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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Tag: Agate

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

    Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

    image credit – MGN online

    Issued for northeastern Colorado

    Issued at 9:00 AM MDT, Tuesday, August 25, 2020

     Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Affected Area:  Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Ft. Morgan, Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Akron, Wray, Kiowa, Limon, Hugo, Burlington, and Cheyenne Wells.

     Advisory in Effect:  9:00 AM MDT, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 to 4:00 PM MDT, Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

     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 the elderly.  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:  Areas of moderate to heavy smoke have been observed across northeastern Colorado due to smoke transported from both in-state and out-of-state wildfires.  Smoke will gradually diminish late Tuesday morning into early Tuesday afternoon as atmospheric mixing increases, with the slowest improvement occurring for locations along the Platte River Valley.

    For the latest Smoke Outlook, visit:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/addendum.aspx#smoke

    For more information about smoke and your health, visit:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

    Social Media:

    http://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd
    http://twitter.com/cdpheapcd

     

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  • Bear hurt in forest fire near Durango released back to the wild

    Bear hurt in forest fire near Durango released back to the wild

    DURANGO, Colo. – A bear injured in a fire west of Durango in June has healed and was released back to the wild on Monday (Aug. 24) by officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

     The bear was taken to a remote location not far from where it was found. The bear hesitated for about a minute while it sniffed its new surroundings. Then it jumped from the container in the back of a CPW pick-up truck and dashed into the thick cover of the aspen forest.

     “Now he’s got food, he’s got water, he’s got everything he needs,” said Wildlife Officer Steve McClung, “And I hope I never see him again.”

     On June 16, firefighters at the East Canyon fire reported to the CPW Durango office that they saw a bear that appeared to be injured. Wildlife officers responded and when found the bear in a boggy area. It did not move when approached which indicated it was in a lot of pain. The bear, a male, was tranquilized and taken to CPW’s Frisco Creek wildlife rehabilitation facility in Del Norte.

     The two-year-old bear weighed just 43 pounds and its feet were badly burned. At Frisco Creek, CPW’s wildlife technician cleaned the bear’s paws, applied salves to treat the burns and wrapped its feet. The bear was kept in a pen with concrete floors to assure the wounds would stay clean. Fortunately, the bear did not tear off the bandages as a bear rescued from a fire two years ago had done.

     “He was a good patient,” said Michael Sirochman, veterinary technician and manager of the Frisco Creek facility.

    The bear’s bandages were changed 16 times from mid-June to mid-July. When the paws were healed it was placed in a regular pen that provides trees to climb on and places to hide. Sirochman said the bear now weighs 110 pounds and its paws are toughened up.

    “He’s now about the weight he should be for a two-year-old bear and is in good shape for going into the fall,” Sirochman said.  

     As a two-year old, the bear has well developed instincts to survive in the wild. No tracking devices have been placed on the bear and it is now on its own.

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  • Governor Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to Wildfires, COVID-19 Polis

    Governor Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to Wildfires, COVID-19 Polis

    DENVER – Gov. Polis Tuesday provided an update on the wildfires burning in Western Colorado as well as the state’s response to COVID-19. The Governor was joined by Stan Hilkey, executive director of the Department of Public Safety; Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and certified wildland firefighter who has been on the ground fighting the Grizzly Creek Fire; and Dr. Alexis W. Burakoff, MD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist at the Department of Public Health and Environment. 

    “I’m grateful to the more than 2,000 men and women who are on the ground and in the air fighting these fires, and working to protect our communities and Colorado’s beautiful natural resources,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Colorado is no stranger to wildfires like this and we have proactively prepared for this season. While these fires are making it more difficult for people to enjoy our great outdoors, Coloradans must continue taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others, such as wearing masks and following social distancing requirements. Much like with COVID-19, we all have a role to play in ensuring we are taking steps to prevent fires moving forward.”

    The Governor announced he will take executive action to reduce the fire risk across the State. The order will be released tomorrow and go into effect Thursday morning. There are currently four large wildfires burning: the Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon, the Pine Gulch Fire near Grand Junction, the Williams Fork Fire in Grand County, and the Cameron Peak Fire near Redfeather Lakes.

    Four days ago, Governor Polis visited Incident Command Centers for the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek Fires to visit with emergency responders and Coloradans working to fight these firesand support the affected communities. As of yesterday, the Grizzly Creek Fire was the number one fire priority in the nation and had grown to more than 25,000 acres. As of Monday evening, the Pine Gulch Fire is over 87,000 acres and 7 percent contained, making it one of the top four largest wildfires in state history. The Cameron Peak Fire is burning on mostly federal land and as of this morning, the fire has burned 14,018 acres. The Williams Fork Fire started on Saturday and is burning 15 miles southwest of Fraser on mostly federal land. As of Monday, the fire had burned 6,627 acres with 0% containment.

    The wildfires continue to place a strain on the environment and are significantly impacting air quality during a pandemic that affects the respiratory system. The fires are making it more difficult for Coloradans to be outside, and therefore more difficult for people to enjoy Colorado’s incredible outdoor spaces which have been key over the last few months. 

    As this is Colorado’s core fire season, the wildland-urban interface communities are particularly threatened by wildfires; current conditions include a lack of moisture, distressed vegetation, extreme fire weather (Red Flag warnings), overgrown and beetle-killed forests, these conditions need only an ignition source in order for a disaster to occur. 

    Colorado is no stranger to the dangers of wildfires and Colorado’s Department of Public Safety proactively prepared for this year’s season. The Governor reminded Coloradans to use caution while the state is in an extreme drought. Also to try outdoor activities that easily allow for safe social distancing like hiking, biking, or bird watching.

    photo credit: mgn online

     

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  • The Salute to Seniors

    Mark your calendar, The Salute To Seniors is a two day event, Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 at 11:00am. On both days join us on your favorite device.

    Join Senior Housing Options and The Colorado Gerontological Society for 2 days of great entertainment, information, and resources. The Salute to Seniors is the place to be! Don’t miss a vintage car show by the Forney Museum of Transportation on the virtual stage. 

    Register today at: https://hopin.to/events/the-salute.

    Tell everyone you know about The Salute so they can join Colorado’s largest and longest running older adult expo.

     

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  • Anglers asked to curtail fishing on some southwest Colorado Rivers

    Anglers asked to curtail fishing on some southwest Colorado Rivers

    Anglers asked to curtail fishing on some southwest Colorado Rivers

     

    DURANGO, Colo. – Because of the low flows and warm water temperatures on some southwest Colorado rivers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking anglers to curtail their fishing activity early in the day and to observe a voluntary closure.

     

    Recently, conditions at several rivers in CPW’s Southwest Region that receive a lot of fishing pressure have deteriorated to critical levels for trout survival. Water temperatures have approached or exceeded 71 degrees and daily flows are far below normal at less than 50% of average. Consequently, anglers are being asked to stop fishing activity at noon on these rivers:

      ▪ Animas River through Durango from the 32nd Street bridge downstream to Rivera Crossing bridge near Home Depot.

    • San Juan River through Pagosa Springs from the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 84 intersection downstream to the Apache Street Bridge.
    • Conejos River from Platoro Reservoir downstream to Broyles Bridge.
    • Rio Grande from Rio Grande Reservoir downstream to the town of Del Norte.
    • South Fork of the Rio Grande from Big Meadows Reservoir downstream to confluence with Rio Grande below the town of South Fork.  

    This voluntary closure is effective from now through Sept. 25 or until river conditions improve significantly, said John Alves, senior aquatic biologist for CPW in Durango.

     

    “We’re asking for cooperation from anglers on this voluntary closure to protect our trout resources in these rivers,” Alves said. “Anglers are encouraged to fish high-elevation lakes and streams. But there might be some streams in the high country that also become too warm. We encourage anglers to carry a thermometer to check the water temperature. If it’s 70 degrees or above, please stop fishing.”

     

     

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  • Colorado Provides Funding to Support Child Care Providers During COVID-19

    Colorado Provides Funding to Support Child Care Providers During COVID-19

    DENVER (Aug. 18, 2020) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is offering sustainability grants to child care providers in Colorado. These grants are funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020 and are intended to support child care providers with costs associated with COVID-19, including but not limited to: 

    accommodating smaller group sizes,

    activities designed to address the availability of child care, particularly those serving essential and emergency workers,

    purchasing additional safety and cleaning supplies, and; 

    covering salaries and other compensations for staff who provide child care.

    All licensed and open/operating child care centers, preschool, family child care homes, and school-age child care centers in Colorado that are not 100% supported through other public funds (such as Head Start or Colorado Preschool Program) are eligible for these sustainability grants. 

    “Providing Colorado families with safe, affordable and accessible high-quality child care is key to the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” stated Michelle Barnes, CDHS Executive Director. “Like many small businesses, child care providers have faced significant challenges during this time. These sustainability grants will help child care businesses keep  their doors open, ensuring more Colorado families who need access to child care are able to find it.”

    Base grant amounts will be based on licensed capacity, ranging from $1,000 – $3,000. Bonus grant amounts will be granted through a second round and may be available based on prioritized populations or areas of the state hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19. 

    Child care programs interested in applying for a sustainability grant may do so by updating their operational status with the Office of Early Childhood by August 20, 2020.

    For individual assistance with questions, please contact Colorado Child Care Licensing at 303.866.5948 or 1.800.799.5876.

    image provided by MGN online. 

     

     

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  • Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19

    Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – Governor Jared Polis today extended and amended an Executive Order requiring Coloradans to wear face coverings. 

    The amendment clarifies that individuals performing life rites are exempt from the face covering mandate while a life rite is being performed. “Life rites” include wedding ceremonies, graduations, funeral services, baptisms, bris ceremonies, and other religious ceremonies.

    The Executive Order expires 30 days from August 14. 

     

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  • Colorado State Patrol seeing witnesses to possible road rage, crash on I-25

    Colorado State Patrol seeing witnesses to possible road rage, crash on I-25

    WELD COUNTY – Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol are asking any witnesses to an incident to please contact them with information.  

    At approximately 1:05 PM on August 11, a yellow 2006 Peterbilt semi, pulling a white trailer, and a 2002 tan or beige Buick sedan were involved in an incident on northbound Interstate 25 near mile markers 240-243; this location is near the town of Mead.  The incident is being investigated as a crash resulting in minor injuries to a 41 year old female passenger in the Buick, however, investigators have reason to believe road rage may play a factor.  

    Anyone that witnessed the incident or events leading up to it is encouraged to contact the Colorado State Patrol at: 303-239-4501, reference case #3A201083.  

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  • Anythink Backyard Concert Series streams live on Aug. 14

    Anythink Backyard Concert Series streams live on Aug. 14

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT:           Anythink’s annual Backyard Concert Series returns for its final concert of the season on Aug. 10 with Hazel Miller & the Collective. Colorado music legend Hazel Miller returns for yet another powerhouse performance that will be hosted exclusively online. Those who tune in on Facebook and YouTube are encouraged to gather their blankets, lawn chairs, bubbles and all of the other provisions that make for a fun, at-home concert experience. Living room setups can be shared online using the #BCS2020 hashtag for an opportunity to be featured live during the show. The Backyard Concert Series is a fundraiser for the Anythink Foundation, and funds raise will help Anythink to provide special projects for the community. The performance is free and appropriate for all ages. Supporters are encouraged to donate online or text BACKYARD to 50155 to help the Anythink Foundation reach its $20,000 fundraising goal.   

                             

    WHEN:          Friday, Aug. 14, 6:30-8 pm  

     

    WHERE:          Stream live on Facebook at facebook.com/ilovemyanythink and YouTube at youtube.com/ilovemyanythink.  

                             

     About the Anythink Foundation 

    Formed in 2009, the Anythink Foundation is a 501(c)(3) developed to raise private funds 

    for Anythink Libraries in Adams County. This support helps the library continue its mission to “open doors for curious minds” as a dynamic center for engagement. Programs and services supported by the Foundation include: capital projects; public art; expansion of collections; and exceptional programs, activities and computer education. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org/about/anythink-foundation 

     About Anythink™

    Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Anythink serves the residents of Adams County, Colo., with seven libraries and a bookmobile. With a focus on innovation, Anythink’s award-winning approach to library service is recognized by industry leaders and organizations across the globe. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org. 

     

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  • Colorado State Patrol seeking assistance in hit and run crash

    Colorado State Patrol seeking assistance in hit and run crash

    The Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle hit and run crash that occurred today (August 11) on Highway 50 at Highway 96 just west of Avondale, CO near milepost 329. A black 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by an unknown male, turned left from eastbound Highway 50 toward Highway 96 directly in the path of a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 motorcycle. The motorcycle was driven by 62-year-old Terry Jackson of Boone, CO. The motorcycle collided into the front right side of the Cobalt resulting in Jackson being ejected from the motorcycle and impacting the windshield of the Cobalt.  Jackson was flown to Parkview Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver of the Cobalt then moved it to Highway 96 before fleeing the scene on foot.

    Witnesses on scene described the driver as a late twenties or early thirties Hispanic male approximately 5’8” to 5’9” tall, medium build, black hair and unshaven. Witness stated he was wearing a black T-shirt. The driver may have gotten a ride from a small to medium sized white SUV.  If any person witnessed the crash or has information about the male driver that fled the scene please contact the Colorado State Patrol Communication Center at 719-544-2424.

    If you would like to remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers @ 542-STOP (542-7867) or www.pueblocrimestoppers.com. If your information leads to a felony arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward. 

    ———-

    UPDATE:

    Pictures of the white SUV are attached.  Anyone with any information related to the white SUV and/or the unknown male driver of the Cobalt is encouraged to call the Colorado State Patrol at: 719-544-2424, reference case #2D201315.  The driver/owner of the white SUV is not considered a suspect but simply wanted for questioning related to the crash or unknown male driver.   

     

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