UDALL CHAMPIONS NUCLEAR ENERGY

Denver Daily News staff report

Friday, October 30, 2009

UDALL CHAMPIONS NUCLEAR ENERGY: Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., yesterday delivered a speech on the Senate floor, saying that nuclear energy should play an important role in America’s strategy to fight climate change. In his speech, Udall said that the threat of climate change to the economy, national security and environment is so great, that the country needs an “all-of-the-above solution.” Udall also introduced a bipartisan bill yesterday that would authorize the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct research into modular and small-scale reactors, enhanced proliferation controls and cost-efficient manufacturing.

GRAFFITI VANDAL FOUND GUILTY: A graffiti vandal who once boasted he would never be caught was found guilty of criminal mischief, defacing property and trespassing yesterday by a Denver jury. Timothy Barajas, 27, could face up to 36 months in the Denver County Jail when he appears for sentencing on Dec. 29. Barajas was the leader of a Denver-area graffiti tagging crew, many of whom have also been identified and arrested this year.

GOVERNMENT IN THE GROCERY: Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., is hosting a “Government in the Grocery” store meeting this Saturday at Sprouts Farmers Market, 1150 S. Ironton St., in Aurora, at 10 a.m. The program is a way for Perlmutter to reach out to his constituents.

GRADUATION REPORT: A report released yesterday found that more than 7,500 Denver Public High School students are off track to graduate. The report, issued by the Donnell-Kay Foundation, recommends a comprehensive strategy to meet these students’ needs, including developing new, high-quality schools. For more information, visit DKFoundation.org.

CHAMP BAILEY SELECTED FOR MAN OF YEAR AWARD: The Denver Broncos selected cornerback Champ Bailey as their Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award recipient for the second consecutive year, it was announced yesterday. This prestigious award historically recognizes a player for outstanding leadership both on the field and in the community. Bailey’s name will be submitted to the NFL as the Broncos’ nominee for the national Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which is announced annually at the Super Bowl. He was selected by a committee of representatives from various business departments within the Broncos’ organization and Stadium Management Company from a group of finalists that included tight end Daniel Graham, tackle Ryan Harris and outside linebacker/defensive end Darrell Reid.

INDEPENDENCE PASS CLOSED FOR SEASON: The Colorado Department of Transportation will keep Independence Pass closed for the season — ahead of the regularly scheduled goal date of Nov. 7. The pass had closed on Oct. 27, at 3 p.m., due to a winter storm warning and heavy snow predicted above 8,000 feet. Heavy winds and continued snowfall have deemed the pass unsafe for motorists and workers alike. This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles.

GREENER COMMUNITY CARD: Denver Zoo and Finders Keepers have partnered together to bring local businesses the first reward and loyalty program that will allegedly increase sales and customer loyalty. The Greener Community Card will reward over 60,000 member households for their loyalty to the Denver Zoo while also helping Denver Zoo increase funding. The Greener Community Card comes pre-loaded with hundreds of dollars to local businesses. The cards will be distributed at the zoo this weekend.

CHECK YOUR METERS: Xcel Energy put out a release yesterday advising natural gas customers to check their meters because of heavy snow and ice. Clearing snow away from natural gas meters helps maintain the proper flow of natural gas to homes and appliances. For more information, call 1-800-895-2999.

COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK: College in Colorado has partnered with Colorado’s higher education institutions to offer College Application Week. The week, which starts on Sunday, means Colorado seniors and adults in transition can apply to college for free. There are 40 schools participating, including all of Colorado’s public two-year and four-year colleges. For more information, call 720-264-8565.

QWEST WIRELESS CUSTOMERS MUST SWITCH: Remaining Qwest wireless phone customers must switch to a new wireless provider by Saturday. Qwest is discontinuing Qwest Wireless cellular phone service on that day. Customers who do not transition to a new wireless service provider by Saturday will have their Qwest Wireless service disconnected and will forfeit their Qwest Wireless phone number.

HALLOWEEN EVENT: The 15th Annual District 6 Halloween Event is going on this Saturday from 4-7 p.m. at the Denver Police District Station, 1566 Washington St. The free event features police on horses, SWAT officers with their canines, a CSI crime lab and fire trucks, among other things. Last year approximately 2,000 children and their families attended.

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