Category: Front Page

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.

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 

June 19, 2024 – CBI –  Alamosa, CO – The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is investigating a law enforcement shooting in Alamosa that left a suspect with non-life threatening injuries. On Wednesday June 19, 2024, at approximately 12:06 am, (just after midnight) an Alamosa Sheriff’s deputy attempted to contact a red Ford Explorer driving carelessly in a Safeway Parking lot. The driver attempted to elude, and a pursuit ensued, with two other deputies assisting. The driver drove over a grassy median into a residential area, where the driver then got of his SUV and ran on foot. An Alamosa Deputy verbally engaged an adult male in the 1200 block of 3rd St, later identified as Justin Claude Trujillo, DOB 7/24/1995. The male produced a handgun and fired at least one shot. All three deputies returned fire, striking Trujillo two times, once in the abdomen and once in the leg.  Alamosa deputies provided medical intervention, and then took him into custody. Trujillo was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Colorado Springs, where he is in stable condition. The suspect will face the following charges: Criminal Attempt, murder in the first degree of a peace officer (F2)                                Assault in the first degree (F3)                                                                                    Vehicular Eluding (F5)                                                                                                Menacing (F5)                                                                                                          Possession of a Weapon by Previous Offender (F5) All three deputies have been placed on Administrative Leave pending the investigation. Below is a previous mugshot of suspect Justin Claude Trujillo.

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 

The bikeway will offer a low-stress bicycling experience  

and increase safety for cyclists 

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 4, 2024—Arapahoe County will begin construction this week on Inverness Drive West bikeway where crews will add a bikeway and three roundabouts. This is the first of several project planned to provide additional regional cycling opportunities between Denver and Lone Tree. 

 

Planned improvements include: 

·         A six-foot-wide bike lane with a two-foot-wide buffer on each side of Inverness Drive West for most of the length of the project. 

·         A ten-foot-wide multi-use path separated from the roadway by a landscape buffer to complete segments where the on-street bike lane will not be constructed (such as at the ends of the corridor and through roundabout intersections. 

·         New lighting along both sides of Inverness Drive West for the length of the project. 

·         New roundabouts near the UC Health driveway, Inverness Lane West, and the northern Homewood Suites driveway. 

·         Repaving Inverness Drive West between Inverness Main Street and Inverness Drive East. 

·         Improved drainage and landscaping. 

·         Enhanced signage. 

 

The $7 million project is jointly funded by federal funds through the Colorado Department of Transportation and local funding through Arapahoe County, Inverness Metropolitan District, City of Centennial, and Southeast Public Improvement Metro District.

These improvements are expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

For more information on this project visit: Inverness Drive West Transportation Improvements. 

Take a step back in time in Arapahoe County 

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 4, 2024— Arapahoe County hosts “Wool spinning” at the historic 160-year-old 17 Mile House Farm Park on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

The free event offers an experience of what life was like from living historians, interactive education programs, and interpretive artifact displays. Featured events will be wool carding by hand and dyeing sheep’s wool.  

Open House event includes: 

·         Educational program with speaker and live demonstrations.  

·         Family-friendly crafts to take home. 

·         Guided 15-minute tour of the historic farmhouse and barn. 

 

For more information visit: 17 Mile House Farm Park 

Who:     Arapahoe County  

What:   17 Mile House presents “Wool Spinning” 

When:  Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.- 12 P.M.  

Where: 17 Mile House Farm Park 8181 S. Parker Rd., Centennial CO 80016 

Visuals: Families stepping back in time, learning about life over 100 years ago through interactive education programs. 

DENVER — Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera returned home today after being admitted to the hospital late Wednesday evening for treatment due to an infection in her arm.

“While I had different plans in mind for Memorial Day weekend, I’m grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided me with incredible care during my treatment for an unexpected infection. I came home today in good spirits and filled with gratitude. Thank you for all the well wishes and to the many dedicated health care professionals statewide who continually answer the call to serve their community. I’m looking forward to continuing my work alongside Governor Polis to ensure that all Coloradans have access to high quality and affordable healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Primavera and the Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care.

“We are all glad that Dianne is recovering at home and know she’ll be back stronger than ever,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Lt. Governor Primavera leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, the Office of eHealth Innovation, the Colorado Disability Funding Committee and Disability Policy, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Serve Colorado, and Aerospace and Defense. She previously served eight years in the Colorado House of Representatives and has led the Office of the Lt. Governor since the administration took office in January 2019.

Aquatic nuisance species such as zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails and Eurasian watermilfoil wreak havoc on ecosystems, outdoor recreation, and the economy. Grand Junction, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will be operating three roadside watercraft inspection & decontamination check stations on the interstates this upcoming holiday weekend. These check stations will be implemented at the eastbound weigh station at the Loma Port of Entry on I-70, the northbound weigh station at the Trinidad Port of Entry on I-25, and the westbound weigh station at the Ft. Morgan Port of Entry on I-76. The purpose of these mandatory check stations is to stop any vessel with the potential to transport invasive plants and animals from entering the state’s waters in order to reduce negative impacts to natural resources and outdoor recreation. Inspecting watercraft at ports of entry helps ensure Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs remain free of highly destructive aquatic nuisance species (ANS). “Historically, Memorial Day Weekend is very popular for boating and we are expecting a large number of boats to be entering or returning to Colorado,” said Robert Walters, CPW Invasive Species Program Manager. “We want to assure the public that CPW will do its best to get everyone checked efficiently, and we thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Cooperation from boaters is vital for CPW’s work to protect Colorado’s waters.” CPW encourages boaters to plan ahead and add additional time when creating their travel plans this weekend. To help expedite the inspection process and minimize impacts to their travel, boaters are encouraged to do the following: Minimize the amount of gear and equipment stored in your vessel during transport. Be prepared to remove any and all covers on the vessel to allow for inspection. Clean, drain, and dry vessels prior to arrival at the station. Watercraft found to have mud, plants, water, or mussels during inspection will be subject to decontamination. Read CPW’s Guide to ANS Inspections. In the first two months of roadside inspections this year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff has intercepted seven watercraft that were fouled with invasive mussels. The mussels were collected, and the vessels were decontaminated prior to being released. “It’s important to remember that transporting invasive mussels into Colorado is illegal and stopping at check stations is required,” said Walters. “We need boaters’ help and compliance with these mandatory check stations to ensure invasive mussels are not allowed to further establish within our state.” Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds boaters that boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are mandatory in Colorado. Any motorboat and sailboat entering Colorado waters must have an ANS Stamp prior to launching. To learn more or purchase an ANS Stamp, visit CPW’s website.

43.8 million Americans to travel over holiday period.

DENVER (May 21, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 or more miles from home over the Memorial Day travel period from Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27, 2024. That represents a 4% increase over last year and, in a mark of how far the travel economy has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2.33% increase over 2019. All told, this Memorial Day will be the second busiest on record. “The busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades is set to kick off what will likely be a historically well-traveled summer,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Remember that travel is fundamentally about economics: Despite stubborn inflation and storm clouds on the international horizon, consumer interest in travel is surging – with trips abroad reaching their highest level in recent memory.” Economic trends influencing the national travel forecast • Consumer resilience is evident as spending growth continues, with a notable increase of approximately 5.2% over the previous year. • Real GDP growth has remained modest, with a slight uptick of around 2.5% from last year, reflecting a slow but steady economic movement. • Consumer sentiment has significantly improved over 2023, soaring by 17.4%. • At a national level, gas prices for April have remained in the same range as previous years’ figures, averaging $3.63.

Auto Travel & Colorado Gas Prices AAA projects nearly 38.4 million will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The national number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. During last year’s holiday weekend, Colorado gas prices averaged $3.47 per gallon. Today, the state average is $3.35 – with prices expected to climb in the wake of Colorado’s major refinery’s recent switch to the production of Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) as part of an EPA mandate  stemming from severe ozone pollution on the Northern Front Range. “Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump as the summer driving season gets underway,” McKinley said. “While much will be written about RFG, the real wildcard remains the cost of oil and there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the markets.” Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers . AAA expects 3.51 million Americans to travel by air this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally recovered from 9/11. Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains . AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic,” McKinley said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Leading the charge is the resurgence in both ocean and river cruising, which came back extremely strong and continue to gain popularity with nearly every demographic.” Costs Stabilize According to AAA booking data, the average price for a round-trip domestic flight will cost $778. That’s 2% more than last year’s holiday weekend. International flights are 4% more expensive – averaging $1485 for a round-trip ticket. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover. In reviewing all hotel bookings with AAA, domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The total average cost per stay (which can be multiple nights) is $500. International hotels are about the same as last year. The average cost per stay is $660. Domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. Average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $439. International car rentals are 16% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. Average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $617. • Cities with the highest rental demand this Memorial Day weekend are Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas. • The busiest pick-up dates are Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24, with rental reservations averaging five days in length. • The most popular vehicle classes reserved for Memorial Day weekend are mid-size and full-size sedans and small and mid-size SUVs. Denver Among Top Destinations Denver ranks sixth among domestic destinations, as travelers flock here to access other parts of Colorado and the American west via Denver International Airport. Otherwise, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. Congestion INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak. The worst congestion in Colorado will be on southbound I-25 from Fort Collins to Denver on Sunday at 4:15pm – with a travel time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, or 56% above normal. Travel Trends As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified emerging trends in: • Bucket Lists: Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips and working through their wish-lists. • Milestones: Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips. • Asia: More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan. • Solo Trips: More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves or with other like-minded individuals. • Luxury Vacations: More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours. • Trains: Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe. • Adventure in Nature: Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific. Travel Agent Survey A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips: • Travel Insurance: 51% of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips. • Cruises: 77% of agents say travelers are interested in ocean cruises and 67% say river cruises. • All-Inclusive: 70% of agents say travelers are interested in all-inclusive vacations. Methodology In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000. Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken. The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024. AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).

I-70 will be closed in both directions the night of May 13 between Colfax Avenue and Tower Road in Aurora. The closure will allow crews to do final work on the pedestrian bridge over the interstate just east of Tower Road.

The westbound closure will take place during nighttime hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and the eastbound closure will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Eastbound traffic will be directed off I-70 at the Tower Road exit, then will follow the detour south on Tower Road and east on Colfax Avenue to return to I-70. Westbound traffic will be directed to exit I-70 at Colfax Avenue and will follow the detour west on Colfax Avenue, then north on Tower Road to return to I-70. Detour signage will be in place to guide traffic around the closure during this time.

This work is part of the Aurora High Line Canal Trail improvement project, further activities will continue through its anticipated completion in spring 2024. Project information can be found at AuroraGov.org/HLCT.