe County will host a free home energy efficiency workshop from 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Englewood Civic Center Community Room, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Attendees will learn tips to save energy at home, including ways to take advantage of free energy advice, rebates and resources. Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Squad will provide efficiency demonstrations. The Home Energy Squad visits homes to find gaps in energy efficiency. A technician will make money-saving recommendations and, if possible, perform efficiency upgrades while on-site. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free Home Energy Squad visit and a free LED lightbulb. For more information and to reserve a space, contact Tim at or (303)738-7907.
SCHOOL NEWS

• Strasburg WinterFest Game Night and Dance, HS Main Gym, 6 – 9 p.m.

• Strasburg High School-Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

• Strasburg Wrestling Practice, SES cafeteria, 3:45 – 6 p.m.

• Strasburg Youth Strasburg Wrestling Practice, SES cafeteria, 6:15 – 8:15 p.m.

Like & Follow Us to get your daily dose of Tips, Tricks, News and Events! @I70Scout
February 8, 2017
Annual Conference: Food Safety

Produce Group’s Annual Conference: Food Safety

WHEN: Feb. 21, 2017, Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel

Registration Rates Increase Feb. 8

Assisting growers in their safety practice and helping them comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implemented last year is a focus of the 2017 Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) Third Annual Conference, Feb. 21 at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel. Addressing conference goers from 10 to 11am, will be Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, executive director of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS).

The food safety landscape is constantly changing as new technology allows for the quick identification of pathogens in the food chain. Extensive collaboration with members of the produce industry, regulatory agencies and academia, allows CPS to prioritize research and make results available to support growers in their continuous improvement of food safety programs. – Fernandez-Fenaroli

CPS is a public /private partnership that funds food safety research on behalf of the fresh produce industry. Its unique approach to filling food safety knowledge gaps has become an industry resource throughout the United States and abroad.

CPS research results are posted on its website. The newest information is presented at its annual research symposium, which this year will be June 20-21, in Denver. CFVGA will be offering a limited number of scholarships for growers to attend the symposium.

In addition to the plenary session with Fernandez-Fenaroli, a conference break-out session will feature Dr. Ines Hanrahan, who will present a case study of the outbreak on caramel apples in late 2014. She will focus on action taken immediately following the outbreak to identify priorities for training and research and describe the improvements that the Northwest apple industry has taken to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Growers interested in taking FSMA food safety training are invited to register for the full day certification training, the day before the conference, Feb. 20, also at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel.

CFVGA’s full-day conference is designed to inspire growers and others in the produce industry as well as to provide networking and education. More than 300 people, including produce buyers and exhibitors are expected to attend. For more information and to register for both the conference and the training, log on tohttp://cfvga.org . For more on CFVGA: http://coloradoproduce.org

The CFVGA is comprised of more than 200 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $300 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 60,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production.

February 4, 2017