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Category: Front Page

  • Greeley Air National Guard Station Open House

    Guard Space unit at Greeley Air National Guard Station hosts open house for community, partners

     

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 233rd Space Group, Colorado Air National Guard, will host an open housefor Northern Colorado communities at Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley, Colorado, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., April 30, 2024.

    The open house event will serve as an opportunity to learn about the GANGS and meet key leaders from the community and the Colorado National Guard.

    “Greeley Air National Guard Station and the 233rd Space Group have a huge local, state and national level impact, yet many in the community don’t know we’re here, what we do or how we can contribute,” U.S. Air Force Col. Stephanie Figueroa, 233rd commander, said. “As an Air National Guard unit, it’s important to me and the Airmen of the 233rd that we continue to serve the communities we live in by building partnerships locally and sharing and capitalizing on their expertise.”

    The 233rd is comprised of nearly 400 Airmen consisting of dual status technicians, Active Guard and Reserve, and traditional guard members. Its mission is to provide the National Command Authority and the joint war fighter with vital global missile warning and attack information through a mobile, survivable and endurable capability.

    These space professionals, along with 600 more based in 7 states, one territory, and the District of Columbia, who perform or support space missions every day, remain unaligned with the U.S. Space Force.  Establishing a Space National Guard will integrate NG space units and align efforts under one service, reduce bureaucracy, enable common space warfighter culture, and can be accomplished within existing NG resources.  The alternative of transferring these ANG units to the USSF would cost taxpayers about $1B.

     

    The 233d Space Group is comprised of the 138th Space Control Squadron, 137th Space Warning Squadron, 233d Space Communications Squadron, 233d Security Forces Squadron, and 233d Logistics Readiness Flight.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with CONG leadership, state and local community leaders, government officials and representatives from police and fire departments, school leaders, members of the American Legion, National Fire Service, and Chambers of Commerce.

    Registration is required for all attendees. Please visit: https://tinyurl.com/GANGSopenhouse

    In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to May 2, 2024.

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to meet May 1 – 2

    MONTROSE, Colo. – At a hybrid meeting in Montrose, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will open for consideration changes to allow the use of artificial light for wolves causing damage, allowing pooled grazers to apply for wolf permits and compensation, and defining domestic bison as livestock.

    The Commission will also consider the adoption of all limited license numbers for black bear, deer, elk, pronghorn and moose for all game management units in the state that have limited licenses for these species for the 2024 big game seasons. The second step of a three-step process considering changes to the 5-year big game season structure for 2025-2029 is also on the agenda.

    The Commission will also consider adopting regulations for disqualification factors when participating in the Landowner Preference Program under CRS 33-4-103 and adopting regulations to implement SB23-059, Local Access Funding to State Parks and Wildlife Areas.

    The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Wed., May 1 and recess at 2 p.m. The Commission will reconvene at 8 a.m. on Thur., May 2 and adjourn at 5:20 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page.

    Additional agenda items include:

    • Department of Natural Resources Update
    • Department of Agriculture Update
    • Financial Update
    • Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes – Brunot Treaty Area and Tribal Hunting
    • Wolverine Update
    • Wolf Update
    • Ridgway State Park Update
    • 2025 OHV Grant Recommendations
    • Discussion of Commission Officer Elections
    • Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program
    • Draw Process Workshop

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

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

  • CDOT’s safety guide for 420 celebrations

    April 17, 2024 – Colorado – Law enforcement on high alert for impaired drivers

    Guía de CDOT para celebrar con seguridad el 420 en español

    Video, graphics and data assets for media are available by contacting .

    Statewide — The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding those partaking in cannabis-inspired events this April 20 to plan ahead, drive sober and use rideshare or other alternatives to driving impaired. Although the number of people who report driving after using cannabis is down, in 2022 there were 101 traffic deaths in Colorado that involved cannabis above the legal limit.

    In the coming days Colorado will once again play host to an assortment of events such as 420 on the Rocks and The Mile High 420 Festival. As heavy cannabis consumption coincides with these events, CDOT is offering important planning and safety tips to consumers.

    Drive High, Get a DUI

    You can get a DUI for driving under the influence of cannabis, and the primary mode of detection is roadside impairment testing. CDOT, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and statewide law enforcement agencies are currently conducting the Spring Events impaired-driving enforcement period through April 24.

    The law states that if you are impaired to the slightest degree, you can be arrested — no matter what the substance. That is why Colorado law enforcement officers are increasingly trained to identify drivers impaired by alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. Colorado currently has 136 law enforcement certified as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). In addition, many Colorado law enforcement officers have received special training in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).Law enforcement officers base arrests on observed impairment.

    Mixing Amplifies Impairment

    Mixing cannabis and alcohol, or any other impairing substance, enhances the impairing effects of both and can be especially dangerous on the road.

    Research shows that users are more likely to drive — or take other risks — after using both substances than after consuming marijuana alone. You can get a DUI even if you’re under the legal limit of both alcohol and cannabis. A report by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) published in July 2023 analyzed 2020 data from more than 21,000 impaired driving cases filed in Colorado and found that 75% of people with Delta-9 THC detected in their system also had some other substance present. Alcohol and cannabis were the most common co-occurring substances. In 2022, 29% of the fatal crashes that tested for more than one drug tested positive for multiple impairing substances.

    How Long to Wait

    Everyone is different, and experience levels and consumption methods will impact your impairment. Here are some general guidelines:

    • Wait at least six hours after smoking cannabis containing less than 35 mg of THC before driving or performing other safety-sensitive activities. If you’ve smoked more than 35 mg, you need to wait longer.
    • Wait at least eight hours after eating or drinking cannabis containing less than 18 mg of THC before driving. If you’ve eaten more than 18 mg, wait longer.
    • If you’re mixing cannabis with alcohol, you need to wait even longer.
    • Given these long wait times, it is always best to plan ahead for a sober ride home.

    Know What You’re Consuming

    Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the most commonly found psychoactive and impairing substance in cannabis products in Colorado. However, products sold at dispensaries, along with some sold on the general market, may also contain other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBG or others. Some are psychoactive, some may not be, but don’t assume that if it’s not THC, it won’t impair your ability to drive.

    “It is a big week for marijuana consumers in Colorado, and we want to prevent anyone from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been consuming cannabis, alcohol or other drugs,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “We’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly. Driving high is illegal, and any amount of impairment puts you at risk for a DUI.”

    CDOT’s Meet The Effects awareness campaignwill be active in broadcast, digital, print and out-of-home media from April to June. The campaign educates consumers about marijuana-impaired driving by personifying how cannabis negatively impacts driving performance.

    Meet the Effects Speed Slip Ups graphic. CDOT’s new ad campaign will highlight the impairing effects of cannabis.
    CDOT’s new ad campaign will highlight the impairing effects of cannabis

    Crash Not Accident

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

  • 4/20 – A Time To Celebrate Responsibly

  • Adams County News – Recycling in Adams County is Easier This Earth Day

    Residents can celebrate Earth Day by signing up for recycling at their homes, a service now available in all parts of unincorporated Adams County.
    In February, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously approved an ordinance that requires all trash collection providers operating in unincorporated Adams County to offer curbside recycling services to their residential and commercial customers. The ordinance does not mandate what trash providers can charge for recycling services paid by the resident or business.
    Extensive research and community input found lack of convenient access to recycling services in unincorporated parts of the county was a top barrier to diverting waste from the landfill. In a residential survey, respondents overwhelmingly reported recycling was a worthwhile effort and believed Adams County should do more to increase access to recycling services and programs in unincorporated areas. Only 30% of the survey respondents believed households in their community had access to convenient recycling services.
    “Residents told us recycling is important to them, but many in unincorporated Adams didn’t have access to services at their homes. Now, those residents can enroll in curbside recycling through their preferred trash collection company if they choose,” said BoCC Chair, Emma Pinter. “What a great way to celebrate Earth Day, signing up for a recycling service for the first time!”
    The development of the Waste Hauler Licensing Ordinance is part of Adams County’s efforts to increase recycling and waste diversion rates across unincorporated areas from approximately 16% in 2022, to 40% by 2034. The county’s efforts align with the Sustainable Adams County 2030 Plan and the state’s goal of 39% waste diversion by 2026, and 51% diversion by 2036 along the Front Range.
    Adams County received a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Front Range Waste Diversion (FRWD) program to pursue this project and develop the Solid Waste Hauler Licensing Ordinance.
    Residents and businesses in unincorporated Adams County should contact their waste hauler to find out more about curbside recycling services and costs. More information about recycling and other waste reduction initiatives can be found at adcogov.org/recycling-and-waste-diversion.
  • Conversation with Commissioner Baker

    Arapahoe County and the Sheriff’s Office invite residents to join a conversation with County representatives 
       
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—April 8, 2024— Arapahoe County District Three Commissioner Jeff Baker along with special guests, Animal Services Field Supervisor Alyssa Haden and Arapahoe County Sheriff Kenneth C. McKlem, Bureau Chief, Public Safety, invite residents for a Conversation with the Commissioner on Wednesday, April 10, from 6-7:30 p.m. 
    During this informal conversation, Baker, McKlem and Haden will provide updates in response to requests from residents in eastern Arapahoe County who are concerned about law enforcement and animal service issues. Following a brief presentation, they will answer questions from the public. 
    Who:                                 Arapahoe County Commissioner Jeff Baker, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau Chief Kenneth McKlem and Alyssa Haden, Animal Services Field Supervisor 

    What:                                Conversation with the Commissioner 

    When:                              Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. 
    Where:                             American Legion in Byers, 278 W. Front St. Byers, CO 80103 
    Photo Opportunities:    Commissioner Baker, Bureau Chief McKlem, and Supervisor Hayden from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office meeting with community members 
  • MCC Fort Morgan Campus Limited Services April 12

    The Morgan Community College (MCC) Fort Morgan campus will provide limited services on Friday, April 12, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM due to scheduled professional development training for faculty and staff. During this time, MCC Student Services staff will be available in the Welcome Center, located by entering Cottonwood Hall from the east side of campus or by phone at (970) 542-3100.  The Center locations in Bennett, Burlington, Limon, and Wray will be closed.
    The campus will resume normal operations and reopen on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
    MCC appreciates the community’s understanding and apologizes for any inconvenience.
  • Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

    The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC) is one of several ways that USDA is extending support and building frameworks to support urban agriculture, including issues of equity, climate resilience and nutrition access.

    The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create this committee to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture.

    Twelve members are appointed the Committee for one to three-year terms by the Secretary of Agriculture. The members represent a diverse set of expertise including urban production, innovative production, higher education, non-profit, finance, business and economic development, supply chain, and other areas related to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices.

    The Committee will host public meetings to deliberate on advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on ways USDA can support urban agriculture and innovative production.

    Fact Sheet: Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

    A person walking near flowers with a rainbow in the background
  • CONG News Release: Colorado Air National Guard State Command Chief changes responsibility

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Colorado Air National Guard 140th Wing State Command Chief U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Edward Hauschild will pass responsibility to U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Jenkins in a Change of Responsibility ceremony  at 2:00 p.m., April 6, 2024, Hangar 909, Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.

    Assistant Adjutant General, Air U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. D. Micah “Zeus” Fesler will serve as the presiding official at the ceremony.

    The State Command Chief represents the highest level of Air enlisted leadership and is the principal advisor to the commander of the COANG.  Responsibilities include readiness, operational utilization, professional development, morale, and welfare of more than 1,600 COANG Airmen.

    “I have been reflecting so much on what these last 33 years of military service means to me, and I know how blessed I am to have served along some of America’s finest,” Hauschild said. “I will always cherish these experiences and thank every fellow service member for their contributions to making me the best person I could be.”

    Hauschild enlisted in the Air Force in April 1991 as a munitions systems specialist. He served nine years on active duty while stationed at four different Air Force bases before joining the COANG in 2000.

    He went on to serve as the 140th munitions superintendent, the 140th equipment maintenance superintendent, the 140th maintenance group superintendent, and the 140th Wing command chief prior to his current position as the state command chief.

    Jenkins enlisted in the Active Duty Air Force in June 1999 as a tactical air control party. He served 10 years on active duty and conducted numerous combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He joined the COANG in 2009, where he held several positions, including patient administration non-commissioned officer in charge, search and extraction flight chief, Medical Support Squadron superintendent, and Detachment 1 superintendent in support of Colorado’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package.

    In 2013, he served a tour in support of the Colorado Joint Counterdrug Task Force where he served as the senior enlisted advisor responsible for overseeing all departments which included civil operations, administration staff, aviation support, criminal analysts, and ground reconnaissance/surveillance specialists in support of local, state and federal drug task forces. Prior to his current position, Jenkins was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 140th Maintenance Group.

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to meet April 5

    DENVER—The Parks and Wildlife Commission will hold a hybrid “Special Commission Meeting” in Denver on April 5, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to begin at noon and adjourn at 5:30 p.m.

    The meeting’s complete agenda and reference materials are now posted and can be viewed online on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission webpage. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page.

    The Commission will discuss the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) staff recommendations and receive public comment. Additional agenda items include:

    • Wildlife corridors
    • Lesser Prairie Chickens
    • Beaver management

    Details on providing public comments for hybrid meetings are available on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the commission at . Written comments must be provided by April 3, 2024, to be received by the Commission before the meeting.

    The Commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can listen to commission meetings (live or archived) through the CPW website. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the agency’s parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation programs. Learn more about the commission on the CPW website.