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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Local News

  • Coloradans urged to be “Can Do Consumers” in an effort to stay safe while helping statewide local businesses thrive

    Coloradans urged to be “Can Do Consumers” in an effort to stay safe while helping statewide local businesses thrive

    DENVER – The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is committed to Gov. Jared Polis’ plan to help safely reopen Colorado’s economy and protect the public from the spread of COVID-19 by challenging Coloradans to be “Can Do Consumers”. As part of the State’s “Can Do Colorado” campaign, which highlights practices and innovations by businesses who are stepping up and transforming the way they operate to support their communities, Coloradans can now find guidance on how to safely and responsibly resume using all the wonderful services provided by these businesses in our state.

    “Many businesses are stepping up with innovative solutions to help keep their customers and clients safe. Now it’s time for Colorado consumers to do their part to keep themselves and others healthy while supporting our state’s economy” said DORA Executive Director Patty Salazar. “Customers, clients and patients all have roles to play to ensure that Colorado remains resilient in the face of this pandemic. We are proud to offer resources and guides for Coloradans to learn how they can become ‘Can Do Consumers.”

    The “Can Do Colorado” campaign and website launched in early May, providing a dedicated space for people to learn about Coloradans who are creating new, safe ways to serve their clients and customers. The site also provides business owners and professionals with resources and guidance about how they can safely and responsibly reopen, and has incorporated “Can Do Community Challenges” from DORA’s sister agencies working to ensure Colorado emerges from the pandemic stronger than ever. 

    Now, with the addition of the “Can Do Consumers” initiative, visitors to the site will find health and safety tips on effective ways to comply with policies and rules when visiting businesses, as well as resources on how to find local businesses who are operating safely and innovatively. Coloradans can also find information on ways to avoid COVID-19 scams and frauds.

    Follow along to see new highlights from the campaign on the website and on social media at #CanDoColorado and #DoingMyPartCO. Denver branding, marketing and technology company Karsh Hagan is managing aspects of campaign marketing and design pro-bono.

    Please note: The featured practices are not an endorsement or recommendation of any one individual or business by DORA. Rather, the campaign is meant to highlight innovative and best practices used by businesses in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions.

     

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  • Water enthusiasts should always wear personal flotation devices (PFD)

    Water enthusiasts should always wear personal flotation devices (PFD)

    Now that summer is officially here, Coloradans head to the state’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs to participate in a variety of water sports activities. Colorado Parks and Wildlife remind outdoor recreationists to be safe on the water and wear a life vest, also known as a personal floatation device PFD).

    Water sports are a great way to have fun in the sun, whether you go powerboating, paddleboarding, sailboating, windsurfing, kayaking, tubing or canoeing. In order to keep water-based activities carefree and risks at a minimum, it’s important to keep basic safety practices in mind. 

    The spring run-off has filled reservoirs and water is still very cold. If you fall into water that’s barely 50 degrees, hypothermia can set in quickly and be life-threatening. People recreating on Colorado’s natural waters are urged to wear PFD no matter if they are on a river, lake, pond or reservoir. 

    “You should always wear a life vest, paddle with a buddy, know your limitations and scout rapids prior to floating them,” said Grant Brown, boating safety program manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

    Water drownings are not uncommon in Colorado, and park rangers and search and rescue teams have already responded to multiple drownings this season. The impact of cold water can be dangerous when people are unexpectedly thrown overboard and required to swim when in distress. Paddle craft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are especially vulnerable when the wind picks up, which it does most every afternoon in Colorado.

    CPW urges all boaters, no matter what type of craft they are using, to wear PFDs when on the water. Regulations require that the number of PFDs on a boat match the number of people on board. Children 12 years old and younger must always wear a PFD when on the water. The rules apply to all types of boats and stand-up paddleboards. 

    Outdoor recreationists interested in participating in water sports can rent or loan equipment and PFD are various state parks. CPW offers a park finder toolto search Colorado state parks that offer water activities and rental services. Dogs are encouraged to wear PFD as well in case a boat unexpectedly capsizes.  

    Off the water, CPW reminds all recreationists that they are required to follow the rules of Governor Jared Polis’s “safer-at-home” order while recreating. Follow safety protocol at boating inspections and when getting into the water. Maintain a distance of six feet from other people, and wear a mask around other people if water entry locations appear crowded. 

    For more information on boating regulations and safety information, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/BoatingSafety.aspx.

     

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  • Arapahoe County unveils small business relief plan CARES program funding will help businesses affected by COVID-19

    Arapahoe County unveils small business relief plan CARES program funding will help businesses affected by COVID-19

    Recognizing the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on small and medium-size businesses, the Arapahoe County CARES Program is launching Advance Arapahoe, a $6 million grant program that will provide support and retain jobs at businesses throughout the County.

    “This is one of the first grant programs we’re launching through the Arapahoe County CARES Program, and it will provide crucial relief to businesses most affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns,” said Arapahoe County Board Chair Nancy Sharpe. “These small and medium-size businesses are essential to our economy, and Arapahoe Advance is a step toward providing some stability through this transition to reopening.”

    Advance Arapahoe’s first priority will be to fund employers within the boundaries of unincorporated Arapahoe County, as most businesses within incorporated communities can apply to relief programs through their jurisdiction. Award preference also will be given for employers who commit to retain and/or bring back employees with these funds

    Funds are available in two grant categories:

    • Business interruption grants to support operational needs such as lease or mortgage payments, utility expenses, payroll expense, supplies and services, materials
    • Infrastructure/PPE grants to purchase items, including PPE, needed to adapt a business to new processes or items that are required to operate in a different manner due to the COVID-19 crisis

    Grants in both categories will be up to $20,000, depending on the size of the company. Qualifying businesses must have operated a physical location in Arapahoe County since at least June 1, 2019, have 500 or fewer employees, be in good standing with regulatory agencies, meet minimum financial requirements and retain at least one job (that meets low- to moderate-income requirements) as a result of this assistance.

    Applications for this program will open on June 22, 2020. The streamlined application process is designed to be quick and easy, with applications due by July 3, 2020, or until the funds have been depleted.

    Advance Arapahoe is part of Arapahoe CARES, the federally funded relief program that awarded $114.5 million to the County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

    Complete eligibility information for Advance Arapahoe is available here. For more information about the many programs Arapahoe CARES is launching, visit our website.

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  • Temporary Detour on Cherry Creek Trail between South Quebec and East Iliff

    Temporary Detour on Cherry Creek Trail between South Quebec and East Iliff

    A portion of the Cherry Creek Trail between South Quebec Street and just south of East Iliff Avenue will be closed for construction as part of the Cherry Creek Restoration Project starting June 15 – July 6 (approximately three weeks, weather pending).

    The attached map displays the area affected and detour information. Foot traffic will be routed across Iliff at Trenton, while bicycles will cross at Wabash. The separate detours are meant to mitigate problems with foot traffic/bicycles on such a narrow passage. Please be alert for work zones and signage, and plan for additional time en route to get to your destination. Thank you for patience and understanding.

    The Cherry Creek Restoration Project is a collaborative project (between Mile High Flood District, City and County of Denver, Denver Water, and Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority) to restore a one-mile reach of the Cherry Creek corridor between South Quebec Street and East Iliff Avenue. Watch a conceptual flyover video and find a project overview on Mile High Flood District’s website. The result will be enhanced flood protection, healthier vegetation, improved wildlife habitat and more.

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  • Black Lives Matter Street Mural to be Painted on Broadway

    Black Lives Matter Street Mural to be Painted on Broadway

    DENVER – The city is closing down a section of Broadway starting tonight to bring local artists together to paint a Black Lives Matter street mural designed by local artist Adri Norris along Broadway between Colfax Avenue and 14th Avenue.

    Adri Norris will be working with Pat Milbery on the creation of the street mural. They are also calling on local Denver creatives, in particular black, indigenous and artists of color, as well as community volunteers to come and be a part of the creative process taking place on Broadway on Friday, June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This partnership between the city and the artists is being undertaken in the spirit of collaboration and alliance, creating a platform for voices of color, and building community voices against racial injustice.

    Beginning tonight at 6:30 p.m. and lasting through 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 12, traffic lanes will be closed along Broadway from 13th Avenue to 17th Avenue. Commuters are advised to find alternate routes around the area. The area will remain open to foot traffic for those taking part in nearby demonstrations. 
     

     

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  • Tune in to the Backyard Concert Series

    Tune in to the Backyard Concert Series

    Fire up the grill! The Backyard Concert Series returns tomorrow with Walker Williams Band, and you can tune in live on Facebook and YouTube at 6:30 pm. 

    Get your home concert-ready with blankets, chairs, bubbles or any of the other provisions that make for a fun, family-friendly night of music. Post photos of your home setup using the #BCS2020 hashtag – it might be featured on-air! 

    The Backyard Concert Series is free, but we need you to help us reach our $20,000 fundraising goal with a donation. Donate online or by texting BACKYARD to 50155. All proceeds benefit the Anythink Foundation, and will be used to provide special programs and projects for the community. 

    A note from our sponsor

    Xcel Energy is proud to support the Anythink Backyard Concert Series and our Colorado communities. At Xcel Energy, we’re dedicated to providing 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. We’re working to make sure the future is full of safer, cleaner, less expensive energy for everyone. Let’s work together to save energy and money. Visit xcelenergy.com/EnergySolutions to learn more. 

    The Backyard Concert Series is made possible by generous support from Xcel Energy, Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C. and TBK Bank. 

     

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  • Gov. Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s Response to COVID-19, Emphasizes Importance of Staying Home with Lt. Gov. Primavera

    Gov. Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s Response to COVID-19, Emphasizes Importance of Staying Home with Lt. Gov. Primavera

    DENVER – Gov. Polis today provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and highlighted the importance of staying home. The Governor was joined remotely by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, who like many Coloradans has been working remotely during the pandemic. 

    “Coloradans must remember that we are not out of the woods yet and this pandemic is still very much with us in our communities.  If we want to continue moving forward, we have to remain vigilant, and continue staying home as much as possible or in our great outdoors, and follow social distancing requirements like wearing masks and washing our hands,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I will continue working with the legislature on building a resilient response, from a health perspective and economic perspective, for Colorado in the face of this pandemic. We’re all in this together, and the way we’re going to get through it is by doing right by one another.”

    “I know this is a difficult time for so many Coloradans, but it’s critical that we all continue taking the necessary precautions like wearing masks when leaving the house, washing our hands, and staying home as much as we can,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. “As a four-time cancer survivor and someone who is over 60, I fall into two risk categories and have been working remotely during the pandemic. Though I feel as strong and healthy as ever, I want to do everything I can to protect my family,myself and my community. It hasn’t been easy, and I know many others are going through something similar. We can cope by getting outdoors to exercise or doing Zoom calls with the grandkids. We also must remember that we are all together in this.”

    The Governor also provided an update on the legislative session and thanked the Joint Budget Committee for their work on the state budget. Gov. Polis is focused on working with the legislature on building a resilient response, from a health and economic perspective, for Colorado in the face of the pandemic. This includes focusing on lowering health care costs and supporting businesses and workers who are struggling. The Governor expressed support for the legislature’s work around creating a loan relief fund, bolstering the state’s unemployment insurance program, and a more permanent sick leave policy. Gov. Polis also praised state lawmakers for being in the process of taking swift action in response to the hundreds of thousands or millions of Americans that are demonstrating against police abuse and structural racism.

    Gov. Polis highlighted two organizations who are working with Coloradans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have received grants from the Colorado COVID Relief Fund for their work. 

    The Governor highlighted GrowHaus, which serves as a source of fresh food in the Elyria-Swansea and Globeville neighborhoods of Denver, where there are few traditional grocery stores within walking distance for many residents. When COVID hit, GrowHaus received a massive increase in households looking for services. So they mobilized their entire team to start packing and delivering emergency food packages including dry goods, fresh fruit and vegetables for households in need across the area at no charge. Due to the help they’ve received from the COVID-19 Relief fund, they’re currently serving 2,500 Coloradans, and partnering with other local organizations like Bondadosa, Denver Food Rescue, and We Don’t Waste.

    The Governor highlighted the River Valley Family Health Center, which is serving thousands of families in Delta, Montrose, and Olathe with high-quality, affordable health care. In response to the pandemic, they’ve stepped up IT support for telehealth to help slow the spread of the virus. They’ve also strengthened their routers because they know that not everyone has access to WiFi at home. Patients can now come to the parking lot and have a remote session if they don’t want to risk physically interacting with a doctor. They also offer testing for COVID-19 and ensure that everyone who gets tested gets follow-up behavioral health outreach.

    To learn more about the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, visit www.helpcoloradonow.org. 

    Gov. Polis signed Executive Order D 2020 094, amending and extending prior Executive Orders suspending certain regulatory statutes concerning juvenile justice, regional centers, and behavioral health due to COVID-19.

     

     

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  • Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response, Discusses Recent Demonstrations

    Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response, Discusses Recent Demonstrations

    DENVER – Governor Jared Polis today provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and discussed Safer at Home and In the Vast, Great Outdoors. The Governor also addressed the senseless murder of George Floyd and demonstrations in Denver and across the country. 

    “Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to safely enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice better social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces,” said Gov. Polis.  

    “What happened to George Floyd was not only wrong, it was brutal. It was inhumane. It was murder,” Governor Polis continued. “But the reality is that this is much larger than the need to hold one officer and others accountable. It’s about a pattern of injustice and unfair treatment that Black Americans and communities of color have endured, not only in our criminal justice system, but in every area of American society. We need to listen to the voices of those who are crying out for reform, and we need to take action. To those peacefully protesting, I want you to know that I see you, I hear you and I grieve with you. And more importantly, I want to work with you. Spray paint can be power washed, and windows can be fixed, but the black lives taken can’t be replaced or brought back, and the pain and injustices that our black community members have suffered will take years and decades to repair. I am ready, willing, and eager to be your partner in that work.”

    The Governor provided an update on Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors, encouraging Coloradans to enjoy the state’s incredible outdoor spaces, where people are better able to follow social distancing requirements. The level of risk for outdoor activities is low enough that older Coloradans and those with underlying conditions are now able to go outside and participate in Colorado’s natural beauty. Everyone should continue wearing a mask and following social distancing requirements while outdoors. 

    The Governor also discussed the levels of risk Coloradans can be exposed to through various activities. Staying home is considered low risk, outdoor activities is considered a moderate risk, outdoor gatherings are a higher risk, and indoor gatherings are the highest risk. 

    The state is also opening up playgrounds and swimming pools at limited capacity, and has also released draft guidance on reopening houses of worship, certain forms of outdoor recreation and personal recreation, and updates to the child care and personal services guidances. The state is currently soliciting feedback, which can be submitted here. Final versions will be released on Thursday.

    Gov. Polis today announced that Colorado is now running 7,000 – 8,000 tests per day. The state now believes it is capturing 50% of symptomatic cases, up from 33% and growing. 

    In addition, Gov. Polis announced a new partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), who will mobilize more than 800 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members to support the state’s COVID-19 response through contact tracing and other associated work.

    Contact tracing means following up with individuals who came into contact with an infected individual to ensure they get tested and quarantine themselves if necessary. 300 AmeriCorps NCCC members, based out of the Southwest Region Campus in Aurora, will start immediately. 350 VISTA Summer Associates will be hosted by the Community Resource Center in Denver and Conservation Legacy in Durango, both existing AmeriCorps VISTA projects, with 100-200 additional Senior Corps volunteers to join in Denver.

    With more than one thousand contact tracers working in Colorado, the state will be able to address outbreaks more quickly, which will reduce infections and save lives. 

    Organizations are currently recruiting for the new positions announced today, the first of which begin on June 22. Those who serve as VISTA Summer Associates will earn a stipend and an education award at the end of their service. For more information on requirements and details on how to apply visit www.colorado.gov/servecolorado. 

    View the full news conference. 

     

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  • Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Colorado resumes some regular child care group sizes

    Certain child care providers may return to regular group sizes June 4

    DENVER (June 3, 2020) — Gov. Jared Polis has announced that certain child care providers in Colorado may return to regular group sizes and licensed capacity as stated in Colorado child care licensing rules beginning Thursday, June 4. This guidance is applicable to child care centers, family child care homes, and building-based school-age child care programs only. It does not include school-age day camps, license-exempt youth programs, or children’s resident camps. 

    School-age day camps and license-exempt youth programs are currently allowed to operate with smaller ratios as outlined in guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Resident camps are still not allowed to operate. Further guidance on children’s resident camps will be released in mid-June. 

    “Providing Colorado families with safe, affordable and accessible high-quality child care is key to the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. “Unfortunately, child care providers, like so many small businesses, have faced significant challenges during these unprecedented times. Returning to regular group sizes will help child care businesses keep their doors open, and will ensure more Colorado families who need access to child care are able to find it, particularly families participating in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.” 

    Child care providers must still adhere to other health and safety guidelines as outlined by CDPHE. This includes maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet whenever possible. Standard child care licensing rules do allow for approximately this level of physical distancing, as facilities must have 35 square feet per child for infants and 30 square feet per child for preschool and school-age children. Providers are also encouraged to engage children in outdoor play as much as possible, as this is a safer way for children to interact while still maintaining physical distancing. More information about current guidelines in child care facilities can be found on CDPHE’s COVID-19 website. More information on child care licensing can be found on the Colorado Office of Early Childhood’s website. 

    For individual assistance with questions, please contact Colorado Child Care Licensing at 303.866.5948 or 1-800-799-5876. 

     

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  • Applications open June 5 for CPW’s new secondary big game draw

    Applications open June 5 for CPW’s new secondary big game draw

    DENVER – Beginning Friday, June 5, hunters will have the option to apply to draw a license in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s new secondary big game draw. The secondary draw replaces the old leftover draw. The secondary draw opens after the results of the annual primary big game draw have been posted. 

    New in 2020, the secondary draw is open to everyone, whether they applied for the primary draw or not. Most elk, deer, pronghorn and bear licenses not issued through the primary draw will now be made available in the secondary draw.

    What’s different?

    The new secondary draw means increased opportunity. The old leftover draw was only available to customers who participated in the primary draw, did not draw, and only offered deer and elk licenses. The new secondary draw offers two more species: bear and pronghorn licenses, in addition to deer and elk licenses, and is open to all customers whether they applied in the primary draw or not.

    The new process provides a preference for youth hunters. Youth hunters have 100% preference in the secondary draw. The secondary draw processes all youth application choices prior to processing adult choices. A hunt could be completely drawn by youth before the adult application stage of the draw. 

    What to know before you apply

    The application fee. You’ll still be charged a fee for applying, whether or not you draw a license. The $7 resident and $9 nonresident application fees apply per species for the secondary draw as well as the primary draw.

    No primary draw? No problem. You can apply for the secondary big game draw without having applied for the primary big game draw. 

    A qualifying license is required. Resident and nonresident hunters must purchase or have purchased one of the following:

    Qualifying license valid for Colorado residents only include: 

    No preference points. You don’t use any preference points if you draw a license in the secondary draw. You also cannot apply for a preference point in the secondary draw.

    No group hunts. You cannot apply as a group in the secondary draw.

    When can I apply?

    Secondary draw applications will be accepted beginning at 8 p.m., June 5 – July 7, 8 p.m. MST.

    A list of hunt codes eligible for the secondary draw will be posted online on June 5.

    Any licenses remaining after the secondary draw as well as those which are eligible for public reissue (except for Ranching for Wildlife licenses) will be placed on the leftover list and available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. MST on August 4. 

    Applications for both the primary and secondary draws are only available online or by phone.

    NOTE: “Unsuccessful options” have been removed from  the draw application process. Over-the-counter unlimited licenses will be available for purchase starting at 9 a.m. on August 6. 

     

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