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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Local News

  • After an exhaustive search for a missing party, Cherry Creek State Park will re-open to boating Friday

    After an exhaustive search for a missing party, Cherry Creek State Park will re-open to boating Friday

    AURORA, Colo. – The recovery operation in the search for the missing 29-year-old male victim in the reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park continues. The reservoir will re-open to boating on Friday at 6 a.m.

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife, South Metro Fire Rescue, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers from Tightline Outdoors participated in the five-day recovery operation while the reservoir was closed. They utilized specialized underwater equipment, drones and personnel to search and support Cherry Creek State Park.

    During the six-day closure everyone involved maximized technology and personal resources to the fullest. The reservoir bottom has been thoroughly searched with specialized equipment to the extent they were designed for. CPW will continue searching difficult areas with an underwater drone that is not impacted by lake traffic and will continue to search shorelines and utilize equipment on daily patrols.

    Now that the specialized equipment has been provided a search environment without boaters and has been maximized to the fullest extent, CPW will re-open the lake. CPW will maintain an investigation into all possibilities regarding the report of the missing victim.

    CPW sincerely thanks all participants for their dedication and continued time with the search. The goal has been and will continue to be to bring closure for all impacted by this tragic event.

    If you have any information regarding this incident please contact CPW’s Denver office at 303-291-7227.

    Stay up to date on the latest in the search and the status of the reservoir as it pertains to boating by following CPW’s Northeast Region Twitter account,@CPW_NE.

  • Take a Friend Fishing and reel in great prizes!

    Take a Friend Fishing and reel in great prizes!

    Mentor Gregory Geiger and mentee Roy Romero, winners of the 2021 Take a Friend Fishing contest, show off Roy’s first catch ever!

    DENVER – For the fourth consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our partner Colorado fishing companies are encouraging anglers to take a friend fishing. As a reward for sharing your expertise and love of fishing, we’ve created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge. We are now offering prizes for the mentor as well as the mentee!

    “Fishing is something a person can enjoy their entire life. When you teach someone how to fish, you can literally change their life forever,” said CPW Angler Outreach Coordinator Andre Egli. “We’ve received some truly inspiring stories about fishing in Colorado over the past few years. I’m excited to see what kind of photos and stories our anglers will send in this year.” 

    Mentors, take a beginner angler out or mentees encourage an experienced angler to teach you how to fish and enter to win some great prizes by submitting a photograph and brief story of your time on the water. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire. 

    Winners will be selected at three different times throughout the year (July, October and February). Both the mentor as well as the mentee will receive a prize. All prizes retail between $300 – $900!

    Prizes include:

    • six-hour guided boat fishing trip for two provided by Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters – $475
    • Full-day guided fly fishing trip for two on the Platte River near Denver provided by Trouts Fly Fishing – $550
    • Cooler package: Soft-sided YETI cooler and 60-quart polar cap cooler from Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – $600
    • Full beginner fly fishing set up (rod/reel combo, tippet, leaders, tools, and fly box with 60 flies) from Ascent Fly Fishing – $400
    • Full beginner spin-casting set up (rod/reel combo, net, and tackle box with over $300 worth of gear and lures) – $400
    • Full ice fishing set-ups including; sled, auger, rods/reels, and pop-up shelter – $600
    • Premium fly fishing set-up: Orvis rods with Ross Reels – $900
    • Tenkara rods from Zen Tenkara – $300
    • Belly boat with accessories (fins & pump) – $300

    Each winner will also receive a year subscription to Colorado Outdoors Magazine.

    • Mentor and mentee must be at least 21 years of age.
    • Mentees must meet one of these criteria:
    • Never had a fishing license until 2022
    • Only had a fishing license in 2021 (e.g., a second-year angler)
    • Not had a fishing license in the past five consecutive years (i.e., since 2017)
    • Contest participants must follow all applicable Colorado fishing regulations.
    • Mentor must have had a Colorado fishing license before the start of the contest.

    To learn more, see the official rules and find out more about how to Take a Friend Fishing in 2022. 

  • Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial Adds Sixteen to the Wall on May 7

    Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial Adds Sixteen to the Wall on May 7

    Lakewood, Colo. – May 5, 2022 – Each May the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation honors those who have died in the line of duty (LODD) protecting lives and property in Colorado.  Sixteen firefighters’ names have been added to the memorial wall and on May 7 they will be honored and remembered.  

    • Byron Livengood, Southwest Adams Colorado Fire, LODD January 2, 1950 

    • Henry P. Miller, Southwest Adams Colorado Fire, LODD January 2, 1950

    • Charles Albrandt, Poudre Fire Authority, LODD July 29, 2019

    • Kenneth Jones, Summit County Fire, LODD December 7, 2019

    • Troy Jackson, South Metro Fire Rescue, LODD December 16, 2019

    • Dan Moran, West Metro Fire Rescue, LODD February 7, 2020

    • John F. Bennett, Grand Junction Fire, LODD June 19, 1973

    • Craig Moilanen, North Metro Fire Rescue, LODD October 8, 2015

    • George M. Helfer, Denver Fire, LODD December 21, 2019

    • David A. Sagel, Westminster Fire, LODD January 24, 2021

    • David L. Novotny, Denver Fire, LODD November 27, 2020

    • Richard J. Pula, Denver Fire, LODD March 1, 2021

    • Anthony F. Palato, South Metro Fire Rescue, LODD September 15, 2021

    • Jeffery J. Billingsley, Denver Fire, LODD September 20, 2021

    • Darcy S. Stallings, Yuma Fire, LODD October 21, 2021

    • Larry Wyant, Joes Fire, LODD October 26, 2021

    One hundred and sixty-six (166 ) names are now etched into the Colorado Fallen Firefighter Memorial wall.

    Memorial Event Information

    • Date:  Saturday, May 7, 2022

    • Time:  11 a.m.  

    • Location:  Memorial begins at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO  80226 and will end across the street in the park at the memorial location.  Map available online at https://www.cofff.org/events.  

    Photo Ops 

    • The procession of fire apparatus begins at 10 a.m. from Addenbrooke Park in Lakewood into the Lakewood Town Center. 

    • Ceremonial Colorado flag presentation to the firefighter families (Lakewood Cultural Center)

    • Last Alarm Bell Ceremony (Lakewood Cultural Center)

    • Procession to the Memorial

    • Honor Guard Pipes and Drum (Memorial Site / Outside)

    • Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremony (Memorial Site/ Outside)

    • Release of Doves (Memorial Site / Outside)

  • Seventeen Names to be Added to Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial (CLEM)

    WHAT: Each year, members of Colorado’s law enforcement community gather to honor those law enforcement officers who gave their lives at the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial (CLEM) ceremony.

     

    WHERE: Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial, 15055 S. Golden Road, Golden, CO 80401

     

    WHEN: Friday, May 6, 2022

                10 a.m. start time (please arrive early to set up)

     

    BACKGROUND: The names of nine Colorado law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021, along with the addition of the names of eight historical Colorado line-of-duty deaths will be formally added to the state’s memorial. With the addition of these seventeen names, there are now 342 officers’ names engraved on the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial.

     

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

    1) Eric H. Talley / Boulder Police Department / March 22, 2021

    2) James A. Herrera / Denver Sheriff’s Department / May 16, 2021

    3) Daniel J. Trujillo / Denver Sheriff’s Department / May 26, 2021

    4) Gordan Beesley / Arvada Police Department / June 21, 2021

    5) Eric J. Scherr / Aurora Police Department / August 30, 2021

    6) Ty A. Powell / Windsor Police Department / October 13, 2021

    7) Clay Z. Livingston / Elbert County Sheriff’s Office / December 3, 2021

    8) Joseph A. Pollack / Douglas County Sheriff’s Office / December 9, 2021

    9) Wayne S. Weyler / Mesa County Sheriff’s Office / December 10, 2021

    Past line-of-duty deaths also being honored:

    10) James C. Richey / Denver Marshal’s Office / February 4, 1862

    11) Charles Wilcox / Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office / September 19, 1899

    12) Rafael Pena / Antonito Marshal’s Office / August 7, 1908

    13) Andrew Sandberg / Denver Police Department / October 31, 1911

    14) Frank S. Potestio / Denver Police Department / November 22, 1918

    15) Peter A. Walsh / Denver Police Department / November 23, 1918

    16) Eduardo Dominguez / Conejos County Sheriff’s Office / April 10, 1940

    17) Robert E. Sandoval / Denver Police Department / October 29, 2020

  • Spring Plant Sale

    Spring Plant Sale

    There’s something for every gardener at our annual Spring Plant Sale. Shop for quality flora with experts on hand to answer plant questions and offer you advice. Plants will be available in the following divisions: Annuals, Aquatics, Container Garden in a Bag, Fruits & Berries, Grown at the Gardens, Herbs, Houseplants, Perennial Classics, Plant Select®, Rock Alpine, Roses, Specialty Succulents, Summer Bulbs, Vegetables and Water-Smart.

    Important Details:

    • Arrive early for the best selection. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
    • Bring your own wagon, cart or wheelbarrow to transport plants.
    • Credit/debit cards and checks will be the only accepted forms of payment at the sale.
    • Members receive 10 percent off all purchases (must present proof of active membership).
    • Member-only shopping is available from 8-9 a.m. Reservations are required.
    • The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 and remain closed through Saturday, May 7. It will re-open on Sunday, May 8. 
    • The parking structure is free but spaces are limited. Street parking is available in the neighborhood; be aware of parking restrictions. Anticipate extra traffic around the Gardens.

    Here is the Spring Plant Sale shopping guide, which includes a list of plants, Container Garden in a Bag collections and a site map.

     

    Preview Party

    Receive exclusive access to unique plants and expert advice from our horticulturists before the sale opens to the public. Guests enjoy a fabulous array of treats, wine and beer. This event sells out — purchase early to secure your ticket.

    Thursday, May 5
    4-7:30 p.m.
    SOLD OUT!
    $55 at the door (limited availability)

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Volunteer opportunities, including selling plants, greeting shoppers and assisting with checkout, are available for the sale. Volunteers receive 10 percent off all Spring Plant Sale purchases.

    Sign up for Spring Plant Sale volunteer shifts.

    Email with questions about volunteering at this event or if you have a group that wants to volunteer.

     

    Plant Sale FAQ

    Free Admission, Reservations Required

    Last entry is 4 p.m. The event ends at 5 p.m.

    Reservations subject to availability; membership does not guarantee a reservation for the sale.

     

    Spring Plant Sale site map

    Aquí hay una versión en español de este mapa de la venta.

  • Greeley native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force

    Greeley native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force

    For Full Story: https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2022/04/greeley-native-serves-as-member-of-us.html

    By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister, Navy Office of Community Outreach

    BANGOR, Wash. – A Greeley, Colorado, native is stationed at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), homeport to west coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Devan Vick serves as a machinist’s mate and joined the Navy to be a role model for family members.

    “I joined the Navy to be a good inspiration to my younger brothers and sisters,” said Vick. “I have brothers currently serving in the Navy, Marine Corps and the Army.”

    For full story, follow link above.

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust

    Issued for the eastern plains of Colorado and the San Luis Valley Issued at 8:30 AM MDT, Friday, April 29, 2022

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Affected Area: Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Washington, Yuma, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Kiowa, Bent, Prowers, Las Animas, Baca, Saguache, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and eastern portions of Weld, Adams, Arapahoe, El Paso, and Huerfano counties. Locations include, but are not limited to, Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Fort Morgan, Akron, Wray, Kiowa, Hugo, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Pueblo, Ordway, La Junta, Eads, Las Animas, Lamar, Trinidad, Springfield, Walsenburg, Saguache, Del Norte, Alamosa, Conejos, and San Luis.

    Advisory in Effect: 11:00 AM MDT, Friday, April 29, 2022 to 8:00 PM MDT, Friday, April 29, 2022.

    Public Health Recommendations: If significant blowing dust is present and reducing visibility to less than 10 miles across a wide area, People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children in the affected area should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor and outdoor exertion.

    Outlook: Strong and gusty winds will produce areas of blowing dust on Friday. The threat for blowing dust will gradually diminish by Friday evening.

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit:

    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

    Social Media:

    http://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd http://twitter.com/cdpheapcd

  • Antero Reservoir to open to boating on Sunday, May 1

    Antero Reservoir to open to boating on Sunday, May 1

    The south boat ramp at Antero Reservoir, taken Friday, April 22 (courtesy of CPW)

    The aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection station at the south ramp will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning May 1 and running through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1-31, the ramp will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., so long as there is no ice on the reservoir.

    The north boat ramp will not open until May 26 and stay in operation through Sept. 4. That ANS inspection station is open Thursday through Sunday, with its hours of operation being 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    The reservoir had been covered with ice on the week of April 18, but the strong winds and mostly mild temperatures helped the ice recede rapidly.

    CPW reminds all boaters that boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species is mandatory. All watercraft that are not hand-launched and human-powered will need to be inspected at the boat ramps. This includes any and all vessels utilizing electric trolling motors.

    Zebra and quagga mussels, along with a variety of other ANS, are a serious threat to Colorado waters. Invasive species such as the zebra mussel negatively influence the food chain for native fish. The mussels reproduce prolifically, consume phytoplankton and devastate fisheries. The small mollusks also grow on engines and boats, and can clog water pipes and dam mechanisms.

    Boat owners are urged to clean, drain and dry their boats thoroughly before they launch for the first time this season. After that, owners should do so every time they leave the water.

    The bag and possession limit for trout at Antero Reservoir is two, while the daily bag and possession limit on tiger muskie is one, and it must be at least 36 inches long. Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in a container or live well, or not returned to the water immediately count in the daily bag and possession limit. See our 2022 Fishing regulations brochure for more information.

    For detailed fishing information, including species stocked at Antero Reservoir, please see the most recent fish survey and management data summary.

    [WATCH] Spawning brown trout at Antero Reservoir

    In order to keep water-based activities carefree and risks at a minimum, it is important to keep basic safety practices in mind. The Colorado Boating Safety Program promotes safe vessel operation while enhancing boating experiences.

    Antero is Denver Water’s first collection reservoir on the South Platte River. Geologists believe Antero Reservoir occupies the site of a former lake-bed called Green Lake. While Green Lake lies submerged within the reservoir, an extinct volcano, Buffalo Peaks, looms above.

    The north side area of the reservoir is a day-use area only (no camping allowed), but 38 first-come, first-served campsites are available at the south side campground and boat ramp.

    To learn more about Antero Reservoir, please visit Denver Water’s website.

    Photos below courtesy of Jason Clay/CPW.

  • Colorado State Patrol Partners with Bandimere Speedway for 20th Year for “Take it to the Track”

    CSP Bandimere

    (COLO) – Start your engines, the opening night of “Take it to the Track” is Wednesday, April 27 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Bandimere Speedway located at 3051 S. Rooney Road, Morrison. The Colorado State Patrol has partnered with Bandimere Speedway for 19 years, so drivers of any age can come and legally race down the quarter-mile strip at full speed in a controlled environment.

    Traffic deaths surged across Colorado in 2021 hitting a 20-year high and speeding was a major factor in fatalities. For our youngest drivers, street racing also increased dramatically along with it the risk to other motorists and the general public.

    “Colorado State Troopers donate their time to these weekly Wednesday night events to connect with all ages, but its especially fun to talk with our young motor heads that take a lot of pride in their vehicles,” stated Sgt. Bonnie Collins, Colorado State Patrol. “They can bring their friends and even race a trooper – we don’t mind looking ‘not cool’ as long as they get out their need for speed here and not on the public roadways.”

    In 2021, Troopers top citation for drivers between the ages of 16-21 was speeding (9,240). The Colorado State Patrol supports “Take it to the Track” as the right way to hang with friends and show them what your car can do.

    “Investigating a fatal crash is a necessary part of my work as a Colorado State Trooper, and the tragedy of a life lost never becomes routine,” explains Sgt. Collins. “Speed eventually will change your life. This behavior will catch up with you with the loss of your license or the loss of a life.”

    “The Colorado State Patrol Take it to the Track events are the best part of our summer as we truly value the opportunity to make an impact in the community and in the lives of so many individuals,” General Manager Sporty Bandimere added. “At Bandimere Speedway, safety has been the focus since 1958 while giving the ability to people of any age, any vehicle, a haven to play and experience the automobile and is what we continue to do.”

    With the exception of July 13 and 20, the Colorado State Patrol “Take It To The Track” Test nights will be held every Wednesday beginning April 27 and run until October 12. Racing begins at 4 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. For more information visit www.bandimere.com.

  • Chatfield State Park making change to boat ramp in operation

    LITTLETON, Colo. – Chatfield State Park is switching its boat ramp in operation to its larger ramps on the northern side of the reservoir, effective immediately.

    The north boat ramp has eight launch lanes and four courtesy docks. 

    The hours of operation for the north boat ramp Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection station will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

    Reopening of the south boat ramp will be announced when adequate staffing is available to operate a second ANS inspection station on the south side of the reservoir.

    Please click here to see a map of the state park.