Category: Front Page

By EMMA H. TOBIN
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) _ Is it OK to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic?

It depends on the situation and your comfort level, but there are ways to minimize the risk of infection this Halloween.

Whether you feel comfortable with your children trick-or-treating could depend on factors including how high the COVID-19 transmission rate is in your area and if the people your kids will be exposed to are vaccinated.

But trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity that makes it easy to maintain a physical distance, notes Emily Sickbert-Bennett, an infectious disease expert at the University of North Carolina. To prevent kids crowding in front of doors, she suggests neighbors coordinating to spread out trick-or-treating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says outdoor activities are safer for the holidays, and to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. If you attend a party inside, the agency says people who aren’t vaccinated _ including children who aren’t yet eligible for the shots _ should wear a well-fitting mask, not just a Halloween costume mask. In areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, even the fully vaccinated should wear masks inside.

It’s generally safe for children to ring doorbells and collect candy, since the coronavirus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and the risk of infection from surfaces is considered low. But it’s still a good idea to bring along hand sanitizer that kids can use before eating treats.

For adults, having a mask on hand when you open the door to pass out candy is important.

“You probably won’t necessarily know until you open the door how many people will be out there, whether they’ll be wearing masks, what age they’ll be, and how great they’ll be at keeping distance from you,” Sickbert-Bennett says.

Another option if you want want to be extra cautious: Set up candy bowls away from front doors.

CPW Wildlife Officer Corey Adler with an injured golden eagle that was rehabilitated at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center’s raptor facility in Pueblo.

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is announcing the application period for Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants is now open.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants are offered by CPW to support wildlife rehabilitation efforts across the state. Grant amounts are for a minimum of $1,000 and are awarded with the goal of maximizing wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Colorado. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 23, 2021.

Since the grant program’s inception in 2018, 27 grants totaling more than $53,000 have been awarded to Colorado wildlife rehabilitation facilities. 

“It’s not uncommon for wildlife rehabilitation centers to serve a 50-mile or more radius,” said Jim Guthrie, Program Coordinator for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants program. “Grants to date have helped facilities, which rely heavily on volunteer time and donations, to expand or upgrade enclosures for injured animals to recover, purchase needed medical and food supplies, and in some cases allow a new facility to get up and running.”   

Find out more about the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants program on the CPW website.

To be eligible for Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a wildlife rehabilitator currently licensed by CPW
• In general, grant funds can only be used for species authorized under the applicable wildlife rehabilitation license
• Per the authorizing statute, the minimum grant award is $1,000. Please note, the total estimated funding available for the 2021 round of funding is $16,000.

This grant program was created through House Bill 17-1250. This update to Colorado law replaced the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Cash Fund with the Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Cash Fund. Funding for Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants is primarily from the nongame tax check-off program, along with fines from nongame wildlife-based offenses and interest income. For the first $250,000 raised annually through the nongame check-off, 10 percent is allocated to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant program, which aims to provide funding specifically for wildlife rehabilitation centers.

A board established by HB 17-1250 reviews applications and sets funding recommendations. The board is comprised of seven members, each appointed by the CPW Director, who serve staggered three-year terms. 

To facilitate wildlife rehabilitation in Colorado, CPW awards funds in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. Regular operational expenses and capital improvements are both eligible for funding. Rehabilitation of both game and nongame species is eligible; but exotic species are not. Awardees must execute an agreement with CPW to receive a grant, and work done under the grant must be performed or managed by the grantee. Matching funds are not required, and applicants do not have to be a 501(c)(3) organization.

After funding decisions have been made, CPW will make information on grant recipients, award amounts and grant annual reports available on its website. For more information on the grant program and application materials, please visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants page.

STATEWIDE (October 29, 2021) — CDPHE encourages parents and guardians to make a plan for getting their 5-11-year-old children vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet Nov. 2 to discuss the recommendation for this age group, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will then make a final recommendation.

 

Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help avoid the worst outcomes — severe illness, hospitalization, and death — among those who do become infected. CDPHE launched a new web page with information and resources about COVID-19 vaccinations in this age group, and additional information will be added when available.

 

“Being able to vaccinate 5-11-year-old children will be a crucial step in our COVID-19 response,” said Dr. Eric France, Chief Medical Officer, CDPHE. “Vaccines are the best protection against COVID-19, and we are excited to be able to offer this additional protection to more children in Colorado soon. We are rolling out a statewide campaign to ensure vaccines for this age group are readily available and easy for Coloradans to access.”

 

Parents and guardians can begin considering where they can get their children vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11-year-olds will be available at many of the same places administering vaccines right now — doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community vaccination events, local public health clinics, school-based health clinics, and more. Planning is also underway with partners to offer several large, recurring vaccine clinics during evening hours and weekends. Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act entitles people to paid time off from work to take their child to a vaccine appointment or care for them if they experience vaccine side effects.

 

CDPHE encourages parents and guardians to talk with their children about the vaccine and the vaccination process in advance of their appointment. It is normal for children to have questions about vaccines or to be nervous about receiving one, and it can be helpful to empower them in the decision making process by involving them in decisions such as which arm they would like the vaccine in, or what they would like to listen to or watch on the way to the appointment. Helpful information for talking with children about vaccines can be found from trusted sources like CDC, CDPHE, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website.

 

Additional information about vaccines for 5-11-year-olds is available in Governor Polis’ press conference this week.

 

CDPHE also reminds parents and guardians to review COVID-19 Halloween guidance that includes tips and tricks for a safe holiday weekend — stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, wear a COVID-19 protective mask, and encourage friends and family to participate in smaller, outdoor gatherings.

 

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is issuing a warning that your dog chasing wildlife is illegal and dog owners may be cited for it. The warning comes after two separate incidents in unincorporated Jefferson County where dogs mortally wounded deer.

Whether it is your dog attacking wildlife, or a dog chasing wildlife, both actions are illegal and hefty fines can come with it.

“People may forget that their pet dog is a predator and they can injure and kill wildlife if not properly controlled,” said Wildlife Officer Joe Nicholson. “Dog owners are liable for the damage they cause to wildlife.”

Dog owners can be cited for negligently allowing their dog to harass wildlife, which carries a $274 fine, including surcharges. If a dog attack leads to the death of wildlife, the owner can be cited for illegal take. The fine associated with the illegal take would be $959 for deer and $1,370 for elk, including surcharges.

The two incidents in Jefferson County involved dogs mortally wounding doe (female) deer. In one of the incidents near Evergreen on Oct. 20, the dog owner was cited for both illegal take of the deer and for negligently allowing their dog to harass wildlife. The second incident also involved a dog mortally wounding a deer, but that dog and its owner have not been identified.

Dogs that chase wild animals can cause them extreme stress and injuries from bites. If that occurs in late winter, many big game animals susceptible to dog harassment are pregnant females. As they run to escape, deer and elk expend crucial energy that can lead to an increase in the mortality rate of the animals or their unborn calves and fawns.

Dogs that chase or harass wild animals are a serious concern any time of year; however, it is during wintertime when the consequences become more harmful for many big game animals.

“By winter, deer and elk are just trying to survive the snow and lack of forage,” Nicholson said. “If dogs chase them, they quickly expend their already limited fat stores, leading to poor health and eventual death from starvation. That is what we are trying to prevent.”

Wildlife managers say that although it may be legal to let dogs run free in some recreation areas, they strongly recommend keeping pets on a leash whenever encounters with animals are likely.

“The stress and injuries caused by dogs are concerns, but so are conflicts,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “Each year, we investigate numerous incidents in which a person is injured by a wild animal. A common factor in many of these situations is that the victim’s dog first approached or harassed the animal.”

Lamb adds that because moose see dogs as a predatory threat, the large ungulates will aggressively try to stomp any dog that approaches it, often chasing it back to its owner who then becomes the target of the angry moose.

There have been at least four moose attacks this year in Colorado – three of which had dogs involved – that resulted in injuries to humans.

In addition, Lamb warns that mountain lions, bears or coyotes can easily make a meal of a dog.

“Predators do not differentiate between their natural prey and a dog,” said Lamb. “You don’t want to be in a situation where you watch your pet being eaten. The best way to keep this from occurring is to either keep the pet close to you on a short leash, or leave it at home if you are heading to an area where you might encounter wildlife.”

In addition to keeping dogs on a leash or at home, CPW has other suggestions for viewing and enjoying wildlife in a safe and ethical manner.

“Watch wild animals from a distance with binoculars, a camera lens or a spotting scope,” Lamb said. “Remember, if the animal reacts to you or your dog, you are definitely too close.”

To report any instance of dogs chasing wildlife, the public can call their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or Colorado State Patrol. CPW’s Denver office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at 303-291-7227.

For more information about living with wildlife, please visit us online by clicking here.

DENVER – Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 – The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) will celebrate National Weatherization Day on October 30 to close out National Energy Awareness Month. CEO administers the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides pathways for qualified, energy-burdened rural, suburban and urban households in Colorado to access energy efficiency and renewable energy. 

 

Since 1976, the WAP has increased residential energy efficiency, reduced energy expenditures, and improved home health and safety for Colorado households, especially vulnerable populations. The WAP, along with its funding partners, has served approximately 150,000 homes in the state since its inception and will serve 1,860 homes this program year. The WAP also provides training and local jobs in communities throughout Colorado.

 

CEO works with six local agencies to provide weatherization services in all 64 counties. Local service providers include Arapahoe County Weatherization Division, Energy Outreach Colorado, Energy Resource Center, Housing Resources of Western Colorado, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments and Pueblo County Department of Housing and Human Services. A map of WAP service provider areas and agency contact information can be found here. 

 

Gov. Jared Polis signed a proclamation declaring October 30 Weatherization Day in Colorado.

DENVER (AP) _ A federal judge issued a restraining order against a suburban Denver county’s policy allowing parents to opt their children out of a mask mandate at school, finding the rule violates the rights of students with disabilities who are vulnerable to COVID-19.

U.S. District Judge John L. Kane on Tuesday called the Douglas County Board of Health order that allowed parents to opt their children out of mask-wearing a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal access to education for all.

Kane’s order came after the Douglas County School District filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Board of Health order on behalf of nine students with disabilities, The Denver Post reported. The district argued that a lack of universal masking placed those students at high risk of severe disease.

It also challenged a relaxation of quarantine rules for students suspected of having the coronavirus.

Kane set a Nov. 8 hearing in the case.

Witches are among us. You just won’t find them wearing pointy hats, riding broomsticks, or boiling eye of newt in a cauldron — not the real ones, at least.

Unfortunately, not every city encourages a charmed lifestyle, so where should you live if you want to cast spells and brew potions?

With Halloween shaping up to be extra enchanting this year, Lawn Love did a little data magick to conjure up 2021’s Best Cities for Witches.

We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on access to tarot readers, astrology classes, and, of course, covens. We also looked for cities brimming with natural healers, herbalists, and metaphysical supply stores.

Check out the 10 witchiest (and 10 most cursed) cities below, followed by surprising findings from our report.

2021’s Best Cities for Witches

1. New York, NY
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Pasadena, CA
4. Jersey City, NJ
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Orange, CA
7. Hollywood, FL
8. Seattle, WA
9. Torrance, CA
10. Fullerton, CA

2021’s Worst Cities for Witches

1. (191) Sunrise Manor, NV
2. (192) Enterprise, NV
3. (193) Olathe, KS
4. (194) Toledo, OH
5. (195) Brownsville, TX
6. (196) Jackson, MS
7. (196) Amarillo, TX
8. (198) Lubbock, TX
9. (199) Moreno Valley, CA
10. (200) Laredo, TX

Surprising findings:

• Bewitched in The Big Apple: The City That Never Sleeps is also the city of spells and sorcery: New York City bubbled up to the top spot in our ranking. As No. 1 overall, as well as No. 1 in both Covens and Supplies, it’s not hard to see why “The Witches of New York” flew ahead of other magickal cities. The Big Apple has plenty of witchy groups to join and supply shops to help you brew potions and cast spells. NYC is also home to Witchsfest USA, an annual festival where witches from around the country meet and participate in local workshops.
• Spellbound in SoCal: Los Angeles has more than movie magic. With more than 3,800 members in its Pagans & Witches Network and growing, the City of Angels takes silver in this ranking, while its suburb, Pasadena, claims bronze. LA ranked high in Covens (No. 2) and Supplies (No. 3), meaning there are plenty of fellow witches to meet and supply stores to provide for all your witchcraft needs. On the other hand, Pasadena ranked second in both Health and Spirituality, thanks to the city’s abundance of healers, herbalists, tarot readers, and supernatural experts. 

  Nearby Orange (No. 6 overall) also ranked high in Spirituality (No. 4) and Health (No. 5) with plenty of psychics to consult and reiki healers to restore your energy. Torrance (No. 9) and Fullerton (No. 10) round out our top 10, with Torrance placing first in the Health category, owing to its many healers and yoga classes. 

• Pacific Coast Paganism: San Francisco (No. 5) continues the witchy vibes of the West Coast. The Golden City ranked high for its Supplies (No. 2) due to a high number of mineral, herb, and candle shops.San Fran isn’t the only city in the West that’s suitable for seasoned witches, though. Its northern neighbor Seattle (No. 8) ranked high for its number of Covens, reaching No. 3 in that category with more than 1,600 members in its local Witches Meetup group.

Our full ranking and analysis can be found here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-cities-for-witches/   

Thankfully, you don’t need magic to have a nice lawn. Lawn Love pros across the country are ready to cast a spell on your landscape and transform your backyard into a haven for relaxation or your favorite late-night rituals.

More from Lawn Love:

• 2021’s Best Cities for Vampires
• 2021’s Best Cities for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse
• 2021’s Best Cities for Yard and Garage Sales
• 2021’s Best Cities for Outdoor Yoga
• 2021’s Best Cities for Outdoor Movies
• 2021’s Best Cities to Resell Clothes
• 2021’s Best Cities for Beer Lovers

Kids three times more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween

DENVER (Oct. 28, 2021) – Halloween is one of the top three most dangerous days of the year for overall pedestrian injuries and fatalities, according to a AAA analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. Moreover, it is is the single deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians, who are three times more likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year, per NHTSA.

A 2019 study in Jama Pediatrics previously found that children between the ages of four and eight are 10 times more likely to be killed on Halloween than any other fall evening – and that 6 to 7 p.m. is the holiday’s single deadliest hour. With upwards of ninety percent of crashes caused by human error, including drinking and texting while driving, Halloween presents an important opportunity for drivers to remember that vulnerable lives are in their hands whenever they’re behind the wheel.

“You can prevent Halloween from becoming a nightmare with a few steps to keep our kids and community safe,” said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley. “Parents should take the time to make their children’s costumes highly visible to drivers. Motorists, for their part, must slow down and watch for children. And don’t plan on drinking at a Halloween celebration unless you have a designated driver or safe ride home.”

By the numbers:

• Children are three times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. This is especially alarming considering an estimated 41 million children between the ages of five and 14 trick-or-treated in the United States in 2019.

• Halloween ranks as the third-deadliest day of the year for all pedestrians.

• Nearly half of fatal crashes on Halloween night involve a drunk driver.

• One-third of Halloween crash fatalities involve a pedestrian.

AAA Halloween Safety Tips

Motorists

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street. Drive even slower than that if confronted by snow-covered or icy streets from recent winter storms.

• Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.

• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.

• Turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and on front porches.

• Never drive impaired. Never text and drive.

Parents

• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility.

• Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and on treat buckets.

• Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and avoid face masks. Instead, use non-toxic face paint. Also, watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.

• Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.

• Ask an adult or older child to supervise children under age 12.

• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.

• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.

• Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.

Trick-or-Treaters

• Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.

• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

• Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.

• Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.

• Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you. Tell your parents where you are going.

• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine flashlights into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Party Goers

• Arrange a safe ride home and/or designate a driver before partaking in any festivities.

• Always designate a sober driver.

• If you are drunk, take a taxi or ride-hailing vehicle, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

• Walking impaired can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

• If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.