The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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Governor Polis Emphasizes Importance of Mask Wearing and Avoiding Large Groups This Labor Day Weekend
DENVER – Governor Jared Polis today provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and reminded Coloradans to remain vigilant over Labor Day weekend.

The Governor announced that earlier this week, Colorado hit its lowest positivity rate yet, close to two percent. The positivity rate is the rate of positive results out of the total number of COVID-19 tests conducted. In March, the state was seeing positivity rates between 15-20%. Currently, some of Colorado’s neighboring states are still seeing rates that high: Kansas is at 16%, Nevada is at 15.3% and Iowa is at 18.5%. The Governor stressed the importance of Coloradans continuing to wear masks, follow social distancing protocols, and avoid large gatherings as the long Labor Day weekend approaches to maintain the state’s positive trend.

“Coloradans have met the challenges of this pandemic head on, and our numbers may be declining, but we are not out of the woods,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Cases spiked after the 4th of July weekend and we can’t let that happen again after Labor Day weekend. Our success thus far is due to each individual doing their part and we can’t let up now. We need everyone, including all of our students who are back on campus, to take this seriously and act responsibly by avoiding large groups and parties and wearing a mask around others. Now is not the time to party. Be smart and be safe this weekend if you are enjoying our great outdoors. Colorado has fared better than many of our neighboring states during this pandemic, but we’re only as good as our collective actions to slow the spread of this virus.”

Gov. Polis was joined by CU President Mark Kennedy, David Holguin, a CU Denver student, and Dajah Brooks, a student at the University of Denver to emphasize the need for students returning to colleges and universities to continue following safety protocols to protect themselves and their peers. David is a Student Advisor with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and Latinx advancement leadership program. Dajah is the Undergraduate Student Body Vice President at the University of Denver, member of Delta Zeta sorority and the African Students United at DU. The Governor addressed recent parties at fraternities at CU Boulder, and applauded the efforts by Boulder’s Interfraternity Council on the Hill to punish these bad actors with fines.

Gov. Polis was also joined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Park Ranger Michelle Seubert to remind Coloradans to recreate responsibly. The outdoors have played a critical role in giving Coloradans a safe outlet to exercise and experience nature during this pandemic. As Labor Day weekend approaches, it’s critical to remember the 7 key principles for responsible recreation:
- Have a plan before you go
- Stay to the trails
- Trash your trash
- Leave what you find
- Be careful with fire and abide by local fire restrictions
- Respect wildlife
- Be kind and inclusive to others who are also enjoying the great outdoors
View the news conference on the Governor’s Facebook page.

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September 4, 2020
Town of Bennett approves temporary water restrictions

BENNETT — The Town of Bennett Board of Trustees approved temporary mandatory residential and commercial water restrictions beginning Aug. 26 until Sept. 8.

Due to an incident involving a recent power outage, some of the Town of Bennett water supply has been slightly interrupted. In order to alleviate pressure on the water system and to protect available and future water supply, the Board approved temporary water restrictions.

The water restrictions limit residential and commercial irrigation of landscaped areas, including gardens, parks, right-of-way and medians, hose-end sprinklers and automatic irrigation to two days a week.

• Even street addresses Monday and Thursday;

• Odd street addresses Tuesday and Friday.

Watering and irrigation may not occur between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and may not exceed four hours total. Hand watering is permitted on any day except between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Unattended hose watering is not permitted.

Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer or other vehicle is allowed on teh same designated days as irrigation except during the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Washing must be done with a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose with a shut-off valve.

The following uses of water are not permitted at any time during the restriction period:

• Washing down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots or other hard-surfaced areas.

• Washing down buildings or structures for reasons other than immediate fire protection.

• Flushing gutters or permitting water to run in any gutter or street.

Failure to repair a controllable leak within a reasonable period after having been given a direct notice to repair the leak.

Any person who is found to have violated these restrictions is subject to a fine.

These restrictions will expire on Sept. 8. The Mayor and the Town Administrator may take action to extend or repeal the water restrictions during this time.

More information can be found online at townofbennett.colorado.gov.

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September 4, 2020
Boat ramp at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir to close Wednesday

LOGAN/SEDGWICK, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is announcing the closure of the boat ramp at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir in Logan and Sedgwick Counties, effective Wednesday, Sept. 2.

The closure comes due to low water levels that have eliminated access to trailer-launched boats. It has exposed many water hazards that have made for unsafe boating conditions and the ramp is now unsuitable for use, according to District Wildlife Manager Kyle Gordon.

“Jumbo will be closed to all boats with a motor (gas or electric) and/or any boats that are trailered,” Gordon said. “Any Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) exempt vessels such as kayaks and canoes, or any hand propelled and hand-launched vessels will still be able to be used at Jumbo until water levels don’t allow.

“Vehicles are prohibited from driving down to the water’s edge to fish or to hand launch a vessel. Anyone walking near the water’s edge must do so at their own risk and be cautious for deep mud.”

Due to high irrigation demand created by severe drought, the water level in Jumbo Reservoir is expected to decline to a point that will likely result in a loss of the entire fishery resource. As such, a public fish salvage was enacted on Aug. 24 in order to optimize use of the fishery resource. That fish salvage is still in operation as outlined below:

— The emergency fish salvage is permitted only at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir and only during daylight hours.

— All anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license in accordance with state statutes.

— No commercial angling is allowed.

— Only angling methods that are currently legal at the reservoir are allowed. Learn more by clicking here.

— Current size, bag, and possession limits for all species are suspended for Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir until the emergency public fish salvage is terminated.

— Notification of the emergency public fish salvage opening and closure will be made through press releases, and signs will also be placed at the reservoir.

— No motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are allowed on the lake bed.

— The end date of the emergency public fish salvage will be announced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

“People fishing from the shore have been getting into some catfish, smaller bass, sunfish, and some crappie as well,” Gordon said. “There is still some good fishing access around the outlet dam as well as around the point on the south side of the reservoir.”

Similar to all northeastern plains reservoirs, Jumbo Reservoir was constructed to store irrigation water for agricultural use and is used as a recreation resource secondarily.

CPW plans to rebuild the fishery as soon as water levels allow. While the reservoir’s fishery is being rebuilt, anglers are encouraged to fish the other reservoirs on Colorado’s northeastern plains.

“North Sterling and Prewitt Reservoirs both have great walleye and crappie populations for anglers to utilize, and Jackson Reservoir is a great walleye and wiper fishery,” said Aquatic Biologist Mandi Brandt.

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September 2, 2020
UPDATE East Fork Final Update

Acres: 1,680

Containment: 88%

Date Started: 8/22/2020

Cause/Origin: Lightning/Natural

Location: 12 miles SE of Trinidad, CO

UPDATE East Fork Final Update:

Incident Commander: Larry Long, DFPC Battalion Chief

September 2, 2020: The East Fork fire maintains 1,680 acres and 88% containment, there was minimal fire activity yesterday with no additional growth, as seen in the map above. Moving forward, firefighters will continue to reinforce control lines and continue mop-up.

Lake Dorothy SWA in Colorado remains closed and is currently being used to stage resources. The fire is burning in the State of Colorado within James M John SWA and Lake Dorothey SWA, which is also the municipal watershed for the City of Raton (NM).

69 total personnel are fighting the fire including ground and aerial support.The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control is in communication with Hoehne Fire Protection District, Las Animas County (Colorado), Colorado Parks and Wildlife, New Mexico State Forestry, New Mexico State Patrol, Colfax County (NM), and City of Raton (NM).

Safety is the number one priority and as such, strategies moving forward include maintaining firefighter and public safety by utilizing sound risk management actions and utilizing suppression activities that guide the fire into natural barriers. Additionally, minimizing the potential impacts of COVID-19 through the practice of social distancing, proper personal hygiene, and regular cleaning.

Receive Alerts-Sign Up For Code Red! To sign up for CodeRed, go to trinidad.co.gov, click on the Public Safety tab, then click CodeRed and follow the instructions. If you do not have internet, please go to the Police Station, M-F 8-5 and ask to sign up!

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County. This is due not only to the potential for high winds, but the moisture content of potential fuels at lower elevations as well as the limited resources available to combat a large-scale fire due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Learn more at https://www.lasanimascounty.net/.

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September 2, 2020
A Virtual Conversation with Commissioner Nancy N. Sharpe

This year has presented unique challenges, but the planning and management for critical services never stops. Commissioner Sharpe, with special guest Director of Human Services Cheryl Ternes, will provide updates on recent and upcoming projects and initiatives that affect our diverse communities.

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

7-8 p.m.

At the time of the event, listen in and ask questions any of these ways:

– Calling 855-436-3656

– Visiting our website at arapahoegov.com/townhall

– Visiting our Facebook page at facebook.com/arapahoecounty

Contact: 303-795-4857 or

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September 2, 2020
East Fork Fire Update: Saturday, August 29 2020
Acres: 1,677

Containment: 10%

Date Started: 8/22/2020

Cause/Origin: Lightning/Natural

Location: 11 miles SE of Trinidad, CO. 1.5 miles from CO/NM border

Incident Commander: Larry Long, DFPC Battalion Chief

August 29, 2020: The East Fork Fire is now 1,677 acres, 10% containment. The fire has moved further to the south and west. Please click here to view footage from the Multi Mission Aircraft flight this morning (8/29).

The fire is currently burning on 2 State Wildlife Areas: James M John State Wildlife Area (SWA) and Lake Dorothey SWA. The photo above was taken by a landowner on Bartlett Mesa showing Bobbler’s Knob.The fire has burned some in the upper Segerstrom drainage, crews will have a better understanding of the extent later today. The fire did receive precipitation overnight and up to 0.50″ is expected today and tonight.

Northern winds pushed the fire to the South towards the Colorado/New Mexico border, resulting in the evacuation of Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico (campgrounds, local roads and a few residences). The park is located on the Colorado–New Mexico state line 6 miles northeast of Raton, New Mexico. Although the fire remains in Colorado, a watershed near Raton, NM is threatened and has seen some impact above Lake Dorothey; the fire can be seen from Lake Maloya in New Mexico.

Aircraft and ground resources continue to use a full suppression strategy where safely possible to do so and minimize impacts on private land. A dozer line has been completed around the fire on the Fisher’s Peak and Little Fisher’s Peak Mesa. Today, National Guard helicopters will be conducting bucket work today and dozers are working along the southern flank from Lake Dorothey to the west. Crews will continue to utilize indirect line and burnout operations for the majority of the fire.

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is coordinating with Raton, New Mexico (NM), NM Forestry Division, Colorado Parks & WIldlife, Las Animas County, Las Animas County Sheriff and Hoehne VFD.

55 total personnel are fighting the fire and aerial support in the form of two large air tankers (LAT), two UH-60 Blackhawks from the Colorado Air National Guard, Air Attack, and a Multi Mission Aircraft. Additional DFPC Engines and Modules will arrive today and tomorrow.

Safety is the number one priority and as such, strategies moving forward include maintaining firefighter and public safety by utilizing sound risk management actions and utilizing suppression activities that guide the fire into natural barriers. Additionally, minimizing the potential impacts of COVID-19 through the practice of social distancing, proper personal hygiene, and regular cleaning.

Receive Alerts-Sign Up For Code Red! To sign up for CodeRed, go to trinidad.co.gov, click on the Public Safety tab, then click CodeRed and follow the instructions. If you do not have internet, please go to the Police Station, M-F 8-5 and ask to sign up!

Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County. This is due not only to the potential for high winds, but the moisture content of potential fuels at lower elevations as well as the limited resources available to combat a large-scale fire due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Learn more at https://www.lasanimascounty.net/.

Donations being accepted: Fire crews battling the East Fork Fire are in need of cases of bottled water, nonperishable food items, and basic toiletries. Please use the contact information below to find out how you can help! Drop off donation sites include:
- Fire Station 1 – 1605 Santa Fe Trail
- Fire Station 2 – 1102 Nevada Avenue
For questions about donations, please contact: or call/text 719-422-3481

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August 29, 2020
IDOL ACROSS AMERICA” OPEN VIRTUAL AUDITIONS VIA ZOOM VISITS COLORADO (9/1)
THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT SUPERSTAR IS ON!
“IDOL ACROSS AMERICA” OPEN VIRTUAL AUDITIONS VIA ZOOM VISITS COLORADO! COLORADO – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Open call virtual Zoom auditions for AMERICAN IDOL in COLORADO
“American Idol” will continue to break new innovative boundaries with custom- built Zoom technology to host “Idol Across America,” its first-ever live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar.

“Idol Across America” remote auditions will take place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for the first time since the show’s inception, making auditions easier than ever.

Idol hopefuls will have the chance to audition face-to-face in front of “American Idol” producers as the “Idol Across America” virtual tour stops in their home state.“Idol Across America” visits Colorado with brand-new custom-built Zoom technology.
REGISTRATION / AUDITIONS – Tuesday, September 1

Please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions for more information on “Idol Across America” and specific audition details, locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms and conditions.

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August 28, 2020
Fire Update: East Fork Fire

Acres: 338

Containment: 10%

Date Started: 8/22/2020

Cause/Origin: Lightning/Natural

Location: 11 miles SE of Trinidad, CO. 1.5 miles from CO/NM border

Incident Commander: Larry Long, DFPC Battalion Chief

August 27, 2020 AM Update: Starting Wednesday morning, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) began providing advanced technical assistance to Las Animas County on the East Fork Fire. We will begin providing morning and evening updates starting today- Thursday August 27, 2020.

The East Fork Fire, located 11 miles SouthEast of Trinidad, CO near the Colorado/New Mexico Border has grown to 338 acres, with 10% containment. There are 3 primary residences SE of the fire that are threatened, and the Raton, NM watershed is also threatened.

Crews have engaged the fire with direct tactics in the areas where it is safe to do so. The fire is burning in a steep canyon, with heavy down and dead fuels, and standing snags. Crews are scouting areas and assessing roads and trails for indirect tactics in addition to installing indirect lines and beginning burnout operations on West, North, and East flanks.

Agencies involved include the DFPC, Hoehne Volunteer Fire Department, Las Animas County and the Las Animas County Sheriff. There are 25 total personnel fighting the fire and aerial support in the form of a large air tanker and Multi Mission Aircraft. Additional DFPC Engines and Modules will be arriving over the next few days to support burnout operations. Fire personnel will continue to monitor and engage the fire when possible and when the safety and lives of firefighters is not at risk.

Safety is the number one priority and as such, strategies moving forward include maintaining firefighter and public safety by utilizing sound risk management actions and utilizing suppression activities that guide the fire into natural barriers. Additionally, minimizing the potential impacts of COVID-19 through the practice of social distancing, proper personal hygiene, and regular cleaning.

As a reminder, Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County. This is due not only to the potential for high winds, but the moisture content of potential fuels at lower elevations as well as the limited resources available to combat a large-scale fire due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Learn more at https://www.lasanimascounty.net/.

Additional information will be released to this website and the social media channels listed below, as it becomes available.

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August 27, 2020
DAV RecruitMilitary National Virtual Career Fair for Military & Veterans

WHO: DAV and RecruitMilitary will host the National Virtual Career Fair for Military & Veterans.

WHAT: This is a free virtual hiring event for transitioning military personnel, veterans, National Guard members, Reserve members and military spouses.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 1^st from 12pm to 4pm EST.

WHERE: For more information and to register for this virtual hiring event, visit here.

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August 27, 2020
Emergency public fish salvage begins immediately at Greeley’s Poudre Ponds

GREELEY, Colo. – Due to impending repair work resulting in the draining of Poudre Ponds and subsequent potential for loss of fish, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is announcing an emergency public fish salvage effective immediately (Wednesday, Aug. 26).

Located near the intersection of W. O Street and N. 35th Avenue northwest of Greeley, the city will be draining the pond to complete emergency repairs to its intake pump.

CPW has authorized the public salvage in order to optimize the use of the fishery resource as outlined:

– The emergency fish salvage is permitted at Poudre Ponds only and only during daylight hours (sunrise to ½ hour after sunset).

– All anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license in accordance with state statutes.

– No commercial angling is allowed.

– Current size, bag and possession limits for all species are suspended for Poudre Ponds only until this emergency public fish salvage is terminated.

– All legal fishing methods are allowed except for the use of dip nets, seines and snagging.

– Notification of the emergency public fish salvage opening and closure will be made through press releases.

– Access is controlled by the City of Greeley and the City will notify Colorado Parks and Wildlife if the ponds become too shallow to safely allow public access to continue.

– The end date of the emergency public fish salvage will be announced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in conjunction with the City of Greeley.

Poudre Ponds has been stocked with catchable trout as well as warm water species. Fish species in the pond include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and rainbow trout along with common carp and gizzard shad.

“Once we get water back in the pond we are going to work to rebuild the fishery immediately,” said District Wildlife Manager Brandon Muller. “It is a very popular place residents enjoy fishing at and we will work to get them a new and improved fishery once repair work is complete.”

image: MGN online

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August 26, 2020