November 8, 2024
[Boulder Public Library, Main Library, Boulder, CO.]
Businesses
Fort Collins, CO.
Creekside Garden Center
1224 North Shields Street
Fort Collins, CO.
80524
(970) 586-7287
Colorado Court Rulings
10th Circuit clears path for Colorado's increased firearms purchasing age to take effect
The federal appeals court based in Denver cleared the way on Tuesday for a 2023 Colorado law to take effect that will generally raise the age limit for purchasing firearms to 21.
Senate Bill 169 was originally intended to take effect in August of last year, creating a misdemeanor offense for those who sell guns to people younger than 21. Similarly, it became a misdemeanor for someone under 21 to purchase a gun. The law created exceptions for police officers, those in the military or gifts from family members.
A trial judge granted a preliminary injunction after concluding the challengers demonstrated they would likely succeed in their claim that the Second Amendment protected the right of 18-to-20-year-olds to buy guns. However, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit disagreed.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
Fisher Peak State Park 10-Year Management Plan
[The following is based on a press release.]
The public is invited to two public meetings to comment on how Colorado Parks and Wildlife should manage Fishers Peak State Park over the next 10 years.
The management plan will build on the master plan for the park, approved in 2022, and it will implement that document’s broad vision for visitor experience, recreation opportunities, protection of cultural and natural resources and the development of park infrastructure.
The first meeting, November 12, 2024, will be a virtual gathering on Zoom. It is scheduled 6:00 P.M. –7:30 P.M. To attend the meeting, guests must register in advance.
The second meeting is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. November 19, 2024, at the Trinidad State College, 600 Prospect Street., Trinidad, CO. 81082 in the Pioneer Room inside the Sullivan Center. The public is invited to register in advance for this meeting, also.
At the meetings, CPW staff will share a brief history of the park, a summary of past planning and an overview of the current management planning process.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with CPW staff and ask questions about the park’s management plan.
The plan is important because just over 16 miles of trails and limited hunting opportunities are currently open to the public while the park continues to be designed and constructed.
The management plan will guide park managers and other CPW staff as they balance CPW’s mission of protecting wildlife and natural resources with providing meaningful recreation.
In addition to the public meetings, CPW will accept public input through December 13, 2024.
To learn more about Fishers Peak, visit the CPW website.
Veterans and military get free park entry November 11, 2024
[The following is based on a press release.]
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National Guard free entry into Colorado state parks November 11, 2024.
Veterans and military members, residents and non-residents, can visit any Colorado state park for free by showing proof of military service. Vehicles displaying a Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate receive free entry to all state parks year-round.
The free day pass provides a chance to experience Colorado’s world-class state parks and the diverse wildlife and landscapes they showcase. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone at Colorado state parks.
Find a Colorado state park map and discover the activities available at each park using the online State Park Finder (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks).
All other state park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.
CPW offers additional military benefits for outdoor activities to active-duty military, veterans and disabled veterans. These programs include free admission to state parks in August, free lifetime small game and fishing licenses for qualified disabled veterans, and a specialty Independence Pass for free park entrance for qualified disabled veterans.
CPW offices and call centers will be closed November 11, 2024 to observe the state holiday. Call parks ahead of your visit to confirm if Visitor Centers are open.
Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support our state parks, search and rescue teams and avalanche safety programs. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild.
Colorado residents with any applicable fee-exempt military license plates, Colorado Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart license plates may access Colorado state parks for free; if you renew your vehicle registration online, stay opted in and get the Keep Colorado Wild Pass at no cost.
Colorado Elections
2024 Election Results
About 3.19 million Coloradans cast ballots in this year's election, about 69% of the state's registered voters, according to data provided by the Secretary of State's Office. While early indications show the turnout this year didn't reach the record-breaking levels of 2020, it's not too far behind. Over 78% of eligible Coloradans voted in the 2020 election, the second-highest turnout in the nation.
Colorado Creatives
Todd Park Mohr, Musician
Big Head Todd and The Monsters
Colorado Secretary of State
Total Ballots Returned as of November 8, 2024
As of November 8, 2024, 3,268,441 ballots have been returned statewide.
Comics
Dry Bar Comedy
A Cardigan Is The Perfect Police Repellent, Mike Goodwin
Finding Colorado
The twenty-third highest mountain peak in the State of Colorado is Kit Carson Peak, with an above sea-level altitude of 14,165 feet at its summit.
Larimer County, CO.
Estes Park Festival of Trees
[The following is based on a press release.]
Mark your calendars for Estes Park Quota’s Festival of Trees kick-off event November 13, 2024, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at The Estes Park Resort and Ember Restaurant & Bar Lobby. This highly anticipated holiday fundraiser supports Estes Park Quota, a local non-profit organization, who gives back to the Estes Park community through philanthropic gifts and service.
We hope you will join us and view our spectacular display of holiday trees adorning the lobby of the Estes Park Resort. We expect to have close to 50 trees this year all decorated in various themes by individuals and businesses in the Estes Valley. You can purchase tree chances for $1 per ticket, 6 for $5, 13 for $10. Six special trees will be given away on the night of the kick-off. This special evening you can enjoy complimentary homemade holiday cookies and hot cocoa. We hope to have a special visitor from the North Pole that all the children young and young at heart will be excited to see. The holiday trees will continue to be displayed December 15, 2024 when we will have our drawing at 3:00 P.M. Thank you to our amazing in-kind sponsors, Ember Restaurant & Bar, Estes Park Resort, and The Estes Park News. Generous event sponsors include-Aspen Eyecare, Avant Garde Aleworks, Bank of Colorado, RE/MAX Mountain Brokers and Richardson Team Realty, This event is free and open to the public!
The trees are due November 11th, 2024. Please feel free to call Lori at (970) 232-5511 or Gail at (970) 481-2372 with any questions or send us an email EstesParkQuota@gmail.com.
Estes Park Quota is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the local community with philanthropic gifts and service. Their emphasis is assisting hearing and speech impaired individuals, disadvantaged women and children, providing education scholarships and service to seniors.
Estes Park School District Seeks Community Members for Long-Range Master Planning Committee
[The following is based on a press release.]
The Estes Park School District (EPSD) is launching a new Long-Range Master Planning Committee to help shape the future of district facilities, finances, and operations for the next 20 years. This committee will provide thoughtful advisement on and strategic insights to guide EPSD's development, ensuring sustainability, growth, and excellence in education.
EPSD is calling on community members with relevant expertise and a passion for education to apply. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to contribute directly to the future of the district’s schools, facilities, and programs.
"Our goal is to build a vibrant learning environment that serves both current and future generations," said Superintendent Ruby Bode. "We're looking for community members who are committed to supporting our schools and helping us create a roadmap that honors the unique character of Estes Park while meeting the changing needs of our district."
Areas of Expertise Sought: EPSD is seeking individuals with knowledge or experience in:
Historical context of Estes Park School District
Finance and budgeting
Construction or facilities management
Operations and logistics
Organizational planning processes
Academic/extracurricular program knowledge (preferred)
Committee Details:
Membership: Approximately 10 community members will be selected.
Timeline: The committee will meet regularly from January through May 2024.
Impact: Members will work closely with Superintendent Ruby Bode and the Board of Education to provide recommendations that shape long-term decisions impacting students, staff, and the broader community.
How to Apply:
Interested community members are invited to apply online. The application process is now open, and submissions will be accepted through November 22, 2024.
For additional information, please visit our website or contact EPSD's administrative office at (970) 586-2361.
Resources
Until next time,