LITTLETON, Colo. Arapahoe County wants to hear from you as it develops a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to improve road and pedestrian safety in unincorporated areas.

By 2030, Arapahoe County is likely to be the metro areas largest, underscoring the urgent need to improve its transportation infrastructure.

Covid changed the way that we travel within the Denver metro area the peak volumes in the morning and the PM are a little less, and they're spread out through the day, said Arapahoe County transportation division manager Jim Katzer. We're looking to address those [issues].

The CSAP will analyze crash data from 2018 to 2024, along with public input, to pinpoint high-risk areas and prioritize strategies to keep the community safe.

This could mean anything from pothole-riddled roads and missing crosswalks to intersections where you've barely avoided getting into an accident.

An interactive comment map is available for the public to identify areas of concern through Dec. 21, 2025.

Just one week in and several issues are already becoming evident on the map.

Denver7 ventured out to various parts of the county on Sunday to hear your concerns directly.

Multiple residents living near the Windsong Condominiums and Miramar Apartments on East Arkansas Avenue have reported speeding as a primary concern.

I don't know how fast they get, maybe up to 40 or something, people fly by, said former resident Justyn Myers. There's a turn that's kind of a little bit more blind, you could say. And when you fly around the corner, you can't really see until somebody is like, right there.

Further south, near Dove Valley, neighbors have noted bumpy roads and pedestrian safety issues.

Longtime resident Candice Bishop told Denver7 shes observed drainage issues causing significant sidewalk damage near her home.

In The Farm at Arapahoe County neighborhood, visibility and drainage issues are of concern to residents.

Homeowner Lori Snider told Denver7 shes worried about speeding near Fox Hollow Elementary School.

County leaders plan to implement solutions in problem areas once the plan is finalized, but they can't do so without your voice.

The public input is critical. We don't have eyes and ears everywhere in the county, said Katzer.

Though the input focuses on unincorporated parts of the county, Katzer said theyre not turning a blind eye to other areas in need of improvement.

If there's significant data that's collected just outside of the county boundaries, we'll communicate that to our partners in the surrounding jurisdictions, he said.

In the meantime, these proud Arapahoe County residents are looking forward to the changes the process might bring.

I really don't know the last time they came through and redid any of this, so them coming out to check it, see if there's things that can be fixed that would be fantastic, said Bishop.

AURORA, Colo. Olde Town Arvada can be a tough place to find a parking spot.

Parking is not just parking; parking is quality of life, driver David Spitz told Denver7 on Monday after nabbing a spot on the street. When you come home from work and you really need to go home, and you're tired and you need to circle the block 100 times and you can't find a place, that's not quality of life.

Spitz is one of many Coloradans frustrated with a new state law, which aims to create more room for affordable housing by banning local governments from enacting or enforcing parking minimums for new multifamily developments.

Olde Towns parking squeeze is mentioned in a lawsuit against the state and Governor Jared Polis, which was filed in Denver District Court in May, brought by Arvada and five other Denver metro home rule cities.

In Colorado, home rule is a governing structure that gives counties and cities more control over local matters. With home rule, local ordinances that address local issues generally supersede state law. However, in matters of statewide concern, state laws may take precedence, according to a report by the Legislative Council Staff.

The cities claim two housing laws House Bill 24-1313 and House Bill 24-1304 and a 2025 executive order violate the Colorado Constitution by stripping local governments of their land-use authority.

On Monday, the mayors of the six cities Arvada, Aurora, Glendale, Greenwood Village, Lafayette and Westminster put out an open letter, saying their home rule rights are under attack" and calling Polis executive order threatening to withhold funding from cities that dont comply a bullys tactic.

I think it's really important to protect local control that's enshrined in our state's constitution, said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman in a sit-down interview with Denver7. In talking to some other mayors, they say, Well, I don't think [the new pair of laws] was so bad. But what happens when it's something you think is really bad, but you've already allowed that precedent to happen, in terms of eroding local control?

Coffman said Aurora is very committed to finding affordable housing solutions, pointing to the citys pledge to add more than 500 new affordable housing units each year over three years, in order to receive funding through Proposition 123.

We also like the idea of transit-oriented development, that kind of building density in terms of housing by, you know, in mass transit corridors, particularly by light rail stops by major bus stops, he added. So we are we've been moving in that direction for some time.

But Coffman said the state should let local leaders decide what solutions work best for each community.

The common issue amongst us, amongst the six mayors [who are part of the lawsuit], is the home rule authority, is the ability to make these decisions at the local level, he said. The governor's effectively taking away a voice by the people of this, because he doesn't like some of the decisions that have been made by some local governments."

Denver7 brought those concerns to the governors office, which responded with a statement. It also recently cited a study that shows local zoning restricts housing options and curbs the construction of affordable housing in Colorado.

One of the most common criticisms of those who oppose measures aimed at increasing housing supply is being labeled a NIMBY, which comes from the phrase "Not in my Backyard."

We're certainly not a NIMBY, and I think you have to look at it community by community or city by city, Coffman said. We are doing everything we can to foster affordable housing So we don't disagree with the governor on all these issues, but we fundamentally disagree when it comes to who ought to be making these decisions.

The lawsuit is being led by the City of Greenwood Village. Coffman said Aurora City Attorney Pete Schulte is involved as well, but could not provide an exact number of hours Schulte has spent working on that support.

DENVER Denver7 is learning more about the widespread impact one person infected with measles has had on our state after three more cases of the highly contagious disease were discovered in the last week.

So far, there's been a dozen cases reported in different counties across the state. Taking a closer look at the Denver metro area, there have been three locations where a measles exposure was possible in the last week.

The incubation period for measles is about 7 days to 21 days, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In Windsor, people may have been exposed at the King Soopers located at 1520 Main St. on Saturday, May 31, between 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. According to state health department officials, they should be on the lookout for symptoms until June 21.

In Denver, the individual may have exposed shoppers and staff at the Trader Joes located at 661 Logan St. in Denvers Capitol Hill neighborhood on Thursday, May 29, between 9:30-11:40 a.m. They should be looking for symptoms until June 19.

And in Glendale, the individual may have exposed people at the Target located at 4301 E. Virginia Ave. on Monday, June 2 from 9:20-11:50 p.m. They should be keeping an eye out for symptoms until June 23.

"The typical symptoms would start with fever, cough, red, watery eyes, runny nose, that's usually the beginnings of it, and followed, on average, for three to four days later with a rash. And the typical rash starts on the head and neck and then spreads down over the rest of the body," said Bob Belknap, director of the Public Health Institute at Denver Health.

While some of the early on symptoms could be mistaken for allergies, Belknap told Denver7 a hint might be if you typically don't experience those types of allergies and if you're not vaccinated against the measles.

Denver7 has been closely following confirmed cases of measles in Colorado amid a multi-state outbreak of the virus in the U.S. this year. Check out some related stories in the links below.

Nearly half of all measles cases in Colorado are adults who were vaccinated. We asked Belknap, how that could happen?

"I think something we have known for a while is that breakthrough cases can happen in people who have been vaccinated. They happen when there's been really a pretty significant exposure to someone who is sick, and that's what we're seeing in this instance," he said. "It was people who were exposed over a very long international flight, or some folks who were exposed in a fairly packed indoor setting at DIA. In some sense, the fact that we haven't seen more cases as a result of that exposure speaks to the effectiveness of the vaccinations."

For anyone who has been to any of the possible exposure locations, Belknap said no one is truly in the clear until 21 days have passed without any symptoms.

"People are not going to be infectious to others if they don't have symptoms. It's really if someone begins to develop symptoms, then that's the point at which, if they have measles, they could be contagious," he said.

If you believe you could be infected with measles, call your healthcare provider first. Do not show up at an appointment without notifying them of the possibility of a measles, so they can coordinate the best way to avoid any exposure with others.

DENVER Colorado health officials on Wednesday confirmed the states 12th measles case of the year as the number of people whove contracted the virus from an infected individual at Denver International Airport continues to grow.

The states latest case a Denver adult vaccinated against measles was a passenger on Turkish Airlines flight 201, which arrived at Denver International Airport on May 13, state health officials said in a news release.

They said seven of the states 12 cases have been tied to an unvaccinated traveler from out-of-state who was infectious during the flight. Four of those seven cases were passengers on the flight and the other three were at the airport when they were exposed to the virus the following day.

The growing outbreak at DIA along with others at airports across the nation has prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to now recommend that all U.S. travelers going to any international destination be fully vaccinated against measles following dozens of reports of travelers who were contagious while flying into the country.

In Denver, the individual may have exposed shoppers and staff at the Trader Joes located at 661 Logan St. in Denvers Capitol Hill neighborhood on Thursday, May 29, between 9:30-11:40 a.m.

In Windsor, people may have been exposed at the King Soopers located at 1520 Main St. on Saturday, May 31, between 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

In Glendale, the individual may have exposed people at the Target located at 4301 E. Virginia Ave. on Monday, June 2 from 9:20-11:50 p.m.

If you were at any of these locations and develop measles symptoms, you are asked to contact your local public health agency immediately by phone before trying to seek treatment to avoid other people from becoming potentially infected with the virus. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed especially those who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine should monitor for symptoms for 21 days and avoid public gatherings or high-risk settings, health officials said in the news release.

Symptoms to watch out for include anything from a fever, a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes that develop into a rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body about three to five days after symptoms first start. A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears.

While most people recover within two or three weeks after contracting the virus, unvaccinated people run the risk of complications from the disease, including ear infections, seizures, pneumonia, immune amnesia, brain damage and ultimately, death.

Measles only spreads from people who show symptoms; it does not spread from people who arent feeling sick, state health officials said.

Unvaccinated people exposed to the virus can get the MMR vaccine 72 hours after exposure (but before symptoms are present) to prevent an infection, according to health officials.

That means unvaccinated people exposed to the virus in Denver and Windsor are no longer able to get an MMR vaccine, but people who may have been exposed at the Target in Glendale can still get a dose of the MMR vaccine until Thursday, June 5.

People exposed at the Trader Joe's in Denver may develop symptoms through June 19, while those exposed at the King Soopers in Windsor and the Target in Glendale may develop symptoms through June 21 and June 23 respectively, according to the CDPHE.

Denver7 has been closely following confirmed cases of measles in Colorado amid a multi-state outbreak of the virus in the U.S. this year. Check out some related stories in the links below.

While the two-dose series of the MMR vaccine has a 97% efficacy rate against infection, about 3 in every 100 people can still get infected if exposed to the virus, according to the CDC. Vaccinated individuals will usually develop milder symptoms and are less likely to spread it to others, according to state health officials.

People who got vaccinated against measles before 1968 should talk to their health care provider about possibly getting a booster as the vaccine used before that year wasn't as effective.

Colorado hasn't seen this many measles cases since 1996, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 7 cases across the state.

The remaining 11 measles cases across the state this year have been confirmed in Arapahoe County (3), Denver (3), El Paso County (3), and one each in Pueblo and Pagosa Springs.

As of Friday, the CDC had confirmed a total of 1,088 measles cases  the second worst year since the disease was eliminated 25 years ago. Two children and one adult have died in the current nationwide outbreak. None were vaccinated against measles.

GLENDALE, Colo. Crews have already broken ground on the $150 million entertainment development in Glendale, but the controversial project has hit another obstacle.

The developer of the Four Mile District, Glendale Development Partners LLC, is suing the City of Glendale for breach of contract.

The developer claims the city has modified the title to the property, designated as Phase 1 property, by using an incomplete and erroneous legal description of the property.

In a statement to Denver7, the city called the lawsuit a performative, frivolous attempt to leverage Glendale for a reason only known to the developer.

Glendale Development Partners claims in the suit that the citys actions have significantly impaired its ability to complete the project.

This isnt the first lawsuit the project has faced.

In 2018, the owners of a nearby rug store, Authentic Persian and Oriental Rugs, refused to sell their land to the city. The rug store owners took the City of Glendale to court and won.

However, after years of delays and setbacks, the Glendale City Council approved the somewhat downsized project to proceed in 2021, and crews broke ground on Four Mile District last year.

The project, which is being built on much of Creekside Park off Virginia Avenue, will feature a hotel, concert venue, movie theater, dining, nightclubs, and common consumption areas.

Many who visited Creekside Park last week told Denver7 that they are looking forward to the entertainment complex but expressed concern over potential green space loss.

Nathan Reed visits the park weekly and said he's concerned about the potential fate of Creekside Park.

"I'd be sad to lose this little bit of green space for sure," he said.

Glendale, located in Arapahoe County, is an enclave surrounded by the City and County of Denver.

This latest lawsuit is scheduled for a review hearing in Arapahoe County court on May 16.

GLENDALE, Colo. Glendale, known as RugbyTown USA, serves as the home of the professional rugby team, the American Raptors. The team, however, will not be coming home to Glendale next year.

The American Raptors played in the Super Rugby Americas and worked toward "improving the level of domestic talent in the United States," according to the team's page.

The sight of rugby players at Infinity Park is common for Johnathan Solis.

"Oh, its big. Ive never actually seen rugby personally anywhere besides here. Its when I first witnessed the games and the practice," Solis said. "I got interested in it whenever I see these guys play and their commitment, how happy they are to be out here. So, I know it's big right here in Glendale."

Michelle Spadavecchia has seen the team in action from the window of her nearby office building.

"Its great. There's a couple people in the office that understand what's going on, so they'll explain what's happening to those of us who don't watch it. But it's great to be able to see all the activity that's happening," Spadavecchia said.

But come next year, that action and excitement at Infinity Park will not be seen.

In a statement, Glendale City Manager Chuck Line confirmed the city is shifting its focus from professional rugby to youth rugby, meaning it will not support the American Raptors.

"The City is focusing our current efforts on expanding youth rugby, specifically ages 5-17. This year we will have more than 350 kids participate in our program, with a goal next year of doubling participation and having high school varsity boys and girls rugby teams to compete in the upcoming spring season," the statement reads.

The city confirmed to Denver7 that it is more expensive to fund the American Raptors compared to youth rugby programs. However, Line said the team did not set the city back financially.

Line said the city believes this decision will directly support young aspiring rugby players and "can make a life-changing impact on our communitys youth. Our plan includes having year-round opportunities, including developmental and elite camps in the summer."

The city manager said Infinity Park will continue to host events, including the Monday Movie Night series, the Rugby Colorado high school championships and the annual July 4th fireworks celebration. The stadium is available to rent for a variety of events.

"I think it's great to have youth sports happening," Spadavecchia said. "I mean, even if there's not a men's professional kind of team, I think it's great that they are having something to still focus on and use the park."

Solis said he is sad the American Raptors will not play next year.

"It's a pro-social thing to do. You know, to take that out of the community, I think it will have an impact for sure," said Solis.

While the team will not play in 2025, Line said the city is hopeful they can return in 2026 "along with several other North American teams competing in Super Rugby Americas. "

DENVER The lawn signs are up, the political TV ads are on an endless repeat and the flyers are flooding mailboxes across Colorado in preparation of the 2024 November general elections. Colorado ballots will hit the mail Friday for registered voters, leaving anyone who isn't registered for a mail-in ballot just over two weeks to submit an application.

Before we get into who's running for office and what you'll be voting on this year, we should perhaps start with some key dates to keep in mind:

Have questions about registering to vote? The Colorado Secretary of State's Office's FAQ is there to help.

Already filled out your ballot and forgot to mail it back? The Colorado Secretary of State's website has a ballot drop-off locator you can access here. Denver voters can find their nearest ballot drop-off location (as well as nearest voting center and mobile vote centers) in the map below or by clicking here.

Alright, now that we have that all squared away, let's dig in into who's running for what this year.

Obviously, the headliner of this November's election is the race for president and vice president.

Former President Donald Trump is vying for another shot at the White House after Joe Biden beat him in 2020, and VP Kamala Harris is hoping to step into the Oval Office after serving as Joe Biden's vice president for the last four years.

Trump has selected Sen. JD Vance as his running mate after Mike Pence moved forward with certifying the 2020 election for Joe Biden. Harris has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to join her campaign as VP after Pres. Biden stepped out of the race and Harris moved to the top of the ticket.

Congressional District 1

There are several Congressional representatives trying to hold onto their seats. Republican Valdamar Archuleta hopes to unseat incumbent Democrat Diana DeGette to represent the City and County of Denver, Glendale and Holly Hills.

Congressional District 2

Republican Marshall Dawson is hoping to take over incumbent Democrat Joe Neguse's spot, as the Congressional representative for the northwestern suburbs of Denver, including Boulder and Fort Collins.

Congressional District 3

Democrat Adam Frisch, who narrowly lost to Republican Lauren Boebert in 2022, is running against a new opponent now that Boebert has moved districts. Frisch now faces Republican Jeff Hurd for the people's vote in parts of the Western Slope and southern portions of the Eastern Plains.

Congressional District 4

Republican Lauren Boebert made headlines for switching districts this year from District 3 to run in a more favorably red Congressional district on the other side of the state. She will go up against Democrat Trisha Calvarese.

Watch Denver7 political reporter Brandon Richard's full interview with Lauren Boebert in the video player below:

Watch Denver7 political reporter Brandon Richard's full interview with Trisha Calvarese in the video player below:

Congressional District 6

Incumbent Democrat Jason Crow will face off against Republican John E. Fabbricatore for Colorado's 6th Congressional District encompassing much of the eastern Denver metropolitan area, including all of Aurora and portions of the southern Denver metro area.

Congressional District 7

Democrat incumbent Brittany Pettersen is running against Republican Sergei Matveyuk to hold onto her position representing the western parts of the Denver metro area, including Golden, Lakewood, Arvada and Broomfield, among many others.

Congressional District 8

Democrat incumbent Yadira Caraveo will go up against Republican Gabe Evans to represent Colorado's Eighth District in Washington, D.C. Evans currently serves in the state House of Representatives for Adams and Weld Counties.

Colorado House District 19

In the Colorado General Assembly, state Rep. Jennifer Parenti announced she was dropping her re-election bid for state House District 19 earlier this year. A Democratic vacancy committee selected Jillaire McMillan as a replacement nominee for the party. Republican Dan Woog will go up against McMillan for the position. He is a former state lawmaker who lose to Parenti in 2022. The winner of this race could determine if Democrats keep their supermajority.

Colorado Senate District 23

Also in the state legislature is incumbent Republican Barb Kirkmeyer fighting to keep her senate seat for Larimer and Weld Counties. She's facing Democrat Joseph Bobko.

Amendment 79 brings a national issue to center stage in Colorado. The ballot measure gives voters a say on whether or not to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution. It would also lift Colorado's 40-year-old ban on public funding of abortions.

We broke down the arguments from those who are for and against Amendment 79 in the story below.

Amendment 80 would also make changes to the state Constitution. It would cement families' right to school choice under Colorado law, our partners at The Denver Post report.

Guardians could choose whether their students attend public district-run schools, charter schools, private schools or homeschools. Opponents argue the ballot measure is unnecessary because state law already guarantees the right.

Amendment G would give a homestead property tax exemption to more military veterans with disabilities, according to The Denver Post.

Currently, only veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible. State analysts estimate 3,700 veterans in Colorado would qualify for the new exemption.

Amendment H would change how Colorado's judges are investigated and disciplined for professional misconduct on the bench, The Denver Post reports.

The ballot measure would take power from the Colorado Supreme court to suspend, publicly discipline or remove a judge from the bench, and would instead give that authority to an independent board of citizens, lawyers and judges. It would also allow the public to get more information on the process when it has been historically more secretive.

Amendment I would create an exception to the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when proof is evident or presumption is great.

Amendment J would remove language in the Colorado Constitution that defines a marriage as

between a man and a woman.

Colorado is one of 30 states that still has a statewide ban on same-sex marriage in its constitution. In 2006, Colorado voters narrowly passed Amendment 43, which added the restriction that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.

If passed, the Colorado Constitution would recognize same-sex marriages as valid and legal just like they are at the federal level.

Proposition 127 would ban the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado.

Exceptions to Proposition 127 include killing an animal to protect people and livestock, the accidental wounding of a cat, actions by authorized wildlife officers and scientific research activities.

Proponents say the ban would clean up the hunting community, while opponents believe it's the latest example of "ballot box biology."

Check out the story below to hear what people on both sides of the issue have to say about the measure.

Proposition 128 would increase the time some violent offenders serve in prison before they're eligible for parole, our sister station in Colorado Springs reports.

Those convicted of certain violent crimes would serve at least 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole or earned time reductions. A third-strike rule in the proposition would also take away parole eligibility for criminals after a third violent conviction, requiring them to serve 100% of their sentence without any earned time.

The current Colorado law requires these offenders to serve 75% of their sentence. Time reductions earned for good behavior and completed programs in prison can reduce the sentence by half in some cases.

Proposition 129 would create a veterinary professional associate (VPA), a mid-level position with duties that would overlap those of a veterinarian and a veterinary technician. This proposition came about due to a veterinary shortage in Colorado.

"One in three pet owners cannot get care for their pets, whether they can't get an appointment or they can't afford that care, Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, who's in support of Proposition 129, said. "By creating this VPA role in veterinary medicine, which does not exist right now, we hope that we can increase access to veterinary care and decrease cost of veterinary care so more animals can get the care that they need."

Colorado State University is working to create a program that would allow students to obtain a masters degree to become a VPA to support veterinary teams. Under state law, however, VPAs are currently not allowed to work in veterinary clinics. Proposition 129 would change that.

Opponents, however, allege these VPAs would put pets at risk. Colorado State Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, said VPAs would not have taken a national exam and be undertrained.

Proposition 130 would provide $350 million for local police departments to recruit, train and retain officers. The funding, under Prop. 130, could be used to increase pay for officers, provide hiring and retention bonuses, and provide ongoing training. It would also require the state to provide a one-time $1 million death benefit to help families of police officers who are killed in the line of duty.

Because the state only has so much money to go around, Anaya Robinson with ACLU Colorado said Proposition 130 would force lawmakers to take money away from other areas like education, housing and healthcare.

Proposition 131 would give voters the chance to change how people vote in the next election, including the Open Primary and Ranked-Choice voting initiative, our sister station in Colorado Springs reports.

In Colorado right now, a Semi-Open Primary is available for voters. If you are unaffiliated, you can vote either in the Republican or Democratic Primary.

Under the Open Primary, all candidates will be on one ballot.

Then, the top four candidates from the Primary will move onto the Ranked-Choice Voting system in General Election.

Voters will rank candidates from one to four. If the candidate gets over 50% of the vote in the first round, that candidate wins.

If not, the second round continues.

The candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated.

This cycle continues until one candidate has the majority.

Proposition JJ asks voters to decide whether the state should continue returning excess sports betting tax revenue to casinos or keep the money to spend on water projects, The Denver Post reports.

Tax revenue surpassed $29 million in the states 2023-2024 budget year and is projected to increase in coming years, according to the states Blue Book voter guide.

Proposition KK asks voters if they support or oppose raising state taxes by $39 million annually to fund mental health services for certain groups of people, including veterans, at-risk youth, and domestic violence survivors.

A 6.5% excise tax would be placed on gun manufacturers, gun retail stores, and ammunition vendors. The businesses would decide how they wanted to pay the tax, meaning they could either absorb it and pay it themselves or pass it along to the consumer.

The justice system should be punishing crime. Instead of punishing crime, they're just going to go ahead and punish consumers. They're going to punish people who are trying to defend themselves," Ian Escalante, executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, said. And now we have all these people that would want to be able to defend themselves but aren't going to now because they simply can't afford it.

Ballot Issue 2Q asks Denver voters to commit to funding Denver Health long-term. It has been struggling financially since 2022, our partners at The Denver Post report.

Denver Health estimates it will lose $155.5 million from uncompensated costs in 2024, an increase of 10% from last year.

Unlike other hospitals, CEO Donna Lynne said Denver Health provides care to uninsured patients beyond the emergency room, even housing patients to make sure they can get ongoing treatment.

Since 1996, the City and County of Denver has only provided $30 million in annual funding to Denver Health, despite health care costs and the number of patient visits increasing. Lynne said the Denver Health sales tax ballot initiative will help tremendously.

The Denver Health sales tax ballot initiative would increase the city's sales tax by 0.34%, generating about $70 million every year. If approved by voters in November, it would push Denver's sales tax rate to 9.15%. Analysts at the Common Sense Institute said that would surpass Boulder's sales tax rate and would be the highest sales tax rate among the 10 largest cities on the Front Range.

Ballot Issue 2R also asks voters to increase the city's sales tax. It puts forth a measure a 0.5% sales tax increase that would pay for affordable housing in Denver.

Supporters estimate the sales tax increase would generate $100 million per year for affordable housing.

City leaders said the money would also help with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for low/middle-income households, increase investment in mixed-income developments, and preserve existing income-restricted homeownership and rental units.

However, the opposing view is reflected in District 7 Councilmember Flor Alvidrez's comments.

"At a time when the cost of living is soaring and families are already burdened with rising property taxes, new sidewalk fees, new trash fees, this is not the moment to impose another fee," Alvidrez said ahead of Denver City Council's vote on the measure earlier this year.

Citizen-Initiated Ordinance 308 would ban the sale, manufacturing, trade and display of fur products within Denver city limits, which could impact the local retailers who use these fur products to make a living.

Supporters advocate for the ordinance as a means for ridding the city of the "outdated practice of killing animals just to wear their fur," Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue told Denver7.

For businesses who sell fur products such as fly fishing flies and custom cowboy hats, this ballot measure would greatly affect their inventory. Coleen Orr, the owner of Cowboy Up Hatters, uses beaver and rabbit fur to create custom hats for clients and explained the fur is a byproduct from Europe that she is able to utilize.

"Felt hats are matted hair fur and that's what they've been made out of for thousands of years, a lower quality felt hat would be wool but it does not stand up nowhere near as well, like one good rainstorm in a wool hat is done," Orr said.

Citizen-Initiated Ordinance 309 will decide the fate of Denver's only slaughterhouse and one of the nation's largest lamb processing facilities in November.

The ballot measure threatens to close the meat processing plant in 2026, putting more than 160 employees out of work, and ban all future meat processing plants in Denver. This could cost 80% of economic activity, The Denver Post reports. Just under 700 jobs would be lost across Colorado and a little more than $215 million of economic activity.

Supports say the initiative is necessary step to reduce Denver's participation in the slaughterhouse industry, mistreating animals and causing detrimental impacts on the environment and climate change, according to reporting from The Denver Post.

We mentioned these dates at the top of this guide, but it doesn't hurt to mention them again because they are very important, so here we go:

Here is the finalized ballot from the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.

Here is the certified list of candidates from the Colorado secretary of state for the 2024 November election.

Here is the official election calendar from Colorado's Secretary of State.

GLENDALE, Colo. A man, who was initially identified as a person of interest but is now considered a suspect, was taken into custody in Texas in connection with an April homicide in Glendale.

Blake Andrew Warren was named as a person of interest in the case surrounding the death of Gianni Fernandez in Glendale around 3 a.m. on April 5, according to the Glendale Police Department. The homicide happened along the 4700 block of E. Mississippi Avenue at the Urban Phenix Apartments. A second man was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Glendale police posted about Warren on social media on May 2. It reads: "Warren is believed to have crucial information about a homicide that occurred on April 5, 2024, in the city of Glendale. Detectives would like to speak with Warren only as a Person of Interest."

Warren was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and taken into custody in Spring, Texas. The police department said he will be extradited to Colorado.

On Monday, the police department confirmed that Warren is now a suspect in this homicide, and no longer just a person of interest.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Texas assisted in this investigation. In its own press release, the sheriff's office said its Criminal Investigations Division and Criminal Interdiction Unit found "a Murder Suspect in Spring, Montgomery County. Working with information received from officials in Colorado, Precinct 3 units, assisted by the US Marshals and members of Montgomery County Sheriffs Office SWAT, arrested Blake Warren." He was located at a local residence.

The sheriff's office said Warren was wanted on a murder charge out of Arapahoe County.

GLENDALE, Colo. A woman invited into a home in Glendale early Friday morning is on the run along with two other suspects for suspicion of homicide, according to a spokesperson with the citys police department.

At about 2:33 a.m. Friday, the woman suspect is seen entering the Urban Phenix Apartments after being invited by the victim into their home. Shortly after, the woman is later seen opening the security gate of the complex to allow two men into the complex, according to a news release from the Glendale Police Department.

All three were later seen fleeing the complex just before 3 a.m.

The woman suspect is approximately 20 to 25 years of age with a slim build, dark eyes and dark, straight medium length hair. She appears to have a hoop ring in the right nostril. Police said she was seen leaving the scene wearing the victims sweatshirt.

The second suspect was described as a possible dark skin male, taller with a medium build who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

The third suspect, also described as a possible dark skin male has a distinct tattoo on the back of his left hand with the word Loyalty tattooed in cursive. He was wearing a dark Nike hooded jacket, black pants, and belt with possible rhinestones on it.

Any person who may information about this crime is asked to contact the Glendale police tip line at (303) 639-4328 or email eweeks@glendale.co.us.

GLENDALE, Colo. One man died and another person was injured in a shooting in Glendale early Friday morning.

The shooting was reported in the 4700 block of E. Mississippi Avenue at around 3 a.m.

Police said one man was found dead at the scene and another was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Glendale police said no arrests have been made.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Wheat Ridge police have identified a suspect in the November 2023 burglary of a jewelry store and the homicide of its owner, according to an arrest affidavit.

Inside Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, investigators found three zip tie handcuffs looped together with a Latex glove in front of a safe where silver coins were stolen, the arrest affidavit said.

DNA from the flex cuffs found outside the safe matched that of Charles Robinson Shay, according to the affidavit.

Surveillance video showed a suspect pull a gun on jewelry store owner Peter Aguello and attempt to handcuff him, according to the affidavit. Aguello resisted and the suspect shot him three times.

Two people were reported leaving the store and getting into a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, witnesses told Wheat Ridge police.

A vehicle matching that description was reported stolen out of Glendale in October of 2023, according to the affidavit. The owner gave police pictures of the truck, and investigators determined it was the same vehicle seen leaving the scene of the robbery and murder.

Officers found the suspected vehicle on Dec. 1. 2023 in Centennial, Wheat Ridge police said. It was set on fire and heavily damaged. In the back seat of the truck, investigators found two hats that were partially burned, matching ones the suspects were wearing in surveillance videos, the affidavit read.

After reviewing street cameras in the area of the burned-out vehicle, investigators noticed another truck following it.

It belonged to a man who was dead, but records showed a relative named Shawnteen Hall and the truck's former owner were Facebook friends with Charles Shay, according to the affidavit. Investigators went to Shays address and found the pickup from the video. It was reported stolen to the Littleton Police Department on Dec. 4, 2023.

They attached a GPS on Shays vehicle. It showed the pickup at the jewelry shot on Dec. 24

and Dec. 26, according to the affidavit. On the 26th, the security alarm was triggered and the safes in the store were opened. They were empty and unlocked before the burglary on the 26

, the affidavit said.

Shay admitted to prying a door to the business open on the 26th, but he said he didnt take anything because there wasnt anything to take, according to the affidavit.

He was convicted for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in 2004, motor vehicle theft in 2005, and identity theft in 2012, among other charges. Shay is also wanted on a felony warrant out of California for a stolen vehicle, Wheat Ridge police said.

GLENDALE, Colo. Glendale City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to ban people from playing pickleball on tennis courts.

The vote follows the closure of the tennis courts at Infinity Park this summer. According to the city, pickleball players caused $100,000-worth of damage to the surface of the court.

The ordinance prohibits people from bringing pickleball nets to tennis courts, marking up courts or shoveling snow off courts.

Dan Schlager, who plays both pickleball and tennis and played often at Infinity Park, said he never saw his fellow players mistreating the court and is disappointed the city is taking these steps.

"You know, you're not ticketing soccer players who are playing on the field that was designed for rugby originally," Schlager said, adding that the courts were often "empty" before pickleball players started using them.

As the city restricts pickleball players from using designated tennis courts, it is constructing dedicated pickleball courts at Glendale Park, formerly Mir Park. Four courts will be installed in the project, which is slated to be completed this fall.

"People won't have to bring their nets. They won't have to place any lines. They'll just have to bring their paddles and their balls," said City Manager Chuck Line of the new courts. "And because of that, we want to be able to preserve the tennis players in our community."

Schlager said he is glad the city is investing in new courts, but wonders why Glendale Park was selected for pickleball and Infinity Park for tennis. The courts at Glendale Park will be surrounded by housing, he pointed out, and could be disturbed by the noise of the sport.

Several other communities in the Denver metro have been met with a deluge of noise complaints from homeowners near pickleball courts.

"Here [at Infinity Park], it's a really busy corner. There's no housing. And, you probably could fit six pickleball courts," Schlager said.

Ultimately, he hopes his fellow tennis players and fellow pickleball players will be able to play each on courts throughout Glendale and Colorado.

"Pickleball is just exploding all over the country. People are really enjoying it," he said. "It's Colorado. Like, we should be the leader. Denver should be the leader in all of these things that are recreation oriented. It's a great outdoor city, as opposed to kind of going the other way that discourages this kind of activity."

DENVER A New York woman has been charged after she allegedly threatened multiple LGBTQ businesses in the Denver metro area in early December, just weeks after the deadly Club Q shooting.

According to the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado, Sharon Robinson, 40, was arrested and charged with four counts of true threat in interstate commerce.

According to the indictment, Robinson is accused of calling at least four LGBTQ businesses in Denver and Glendale a few weeks after the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs in November 2022. Five people were killed.

According to the indictment for Robinson, who was in New York at the time, called a Denver business on Dec. 8 with threats to shoot your bar up next. She then is accused of calling another business and using multiple anti-LGBTQ slurs, saying "they gonna shoot you next. Gonna shoot you next, you piece of (expletive)."

Her third call that day was allegedly to a Glendale business, where she stated, "I'm going to go over there and shoot you all... You're going to die," according to the indictment.

The fourth and final known call was to a Denver business, where Robinson allegedly stated, "You're gonna be shot up like Club Q," according to the document.

A grand jury found that she intentionally selected the victims because of both actual and perceived sexual orientation.

"The United States Sentencing Guidelines recommend higher sentences for such crimes," the office said.

Robinson made her first court appearance on May 24 in Brooklyn, New York.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Denver Police Department, and the Glendale Police Department are investigating this case.

An Arapahoe County Coroner's Office autopsy report shows Haywood Hammond, 70, died of sepsis. The report ruled his death a homicide after finding "several factors concerning for neglect as being contributory" to his death, like poor nutrition, poor living conditions, and poor hygiene.

Hammond was a brother, father, and grandfather.

Happy go lucky type of guy," said Shambi Milton, describing her dad. It just ended very abruptly for us... There's a lot of unanswered questions for my whole entire family.

His daughters said Hammond had a stroke in 2005, and after that, required around-the-clock care at home. They said the family hired a caretaker at that point.

The family grew suspicious of the quality of care starting in 2018. Hammond died on January 17, 2021.

The way he was killed in a very inhumane way," said Audra Meriwether, another one of Hammond's daughters. It makes you lose trust in humans in general.

When Hammond died, he weighed only 91 pounds, according to the autopsy.

He wasn't even able to have an open casket. None of us could have officially said goodbye because his body was so deteriorated," Meriwether said. I actually went and got the paperwork from the coroner's office, and she said this was one of the hardest cases she's had to do.

The family has filed a civil lawsuit, which identifies three businesses as defendants, along with a specific caretaker, and the man lawyers believe is behind the different companies. Denver7 attempted to reach the businesses and individuals named, but did not have any responses as of Wednesday evening.

The businesses listed in the lawsuit are AAA Personal Care Services, Vrai Inc, and Arsema Inc.

The lawsuit claims the defendants were responsible for providing 24-hour home care to Hammond, and that the defendants failed to clean, shower, feed and provide medical care for him. The lawsuit alleges the "defendants left Mr. Hammond for dead laying in excrement and maggots."

A human wouldnt even treat a dog like this," Milton said. The room was covered in maggots and flies. He was just living in destruction.

We're looking for accountability, and justice for my dad, Haywood," said Meriwether. "Justice for Haywood.

Attorneys believe his death could have been avoided.

Frankly, we've made complaints with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, who pays these folks to look after these elderly people. And we're actually trying to get them to take away their licenses," said attorney Gorgy Alhasoon of the Gaiennie Law Office. I'll probably never make a dime on this case, but I'll make [the defendants'] life hell.

Those with the Glendale Police Department said Hammond's case is "very complicated." The police department sent the case to the 18th Judicial District for review. As of Wednesday, Glendale police said they are waiting to hear back from the district attorney's office to see if the criminal case will move forward.

GLENDALE, Colo. Uber driver Bryan Zimmerman says he was scammed out hundreds of dollars by someone who claimed to be with Uber Support.

They called me a few times Sunday, saying that my profile picture doesnt match how I look in person, said Zimmerman, who has been driving for the company for almost a year.

The caller told Zimmerman he would be getting $45.00 back because of the complaint. They then gave Zimmerman some numbers to enter into his Uber account so he could be reimbursed. Instead, $700 disappeared from Zimmermans account, who realized he had been scammed.

The time that he called me to do the scam, it was the driver support number, said Zimmerman.

Zimmerman reached out to Uber Supports chat feature in hopes of getting his money back.

At first, Uber told him there was no evidence suggesting his account was compromised, but after some back-and-forth communication, Uber Support personnel said they discovered his account was compromised and he would receive a one-time appeasement of his missed earnings.

Zimmerman is just glad to have the $700 back in his account.

I would have been scrambling to pay rent this month, he said.

Zimmerman is giving other rideshare drivers this advice.

Just be careful about people that call you. If youre working for Uber, or maybe Lyft, or something, its not always legitimate, he said. Dont fall for it. Dont trust them so much.

Denver7 asked Uber if this scam is a security issue across the app as a whole but has not received a response.

Editor's note:

DENVER An officer with the Sheridan Police Department has been charged with attempted second-degree assault for allegedly putting a woman suspected of shoplifting in a chokehold after she spit on him during an arrest earlier this month.

Shawn Ralph, 50, faces one count of attempted second-degree assault strangulation in the heat of passion, in connection with the Sept. 3 incident, which is a class 6 felony. Colorado law prohibits officers from using chokeholds on people after lawmakers passed Senate Bill 217 last year.

According to an arrest affidavit written by Sheridan Police Department Cdr. Jon Macdonald, Officer Ralph, another Sheridan officer and a Sheridan Police Department sergeant were at a 7-Eleven on Federal Blvd. responding to a report of a woman who had shoplifted from the store.

The sergeant at the scene and other officer handcuffed the woman, whom the affidavit says was resisting being detained, and Ralph helped sit her on the ground.

Ralph went inside to get the clerk of the store to confirm what had been stolen from inside, and the woman started yelling at the clerk and tried to lunge at him, according to the affidavit.

Ralph stepped in front of the woman, who then spit toward the clerk, but hit Officer Ralph in the eye instead, according to the affidavit. He responded by grabbing the woman by the neck, saying she f---ing spit on me, and took her to the ground, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit says Ralphs body camera captured the womans face while his hand was around her neck and says she is wincing and appears to be in pain as if being choked or from her head striking the ground.

The affidavit says Ralphs other hand moved from her arm and appears to be bracing the hand on [the womans] neck.

The sergeant at the scene intervened and told Ralph to relax and took Ralphs hands off the woman, who complained about hitting her head on the pavement. She was taken to Swedish Medical Center for an evaluation and was released without any noted substantial injury, according to the affidavit.

She also had an outstanding felony warrant for failing to appear in a robbery case and was arrested on that case.

Written reports by the sergeant, the clerk, Ralph and the other officer at the scene all gave similar accounts that Ralph had grabbed the womans neck except for Ralphs, which said, I reached for [the womans] mouth with my gloved hand. [The woman] moved backwards as I tried to cover her mouth, making my hand slip from her mouth and onto her chin.

The sergeant wrote, Officer Ralph grabbed [the womans] right arm and put his left hand around her throat and took her to the ground

The clerk said that Ralph applied a chokehold, and the other officer wrote that Ralph had a hold on [the womans] neck area with one of his hands.

According to court records, Ralph turned himself in to Glendale police and was booked, posted bond and released on Tuesday.

Sheridan Police Chief Jeffrey Martinez said in a statement Wednesday afternoon he was concerned about the incident and reported the case to the Arapahoe County District Attorneys Office.

He said Officer Ralph was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations.

We believe in the integrity of both the criminal and administrative processes and will withhold judgment until both are completed, Martinez said. I want to assure our community the Sheridan Police Department is committed to providing outstanding service, transparency, and safety to the community we serve.

GLENDALE, Colo. An entertainment district is coming to Glendale, but the project's approval comes after years of challenges, including lawsuits and difficulties securing a developer.

Formerly known as Glendale 180, the Glendale Entertainment District will include a hotel, concert venue, movie theater, dining, nightclubs and common consumption areas.

Renderings from redevelopment firm, Central Street Capital, show the $150 million project that will be built on much of Creekside Park.

On Wednesday, Glendale City Council green-lit the project

One of the most recent oppositions to the development was a lawsuit from a local business.

In 2018, after a three-year battle, a judge ruled in favor of Authentic Persian and Oriental Rugs, preventing the city from any future efforts to develop the land the store sits on.

At the time, the City of Glendale said in a statement that while it disagreed with the ruling, there was no project impact, and things would move forward without the family's property.

The groundbreaking for the Glendale Entertainment District is set for this fall with a completion slated for 2023.

Glendale's deputy city manager says public hearings for the project could happen has early as August.

GLENDALE, Colo. Police in Glendale say they are searching for the driver of a gold minivan who allegedly struck an officer while fleeing from police early Friday morning.

On Friday at 2:18 a.m., an officer with the Glendale Police Department contacted a person inside a gold Chrysler Town and Country minivan. The car was backed into a parking space in a hotel parking lot, located at 4850 Leetsdale Drive, with the reverse lights still on. The officer saw four people inside the car and noticed the driver was slumped over the steering wheel, as if he was asleep or passed out, police said. His foot was on the brake.

The officer positioned his patrol car in front of the minivan to prevent the driver from driving away should he wake up and try to flee. He then called for other officers to assist him and try to wake up the driver.

The driver was initially unresponsive, but the officer was able to open his door.

Police said the driver appeared to be "heavily intoxicated and refused to follow instructions" to put the minivan in park. The driver then looked away from the officer, put the car in drive and accelerated quickly. He turned southbound, struck two patrol cars and fled.

In the process, the officer was struck by the driver's rear side of the car when it turned, police said.

He was transported to a hospital via ambulance with injuries that were not life threatening. He was released several hours later, police said.

Police are now asking for the public's help locating the minivan and suspect. The car has Idaho license plate number K57-1711.

Anybody who sees this car or knows the suspect's identification or whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Glendale Police Department at 303-759-4322.

UPDATE | Thursday, 11:20 a.m. A Medina Alert has been canceled in connection to a deadly hit-and-run.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said both the vehicle and suspect have been located. No other details were available as of Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

...

GLENDALE, Colo. Police in Glendale are looking for your help to find a driver who reportedly hit a pedestrian and left them for dead before leaving the scene of the crash.

The deadly hit-and-run happened on S. Leetsdale Drive and S. Cherry Street sometime before 6 p.m. Monday. Leetsdale Drive was closed between Cherry St. and Alameda while investigators combed the scene.

A Medina Alert was issued at 7:21 p.m. for a four-door, white Hyundai or Nissan vehicle with partial Colorado license plate 118.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation officials say the vehicle has heavy front end and windshield damage.

You are asked to called 911 or the Glendale Police Department at (303) 759-1511.

Editor's note:

GLENDALE, Colo. A young woman with a disability had her scooter, her only mode of transportation and prized possession, stolen from the garage of her Denver home on Tuesday.

HOW TO HELP: To give to the Denver7 Gives Fund and to Sky Williford, click here.

There he is, walking right away with her scooter. There he goes, Sky Willifords mother said, narrating a neighbors security camera video that showed the crime happen.

The video shows two men drive by on a single scooter of their own. They stop, one man gets off and walks up their driveway. Seconds later, he walks back into the frame and walks off with the black scooter out of the garage.

Its just so terrible, Skys mom said. Shes just the best and its so hard to see her upset.

Her mother, Cynthia Moses, tells Denver7 her daughter has a developmental disability. The scooter is her only way to get around, including to and from her job at King Soopers.

It means everything to me because my family gave it to me, Sky said.

She had purchased the 50cc Chicago GoMax scooter last year, after her grandfather passed away and left her a small amount of money. Skys mom says her daughter works part time at the grocery store, and cant afford to buy a new one.

Im scared shes not gonna be able to replace it and its gonna hurt her. And I hate seeing my little girl hurt, her mom said.

Just when they started to reach their stride, the Colorado Raptors rugby team saw their season dissolve.

Five games into the MLR season the league cancelled the season in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Raptors lost their first three games of the year, but had won two in a row and felt like their season was turning a corner.

"It happened so fast right," says Blake Rogers who's played with the Raptors for three years. "Normally you have a full season you have a good time with all your teammates and anything. There's a peak, and this one was like oh we just started and boom. It's done. Our lives just got put on hold for what should have been four more months now and it's just over. It's like now what do we do?"

The answer to Blake's question is: Rugby 20 - a video game the MLR is using to link up teams and play out the rest of their season.

"I think it's great you know, it keeps us involved and fans involved in the sport still," says Rogers. "It still gets us out there to promote something."

In addition to promoting the sport, this MLR virtual league is working to raise money for nonprofit Feeding America - an organization that helps to fill food banks across the country.

Representing the Raptors is Mika Kruse, a stud on the field and a gamer off of it.

"I love playing video games," says Kruse. "If I'm not playing rugby I'm usually playing video games."

Kruse says he plays games from across the spectrum - Dark Souls to Fortinte to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. He purchased the new Rugby 20 game to get a little practice in before the Raptors' first match on Sunday against the Houston Sabercats.

"I'm always competitive no matter what the game is," says Kruse. "I think I'm pretty good."

He proved to be excellent - Kruse beat the representitves from Houston 21-12.

The MLR virtual league will continue on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). If you'd like to enjoy the action or donate to Feeding America, visit the MLR Twitch page.

DENVER Changes are coming to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

That first hour of free parking is about to disappear.

General Manager Jeramy Burkinshaw said there has been tremendous growth in the Cherry Creek area, "and with that growth, we're finding that people are parking in the shopping center's parking (lots & garages,) but aren't necessarily shopping at the center."

He said the new fee structure is designed to "curb that."

The mall first began charging for parking in January of 2017.

The first hour was free under the program, while the mall charged $3 for two hours of parking, $4 for three hours and $2 for each additional hour.

But once the new changes take effect Jan. 21, it will cost you $2 to park for the first 0-2 hours and $2 for each additional hour.

"Our average customer spends more than an hour in the center, so they'll actually pay less under the new structure," Burkinshaw said.

Predictably, the rate change is drawing some feedback.

"I'm not surprised because it's Cherry Creek," said shopper Daniel Carrillo. "That is something they would monetize. It's predictable, but not that great."

"It's like they just want to keep sucking the money out of us," said Linsey Stacy.

Stacy said she has cut back on the amount of shopping she does at the mall because of parking costs.

She said she now spends more time shopping online.

That's something that Jim and Janeen McQuarrie said they try to avoid.

"As more people shop online with Amazon, it hurts local businesses," Janeen McQuarrie said. "I think that has an impact on, not only on what Cherry Creek looks like, but on all those that are employed at the mall."

The mall utilizes a Smart Parking System to track cars, where they park in the garage and how long they have been parked.

Burkinshaw said some stores validate parking tickets, so shoppers should ask at the check-out counter.

Stores that Validate Parking Tickets:

Burkinshaw also said that parking will remain free for major events such as the Cherry Creek Sneak, Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Farmers Market.

AURORA, Colo. Four people were taken into custody following an armed robbery and vehicle pursuit in Aurora.

Officers with the Aurora Police Department investigated an armed robbery along the 10900 block of E. Exposition Avenue on Monday night, which led to a vehicle chase, Aurora police said. The suspects led police through Denver.

The suspect vehicle eventually crashed and rolled over in Glendale at Cherry Creek S. Drive and S. Colorado Boulevard.

Moises Bernardo Garcia, 18, Henry Valente-Alvarez, 19, Alonzo Kennedy, 19, and a juvenile male were arrested. They all face multiple charges in connection to this case, including aggravated robbery, police said.

Officers recovered at least four weapons from the suspects, police said.

No officers were injured.

DENVER A man who pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder and felony menacing in connection with a deadly October 2016 crash in which he was driving 135 miles per hour has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Tyler White, 27, was driving his Dodge Challenger 135 miles per hour on Colorado Blvd. in a 35 mile-per-hour zone near Interstate 25 on Oct. 10, 2016 when he crashed into a car driven by 28-year-old Ariel Berryman and then into several other cars.

Berryman died after being transported to a nearby hospital.

White fled the scene of the crash and was found hours later in City Park. According to police and prosecutors, fishermen called police after they spotted White dancing in the middle of the lakes park. He swam back to shore, where he collapsed before the fishermen called police.

Police analyzed the cars computer and found that less than a second before White collided with Berryman, his accelerator was 100% open and he was driving 134 miles per hour.

Police wrote that White demonstrated through his driving actions an attitude of universal malice manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.

In addition to the 30-year sentence, White will also pay $9,500 in restitution, according to the Denver District Attorneys Office.

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. Officer Cory Sack is recovering very nicely after undergoing surgery Tuesday for two gunshot wounds he suffered in a Monday night shooting.

Sack is slated for another surgery Thursday, Cherry Hills Police Chief Michelle Tovrea told Denver7 Wednesday morning. He was shot once above the left knee and once in his right heel, officials said Tuesday.

There is also a GoFundMe page raising money to support Sack and his family in his recovery which is being managed by family members. The page had already raised $2,095 of the $5,000 goal as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Tovrea also said Wednesday that there still have been no arrests made in connection with the shooting or the alleged home invasion and robbery that preceded it.

Sack responded to a home on Sedgwick Drive just before 11 p.m. Monday after a 911 hang-up call. When he went inside the home, he found at least two suspects. Police said the suspects and Sack then got into a shootout, in which Sack was hit.

Police said Tuesday they were looking for at least four suspects in connection with the case.

Sack is a seven-year veteran of the police department and had previously worked for the Elbert County Sheriffs Office. He has a wife and two children.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 303-761-8711.

DENVER When parents are told their child is not developing like other children it is not unusual for parents to go through a range of emotions. They often experience disbelief, denial, anger, worry, even guilt. 

But 7Everyday Hero Heidi Wateurs helps provide a bridge so parents understand they are not alone.

In May of this year, more than 800 people came out to Infinity Park in Glendale for the Autism Speaks Walk. Autism Speaks is a national nonprofit that provides funding for research and education about autism spectrum disorders. 

"One third of all children who are affected by autism are going to be nonverbal," Wateurs said. 

Hence the name Autism Speaks. 

"We have got to be their voice. And that's why we're Autism Speaks. We are the families who are talking for them," Wateurs said. 

And walking for them. 

"I walked for my daughter. She is an amazing little girl. She is 13 years old and she is a part of the autism community, Wateurs said. 

Wateurs was one of the leading fundraisers for the Denver walk this year. 

'I am a single mom. I had no idea what autism was until I got the diagnosis. I was scared. So it became my new mission to go out and raise some money and help families and to help my family," Wateurs said. 

The walk this year came soon after the Centers for Disease Control revealed the prevalence of autism is increasing worldwide. It now impacts 1 in every 59 children. That means millions of families face similar hurdles. 

Ironically, the challenges that often come with an autism spectrum disorder can leave the families feeling isolated. 

"One of the biggest problems is that you can become very alone when you have a child with autism because there are behaviors that don't work well with big crowds," Wateurs said. 

That is why Wateurs relentlessly volunteers for Autism Speaks. She knows the more we all know about autism, the better for everyone. 

"Their block, their obstacle is their nervous system is running all the time causing them to have to take that step back from you. You're thinking it's isolation or them not wanting to be in your life, but that is not true. They want to be in your life, but we're going to have to learn as a community how to bridge that gap. And that's what I am hoping to do," Wateurs said. 

To learn more about autism spectrum disorder and Autism Speaks go to www.autismspeaks.org.

Mitch Jelniker anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here.

Many communities around Colorado have canceled their Independence day fireworks displays due to high fire danger this year but we've rounded up a list of where you can still see a good show for the 4th of July.

Below is a list of the fireworks shows we're aware of (including those that are canceled), sorted alphabetically:

ADAMS COUNTY -- Tuesday, July 3

See Brighton below.

ALAMOSA Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

There will be an Independence Day Celebration with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast and a Main Street parade. This years theme is Indpendence Day the Valley Way. But there will be no fireworks this year.

ARVADA Wednesday, July 4

Arvada will only host a fireworks show this year, saying that organizing an all-day event has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to volunteer and city staffing numbers. Gates open to vehicles at 7 p.m. and fireworks start around 9 p.m. at the Stenger Sports Complex (W. 58th Ave. and Oak St.)

ASPEN Wednesday, July 4 

Rather than fireworks, Aspen will this year host a drone light show, in which dozens of drones dance across the sky choreographed to music. The drone light show starts at 9:15 p.m. at Wagner Park and will be followed by a performance by the band Thievery Corporation at Belly Up. The rest of the day beforehand will be filled with other family events. Last years fireworks were canceled because of fire restrictions.

AURORA Wednesday, July 4

The city will host its Fourth of July Spectacular from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4. There will be musical entertainment from Narrow Gauge and Syndicate from 6 to 9:30, which will be followed by the fireworks show at 9:30. Its the only place you can watch fireworks in Aurora, as they are banned in the rest of the city.

AVON Tuesday, July 3 (no fireworks)

Update: Avon had canceled its fireworks display.

Avons Salute to the USA celebration is sponsored by Alpine Bank and will run from 5 p.m. until about 10 p.m. There will be a host of family-friendly events and food, as well as live music from the Dearling Band and Arapahoe Philharmonic.

BEAVER CREEK Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Update: Beaver Creek has canceled its fireworks show.

There will be free slides, bounce houses and a kids zone that run through the afternoon, starting at noon. There will also be food and drinks in Centennial Park.

BENNETT - (no fireworks)

There are no fireworks events scheduled in Bennett this year. There is an open burning ban in effect for the town, however, so dont light any of your own. Town offices are closed on July 4.

BLACK HAWK Wednesday, July 4

Black Hawk will host its Boom Town fireworks special that the city touts as the largest display in Colorado. The city says that weather and restrictions permitting, the display will start at 9:30 p.m.

BOULDER - Wednesday, July 4

There are a host of July 4 events scheduled in Boulder this year, including the 5/10K Craig Towler Freedom Run, 4th on Pearl, Chautauquas 120th birthday, and a fireworks display at Folsom Field that will begin at dark. Doors for fireworks open at 8 p.m.

BRECKENRIDGE Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

The town of Breckenridge has already canceled its fireworks display this year because of dry conditions and a dry forecast. Fireworks are prohibited in town limits as well. But the 10K trail run, mountain bike race and parade are still scheduled to take place, with other family events as well.

BRIGHTON Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4

The Stars & Stripes Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park takes place on July 3 from 4 to 10 p.m. with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

Brightons Fourth of July Community Celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 at Carmichael Park, just behind Brighton City Hall. There will be free activities for kids, food, music and more. Fireworks will begin at dark.

BROOMFIELD Wednesday, July 4

Activities begin around 5 p.m. at Broomfield County Commons Park with activities for children, a beer garden and live music. The fireworks display is set to begin at 9:30 p.m., weather and fire bans permitting.

BRUSH July 2, 3 and 4

The Brush rodeo kicks off on Monday with barbecue and a beer garden, along with other rodeo activities. The same schedule is set for Tuesday, July 3. Independence Day will start with a pancake breakfast, a parade, and the day will include a water fight, a museum open house, more rodeo displays and a 9:30 p.m. firework display.

BUENA VISTA Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

There will be a community parade, a craft show, a 5K run, pancake breakfast, pie sale and more but the fireworks display has been canceled due to Stage II fire restrictions, according to Town Administrator Phillip Puckett.

BYERS Wednesday, July 4

There will be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the fire protection district from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3. On the Fourth of July, the day will kick off with a pancake breakfast, following by a parade, street far and other events. A rodeo will take place starting at 4 p.m., which will be followed by fireworks if there is no fire ban in place.

CANON CITY (no fireworks)

The city council postponed this years fireworks display because of fire restrictions and drought conditions, according to the Canon City Daily Record. 

CASTLE ROCK Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Fireworks were canceled as of June 28. They had been scheduled to be set off from the butte above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. If conditions are ripe for wildfires, the fire department could choose to cancel the display. Fireworks are currently banned for personal use due to fire restrictions.

COLORADO SPRINGS Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day activities at Memorial Park start at 5:30 p.m. and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic will perform at 7:30 with a fireworks show at dusk.

COMMERCE CITY Wednesday, July 4

Commerce City boasts what it calls the largest public fireworks display in the state. The free 4thFest celebration takes place on the south side of Dicks Sporting Goods Park starting at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Colorado Rapids take on the Seattle Sounders and fireworks will follow the match at about 9:30 p.m.

CREEDE Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Creedes fireworks show is canceled this year due to fire danger but all of the other 4th of July activities, including the parade and mining competitions, will go on as scheduled.

CRESTED BUTTE Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Crested Buttes fireworks show is canceled due to fire danger, so a concert will take place instead. The days festivities kick off with a pancake breakfast at the Crested Butte Fire and EMS Department. 

CRIPPLE CREEK Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Update: Cripple Creek has canceled its fireworks show.

Cripple Creeks 4th of July celebration kicks off with live music at noon and continuing all day.

DACONO multiple dates

The Colorado Speedway in Dacono has fireworks shows planned on three nights: Saturday, June 30; Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7.

DENVER (multiple)

Tuesday, July 3: Independence Eve fireworks at Civic Center Park The annual 4th of July celebration at Civic Center Park will include music, a light show and fireworks over the City and County Building, with events scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4: Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants The Rockies are hosting the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:10 p.m. with fireworks to follow.

Wednesday, July 4: Fireworks at Elitch Gardens

Once Elitch Gardens closes on the 4th, the fireworks will begin. Admission is free with park admission or a season pass.

Wednesday, July 4: Denver Outlaws vs. Boston Cannons Enjoy a fireworks show after the Denver Outlaws-Boston Cannons game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The game starts at 7 p.m.

DURANGO Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Durangos fireworks show is canceled this year but events are scheduled all day long, starting with breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

EAGLE/GYPSUM Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Update: Eagle/Gypsum have canceled their fireworks show

Head to Gypsum for the 4th of July celebration, which is scheduled to run from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Gypsums Lundgren Theater.

ENGLEWOOD Wednesday, July 4

Englewoods 4th of July celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone and Belleview parks. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

ERIE Tuesday, July 3

Want to get started on your Independence Day celebrations a day early? The 3rd of July Extravaganza in Erie kicks off at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Colorado National Golf Club. The fireworks show will take place after dark.

ESTES PARK Wednesday, July 4

Take in the fireworks over Lake Estes at 9:30 p.m. on the 4th of July. Theres also a full schedule of events throughout the day.

FAIRPLAY Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

This years fireworks show is canceled but all the rest of the days events will go on as scheduled.

FIRESTONE Wednesday, July 4

The 4th at Firestone celebration at Miners Park is set to begin at 10 a.m. with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

FLORENCE Wednesday, July 4

Update: Florence has postponed ts fireworks show.

The town of Florence will wrap up several days of festivities .

FORT CARSON June 29 to July 1

Fort Carson is pulling out all the stops for three days of celebrations with a fireworks show happening on the last night, July 1, at 9:30 p.m. 

FORT COLLINS Wednesday, July 4

Come down to Fort Collins for a day of music, fun, fireworks and patriotism! The city kicks off the Independence Day celebration with their FireKracker 5K at 7:30 a.m., followed by their annual 4th of July Parade on Mountain Avenue starting at 10 a.m. Enjoy live music at City Park starting at 4:15 p.m. and stay for the incredible fireworks show which is set to begin at around 9:35 p.m.

FORT LUPTON Wednesday, July 4

The City of Fort Lupton begins their 2018 Independence Day celebration with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. sharp. There will also be a petting zoo, a magic show, face painting, train ride, food, vendors, a beer garden, BBQ, a veterans tribute, live music (starting at 7:30 p.m.) with festivities culminating with a firework show at dusk.

FRISCO Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

There are no fireworks in Frisco this year but if you are looking for an Independence Day celebration in a quintessential small mountain town, then Friscos Fabulous 4th of July will fit the bill. Start the celebration with a pancake breakfast, followed by a kids bike decorating contest, music, a block party and free fishing derby for the kids. 

GEORGETOWN Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Though the fireworks show is canceled this year, the Town of Georgetown will begin their Independence Day festivities with a 5K run at 8 a.m., followed by a parade at 11 a.m. But thats not all: The annual BBQ will continue the party at City Park, and there will also be a beer garden, live music by Bottle Rocket Hurricane. 

GLENDALE Monday, July 2 

The City of Glendale will celebrate the 4th of July a bit early, with a firework show planned for Monday, July 2. The firework show will go off from Creekside Park at dusk (at around 9:15 p.m.) There will be several street closures starting at about 7:30 p.m.

GOLDEN Wednesday, July 4

Celebrate Independence Day in Golden with activities starting at noon. If weather permits, the day will end with a large firework display at Lions Park on 10th Street.

GRANBY Wednesday, July 4

Granby has a full line up of events planned for Independence Day including a pancake breakfast at the Emily Warner Aviation Museum, the Granby Fourth of July Parade on Main Street, BBQ at Polhamus Park, live entertainment, kids games, dunk tank and much more.

Fireworks follow the annual rodeo which begins at 7 p.m. at Heels Arena, off US 40.

GRAND JUNCTION Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day fireworks will take place after the GJ Rockies game vs. Ogden on July 4. Buy a ticket and see the fireworks from inside the stadium or watch from Lincoln Park.

GRAND LAKE Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Update: Grand Lake has canceled its fireworks show.

The July 4th celebrations at Grand Lake start with a pancake breakfast at the Grand Lake Townhall building. Call (970) 627-3402 for a start time. 

GREELEY Wednesday, July 4

The Greeley Stampede starts Independence Day with an Independence Day Parade, which runs along historic 10th Avenue starting at the University of Northern Colorado campus at 19th Street and ending on 5th Street beyond historic Lincoln Park. A large 4th of July firework display starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. will follow. The displays will be shot over the north west corner of Island Grove Park. Catch great views from anywhere in Island Grove Park.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE Wednesday, July 4

Fiddler's Green will host a firework display on July 4 after a Colorado Symphony concert. Check here fortickets and information.

GUNNISON Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day festivities begin at 8 a.m. with a 5K Run (and a 1K run for the kids), followed by games, music and dance performances at Main Street and Virginia. The celebration will continue from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jorgenson Park with a food court, beer garden and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

HIGHLANDS RANCH Wednesday, July 4

The Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks at Highlands Ranch returns to Highland Heritage Regional Park. The celebration will start at 4:00 p.m. and conclude with the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

HOLYOKE Wednesday, July 4

The Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department Fireworks will be held at Holyoke City Park on July 4.

IDAHO SPRINGS Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Independence Day celebrations in Idaho Springs begin with the Tom Hayden Memorial 5K Run/Walk. The town will also be hosting an afternoon complete with live music and dancing in downtown at Citizens Park. There will also be delicious BBQ for you to enjoy! 

NOTE: The city announced it had to cancel their fireworks display due to fire danger. The show will be rescheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

INDIAN HILLS Tuesday, July 3, and Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

The Fourth of July 2018 schedule of events, hosted by Indian Hills Fire Rescue, does not include fireworks. 

KEYSTONE Tuesday, July 3 (no fireworks)

Update: Keystone has canceled their fireworks.

Celebrate America with a day of family fun. Enjoy bounce houses, face painting, an outdoor BBQ and activities on Keystone Lake. 8 a.m. 10 p.m. 

KIOWA (no fireworks)

The fireworks show has been canceled. 

KREMMLING  Wednesday, July 4

Kremmlings Fire Up The Cliffs event starts at 2 p.m. in Town Square, and features BBQ, baked goods, live music, and events for children. Fireworks will begin after dark.

LAFAYETTE Wednesday, July 4

Celebrate 4th of July at Waneka Lake Park starting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Grab some grub from food truck vendors; beer or cider and wine from Stem Ciders and Wine. There will be a bounce house and face-painting for the kids, and a live band all afternoon. Free fireworks begin at dusk. 

LARKSPUR

Perry Park County Club will not be having a fireworks display this year.

LA JUNTA Wednesday, July 4

The Old Fashioned Fourth of July runs from 1:30 4:15 p.m. at Bents Old Fort.

The fireworks show has been canceled. 

LEADVILLE  Wednesday, July 4

Update: Leadville has canceled its fireworks show.

North Americas highest-elevation town marks July 4th with a Firecracker 5k Run, a rousing parade, a community  and cookout at the Leadville Airport, set against the silhouette of the highest peaks in the Colorado Rockies. 

LIMON Saturday, July 7

July 7 is this year's July celebration date. Huge Fireworks show, BBQ, Band, and lots of family fun! 

LITTLETON Wednesday, July 4

There will be family-friendly events beginning at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone and Belleview parks. Food will be available, as well as plenty of activities for the kids. Free fireworks begin after dark at Cornerstone Park, located at 5150 S. Windermere St. in Littleton. 

LONE TREE Wednesday, July 4

Events at Sweetwater Park begin at 4 p.m., but youll need to buy a wristband to get in. Theyre available to Lone Tree and Acres Green residents for free for up to four. Up to four additional wristbands can be bought for $5 apiece. Youll need an ID or proof of residency to pick them up, and supplies are limited. There will be a kids bike parade, an artist corner, obstacle course, water slide and plenty of other activities, as well as live music and food. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

LONGMONT Wednesday, July 4

The free Longmont 4th of July fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The show is free, but there wont be parking at the fairgrounds. The city advises people to park at nearby shopping centers and to walk to the fenced-in area in front of Jack Murphy or anywhere else nearby. Handicapped parking will be available at the south entrance of the fairgrounds, and KGUD 90.7 will sync their music up with the fireworks display for added effect.

LOUISVILLE Wednesday, July 4

The 4th of July fireworks display will be held at the Coal Creek Golf Course from 6-10 p.m. However, there's no parking at the golf course. Get shuttle and event information here.

LOVELAND Wednesday, July 4

The annual Independence Day celebration at North Lake Park, 2626 N. Taft Ave., will feature entertainment throughout the day and a fireworks display at night, to celebrate the Fourth of July. For more information, click here.

MANITOU SPRINGS (no fireworks)

Due to high fire danger, the City of Manitou Springs has canceled its fireworks display.

MONTROSE Wednesday, July 4

This year's fireworks will be viewable at 8:30 p.m., or later depending on darkfall, at the Clifford E. Baldridge Regional Park complex and a number of locations along south Townsend. 

MONUMENT Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

The fireworks show is canceled this year but live music will kick off the evening at 7 p.m. at Palmer Lake in Monument on Independence Day.

MORRISON (no fireworks)

Morrison will not be holding fireworks celebrations this year. 

NEDERLAND - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

The town of Nederland will hold a 4th of July parade on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The parade will begin on Snyder Street and E. 2nd Street at Tin Shed Sports and Salto Coffee Works. Nederland will not hold fireworks celebrations this year. 

NORTHGLENN - Wednesday, July 4

A day-long festival will return to Northglenn on Wednesday for the July 4th Festival, which starts at 7 a.m. and runs until 10 a.m. at the E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, located at 11800 Community Center Drive. Families can bring picnics and blankets for the annual fireworks program. The day starts with a pancake breakfast and ends with fireworks at 9 p.m. For a full list of activities, click here.

OURAY - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Tucked in the mountains in southwest Colorado, Ouray welcomes visitors near and far to its old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The morning kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. in the Ouray Community Center, before diving into a 10K Race for Ouray Schools, a street parade at 10 a.m., games, live music and more. The 2018 firework show is canceled due to the fire hazards in the area. For a full list of activities, click here. 

PARKER - Wednesday, July 4

The town of Parker will hold its Stars and Stripes Celebration on Wednesday at Salisbury Park, located at 12010 S. Motsenbocker Road. Families can bring a blanket and lawn chair for an evening packed with family fun. This year, seating is allowed on the Parker Parks and Recreation ball fields. Live music starts at 6 p.m. and a fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Events run from 6-10 p.m. For a schedule of the days events and details on parking, click here.

PUEBLO - Wednesday, July 4

Rollin on the Riverwalk will return for the 15th time Wednesday. Families can bring lawn chairs out to the AMR Confluence Plaza at 101 Union Ave. to enjoy the fireworks show. Food and retail vendors will be on-site. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. General admission tickets are $3 per person and premium seating is $15 per person. For information on tickets, click here. 

RIFLE - Tuesday, July 3 (no fireworks)

The city of Rifle will hold festivities for Independence Day on July 3 at Centennial Park, located at 300 W. 5th St. Due to fire danger, the city has canceled the annual fireworks show. There are still various free activities for all ages, including a patriotic concert and an open playground. For more information, click here. 

SILVERTHORNE - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

The Lake Dillon Theatre Company and the National Repertory Orchestra will perform to Rainbow Park in Silverthorne on Wednesday. This annual celebration includes a free, patriotic concert from the orchestra with a special performance featuring the theatre company. A community celebration will start after the concert. Guests can place their chairs in the park starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

SILVERTON - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Silvertons annual Fourth of July event is known in the area for its old-fashioned family fun. The Kendall Mountain Recreation Area will be open for camping through the holiday and is within walking distance of downtown festivities, like the parade and carnival in Memorial Park. The firework show was postponed due to fire risk. For more information, click here. 

SIMLA (no fireworks)

Simla has canceled the Fourth of July fireworks show due to fire risk.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - June 30 through July 4 (no fireworks)

Steamboat Springs will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration starting June 30 through July 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. For more than 100 years, the city has celebrated Independence Day in true western fashion. The weekend will include a rodeo series, summer ski competition, farmers market, live music and more. The fireworks show is canceled, but there will be a laser light show at Howelsen Hill instead. For a full list of events, click here. 

STERLING - Wednesday, July 4

Sterling will bring the Heritage Festival back at the Overland Trail Museum at 110 Overland Trail Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a day full of local history and fun. There is free admission all day. A free fireworks show will be held at Pioneer Park on the west side of town at dusk. For more information, click here. 

TELLURIDE - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Telluride invites visitors and residents alike to participate in the Telluride Foundations Rundola, a recreational race to benefit the foundation. Participants begin at the base of the gondola and finish at the top. A parade and firemens BBQ will follow. The fireworks show has been canceled due to fire danger. Instead, guests can enjoy the Electrolier light show in Heritage Plaza. Learn more about the celebrations here. 

THORNTON - Wednesday, July 4

Thorton will holds its 4th of July celebration Wednesday, starting at 4 p.m. at Carpenter Park Fields, located at 3498 E. 112th Ave. The event will include food vendors, a beer garden, live entertainment, parachutists and fireworks at dusk. Festivities run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Click here for more information.

VAIL - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Vail America Days returns Wednesday for the towns annual Fourth of July celebration. Events, including an orchestra performance, a market and art show and more, will kick off the days leading up to July 4. Independence Day will feature a pancake breakfast, bake sale, parade and more. Fireworks were canceled Friday afternoon. For a full list of events, click here. 

WELLINGTON - Wednesday, July 4

The town of Wellington and Wellington Community Activities Commission invites visitors to participate in this years Wellington 4th of July Celebration. A Family Fun Fest will begin at 10 a.m. in Centennial Park and will include vendors, food, music, inflatables, a pancake breakfast, parade and a fireworks show at dusk. Families should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Follow the CAC Wellingtons Facebook page for updates.

WESTCLIFF - Wednesday, July 4

Westcliffe invites family to make a weekend out of its Fourth of July celebration Wednesday. Guests can enjoy a breakfast in the morning, followed by a parade down main street at 10 a.m. and fireworks over Lake DeWeese at 9 p.m. For more information, click here.

WESTMINSTER - Wednesday, July 4

The city of Westminster will hold its Uncle Sams Splash Bash from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday at Countryside Outdoor Pool, located at 10470 Oak St. in Broomfield. The city will also hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at City Park, 10455 N. Sheridan Boulevard. The event will include various activities, food vendors, a beer garden and performances starting at 4 p.m. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks will go off at 9:15 p.m. For information regarding a free shuttle and more, click here. 

WHEAT RIDGE - Wednesday, July 4 (no fireworks)

Anderson Park in Wheat Ridge will hold two concerts for its weekly Performances in the Park on Wednesday Bradley Weaver will perform from 10-10:45 a.m. and Papa Juke Band will take the stage from 6:30-8 p.m. While there are no citywide fireworks this year, the annual Carnation Festival in plans to have fireworks on Aug. 10 and 11. 

WINTER PARK - Wednesday, July 4 (no live fireworks)

Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park will host an Independence Day celebration complete with free inflatables, face painters, carnival games, and live music. A fireworks display (in lieu of a live fireworks display, the show will be on a jumbo video screen) will begin at 10 p.m. For more information, visit click here.

Editor's Note: 'Our Colorado' stories help natives and newcomers navigate the challenges related to our rapidly growing state, including real estate and development, homelessness, transportation and more. To comment on this or other 360 stories, email us at OurCO@TheDenverChannel.com. See more 'Our Colorado' stories here.

GLENDALE, Colo. -- A 10th District Court of Appeals judge ruled in favor of a Glendale rug store, marking the end of a three-year battle between Authentic Persian and Oriental Rugs and the city.

The victory means "we were not given the due process and that they were not fair to us," according to owner Nasrin Khologhy. "It means that a cloud of eminent domain is lifted from our land."

The city of Glendale had deemed their land 'blighted' or rundown and in 2015, tried to buy the families more than five acres of land on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Cherry Creek Drive South for a multi-million dollar dining and entertainment district known as Glendale 180.

The city also got the authority to take the land using eminent domain, but after months of fighting back, Glendale agreed not to take their property and move forward with the project without it.

Khologhy said the family decided to take the case to court to ensure the city never came back and to get the 'blight' designation removed from their land.

"We didn't sue for money. We sued for a dollar," she said. "We want to make sure other people don't have to go through what we went through."

Three years later, Khologhy said their battle is finally worth it.

"When I found out I was like, 'Wow. Let's go get some champagne!" she said laughing. "Fight for what's right. That's my message."

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals judge found Colorado's Urban Renewal statute violates due process because it doesn't require cities to notify land owners if their properties have been deemed 'blighted.'

"It is something that's going to set a precedent," said Khologhy. "We hope municipalities will look at this and go, 'all it takes is a stamp and a letter to the land owners.' To notify them and they can't just find a loophole in the law and go with it."

She also said it shows the little guy can win.

"We were told over and over that nobody ever wins. The right does win," she said.

In a statement, the City of Glendale said while it disagrees with the court's ruling, it will have no impact on the future of the Glendale 180 project, which is moving forward without the family's land.

We are strongly weighing our legal options, as this opinion has many more negative impacts to other cities in Colorado than it does to Glendale. We are focused on, and excited about, the planned Glendale 180 project, which is progressing rapidly with our partner Lincoln Property Company," Mayor Mike Dunafon said in the statement.

The city also said, "although the court found that the city complied with all the procedures required by Colorado statutes, it creates a new, previously unknown procedural obligation on all Colorado cities using Urban Renewal," and stressed the ruling will have significant impacts on Urban Renewal projects across the state.

GLENDALE, Colo. Several masked robbers are on the run with cash in hand following an armed robbery at a PetSmart in Glendale early Saturday morning, police said.

The robbery happened just after 5 a.m. in the area of Leetsdale Drive and East Alameda Avenue, according to Lieutenant Roy Martin of the Glendale Police Department.

The masked robberies reportedly beat one male and one female employee inside the store. Both were taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The robbers escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. No description of the suspect was immediately available.

This is an ongoing investigation.