DENVER — More than just an educational hub, a new school in Limon is improving the quality of life for the entire community.
The town of Limon received a Colorado Lottery Starburst Award for using Lottery proceeds to create the Limon Public School. The project was made possible with two Lottery-funded grants: $18 million from Building Excellent Schools Today and $114,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado.
Limon Public School replaced an older facility that had too many exterior doors, asbestos, inadequate drainage, and additions that were nearly 90 years old.
The new school costs less to operate and maintain. The town also acquired a grant for a new playground to be built simultaneously.
LIBRARY EVENTS
Cooking Club
Anythink Bennett library @ 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Adults can meet other food lovers from the community while experimenting with ingredients in a recipe for No Bake Energy Bites. Many healthy snacking options will be provided, and participants are invited to bring their own recipes that share the theme.
DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper’s and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne’s schedules include the following public events for the week of Oct. 8, 2017:
Sunday, Oct. 8 – Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017
Gov. Hickenlooper will lead a delegation of 12 Colorado business and academic leaders on a trade and investment mission to India. The tour will focus on connecting with global leaders and will help Colorado’s leaders engage in important networking opportunities aimed at enhancing visibility to Colorado’s business environment to current and future investors. The trade mission is organized by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017
9:00 a.m. — Lt. Gov. Lynne gives remarks at the Blueprint 2.0 Small Business Community Awards.
Location: Limon Town Hall, 100 Civic Center Dr., Limon.
Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017
Noon — Lt. Gov. Lynne gives remarks at the Big Shots Supporting Little Tots Luncheon.
Location: History Colorado Center, 1200 N. Broadway, Denver.
Anythink Bennett library @ 1-2 p.m. Children will play LCR (Left, Right, Center) dice game.
AnyStitch Goes!
Anythink Bennett library @ 1-4 p.m. Community sewing get-together. Sewing machines and basic textile-oriented tools available. This month participants will create hot pads using a variety of provided fabrics. The project will provide sewing basics for beginners but is also good for more experienced sewers.
Diwali celebration and craft
Anythink Bennett library @ 2-3 p.m. From lighting tiny lamps — called “diyas” — to sending gifts, the Hindu holiday Diwali is full of fun traditions. Children ages 5-12 can celebrate the fall Festival of Lights by making their own diya and experimenting with the vivid colors of “rangoli” (artistic patterns).
Every Friday
Al-Anon family group. For more information call (303)888-4525.
Bennet, Crapo, Tester, Risch, Wyden Introduce Bill to Improve Fire Recovery and Mitigation Efforts
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act to provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. The bill treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters by making available Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding to states affected by catastrophic wildfires.
Wildfires have catastrophic effects across the West.We can dramatically reduce the severity and damage from these wildfires through mitigation work that minimizes the risk of flooding, erosion, and future fires. This bill would make it easier for affected communities to receive federal resources for post-fire recovery and mitigation efforts. — Bennet
Throughout the American west, we have felt firsthand the devastation wildfires have on our habitat, our health and our way of life. The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would allow fire-prone communities to apply for Hazard Mitigation grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to undertake ‘fire-wise’ projects for homes in the wildland urban interface or to reduce hazardous fuels. Congress must continue to pursue efforts aimed at reducing the risk and severity of wildfires, as well as improve the response, prevention and mitigation efforts. — Crapo
I have seen firsthand the impact that catastrophic wildfires have on our communities. Folks impacted by wildfire need assistance long after the flames stop burning, and this bill will help ensure that folks on the ground can restore land impacted by fire and better prevent future disasters. — Tester
Massive wildfires destroy homes, businesses, and ecosystems in the west just like catastrophic hurricanes destroy communities in coastal regions. This bill will help local governments in Idaho and across the west deal with the aftermath of large wildfires. — Risch
Wildfires have unfortunately proven once again to be the West’s natural disasters. This is urgent business that requires an equally urgent and comprehensive response. This bill marks a key piece of that response to help people recover from the devastation of wildfires by providing funding to local governments to reduce flooding and erosion after fires, monitor stream and habitat health and assist residents in clearing brush from around their homes and businesses. — Wyden
Photo credit: Sacramento Bee
Background on the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act:
Currently, states can receive hazard mitigation funding to lessen the effects of a future disaster only after the president declares a major disaster. However, unlike in the case of hurricanes, floods, or tornados, most wildfires do not receive a major disaster declaration. This bill will allow states affected by wildfires to access the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to implement measures that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and take actions to prevent future wildfires. Bennet first introduced this measure as part of the PREPARE Act in 2015. Last week, Bennet, Crapo, Wyden, and Risch attended a briefing with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to press the issue. Last month, Bennet introduced the Wildfire Disaster Act of 2017 and sent a bipartisan letter urging Senate Leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) to include a wildfire funding fix in any future disaster aid legislation.
Photo credit: The Register-Herald
Statements Supporting New Legislation:
“Wildfires continue to wreak tremendous damage across our Western landscapes and communities,” said Roy Charles Brooks, President of National Association of Counties. “They threaten public safety, pollute the air, foul our waters and disrupt economic and recreational activity. The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would help focus resources – federal, state and local – to prevent and recover from wildfires. Counties thank Senators Bennet, Crapo, Risch, Tester and Wyden for their leadership on this crucial issue.”
“I thank Senator Bennet for introducing this important legislation,” said Fire Chief Thomas Jenkins, President and Chairman of the Board of International Association of Fire Chiefs. “Flooding and landslides can be a serious threat to communities already suffering from major wildland fire damage. This bill will help communities prevent further damage from these natural disasters. The IAFC supports this legislation and urges Congress to pass it.”
“While we are frequently judged based on response and criticized based on recovery, mitigation and preparedness are critical phases of emergency management and they most often occur outside the spotlight,”said Robie Robinson, former President of the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers. “As mitigation is the linchpin of emergency management, expanding hazard mitigation grant funding following a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration will enable jurisdictions to implement programs that will effectively reduce risks and return benefits many fold.”
“Mitigation projects have been essential to our recovery from 2012’s High Park Fire,” said Lew Gaiter III, Larimer County Commissioner. “This legislation will give communities the resources to reduce the risk of post-fire flooding and property damage and help support the long-term recovery of communities affected by wildfires.”
The Prayer Closet, 6701/2 Colfax, Bennett @ 7 p.m.
Strasburg American Legion Ladies Auxiliary
Strasburg American Legion Hall, 56423 Westview Ave. @
7 p.m.
Every Thursday
Music & Movement
Anythink Bennett library @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments. Oct. 19 session will feature a special visit from Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue.
AA Strasburg Sobriety book study
Saron Lutheran Church, 1656 Main St. @ 7:30 p.m. Lane Shade, (303)717-2263.
DENVER – Emergency planners in the Denver metro area will be participating in a two-day, full-scale BioWatch exercise Oct. 4 and 5 designed to test a response to a biological agent release.
The BioWatch program, led by the Department of Homeland Security, is designed to detect the presence of biological agents that have been intentionally released into the air. This early warning system could ensure potential victims receive life-saving treatment as quickly as possible.
This exercise will use established air quality monitoring sites to simulate a biological agent release event. Exercises are a safe way for emergency planners to test the effectiveness of plans and collaborate. Responders from Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, Jefferson and Boulder counties, as well as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, will be participating.
BioWatch monitors the air for biological agents likely to be used in a bioterrorism attack. If a detection occurs, public health and other local, state and federal officials use the information to coordinate emergency response, including prompt medical care and other actions to protect public health and safety. This combination of early warning and rapid response may potentially reduce the impact of a bioterrorism attack.
Coloradans can be assured there is no immediate threat of a biological agent release. We are mobilizing to prepare for an emergency scenario so we can be as ready as possible. This exercise is one of many drills we have been conducting around the state to practice and test our response. – Dane Matthew, director of the state health department’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Washington, D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced two additions to his staff. Dustin Sherer will serve as Gardner’s Legislative Assistant and will work on energy, environment, lands, forestry, agricultural, and water policies. Brian Wanamaker will serve as Counsel to Senator Gardner and will handle budget, banking, taxes, appropriations, labor and judiciary policies.
Dustin Sherer comes to Gardner’s office from Congressman Scott Tipton’s (CO-3), where he served the Congressman for 7 years and spent the last 2 years as Legislative Director. Previously, he worked as a Field Representative for Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO). Sherer is from Pueblo, Colorado and graduated from the University of Rochester in 2004, where he completed Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. Sherer has expertise in all issues pertaining to Colorado’s Western Slope, including public lands, energy and environment.
I’m excited to have Dustin on-board to help advocate for Colorado when it comes to public lands, and energy and environment related issues. Dustin’s wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Western Slope will be extremely valuable as I continue to advocate for an all-of-the-above energy platform, protecting Colorado’s water rights, and making sure future generations of Coloradans can enjoy the state’s public lands. — Gardner
Brian Wanamaker comes to Gardner’s office after spending several years in the private sector practicing corporate law and litigation. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2000 and Washington University in St. Louis Law School in 2003.
Brian’s 14 years practicing law will be an asset as I work to advance policies that benefit all Coloradans. Brian will also help in my effort to revitalize rural Colorado and bring economic development, tax relief, and jobs to all four corners of the state. — Gardner
In celebration of newly consolidated human services agencies
Who: Adams County Human Services Department
What: The new, 315,000-square-foot Pete Mirelez Human Services Center will host a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the consolidation of 16 programs and nearly 800 employees into one building. The Adams County Board of Commissioners and Human Services Department will deliver opening remarks, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and public building tours.
Where: Pete Mirelez Human Services Center, 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, CO
When: Thursday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. – noon
Media Note: Guided media tours will begin promptly at 9 a.m. in advance of the ceremony. Members of the media will be escorted into the atrium upon arrival.
With rich traditions and history, Adams County offers the best of suburban and rural life – vibrant cities, quiet towns, and miles of recreation. Located in the Denver metro area, Adams is the state’s 5th largest county serving a population of more than 450,000 residents. Adams County is home to the cities of Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn and Thornton; portions of Arvada, Aurora and Westminster; and the town of Bennett. Unincorporated communities include Henderson, Strasburg and Watkins. Stay up to date on the latest county news and information on adcogov.org, Facebook and Twitter.
Senators Introduce Expansion on Policy and Sanctions Against North Korea
Washington, D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation to economically and diplomatically pressure North Korea and its enablers, and authorize efforts to combat Pyongyang’s widespread human rights and labor trafficking abuses, to support and enhance efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the threat of North Korea’s accelerating development of nuclear weapons and the missiles that deliver them. The legislation titled, the Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017, expands on sanctions legislation introduced earlier this year by Gardner and Markey.
STATEMENT FROM Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) – The Administration has taken positive steps in recent weeks to impose additional sanctions and working with governments to diplomatically isolate this heinous regime. Senator Markey and I are going to continue working in a bipartisan manner to give nations and companies a clear choice – do business with the United States or do business with North Korea. This legislation will give the Administration the needed additional tools to peacefully denuclearize the North Korean regime.
STATEMENT FROM Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) – There is no military solution to the threat of a nuclear North Korea. While the effort to economically and politically isolate North Korea will be essential for a diplomatic strategy to succeed, we must also recognize that pressure, without diplomatic engagement, will quickly become counterproductive. Our diplomatic strategy must combine economic pressure with talks to convince Kim Jong-un that the United States is not the threat he believes us to be and that he does not require nuclear weapons to survive.
Leverage to Enhance Diplomacy Act of 2017
Financial Sanctions
Requires the President to block all transactions that are property of the North Korean government, affiliates, or those that conduct significant business activities with North Korea.
Requires the President to block any entity or financial institution implicated in any significant trade in goods or services with North Korea from the U.S. financial system. Entities include the top 10 companies doing business with North Korea.
Requires the President to produce a strategy to end North Korean labor trafficking practices around the world.
Human Rights Support
Reauthorizes the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004 for 5 years, which includes support for broadcasting and human rights/democracy activities.
North Korea Policy Review
Requires a strategy to address the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by North Korea.
Requires a Congressional briefing no later than 30 days following any U.S. official diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
Requires a report on U.S. citizens currently detained in North Korea.
Requires report regarding the use and strategy to end the procurement of certain rocket fuels by North Korea.
North Korea Isolation Strategy
Requires a global strategy to diplomatically and economically isolate North Korea and to produce a list of countries the Secretary of State considers non-cooperative in such isolations efforts.
Authorizes downgrading U.S. relations with any country that fail to take measures to diplomatically and economically isolate North Korea.
Authorizes reducing or terminating U.S. assistance to any countries that fail to take measures to diplomatically and economically isolate North Korea.
