Headlines — July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022

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Forecast Rains Prompt Severe Weather Warnings Across Colorado

Thunderstorms are forecast for the Denver Metro area and surrounding counties today. A flash flood watch is in effect for the Cameron Peak, Colwood, East Troublesome, and Williams Fork burn scar areas starting at 11 AM. 

Heavy rainfall is expected to last through the evening in much of the state, including the foothills, mountains, eastern plains, and the I-25 corridor.

Flash Flood Warning Throughout The Front Range

On Wednesday, residents of the front range received flash flood warnings when rainstorms pushed through the area. Afternoon and late night thunderstorms brought more than an inch of rain, with some parts of the front range even seeing two inches of rain. Boulder Office of Emergency Management advises residents to immediately head towards higher ground and avoid driving and walking through flood waters if high levels of water are in their area.

Colorado River Forecast For Remainder Of 2022 Season

The Colorado River Outfitters Association announced families can expect steady waters and fun runs for the rest of the rafting season. These open rivers include Western Slope (Animas), Clear Creek, Poudre River, Taylor River, and Arkansas River. 

The Colorado River is currently increasing inflow due to releases from reservoirs. Forecasts could change depending on rainfall.

Jefferson County Public Schools Has Ratified A Contract To Support Para-Professionals 

Support staff at Jefferson County Public Schools can expect a significant pay increase in 2023. That’s thanks to an agreement ratified this week by the Jefferson County Public School Board of Education. 

The new contract agreement involved months of negotiations and included an increase in starting pay to 18 dollars an hour for support staff and more sick leave and healthier food for students. The school board is committed to providing healthier food for students and better engagement with parents. JESPA represents almost 3,800 educators, secretaries, bus drivers, food workers, and custodians.

Boulder Trader Joe’s Workers Seek Unionization

Employees at the Boulder location of Trader Joe’s are seeking to unionize. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 filed a petition this week to hold an election, making workers at the Boulder Traders Joe’s the first in the state to consider unionization. 

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 is the same union that organized a successful strike at King Soopers locations in the Denver Metro area earlier this year. The union represents more than 17 thousand grocery workers across Colorado and Wyoming.

Eastbound Lanes Of U.S. 6 Reopen In Clear Creek Canyon After Rescue Of Fallen Climber

The eastbound lanes of U.S. 6 from Jefferson County Line to Tunnel 2 were temporarily closed after a rock climber fell and got stuck on a high rock ledge over Clear Creek. Both the West Metro Fire Rescue and the Golden Fire Department worked together to close the lanes and help. The climber was safely rescued and did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, but still had minor ones. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the road was opened back up around 2 PM yesterday.

Colorado’s Oldest Living Holocaust Survivor Died Last Week

 The oldest known holocaust survivor in Colorado passed away in Loveland on Friday. Joe Rubenstein spent five years of his life as a slave in concentration camps, a story that was eventually turned into the novel Auschwitz number 34207: the Joe Rubinstein story. 

He spent the rest of his life as a shoe designer and was said to have always been looking for joy in life. He was 101 years old. 

Thorton Has Found Levels Of Dangerous PFAS In Their Water 

Letters are being sent out to Thorton residents warning them about PFAS chemicals being found in their drinking water. 

PFAS are chemicals that have been linked to diseases like thyroid disease and some cancers. They’re known as forever chemicals and can be found in various day-to-day items like clothing and cookware. 

Thorton’s PFAS levels coming out of their plants are 5.4 parts per trillion. The Environmental Protection Agency has set the acceptable levels for PFAS in drinking water at 70 parts per trillion.

The City has taken steps to combat this by turning off one of its well water sources. For residents, the city recommends purchasing an in-home water filtration system that can get rid of PFAS. The city has also reassured citizens that the drinking water is safe, and meets all federal and state primary drinking standards.

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