The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • Today In History: World War II Dunkirk evacuation begins

    Today is Tuesday, May 26, the 146th day of 2026. There are 219 days left in the year. This is Memorial Day.

    Today in history:

    On May 26, 1940, Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, began during World War II.

    Also on this date:

    In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the Montana Territory.

    In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Immigration Act of 1924, which barred immigration from Asia and restricted the total number of immigrants from other parts of the world to 165,000 annually.

    In 1927, the Ford Model T officially ended production as Henry Ford and his son Edsel drove the 15 millionth Model T off the Ford assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan.

    In 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee was established by Congress.

    In 1954, an explosion occurred aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington off Rhode Island, killing 103 sailors.

    In 1967, the Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was released.

    In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty in Moscow. (The U.S. withdrew from the treaty under President George W. Bush in 2002.)

    In 1981, 14 people were killed when a Marine jet crashed onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off Florida.

    In 2009, California’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban but said the 18,000 same-sex weddings that had taken place before the prohibition passed were still valid. (Same-sex marriage became legal nationwide in June 2015.)

    In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

    In 2011, Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian Serb general suspected of leading the massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica, was arrested after a 16-year manhunt. (Extradited to face trial in The Hague, Netherlands, Mladić was convicted in 2017 on genocide and war crimes charges and is serving a life sentence.)

    Today’s Birthdays: Singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks is 78. Actor Pam Grier is 77. Country singer Hank Williams Jr. is 77. Celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto is 71. Actor Genie Francis is 64. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait is 64. Musician Lenny Kravitz is 62. Actor Helena Bonham Carter is 60. Actor Joseph Fiennes is 56. Actor-producer-writer Matt Stone is 55. Singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill is 51. Singer Jaheim is 48. NHL player Mathew Barzal is 29. Actor Lola Flanery is 21.

    — The Associated Press

     

  • Governor Polis Orders Flags to Half Staff In Honor of Memorial Day

    Today, Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from 12:01 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, May 25, 2026, in celebration of Memorial Day, honoring the brave service members who have died in service of their country.
    “This day honors the incredible Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As we remember these brave service members, let us remember their families and loved ones and what they fought to achieve for our country: freedom, independence, security, and hope. I wish my fellow Coloradans a safe Memorial Day weekend,” said Governor Jared Polis.
  • Know before you go: Outdoor safety tips for Memorial Day weekend

    Know before you go: Outdoor safety tips for Memorial Day weekend

    Ahead of the holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages state park visitors and recreationists to act as stewards for the state’s land, wildlife and water by balancing outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

    Below are guidelines from outdoor experts on how to recreate responsibly and show respect to Colorado’s great outdoors.

    Know Before You Go 
    Preparation is key for outdoor activities in Colorado. The unpredictable weather, limited snowpack, muddy trails, cold water temperatures and strong currents on rivers and streams all underscore the importance of being well-informed and ready for any adventure.

    Boating and River Safety
    As Colorado navigates drought conditions this year, CPW will be monitoring boating recreation options and restrictions at state parks and wildlife areas. Lower water levels can affect boating access or capacity, including potential boat ramp closures.

    • Wear a life jacket​.
    • Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a life jacket.
    • Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
    • Heavy rain or snowmelt from nearby mountains can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
    • Water flows on streams and river bottoms can be inconsistent, so beware of rocks and unmarked hazards below the surface.
    • Colorado waters are not monitored by lifeguards. You swim and boat at your own risk.
    • Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident paddling in.
    • Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone.
    • Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions, and a sound-producing device (whistle, horn).
    • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, and can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.
    • “Clean, drain and dry” your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots.
    • Use a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your gear.

    Life jackets truly save lives, and the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them. Regardless of age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency. A life jacket will keep your airway clear of water, keep your head above water, and support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.

    Be Careful with Fire
    Although parts of Colorado have recently received moisture from heavy rain, drought conditions still determine whether campfires are allowed or restricted in certain areas.

    • Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
    • Download the free COTREX app to get wildfire closure alerts.
    • Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available.
    • Put out the fire with water until you can touch the embers.
    • Never leave a campfire unattended.
    • If you see an unattended or uncontrolled fire, call 911.

    Stick to Trails 
    It’s important to stick to trails and walk in the middle of them, even if wet or muddy, to avoid erosion and damage to plants.

    • Use the State Park Finder to explore maps of Colorado state parks.
    • Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads, trail maps and closure alerts.
    • Respect trail closures — they’re closed for a reason.
    • Wear sturdy footwear to stay on trails in wet and muddy conditions.
    • Park in designated areas — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation and block outdoor first-responder vehicles in an emergency.

    Trash the Trash
    Throw all your trash into the trash cans and help keep our outdoor spaces clean.

    • Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you.
    • Don’t leave pet waste bags on the trail.
    • Bring plastic grocery bags to carry trash when trash cans are not available or full.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    Late spring is a sensitive time for wildlife, as many species are nesting, birthing young or emerging from hibernation.

    To schedule a media interview, contact the CPW Public Information Officer in your region. If possible, please schedule interviews before Friday, May 22.

    Learn more about Colorado outdoor recreation by visiting cpw.state.co.us.

  • Boggsville Announces Voices of The Passed Cemetery Tour

    The “Voices of the Passed” cemetery tour returns to Boggsville, Colorado, on Friday, May 22nd from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.  Come enjoy the fun! You can take a horse-drawn wagon ride and come face to face with the heroes and scoundrels of our past while listening to stories of our ghostly residents.

    There are a lot of surprises in store this year. We have an eccentric judge, who at age16, was a member of Robert E. Lee’s body guards and remained such a fan of the general that he wanted to be buried in his Confederate uniform. A frontier soldier who served at Fort Lyon will make an appearance. He later became a cattle rancher and politician and, while county commissioner, he supervised construction of the Bent County courthouse. Another of our characters was an early mayor who authored a book, and he will regale us with tales of his life in early Las Animas.

    Jake Koch as John Prowers at the 2025 cemetery tour

    Lastly, we are honored to have as actors the descendants of two of Las Animas’ centennial families – families who have lived here over 100 years. “The Grand Lady of Las Animas” – who lived to be 97 and in her time was the oldest living native of Bent County – will be portrayed by her great-granddaughter. And one of our earliest pioneers – who arrived in Bent County over 150 years ago – will be portrayed by his great, great, great-granddaughter.

    The cemetery tour is Boggsville’s spring fundraiser and all proceeds support the preservation of the Boggsville Historic Site. Adult tickets are $10, youth under 16 are $5 and children under 6 are free. Wagons load every 30 minutes at Boggsville and each tour takes approximately one hour.  Enjoy refreshments and tour the historic Boggsville homes while you wait. Reservations are not necessary, but larger groups are encouraged to make them to ensure you are all seated in the same wagon. You can make reservations by calling 303-427-2317.

    If you haven’t been to Boggsville lately, you’ll be amazed at the recent preservation progress that is underway. Come out and have some fun while learning about our early Bent County residents. The Boggsville Historic Site is located at 28120 Colorado Highway 101, in Las Animas, Colorado, and is about 2 miles south of the courthouse on Highway 101. We hope to see you on Friday, May 22nd!

  • Spring recreation begins with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship

    Spring recreation begins with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship

    As the weather gets warmer, the outdoor community is flocking outside to explore Colorado’s vibrant landscapes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages state park visitors and recreationists to act as stewards for the state’s land, wildlife and water by balancing outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

    Coloradans and out-of-state visitors play a crucial role in protecting the beauty of state parks, living in harmony with wildlife and making the outdoors safer to explore.

    Below are guidelines from outdoor experts on how to recreate responsibly and show respect to the great outdoors.

    Know Before You Go 
    Preparation is key for outdoor activities in Colorado. The unpredictable weather, limited snowpack, muddy trails, cold water temperatures and strong currents on rivers and streams all underscore the importance of being well-informed and ready for any adventure.

    As Colorado navigates drought conditions this year, CPW will be monitoring boating recreation options and restrictions at state parks and wildlife areas. Lower water levels can affect boating access or capacity, including potential boat ramp closures. Access for hand-launched watercrafts, like kayaks and paddleboards, is not expected to be impacted. Shoreline fishing access will not be restricted.

    Boating and River Safety

    • Wear a life jacket​.
    • Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a life jacket.
    • Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
    • Heavy rain or snowmelt from nearby mountains can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
    • Water flows on streams and river bottoms can be inconsistent, so beware of rocks and unmarked hazards below the surface.
    • Colorado waters are not monitored by lifeguards. You swim and boat at your own risk.
    • Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident paddling in.
    • Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
    • Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions, and a sound-producing device (whistle, horn) if you need to call for help.
    • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, and can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.
    • “Clean, drain and dry” your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots.
    • Use a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your gear.

    “Outdoor recreation improves your heart health, but it’s important to know that being in water below 68 degrees for long periods of time can be dangerous, due to heat loss from blood circulating near the skin,” said Andrea Miller, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “This loss of heat can cause decreased function of a person’s heart, brain or other vital organs, increasing the risk of drowning or heart failure. Being prepared — including knowing your limitations, wearing appropriate clothing or gear and ensuring you know CPR and first aid — is the best way you can reduce the risk of a cold water emergency.”

    Life jackets truly save lives, and the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them. Regardless of age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency. A life jacket will keep your airway clear of water, keep your head above water, and support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.

    Stick to Trails 
    It’s important to stick to trails and walk in the middle of them, even if wet or muddy, to avoid erosion and damage to plants.

    • Use the State Park Finder to explore maps of Colorado state parks.
    • Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and closure alerts.
    • Respect trail closures — they’re closed for a reason.
    • Wear sturdy footwear to stay on trails in wet and muddy conditions.

    “Some common mistakes we see that can lead to safety risks are not not wearing a life jacket on or near the water, not being prepared for the day’s weather (especially the afternoon storms we see in the Summer), and getting too close to wildlife,” said Chatfield Operations Manager Ben Vinci. “We want you to have a safe and rewarding outdoor experience at your State Parks and Wildlife Areas, so it’s important to check the weather before you hit the trailhead, bring the right gear, and give wildlife plenty of space.”

    Leave it as you Find It
    Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others can experience the joy of discovery.

    • Don’t pick wildflowers — they feed bees and are critical parts of ecosystems.
    • Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.
    • Park in designated areas — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation and block outdoor first-responder vehicles in an emergency.

    Trash the Trash
    Throw all your trash into the trash cans and help keep our outdoor spaces clean.

    • Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you.
    • Don’t leave pet waste bags on the trail.
    • Bring plastic grocery bags to carry trash when trash cans are not available or full.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    Spring can be a particularly sensitive time for wildlife, as many species are nesting, birthing young or emerging from hibernation.

    To learn more about Colorado outdoor recreation, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • I-70 Corridor athletes to compete at state track meet May 14-16

    Heat sheets were released today by the Colorado High School Activities Association for the Colorado State Track & Field Championships Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, at JeffCo Stadium in Lakewood.

    The schedule for Byers, Bennett and Strasburg athletes is listed below. Online streaming of the state track meet is available at www.nfhsnetwork.com,  but a subscription is required.

    Thursday, May 14
    1:30 p.m.: 3A girls discus, LaForce, Strasburg, second flight.
    1:30 p.m.: 2A boys high jump, Eastwood, Byers.
    2 p.m.: 2A girls long jump, Linnebur, Byers, first flight.
    2 p.m.: 3A girls 100-meter dash preliminaries, Kent, Strasburg, Heat 2, Lane 8. Finals @ 10:57 a.m. Saturday.
    2:15 p.m.: 2A boys 100-meter dash preliminaries, Eacret, Byers, Heat 1, Lane 7. Finals @ 10:40 a.m. Saturday.
    2:50 p.m.: 3A girls 4×200 relay, Strasburg, Heat 2, Lane 1. Finals @ 2 p.m. Friday.
    3 p.m.: 3A boys 4×200 relay preliminaries, Strasburg, Heat 1, Lane 5. Finals @ 2:05 p.m. Friday.
    3:10 p.m.: 2A girls 4×200 relay preliminaries, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 2. Finals @ 1:40 p.m. Friday.
    3:20 p.m.: 2A 4×200 boys relay, Byers, Heat 1, Lane 6. Finals @ 1:45 p.m. Friday.
    3:30 p.m.: 3A girls 100-meter hurdles, Kent, Strasburg, Heat 2, Lane 3. Finals @ 9:44 a.m. Saturday.
    3:40 p.m.: 3A boys 110-meter hurdles, Hauser, Strasburg, Heat 1, Lane 6. Finals @ 10:04 a.m Saturday.
    3:45 p.m.: 2A boys 110-meter hurdles, Eastwood, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 3. Finals @ 9:53 a.m. Saturday.
    4 p.m.: 3A girls triple jump, Cardenas, Strasburg, first flight; Voorhies, Bennett, & Garcia, Strasburg, second flight.
    4 p.m.: 3A boys high jump, Dodge, Strasburg.
    4:15 p.m.: 3A boys 4×800 relay finals, Strasburg.
    4:30 p.m.: 2A girls 4×800 relay finals, Byers.
    5:40 p.m.: 3A boys 200 meter preliminaries, Hemphill, Heat 2, Lane 2. Finals @ 1:46 p.m. Saturday.
    5:45 p.m.: 2A girls 200-meter preliminaries, Smith, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 1. Finals @ 1:18 p.m. Saturday.
    5:50 p.m.: 2A boys 200-meter dash preliminaries, Eacret & McPherson, Byers, Heat 2, They are running in side-by-side lanes, 6&7. Finals @ 1:22 p.m. Saturday.
    6:58 p.m.: 2A boys 400-meter dash preliminaries, Eacret, Heat 1, Lane 6; and McPherson, Heat 2, Lane 6. Finals @ 11:40 a.m. Saturday.

    Friday, May 15
    8:30 a.m.: 3A girls shot put, LaForce, Strasburg, second heat.
    9:15 a.m.: 2A girls 4×100 relay, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 2. Finals @ 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
    9:23 a.m.: 2A 4×100 boys relay, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 3. Finals @ 3:20 p.m. Saturday.
    9:50 a.m.: 3A 4×100 girls relay, Bennett, Heat 1, Lane 2. Finals @ 3:45 p.m. Saturday.
    9:58 a.m.: 3A boys 4×100 relay, Strasburg, Heat 2, Lane 4. Finals @ 3:40 p.m. Saturday.
    10:10 a.m.: 2A girls 3,200 meters final, Bowling & West, Byers.
    11 a.m.: 3A boys discus, Dickens, Strasburg, second flight.
    11:05 a.m.: 3A girls 300-meter hurdles, Kent, Strasburg, Heat 1, Lane 3. Finals @ 2:14 p.m. Saturday.
    11:20 a.m.: 2A 300-meter boys hurdles preliminaries, Eastwood, Byers, Heat 2, Lane 7. Finals @ 2:23 p.m. Saturday.
    11:30 a.m.: 3A 300-meter boys hurdles preliminaries, Hauser, Heat 2, Lane 7. Finals @ 2:34 p.m. Saturday.
    1 p.m.: 2A girls 800 meters finals, West, Byers.
    3:35 p.m.: 2A girls 4×400 relay preliminaries, Byers, Lane 6. Finals @ 4:40 p.m. Saturday.
    3:48 p.m.: 2A boys 4×400 relay preliminaries, Byers, Heat 1, Lane 5. Finals @ 4:48 p.m. Saturday.
    4:25 p.m.: 3A girls 4×400 relay preliminaries, Strasburg, Heat 1, Lane 8. Finals @ 5:25 p.m. Saturday.
    4:38 p.m.: 3A boys 4×400 relay, Strasburg, Heat 1, Lane 5. Finals @ 5:33 p.m. Saturday.

    Saturday, May 16
    8:30 a.m.: 3A girls high jump, Cranwill, Bennett, & Zimmerman, Strasburg.
    10 a.m.: 3A girls long jump, Zimmerman, Strasburg, first flight; Cardenas and Garcia, Strasburg, second flight.
    12:30 p.m.: 3A boys shot put finals, Dickens, Strasburg, second flight.
    12:50 p.m.: 2A girls 1,600 meters final, West, Byers.
    1 p.m.: 3A boys long jump, Parra, Strasburg, Flight 1.
    2 p.m.: 2A boys triple jump, Linnebur, Byers, first flight.

     

  • CPW’s big-game draw deadline is one week away, get your applications in by April 7

    CPW’s big-game draw deadline is one week away, get your applications in by April 7

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants to remind hunters that the deadline to submit a big-game draw application in the primary draw is approaching fast. Submit your application at cpwshop.com by April 7 at 8 p.m. MST to be eligible to participate.

    If you have already submitted your application, CPW encourages you to review your receipt to make sure it was submitted correctly. Corrections are allowed up to the April 7 deadline through your cpwshop.com account.

    CPW created a Big Game Application Guide to help hunters through the application process. Landowners wishing to apply for licenses through the Landowner Preference Program (LPP) must also submit their 2026 applications online through their landowner account. See the following LPP Application Guide for assistance. Use the 2026 Big Game brochure as the go-to resource to find hunt codes, regulations and review recent changes for all applicants. Additional information is available in CPW’s recent press release. 

    CPW encourages hunters to submit their applications early to avoid complications or delays. Get prepared ahead of time so that if problems arise, CPW staff members have ample time to assist you. View CPW’s hunting statistics for information from previous draws to help maximize your draw potential. An online version of the Colorado Outdoors Preference Point Issue is now available. 

    For a good overview of what’s in store, watch CPW’s “What’s New” video for the 2026 big-game seasons.

    Plan your hunt
    If you have questions about setting up accounts, planning hunts or applying for licenses, call center agents are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST at 303-297-1192. Hunting resources are available at: cpw.state.co.us/hunting/big-game.

    Be sure to read the “What’s New” pages in the 2026 Big Game brochure and the 2026 Sheep and Goat brochure to get a full list of game management unit specific changes for 2026.

    *Note to hunters: License quotas will not be finalized until the May 2026 Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting after staff are finished analyzing data from population surveys.

  • Everything You Need To Drive, Except A Car

    Last month, the Colorado DMV launched a mobile-friendly website allowing motorists to access driver’s license and motor vehicle services (that had previously been divided among multiple websites) all in one place.  

    The new myDMV.colorado.gov allows users to renew license plates and driver’s licenses, pay tickets, and more by creating a single customer account. Business and fleet vehicle managers can also use the account to oversee all their vehicles, without visiting the DMV. 

    Site navigation is streamlined, making it easier to find the services you need quickly. 

    Online services include: 

    • Driver’s License services, 
    • First-time registrations, 
    • Vehicle registration renewals, 
    • Paying tickets and fines, 
    • Disability placards, 
    • Fleet Vehicle Management, 
    • Business Vehicle Management, 
    • Record requests, and more. 

    Motorists can also elect to receive email notifications when their driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations are due to expire, saving the paper and hassle of waiting on renewal postcards in the mail.  

    Learn more and create your account. 

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

    Affected Area: Larimer, Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Crowley, Otero, Kiowa, Bent, Prowers and Baca Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Fort Collins, Greeley, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Akron, Wray, Limon, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Ordway, La Junta, Eads, Las Animas, Lamar and Springfield.

    Advisory in Effect: 7:00 AM MDT, Friday, March 13, 2026 to 4:00 PM MDT, Friday, March 13, 2026

    Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

    Outlook: Smoke from out-of-state wildfires will impact the advisory area on Friday. Conditions will improve Friday morning across northeastern Colorado, but smoke could linger into the afternoon across southeastern Colorado.

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

    For the latest Smoke Blog, visit: https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/

    For more information about smoke and your health, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning/wildfire-smoke-and-health

  • St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement period begins

    The long-standing tradition of consuming alcohol over St. Patrick’s Day weekend is often associated with fun. But there is a darker side when it comes to consuming alcohol and driving. This includes DUI arrests, traffic crashes and even fatalities. In 2022, 74 people in the United States died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And last year, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) troopers investigated 17 crashes involving an impaired driver over the holiday weekend.

    The Colorado Department of Transportation joined CSP, AAA Colorado and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the State Capitol to remind drivers to arrange a sober ride home before heading out to celebrate. The event, instead of featuring a pot of gold, featured a pot of car keys to symbolize drivers who chose to take a sober ride home. Representatives from state agencies, as well as victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes, were in attendance. Among them was Clara Shelton, whose brother, Sam, was killed by a drunk driver in 2016. With the Colorado Capitol as the backdrop, attendees spoke about the lifelong consequences of a DUI and the importance of never driving under the influence.

    From March 12 to 18, CDOT is supporting Colorado State Patrol and 67 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe. Last year, 255 people were arrested during the same DUI enforcement period.

    “Luck isn’t a safety plan. We saw a tragic increase in impaired driving fatalities last year, and we refuse to let St. Patrick’s Day celebrations add to that number,” said Chief of the Colorado State Patrol Col. Matthew C. Packard. “Troopers will be out in force to remove dangerous drivers from our roads. Before you take your first sip, make a plan. Use a rideshare, take public transit, or call a sober friend. There is no excuse for risking a life.”

    “We want all Colorado drivers to get home safely this weekend,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Remember, even one drink can impair driving ability and sobering up can take much longer than people expect. Don’t test your luck — drive sober.”

    MADD and AAA are providing an Uber discount code for Denver-area riders to encourage using rideshare services instead of driving. The code, LuckyDenver26, provides $8 off rides from 1 a.m. on March 14 to 6 a.m. on March 15. Code must be applied to the payment section of the Uber app prior to requesting the intended trip. The discount is valid for one-time use within the Denver metro area.**

    The cost of taking 600 Uber rides is still less than the average cost of a DUI, CDOT says.

    “MADD is proud to be at the Capitol alongside victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes as we work to make Colorado’s roads safer. We are making progress, but ending impaired driving requires everyone’s effort,” said MADD Colorado Executive Director Rebecca Green. “Take a minute to plan a sober ride home this St. Patrick’s Day. You can celebrate and save a life at the same time”

    Colorado saw an increase in impaired driving deaths in 2025 as fatalities hit a three-year high, up 10% from 2024. As spring begins and people start to attend more outdoor activities with drinking, it is important to reiterate the importance of sober driving and remind motorists to choose a safe ride home after consuming drugs and/or alcohol.

    “We know that folks are going to drink over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. There are ways to do it safely, and it’s up to all of us to make smart decisions,” said AAA Regional Director Skyler McKinley. “The best thing you can do is arrange a sober ride home before heading out. If you can’t, or if plans change, consider a rideshare or public transportation home. In a pinch, call a friend or family member — they’d rather hear that you need a ride home than that the unthinkable happened. Staying safe is at the core of having fun.”

    From March 12 to 18, CDOT is supporting Colorado State Patrol and 67 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe. Last year, 255 people were arrested during the same DUI enforcement period.

    Throughout the recent Presidents Week DUI enforcement period, there were 221 arrests. The agencies with the highest arrests were Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (24), Thornton Police Department (22) and Greeley Police Department (17). Following the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, the next DUI enforcement period will be Spring Events from April 17 to 22.