GROWTH SUGGESTS NEW DISTRICT, POLITICAL FIGHT
Colorado’s lightning-fast growth is lining up the state for a political battle in two years. Census figures released Wednesday show the state has the eighth-fastest growth rate in the nation, with a burgeoning population of more than 5.6 million. That’s enough babies and newcomers to net the state an eighth congressional district in 2020, prompting a fight over where the lines will be drawn for the new district. Since 2010, Colorado has added about 600,000 people. With the average congressional district representing about 700,000 people, Colorado is all but a lock to add a seat in the House.
School district considers closing schools to save money.
LOVELAND» Families and teachers may find out next month whether the Thompson School District will close schools to save money.
After hearing a request from the district’s master plan committee to delay a final report on the issue into March, three school board members on Wednesday moved the decision to Jan. 17.
Jeff Swanty said it is unfair to make people “wait and wonder” about school closures, and two other board members backed voting at the next board meeting
The district’s master plan committee, made up of community volunteers, had asked for more time to dig into the mountain of details as they look at boundary changes, possible school closures and the need for new construction alongside millions in cuts to balance the budget.
Man stabbed in alley; suspect arrested after chase.
BRIGHTON» A 56year-old man was stabbed in the neck Thursday afternoon in Brighton, and police arrested a 28-yearold suspect after a foot chase. The stabbing happened about 1:25 p.m. in an alley in the 400 block of South Second Avenue, according to the police department. The victim was able to talk to responding officers before being taken to a hospital. Officers also spoke with witnesses and later arrested Damian Contizano after a short chase, police said. Contizano is being held at the Adams County jail on suspicion of first-degree assault.
Environmental review of Hanging Lake plan released.
GLENWOOD
The U.S. Forest Service has released its environmental assessment of the Hanging Lake area management plan that calls for limiting daily visitors because of crowds.
The Post Independent reported Thursday that the assessment found the plan would benefit the fragile ecology of the area by limiting soil compaction, improving soil health, plant viability, stream health and wildlife habit.
Initial public feedback gathered in August and September found that the majority of people are supportive of the proposed management plan, which proposes a permit-only, 615-visitor-per-day cap year round. It also establishes a fee-based, reservation shuttle service to be implemented during the peak time of year from May through October.
Official: Logging project won’t overrun area with traffic.
Federal officials say they don’t believe a proposed timber cut in the Fryingpan Valley will overrun Basalt with logging trucks. Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer signed a draft decision Tuesday to allow clear cutting, selective cutting and other vegetation management in the Upper Fryingpan Valley over a five-year period.