TEENS ARRESTED IN DISPENSARY BURGLARIES

boulder county» Five teens from 14 to 17 have been arrested in connection with burglaries of marijuana dispensaries in Boulder County. They are suspected of similar crimes at dispensaries across the state.

The five face counts of marijuana distribution, second-degree burglary, attempted burglary, theft, criminal mischief, aggravated motor vehicle theft, possession of a handgun by a juvenile and first-degree criminal trespass across jurisdictions.

Because they are being charged as juveniles, their names have not been released.

They are suspected of robbing marijuana dispensaries between May and October in unincorporated Boulder County.

Each time, glassware or marijuana was stolen and property was damaged. In total, the teens are suspected of stealing 40 to 50 pounds of marijuana worth $47,000 to $82,000 and $2,000 of glassware.

They are accused of causing $13,000 damage.

The teens are also suspected in similar burglaries at dispensaries across the state.

During the last burglary, a stolen vehicle with a stolen gun inside was found on a nearby street, leading to a break in the case.

Santa’s civilian helpers come through after dire warning from Toys for Tots. Coloradans have

come out in force, stocking the 17,000-square-foot Toys for Tots Denver warehouse with so many toys that the Marine Corps Reserve charity can accept no more donations.

Sgt. Jon Kilpela said the organization is “swamped with toys,” in stark contrast from last week, when he said the program had received about 100,000 requests for toys but was only able to fill 10,000.

More than 47,000 requests and have been filled so far, he said.

Polis pledges to support Muslims B

fort collins» A Colorado congressman has pledged to support Muslim citizens amid fears about future policies that may be created by President-elect Donald Trump.

The Reporter-Herald reports that U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Democrat, on Tuesday met with officials at the Islamic Center for Fort Collins, where he spoke to members of the congregation about their concerns about the future president, including those about a Muslim registry.

Polis, who is Jewish, said Tuesday that he would oppose any faith-based registry.

If one were created, he said, he would register himself as Muslim as an act of civil disobedience.

Couple get late-fall visit from bear B

colorado springs» John Grewe was surprised to discover a black bear on his back porch last week — scarfing seeds from bird feeders the day before a winter storm slammed into Colorado.

He grabbed his camera and snapped photos as the 120-pound bear ambled around the railing. Standing in the cold, a thought came: Shouldn’t the bear be sleeping?

Kyle Davidson of Colorado Parks and Wildlife said most of Colorado’s bears are hibernating and will stay in their dens until April or May. But a few might still be hungry.

“It’s not uncommon for bears to be active in particular areas and neighborhoods year-round,” Davidson said. “When their natural food source dies off, they know it’s time to go in.

But if they live by a neighborhood where they have access to food, some of them will keep coming