Monday, December 30, 2024

Good Morning! On this date in 2021, the Marshall Fire became the most costly wildfire in Colorado's history. Fueled by strong winds, the blaze escalated within an hour from a grass fire to a devastating suburban firestorm.

Strong winds and elevated fire danger are in today's forecast—get the details in our top story. Plus, in Around Colorado, we cover a frustrated robber with bad handwriting.

Later today, we'll share a special message about Todd Nettleton's collection of stories, When Faith Is Forbidden. As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider supporting persecuted Christians—your gift to The Voice of the Martyrs will bring you this powerful book from the frontlines of faith.

High Winds, Fire Danger Forecast Monday

Strong winds are expected across Colorado today, with gusts reaching up to 75 mph near the foothills and 60 mph on the plains.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for the entire eastern portion of the state, including parts of Larimer, Boulder, and Jefferson counties.

Additionally, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Front Range and southeastern areas from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to the elevated risk of rapid fire spread during the high winds.

Blowing dust may disrupt travel, especially east of I-25, and flight delays are expected at Denver International Airport. In the mountains, strong winds and snow could create hazardous conditions, with accumulations of up to 12 inches expected in some areas.

Mountain Rail Service to Expand

Officials have announced a new 25-year lease agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for the Moffat Tunnel, extending the 99-year lease expiring Jan. 6.

Union Pacific, which pays $12,000 annually and covers maintenance costs for the 6.2-mile tunnel, will continue operations under a temporary four-month extension until the new terms take effect on May 1.

The agreement could enable daily rail service between Denver and Grand County by late 2026. Currently, Amtrak’s Winter Park Express offers seasonal weekend service, but the proposed expansion envisions up to three round trips daily, with stops at Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, and other key destinations.

The initiative seeks to alleviate highway congestion and promote sustainable travel options for both residents and tourists.

Man Auctions $7M Star Wars Collection

A Denver man is auctioning off his Star Wars memorabilia collection, valued at up to $7 million.

At 19, Jeff Jacob purchased a vintage collection for $4,000 despite his mother's disbelief. After 32 years, Jacob estimates he has over 5,000 items worth a total of $5-7 million.

Now downsizing after putting his Littleton home on the market, Jacob is set to auction off more than half of his collection beginning in January.

Notable items include a rare Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber—one of only 10 known examples—estimated to fetch up to $1 million.

The auction, hosted by Hake’s Auction House, will release 500 items at a time.

Dear Reader,

This time last year, The Colorado Flyover didn’t even exist!

Now we’re at 30,000.

How did we get this far together in less than three months? Simply put, we got here because of you.

We supply the elbow grease, the late nights, and about 1,500 words per day, sure.

None of it would matter if you weren’t with us. The Colorado Flyover would crash and burn without the direct support of our readers, and we appreciate you.

Now, we’re turning our attention to 2025.

We have big plans, and we need lots of help to accomplish them. If you enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover in the mornings, would you consider giving us a year-end gift?

Despite all those big numbers, we’re still a small operation. I would really appreciate your support!

Give $15
Give $50
Give $150

I’m grateful for all your support in 2024, and I’m excited to grow together in 2025.

Thank you!
-Cole, CEO

➤ Loveland: A bank robbery failed after the suspect’s illegible note confused a teller. Frustrated, the man fled the scene without any cash. (See Photos)

➤ Adams County: Parents accused of abandoning a baby in a car seat on a median on Christmas Day are facing child abuse charges. The infant tested positive for cocaine. (See Details)

➤ Denver International Airport: United Airlines employees reportedly suffered from food poisoning after consuming holiday meals provided in airport crew rooms. The airline is cooperating with health authorities. (More)

➤ Statewide: A new law effective Jan. 1 requires secure handgun storage in vehicles to help reduce firearm theft. Exceptions apply to hunting and farm operations, among others. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: Tommy Lazzaro, 27, an Army sergeant and former quarterback for Pine Creek High School and the Central Michigan Chippewas, died in a hunting accident at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. (See Details)

➤ Boulder: JonBenét Ramsey's father plans to meet with police in 2025, advocating for the use of advanced DNA technology to help solve the 28-year-old murder case. (Watch Video)

➤ The Denver Broncos lost a heartbreaker to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, falling 30-24 in overtime. The Broncos could still clinch a postseason berth with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs next week. (More)

➤ Nikola Jokic pulled off another incredible performance on Saturday, scoring 37 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 134-121 win over the Detroit Pistons. (More)

➤ The No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes fell 36-14 to No. 17 BYU in Saturday’s Alamo Bowl, despite a strong showing from Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who recorded 106 receiving yards and a touchdown. Colorado State also struggled in the Arizona Bowl, losing 43-17 to Miami (OH) after surrendering 20 points in the fourth quarter. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ZQuiet is a ready-to-use, anti-snoring mouthpiece that provides immediate relief by gently moving your jaw forward. With ZQuiet, you can finally stop snoring at the source—for good! (See It Here)

➤ Poulette Bakeshop in Parker, named one of The New York Times' top 22 U.S. bakeries, is celebrated for its Parisian-style croissants, macarons, and biscuit sandwiches. (See List)

➤ Frontdoor, Inc. has acquired Denver-based 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for $585 million, funded by a $1.47 billion credit facility. (More)

➤ Denver Christkindlmarket will relocate to the Auraria Campus next year due to Civic Center Park renovations, celebrating its 25th anniversary at the new location. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Whiten Your Teeth With Science—Not Gimmicks! Laughland is the dentist-formulated, clinically proven whitening kit that’s given 200,000+ people their dream smile—without pain or sensitivity. It’s easy to use, 100% safe, and guaranteed to work! (See It Here)

Dear Reader,

The Colorado Flyover wouldn’t exist without you.

It might sound like a cliche, but it’s true. If you didn’t tell your friends and family about us, we wouldn’t grow. If you didn’t support us directly, we couldn’t keep the lights on.

The Colorado Flyover is all about you!

We’re grateful for all your support this year, and we’re excited to make this even better in 2025. Would you help us with a year-end gift? I would truly appreciate it!

Give $15
Give $50
Give $150

➤ Denver International Airport stocked 119.9 million toilet paper rolls in 2024 and logged 2,646 lost AirPods among thousands of misplaced items. (More)

➤ A new fossil discovery near Delta has revealed vertebrae and a tibia of the rare Jurassic sauropod Haplocanthosaurus, which extends its known range. (More)

➤ Denver residents keep Christmas lights up through January as a tradition tied to the National Western Stock Show, dating back to 1922. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Shocking Health Alert! Dr. Brian Paris reveals a protein in your body may be the secret culprit behind your joint pain. Millions are already tuning in. Grab your chance to watch this revealing video for free—today only!

Video presentation: Unlock the secret!