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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Local News

  • Agate School District Providing Aid to Families in our Community

    Agate School District Providing Aid to Families in our Community

    Food:

    -Breakfast, snacks, lunches for all Agate students (school provided)

    ·         In-district Agate students will receive their food on Tuesday’s bus route. 

    ·         Out-of-district Agate students can pick-up their food at the school during food pantry hours (Tuesdays 1-4pm).

    -Our food pantry is available for all members of the community at the school on Tuesdays 1-4pm. Please note: for any food pick-ups at the Food Pantry, we are following all health and safety recommendations and will bring all items up to you at the door.                    

    -We are partnering with the Kiowa food bank to provide additional food options for all families in the community. By filling out a proxy order form, the school will pick-up food boxes from the food bank that will be available for pick-up during our food pantry hours (Tuesdays 1-4 pm). 

    Proxy Forms must be filled out and returned by Friday to be delivered by the following Tuesday. You can fill out the form by: 

    ·         Via phone by calling the school Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am-1pm. 

    ·         Picking-up a form from the food pantry during operating hours and returning in our proxy lock box outside of the school (near the entrance).

    image credit – MGN online 

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  • State activates new crisis standards for emergency medical services and personal protective equipment

    The Chief Medical Officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment activated new crisis standards for emergency medical services and personal protective equipment earlier this week to help health care providers make decisions when responding to COVID-19. These standards are specific to the COVID-19 response. 

    The state has not enacted crisis standards of care for hospitals, as ongoing physical distancing policies have helped delay the strain on hospitals. 

    The emergency medical services crisis standards outline recommendations for how dispatchers, emergency transport services, and first-responders operate. The personal protective equipment crisis standards outline recommendations on use of PPE and alternate equipment to provide some protection from disease transmission.

    With the activation of the emergency medical services and personal protective equipment crisis standards in Colorado, entities will then adopt the standard for their organization and should report this adoption to CDPHE by completing the Crisis Standards of Care Adoption Form.   

    “The activated crisis standards provide recommendations on the questions ambulance dispatchers should ask and the equipment first responders should wear  — among other recommendations. They also clarify which first responders go out when, minimizing the number of people who could be exposed to COVID-19, while still providing care to people in need,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “The public can help preserve precious emergency resources by staying home, and only contacting 911 when it’s an emergency. We all play a role in slowing transmission of the virus and protecting the heroes on the frontlines.”

    The Governor’s Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee approved these crisis standards of care on April 5. Several sub-groups reviewed the content, and community feedback and engagement were considered throughout the process to update these recommendations.

    The complete crisis standards of care are available here. The state will continue to activate portions of the standards as the need becomes apparent.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • Seeking Easter Photos

     

    image credit – MGN online

    To our I-70 Corridor residents that still celebrated Easter with family egg hunts or traditions that they would like to share for possible publication, please e-mail your photos to . When sending photos, please include names and a couple of particulars about your holiday weekend celebration. We look forward to seeing your submissions.

  • Numerous staff and residents test positive for COVID-19 at Aurora nursing home

    Numerous staff and residents test positive for COVID-19 at Aurora nursing home

    (DENVER) April 11, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is coordinating with Tri-County Health Department to investigate an outbreak of COVID-19 infection at Juniper Village at Aurora. After learning that several staff had tested positive for the infection, the corporation decided to proactively test all staff and residents through a private lab. The lab confirmed that 33 of 46 residents and 16 of 25 staff members are positive for COVID-19. The facility has reported eight deaths, five of which have been confirmed as related to COVID-19. The coroner considers the remaining three deaths as probable cases of COVID-19.

    “We know that the populations in these facilities are among the most vulnerable and are at highest risk of severe illness from this virus,” said Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment. “The department is doing everything we can to be as transparent as possible regarding reported outbreaks to keep people safe while protecting  patient privacy. We continue to be aggressive in our recommendations to ensure the appropriate infection prevention measures are in place to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19 in these facilities.”

    The investigation at Juniper Village began on March 27 when epidemiologists from Tri-County Health Department notified CDPHE that their local investigations of positive COVID-19 cases included several health care workers from the facility. Since that time a team of infection preventionists and epidemiologists from both departments have conducted a number of virtual consultations with Juniper Village. The consultations have included assessing the facility’s current practices and providing technical assistance and support regarding infection prevention, use of personal protective equipment, and staffing recommendations. 

    In addition, a team from CDPHE’s Health Facilities Division conducted a site visit on April 2 after receiving a formal complaint regarding the facility’s infection prevention practices. The investigation is ongoing, and as is typical in these situations, could take several months to complete. CDPHE will continue to work with the facility to implement any necessary corrective measures. 

    “We are distressed by the outbreak of COVID-19 at the Juniper Village and the tragic loss of life and extend our deepest sympathy to the families who lost loved ones,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department. “COVID-19 can cause particularly severe illness in older adults, and we appreciate the support of CDPHE in strengthening steps to prevent further illness at this facility.”

    In a move intended to provide more insight into the extent of COVID-19 outbreaks statewide, on April 15 the department will begin releasing more details on confirmed outbreaks, including facility name, number of confirmed positive cases among staff and residents, and total confirmed deaths related to COVID-19. Information will be updated every Wednesday on the state’s COVID-19 website. 

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

  • Easter Cheer

     

    With the help of a charitable I-70 Corridor business woman, Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies spread some Easter cheer throughout Bennett and Strasburg earlier in the week despite the ongoing battle against coronavirus. Thanks to donations from Bennett business owner Jackie Dieter, deputies handed out approximately 25 Easter baskets to youngsters April 6. “I was blown away with the generosity and how much stuff I had to pack into my vehicle,” said Adams County Deputy Mandy Anderson, who stopped by the office of The I-70 Scout Monday morning to show off her bounty of holiday goodies.

     

  • Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Extends Charity Filing Deadlines

    Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Extends Charity Filing Deadlines

    Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has issued emergency rules extending certain filing deadlines for charities to August 15, 2020.  These rules will address the filing deadlines for charity registration renewals and solicitation campaign financial reports.  They will not affect the filing deadline for new solicitation notices, which must be filed at least 15 days prior to the commencement of a solicitation campaign.

    “Like the IRS, we are extending some filing deadlines for charities,” said Secretary Griswold.  “This will enable charities to focus on providing vital services to Coloradans during this time of need.”

    Last year, Coloradans donated over $4.6 billion to 7,321 Colorado-based charities. With the extension, charities are required to file their financial statements, Form 990s, and state financial forms to the Secretary of State’s by August 15, 2020.  These extensions were granted in light of the IRS extension of certain filing deadlines, which also impacts charities and their ability to prepare documents needed for filings with the Secretary of State.

    For the Notice of Temporary Adoption for the Colorado Charities Program Rules (8 CCR 1505-9), please click here. The notice includes the adopted rules, a statement of basis, and statement of justification. For an unofficial copy of the charity rules as adopted and effective on April 3, please click here.

    For more information, please visit www.sos.state.co.us. 

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  • Unified Command Group Member Tests Positive to COVID19

    Unified Command Group Member Tests Positive to COVID19

     A member of the Colorado Unified Command Group (UCG) working at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) tested positive for COVID-19.  The staff member went through daily medical screenings and was asymptomatic until April 4 when symptoms started. The staff member then contacted executive leadership and self-isolated pending testing arrangements.  Test results are positive.

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is conducting a full epidemiological investigation to evaluate the level of exposure in the SEOC.  Staff members at the facility were notified tonight.  All staff were asked to:

    1. Evaluate whether or not they worked in the same area of the facility in the last 48 hours following public health guidance for possible exposures. 
    2. Inform supervisors if they had contact or worked near the person before transitioning to  remote work following CDPHE guidelines to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms twice daily (including measuring your temperature) for 14 days.
    3. If staff were not in close contact with the member they will monitor symptoms daily for  the next 14 days.  Asymptomatic staff will report to work as previously assigned.  Symptomatic staff will  stay home and inform supervisors at the SEOC .

    For the protection of all staff members the SEOC has a decontamination service clean the facility each evening.  The decontamination has been in place for the last two weeks.  This will continue.  

    Monday the SEOC will conduct twice daily medical screening, once in the morning and again mid-day.  Daily health screenings were implemented at the beginning of March.  

    And, consistent with the Governor’s recommendations announced on Friday, UCG is embracing a culture of masking and supports the Colorado Mask Project.  Staff are asked to wear a non-medical fabric cover over their mouth and nose when away from home. 

    image credit: MGN online

     

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  • Now’s the time to submit big-game hunting applications; deadline to apply is April 7

    Now’s the time to submit big-game hunting applications; deadline to apply is April 7

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s on-line hunting license application site is open around-the-clock and hunters are urged not to wait until the last minute to apply for 2020 big-game licenses. Deadline to apply is April 7 at 8 p.m.

    “When a high volume of people hit the site on the last day, that can cause system slowdowns and we want to ensure you have the ability to put in for the license you want,” said Rebecca Ferrell, public information and website manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “There’s no reason to wait until the last minute – get online now, spend some quality time with our videos, harvest data and other resources, and be sure your account is set up correctly.”

    To apply for a limited big game license, go to cpwshop.com sign in to your account and then click on the “Go Hunting and Fishing” tab in the menu bar at the top of the page. The system is set up to guide hunters easily through the well-defined steps. Hunters must be sure to have their CID number and a valid credit card before beginning the process.

     

    Hunters should go on line to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website as soon as possible to apply for limited big-game hunting licenses. Deadline to apply is April 7.

    Please review the big game section of the CPW site for background information on Colorado’s hunting seasons and how to apply. The web pages include harvest statistics from the 2019 seasons for all big-game species, seasons and units.

    You can also call CPW’s hunt planners at 303-297-1192 if you have questions. Please note that call-wait times may be lengthy as our staff is complying with current stay-at-home orders.

    Although all CPW offices are closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, staff members are available to answer questions. Phone numbers and contact information are posted at all CPW offices for direct staff assistance.

    Hunters are also reminded that they are required to purchase a “qualifying license” before submitting an application. You’ll be prompted to make that purchase as you start the application process.

    For first-time hunters who have not completed a hunter education class, an apprentice certificate is available to those who are able to hunt with a mentor. Those who hunted last year with an apprentice license can obtain a second certificate. But previous year’s apprentice certificates will not be renewed automatically; you need to go to cpwshop.com and add a new profile before applying for a limited license.

    “Everything you need to apply is at your fingertips,” Ferrell said. “So please get your application in now and get ready for the fall hunting season.”

     

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  • Interest Waived on Certain Tax Payments

    Interest Waived on Certain Tax Payments

    From Sue Sandstrom, Arapahoe County Treasurer

    As the elected official tasked with the collection and distribution of property taxes for Arapahoe County, I want to keep individuals and businesses apprised of the current options available for the payment of those taxes.

    All property tax payment due dates and interest rates are determined by Colorado state statutes, and my office must follow those statutes. Due to the financial difficulties associated with this extraordinary health crisis, the Governor is able to issue Executive Orders that allow temporary variances from those statutes. On March 20, the Governor issued Executive Order D 2020 012, which gives me, as the County Treasurer, some flexibility in collecting interest on tax payments.

    Businesses and individuals in Arapahoe County, who intended to pay their property taxes in one installment due April 30, now have the option of paying in two installments. The first installment (one half of the total tax due) may be paid with no interest added if paid by April 20. The second installment will then be due June 15. Hopefully, this will provide some relief by spreading out the tax payments and lengthening the time allowed to pay without interest. To take advantage of this relief, the tax payment must be made by check or cash, via mail or deposited in the secure drop box in front of the Arapahoe County Administrative Building at 5334 S. Prince Street in Littleton. Online and over-the-phone payments do not qualify for the interest waiver.

    As of the day of this writing, March 27, no adjustments to tax payment due dates or additional late interest waivers have been made. Full payments made after April 30 and second half payments made after June 15, will accrue statutory interest.

    The above information does not apply to mass payments, title company payments and delinquent payments for prior years.

    For additional information, visit please www.arapahoegov.com or call the Arapahoe County Treasurer’s office at 303-795-4550.

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  • InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    InstaCheck Numbers Remain Elevated

    With the tremendous volume of requests for background checks for firearms transfers, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) InstaCheck Unit is reporting extended wait times for these important public safety checks.

    With 12,266 background checks for firearms transfers received in the last week, as compared to 6,499 received in the same timeframe last year, this has resulted in an increase of 89%. The sustained demand has resulted in a queue of 9,257 with an average turnaround time of approximately six calendar days.

    Current background check turnaround times for some checks exceed the federal regulation of three *business days, which means it becomes the discretion of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to release firearms outside of this window. However, the CBI strongly encourages firearms dealers to hold firearms until background checks are completed. 

    The CBI has implemented changes to address this unprecedented volume of background checks, from expanding internal InstaCheck hours to cross-training specialized staff members to assist in the process; however, these efforts must be balanced with protecting the health and safety of employees and reducing the potential for community spread related to COVID-19. 

    Similar spikes and delays in background checks for firearms transfers are being reported nationwide by the FBI and by other states, who perform their own background checks.

    The CBI is committed to performing background checks as quickly and efficiently as possible, as evidenced by InstaCheck’s average turnaround of less than eight minutes prior to COVID-19. That being said, the circumstances impacting communities across the state and the nation have posed significant challenges. The CBI continues to implement adjustments to address the demand, and appreciates the patience of FFL’s and their customers.

     *Please note: The 3-day turnaround is based on BUSINESS DAYS (M-F) and excludes holidays. Example: The three business day window for a background check received on Saturday at 10am is Wednesday at midnight.

    image credit: MGN online

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