It is Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I hope you are well.
We have a lot going on today. First, the most controversial aspect of this year’s municipal election is no longer present. The group that proposed the measure to close Boulder Municipal Airport was withdrawn from the ballot.. The Airport Neighborhood Campaign made this decision following the city’s lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration to clarify its obligations. FAA rules dictate how long a city must keep an airport operating after receiving grant money, but the FAA insists that Boulder’s airport must remain open in perpetuity – a stance the city strongly opposes.
In addition, the City of Boulder hosted an event last night where residents could meet the candidates for police chief, including interim Chief Steve Redfearn. We have the details. Additionally, Firefighters discussed with us the challenges of fighting multiple fires simultaneously. When the Lake Shore Fire broke out a day after the Stone Canyon Fire, it placed a heavy strain on resources already depleted by the Alexander Mountain Fire to the north. However, federal air support for the Alexander Mountain Fire was critical, and Boulder County fire districts were able to take advantage of it. If the Loveland fire had not broken out first, the situation for Boulder might have been even worse.
Finally, BRL staff writer Jenna Sampson is in the courtroom this week and will continue to provide reports throughout the month-long trial of the King Soopers mass murderer. The selection of the jury began this week.
Have a good day.
— Tim, Reporter
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Musically connecting bridges at Sphere’s season opening concerts. Celebrate 100 years of Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue plus works by Hazel Scott, Shostakovich, Andrew Bird, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Gluck, Brenda Holloway, The Turtles and more. September 21 at 7:30 p.m., Nomad Playhouse and September 22 at 3 p.m., Truss House, Denver. Tickets available at SphereEnsemble.org.
Ballot measure to close Boulder airport withdrawn amid FAA lawsuit, changing 2024 election landscape
Organizers have withdrawn two controversial ballot proposals that would have closed Boulder Municipal Airport and redeveloped the site into affordable housing, largely due to a pending legal battle with the FAA over the city’s obligation to keep the airport open. Read more…
King Soopers mass shooting trial updates, week 1: Jury selection begins and mental sanity takes center stage
More than three years after the devastating shooting at King Soopers, the trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa begins with jury selection. Read more…
Meet the candidates for Boulder’s next police chief: Finalists talk community trust, homelessness and police reform
The three finalists for Boulder’s next police chief are Interim Chief Steve Redfearn, Deputy Chief Leonard Redhorse III of the Navajo Police Department and Commander Josh Wallace of the Chicago Police Department. Read more…
Nationwide firefighting resources prevented major disasters in recent Boulder County wildfires
The Stone Canyon and Lake Shore fires broke out a day apart, testing the county’s firefighting capabilities. “We’re always going to be limited by the resources we have.” Read more…
Boulder Reporting Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization that strengthens our community through nonpartisan, locally focused journalism that informs and connects.
Today 90, tomorrow cooler
Today it will be hot and sunny — similar to yesterday and tomorrow. Temperatures will fluctuate a little, but will essentially remain the same throughout the week.
Report of a suspicious person leads to lockdown of Arapahoe Ridge campus
Yesterday at around 11:45 a.m., the Arapahoe Ridge BVSD campus – which includes Arapahoe Ridge High School, Boulder Universal, Boulder TEC and the Education Center – was placed on lockdown due to a report of a suspicious person on campus. During security checks, all doors are locked and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. However, normal activities continue inside.
Police responded to the campus after a report of a possible person with a gun on the school’s roof. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was temporarily cordoned off so officers could conduct a thorough search. It was later determined that the person on the roof was a construction contractor and posed no danger to the school..
The curfew was lifted at 1:30 p.m. However, afternoon classes at Boulder TEC and the Advanced Alternative Learning Program were cancelled for that day.
BVSD has activated its Trauma Response Team, which is available to assist students who may have been impacted by the incident.
Fire damages storage facility in Arapahoe, investigation ongoing
At 1:09 a.m. Monday, Boulder Fire-Rescue responded to a large structure fire in the 5800 block of Arapahoe. Crews worked for over nine hours to extinguish the fire and secure the area. Fourteen units sustained direct damage, and an additional 88 units sustained smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported.
Boulder Fire-Rescue also received assistance from Louisville Fire, Lafayette Fire, Mountain View Fire Rescue and Boulder Rural Fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Artists are invited to showcase their work at recreation centers in Boulder
Boulder Parks and Recreation invites artists to apply for the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at the East Boulder Community Center and the North Boulder Recreation Center.
Applications are open from September 1 to 30. A selection committee will review submissions based on creativity, feasibility and community relevance. Selected artists will be notified by October 31 and their artwork will be on display for at least one month.
Boulder begins improving trail at Boulder Valley Ranch
Beginning September 4, the City of Boulder will begin a series of trail improvement projects in the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city.These projects aim to improve the sustainability of trails, improve access for cyclists, while protecting the habitats of local wildlife.
The first phase will focus on rerouting the Eagle Trail to reduce erosion and improve long-term durability. Future work will include rerouting the Cobalt Trail to improve drainage and protect sensitive plants, building the new Shale Trail for better connectivity, and rerouting the Hidden Valley and Degge Trails to reduce erosion. Some trails will also be permanently closed to protect the environment.
Offices closed for Labor Day
Most city and district offices are closed on Monday to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. But as usual, most outdoor recreational facilities will remain open, including golf courses, hiking trails and Lafayette’s Great Outdoor Waterpark.
Discover ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you would like to apply, use the self-submission form on our events pagefor free.
