Happy Friday from KUNC News! Here are a few of the most interesting stories from the week of July 7- 11:
Mountain View Fire Rescue moves headquarters to Niwot to strengthen wildfire response
Mountain View Fire Rescue moved its headquarters from Longmont to Niwot last week
The new space gives the team more room to prepare for emergencies and conduct operations. Firefighters have on-site access to medical care and workout facilities.
The new HQ also houses the agency’s community outreach and education department.
Mountain View Fire Rescue serves Boulder and Weld Counties.
Weld RE-4 finalizing cell phone rules for next school year
A Weld County school district is putting the finishing touches on new cell phone guidelines for the upcoming school year. Weld RE-4 is one of the many Colorado districts figuring out how to manage these distracting devices.
The district covering the Windsor area was already working on recommendations for cell phones, watches and earbuds when Colorado lawmakers passed a bill this year, requiring districts to come up with a plan.
Officials say younger students have to put their phones away for the day. Starting in August, high schoolers can use devices outside of the classroom only, like during passing periods and lunch.
The district held two town hall meetings this week about the subject of cell phones in schools. Officials plan to finalize the new recommendations and get the word out later this month.
Community Assembly seeks to make essentials more accessible to Boulderites
A group of Boulder residents is working on ideas for how to make basic needs in the city more accessible.
The Community Assembly is a first-time experiment for city leaders. The diverse group has 48 members who range from teens to seniors.
They’re focused on creating so-called 15-minute neighborhoods - areas where someone’s essentials are just a walk or bike ride away.
The assembly has the summer off to figure out what areas of the city need better access. It will reconvene in late August to start planning.
Front Range Safeway/Albertsons strike ends with new proposed terms
Workers at Safeway and Albertsons stores returned to work after a two-week strike.
The union representing employees says a tentative agreement has been reached with the grocery chain. The deal includes expanded benefits and higher wages.
Stores remained open during the strike, though some operated with reduced hours after workers walked off the job around the Front Range.
Safeway, Albertsons and King Soopers stores are voting on proposed new contracts this week.
Former state Rep. Janak Joshi wants to challenge Sen. Hickenlooper next year
Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper has drawn his first well-known Republican challenger.
Janak Joshi – a former state Representative from the Colorado Springs area and who also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 – has filed paperwork for the Republican nomination for Senate. The former doctor has described himself as a pro-Trump, 'America First' Republican.
He's not the only Republican in the race – a former Marine who has never held elected office before has also entered.
Analysts rate Colorado's Senate seat as solidly Democratic for 2026.
Judge keeps Future Legends shutdown in effect
The Future Legends sports complex in Windsor will stay shuttered after a judge extended a closure to address safety concerns last week.
It’s just the latest development in a series of setbacks for the beleaguered facility that initially closed in June.
Windsor officials have been concerned about unfinished work at the sports complex.
They point to electrical issues such as unprotected conductors, debris that pose hazards to the public and other code violations.
Moraine Park Campground reopening
The largest campground in Rocky Mountain National Park is reopening after renovations closed it for 2 years.
Park officials say reservations for Moraine Park Campground are now available through July 22nd.
During the long closure, crews made improvements to water, wastewater and electrical infrastructure.
The campground has 244 sites and is the closest place to camp near Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
Additional sites may open later this year, but officials want to test the new water systems first.
Nederland plans to buy Eldora Mountain Resort with municipal bonds
The town of Nederland is buying Eldora Mountain Resort. Town officials announced Tuesday that they signed a letter of intent to purchase the ski resort from current owner POWDR.
Nederland said buying Eldora will allow it to build a community-driven, year-round destination that supports local jobs. The town had estimated a price tag of $100,000,000 to $200,000,000. But it hasn't yet disclosed the final cost.
To pay for the mountain, Nederland will issue municipal bonds tied to Eldora’s earnings. It said this will shield taxpayers.
Town leaders hope the deal will be final by October.
About The Catch-Up: Each week, KUNC collects and curates some of the more important stories of the week that have aired on our daily newscast. We know how busy life can be, and that it's not always possible to get your news on our airwaves (or from streaming us right here on our website). Fill in the gaps and catch up right here. No one enjoys the feeling of missing out!
