Headlines — February 08, 2023

February 08, 2023

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Biden Delivers State of the Union Address, Urges Unity and Economic Progress

In his State of the Union address, President Biden reassured the nation and called on Congress to work together to finish rebuilding the economy and uniting the country. He highlighted job creation and bipartisanship in infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing projects. He also acknowledged the country’s challenges, such as economic uncertainty and growing tensions with China. 

The president emphasized the importance of cooperation and unity to make progress. The speech was delivered in a highly partisan atmosphere, with Republicans shouting criticism and Democrats applauding the president. The president will embark on a 20-state tour with members of his Cabinet to highlight economic progress in his first two years in office. 

Colorado Department of Human Services Launches $1.15 Million Project to Benefit Sexual Violence Survivors and Organizations

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has launched a Sexual Violence Services Project with $1.15 million dollars in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funds. The project, managed by the Domestic Violence Program (DVP), will increase access to community-based crisis intervention and healing services for sexual violence survivors, including counseling, advocacy, and support. The project began on February 1, 2023, and Coloradans can find local resources and support by visiting the website or calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Neighbors Sue to Stop Modular Home Factory on Boulder Valley School District Property

David Hsu, and Harald Cassidy are suing the Boulder City Council, the city of Boulder, and the Boulder Valley School District to stop the construction of a modular home factory on a nearby school district property. The factory is being built as part of a Boulder annexation agreement. The lawsuit claims manufacturing isn’t allowed under the “public” zoning for the property. The lawsuit cites previous construction on the property as an example of the potential impacts on the area, including noise and traffic disruptions. The city and school district have agreed to limit the factory’s operating hours to no more than five days a week, and the city will work with an acoustic engineer to measure potential noise impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. The city will also implement noise reduction recommendations and check in on operations in one year, with neighborhood outreach included. 

Shooting at Lafayette Gardens Mobile Home Park Prompts Police Search for Armed Suspect

Boulder County crews responded to a shooting incident at Lafayette Gardens mobile home park Tuesday afternoon. Lafayette police launched a search for a suspect described as a bald, light-skinned Hispanic man in either a white or gray sweatshirt. Schools in the area were placed on secure status just before pick up time but were given the all-clear later. Shelter in place orders were also sent out via the emergency alert system – including over the KGNU airwaves. As of deadline this morning, Police lifted those orders around 4pm without a suspect in custody. 

Barbara Hamlington and Dietrich Hoefner Were Sworn in as New Louisville City Council Members

The City of Louisville swore in two new council members last night. Barbara Hamlington and Dietrich Hoefner are now filling the Ward 3 vacancies until November’s elections. 

Hamlington is a senior director of medical affairs and has lived in Louisville for more than six years, while Hoefner is an attorney and has lived in Louisville for six years, serving on the planning commission since 2018. Their seats became available after former Mayor Ashley Stolzmann moved to her current position as a Boulder County Commissioner and resigned last month and Councilmember Kyle Brown was named to fill a vacated seat in the state legislature. 

Boulder Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Stealing Pandemic Relief Funds

Boulder man in his 40s has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for wire fraud and ordered to pay more than half a million dollars in restitution after he was found guilty of taking money from pandemic relief funds. 

FBI investigators say Russell Bryant Lester falsely obtained funds from the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan and made false statements to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect pandemic unemployment benefits. Prosecutors stated that Lester used some of the loan proceeds on non-eligible expenses and even extended high-interest loans to others.

City of Boulder Accepting Applications for Youth Opportunities Internship Program

Boulder City is inviting high school students from the city to apply for its Youth Opportunities Internship Program or YOP. The program promotes youth engagement and leadership and provides opportunities for students to gain experience in city government. Applications are open until filled for students entering their junior or senior years in fall 2023. 

Internship opportunities include positions like Equity Ambassador Team Intern, Homeless Services Intern, and Park Planning and Design Intern. The six-week paid summer internship will require students to work 20 hours a week from June through July 2023. Interns will also attend career readiness sessions hosted by YOP staff to develop their professional skills.

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