Park County Bulletin Colorado Links & Resources to Government and the Region

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ARCHIVED APRIL ~ JUNE 2007
(Archived date is not publication date)

Archived June 2007
BAILEY DAY 2007 - Come spend a summer day in Bailey - Saturday June 30th

IMMIGRATION SWEEP SPURS COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS - Horr said federal agents were transporting the arrested aliens to a parking lot near the Sheriff’s Office and holding them there for transport to the Park County jail without ever contacting local authorities. (Bob Berwyn, Summit Daily News, June 26, 2007)

NORTH-WEST FIRE RECEIVES GRANT FOR NEW TURNOUT GEAR - It is the most important equipment a firefighter needs when responding to major emergencies. (June 22, 2007)

USFS SEEKS INPUT ON WOODLAND PARK FUELS TREATMENT - The project area encompasses approximately 150 acres and uses primarily large equipment capable of grinding dead standing and live standing trees. (June 20, 2007)

DOW CAUTIONS: BE BEAR AWARE -

Every year bears go into campgrounds because food is often available around tents, camp trailers and in dumpsters. Problems result when bears and humans come into close contact. (June 19, 2007)

CORONER: SEMI DRIVER DIED OF HEART ATTACK - The driver of a semi-truck that crashed into an empty building in Conifer earlier this month died of a heart attack, authorities said Tuesday. (cbs4denver.com, June 20, 2007)

A SPORT THAT TAKES A BIG BULL BY THE HORNS Take Micky Downare, in town from Hartsel and a highly ranked pro bareback bronco rider. Downare played football growing up, but his true love is rodeo (Jeff Caspersen, Post Independent, June 19, 2007)

MILLIONS OF CALLS HANDLED ON CDOT 511 TRAVEL LINE - 511 allows callers to quickly access current information about Colorado road and weather conditions, highway closures and detours, planned construction or maintenance activities, chain restrictions and Amber Alerts (missing or abducted children). (June 18, 2007)

SNOW FOILED THE RAILROAD OVER BOREAS PASS - A railroad cut on Boreas pass created passage for The Denver, South Park and Pacific narrow gauge railroads to connect the bustling gold rush towns of Breckenridge and Como. (Julia Connors, Summit Daily News, June 13, 2007)

NW FIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STAND DOWN - "We are looking forward to participating in the Stand Down," said Chief Mike Roll. "This will be our second year participating and it helps our firefighters keep safety as a primary thought in all our operations." (June 13, 2007)

FRIENDS WILL CELEBRATE LIFE OF RICHARD GRUMET - On Saturday, June 16th a community potluck gathering of friends and family is being held in honor and celebration of his life. (June 13, 2007)

FORMER OFFICER ACCUSED OF KILLING TEENS DURING CHASE APPEARS IN COURT - When the crash involving Strawmatt happened, he was out on bond for a case in Park County where he led sheriff's officials on a high speed chase and allegedly assaulted Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener. (Jeffrey Wolf, 9News.com, June 11, 2007)

SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE CAMPAIGN - “This summer, CDOT will have over 100 construction cone zones on Colorado highways and interstates, not including maintenance work zones,” said CDOT Executive Director Russell George. (June 9, 2007)

COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN JEFFCO - Mark Paschall's last big investment as Jefferson County treasurer hardly qualifies as a final act of public service. Any technical violation pales in comparison to the fact that a county official estimates brokers Adam Alves and Jerry Manning made at least $100,000 in the deal. Alves and Manning seem to be Paschall's favorites. (Jim Spencer, Denver Post, June 8, 2007)

RECORD NUMBER OF SEAT BELT TICKETS ISSUED - A record number of seat belt tickets were written by Colorado law enforcement during the two-week Click It or Ticket campaign.. (June 7, 2007)

EXPERTS SAY IT COULD BE A BAD MOSQUITO YEAR - In one area of Lochbuie, where a test will typically uncover 100 mosquitoes, Stilwell said they recently found 1,000. (Alan Gionet, cbs4denver.com, June 4, 2007)

Guffey School Looking for Preschool Group Leader

RESCUERS USE TEDDY BEARS TO TRAIN - On Saturday, The Colorado State Animal Response Team (SART) prepared for wildfire season in Park County. The group's motto is "Any disaster. Any animal. Anywhere." (Cheryl Preheim, 9News.com, June 2, 2007)

FDA SAYS AVOID TOOTHPASTE MADE IN CHINA Concerns of Poisonous Ingredient

PLATTE CANYON GRADUATION TO HONOR SLAIN CLASSMATE - Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener will be the commencement speaker for the graduation, at which Emily Keyes will be remembered and honored. (James B. Meadow, Rocky Mountain News, June 1, 2007)

COLORADO RETAINS THINNING FUNDING - Pressure on the U.S. Forest Service from the entire Colorado Congressional delegation helped partially restore funding for wildfire fuel reduction and forest thinning in Colorado. (Jason Starr, Mountain Mail, June 1, 2007)

4 ACCUSED OF PLOT TO BLOW UP FACILITIES AT KENNEDY AIRPORT - They said the men had also traveled repeatedly to Guyana and Trinidad in recent months, seeking the blessing and financial backing of an extremist Muslim group based in Trinidad and Tobago called Jamaat al-Muslimeen, which was behind a bloody coup attempt in Trinidad in 1990. (Cara Buckley and William K. Rashbaum, NY Times, June 3, 2007)

FREE FISHING DAYS THIS WEEKEND - Free Fishing weekend in Colorado is an annual event that takes place the first full weekend in June and is sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW). (May 31, 2007)

1 DEAD AFTER MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACE - Master Trooper Ron Watkins said James Sandoval was riding a black 1999 Harley-Davidson and Jerry Duran, 54, of Bailey, was riding an orange 2005 Ironhorse Chopper east on West 6th Avenue where it crosses West Colfax Avenue near Golden.
- Sandoval... lost control of the motorcycle and tipped over. (Ann Schrader, Denver Post, May 30, 2007)

WRECK HALTS TRAFFIC - Travelers faced a three hour loop detour to reach Cañon City using U.S. 285/24 over Trout Creek Pass to Antero Junction, U.S. 24 east to Hartsel then south on Colo. 9 to U.S. 50 west of Cañon City. (Christopher Kolomitz, Mountain Mail Managing Editor, May 29, 2007)

REFILLED RESERVOIR BUOYS HOPES - The owner of South Park Mercantile in Hartsel, Jones saw her live-bait business die off completely in 2002, when nearby Antero Reservoir was drained during the worst of the statewide drought. (Steve Lipsher, Denver Post, May 23, 2007)

INTENSIVE SUMMER-LONG DUI ENFORCEMENT BEGINS MEMORIAL WEEKEND - Local law enforcement agencies across the state and the Colorado State Patrol will be out in force over the weekend as part of the Heat Is On campaign with increased DUI patrols, saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. (May 23, 2007)

Archived May 2007
CLICK IT OR TICKET SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT STARTS MONDAY, MAY 21ST - The Colorado State Patrol and more than 150 police and sheriff's departments in Colorado will join the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization aimed at increasing seat belt use and reducing fatalities. (May 16, 2007)

KATHARINE DEAN "KAY" VAIL December 12, 1924 ~ April 20, 2007 - Kay is one of the people who helped bring positive change to the community in her dedication to education and untiring commitment to volunteer work. (Obituary, May 14, 2007)

ANTERO RESERVOIR TO REOPEN Fishing throughout Park County expected to be top notch this season - The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) and the Denver Water Board (DWB) are announcing the anticipated re-opening of Antero Reservoir. (DOW, May 2, 2007)

Wildlife Alert Sign

NEW SIGNAGE ALERTS RESIDENTS OF BEAR, LION, OR COYOTE ACTIVITY IN THEIR AREA - The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is introducing new signs to the Front Range to alert citizens when bears, lions, or coyotes are active in their community. (April 13, 2007)

WILL-O-WISP HEARING RESCHEDULED

WEATHER WREAKS ROAD HAVOC - A violent thunderstorm opened up on U.S. 285 near Aspen Park at 10:35 a.m., causing four accidents, including three rollovers, within a 10-minute span. (Mike McPhee, Denver Post, May 22, 2007)

VOLUNTEERS HELP RESTORE HISTORIC TRAIL - Over 200 volunteers will help restore the trail to the Pike National Forest Devil’s Head Fire Lookout on June 2nd and 3rd. (May 16, 2007)

TEENS IN FATAL JEFFCO CRASH ATTENDED CONIFER HIGH - The teens were riding northbound in a red, 1998 Jeep Cherokee when it went off the right side of the road, down a steep embankment and plunged into South Elk Creek, according to the Colorado State Patrol. (Annette Espinoza, Denver Post, May 13, 2007)
Related: Two Dead After Jeep Crashes Into Creek (9News.com, 05/11/07)

HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS BUILDS IN HARTSEL
Double Amputee Sgt. Christoper Fesmire Chooses Park County
Hartsel, CO: A severely wounded Marine veteran who loves Colorado and snow sports will get a specially adapted home at 1392 Blacksmith Road southwest of Hartsel. The nonprofit, volunteer organization Homes for our Troops will announce the groundbreaking on Saturday afternoon, May 5. (May 5, 2007)

WOMAN INJURED BY BEAR IN JEFFERSON COUNTY - A 38 year-old woman from Conifer, Colo., was injured at 12:30 AM Monday morning when a bear swatted her outside her home. (DOW, April 30, 2007)

PASCHALL ARRAIGNMENT CONTINUED, AGAIN?? - Former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall remains free on bond from felony theft charges, but the presiding judge seems to think the case is dragging. (Jeff Francis, MileHighNews.com, May 3, 2007)

MOTORCYCLE CHASE REACHES 130 MPH - Just after 8 a.m., a State Trooper and Sergeant began pursuit of a speeding motorcycle, reaching 80 mph southbound through the town of Bailey. (April 29, 2007)

"CALL BEFORE YOU DIG" TO LAUNCH CENTRAL CALL SYSTEM - This quick and efficient one-call service will notify the appropriate utilities which then send locators to the requested site to mark underground lines for free. (April 16, 2007)

NO INJURIES IN MOBILE HOME FIRE - Flames were visible from the fire station as crews rolled the first engine out. Due to the size of the fire, Hartsel Fire and Jefferson-Como Fire were immediately called to provide mutual aid.. (April 27, 2007)

POWER'S OUT, BUT ANGER BURNS BRIGHT
Some Foothills residents have been in the dark since Tuesday's storm. - The Alderetes are among an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 Intermountain Rural Electric Association customers who remain without power in homes from Sedalia to Pine. (Claire Martin, Denver Post, April 27, 2007)

HONORING VICTIMS - “I am so proud to live in Colorado,” [District Attorney] Chilson said. “We are pioneers in the victims’ rights movement, enacting legislation that enables the criminal justice system to view things with the victims’ input.” (Debbie Bell, Cañon City Daily Record, April 26, 2007)

GUFFEY COMMUNITY CENTER TO GET "FACE LIFT" - The Guffey community is responsible for raising $900 in order to successfully satisfy the grant requirements of the project. (April 19. 2007)

FIREBALL STREAKS OVER WESTERN COLORADO - Cloudbait Observatory in Guffey tracks the path of a fireball visible to many in Colorado on Friday night. (April 22, 2007)

COLORADO DOW LOOKING FOR WILDLIFE MANAGERS - The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking dedicated professionals for the District Wildlife Manager position, and we are offering special hiring incentives. (DOW, April 18, 2007)

STRAWMATT’S BLOOD-ALCOHOL WAS 0.29 - Patrick Strawmatt, 42, who is being held in the Mesa County Jail on a $1 million bond in connection with the March 22 incident, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.29, according to Park County court records. “That’s really drunk,” said Sheriff Fred Wegener of the Park County Sheriff’s Department. (Amy Hamilton, The Daily Sentinel, April 17, 2007)
Related Stories: (see below)

EX-OFFICER FORMALLY CHARGED IN CRASH DEATHS - He allegedly eluded Park County law enforcement officers in a chase Feb. 15 that ended with Strawmatt ramming the patrol car of Sheriff Fred Wegener and punching him in the jaw.
(Ellen Miller, Rocky Mountain News, April 04, 07)
Related Stories:
Driver In Double Fatality Faces Trial In Separate DUI Incident (04/17/07)
Deputy Da Tried In Vain To Keep Motorist In Jail (03/24/07)
Sheriff Hit In Second Chase Of Week (02/19/07)

Archived April 2007

MARGARET PERRY [FANNING], DAUGHTER OF ANTOINETTE, DIES AT COLORADO RANCH - Margaret Frueauff Fanning, who acted on the New York stage and in Hollywood under the name Margaret Perry, died Sunday, April 8 at her home on a wilderness ranch in Hartsel, Colo., playbill.com reported. The daughter of Tony Awards namesake Antoinette Perry was 94. (Denver Post, April 9, 2007)

EARLY WARMUP BRINGS BLACK BEARS OUT - The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has begun receiving statewide reports of black bear sightings. (DOW, April 9, 2007)

NOTICE: WILL-O-WISP 1041 PERMIT HEARING POSTPONED - The latest hearing originally scheduled for April 11, 2007 has been continued by the applicant..

MRHI SEEKS INPUT ON MOSQUITO RANGE AREA TRAILS - MRHI has received a Colorado State Parks Grant to create a comprehensive trails plan to identify, locate, evaluate and prioritize trails in the Mosquito Range. (April 7, 2007)

HOSPITAL NEAR WOODLAND PARK COULD BE A DRAW FOR TELLER - Many would-be homebuyers now are considering living in the area, from Woodland Park to the more rural Lake George and Guffey... (Debbie Kelley, The Gazette, April 7, 2007)

EMILY'S INSPIRATION - ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES - FoxLight Special in Honor of Emily Keyes - Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 19 others die waiting for a donated organ. (Fox 31, Apr 4, 2007)

TANCREDO MAKES IT OFFICIAL, WILL RUN FOR WHITE HOUSE - He's in... Rep. Tom Tancredo took to the airwaves in Iowa this morning to officially join the Republican race for the White House. (M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News, April 2, 2007)

MOUNTED SHOOTING AT THE DENVER HORSE EXPO - What could be more fun than dressing up in costume, riding fast horses, and shooting guns? Well, that is what the team of mounted shooters from the M lazy C Ranch located at Lake George, Colorado, got to do at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. (Tony Bruguiere, Greeley Tribune, March 30, 2007)

RAMPART RANGE FACES EXTENDED CLOSURE - The Pike National Forest’s South Platte Ranger District is extending their seasonal winter closure of the Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area... until mid or late April. (USFS, March 29, 2007)

U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO PLANT SEEDLINGS ON PIKE NAT'L FOREST - Nearly 140,000 seedlings will leave cold storage and begin growing in Douglas County on the Pike National Forest in early April. (USFS, March 19, 2007)