REWARD RISES IN DEATH OF PARK COUNTY TEENAGER
COUNTY» A reward for PARK information leading to the conviction of a person or people responsible for the death of a 17-year-old Park County girl has been increased to $20,000.
The sheriff’s office and other investigators held a news conference Wednesday in Park County and announced the reward increase, as well as information on items stolen from the home of the victim, Maggie Long.
Long’s body was found in early December inside the home, which had been set on fire Dec. 1. She was supposed to go to a Friday night concert at Platte Valley High School but didn’t show up there, said Sheriff Fred Wegener.
Among items stolen from the home are jade figurines, a 9 mm handgun, a rifle similar to an AK-47 and a large, green safe with a combination dial and handle.
Investigators asked the public to phone in possible tips or leads to 303-2394243. Federal and state investigators are aiding Park County in the case.
Body found in parked car.
COUNTY» The SUMMIT body of a man was found Wednesday inside a snowcovered car parked at a scenic overlook.
A person reported that a black Ford Focus had been parked at the Frisco Scenic Overlook on westbound I-70 for several days, according to the State Patrol.
Troopers found the body, in the driver’s seat about 9:20 a.m., according to a news release. The man, in his 50s, was not identified.
The Ford is connected to a person who has been reported missing from the Denver area. The State Patrol and Denver police are collaborating on the investigation.
Gun found at high school; teenager arrested.
ENGLEWOOD» A teenager was taken into custody Wednesday when police found a gun at a high school.
Officers responded at about 2 p.m. to Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice, 300 W. Chenango Ave., on a report of a student with a gun. The school was put on lockdown because of the incident.
A gun was found, and a 17-year-old male was arrested, according to a news release. No staff members or students were injured. No additional weapons were found. An investigation is ongoing.
Immigration activists hold sit-in at Bennet’s office over DACA.
Seven activists were holding a sit-in inside Sen. Michael Bennet’s Denver office Wednesday, demanding his immediate help on passing legislation to help immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children.
The protesters were demanding that Colorado’s Democratic senator, who has been active on immigration in recent years, set up a meeting with other senators to discuss the program that helps such immigrants — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — issue a public statement about the meeting and set up a separate meeting with constituents in Colorado.
The protest comes a day after the White House announced that President Donald Trump likely wouldn’t extend a March 5 deadline, when work permits will start to expire for DACA recipients, or Dreamers, as they’re often known.
Colorado coal mine cited for worker’s death.
The operator of an underground coal mine in northwest Colorado has been cited for a safety violation in connection to the death of a worker. Blue Mountain Energy was issued the citation last week as the federal Mine Safety Health Administration released the final report into the death of 32-year-old Jason Stevens at the Deserado Mine near Rangely.
According to the report, a 1,400-pound water box dropped on Stevens on Aug. 2 as he was using a plasma cutter to separate it.
The report says the accident occurred because “mine management did not ensure that machinery or materials being worked were securely blocked against motion” prior to the work. The mine safety administration’s website says no penalty has been assessed against Blue Mountain Energy.
Reservation system to control crowds at hot springs.
ASPEN» The White River National Forest has released details on its reservation plan for Conundrum Hot Springs.
Starting in April, hikers will need to make a reservation before setting up their tents near the popular hot springs.
Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer said Tuesday that forest officials have seen as many as 300 people camping at the hot springs. She says after the system is in place, the maximum number of people allowed to camp each night at the springs will be 68.
The Forest Service will begin with 17 designated campsites and intends to add three more later on.
The first block of reservations will be available on April 18 for April 18 through July 31. Reservations for campsites from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30 will be available June 15.