Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Happy Christmas Eve! On this day in 1892, the Grand Mesa National Forest was created by President Benjamin Harrison in western Colorado. It was originally called the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve and was the third such reserve to be created in the nation.

Merry Christmas Eve from The Colorado Flyover. Be sure to scroll to our Et Cetera section for a list of free holiday light shows that will continue to dazzle into the new year.

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Sulfide Levels Monitored at Biogas Facility

Colorado health officials are monitoring the Platte River Biogas facility near LaSalle after detecting elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide—a naturally occurring gas that can be hazardous at high concentrations.

Public health officials began investigating following reports of strong odors. While no immediate health risks have been identified, air quality tests are being conducted both at the facility and in nearby residential areas.

Platte River Biogas, which converts manure into renewable natural gas, has faced challenges since its original launch in 2016 as Heartland Biogas.

The facility was previously shut down due to licensing issues and legal disputes but reopened in 2020 under new ownership.

BASE Jumper Crash Closes U.S. 6

A BASE jumper crashed near U.S. 6 in Clear Creek County on Sunday, breaking his arm and prompting a road closure during rescue operations.

The incident occurred on the south side of Clear Creek, leading to the closure of an 11.5-mile stretch of U.S. 6 from Highway 119 to Highway 93, including Tunnels 2 and 3.

BASE jumping, a high-risk sport involving jumps from fixed objects with parachutes, carries significant dangers due to the low altitudes involved.

The jumper, stranded across Clear Creek, called 911 after the crash. The roadway has since reopened, though details about where the jumper launched or intended to land remain unclear.

What’s Open on Christmas Eve and Day

If you need any last-minute Christmas items, here’s a quick rundown of stores and restaurants that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Grocery stores such as Albertsons, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, while major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco plan to close early. Gas stations and convenience stores will remain open both days for essential items.

For dining out, restaurants like McDonald’s, Waffle House, and Starbucks will be open on Christmas Day, though hours may vary. However, many chains, including Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden, and Taco Bell, will be closed for the holiday.

Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will have select locations open on Christmas Eve and Day.

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➤ Denver International Airport: Officials have declined funding a Peña Boulevard expansion, increasing pressure to address the traffic congestion affecting airport access. (More)

➤ Statewide: A survey has revealed that 23 cities across the state have aging water pipes, with 20,000 identified as lead pipes, posing potential drinking water risks. Federal rules mandate replacements by 2037. (See Cities)

➤ Denver: An investigation has uncovered that 1,003 cases were affected by flawed DNA practices by former forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods over a span of 29 years. (Watch Report)

➤ Mesa County: Local families are building affordable homes through a western Colorado Self-Help Homeownership program. Participants earn equity while learning construction and overcoming financial hurdles. (More)

➤ Statewide: Colorado is targeting landfill methane in 2025 with proposed rules to curb emissions and enhance monitoring to combat greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. (See Details)

➤ Grand Junction: A man has been charged with assault, bias-motivated crimes, and harassment after following and attacking a reporter outside a TV station. (More)

➤ Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named the NHL’s first star of the week after tallying eight points in his last four games. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets pulled off a 17-point comeback to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 132-129 in overtime. (Watch Highlights)

➤ Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hinted at the possible return of starting cornerback Riley Moss in a recent interview. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM

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➤ After 141 years, the Anderson family plans to sell the historic Kneisel & Anderson grocery store in Georgetown. (More)

➤ The Laws Whiskey House debuted its Whiskey Sanctuary in Denver over the weekend, featuring a sleek upstairs bar with mountain views, mid-century modern seating, and signature whiskey cocktails. (More)

➤ The town of Evergreen has secured $360,000 in grants to enhance Buchanan Park with a skate park, pavilion, and playground. (See Details)

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➤ Free holiday light shows will continue to dazzle the Denver and Boulder areas, extending past the holiday season, including the Mile High Tree, 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, and Civic Center Park's Mile High Drone Show. (See Details)

➤ The average cost of raising a child per year for two working parents in Colorado is $30,425, compared to the national average of $23,000. Childcare, housing, and food are top expenses. (See Map)

➤ The Denver Zoo announced the October hatching of a critically endangered African penguin chick. After overcoming health challenges, its public debut is planned for January. (See Photos)

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