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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Front Page

  • Man Dies While Fleeing Colorado State Patrol Traffic Stop

  • Gov. Polis Signing Bills into Law to Improve Public Safety

    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bills around waiting periods, expand the Extreme Risk Protection Law, raising the age to 21 for gun purchases, and repealed the state version of PLCAA. 10 years ago, action to reduce gun violence while protecting our second amendment rights like the Governor has taken in partnership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. 

  • CSP Requests Assistance in Another Fatal Hit & Run Crash

    (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

  • Colorado motorcycle fatalities reach record high

    May 1, 2023 – Statewide – May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, CDOT urges riders to keep speeds down and motorists to look twice

    Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado de prensa Las muertes de motociclistas llegan a cifra récord en español.

    Statewide — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorcyclists and all drivers to practice safe habits on the road. The reminder comes as Colorado motorcycle fatalities have reached their highest level on record. As the weather gets nicer, motorcycle fatalities tend to increase during the summer riding months.

    In 2022, 149 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, representing 20% of the state’s total traffic fatalities, but only 3% of the state’s vehicle registrations. So far this year motorcycle deaths are down 22% compared to this time last year. To date, 21 motorcyclists have lost their lives on Colorado roads, down from 27 fatalities at this time last year.

    Colorado Motorcycle Fatalities 2002-2022
    Chart showing the number of motorcycle fatalities in Colorado from 2002 to 2022. The number of fatalities is shown on the vertical axis, while the years are shown on the horizontal axis. The number of fatalities varies from year to year, with a low of 70 in 2003 and a high of 149 in 2022. The number of fatalities has generally increased over time. Colorado Motorcycle Fatalities from 2002 to 2022

     

    Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speed and alcohol are large contributing factors in motorcycle crashes.

    In Colorado, 75 of the 148 motorcycle fatalities in 2022 involved riders not wearing helmets. Helmets are a simple and effective way to reduce the likelihood of injury or death during a crash. Nationally helmet use has declined in the past few years. The use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets declined from 69% in 2020 to 65% in 2021. Helmet use was significantly higher in states that require all motorcyclists to be helmeted.

    “Wearing a helmet can mean the difference between a minor injury and a catastrophic one,” said Darrell Lingk, director of the Highway Safety Office at CDOT. “A rider without a helmet is extremely vulnerable to a permanent or life-altering injury in a crash. So wear a helmet and other protective gear to make it home safely to your family.”

    Last year, the counties with the most motorcycle deaths were El Paso (25), Jefferson (19), Adams (12), Denver (12) and Arapahoe (11).

    On-going training can be an effective countermeasure to address motorcycle crashes. Colorado’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program is run by the Colorado State Patrol, which oversees 19 training courses across the state.

    “It only takes one mistake to result in tragedy,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Trained riders tend to be in fewer and less severe crashes. Make a commitment to follow traffic laws and ride with reduced risk by advancing your skills through training.”

    One of the primary contributing factors to motorcyclist fatalities is speeding. According to NHTSA, 34% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were speeding, compared to 22% for passenger car drivers, 16% for light-truck drivers, and 7% for large-truck drivers. Motorcycle riders 25 to 29 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 45%.

    Alcohol impairment also plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities: 41% of the 2,158 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2020 nationwide were alcohol-impaired. In 2020, motorcycle riders involved (killed or survived) in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (27% for motorcycle riders, 23% for passenger car drivers, 19% for light-truck drivers, and 3% for large-truck drivers).

    Drivers also need to use caution around motorcycles. Intersections are particularly dangerous since drivers of passenger vehicles often fail to see on-coming motorcycles. Therefore, CDOT recommends drivers and motorcyclists alike to keep the following tips in mind to reduce crashes:

    • Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit
    • Drive and ride alcohol- and drug-free
    • Avoid distractions such as phones or anything else that takes your eyes off the road
    • Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections
    • Wear high-visibility personal protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets

    NHTSA data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017, and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.

  • Boating, state park and wildlife safety tips for Memorial Day weekend


    DENVER – As people gear up for an outdoor adventure this holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants to share a few expert outdoor tips on responsible recreation to help avoid a search and rescue scenario.

    Coloradans and the outdoor community play an integral role in keeping our landscapes healthy, living in harmony with wildlife and making the outdoors inclusive and welcoming to all.

    Know Before You Go
    Be aware of weather conditions, water temperatures and trail closures where you plan to visit. In Colorado, even late spring can bring snowstorms, strong winds and extremely cold water temperatures.

    • Camping reservations are required at Colorado state parks.
    • On a holiday weekend, expect lines and potential gate closures. Use the CPW Park Finder Tool to discover outdoor activities at each state park and to learn about park or trail closures.
    • Change your outdoor adventure based on the weather forecast. If the area you want to explore has bad weather, help yourself and our outdoor first responders by changing your outdoor plan to avoid hazardous conditions.
    • Download the COTREX app to find a list of outdoor opportunities in surrounding areas if your desired trailhead is crowded or closed.

    Life Jackets Save Lives
    As boat ramps open and warmer temperatures entice people to recreate on the water, CPW urges the public to wear life jackets while enjoying water sports like power boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing.

    Last year was the deadliest year on Colorado waters, and the majority of fatalities occurred from people swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. In honor of National Safe Boating Week, CPW is promoting safe boating tips to educate outdoor enthusiasts on how to take caution on Colorado waters.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    Spring can be a particularly sensitive time for wildlife since many species are nesting, having their young or coming out of hibernation.

    Be Careful with Fire
    Colorado’s low humidity has perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.

    • Use the website www.coemergency.com to find up-to-date information on county fire restrictions and bans.
    • When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers.
    • Never let a fire burn unattended or put hot coals in a dumpster.
    • Buying locally-sourced firewood can help prevent invasive critters from crossing state lines.

    For more information about Colorado state parks, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/.

    Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Read more about the Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how it benefits Colorado’s wildlife and the great outdoors at: cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.

  • Morgan Community College Closed Memorial Day

    Fort Morgan, CO. 05/24/2023.
    Morgan Community College (MCC) Fort Morgan campus and Centers will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. All locations will reopen on Tuesday, May 30.
     
    In addition, the Library, Testing Center, and Tutoring Center at the Fort Morgan campus will move to summer hours beginning Monday, May 30.
     
    Library:          
     
    Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Closed: weekends & holidays
     
    Testing Center:
     
        Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Closed: weekends & holidays
     
    Tutoring Center:
     
        Monday through Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Closed: weekends & holidays
     
    MCC staff and faculty honor those who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
     

  • County facilities closed for Memorial Day

    In observance of Memorial Day, Arapahoe County facilities will be closed on Monday, May 29.

  • Cherry Creek Reservoir sees historic water inflow levels

    East Lake View Road damaged by heavy rainfall
    DENVER, Colo. — Last week’s six-inches of rainfall over a three-day period caused Cherry Creek Reservoir to rise ten feet, the largest single-event increase in water levels since 1965.

    The only roadway bisecting the park, East Lake View Road, suffered the heaviest damage and washed out in two places. The road will remain closed indefinitely, as long-term repairs will be needed. Drivers can use East Cherry Creek Dam Road as an alternate route across the north side of the park.

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife is evaluating approximately 1,700 square feet of road and bank damage, ranging up to four feet deep. As high water flows continues and other draining culverts are inspected, more work may need to be completed in the impacted area.

    The high reservoir levels have submerged the east and west boat ramps. Only hand-launched vessels will be allowed until water levels recede. The swim beach is also underwater, as well as a few picnic areas on the east side of Cherry Creek State Park.

    Many hiking and biking trails are closed to users due to standing water. Park visitors using trails should avoid flooded areas and take extra precaution around storm drains.

    Park staff will not be able to assess the damage and safety of the affected areas until the standing water recedes. Closure updates and alerts will be communicated through the region twitter account and the park’s website.

    Drone footage taken Monday of the road damage can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/827056746?share=copy
     

    Cherry Creek State Park swim beach is underwater

    Right: Drone footage of the two washed out areas of East Lake View Road

  • State Patrol is Asking for Assistance in a Serious Injury Crash

  • Arapahoe County Administration Building: Closed Wednesday May 24

    ARAPAHOE COUNTY—May 24, 2023—Arapahoe County’s Administration Building at 5334 South Prince Street in Littleton will be closed Wednesday, May 24, due to a power outage. The building serves customers for the Assessor, Clerk and Recorder (Motor Vehicle, Marriage License, Passports and Public Records), Liquor Licensing and Treasurer. 
     
    All other County buildings remain open and are providing services. Many services provided at the Administration office can be accessed on the County’s website at www.arapahoegov.com.