fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Blog

  • Fall Festivals DUI Enforcement Begins Tomorrow: 1,486 Arrested During 2015 Enforcement Period

    STATEWIDE — Starting tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 16, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and law enforcement agencies from across Colorado are combining efforts for The Heat Is On campaign’s Fall Festivals DUI enforcement. Last year, 1,486 impaired drivers were arrested over the five-week enforcement period. The increased DUI enforcement runs through Oct. 24 with additional patrols, checkpoints and extra officers on duty looking for impaired drivers.

     

    According to preliminary data, as of yesterday Sept. 14, there have been 133 impairment traffic fatalities in 2016, accounting for 31 percent of the 410 total traffic fatalities.

     

    “It’s heartbreaking to see people continue to drive impaired with plenty of resources and alternative modes of transportation available,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “CDOT encourages making a travel plan for a sober ride both to and from your destination, leaving no chance to drive impaired.”

     

    To date, 83 agencies will be participating in the enforcement period.

     

    “The Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have zero tolerance for impaired drivers,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Preventing friends and family from driving impaired could save their lives, or the lives of other drivers and pedestrians on Colorado’s roads. One impaired driver can drastically change the lives of many people.”

     

    CDOT’s newly enhanced “R-U-Buzzed” smartphone app is a resource to help avoid driving impaired. R-U-Buzzed is a blood-alcohol content (BAC) calculator that provides direct access to ride-hailing services. The app works by estimating individual BAC levels based data entered by the user — weight, gender, time drinking and alcohol consumed. The app features a one-screen interface that allows users to immediately update or begin a new reading. Finally, the app calculates the BAC level and shares safety information about impairment and Colorado’s laws.

    On iPhone and Android smartphones, download the R-U-Buzzed app here: onelink.to/r-u-buzzed

  • TRAFFIC ADVISORY ***CORRECTED CONSTRUCTION PERIOD*** Ramp closure on westbound I-70 to southbound I-225

    AURORA – The ramp leading from westbound Interstate 70 to southbound Interstate 225 will be closed from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19. Closures are necessary so crews can install three 44-foot modular joints that each must be installed in one piece across the width of the bridge.

    Traffic is advised to use alternate routes.

    DETOUR ROUTE

    Westbound traffic from I-70 to I-225 will be routed through the Peoria Street interchange to eastbound I-70 so motorists can merge onto I-225 via that ramp; motorists can expect heavy delays around the detour route. It is recommended that motorists avoid the Peoria Street interchange and use the alternate route of Airport Road to East 6th Avenue.

    Local traffic is advised to avoid the I-70/Peoria Street interchange over the weekend as longer than usual delays can be expected on Peoria Street.

    After the ramp reopens on Monday, September 19, motorists can expect nightly single lane closures for the next three weeks from Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. so crews can do an overlay the bridge deck. Drivers should be prepared for lane shifts and a reduced speed limit of 45 mph through the project area. Vehicles wider than 12 feet will be restricted from using the ramp during work hours.

    The project is on schedule and expects to finish in late October. Work hours could be extended or additional weekend closures could be scheduled.

    The prime contractor for the $2 million project is Truesdell Corporation.

  • Today’s Events – Thursday, Sept. 15

    Today’s Events – Thursday, Sept. 15

    Music & Movement. Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments. 10 a.m., Anythink Bennett library.

    Bingo for Books. 4:15 p.m., Anythink Bennett library.

    AA Strasburg Sobriety. 7:30 p.m., Saron Lutheran Church, 1656 Main St. Lane, (303)717-2263.

    Bennett School Board. Work session at 5:30 p.m., meeting 6 p.m., high school library. 615 Seventh St.

    Byers School Board. 7 p.m., Byers High School lecture hall.

    Strasburg Fire Protection District Board. 7 p.m., District Office, 56281 E. Colfax Ave.

    Strasburg American Legion Post No. 183. 7 p.m., Strasburg American Legion Hall, 56423 Westview Ave.

     

     

    High School Sports

    Golf. Strasburg @ Sterling Invite, Northeastern 18, 8 a.m.

    Volleyball. Bennett @ DSST-Stapleton, C-Team, 4 p.m. JV, 5 p.m. Varsity, 6 p.m.

    Volleyball. Genoa-Hugo @ Byers, 4 p.m.

    Softball. Strasburg @ Eaton, 4 p.m.

    Volleyball. Far Northeast @ Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.

     

    Middle School Sports

    Volleyball. Genoa-Hugo @ Byers, 4 p.m.

  • Ramp closure on westbound I-70 to southbound I-225

    AURORA – The ramp leading from westbound Interstate 70 to southbound Interstate 225 will be closed from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19. Closures are necessary so crews can install three modular joints, and place Polyester Concrete between joints on the north and south ends of the project.

    A signed detour route will be in place for this closure and is listed below.

    DETOUR ROUTE

    It is recommended that motorists use the alternate route of Airport Road to East 6thAvenue. Westbound traffic from I-70 to I-225 will be routed through the Peoria Street interchange to eastbound I-70 so motorists can merge onto I-225 via that ramp.

    It is recommended that local traffic avoid this area over the weekend as longer than usual delays can be expected on Peoria Street.

    After the ramp reopens on Monday, September 19, motorists can expect single lane, shoulder and ramp closures during the course of the project from Monday through Fridayfrom 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Drivers should be prepared for lane shifts and a reduced speed limit of 45 mph through the project area. Vehicles wider than 12 feet will be restricted from using the ramp during work hours.

    The project is on schedule and expects to finish in late October. Work hours could be extended or additional weekend closures could be scheduled.

    The prime contractor for the $2 million project is Truesdell Corporation.

  • Adams County News – Rain Barrel Program Workshop

    Adams County News – Rain Barrel Program Workshop

    Rain Barrel Program Workshop
     
    Who:               Sustainable Adams County and CSU Extension
    What:             Sustainable Adams County has partnered with CSU Extension to educate Adams County residents on rainwater collection systems. This is an opportunity for residents to learn the facts, become familiar with the environmental benefits of rain harvesting, and leave armed with the tools and knowledge to become a successful contributor to conservation in Adams County.
    Online registration for this event is available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adams-county-rain-barrel-workshop-tickets-27421391119. The $50 registration fee covers the educational workshop and the free rain barrel kit. A limited number of registrations are available; one rain barrel per household will be distributed. You must complete the workshop in order to receive your rain barrel.
    When:             Tuesday, Sept. 20
                            6–8 p.m.
    Where:           Waymire Dome, Adams County Regional Park
    9755 Henderson Rd.
    Brighton, CO 80601
    Why:               Effective as of Aug. 10, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1005 allowing the legalization of rain barrel collection in Colorado. A maximum of two rain barrels—with a combined capacity of 110 gallons—can be installed at single-family or multi-family households. Approving the use of rain barrels in Colorado allows for residents to capture rainwater from rooftop downspouts and use the collected water to irrigate outdoor lawns, plants or gardens.

  • Today’s Events – Wednesday, Sept. 14

    Music & Movement. Ages 2-6 can sing, dance and learn to play basic instruments. 10 a.m., Anythink Bennett library.

    Bennett Young At Heart seniors potluck lunch and games. 12 p.m., Bennett Community Center.

    Deer Trail Conservation District Board. 1 p.m., Farm Service Agency Office, 133 W. Bijou Ave.

    Needlework and crafts. 1 p.m., Bennett Community Center. Mary White, (303)644-3202, or Peg Mancuso, (303)644-5191.

    Byers Silver & Gold senior citizens game day. 12:30 p.m., Byers American Legion Hall.

    Arapahoe County public open house for partial flow intersection comments at Gun Club/Quincy Avenue. 4-6:30 p.m., Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora.

    Crafternoon. Homemade fans, 4:15 p.m., Anythink Bennett Library.

    IOU with Love. Social hour 6-7 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m., location varies. For location and directions, call (303)913-7094 or (303)261-0680 or visit www.iougivingcircle.com.

    Strasburg School Board. 6:30 p.m., Strasburg High School Community Room.

    Alcoholics Anonymous. 7 p.m., Byers Church Museum, 194 S. McDonnell St. (303)903-6734.

    Recovery in Christ. 7-9 p.m., Valley Bank, Strasburg.

     

    High School Sports

    Soccer. Bruce Randolph @ Bennett, 4:30 p.m.

     

    Middle School Sports

    Football. Bennett @ The Academy, 4 p.m.

    Volleyball. Bennett @ Pinnacle, 4 p.m.

  • Untitled post 11939

    CSU Ag Day: Sept. 17 – Football, feast, farewell to Hughes

    FORT COLLINS — As the Colorado State University Rams prepare to take the field for their second home game on Sept. 17, a hungry crowd will take part in another Fort Collins tradition — Ag Day. This year’s Ag Day, the 35th since it began in 1981, will also be the last one at Hughes Stadium: Football games and the Ag Day tailgate move to the on-campus stadium in 2017.

    “Over the past 35 years, Ag Day has helped Colorado State University showcase the vast and unique diversity of Colorado agriculture,” said Ajay Menon, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. “Ag Day marries two quintessential American traditions — agriculture and football. At CSU, this tradition and the celebration of agriculture afford us another opportunity to provide students access to a world-class education, access made possible by resources raised for student scholarships.”

    Ag Day was created by “Fum” McGraw, a CSU football legend who served as athletics director from 1976 to 1986. Animal Sciences Professor John Matsushima suggested to McGraw that CSU partner with the beef industry to put on the very first Ag Day. In 1981, 10 commodity groups supported Ag Day, and the event’s proceeds contributed to one student scholarship. Since the event’s early days, more than 200 scholarships have been provided to students, totaling nearly $500,000.

    Some 3,500 people attend Ag Day each year and enjoy a pregame feast that includes a number of Colorado commodities including beef, pork, lamb, beans, dairy products, wheat, potatoes and more.

    In addition to live music, interactive exhibits will feature college student organizations, a forestry display and a number of farm implements.

    This year, Colorado 4-H also will be highlighted, with interactive, STEM-focused activities. 4-H is a community of young people across Colorado and the United States learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win a Ford F-150 truck, donated by local Ford dealers. The winning ticket will be drawn during Ag Day festivities. Proceeds from the raffle support Colorado 4-H programs statewide. During halftime of the football game, members of the Colorado 4-H Hall of Fame (www.colorado4h.org/hall-of-fame) will be recognized.

    Barbecue tickets are available at http://agday.agsci.colostate.edu/ and can be purchased on their own or in packages that include football game tickets. This year, a commemorative 35th anniversary T-shirt will be available along with the annual Ag Day hat for $15 each. Tickets can also be purchased on game day at Ag Day will-call.

  • Today’s Events – Tuesday, Sept. 13

    Toddler Tales. Kids ages 2-4 will enjoy stories, puppets, songs and finger plays. 10 a.m., Anythink Bennett library.

    Tuesday Tech. At Bitsbox, kids ages 11 and up can learn to code apps. 4:15 p.m., Anythink Bennett Library.

    Bennett Board of Trustees. Work-study 5:30 p.m. Regular meeting 7 p.m. Town Hall, 355 Fourth St.

    Strasburg Sanitation & Water Board. 7 p.m., Valley Bank Community Room.

    Order of Eastern Star Hope Chapter No. 122. 7:30 p.m., Bennett Eastern Star Hall, 575 Palmer Ave.

     

    High School Sports

    Golf. Strasburg @ Woodland Park Invite, Shining Mountain Golf Club, 9 a.m.

    Cross Country. Strasburg @ Elizabeth, 3:30 p.m.

    Volleyball. Elbert @ Byers, 4 p.m.

    Softball. University @ Strasburg, 4 p.m.

    Volleyball. Limon @ Bennett, 4:30 p.m. C-Team, 5:30 p.m. JV, 6:30 p.m. Varsity.

    Volleyball. Eaton @ Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.

    Volleyball. Deer Trail @ Stratton/Liberty, 6 p.m.

     

    Middle School Sports

    Football. Byers @ Wiggins.

    Volleyball. Deer Trail @ Stratton, 4 p.m.

    Volleyball. Byers @ Wiggins, 4 p.m.

     

  • Overnight Train Maintenance Continues at Denver International Airport

    DENVER – ­ Sept. 9, 2016 – Additional dates have been added for overnight work to upgrade the hardware and software that operates the trains that transport passengers between the terminal and concourses at Denver International Airport (DEN).

    Due to this scheduled maintenance, the trains will not be transporting passengers from 1-4 a.m. on Sept. 13-16 and Sept. 20-23.

    During the maintenance work, passengers must use the A Bridge-security checkpoint, located on Level 6, north, in Jeppesen Terminal from 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. during the evenings of the work because the north and south security checkpoints will be closed. The time it takes to go through the TSA security checkpoint will not be impacted because there is normally only one TSA checkpoint open overnight.

    The majority of the flights during this timeframe depart from the A Gates so most passengers will not be impacted. However, those passengers departing on a flight from the B or C Gates from 1-4 a.m. will be directed through the A Bridge-security checkpoint, and will then be directed by airport personnel to bus stops for transport to the B and C Concourses. Customer service staff will be available to help guide passengers to the appropriate checkpoint and to the buses. Passengers should allow extra time to arrive at their gate.

    It is possible that a few flights will arrive at the B and C Gates during this timeframe; those passengers should expect to be bused to the A Concourse for access via the pedestrian bridge to Jeppesen Terminal. Airport personnel and signage will assist with way finding. When possible, airlines may deplane passengers on the A Concourse for easier access to the pedestrian bridge leading to Jeppesen Terminal.

    Airport operations will make the decision whether or not to proceed with the train shutdown each evening in case there are any significant changes in airline schedules due to weather, etc.

    These are the anticipated final scheduled dates for the maintenance work. If additional dates are required, more information will be provided.

  • Today’s Events – Monday, Sept. 12

    High Plains Music Ensemble rehearsal. 6:30 p.m., Strasburg High School band room. New players welcome.

    Byers Fire Protection District Board. 6:30 p.m., Byers Firehouse.

    Byers Water & Sanitation District Board. 7 p.m., District Office, 421 S. Sherman St.

    Deer Trail Fire Protection District Board. 7 p.m., Deer Trail Firehouse.

    Comanche Crossing Historical Society. 7 p.m., museum office, 56060 E. Colfax Ave., Strasburg

    Bingo. 7 p.m., Byers American Legion Hall.

    AA Strasburg Sobriety. 7:30 p.m., Saron Lutheran Church, 1656 Main St. Lane, (303)717-2263.

     

    High School Sports

    Soccer. Bennett @ William Smith, 4 p.m.

    Middle School Sports

    Football. Elbert @ Deer Trail, 4:30 p.m.

    Volleyball. Adams City @ Bennett, 4:15 p.m.

    Volleyball. Brush @ Strasburg, 4 p.m.