Category: Front Page

 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—March 13, 2024—For the safety of motorists, Arapahoe County Public Works will close the Cherry Creek Damn Road at 1 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, due to the impending snowstorm. The road will remain closed until further notice. Drivers should use I-225 or South Parker Road as alternates.

 

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Arapahoe County provides the best of everything Colorado has to offer. From babies to boomers and beyond, residents put down roots, raise families, start and run businesses, and embrace the endless opportunities and amenities that make the state unique. Arapahoe County spans 805 miles and features vibrant urban, suburban and rural communities, an unparalleled open space and trail system, major employment centers and a robust multimodal transportation network. Learn more at arapahoeco.gov. 

It’s four years in the making! Leap Day is here. What will you do with the extra day? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has some ideas:

There’s no time like the present! 

Use your bonus day by making a health-conscious splash. Whether it’s finally making an appointment for that overdue check-up, getting up-to-date on recommended vaccines, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care, investing in your well-being is always a good idea!

Radon? Not on our watch!

Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where radon might be lurking. Put the odds in your favor by testing your home for radon. Worried about the cost? Fear not! Find out how to access a discounted radon test kit to keep your home safe from lung cancer risks.

Maximize health and financial well-being: File early for tax benefits!

Why wait? Get a jump on your tax returns early and effortlessly at GetAheadColorado.org where you can file securely and for free. Plus, don’t miss out on potential cashback from the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit — file now to claim your benefits and seize the day! 

A breath of fresh air!

Whether it’s a brisk walk, a jog in the park, or a fun outdoor activity, embrace the opportunity to get active and enjoy the fresh Colorado air. Living an active lifestyle is just one way you can protect your heart health and support a healthy brain!

E-bike extravaganza!

Ditch the car keys and hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Ride a bike, take a walk, or use public transportation to reduce environmental impacts and protect clean Colorado air. Household motor vehicle trips are one of the biggest drivers of transportation emissions in the country. Find out how to access an E-bike. 

Farm-to-fork fiesta!

Time to play chef with some homegrown Colorado produce. Whip up a scrumptious and healthy meal while brushing up on food safety best practices. 

Hydration celebration!

Dive into the refreshing embrace of Colorado water. Discover inventive ways to boost your daily water intake and stay hydrated — your body will thank you!

(Early) Spring clean!

Clear out the clutter by dropping off old or unused meds at a Medication Takeback drop box. It’s not just a cleanup. It’s a safeguard against accidents and misuse, and keeping our water systems pristine.

 

Information is power!

Explore the universe of CDPHE’s information campaignsdedicated to preserving public and environmental health. We’ve got your back, Colorado!

Join us at the table!

Get your voice heard and make a difference! Dive into public meetings on environmental justice, where you can weigh in on issues close to your heart. Because your opinion matters, and we’re all ears.

Leap Day just got a whole lot cooler, thanks to CDPHE’s health-packed, joy-filled playbook. Get ready to make the most of those bonus 24 hours, Colorado-style!

While heating prices have come down in recent months compared to their peak last year, Americans are still projected to spend nearly 30% more on utilities this winter than before the pandemic. But differences in fuels, prices, and climate create large regional variation in household utility expenditures, especially during the winter months.

To determine the states most impacted by rising heating costs this winter, researchers calculated the change in monthly household utility costs from winter 2019–2020 to winter 2023–2024, then ranked states accordingly.

These are the key takeaways from the report for Colorado:

• After remaining low since 2010, natural gas prices have risen nearly 27% since the winter of 2019–2020. Winter propane and heating oil prices also followed this trend, rising 23% and 39% during the same time period, respectively.
• Nationally, natural gas is the predominant heating fuel, used as the primary source in over 60 million homes (46% of the total). Electricity ranks as the second most common fuel for residential heating, serving as the primary source for approximately 54 million homes.
• Residents of Colorado—who primarily rely on natural gas to heat their homes—saw average household utility costs of $158 each month during the winter of 2019–2020.
• This winter, they’re projected to spend an average of $204 each month.
• Based on these projections, households in Colorado will experience a 29.0% increase in their utility bills this winter—the 13th largest among all U.S. states.

Geographical Differences in Primary Household Heating Fuels

Here is a link to the complete results of the analysis, with data on all 50 states. Feel free to republish or use the findings in your own write-up. If you choose to use the analysis, please link to the original report: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/states-impacted-rising-heating-costs/

Arapahoe County Public Health uses equity-focused approach to overdose prevention with new mobile service 

 

ARAPAHOE COUNTY – Feb. 22, 2024 – In an effort to better respond to the needs of people who use narcotics and other drugs—and to address the toll of opioids and overdose on the community—Arapahoe County Public Health is launching a new mobile harm reduction service called Prevention Point. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, County officials and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser will unveil the program and share more about this new initiative, as well as its impact on residents.  

The Arapahoe County Public Health Harm Reduction team has served clients through fixed-location services and street outreach since opening its doors in January 2023. However, during the department’s the first year of operation, the team identified a significant need to remove barriers to accessing services by offering them outside of public buildings.    

“When Arapahoe County Public Health received grant funding from the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council, it was crucial we utilized it to do something that could truly make a difference,” said Jennifer Ludwig, public health director.  “We know that opioids don’t discriminate, and we know that the opioid crisis has affected all communities in the Denver Metro Area. Our goal in starting mobile harm reduction services is to maximize impact and ultimately save lives.” 

Harm reduction services are proven strategies that keep communities safer and healthier. Evidence shows that strong harm reduction programs reduce the spread of disease, increase the rate of proper syringe disposal, and increase the likelihood of individuals accessing critical services, such as Naloxone for overdose reversal.  

Mobile services help build stronger relationships and trust with individuals, which is critical to accessing the services that can help change lives.  

Prevention Point offers Arapahoe County the opportunity to innovate for and partner with a community that is often overlooked and stigmatized, though they are acutely affected by the harm opioids have had on our society.  

Media are invited to learn more about Prevention Point and the importance of innovative harm reduction efforts in Arapahoe County and beyond. 

Who:     Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners 

What:   Mobile Harm Reduction Services Kickoff 

When:  8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 

Where: 5335 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 

Additional Stops: 

·          Giving Heart Englewood—10–10:45 a.m.  

·         Town of Bennett Town Hall—1–1:45 p.m.  

·         Arapahoe County Public Health at Altura Plaza—2:30–3:15 p.m.   

 

Photo Opportunities: Tour of the vehicle. Board of County Commissioners, Board of Health, Public Health Officials, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser will be available for interviews.  

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Arapahoe County provides the best of everything Colorado has to offer. From babies to boomers and beyond, residents put down roots, raise families, start and run businesses, and embrace the endless opportunities and amenities that make the state unique. Arapahoe County spans 805 miles and features vibrant urban, suburban and rural communities, an unparalleled open space and trail system, major employment centers and a robust multimodal transportation network. Learn more at arapahoeco.gov. 

Residents encouraged to learn about new library and open space

 

THORNTON, Colo.–Feb. 19, 2024–Anythink Librariesand the City of Thornton will host an Anythink Nature Library Information Session on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 6-7:30 pm at Trail Winds Recreation Center in the Cottonwood Room, located at 13495 Holly St., in Thornton. A Spanish language interpreter will be available. The meeting will also be held online via Zoom.

 

During the meeting, residents and community members are invited to learn about Anythink Nature Library project updates and open space improvements at the Aylor Open Lands property, located at 136^th Avenue and Quebec Street in Thornton.

 

In June 2022, Anythink and the City of Thornton entered an agreement to lease 15 acres to Anythink on the Aylor Open Lands property in order to build a 33,000-square-foot nature library. The other 140 acres of open space will be programmed by the Anythink team and reserved for nature learning and exploration on trails.

 

The Anythink Nature Library will be designed to help people find their place in nature and support the wellbeing of the Thornton communitythrough spaces, experiences and collections. The library will act as a natural extension of the Aylor Open Lands and will encourage people of all ages to spend time outdoors learning about stars, water, wildlife and seasonal changes to help build a culture of environmental stewardship.

 

The following data illuminates how the Anythink Nature Library can support healthy communities by providing the benefits of nature access, appreciation, and learning to people of all ages in a growing and evolving Adams County:

 

• Around 8 in 10 Adams County residents support funding open space preservation and related projects, according to the 2019 Adams County Quality of Life Report.
• 52% of Adams County residents think open space, parks and trails are considered essential to the county’s way of life, according to the 2019 Adams County Quality of Life Report.
• Thornton residents say it’s most important to expand or grow the city’s running/walking/biking trails (53%), natural open spaces (49%), and parks with playgrounds (34%), according to the 2023 City of Thornton Resident Survey Report.

The design phase of the Anythink Nature Library continues into 2024 with architects Davis Partnership and THK Associates. Construction for the library will tentatively begin late summer 2024, with an anticipated open date in mid-2026.

 

— Event Details — 

 

Anythink Nature Library Information Session

Wednesday, Feb. 28

6-7:30 pm

Trail Winds Recreation Center

 Cottonwood Room

13495 Holly St., Thornton, CO 80602

 

Learn more about the future Anythink Nature Library on the Aylor Open Lands property in Thornton during this info session. Staff from Anythink Libraries, Davis Partnership, THK Associates and the City of Thornton will provide an update on the project and answer questions from residents and community members. A Spanish language interpreter will be available. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

To participate in the Zoom meeting, visit https://thorntonco.zoom.us/j/83975846110 or call  1-346-248-7799 and enter Webinar ID: 835 1996 6887.

 

About Anythink^®

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.

Streaming services are on an upward trend by dominating 37.5% of US TV viewing, rising from 36.9% in 2022. PR Hub has also released its latest report on America’s Most Popular TV Shows by State, unveiling that the people of Colorado have a particular fondness for House of the Dragon.

Entertainment experts at PR Hub delved into the top Emmy Nominated TV shows for various genres to analyze the top 5 favorites in each state. While Ted Lasso emerged as the nation’s favorite topping in 8 states, the people of Colorado enjoyed watching House of the Dragon more. 

FAVORITE TV SHOWS IN COLORADO
(The most popular TV shows in Colorado ranked in order of popularity in 2024)

1. House of the Dragon
2. Ted Lasso
3. Better Call Saul
4. Succession
5. The White Lotus



Discover more about the Favorite TV shows in other states here.

DENVER- Last week, Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor former Colorado State Senator Keith King on the day of his memorial. The memorial has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 21 and flags are to be lowered that day from sunrise to sunset on all public buildings statewide. 

“I was devastated to learn about the passing of Keith King. He dedicated his life to public service, whether it was his time in Colorado’s General Assembly, serving on Colorado Springs City Council, or helping more students access quality education through the creation of Colorado Early College. Over the years we have worked closely on issues like education and workforce development, and I know that he will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

February 7, 2024 – Statewide Safety News – Super Bowl Weekend enforcement period begins Thursday

CDOT se prepara para 20 días seguidos de campaña de DUI en español.

Statewide — Keep the points on the field and off your record this weekend. During the year’s biggest football celebration, plan ahead with a sober ride home. From Feb. 8 to 14, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 70 local law enforcement agencies for the Super Bowl Weekend DUI enforcement period. For safe celebrations surrounding the big game, saturation patrols across the state will remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads. Following the Super Bowl Weekend, DUI enforcement begins for the Presidents Day week from Feb. 15 to 28. Combined, these make up 20 straight days of elevated impaired driving enforcement.

Fans should never let other fans drive impaired. There were 231 DUI arrests during last year’s Super Bowl Weekend enforcement period. With the availability of safe-ride options such as rideshares, taxis and public transit, there is no reason to ever drive under the influence. If you have a designated driver, make sure they are not impaired before you head home.

“If you’re attending a watch party or gathering for the big game, be a good sport and plan ahead for a sober ride home,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t risk getting a DUI or killing someone in a crash — the consequences of driving under the influence will cost you much more than a taxi or rideshare trip.”

In 2023, there were more than 15,000 DUI arrests in Colorado. It’s always better to call a sober friend than risk going to jail for a DUI. According to NoDUIColorado.org, first-time DUI offenders rack up an average cost of $13,530 in fines and penalties, including:

• Increased auto insurance: $3,600
• Ignition interlock service: $2,172
• Alcohol/drug treatment & education: $1,000
• Defense attorney: $3,650
• Arrest, court & legal fees: $2,300
• Department of Revenue & DMV fees: $773

“No matter which team you’re rooting for on game day, sober driving will always be the winning choice,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Our message is simple: if you’re impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. Your fellow football fans are counting on you to make the right call this weekend.”

The recent Winter Blitz enforcement period concluded with 379 arrests across 78 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Denver Police Department (48), Fort Collins Police Department (24) and Longmont Police Department (18). CSP reported 83 arrests. The next DUI enforcement period will be Presidents Week from Feb. 15 to 28.

For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

About The Heat Is On

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 outside the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the State Capitol. From 9 a.m. to noon, we’ll move to the Capitol Basement. Those who plan to attend should contact their legislators to arrange a 10 minute meeting on Feb. 7.   Register here. Bill’s in the House! As the Colorado Legislature opened for session on Jan. 10, State Rep. Karen McCormick introduced HB24-1075—Analysis of Universal Health Care Payment System,* into the Colorado House. The bill would task the Colorado School of Public Health with analyzing in-depth whether a single, nonprofit payer for health care would work in our state. Coloradans are hurting from our broken health care payment system that puts corporate profits above Coloradans’ health; most want real* changes to this system from the government, but there are tough questions that need answered—and that’s what HB24-1075 will do. This toolkit offers fact sheets*, the bill itself, talking points and more so you can contact your legislator and talk to your family and friends. Take Actions! Contact your legislators (resources in toolkit)  Find My Legislator | Colorado General Assembly Sign up Endorsers (resources in toolkit) Testify in-person, on Zoom, or send in written testimony Sign up: Navigating CO General Assembly Website Join the Grow the Grassroots meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81444519990?pwd=UGI0RkFkWGZCQkVqM1I2c1p3OGIxZz09 Meeting ID: 814 4451 9990 Passcode: 857377 Sign and share our Universal Health Care petition! Thank you!