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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Front Page

  • Chatfield State Park swimming access closed due to E. coli levels


    LITTLETON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed swimming access from the swim beach area at Chatfield State Park due to elevated E. coli levels. Bi-weekly water quality testing showed unsafe bacteria levels above Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requirements, Thursday morning. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli presence.

    Park employees are placing signs notifying visitors of the closure at the entrance, bathrooms, beach area and other visible portions of Chatfield. Boating access and hand-launched vessels will not be restricted during the closure.

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Jefferson County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • Cherry Creek State Park swim area closed due to high E. coli levels


    AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed the natural swim area at Cherry Creek State Park due to unsafe E. coli levels. Thursday morning, routine daily water quality testing revealed higher than allowable levels of the bacteria, as determined by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli.

    Signs have been placed along the swim beach notifying park visitors to the closure. Although the area is closed to swimming, beach access and other water-related activities, like fishing and paddle boarding, are allowed. No other areas of the park are affected.

    “While these closures are not common, we test the water often to make sure the public is safe while enjoying the reservoir,” said Cherry Creek State Park Operations Manager Larry Butterfield. “The elevated bacteria levels can be caused by fecal waste from wildlife, run-off from urban areas, or excessive run-off from rain, and the park has seen heavy rainfall this year.”

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Arapahoe County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by the CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • CPW offering reward for tips in elk poaching investigation

    Area near Pike National Forest Road 146 where carcass was dumped

    COMO, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help to identify who killed a large bull elk and dumped its carcass June 26 in Park County. CPW believes the elk was shot sometime between June 24-26 in the area between Como and Hartsel.

    Wildlife officers were alerted to a bull elk carcass which had been dumped alongside Pike National Forest Road 146, just east of the Buffalo subdivision. The elk had been shot with a high power rifle and only the meat along the spine, or the backstrap, had been removed. One of the antlers was cut in half and left beside the carcass.

    The elk was killed out of season, and the majority of the meat from the elk was left to waste, in violation of state hunting regulations.

    Officers would like to speak with campers in the Tarryall area during that time or residents of either the Indian Mountain or Buffalo subdivisions who may have information about the crime.

    “This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said District Wildlife Manager Ian Petkash. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”

    Information can be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or . A $1,000 dollar reward is being offered for tips in this case. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

    Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.

     

  • Investigators seek public’s help identifying shoplifters in viral video

    CENTENNIAL – Arapahoe Sheriff Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying two shoplifters in a viral video being shared on social media. You can view the video HERE. Investigators have already identified and arrested the driver, Jorge Pantoja, 32, the man in the green shirt. See attached booking photo. Pantoja is currently in custody at the Adams County Detention Facility on unrelated felony charges. He has also been charged with:
    CRS 18-4-406 Theft/Shoplifting – Class 2 Misdemeanor

    Investigators are still trying to identify the other two men in the video, both white males wearing blue shirts and jeans. See attached photos. One of them goes by Robert, he has dark brown hair, a mustache and wears glasses. The other goes by the name Bugsy and is wearing a blue shirt with a Superman logo and a baseball cap.

    Investigators say the theft happened on June 18, 2023, around 6:40 p.m. The suspects stole approximately $400-$500 worth of laundry detergent and Downy Unstopables from the King Soopers grocery store at 5050 E. Arapahoe Rd. in Centennial. Investigators located the registered owner of the vehicle who stated he loaned the car to a friend. The driver was then contacted, arrested and stated he picked up two other males at the Light Rail station at I-25 and Belleview and offered them an opportunity to make some money. The men told the driver their names were Robert and Bugsy.

    The person who shot the video posted it to Instagram and the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of it when it was sent to us the next day. Investigators also want to speak with the person who filmed the theft. The video currently has millions of views and has been posted and shared on social media by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, a rapper/actor with more than 80 million Instagram followers.

    The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado law. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    If you think you can identify the other two men in the video, please contact our Investigations Tipline at 720-874-8477 or email .

     

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife enforces sober boating and Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July
    DENVER – Boaters heading out onto the water this weekend will see additional Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers enforcing boating under the influence (BUI) laws as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.

    This enforcement operation is timed closely to July 4 each year to educate boaters on the dangers of boating under the influence and reduce the number of waterway accidents. Dangers include:

    • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, which can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion.
    • Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion are added factors in a boating environment. All of these intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.
    • Alcohol can be dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication on board can cause injuries from slips, falls overboard and other dangerous accidents.

    “Boating is a favorite pastime of Coloradans and visitors alike, but we want to make sure that everyone is enjoying their time on the water responsibly,” said Flatwater Criminal Investigator Brian Phillips. “Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boating deaths in the country. We encourage boaters to boat smart, boat safe and boat sober.”

    Operation Dry Water operations will include increased patrols and checkpoints. Penalties for boating under the influence include receiving fines, having your boat impounded, potential jail time and losing boating privileges. Boaters with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above the .08 state limit should expect to be arrested for BUI.

    In Colorado, boaters must also take into account the risks that unpredictable weather can present while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions include strong wind gusts that can knock a paddleboarder or kayaker into the water and cold water temperatures that exist year-round.

    Boating Safety:
    Life jackets save lives. Last year was the deadliest year on Colorado waters, and the majority of fatalities occurred because people did not wear a life jacket. CPW advises the following boating safety tips before heading out onto the water.

    • Wear a life jacket.
    • Be aware of weather and water conditions.
    • Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
    • Paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
    • Follow boating speed limits and maintain a proper lookout to avoid hitting floating debris in waterways.

    River and Stream Safety:
    As of today, there have been 11 Swiftwater-related fatalities in Colorado.

    • Wear a life jacket​ and helmet.
    • Dress accordingly: though the air temperature may be hot, the water is very cold.
    • Check and scout the rapids and unknown sections of the river stretches you intend to run.
    • Water levels can rise quickly and without notice from heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains.
    • Do not underestimate the power of currents and overestimate your swimming abilities.
    • Don’t paddle in conditions you are not comfortable and confident paddling in.
    • Raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
    • If you fall into swift water, do not attempt to stand up because your foot might get stuck in a rock. Point your feet down the river and swim to shore as soon as possible.
    • Never leave children unattended by a river.

    For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • July Fourth Weekend brings increased DUI enforcement

    Statewide Traffic Safety – $10 discounts offered on Uber rides statewide

    Statewide — As Coloradans prepare for a long weekend of travel and celebrations, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies are kicking off the Fourth of July Weekend DUI enforcement period. The goal of the campaign is to remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads and encourage safe and sober rides. The elevated enforcement period runs July 1-5.

    In the last five years, 52% (23) of all roadway fatalities (44) during the Independence Day holiday reporting period involved suspected impaired drivers.

    To save lives this holiday weekend, CDOT, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Uber are providing Uber ride credits as a safe and sober alternative to impaired driving. The $10 ride credits are available statewide, valid while supplies last and can be redeemed using the code “SAFE4JULY” in the Uber app from June 29 at 5 p.m. through July 5 at 11:59 p.m. To apply the credit directly to the Uber app from a mobile device, click here.

    “Summer is in full swing, and the roadways are getting full. So be sure to make a plan for a sober ride if alcohol or marijuana is a part of your day’s activities,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP. “When you drive impaired, you put yourself and others at risk. Driving impaired is never the right choice. It’s selfish. Get a sober ride.”

    There were 1,486 DUI arrests during the Fourth of July holiday period from 2019-2021. The recent Summer Blitz enforcement period concluded with 300 arrests, bringing the reported DUI arrests total during 2023 enforcement periods to 2,655.

    The heat is on fourth of july

    “Make a plan each time you go out,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “We typically see a spike in impaired driving during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Don’t become a statistic — plan for a sober ride home, and you won’t have to worry about driving impaired.”

    Just one drink is enough to impair you — according to the National Highway Safety Administration in 2021, there were 2,226 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07. During the holiday weekend, Coloradans can be prepared with sober rides home by:

    • Using ride or transit services
    • Calling a sober friend
    • Designating a sober driver
    • Using ride-hailing services to your destination and leaving the car at home

    “Studies have shown Uber can help reduce alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities and it is more important than ever to provide Coloradans with more options so they can plan ahead, make better choices and avoid impaired driving,” said Harry Hartfield, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Uber. “We’re proud to partner with CDOT to help keep Colorado roads safe and help people make smart choices.”

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

    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. 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.

  • July Fourth traditional start of peak tourist travel season

    – Statewide –
    Reminder to be prepared for additional traffic and longer drive times over the 4th of July holiday weekend

    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 Friday until Wednesday, July 5. 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. In 2022, traffic numbers remained high at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels throughout the July Fourth Weekend:

    Westbound Eastbound Total
    Friday, July 1 31,037 18,639 49,676
    Saturday, July 2 27,325 18,465 45,790
    Sunday, July 3 21,625 21,574 43,199
    Monday, July 4 13,900 25,850 39,750
    Tuesday, July 5 16,274 24,117 40,391
    Total 110,161 108,645 218,806

    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. Please go to www.ridebustang.com for more information.

    Be Safe – Be Prepared – For Summer Driving

    1. 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.
    2. Avoid Distracted Driving. The focus always should be on driving. Avoid using cellphones, texting, eating, and using in-vehicle technologies.
    3. Don’t drive impaired. Increased DUI enforcement from July 2 to July 5.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. Obey all posted speed limits. Or drive slower, if necessary, based on weather or traffic conditions.
    7. Maintain proper tire air pressure. Warmer temperatures can cause tires to be overinflated.
    8. Turn your lights on. Especially during twilight hours, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
    9. 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.

    Know Before You Go

    Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

    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!

  • County facilities closed on Tuesday, July 4

    pic_CP_4th_july

    In observance of the July 4th holiday, County facilities will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. Have a safe and happy Independence Day.

  • Construction impacts for the week of July 2, 2023

    LCR 16 Roundabout Construction

    Berthoud to Johnstown

    July 12 at 7 a.m. through July 18 at 5 p.m., there will be a full closure of Larimer County Road 14 under the I-25 bridge This will allow crews to safely place new roadway asphalt and pour new curbs where needed. Please follow posted detour signs:

    • Westbound LCR 14 traffic will take the eastern Frontage Road north to Larimer County Road 16, turn left and take County Road 7 south and continue westbound on LCR 14.
    • Eastbound LCR 14 traffic will take CR 7 north to LCR 16, turn right and take the eastern Frontage Road south and continue eastbound on LCR 14

    Detour map for the full closure of LCR 14 under I-25

    Full Closure: LCR 16 Under I-25
    The following full closures will be in place through July 11:

    • Eastbound and westbound Larimer County Road 16 under I-25
    • Southbound I-25 off-ramp to LCR 16

    These closures are required for crews to complete the construction of the new roadway, improved ramps and a new roundabout. Access to local businesses will be maintained. Please follow posted detour signs.

    • Southbound I-25 traffic to eastbound LCR 16 will continue south to Colorado Highway 60, re-enter I-25 northbound to LCR 16, turn north on the SE Frontage Road and turn east onto LCR 16.
    • Southbound I-25 traffic to westbound LCR 16 will exit at Colorado Highway 402, turn west onto CO 402, turn south onto County Road 7, and turn west onto LCR 16.
    • Eastbound LCR 16 traffic to I-25 will travel south on CR 7, turn east onto CO 60 and enter I-25.
    • Eastbound LCR 16 traffic will travel south on CR 7, turn east onto Larimer County Road 14, turn north onto the SE Frontage Road and turn east onto LCR 16.
    • Westbound LCR 16 traffic will travel south on the SE Frontage Road, turn west onto LCR 14, turn north onto CR 7 and turn west onto LCR 16.

    Due to weather impacts, the full closure of the Western Frontage Road (County Road 5), south of LCR 16, will now be in place through the beginning of August.
    Detour map showing alternate travel routes around the Larimer County Road 16 closure. 

    Johnstown to Fort Collins

    To perform asphalt paving operations on US Highway 34, alternating double right and double left lane closures will take place on eastbound US 34 between Fall River Road and Larimer Parkway and intermittent full closures of the I-25 ramps to and from US 34 will take place nightly, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., July 2-8.

    • Southbound I-25 on-ramp traffic will go north on I-25 to Exit 259/ Crossroads Boulevard and turn left. Continue west to the southbound I-25 on-ramp.
    • Northbound I-25 on-ramp traffic will go south on I-25 to Exit 255 / Colorado Highway 402, turn left and continue onto northbound I-25.
    • Southbound I-25 off-ramp traffic will continue south on I-25 to Exit 255/ CO 402 and turn left. Continue east to the northbound I-25 on-ramp to Exit 257/US 34.
    • Northbound I-25 off-ramp traffic will continue north on I-25 to Exit 259/Crossroads Boulevard. Traffic will exit, turn left, and continue onto southbound I-25 to Exit 257 / US 34.


    No traffic impacts will be in place over the Fourth of July holiday beginning at noon Monday, July 3 until 6 a.m., Wednesday, July 5.

    Firestone Mobility Hub

    Southbound West Frontage Road/I-25 On-Ramp at Exit 240

    • Left lane is closed 24/7 through August 2023
    • Construction crews will be working behind the barrier on the left shoulder
    • Flaggers will assist motorists through the construction work zone
    • Caution – Trucks will be entering and exiting the work zone

    Northbound I-25 Off-Ramp at Exit 240

    • Construction crews will be working behind the barrier on the right shoulder
    • Caution – Trucks will be entering and exiting the work zone

    Northbound East I-25 Frontage Road

    • Right turn onto CO 119 will be closed until Summer 2023
      • Detour – Motorists will continue north on E I-25 Frontage Rd. past Firestone Blvd./CO 119, right onto Union St., right on Arbor St., left on Firestone Blvd./CO 119
    • Construction crews will be working behind the barrier on the right shoulder

    Flaggers will assist motorists through the construction

    Additional Information


    For specific lane closures and traffic impacts from Sunday, July 2 – Saturday, July 8, please use this interactive map on the project webpage. To display full details on the traffic impacts, please click on any of the color-shaded areas on the map to see the full details. A pop-up on the left side of your screen will outline the details of the lane closures.

    Construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change. Please watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting mainline I-25 and obey all posted signage in construction zones. Your safety and the safety of our crews is our highest priority.

    The I-25 North Express Lanes Project provides a Courtesy Patrol during commute hours (6 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.) to assist with disabled vehicles within the Project limits from Johnstown to Fort Collins.

    About the Project

    Communities along the I-25 North corridor are expanding rapidly, contributing to major economic growth in northern Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation is supporting this growth by delivering the expansion of I-25 North. Improvements are currently underway along I-25 between Berthoud and Fort Collins (with more to come from Mead to Berthoud).


    This project brings economic, environmental and quality of life benefits for northern Coloradans by:

    •  Making safety improvements to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities.
    •  Decreasing travel time and increasing trip reliability.
    •  Reducing emissions and improving freight efficiency.
    •  Improve congestion and safety.
    •  Rebuilding aging and obsolete infrastructure.
    •  Improving bicycle, pedestrian and transit connectivity.

  • Cherry Creek State Park east boat ramp closed through holiday weekend

    East boat ramp at Cherry Creek State Park will be closed through Tuesday

    AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced today the east boat ramp at Cherry Creek State Park will be closed through the extended holiday weekend. Portions of the east ramp are submerged due to recent heavy rains, and higher reservoir levels have not receded to safe operating depth for boats to launch. The east boat ramp will remain closed indefinitely until water levels recede. The west boat ramp is open as the sole option for boaters through at least Tuesday.

    The parking lot adjacent to the east boat ramp will be open. Hand-launched vessels will be allowed from the shoreline. The Wetlands area is closed due to low-level flooding.

    As Independence Day is typically one of the highest visitation days for Cherry Creek, CPW expects the park to reach capacity limits early in the day from Saturday to Tuesday. Once park staff have determined capacity has been reached, vehicles will be kept from entering the park on Dayton Street for the west entrance and Parker Road near the east entrance. Capacity closures will be communicated through the region Twitter account and signs at each park entrance.

    Campers with active reservations will be allowed to enter the park under a capacity closure and should enter through the east entrance.

    Cherry Creek State Park has experienced historic water levels and inflows this spring. East Lake View Road remains closed after heavy rainfall caused sections of the road to collapse. Visitors should continue to use the Dam Road to cross the park.

    After the historic number of water-related deaths in Colorado in 2022, CPW is urging all visitors who recreate on the water to wear a life jacket. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket at all times on the water. CPW encourages boaters to review safety tips before launching and undergo mandatory safety inspections.

    Cherry Creek Reservoir is approximately two feet higher than safe operating levels for the park’s east boat ramp.

    The Wetlands area remains indefinitely closed from heavy spring rainfall.