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Category: Colorado News

  • The Adjutant General promotes the Colorado National Guard director of joint staff to brigadier general

    CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Adjutant General of Colorado will promote the Colorado National Guard Director of Joint Staff U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Scott Sherman in a formal ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Centennial, Colorado, June 6, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

    Sherman, who also serves as the Joint Task Force-Centennial Commander during domestic response operations, attained the rank of brigadier general March 20, 2020.  

    “General Sherman is one of the finest military leaders I have ever known,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Loh said. “His 28 years of military service, 20 of which have been in the Colorado Army National Guard, have made lasting impacts on our national security.  

    “I look forward to his future legacy to our state and nation.”

    The official ceremony will include the firing of a ceremonial cannon.

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small, socially-distanced group of CONG leaders and invited guests will observe the ceremony which will also be broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube.

    Sherman is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and commissioned as a field artillery officer.

    He previously served as: Chief of Staff/Command Administrative Officer, Colorado Army National Guard; Commander, 169th Field Artillery Brigade, Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado; and, Chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Centennial, Colorado.

    His numerous awards and decorations include the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit.  

     

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  • 231 impaired drivers arrested during Memorial Day enforcement period Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period begins June 12

    231 impaired drivers arrested during Memorial Day enforcement period Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period begins June 12

    STATEWIDE — While many Coloradans kicked off summer over Memorial Day weekend, others started it with a DUI. As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) The Heat Is On campaign, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement launched the annual Memorial Day DUI enforcement period to protect motorists from impaired drivers on Colorado roads. As a result, 231 impaired drivers were arrested during the holiday weekend enforcement period, which is a decrease from the 323 arrests made during this enforcement in 2019.

     “When you get behind the wheel, you’re not only in control of your own safety, your actions impact the safety of everyone around you,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director at CDOT. “Just as we are all doing our part to protect each other during this pandemic, we need to protect each other on the road and that means eliminating impaired driving.”

     Statewide, 84 law enforcement agencies participated in the Memorial Day enforcement period, with the Colorado Springs Police Department (27 arrests) and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (22 arrests) recording the highest arrest totals. CSP arrested an additional 64 DUI offenders across the state. Comprehensive results from all participating agencies can be found at codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal. Arrest data is organized by law enforcement agency and enforcement period.

     “Safety and wellness have always been at the core of Colorado State Patrol’s values,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. “We have always been on high alert to keep Coloradans safe on state roads. Unfortunately, that meant arresting 64 motorists for driving impaired this Memorial Day weekend. We want Coloradans to remember that, although Gov. Polis has issued a Safer at Home order and fewer drivers may be on the roads, driving impaired is always prohibited, so plan for a sober ride home—no matter what.”

     An average of 60 impaired drivers are arrested for DUI in Colorado every day. The Colorado blood-alcohol (BAC) limit for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is 0.08 percent or higher, and for a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charge, it is 0.05 percent or higher. First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and thousands of dollars in fines. However, a driver can be charged with a DUI if their alcohol content is anywhere above zero. CDOT encourages all drivers who have consumed any amount of alcohol to refrain from driving.

     The Heat Is On will return for the Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period from June 12–22.

     CDOT’s The Heat Is On DUI-prevention campaign, including the Memorial Day and Summer Blitz enforcement periods, supports CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.

     COVID19

    Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

     ABOUT THE HEAT IS ON

    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 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.

     WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

    In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization’s operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

    ABOUT CDOT

    CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

     

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  • Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response, Discusses Recent Demonstrations

    Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response, Discusses Recent Demonstrations

    DENVER – Governor Jared Polis today provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and discussed Safer at Home and In the Vast, Great Outdoors. The Governor also addressed the senseless murder of George Floyd and demonstrations in Denver and across the country. 

    “Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to safely enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice better social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces,” said Gov. Polis.  

    “What happened to George Floyd was not only wrong, it was brutal. It was inhumane. It was murder,” Governor Polis continued. “But the reality is that this is much larger than the need to hold one officer and others accountable. It’s about a pattern of injustice and unfair treatment that Black Americans and communities of color have endured, not only in our criminal justice system, but in every area of American society. We need to listen to the voices of those who are crying out for reform, and we need to take action. To those peacefully protesting, I want you to know that I see you, I hear you and I grieve with you. And more importantly, I want to work with you. Spray paint can be power washed, and windows can be fixed, but the black lives taken can’t be replaced or brought back, and the pain and injustices that our black community members have suffered will take years and decades to repair. I am ready, willing, and eager to be your partner in that work.”

    The Governor provided an update on Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors, encouraging Coloradans to enjoy the state’s incredible outdoor spaces, where people are better able to follow social distancing requirements. The level of risk for outdoor activities is low enough that older Coloradans and those with underlying conditions are now able to go outside and participate in Colorado’s natural beauty. Everyone should continue wearing a mask and following social distancing requirements while outdoors. 

    The Governor also discussed the levels of risk Coloradans can be exposed to through various activities. Staying home is considered low risk, outdoor activities is considered a moderate risk, outdoor gatherings are a higher risk, and indoor gatherings are the highest risk. 

    The state is also opening up playgrounds and swimming pools at limited capacity, and has also released draft guidance on reopening houses of worship, certain forms of outdoor recreation and personal recreation, and updates to the child care and personal services guidances. The state is currently soliciting feedback, which can be submitted here. Final versions will be released on Thursday.

    Gov. Polis today announced that Colorado is now running 7,000 – 8,000 tests per day. The state now believes it is capturing 50% of symptomatic cases, up from 33% and growing. 

    In addition, Gov. Polis announced a new partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), who will mobilize more than 800 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members to support the state’s COVID-19 response through contact tracing and other associated work.

    Contact tracing means following up with individuals who came into contact with an infected individual to ensure they get tested and quarantine themselves if necessary. 300 AmeriCorps NCCC members, based out of the Southwest Region Campus in Aurora, will start immediately. 350 VISTA Summer Associates will be hosted by the Community Resource Center in Denver and Conservation Legacy in Durango, both existing AmeriCorps VISTA projects, with 100-200 additional Senior Corps volunteers to join in Denver.

    With more than one thousand contact tracers working in Colorado, the state will be able to address outbreaks more quickly, which will reduce infections and save lives. 

    Organizations are currently recruiting for the new positions announced today, the first of which begin on June 22. Those who serve as VISTA Summer Associates will earn a stipend and an education award at the end of their service. For more information on requirements and details on how to apply visit www.colorado.gov/servecolorado

    View the full news conference

     

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  • Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Certain child care providers may return to regular group sizes June 4

    DENVER (June 3, 2020) — Gov. Jared Polis has announced that certain child care providers in Colorado may return to regular group sizes and licensed capacity as stated in Colorado child care licensing rules beginning Thursday, June 4. This guidance is applicable to child care centers, family child care homes, and building-based school-age child care programs only. It does not include school-age day camps, license-exempt youth programs, or children’s resident camps. 

    School-age day camps and license-exempt youth programs are currently allowed to operate with smaller ratios as outlined in guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Resident camps are still not allowed to operate. Further guidance on children’s resident camps will be released in mid-June. 

    Providing Colorado families with safe, affordable and accessible high-quality child care is key to the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. “Unfortunately, child care providers, like so many small businesses, have faced significant challenges during these unprecedented times. Returning to regular group sizes will help child care businesses keep their doors open, and will ensure more Colorado families who need access to child care are able to find it, particularly families participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.” 

    Child care providers must still adhere to other health and safety guidelines as outlined by CDPHE. This includes maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet whenever possible. Standard child care licensing rules do allow for approximately this level of physical distancing, as facilities must have 35 square feet per child for infants and 30 square feet per child for preschool and school-age children. Providers are also encouraged to engage children in outdoor play as much as possible, as this is a safer way for children to interact while still maintaining physical distancing. More information about current guidelines in child care facilities can be found on CDPHE’s COVID-19 website. More information on child care licensing can be found on the Colorado Office of Early Childhood’s website

    For individual assistance with questions, please contact Colorado Child Care Licensing at 303.866.5948 or 1-800-799-5876. 

     

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  • Applications open June 5 for CPW’s new secondary big game draw

    Applications open June 5 for CPW’s new secondary big game draw

    DENVER – Beginning Friday, June 5, hunters will have the option to apply to draw a license in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s new secondary big game draw. The secondary draw replaces the old leftover draw. The secondary draw opens after the results of the annual primary big game draw have been posted. 

    New in 2020, the secondary draw is open to everyone, whether they applied for the primary draw or not. Most elk, deer, pronghorn and bear licenses not issued through the primary draw will now be made available in the secondary draw.

    What’s different?

    The new secondary draw means increased opportunity. The old leftover draw was only available to customers who participated in the primary draw, did not draw, and only offered deer and elk licenses. The new secondary draw offers two more species: bear and pronghorn licenses, in addition to deer and elk licenses, and is open to all customers whether they applied in the primary draw or not.

    The new process provides a preference for youth hunters. Youth hunters have 100% preference in the secondary draw. The secondary draw processes all youth application choices prior to processing adult choices. A hunt could be completely drawn by youth before the adult application stage of the draw. 

    What to know before you apply

    The application fee. You’ll still be charged a fee for applying, whether or not you draw a license. The $7 resident and $9 nonresident application fees apply per species for the secondary draw as well as the primary draw.

    No primary draw? No problem. You can apply for the secondary big game draw without having applied for the primary big game draw. 

    A qualifying license is required. Resident and nonresident hunters must purchase or have purchased one of the following:

    Qualifying license valid for Colorado residents only include: 

    No preference points. You don’t use any preference points if you draw a license in the secondary draw. You also cannot apply for a preference point in the secondary draw.

    No group hunts. You cannot apply as a group in the secondary draw.

    When can I apply?

    Secondary draw applications will be accepted beginning at 8 p.m., June 5 – July 7, 8 p.m. MST.

    A list of hunt codes eligible for the secondary draw will be posted online on June 5.

    Any licenses remaining after the secondary draw as well as those which are eligible for public reissue (except for Ranching for Wildlife licenses) will be placed on the leftover list and available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. MST on August 4. 

    Applications for both the primary and secondary draws are only available online or by phone.

    NOTE: “Unsuccessful options” have been removed from  the draw application process. Over-the-counter unlimited licenses will be available for purchase starting at 9 a.m. on August 6. 

     

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  • Governor Polis Signs Updated Safer at Home Executive Order to Transition to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors

    Governor Polis Signs Updated Safer at Home Executive Order to Transition to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors

    DENVER – Gov. Polis today signed an Executive Order, transitioning from Safer at Home to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.

    “Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces,” said Governor Jared Polis. “It may feel like we are getting back to normal, but the virus is still here, and it could surge back the moment we let our guard down. We are still far from normal. Coloradans have to remain diligent, and must continue staying home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible, wearing masks when we leave the house, and washing our hands. Over these next few weeks, each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves and others, especially as we begin venturing out onto our trails and open space.”

    “And for anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s extremely important to not go to work or hang out with others and to get tested. Testing is free, easy, and quick at 47 state-supported, community testing sites across the state including at the Pepsi Center in Denver,” Gov. Polis added. 

    “Colorado has millions of acres of accessible federal land, municipal parks, State parks, State and county open space, and other accessible areas that allow for stronger Social Distancing in our great outdoors. Coloradans should Stay at Home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible and continue to limit social interactions, remain at least six feet from others not in their household, and wear non-medical facial coverings in public,” the Executive Order reads. 

    Previously, high-risk Coloradans, those above 65 or with underlying health conditions, were required to stay home unless absolutely necessary. With this Executive Order, those individuals are now encouraged to also enjoy Colorado’s outdoor spaces at a safe social distance, in addition to staying at home as much as possible. This Executive Order also directs the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to issue a corresponding Public Health Order.

    CDPHE is also releasing draft guidance on houses of worship, outdoor recreation, personal recreation, and updates to the child care and personal services guidances. Playgrounds and swimming pools can open at limited capacity and the Governor encourages people to have safe fun outdoors away from others. CDPHE is soliciting input from industry and key stakeholders on the draft guidance, and comments are due by Wednesday, at 12:00pm. Final versions will be released Thursday, June 4, 2020. CDPHE also released guidance for short-term rentals, allowing them to reopen as of June 1, 2020. Guidance issued under Safer at Home is still in effect unless updated by this Executive Order or under CDPHE.

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  • Denver Curfew Extended through Friday  

    Denver Curfew Extended through Friday  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    City and County of Denver Curfew Extended Following Three Nights of Destructive Disturbances  

      DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced today the extension of the citywide curfew. A citywide curfew for Denver will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., overnight, tonight through the morning of Friday, June 5.   

      A total of 284 arrests have been made in conjunction with the disturbances over the past four days, including 170 arrests on Sunday, May 31. Charges vary, but include violation of curfew order, assault, criminal mischief, assault to peace officer, burglary and arson.  

     The City and County of Denver extends its gratitude to the 400+ volunteers who are assisting today with cleanup efforts in Civic Center Park and surrounding areas. Additional assistance with cleanup is anticipated throughout the week. Updates on volunteer opportunities will be posted on Denvergov.org as they become available.

    EMERGENCY CURFEW

    Issued pursuant to DRMC Section 2-98

    I, Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of the City and County of Denver, subject to the authority granted to me pursuant to the State Constitution, the Colorado Revised Statutes, the Charter of the City and County of Denver (“Charter”), and the Denver Revised Municipal Code (“DRMC”), do hereby proclaim the following Emergency Regulation:

    WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd died while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department; and

    WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Mr. Floyd’s death, a civil disturbance has occurred within the downtown and surrounding areas of the City and County of Denver, with resulting significant and extensive damage to people and/or property, including several public and private businesses and buildings that have been damaged, looted, or burned; and

    WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Mr. Floyd’s death and the resulting civil unrest and disorder, law enforcement personnel, residents, and visitors have been and remain at risk of significant injury and death, as well as significant destruction to public and private property and the potential for further civil unrest or disorder is to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to preserve order necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and

    WHEREAS, a majority of the destruction and violence has taken place under the cover of darkness; and

    WHEREAS, as a result, on May 30, 2020, I declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency pursuant to the State Constitution, the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act (C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701, et seq.), the Charter and Ordinances of the City and County of Denver, and Chapter 16 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code; and

    WHEREAS, pursuant to the Charter and Ordinances of the DRMC, the Mayor, as the chief executive officer of the city, is vested with

    WHEREAS, pursuant to the Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency, the Mayor is authorized to exercise some or all of the powers allowed by the State Constitution, the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City and County of Denver during the State of Local Disaster Emergency; and

    WHEREAS, DRMC Section 2-98 vests the Mayor, as an officer of the city, with the express authority to adopt emergency rules if such action is deemed necessary to protect immediately the public health, safety or welfare; and

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of the City and County of Denver, do hereby

    all the executive and administrative powers granted to the

    City and County of Denver by Article XX of the Constitution of the State of Colorado, and all

    executive and administrative powers contained in the Charter of the City and County of Denver, and

    otherwise existing by operation of law, including the power to enforce all laws and ordinances; and

    declare pursuant to this emergency regulation that:

    1. A nighttime curfew is imposed in all public places within the City and County of Denver, including streets and public right-of-ways, during the following times:
      1. a)  From 9:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June, 2, 2020; and
      2. b)  From 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020; and
      3. c)  From 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020;

        and

      4. d)  From 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020.
    2. During the hours of curfew, all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel, with the following exceptions:

    a. All law enforcement, fire, paramedics or other medical personnel, Colorado National Guard as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the City and County of Denver, and credentialed members of the news media.

    b. Individuals traveling directly to and from work, traveling directly to and from the Denver International Airport, seeking exempt care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness.

    c. Any person to whom permission by authorized City and County of Denver officials is specifically granted.

    1. The office of the Mayor of the City and County of Denver shall designate any additional personnel that are exempt from the curfew pursuant to Paragraph 2 above.
    2. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “travel” includes, without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another.
    3. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “public place” means any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots, and unsupervised property. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “public place” does not include the Denver International Airport.
    4. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “exempt care” means necessary medical services for an individual’s self or family member.

    It shall be unlawful to violate the curfew established pursuant to this emergency regulation. A violation of this emergency regulation is a criminal violation of the Denver Revised Municipal Code and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $999.00 or imprisonment for not more than 300 days, pursuant to DRMC, Section 1-13.

    June 1, 2020

    Date

    Michael B. Hancock
    Mayor, City and County of Denver

    Paul D. López
    Denver Clerk and Recorder

    POSTED: June 1, 2020

     

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  • Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to COVID-19

    Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – Gov. Polis today provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of staying at home for older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions. 

    “While Colorado is returning to greater normalcy and more Coloradans safely return to work, older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions should continue staying home as much as possible,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are proud of the progress Coloradans have made over the last months, but everyone needs to continue taking the serious necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbors. We are all in this together, and we will get through this together. This is a difficult time for many people in our state, but we can’t lose sight of what is at stake if we don’t follow social distancing protocols, wash our hands, or wear masks when leaving the house.”

    The Governor was joined via video chat by his 76-year old mother, Susan, who has been staying at home since early March and will continue to do so through June, to help emphasize the importance of older Coloradans and seniors staying at home during this pandemic to protect their health. The pair also discussed ways to communicate with family members and loved ones during this challenging time.

    The Governor announced that the state’s Care Facility Task Force has completed 747 infection control surveys, including 100% of all nursing homes in the state. These surveys are critical for the state to track the spread of the virus, especially in nursing homes that are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. The state has also received and is in the process of reviewing 1,048 isolation plans from congregate care facilities across the state. These plans are crucial for ensuring that congregate care facilities are taking appropriate steps to protect residents.

    Gov. Polis applauded the announcement to extend the Colorado National Guard’s federal deployment until mid-August. Previously, their federal deployment was set to end after just 89 days — one day short of the 90 day threshold for retirement and education benefits. This would have been deeply unfair to Colorado’s national guardsmen and women who are on hiatus from their day jobs so they can be on the front lines fighting this pandemic, and it would have placed more stress on the state budget.

    Earlier this month the state announced we would be highlighting businesses that are finding creative ways to make ends meet through this pandemic through the “Can-Do Colorado” Campaign. Today, the Governor highlighted Johnny B. Good’s Diner in Steamboat Springs which has helped seniors and worked to preserve a sense of community at a time when we need it the most.

    The Governor today signed Executive Order D 2020 081, amending Executive Order D 2020 070 directing the expenditure of federal funds pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act). The Executive Order changes the fund source for the accounting of certain CARES Act Fund dollars for education and clarifies the permissible uses of CARES Act Fund dollars for units of local government.

    View the news conference on the Governor’s Facebook page. 

     

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  • CBI Virtually Honors Colorado’s Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest Winners

    On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, members of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) virtually recognized three, 5th grade students for their winning entries as part of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.

    CBI Director John Camper and others presented the first-place award to 5th grade student Alicia Cardenas, from Cheraw Elementary in Cheraw Colorado, who won Colorado’s poster contest in recognition of National Missing Children’s Day on May 25. (Cheraw is located approximately 10 miles north of La Junta.)

     

    “Although Alicia’s entry was not selected as the recipient of the national contest her entry captured the spirit of the theme ‘Bring Our Missing Children Home in vivid colors and endless creativity,” said Director Camper. “While this year’s ceremony looked much different from previous events, it was a wonderful opportunity to virtually meet the students and their families.”

     

    The second and third place winners  Kianah Miller from Lincoln Elementary in Delta and Angelica Aguilar from St. John the Baptist School in Longmont were also recognized during the ceremony.

     

    Tens of thousands of children are reported missing in the United States each year. Law enforcement, citizens, and even children have been instrumental in keeping children safe and returning them home to their families, communities and schools.

     

    Colorado law enforcement received more than 8,000 reports of missing children in 2019.  The reports were primarily for runaways, and were resolved within a few days or weeks. However, as of May 1, 2020, there were over 600 cases of long-term missing (those missing a year or more) juvenile cases still active in Colorado.

     

    Attached, please find the winning poster for Alicia Cardenas featuring several beautifully drawn framed photos of families with the missing children represented as shadows, as well as an image from the virtual event.

     

    Each year, missing children are honored during National Missing Children’s Day on May 25th.

     

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  • 12 Coloradans Die Each Summer in Teen Crashes

    12 Coloradans Die Each Summer in Teen Crashes

    DENVER  (May 28, 2020) – Over the past ten years, more than 120 people were killed on Colorado roadways in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That’s the takeaway from a new AAA study that found that, nationwide, more than 8,300 people died in teen-related summertime crashes from 2008 to 2018. That’s more than seven people a day each summer. 

    “The last decade of data show that teens, simply put, crash more than adults – and that summertime marks an increase in fatal teen crashes,” said Skyler McKinley, director of public affairs for AAA Colorado. “Per our analysis, for every mile driven, new drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than adults.” 

    According to the AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72 percent of teen drivers between 16 and 18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors in the past 30 days:  • Driving 10mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)

    • Driving 15mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
    • Texting while driving (35%)
    • Red-light running (32%)
    • Aggressive driving (31%)
    • Drowsy driving (25%)
    • Driving without a seatbelt (17%) “Fundamentally, parents are the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel,” McKinley said. “It’s important to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and the impairing effects of alcohol and marijuana. But that’s not enough: Parents need to refrain from engaging in risky driving behaviors to demonstrate just how serious these issues are.”

    Summer 2020 has the potential to prove particularly deadly for teens, with schools closed, activities curtailed, summer jobs canceled, and COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifting. To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:  • Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, including speeding, impairment, and distracted driving.

    • Teach by example, and minimize risky behavior when driving. 
    • Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.
    • Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with their teen.  To support parents in conducting practice driving sessions during COVID-19 and beyond, AAA is providing a free four-page guide to help parents coach their teens on how to drive safely. “Coaching Your New Driver – An In-Car Guide for Parents” offers behind-the-wheel lesson plans, including a variety of “DOs and DON’Ts” to make the learning experience as helpful as possible.  For parents, the guide can be beneficial as they coach their teens on a variety of routes, building on their formal behind-the-wheel training. 

    TeenDriving.AAA.com has a variety of tools to help prepare parents and teens for the dangerous summer driving season. The online AAA StartSmart Parent Session also offers excellent resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges. Teens preparing for the responsibility of driving should enroll in a driver education program that teaches how to avoid driver distraction and other safety skills. Parents can find a driving school they can trust at AAA.com/DrivingSchool.

    About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
    Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

     

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