fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Local News

  • Aquatic nuisance species roadside inspection program expanded after successful pilot year

    ANS inspector uses a flashlight to look into tiny crevices of a boat engine where invasive zebra and quagga mussels attach themselves

    DENVER – CPW is expanding its aquatic nuisance species roadside inspection program to more locations and days in 2023 following a successful pilot year that saw 26 boats intercepted with highly destructive invasive mussels.

    Year-to-year increases in mussel-fouled watercraft entering Colorado led CPW, through HB21-1226, to experiment with expanding its watercraft inspection and decontamination program to include temporary roadside inspection stations. In 2022, CPW, in collaboration with Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry Staff and the Colorado Department of Transportation, led three inspection events at the Loma Port of Entry, which were highly successful. A total of 138 watercraft were inspected, 60 were decontaminated and 26 were confirmed to have adult mussels.

    “While the vast majority of mussel-fouled boats entering Colorado are coming from Lake Powell, there are an increasing number of waters in surrounding states infested with invasive mussels,” said Robert Walters, CPW’s ANS program manager. “Recent detections like those in western South Dakota have only heightened the risk of mussel-fouled watercraft entering the state.”

    Invasive zebra and quagga mussels are destructive to both fisheries and water infrastructure because fish do not typically eat them and they attach themselves to docks, rocks, shorelines and boats and clog pipes and pumps that supply fresh water to cities and towns across the state. 

    “For year two of this pilot program, CPW is looking towards other ports of entry and welcome centers to implement single-day check stations similar to the first year of the pilot program,” Walters said. “The intent of this effort is to provide valuable data that will broadly inform the future application of this roadside ANS inspection program in Colorado.”

    CPW will be expanding roadside ANS inspection operations to seven additional locations in 2023, with operations occurring in two different locations on each event date. 

    ANS Roadside Check Stations in 2023

    • May 19 – Cortez Port of Entry & Julesburg Welcome Center
    • June 23 – Dinosaur Welcome Center & Lamar Port of Entry
    • July 28 – Alamosa Welcome Center & Trinidad Port of Entry
    • August 25 – Dinosaur Welcome Center & Burlington Welcome Center
    • September 22 – Cortez Port of Entry & Julesburg Welcome Center

    About the ANS Program
    The Colorado ANS Program was authorized by the Colorado Legislature in 2008 utilizing severance tax funds and in 2018 the Colorado General Assembly provided funding to the program through SB17-259, funding the program through boating registration fees from residents and non-residents. 

    Since CPW’s ANS inspection program started in 2008, 6.5 million boats have been inspected and 199,465 boats have been decontaminated. The agency is aided in the program by Colorado counties, municipalities, water districts, federal agencies and private companies that also conduct inspections. CPW also works proactively looking for aquatic nuisance species by sampling waters throughout the state. In 2022, crews sampled 180 standing waters and fourteen flowing waters and the National Park Service provided 56 water samples; these intense sampling efforts resulted in the early detection at Highline and emphasize the importance of this program.

    CPW has also been instrumental in establishing the Water Inspection and Decontamination (WID) protocols which are now used by states throughout the nation. Agency staff also are active with the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Committee.

    Walters said that CPW will always remain vigilant in the fight against mussels.

    “Mussels aren’t going away. However, by continuing our preventative watercraft inspection program Colorado can continue to set an example in the West and keep our waters clear of highly destructive invasive species.”

    For more information about aquatic nuisance species and CPW’s ANS program, visit our website or read the Boater’s Guide to ANS Inspections.

     

  • Spotlight on Health Department Programs for National Public Health Week

    During its inaugural year, the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) is centering and celebrating cultures in health to advance the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, and play in Adams County. As part of National Public Health Week (April 3-9), ACHD is spotlighting its multi-pronged and community-driven approach to increasing access to safe, affordable, and culturally relevant food for all residents.

     

    One in eight residents and one in five children in Adams County faces food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Persons of color and persons experiencing low-income or poverty in Adams County are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and are more likely to face structural barriers to food access. ACHD responds directly through innovative, programmatic approaches, policy work, and community-driven solutions.

     

    ACHD, which opened its doors in January, is distinct amongst its peers in Colorado for having dedicated staff to address food security and food systems in the county. Tessa Cushman, a registered dietitian, is ACHD’s Food Security Specialist and works closely with community partners to oversee food access programming to support local agriculture, economic stability, and health equity while ending hunger in Adams County.

     

    “When ACHD heard from community members that access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods was an ongoing need, we knew we needed resources to address this complex issue,” said Monica Buhlig, Director of ACHD’s Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives Division. “We have diverse communities, and the systems to address food access are complex. We are working to address food security holistically to meet our communities’ diverse needs.”

     

    A prominent example of ACHD’s efforts is the Healthy Farmers Markets program. The multi-agency, coalition-led initiative exemplifies impactful, culturally relevant public health in action by providing monetary vouchers to community members to purchase Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables. In 2022 through coordination that occurred under the banner of Tri-County Health Department, over $40,000 worth of fresh produce was provided to community members at no cost while supporting local farms and producers. For 2023, the initiative is being resourced and supported through the new county health department. Intentionally hosted in areas that lack adequate access to fresh foods, the markets also convene free community resources, health services and screenings, local startup businesses, and entertainment into one hub to bolster community connections and ultimately improve health equity. ACHD intends to replicate this food access farmers market model in other areas in the county.

     

    ACHD is also unique in its cross-programmatic approach within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. ACHD’s WIC program provides nutrition education and food benefits to over 9,000 individuals in Adams County and the surrounding area. The program provides dual enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help individuals and families access additional resources for which they qualify. ACHD’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, which is a support program of breastfeeding moms from the community, has provided services to over 1,000 families since opening.

     

    “Having a collaborative and coordinated approach allows us to reach more participants to connect individuals and families to multiple programs and customize support around their needs to ultimately increase families’ access and utilization of healthy foods to improve participants overall health and nutrition outcomes,” said Michelle Harris, MPH, RDN, Director of Nutrition and Family Health for ACHD.

     

    Other food access work at ACHD includes the WIC Produce Box program, which delivers weekly boxes of fresh produce to the doorsteps of WIC-qualified families; the Healthy School Meals for All school-based program; expansion of community garden plots; and the COVID-19 Outreach and Support program, which delivers free food boxes to community members testing positive for COVID-19. Additionally, ACHD has provided formal testimony and public comment on food access policy at the state and federal levels to elevate voices of the community around food access issues experienced in Adams County.

     

    In the near future, ACHD would like to expand the reach of state programming, like Double Up Food Bucks and the Summer Food Service Program, and is looking to form and facilitate an Adams County food policy coalition. The coalition would shape the future of ACHD’s food access efforts by bringing together community members and food systems stakeholders to align work and shared goals.

     

    “This work requires the collaboration from the contributors of all parts of the food system – from production to consumption – and should be driven and owned by community,” says Cushman.

     

    As the end of the federal Public Health Emergency nears, ACHD and Adams County Human Services are preparing for the downstream impacts on food access and public health, such as the significant reductions in monthly SNAP dollars for recipients that went into effect in March. In response, the Healthy Farmers Markets will increase the voucher dollar amount and expand voucher eligibility criteria to increase access to fresh produce. Adams County Human Services provides a free, monthly food and resource drive-through in Thornton, as well as regular outreach sites across the county to increase access to enrollment in federal benefits.

     

    This work would not be possible without the collective efforts of community partners such as the American Heart Association, Anythink Libraries, Bondadosa, East Denver Food Hub, and Nourish Colorado. Other salient partners include Adams County Human Services, the City of Thornton, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Nutrition Department, St. Anthony’s North Family Medicine Program, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

     

    For more assistance or to donate or volunteer time, find a local food bank or pantry.

     

    Questions on the above information can be directed to , and the programs can be contacted at the following:

     

    Adams County Health Department

     

    • WIC

    Bennett: 303.439.5990
    Brighton: 303.659.2335

    Commerce City: 303.439.5990
    North Broadway: 303.426.5232
    Westminster: 303.255.6254

    ACHD’s WIC website

     

    • COVID-19 Outreach and Support Food Box Delivery

    720.200.1445

     

    • Healthy Farmers Markets and other Food Access Programming

    720.769.7582

    adcogov.org/outreach-events

     

    • Adams County Human Services SNAP/Food Assistance

    720.523.2700

    adcogov.org/snapfood-assistance

    adcogov.org/outreach-events

    800.816.4451 or Colorado.gov/PEAK for real-time information about benefits and case status

  • Cherry Hills Village is among the top Safest Cities in Colorado for 2023 – SafeWise study

    According to a new report from Safewise, Coloradoans worry less about their safety than the average American. But in what Colorado cities can state residents feel the most safe?

    After analyzing the latest violent and property crime data from the FBI, SafeWise just released its 9th annual “Colorado’s 20 Safest Cities of 2023” report .

    We found that Cherry Hills Village ranked #6 for safest cities in Colorado this year. 

    Here are the cities that made the top 5 safest cities in Colorado:

    1. Severance
    2. Milliken
    3. Frederick
    4. Windsor
    5. Eaton

    To see what cities rounded out the rest of the rankings, click here:  https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-colorado/

    Key stats about Colorado:

    • This year’s safest city in Colorado—Severance—was in fourth place last year.
    • Severance, Milliken, and Cherry Hills Village reported zero violent crimes for the 2023 reporting year.
    • With the exception of Lamar, which reported 2, each of Colorado’s safest cities reported zero murders.
    • Of the cities that were repeats from last year’s rankings, only 7 experienced a decline in both violent crime and property crime rates: Milliken, Eaton, Cherry Hills Village, Erie, Firestone, Castle Rock, and Avon.
    • 7 cities reported 50 or fewer property crimes: Severance, Milliken, Frederick, Eaton, Gypsum, Estes Park, and Carbondale.
    • Frederick also ties for thirteenth place in our latest report on the 100 Safest Small Towns in America and landed in forty-fourth place in our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America.

    Use these resources to help your coverage  on web and on air :

    • A media kit with infographics available upon request.
    • SafeWise security and safety expert Rebecca Edwards will be available for interviews and to provide quotes
    • Any other information or resources you need!

    Read a full breakdown of our methodology   here .

    Who is SafeWise?  SafeWise is the leading online resource for all things safety and security. We are real people seeking the best products to help you live your safest, smartest life. We believe simplifying home security and safety helps bring peace of mind to you and your family.

  • Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant

    The Cycle Effect heads out on a ‘fat biking’ session. A ‘fat bike’ is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires that are capable of traversing snow, sand, mud, pavement and traditional mountain biking trails.

    Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant

    By Ryan Jones, CPW visual content specialist

    DENVER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grants are investing in Colorado community organizations. By investing in programs that offer outdoor opportunities for underserved communities, CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grants help create more equal access to the benefits of spending time outside.

    The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program was created for outdoor organizations focused on creating opportunities for youth and their families from communities who have been historically excluded, so that they have equitable opportunities to get involved in recreational activities and experiencing Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. The program is funded through a redistribution of lottery money that is allocated to CPW’s general fund.

    Programs or projects given grants help solve some of the challenges that Colorado youth face while trying to explore the outdoors, whether youth are from an urban, inner-city environment or a rural community. The goal of CPW’s grants are designed to reduce barriers for all Coloradans and make valuable strategic investments that improve the lives and well-being of our local youth and their families.

    In 2022, The Cycle Effect received $25,000 from CPW which was used to help bolster their junior coach positions, expand their coaching staff, cover equipment expenses and provide scholarship opportunities. The Cycle Effect’s mission is to provide young women equal opportunity and access to the sport of mountain biking, and they aim to foster 70 percent of participants who identify as Latinx and/or Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) while working to remove financial barriers and supporting their social-emotional well-being.

    Most would never guess it from my given name, but I’m half Vietnamese. Growing up and finding a place of acceptance in the world’s eyes, let alone my own as a young person, was a challenge that I’m only now learning to truly process. It’s a challenge that I know so many others — particularly young people of color — are facing day to day. 

    In February, a coworker and I were able to witness the positive impacts of the Outdoor Equity Grant funding firsthand. After coordinating and comparing schedules since early January with CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program Manager Andrea Kurth, the two of us set out for an afternoon of fat biking in Frisco, a session put together by staff from The Cycle Effect. We joined The Cycle Effect’s Summit County Manager, Isidra “Isi” Luna, and four other participants for a ride around Rainbow Lake. 

    While it had been some years since riding any type of bike, this was my first time on a fat bike and, having grown up mostly in the Florida panhandle, certainly my first time riding anything in the snow. Although a couple of more practice sessions wouldn’t hurt, I’m glad to say muscle memory kicked in and I was able to avoid any major accidents — only having to lay the bike down once in a pile of snow before a conveniently placed pine tree at one of the trail’s sharper downhill corners.

    While in attendance that afternoon, we asked staff and participants to share some of their stories and experiences with us.

    Isidra Luna / Summit County Manager, The Cycle Effect

    “I find myself getting lost in the abundance that surrounds me, knowing that everything around me is alive. Whether I am on my bike or just taking a walk, being outdoors brings me gratitude for being alive. As I explore, I like to be mindful of how much nature nurtures my mind, spirit, and wellbeing.

    Improving access to the Colorado outdoors for young women of color is important for them to truly familiarize themselves with the place they call home. Changing the narrative for them to believe that they belong in these beautiful spaces and empowering them to take up the space. There is nothing more valuable than the gift of experience. Creating accessibility to normalize people of color outdoors is something that will take time but worth all the effort.” 

    “My name is June. I’m 15 years old and live in Frisco, Colorado. I’ve been a member of The Cycle Effect for almost a year after joining in May of 2022. 

    My parents found out about TCE when they saw the bike van in the middle school parking lot. The program appealed to me because it was a good way to get better at mountain biking and to meet other girls with similar interests. 

    The program is meaningful to me because it’s taught me not only to be a better mountain biker, but has also made me a better person in other aspects of life. I’ve faced fears on my bike, and because of the support and kindness of my coaches, I’ve found confidence and happiness in other activities when I’m off my bike.

    One of my favorite memories with the group was going on a ride at Keystone Ranch in a light rain. We had climbed a massive hill and I remember going down this mountain with mud beads sticking to my skin and thinking it was so amazing that I got to ride in the rain while biking with my friends. My favorite memory of a person was when I talked to Coach Kristen about music when we went snowshoeing and her giving me advice on pursuing my passion. It was so cool to talk to a fellow music lover and to gain some insight and advice.”

    After spending the afternoon with The Cycle Effect’s crew and hearing the passion and motivation behind the work they’re doing, it was impossible to get back on the road home to Denver and not feel uplifted. There’s something special happening at The Cycle Effect. They’re making room for people. They’re making room for change. They’re making room for the future.

    The management of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant program falls under the direction of the Outdoor Equity Grant Board, composed of 11 members who are tasked with overseeing the program. The board is authorized to allocate funding to eligible applicants with the objective of reducing barriers to Colorado outdoors and promoting engagement among eligible youth and their families. The next Outdoor Equity Grant Cycle will open in August 2023. Organizations interested in applying for the 2023 Outdoor Equity Grant should review the gr​ant ​g​u​ide for instructions on how to apply. ​​

    TCE Co-founder Brett Donelson (left photo) and TCE coach Melissa Baumann (right photo)

    (more…)

  • Man suffers minor injuries in mountain lion attack; CPW searching for animal

    NATHROP, Colo. – A man sitting in an in-ground hot tub was clawed in the head by a mountain lion on Saturday night, prompting Colorado Parks and Wildlife to launch a search for the animal.

    CPW officers were alerted to the incident around 10 p.m., Saturday, and four wildlife officers responded to the scene – a rental home in a heavily wooded subdivision about five miles west of Nathrop along Chalk Creek.

    The victim had four superficial scratches on top of his head and near his right ear. By the time CPW was alerted and responded, the victim had cleaned the wounds and declined any medical assistance. The officers determined the injuries were consistent with the claw of a mountain lion.

    The victim told the officers he and his wife were sitting in a hot tub, which is located in the ground and away from the house, at about 8 p.m. when he felt something grab his head. He and his wife began screaming and splashing water at the animal. The victim’s wife grabbed a flashlight and shined it on the animal, which they then identified as a mountain lion.

    The light and commotion caused the mountain lion to retreat about 20 feet from the couple in the hot tub. They continued to scream at the mountain lion and after a short time it moved up to the top of a hill near some rocks where it crouched down and continued to watch the couple.

    They were then able to get out of the hot tub and return to the rental house. Inside, they cleaned the scratches and called the property owner who then alerted CPW officers.

    The first two CPW officers on the scene immediately began searching for the lion, following a steep ridge along the creek. No mountain lion tracks could be found due to the freezing temperatures and frozen snow on the ground.

    CPW officers decided tracking with hounds likely would not be successful given the scattered housing in the subdivision and the scene’s proximity to the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort complex about a mile east. A trap was set nearby in hopes of catching the lion.

    “We think it’s likely the mountain lion saw the man’s head move in the darkness at ground-level but didn’t recognize the people in the hot tub,” said Sean Shepherd, Area Wildlife Manager based in Salida. “The couple did the right thing by making noise and shining a light on the lion. Although this victim had only minor injuries, we take this incident seriously. We have alerted neighbors and posted signs warning of lion activity. And we will continue to track the lion and lion activity.”

    CPW encourages residents to keep reporting mountain lion sightings or activity near their homes; they can do so by calling CPW’s Salida office at 719-530-5520 or calling Colorado State Patrol at 719-544-2424 after business hours.

    Saturday night’s incident is the first reported mountain lion attack of a human in Colorado since Feb. 27, 2022. This is the 24th known attack of a mountain lion causing injury to a human in Colorado since 1990. Three other attacks in Colorado since 1990 have resulted in human deaths. CPW does not characterize lion depredation of pets or other animals as attacks.

    Though mountain lion attacks are relatively rare, it is important to know how to avoid or manage potential encounters. To learn more about living with mountain lions in Colorado, go to https://cpw.state.co.us/lions.

    Wildlife officers will continue to monitor lion activity in the Nathrop area. Officials do encourage residents to keep reporting mountain lion sightings or activity near their homes; they can do so by calling CPW’s Salida office at 719-530-5520 or calling Colorado State Patrol at 719-544-2424 after business hours.

    To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property, CPW urges you to follow these simple precautions:

    – Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active: dusk to dawn.

    – Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.

    – Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.

    – Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.

    – Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Never feed any wildlife.

    – Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don’t feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.

    – Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.

  • CPW’s big game license distribution and preference point comment form live until February 20, 2023

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is considering changes to policies and regulations that direct the distribution of big game hunting licenses in Colorado. To help inform this process, CPW is looking for input from residents and nonresidents interested in big game hunting in Colorado.  

    CPW is encouraging the public to complete this comment form and share their thoughts on the current big game license distribution process. The comment form will be open through February 20, 2023. Results from this comment form will be shared with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to inform their decision-making process on big game license distribution.  

    Changes that are being considered: 

    • A preference point banking system
    • Averaging group applicant preference points
    • Updating the high-demand hunt code split from 80% to residents and 20% to nonresidents to 90% for residents and 10% for nonresidents
    • An across-the-board license allocation of 75% to residents and 25% to nonresidents 

    These topics under consideration were requested by the CPW Commission. The results of the comment form will be discussed with the Commission at its March 15-16, 2023 meeting. 

    Changes that have already been made: 
    In November 2022, the Parks and Wildlife Commission approved an update to big game license allocation. The three-year preference point average that is used to determine high-demand hunt codes that are allocated 80% to residents and 20% to nonresidents was updated such that CPW will use the most recent three years (with a one-year lag). 

    The Commission decided to retain the six preference point threshold used to determine high-demand hunt codes, which added about 1,200 deer and elk hunt codes to the 80/20 allocation of high-demand hunts. This change will be effective for the 2023 big game hunting season.

    Why is CPW evaluating big game license distribution now?
    Due to the complexity of the subject as well as on-going interest from stakeholders, the Parks and Wildlife Commission requested that license distribution be reviewed separately from the upcoming Big Game Season Structure. Members of the Colorado General Assembly also showed interest in making changes. 

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife to Attend the 2023 Farm Show

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife to Attend the 2023 Farm Show

    CPW representatives accept “Best Big Educational Booth” award

    GREELEY, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife will host a workshop and operate an extensive booth at the 2023 Farm Show in Greeley. The Farm Show runs from Jan 24-26 at Island Grove Park. CPW will have representatives on hand to talk about state parks, hunter outreach, and education opportunities. 

    The CPW workshop will discuss wildlife conservation, private land ownership, and ways to support habitats. The workshop will be Thursday starting at 10 a.m. in meeting room C. CPW will also lead an Agriculture Roundtable to meet with producers and groups on the nuances of conserving Colorado’s natural resources.

    Agriculture producers are an important part of Colorado life, and agricultural lands provide important habitat for wildlife. CPW will engage with farmers, ranchers, and landowners, who have vital perspectives on pressing environmental and economic topics affecting the state.

    Additionally, CPW looks forward to defending the “Best Big Education Booth” award for the fifth year.

  • Foster Care Information Meeting

    Foster Care Information Meeting

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-information-meeting-via-zoom-tickets-492714250587?aff=erelexpmlt

    Join us for an online Foster Care Information Meeting!

    By Adams County Foster Care

    When and where

    Date and time: Mon, January 9, 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MST
    Location: Online

    About this event

    • 2 hours
    • Mobile eTicket

    This meeting is for prospective foster parents – thank you for your interest! The first step toward becoming a foster parent is to attend an information meeting where you will learn: what foster care is, what it means to be a foster parent, how and why children come into the foster care system, a general overview of child protection in Colorado, and how to move forward in the process of becoming a foster parent.

    During our live online meeting you will learn about the next steps to take and then will be able to receive the necessary paperwork to continue your journey to becoming a foster parent. For more information, please email .

  • Merry Christmas!

    Merry Christmas!

    Merry Christmas from the team at the I-70 Scout!

    We wish you and your families a peaceful, beautiful, and safe holiday!

  • Morgan Community College Holiday Closure

    Morgan Community College Holiday Closure

    FORT MORGAN, CO. 12/16/2022. The Morgan Community College (MCC) Fort Morgan campus and Centers in Limon, Burlington, and Wray will be closed Saturday, December 24, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the holidays. All MCC locations will reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
     
    Morgan Community College staff and faculty wish the community a safe and happy holiday season.