In observance of Christmas and New Year’s, County offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26; and Monday, Jan. 2. Happy Holidays!
Category: Local News
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Anythink Libraries announces Christmas holiday closure
THORNTON, Colo.–Dec. 16, 2022–All Anythink libraries and administrative offices will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 in observance of Christmas. Anythink locations will return to regularly scheduled hours of operation on Tuesday, Dec. 27. -
Public Health Advisory for Adams and Arapahoe Counties
Dangerously Cold Temperatures and Wind Chills Predicted for Adams and Arapahoe Counties
Tri-County Health Department is issuing a public health advisory due to dangerously low temperatures and wind chills forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS) for this afternoon, Dec. 21 through Friday morning, Dec. 23. Temperatures will drop rapidly as we head into evening hours. Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.
Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:
- Avoid outside activities if possible. If you have to be outdoors, dress in layers of warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, gloves, and socks.
- Do not stay outdoors for extended periods.
- Check on and help family members, friends and neighbors with limited mobility and limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
- If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.
Take shelter during peak cold times:
- A Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, through 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23.
- A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Metro Denver area from the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 21, until 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22.
Health and safety risks and warning signs
Hypothermia: People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures.
Early signs of hypothermia include:
- shivering
- fatigue
- loss of coordination
- confusion and disorientation
Late signs of hypothermia include:
- no shivering
- blue skin
- dilated pupils
- slowed pulse and breathing
- loss of consciousness
Frostbite: Even short exposure to these temperatures can create a risk of frostbite. Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common areas affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Take these actions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when heating your home:
- Only use approved heaters, such as electric or natural gas heaters and fireplaces.
- Never use stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat your room or home, as these appliances can produce a deadly gas known as carbon monoxide that can collect inside your home.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to reduce the risk of poisoning.
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Live Shadow Nativity Info
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 275 Ash Street in Bennett will host an indoor live shadow Nativity at 7PM on Friday, December 23. All are invited and welcome.We will also have a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7PM on Saturday, December 24. -
Adams County Mobilizes Severe Weather Activation Program
Emergency Housing Available; 1,000+ Adams County Children Currently in NeedOn Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Adams County Severe Weather Activation Program (SWAP) was activated and will be extended through Jan. 3. SWAP is activated when weather conditions become lower than 33°F and wet (rain or snow) or 21°F and dry. This is a program that provides life-saving measures and emergency housing for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The assessment process may include referral to shelter, a hotel/motel stay, or severe weather supplies.There are more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness in Adams County with nearly half being households withyouth and children.“We must show compassion for our unhoused neighbors and provide them with dignified options,” said County Commissioner Chair Lynn Baca. “Innovative indoor solutions like the Adams County Severe Weather Activation Program provides shelter and support for our residents during life-threatening winter storms like Elliot.”Each year, SWAP participation has nearly doubled. In 2019, Adams County issued 88 SWAP vouchers for the whole season, and in 2022, the county issued up to 316 vouchers per day – a 289% increase.One of the reasons for the increase in demand is the Severe Weather Shelter Network is no longer providing hotel vouchers in Jefferson County and Aurora. SWAP has inadvertently made up some of the difference. In addition, this fall has been particularly cold which has increased the demand for hotel vouchers compared to last season.“We have a responsibility for the well-being of the community, especially our most vulnerable residents,” said Community Safety & Well-Being Director Matt Rivera. “SWAP is a powerful example of living up to that promise.”Hotel partnerships have also tripled. This expansion has enabled the county to serve everyone who qualifies thus far. This season, Adams County predicts SWAP will shelter more than 1,000 unique individuals—averting almost 10,000 nights of unsheltered homelessness.Limited vouchers will be available at the SWAP intake headquarters, Crossroads Community Center, but vouchers will also be distributed by outreach workers in the community. If you are an individual experiencing homelessness and connected with an outreach worker, please stay in communication with them for a higher likelihood of receiving a voucher.An in-person assessment is required. When SWAP is activated, people seeking services should visit Crossroads Community Center, 10451 Huron St., Northglenn from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., visit almosthomeonline.org/swap, contact Kristina Owen at , or call 720.409.8988.SWAP is one of many services offered to Adams County’s unsheltered population, which includes men, women, and children. To learn more about services available, visit adcogov.org/humanservices. -
Veterans Day: Building Closure, Arapahoe County
In observance of Veterans Day, Arapahoe County administrative buildings will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11.
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Veterans and active military get free entry into Colorado state parks on Nov. 11
DENVER – As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National Guard free admission to all Colorado state parks on Nov. 11, 2022.
Veterans and military members, residents and non-residents, can visit any Colorado state park for free by showing proof of military service. Vehicles displaying a Colorado disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate receive free entry to all state parks year-round.
The free daily parks pass provides a chance to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse wildlife and terrain they showcase. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.
CPW also offers military benefits for outdoor activities to active duty military, veterans and disabled veterans. Programs include free admission to state parks on Veterans Day, free admission to all state parks in August, year-round free entry to all state parks to residents who qualify for Colorado Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart license plates and free small game and fishing licenses for qualified disabled veterans. CPW also offers a Columbine Passwhich offers reduced park entrance fees to disabled Colorado residents.
For more information about Colorado state parks, visit the CPW website.
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Learn how ‘ballot curing’ helps ensure votes will be counted
We know voters have to sign their ballot envelope for their vote to be counted, but what happens if they forget? Or if election officials can’t verify that the signature is authentic?
This latest video from the Arapahoe County Elections Division explains “ballot curing,” a process that gives voters the chance to affirm their identity so their ballot will be counted. If a voter fails to cure their ballot, it is sent to the District Attorney’s office for investigation. -Read Full Article-
Join us for a virtual town hall on Thursday, Nov. 10 and get the latest updates on the formation of the Arapahoe County Public Health department, which is set to replace Tri-County Health Department on Jan. 1, 2023. Learn about services being offered, clinic locations, and get answers to your questions. Details at www.arapahoegov.com/townhall.
New early childhood center helps end cycle of poverty and housing instability
A new $2 million early childhood education center in Aurora will help end the cycle of poverty and housing instability for families enrolled in a unique residential program and will help shore up a childcare desert in the area near Oxford and Chambers Road. The center is housed at the Generational Opportunities to Achieve Long Term Success (GOALS) program on the Oxford Vista Campus.
“We cannot underscore enough the importance of quality early childhood education,” said Commissioner Nancy Sharpe, who helped celebrate at a groundbreaking for the center on Oct. 28. -Read Full Article-
Arapahoe County celebrates forever families on November 4
Human Services is partnering with the Arapahoe County District Court to honor this year’s adoptive families and finalize adoption hearings for foster and kin families at the courthouse. So far this year, 41 adoptions have taken place and we’re expecting 10-15 more to be finalized on National Adoption Day!
-Read Full Article-
Visit the Village
Join us for a holiday-themed family fun day at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Featuring a Santa meet-and-greet, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, make-and-take craft activities, petting farm, local craft vendors, festive beverages, food trucks and more!
When: Saturday, Dec.10, 2022 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center | 25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora
Tickets: $10, kids 2 and under FREEShare the season with neighbors in need! Donate a new, unwrapped gift and receive a free admission. One gift = 1 admission.
www.arapahoecountyeventcenter.com
Operation Green Light
By illuminating County buildings green Nov. 7-13, we aim to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported. Join us in Operation Green Light for Veterans by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb. -Learn More-
Veterans Day
All County offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.
Daylight Savings Time goes into effect at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6. Don’t forget to “fall back” one hour.
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National Bison Day Saturday November 5
WESTMINSTER, CO (November 3, 2022) The first Saturday in November offers everyone an opportunity to rally around a symbol of national unity, as National Bison Day celebrates the cultural, historical and economic significance of our National Mammal. The American bison is at home in a wide variety of climates across the continent, with herds today found in American parks, refuges, national forests and grasslands, Tribal lands, private conservancies, ranches and farms.Since 2013, the United States Senate annually has designated the first Saturday in November as National Bison Day. This resolution has the full support of a community bound by the heritage of the American Bison and includes the National Bison Association, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the InterTribal Buffalo Council. These three organizations championed the enactment of legislation in 2016 designating bison as the National Mammal of the United States.Today’s bison herds continue to grow despite a three-year cycle of pandemic, drought, and economic uncertainty. There are exciting advances in understanding bison through the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies, established in 2020 within the South Dakota State University system. Researchers and academics from across the country are bringing together projects to improve the ability of bison caretakers to manage healthy herds and produce healthy meat.As bison return to the landscape, the National Bison Association remembers their rebound from near extinction only 150 years ago. With this National Bison Day we celebrate the heritage of the buffalo, strive to keep learning more, and create a sustainable future for the caretakers of the animals. -
Be a good neighbor to Colorado wildlife by removing tangle hazards
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers Becca de Vergie and Lucas Clancy work to remove a cage for a tomato plant from the antlers of a mule deer buck in Durango. DURANGO, Colo. – Antlered wildlife across Colorado are on the move during the fall months as they migrate to winter range and seek mating opportunities. During this time of year, deer, elk and moose are increasingly prone to becoming entangled in objects found around homes.
Earlier this month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers in Durango had to tranquilize a mule deer to safely remove a cage for a tomato plant from its antlers. The cage would swing in front of the buck’s mouth to prevent it from eating.
The same week, a wildlife officer in Woodland Park had to tranquilize a buck to get a plastic ring removed from around its hoof.
Every year, wildlife officers across Colorado respond to incidents like these when deer, elk and moose have become entangled in hammocks, volleyball nets, holiday decorations and more.
That’s why CPW asks the public to assess their homes and yards for potential tangle hazards to wildlife. People can help by putting away summer recreational equipment that is not in use and by making sure any holiday lights and decorations are wrapped tightly wherever they are strung.
“Right now is a good opportunity to clean up your yard and to remove items a curious animal might stick its nose in or get wrapped up in,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung out of the Durango office. “We see animals get wrapped up in netting, landscaping materials and holiday decorations all the time, and it can impair their mobility, vision and ability to eat and drink.”
When deer and elk become entangled, the stress involved and the physical exhaustion caused by trying to break free can lead to death.
Wildlife officers can often get deer untangled if they are nearby and notified in a timely manner. In some cases, they will cut off the animal’s antlers to free it. In other instances, they can remove the object. Some cases do not require human assistance if the entanglement is not preventing the animal from eating or drinking or if there is low risk that the animal could get caught up in other items that would prevent it from being mobile. In those instances, the animal will be free of the burden when it sheds its antlers.
“We need to know about these situations quickly,” McClung said. “It’s best if we can get to these animals before they’ve undergone too much stress and have exhausted themselves. Darting them also creates stress and can lead to mortality if the animal has already been stressed too much.
“If the animal is not tethered to what it is tangled in, it can also be difficult to chase them through a neighborhood and get into a position to dart them, or sometimes they disappear and we never catch up to help them. The sooner we get information, the more likely we will be able to assist that animal.”
As people begin to hang holiday decorations this season, CPW recommends lights and other decorations be placed higher than six feet or attached tightly to trees and buildings. Lights that hang low or that are draped insecurely over vegetation easily get tangled in antlers.
If you see wildlife that does become entangled, wildlife officials ask you to report that directly to CPW by calling an office local to you or through Colorado State Patrol if it is outside of normal business hours. When calling CSP, they will relay your information to the on-call wildlife officer in your area.
Be prepared when calling CPW with information regarding the animal’s location and time observed, its behavior, whether it is tied to an object or still mobile and if the hazard is preventing the animal from eating, drinking or breathing.
Do not try to free wildlife from entanglements yourself and always call CPW.
The rut – or breeding season – for deer enters its peak in late-November and will last through mid-December.
During this time, bucks have a one-track mind – they want a mate. So they can become agitated if any other animal, object or person appears to be posing a challenge. Dogs are often targets and they can be badly injured by a buck’s antlers.
Deer can become aggressive toward humans, too, so stay well away from them. Attacks get reported around the state each fall.
During the rutting season, bucks will also rub their antlers on various objects to mark territory and signal their presence to other bucks. That can further increase the possibility of tangle hazards.
You can learn more about living with wildlife by visiting the CPW website.
Photo Information
TOP LEFT: A mule deer buck with a hammock tangled in its antlers is also caught in barbed wire fencing.TOP RIGHT: CPW biologist Jim White works to try to free a mule deer buck tangled in several yards of netting that surrounded a tennis court.
BOTTOM: Two different mule deer bucks tangled in Halloween decorations.
