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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • NRCS in CO Announces NEW Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) Application Signup Cut-off Date

    Fiscal Year 2023 ACEP-ALE Applications are due February 17, 2023

    DENVER, CO – Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans, announced the 2023 application cut-off dates for eligible entities to participate in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) in Colorado. There is one signup offered for complete and eligible applications to compete for available funding.  Application packages are due on Friday, February 17, 2023, by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST) for funding.  Ranking pools offered for parcel applications are General, Grasslands of Special Significance (GSS), GSS Gunnison Sage Grouse, GSS Greater Sage Grouse, and General Urban Agriculture

    The purpose of the ACEP-ALE program is to (1) protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agricultural uses and conservation values and (2) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.

    Applicants (eligible entities) must be a federally recognized Indian Tribe, state or local units of government, or a non-governmental organization. Applicants must have an established farmland protection program that purchases agricultural conservation easements for the purpose of protecting agriculture use and related conservation values by limiting conversion to nonagricultural uses of the land.

    USDA provides up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement in this voluntary program and up to 75 percent for qualifying Grasslands of Special Significance (GSS), including projects in Sage Grouse territory. The qualified landowner retains ownership and continues to use the land for agricultural purposes.

    To be eligible to receive ALE funding, eligible entity applicants must demonstrate a commitment to long-term conservation of agricultural lands; a capability to acquire, manage, and enforce easements; adequate staff capacity for monitoring and easement stewardship; and the availability of funds. All landowners of record and the land being offered for enrollment must also meet specific eligibility criteria as outlined in the application materials posted to the State ACEP website.

    Fully completed application packets must be received by no later than 4:00 PM MST on an advertised signup date to be considered. Application packets may be sent to the attention of Easements Program Manager, by email (preferred) to ; by FedEx or UPS to USDA-NRCS, Denver Federal Center, Building 56, Room 2604, Denver, CO 80225; or by USPS to USDA-NRCS, Denver Federal Center, PO Box 25426, Denver, CO 80225.

    Applications postmarked or time stamped after the deadline WILL NOT be accepted. Only fully completed and properly executed applications that are submitted by the signup date on the appropriate forms and accompanied by all required supporting documentation will be considered for funding in FY 2023. All qualified applications will be reviewed, ranked, and considered for funding according to the Final ACEP rule, policy, and guidance. Complete applications received after the cutoff date may be considered if another sign-up date is announced

    Incomplete applications WILL NOT be considered.

    For more information about ACEP-ALE, please contact Laura Trimboli at 970-403-6379 or .  You can also visit your local NRCS at your nearest USDA Service Center or visit the Colorado NRCS ACEP website.

  • Point in Time counts those experiencing homelessness

    Coordinated effort provides data on building comprehensive strategies to help end homelessness 
     
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY—Jan. 18, 2023—Arapahoe County will participate in the annual Point in Time Count of those experiencing homelessness on the evening of Jan. 23, 2023.  Volunteers and community partners conduct the count throughout the County.  
    The effort raises public awareness, promotes collaboration across the region, and provides needed data. The goal is to inform local government and community partner response efforts to help house neighbors experiencing homelessness. 
    The count is conducted in coordination with seven metro area counties through the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) and is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 
    Arapahoe County counts those experiencing homelessness across all jurisdictions except within the City of Aurora, which stands alone as an individual HUD jurisdiction. Homelessness knows no boundaries and the data collected across the metro region informs coordinated efforts to support our most vulnerable community members. Including Aurora figures, more than 1100 individuals were counted in 2022—a 55% increase in just two years. 
    The 2023 numbers will be released later this year. In 2022, Arapahoe County kicked off a coordinated effort with local municipalities, service providers and community agencies to strategically work toward ending homelessness through a Homeless Coordinating Committee.  
    Data from 2022 is available from the MDHI website. 

  • Colorado Re-Introduces Three Retired License Plates to Benefit State’s Disability Funding Committee

    DENVER – Today, the State of Colorado released three previously retired license plate backgrounds with proceeds from their sale benefiting the Colorado Disability Funding Committee, providing grants for disability application assistance and innovative programs that increase the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities. These license plates can be purchased for use from county motor vehicle offices state-wide or online for a $25 annual fee.

    “The Colorado Disability Funding Committee has raised more than $200,000 from the sale of the rights to license plate configurations since 2020, with this revenue directly benefiting programs that support Coloradans with disabilities. I look forward to seeing these unique plates on the road and knowing that it’s supporting programs and services that improve the quality of life for the disability community,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

    The three released backgrounds feature the word COLORADO in white lettering on solid blue, red, and black backgrounds respectively based on the 1914, 1915 visitor, and 1945 Colorado license plates. These backgrounds, as well as the green mountain background re-released in 2021, are now available for purchase in-person at county DMV offices or online at mydmv.colorado.gov. Graphics of the license plate backgrounds can be found in this folder. 

    The Colorado Disability Funding Committee is made up of 13 Governor-appointed members, with the requirement that at least seven members must identify as living with a disability or have first-hand experience working with someone who does. Members oversee the distribution of grant funds which are used to support disability application assistance for programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid long-term support services, as well as new and innovative programs increasing quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities.

    The Colorado Disability Funding Committee also has numerous upcoming license plate configuration auctions for 2023 starting with a live auction January 21 at the National Western Stock Show in collaboration with the Colorado Auctioneers Foundation. Other planned 2023 auction themes include: Cannabis in April, Star Wars in May, Colorado in August. Additional information on upcoming auctions can be found on the committee’s website https://disabilityfundingcommittee.colorado.gov/. 

  • Broomfield Defendant Convicted of First-Degree Assault and Attempted Manslaughter for Trying to Mow Down an Oncoming Police Officer

    Broomfield, CO — Today, 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the First-Degree Assault, Aggravated Robbery, and Attempted Manslaughter conviction of Angel Ramirez-Armas, 32, following a jury trial in Broomfield County District Court.

    On November 12, 2020, Broomfield Police were dispatched to an apartment complex along Summit Boulevard in response to a shots fired call. Upon arrival a victim stated that a man stole his gold pickup truck and fled towards Highway 36. The victim said the man also fired two shots with a handgun in his direction before departing the area.

    A short time later, the Broomfield Police Officer spotted the pickup truck and verified that it was the stolen vehicle from the previous call. The officer pursued the truck with lights and sirens on, but the driver continued to flee at a high rate of speed. A Broomfield Police Sergeant was in route to the area in his marked patrol vehicle. When the driver of the pickup truck, Angel Ramirez-Armas, encountered the Broomfield Police Sergeant, he veered aggressively into oncoming traffic. The Sergeant had to swerve to the side of the road to avoid a head-on collision. Ramirez-Armas was traveling approximately 75mph at the time.

    Ramirez-Armas continued to drive recklessly into oncoming traffic. At one point, the driver of a stopped semi-truck, who was outside of his vehicle, had to jump behind the truck to avoid being hit. The pursuing Broomfield Police Officer attempted a PIT maneuver that successfully forced the defendant’s vehicle off the road. Ramirez-Armas fled on foot but was later captured.

    On November 3, 2022, a Broomfield County Jury found Ramirez-Armas guilty of:

    • Aggravated Robbery (F3)
    • First-Degree Assault (F3)
    • Attempted Manslaughter (2 counts) (F5)
    • Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (F5)
    • Vehicular Eluding (F5)
    • Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (Guilty Plea After Trial) (F6)

    On January 5, 2023, at 10:00am, Ramirez-Armas will be sentenced by a Broomfield County District Judge.

    “This defendant put so many lives at risk and nearly killed a police officer in a head-on collision,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Our officers put their own lives at risk every day to protect those who live and work in our community. We will aggressively prosecute those who put the lives of officers or members of our community at risk, as the defendant did here. I commend the Broomfield Police Department and my team at the DA’s Office for their hard work on this case and am grateful to the jury for returning a just verdict.”

    Deputy District Attorney Dan Martin and Deputy District Attorney Kate Armstrong led the prosecution of this case.

     

  • State Vet Offers Resources for Coloradans To Protect Animals During Upcoming Spell of Extreme Cold Weather

    With record-breaking low temperatures and snowfall predicted in Colorado late Wednesday through Friday, the Colorado Department of Agriculture urges animal owners to take steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their animals in the potentially hazardous weather conditions.

    “Anyone who owns animals should prepare for this cold weather and emergencies that may arise as a result of the low temperatures,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. “To the greatest extent possible, Coloradans should ensure all animals have access to adequate shelter with bedding and access to fresh water and plenty of food, as animals typically need more food and water in cold temperatures.”

    Owners should consider bringing pets inside the home. Animal owners should make sure they have a way to maintain fresh water and food supply for animals in the case of extreme snow and ice. Cold weather can lead to power outages, which can cause mechanized feeders or heaters to become inoperable, so animal owners should make a preparedness plan to deal with any emergencies.

    Severe and prolonged low temperatures can also cause problems for livestock, horses and their owners. Anyone going through a large winter storm for the first time should prepare by providing access to shelter for small farm animals like pigs, goats, and birds. Shelters, sheds, or windbreaks will protect livestock from winter storms and having bedding available can create a warm place to keep horses and livestock off ice and mud.

    Additional information on how to prepare for severe winter storms can be found at Prep4AgThreads.org, including information about protecting your companion animals, livestock, or your farm. Additionally, livestock information can be found on the CSU Extension website.

    La veterinaria del Estado ofrece recursos a los habitantes de Colorado que protejan a los animales durante la próxima ola de frío extremo

    Con récord de bajas temperaturas y nevadas previstas en Colorado desde el miércoles hasta el viernes, el Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado recomienda a los propietarios de animales que tomen medidas para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de sus animales en las condiciones climáticas potencialmente peligrosas.

    “Cualquiera que tenga animales debe prepararse para este clima frío y las emergencias que puedan surgir como consecuencia de las bajas temperaturas,” dijo la Dra. Maggie Baldwin, Veterinaria del Estado de Colorado. “En la mayor medida posible, los habitantes de Colorado deben asegurarse de que todos los animales tengan acceso a un refugio adecuado con ropa de cama y acceso a agua fresca y comida en abundancia, ya que los animales suelen necesitar más comida y agua cuando las temperaturas son frías.”

    Los propietarios deben considerar la posibilidad de meter a las mascotas en casa. Los propietarios de animales deben asegurarse de que disponen de un modo de mantener el suministro de agua fresca y alimentos para los animales en caso de nevadas y heladas extremas. El frío puede provocar cortes de electricidad, que pueden hacer que los comederos mecanizados o los calefactores dejen de funcionar, por lo que los propietarios de animales deben elaborar un plan de preparación para hacer frente a cualquier emergencia.

    Las bajas temperaturas severas y prolongadas también pueden causar problemas para el ganado, los caballos y sus propietarios. Cualquiera que esté pasando por una gran tormenta de invierno por primera vez debe prepararse proporcionando acceso a refugios para los pequeños animales de granja como cerdos, cabras y pájaros. Los refugios, cobertizos o cortavientos protegerán al ganado de las tormentas invernales, y disponer de camas puede crear un lugar cálido para mantener a los caballos y al ganado alejados del hielo y el barro.

    En Prep4AgThreats.org encontrará información adicional sobre cómo prepararse para  tormentas invernales severas, incluida información sobre cómo proteger a sus animales domésticos, ganado o su granja (información solo en inglés). Además, se puede encontrar información ganadera en la página web de la Extensión de la CSU.

  • Colorado Air National Guard conducts night flying training

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, will conduct night flying training from Buckley SFB, Aurora, Colorado, Jan. 17- Feb.2, 2023.

    The Wing will conduct nighttime flying missions and arrive back at Buckley SFB as late as 10 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The local community and adjacent communities can anticipate an increase in flight activity and noise level during this period from the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

    “The F-16 fighter mission will be conducting night flying operations to maintain and increase our warfighting skills,” said 140th Wing Commander Col. Christopher Southard. “We must train to defend our state and nation in all types of conditions so we’re ready to support our commander-in-chief when needed. While there is an increase of noise and activity during the evening hours, we will do everything possible to minimize the impact on our community, and we appreciate your support as we perform this valuable training.

    “As members of the community, we value your support and patience during the nighttime phase of our training in the area. The safety and security of our nation is our top priority and falls in line with our motto: ‘Always ready, Always There.’”

    The Wing’s real-world mission and emergency response capability will not be affected and will take priority over training actions.

  • Troopers Warn of Dangerous Conditions for Drivers as Snowstorm Moves Across the State

    Snow

    Colorado is in for additional snowstorms this week with the first storm, anticipated to be the largest, beginning tonight for the front range and eastern plains and continuing throughout tomorrow. The Colorado State Patrol is asking travelers across most of the state to stay home Wednesday, if possible, during this next round of inclement weather.

    If travel is unavoidable, take time before the storm begins to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped.

    • Ensure your tires are up to the task with a minimum tread depth of 3/16”
    • Check your windshield wipers, replace them if needed, and fill your washer fluid.
    • Check your battery and ensure all your vehicle’s systems are working properly.
    • AWD or 4×4 vehicles would be best, also consider including tire chains or other alternative traction devices.
    • Commercial vehicles should be ready with chains.
    • Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – charge up as cold temperatures drain the battery.

    If you must go out, take precautions in the event you become stranded. Be sure to stay with your vehicle and put bright markers on the antenna or window. The Colorado State Patrol recommends that you bring extra clothing, snow boots, and blankets in addition to some food and water in the event you must shelter in your vehicle for some time. Also, to ensure you can get help on its way, carry a portable power bank or charger for your phone. In an emergency, you should call 9-1-1 from anywhere in the state.

    Again, troopers ask that you do everything you can to stay home and off the roads. However, if you must drive, be cognizant of the changing conditions and take a slow, cautious approach. Look for plows and keep your distance as they do a very important job for our communities.

    Stay alert for first responders working in these conditions or stranded motorists. Slow and cautious driving is always the best option in winter weather.

    Additional Winter Driving Tips 

    • Scrape all your windows and remove the snow from the roof of your vehicle!!
    • Check the weather and your complete route before your head out. Be prepared for changing conditions.
    • Go slow. Adjust your overall driving speed down when there is snow or ice. Accelerate slowly to avoid skids. Decelerate slowly – it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
    • Increase your follow distance. Longer distances are needed to come to a safe stop.

  • State Fire Agency Announces Community Risk Reduction Week 2023

    Lakewood, CO- The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is taking part inCommunity Risk Reduction (CRR) Week. CRR Week is a grass-roots effort by an informal group of fire safety professionals from across the nation. The goal of CRR is to reduce the occurrence and impact of emergency events for both community members and emergency responders.

    CRR Week 2023 kicks off on Martin Luther King Day, a National Day of Service, which is Monday, January 16, 2023. It runs through Sunday, January 22.

    The idea is to help promote the awareness of CRR within the fire service by having a week where everyone can do CRR programs and demonstrate its importance to the fire service.

    Follow CRR on social media via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter @CRRweek. 

    Learn more at crrweek.org

  • Keep safe in the backcountry this winter, check avalanche forecasts

    Photos by: CPW/Bridget O’Rourke

    DENVER – Ahead of the holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind winter outdoor enthusiasts to check avalanche forecasts at www.colorado.gov/avalanche before going into the backcountry.

    Early-season snowfall followed by heavy snow in December and early January has created dangerous avalanche conditions. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) interactive online map provides valuable, and potentially life-saving, information about dangerous avalanche areas around the state.

    The CAIC recorded over 870 avalanches since Dec. 26, 2022. There has been a fatal avalanche accident each of the last three weekends, killing four people. The avalanche danger is not going down and people can expect these dangerous conditions throughout the holiday weekend.

    “We have seen more avalanches this year than we do on a typical year, and recently they’ve gotten much bigger,” said CAIC’s Director Ethan Greene. “We want everyone to enjoy the wonderful public lands in Colorado and go home alive and well to their family and friends. We need everyone headed into the backcountry to plan their trip carefully and avoid avalanche hazards.”

    In Colorado, outdoor adventurers must be mindful of the risks that winter weather and constantly shifting weather patterns can present. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable, such as strong wind gusts, heavy snow storms, cold water temperatures and avalanches.

    Before heading out in the backcountry or on trails that go through avalanche terrain, CPW advises the following winter recreation safety tips:

    • Check the CAIC avalanche forecast and plan backcountry travel accordingly.
    • Take avalanche training.
    • Carry all required safety gear. Make sure you and every member of your group carry an avalanche-rescue transceiver, a probe pole, and a shovel – and know how to use this equipment.
    • Keep wildlife wild. Wildlife viewing ethics are particularly important during the winter. Maintain distance and do not chase animals.

    Regardless if you enjoy relaxed activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing or more advanced activities like snowmobiling and skiing, CPW encourages people that plan to spend time outside this weekend and winter to recreate safely and be mindful of avalanches and wildlife on our landscapes.

    Watch this Know Before You Go video to learn about why and when avalanches happen. For more information about CAIC’s education resources page, visit https://avalanche.state.co.us/education/resources.

    To support avalanche safety programs in Colorado, visit cpw.info/keepcoloradowild. Colorado residents who get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with their vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles help support local search and rescue teams and avalanche safety programs.

  • 2023 New Release: Is your City Among the Best Ones to Raise a Family in the U.S.?

    According to the Best Cities to Raise a Family, the newest in-depth analysis of 151 cities conducted by the scholarship website Scholaroo, which examined 32 metrics organized into 7 key indicators — Safety, Health, Finances, Education, Leisure, Quality of Life and Home Atmosphere — Yonkers- NY was ranked as the best city, with almost all of the top 10 cities located on the country’s east side.

    On the other hand, Denver- CO, was ranked the worst, as a great reflection of the shortage of affordable housing that the city has been facing, due to the high median housing values and cost of living.

    **BEST AND WORST CITIES TO RAISE A FAMILY **
    (Top and bottom 10 cities ranked in descendent order)

    #1 Yonkers – NY
    #2 Warwick – RI
    #3 Charleston – WV
    #4 Burlington – VT
    #5 Las Cruces – NM
    #6 El Paso – TX
    #7 Fort Lauderdale – FL
    #8 Charleston – SC
    #9 Virginia Beach – VA
    #10 Chicago – IL

    —

    #142 Charlotte – NC
    #143 Chattanooga – TN
    #144 Columbus – OH
    #145 Missoula – MT
    #146 Austin – TX
    #147 Stockton – CA
    #148 Los Angeles – CA
    #149 Minneapolis – MN
    #150 Santa Ana – CA
    #151 Denver – CO

    See below some cities and their positions in the ranking


    For the complete study and methodology, or additional details about Best Cities to Raise a Family, please visit >>> https://scholaroo.com/report/best-cities-to-raise-a-family/