Headlines — April 18, 2022

Headlines April 18, 2022

Listen:

[Download Audio]

Weekend Fire Roundup

Fire officials have fully contained a blaze that burned through more than 100 acres in Larimer County over the weekend. The county’s office of emergency management lifted all evacuation orders Sunday. The so-called 37E Fire began Friday evening north of Lyons, prompting voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders for nearby residents. No structural damage or injuries were reported.

A different blaze — known as the Duck Pond Fire — near Gypsum, Colorado continues to burn at 60% percent containment. The fire is estimated at 89 acres and temporarily closed I-70 over the weekend.

A New Website Provides Resources For Marshall Fire Victims 

Victims of the Marshall Fire have a new online information portal through which to stay current on county guidelines for rebuilding efforts. The website contains resources to help with reconstruction efforts and hopes to steer homeowners toward greener and more resilient building options.

Some resources on the website include advice on finding discounts, various financing options and ways to implement wildfire resistant landscaping. There will also be information on financial incentives from Xcel to promote the construction of high-performance homes.

EnergySmart, a residential energy advising service in Boulder County, will maintain and update the website as more resources become available. 

Green building regulations in Louisville prior to the Marshall fire drew protests from residents who argued the rules can significantly increase rebuilding costs, especially for underinsured homeowners.

Rural Communities In Colorado to Receive Over $12 Million

Rural communities in Colorado will soon receive over $12 million to support public schools, road maintenance and emergency services through the Secure Rural Schools Program or SRS. 

The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in November. Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse says the allotment will make a key difference for the state’s mountain communities and fund wildfire recovery initiatives.

The federal funding will benefit more than 740 rural counties nationwide.

Denver Apologies for Racist Mob Violence Targeting Chinatown

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock issued a formal apology Saturday to Denver’s Chinese community for permitting mob violence that destroyed Denver’s Chinatown in Oct. of 1880. 

According to CBS, Denver is only the fifth city in the country — and the first outside of California — to apologize for allowing mobs to riot through Chinese communities in the late 19th century.

Colorado Supreme Court Justices Express Skepticism Over Judicial Discipline Bill

Three Colorado legislatures submitted a bill this month meant to reform Colorado’s system of regulating judges that commit ethical or professional violations.

Colorado Senate Bill 22-201 calls for the formation of a committee to oversee investigations into allegations of wrongdoing by members of the judiciary. The bill which was introduced last week comes after years of allegations of corruption and dozens of misconduct allegations within Colorado’s court system.

Most recently, The Denver Post reported a chief justice paid top administrators $2.5 million to cover up allegations of sexual assault. 

The bill has already drawn the skepticism from Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brian Boatright, who says he supports judicial accountability, but remains unconvinced that the bill will accomplish anything. Justice Monica Márquez has also complained about the bill as written.

Supporters of the bill want an oversight commission that is independent from the court system. Presently, those tasked with judicial oversight are other members of the judiciary.  

Colorado Oil And Gas Reminds Residents To Watch Out For Underground Gas Lines

Colorado Natural gas companies are reminding Coloradans to watch out for gas pipelines when digging in their garden during National Safe Digging Month. 

The Director of Operations, Darrin Chism, at Colorado Natural Gas or CNG, said that this time of year is when people begin outdoor DIY projects and reminds residents to check pipe locations on their property.

If you are planning to dig, you can call 811 two working days before you plan to dig so your utility marks can be recorded, and professional locaters will then visit the site to mark underground utilities for free. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download