Category: Front Page

(LIMON, COLO) Colorado State Patrol– On June 16, 2023 Troop 3D, the Limon POE, and local agencies will be conducting our quarterly statewide surge enforcement operation. Troop 3D will be focusing on CMV inspections and dangerous driving behaviors by and around CMVs. This is in conjunction with our Troop’s “No one wins in a CMV crash” campaign on I-70.  Please drive safely in and around all CMVs, slow down, give yourself room.  If you are operating a CMV, drive carefully and ensure you are operating legally.  

ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL

Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs.  In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrolor follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.

WHAT:         Anythink’s Backyard Concert Series, presented by Amazon, returns for its 11^th year this summer starting Friday, June 9with hip-hop duo The Reminders. The Backyard Concert Series is a family-friendly summer event that celebrates music and community while also raising funds for the Anythink Foundation. Hosted at the beautiful one-acre park adjacent to Anythink Wright Farms, these concerts are just one way that Anythink continues to establish itself as a cultural destination in Adams County and the greater metro area. The show is free and open to all ages. Sandwiches from Nosh Catering, frozen treats from Em’s Ice Cream, wine from The Infinite Monkey Theorem and beer from Great Divide are available for purchase on-site. This year, the Anythink Foundation will use proceeds raised to support efforts to make the performing arts more accessible to all in 2024. From free passes to local performances and immersive theater productions at a local Anythink, the money raised will allow the library to bring this critical art form to Adams County residents of all ages and backgrounds. Supporters can donate online or in-person at the concerts.

 

WHEN:            Friday, June 9; doors at 5:30 pm, performance from 6:30-8:30 pm 

WHERE:           Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120^th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602                

 

About Anythink^TM 

Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Anythink serves the residents of Adams County, Colo., with seven libraries and a bookmobile. With a focus on innovation, Anythink’s award-winning approach to library service is recognized by industry leaders and organizations across the globe. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org. 

WHAT:         Anythink’s Backyard Concert Series, presented by Amazon, returns for its 11^th year this summer starting Friday, June 9with hip-hop duo The Reminders. The Backyard Concert Series is a family-friendly summer event that celebrates music and community while also raising funds for the Anythink Foundation. Hosted at the beautiful one-acre park adjacent to Anythink Wright Farms, these concerts are just one way that Anythink continues to establish itself as a cultural destination in Adams County and the greater metro area. The show is free and open to all ages. Sandwiches from Nosh Catering, frozen treats from Em’s Ice Cream, wine from The Infinite Monkey Theorem and beer from Great Divide are available for purchase on-site. This year, the Anythink Foundation will use proceeds raised to support efforts to make the performing arts more accessible to all in 2024. From free passes to local performances and immersive theater productions at a local Anythink, the money raised will allow the library to bring this critical art form to Adams County residents of all ages and backgrounds. Supporters can donate online or in-person at the concerts.

 

WHEN:            Friday, June 9; doors at 5:30 pm, performance from 6:30-8:30 pm 

WHERE:           Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120^th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602                

 

About Anythink^TM 

Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Anythink serves the residents of Adams County, Colo., with seven libraries and a bookmobile. With a focus on innovation, Anythink’s award-winning approach to library service is recognized by industry leaders and organizations across the globe. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org. 

Funding will create good-paying jobs, catalyze economic revitalization in legacy coal communities WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today announced that nearly $725 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available to 22 states and the Navajo Nation to create good-paying jobs and catalyze economic opportunity by reclaiming abandoned coal mine lands. The law provides a total of $11.3 billion in abandoned mine land (AML) funding over 15 years, which will help communities clean up dangerous environmental conditions and pollution caused by past coal mining. This funding is expected to enable reclamation of the majority of current inventoried abandoned mine lands in this country. This is the second allotment of funding through the program. Nearly $725 million was allocated in the first year. With this funding, states have started planning, hiring and construction, including on projects that will protect homes and infrastructure from subsidence and landslides, create new recreation opportunities, and clean up streams polluted with acid mine drainage. “The Biden-Harris administration stands shoulder-to-shoulder with states and Tribal Nations in repairing the damage left by legacy coal mining,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through the President’s Investing in America agenda, we are making the largest investment in abandoned mine reclamation in history, which will create good-paying jobs for current and former coal workers, help revitalize local economies, and advance environmental justice. These smart investments will build a cleaner, healthier and more just future for our children and grandchildren.” “These historic investments are all part of the Administration’s all-of-government approach to support communities as they address the lingering impacts of extractive industries and transition to a clean energy future,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Laura Daniel-Davis. “To help address these dangerous hazards and toxic pollution that continues to have an impact on our communities, we encourage all eligible states and Tribes to submit grant applications.” AML reclamation projects support vitally needed jobs by investing in projects that close dangerous mine shafts, reclaim unstable slopes, prevent releases of harmful gases including methane, improve water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restore water supplies damaged by mining. AML reclamation projects also enable economic revitalization by rehabilitating hazardous land so that it can be used for recreational facilities or other economic redevelopment uses like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy deployment. This funding opportunity advances the Biden-Harris administration’s unprecedented investments in communities and workers to support an equitable transition to a sustainable economy and healthier environment after the closure of mines or power plants. This effort also advances the President’s commitment to environmental justice and the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities. The notice of funding opportunity follows the release of final guidance for how States and Tribes can apply for this historic funding. States and Tribes that apply for the funding are encouraged to: Prioritize projects that invest in disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution, consistent with the President’s Justice40 Initiative. Incorporate public review and comment into the selection of projects to be funded. Prioritize eligible projects to maximize the amount of methane emissions that can be reduced. Prioritize the employment of current and former coal industry workers. Applications for the FY2023 BIL AML funds must be submitted in the GrantSolutions website. State  FY23 BIL AML Eligibility*   Alabama   $20,441,000   Alaska   $1,333,000   Arkansas   $1,700,000   Colorado   $9,962,000   Illinois   $75,727,000   Indiana   $24,654,000   Iowa   $5,986,000   Kansas   $4,852,000   Kentucky   $74,217,000   Maryland   $4,809,000   Missouri   $5,859,000   Montana   $4,599,000   Navajo Nation   $1,661,000   New Mexico   $2,422,000   North Dakota   $3,100,000   Ohio   $46,421,000   Oklahoma **   $3,490,000   Pennsylvania   $244,786,000   Tennessee   $8,574,000   Texas   $1,333,000   Utah   $5,766,000   Virginia   $22,780,000   West Virginia   $140,684,000   Wyoming   $9,693,000   Total   $724,849,000   *Dollars have been rounded to the nearest thousand    **Consistent with McGirt v. Oklahoma, 140 S. Ct. 2452 (2020), and related cases, neither the State of Oklahoma nor any of its agencies are currently eligible for BIL AML funding , Oklahoma v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. CIV-21-719-F, 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 204065 (W.D. Okla. Nov. 9, 2022). If one or more entities become eligible for BIL AML grants this fiscal year, OSMRE is reserving BIL funds for AML reclamation on Indian lands in Oklahoma.

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Parks and Wildlife Commission made unprecedented big-game hunting license reductions and shortened some season dates due to severe weather conditions this past winter season.

At the May Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, CPW staff gave a presentation on the Deer, Elk, Pronghorn and Moose Limited License Recommendations and State of the Herds Update. The 2023 big-game license recommendation summary by species is posted on CPW’s website.

The Commission approved the following regulations for the 2023-2024 big-game season:

• CPW is issuing 236,600 licenses for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bear. These license changes include a reduction of 32,000 (-12%) limited licenses from last year.
• Statewide, CPW is issuing 12,600 (-12%) fewer deer licenses than last year. For the northwest region, it’s a reduction of 12,800 (-33%) deer licenses.
• Statewide, CPW is limiting 107,700 licenses for elk, down 15,400 (-12%) licenses from last year.
• Archery licenses for hunt code E-E-004-O1-A and muzzleloader licenses for hunt codes E-E-004-O1-M and E-E-014-O1-M have been reduced by an additional 25%. Only the number of licenses issued has changed. Dates for archery and muzzleloader season in these hunt codes remain the same.

This past winter had the most severe snow conditions residents saw in the past 70 years for the northwest corner of the state, ranging from Rangely to Steamboat Springs and the Wyoming state line — even surpassing the severe winter of 1983-84. Multiple heavy snow storms with strong winds generated hard-packed snow that severely buried food for elk, mule deer and pronghorn.

CPW staff hosted weekly meetings to evaluate snow conditions and observe how it was impacting the survival rates of GPS-collared animals in the area. Based on the findings, CPW recommended that the number of hunting licenses distributed this year in certain game management units (GMUs) be limited to allow herds to recover from a historically harsh winter and sustain abundant wildlife populations in the impacted area.

“This winter has been historic in many ways,” said Meeker Area Terrestrial Biologist Darby Finley. “These recommendations were not easy to make, and we know they will impact more than just CPW, including hunting opportunities and local economies. However, we believe these substantial reductions in licenses will allow herds to recover as quickly as possible.”

Elk licenses:
The Severe Winter Zone is an area known for some of the largest elk herds in the nation, and severe winter conditions have resulted in high elk calf and above-average cow mortality. Survival rates are the lowest CPW has ever documented and below what CPW previously thought possible in elk.

Mule Deer licenses:
While mule deer have fared somewhat better than elk and pronghorn, the combination of severe winter conditions and the high prevalence of chronic wasting disease has affected the resiliency of this population. This, in combination with an already decreased population over the last several years, has prompted CPW to reduce male and either-sex deer licenses in selected areas.

Pronghorn licenses:
Pronghorn in northwest Colorado in the Severe Winter Zone fared the worst during this winter, with mortality starting in December. Poor winter habitat conditions, little to no food sources and increased wildlife-vehicle collisions as pronghorn found relief from deep snow conditions along roadways led to higher-than-normal mortality rates. The affected herds include Great Divide (GMUs 3,4,5,13,14,131,214,301 and 441), Maybell (GMU 11), Sand Wash (GMUs 1,2 and 201) and Axial Basin (GMUs 12, 23 and 211).

“This winter is a great example of why CPW sets license quota recommendations in late spring,” said Northwest Region Senior Terrestrial Biologist Brad Banulis. “By using the data and biological information we collect from late fall through early spring, we can evaluate conditions and make the best license recommendations to meet herd management objectives.”

Other Important Parks and Wildlife Commission Actions:

The Commission shortened the season dates for over-the-counter elk licenses in the Severe Winter Zone for the second and third rifle seasons (hunt codes E-M-000-U2-R and E-M-000-U3-R). The season dates have been shortened to five days (Oct. 28, 2023 – Nov. 1, 2023, and Nov. 11, 2023 – Nov. 15, 2023) if hunting in GMUs 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 131, 211, 214, 231, 301 and 441. Season dates will remain the same for all other eligible GMUs statewide.

The Commission also finalized regulations modifying the big-game license allocation for black bear, deer, elk and pronghorn from 65% for residents and 35% for nonresidents to 75% for residents and 25% for nonresidents for most hunt codes for those species effective for the 2024 big-game seasons. High-demand hunt codes remain at 80% for residents and 20% for nonresidents.

To find maps and watch the presentation updates, read the Colorado Outdoors Online article Winter In The Northwest: Big-Game Hunting License Impacts.

For more information on hunting in Colorado, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/hunt.aspx, read updates in the 2023 Colorado Big Game Brochure or watch the “What’s New for the 2023 Colorado Seasons” video.

With sustainability at the forefront of many people’s minds, reseller apps are gaining significant traction, with the global secondhand apparel market projected to reach $218 billion by 2026.

With this in mind, and with World Environmental Week approaching on June 5th, the team at BetColorado.comanalyzed Google search data from 20 of the most popular thrift and vintage apps, to reveal which states are leading the charge in combating fast fashion in 2023.

The top Colorado cities using thrift apps and sites revealed:

In particular, Vermont has witnessed an impressive 22.7 searches per 100 residents per month, topping the list. This showcases the state’s enthusiasm for vintage shopping and highlights the increasing relevance of the vintage app industry.

States like Oregon, Washington, and Maine also show strong user engagement, each with search volumes exceeding 19 per 100 residents per month.

California, as the most populous state, revealed a staggering 7,529,750 monthly searches.

Methodology

Using the top 20 most recognized vintage and thrift sites and apps, we were able to unveil the most sustainable states by analyzing the activity of their users. This data was subsequently divided by the population to determine the average number of active users per month.

Laws Improve Upon Governor’s Goal to Make Colorado One of Ten Safest States

DENVER –   Today, Governor Polis is signing legislation into law.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe in their homes and their communities, which is why one of my top goals is to make Colorado one of the ten safest states in the country. I was proud to sign tough laws today to crack down on ghost guns and prevent auto theft as we continue to take important steps towards a safer Colorado,” said Gov. Polis. “Today’s action is part of our ongoing work to improve public safety and make sure Coloradans can thrive in safe and healthy communities.”

This year, in his State of the State address, Gov. Polis urged the legislature to crack down on ghost guns, which are completely untraceable and increasingly being used to carry out violent crimes.  Today on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, signed a new law sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, Senator Chris Hansen and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, and Representative Junie Joseph to crack down on ghost guns. 

Governor Polis also signed bipartisan legislation into law to prevent auto theft and ensure that offenders are held accountable. Auto theft has declined in Colorado by more than 20% since last year, and Governor Polis signed legislation to continue that downward trend, including SB23-257 Auto Theft Prevention Cash Fund – Representatives Brianna Titone and Rod Bockenfeld, Senators Jeff Bridges and Bob Gardner and SB23-097 Motor Vehicle Theft And Unauthorized Use – Representatives Shannon Bird and Matt Soper, Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Bob Gardner.

Earlier this Spring, Governor Polis signed landmark bills around waiting periods, expand the Extreme Risk Protection Law, raising the age to 21 for gun purchases, and repealed the state version of PLCAA. 10 years ago, action to reduce gun violence while protecting our second amendment rights like the Governor has taken in partnership with the legislature in Colorado would have been inconceivable.

Continuing to build upon the Polis administration’s work in partnership with the legislature to make Colorado one of the safest states in the country, Governor Polis signed bipartisan legislation including HB23-1280 Colorado Access To Justice Commission sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Matt Soper, Senators Dylan Roberts and Bob Gardner, and SB23-193 Victim Notification Of Proceedings sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Rose Pugliese, Senators Rhonda Fields and Byron Pelton. 

This morning, Governor Polis signed bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability in our healthcare system and help ensure that Coloradans have access to high-quality, affordable health care. Governor Polis signed HB23-1226 Hospital Transparency And Reporting Requirements – Representatives Matt Soper and Chris deGruy Kennedy, Senators Dylan Roberts and Perry Will,  to build on existing hospital financial transparency requirements to address reporting gaps, increase compliance, and provide data necessary to understand the financial health and performance of Colorado’s hospitals. Governor Polis also signed SB23-252 Medical Price Transparency – Senators Kevin Van Winkle and Julie Gonzales, Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Anthony Hartsook, providing another tool that Coloradans can use to determine where they can receive quality, affordable care. 

At the State Capitol, Governor Polis will sign HB23-1271 Lunar New Year Day As An Observed State Holiday sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Matt Soper, Senator Julie Gonzales, taking an important step towards building a Colorado for All by observing the Lunar New Year at the state level and celebrating Colorado’s vibrant Asian American Pacific Islander community. 

At Clayton Early Learning, Governor Polis will sign legislation to continue to boost universal preschool which will save families at least $6,000 per year and provide Colorado kids with high-quality early childhood education.  Governor Polis will sign SB23-269 Colorado Preschool Program Provider Bonus Payments sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Bradfield, Senators Janet Buckner and Janice Rich to make sure universal preschool can hit the ground running this fall with enough classrooms and providers to serve every family who wants to participate. Over 25,000 families have already matched with a provider, including 22,000 who matched to their first choice of a provider in the first application round. Governor Polis will also sign HB23-1290 Proposition EE Funding Retention Rate Reduction sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Emily Sirota, Senators Dominick Moreno and Rhonda Fields.

At Makola African Market in Aurora, Gov. Polis will sign HB23-1008 Food Accessibility sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Senators Rhonda Fields and Nick Hinrichsen, taking steps to address the critical issue of food insecurity in Colorado. 

This afternoon in Commerce City, Governor Polis, joined by First Gentleman Marlon Reis, will sign the bipartisan HB23-1286 Increase Penalty Cruelty Police And Service Animals – Representatives Ryan Armagost and Monica Duran, Senators Bob Gardner and Joann Ginal to protect Colorado’s brave service animals. These loyal service and police animals serve Colorado communities and this important legislation helps to protect these devoted animals. Governor Polis also signed into law the bipartisan HB23-1041 Prohibit Wagering On Simulcast Greyhound Races – Representatives Monica Duran and Mike Lynch, Senators Joann Ginal and Cleave Simpson. Greyhound racing is illegal in Colorado, and this legislation makes it illegal for Coloradans to bet on races in other states or countries.

This afternoon, Governor Polis will sign HB23-1061 Alcohol Beverage Retail Establishment Permit – Representatives Lindsay Daugherty and Rick Taggart, Senator Rachel Zenzinger to  give businesses the opportunity to hold social functions and promotional events that will drive business transactions and economic activity. 

(LAKEWOOD)  Last night, the Colorado State Patrol responded to a fatal hit and run crash near Wadsworth Boulevard and West Coal Mine Avenue in Jefferson County and is asking for your help to locate the fleeing vehicle and driver.

The crash happened on southbound Wadsworth Boulevard just north of West Coal Mine Avenue about 11:30pm between a red scooter and another vehicle.  The rider of the scooter sustained fatal injuries.  The other involved vehicle fled the scene. Initial information indicates the vehicle make was a Mazda.  After the initial crash, the rider of the scooter was subsequently hit by other passing motorists.

If you have any information or were involved in this crash, you’re asked to call the Denver Colorado State Patrol dispatch center @ 303-239-4501 and reference Case # 1A231431