|
|
Press Releases
|
|
Colorado Springs, CO, Friday, May 11, 2012 – El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark, who represents District 3, is spearheading an exploratory discussion regarding the placement of a potential conservation easement over areas in Bear Creek Regional Park on Tuesday, May 22.
The purpose of the conservation easement would provide assurance that a portion or the entire park be preserved long-term, as the easement would require the area to remain as open space or park property in perpetuity. El Paso County is working with the Palmer Land Trust regarding the proposed conservation easement.
The Palmer Land Trust is a non-profit organization and a leader in land conservation in southeastern Colorado and currently has protected over 70,000 acres.
Interested residents are invited to attend a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, at the Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road, to discuss the conservation easement program. The meeting will include information on the conservation easement process, estimated expenses, fundraising opportunities and potential next steps.
For further information, please contact Tim Wolken, Director, Community Services Department, at 520-6981 or timwolken@elpasoco.com.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, May 16, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking community-minded citizen volunteers to serve on the CSU Extension Advisory Committee. Applications for the open positions are due by June 15, 2012.
A 4-H representative, a Food and Nutrition representative (knowledge in food safety and nutrition), two Family and Consumer Science representatives (experience/knowledge of nutrition and family relations), and a Horticultural representative are needed on the Committee.
The CSU Extension Advisory Committee promotes, advocates, and supports the county Cooperative Extension programs and staff by developing and implementing a strong marketing strategy that results in educating community officials and providing information flow between county citizens and Cooperative Extension. It consists of 12 members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for three-year terms: two each representing Youth Development (4-H), Family and Consumer Science, Agriculture, Horticulture/Natural Resources, general community concerns, and Nutrition Education Programs.
The volunteer application is located at www.elpasoco.com and can be accessed by clicking on the “Volunteer Boards” link. Applicants are asked to reference the board and position they wish to represent and include a mailing address and daytime phone number. Send completed applications and letter of interest and/or résumés to:
Board of County Commissioners
Attn: Frances St. Germain, County Administration Manager
200 South Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Applications may also be faxed to 719-520-6397 or emailed to webmaster@elpasoco.com. For further information call 719-520-6436.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Tuesday May 15, 2012 – Today, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners recognized May 2012 as National Foster Care Month. Currently there are about 355 children in foster care in El Paso County and 217 children in kinship care. Some are there for a day or two and some stays last for several years. “While we strive to keep children with their own families but it is not always possible and we are extremely grateful for the foster families in El Paso County,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark who serves as the Liaison Commissioner to the Department of Human Services Advisory Commission (DHS). “All children deserve and benefit from enduring, positive relationships with caring adults, especially when their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential well-being,” said Commissioner Dennis Hisey, who sponsored the Board’s resolution.
El Paso County partners with nine Child Placement Agencies who find families for the children and do the case work. “Thank you for your privatization model,” Ross Wright, Executive Director of the Child Placement Agency Hope and Home told the Commissioners. “This has allowed us to be able to serve all of the families we do.” Farrah Frye, a foster parent through Hope and Home, took in 4 teenagers just 24 hours after completing all the necessary steps for approval to serve as a foster parent. “We strive to make our house a home for them. While they are in our home we will love them as if they are ours and it has been a privilege to see them grow and to serve them,” Frye explained.
There are approximately 200 foster homes in El Paso County and there is always a need for more, especially for foster parents who are willing to take in sibling groups. For more information on foster care in El Paso County and to connect with one of the local Child Placement Agencies go to http://dhs.elpasoco.com/Pages/CPA-Adopt.aspx
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Phone: 444-5533 Cell: 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
May 14, 2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – Voter Information Cards (VIC) are being mailed today to all registered unaffiliated voters for the 2012 Primary Election. Voters who are not affiliated with apolitical party must select a party in order to receive a mail ballot for the 2012 Primary Election. Voters who wish to affiliate withone of the three major parties conducting a Primary Election have three ways tochange their party affiliation: - Go online to www.GoVoteColorado.com (requires a valid Colorado Driver’s License or ID).
- Return the completed VIC to the Clerk & Recorder’s Office by mail, fax or email.
Fax: (719) 520-7327 Email: elections@elpasoco.com Mail:Election Department P O Box 2007 Colorado Springs, CO 80901 3.Come into one of the four Clerk & Recorder’s Office locations. The El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Offices are located at: ·Citizens Service Center (West) 1675W. Garden of the Gods Rd.
Second Floor ·Centennial Hall (Downtown) 200S. Cascade Ave. (Cascade and Vermijo)
Lower Level ·Union Town Center (North) 8830N. Union Blvd. (Union Blvd. and Research Parkway) ·Powers (East) 5650 Industrial Place (Airport and Powers) Unaffiliated voters have until June 19, 2012 to declare a party affiliation via online, mail, fax or email. After June 19, 2012 they will be required to appear in person at any one of the Clerk’s four offices. “Our office wants to ensure that every eligible elector is provided the opportunity to cast a ballot in thisyear’s Primary Election. Primary Elections are a very important part of theselection process for an elected office. Many of the races in El Paso Countywill be decided by the Primary Election, as many of the candidates do not facean opponent in the General Election,” said Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams. For additional information, contact Alissa VanderVeen at 719-351-9626 or by email at alissavanderveen@elpasoco.com ### *Attached is a sample of the 2012 Unaffiliated VoterInformation Card  
May 11, 2012 – ColoradoSprings, CO – Today the Clerk & Recorder’s Election Departmentmailed 1,350 Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA)ballots for the June 26, 2012 Primary Election. By law the ballots must be inthe mail no later than the 45th day before the Primary Election.These ballots are the first ballots to be mailed in preparation for this year’sJune Primary Election. In addition to receiving ballots bymail, military and overseas voters also can select to receive their ballots byemail, online transmission, or fax. Online transmission was introduced in 2010and allows military and overseas voters to receive an online encrypted link totheir ballot. They are able to print their ballot and additional necessaryreturn materials. They then can vote and return their ballot by mail to theClerk & Recorder. This system has improved the voter’s ability to quicklyaccess and receive a ballot, which increases their level of participation inthe election process. In 2010, the law was changed toallow county clerks to mail ballots early to military and overseas citizens toallow them additional time to receive and return their ballots. Overseasmilitary and citizens also are allowed an additional eight days after theelection for the clerk’s office to receive their ballot. Their ballot must bepostmarked by Election Day but can be received up to eight days after theelection and still be counted. These are the only ballots that a postmark iscounted as valid. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com. ### *Picturesof the election staff inserting ballots are attached   
May 11,2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Clerk & Recorder’s Office is pleasedto announce the remodel of the upper level of its Southeast Branch MotorVehicle Office. The remodel was completed two and a half weeks before scheduleand just in time for the busy summer season.The newly remodeled upper level features three Driver’s License counters (anincrease from two counters) and a spacious waiting area, providing a 50%increase in capacity. Customers now havea more comfortable waiting area, and the length of wait times for service shouldbe decreased. A portion of the upper leveloffice also will be used as an Early Voting site for this year’s GeneralElection. This new expanded space will provide a better environment andcapacity for the expected high turnout in this year’s Presidential GeneralElection. Before being renovated, theSoutheast Branch had a small, two-counter Driver’s License area with a limitedwaiting room. There were separateconference rooms and offices which were dismantled for the expansion. The reconfiguration of the SoutheastBranch also will allow the Clerk’s Office the flexibility to add more customerservice counters on the upper level in the future. This will help address customer needs withincreased motor vehicle registration and title service. With the expansion ofDriver’s License counters at the Southeast and North Branch offices the totalnumber of counters has increased from six to nine. The Southeast Motor Vehicle BranchOffice is located at 5650 Industrial Place, at the intersection of Powers andAirport. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.For information on Motor Vehicle services, visit http://car.elpasoco.com/motorvehicle . For informationcontact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com ##  
*Pictures of the upper levelbefore and after the remodel are attached
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing Child Care Providers Appreciation Day in El Paso County.
Brought to the Board by Commissioner Peggy Littleton, the resolution comes in support of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and other organizations nationwide which will recognize Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on May 11, 2012. “While parents are the first, and most important influence on children’s lives, many families have needs which require the assistance of high-quality child care providers,” said Commissioner Peggy Littleton. “Children are our future and early childhood experiences and early childhood education, both in and out of the home, are critical factors in developing the future leaders of this great community and our nation and they deserve the highest quality of care in their daily lives.”
Almost 13 million children under the age of six in America are in some form of part-time child care, with an additional 24 million school-age children in some form of care outside of school. It is this contribution from care givers in El Paso County which the resolution seeks to recognize.
Deana Hunt, executive director of Child Care Connections, shared with the Board the particular challenges and aims of the caregiver community. “Today’s child care providers really are some of the world’s unsung heroes. The profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country, and research shows that early childhood development is one of the most crucial times in a child’s life.”
According to Hunt, there are over 620 licensed child care programs in El Paso County, with around 60% of the county’s 45,000 children under the age of five in some form of out-of-home care.
“You don’t do it for the money. You don’t do it because you need a job,” remarked Commissioner Dennis Hisey, “It really is a calling.”
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Phone: 444-5533 Cell: 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at about 4:50 p.m., a citizen called 911 to report a hiker had collapsed on the Manitou Incline. The caller immediately began life saving efforts. Emergency crews from Manitou Springs Police, Fire, and El Paso County Search and Rescue responded and took over life saving efforts. Rescuers were unable to revive the hiker, and a she was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Wednesday, May 9, 2012 the El Paso County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the hiker was 58 year old Vanessa McMichaels of Colorado Springs. The Coroner determined Ms. McMichaels died of a cardiac related incident and that her death was natural. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has closed the investigation into this case.
In 2011, in El Paso County $45.3 million dollars were collected in child support payments. El Paso County collected more than any other county in the state for the fifth year in a row. Denver was the next closest at $41.7 million. Also in 2011, a Military Grant provided ground-breaking cooperation with the four military installations in El Paso County by starting informational Child Support Services sessions with Post command, the installations’ attorneys, social services organizations and first sergeants as well as allowing for a weekly presence on Fort Carson and a monthly presence on Schriever and the Air Force Academy. In January of 2011, a customer service unit was established and in its first year employees answered more than 85,000 calls.
El Paso County is one of only two counties in the state that contracts out their Child Support Services. El Paso County has done so for more than a decade. “By contracting out child support services we are able to provide better services at a lower cost to the tax payer and receive a better return on investment,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark the Liaison Commissioner to the Department of Human Services Advisory Commission. “This is really about the families that depend on these dollars to feed and clothe their children.”
In January of 2011, Young Williams, PC (YW) began delivering Child Support Services in to El Paso County. The company provides full child support enforcement services, to include the establishment of paternity, establishment and mandated review of payment orders, collection of child support payments and referral of supporting services to either parent. Additionally, YW performs diligent search efforts for child welfare and adult protection family members and potential caregivers as necessary.
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Office: (719) 444-5533
Cell: (719) 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
Women in El Paso County are helping less fortunate women in our community prepare for employment interviews and maintain jobs once employed in a one day event called Women Helping Women. The women receiving assistance are either transitioning off economic assistance from the Department of Human Services or have recently joined the workforce. The event is organized by the El Paso County Republican Women, Goodwill Industries and the Department of Human Services. “We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful event,” said Jo Mitchell from the El Paso County Republican Women. “It is an honor to be able to help set women in our own community on a path for success.”
Make-up artists and hair stylists will be on hand to make sure the women look and feel their best. Through donations from community organizations, each woman is able to select from an array of gently used professional clothing for their new or current job prospects. Miss Colorado, Diana Dreman will give a short talk to the women about how to prepare for interviews and the workforce. A number of prospective employers, ready to hire, will be at the event as well as community partners who will educate women on various resources and provide tips on making a positive impression to employers. Goodwill Industries is even donating a brand new computer as a door prize. “Women Helping Women is a unique program helping women in our community achieve self-sufficiency,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark, who also serves as liaison to the Department of Human Services Advisory Commission. “Presenting a professional appearance is key to finding employment and we are extremely thankful for the community organizations that partner with the Department of Human Services to make this event possible.”
The media is invited to attend Women Helping Women on Friday, May 11th from 8am to 12pm at the Citizens Service Center in rooms 1019 and 1020 on the 1st floor at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road. Women receiving help will be on hand to talk about their experiences of looking for employment in this economy.
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Office: (719) 444-5533
Cell: (719) 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
May 4, 2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – Today Judge David A. Gilbert overturned County Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams’ decision to cancel the primaries for the Democrat and American Constitution Parties. The judge’s ruling was based simply on the language of the statute pertaining to cancelling primary elections. The outcome, however, may be absurd.
“This was a very unfortunate decision. We had planned to save the citizens of El Paso County over $68,000 by cancelling these primaries. It’s disappointing that the Judge did not see things the same way,” said Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams.
“We are grateful to the court for giving us a decision in such a timely manner. This allows us to move forward without delaying any of our processes. We are disappointed that the court erred on the side of conducting a primary for no reason other than simply to allow candidates to have name recognition. We now will go back to focusing and preparing for the Cherokee Metro District Recall Election and the Primary Election,” said Williams.
The Cherokee Metro District Recall Election will be May 22, 2012 and Primary Election will be conducted on June 26, 2012.
For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com.
###
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa is pleased to announce that Manitou Springs High School senior Garrett Luellen is this year’s recipient of the County Sheriff’s of Colorado (CSOC) scholarship award for El Paso County. Garrett is planning to study chemical engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.
CSOC, Colorado’s state sheriff’s association, offered a total of 32 awards of $500 each this year to deserving high school and college students in Colorado to fund higher-level educational expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year.
A citizens’ committee selected the winner for each county. Committees made their selections based upon criteria established by CSOC, including leadership, merit, character, involvement, purpose and need. Applicants were required to be full-time, legal Colorado residents who planned to attend a Colorado university, college, or trade school.
This is the 33rd year for the CSOS scholarship program. Monies for the program are derived, in part, from the CSOS honorary membership fund, which consists of contributions form individual citizens and businesses each year.
####
MR 12-034
El Paso County, May 7, 2012 – District 1 El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn will host a Town Hall meeting at the Black Forest Community Center on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. to Noon.
The meeting will give residents updated information and an opportunity to get answers to their questions on a variety of current topics including:
-A presentation on District 1 Transportation and Infrastructure projects from County Engineer Andre Brackin
-A presentation on Oil and Gas Exploration and related activity in El Paso County from Development Services Project Manager Craig Dossey
-A review of 2012 Primary Election Dates and format as well as likely General Election Ballot Questions and elected offices within Commissioner District 1 which are on the ballot
-An overview of regional economic conditions including employment trends, sales tax collections and other data impacting the County Budget
Commissioner Glenn’s Town Hall will begin with time for special presentations from the Black Forest Transportation Committee and the Black Forest Area citizens group working to establish the Log School Park. The meeting will conclude with questions and answers and general discussion.
The Black Forest Community Center is located at 12530 Black Forest Road. All residents are invited to come and participate in the Town Hall discussion.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, May 3, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed Friday, May 11, as Dave Csintyan Day in El Paso County. Since 2008 Csintyan has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and is credited with boosting chamber membership, putting the organization on sound financial footing and providing exemplary leadership through the recently completed merger of the Chamber and EDC.
Csintyan joined the staff of the Chamber in 2002. Prior to joining the Chamber, he served 28 years in the Air Force and was the Air Base Wing Commander at the United States Air Force Academy from 1994 to 1996.
Reading the Resolution into the record Board Chair Amy Lathen noted, “Dave Csintyan victoriously led the Chamber of Commerce through a period of financial upheaval to a place of financial stability, resulting in the Chamber becoming a truly effective voice for business within the entire Pikes Peak region.” She went on to say, “It is such a privilege to sit here and give you the honor you deserve after all the work you have done in this community.”
“I am both duly embarrassed and honored,” an emotional Csintyan told Commissioners. He went on to thank his Chamber staff, board members and community leaders for their support and credit his colleagues for the organization’s success.“I’ve been the direct beneficiary of living the model; just hire people that are smarter than you, Csintyan told Commissioners. “You’ve got the gist of the blessings. I’m all about people.”
Csintyan also credited values learned from his military career. “Those of you that know the Chamber, and know it well, know its value system, which is perfectly aligned with the military,” Csintyan said. “Service. Excellence. Integrity. That’s why we come to work. When we have that kind of foundation in what we do, it makes it easy to move the needle.” At the conclusion of his remarks, Csintyan received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
Each of the Commissioners expressed appreciation for Csintyan’s contributions in strengthening the economy of the entire region with Chair Amy Lathen closing out the public comment, “You have been one of my key instructors. You are a broker of communication, a broker of talents, you’re able to see talents within individuals and bring them together in a way that benefits so many more people. You are really a broker of success.”
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
May 3, 2012 – ColoradoSprings, CO – The suit filed against El Paso County Clerk &Recorder Wayne Williams by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will be heardin the Fourth Judicial District on Friday, May 4, 2:00 p.m. The hearing is inDivision 7, Courtroom W460, at the County Courthouse downtown. The Secretary of State filed suiton Tuesday, May 1, after Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams cancelled two political parties’ primaryelections last Friday. El Paso County’s Democratic and American ConstitutionParties’ Primaries were cancelled since there were no contested races on thoseparties’ ballots. The primaries were cancelled for the purpose of saving moneyfor the taxpayers of El Paso County, which is estimated at over $60,000. Due tothis savings, the Clerk & Recorder’s Office planned to purchase Ballot onDemand Printers to improve the Early Voting process in November. The Secretary of State’s reasoning is that if any party ishaving a primary, then all primaries must be conducted. Williams believes thatthe law allows a Clerk to cancel one party’s primary election while stillconducting another party’s primary. Inthe canceled Democratic primary, there was no candidate running for the office in11 of the 17 races. In every other race, there is only one candidate running.Cancelling a primary election does not change the outcome of the races; thosecandidates still will be placed on the November General Election ballot. Previously, clerks were required to conduct the primaryelection even if none of the races were contested. In 2009 the law was changedto allow clerks to cancel uncontested primary races. In 2010 since there werecontested races at the top of the ticket for both major political parties, theprimaries were not able to be cancelled. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com. ###
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, May 03, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners recognized the National Day of Prayer with a resolution at its regular scheduled meeting. 2012 marks the 61st annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, signed into law by Harry S. Truman in 1952. In 1988, Ronald Reagan reconfirmed the National Day of Prayer and designated its annual observance on the first Thursday in May.
Commissioner Peggy Littleton shared a page of American history which recalls Thomas Jefferson drafting a resolution for prayer and fasting in 1774. “Prayer is not something new, it is a tradition in our country and it is certainly within our rights constitutionally.” She then read the resolution into the record, “We as a Nation have been blessed with great prosperity and an unprecedented period of economic stability, for which we owe a debt of gratitude, and we must remain humble and reconcile ourselves with God and with one another.”
Karen Johnson of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said, “One of the seven centers of power that we pray for is government. To be able to have that partnership here today. It’s as if we’ve come full circle from where our founding fathers sat so many years ago.”
Fort Carson Chaplain Keith Goode shared his thoughts with Commissioners, “This is not something unique. We pray for a reason. We pray as a people who understand we are a nation blessed of God. We are a people who have been uniquely blessed. I believe we are blessed because we are a people who recognize authority of God in our lives. I am thankful to live in a community that recognizes that.”
“This resolution is something I look forward to each year,” Chair Amy Lathen said. “It is a great blessing, for me, to live in a community that embraces the freedom of religion.” She then re-read from the Resolution a quotation by Thomas Jefferson. “Can the liberties of a nation be sure when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of a people that these liberties are a gift from God.”
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa is pleased to announce the graduation ceremony of four inmates who have successfully completed the IN2WORK program at the Criminal Justice Center.
The sentenced inmates are participants in the Reintegration and Recovery program. The IN2WORK program is a partnership with Aramark, the food service provider for the Criminal Justice Center, that offers offenders an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of working in a food service environment and provides them skills and experience that can assist them post release as they reenter the workforce. The six month long, multi-faceted program consists of coursework, on the job training and homework which must be completed at the end of each work day. The participants must complete all course requirements and strictly adhere to the Inmate Code of Conduct. This program is an opportunity for offenders to learn discipline, increase self-esteem and develop new skills that will contribute to their ability to successfully re-enter the workforce and ideally reduce the probability of recidivism. Successful participants are awarded ARAMARK and ServSafe Certifications upon program completion and passing scores on all exams.
The graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 4, 2012, at 12:00, in the Officer Dining Room at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center, 2739 East Las Vegas Street. Lunch will be prepared and served by the program participants. The menu includes roast beef au jus, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, spring salad mix, and carrot cake. Members of the media are invited to attend. Please contact Lieutenant John Brandt at 719-390-2102 with any questions about attending.
####
MR 12-033
May 1, 2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – On Friday, April 27, El Paso County Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams cancelled two political parties’ primary elections since there were no contested races on those parties’ ballots. The primaries were cancelled for the purpose of saving money for the taxpayers of El Paso County. “By cancelling these unnecessary primaries we will be saving the taxpayers and citizens of El Paso County over $60,000. This is a huge saving, and with those funds we were planning to purchase Ballot on Demand Printers to improve our Early Voting process this November, which is a direct benefit to our citizens,” said Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams. “We want to spend the resources for the election that matters—not on uncontested races where there is no decision to be made,” said Williams.
After Clerk & Recorder Williams cancelled El Paso County’s Democratic and American Constitution Parties’ Primaries, the Secretary of State filed suit on Tuesday against Williams. The Secretary of State’s reasoning is that if any party is having a primary, then all primaries must be conducted. Williams believes that the law allows a Clerk to cancel one party’s primary election while still conducting another party’s primary. In April of 2012, 2 of the 5 municipalities in El Paso County conducted no election under similar circumstances. In November of 2011, 6 of 17 El Paso County School Districts did not appear on the Coordinated Election ballot because there were no more candidates than offices.
In the canceled Democratic primary, there was no candidate running for the office in 11 of the 17 races. In every other race, there is only one candidate running. Cancelling a primary election does not change the outcome of the races; those candidates still will be placed on the November General Election ballot.
Previously, clerks were required to conduct the primary election even if none of the races were contested. In 2009 the law was changed to allow clerks to cancel uncontested primary races. In 2010 since there were contested races at the top of the ticket for both major political parties, the primaries were not able to be cancelled.
For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com.
###
Colorado Springs, CO, Wednesday, May 02, 2012 – El Paso County Commissioners Amy Lathen, Chair, and Sallie Clark, Vice Chair, hosted delegates from Romania and Croatia on Monday, April 23, in the auditorium in Centennial Hall. The visit of the eight representatives was sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, which facilitates international exchanges of young leaders (25 to 40 years old) in order for them to experience the political and cultural dynamics of other countries.
Among the group were: Catalina Sorin Ivan, member of the European Parliament; Darija Jurica, department head in the Croatian Ministry of Finance; Miljenko Pivac, food industry board member; Andrea Vodanovic, member of the Croatian Democratic Union party; Alin Bratu, newspaper editor; Tajana Broz, an expert in gender equality; Dragos Coman, director overseeing economics; Lavinia Corina Cosma, public relations executive.
The Commissioners led a discussion with the group, explaining how local, state and federal government entities work together. A major focus was placed on how counties are mandated to provide services by state and federal government and the interaction between city councils and county commissioners at the local level.
Commissioner Lathen said, “It was very enjoyable to meet with Young Political Leaders and media members from Romania and Croatia as they study our customs and processes. They were very intrigued by how much influence The People have in our form of government – very intrigued by the fact that the voters control our government in so many ways. I told them that is one of the most important and special characteristics of our form of government and that we fight hard to defend it.”
“The delegates from Croatia and Romania asked impressive questions related to the operations of different levels of government in Colorado,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark. “Several of the delegates were members of city councils, so were familiar with local issues, although the upper levels of government are not elected directly from the people, but from their political parties. There was much discussion and interest in our taxing structure and the ways in which we fund county services. There were a few philosophical and administrative differences, but it was evident that no matter what country you live in, basic services like transportation and public safety remain constant.”
The ACYPL program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of State and the El Pomar Foundation.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Tuesday, May 01, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners honored two local Boy Scouts, Tristan Sauer and Preston Martinez, who both earned the rank of Eagle Scout by completing Eagle Scout Service Projects which benefit the residents of El Paso County. Since its introduction in 1911, more than two million Boy Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Eagle Scout is the highest ranking in Boy Scouting. To earn the rank, Sauer and Martinez completed requirements which included; earning 21 merit badges, serving six months in a troop leadership positions and performing an Eagle Scout Service Project.
Tristan Sauer’s Eagle Scout Service Project was the building of dog training and outdoor play area for the National Mill Dog Rescue Center in Peyton. He constructed railroad tie boundary and containment areas, removed old gravel and dirt, installed weed control lining and replaced gravel to provide training and play areas for the dogs. Sauer told the Commissioners, “Many of these are puppy mill dogs that have been kept in cages their whole lives and this will give them a place to run and play and just act like dogs.”
Preston Martinez completed his project by installing trail markers along the Rock Island Regional Trail. He created and installed a wooden marker every quarter mile of the nine mile trail that extends between Falcon and Peyton. The markers include mileage on both sides of the posts as well as a center plate with the exact GPS coordinate for each marker. “This is something I’m really close to because my track team uses the trail and we see more and more people on the trail all the time,” Martinez told the Commissioners.
“What a great accomplishment. What great projects,” Board Chair, Amy Lathen said after reading into the record the resolutions honoring the two Scouts whose projects are located in her Commissioner District 2 which extends from the eastside of Colorado Springs to eastern plains.
Commissioner Peggy Littleton noted, “As a mother of an Eagle Scout, I know you owe your mom a lot. Moms and dads, thanks for all you do to support your Eagle Scouts.”
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
May 01, 2012 – ColoradoSprings, CO – The Colorado State Driver’s License system is nowoperational, following ---- days of technical problems that had disabled thesystem throughout the state. The four Motor Vehicle branches ofthe El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Office are fully functioning forDriver’s License renewals. Customers mayvisit any of the locations to renew Driver’s Licenses and are encouraged toutilize the Main Office at Citizens Service Center, where there is less of a “wait” time for service. All other Motor Vehicle services,including registrations and titling, etc. were not affected by the State systemdifficulties. The Clerk & Recorder’s Office appreciates the patience ofcustomers while the State system was unavailable. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com ###
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the 2012 citizens’ survey. This survey will allow citizens to provide feedback to the Sheriff’s Office about the overall performance of deputies on a daily basis.
“I am looking forward to hearing what our citizens have to say about their Sheriff’s Office” said El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa. “We have always been open to hearing from our residents, and this survey gives them the opportunity to provide feedback and help guide the direction of the Office.”
The survey consists of 18 questions that cover topics such as response times, staffing, interaction with Office members, as well as solicits feedback for ways to help further enhance the services provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Citizens can access the survey at the Sheriff’s Office website at http://shr.elpasoco.com/ and clicking on the “2012 Citizens’ Survey” box on the left side of the screen.
The first installation will be atthe North Branch on Thursday, May 3, 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. During thistime, the North Branch will be unable to process Driver’s License renewals for customers.Customer service for Driver’s License will expand from two to three counters,once this new equipment is added. The North Branch is located at 8830 N. Union(Union and Research Parkway). The second installation will be at theDowntown Branch on Friday, May 4, 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. During this time,the Downtown Branch will be unable to process Driver’s License renewals for customers.The Downtown Branch is located at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade. This installation does not affectother Motor Vehicle transactions such as titles and registration renewals. Forexpress service customers are encouraged to visit the Clerk & Recorder’sMain Office at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com.
###
El Paso County, CO, May 1, 2012 – The El Paso County Services Department, Environmental Division, hosted four hazardous waste collection and recycling events during the month of April in recognition of Earth Month and National County Government Month, themed “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families”. The County partnered with Pikes Peak Earth Day, Honeywell, Inc., University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities and Blue Star Recyclers to make this year’s clean up and recycling events successful.
“These events increase awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. As a responsible community leader El Paso County is honored to be a part of these programs,” said Kathy Andrew, Environmental Division Manager. “Earth Day has now become Earth Month in El Paso County, and participation in these events was exceptional in 2012.”
These events served more than a thousand residents and the El Paso County Environmental Division recycled or safely disposed of huge amounts of waste materials that would otherwise fill our landfills and could potentially pollute our ground water. Materials collected during Earth Month activities include:
Paint 6,243 gallons
Toxic liquids 1 x 55 gallon drum
Toxic solids 69 pounds
Batteries – dry cell 314 pounds
Batteries – lead acid 29
Aerosols 1 x 55-gallon drum
Propane cylinders 52
Fluorescent lamps 209
Acids / Bases 17 gallons
Antifreeze 60 gallons
Motor oil 246 gallons
Electronics 1,128 pounds
Explosives 12.5 pounds
Medications 2 gallons
Sharps 2 gallons
Tires 824
Toilets – Porcelain 23
Recyclables 2 tons of glass, plastic, paper, etc
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
April 30, 2012 – ColoradoSprings, CO – The Colorado Department of Revenue is experiencingtechnical difficulties with the Driver’s License system, making it unavailablethroughout the state. All four branches of the El Paso County Clerk &Recorder’s Office cannot process Driver’s License renewals. The State office is workingdiligently to resolve the problem but there is no estimated timeframe when theDriver’s License system will be restored.The Clerk & Recorder’s Office anticipates that the Driver’s Licensesystem may be unavailable through Tuesday, May 1. People may renew theirDriver’s License online by visiting: www.colorado.gov/renewplates. All other motor vehicleservices including vehicle registration, titling, etc. are available at theCounty Motor Vehicle branch offices. The Clerk & Recorder’sOffice extends an apology for any inconvenience that this issue causescustomers. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com ###
Clerk & Recorder CancelsSome Parties’ Primaries April 27, 2012 – ColoradoSprings, CO – At5:01 p.m. today El Paso County Clerk & Recorder Wayne Williams cancelleduncontested primaries for the Democrat and American Constitution politicalparties. Since these primaries had no contested races at any level (state, congressional,local races) the state law allows the Clerk & Recorder to cancel theprimaries as a cost saving measure for counties (C.R.S. §1-4-104.5). “We have been discussing this matter with the members of theparties since January preparing them for the likelihood that should there be nocontested races the Clerk’s office would be canceling parties’ primaries,” saidClerk & Recorder Wayne Williams. The candidates from these races will be receiving acertificate of nomination and they will automatically be placed on the November2012 General Election ballot. The Clerk & Recorder’s Office has mailed eachof these candidates a Certificate of Nomination for the General Election. “We worked together with the parties to agree that shouldthere be political parties with entire ballots that were uncontested or nocandidates for an office, we would cancel those primaries. This is a good thingfor the citizens of El Paso County; by not conducting these unnecessaryelections we saved over $60,000,” said Clerk & Recorder Williams. For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com. ###
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, April 26, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring May 4 to 12, Periodo de Conmemoración Hispaña (Period of Hispanic Commemoration) in honor of El Cinco de Mayo. The event recognizes a historic battle in Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862 during which Mexico defeated the Imperialist French Army and eventually triumphed over foreign domination.
Vice Chair Sallie Clark read the resolution into the record, “El Cinco de Mayo has become a day of celebration for Hispanic citizens in Colorado, commemorating their history, heritage and solidarity with all oppressed people of the word.”
Carmen Abeyta and Lindsay Schaefer, co chairs of the 29th annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration Banquet and Dance told Commissioners that the celebration has grown steadily over the years to include more participants, more events and more sponsors than ever before.
Abeyta said the banquet begins at 5:30 on Friday, May 4, at the Double Tree by Hilton and costs $80. The dance begins at 9 p.m. and cost $10 for those who did not buy a banquet ticket.
The Fiesta and Car Show is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at Acacia Park.
More information, including sponsorship opportunities and reservations can be made on the website, www.elcincodemayo.org
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, April 26, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners approved a contract for a Civil and Traffic Engineering Planning and Design Study of West Colorado Avenue and Manitou Avenue, commonly referred to as No Man’s Land and the Westside Gateway. The $300,000 study is being paid for through the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“This is an historic moment for this long time forgotten and neglected portion of West Colorado Avenue that is now shining in the spotlight and taking center stage,” said Vice Chair Sallie Clark, who represents the District 3 area which encompasses the study area. “The commitment from the neighborhood, the merchants, elected officials and the many entities that have come to the table, provides for a comprehensive redevelopment plan which will address necessary road, drainage and accessibility issues while spurring on future economic vitality.”
The study will examine the needed roadway improvements and identify solutions to traffic flow, pedestrian access, utilities placement, drainage and other infrastructure problems along West Colorado Avenue between 31st Street and Manitou Springs. Portions of Colorado Avenue in this area fall under four different jurisdictions; El Paso County, Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Before accepting the contract, Commissioners heard a presentation from the selected study team led by Felsburg Holt & Ullevig during their April 26 meeting at Centennial Hall.
Bob Felsburg, president of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, said. “This is a very important project for the communities. It’s a very challenging project in a very interesting corridor. We see this project as an opportunity to create a link between two very distinct and vibrant historic districts.”
Welling Clark, president of Organization of Westside Neighbors said, “We all stand ready to help with due process and public outreach. If I had to sum this up in one word, it’s finally. This assessment is needed to move forward. Whatever we can do to help, let us know.”
“Amen to that,” exclaimed Bonnie Lapora, Grandview Neighborhood watch captain. “I think it’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to be able to walk to Manitou Springs.
The proposed 10-month study will include a comprehensive public involvement process including open house meetings, email information updates and a project website. The study is expected to run from June 2012 through January 2013. A project website will be launched in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in receiving information and updates on the study, contact Lisa Bachman P.R. Group at 488-5908 or by e-mail at lisa@lisabachmanpr.com.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is reinforcing Policy 709, Release of Information to the Media, regarding media interaction. Based on a growing pattern of abuse from reporters seeking information from our dispatch center and not following proper protocols and procedures, our dispatch center will no longer answer questions from the media. If members of the media have inquires regarding events occurring in unincorporated El Paso County, they are to contact the Public Information Officer directly. The avenue by which information is provided to media representatives is clearly stated in our policy. The intent of this release is to ensure the policy is followed so as to ensure accurate information is provided to the media and ultimately the public. There is no reference in our policy pertaining to dispatch as a point of contact for the release of information to the media.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Communication Center (dispatch) is designed to take emergency calls for a variety of events. Call takers or emergency service dispatchers have a lot of responsibilities which are directly related to public safety and the security of our community. When they receive calls not related to an emergency situation, it is a distraction and disruption which is not necessary and interferes with the mission of our dispatch center. It is imperative we reiterate information will come from the PIO and ensure the critical role of a dispatcher is not dismissed. This function should be respected for the safety of the community as a whole.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedure Manual is available on our website under the header "General Information." Attached is a link specifically to Policy 709 for reference and to address any further question on how information is disseminated to the media.
Policy 709 - http://bit.ly/Ik1RKs
####
MR 12-031
The community gathered at the El Paso County Family Visitation Center to celebrate the facility’s 20th Anniversary. The Family Visitation Center provides children in foster care and their families with a home-like setting for regular, supervised visits. The home has quiet rooms for reading, a kitchen for family meals and a fenced playground. “We are so proud of the work our staff has accomplished at the Family Visitation Center over the last two decades offering families in crisis a safe and comfortable environment to spend quality time with their children,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark who serves as the Liaison Commissioner to the El Paso County Department of Human Services Advisory Commission.
The staff at the Family Visitation Center works 6 days a week, including evening hours, to provide as many opportunities for families to utilize the facility as possible. “As a caseworker I use the Family Visitation Center constantly for supervised visits with my families,” said caseworker Kris Stienke. “Because the center is a home it helps me see how families are getting along in a more natural environment and it helps the children and parents to feel comfortable when they are together and participating in activities that are similar to what they do in their own homes. It is a much more enriching experience for everyone involved.”
In 2011, the staff members at the Family Visitation Center provided an average of 638 hours of supervised visits per month serving an average of 125 families and 209 children per month. In addition, people who do not work at the Family Visitation Center but use the facility provided 242 average hours of supervised visitation per month. Also, The Supervised Exchange and Parenting Time Program through CASA used the facility on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Office: (719) 444-5533
Cell: (719) 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, April 25, 2012 – The Board of El Paso County Board Commissioners has approved a resolution recognizing May 5-13 as Travel and Tourism Week in the County.
“Having been in the travel and tourism business for 26 years, I’m pleased to be able to present this resolution.” Board Vice Chair Sallie Clark, said before reading the resolution into the minutes. “Travel matters to the nation’s economic prosperity and its image abroad…Travel to the Pikes Peak region provides an economic impact of $1.193 billion by way of 5.5 million visitors, generating 13,000 jobs and saving the average family $320 in taxes annually.”
Doug Price, CEO of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, told Commissioners, “We’re off to a good start. Through February, visits at the Pioneers Museum are up 150 percent for the first two month of the year.” He said the CSCVB staff is currently working on an information project that will help individuals with disabilities locate area attractions with access for wheel chairs.
In regard to Travel and Tourism Week, Price said, “We appreciate you recognizing this. Thank you for this proclamation.” He also thanked Commissioner Clark, for her contributions to travel and tourism in El Paso County. “Because of the lead you gave our staff, the Large Urban County Caucus will be held here at the end of May. It will be about a $60,000 economic impact to our region.”
For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week,
http://www.ustravel.org/marketing/national-travel-and-tourism-week
The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) will host a Fort Carson Community Partnership Town Hall on Thursday, April 26, 2012. Representatives from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Fort Carson, PPACG and the community will provide information on Fort Carson activities and deployments, as well as the regional response to Fort Carson growth, including resources to help connect service providers with Soldiers, veterans, and family members. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of General Joseph Anderson, Colonel Robert McLaughlin and Commissioner Sallie Clark during the main presentation as well as chat informally with Fort Carson leadership and other community officials during a social hour.
“This is an opportunity for members of our community to connect with leaders at Fort Carson and in El Paso County about how the decisions they are making will affect all of us,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark, who serves as Chair of the PPACG Board of Directors. JD Dallager from Pikes Peak United Way will also be on hand to give an update on the Network of Care for Service Members, Veterans & their Families; a website that provides easy access to information and resources in the Pikes Peak region and beyond.
Please contact PPACG (swhite@ppacg.org) to preregister for this free event.
When: Thursday, April 26
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Registration/check-in begins at 2:00 p.m.)
Where: Centennial Hall
200 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540, Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
The media is invited to the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the El Paso County Family Visitation Center today, Tuesday April 24th from 11am-1pm. The Family Visitation Center provides children in foster care and their families with a home-like setting for regular, supervised visits. The home has quiet rooms for reading, a kitchen for family meals and a fenced playground. “We are so proud of the work our staff has accomplished at the Family Visitation Center over the last two decades offering families in crisis a safe and comfortable environment to spend quality time with their children,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark who serves as the Liaison Commissioner to the El Paso County Department of Human Services Advisory Commission.
The staff at the Family Visitation Center works 6 days a week, including evening hours, to provide as many opportunities for families to utilize the facility as possible. In 2011, the staff members at the Family Visitation Center provided an average of 638 hours of supervised visits per month serving an average of 125 families and 209 children per month. In addition, people who do not work at the Family Visitation Center but use the facility provided 242 average hours of supervised visitation per month. Also, The Supervised Exchange and Parenting Time Program through CASA used the facility on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
The media is encouraged to attend and take a tour of the facility.
Family Visitation Center 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: Tuesday April 24th 11am-1pm
Where: 701 E. Boulder, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Office: (719) 444-5533
Cell: (719) 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
April 20, 2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – Monday is the last day to register to vote for the Cherokee MetropolitanDistrict Recall Election. Voters who reside in the Cherokee MetropolitanDistrict have three ways to update their information or register to vote priorto the Monday Voter Registration Cut-Off: 1. Register to vote online atwww.GoVoteColorado.com 2. Register in person at anyof the four Clerk & Recorder’s Office locations: ·North Branch Office—Union Town Center—8830 N. Union Blvd.(Research Parkway and Union Blvd.) ·West Main Office—Citizens Service Center—1675 W. Garden ofthe Gods Road, Second floor, Suite 2202 ·Downtown Branch —Centennial Hall—200 S. Cascade Ave, lowerlevel (Cascade Ave. and Vermijo) ·East Branch—Powers—5650 Industrial Place (Powers andAirport) 3. Download a Colorado VoterRegistration form from the website www.GoVoteColorado.comand submit to the Clerk & Recorder’s Office by mail (must be postmarked byApril 23, 2012), fax, or scan and return it by email (must be received by theElection Department by 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2012). Contacting the Election Department: Fax: (719) 520-7327 Email: elections@elpasoco.com Mail: Election Department PO Box 2007 ColoradoSprings, CO 80901 The Cherokee Metropolitan District’s Recall Election isTuesday, May 22, 2012 the election will be a polling place election. For moreinformation regarding the recall election visit our webpage at http://car.elpasoco.com/Election/Pages/CherokeeMetropolitanDistrictRecallElection. For informationcontact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com ###
Colorado Springs, CO, Friday, April 20, 2012 – To celebrate Earth Day, 110 volunteers will lend a hand on Saturday, April 21, in Black Forest Regional Park, making several much-needed trail improvements. The statewide nonprofit, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), is coordinating the effort, in partnership with El Paso County.
The El Paso County Park is a popular destination for hikers, equestrians, bikers and picnickers. Over the years, visitors have created a series of user-created social trails that cause erosion, disturb wildlife, and create unsafe conditions. Saturday’s project will focus on closing down and seeding social trails, as well as building a new loop trail. The effort is part of the County’s Black Forest Regional Park Master Plan, which outlines more than 14 miles of trail improvements throughout the park.
“We’re very excited about this unique opportunity to engage the community and promote stewardship of our regional parks. It’s great to be partnering with VOC to help people get involved and help care for this treasured local resource,” said Jason Meyer, Park Planner, El Paso County Community Services Department.
When: Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Black Forest Regional Park, 4800 Shoup Rd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80108
Volunteer Information: Volunteers must pre-register in order to plan for tools and meals. Register at www.voc.org or call 303-715-1010.
Since a majority of the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will not be available on Tuesday, April 24th the meeting for that day is cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the BoCC will be Thursday, April 26th, 2012 starting at 9am at Centennial Hall, located at 200 S. Cascade.
All regularly scheduled meetings of the BoCC can be seen live online at www.elpasoco.com and are rebroadcast the following evening at 9pm on Comcast 17, the Pikes Peak Library District Channel.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, April 19, 2012 – The El Paso County Local Government Designee for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Diana May, will be giving a presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, in Room 1017 at the Citizens Service Center, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road.
May will talk about her role and duties as the LGD for El Paso County. She will also share the status of the Intergovernmental Agreement pertaining to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office regarding El Paso County Board Resolution No. 12-69 pertaining to water quality.
Elected County Officials and staff will be at the meeting, as well as, representatives from the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Hilcorp Energy and Ultra Oil and Gas.
“As the LGD, I want to be approachable and responsive to the citizens of El Paso County, county and state government and representatives of the oil and gas industry,” May said.
The County revealed a new page on its website today to help provide information on oil and gas.
“The oil and gas website will provide the citizens of El Paso County an opportunity to be informed about oil and gas in our County and within the state,” May said. “The purpose of the website is to provide a transparency to El Paso County residents about the status of oil and gas within our community.
A link to the oil and gas page can be found on the home page of www.elpasoco.com in the orange bar at the top of the page.
Colorado Springs, Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012 – At the 2012 Arts Business Education Consortium Awards, El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark was honored with the 2012 Community Support for Arts Education Award for her hand in developing the U. S. Honor Flag Art Project, which took place in September of 2011. El Paso County brought the project to the community in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, School District 11, the Pioneers Museum, the Colorado Springs Airport and the U.S. Honor Flag Network.
The U.S. Honor Flag flew above the rubble of the Twin Towers following the attacks of September 11, 2001. It has watched over memorial services for more than 1,000 fallen soldiers, firefighters and police officers, and has been a source of inspiration for active duty military personnel over battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and served as the centerpiece of the County’s 150th Anniversary celebration.
The El Paso County U.S. Honor Flag Artwork project engaged student artists in spreading the spirit of the U.S. Honor Flag and enhancing awareness of the County’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. District 11 students created original artwork depicting their concepts of “freedom,” understanding of the American flag and appreciation of the symbolism represented by the U.S. Honor Flag. Selections were then chosen for display at the Colorado Springs Airport for the ceremonial arrival of the U.S. Honor Flag.
“I’m honored to receive this important Arts, Business and Education award on behalf of El Paso County and the team of people and organizations involved with the U.S. Honor Flag, the Sesquicentennial celebration and significance of our American flag with School District 11’s artwork contribution,” said Commissioner Sallie Clark, who along with representatives from the various community partners accepted the award today. “It’s also very exciting that the children’s artistic drawings and essays representing ‘What freedom means to me’, have been selected to accompany the U.S. Honor Flag as it travels around the country and abroad, to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I’m so appreciative of the collaborative efforts with El Paso County and our Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Springs Airport, the Pioneer’s Museum and especially School District 11, which have important significance to patriotism in our community and our nation,” Clark added.
This year’s ABE Awards, held at the Antler’s Hotel, marked the 33rd year of the luncheon, and was hosted by Dave Csintyan of The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and EDC. The program included a keynote address from Charlie Baughman, Senior Site Manager of Progressive Insurance, and honored several local figures for their contributions in the field of Arts Education.
-30-
April 17, 2012 [4:05 p.m.]
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will hold its Ninth Annual Teen Academy the week of June 4-8, 2012. Classes will run from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day at the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy at 2747 East Las Vegas Street.
The Teen Academy provides young adults with a unique opportunity to learn about the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and its operations through classroom and hands-on experience. Some of the exciting courses will include Jail Operations, Patrol, SWAT, K9, and Criminal Investigations. All courses are instructed by personnel currently assigned to the respective units at the Sheriff’s Office. Attendees will also tour secure locations within the Jail, the Sheriff’s Office Evidence Facility and criminal courtrooms at the Terry R. Harris Judicial Complex downtown Colorado Springs.
Applicants must be between the ages of 14-17 by June 4, 2012 to be eligible for the Teen Academy. Applicants must also be residents of El Paso County and currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a school in El Paso County.
For further information, or to request an application, contact Sergeant Kevin Acre at 520-7349. Completed applications must be received by Monday, May 2, 2012, at 5:00 P.M. Class size is limited to 40 students. Due to the popularity of the Teen Academy, priority will be given to those who will be attending for the first time.
####
MR 12-028
Colorado Springs, CO, Tuesday, April 17, 2012 – El Paso County is a partner in Project FEVER- Fostering Electric Vehicle Expansion in the Rockies. The objective of this project is to create a community based electric vehicle infrastructure readiness plan and implement activities in anticipation of larger electric vehicle deployment efforts in the future.
El Paso County is one of about 90 government and industry stakeholders in Colorado participating in Project Fostering Electric Vehicle Expansion in the Rockies. The purpose of the partnership is to examine the electric car industry as it relates to local and regional policies, regulatory issues, permitting, zoning, planning and the education aspects of the advancement of EVs in Colorado.
“We’re part of a large group that’s come together to discuss and formulate coherent ideas and standards on the use of electric vehicles (EV) and electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE),” said Max Kirschbaum, Operations Manager for El Paso County Public Services.
“We want to make sure we are informed and in tune with the ongoing developments in the electric vehicle industry. The County doesn’t have any plans yet to include EVs in our fleet. But we want to be ready and have the information we need to make the correct choices if the County pursues EVs in the future. We’re also learning about charging stations and how the other partners are adding those to parking garages and other facilities.”
The Electric Ride is the public education and outreach portion of this program. This interactive website is a portal of information that will help drivers get ready, get set, and go with electric vehicles as we work towards an electrified transportation future.
For more information log on to www.ElectricRideColorado.com
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Tuesday, April 17, 2012 – Jay Miller of the Pikes Peak Arts Council and artist Carol Hightower presented the El Paso County Board of Commissioners with a Kimono Art Panel as part of the 2012 Community Art Initiative.
The panel, shaped like a kimono, was filled with flowers created by the art form known as paper quilling. The kimono panels were chosen to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Sister Cities Celebration and are also a fund raiser for the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum. Colorado Springs is a Sister City with Fujiyoshida, Japan. The Fire Festival 50th anniversary event is August 4 to 11.
Artists who want to create a panel and those who wish to financially sponsor a panel should contact the Pikes Peak Arts Council at ppac@pikespeakartscouncil.org or call 475-2465. June 1 is the deadline for art work.
Photo attached.
Jay Miller, left, Commissioners and Carol Hightower and her husband, Bill.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, Monday, April 16, 2012 – El Paso County is hosting a public meeting on the extension of the Capital Program for the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade.
This is a work-session style meeting with El Paso County elected officials and staff in which the public is encouraged to give its input. Elected officials from the City of Colorado Springs have been invited to attend to discuss the region’s potential road projects paid for by the PPRTA. The PPRTA board of directors has asked the County and City administrations for a list of road projects that could be part of a ballot measure in November’s elections.
El Paso County’s currently recommended “A” list has about 20 road projects estimated to cost $80 million.
County Engineer Andre Brackin said, “We’re hoping to get final direction on the County’s list from this meeting before it is submitted it to the PPRTA.”
The PPRTA was approved in November 2004 by voters to collect a one-percent sales tax to fund transportation and transit improvements. Fifty-five percent of the money is used for a voter approved list of capital projects. Funding for the new lists the County and City are working on will have to be approved by the voters.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
April 15, 2012 – Colorado Springs, CO – This past weekend both major political parties held their state assemblies to select delegates for the national conventions. The election process is not over in Colorado. The next step for voters is to participate in the June 26 Primary Election.
Last year legislation was passed to change Colorado's Primary Election from August to June. This will be the first June Primary Election under the new law. Also, another first for El Paso County is that this Primary Election will be conducted as an all mail ballot election. Unlike past primaries that were polling place elections, voters will have to cast their ballot by mailing it or by dropping it off at one of the designated drop-off locations.
The El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Election Department will be notifying all voters who are unaffiliated that they must declare an affiliation in order to receive a mail ballot for the June 26 Primary Election. Voter Information Cards (VIC) will be mailed mid May.
Voters who currently are affiliated with a political party and wish to change parties have until May 25 to change their affiliation to another political party.
If a voter wishes to verify their voter record and check their affiliation they may do so by going to www.GoVoteColorado.com. Voters can change their affiliation at www.GoVoteColorado.com or by completing a Voter Registration form and returning it to the El Paso County Election Department, PO Box 2007, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. Voter Registration forms are available on the Clerk & Recorder's web page http://car.elpasoco.com/elections or at any of the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder's offices.
For information contact Alissa Vander Veen at 719-351-9626 or AlissaVanderVeen@elpasoco.com.
Colorado Springs, CO, Monday, April 16, 2012, – On Saturday, April 21, the Manitou Environmental Citizens' Action (MECA), El Paso County Parks and volunteers will again be working together to bring Rainbow Falls back to its original splendor and encourage more families and citizens to enjoy this historic and beautiful area. The annual spring clean-up takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Earth Day.
Clean-up activities include painting over graffiti on the bridge and picking up trash along the trails, roadway, and in the water. Participants are encouraged to wear hiking boots, work gloves and bring along a water bottle. Refreshments will be supplied. Registration is at Serpentine Drive entrance.
Over the past three years, El Paso County, MECA and a dozen other organizations and hundreds of community volunteers, have been making improvements to this area, which is now an El Paso County Park. Picnic tables and trash cans have been installed, graffiti has been sandblasted off the rocks, the size of the parking lot has been increased, and trails have been built, including the restoration of an overlook trail with railings. Future improvements include a kiosk built by Concrete Couch, and restriping of the roadway leading to the overlook for a bike lane.
Rainbow Falls, located just west of Manitou Springs off Serpentine drive, is on the old Ute Pass Stagecoach route and was historically a recreation destination. After years of neglect and abuse by vandals, the property was deeded to El Paso County. Families and citizens are encouraged to participate and utilize this park and picnic area.
“Through increased family recreation and utilization, as well as citizen and police patrols, Rainbow Falls is no longer a haven for graffiti vandals," said L’Aura Montgomery Williams, founder of MECA. “We are sending a message that Rainbow Falls is now a park to be enjoyed, not a place to be destroyed.”
• WHO: The El Paso County Parks and volunteers from the Manitou Environmental Citizens’ Action
• WHAT: Annual Spring Clean-Up
• WHERE: Rainbow Falls at Serpentine Drive, West of Manitou Springs, CO
• WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2012 beginning at 9 a.m.
Colorado Springs, CO, Friday, April 13, 2012 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking community-minded citizen volunteers to serve as associate members on the Planning Commission. Applications for the open positions are due by May 4.
The Planning Commission reviews planning petitions and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use requests, and prepares a master plan for unincorporated areas of the county. The Commission consists of nine members and three associate members. Associate members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for one-year terms and may be reappointed for an indefinite number of terms.
The volunteer application is located at www.elpasoco.com and can be accessed by clicking on the “Volunteer Boards” link. Applicants are asked to reference the board and position they wish to represent and include a mailing address and daytime phone number. Send completed applications and letter of interest and/or résumés to:
Board of County Commissioners
Attn: Frances St. Germain, County Administration Manager
200 S. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2208
Applications may also be faxed to 719-520-6397 or emailed to webmaster@elpasoco.com.
For further information call 719-520-6436.
Colorado Springs, CO, Friday, April 13, 2012 –El Paso County Veterans Services is hosting an open house from 12 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, at its new location at 5850 Championship View, Suite D, which is just south of Barnes Road between Powers Boulevard and Tutt.
The El Paso County Veterans Services Office provided assistance to more than 7,000 local veterans and their families in 2010 and that number rose to more than 8,000 in 2011.
Regular Office Hours for El Paso County Veterans Services are: 8 a.m. to 12 Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information contact Veterans Services at (719) 520-7750.
Colorado Springs, April 11, 2012 –El Paso County will celebrate the completed renovations at the Bear Creek Dog Park with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 28. Improvements to the park include restroom facilities, utilities connections to supply year around water for dog fountain and dog wash facilities, paved parking lot, temporary holding kennels, fencing, and critical bank stabilization work along Bear Creek. A grant from Great Outdoors Colorado provided a majority of the funding for the improvements.
The Bear Creek Dog Park was established in 1997 at the request of citizens who wanted a safe place to let their dogs off-leash. It is now the most heavily used facility in the County’s park system with 90,000 visitors bringing their dogs to the park every year. Users and supporters of the Bear Creek Dog Park contribute thousands of volunteer hours and donations each year to help maintain the nearly ¾ mile long primary trail which loops through the 25 acre site as well as several other shorter social trails which provide a variety of terrain.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled at 11 a.m. Parking is available at the Dog Park, 21st Street and Rio Grande with overflow parking available across the street at El Paso County Parks headquarters.
Dogs are welcome.
For more information please contact Dana Nordstrom at 520-6983.
.
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, April 12, 2012 – El Paso County’s Groundwater Quality Study Committee will hold a work session with the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, April 26, immediately following the Board’s regular meeting, at the Centennial Hall Auditorium, 200 South Cascade, in Colorado Springs. Residents in rural El Paso County rely heavily on groundwater from private wells or municipal groundwater supplies, and the study is intended to broaden understanding of water quality issues that affect human health, land development potential and development of future water supplies.
Committee members will share information on the recently-completed proposal and scope of work for Phase 2 of the Groundwater Quality Study, continuing the investigation that started in 2009 of the alluvial aquifer of the Upper Black Squirrel Creek Basin. Committee members will provide information on how the study would benefit the community and will present a multi-year funding proposal and work plan to the Board.
The Groundwater Quality Study Committee was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2009 because of growing concerns about groundwater quality and potential land use impacts. The Committee consists of the County, special districts, the Upper Black Squirrel Creek Groundwater Management District, representatives from development and agricultural communities, nongovernmental organizations and at-large members. This diverse group, representing a broad cross section of the community, has worked collaboratively for several years to complete Phase 1 of the study, an evaluation of existing groundwater quality data (available HERE), and to prepare a scope of work and funding package for Phase 2. Phase 2 would be led by the U. S. Geological Survey in coordination with the Committee and will take several years to complete. Water quality sampling, testing and analysis are proposed.
The public is welcome to attend. For more information on the April 26 work session, contact Community Services Department Planning Manager Elaine Kleckner at 520-6999 or email elainekleckner@elpasoco.com.
Effective April 11, 2012, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Video Visitation Center has had service restored. Please help us to disseminate the following information to the community regarding the restoration of these services and the procedures implemented to resume our previous schedules for inmate visitation.
On Wednesday, April 11, 2012 and Thursday, April 12, 2012, video visitation with inmates will resume under the following guidelines:
· Each inmate will be allowed one 20 minute visit
· Wednesday - inmates with the last name starting with I-M will be offered visitation
· Thursday - inmates with the last name starting with N-R will be offered visitation
· All visits will take place at the video visitation center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
· Beginning April 12, 2012, visits may be pre-scheduled up to two days in advance
Beginning on Friday, April 13, 2012, we will resume our previous video visitation schedule and the details are provided below. A link to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office website is provided for additional information: http://shr.elpasoco.com/Detentions+Bureau/Security+Division/Visitation.htm
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for their patience while this system was being repaired. We strive to maintain customer service and ensure each inmate access to family and friends while incarcerated at our facility. If there are questions regarding video visitation or to schedule a visit, please call 719-390-2373.
####
MR 12-028
Attention All Visitors
The following information will guide you through the process for scheduling visitation and will also provide valuable information on how to access our phone scheduling system.
Our goal is to provide quality service to you, the public, and enable you to schedule a visitation time that is more convenient to your schedule, family and social lifestyles. Your patience and cooperation are always appreciated.
Information
The Visitor Center is located at: 2727 East Las Vegas Street.
All visitors are required to park in the designated visitor parking lot. The main entrance of the visitation center is directly adjacent to the parking lot.
All visits will be conducted over a video visitation system utilizing televised monitors and telephones.
The following information is provided to enable you, the public, to know and understand our rules, regulations and requirements. Should you have any unanswered questions, please call the general information number (719) 390-2000, 24 hours a day for assistance.
Visitation Days and Times
All visitors will be required to schedule their visits two days in advance of the day they wish to visit. Visitation in most wards is determined by the first letter of the last name of the inmate. Inmates whose last names begin with the letters A-L are allowed visits on odd numbered days. Inmates whose names begin with the letters M-Z are allowed visits on even numbered days. Inmates with hyphenated names will be allowed visits based on the first letter of the first part of the name. For example: Inmate Vargas-Garcia would receive visits on even-numbered days because his last name begins with a V.
The alphabetized system does not apply to inmates who are housed in our Progressive/Regressive Classification Wards. These inmates may receive visits on odd or even days but are limited in the number of visits they can have weekly and the time of day at which they are available for visits. More information on wards (A1, A2, A3, C1, C2, D1 and B4) is available in hand out form at the Video Visitation Center.
Visitation Hours:
8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
During the Day Shift, the last visit will start at 1:15 P.M and end at 1:45 P.M. During the Swing Shift, the last visit will start at 8:30 P.M. and end at 9:00 P.M.
Visitor Scheduling:
To complete your visitor scheduling, please complete the following steps:
Call 719-390-2373 to schedule your visitation time. Do not call the general information number to schedule visits. We accept calls between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M and 8:30 P.M.
To schedule your visit, you must call no more or no less than, 2 days in advance of the inmates’ scheduled visitation days as detailed above.
Please Note: On the months that have 31 days, the visitation center will be closed on the 31st. Odd day visitors will need to schedule for the 1st of the following month on the 29th and even day visitors will need to schedule for the 2nd of the following month on the 30th.
When you call to schedule a visit, you must provide the Security Technician with the following information:
· Who you want to visit (please provide the inmate’s complete name and the correct spelling of their name)
· What date and time do you wish to visit? PLEASE NOTE: If the date and time that you are requesting is full, you will be advised to make another selection (time and/or date)
· Provide all the adult visitors’ complete names. You are limited to only three (3) persons per visit. This includes all children under the age of 18 (Others will be required to wait for you outside)
· Provide the number of children or babies that you will be bringing with you to your visit
At times the volume of incoming calls exceeds our available resources. Our staff works quickly and diligently to accommodate the needs of each visitor. If you experience difficulty getting through by phone, please be patient and call back. It is very helpful if you have all the required information immediately available when you are scheduling a visit. Calls to the Video Visitation Center may be recorded to ensure customer service, as well as the continued safety and security of the staff and facility.
Due to the high volume of visitors and our limited number of visiting booths, we cannot allow you to schedule multiple visits for the same inmate. Our goal is to provide all callers with the opportunity to schedule a visit. You can however, schedule multiple visits (No more than 2) for different inmates on the same day, if they are members of your immediate family and if they have the same visitation day. For example: A parent can visit two children on the same day, if they have the same visitation day. Immediate family is defined as parents, children, or siblings.
Video Visitation Center - Rules for Visitation
· No food, gum or beverages allowed in the Visitation Center.
· Only necessary items may be brought into the building. Extra items should be secured in a vehicle or left at home.
· Proper Identification is required to visit. Proper identification must include your full name, a photo and date of birth. If we can not ensure your identity, we will not allow you to visit at our facility.
· Visitors exhibiting loud or disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the facility and forfeit the remainder of their allotted visitation time.
· Adult visitors must control their minor children.
· Visitors will be allowed only one visit per day unless they have two immediate family members (mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter) incarcerated at the same time. Proof of relationship is the responsibility of the visitor.
· Visits will be limited to three (3) visitors to include children.
· Visitors must be 18 years old or older unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Spouses under the age of 18 will be permitted when they provide a form of ID and a marriage license.
· Visits may be scheduled in person or by phone. You may not schedule a visit for friends or family members.
· Late arrivals are only entitled to the balance of their scheduled time up to 15-minutes. If you arrive more than 15-minutes late, you will be asked to reschedule your visit. We will not adjust your scheduled visit time.
· You will be allowed to maintain possession of your cell phone while visiting in our Visitation Center as long as the ringer is muted. If however, the phone becomes a distraction (Used to take pictures, loud conversations, rings repeatedly) you will be asked to leave.
DRESS CODE for the Video Visitation Center is as follows and applies to both male and female visitors:
Visitors to the Video Visitation Center must be properly dressed to ensure the orderly operation of the Visitation Center and the Detention Facility. Pants/Shorts and Dresses/Skirts must be sufficient in size and length to cover the wearer in an appropriate manner. Shirts must cover the stomach, back, chest and shoulders of both male and female visitors. Clothing may not be sheer, see-through or torn in a manner that would allow for viewing of intimate body parts or undergarments. Hats and caps will not be worn while inside the Video Visitation Center. Clothing primarily designed as an undergarment may NOT be worn as an outer garment.
Visitors observed or reported lifting or arranging their clothing in order to expose themselves to their visitor will be asked to leave the Video Visitation Center immediately and may be subject to a ban from future visitation.
Your cooperation in complying with these standards is appreciated and is necessary to help maintain a professional and pleasant environment for everyone using the facility. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office hopes to foster a family friendly environment at the Video Visitation Center.
Today, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 2011, in El Paso County 10 children were killed due to abuse or neglect in El Paso County. Six of those children were under one year old. As a result of those alarming numbers County Commissioner Sallie Clark, who also serves as the liaison to the Department of Human Services Advisory Commission, and District Attorney Dan May started an initiative called Not One More Child with the goal to not have one more child in El Paso County die as a result of abuse or neglect.
The initiative includes more than 80 representatives from law enforcement, military installations, the Department of Human Services, hospitals, the faith-based community and groups like Pikes Peak United Way, CASA, TESSA and Safe Passage. “We are working on more ways our community can support parents,” said Commissioner Clark. “Our main message is that its normal as a parent to be frustrated. If you’re frustrated put your child down in a safe place and take a break or call a friend to vent to or a responsible person to babysit while you take a break. If you need help you can call 1-800-4-A-CHILD for 24 hour parent support.”
“A lot of these deaths and devastating injuries are from unintentional means. They are happening with young parents that are inexperienced with children and never knew it was going to be frustrating to have a child,” said Sally Duncan the Injury Prevention Specialist at Memorial Hospital. “My goal is that every parent who delivers a baby in this county will be educated on how frustrating it is and to have a plan in place to cope with that frustration in advance.”
Also today, a group organized by CASA, the Coalition for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (CPCAN) and partner agencies held a march from CASA to the Commissioner’s meeting to raise awareness and support in the fight against child abuse. “We see the worst of the worst,” said Trudy Strewler Hodges, the Executive Director of CASA. “We wouldn’t mind if in 20 years from now the headline reads CASA is no longer needed.”
On April 19th CPCAN is sponsoring a full day presentation by Dr. Bruce Perry, Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University and Senior Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, who will talk on the Impact of Trauma on Child Development. More than 600 people are signed up to attend. More information is available at www.cpcan.org.
-30-
El Paso County Public Health has released its first Health Indicators Report for El Paso County, providing a comprehensive look at the overall health status of the community.
El Paso County, Colo.—El Paso County’s swimming pools and spas will start having regular inspections again beginning April 1 when El Paso County Public Health reinstates its public swimming pool and spa education and inspection program.
There are an estimated 152 public pool and spa facilities in El Paso County. Proper pool and spa maintenance can help prevent gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases that may be spread through improperly maintained pool water.
Manitou Springs and Fountain are among the first communities in Colorado to pass a tobacco licensing ordinance aimed at reducing underage tobacco use.
Manitou Springs City Council unanimously approved a new city ordinance Tuesday, Nov. 15, that allows stricter enforcement for the illegal sales of tobacco to minors. Fountain’s city council unanimously passed a similar ordinance Oct. 11. Steamboat Springs passed an ordinance in July.
El Paso County, CO— In observance of National Ground Water Awareness Week (March 11 to 17), El Paso County Public Health is reminding well owners that regular water testing and well maintenance are important for several reasons:
• Well testing can alert you to contaminants such as fecal bacteria and nitrates.
• Regular maintenance can prevent costly emergency maintenance and prolong the life of your well and related equipment.
• Maintaining your well helps to protect ground water.
The El Paso County Board of Health (BOH) met this morning to determine an interim Public Health Director and to form a search committee to find a permanent replacement. Kandi Buckland, executive director, is retiring March 9 from El Paso County Public Health after 11 years of service with the agency and a total of 27 years of experience in the public health field.
El Paso County Public Health announced it will close two of its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) centers in Colorado Springs by May 1. Clients and staff of the two locations will relocate to Public Health’s main offices at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road on the second floor of the Citizens Service Center.
The WIC offices that will close include the clinic at 4360 Montebello Drive and the clinic at 1257 Lake Plaza Drive. The southeast clinic at 97 Widefield Blvd. in Widefield will remain open.
El Paso County, CO (January 3, 2012) — In an effort to raise awareness and encourage people to check the radon levels in their homes, El Paso County Public Health has organized a free radon seminar for the public. All homes regardless of construction type, such as slab on grade, basement, or crawl space, or style, such as colonial, raised ranch, or condominium can have elevated radon levels.
El Paso County, CO—El Paso County Public Health has noticed a sharp increase in gastrointestinal illness in the community, particularly over the past 2 weeks. This illness causes stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea and is likely due to an infection caused by ‘norovirus.’ Since Dec. 1, there have been six gastrointestinal outbreaks reported to Public Health in institutional-type settings.
-
New: Protect Your Pets and Family with Rabies Vaccination
-
Rabies on the Rise in El Paso County
-
El Paso County Public Health's 2010 Annual Report (PDF TBD)
-
Health Department Annual Report 2009
Protect Yourself and Your Family from West Nile Virus
Frequently Asked Questions: West Nile Virus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|