|
|
Press Releases
|
|
As residents begin to re-enter evacuation areas affected by the Black Forest Fire, El Paso County Public Health will open a Public Health Convenience Center for residents to get free water testing kits, tetanus vaccination, and public health information.
El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, who represents the Black Forest area, continues to ask residents to form a communications network. More than 80 connections have been made to form this group. He wants to communicate important details about the reentry and rebuilding process. He also wants to be able to hear feedback from residents.
“We’ve had an outstanding effort by the community to engage in this network,” said Commissioner Glenn. “The El Paso County Black Forest Long Recovery Planning Committee will use our normal media channels as well as these organizations and individuals to provide recovery updates and planning information to the public,.
Commissioner Glenn’s goal is to create a database containing the contact information for all Home Owner Associations and neighborhood representatives in the evacuation area.
If residents are living in an area without an established HOA, Glenn is requesting a volunteer to serve as the neighborhood liaison to assist him with providing and receiving assistance information.
If you are the representatives from your HOA or your neighborhood representative please send an email to Commissioner Glenn at darrylglenn@elpasoco.com, no phone calls please. Residents should contact their HOA to confirm someone has contacted him.
Here is a list of HOA’s and neighborhood volunteers Commissioner Glenn has already heard from:
Abert Estates HOA
Armonia Ranch Subdivision
Belveal Drive
Black Forest Animal Sanctuary
Black Forest Chapel
Black Forest Community Church
Black Forest Highlands
Black Forest Reserve HOA
Blue Spruce HOA
Brentwood Drive
Bridle Bit Ranch HOA
Burgess Road
Camelot Subdivision
Cathedral Pines Metro District HOA
Cherry Creek Crossing
Cherry Creek Crossing
Connaught Drive
Creek View Road
Crump Road
Ethel
Falcon Forest
Falcon View
First Baptist Church of Black Forest
Frank Road
Freeman Drive
Gleneagle Civic Association
Glenridge Lane
Goshawk Road HOA
Hawk Ridge HOA
Hardy Road
Hardy and Table Rock Vicinity
Herring Road
High Forest Ranch
High Meadow at Fox Run HOA
High Pines HOA
Holmes Road
Jicarilla Association
Juniper Road
Juniper Drive
Kingswood
Kiowa Creek Sanctuary
Meridian Ranch
Moss Point
Mountain Springs Church West
New Discovery
New Life Church
North Juniper Drive
North Juniper Road
Piedra Vista Street
Pine Cone Acres
Pine Cone Ranch HOA
Pine Glenn HOA
Pine Glenn Drive East
Pine Glenn Drive West
Pinery Circle
Pine View Acres HOA
Ponderosa Spring Pt, BF
Ravin
Red Rock Ranch HOA
Remington Road
Ridge Run Drive
Rifle Ter
Settlers Ranch HOA
Shoup Road
Silver Meadows Property Owners Association
Spirit Lakes Owners Association (SLOA)
Struthers Ranch HOA
Sylvan Meadows Property Owners Association
Terra Ridge Estates HOA
The Gathering
Timber Ridge Estates HOA
Tri-Lakes Chapel
Vessey Cir
Vessey Road
Vollmer Road
Walden HOA
Walsh
White Fir Estates HOA
Wildoak Drive
Wildridge Ranch Estates
Wildwood Village HOA
Wissler Ranch HOA
Woodcrest Drive
Woodlake Property Owners Association
El Paso County has established a Long Range Recovery Planning Committee for Black Forest. The committee will oversee El Paso County's participation in the long range planning of the recovery, restoration and rebuilding efforts within the Black Forest Burn area.
Commissioner Darryl Glenn will chair the committee and Commissioner Amy Lathen will be the co-chair.
“We are now entering a critical planning stage in the recovery process,” Commissioner Glenn said. “The County is committed to establishing a collaborative process with our citizens to assist in the recovery, restoration and rebuilding process within the Black Forest burn area.”
Glenn added, “Information from this group will be disseminated via our normal communications channels and through the recently established HOA/neighborhood communication network.”
The following elected officials or elected offices have allocated a position on the committee:
- US Senators Udall/Bennett's Office
- Congressman Doug Lamborn's Office
- State Senator Kent Lambert
- State House Representative Amy Stephens
- State House Representative Dan Norburg
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office
The following is a preliminary list of community members assigned to the committee
- Edward Bracken
- Donna Arkowski
- Carolyn Brown
- Judy von Ahlefeldt
- Leif Garrison
- Laura Carno
- Sean Perkins
As residents begin to re-enter evacuation areas affected by the Black Forest Fire, El Paso County Public Health will open a Public Health Convenience Center for residents to get free water testing kits, tetanus vaccination, and public health information.
The Public Health Convenience Center will open Thursday, June 20 at The Classical Academy’s East Campus, 12201 Cross Peak View, in Colorado Springs, located just west of the Pikes Peak Community College Rampart Range campus and east of New Life Church. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with hours to be announced based on availability of supplies. Public Health will offer the following services while supplies last:
Water testing kits. Test kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Public Health Convenience Center (PHCC) no later than 1 p.m. or at the El Paso County Public Health Laboratory, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. (second floor) no later than 4 p.m. Return your sample the same day you collect it. Water testing fees will be waived for Black Forest residents who live in evacuated areas.
Vaccine clinics: Free tetanus (TDAP) vaccination or booster (TD) will be provided. Tetanus is a preventable disease that, if contracted, affects the body’s central nervous system. The bacteria that cause tetanus are usually found in soil, dust and manure and enter the body through cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects, such as nails and splinters. During an emergency, tetanus is recommended for impacted residents or first responders who have not had a documented dose within the past five years.
Water wells in areas with no evidence of active burn damage are likely safe. However, Public Health will provide water testing kits and instructions for residents who would like their water tested. The center will be staffed by Public Health professionals and volunteers, with appreciation to The Classical Academy for use of the school building.
“Water testing is not required,” said Public Health Director Jill Law, R.N., M.H.A. “However, for anyone who has concerns about the safety of their water, we are offering basic water testing. We want to provide people with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their water is safe.”
Results are available within 72 hours after receipt of the sample in the lab. Results can be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Those with a positive result will receive a call within 24 hours. For questions, call (719) 578-3199.
The water will be tested for presence of coliform and E.coli bacteria. If these bacteria are present in your drinking water, your risk of contracting a waterborne illness is increased. A positive sample should be considered an indication of possible contamination in your well. If coliform bacteria is detected, chlorination, repairs or modifications of the water system may be required and drinking bottled water is advised.
Water testing instructions and information, as well as tetanus vaccine FAQs are available on El Paso County Public Health’s website: www.elpasocountyhealth.org.
Sheriff Maketa downgraded a new area of Mandatory Evacuation to Pre-Evacuation Status. Beginning immediately, the following roads west of Vollmer Road are now on pre-evacuation status and residents can go home.
• Lakeview Drive
• Ponderosa Road
• Freeman Drive
• Woodcrest Drive
• Cyprus Road
• Ponderosa Springs Point
Residents should access the area from the north off Hodgen Road via Herring Road or Vollmer.
Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or vehicle registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
El Paso County is partnering with HELPCOLORADONOW.ORG to make it easier for volunteers to register and offer their assistance to the residents impacted by the Black Forest Fire.
“We have received an overwhelming outpouring of support from our community,” said El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, who represents the Black Forest area. “People want to help and we want you to know that this is a long term process of recovery and that your assistance will be needed for a long time.”
El Paso County has received more offers of help from volunteers than it can efficiently use right now, but through the partnership with HELPCOLORADONOW.ORG the who want to help will be registered with important contact information as well as skills and schedule availability.
“Together we can make the most of this tremendous outpouring from our community, added Commissioner Glenn.”
Through HELPCOLORADONOW.ORG volunteers can also register to support the ongoing needs for flash flood risk mitigation efforts in the area of last year’s Waldo Canyon Fire. Volunteers are asked to fill out the comment section noting your skills, your availability for scheduling and your willingness to work on flash flooding mitigation with the Coalition For the Upper South Platte.
For the residents who have already sent an email to the County’s bffvolunteer@elpaosco.com to register as a volunteer, their information will be given to HELPCOLORADONOW.ORG. If your information is incomplete, HELPCOLORADONOW.ORG will be contacting you directly.
For more information on El Paso County’s assistance efforts go to www.BFFassistance.com and follow the link to www.helpColoradoNOW.org
The El Paso County Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program Will Reopen on Thursday 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Slash materials being accepted are: tree and bush trimmings, pine cones, and pine needles. NO stumps or roots. The site is located on the east side of Herring Road, just south of Shoup Road. The El Paso County Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program is a wildfire mitigation and defensible space effort sponsored by El Paso County and staffed entirely by Slash and Mulch Committee (SAMCOM) volunteers.
The program is free to El Paso County citizens.
The Slash and Mulch site will resume site operations starting Thursday, June 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 22, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Sheriff Maketa will temporarily open the area west of Black Forest Road and east of Hwy 83 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, to residents only. Residents will only be able to stay for three hours. All residents in this area will be required to leave at 1 p.m. The Sheriff hopes to reopen the area permanently within the next couple of days.
Residents need to enter at one of the following checkpoints:
• West: Shoup Rd. and Tahosa Lane
• South: Black Forest Rd. and Shoup Rd.
• North: Black Forest Rd. and Connaught Dr.
Residents in the following area – Falcon Drive east to Milam Road, and along Peregrine Way, south of Darr Circle, and north of Shoup Road – must be escorted to and from their residence by law enforcement due to the on going investigation on the cause of the fire. The residents will have privacy while inspecting their homes.
Residents will receive a reentry packet and a placard for your car at the checkpoints. Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or vehicle registration. No trailers or R.V.’s will be permitted. Residents are required to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
This temporary opening does not impact the Cathedral Pines area that was downgraded to pre evacuation on Tuesday, June 18.
The Sheriff is requesting the media to respect the privacy of the residents returning home. No media will be allowed into the area.
A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supplies Available (until supplies last):
• Cleanup supplies, such as shovels gloves and N95 masks.
• Basic first aid supplies.
• Red Cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits.
• Public Health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems.
Call the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 444-8301 to get additional information on assistance services provided or go to www.BFFassistance.com . Go to http://ow.ly/d/1k0d http://ow.ly/d/1k0d for additional reentry information and tips.
Dumpster Site for Spoiled Food Relocated and a Dumpsite Discontinued
A dumpster for spoiled food currently located at the El Paso County Slash and Mulch on Herring Road will be moved to the parking lot of the trailhead for Section 16 along Burgess Road between Vollmer and Herring. This dumpsite for spoiled food will be available Wednesday, June 19, at 9 a.m.
There is a total of Two Dumpsites Locations for Spoiled Food:
- The El Paso County Black Forest Regional Park just north of Shoup Road on Milam.
- The parking
lot of the trailhead for Section 16 along Burgess Road between Vollmer and Herring.
The dumpster previously offered at the North Black Forest Fire Station, located at 16465 Ridge Run Drive is no longer available.
The two locations will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These sites can only be used for spoiled food. Your regular household trash service will resume on your regular scheduled day.
Heavy duty plastic trash bags will be available at these sites as well. If you have questions, ask for Public Health at the Black Forest Fire Disaster Assistance Center, (719) 444-8301.
Sheriff Maketa downgrades two new areas of Mandatory Evacuation to Pre-Evacuation Status. Beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, the following roads south of Shoup Rd. between Milam Road and Holmes Road are now on pre-evacuation status and residents can go home.
- Donavan Lane
- Casey Lane
- South side of Glenridge Lane
- Addresses on the south side of Shoup Road between Milam Road and Holmes Road
Resident must access the area through Milam Road to Shoup Road.
Clair Lane has also been downgraded to pre-evacuation status. Residents can return home via Black Forest Road to Shoup Road.
Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ryan Parsell
(719) 520-7322 or (719) 351-9626 - cell
ryanparsell@elpasoco.com
Media Release
Clerk and Recorder’s Office Adjusts Policies to Help Victims of Black Forest Fire
[Colorado Springs, Colo. – June 18, 2013] In an effort to provide relief to victims of the Black Forest Fire, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is temporarily changing some policies for those who have lost or had to evacuate their home. “We are waiving fees for those who lost vital documents in the fire. If you’re worried about replacing your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying fees to replace documents like your marriage license and vehicle titles,” stated Clerk and Recorder Wayne Williams. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the fire. We have worked with the State to implement other policy changes to help those impacted by the fire. It is my sincere hope that these changes will bring some measure of comfort to those affected by this tragedy.”
Victims of the Black Forest Fire will find the following changes in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office:
Recording Department
No fees will be charged for replacement copies of marriage licenses, deeds, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through August 31, 2013.
Motor Vehicle
No fees will be charged for replacement copies of driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, titles, duplicate tags, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through August 31, 2013.
If a vehicle’s registration lapsed in May, the “grace period” for avoiding the late fee will be extended from June 30th to July 15th. This change will be in effect for all those in any evacuation zone, regardless of whether they experienced a home loss.
If a vehicle registration fee was paid between May 12 and June 12 and the vehicle was destroyed by the fire, the owner can get a full refund of their vehicle registration fee through July 15, 2013.
If a vehicle was destroyed by the fire but was registered before May 12, the owner may get the amount paid for their registration credited towards the registration fees of a replacement vehicle.
Clerk to the Board/Liquor Licenses
Liquor licensed businesses affected by the fire can call (719) 520-6430 for individualized information.
Elections
Those who experienced a home loss should expect a letter from the Elections Department regarding their voter registration options in advance of the November 2013 Coordinated Election.
In an effort to ensure that only those victims of the Black Forest Fire receive these special services, our staff will work to verify the victim’s address against the El Paso County Sheriff’s database of homes lost in the fire and those in the evacuation zone. However, we recognize that the Sheriff’s database is not currently all inclusive, and our staff will work to resolve any issues regarding this on an individual basis. If a fire victim is in need of additional services from the Clerk and Recorder’s Office that has not been addressed, we ask that they bring it to our attention immediately by calling (719) 520-7322.
###
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RELEASES IDENTITY OF FIRE VICTIMS
The Black Forest Fire has been the most devastating in Colorado history. In addition to more than 500 homes destroyed, two people lost their lives. Through a cooperative effort between Forensic Odontologist Dr. Joe Gentile and El Paso County Coroner Dr. Robert Bux and his staff, identity of the victims’ who lost their lives has been made. They are 52 year old Marc Allen Herklotz and his wife, 50 year old Robin Lauran Herklotz of 6720 Jicarilla Drive in Black Forest. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends they leave behind.
Mountain View Electric has confirmed that the properties allowed to reenter into the mandatory evacuation areas since Sunday, June 16 lost power for extended periods of time. As a result, it is recommended that all perishable food items stored in refrigerators and freezers be thrown away. Dumpsters will be available for spoiled food only: Monday, June 17, through Thursday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations are:
1. Black Forest Fire Station 2 North (16465 Ridge Run Drive)
2. El Paso County Slash and Mulch, on the east side of Herring Road, just south of Shoup Road
The Black Forest Water Distribution Center located at Black Forest and Burgess Roads is an approved water source for use by residents affected by the Black Forest Fire. Residents of areas where mandatory evacuations are lifted who need potable water can use this 24-hour self serve option. People who use this service are asked to please make sure the water source is closed and turned off after use so water is not wasted. Plastic water containers have been donated and will be available at the distribution center for individuals that need water containers.
Sheriff Maketa will temporarily open the area north of Shoup Rd. and east of Black Forest Rd. to residents only at 4pm. Residents will only be able to stay for three hours from 4pm-7pm. Residents will be required to leave at 7pm. The Sheriff hopes to reopen the area permanently within the next two days.
Residents need to enter at one of the following checkpoints:
Shoup Rd. and Black Forest Rd.
Black Forest Rd. and Connaught Dr.
Vollmer Rd. and Shoup Rd.
Vollmer Rd. and Kirk Dr.
Residents will receive a reentry packet and a placard for your car at the checkpoints. Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or vehicle registration. No trailers or R.V.’s will be permitted. Residents are required to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
The Sheriff is requesting the media to respect the privacy of the residents returning home. No media will be allowed into the area.
A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supplies Available (until supplies last):
Cleanup supplies, such as shovels gloves and N95 masks.
Basic first aid supplies.
Red Cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits.
Public Health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems.
Call the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 444-8301 to get additional information on assistance services provided or go to www.elpasoco.com. Go to http://ow.ly/d/1k0d for additional reentry information and tips.
June 18, 2013 – Sheriff Maketa will open the area north of Shoup Rd. and east of Black Forest Rd. to residents only at 4pm. Residents will only be able to stay for three hours from 4pm-7pm. Residents will be required to leave at 7pm. The Sheriff hopes to reopen the area permanently within the next two days.
Residents need to enter at one of the following checkpoints:
• Shoup Rd. and Black Forest Rd.
• Black Forest Rd. and Connaught Dr.
• Vollmer Rd. and Shoup Rd.
• Vollmer Rd. and Kirk Dr.
Residents will receive a reentry packet and a placard for your car at the checkpoints. Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or vehicle registration. No trailers or R.V.’s will be permitted. Residents are required to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
The Sheriff is requesting the media to respect the privacy of the residents returning home. No media will be allowed into the area.
A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supplies Available (until supplies last):
• Cleanup supplies, such as shovels gloves and N95 masks.
• Basic first aid supplies.
• Red Cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits.
• Public Health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems.
Call the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 444-8301 to get additional information on assistance services provided or go to www.elpasoco.com. Go to http://ow.ly/d/1k0d for additional reentry information and tips.
[Colorado Springs, Colo. – June 18, 2013] In an effort to provide relief to residents of the Black Forest Fire area, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is temporarily changing some policies for those who have lost or had to evacuate their home. “We are waiving fees for those who lost vital documents in the fire. If you’re worried about replacing your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying fees to replace documents like your marriage license and vehicle titles,” stated Clerk and Recorder Wayne Williams. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the fire. We have worked with the State to implement other policy changes to help those impacted by the fire. It is my sincere hope that these changes will bring some measure of comfort to those affected by this tragedy.”
Victims of the Black Forest Fire will find the following changes in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office:
Recording Department
§ No fees will be charged for replacement copies of marriage licenses, deeds, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through August 31, 2013.
Motor Vehicle
§ No fees will be charged for replacement copies of driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, titles, duplicate tags, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through August 31, 2013.
§ If a vehicle’s registration lapsed in May, the “grace period” for avoiding the late fee will be extended from June 30th to July 15th. This change will be in effect for all those in any evacuation zone, regardless of whether they experienced a home loss.
§ If a vehicle registration fee was paid between May 12 and June 12 and the vehicle was destroyed by the fire, the owner can get a full refund of their vehicle registration fee through July 15, 2013.
§ If a vehicle was destroyed by the fire but was registered before May 12, the owner may get the amount paid for their registration credited towards the registration fees of a replacement vehicle.
Clerk to the Board/Liquor Licenses
§ Liquor licensed businesses affected by the fire can call (719) 520-6430 for individualized information.
Elections
§ Those who experienced a home loss should expect a letter from the Elections Department regarding their voter registration options in advance of the November 2013 Coordinated Election.
In an effort to ensure that only those victims of the Black Forest Fire receive these special services, our staff will work to verify the victim’s address against the El Paso County Sheriff’s database of homes lost in the fire and those in the evacuation zone. However, we recognize that the Sheriff’s database is not currently all inclusive, and our staff will work to resolve any issues regarding this on an individual basis. If a fire victim is in need of additional services from the Clerk and Recorder’s Office that has not been addressed, we ask that they bring it to our attention immediately by calling (719) 520-7322.
June 18, 2013 – Residents of Cathedral Pines and these three addresses 12780, 12630, 12840 Milam Rd. will be allowed back into their properties at 2pm today. They will remain on pre-evacuation status. To access the area residents need to travel north on Milam Rd. until it intersects with Shoup Rd. Shoup Rd. from Vollmer to Tahosa Rd. remains closed to the public.
Vessey Rd. east of Holmes Rd. and Peregrine Way will remain under mandatory evacuation.
The Sheriff is requesting the media to respect the privacy of the residents returning home. No media will be allowed into the area.
Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or vehicle registration and are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supplies Available (until supplies last):
• Cleanup supplies, such as shovels gloves and N95 masks.
• Basic first aid supplies.
• Red Cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits.
• Public Health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems.
Call the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 444-8301 to get additional information on assistance services provided or go to www.elpasoco.com
Go to http://ow.ly/d/1k0d for additional reentry information and tips.
During the assessment of the homes in the Black Forest area affected by the fire, we were not able to accurately assess a particular area due to multiple parcels and property lines, as well as an active fire in the area. To rectify this issue we worked with the El Paso County Assessor’s Office to assist us with accurately identifying these homes. During this assessment, we identified additional structures that are considered to be a total loss. Therefore, the total number of homes considered a total loss has increased from 483 to 502.
At this time we are not complete with our assessment but hope to finish the assessment by the close of business tomorrow. It is anticipated we will identify additional homes considered to be a total loss and the number of homes destroyed by the Black Forest Fire will increase.
###
MR 13-050
Sheriff Maketa downgrades new areas Mandatory Evacuation to Pre-Evacuation Status. The following roads north of Shoup Rd. and west of Tahosa Ln. are now open.
Abert Way
Kaibab Ct.
Oak Chief Way
Briddle Bit Rd.
Morris Trail
Kakatosi Ln.
West of Tahosa Ln. to Kakatosi Ln.
Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
Colorado Springs, CO, Monday, June 17, 2013 – El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, who represents the Black Forest area, is asking residents to form a communications network. He wants to communicate important details about the reentry and rebuilding process. He also wants to be able to hear feedback from residents.
Commissioner Glenn’s goal is to create a database containing the contact information for all Home Owner Associations and neighborhood representatives in the evacuation area.
If residents are living in an area without an established HOA, Glenn is requesting a volunteer to serve as the neighborhood liaison to assist him with providing and receiving assistance information.
If you are the representatives from your HOA or your neighborhood representative please send an email to Commissioner Glenn at darrylglenn@elpasoco.com, no phone calls please. Residents should contact their HOA to confirm someone has contacted him.
Here is a list of HOA’s and neighborhood volunteers Commissioner Glenn has already heard from:
Abert Estates HOA
Armonia Ranch Subdivision
Belveal Drive
Black Forest Animal Sanctuary
Black Forest Highlands
Black Forest Reserve HOA
Brentwood Drive
Bridle Bit Ranch HOA
Burgess Road
Camelot Subdivision
Cathedral Pines Metro District HOA
Cherry Creek Crossing
Cherry Creek Crossing
Connaught Drive
Crump Road
Falcon Forest
Falcon View
Frank Road
Freeman Drive
Hardy and Table Rock Vicinity
Herring Road
High Forest Ranch
High Meadow at Fox Run HOA
High Pines HOA
Holmes Road
Juniper Road
Juniper Drive
Moss Point
Mountain Springs Church West
New Discovery
New Life Church
North Juniper Drive
North Juniper Road
Pine Cone Acres
Pine Cone Ranch HOA
Pine Glenn HOA
Pine Glenn Drive East
Pine Glenn Drive West
Pine View Acres HOA
Red Rock Ranch HOA
Remington Road
Ridge Run Drive
Rifle Ter
Settlers Ranch HOA
Shoup Road
Silver Meadows Property Owners Association
Spirit Lakes Owners Association (SLOA)
Struthers Ranch HOA
Sylvan Meadows Property Owners Association
Terra Ridge Estates HOA
Timber Ridge Estates HOA
Vessey Cir
Vessey Road
Vollmer Road
Walden HOA
White Fir Estates HOA
Wildoak Drive
Wildwood Village HOA
Wissler Ranch HOA
Woodcrest Drive
Woodlake Property Owners Association
El Paso County Bar Association to host “Ask-a-Lawyer” for Black Forest Fire Residents
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. (noon) - 6:00 p.m.
Lawyers from the El Paso County Bar Association will be available to answer legal questions for Black Forest residents affected by the fire at no-cost to the residents.
The “Ask-a-Lawyer” event will be held at the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) located at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. (noon) – 6:00 p.m.
The El Paso County Bar Association will have lawyers available specializing in the following areas of law:
- Real Estate
- Tenant/Landlord
- HOA
- Insurance
- Employment
- Probate
If you have specific questions in these areas of law that you would like to address, please plan on attending this event. If you have any documents that you would like the lawyers to review, please bring those items with you to the meeting.
When you arrive at the DAC for the “Ask- a- Lawyer” event, you will need to check in on the first floor even if you have already visited the DAC in the past week. Staff will check you in and direct you to the area where the lawyers will be meeting with you.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Senior Assistant County Attorney Diana May at 520-6409, or
El Paso County Bar Executive Director Claire Anderson, MPA at 473-9700
Colorado Springs, CO, Monday, June 17, 2013 – For those interested in volunteering to help those affected by the Black Forest Fire please email bffvolunteer@elpasoco.com. Your information will be put in a database that will be shared with those affected by the fire as well as the organizations working to serve the families.
“We live in an extremely generous community,” said Commissioner Darryl Glenn. “We want to make sure we are utilizing all of the resources available to best help our friends and family in Black Forest get the assistance they need. Thank you for all the people who have stepped up to offer time, services and resources.”
Also, the Pikes Community Foundation is now accepting tax deductable donations to assist victims of the Black Forest Fire. The Community Foundation “Emergency Relief Fund 2013” is modeled after last year’s Waldo Canyon Firefighters Fund which received an outpouring of community support dedicated to the Waldo Canyon fire.
Checks made payable to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation with the notation “Black Forest Fire” can be sent to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation at 730 North Nevada in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 or you can contribute online at www.ppcf.org and click on the button Emergency Relief Fund.
Fire Facts:
|
Date started: June 11, 2013
|
Number of Personnel: 1130
|
|
Location: Black Forest, Colorado
|
Crews: 17
|
|
Size: 14,280 acres
|
Engines: 101
|
|
Percent Contained: 75%
Estimated Containment: 06/20/2013
|
Dozers: 5
Water Tenders: 32
|
|
Cause: Under investigation
|
Helicopters: 1 Type 1 and 1 Type 3
|
|
Structures lost: 483
|
Injuries to Date: 1
Cost to Date: $5,555,950
|
|
|
|
Yesterday’s Events:
Firefighters again made good progress in containing the fire. Fire behavior was reduced to creeping and smoldering due to improved weather conditions. Thunderstorms brought .11 inches of precipitation to the fire area which aided firefighters in their suppression efforts. The storm also produced lightning that ignited three new fires near the Black Forest Fire which were quickly suppressed by firefighters.
Today’s Forecast and Activity
Today’s temperatures will increase slightly with a predicted high of 78 degrees. Thunderstorms will continue their pattern of entering the fire area in the early afternoon with some precipitation expected along with possible lightning activity. Fire spread is predicted to be minimal due to higher relative humidity and cool temperatures.
A continuing threat exists to structures within the fire perimeter due to the potential for extreme fire behavior from gusty winds from developing thunderstorms. The potential for re-burn from remaining hot spots within the ground fuels remains a concern. Firefighters will continue to grid the fire area for hotspots, especially around structures.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Pikes Peak Regional Building Department will continue to perform damage assessments on structures in the fire area.
Due to decreasing demands from the incident, some resources are being released and made available for response for other incidents as needed.
Evacuations and Closures
Some areas around the fire have now been reopened for residents. For specific information pertaining to evacuations and area closures go to rsg.epcsheriff.com or contact the Joint Information Center at 719-444-8300.
Dumpsters Being Provided for Spoiled Food
Mountain View Electric has confirmed that the properties allowed to reenter into the mandatory evacuation areas on Sunday, June 16th lost power for extended periods of time. As a result, it is recommended that all perishable food items stored in refrigerators and freezers be disposed.
Dumpsters will be available at 10 a.m., Monday, June 17 at the following locations:
Mountain View Electric has confirmed that the properties allowed to reenter into the mandatory evacuation areas on Sunday, June 16th lost power for extended periods of time. As a result, it is recommended that all perishable food items stored in refrigerators and freezers be disposed.
The North Black Forest Fire Station on the turnout at Ridge Run Road and at the Southeast corner of Burgess
El Paso County Slash and Mulch Site on Herring Road
Heavy duty plastic trash bags will be available at these sites as well.
Additionally, regular trash removal will resume starting Tuesday, June 18th.
If you have questions, ask for Public Health at the Disaster Assistance Center at 444.8301.
Sheriff Maketa downgrades four additional areas of Mandatory Evacuation to Pre Evacuation status. These four areas will open at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 16, 2013.
The reoccupation of these areas are limited to residents, who must have a driver’s license or vehicle registration to prove residency. The general public is asked to stay clear of the areas.
Sheriff Terry Maketa discourages public exploration of the burn area. He also asks returning residents to be aware of and yield to emergency vehicles using the roads.
Law enforcement patrols will continue throughout the area to ensure the safety of residents and property.
1. The area between Highland Estates Drive west to Black Forest Rd, from Walker Rd south to Hodgen Rd. is now on Pre Evac.
2. The area west of Vollmer Rd. from Hogden Rd south to just south of Kirk Dr, then west across Wildridge Rd. just south of Basin Dr. across Black Forest Rd, just south of Country Estates Lane, turning north west to connect with the current boundary line.
Kirk Dr. is now on Pre Evac
Basin Dr. is now on Pre Evac
Country Estates Lane is now on Pre Evac
Connaught Dr. is still in the Mandatory Evac zone.
Areas on the east side of Vollmer Rd are still in the Mandatory Evac zone.
3. The a small area just east of Hwy 83 including Abert Way and Chickaree Lane is now on Pre Evacuation
4. The area between Shoup Rd. south to Burgess Rd., from Howells Rd. east to Vollmer Rd. is now on Pre Evac status.
Shoup Road remains closed to all citizens for the safety of emergency personnel and emergency vehicles utilizing the road to continue to fight the fire.
Residents with addresses on Shoup Rd., Donavan Lane, Casey Lane, Glenridge Lane and Clear Lane will not be allowed to access their homes off of Shoup Rd.
Safety of Residents and Security of Neighborhoods is Highest Priority
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says planning is underway to facilitate an orderly and safe process for citizens to return to properties in burn area neighborhoods as soon as it is safe. “There are still areas of active fire and hot spots throughout the burn area,” Maketa said, "but we’re not close. Firefighters are walking each property putting out stumps and brush fires as they pop up. We are working long days and long hours to get people back in there but we can’t just drop roadblocks and let people in that would be reckless and irresponsible.”
There are falling trees, downed power lines, unsafe wooden bridges and ruptured gas mains throughout the area. Traffic is still being impacted by the movement of water tankers, bulldozers, cranes and road repair equipment. El Paso County Public Services is working to assess the safety of roads and bridges and make emergency repairs as needed in areas heavily impacted by the fire and Inspectors from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department are reviewing the safety of standing structures.
During Saturday’s community meeting in Monument there was inaccurate information provided about a process for citizens to obtain a placard required to get back into the burn area. That information came from a planning meeting where possible scenarios for re-entry were discussed but no decisions were made and no process has been established at this time.
There will be firefighters, medical personnel, public health and security personnel in place to assist citizens when reentry can be done safely.
Residents are urged to stay in contact for the latest information through local media outlets and at www.elpasoco.com and to follow the very latest as it develops through Twitter at: #blackforestfire
Mountain View Electric has confirmed that the properties allowed to reenter into the mandatory evacuated areas (east of Steppler Road and north Hodgen Road as well as east of Black Forest and north of Walker) did lose power for an extended period of time. As a result, it is recommended that all perishable food items stored in refrigerators and freezers be disposed. Please place spoiled food items in trash bags on your curb by 12 noon Sunday, June 16, for pick up by Dan’s Trash Service. Do not place bags in your regular trash receptacle.
All other properties allowed to reenter into the mandatory evacuated areas did not lose power. If you are concerned with any food items, it can be disposed of by your regular household trash service. If you have questions, ask for Public Health at the Disaster Assistance Center at 444.8301.
The Pikes Community Foundation is now accepting tax deductable donations to assist victims of the Black Forest Fire. The Community Foundation “Emergency Relief Fund 2013” is modeled after last year’s Waldo Canyon Firefighters Fund which received an outpouring of community support dedicated to the Waldo Canyon fire.
Pikes Peak Community Foundation traces its history back to the original Colorado Springs Community Trust which quietly made millions of dollars of grants to improve the quality of life in our community over a 70 year history of service to citizens in the Pikes Peak Region. Since 1996 the Pikes Peak Community Foundation has generated more than $100 million for a wide range of charitable purposes in our community.
Checks made payable to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation with the notation “Black Forest Fire” can be sent to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation at 730 North Nevada in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 or you can contribute online at www.ppcf.org and click on the button Emergency Relief Fund.
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, June 14, 2013 –256 families received help at the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) on Friday, June 14, for a two-day total of 473 families. The most frequent questions were about housing, insurance, utilities, replacing social security cards, dumpsters for spoiled food, and pet food/shelters. The DAC is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the El Paso County Citizens Service Center located at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road until further notice. The DAC has more than 40 service agencies ready and available to assist.
“We are pleased to see so many sectors of our community eager to assist families during these challenging times. Numerous families came to the Disaster Assistance Center with their dogs and cats the first day we opened. In addition to childcare, we now have pet care for animals while families are getting their needs met. When needs are identified, we are trying to get them addressed as quickly as possible. People are leaving feeling helped and hugged,” said Commissioner Peggy Littleton.
The Disaster Assistance Center brings together representatives of major insurance companies, El Paso County Public Health, healthcare providers, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, utilities providers, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Office of Emergency Management, grief counselors and local non-profits offering services to residents impacted by the Black Forest Fire.
“We learned from the Waldo Canyon Fire last year that citizens have a wide variety of needs,” said Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey. “By bringing together state and local agencies and non-profit organizations with a lot of experience and expertise the Disaster Assistance Center can make a real difference.”
Those people who have available housing should call 444-8301. Those wishing to donate food should deliver the food to Care and Share, 2605 preamble Pointe (near Powers and Constitution), Colorado Springs, CO 80915.
Monetary donations may be made to the Pike Peak Community Foundation, 730 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (please note in the memo line: Black Forest Fire) or donations can be made to the local agency of the giver’s choice.
Agencies Currently at the DAC
211 United Way community Resource
AAA Insurance
All State Insurance
American Claims LLC
American Family Insurance
Animal Care During Center Hours
Apartment Association of Southern Colorado
Aspen Pointe
Better Business Bureau
Care and Share
Century Link
Colorado Baptist Disaster Relief
Colorado Division of Insurance
Colorado Springs Utilities
Colorado State University Extension
Comcast
Discover Goodwill
El Pomar
EPC Development Services/ Planning
EPC Household Hazardous Waste
EPC Public Health
EPC Veterans Services
Farmer's Insurance
Home Builders Association
Hope Restored
Kaiser
Mercy's Gate Church
Pikes Peak Area Realtors - Housing
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
Red Cross
Salvation Army
School District 20
Silver Key
Small Business Development Center
State Farm Insurance
State of Colorado DOLA
The Hartford
The Independent Center
United Policy Holders
USAA Insurance
VOAD Multi-Agency Referral and Support
It has been confirmed by Mountain View Electric that the majority of the properties allowed to re-enter into the mandatory evacuated areas (east of Meridian Rd. and north Burgess as well as north of Walker Road and west of Black Forest Road) did not lose power. Any homes that lost power experienced that for less than two hours. Refrigerated and frozen items are safe when the power is off for no more than two hours. If you are concerned with any food items, it can be disposed of in your regular household trash. If you have questions, ask for Public Health at the Disaster Assistance Center at 444.4301.
Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, June 13, 2013 – William J. Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation, and Terrance McWilliams, Director of Military Support at El Pomar Foundation, personally presented Dennis Hisey, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, a check for $250,000 for those affected by the Black Forest Fire. The funds will cover the immediate needs of families and individuals who have lost their homes or been evacuated and have needs that cannot be covered through insurance or government assistance. As of Thursday evening 20 families had already benefitted from the funds. The funds are being distributed through the Disaster Assistance Center and can cover needs like temporary shelter, food, clothing and transportation. Needs are being assessed on an individual basis at the Disaster Assistance Center.
“The collective strength and resolve of our community is clear. Today, El Pomar Foundation joins individuals, businesses and other organizations to meet this current challenge. Together we can assure our community that its residents and our first responders receive the support they need,” said William J. Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation. “In addition, El Pomar Foundation’s Wild Land Fire Fund remains open and continues to assess the needs of volunteer fire departments currently working in The Black Forest, Royal Gorge and La Veta.”
“This is another example of how as a community we step up and take care of one another,” said Commissioner Darryl Glenn. “We thank El Pomar for recognizing this immediate need of those impacted by the fire and helping to fill the gaps.”
The Disaster Assistance Center is located at the El Paso County Citizens Service Center at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. It is open daily from 8am-6pm. The main phone line is 719-444-8301.
BLACK FOREST FIRE Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Update
NEW: Most recent evacuation map including newest downgrades (pdf)
Reentry Information Packet for returning residents pdf
Volunteer email address information
UPDATE: At 11 a.m. Tuesday: All areas east of Vollmer Rd. and north of Burgess Rd. will be allowed back into their homes 11am today (6-18-13) and downgraded to pre-evacuation status. Residents may access the area through the following roads:
• Walker Rd
• Murphy Rd
• Hodgen Rd
• Latigo Blvd
• Vollmer Rd
• Raygor Rd
• Meridian Rd.
Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.
Meridian Rd. north of Hodgen Rd. is now open.
Fire is at 75% Containment as of noon Monday
El Paso Public Health:Wildfire Health Information
Preliminary Home Assessment List: http://bit.ly/14wdoOQ. Again, due to continuous and dynamic fire activity the information concerning intact or partially damaged homes may change. We will continue to update information as it is received.
Official Twitter Updates can be found at @EPCSheriff and @EPCPIO
https://twitter.com/epcpio
https://twitter.com/EPCSheriff
Sheriff’s Office has confirmed two deaths in the burn area.
Road Closures: All roads within the evacuation zones are closed.
Shelters: Human shelters have been established at Palmer Ridge High School & Elbert County Fairgrounds. (New Life Church is closed due to smoke)
Large Animal Shelters are established at the Elbert County Fairgrounds 303-718-3343 and El Paso County Fairgrounds. (Norris Penrose Equestrian Center and Flying W are full)
The El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan is now accepting evacuated large animals. Also, RVs and Campers are now being accepted on the fairgrounds. Electric and showers are available.
The Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton are accepting RVs and Horses. Please call first - (720) 810-3238.
Humane Society is assisting in rescuing pets left behind in evacuation areas. (719) 473-1741 ext. 1.
Those concerned about loved ones can check www.redcross.org/safeandwell for information. Evacuated individuals can also register at that site.
DONATIONS: Care and Share is accepting non-perishable donations at 2605 Preamble Point. Gatorade, water, and snack foods are being encouraged for first responders. People can also text 41010 to donate $10 directly to Care and Share.
MAIL: All mail for 80908 is being held at the Briargate post office 8585 Criterion Drive 719-265-4409 719-265-5390 719-598-7516
Fire Restrictions Stage 1
El Paso County Ordinance 02-2 governing Stage I Fire Restrictions states the following:
1. Open burning and outdoor fires are prohibited UNLESS done within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds.
2. The use of wood burning stoves and charcoal grills at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials is ALLOWED.
3. The sale or use of fireworks is prohibited.
4. Outdoor smoking is only allowed IF done within an enclosed vehicle or building, OR done in a developed recreation site, OR while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.
One-Stop Location Brings Together Wide Range of Agencies and Services for Fire Victims
The El Paso County Disaster Assistance Center will open tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. in the El Paso County Citizens Service Center at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road. The Disaster Assistance Center will bring together representatives of major insurance companies, El Paso County Public Health, healthcare providers, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, utilities providers, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Office of Emergency Management, grief counselors and local non-profits offering services to residents impacted by the Black Forest Fire.
“We learned from the Waldo Canyon Fire last year that citizens have a wide variety of needs,” said Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey. “By bringing together state and local agencies and non-profit organizations with a lot of experience and expertise the Disaster Assistance Center can make a real difference.”
The Disaster Assistance Center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.
As smoke from the Black Forest Fire and fires in surrounding areas continue to affect air quality in El Paso County, Public Health recommends that people monitor air quality and if needed, take precautionary steps.
Mandatory Evacuations: The areas south of Hodgen Road, north of Burgess Road, east of Tahosa Lane, and west of Meridian Road are under a mandatory evacuation. At this time, residents will not be allowed back in once they leave the area. This does not include High Forest Ranch.
Voluntary Evacuations: At this time there are no voluntary evacuations.
Road Closures: Highway 83 from Shoup Road to Hodgen Road, Hodgen Road from Highway 83 to Black Forest Road. Black Forest Road from Hodgen Road to Shoup Road, and Shoup Road from Black Forest to Highway 83 are closed indefinitely.
Shelters: Human shelters have been established at Palmer Ridge High School and New Life Church. Large Animals are being established at the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center and the Elbert County Fairgrounds (95 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, CO. 303-718-3343).
Official Twitter Updates can be found at @EPCSheriff and @EPCPIO.
Colorado Springs, CO, June 11, 2013 – The El Paso Board of County Commissioners declared June Elder Abuse Awareness Month. In 2012, in El Paso County the Department of Human Services received 910 reports of elder abuse or neglect. Most of the reports in 2012 were for some type of self neglect. In that category 343 reports were made. The next biggest category was exploitation where 226 reports were received.
“The frequency of elder abuse has been estimated anywhere from 2% to 10% of the senior population based on a variety of surveys, case definitions and sampling methods while just 1 in 14 incidents is ever brought to the attention of the authorities,” explained Patricia Ellis, CEO of Silver Key Senior Services.
“We recognize that senior citizens are valued members of our society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity,” said Commissioner Peggy Littleton. “We are all responsible for supporting safer environments for El Paso County’s senior citizens to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity to enable them to continue serving as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important members of this community.”
The Fountain Valley Senior Center (FVSC) is one resource in El Paso County for seniors and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults by providing, direct services as needed, information, networking opportunities, advocacy and education. On Saturday, June 29th the community is invited a BBQ to raise funds for the FVSC’s Transportation Department. The BBQ is from 9am-1pm and cost $6 per person. There will be music, a car show, bounce house and great food. Also, July 26th is Senior Day at the El Paso County Fair with a special breakfast and other events. For more information on these activities go to http://dhs.elpasoco.com/Documents/2013MayNewsletter.pdf .
As part of the campaign SPEAK UP through Adult Protective Services here are some signs that an adult is suffering from abuse or neglect.
• Sudden changes in behavior, finances or lifestyle
• Physical injuries, dehydration or malnourishment
• Extreme withdrawal, depression or anxiety
• Absence of basic care of necessities
• Kept away from others
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Personal Items or money missing
To report abuse, neglect or exploitation call Adult Protective Services at 444-5755.
Contact: Jennifer Brown
Public Information Officer
Phone: 238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
DATE: June 7, 2013 [4:45 p.m.]
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES SHOOTING IN BLACK FOREST
On June 7, 2013, at 1:13 p.m., the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies to the 7000 block of Shoup Road in Black Forest after receiving a call from an adult male indicating he had been shot and was injured. It was not apparent to the man where the shot came from.
During the investigation, deputies learned the victim was a workman doing work on a vacant property. A man living at the adjacent property fired at a squirrel on his property and a round struck the victim. The victim received minor injury and sought treatment at a local hospital.
The suspect, 70 year old Gregory Watson, was served and released on a summons and complaint for Third Degree Assault and Prohibited Use of a Weapon, both misdemeanors.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the 2013 Reserve Academy. The Reserve Section consists of community minded volunteers who are trained in both Law Enforcement and Detention Operations. The Reserve Section provides a qualified, trained volunteer workforce to augment the full-time deputies in a variety of job functions and is invaluable to us in accomplishing our Mission.
The Reserve Academy will begin October 21, 2013 and is 21 weeks in length; the training sessions are conducted on Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as on Saturdays. Those who are interested must meet the same criteria for appointment as full-time deputies and must complete the same level of testing and training.
Applications are available on-line and should be mailed or delivered to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Personnel Office, 27 E. Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Applications must be received no later than July 19, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
For more information about the Reserve Section and to download the application, please visit: http://shr.elpasoco.com/Law+Enforcement+Bureau/Patrol+Division/Reserve+Unit.htm
###
MR 13-047
The Colorado State University Extension office has recently noticed a marked increase in the number of homeowners whose lawns are dying as a result of drowning, i.e., overwatering. Apparently, homeowners who previously watered their lawn a few minutes every day to provide an inch of water per week are now watering for an hour or more on their allotted watering days, thus providing several inches of water per week.
For drought-tolerant grass growing in clay soil, prolonged watering often results in a soggy brown lawn. This is because clay holds water; the water does not drain away or dry out quickly, and the sad result is death by drowning. With clay soil, if a person can push a screwdriver six inches into the ground, then watering is not needed.
The amount of water a particular lawn needs on any given day is very much dependent upon the type of turf growing, the type of soil the turf is growing in, and the weather, of course.
For more information about keeping lawns green, contact the Colorado Master Gardener Help Desk. Colorado Master Gardener volunteers are available at 305 S. Union Blvd. to diagnose plant problems, and research and answer gardening and landscaping questions from 9:00 to noon, Monday-Friday. Alternatively, contact the Help Desk anytime by email csumg2@elpasoco.com or by phone 719-520-7684.
Contact:
El Paso County Extension Office
305 S. Union Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
(719) 520-7688
Fax: (719) 529-7699
http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/
El Paso County Public Health is urging residents who have consumed a frozen fruit blend potentially associated with a multi-state Hepatitis A outbreak to get a Hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of eating the food.
El Paso County Public Health is working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC, FDA and other state health departments to investigate the outbreak potentially associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend from Costco, a frozen blend containing cherries, mixed berries and pomegranate seeds.
The Board of El Paso County Commissioners will begin hearing comments on the County's proposed "1041 Regulations" at 11:30 A.M. during its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2013. The Board will work through the regular lunch period.
"We've been contacted by a number of citizens who want to come and be heard on 1041 so will take care of the other items on our agenda and then open up the 1041 hearing right at 11:30," said Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey. "We want to respect their time and give folks a chance to comment and get their questions answered," Hisey concluded.
The Board of County Commissioners meets in the Commissioners Hearing at Centennial Hall at 200 South Cascade Avenue. Meetings of the Board of County Commissioners are available through live streaming at www.elpasoco.com and are rebroadcast the following evening at 10 p.m. on Comcast 17 the Pikes Peak Library District channel.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating incidents in the Widefield area near Mesa Ridge Parkway and Wayfarer Drive where suspects had fired rounds at street signs, construction equipment and other objects. The incidents were reported by area residents usually during the late evening hours after they heard what sounded like gunshots. The five reported events occurred between March 26 and April 25, 2013.
On May 12, 2013 at approximately 1:35 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of Saberwood Drive and Woodstock Street in Widefield on a report of shots fired. The preliminary investigation concluded there had been a party in the 6800 block of Woodstock Street and some party-goers fired rounds from their vehicle when leaving the party. Numerous shell casings were recovered in the area. Although no injuries were reported, deputies noted damage to several mailboxes in the area and damage to a vehicle window; the damage to the mailboxes and vehicle window were not caused by gunfire. Deputies took additional reports of damage the following morning when some residents awoke to find a bullet holes in their vehicles.
Through a diligent investigation, members of the Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) identified two suspects for the cases which occurred in the area of Mesa Ridge Parkway and Wayfarer Drive; one of those suspects is 19 year old Tyson Dunckel. The second suspect, also a 19 year old male, has not yet been charged and his name is being withheld.
Those same two suspects, along with two additional suspects, have been implicated in the Woodstock Street event from May 12. One of the two additional suspects from Woodstock Street is identified as 22 year old Justin Estes; the final suspect, an 18 year old male, has not been yet been charged and his name is being withheld.
Tyson Dunckel has been booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center and held on $500,000 bond for the following charges: Criminal Mischief (Felony 3), Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (Felony 5), First Degree Criminal Trespass (Felony 5), Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender (Felony 6), and Prohibited Use of Weapon (Misdemeanor 2).
Justin Estes has been served a summons and complaint for Reckless Endangerment (Misdemeanor 3).
Five firearms have been recovered during the investigation, one of which was stolen, and the aggregate property damage exceeds $28,000.
Tyson Dunckel
NUMEROUS VEHICLES DAMAGED IN THE WIDEFIELD AND SECURITY AREA
El Paso County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a series of criminal mischief to vehicles that occurred overnight in the Widefield and Security area. On June 4, 2013, at approximately 4:27 a.m., the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a resident who lives in the 500 block of Quebec Street in the Widefield area. The resident reported a side window to his vehicle and side windows to other vehicles nearby had apparently been shot out. Deputies responded and began an investigation, and over the course of the next several hours determined numerous vehicles in the same neighborhood had similar damage. The vehicles which were damaged were most often parked on the street and a side window facing the center of the roadway had been shot by either a BB or pellet gun.
At the time of this release, 25-30 different victims have been identified; it is believed there are at least 20 additional victims we haven’t spoken with yet. The neighborhood impacted most heavily by the rash of damage is generally situated west of Fountain Mesa Road, south of Fontaine Boulevard, north of Mesa Ridge Parkway and east of Widefield Boulevard. No suspects have been identified in these cases and the Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to call 390-5555.
El Paso County Parks will hold a Photo Scavenger Hunt this summer to encourage residents to get out, enjoy and explore the beautiful regional parks. There are 10 specific photos to be hunted out during the contest and include a visit to an El Paso County Nature Center, a county park slide, a picnic, a park sign, a regional trail and the County Fair.
The Photo Scavenger Hunt will run from June 1 to July 31, 2013, all photos must be taken during that eight-week time period to qualify. Winners will be selected randomly from the eligible entries received during the Scavenger Hunt. Prizes include birthday parties at the Fountain Creek or Bear Creek nature centers, park pavilion rental, tickets to the 2014 El Paso County Fair, Nature Center Bucks and t-shirts.
For more information contact El Paso County Parks at www.elpasocountyparks.com or by calling 520-6996.
Official Photo Scavenger Hunt rules and entry instructions can be found here.
Official Photo Scavenger Hunt Activity List of what to photograph can be found here.
Photos will be posted to the El Paso County Parks Facebook page (www.facebook.com/EPCParks).
Additionally, photos may be used in County publications and marketing materials. By submitting your
photos, you agree to this use and the photos become the property of El Paso County.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Bring a blanket or just sit in the grass and enjoy your El Paso County Parks this summer with a series of free concerts.
The Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society kicks off the Free Summer Concerts on Wednesday June 12 and brings anchors four other Wednesday nights during the summer concert season providing a window into the local jazz scene with talented local artists. Go to their website, www.ppjass.org, to find out who is playing each night.
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic presents, Faithfully a stirring tribute to the Music of Journey, Foreigner and Kansas in Bear Creek Regional Park on Saturday, July 27th.
Grant Sabin, the 2013 Gazette Gold winner of Local Star on the Rise, has been captivating audiences throughout the region. Sabin will bring his stirring blues style to Fox Run Regional Park on July 31.
Here is the complete line of scheduled performances:
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., June 12: Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society at Bear Creek Regional Park
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., July 17: Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society at Fountain Creek Regional Park
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., July 24: Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society at Bear Creek Regional Park
7:30 p.m., Sat., July 27: Pikes Peak Philharmonic Orchestra at Bear Creek Regional Park
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., July 31: Grant Sabin at Fox Run Regional Park
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., Aug. 14: Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society at Bear Creek Regional Park
6 to 8 p.m., Wed., Aug. 28: Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society at Bear Creek Regional Park
Bring your lawn chairs and/or a blanket. Pets on leashes, coolers and food are allowed. Alcohol is not permitted.
For more information www.elpasocountyparks.com or call 520-6983.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PLANS BUILDING DEDICATION AND OPEN HOUSE
Sheriff Terry Maketa announces the Dedication and Open House of the new Office of the Sheriff Headquarters located at 27 East Vermijo Avenue on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. The ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch refreshments and tours of the facility.
The Sheriff’s Office relocated its law enforcement and administrative operations in December 2012. The majority of all Sheriff's Office services are located in this facility which provides more efficient one stop services for the citizens of El Paso County. We welcome the opportunity for members of the community and media to see the facility and celebrate the dedication with us.
The ceremony will begin on the sidewalk in front of the building and will move inside following the ribbon cutting. Members of the media should arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for set up prior to the start of the ceremony.
The Tuesday, June 4th, meeting of the Board of El Paso County Commissioners is canceled to allow Commissioners to participate in the annual summer conference of Colorado Counties Inc.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Auditorium at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Avenue.
Meetings of the Board of County Commissioners are available through live streaming at www.elpasoco.com and are rebroadcast the following evening at 10 p.m. on Comcast 17 the Pikes Peak Library District channel.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
The Colorado Association for Recycling (CAFR) announced that El Paso County, City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, Olson Plumbing and PPRTA received the 2013 Outstanding Government or Nonprofit Recycling/Diversion Program Award.
The group formed a partnership to launch a project named Commodes to Roads: Partnering for Porcelain Recycling in El Paso County. The 2013 Recycling Awards recognize governmental entities, individuals, companies, and organizations for their excellence in recycling.
“The porcelain recycling program is a great public private partnership. It showcases agencies working together to affect cooperation and progress in our community,” said Kathy Andrew, manager of the El Paso County Environmental Division.
The program facilitates the recycling of porcelain including; toilets, sinks, urinals, etc., and crushes them to use in road base preparations. El Paso County provides a dedicated porcelain dumpster at its Household Hazardous Waste Facility making it easy for citizens to properly dispose of porcelain, usually outdated or broken toilets, at no cost. The collected porcelain is then processed and used in collaboration with the PPRTA (Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority) for use as a base class 6 aggregate for road paving projects.
“The success of the porcelain program has been astounding,” Andrews added, “I’ve been surprised at the amount of porcelain we have collected, truly astounding. Imagine thousands of toilets not taking up landfill space but instead being reused; what a great partnership program. The landfill diversion and overall impact of this true recycling program are tantamount to long-term success.”
“This recognition lauds our five-party program to divert, capture, recycle and reuse waste porcelain as a road base, said Mark Murphy of Colorado Springs Utilities. “We submitted our nomination describing the program and our 2012 achievements; more than 3,000 toilets and 75 tons recycled. This program has received rave reviews from our public and private partners and customers, and continues to provide value while helping our water conservation program goals.”
The porcelain recycling program has also earned the praise of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners, with Chair Dennis Hisey praising the great community collaboration. “This is a great example of our people getting creative and working with community partners to provide a service to citizens that may not have gotten done otherwise,” said Hisey.
El Paso County residents are can recycle porcelain products and other items for free at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 3255 Akers Drive, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for more information.
About the Project
Commodes to Roads: Partnering for Porcelain Recycling in El Paso County
The need for porcelain recycling is driven by multiple factors. In this water-scarce state; water conservation is often achieved through the adoption of new technology: replacing old with new. Colorado Springs Utilities provides a rebate to incentivize replacement of old, wasteful toilets and urinals with new, efficient technology. Participation rates are over nearly 4,000 per year, resulting in large amounts of waste porcelain, most of which has historically gone to the landfill, or perhaps become tacky backyard planters. Additional waste porcelain is generated through improved toilet prices and performance and renovations by home and business owners, which all ultimately helps the community in El Paso County to conserve water.
Historically, the disposal of old porcelain has been costly, burdensome, dangerous, and added to the complexity of conservation retrofits. Recognizing its role in generating this waste volume through rebates, in 2011 Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) initiated a pilot system of porcelain collection and recycling for the residential and commercial sectors, all by using existing recycling teams and tools.
Colorado Springs Utilities and the City of Colorado Springs operate an aggregate recycling facility that reuses dirt, asphalt, concrete, and wood from City and Utility projects. Research indicated that porcelain can be processed using the same vehicles, machines, and storage options. Crushed porcelain has performance properties of hard aggregate, and can be used in place of raw materials in road base for new and re-construction.
Commercial plumber Olson Plumbing agreed to host a CSU dumpster at its downtown facility to serve the commercial plumbing service market drop-off location. Their willingness to host collection expanded upon their existing metal recycling effort and reduced the cost and complexity of customers’ projects by providing a single source of disposal and reuse in a secure, business friendly format. El Paso County agreed to host a CSU dumpster at its existing Household Hazardous Waste Facility, where it already collects other recyclable items, for the residential market. The county's participation serves a critical need by offering a secured, staffed location already recognized for accepting recyclable items. Combining these two waste streams, commercial and residential, allows for sufficient volume to cover the market and support the effort. Colorado Springs Utilities also offers a roving dumpster for placement on-site, facilitating replacement and recycling and reducing customer expense.
With a collection system in place, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) agreed to receive the crushed porcelain and reuse it as a base class 6 aggregate for paving projects. Colorado Springs Utilities and PPRTA pay the cost for conducting product hardness tests, leachate tests for heavy metals in stormwater runoff, and storage analysis needs. The recycling site consulted with the State of Colorado and incorporated annual reporting measures for collection and processing. Colorado Springs Utilities procured three dumpsters to support this effort.
What are the benefits?
• Substituting recycled porcelain for market-rate aggregate can provide cost avoidance to regional paving needs by reducing the demand and purchase of raw materials.
• It helps sustain existing landfills by diverting a bulky, heavy, and valuable commodity from the waste stream.
• Providing free recycling to the consumer and commercial market reduces project disposal costs improving the profitability of conservation, and helps make many of these projects feasible through improving the return on investment and simplifying project steps.
• Enhancing existing recycling operations through expanded service operations elevates the value of operations and improves program validity.
The success of the pilot program led to a formal launch of the program in April 2012. The private sector has greatly appreciated a simplified avenue for porcelain disposal, which improves everyone’s business operations. The residential sector has quickly caught on to recycling old toilets. El Paso County reports excellent usage of the dumpster, and Olson Plumbing has had multiple at-capacity bins dumped. We anticipated over 3,000 toilets rebated and recycled in 2012, and achieved that number, resulting in 75 tons of waste diverted. And, we expect this number to only increase. The roving dumpster has been in high demand since inception. Large-scale retrofits find this system simple and valuable to use. PPRTA, which has a history of successful experimentation with recycled contents in its paving projects, will use all the material that is available. Similar projects are in operation in Fort Collins, Greeley, and by Eco-Cycle for Boulder and Longmont. Military installations Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base are also retaining their replaced toilets during renovations for recycling.
The US Green Building Council’s LEED building criteria include local and recycled content product categories to attain credits in new construction. This recycled aggregate product satisfies those demands, providing an additional outlet for recycled porcelain. LEED is used locally by public and private entities.
Patience and continuous communication are necessary to coordinate multiple parties in projects that have no direct funding support. Each group must see the benefits, define and arrange their role, and commit. Careful research and assurance of safety and permitting are necessary to get buy-in from all required parties.
This project is seen as a positive metaphor of public-private collaboration that solves multiple problems and provides multiple benefits--an excellent example of sustainability supporting all aspects of the community. It’s duplicable by other communities and provides direct value. All of the players are happy to participate and feel it provides value to their mission and organization.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
I am appalled by the misrepresentation by the Gazette that I referred to Senator Morse as a criminal and am disheartened by the reckless and irresponsible reporting by the author. The video posted by the Gazette clearly proves this article is completely inaccurate in its' insinuation that I referred to Senator Morse as a criminal.
For the record I have never called Senator Morse a criminal nor was I referring to other sponsors or local supporters of these gun bills. This article is a gross misrepresentation and completely false.
I have requested the Gazette immediately correct their error and publish a correction accepting responsibility for their misrepresentation of the facts. Editor Sue McMillin has assured me she is working diligently to make this correction.
It is unfortunate when members of the media, to boast headlines misrepresent statements to fuel opposition between public officials. I would like to communicate to Senator Morse I never referred to him as a criminal.
At the time of this release the corrections requested are in progress.
###
MR 13-043
El Paso County’s Bear Creek Nature Center and Fountain Valley Nature Center announce the events and activities for June 2013.
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-520-6387, www.elpasocountyparks.com
Yoga Class - All Level Vinyasa Flow
Saturdays, June 1, 2013 - August 31, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join your guide, Sara Vaas, in a personal journey under the sunshine letting the wind support our yoga practice. The emphasis of this class is uniting breath and movement through a series of postures including: twisting (for cleansing), inversions (for courage and strength), balancing (to balance emotions), seated postures (for calming), savasana (final relaxation). ($100 for 14 classes, Reservations and pre-payment required, no refunds, Age 15 and up. Call 520-6387. Materials Needed: yoga mat, water, towel, sunscreen)
Bear Creek Nature Camp – Nature Detective
June 3-7, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Week long day camp for children entering 1st - 5th grades! We will be on the hunt for some fun in nature! During camp your child will become familiar with outdoor safety skills and learn how to be a better guide on the trail. Campers will pitch a tent, act as a wildlife detective, play games, and cook over a campfire. Make memories that last a life time. All camps include naturalist-led hikes, discovery time in the woods, hands-on activities, songs, puppets shows, storytelling, crafts, T-shirt, special guests, games, creek play and camp photo. ($120/member and $130/nonmember for full day camp, $80/member and $90/member for half day camp; military or multiple camper discounts and scholarships available; $25 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration, Call 520-6387 or e-mail jamiebequette@elpasoco.com today!)
Art in the Park - Regress Yourself!
June 4-6, or June 11-13, 9:00 - 11:00 am.
Create art without inhibitions in this multi-media class that will change your ideas about what art has to be. Push yourself outside the box and explore nature landscapes. Find and express your creativity with fun, playful, outdoor projects that you design. Expect to get dirty! Open to ages 18 and up. We will visit three different El Paso County parks in the course of the class. ($150, Reservations and prepayment required. no refunds, Call 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Explorers: Curious Coyotes
Thursday, June 13, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Children, ages 4 - 5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on nature activities, puppet shows, crafts, and a hike. ($4.00/person, Reservations required, call 520-6387)
Predators and Prey of Bear Creek at Night
Friday, June 14, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Who are the predators and or prey at Bear Creek and what techniques do they use to find and catch prey or keep from being eaten? Find out through presentation and an activity filled hike to imitate some of these critters. ($3.00/member, $4.00/nonmember, Reservations required, call 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Camp – Awesome Outdoors
June 17-21, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Week long day camp for children entering 1st - 5th grades! The outdoor world is full of many amazing things! Your child will have the opportunity to learn all about wildlife in the area, make cool crafts, hike nature trails, look for critters in the meadow, and splash in the creek. Make memories that last a life time. All camps include naturalist-led hikes, discovery time in the woods, hands-on activities, songs, puppets shows, storytelling, crafts, T-shirt, special guests, games, creek play and camp photo. ($120/member and $130/nonmember for full day camp, $80/member and $90/member for half day camp; military or multiple camper discounts and scholarships available; $25 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration, Call 520-6387 or e-mail jamiebequette@elpasoco.com today!)
Little Wonders: A Day as a Bug
Thursday, June 27, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Discover the world of nature with your 2 or 3 year-old. Interactive activities and a short hike make this the perfect introduction to the outdoors for your child. ($3.00 for each participant including adults and siblings, Reservations required, call 520-6387)
Animal Babies at Bear Creek
Saturday, June 29, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
From bugs to birds to mammals, discover how Bear Creek’s youngest animals grow and survive. ($3.00/member, $4.00/nonmember, Reservations required, call 520-6387)
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
719-520-6745, www.elpasocountyparks.com
Fountain Creek Nature Adventures: Slithery Snakes
Thursday June 6, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Children ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy puppet shows, nature stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and discovery time on the trail. ($4.00 per person, Reservations required, call 520-6745)
Take Back the Night Urban Campout
Friday, June 7, 5:00 p.m. - Saturday, June 8, 9:00 a.m.
Parents with children are invited to come “take back the night” for a safe camping experience in the comfort of Fountain Creek Regional Park. Learn the basics of camping out under the stars; participate in camping skills and “Leave No Trace” lessons, nature hikes, and games. The campout includes dinner, breakfast and family friendly activities. Bring your own sleeping bags, pads and tents if you have them. A limited number of tents are available at no extra charge if needed. Dinner provided by First United Methodist Church of Fountain.
Space is limited to 30 families. $15/person with a maximum fee of $60/family. Reservations and pre-payment required by May 24. Call or register in person at Fountain City Hall, 719-322-2000, Fountain Creek Nature Center, 719-520-6745, or Widefield Community Center, 719-391-3515. Scholarship assistance is available. Inquire at any sponsoring facility. Co-sponsors: Fountain Creek Nature Center, City of Fountain Parks, and Widefield Community Center.
Fountain Creek Nature Camp - Growing Up Wild
June 10-14, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Daily expeditions into the wild will feature a different wild animal each day. We’ll even meet some live animals, learn their adaptations, tracks, scats, and habitats. For children entering 1st - 5th grades. $120/member, $130/nonmember. Military or multiple camper discounts, and scholarships available; $25 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration, full payment due 7 days prior to camp. Call 520-6745 or email nancybernard@elpasoco.com today!
Twos & Threes Outdoors: Roly-polys are Wild
Thursday, June 20, 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Share in the joy of your 2 or 3 year-old child’s discovery as he or she enjoys a story and an exploration hike outdoors. ($3.00 for each participant including adults and siblings, Reservations required, call 520-6745)
Firefly Celebration & Night Hike
Friday, June 21, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Make a firefly craft, learn about the fascinating lives of fireflies, and hike to find these elusive natural wonders in the park. ($4.00/member, $5.00/nonmember, Reservations required, Call 520-6745)
Growing Up Wild at Fox Run Park
June 24-28, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Daily expeditions into the wild will feature a different wild animal each day. We’ll even meet some live animals, learn their adaptations, tracks, scats, and habitats. For children entering 1st - 5th grades. $80/member, $90/nonmember. (Military or multiple camper discounts, and scholarships available; $25 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration, full payment due 7 days prior to camp. Call 520-6745 or email nancybernard@elpasoco.com today!)
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
The Board of El Paso County Commissioners during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 unanimously approved a Resolution supporting a lawsuit filed by 55 of Colorado’s 62 Elected County Sheriff’s and other citizens and groups seeking to overturn two recently signed Colorado firearms laws. The Resolution states that the Sheriff’s have determined that, “House Bill 1224 and House Bill 1229 are vague, overreaching, unenforceable and unreasonably restrict the constitutionally guaranteed rights of law abiding citizens as outlined in the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.”
See Resolution Below...
Included in the Board’s action is official direction, “that where legally proper, the County Attorney Staff is directed to assist in protecting the interests of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of the County in avoiding the unfunded mandates created by these new laws by filing amicus briefs designed to assist the Court.” County Attorney Amy Folsom told Commissioners that her office is researching all of the information provided in the lawsuit to determine if it provide additional information which could helpful as the court considers the request for a permanent injunction against enforcement of the two new laws.
“This absolutely impacts all of our constituents,” said Commissioner Amy Lathen, in presenting the Resolution. “We take actions in order to protect and uphold the Constitution and to represent our constituents.” Sheriff Terry Maketa said, “What these bills are being represented to be is misleading to the public which is why I have been so committed to getting the word out and I appreciate the Board taking action on this today.” Maketa continued, “There is so much misinformation about these bills. Not a week passes where I don’t have somebody ask me why I have problem with background checks on firearm sales, but really these bills go far beyond that,” Maketa explained. “I think we have an obligation to take this to the courts and seek clarification and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Commissioner Darryl Glenn agreed, “We have a Constitutional obligation to take action. We get criticized sometimes for the Resolutions and Proclamations we put forward but we have the responsibility since we are statutorily obligated to make sure to speak up so good laws are adopted. We have a role in that process and we were denied that opportunity here,” Glenn concluded.
Resolution in Support of Litigation to Overturn
Vague and Unenforceable Firearms Laws
WHEREAS, Colorado lawmakers during the first regular session of the 69th General Assembly adopted several bills which severely restrict citizens’ rights to own, manufacture, sell or transfer firearms and firearms accessories; and
WHEREAS, Fifty-five of Colorado’s 62 elected County Sheriffs, including El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, have determined that two of these bills, specifically, known as House Bill 1224, and House Bill 1229, are vague, overreaching, unenforceable and unreasonably restrict the constitutionally guaranteed rights of law abiding citizens as outlined in the Second and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1224 imposes a ban on the ownership, sale or transfer of ammunition magazines manufactured after June 1, 2013 which hold or were designed to be adaptable to hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition, although there is no way to determine either the date of manufacture or the manufacturer’s intent with regards to adaptability at the time of design; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1229 requires private buyers and sellers of firearms to complete all transactions through a Federal Firearms Licensed Agent (FFLA) and extends the mandatory background check process beyond ordinary sales to include all temporary transfers beyond 72 hours, including the requirement that non-immediate family members who store and care for firearms belonging to deployed military personnel go through the background check process every 30 days; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1229 also places an unreasonable burden on the owners of farms and ranches which operate as corporations and maintain corporate ownership of firearms, to complete the background check process on each of their employees every 30 days; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1229 requires Federal Licensed Firearms Agents participating in private sales transactions to complete and file all required background check forms and also holds such licensed agents responsible for the accuracy of all information provided on such forms while capping the fee they can charge for this service to $10.00, thereby increasing the risk that law abiding citizens will be unable to find Federal Licensed Agents willing to provide this service; and
WHEREAS, There is no empirical evidence to support the assertion that these laws will prevent violent crime while there is clear evidence that they represent a great infringement on the rights and security of law abiding citizens as guaranteed in both the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, Fifty-five County Sheriffs of Colorado have filed a lawsuit seeking temporary and permanent injunctions against these vague, overreaching, unenforceable and dangerous laws and have been joined in their lawsuit by citizens with disabilities, licensed firearms dealers, firearms manufacturers, farmers and ranchers, retired law enforcement personnel and the National Sports Shooting Foundation; and
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners has long been on record in vigorous support of law abiding El Paso County citizens’ rights guaranteed under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, most recently restated and affirmed by official resolution in January of this year;
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners supports common sense, limited government policies, and the protection of individual liberties and has previously voiced its opposition to these aforementioned ill-conceived and ineffective measures which will diminish the ability of law abiding El Paso County citizens to protect themselves, as specifically defined in the Constitution, in direct conflict with the Board’s responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens they were elected to serve;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners hereby endorses and supports the efforts of the aforementioned County Sheriffs and others in the filing of a lawsuit seeking temporary and permanent injunctions against these two vague, overreaching and unenforceable laws which impose unconstitutional restrictions on citizens’ rights and unworkable, unfunded and expensive mandates on County Sheriffs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOVED, that, where legally proper, County Attorney staff is directed to assist in protecting the interests of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of the County in avoiding the unfunded mandates created by these new laws by filing amicus briefs designed to assist the Court.
DONE THIS 28th day of May, 2013 at Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking a community-minded citizen volunteer to serve as an At-Large representative to the Community Corrections Board (CCB). Applications for the open position are due by June 21, 2013.
The CCB advises the Board of County Commissioners on community-based and community-oriented programs that provide supervision of offenders being diverted from prison and those transitioning back into the community after prison. At-Large members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for three-year terms and are limited to serving two consecutive 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.
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540
Cell: 337-9239
DaveRose@elpasoco.com
Colorado Springs, CO, May 29, 2013 – The El Paso Board of County Commissioners recognized May 2013 as National Foster Care Month. Currently there are about 346 children in foster care in El Paso County and 210 children in kinship care. Some are there for a day or two and some stays last for several years. “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. Farrah Frye, a foster parent through Hope and Home, 2 years ago took in 4 teenagers just 24 hours after completing all the necessary steps for approval to serve as a foster parent and has now adopted all of them. “My heart has turned toward all the teens in our community in foster care. They are great kids who have so much to offer and just need loving homes and loving families,” Frye explained.
El Paso County is always looking for additional foster parents especially those who can care for teenagers, sibling groups and medically fragile children. Patty Svendsen with Kids Crossing has been a foster parent for 26 years and has cared for 140 children many of them medically fragile. “I love working with the biological families so that they can learn to meet the needs of their child,” said Svendson. “Often they are young parents who just don’t know how to properly care for the child’s needs.”
April Lazare, a foster parent through Kids Resource Network, has taken in 80 teenagers most who leave her home when they emancipate from foster care. “I preach college and teach them the skills they need to be successful in the real world. I work with them to make sure that someday their children do not have to end up in the system,” explains Lazare.
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: 719-238-4478
JenniferBrown@elpasoco.com
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ryan Parsell
(719) 520-7322 or (719) 351-9626 - cell
ryanparsell@elpasoco.com
Media Release
Clerk and Recorder to Serve as DEO for Monument Area Metro District Recall
[Colorado Springs, Colo. – May 24, 2013] The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office approved as to form separate recall petitions for two members of the Village Center Metropolitan Board, a district located in the Monument area. Starting May 25, 2013, recall organizers have 60 days to gather 102 signatures to recall each respective board member Bruce Hacker and Steven Barr.
Due to the changes to Colorado State law made in House Bill 13-1303, Clerk and Recorder Wayne Williams will serve as the Designated Election Official (DEO). Clerk and Recorder Williams’ Office will be responsible for printing and mailing of ballots, as well as establishing the four Voter Service and Polling Centers mandated under the new law to serve the 254 eligible electors that make up the Village Center Metropolitan District. The Clerk and Recorder’s Office has estimated the cost of this potential recall election for this district to be $3,422.41, a cost that will be charged to the Village Center Metropolitan District, and not the taxpayers of El Paso County. “It is disappointing that the State increased the costs of recall elections by enacting HB13-1303 on a party-line vote,” noted Clerk and Recorder Wayne Williams, who testified against the legislation because of the cost increases.
“Should the recall organizers gather the necessary number of signatures to recall one or both board members, I am confident that my able staff will run a fair and efficient election given the changes to the law,” stated Williams. “Our Elections Manager Liz Olson and her staff are well qualified to provide the services now required to run this election.”
It also should be noted that the language included on the recall petition forms approved by the Clerk and Recorder’s Office should not be viewed as supporting or refuting the allegations contained in the recall petition forms.
For more information about this potential recall, please contact Ryan Parsell.
###
El Paso County residents living in parts of Cascade, Manitou Springs, Pleasant Valley, Old Colorado City, and Mountain Shadows will be asked to participate in an important public health survey Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 that will be used to help residents and first responders prepare for and respond to flooding and other emergencies.
In recognition of national Kick Butts Day on March 20, El Paso County Public Health is raising awareness of the problem of youth tobacco use in the community. Tobacco users, both young and old, are encouraged to kick the habit for one day, with the hopes of quitting for good.
“You may not see it or want to believe it but tobacco use by teens is a real problem,” said Jill Law, R.N., M.H.A., director of El Paso County Public Health.
El Paso County Public Health is the first Colorado county to receive consecutive recognition by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to respond to public health emergencies.
El Paso County, Colorado – The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children, and the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. It is not too late to get a flu shot this year.
El Paso County Public Health’s Immunization Clinic will offer free flu shots for children while vaccine supplies are available, for all children ages 6 months through 18 years. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic at (719) 578-3199.
Public Health Accreditation
El Paso County Public Health applied to the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for Public Health Accreditation and was notified the application was accepted. El Paso County Public Health anticipates being among the first local public health agencies in the nation to earn the distinction of accreditation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|