WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today reacted to President-elect Trump’s intended nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scott Pruitt, and his commitment to reviewing the EPA’s decision to deny claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) for any injury or economic loss arising out of the Gold King Mine spill in August 2015. Attorney General Pruitt stated his commitment during his Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works confirmation hearing.
“I applaud Attorney General Pruitt’s commitment to review the EPA’s decision to not process FTCA claims related to the Gold King Mine spill,” said Gardner. “The EPA is responsible for the injury and economic losses that took place in Southwest Colorado, and that’s why I’ve worked to see that the agency is held accountable and that my constituents are made whole. This commitment is a step in the right direction. I will continue to work toward fixing the Obama Administration’s broken promise.”
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Blog
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Gardner Statement on Pruitt’s Commitment to Review EPA Decision on Gold King Mine Spill Claims
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Research, Market Evaluation Tools, New Water App and Insurance Options to be Explored at CFVGA-Hosted Colorado Farm Show Produce Day Jan. 24
The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) is urging produce growers and others involved in any way in the produce industry to attend the Colorado Farm Show Produce Day Jan. 24 at the Weld County Fairgrounds in Greeley. Produce Day is hosted by CFVGA in conjunction with the Colorado Farm Show.
“Produce day will feature valuable information for anyone involved in any way in the production of fruits and vegetables,” said CFVGA President Robert Sakata, Sakata Farms, Brighton, Colo., who will open the day with an overview of CFVGA and its activities since the Colorado produce organization was founded in 2014.
Beginning at 10:20am, Dr. Mike Bartolo, director of Colorado State University’s (CSU) Arkansas Valley Research Station, Rocky Ford, and Dr. Mark Uchanski, CSU assistant professor of horticulture, specialty crops, will present What’s New in Vegetable Crop Research for Colorado. Attendees will be able to ask presenters questions about the research.
At 11:20am, Dr. Dawn Thilmany, CSU agribusiness extension economist, and Dr. Becca Jablonski, CSU food system extension economics, will present a new tool developed to enable growers to easily evaluate a variety of factors to determine the best marketing channels for their operations. Following this, Dr. Channah Rock, water quality extension specialist at the University of Arizona, will present research and a new app to help growers with water sampling. The app also predicts water quality in real time, based on historical data, weather information and environmental parameters.
In the afternoon, beginning at 1:00pm, a panel of agricultural insurance experts will discuss insurance options for growers, including crop, product and agritourism insurance. This session, which will feature experts from Silveus Insurance Group, Food & Peterson and Farmers Union Service Agency, is designed to help growers learn how to best manage the risks of crop loss, food safety recalls and on-farm activities with customers.
Following the final session, participants are invited to visit directly with presenters and CFVGA board members to learn more. For a more on Colorado Produce Day, see:http://www.coloradofarmshow.com/colorado-produce
In addition to hosting Produce Day at the Colorado Farm Show, CFVGA is gearing up for its third annual conference, Feb. 21, at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel. Early registration rates end Feb. 7. For more information and to register, visit http://cfvga.org
CFVGA is comprised of more than 200 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries, extension personnel and individuals. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $300 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 60,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production. For more on the CFVGA, visit http://coloradoproduce.org
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Federal Highway Administration approves Denver Central 70 Project
DENVER – The Federal Highway Administration Jan. 19 approved the reconstruction of Interstate 70 through central Denver, concluding a 14-year outreach and community engagement process.
The official decision outlines what will be built, how it will be funded and which environmental and community measures will be implemented. The approval concludes the federally required National Environmental Protection Act process and allows the Colorado Department of Transportation to proceed with its proposed Central 70 Project.
Scheduled to begin in 2018, Central 70 will reconstruct a 10-mile stretch of I-70, add one new express lane each direction, remove the aging 53-year old viaduct, lower the interstate between Brighton and Colorado boulevards and place a 4-acre park over a portion of the lowered interstate near Swansea Elementary School.
“Improving I-70 will improve the quality of life for thousands in the Denver area, and improve public safety for hundreds of thousands each day,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “This project will make travel safer and more efficient in one of the Rocky Mountain region’s busiest areas, setting the stage for years’ of economic growth.”
“For the first time since I-70 was opened to travelers in 1964, we are ready to deliver long- overdue safety and mobility improvements that will strengthen this economic lifeline for the region and the state,” said CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt. “The Central 70 Project also redefines the role of I-70 in local communities, which were originally divided by the interstate 50 years ago.”
In addition to constructing the highway cover, CDOT will remodel portions of Swansea Elementary School, offer improvements to homes closest to the interstate in the Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods, and contribute $2 million to affordable housing.
Next steps include the selection of a developer partner to design, finance, build, maintain and operate the facility, followed by final design and construction. More information is available on the Central 70 project website, central70.codot.gov.
For more information, visit www.I-70East.com.
POITRA Visual photosimulation services (www.poitra.com) for ATKINS and CDOT. I-70 East EIS – Phase 1 of the Final EIS Preferred Alternative (Partial Cover Lowered Alternative) Photo-Simulation. Visualization for Impact Study of Alternatives. Denver, CO, CDOT. I-70 East Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Project. -
TODAY’S EVENTS – Thursday, Jan. 19
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
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It’s Get to Know Your Customers Day!!
Remember when main street businesses were locally owned & operated? Well The I-70 Scout still is. We’re celebrating Get to Know Our Customers Day! We’d like to know you by name and the news that interests you…. because if we don’t have it, we will get it! So share your stories, news, events & announcements with us! #WeLoveOurCustomers @I70Scout
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Bingo for Books
Bennett Anythink Library, 495 Seventh St. @ 4:15 p.m. Contact (303)405-3231
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Fun ’N’ Games
Bennett Anythink Library, 495 Seventh St.: Old and new board games for family fun @ 4:15 p.m. Contact (303)405-3231
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West Arapahoe Conservation District Board
Bennett Town Hall, 355 Fourth St. @ 5 p.m.
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Bennett School Board
High School library. 615 Seventh St. Work session at 5:30 p.m., meeting 6 p.m.,
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Byers School Board
Byers High School lecture hall @ 7 p.m.
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Strasburg Fire Protection District Board
District Office, 56281 E. Colfax Ave. @ 7 p.m.
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Strasburg American Legion Post No. 183.
Strasburg American Legion Hall, 56423 Westview Ave. @ 7 p.m.
SPORTS
- Wrestling
- Strasburg High School vs. Highland, 6:30 p.m.
- Byers @ Clear Creek (double dual vs Clear Creek, Platte Canyon & Battle Mountain), 6 p.m.
- Girls Basketball
- Bennett Middle School vs Adams City, 4:15 p.m.
- Bennett High School @ Jefferson, 5:30 p.m
- Boys & Girls Basketball
- Deer Trail High School @ Arickaree/Woodlin, 5 a.m.
EVERY THURSDAY
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Music & Movement
Anythink Bennett Library: Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments @ 10 a.m.
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Family Story Time
Davies Library, Deer Trail: Ages 3-5 @ 11 a.m.
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Bingo for Books
4:15 p.m., Anythink Bennett library.
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AA Strasburg Sobriety
Saron Lutheran Church, 1656 Main St. Lane Shade, @ 7:30 p.m. Contact (303)717-2263.
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Resources Available for Farms Looking to Develop and Expand Wholesale Markets
BROOMFIELD — The Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University (CSU) Extension are partnering with the MarketReady team from the University of Kentucky for a two-day course on scaling-up farm businesses for wholesale markets. Potential markets include grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and food distributors.The training will be held on February 15 and 16, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Broomfield office. Program topics include packaging, labeling, pricing, supply, delivery, storage, invoicing, insurance, quality assurance and temperature control, and communication strategies with buyers. While both days constitute a train-the-trainer workshop, day two is specifically designed for farmers and ranchers, with breakout sessions to develop produce and meat marketing skills and a buyer panel. Registration fees vary, with group discounts for farmers available. Visit www.coloradoagriculture.com for details, registration and agenda.“This training is designed to support farmers, food hub managers, Extension Agents and other business development service providers,” said Shaina Knight, Business Development Specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We are excited to partner with CSU Extension to bring new resources to Colorado to help farmers and the professionals who support them.”Attendees will receive comprehensive program materials, and have the opportunity to meet with retail and wholesale buyers, Colorado Department of Agriculture staff specializing in meat and egg regulation, and with farmers who have built successful businesses using diverse market channels. Participants will be provided lunch on both days.“This is the perfect time of year for farmers to start thinking about the upcoming season’s business strategy,” said Martha Sullins, CSU Extension Regional Specialist in Agriculture and Business Management. “Support is available and we look forward to connecting our state’s agricultural producers with new resources and skills that will create new business opportunities to expand the supply of Colorado grown foods.” -
COLORADO ROCKIES ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF WINTER CARAVAN
New manager and players visit Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming
DENVER – The Colorado Rockies announced today the details of its 2017 Winter Caravan, a five-day tour across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, Jan. 23-28.Fans throughout the Rocky Mountain Region will have the opportunity to meet and hear from new Rockies Manager Bud Black along with Rockies players Chad Bettis, Jon Gray, DJ LeMahieu, Trevor Story, David Dahl, Mike Dunn, Gerardo Parra, Adam Ottavino, Tony Wolters, Tom Murphy and Carlos Estevez, as well as Rockies mascot Dinger, who will appear at most Caravan events.A detailed Winter Caravan schedule is below. Events are open to the public and media unless otherwise noted. Scheduled appearances and personnel are subject to change.Monday, Jan. 23 – Golden, Aurora and Denver· Players scheduled to attend: Bettis, LeMahieu and Wolters· 11 a.m. – Coors Brewery (Golden), Fan Meet and Greet· 3 p.m. – Aurora Dugout Store, Fan Autograph Session and Photo Opportunity· 5 p.m. – Diamond Dry Goods Store at Coors Field, Fan Autograph Session and Photo OpportunityTuesday, Jan. 24 – Colorado Springs and Littleton· Players scheduled to attend: Bettis, Estevez, LeMahieu, Parra and Wolters· 11 a.m. – United States Air Force Academy, Meet & Greet at cadet lunch (private)· 1:45 p.m. – Lockheed Martin, Tour and Staff Q&A (private)o Players: Bettis, LeMahieu and General Manager Jeff Bridich· 2 p.m. – Colorado Springs Dugout Store, Fan Autograph Session and Photo Opportunityo Players: Estevez, Parra and WoltersWednesday, Jan. 25 – Fort Collins and Laramie, Wyo.· Players scheduled to attend: Dahl, Estevez, Murphy and Parra· 11:15 a.m. – CSU Student Center (Fort Collins), Fan Meet & Greet· 12 p.m. – Lunch at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (Fort Collins) (invitation only)· 1:45 p.m. – Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins) (private)· 4 p.m. – University of Wyoming Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center (Laramie), Fan Q&A and Photo Opportunity· 7 p.m. – University of Wyoming basketball game vs. UNLV (Laramie)Thursday, Jan. 26 – Grand Junction and Salt Lake City, Utah· Manager and players scheduled to attend: Manager Bud Black with players Dahl, Gray and Murphy· 10:45 a.m. – Suplizio Field (Grand Junction), Press Conference (media only)· 11:15 a.m. – Suplizio Field, Grand Junction Rockies Season Ticket Holder & VIP Lunch and Q&A (invitation only)· 1 p.m. – Lincoln Park Barn (Grand Junction), Fan Meet & Greet· 5 p.m. – The Green Pig (Salt Lake City), Fan Meet & GreetFriday, Jan. 27 – Denver and Albuquerque, N.M.· Manager and players scheduled to attend in Albuquerque: Manager Bud Black with players Dunn, Ottavino and Story· Scheduled to attend in Denver: General Manager Jeff Bridich and players Gray and Dahl· 9 a.m. – Farrell B. Howell ECE-8 school visit (Denver) (private)· 10:30 a.m. – Children’s Hospital Colorado visit (Aurora) (private)· 11:15 a.m. – Albuquerque Convention Center, Fan Autograph Session (included in Meet & Greet Luncheon ticket, luncheon to begin at 11:45 a.m.)· 11:45 a.m. – Albuquerque Convention Center, Fan Meet & Greet Luncheon to benefit Lobo Little League, hosted by the Albuquerque Isotopes· 1:30 p.m. – Lobo Little League Field (Albuquerque), Press Conference and Field TourSaturday, Jan. 28 – Denver· Scheduled to attend: General Manager Jeff Bridich, Manager Bud Black and players Mike Dunn, Jon Gray, Adam Ottavino and Trevor Story· 10 a.m. – Season Ticket Holder Hot Stove at Coors Field hosted by ROOT SPORTS’ Jenny Cavnar and 850 KOA broadcasters Jack Corrigan and Jerry Schemmel (invitation only) -
Town Hall
Aurora — State Senator Rhonda Fields host a Community Town Hall Thursday with Reps. Mike Weissman and Dominique Jackson to share information and gather ideas for the 2017 legislative session. Legislators will address Gov. Hickenlooper’s State of the State address as well as hot topics on this year’s agenda. Henry Sobanet, from the Governor’s Office of State Planning & Budgeting will talk about the budget request and the state of the state. Q&A session to follow.
2017 Legislative Session: Challenges & Opportunities Town Hall
Community College of Aurora
Fine Arts Building Forum (F100)
15990 East CentreTech Parkway, Aurora
7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19
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COLORADO ROCKIES AGREE TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH INFIELDER-OUTFIELDER ALEXI AMARISTA
DENVER – The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent infielder-outfielder Alexi Amarista.
Amarista, 27, played 65 games for San Diego in 2016 and batted .257 (36-for-140) with nine runs, two doubles, 11 RBI, eight walks and nine stolen bases. He began the season with Triple-A El Paso, and batted .333 (16-for-48) with nine runs, three doubles, one home run, four RBI, four walks and one stolen base across three stints with the Chihuahuas. He made two stints on the 15-day disabled list in 2016, once with a strained left hamstring and once with a strained right hamstring.
- In his career, Amarista has played every position in the field except for first base and catcher, with the majority of his starts (173 of 398) coming at shortstop. In his career, he has a .979 fielding percentage (1607 chances, 34 errors).
- Originally signed by the Los Angeles Angels as an amateur free agent in 2007, the Barcelona, Anzoategui, Venezuela native has batted .230 (364-for-1582) with 149 runs, 57 doubles, 16 triples, 18 home runs, 150 RBI, 102 walks and 38 stolen bases across parts of six seasons with Los Angeles-AL (2011-12) and San Diego (2012-16).
The Rockies currently have a full 40-man roster.
Visit our website at www.rockies.com for tickets and information.
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Television Show visits Colorado: Handcrafted America
Handcrafted America is an in-depth look at crafters and artisans across the country. -Boston Magazine
Jill Wagner travels our country seeking out talented artisans who make products the old-fashioned way: with their own two hands. In every half-hour, Jill meets three gifted artisans and gets a behind-the-scenes look at how their products are created. Along the way, viewers learn about the history and cultural heritage that inspire and influence the design of their handcrafted products.
Here is a sneak peek into the new television series:
In a world of mass-produced products, modern technology has made it easier than ever for an individual to create and distribute customizable and unique items without having middlemen like manufacturers. This growing shift will continue to affect the economy…and will have a transformative impact on our future …. Welcome to the Maker Movement, an evolution of millions of people who are taking big risks to start their own small businesses dedicated to creating and selling self-made products.
Handcrafted America visits COLORADO:
- Mike McCabe, Denver, CO, who crafts custom snow skis from poplar, maple and bamboo wood;
- Ted Allsup, Englewood, CO, who along with his acclaimed team of belt buckle makers use any material they can, including sand and minerals, to adorn their custom Western themed products; and,
- Phil Watkins, Watkins, CO, a traditional stained glass creator that is carrying on a centuries old family artistry.
The episode featuring these artisans air at 7:30pm MT on January 20th; February 3rd; and February 17th, respectively.
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TODAY’S EVENTS – Wednesday, Jan. 18
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
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2017: Year of the Rooster
Kelver Library, 404 E. Front St., Byers: Children ages 5-12 can have stories, games, crafts and fortune cookies as they learn about Chinese New Year fun. According to Chinese tradition, each year in a 12-year cycle is related to a different animal and has different meanings. Years of the Rooster include 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029. Event details: @ 3:30-4:30 p.m. Contact (303)822-9392.
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Explorsion: Curious Minds of All Ages Explore Science
Bennett Anythink Library, 495 Seventh St., Bennett: Metal Washer Brain Teaser Puzzles @ 4:15 P.M. Contact (303)405-3231
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Wacky Wednesdays Book Club:
Davies Library, 303 Third Ave., Deer Trail: Book club for ages 8-11. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan @ 4-5 p.m. Contact (303)769-4310
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I-70 Corridor Chamber of Commerce
Lunch & Learn @ 12 p.m.
SPORTS
- Wrestling
Hemp Hill M.S. @ Bennett, 4 p.m. - Girls Basketball
Bennett High School @ Arrupe, 5:30 p.m. - Boys Basketball
Bennett High School vs. Arrupe, 5:30 p.m.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
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Baby Bounce
Anythink Bennett library: Songs, stories and rhyme times for babies up to age 2 and their caregivers @ 10 a.m.
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Music & Movement
Anythink Bennett library: Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments @ 10 a.m.
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Bennett Young At Heart seniors potluck
Bennett Community Center @12 p.m. Contact Shirley Kuzara (303)644-4768.
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Byers Silver & Gold senior citizens game day
Byers American Legion Hall @ 12:30 p.m.
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Recovery in Christ
Valley Bank, Strasburg @ 7-9 p.m.
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