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Jeffco Open Space Foundation Photography Contest 

Behind the Badge

Find out the latest law enforcement news in the January 2011 edition of Behind the Badge. The report includes:

- A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

-  Nonnie Dotson: Air Force nurse vanished from south Jeffco

-  Stephanie Hart and Nicholas Kunselman: The "Subway homicides"

-  Sexual assault on boy at The Ridge Recreation Center

-  Vandalism at Mother Cabrini Shrine  

Visit the Sheriff's webpage and click on Behind the Badge to view the entire report.

Jeffco YouthWorks Young Adult Job Fair

Saying Goodbye to Longtime Commissioner J. Kevin McCasky 

Within Jefferson County, McCasky was recognized by the Jefferson Economic Council as its "Elected Official of the Year" in 2006, for his efforts to help attract and retain businesses in Jeffco and the region.  Also, he has been honored twice by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County as its "Elected Official of the Year" for his support of the business community. He is the only person in the Chamber's 64 year history to receive the award twice.

McCasky represents Jefferson County in Commissioner District 2, which is the central part of Jeffco. The vacant position will be filled, according to state statute, by the Vacancy Committee of the Jefferson County Republican Party.

Statue of Thomas Jefferson Unveiled

The sculptor is George Lundeen, a Nebraska native; Lundeen was a Fulbright-Hayes Scholar who studied at the Academia de Belle Arte in Florence, Italy. In the 1970s, he established his studio in Loveland where he lives and works, sculpting portraits and interpretive works for universities, municipalities and corporations.

As a special guest, a local Thomas Jefferson re-enactor joined the commissioners for the ceremony and unveiling. 

Mr. President's alter ego is Dr. Jack Van Ens, who is the executive director of Creative Growth Inc. Dr. Van Ens holds two master's degrees, including one in Colonial History, and a doctorate in communications. Since 1976 he has portrayed Thomas Jefferson in period costume. His book, "How Jefferson Made the Best of Bad Messes" was published in 2000.

Jefferson County Head Start Celebrating its New Location

by Kristine Kinzli, Jeffco Human Services

Recently, Head Start consolidated its former locations to a new one in Arvada at what used to be Russell Elementary School. There are now two locations, one in Arvada and one in Wheat Ridge. The new location, which was purchased by Jefferson County in August 2010, allows Jefferson County Head Start to provide better services without focusing on issues such as building repairs.

The celebration will include a presentation, ribbon cutting, facility tour, refreshments and entertainment. No RSVP needed.

For locations and more information, visit the Human Services webpage and click on Head Start.

Native Plant Master Program Announces 2011 Courses  

The award-winning Native Plant Master^® Program has announced a newly expanded 2011 course schedule. Eighteen courses will be offered in and near Jefferson County by Colorado State University Extension, with additional courses scheduled at other locations across the state. 

Participants in Native Plant Master courses learn identification, ecology and human uses of selected Colorado plants emphasizing sustainable landscaping and invasive weeds.  Students learn to use a botanical key including scientific names and families. Also offered this year are special classes on Native Plant Landscaping, Invasive Weeds and Basic Botany.
 

Classes are open to all on a space available basis. Many courses are held outdoors, but some are classroom sessions. One advanced course has a prerequisite. The cost ranges from $20 to $90 per course.
 

Jefferson County Public Library Offers Free Tax Help and Tax Forms

by Bethany Frisbie, Jeffco Public Library

JCPL has partnered with the AARP to offer free counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. From February through mid-April, IRS-certified volunteers will be at several library locations to help you with any tax-related issues you may have. Reservations are not required, except at the Evergreen Library. Space is limited for this popular series, so you're encouraged to arrive early. Location, time and date information can be found on JCPL's tax help webpage.

If you are looking for copies of state and federal tax forms, and instruction books, they will be available at all JCPL locations while supplies last. Libraries are one of the few locations still offering hard copies of these forms.

Coming in March, the Tax Talks program will feature a representative from a local tax service to share changes you will need to be aware of when preparing your 2010 tax return. Click here for more information on Tax Talks.

Strengthening the Community through Partnership

by Kristine Kinzli, Jeffco Human Services 

Getting Green Done

by Allison Gerdes, Jeffco Public Information 

During the last several years, the county has been looking for cost-saving opportunities at every level. Performance Contracting was one of the many ideas recommended by the Organizational Review Committee (ORC) as a way to cut utility costs across all county buildings. However, many of the upgrades needed to realize savings over time required significant upfront investments. By taking advantage of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (recovery act) grant dollars, Jeffco was able to make these upgrades, support local jobs, use American-manufactured products, and demonstrate the county's leadership in renewable energy. 

Overflow Parking Lot

In the newest lot between the Sheriff's Office Facility and the DA Building, nine hybrid parking lot lights were installed. These lights run on their own batteries powered by solar panels and small wind turbines on the top of each pole. By having both options, the lights are sure to be shining even when we have a few days of cloudy skies or calm winds. You may notice that the turbines are not always spinning, and that is because that battery is fully charged, and no more power is being generated to preserve the life of the battery and avoid overcharging. This installation was a great solution because it would have cost the county $30,000 just to install electrical power to this area. With these hybrid lights, the power used is not on the grid and therefore not adding to the monthly power bill. Each light pole runs independently and powers itself with the help of the sun and wind during the day.

Laramie Building

It's hard to miss the large wind turbines have been installed on the north side of the Laramie Building. And although you may not be able to see it, there is also a 100Kw array on the roof. These systems are generating renewable energy, lowering the county's annual utility costs. Additionally, we will be receiving Renewable Energy Credit payments annually for 20 years from Xcel Energy as a result of the installation at Laramie.

Sheriff's Office

Not too long ago, the old solar thermal panels near the Sheriff's Office were removed to make way for the realignment of Jefferson County Parkway. A new installation at the jail utilizes cutting-edge evacuated tube technology that will be used to harness solar thermal energy.  The thermal collectors will be used to pre-heat water which will cut natural gas use.

Admin & Courts Facility

Three solar arrays were recently installed on the east side of the Admin & Courts Facility. These are more for demonstrating the county's overall initiative, than large-scale energy creation. Facilities and Construction Management is working with our Energy Performance Contractor to provide a way to show citizens and employees the power generated in real time from all of the arrays. These panels are all American-made, installed by local workers, and even the special poles necessary to hold them were manufactured by a Colorado company. Watch for more information coming as these arrays begin generating power. 

Other Projects

-  Evergreen Road & Bridge Shop - Roof Mounted Solar Array

-  Central Road & Bridge Shop - Roof Mounted Solar Array

-  Airport - Roof Mounted Solar Array on a Hanger

-  Fairgrounds - Ground Mounted Solar Array

Fabulous February Public Health Updates 

By Nancy Braden, Public Health Communications

Take Care of Your Heart

Did you know that if you're aged 40-60, it's especially important that you begin right away to lower your risk of heart disease. That's because risk of heart disease starts to rise during those years. Jefferson County Public Health offers Heart Wise for women and men. Heart Wise is a free program designed to help 40 to 64 year olds reduce their risks of heart disease and promote a healthy lifestyle. The program is partially funded by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment's Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Program and is intended for those with limited or no health insurance. Please visit the JCPH Heart Wise webpage to see if you qualify or call Vickie Hayworth, JCPH Public Health Nurse at 303-239-7009 for more information. You may also email Vickie at: vhaywort@jeffco.us .

Keeping Smiles Healthy...Jefferson County's Cavity Free at Three Program

Jefferson County Public Health continues to partner with dentists, health care providers and other public health partners to improve the dental health of Jefferson County's children. Jefferson County Public Health's Cavity Free at Three Program recognizes that the oral health needs of some of Colorado's most vulnerable populations--low-income pregnant women and very young children less than three years of age--often go unmet. Studies show that entering school with significant dental problems can seriously contribute to learning problems as well as decreased self-esteem. The Cavity Free at Three Program provides early interventions to help with these issues as well as other potential health problems caused by dental problems.

In Jefferson County, Cavity Free at Three engages dentists, physicians, nurses, dental hygienists, public health practitioners, and early childhood educators (Head Start) to increase pregnant women's and young children's access to oral disease prevention and early detection services. The goal is to have all children in the state remain cavity free by the time they reach the age of three years. The program provides technical assistance as well as free oral health packages for mothers to use with their young children. Each "Cavity Free at Three" package includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and instructions for keeping infants and young children's mouths clean.

The Cavity Free at Three Program works to ensure that all children in need have a regular source of dental care starting at age one by administering oral screenings and referrals to our clients in WIC, Immunization, and home visitation programs.  A key component of the program is empowering pregnant women and mothers by teaching them how to care for their infant's teeth.

For more information on the statewide Cavity Free at Three Program, please visit: http://www.cavityfreeatthree.org

For more information on Jefferson County Cavity Free at Three, contact: Crystal Brandt JCPH Cavity Free at Three at 303-239-7092 or cjbrandt@jeffco.us

Latest News from Foothills Animal Shelter

by Jennifer Strickland, Foothills Animal Shelter

Spay Day February 22

At Foothills Animal Shelter, every day is treated like Spay Day. But to help inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets, the shelter is hosting its 17^th annual Spay Day on Tuesday, February 22. Low-cost spay and neuter procedures are available to the public every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the Shelter all year long. In addition, all animals in the organization's care are spayed or neutered before being adopted. 

Throughout the entire month of February, in honor of Spay Day, Foothills Animal Shelter will be running an educational campaign on spaying and neutering. Whether animals are spayed or neutered at Foothills Animal Shelter, at a veterinary office or at another low-cost clinic, everyone is encouraged to help fight pet overpopulation by spaying or neutering their pets. In an effort to help more pets in the community, Foothills Animal will be offering two additional dates in February for the public to get their pets spayed or neutered. 

DE"TAILS"

· Dates: Saturday, February 12 & Saturday, February 26

· Times: Check-in for dogs will be from 7-7:45 a.m. Check-in for cats will be from 7:45-8:30 a.m. Check-out for all animals will be from 4-5 p.m.

· Location: Foothills Animal Shelter, 580 McIntyre Street in Golden

· Appointments: Please make appointments in advance as space is limited! For more information and to make an appointment, call 720.407.5215.

Note: Although it is highly recommended that all pets be vaccinated prior to surgery, low-cost vaccinations may also be given at the time of surgery. Microchips and dog licenses will also be available at this time.

Important Winter Pet Safety Tips

Snowy conditions, icy roads, and low temperatures mean that cold winter weather is finally upon us. Foothills Animal Shelter wants to prepare community pet owners for winter conditions in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. Below are some important tips for creating a safe winter wonderland for your cats, dogs, and other four-legged furry friends: 

• Don't leave your pets outside in the cold weather. They are much happier, healthier and safer indoors.
• Salt and other snow-melting chemicals are very harmful to pets if ingested. Be certain to use pet-friendly ice melts, available at many pet supply stores.
• Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, unfrozen water when outdoors. It is best to use plastic bowls instead of metal ones because your pet's tongue can freeze and stick to metal when it is cold.
• Warm engines in parked cars can attract cats and other small animals that may crawl under the hood. Always bang your hood before starting the car to avoid injury of any animal hiding underneath.
• Antifreeze is a poisonous toxin, but it tastes sweet and often attracts unsuspecting animals. Be sure to clean up any spills before your pet has the chance to lick them up.
• If your dog must spend significant time outdoors, they should have a draft-free doghouse that is large enough for them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground, and covered with cedar shavings or straw.  

For more information on Foothills Animal Shelter or for other handy safety tips, please visit www.FoothillsAnimalShelter.org.