ReportWire

Category: Denver, Colorado Local News

Denver, Colorado Local News | ReportWire publishes the latest breaking U.S. and world news, trending topics and developing stories from around globe.

  • Colorado has the third-lowest property tax rate in the US: Report

    Colorado has the third-lowest property tax rate in the US: Report

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — Not only is the sky bluer in Colorado, but the property taxes might just be lower, at least according to a new WalletHub report.

    Property taxes have been a hot topic of debate both in and out of the Colorado legislature.

    After the 2023 assessment rates were released, many saw their property values spike, leading many to worry about whether or not they could afford their annual tax bill.

    Despite this, WalletHub reported that Coloradans have the third-lowest effective property tax rate in the nation at 0.49%.

    This was only behind Hawaii and Alabama:

    1. Hawaii – Effective tax rate: 0.27%
    2. Alabama – Effective tax rate: 0.39%
    3. Colorado – Effective tax rate: 0.49%
    4. Nevada – Effective tax rate: 0.50%
    5. South Carolina – Effective tax rate: 0.53%

    Several East Coast states appeared at the bottom of the list, including New Jersey, which WalletHub calculated to have a 2.33% effective tax rate, the highest in the country.

    Even with a low effective tax rate, Coloradans still have a relatively high property tax bill, given the high median home values in the state. WalletHub calculated the median home value to be $465,900, which would make the yearly property tax bill $2,278.

    Alabama, on the other hand, has a median home value of $179,400, which makes its annual tax bill $701, according to WalletHub.

    New Jersey also had the highest annual tax bill at $9,345. This is despite the median home value being nearly $65,000 lower than in Colorado.

    Some may notice that this effective rate differs from what you’ll find on the Colorado government website. This is because the state uses assessment values — which, for single-family homes was 6.7% of market value in 2023 — to figure out how much of a property can be taxed.

    That value is then used when calculating the amount of property taxes owed.

    Not every state uses this system, so WalletHub took the median real estate tax payment and divided that by the median home price in each state.

    [ad_2]

    Samantha Jarpe

    Source link

  • Driving on I-70? These two areas are hot spots for speed-related crashes

    Driving on I-70? These two areas are hot spots for speed-related crashes

    [ad_1]

    DENVER — Two areas of Colorado’s I-70 mountain corridor were hot spots for speed-related crashes, according to data from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

    The agency on Tuesday said between 2021 and 2023, 52 percent of crashes along Vail Pass were speed related as were 35.1 percent of crashes near the Eisenhower Tunnel.

    The two areas of concern by the CSP highlight the potential dangers for motorists traveling on steep grades through mountain passes.

    “These crashes included all vehicle types, where the driver was unable to drive safely and successfully navigate at their rate of speed,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol Chief. “Treat the extreme slopes of the Rockies with respect in all kinds of weather and never underestimate the increase of risk when blizzards, heavy rains or low visibility occurs.”

    The CSP recently warned speeding drivers in Colorado’s treacherous winter weather conditions face a 2.5 times greater risk of being involved in a serious injury or fatal crash than during the warmer months.

    “Our statewide data shows that during milder weather months, injury and fatal crashes peak, likely from an increase in the number of people out on our roadways, along with motorcycle season,” said Packard. “Troopers find that impairment, lane violations, driver distractions and speed all play a significant role in these serious crashes.”

    Local News

    Colorado traffic fatalities down, but 2023 showed “alarming” pedestrian deaths

    4:14 PM, Jan 29, 2024

    CSP data between 2021 and 2023 found crashes where speed was a factor peaked between November and March.

    “Most likely related to driving too fast for the conditions. Winter driving conditions exacerbate speed as a causal factor in crashes,” said the CSP in a release.

    Looking at where motorists in Colorado were most likely to receive a speeding ticket, the CSP in January revealed the top 5 counties where troopers handed out citations in 2023.

    • El Paso
    • Jefferson
    • Weld
    • Mesa
    • Eagle

    CSP said El Paso, Weld and Jefferson Counties have made appearances in the top list of speeding violations over the last four years.
    CSP also recently shared the top 5 Colorado highways where troopers issued speeding citations for driving 20+ miles per hour over the speed limit.

    • I-70
    • I-25
    • Hwy 50
    • Hwy 24
    • Hwy 285

    Colorado officials continue to cite speeding, distracted and impaired driving as the top factors in traffic deaths and crashes causing serious bodily injury.
    Packard said during a January press conference that of all the factors, speeding continues to lead the way. “Speed results in the vast majority of our fatal and injury crashes,” said Packard.

    Denver7’s Jayson Luber looks at evolution of state roadways over last 70 yrs.

    Denver7 took an in-depth look at overall Colorado traffic data from 2023, including the alarming increase in pedestrian fatalities in the state. What have you seen or experienced driving, biking or walking in the Denver metro or in Colorado? Share your story with us at this link.

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Anastasio

    Source link

  • The Book Club: “The Maniac” and more short reviews from readers

    The Book Club: “The Maniac” and more short reviews from readers

    [ad_1]

    Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. So we asked them, and other readers, to share these mini-reviews with you. Have any to offer? Email bellis@denverpost.com.

    “Five Tuesdays in Winter: Stories,” by Lily King (Grove Press, 2021)

    “Five Tuesdays in Winter: Stories,” by Lily King (Grove Press, 2021)

    Lily King’s novel “Writers and Lovers” is a favorite of mine, so I was willing to read “Five Tuesdays in Winter,” although I tend to avoid short stories. These 10 stories are varied in setting, time, mood, voice, length, character and action, but they are unified in clarity and excellent writing. Each one gave me much to ponder, but I did not feel cheated by their brevity — in fact, I’m amazed how much depth King creates with so few words. My favorite? Hard to choose, but if pressed I would say the title story. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker 

    “Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon and the Things That Last,” by Wright Thompson (Penguin Books, 2020)

    I had to invoke my 50-page rule for this one; i.e., if it doesn’t grab me by page 50, then drop it and move on.  As I can appreciate a fine bourbon, this one initially intrigued me.  But apparently the author didn’t have enough actual information about this family-owned, Kentucky distillery to fill out a book-length narrative.  It meanders much like a road trip that is detoured, becomes lost and refuses to ask for directions. A fun idea, poorly executed. — 0 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver 

    “Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral,” by Kris Radish (Bantam, 2006)

    After the death of her friend Annie at age 56, a package arrives for Katherine Givens with the ashes of her free-spirited, altruistic childhood pal, along with instructions. She’s to head a procession from California to Manhattan with a collection of five women, strangers to one another but Annie’s closest friends. Their charge? To spread their friend’s ashes. A funeral becomes the destination and the power base for change and friendship for all. They discover her deepest secrets and share many of their own. These unorthodox mourners come to see the greatness Annie saw in them and attain the courage to act on it. — 2 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)

    “The Maniac,” by Benjamin Labatut (Penguin Press, 2023)

    "The Maniac," by Benjamin Labatut (Penguin Press, 2023)
    “The Maniac,” by Benjamin Labatut (Penguin Press, 2023)

    This novel shines a light on some of the moral questions presented by new technological advances.  Part 1 follows Paul Ehrenfest, a physicist who strove to understand “the core of things” but who was leery of the potential applications of quantum physics.  Part 2 focuses on John von Neumann, who is credited with inventing game theory and the first programmable computer, and whose work also laid the foundation for artificial intelligence.  Part 3 describes the leaps of AI beyond von Neumann’s work, exemplified by the work of Lee Sedol and his AI program, AlphaGo, which beat all master Go players. The eponymous “maniac” could be the 1950s Princeton-based Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator and Computer (MANIAC), or it could be the geniuses profiled in this work of historical fiction. You can decide. — 3 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

    [ad_2]

    The Know

    Source link

  • Colorado attorneys aim to lower fees for middle class with Above the Line Network

    Colorado attorneys aim to lower fees for middle class with Above the Line Network

    [ad_1]

    DENVER — Legal help is often too expensive for middle-income people to afford. The Above the Line Network aims to solve the access-to-justice problem for Colorado middle-income earners.

    The effort is a joint project of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) and The Chicago Bar Foundation.

    Jessica Bednarz, director of legal services and the profession for IAALS, said the current structure of the legal system can put middle-class people in a tight spot.

    “If you make $60,000 a year, you’re not going to qualify for free legal services,” she said. “You make too much money.”

    At the same time, a retainer can cost more than a month’s salary for many people. That was why the Above the Line Network was created.

    “There are ways attorneys can practice and deliver services that do make them more affordable and accessible to the everyday person,” said Bednarz.

    The network is a legal community in which like-minded attorneys can help each other develop and execute cost-saving ideas to facilitate access to justice for the middle class. Bednarz said attorneys are encouraged to use cost-saving measures like flat fees instead of hourly billing, when appropriate.

    “Letting people know upfront how much it’s going to cost to deliver that service from start to finish,” said Bednarz.

    She also said attorneys can offer limited representation services.

    “They could also maybe just represent somebody at a hearing, or just for parts of the case,” said Bednarz.

    Bednarz said in those instances, the attorney can work on the most complex parts of the case and coach their clients through the other portions. Attorney Lauren Lester, who practices estate planning and family law, not only offers those services but cuts her overhead by working from home or on the go.

    “I have a virtual office, which also helps me be able to meet clients where they’re at,” said Lester.

    Lester said she also tries to help clients take less litigious routes during their cases. She does, however, explain that cases can often take surprising routes, which can increase costs.

    “If they (the opposing party) try and make it more complicated, if they file something we didn’t expect, there will be an added cost if you’d like to add on services for me to help you,” Lester explained. “But again, I always try and give them options.”

    She said when she chose the business model, she thought about how she would feel if she was a client.

    “It’s really hard for most folks, including myself, to write a blank check,” she said.

    The Above the Line Network is looking for attorneys.

    The Colorado Judicial Branch releases lists of attorneys offering affordable and limited representation services. You can find a recent list here.

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    Jessica Crawford

    Source link

  • ‘There is so much fear’: Wolf tracks spotted a mile from ranch in Moffat County

    ‘There is so much fear’: Wolf tracks spotted a mile from ranch in Moffat County

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — A rancher in Moffat County found wolf tracks just a mile from home on Friday, all while Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently announced two collared wolves had traveled into the county.

    “We found wolf tracks, and the reality is it’s about a mile from where we live,” said Jorgiea Raftopoulos, a third-generation rancher in northwest Colorado.

    Raftopoulos showed pictures of the tracks and said they were heading south in the area. At first, it looked like one set, but they split into two sets before falling back in line. She believes the wolves were walking one in front of the other for a bit before splitting and then falling back into line.

    “Then we saw them on the county road. They were heading up the county road,” Raftopoulos said. “When I saw the tracks, I didn’t register how big they were until I put my hands next to it.”

    Wolf tracks spotted in Moffat County

    She is a rancher for both cattle and sheep. She worries the sheep can fall more vulnerable, even with multiple livestock guardian dogs and sheep herders.

    “We haven’t even seen how they are going to impact sheep yet,” Raftopoulos said. “Sheep are much smaller and are louder, so they are kind of a primary target of prey.”

    Colorado ranchers work to spook wolves from livestock

    She said since Colorado voters approved wolf reintroduction, they knew they could eventually travel up to their area. But said she didn’t realize how quickly they would get there.

    “We all knew it was coming, we just didn’t know how fast,” Raftopoulos said.

    Now, she said she is working with ranchers in Idaho and other states who live among wolves to learn non-lethal ways to help keep the animals away. One is adding light-up and glow-in-the-dark tags to cattle and calves to help spook the wolves.

    “This has a solar charging light pack,” Raftopoulos said, showing one of the tags. “It flashes lights, then we have glow tags. The whole point is to put some fear in the wolves so they don’t attack your livestock.”

    But even with the tactics, Raftopoulos said she is worried about the unknowns with the wolves, like their different hunting types compared to other predators like bears and mountain lions.

    “It’s not just a bear killing one calf to eat that night or the next day,” Raftpoulos said. “They are going out and slaughtering your animals to learn how to hunt, ’cause they are an easy prey target.”

    She said since spotting the tracks, she is worried about what this means for the future of her livestock but also all the additional money they will have to spend for protection, and whether they’ll be compensated by the state when eventually there is a kill by a wolf on their property.

    “I think producers are really worried about the state maintaining a fund to compensate for those losses,” Raftopoulos said.

    CPW sent out the following about the two wolves moving into that area:

    “Recent wolf collar data shows that two wolves have made some broad movements in the last week and indicates some wolves have recently moved from western Routt County into eastern Moffat County. It’s important to remember, location points are (at most) collected every four hours and data is downloaded every 16 hours. Wolves can and do move substantial distances between the four hours that points are collected, and the terrain and weather can impact when points are received. This data gives us an informed perspective of where wolves have been, but not where they are, and certainly not where they are going.

    CPW continues to work with livestock producers to provide conflict-mitigation techniques, and will continue to conduct outreach/education in areas that are likely to have wolves. In addition to working directly with our agricultural community, CPW will be sharing a monthly map on our website the public can view to see where wolves have been in the past month. This map will be updated with new information on a monthly basis, produced on the fourth Wednesday of every month, and will reflect data for the prior month, give or take several days.”

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife

    “There is so much fear. It’s kind of terrifying to feel like you’re almost being watched … it’s terrifying to have that feeling of these apex predators around,” Raftopoulos said.

    [ad_2]

    Courtney Fromm

    Source link

  • Woman dies at Loveland Ski Area

    Woman dies at Loveland Ski Area

    [ad_1]

    A skier died at Loveland Ski Area on Friday afternoon, according to resort officials.

    [ad_2]

    Katie Langford

    Source link

  • There’s one day left to apply for $30 million of rental help this month. Here’s everything Coloradans need to know to apply

    There’s one day left to apply for $30 million of rental help this month. Here’s everything Coloradans need to know to apply

    [ad_1]

    Who qualifies for Colorado’s Temporary Rental Assistance Grants?

    To qualify for the program, you must meet all of the following requirements:

    • You must live in Colorado and have a valid rental lease
    • You must make 80 percent or less of the median income for your area. In Denver, for example, that’s a maximum of $85,200 for a family of three. (Use the calculator here to look up the 80% limit for your county and family size.)
    • You must be behind on rent payments
    • You must have a document from your landlord demanding rent payment, which could include a notice of eviction, a notice of non-payment, a notice to quit, documentation related to landlord-tenant mediation, or a court summons. (See here for examples.)
    • You must not have another source of money with which to pay rent
    • You must have experienced a “substantial life” event that has affected your ability to pay rent, including events related to mental and physical health; a loss or decrease of income; a death in the family; needing to leave your home due to domestic abuse or; a “substantial unexpected expense”
    • You must not have received aid from an emergency rental assistance program within the last 12 months
    • You can only apply for yourself; landlords cannot apply on behalf of tenants
    • The funding is only available to pay rent at your primary residence

    How do I apply for rental assistance?

    The state will open applications for the program once a month, on the 15th, for a six-day period. The first round was opened on Feb. 15 and closes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 20.

    Here’s how it works:

    • Everyone seeking a grant must file a pre-application before the close of business on Feb. 20. The pre-application website is here. 
    • Next, the state holds a lottery with all the pre-applicants. The winners of the lottery receive an invitation to fill out a longer application, which they must do within a week.
    • After the full applications are filed, it could take four weeks for final approvals, plus another one or two weeks for payment.
    • The maximum grant is five months of rent or $10,000, whichever is less. The money is paid directly to the landlord.

    More information is available, including in Spanish, at the website of the Department of Local Affairs.

    How long will the program run?

    The new rental assistance program was created by lawmakers in their special session last year, although the state offered similar relief earlier in the pandemic.

    The current program will run until its $30 million in funding is exhausted, unless the state provides more money. More than 5,000 households faced eviction in Colorado this January, and more than 60,000 may be behind on rent, according to a recent U.S. Census survey — so, the state expects demand will be high.

    The money must be spent by June 30 under current law. The state will hold monthly lotteries to disburse the money, but it also could run out of money earlier than June.

    Rep. Javier Mabrey, a Democrat, called on the state’s budget writers to find more money for the program.

    “This should absolutely be a permanent program,” he said. “We’ve seen over the last few years how [rental assistance] has created stability for Colorado renters.”

    Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican, said it would be tough to find the money to do so. Roughly half of the $30 million relief fund came from federal dollars, which aren’t available going forward, she said.

    “At this point, I don’t really see or know where we would get funds to provide for additional emergency rental assistance after June 30,  because that would mean general fund monies, and we’re really very tight on the general fund monies at this point,” Kirkmeyer said. 

    The state legislature has a relatively small amount of money to spend on new programs this year. While revenues are growing, the new money has been eaten up by inflation, previously authorized spending and the requirement to pay billions in TABOR refunds.

    Gov. Jared Polis’ initial budget proposal did not include any new money for the rental relief program in the next budget year, and it left only about $15 million for the legislature to spend, though state lawmakers could also modify his request to find more to spend.

    Kirkmeyer said she’s focused on coming up with more money for higher education, public schools, and the rates paid to Medicaid providers.Polis’ budget proposal noted that more funding for rental relief could come in the future from Prop. 123, a voter-approved measure that will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for public housing programs.

    [ad_2]

    CPR

    Source link

  • Cougar travels over 1,000 miles from Utah to Colorado

    Cougar travels over 1,000 miles from Utah to Colorado

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — Scientists in Utah are sharing the incredible journey of one cougar who traveled more than 1,000 miles through three states in five months.

    Morgan Hinton is a southern region wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Recently, she made a blog post detailing the amazing journey tracking a Utah cougar to her final destination in Colorado.

    Since 2018, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources teamed up with researchers at Brigham Young University and Utah State University to collar over 60 adult cougars.

    One of those cougars was a 2-year-old female designated as F66.

    F66 was first captured and collared in the Wasatch Range in Utah in February 2022. According to Hinton, she remained in the area until May 30 when her amazing trek began.

    F66 traveled over 1,000 miles through Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. She crossed busy highways like Interstate 80, I-25, I-70 and U.S. 40.

    According to researchers, F66 was constantly on the move. She would only stop every so often to eat.

    Around 220 miles into her journey, on July 4, 2022, F66 sat on the banks of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming. At that point, F66 could either turn around and return north, or plunge into the cold water and move forward.

    Hinton said F66 made the shocking decision to swim at least a quarter of a mile to reach the other side of the reservoir. From there, she continued her journey south.

    F66 completed her 1,000-mile trek in less than 165 days, where she averaged six miles a day — with some days exceeding more than 20 miles.

    According to Hinton, F66 crossed 75% of Colorado heading east before her death on Nov. 13, 2022. It was determined she had been killed by another cougar.

    F66’s journey is the longest ever recorded for a GPS-tracked cougar, according to Hinton.

    “This information is crucial to understanding population dynamics and improving management strategies for cougars within Utah and surrounding states,” said Hinton.

    While researchers may not know why F66 traveled to Colorado, her journey will continue to help scientists learn more about the cougar species.

    [ad_2]

    Morgan Whitley

    Source link

  • Family-owned Colorado tennis and pickleball store falls victim to string of thefts

    Family-owned Colorado tennis and pickleball store falls victim to string of thefts

    [ad_1]

    CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A 35-year-old family-owned Colorado business suffered a string of thefts over a two-week period. Game Set Match has three locations in Colorado: Denver, Centennial and Boulder. All three of their stores were hit by two groups of thieves.

    Cameras at the stores saw a man and woman enter and steal several Pickleball paddles. Another group of thieves – three women – also stole the paddles by hiding them under their shawls and dresses.

    Family-owned Colorado tennis and pickleball store falls victim to string of thefts

    Owner Adam Burbary decried the thefts, which cost them an estimated $20,000-30,000.

    “It’s unbelievable,” Burbary said. “We experienced almost 120 Pickleball paddles stolen at this point, plus some other products taken.”

    Burbary estimated the value of each paddle between $200-300, making them difficult to replace. Burbary began to notice the thefts after his local managers saw discrepancies in their counts. The paddles’ high price tags means they don’t have many in stock at each store, so their absence was notable.

    Cameras picked up the thefts, with the most recent happening on Feb 16. Burbary notified the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 17. The sheriff’s office has assigned an investigator to the case.

    “We had to move all our paddles,” Burbary said.

    To prevent future thefts, Burbary moved all the Pickleball paddles closer to the store counters and placed tennis rackets in their stead. Although the tennis rackets could also be taken, their larger size makes it difficult for thieves to escape the stores without being noticed.

    Additionally, Burbary has implemented a new policy at the stores to have staff threading rackets near their more expensive merchandise – a move he wished didn’t have to be made.

    Sam Pena

    Family-owned Game Set Match in Colorado experienced a string of thefts, costing them over $20,000.

    The biggest thing is my disappointment in humanity right now,” Burbary said. “I don’t want to treat you any differently, I want you to come to the shop and enjoy what we do.”

    Denver7 asked the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office if they’ve seen any other documented thefts at this time, but they aren’t aware at this time if other businesses were impacted.

    D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    Sam Peña

    Source link

  • Looking back at Denver International Airport when it was new and exciting — and just as chaotic

    Looking back at Denver International Airport when it was new and exciting — and just as chaotic

    [ad_1]

    Earlier this month, Denver International Airport announced it hit an all-time traffic record in 2023.

    But before DIA welcomed nearly 78 million passengers and added several airlines and routes, it was a brand new airport way out in the Eastern Plains that saw 50 million passengers in its first year in 1995.

    And before that, the Denver Airport was the much smaller Stapleton Airport (named after former Mayor and Ku Klux Klan member Benjamin Stapleton).

    Ellen Jaskol/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    As DIA continues its fast march towards a projected 100 million annual passengers in 2027, we asked our readers for their memories of the early days of Denver’s airport, both Stapleton and DIA, back when Peña Boulevard traffic, a United hub and all those conspiracy theories were just a twinkle in Blucifer’s bright red eyes.

    Here’s what you all had to say.

    To long-time Denverites, Stapleton felt small and local.

    Joel Judd remembered when the old airport was at 32nd Avenue and Quebec Street, before its move to what is now the Central Park neighborhood (previously Stapleton). He attended Smiley Middle School nearby.

    “It only seemed like we could touch the wheels,” he said. “As noise radiated out from the fully powered takeoff engines, teachers would pause mid-sentence, resuming when the din diminished.”

    In the pre-9/11 era, travelers could go right up to the gate.

    Evelyn Shurwonn checks the flight information display for information on a fictional flight she was assigned to see how confusing the new airport is to users. April 11, 1994.

    “We would drive out [to] Monaco and then up 32nd … park easily at the airport and walk to the concourse — no security gates — to be the first to give hugs as our relative got off the plane,” Ellen Hertzman said. “It was especially fun at Christmas time when it seemed everyone on Monaco had beautiful lights up — so festive!”

    Cindy Wolf recalled getting from downtown to her gate in 20 minutes — a real fantasy for all of us who have gotten stuck on I-70 or in snaking TSA lines.

    DIA was a big upgrade — but with it came big problems as well.

    “On the night of its first snowstorm, runways got plowed but not Peña Boulevard. Oops,” Wolf said. “Lots of cars went off the road in the middle of nowhere. People missed flights because they couldn’t get to this modern monstrosity in the eastern plains.”

    Wolf also recalled the early DIA baggage system — a set of tunnels underneath the airport that was supposed to represent new and improved technology but instead represented delays and dysfunction.

    Joe Bird and Rhonda Collins unload test out a baggage system at Denver International Airport. Jan. 24, 1995.
    Steve Groer/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    “When landing in Denver at Concourse C, you could stop and have a drink before your bags showed up,” Wolf said.

    Thomas Scanlan said the airport chaos made Denver a “national punchline.”

    “DIA sometimes made talk show David Letterman’s intentionally silly ‘Top Ten’ list,” he said.

    Six-year-old Peter Farrin and his dad, John Farrin, should have been sleeping on the beaches of Cancun, Mexico, but instead it was the floor of Concourse A in Denver International Airport.
    Ken Papaleo/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    In 1995, Scanlan said the city was associated with Super Bowl losses and bad weather.

    “There was a perpetual ‘fingers crossed’ feeling around the town when the airport finally opened and during its first year in operation,” Scanlan said. ” We were seen as a town that couldn’t quite get it right.”

    But the early days of DIA were also new and exciting — almost like a theme park.

    Scanlan’s uncle took him to an open house at the airport in 1994, before DIA officially opened.

    “The airport appeared more like an amusement park from a distance,” he said. “I remember the circle of world clocks you could walk under at the DIA train entrance. Before selfies, it was a can’t-miss photo op to start a vacation photo album.”

    A traveler at Denver International Airport. Feb. 17, 1996.
    Glenn Asakawa/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    Wolf recalled new art installations popping up regularly.

    “It was fun to find them,” she said. “Many were pretty weird. Many have disappeared. I hope they reappear after this construction.”

    Barbara Wilcox remembered the wide open space around the new airport — space that is now quickly filling up with new housing developments, a Pepsi plant and expanded airport operations.

    Denver International Airport, July 1, 1993.
    Dean Krakel/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    “DIA seemed amazing when it was new,” Wilcox said. “There was no blue horse, no trains into the city, relatively little traffic on Peña Blvd, no hotels, just a lot of wide open space around the terminal buildings. The trains between the main terminal to the concourses almost seemed like a carnival ride. There were fun sound effects and things to watch for out the windows on the tunnel walls.”

    The site of the old airport has transformed as well; now called Central Park, it too is quickly filling up with housing developments.

    To long-time Denverites, it was hard to imagine that what began as Stapleton would turn into what DIA is today.

    “As a boy in the early 1960s, I remember my family driving my dad to the airport for a business trip,” Ron Litvak recalled, referring to Stapleton. “The airport consisted of, I believe, six outdoor gates behind a chain-link fence. I remember thinking they’d never need all six of those gates.”

    When DIA opened, Scanlan similarly questioned whether the airport would ever use all the space.

    The first Federal Express services flight to arrive at Denver International Airport. Feb. 27, 1995.
    Linda McConnell/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    “I remember thinking ‘Concourse C?! I’ll never use that one. How many years before they ever need to expand??’” he said.

    Now, the airport is planning for four new concourses, 100 more gates and 120 million passengers by 2045 — a 140% increase compared to the number of passengers in 1995.

    Judd perhaps put it best.

    “You likely know the classic definition of an airport,” he said. “A large construction site with airplanes.”

    Eugene Lansky of Loveland stands next to the security checkpoint at Denver International Airport where his fanny pack, now returned to him, was stolen. A security guard confessed to taking the bag, which had his passport and and $2,500. He did get back $1,600 but the passport and credit cards were gone. Nov. 25, 1996.
    Ellen Jaskol/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives
    FedEx aircraft mechanic Steve Swain guides the first FedEx flight into the cargo area at Denver International Airport. Feb. 27, 1995.
    Linda McConnell/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives
    Fog over a Denver International Airport runway. Oct. 31, 1995.
    Hal Stoelzle/Rocky Mountain News/Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/Rocky Mountain News Photo Archives

    [ad_2]

    Rebecca Tauber

    Source link

  • Daily horoscope for February 19, 2024

    Daily horoscope for February 19, 2024

    [ad_1]

    Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Cancer.

    Happy Birthday for Monday, Feb. 19, 2024:

    You are an independent soul who likes to do things your own way, but you’re also an enthusiastic team player. You love to travel. This slower paced year is focused on partnerships. Find people who have your best interests at heart. Take time to rejuvenate yourself this year.

    ARIES

    (March 21-April 19)
    ★★★★
    You’re an initiator. This is why you’ll be happy to hear that today is an excellent day to begin something new — a project, a venture, a journey. Family discussions might generate earnings or the money to do this. Make a plan, Stan! Tonight: Cocoon.

    TAURUS

    (April 20-May 20)
    ★★★★
    Today you might ask someone older or more experienced for advice, perhaps a friend or a member of a group. It’s possible that they will help you get a new project off the ground, because this is a great day to initiate something. Tonight: Conversations.

    GEMINI

    (May 21-June 20)
    ★★★★
    Business and commerce are favored today. Trust your moneymaking ideas. People will listen to you, especially bosses, parents and VIPs. It’s easy for you to impress others now, which means if you want to run something up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes, do it! Tonight: Check your belongings.

    CANCER

    (June 21-July 22)
    ★★★★★
    Today the Moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with both Saturn and lucky Jupiter, which means you can make solid, ambitious plans to initiate a new project or introduce something new to a group of people. This could involve education, legal matters or medicine. Tonight: Be active.

    LEO

    (July 23-Aug. 22)
    ★★★★
    Research and work that you might do today behind the scenes can boost your opportunity to get the funding or practical support or permission to do something that you want to make happen. It’s a great day for new beginnings. Possibly, a friend or a partner will help you. Tonight: Solitude.

    VIRGO

    (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
    ★★★★
    This is an industrious time for you. You’re motivated to work hard, plus, you have the energy to do so. This is why you will roll up your sleeves and dig in. Talk about new projects to co-workers, because they will help you. Travel or dealing with foreign countries might be in the mix. Tonight: Friendships.

    LIBRA

    (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
    ★★★★
    People seem to know personal details about your life today. (Do be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control.) Meanwhile, this is a good day to do some serious long-range planning, especially if you want to initiate something new related to your job, your health or a pet. Tonight: Show respect.

    SCORPIO

    (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
    ★★★★★
    This is a wonderful day to give birth to creative projects or matters related to working with or educating children or anything to do with sports. You also might make plans for an exciting vacation. Do something different today to satisfy your need for stimulation and adventure. Tonight: Explore!

    SAGITTARIUS

    (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
    ★★★★
    You’re focused on home, family and perhaps a parent. Nevertheless, life is fast-paced day with short trips and errands. Plus, many of you are reading and writing more. Today is an excellent day to initiate something new, make a pitch or try a fresh approach to something. Tonight: Check your finances.

    CAPRICORN

    (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
    ★★★★
    You have to cooperate with others today because the Moon is opposite your sign. Nevertheless, this is an excellent day for discussions about how to tackle something new or perhaps begin a new project. You have moneymaking ideas, plus, you can attract money. Looking good! Tonight: Listen.

    AQUARIUS

    (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
    ★★★★★
    Right now, the Sun is in your Money House, and Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto are all in Aquarius. (Guess who holds the winning cards?) This is an excellent day to initiate something new, especially related to real estate or home and family. Ideas? Tonight: Work.

    PISCES

    (Feb. 19-March 20)
    ★★★★★
    This is a positive way to begin your week! Don’t hesitate to introduce new ideas to colleagues, relatives or everyday contacts, because they will be favorably received. People are open to listening to fresh ideas and endorsing something new. Tonight: Play!

    [ad_2]

    Georgia Nicols

    Source link

  • 1 killed, multiple hurt in Aurora crash

    1 killed, multiple hurt in Aurora crash

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — One person was killed and multiple were hurt in a crash in Aurora Sunday night.

    The Aurora Police Department said the crash occurred near Alameda Avenue and Potomac Street.

    Two vehicles were involved, and police said multiple people were injured.

    APD said one person was killed.

    All lanes of Alameda Avenue and Potomac Street are closed, APD said.

    This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

    [ad_2]

    Brooke Williams

    Source link

  • George Santos sues late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for tricking him into making videos to ridicule him

    George Santos sues late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for tricking him into making videos to ridicule him

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos alleged in a lawsuit filed Saturday that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel deceived him into making videos on the Cameo app that were used to ridicule the disgraced New York Republican on the show.

    The lawsuit filed in U.S. district court for the southern district of New York names Kimmel, ABC and Walt Disney Co. as defendants. A Disney representative listed as a media contact for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

    Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives last year after being charged with multiple counts of fraud and stealing from donors, is suing over alleged copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

    Kimmel misrepresented himself to induce Santos to create personalized videos “capitalizing on and ridiculing” his “gregarious personality,” the lawsuit alleges.

    Through Cameo, Santos received requests from individuals and businesses seeking personalized video messages. Unbeknownst to Santos, Kimmel submitted at least 14 requests that used phony names and narratives, according to the complaint.

    Starting in December the videos were played on a segment, “ Will Santos Say It? ” the suit says.

    In one of the clips, Santos offers congratulations to the purported winner of a beef-eating contest, calling the feat of consuming 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) of loose ground beef in under 30 minutes “amazing and impressive.”

    “Frankly, Kimmel’s fake requests were funny, but what he did was clear violation of copyright law,” Robert Fantone, an attorney for Santos, said in an email.

    Santos is seeking statutory damages totaling $750,000 for the five videos he created that were played on the show and various social media platforms. He also asks for other damages to be determined at trial.

    The ex-lawmaker faces a slew of criminal charges, including allegations that he defrauded campaign donors, lied to Congress about his wealth, received unemployment benefits while employed and used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses like designer clothing. He also is alleged to have made unauthorized charges on credit cards belonging to some of his donors.

    Santos pleaded not guilty to a revised indictment in October.

    On Tuesday, Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election for Santos’ former seat.

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    The Associated Press

    Source link

  • 2024 Colorado state basketball tournament brackets, results

    2024 Colorado state basketball tournament brackets, results

    [ad_1]

    The brackets for the Colorado high school state basketball championships:

    BOYS

    Class 6A

    First round

    Wednesday, Feb. 21

    Higher seed hosts

    Game 1: No. 1 Fruita Monument (23-0) vs. No. 32 Highlands Ranch (10-12), 6 p.m.

    Game 2: No. 16 Overland (14-9) vs. No. 17 Broomfield (17-6), TBA

    Game 3: No. 8 Eaglecrest (16-7) vs. No. 25 Castle View (12-11), 7 p.m.

    Game 4: No. 9 Ralston Valley (18-5) vs. No. 24 Arapahoe (11-12), TBA

    Game 5: No. 5 Rock Canyon (18-5) vs. No. 28 Rocky Mountain (13-10), TBA

    Game 6: No. 12 Douglas County (15-8) vs. No. 21 Arvada West (16-7), 7 p.m.

    Game 7: No. 4 ThunderRidge (18-5) vs. No. 29 Fort Collins (14-9), 7 p.m.

    Game 8: No. 13 Cherry Creek (13-10) vs. No. 20 Fossil Ridge (16-7), 6:30 p.m.

    Game 9: No. 2 Mountain Vista (19-4) vs. No. 31 Fairview (13-10), TBA

    Game 10: No. 15 Monarch (18-5) vs. No. 18 Denver South (16-7), TBA

    Game 11: No. 7 Smoky Hill (17-6) vs. No. 26 Horizon (13-10), 7 p.m.

    Game 12: No. 10 Regis Jesuit (15-8) vs. No. 23 Pine Creek (15-8), TBA

    Game 13: No. 6 Valor Christian (21-2) vs. No. 27 Mullen (12-11), TBA

    Game 14: No. 11 Doherty (18-5) vs. No. 21 George Washinton (13-10), 6 p.m.

    Game 15: No. 3 Chaparral (18-5) vs. No. 30 Rangeview (12-11), TBA

    Game 16: No. 14 Legacy (17-6) vs. No. 19 Legend (12-11), TBA

    Sweet 16

    Saturday, Feb. 24

    Higher seed hosts

    Game 17: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, TBA

    Game 18: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, TBA

    Game 19: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, TBA

    Game 20: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, TBA

    Game 21: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, TBA

    Game 22: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, TBA

    Game 23: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, TBA

    Game 24: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner, TBA

    Great 8

    Thursday, Feb. 29

    at Denver Coliseum

    Game 25: Game 17 winner vs. Game 18 winner, TBA

    Game 26: Game 19 winner vs. Game 20 winner, TBA

    Game 27: Game 21 winner vs. Game 22 winner, TBA

    Game 28: Game 23 winner vs. Game 24 winner, TBA

    Final Four

    Friday, March 8

    at Denver Coliseum

    Game 29: Game 25 winner vs. Game 26 winner, TBA

    Game 30: Game 27 winner vs. Game 28 winner, TBA

    Championship

    Saturday, March 9

    at Denver Coliseum

    Semifinal winners, 4 p.m.

    Class 5A

    First round

    Wednesday, Feb. 21

    Higher seed hosts

    Game 1: No. 1 Northfield (21-2) vs. No. 32 Thornton (13-10), 6 p.m.

    Game 2: No. 16 Longmont (15-8) vs. No. 17 Pueblo South (13-10), 6:30 p.m.

    Game 3: No. 8 Mead (17-6) vs. No. 25 Pueblo West (15-8), 6 p.m.

    Game 4: No. 9 Palmer (19-4) vs. No. 24 Eagle Valley (14-9), 6 p.m.

    Game 5: No. 5 Silver Creek (19-4) vs. No. 28 Frederick (13-10), 6:30 p.m.

    Game 6: No. 12 Dakota Ridge (16-7) vs. No. 21 Durango (11-11), 7 p.m.

    Game 7: No. 4 Mesa Ridge (21-2) vs. No. 29 Sand Creek (13-10), TBA

    Game 8: No. 13 Green Mountain (15-8) vs. No. 20 Falcon (17-6), 6:30 p.m.

    Game 9: No. 2 Vista PEAK Prep (19-4) vs. No. 31 Palisade (10-13), 6 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Schubert

    Source link

  • Neighbors weigh in on airport lawsuit

    Neighbors weigh in on airport lawsuit

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — After a lawsuit was filed against the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, opinions from impacted residents not involved in the lawsuit, as well as pilots who fly at the airport, have flooded in.

    FOX31 previously aired a story where an aviation expert from the Colorado Aviation Business Association weighed in on the lawsuit, which was filed against Jefferson County on behalf of around 400 people who live near the airport.

    “I’ve lived in my home for 30 years. And until about the end of 2017, the beginning of 2018, We were well aware of this airport, but we lived in harmony with it. It was not a problem,” Charlene Willey, a resident, said.

    Willey said her late husband was actually an air traffic controller and loved everything aviation.

    “We certainly did not have a prejudice,” she said. “But it was in 2018 [that] we really noticed a change.”

    The airport has seen an increase in traffic, which means more frequent noise.

    Neighbors who moved in close to the airport said they’ve signed easements that promised RMMA would limit airport expansion and in return, the community would accept a certain noise level.

    “I can totally understand their complaint about the noise,” pilot Gordon Feliciano Jr., said. “I still scratch my head, though, you know, because they chose to live in those areas.”

    Feliciano said the airport’s noise abatement program, designed to minimize noise to nearby homes, impacts how he flies in and out of the airport.

    “Now that requires us to prepare the aircraft a little earlier and also to maneuver the aircraft a little more aggressively,” said Feliciano.

    He said it’s a tricky spot because of the proximity to Centennial Airport and Denver International Airport because a lot of the air space overlaps. This limits where they can go.

    “This airspace is restricted to 10,000 feet, so I cannot climb above 10,000 feet unless I have a clearance from Denver from the air traffic controller. And then once we’re outside, you will see [a blue line]. That’s the end of Denver’s Class B airspace,” Feliciano said.

    Residents said not only is the noise constant but they are worried about the impacts of the leaded fuel.

    Willey said she knew she was living in a “critical zone” for the airport.

    She said the noise didn’t seem so bothersome until around 2018 when there was a spike in air traffic. She now believes her health issues are a result of this increase.

    “My blood lead level is very elevated, even for an adult. If I were a child, it would be a cause, probably, for a lifetime injury,” said Willey.

    The airport has vowed to switch to unleaded fuel in the coming years.

    Meanwhile, three major flight schools operate at this airport, which has helped pilots like Feliciano’s son launch their careers.

    He said there’s a pilot shortage going on right now, and that his son was able to take advantage of that to launch his career.

    “That’s how he was able to build his career in order and get his position,” Feliciano said. “But he had to go through that whole training curriculum to do that.”

    There are at least two things that both sides are in agreement on: The land surrounding the airport was never supposed to be developed for homes, and that flight traffic has increased at the airport in recent years.

    The neighbors that were talked to were not plaintiffs in the lawsuit. FOX31 reached out to several plaintiffs of the lawsuit and the lawyer who filed, but they did not provide comment.

    FOX31 will continue to follow the outcome of the lawsuit.

    [ad_2]

    Carly Moore

    Source link

  • Daily horoscope for February 18, 2024

    Daily horoscope for February 18, 2024

    [ad_1]

    Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or important decisions from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST today (7 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST). After that, the Moon moves from Gemini into Cancer.

    Happy Birthday for Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024:

    You’re a courageous risk-taker who is youthful and will never grow old. You have an infectious enthusiasm, and you love to try new things. This year is the beginning of a new nine-year cycle for you. Get ready for new beginnings, adventures and major changes!

    ARIES

    (March 21-April 19)
    ★★★★
    Take it easy, because this is a laid-back day. You might spend a lot of time daydreaming or being lost in a fantasy world. Be aware that communications with others are subject to confusion today, which means if you’re talking about anything important, make an extra effort to clarify things. Tonight: Relax. This Week: Your popularity makes you seek more privacy.

    TAURUS

    (April 20-May 20)
    ★★★★
    You love beautiful things, especially quality antiques. Today it’s possible that you will be tempted to spend money on something elegant and beautiful, perhaps a bit pricey. Think twice before you give in to this urge to have something. After all, you don’t want regrets later. Tonight: Conversations! This Week: Increased involvement with friends and groups makes you look good to everyone!

    GEMINI

    (May 21-June 20)
    ★★★
    Today the Moon is in your sign at odds with fuzzy Neptune, which can create confused thinking on your part. Or you might attract someone to you who is confused or full of pie-in-the-sky ideas. (See the Moon Alert.) Tonight: Check your belongings. This Week: People admire you because they see you as competent and capable. Travel if possible.

    CANCER

    (June 21-July 22)
    ★★★★
    Cut yourself some slack today. Give yourself permission to veg out and daydream or spend time with a guilty pleasure like daytime TV, video games, puzzles, crosswords or reading a favorite book. Tonight: You win! This Week: Expand your world through travel or study.

    LEO

    (July 23-Aug. 22)
    ★★★
    This is a relaxing day. Nevertheless, your involvement with friends, groups or partners might create a confusing situation for you. If so, find somewhere to hide. Tonight: Solitude. This Week: Focus on shared property, inheritances and taxes.

    VIRGO

    (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
    ★★★
    People notice you today. Be aware of this, because there is an element of confusion that is present today. People might see you differently than the way you think you are projecting your image. Tonight: Friendships. This Week: Partnerships are important. Get more sleep.

    LIBRA

    (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
    ★★★
    Don’t get caught up in the rhetoric of others about politics, philosophy, religion or whatever idealistic issues they embrace. It’s not to say that these issues aren’t worthwhile. But an element of idealism might confuse issues. Tonight: You’re admired. This Week: Work hard, party hard!

    SCORPIO

    (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
    ★★★
    Postpone discussions about shared property, how to deal with finances or raising kids. Likewise, discussions about how to share social occasions, vacations or even a dinner out might end up with someone feeling unhappy. Tonight: Explore! This Week: Socialize and explore romance. Entertain at home.

    SAGITTARIUS

    (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
    ★★★
    This is a poor day for important discussions, because there’s a strong element of confusion in the air today. People will go with their feelings instead of their intellect. Arguments are fuzzy. Tonight: Check your finances. This Week: Home, family and parents are a focus.

    CAPRICORN

    (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
    ★★★★
    If you’re contemplating an important decision about your health or your job, postpone this for another day, because wishful thinking might cloud your judgment. Plus, your information could be incorrect. Tonight: Cooperate. This Week: Short trips, errands and schmoozing accelerate your daily pace!

    AQUARIUS

    (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
    ★★★★★
    This is a lovely, creative day, because your imagination is in overdrive. However, this same fanciful influence can create confusion in relationships, especially romantic ones. Postpone important decisions about romance or kids. Wait until you have more clarity. Tonight: Work. This Week: Shop for wardrobe items. Focus on earnings and cash flow.

    PISCES

    (Feb. 19-March 20)
    ★★★★
    Someone in the family might be crying crocodile tears today. So think twice before you make a commitment to help them. Make sure you have the facts. Meanwhile, this is a lovely, lazy day to relax at home. Enjoy. Tonight: Play! This Week: Recharge your batteries for the rest of the year!

    [ad_2]

    Georgia Nicols

    Source link

  • Collar GPS data indicates some gray wolves have moved into eastern Moffat County, CPW confirms

    Collar GPS data indicates some gray wolves have moved into eastern Moffat County, CPW confirms

    [ad_1]

    MOFFAT COUNTY, Colo. — Two of Colorado’s recently released gray wolves have traveled from western Routt County into eastern Moffat County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said Saturday, pointing to recent data from the animals’ GPS collars.

    This was first reported by Steamboat Radio on Saturday.

    As part of the state’s voter-mandated reintroduction effort, CPW released its first five gray wolves on Dec. 18 at an undisclosed place in Grand County. Five more were released a few days later in Grand and Summit counties. All 10 had GPS collars. No additional wolves will be released this season, which runs until mid-March, wildlife officials said.

    Denver7 360 | In-Depth News, Opinion

    Grand County residents brace as gray wolf reintroduction process begins

    9:34 PM, Jan 02, 2024

    Rachael Gonzales with CPW confirmed with Denver7 that the wolves’ location points are collected every four hours at most. The data is downloaded every 16 hours.

    “Wolves can and do move substantial distances between the four hours that points are collected, and the terrain and weather can impact when points are received,” she said. “This data gives us an informed perspective of where wolves have been, but not where they are, and certainly not where they are going.”

    Gonzales said CPW will work with livestock producers to provide conflict-mitigation techniques in areas that the wolves will likely explore. Those techniques are laid out in the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, which was approved in May.

    Worries amid wolves: Grand County residents brace as Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction process begins

    CPW recently announced a new map published on its website to inform people about the wolves’ movements, something that had been briefly discussed at the Jan. 11 CPW Commission meeting.

    That map, created using the GPS collar data, shows which watersheds the wolves have explored, which are outlined in purple. To protect the animals, specific GPS data is not available to the public.

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife

    “In order for a watershed to indicate wolf activity, at least one GPS point from the wolf collars was recorded within the boundaries of the watershed,” CPW explained in January. “Simply because a watershed indicates wolf activity, it does not mean that a wolf or wolves are present throughout the entire watershed nor that they are currently in the watershed.”

    CPW said it will update the map on a monthly basis and each new one will be published on the fourth Wednesday of every month — so an updated version is expected Feb. 28. It reflects data for the prior month from the GPS collars of the 10 released wolves as well as two wolves in North Park that wandered into Colorado on their own. All known wolves in Colorado have collars, CPW said.

    This reintroduction effort will continue according to the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, which calls for the transfer of 30 to 50 wolves to Colorado over a period of three to five years, aiming for 10 to 15 wolves from multiple packs each year. After that point, the reintroduction efforts will stop and CPW will monitor if the population is self-sustaining.

    CPW announced on Jan. 19 that it had secured 15 wolves for reintroduction into the Western Slope from tribal lands in northeastern Washington, but the wolves won’t set foot in the state until between December 2024 and March 2025.

    CPW asks anybody who sees a wolf or wolf tracks to submit a wolf sighting report form through its website. Staff reviews all credible reports. CPW also has a Wolf Educational Resources page, where you can find videos on wolf biology and the reintroduction planning process.

    D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    Stephanie Butzer

    Source link

  • Police: Vehicle theft suspect faces attempted murder charges after gun malfunction

    Police: Vehicle theft suspect faces attempted murder charges after gun malfunction

    [ad_1]

    DENVER (KDVR) — Police in Commerce City are searching for a suspect who is accused of attempting to steal a vehicle and faces attempted murder charges.

    The Commerce City Police Department said officers responded to what was reported as a “felony menacing” in progress near 6301 Dexter Street around 7:30 a.m. Friday.

    According to CCPD, officers learned that a man was allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle when the victim and owner of that vehicle confronted him.

    Then, police said the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and pulled the trigger — however, the gun malfunctioned.

    Police provided surveillance photos of the man, who is described as a Hispanic male, about 5 feet and 8 to 10 inches tall weighing 180 to 200 lbs.

    • Police in Commerce City are searching for a suspect who is accused of attempting to steal a vehicle and faces attempted murder charges. (Photo courtesy: Commerce City Police Department)
    • Police in Commerce City are searching for a suspect who is accused of attempting to steal a vehicle and faces attempted murder charges.
      Police in Commerce City are searching for a suspect who is accused of attempting to steal a vehicle and faces attempted murder charges. (Photo courtesy: Commerce City Police Department)

    He was pictured driving a 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra, which police believe to be stolen.

    CCPD said the suspect faces attempted murder charges.

    Anyone who recognizes the suspect or the vehicle is asked to call the CCPD tip line as soon as possible at 303-289-3626.

    [ad_2]

    Brooke Williams

    Source link

  • Denver school comes together to help cafeteria worker after fire damages home

    Denver school comes together to help cafeteria worker after fire damages home

    [ad_1]

    DENVER — Staff at a Denver school are coming together to help a cafeteria employee after her home caught fire twice in one week.

    Rose Gianni, who was impacted, said both of the fires were electrical in nature and took place within two days of each other at her mobile home located north of Denver.

    Gianni said the first fire broke out Tuesday while she was at work at Denver Green School (DGS). She said it destroyed a wall. The second fire broke out on Thursday while she was at her damaged home.

    “This is where I live, I’m in shock,” Gianni said. “It’s just so hard, but I’m just hanging in there.”

    Gianni lives at the home with her two cats, who thankfully were not injured.

    When staff at DGS found out what had happened, they immediately stepped in to help.

    Denver7 spoke with Jessica Krichbaum, one of the school principals, and Aleaha Harkins, a music teacher at the school.

    “I came directly to her kitchen the very next morning, not expecting to see her there — and there she was sitting, crying at school, and I said, ‘How can you be here with a giant travesty at your house?’ And she said, ‘Well, these kids need me. I need to make food and feed these children,’” said Harkins. “I think that’s why it really inspired me to do something for her because even experiencing something like a loss in her home, she was willing to put that aside and show up for our kids.”

    Staff at DGS have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Gianni in her time of need.

    Denver school comes together to help cafeteria worker after fire damages home

    “I was in shock, what they’re doing for me. I appreciate everything they’re doing for me,” said Gianni, while fighting back tears.

    “She shows up every day. She’s helpful to not only the teachers and the school leaders, but the kids and families as well and just helping them navigate different stuff. So we love her. And that’s why I wanted to help her,” Krichbaum said.

    Fundraising efforts are still underway but on Saturday, Krichbaum and Harkins surprised her with $1,000 from their GoFundMe, to start helping her get back on her feet.

    The electricians who came out to her home after the fire have notified her she must rewire the electricity in her entire home if she wishes to stay.

    The Follow Up

    What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

    [ad_2]

    Kristian Lopez

    Source link

  • Nikola Jokic on NBA’s 65-game rule after Joel Embiid injury: “It forces players to play, even if they’re injured”

    Nikola Jokic on NBA’s 65-game rule after Joel Embiid injury: “It forces players to play, even if they’re injured”

    [ad_1]

    INDIANAPOLIS — No matter how many All-Stars the NBA filed into a packed room Saturday to talk over one another in simultaneous news conferences, a silence reverberated loudest. Loud enough to be heard in at least a few of the questions.

    The most significant absence in Indianapolis this weekend is the one that’s shaking up the 2023-24 MVP race.

    Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was the presumptive favorite until early February when he underwent surgery to repair his lateral meniscus. The left knee injury has rendered him ineligible to repeat as league MVP under new NBA policy, which requires players to appear in a minimum of 65 games to be considered for end-of-year awards such as MVP and All-NBA.

    The procedure will sideline Embiid long enough that he almost definitively wouldn’t have won MVP even without the new rule. However, his situation has still sparked debate in league circles about whether or not the 65-game minimum should have been instituted in the first place. Why? Because there was wide speculation Embiid felt pressured to play through a pre-existing knee injury in order to maintain awards eligibility, especially after getting ridiculed for missing his fourth consecutive road game against the Nuggets — and MVP adversary Nikola Jokic — in late January.

    Two games later, Embiid was back in the lineup when Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga fell on his leg and caused the injury that required surgery.

    Jokic is perversely positioned to benefit from Embiid’s unfortunate situation. The Nuggets center is the new betting favorite to win his third MVP in the last four years. But he takes no joy in that. He was asked about the 65-game rule Saturday during his media session at All-Star weekend.

    “Definitely forcing players to play, even when they’re injured or whatever,” Jokic said. “But we saw what happened with Joel. … I don’t know. I just don’t like it, how it forces players to play even if they’re injured, if they want to achieve something.”

    Arguments against the rule largely depend on the arbitrary nature of the league’s chosen number. No data-driven evidence was provided to explain why 65 makes more sense as a games-played minimum than, say, 67 — one more than the number of games Embiid played last year when he won MVP. In 2022-23, Jokic finished second in voting with 69 games played. Giannis Antetokounmpo was third with 63.

    With the door wide open now, Jokic’s biggest challenger for the 2023-24 crown is his All-Star teammate, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

    The Thunder guard, who ranks second in the league in scoring (31.1 points) and first in steals (2.2), wasn’t as quick to condemn the rule as Jokic was.

    “I’m not too sure. I think no matter what, there’s like a fine line,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Like, when it comes down to it, there’s always a fine line in games played and availability. And I think the league has the right intention in trying to make that line a little bit bolder and easier to make a decision. Now, I try to be as available as I can every night, not only for that but just for the love of the game. But as far as how the rule goes, I don’t really have an opinion. I’m gonna try to be available for my team to win basketball games every night, and if I can’t be available, then I just can’t, and it is what it is.”

    [ad_2]

    Bennett Durando

    Source link