Tuesday Governor Polis verbally authorized the activation of over 100 Colorado National Guard members to support extreme cold weather operations across Colorado as the state prepares to face extreme and record-low temperatures and wind.

“Colorado’s National Guard is up to the challenge whether it’s helping distribute the life-saving vaccine or respond to wildfires across our state. Colorado is about to face extreme weather and cold temperatures and the Guard is ready to assist local communities to help keep people safe during this extreme-cold weather snap,” said Governor Polis.

The verbal declaration activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate State actions to assist the affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. This also allows the OEM to mobilize state resources, and make contracts and awards using Emergency Procurement Procedures.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Larimer County is once again at a low community level of COVID-19 infections according to county health officials. The 7-day case rate per 100 thousand residents is 137.7 and the 7-day test positivity rate is 8.9 percent. As of Wednesday, there were 7 COVID-19 positive hospitalizations. There have been 584 deaths in the county attributed to the virus since March 9, 2020. 83% of those deaths happened to those over the age of 65.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for the spring 2023 citizens academy. The academy will start February 21 and run through May 16. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. with one Saturday field day.

The academy is designed to give citizens an overview of the operations of LCSO. Topics and demonstrations scheduled are patrol operations, K9, bomb squad/terrorism, major case investigations, crime scene investigation, wildland firefighting/search and rescue/dive rescue, SWAT and hostage negotiations, dispatch, school resource officers, co-responders, drug task force, jail, and an introduction to the Sheriff and his command staff. The topics are presented by deputies and commanders responsible for each area.

One of the highlights of the academy is field day, during which you will participate in live scenarios. The scenarios include responding to calls involving live shooting with simulated ammunition, making traffic stops, building searches, and processing a mock crime scene.

The academy is limited to 40 students and fills up fast. Visit bit.ly/3v7jo39 for more information and to register. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident or business owner in Larimer County. The fee for the academy is $30 which covers to cost of a student t-shirt, materials, and lunch served at field day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Advance Colorado Action submitted ballot language this month to the Title Board for a “truth in sentencing” ballot measure. This measure would ensure that future violent criminals serve at least 85% of their sentence. It would apply to convictions of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first or second-degree sexual assault, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, or aggravated robbery.

Advance Colorado Action Senior Advisor Michael Fields said. “Most Coloradans have no idea that we let a majority of violent criminals out of jail before they even serve half of their sentence. With a 25-year high in violent crime and the 4th worst recidivism rate in the country, the current policy is putting Coloradans in danger. It’s time to make Colorado safer, and this ballot measure would be an important first step.”

This “truth in sentencing” measure is the first of several ballot issues that will be submitted to the Title Board in the upcoming months.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In 2021 the alarm bells sounded when Colorado hit a 20-year high in traffic fatalities with 672 deaths. Yet the crash fatality picture has not improved for the State in 2022. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation this past weekend Colorado hit 700 deaths and troopers know this number will continue to grow until motorists change their risky behaviors. “Driving is an essential part of most people’s lives and just like many routine behaviors, people begin to ease off the rules and safety guidelines over time. Yet the consequences for reduced focus and declining lawful choices behind the wheel can result in a deadly outcome,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Every driver is accountable for how we choose to drive, are you doing your part?”

Looking at the top fatal and injury crash factors investigated by the Colorado State

Patrol from January through November 2022, the top five include:

1. Lane Violation Crashes
2. Impaired Driving Crashes
3. Driving Distracted Crashes
4. Exceeding Safe/Legal Speed Crashes
5. Failing to Yield the Right of Way Crashes

The weekend (Friday – Sunday) continues to be the most dangerous days on the road with crashes peaking between the hours of 2 – 5 p.m.

“You don’t have to wait until you or someone you love is directly impacted by a violent crash to care about safety on our roadways,” stated Col. Packard. “Be a part of the change. Let’s make sure we do our part to have patience and drive sober on the roads so that we end this year with one less tragedy.”

Troopers continue to take a low tolerance approach to lane violations while launching a yearlong campaign called “Stay in Your Lane.” This campaign is designed to remind people to control their lane position based on their current driving environment. This campaign also aims to bring attention to three of the most common and avoidable behaviors that contribute to lane violations – driving aggressively, driving distracted or driving while impaired.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As part of its continuing effort to provide travel alternatives to some of the state’s premier mountain resorts, the Colorado Department of Transportation is resuming its Snowstang bus service this weekend.

Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 11, Snowstang is providing roundtrip service to the Loveland Ski Area, Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs and, new this season, Copper Mountain. Service to Arapahoe Basin begins Saturday, Dec. 18.

Snowstang will operate on weekends and holidays through mid-April 2022, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. The service will not operate on Christmas Day weekend.

All four routes board at Denver’s Union Station and the Denver Federal Center. Roundtrip tickets for the Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain are $25.00. A roundtrip to Steamboat Springs (Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill) is $40.00. Additional discounts are available for seniors. Children up to 11 years old can ride Snowstang for free all season if they are with an adult paying full fare.

A two for one also is available the next two weekends. Riders can purchase a full-fare adult ticket and get another one for free.

To purchase tickets, visit www.ridebustang.com or download the Bustang® mobile app, JustRide Bustang, for iOS or Android.

“We are excited to get Snowstang back up and running for ski season 2022 and pleased to offer a new option of service to Copper. Now we just need some more snow! So let Snowstang do the driving and enjoy Colorado’s beautiful mountains and world class slopes, with less hassle!” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

“We are thrilled that after a period of disruption due to COVID 19, Snowstang is back up and running with the addition of new service,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Snowstang provides a great option for Coloradans and visitors alike to enjoy winter in the mountains of Colorado without the hassle of mountain driving in winter conditions.”

The service initially launched in December 2019. It was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“Snowstang is a convenient, affordable, and comfortable transportation option for people who want to travel to our resorts and want an alternative to driving,” said CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail Director Amber Blake. “By partnering with each resort, Snowstang Bus Service provides residents and visitors with another way to access all the amenities these outstanding winter destinations have to offer.”

Operated by Ace Express Coaches, LLC of Golden, Snowstang coaches carry 51 passengers, are climate controlled, and have Wi-Fi access, a restroom, USB and power outlets.