November 20, 2024
[Old Town Library, Fort Collins, CO.]
Boulder County, CO.
Boulder County Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office Seeks Information on Smash and Grab Burglaries at Gas Station
[The following is based on a press release.]
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public to help identify suspects from two smash and grab burglaries that have taken place at a gas station in Superior.
The gas station, located at 1603 Coalton Road in Superior, was burglarized twice in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, and a second time on November 10, 2024. The suspects used rocks to smash a door and a window to steal tobacco and vaping products.
The suspects are believed to be three teenagers or young adults. The suspects were wearing dark colored pants or jeans, dark hoodies, and two of the three were wearing white sneakers. One suspect was carrying a distinctive green backpack, one a black backpack, and another was wearing flared jeans. Most notably, in first incident, one suspect was wearing a panda costume.
If you have information about these suspects, please contact the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office tip line at: BCSOtips@bouldercounty.gov or (303) 441-3674.
The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case numbers are: #24-05635 and #24-05750.
Businesses
Ace Hardware of Greeley
3540 West 10th Street
Greeley, CO.
80634-1824
(970) 353-2851
Colorado Creatives
Peter Heller
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
CPW issues emergency closure at Christina State Wildlife Area near Steamboat Springs
[The following is based on a press release.]
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announces an emergency closure of the Christina State Wildlife Area in Routt County, effective November 18, 2024.This closure is necessary to allow contractors and CPW personnel to repair an eroding stream bank along the Elk River.
During a site visit the week of November 11, CPW staff observed significant erosion along the stream bank next to a private residence. They determined that if the erosion continued, it could compromise the home's structural integrity. Therefore, immediate action is needed to fortify the stream bank.
CPW Director Jeff Davis approved the emergency closure November 15, 2024. It will remain in effect until further notice and includes the public parking area along County Road 129, which will be utilized as a staging area for heavy equipment.
CPW expects to complete additional stream bank stabilization and restoration work in the spring of 2025, which may require another closure period.
Christina State Wildlife Area is a 23-acre fishing access easement held by CPW, located approximately 7 miles north of Steamboat Springs on County Road 129.
Anglers looking for an alternative location to fish can contact CPW’s Steamboat Springs Area Office at (970) 870-3333 or by viewing our 2024 Fishing Brochure.
CPW seeking tips in Sedalia deer poaching incident
[The following is based on a press release.]
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking for help to identify a suspect in a poaching incident of a buck mule deer about one mile west of Sedalia. Around noon on November 17, 2024, a witness heard a gunshot and observed a man who had trespassed onto private property near Highway 105 and Highway 67. After the suspect left the area, the witness noticed an abandoned deer carcass. The man did not have permission to hunt on the property from the landowner, which is required by law.
The suspect is a white man in his 20s, about 6-feet tall with a medium build driving a gray Chevy truck. The truck has an extended cab with possible out-of-state license plates. The truck has a sticker in the lower corner of the back window on the driver’s side. There is a black toolbox with a red logo in the center in the bed of the truck. The front bumper appears to be black and may be an aftermarket bumper.
Anyone with information on the suspect or the truck is encouraged to call CPW at (303) 291-7227. Callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward if charges are filed by calling Operation Game Thief at 1-877-COLO-OGT.
Comics
Dry Bar Comedy
Documented, Dave Nihill
Finding Colorado
The thirty-second highest mountain in the State of Colorado is Snowmass Peak, with a summit altitude above sea level of 14,092 feet.
Holiday Scams
[The following is based on a press release.]
Nearly 8 in 10 Americans are targeted by holiday-related fraud
The holidays are a time of giving—sharing gifts with loved ones and giving back to those less fortunate. But while you’re busy showing generosity towards those around you, make sure you’re not giving away something vital: your privacy and identity.
Scammers are especially active around the holidays, and their fraud attempts affect a majority of people. A survey by AARP found that 78% of U.S. consumers either experienced or were targeted by holiday-related fraud last year.
By arming yourself with knowledge of their tactics, however, you can keep these bad actors from dampening your holiday spirit. Here are five seasonal scams that stubbornly refuse to go away, along with advice on how to avoid them.
The imposter retailer
Fake e-commerce websites, designed to look and feel like legitimate retailers, are as ubiquitous at this time of year as Christmas songs. Fraudsters create these sites to trick you into giving up your money or personal information or downloading malware onto your device. If you have concerns about whether a site is authentic, carefully check the URL against that of the official retailer it claims to represent. (Scammers deliberately use slight misspellings in URLs to fool people.) The same goes for any message you see—emails, text, social media posts—promoting Black Friday deals that seem too good to be true. Before you click any link, verify the source. For example, if it’s an email, confirm that the sender’s domain address matches that of a legitimate retailer.
The fake delivery notification
Who doesn’t love getting a package delivery notification during the holidays? Maybe someone’s sent you a gift! And if you’ve shipped a gift to someone, surely, you’d want to click a tracking notification to confirm it’s on the way. Unless, of course, the notification isn’t real. Scammers, pretending to be legitimate retailers or shipping companies, will send emails or text messages notifying you of package tracking status or delivery. As with imposter retailers mentioned above, be sure to verify any URL or email domain before clicking. If you do click the notification link, watch for red flags: If you’re asked to enter personal information or pay a new fee to receive or guarantee delivery of a package, it’s a scam. If you want to track a package, do so by logging into the online account you have with the retailer.
The sketchy online gift exchange
This gift exchange scam, often called “Secret Sister,” has been floating around social media in various forms for years now. While it seems like a fun online version of Secret Santa, it isn’t. The basic idea is this: You’re asked to send a gift to someone in the gift “chain”; in return you’re promised gifts sent from other participants. In order to join, however, you must provide your personal information as well as that of friends or family, who will be asked to join the group as well. And if you ship a gift to your designated recipient, don’t expect to get any promised gifts in return. It’s all part of an illegal pyramid scheme, and you could even be held liable if you try to recruit others into it. If you see a pitch for a gift exchange like this, don’t engage with it—report it to the social media platform.
The seasonal employment ruse
Many people seek out temporary seasonal employment at this time of year, especially for retail jobs or package shipping and delivery. Scammers try to take advantage of this by posing as legitimate employers. They’re looking to capture the job seeker’s personal data through an application, or to steal their money. Potential red flags in a job search include: an employment offer that promises shockingly high wages; an instant offer of employment without the employer requesting an interview in person or by phone or video; or a demand from the employer that you pay upfront for things like supplies or an application. Even if the job listing appears to be from a company you’ve heard of, think twice about responding. Research the company first. If it’s a legitimate employer, go to their official website and apply there.
The phony donation plea
The holidays are a critical period for charities; many are counting on this time of year for a large percentage of their annual donations. Fraudsters are aware of this and try to intercept donations by posing as legitimate nonprofits. Don’t let them ruin your attempt to do a good deed. Use caution regarding any unexpected donation plea you receive by email, text, or social media. Do your homework on a charitable organization by vetting it through a site like Charity Navigator, which evaluates registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits. If the organization isn’t listed, be careful about proceeding; if it’s listed, go directly to the organization’s official website and donate there. When donating, it’s best to use a credit card or check. If the charity demands that you donate by gift card or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam.
Larimer County, CO.
Estes, Park, CO. Catch the Glow Parade Takes Place
[The following is based on a press release.]
Join the Town of Estes Park and kick off the holiday season with the dazzling Catch the Glow Parade. The brightest event of the year travels downtown on Elkhorn Avenue and starts at 5:30 P.M. November 29, 2024. Text EPGLOW to 888-777 to subscribe to updates before, during and after the Catch the Glow Parade.
The Catch the Glow Parade will feature whimsical new float designs by the parade’s Creative Director, Michael Young, along with musical acts and much more. As always, the stars of the evening are Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dress warmly and festively, grab some warm beverages downtown, and enjoy Estes Park’s small-town, family-friendly extravaganza!
This free, holiday-themed event is open to the public. Learn more at estesparkeventscomplex.com.
The Town of Estes Park appreciates the generous support of the following sponsors: Estes Park News, Visit Estes Park, The Quality Inn, The Bull Pin, Bird & Jim, The Birds Nest, McLain Construction, Himalayan Curry & Kebob, Unink Printworks, Trailborn Rocky Mountains, Jeep Jeep Tacos, Realtors Twin Sisters’ Team, Eagle Plumes and The Spice Rack.
Parade Route
The parade will begin in the 400 block of West Elkhorn Avenue (Performance Park) and continue east on Elkhorn Avenue. The parade will then travel eastbound on North Saint Vrain Avenue and end at the intersection of North Saint Vrain Avenue and 4th Street.
Road Closures
Access to Elkhorn Avenue will be closed between the areas from Farview Drive at West Elkhorn Avenue, eastbound to the U.S. 34/U.S. 36 intersection at approximately 4:00 P.M. The following locations will be closed for access onto Elkhorn Avenue:
Farview Drive at Elkhorn Avenue
Filbey Court at Elkhorn Avenue
Spruce Drive at Cleave Street
Big Horn Drive at Cleave Street
Wiest Parking Lot
Moraine Avenue at Crags Drive
Riverside Drive at Rockwell Street
Virginia Drive at Park Lane
East Wonderview Avenue west to Elkhorn Avenue
Big Thompson Avenue westbound at Elkhorn Avenue.
Public Property Parking Lots/Private Property Parking lots along the parade route will also be closed to Elkhorn Avenue.
Northbound traffic on E. Riverside Drive from Rockwell Avenue to Elkhorn Avenue
Additional Road Closures
No thru traffic between South Saint Vrain Avenue (S.H. 7) at North Saint Vrain Avenue (U.S. 36) to the U.S. 36/U.S. 34 intersection.
Stanley Avenue at North Saint Vrain Avenue.
South Saint Vrain (S.H. 7) at North Saint Vrain Avenue and eastbound on North Saint Vrain Avenue (U.S. 36) to 4th Street.
Westbound on North Saint Vrain Avenue (U.S. 36) from the Community Drive roundabout
Detour Routes
Mocassin Bypass Detour
Moraine Avenue will connect to South Saint Vrain Avenue (S.H. 7), using the Moccasin bypass, which includes Moraine Avenue to Crags Drive over Moccasin Circle Drive to Stanley Avenue to South Saint Vrain Avenue (S.H. 7)
Big Thompson/Wonderview Detour
Wonderview Avenue traffic eastbound traffic may travel eastbound on Big Thompson Avenue.
Big Thompson Avenue westbound traffic may travel onto westbound Wonderview Avenue.
North Saint Vrain (U.S. 36)/South Saint Vrain Avenue (S.H. 7) Detour
North Saint Vrain Avenue westbound traffic may travel southbound on Community Drive to westbound Manford Avenue to southbound South Saint Vrain Avenue. South Saint Vrain Avenue northbound traffic may travel onto eastbound Manford Avenue to northbound Community drive to eastbound North Saint Vrain Avenue.
Mall Road Detour
Mall Road is a connecting road (east/west) between Big Thompson Avenue (U.S. 34) and North Saint Vrain Avenue (U.S. 36).
Parade Parking
Residents and guests are encouraged to use the free parking structure near the Estes Park Visitor Center (691 North St. Vrain Avenue) and use the Riverwalk. Downtown loading zones will be closed November 29, 2024, in preparation for the parade. Additional parking spaces in the municipal parking lot adjacent to Elkhorn Avenue and the Estes Valley Library will be designated Accessible (ADA) Parking only for parade day.
Parking Lot Closure
The Performance Park public parking lot will be closed to public use November 28, 2024. The parking lot will remain closed through the parade duration on the evening of November 29, 2024, reopening at approximately 8:00 P.M.
Estes Park, CO., Captain’s Corner
Ryan Baranyos, Estes Park Police Operations Captain
Happy Holidays, Estes Park! This edition of Captain’s Corner will focus on crime prevention, specifically measures for your home and motor vehicles.
Generally speaking, the “crime opportunity theory” suggests that when a suspect identifies a crime they can commit with a high reward and little risk and effort. This theory represents two variables – motivation of a suspect who is willing to commit a crime and opportunity to do so. Leaving your vehicle doors unlocked increases the chances of becoming a victim of a crime.
The Estes Park Police Department recently investigated a series of vehicle burglaries (trespasses) and two stolen vehicles at different locations throughout the town. There was a total of 10 vehicles that were trespassed, all of which were left unlocked. The doors to the two stolen vehicles were also unlocked.
Most often, the suspect will pull on the car door handles to see if they are locked. If locked, the suspect generally moves on to, trying to find a vehicle that is not locked. Sometimes suspects will break glass and locks to gain entry, however, in my experience, most often this is not the case. Rather, offenders utilize the path of least resistance to commit property crimes, such as unlocked doors and windows. If your vehicle’s locks or windows do not properly operate, park your vehicle in a well-lit, high-visibility area.
The “9 p.m. routine” is a nightly, before bedtime reminder to community members to make sure all doors and windows to your home and vehicle are locked - double and triple check! Here are a few more tips.
Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, windows are closed, and if possible, parked in a garage.
Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors – especially those leading into your house.
Keep your vehicle registration and insurance paperwork in a safe, locked container in your vehicle. These documents can be used to commit other crimes, such as identity theft.
Park in a well-lit area if you must leave your vehicle outside.
Check and lock all the doors to your home and close all windows.
Turn on an exterior light and arm alarm systems if you have them.
Close and lock your fence gate and any detached structures, such as sheds.
Employing these security measures will help to decrease crimes of opportunity, keeping your personal property safe and enhancing the quality of life throughout our community. The “9 p.m. routine” is a helpful set of simple steps you can memorize and repeat every night to keep your property and our community safe.
I hope you find this information to be helpful and wish you and your family a safe and joyful holiday season! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at (970) 577-3827.
Captain Ryan Baranyos
Estes Park Police Department
Estes Valley Recreation and Park District Budget 2024
[The following is based on a press release.]
Increases in health and property insurance premiums and utility rate increases as well as operating supplies, which outpaced the standard consumer price levels, resulted in a 2.9% increase in the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District’s 2025 budget that was approved during the board meeting Tuesday night.
In all, EVRPD will operate with a budget totaling $10,264,659, of which $5,484,441 is dedicated to operating revenue.
Of the total budget, $1,797,526 of revenue is generated from general property taxes. Another $1,292,631 is provided through debt service property taxes as approved by voters in 2015 when $19.83 million in bonds were authorized to be paid over 20 years. Transfers from reserves, investment income, and intergovernmental revenue complete the revenue stream.
In the budget approved, recreation programs account for the largest amount of growth in operational expenses, with 9.2% growth.
Resources
State of Colorado
State will pay $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees in Free Speech case
[The following is based on a press release.]
Colorado agreed to pay more than $1.5 million in attorneys’ fees following the conclusion of a case involving a graphic designer who did not want to create wedding websites for same-sex couples.
Lorie Smith, who feared she would run afoul of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act if she refused to create websites for same-sex weddings through her graphic design company, 303 Creative, sued the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the state's attorney general.
The case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled last year in favor of Smith, concluding that Colorado sought to "force an individual to speak in ways that align with its views but defy her conscience about a matter of major significance" and therefore violated her First Amendment rights.
“The government can’t force Americans to say things they don’t believe, and Colorado officials have paid and will continue to pay a high price when they violate this foundational freedom,” Kristen Waggoner, who argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of Smith and 303 Creative, said in a news release. “For the past 12 years, Colorado has targeted people of faith and forced them to express messages that violate their conscience and that advance the government’s preferred ideology. First Amendment protections are non-negotiable."
Unemployment Rate increases
[The following is based on a press release.]
Unemployment in Colorado is on the rise.
The state reported its unemployment rate hit 4.1% in October, up from 4% the month before — matching the national average after being below the U.S. rate all year, according to data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's report released Monday. The number of unemployed grew by nearly 4,000 over the month to a total of 134,000.
The national unemployment rate of 4.1% was unchanged from September.
Gap between Colorado and U.S. unemployment rate shrinks
Colorado’s labor force participation stayed steady at 67.9%, growing by 4,300 people to reach 3.25 million in October. It’s higher than the national average, which dipped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 62.6%.
The state added 9,000 jobs last month, with the private sector growing by 7,800 jobs and the government sector growing by 1,200 jobs. The most job gains in October were in the professional and business services industry; leisure and hospitality; and trade, transportation and utilities. No private sector saw significant job losses last month, according to the CDLE report.
Until next time,