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Category: Front Page

  • Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement begins Thursday

    Nov. 20: Don’t drive sauced: CDOT urges motorists to plan a sober ride on one of the deadliest driving holidays of the year
    Statewide — If your Thanksgiving plans include alcohol or cannabis, plan a safe and sober ride home — your loved ones will be thankful you did. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 75 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.

    According to preliminary data, between 2020 and 2023, Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of roadway fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period. Additionally, Thanksgiving ranks third-highest for impaired driving-related fatalities during holidays over this same time frame. Last year’s Thanksgiving Week enforcement period concluded with 353 reported DUI arrests across Colorado. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 833 impaired driving-related fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period from 2018 to 2022 nationwide. Email  for data.

    “So far this year, 181 people have died on Colorado roads due to impaired drivers,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not mourn their loss. Colorado law enforcement is looking for impaired drivers to ensure every seat at your Thanksgiving table is filled. You can help. Take the steps to prevent a life-changing crash by using a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transit to get home safely. ”

    This Thanksgiving, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with rideshare credits to keep Coloradans safe and promote sober rides. This offer is valid for a one-way ride to your home and may be redeemed one time for the entire duration of the program (Nov. 27 to 30). You must submit your receipt for an Uber or Lyft credit reimbursement within two weeks of the last day of the program. Anyone age 21 or older who resides in Colorado with a valid ID may participate in the program. Visit www.wilhitelawfirm.com/rideshare-program for program information.

    Data graph of Impaired Driving-Related Traffic Fatalities in the Highest Counties in 2024. Number of fatalities: Adams County: 23; Denver County: 17; El Paso County: 24; Jefferson County: 15; Larimer County: 11; Weld County: 22.
    Data graph of Impaired Driving-Related Traffic Fatalities in the Highest Counties in 2024. Number of fatalities: Adams County: 23; Denver County: 17; El Paso County: 24; Jefferson County: 15; Larimer County: 11; Weld County: 22. Data reported as of Nov. 1, 2024. Source: Colorado Crash Data Dashboard.

    “Make the smart choice and put your keys down if you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis — don’t risk a DUI, crash or worse this Thanksgiving,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Make it to your gatherings and holiday celebrations safely by making sure a designated driver is part of your plans. Even if you think you’re OK to drive, it’s always better to call a sober friend than put yourself and other Coloradans in danger.”

    The recent Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period concluded with 179 arrests across 86 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Colorado Springs Police Department (18), Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (12) and Fort Collins Police Department (11). CSP reported 40 arrests. Following Thanksgiving Week, the next DUI enforcement period will be Holiday Parties from Dec. 12 to 25.

    For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

  • Heightened DUI enforcement begins Friday

    August 5, 2024 – Colorado – Nearly 1,400 impaired driving-related crashes in Colorado this summer

    Una intensa campaña de DUI empieza el viernes en español

    Statewide — Don’t miss out on backyard barbecues, time with friends and end-of-summer fun with a DUI — always plan a sober ride home. From Aug. 16 to Sept. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 70 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period. During the 20-day enforcement period, drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.

    Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically sees a spike in fatal crashes. Since Memorial Day of this year, there have been nearly 1,400 crashes involving a suspected impaired driver in Colorado. In June and July alone, there were a combined 129 traffic fatalities in Colorado, 44 of which involved a suspected impaired driver.

    “Impaired driving-related crashes, injuries and fatalities are entirely preventable. When you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are gambling with other people’s lives,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Your holiday weekend could quickly come to an end with a DUI, jail time or even a fatal crash. Keep your safety and that of others in mind — the only choice is a sober ride.”

     

    Blue graphic with Shift into Safe logo, The Heat Is On logo and photo of a patrol car on a dirt road and a large mountain in the background. On graphic copy reads "Celebrate Labor Day responsibly.”
    Email to request a higher resolution image.

     

    Driving under the influence of any impairing substance — not just alcohol — is illegal. Most CSP troopers have specialized training in drug detection, known as ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement). All Colorado law enforcement agencies can administer alcohol and drug toxicology tests to drivers following a fatal DUI crash. Additionally, there are over 120 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) in Colorado trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.

    “Long weekends are never an excuse to drive impaired,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Last year’s Labor Day Crackdown enforcement period concluded with 774 reported DUI arrests. No one is above the law — the only way to avoid a DUI is by driving sober. It’s that simple. Enjoy the holiday responsibly by leaving the keys at home and planning a sober ride.”

    For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

    DUI Checkpoint B-Roll

    CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. You can find more about these photos on the CDIOT DUI Checkpoint B-Roll Google Drive Folder. Send email to to request access to the folder.

    Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.

    About The Heat Is On

    The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

    Crash Not Accident

    Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying ‘crash’ instead of ‘accident’ when reporting.

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting recap for July 18 – 19

    MEEKER, Colo – At the July 18-19, 2024 meeting, the Parks and Wildlife Commission heard proposed changes to regulations as follows. All final regulations approved at the July 18-19, 2024 meeting will go into effect on September 1, 2024 unless otherwise noted.

    Updated chapters include W-0, W-09, W-10, W-16, and P-01.

    FINAL REGULATIONS 
    Agenda Item 18.d: Chapter W-10 – “Nongame Wildlife” 2 CCR 406-10 (Step 1 of 1) (PERMANENT REGULATIONS)

    • The Commission finalized emergency regulations related to cleanup of regulation #1000.D.2 to align it with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ 10(j) rule, 88 FR 77014.

    ISSUES IDENTIFICATION 
    Agenda Item 11: Chapter P-1 – “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2CCR 405-1 (Step 1 of 2)

    Open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, generally-applicable and property-specific requirements for, or restrictions on use of, parks properties controlled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Specific regulatory changes include the following:

    • Adopting a permanent timed entry reservation system at Eldorado Canyon State Park.
    • Updating the property specific hunting regulations for Fishers Peak.
    • Adopting regulations for a limited spring turkey hunting opportunity at Lone Mesa State Park.

    Agenda Item 12: Chapter P-7 – “Passes, Permits and Registrations” – 2 CCR 405-7 (Step 1 of 2)

    The Commission is open for annual review of the entire chapter including, but not limited to, regulations pertaining to eligibility requirements and fees for individual and vehicle park passes, use permits, vessel, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations and license agent requirements. Specific regulatory changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Removing Harmsen Ranch House from the Guest House Program at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
    • Modifying the Aspen Leaf Lifetime pass program.
    • Extending the Keep Colorado Wild pass refund opportunity for accidental purchases.

    Agenda Item 13: Chapter W-16 – “Parks and Wildlife Procedural Rules” 2 CCR 406-16 and those related provisions of Chapter P-1 (“Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2 CCR 405-1), Chapter P-7 (“Passes, Permits and Registrations” 2 CCR 405-7), Chapter W-8 (“Field Trials and Training of Hunting Dogs” 2 CCR 406-8), and Chapter W-9 (“Wildlife Properties” 2 CCR 406-9) necessary to accommodate changes to or ensure consistency with Chapter W-16 (Step 1 of 3)

    • The Commission is open for consideration of changes to commercial use on state parks and state wildlife areas.

    CONSENT AGENDA (Agenda Item 25)
    Final Regulations 

    Agenda Item 25.1: Chapter P-1 – “Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands” 2 CCR 405-1

    • The Commission finalized changes to the hunter reservation system at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

    Agenda Item 25.2: Chapter W-9 – “Wildlife Properties” 2 CCR 406-9 The Commission finalized changes necessary to:

    • Ensure hunting access continuity on indemnity lands transferred from the Bureau of Land Management to the State Land Board.
    • Remove Richard State Wildlife Area from regulation after the land was purchased and the lease was not renewed. (Effective date October 1, 2024.)

    Agenda Item 25.3: Chapter W-0 – “General Provisions” 2 CCR 406-0 (Step 1 of 1) (PERMANENT REGULATIONS)

    • The Commission finalized increasing the fee for the Federal Waterfowl Stamp.

    Agenda Item 25.4: Chapter W-16 – “Parks and Wildlife Procedural Rules” 2 CCR 406-16

    • The Commission finalized modifying the procedure to request a public presentation be added to a commission meeting agenda.

    Issue Identification
    Agenda Item 25.5: Chapter W-14 – “Wildlife Rehabilitation” 2 CCR 406-14

    • Open for consideration to modify license distribution timing for wildlife rehabilitation.

    About CPW Commission Meetings
    A complete agenda along with all materials for public review for this meeting can be found on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the Commission at . Details on providing public comments at meetings are available on the CPW website.

    The Commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can view Commission meetings on Youtube. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the Commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs administered by the agency. Find out more about the Commission on the CPW website.

    The next Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on August 22-23 in Colorado Springs.

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

    Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

    Issued for Kiowa, Bent, Otero, Sedgwick, Logan, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Baca, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Park Counties
    Issued at 8:11 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Affected Area: Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, Bent, Prowers, Baca, Las Animas, Huerfano, Custer, Park, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Fort Morgan, Wray, Akron, Kiowa, Limon, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Ordway, Eads, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar, Springfield, Kim, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Westcliffe, Fairplay, Georgetown and Central City.

    Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 to 9:00 AM MDT, Thursday, July 25, 2024

    Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

    Outlook: Widespread wildfire smoke will impact the advisory area through at least Thursday morning.

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

    For the latest Smoke Blog, visit: https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/

    For more information about smoke and your health, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning/wildfire-smoke-and-health

  • Heavy Traffic Ahead

    Travel Advisory

    July 2, 2024 – Fourth of July traditional start of peak tourist travel season

    Tráfico festivo del cuatro de julio de 2024 en españo

    Denver — The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be prepared for additional traffic and longer drive times on mountain highways and other roads heading to the state’s recreational areas over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

    To help minimize potential traffic delays, CDOT is suspending all construction and maintenance projects from midday Wednesday until Monday, July 8. The only exception is for emergency operations.

    Independence Day traditionally begins a period of above average traffic in the high country, with summer tourism hitting its peak over the next six to seven weeks.
    Motorists are strongly encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking the status of the state’s roadways before traveling. Information is available at www.cotrip.org, CDOT’s Facebook page, twitter feed, or by calling 511. Additional information regarding Interstate 70 west of Denver is available at www.goI70.com.

    For those seeking an alternative to driving, Bustang, Pegasus, and Bustang Outrider provides service to many mountain areas, including Estes Park, and to cities and towns along the Front Range and beyond. Please go to www.ridebustang.com for more information.

    In 2023, traffic numbers remained high at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels throughout the July Fourth Weekend:

    Westbound Eastbound Total
    Friday, June 30 29,730 21,017 50,747
    Saturday, July 1 30,353 21,560 51,913
    Sunday, July 2 26,313 23,688 50,001
    Monday, July 3 21,390 22,413 43,803
    Tuesday, July 4 14,746 22,583 37,329
    Wednesday, July 5 18,606 25,027 43,633

    Be Safe– Be Prepared – For Summer Driving

    • Stay Alert. Plan enough time to stop along the way to stretch, get something to eat and drink, return any calls or text messages, and change drivers if you’re feeling tired or drowsy.
    • Avoid Distracted Driving. The focus always should be on driving. Avoid using cellphones, texting, eating, and using in-vehicle technologies.
    • Don’t drive impaired. Increased DUI enforcement from July 3 to July 8.
    • Watch for more pedestrians and bikes. Warm temperatures mean more people are outside walking or bicycling. Slow down and pay extra attention at crosswalks and along roadways.
    • Share the road with motorcycles. Motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots due to their speed and size. Always take a second look with more motorcycles out on the road.
    • Obey all posted speed limits. Or drive slower, if necessary, based on weather or traffic conditions.
    • Maintain proper tire air pressure. Warmer temperatures can cause tires to be overinflated.
    • Turn your lights on. Especially during twilight hours, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
    • Large vehicles tend to drive slower speeds. Be prepared to slow down, stay out of their blind spots, pay close attention to turn signals and give them extra space to maneuver.

    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:

    Download the COtrip App!

    The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

  • Sheriff’s Office Offers Safety Tips on Fourth of July

    ARAPAHOE COUNTY – In anticipation of Fourth of July festivities, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public when 911 shouldbe called and not be called.

    Do call 911 if:

    Someone is injured by fireworks.
    You see an active fire sparked by fireworks.
    You see children misusing fireworks or with no parental supervision.
    Someone is in a crisis situation and needs help.

    Don’t call 911 if:

    You have questions about what is or isn’t legal.
    You have or don’t have the exact address of someone using illegal fireworks.
    You want to know where to dispose of fireworks.
    You want to know what time of day you can use fireworks.

    On average, our 911 dispatch center receives 700-800 calls per day. Those numbers nearly double on the fourth of July.

    July 4, 2023 – 1,276 calls

    July 4, 2022 1,283 calls

    If you’re not sure when to call, you can always call our non-emergencynumber at 303-795-4711. If you do call in, remember the voice you hear on the other end of the line is a person who is trying their best to help everyone on the busiest day of the year. Please be polite and understanding, it can go a long way. Let’s help our dispatchers and deputies during one of the toughest holidays and keep our phone lines open for real emergencies.

    The Sheriff’s Office will also have deputies out patrolling residentialneighborhoods to make sure everyone is safe. Please do not call the Sheriff’s Office requesting increased patrols for fireworks. Don’t forget all fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Unincorporated Arapahoe County and Centennial. For more detailed information on fireworks visitwww.arapahoeco.gov/Fireworks.

  • 4th of July: Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday

    Fireworks can be dangerous; leave them to the professionals

    DENVER, JUNE 26, 2024 —It will soon be time to celebrate Independence Day. What do your plans include? Are you going to the local fireworks display? Maybe you’re looking forward to some fun in the water. The American Red Cross of Mile High wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe 4th of July and offers these tips you can follow during the upcoming holiday.

    “As we celebrate the first holiday weekend of the summer, it’s important to remember that safety doesn’t interfere with fun,” said Gino Greco, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “No matter how you, your family and your friends choose to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, please be careful to protect yourself and take care of your loved ones.” 

    FIREWORKS SAFETY

    The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

    1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
    2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
    3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
    4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
    5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

    PICNIC SAFETY

    1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
    2. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
    3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
    4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
    5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

    WATER SAFETY

    Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and  get out of the water safely.

    1. Whether swimming in a pool, at the beach or visiting a waterpark, always swim in an area where lifeguards are on duty.
    2. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
    3. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in! You could be in danger of drowning yourself.
    4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
    5. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore. 

    Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Swim apps for instant access to safety tips.

  • First electric fleet vehicle to be unveiled in Arapahoe County

    EV analysis shows the change will decrease operational  
    costs and green house gases 
       
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 24, 2024— Arapahoe County is holding a ceremony for the first electric vehicle (EV) to be add to the County fleet on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. 
    The County’s Weatherization team will use the Ford E-Transit 350 Cargo Van, which is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and save the County $15,000–$18,000 in operational costs over the lifetime of the vehicle compared to the previous vehicle, a gas-powered Chevy Express van. The van was selected following a robust data collection and analysis process and will be the pilot vehicle in a program to test electric vehicle effectiveness for the County. 
    The Weatherization program installs free energy conservation measures and energy-efficient appliances in low-income households in both Arapahoe and Adams Counties. The program helps households conserve energy and save money on heating and cooling bills, while improving comfort year-round. Since July 1, 2023, Weatherization has served over 1,140 residents in Arapahoe and Adams counties.  
    Who:                                     Arapahoe County 

    What:                                   Electric vehicle unveiling 

    When:                                 Thursday, June 27, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
    Where:                                 5335 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 
  • Suspect Hospitalized After Alamosa Sheriff Deputies Return Fire

  • Conversation with Commissioners Campbell and Baker

    Commissioners invite residents to join a conversation  
    focusing on older adult resources and budget 
       
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 14, 2024— Arapahoe County District Two Commissioner Jessica Campbell and District Three Commissioner Jeff Baker will host a resident town hall on Thursday, June 20, 6-7:30 p.m. at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club in Aurora. The event will focus on senior resources with Courtney Stryker, senior resources and veteran services division manger. Commissioners will also discuss the County’s budget shortfall. 
    Following the discussion, Baker, Campbell and the panelists will answer questions from attendees.
    Who:                                     Commissioners Jessica Campbell and Jeff Baker  

    What:                                   Commissioner Town Hall: District 2 and District 3 

    When:                                 Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. 
    Where:                                 Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club 

    23155 E. Heritage Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80016