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  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

    Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

    Issued for Kiowa, Bent, Otero, Sedgwick, Logan, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Baca, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Park Counties
    Issued at 8:11 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Affected Area: Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, Bent, Prowers, Baca, Las Animas, Huerfano, Custer, Park, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Fort Morgan, Wray, Akron, Kiowa, Limon, Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Ordway, Eads, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar, Springfield, Kim, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Westcliffe, Fairplay, Georgetown and Central City.

    Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM MDT, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 to 9:00 AM MDT, Thursday, July 25, 2024

    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: Widespread wildfire smoke will impact the advisory area through at least Thursday morning.

    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

  • Heavy Traffic Ahead

    Travel Advisory

    July 2, 2024 – Fourth of July traditional start of peak tourist travel season

    Tráfico festivo del cuatro de julio de 2024 en españo

    Denver — The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be prepared for additional traffic and longer drive times on mountain highways and other roads heading to the state’s recreational areas over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

    To help minimize potential traffic delays, CDOT is suspending all construction and maintenance projects from midday Wednesday until Monday, July 8. The only exception is for emergency operations.

    Independence Day traditionally begins a period of above average traffic in the high country, with summer tourism hitting its peak over the next six to seven weeks.
    Motorists are strongly encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking the status of the state’s roadways before traveling. Information is available at www.cotrip.org, CDOT’s Facebook page, twitter feed, or by calling 511. Additional information regarding Interstate 70 west of Denver is available at www.goI70.com.

    For those seeking an alternative to driving, Bustang, Pegasus, and Bustang Outrider provides service to many mountain areas, including Estes Park, and to cities and towns along the Front Range and beyond. Please go to www.ridebustang.com for more information.

    In 2023, traffic numbers remained high at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels throughout the July Fourth Weekend:

    Westbound Eastbound Total
    Friday, June 30 29,730 21,017 50,747
    Saturday, July 1 30,353 21,560 51,913
    Sunday, July 2 26,313 23,688 50,001
    Monday, July 3 21,390 22,413 43,803
    Tuesday, July 4 14,746 22,583 37,329
    Wednesday, July 5 18,606 25,027 43,633

    Be Safe– Be Prepared – For Summer Driving

    • Stay Alert. Plan enough time to stop along the way to stretch, get something to eat and drink, return any calls or text messages, and change drivers if you’re feeling tired or drowsy.
    • Avoid Distracted Driving. The focus always should be on driving. Avoid using cellphones, texting, eating, and using in-vehicle technologies.
    • Don’t drive impaired. Increased DUI enforcement from July 3 to July 8.
    • Watch for more pedestrians and bikes. Warm temperatures mean more people are outside walking or bicycling. Slow down and pay extra attention at crosswalks and along roadways.
    • Share the road with motorcycles. Motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots due to their speed and size. Always take a second look with more motorcycles out on the road.
    • Obey all posted speed limits. Or drive slower, if necessary, based on weather or traffic conditions.
    • Maintain proper tire air pressure. Warmer temperatures can cause tires to be overinflated.
    • Turn your lights on. Especially during twilight hours, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
    • Large vehicles tend to drive slower speeds. Be prepared to slow down, stay out of their blind spots, pay close attention to turn signals and give them extra space to maneuver.

    Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

    Download the COtrip App!

    The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

  • Sheriff’s Office Offers Safety Tips on Fourth of July

    ARAPAHOE COUNTY – In anticipation of Fourth of July festivities, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public when 911 shouldbe called and not be called.

    Do call 911 if:

    Someone is injured by fireworks.
    You see an active fire sparked by fireworks.
    You see children misusing fireworks or with no parental supervision.
    Someone is in a crisis situation and needs help.

    Don’t call 911 if:

    You have questions about what is or isn’t legal.
    You have or don’t have the exact address of someone using illegal fireworks.
    You want to know where to dispose of fireworks.
    You want to know what time of day you can use fireworks.

    On average, our 911 dispatch center receives 700-800 calls per day. Those numbers nearly double on the fourth of July.

    July 4, 2023 – 1,276 calls

    July 4, 2022 1,283 calls

    If you’re not sure when to call, you can always call our non-emergencynumber at 303-795-4711. If you do call in, remember the voice you hear on the other end of the line is a person who is trying their best to help everyone on the busiest day of the year. Please be polite and understanding, it can go a long way. Let’s help our dispatchers and deputies during one of the toughest holidays and keep our phone lines open for real emergencies.

    The Sheriff’s Office will also have deputies out patrolling residentialneighborhoods to make sure everyone is safe. Please do not call the Sheriff’s Office requesting increased patrols for fireworks. Don’t forget all fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Unincorporated Arapahoe County and Centennial. For more detailed information on fireworks visitwww.arapahoeco.gov/Fireworks.

  • 4th of July: Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday

    Fireworks can be dangerous; leave them to the professionals

    DENVER, JUNE 26, 2024 —It will soon be time to celebrate Independence Day. What do your plans include? Are you going to the local fireworks display? Maybe you’re looking forward to some fun in the water. The American Red Cross of Mile High wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe 4th of July and offers these tips you can follow during the upcoming holiday.

    “As we celebrate the first holiday weekend of the summer, it’s important to remember that safety doesn’t interfere with fun,” said Gino Greco, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “No matter how you, your family and your friends choose to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, please be careful to protect yourself and take care of your loved ones.” 

    FIREWORKS SAFETY

    The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

    1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
    2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
    3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
    4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
    5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

    PICNIC SAFETY

    1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
    2. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
    3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
    4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
    5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

    WATER SAFETY

    Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and  get out of the water safely.

    1. Whether swimming in a pool, at the beach or visiting a waterpark, always swim in an area where lifeguards are on duty.
    2. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
    3. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in! You could be in danger of drowning yourself.
    4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
    5. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore. 

    Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Swim apps for instant access to safety tips.

  • First electric fleet vehicle to be unveiled in Arapahoe County

    EV analysis shows the change will decrease operational  
    costs and green house gases 
       
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 24, 2024— Arapahoe County is holding a ceremony for the first electric vehicle (EV) to be add to the County fleet on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. 
    The County’s Weatherization team will use the Ford E-Transit 350 Cargo Van, which is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and save the County $15,000–$18,000 in operational costs over the lifetime of the vehicle compared to the previous vehicle, a gas-powered Chevy Express van. The van was selected following a robust data collection and analysis process and will be the pilot vehicle in a program to test electric vehicle effectiveness for the County. 
    The Weatherization program installs free energy conservation measures and energy-efficient appliances in low-income households in both Arapahoe and Adams Counties. The program helps households conserve energy and save money on heating and cooling bills, while improving comfort year-round. Since July 1, 2023, Weatherization has served over 1,140 residents in Arapahoe and Adams counties.  
    Who:                                     Arapahoe County 

    What:                                   Electric vehicle unveiling 

    When:                                 Thursday, June 27, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
    Where:                                 5335 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 
  • Suspect Hospitalized After Alamosa Sheriff Deputies Return Fire

  • Conversation with Commissioners Campbell and Baker

    Commissioners invite residents to join a conversation  
    focusing on older adult resources and budget 
       
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 14, 2024— Arapahoe County District Two Commissioner Jessica Campbell and District Three Commissioner Jeff Baker will host a resident town hall on Thursday, June 20, 6-7:30 p.m. at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club in Aurora. The event will focus on senior resources with Courtney Stryker, senior resources and veteran services division manger. Commissioners will also discuss the County’s budget shortfall. 
    Following the discussion, Baker, Campbell and the panelists will answer questions from attendees.
    Who:                                     Commissioners Jessica Campbell and Jeff Baker  

    What:                                   Commissioner Town Hall: District 2 and District 3 

    When:                                 Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. 
    Where:                                 Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club 

    23155 E. Heritage Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80016 

  • Inverness Drive West Transportation Improvements begin in Arapahoe County

     

    The bikeway will offer a low-stress bicycling experience  
    and increase safety for cyclists 
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 4, 2024—Arapahoe County will begin construction this week on Inverness Drive West bikeway where crews will add a bikeway and three roundabouts. This is the first of several project planned to provide additional regional cycling opportunities between Denver and Lone Tree. 
     
    Planned improvements include: 

    ·         A six-foot-wide bike lane with a two-foot-wide buffer on each side of Inverness Drive West for most of the length of the project. 

    ·         A ten-foot-wide multi-use path separated from the roadway by a landscape buffer to complete segments where the on-street bike lane will not be constructed (such as at the ends of the corridor and through roundabout intersections. 

    ·         New lighting along both sides of Inverness Drive West for the length of the project. 

    ·         New roundabouts near the UC Health driveway, Inverness Lane West, and the northern Homewood Suites driveway. 

    ·         Repaving Inverness Drive West between Inverness Main Street and Inverness Drive East. 

    ·         Improved drainage and landscaping. 

    ·         Enhanced signage. 

     
    The $7 million project is jointly funded by federal funds through the Colorado Department of Transportation and local funding through Arapahoe County, Inverness Metropolitan District, City of Centennial, and Southeast Public Improvement Metro District.
    These improvements are expected to be completed by the end of the year. 
    For more information on this project visit: Inverness Drive West Transportation Improvements. 
  • 17 Mile House open house presents “Wool Spinning”

    Take a step back in time in Arapahoe County 
    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—June 4, 2024— Arapahoe County hosts “Wool spinning” at the historic 160-year-old 17 Mile House Farm Park on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m.12 p.m. 
    The free event offers an experience of what life was like from living historians, interactive education programs, and interpretive artifact displays. Featured events will be wool carding by hand and dyeing sheep’s wool.  
    Open House event includes: 

    ·         Educational program with speaker and live demonstrations.  

    ·         Family-friendly crafts to take home. 

    ·         Guided 15-minute tour of the historic farmhouse and barn. 

     
    For more information visit: 17 Mile House Farm Park 
    Who:     Arapahoe County  

    What:   17 Mile House presents “Wool Spinning” 

    When:  Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.- 12 P.M.  
    Where: 17 Mile House Farm Park 8181 S. Parker Rd., Centennial CO 80016 
    Visuals: Families stepping back in time, learning about life over 100 years ago through interactive education programs. 
  • Lt. Governor Primavera Released from Hospital

    DENVER — Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera returned home today after being admitted to the hospital late Wednesday evening for treatment due to an infection in her arm.
    “While I had different plans in mind for Memorial Day weekend, I’m grateful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided me with incredible care during my treatment for an unexpected infection. I came home today in good spirits and filled with gratitude. Thank you for all the well wishes and to the many dedicated health care professionals statewide who continually answer the call to serve their community. I’m looking forward to continuing my work alongside Governor Polis to ensure that all Coloradans have access to high quality and affordable healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Primavera and the Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care.
    “We are all glad that Dianne is recovering at home and know she’ll be back stronger than ever,” said Governor Jared Polis.
    Lt. Governor Primavera leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, the Office of eHealth Innovation, the Colorado Disability Funding Committee and Disability Policy, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Serve Colorado, and Aerospace and Defense. She previously served eight years in the Colorado House of Representatives and has led the Office of the Lt. Governor since the administration took office in January 2019.