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  • Outdoor safety tips for Labor Day weekend celebrations

    Outdoor safety tips for Labor Day weekend celebrations

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife

    DENVER – Nature belongs to all of us, and recreating responsibly shows you care about keeping our landscapes healthy and wildlife thriving. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is sharing a few safety tips ahead of the holiday weekend to help you balance your outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

    Know Before You Go
    Be aware of weather conditions, water temperatures and trail closures where you plan to visit.

    • Camping reservations are required at Colorado State Parks.
    • Use the CPW Park Finder to discover outdoor activities available at each state park and to learn about park or trail closures.
    • On a holiday weekend, expect lines and potential gate closures. Have a backup plan and please be kind to park staff and other park visitors.

    Be Bear Aware
    As bears prepare for hibernation and hunt for food, Coloradans may see more bear activity. Below are tips and precautions to help you prevent human-wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life. For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.

    Properly store all trash and lock bear-accessible windows and doors:

    • Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Don’t leave pet food or stock feed outside.
    • Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use.
    • Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.
    • If you have fruit trees, don’t allow the fruit to rot on the ground.

    Cars, traveling and campsites:

    • Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors.
    • When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
    • Keep a clean camp in a campground or in the backcountry.
    • When in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any items with strong odors into your tent.
    • Cook food away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

    Be Careful with Fire
    Colorado’s low humidity can create dry, dangerous conditions that impact if fires are allowed or restricted.

    • Check fire restrictions or bans before you go. Visit www.coemergency.com to find county-specific fire information.
    • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass. Check your tire pressure, exhaust pipes and if chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle that may create sparks.
    • Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available.
    • Keep campfires small and manageable.
    • Put fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
    • Never leave a campfire unattended and report campfires that have been left burning.

    Wear a Life Jacket
    Enjoy the water, but always do so with a life jacket on – they save lives. Before going onto the water make sure you are carrying essential safety gear:

    • Wear your life jacket​
    • Check your boat and all required boating safety gear.
    • Avoid boating alone and tell someone where you are going.
    • Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.
    • Stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels in Colorado and require a life jacket on board at all times.
    • Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water immersion and shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.

    For more information on outdoor recreation in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • Adams County Producers Urged to Consider NAP Risk Protection Coverage Before Crop Sales Deadlines

    The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages you to review available USDA crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the approaching crop deadlines

    Federal crop insurance covers crop losses from natural adversities such as drought, hail and excessive moisture. NAP covers losses from natural disasters on crops for which no permanent federal crop insurance program is available.

    The following crops in Adams County have a NAP application deadline as follows:

    September 1:  Triticale

    September 30:  Barley

    You can determine if crops are eligible for federal crop insurance or NAP by visiting the RMA website.

    NAP offers higher levels of coverage, from 50 to 65 percent of expected production in 5 percent increments, at 100 percent of the average market price. Producers of organics and crops marketed directly to consumers also may exercise the “buy-up” option to obtain NAP coverage of 100 percent of the average market price at the coverage levels of between 50 and 65 percent of expected production. NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production.

    For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.

    Beginning, underserved, veterans and limited resource farmers are now eligible for free catastrophic level coverage.

    Federal crop insurance coverage is sold and delivered solely through private insurance agents. Agent lists are available at all USDA Service Centers or at USDA’s online Agent Locator. You can use the USDA Cost Estimator to predict insurance premium costs.

    For more information on NAP, service fees, sales deadlines, contact your Adams County USDA Service Center at 303-659-0525 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

    Qualified veteran farmers or ranchers are eligible for a service fee waiver and premium reduction, if the NAP applicant meets certain eligibility criteria.

  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)

    ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish producers who have losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions.

    • Livestock – additional cost of transporting livestock feed, additional cost of transporting water because of an eligible drought.

    If you’ve suffered an eligible loss during calendar year 2022, you must file:

    • A notice of loss within 30 calendar days after the loss is apparent.
    • An application for payment by Jan. 30, 2023
  • Labor Day 2022: America’s workforce is stronger than ever

    Labor Day 2022: America’s workforce is stronger than ever

    By Marty Walsh, U.S. Secretary of Labor

    On Labor Day we honor the achievements of America’s workers, and in 2022 we have a historic victory to celebrate. Our nation’s working people have come all the way back from the depths of a global pandemic, regaining every job lost and more.

    This milestone seemed impossible to reach on Labor Day two years ago. The pandemic was out of control. Millions of Americans were out of work, and economic forecasters said unemployment could remain elevated for years to come.

    Some commentators even lost faith in our national work ethic. Even today, some still say that  Americans “don’t want to work anymore.”

    What nonsense. This sour view of workers seems rooted in the belief that they should be happy with whatever they get. A deadly pandemic exposed the limits – and the disrespect – of that attitude.

    The truth is, Americans were eager and ready to get back to work. They just needed the right opportunities, the kind President Biden’s American Rescue Plan delivered. It got vaccines to the people, relief to families, and support for schools and businesses to reopen safely. With these conditions in place, America got back to work – and in a big way.

    Since President Biden took office, we’ve added 9.5 million jobs to the economy. The unemployment rate has plunged to 3.5 percent, matching a 53-year low.

    Here in Colorado the unemployment rate is 3.3 percent as Coloradoans are seizing opportunities like never before.

    This job growth has been broad and widely shared. Some said construction would be slow to return. As of July, there were 82,000 more construction jobs than before the pandemic.

    Healthcare workers battled bravely through the pandemic and, by this summer, nearly every single job in that vital sector was recovered.

    Some said thinking we could restore America’s manufacturing was naïve. Well, manufacturing has more than fully recovered – and with the new CHIPS and Science Law, we are set to lead the world in the industries, and good jobs, of the future.

    Ours is a remarkable story of resilience and recovery. I must say, as a former construction worker, I’m not surprised. Working people are proud of their work and who they are. That hasn’t changed.

    As I travel the country as Labor Secretary, I talk to workers and jobseekers and – everywhere I go – Americans want a fair chance to earn decent wages, support their families, make meaningful contributions, and achieve financial security.

    Consider the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It’s creating thousands of good-paying jobs that don’t need a college degree. America’s workers are doing what they do best – rebuilding their communities, revitalizing our industries and securing a healthy future for our children.

    We’re also reducing inequality. In this recovery, wages have gone up the fastest for workers of color and workers with less than a high school diploma. We are determined to continue this progress. To unlock the full potential in our economy, we must empower all of our nation’s workers, especially those who got shut out in the past.

    We advance all our goals now from a position of strength. The Inflation Reduction Act will not only lower costs for working families; it’s also going to create good jobs for years to come. America’s workers – diverse and determined – are going to win our clean energy future.

    Every recovery has a lesson to teach. Here’s one for this Labor Day: Never bet against America’s workers.

    ##

    Espanol

     

    Día del Trabajo 2022: La fuerza laboral de Estados Unidos es más fuerte que nunca
    Por Marty Walsh, Secretario de Trabajo de EE. UU.

     

    En el Día del Trabajo honramos los logros de los trabajadores de Estados Unidos, y en 2022 tenemos una victoria histórica que celebrar. Los trabajadores de nuestra nación han regresado desde las profundidades de una pandemia global, recuperando cada empleo perdido y más.

    Este hito parecía imposible de alcanzar en el Día del Trabajo hace dos años. La pandemia estaba fuera de control. Millones de estadounidenses se quedaron sin trabajo y los analistas económicos dijeron que el desempleo podría seguir siendo elevado en los próximos años.

     

    Algunos comentaristas incluso perdieron la fe en nuestra ética de trabajo nacional. Incluso hoy en día, algunos todavía dicen que los estadounidenses “ya no quieren trabajar”.

    Qué tontería. Esta visión agria de los trabajadores parece arraigada en la creencia de que deben ser felices con cualquier trabajo que obtengan. Una pandemia mortal expuso los límites – y la falta de respeto – de esa actitud.

    La verdad es que los estadounidenses estaban ansiosos y listos para volver al trabajo. Solo necesitaban las oportunidades adecuadas, del tipo que entregó el Plan de Rescate Estadounidense del presidente Biden. Llevó vacunas a la gente, alivio a las familias y apoyo para que las escuelas y las empresas reabrieran de manera segura. Con estas condiciones en su lugar, Estados Unidos volvió al trabajo, y a lo grande.

     

    Desde que el presidente Biden asumió el cargo, hemos agregado 9.5 millones de empleos a la economía. La tasa de desempleo se ha desplomado a 3.5 por ciento, igualando un mínimo de 53 años.

     

    Aquí en Colorado, la tasa de desempleo es del 3.3 por ciento, ya que los habitantes de Colorado están aprovechando las oportunidades como nunca antes.

     

    Este crecimiento del empleo ha sido amplio y ampliamente compartido. Algunos dijeron que la construcción tardaría en regresar. Hasta julio, había 82,000 empleos de construcción más que antes de la pandemia. Los trabajadores de la salud lucharon valientemente durante la pandemia y, para este verano, casi todos los trabajos en ese sector vital se recuperaron.

     

    Algunos dijeron que pensar que podríamos restaurar la fabricación de Estados Unidos era ingenuo. Bueno, la fabricación se ha recuperado más que por completo, y con los nuevos CHIPS y la Ley de Ciencias, estamos listos para liderar el mundo en las industrias y buenos empleos del futuro.

    La nuestra es una historia notable de resiliencia y recuperación. Debo decir que, como ex trabajador de la construcción, no me sorprende. Los trabajadores están orgullosos de su trabajo y de quiénes son. Eso no ha cambiado.

     

    Mientras viajo por el país como Secretario de Trabajo, hablo con trabajadores y solicitantes de empleo y, dondequiera que vaya, los estadounidenses quieren una oportunidad justa de ganar salarios decentes, mantener a sus familias, hacer contribuciones significativas y lograr seguridad financiera.

    La semana pasada estuve en San Antonio con el representante federal Joaquín Castro para reunirme con trabajadores, líderes sindicales, líderes de la industria local y funcionarios de la ciudad. Vi a aprendices aprendiendo habilidades avanzadas y preparándose para buenos trabajos y carreras por SA Ready to Work, uno de los programas de capacitación laboral más impresionantes del país.

     

    Considere la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista. Está creando miles de empleos bien remunerados que no necesitan un título universitario. Los trabajadores de Estados Unidos están haciendo lo que mejor saben hacer: reconstruir sus comunidades, revitalizar nuestras industrias y asegurar un futuro saludable para nuestros niños. Estamos decididos a continuar este progreso.

     

    También estamos reduciendo la desigualdad. En esta recuperación, los salarios han aumentado más rápido para los trabajadores de color y los trabajadores con menos de un diploma de escuela secundaria. Para liberar todo el potencial de nuestra economía, debemos empoderar a todos los trabajadores de nuestra nación, especialmente a aquellos que fueron excluidos en el pasado.

     

    Avanzamos todos nuestros objetivos ahora desde una posición de fuerza. La Ley de Reducción de la Inflación no solo reducirá los costos para las familias trabajadoras; también va a crear buenos empleos en los próximos años. Los trabajadores de Estados Unidos, diversos y decididos, van a ganar nuestro futuro de energía limpia.

    Cada recuperación tiene una lección que enseñar. Aquí hay uno para este Día del Trabajo: Nunca apuestes contra los trabajadores de Estados Unidos.

  • Spend Labor Day along the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit

    Spend Labor Day along the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit

    Photography for Social Media and Marketing | www.amandatipton.com

     

    (LEADVILLE, COLO, Sept. 1, 2022) – The first-ever Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit, launched in spring 2022, offers fun events and tours in Colorado’s scenic mountain towns this Labor Day weekend.

    The Circuit connects five historic opera houses located in Aspen (Wheeler Opera House), Central City (Central City Opera House), Leadville (Tabor Opera House), Ouray (Wright Opera House), and Telluride (Sheridan Opera House). A new website, ColoradoOperaHouses.com, includes a calendar of events and information about these historic gems.

    Labor Day Weekend Events:

    • Tabor Opera House, Leadville, Colo. – Cowboy Poetry and Boogie-Shaking Music, on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Opens with “contemporary cowboy” from Jake Riley, who has performed in 11 states, including three times at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. The Vail Valley Band has performed country, classic rock, pop, jazz, folk, classical, and even showtunes all over the nation and all over the world. This event is a fundraiser for the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation.
    • Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Colo. – Telluride Film Festival takes place Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, at the Sheridan Opera House. Called “not just a picture show,” the Telluride Film Festival is tributes to luminaries who’ve propelled the medium forward; it is candid discussions with a film’s creator or the historian who champions it; it is meeting filmmakers; it is engaging in lively debate with every manner of film lover in the summer sun of a Colorado afternoon, always minutes away from a new exhibition.
    • Wright Opera House, Ouray, Colo. – The play “Time Flies” takes place Thursday, Sept. 1, through Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. nightly. The Open House Theatricals returns to Ouray with this series of short comic vignettes from playwright David Ives. Ives is a contemporary American playwright whose plays are notable for their verbal dexterity, theatrical invention, and quirky humor. In the title work, two houseflies try to make the most out of their brief time on earth.

    Labor Day Weekend Guided Tours:

    • Central City Opera House, Central City, Colo. – The Gilpin Historical Society offers daily tours of the Central City Opera House, a jewel-box opera house built in 1878 that still displays a frescoed ceiling and names of famous visitors carved on the seat backs. Also on the tour are the Teller House, Thomas House, St. James Church, and the Weekly Register-Call Print Shop, to give visitors a taste of Central City’s unique gold-mining history. Tours leave from the Gilpin Historical Society Tour Office at Washington Hall, 117 Eureka St. in Central City, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Tabor Opera House, Leadville, Colo. – Tours offer a full walk-through of the Tabor Opera House, built in 100 days in 1879 by mining magnate Horace Tabor. Visitors can roam the elegant performance hall with its original red velvet Andrews opera chairs and stage where John Philip Sousa and Oscar Wilde appeared and magician Harry Houdini vanished. English-language tours on Thursday, Sept. 1 – Sunday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.; Spanish-language tours on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; all at 308 Harrison Ave., Leadville
    • Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Colo. – Visitors can make an even longer weekend and stay for one of the season’s last summer history tours at the Wheeler Opera House. This free guided tour is offered by Aspen Historical Society in partnership with the Wheeler Opera House. It gives an insider’s look at the iconic building as the center of Aspen’s arts and cultural scene since it was built in 1889. Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m., 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

    Photos

    About the Circuit


    The following organizations are Circuit partners:

    • Aspen Chamber Resort Association
    • Central City Opera House Association
    • City of Central City
    • City of Ouray
    • Gilpin Historical Society
    • Lake County Tourism Panel
    • Sheridan Arts Foundation
    • Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation
    • Wheeler Opera House
    • Wright Opera House
    The project is funded by the Colorado Tourism Office, through its 2022 Marketing Matching Grant, and a collective partner contribution.

  • Disaster Assistance for 2022 Livestock Forage Losses

    The Farm Service Agency wishes to remind producers in Adams County that they are eligible to apply for 2022 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on native and improved pastures.

    LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land or fire on federally managed land.

    County committees can only accept LFP applications after notification is received by the National Office of qualifying drought or if a federal agency prohibits producers from grazing normal permitted livestock on federally managed lands due to qualifying fire.  You must complete a CCC-853 and submit the required supporting documentation no later than January 30, 2023, for 2022 losses.

    For additional information about LFP, including eligible producer and eligible livestock criteria, contact the Adams County USDA Service Center at 303-659-0525, option 2 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

  • Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by Agricultural Land Easements provide additional public benefits including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space.

    NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grasslands including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland.  Eligible partners include Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs.

    Under the Agricultural Land component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the Agricultural Land Easement.  Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the Agricultural Land Easement.

  • EQIP Practice Reminders

    If you have an EQIP contract and need to install conservation practices or activities these must be implemented to remain in compliance with your contract.  If you have conservation practices or activities that are behind schedule or planned items that you may not complete as scheduled, please contact your local NRCS office immediately to discuss your options for maintaining your contract compliance. If you are waiting on technical assistance or engineering designs call your local NRCS Office.

  • CDOT poised to redouble unprecedented commitment to rural roads

    CDOT poised to redouble unprecedented commitment to rural roads

    25% investment in rural paving to continue in CDOT’s updated 10 Year Plan

    olorado — As CDOT finalizes an update to its 10 Year Plan that prioritizes projects for the first years of sustained funding from Senate Bill 21-260, the unprecedented levels of rural road investment will continue to remake the road network that connects smaller communities across Colorado. The updated plan is slated for consideration and adoption by the Colorado Transportation Commission at its September meeting, which will also bring the state’s transportation plans into compliance with its greenhouse gas planning standards. The first four years of the 10-Year Plan allocated approximately $382 million to rural pavement condition and have made improvements to roads in 55 counties. CDOT will maintain this focus throughout the decade, with a total of over $940 million dollars going toward rural roads over the life of the plan.

    These 10-Year Plan investments are on top of an estimated $230 million spent statewide every year on road resurfacing that is performed through CDOT’s base funding programs, including its asset management program. By putting additional funds and focus through 10 Year Plan dollars, CDOT is ensuring that Colorado’s low volume roads get the attention they need to serve as quality, reliable linkages between communities. These roads serve important statewide functions by helping agricultural and other critical goods come to market and by helping tourists and recreation travelers reach Colorado’s special places.

    “As we traveled the state to hear from neighbors at the very beginning of the 10 Year Plan’s development, we heard loud and clear how important it was to reinvest in our rural roads.  Across the state, citizens can see completed projects that together comprise record investment in rural roads, and we look forward to the continuation of this important program with the next phase of the Ten Year Plan,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. 

    “During past months, the Transportation Commission has advocated for, and ensured that asset management and maintenance of the state’s transportation infrastructure are given priority in 10-year planning and other budget discussions. We have made rural paving a key focus area, are monitoring spending closely, and are proud that more funds are being put toward this key priority program,” said Transportation Commission Chair Don Stanton.

    CDOT’s Rural Paving Program comprises 25% of the amount programmed through CDOT “strategic funding”, which in the first four years was comprised largely of the proceeds from debt obtained through Certificates of Participation pursuant to Senate Bill 17-267 and is subsequently comprised largely of revenue from Senate Bill 21-260 combined with above-base federal funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

    Strategic funding table for the 10-year plan


    Of note, these funds are just a portion of the significant amounts that CDOT is spending each year on rural roads. Rural roads also comprise a large share of the state’s base “asset management” program, which is separate from the Ten Year Plan and dedicated to core investments in state-of-good-repair, like fixing pavement and bridges and replacing culverts. This program has also repaired about 400 miles of rural roads each year for the last several years, with the Ten Year Plan investments resulting in about 200 miles of rural roadwork last year. 

    “Our rural roads are often overlooked for money over the years,” Gary Beedy, Colorado Transportation Commissioner from Genoa said. “It is nice to see the state is focusing energy on this important part of our state’s transportation system. It allows the surface treatment dollars to address other critical needs on the system that could still use increased funding for surface treatment and preventative maintenance.”

    As an example of the impact of these projects, CDOT recently completed a 19-mile stretch along US Highway 50 south of Grand Junction, roughly between Whitewater and Delta. Crews completed full-depth reclamation, milling, hot mix asphalt top mat paving and lane level paving, shouldering, guardrail installation, rumble strip installation and permanent striping. In recent years the section of roadway has been referred to as the “Delta Dips” or the “Roller Coaster.” Now the repaired section of US 50 is a smoother, safer drive thanks to full-depth reclamation at multiple locations along the project.

    “US Highway 50 is a lifeline for residents, businesses and commuters in Delta, Montrose and Mesa counties,” said Delta County Commissioner Don Suppes. “The smoother, safer drive on US 50 between Grand Junction and Delta benefits all of these motorists.”

    Hinsdale County Commissioner Robert Hurd has been very supportive of CDOT and the CO 149 Resurfacing project. He spoke at a project milestone event earlier this summer, stating,  “This process that you’re using now for paving – I look out and think, wow, this is going to last. This project overall is going to be great for our road system connecting our mountain communities along Highway 149.”

    “Otero County would like to thank CDOT for spending funds in rural America and to be more to the point in Otero County. We Appreciate CDOT’s efforts to keep our rural state highways and our people safe!” said Otero County Commissioner Jim Baldwin.

    1 Strategic funding represents the total capital dollars available in the 10 Year Plan after 10% is allocated off the top to transit as first established per legislative direction from Senate Bill 17-267. Because CDOT’s Denver metro region does not have sufficient rural road mileage to participate in the program, the strategic funding column shows available dollars only to the areas of the state where the 25% rural paving target applies as a percentage of the total strategic funding allocated (CDOT Regions 2, 3, 4, and 5).

    10-Year Plan Projects Funded to Date

  • Adams County Building Closures

    Adams County Building Closures

    All Adams County Government offices will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day. This holiday is being observed on a Tuesday because county buildings are closed Mondays. Normal business hours will resume Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7 a.m., for the Government Center and Human Services Center.

    Riverdale Animal Shelter will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, and normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m.