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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • Expect lengthy delays on westbound I-70 in Idaho Springs early next week (Dec. 20 – 22) Drivers advised to avoid travel during construction

    Expect lengthy delays on westbound I-70 in Idaho Springs early next week (Dec. 20 – 22) Drivers advised to avoid travel during construction

    DENVER ― The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to get as much paving done as possible before the long-term winter temperatures set in on the Westbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane project.  Paving work can be done only during daytime hours when temperatures are warmer.  Closures will continue through the night to get other work done. 

    One lane on westbound I-70 will be closed in the Idaho Springs area (Mile Point 241 to Mile Point 239) during these times:

    3 p.m. into the night Sunday, Dec. 20 

    9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday, Dec.  21

    9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 22

    The schedule above could change depending on the weather. 

    Motorists can expect delays of up to two hours during peak travel times.

    If motorists are planning to travel the westbound I-70 corridor, they are urged to leave early before construction starts.  There will be no planned lane closures Friday, Dec. 18, through Sunday afternoon, Dec. 20, and no planned lane closures through the Christmas holiday, Wednesday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Dec. 28.  There will be no further planned daytime closures on this project through the winter.  Should more paving work need to be done, that work will take place when the temperatures are warmer in the spring. 

    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

    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:

    ABOUT THE PROJECT 

    Crews are working diligently to complete road construction so the new Express Lane can open as soon as possible, which is estimated for early 2021 depending on the weather and other factors. Once the new Express Lane opens, tolls will be waived until summer or fall of 2021 when the tolling infrastructure is in place and has been tested. 

    When completed, there will be an Express Lane on westbound I-70 from the Veterans Memorial Tunnels to the Empire Interchange. Similar to the eastbound lane already in use, this 12-mile long managed lane will feature traffic management systems to reduce congestion and provide westbound drivers with a reliable, time-saving option during peak travel periods.  The project is also improving the alignment of the road and repaving the surface to improve safety and make for a smoother drive. 

     

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  • E-470 Traffic Advisory Full Weekend Closure of Northbound On Ramp to E-470 from I-70 Access to Northbound E-470 from Smith Rd. and 19th Ave. also Closed

    E-470 Traffic Advisory Full Weekend Closure of Northbound On Ramp to E-470 from I-70 Access to Northbound E-470 from Smith Rd. and 19th Ave. also Closed

    Aurora, CO – As part of the E-470 Road Widening Project, the northbound on ramp to E-470 from I-70 will be closed from 7 p.m. Friday, December 18 through 6 a.m. Monday, December 21. This includes access to northbound E-470 from Smith Rd. and 19th Ave.

    Traffic accessing northbound E-470 from I-70, 19th Ave. and Smith Rd. will be detoured via southbound E-470 to 6th Pkwy./Stephen D. Hogan Pkwy., then east to enter northbound E-470. Motorists should follow all posted detour signs.

    These closures will accommodate full width replacement of the existing expansion joints for the E-470 bridge over Smith Rd. and Union Pacific Railroad. All work is weather dependent.

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  • REPORT: Public lands and conservation issues won the West in 2020

    REPORT: Public lands and conservation issues won the West in 2020

    DENVER—Today, the Center for Western Priorities released its Winning the West: Election 2020 report, analyzing the trend of winning candidates highlighting their support for public lands and outdoor issues in order to connect with Mountain West voters.

    Public lands—how they are used, their importance to local economies, and the way they define life in the West—were a key component of winning campaigns in 2020, with 19 of the 21 races tracked in six Western states featuring significant pro-public lands advertising or messaging. In high-profile races in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, the importance of outdoor issues has solidified to the extent that candidates with consistently pro-public lands positions have prevailed in most close elections.

    This year, support for public lands and conservation emerged stronger than ever. Polling shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the value that Westerners place on the outdoors, with 34 percent of voters saying that the importance of public lands, parks, and wildlife issues increased for them during the pandemic. 

    “Over the past few election cycles, we’ve watched the importance of outdoor issues steadily rise,” said Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala. “2020’s election results solidified that trend, with voters making it clear that to win elections in the West, candidates must show their commitment to protecting public lands.”

    In the campaigns analyzed in the report, winning candidates leveraged public lands and outdoor issues to gain support while using the mountains and outdoor spaces of the Mountain West to serve as the backdrop of numerous campaign ads and pro-public lands messages on social media. Candidates across party lines celebrated legislative victories on conservation issues and criticized opponents for lackluster records on protections for public lands. Notably, extreme anti-public lands positions, such as selling off national public lands to private interests or turning them over to state control, were absent from this year’s competitive races.

    Public lands and conservation issues were featured in some of the races that rose to national prominence, including the Colorado senate race between former Governor John Hickenlooper and Senator Cory Gardner and the Montana senate race between Governor Steve Bullock and Senator Steve Daines. 

    Going forward, we expect the influence of the growing “outdoor voting bloc”—currently estimated at more than 2 million voters across the West—to continue shaping campaigns. As newly elected officials step into office, voters will be looking for campaign messages to be translated into legislative action on public lands.

    The Center for Western Priorities’ Winning the West campaign is intended to educate candidates and campaigns about how important it is to show strong support for public lands and access to outdoor spaces, particularly in battleground Mountain West states. To learn more, visit WinningTheWest2020.org. 

    For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or . Sign up for Look West to get daily public lands and energy news sent to your inbox.

     

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  • TROUT DISEASE STUDY PROGRESSING

    TROUT DISEASE STUDY PROGRESSING

    Featured Image: A Colorado River cutthroat trout suffering from BKD. Photo by John Drennan

    DENVER, Colo. – While many fish diseases have declined in recent years due to good management practices, cases of bacterial kidney disease (BKD) seem to be increasing in the western U.S. The disease is caused by the bacteria Renibacterium salmoninarum, which is common in cold water streams and lakes. The disease is characterized by the presence of grayish-white abscesses in the kidney and can cause death in both wild and hatchery trout.

    After negative tests in the Colorado fish hatchery system for 18 years, in 2015 four state hatcheries, one federal hatchery, and a wild broodstock lake tested positive for the disease. An outbreak at one hatchery cost over $2.1 million and impacted fish management statewide with the loss of over 675,000 sport fish. In 2017, a statewide sampling effort led by CPW Research Scientist Dan Kowalski found the bacteria was common in trout habitat statewide, but generally occurred at low levels and only rarely caused outbreaks of disease in the wild. These recent detections of R. salmoninarum in hatcheries and wild fish populations in Colorado have generated additional questions about presence and infection intensity in trout and caused managers to revisit best management practices in hatcheries.

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife has partnered with Colorado State University Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Ph.D. student Tawni Riepe to investigate important aspects of BKD in Colorado. Her work, while still ongoing, has already produced some interesting results. In one experiment, fish were caged in a water known to have fish infected with R. salmoninarumto look at direct bacterial transfer between infected and non-infected fish (a process known as horizontal transmission). The trial lasted for 90 days and involved 320 caged cutthroat trout. Only one fish tested positive for the bacteria that causes BKD, demonstrating that horizontal transmission was low under these conditions but occurred in a relatively short amount of time. A second experiment was designed to look at transmission from an infected fish to its offspring (known as vertical transmission). Early results confirm that eggs reared from fish infected with R. salmoninarum may have varying levels of the bacteria depending on the degree of infection within the parents.

    “Understanding how the bacteria that causes BKD is transmitted from fish to fish or fish to egg to fish, is important to figuring out how to minimize the spread of the bacteria and the disease among hatchery and wild fish populations,” commented Riepe.

    Another focus of Riepe’s research is to compare and improve testing methods to detect the bacteria that causes BKD. The goal is to determine the best way to test fish, what test to use, and if non-lethal tests can be developed to test fish without sacrificing them. Just like testing for human pathogens that cause disease, like COVID-19, there are several ways to detect bacteria in fish. A technique called quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can be used to detect the DNA of the pathogen and to determine the intensity of infection in fish. Another approach is to test for antigens, proteins on the surface of the pathogen that a fish host uses to produce antibodies that attack the bacteria. Riepe, in collaboration with Dr. John Drennan, a Senior Fish Pathologist with CPW, is also working on methods to evaluate if currently healthy fish have been previously infected with the bacteria by testing for antibody production. All of these methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and this important research will help identify the best methods to test for the bacteria that causes BKD in Colorado trout populations. Current results indicate that using qPCR to test the mucus, kidney, and liver tissue of the fish produced the best results and, in several cases, the non-lethal test of a fish’s mucus produced similar results to more traditional organ tissue tests.

    A final component of the research is to explore how the disease may impact wild trout populations. Brook trout are known to be particularly susceptible to R. salmoninarum infections that can lead to BKD, so Riepe and her colleagues are studying several brook trout populations in high elevation streams and lakes to determine if varying levels of the bacteria might affect age, growth and survival of the fish.

    Riepe is also working closely with Dr. Eric Fetherman, an Aquatic Research Scientist from CPW, to conduct this important work and is being advised at CSU by Dr. Dana Winkelman. Together they hope to make some headway in the management of this disease to benefit fish populations and anglers of Colorado.

    “Tawni’s work with R. salmoninarum represents some of the most comprehensive research conducted in inland trout populations and will not only benefit the State’s wild and hatchery-reared cutthroat trout populations and the anglers of Colorado, but also further contribute to our knowledge of bacterial kidney disease in the United States and worldwide,” said Fetherman.

    “Collaborating with CPW has been one of the highlights of my Ph.D. experience,” Riepe said. “Not only has the expertise that lies within the agency’s biologists, hatchery managers, and aquatic researchers enhanced all the planning and executing of these research projects, but the support and advice I have received from everyone I am directly working with or behind the scenes has been unmeasurable and I am completely humbled.”

    Additional photos: 

    Dr. Eric Fetherman with blood serum collected from a cutthroat trout to test for antibodies produced in response to an infection by R. Salmoninarum

    Tawni Riepi and CPW Technician Crosby Vail setting gill nets at Eagle Lake to collect brook trout to determine the effects of R. Salmoninarum bacteria in wild trout populations.

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  • Gov. Polis Urges Colorado Hospitals to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine within 72 Hours of Receipt

    Gov. Polis Urges Colorado Hospitals to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine within 72 Hours of Receipt

    DENVER –   Governor Polis urged Colorado hospitals to administer the COVID-19 vaccination within 72 hours of receiving the vaccine.

    “Colorado is expecting to begin receiving initial, limited doses of COVID vaccine this week, and we need to be ready to hit the ground running. Our ability to quickly vaccinate prioritized populations and report those doses as administered to the Colorado Immunization Information System is paramount to Colorado’s ability to receive future allocations of COVID vaccine and end this public health crisis. With vaccine distribution plans coming together, I ask that you please affirm that your facility/organization is able to administer the COVID vaccinations within 72 hours of receiving the vaccine,” Governor Polis wrote in a letter to Colorado hospitals. 

     

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  • Colorado’s Electors Meet to Cast Votes for President and Vice President

    Colorado’s Electors Meet to Cast Votes for President and Vice President

    DENVER, Colo-Today, Governor Jared Polis and Secretary of State Jena Griswold joined Colorado’s nine presidential electors at the state capitol as the electors cast their votes for President and Vice President of the United States. Under current Colorado law, each presidential elector must vote for the presidential and vice presidential candidates who received the highest number of votes in Colorado’s General Election. Today, all nine electors cast their ballots for Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris.

    “Colorado’s safe and secure elections are a model for our country, and today our state’s electors made the results of the 2020 election official,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I thank Sec. Griswold and Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan B. Coates for presiding over today’s certification.”

    “The electoral ballots cast today are the final votes that will be cast in an election year unlike any other in our nation’s history,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said. “By awarding Colorado’s electoral votes to the winner of our state’s election for president and vice president, electors play an important role in reaffirming the democratic principle that the people—everyday American people—decide the leaders of the United States.”

    The Electoral College is a group of 538 people, chosen by the states and the District of Columbia, that are responsible for electing the President and Vice President of the United States. States are allocated electors based on their number of Congressional legislators. For example, Colorado is entitled to nine electors because it has two members of the U.S. Senate and seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

    When a voter casts a vote for a presidential ticket, the voter is casting a vote for the slate of electors that was chosen to represent that ticket in the Electoral College. In Colorado, political parties nominate their Electoral College electors during the state party conventions.

    The following are electors casting votes today on behalf of Colorado: Anita Lynch, Denver; Jerad Sutton, Greeley; Judith Ingelido, Colorado Springs; Bryan Hartmann, Highlands Ranch; Roger Fang, Denver; Victoria Marquesen, Pueblo; Susan McFaddin, Fort Collins; Polly Baca, Denver; Alan Kennedy, Denver.

    For more election-related information, please visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov.

     

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  • Update on First Gentleman Marlon Reis

    Update on First Gentleman Marlon Reis

    DENVER –  First Gentleman Marlon Reis was diagnosed with COVID-19 nine days ago and last evening he was admitted to the hospital following shortness of breath and a worsening cough.

    The First Gentleman and Governor appreciate all of the kind words and support they have received during this time and continue to urge all Coloradans to do their part to slow the spread of this virus. That means wearing a mask in public, staying six feet from others, avoiding large gatherings, and washing your hands regularly. 

    The First Gentleman has normal oxygen saturation, is in good spirits, and looks forward to returning home soon. He has received dexamethasone for inflammation and remdesivir and he has not required oxygen. Governor Polis is not experiencing any symptoms at this time and will return to public as soon as doctors clear him to be around others. We will continue to provide updates as new information is available.

     

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  • Governor Polis Orders Flags to Half Staff in Recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

    Governor Polis Orders Flags to Half Staff in Recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

    DENVER – Today, Gov. Polis ordered the Colorado and American flags be lowered to half staff on all public buildings statewide from sunrise to sunset on Monday, December 7, 2020, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and as proclaimed by President Trump. 

    See the full presidential proclamation below:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2020

    – – – – – – –

    BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

     

    A PROCLAMATION

    On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces ambushed the Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  Tragically, 2,403 Americans perished during the attack, including 68 civilians.  On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the patriots who lost their lives that day — “a date which will live in infamy” — and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our Nation with honor in the Second World War.

         Seventy nine years ago, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked and devastating attack on our Nation.  As torpedo bombers unleashed their deadly cargo on our ships and attack aircraft rained bombs from above, brave members of the United States Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Forces mounted a heroic defense, manning their battle stations and returning fire through the smoke and chaos.  The profound bravery in the American resistance surprised Japanese aircrews and inspired selfless sacrifice among our service members.  In one instance, Machinist’s Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, among 15 Sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor on that day, refused to leave his flooding battle station within the depths of the USS CALIFORNIA, declaring to the world:  “This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.”

         Forever enshrined in our history, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked all Americans and galvanized our Nation to fight and defeat the Axis powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy.  As Americans, we promise never to forget our fallen compatriots who fought so valiantly during World War II.  As a testament to their memory, more than a million people visit the site of the USS ARIZONA Memorial each year to pay their respects to the Sailors entombed within its wreckage and to all who perished that day.  Despite facing tremendous adversity, the Pacific Fleet, whose homeport remains at Pearl Harbor to this day, is stronger than ever before, upholding the legacy of all those who gave their lives nearly 80 years ago.

         On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we recall the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor,” which stirred the fighting spirit within the hearts of the more than 16 million Americans who courageously served in World War II.  Over 400,000 gave their lives in the global conflict that began, for our Nation, on that fateful Sunday morning.  Today, we memorialize all those lost on December 7, 1941, declare once again that our Nation will never forget these valiant heroes, and resolve as firmly as ever that their memory and spirit will survive for as long as our Nation endures.

         The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

    image credit: MGNonline.com

     

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  • STARLINK

    Information from Jeffery Allen –  The time table tonight foe eastern Colorado to see STARLINK (the string of 60 satellites passing overhead in space to be used for worldwide internet).

    Note there are 2 times for 2 strings of satellites – at 5:58 and 6:08 pm 

     

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  • Governor Polis & First Gentleman Reis Recovering from COVID-19

    Governor Polis & First Gentleman Reis Recovering from COVID-19

    DENVER –  Last week, Governor Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis learned that they tested positive for COVID-19 and continue to isolate in their home.  Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis experienced mild symptoms in the form of lack of sleep and minor headaches, and remain in good spirits. 

    “Marlon and I are thankful for the support and kind words we have received during this time. We continue to hold those who have lost a friend or family member to this deadly virus in their hearts as well as those who have dealt with the more severe and lingering health effects,” said Gov. Polis. “Colorado will get through this and we have to stay vigilant for a little bit longer so please continue to wear masks, social distance and avoid gatherings.”

    Gov. Polis will continue to work remotely until he is no longer contagious and is cleared by doctors to be around others. Once cleared, Governor and First Gentleman are expected to be able to resume in person activities on or around Wednesday, December 9. The Governor encourages the private sector and local governments to do everything they can to work remotely, a key tool in reducing transmission of COVID-19

     

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