Monday, February 3, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1873, Fort Collins was incorporated. It was named after Lt. Colonel William O. Collins, who led the 6th Ohio Cavalry along the Overland Trail. The town grew into a prosperous agricultural community, driven by irrigation, railroads, and the establishment of the State Agricultural College—now Colorado State University.

Flatiron Freddy, Boulder's beloved stuffed marmot in a top hat, predicted six more weeks of winter yesterday. Read more in our Top Stories.

Meanwhile, in Sports, Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort called the team's infield defense the best "in the history of the game." How hopeful are you about the 2025 Rockies baseball team? Vote in our poll or reply to let us know!

Later today, we'll send you a special email featuring our partner, American Hartford Gold, who offers free financial advice to help safeguard your retirement savings. We hope you find their offer valuable!

Range Riders Wanted

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is working to hire range riders to help protect livestock following the recent reintroduction of gray wolves.

Drawing from strategies used in states with established wolf populations, these riders would patrol ranches to deter wolf predation.

CPW aims to have a dozen range riders in place by calving season and is currently in the hiring process.

Meanwhile, Rep. Lauren Boebert is pushing to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species List, arguing that states should oversee their management.

Woodland Park Board Passes Gender Policy

The Woodland Park School District (WPSD) Board of Education approved a resolution on Jan. 29 recognizing only two sexes—male and female.

The decision aligns with a recent executive order stating that federal funds cannot be used to promote gender ideology. Despite opposition, the measure passed 4-1 and took effect immediately.

District officials stated that the policy is intended to protect student privacy in restrooms and ensure fairness in athletics. Superintendent Ken Witt stated that the resolution does not change WPSD's commitment to a thriving learning environment.

Flatiron Freddy Predicts More Winter

Flatiron Freddy, Boulder's stuffed, top-hat-wearing marmot, saw his shadow on Sunday morning, predicting six more weeks of winter.

The annual Groundhog Day event at Chautauqua Park, hosted by Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is known for Freddy's creative entrances, from ziplining to arriving by canoe.

Once a discarded nature center display, Freddy was rescued, given a top hat, and transformed into a local legend.

Over the past seven years, Freddy has seen his shadow five times, with his last prediction for an early spring occurring in 2022.

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➤ Statewide: Colorado's free Universal Preschool program is accepting registrations for 2025-26, with early deadlines on Feb. 3 and Feb. 5 for priority placements. (More)

➤ Morgan County: Citing regulatory failures, Gov. Jared Polis has called for an investigation into a Morgan County water district after residents were exposed to unsafe, radioactive-contaminated water for years. (More)

➤ Brighton: A Colorado woman was convicted of murdering her boyfriend with a stranger she met on a bus after her boyfriend doubted her job prospects. She is set to be sentenced on April 4. (See Details)

➤ Denver: Officer Monica David-Vickery, 78, the city's longest-serving police officer, has begun her 47th year on the force. She said she plans to retire in September—just a few years ahead of her son, Denver police Cmdr. Mike O'Donnell. (More)

➤ Statewide: Great Colorado Payback is holding $2 billion in unclaimed property, including rare jewelry and collectibles, and urging residents to check for lost assets. (More)

➤ Fort Collins: Colorado State University has launched a food delivery robot service with Grubhub and Starship Technologies, making it the first campus in Colorado to do so. (See Robots)

➤ The Nuggets rallied late Saturday night to edge out the Hornets 107-104, fueled by Nikola Jokić's 28-point triple-double and clutch free throws in the final seconds. (More)

➤ Rockies owner Dick Monfort praised the team's infield defense over the weekend, calling it potentially the best in history, with multiple Gold Glove-caliber players leading the way. (More)

➤ The Colorado Buffaloes officially signed defensive lineman Tavian Coleman from the transfer portal, strengthening their roster after key departures. (More)

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➤ King Soopers workers across Colorado voted on Thursday to go on strike following failed contract talks, citing unfair labor practices. The union plans to announce the strike timing soon. (More)

➤ Whole Foods is planning to open a 40,000-square-foot store in Arvada, replacing a former Hobby Lobby on Wadsworth Boulevard, pending final permit approvals. (More)

➤ Business fraud complaints in Colorado have surged to 3,508 over the past two years. The Secretary of State's office is investigating and flagging fraudulent filings. (More)

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➤ A deer that had been trapped in a tomato cage for a month was rescued by wildlife officers in Hotchkiss after being tranquilized and freed with bolt cutters. (See Photos)

➤ The Lunar New Year celebration at the Far East Center in Denver over the weekend featured fireworks, lion dances, and cultural performances welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake. (See Photos)

➤ The Sign Spinning World Championship is approaching. Denver's AArrow Sign Spinners team, led by Jay Vallan and currently ranked 7th in the world, is aiming for the title. (Video Report)

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