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Articles by Fred Smith
No more 'penny for your thoughts': goodbye to our lowliest coin
Well, friends, the time has finally come:No longer will pennies roll out of the US Mint in giddy profusion. Last week, mourners marked (mocked?) the occasion at a funeral held, appropriately, outside the Lincoln Memorial. Our change is a-changin as we dispense with the pence. I vividly remember walking as a child on Kingsbridge Avenue in The Bronx one wintry day when my mother spotted a penny on the ground. Freddie, pick it up,she said.
Woman Clocked at Over 100 MPH Didn't Pull Over Because She Didn't Want a Ticket, Cops Say
John Larson: Elon Musk And Trump Are Seeking To Privatize And ‘Dismantle’ Social Security On "Forbes Newsroom," Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) explained why he thinks that President Trump, Elon Musk, and Republican lawmakers are seeking to privatize and "dismantle" Social Security, and how he thinks they plan to do it. Watch the full interview above.
Ghana's firefighting crisis: 53.6% of fire appliances either faulty or out of service
Ghana is facing a critical firefighting capability crisis, with a significant number of fire tenders either dysfunctional or out of commission. The situation is particularly dire in some northern part of Ghana, where all of the available fire trucks are either faulty or out of use. These alarming details were revealed in a response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to a Right to Information request submitted by JoyNews.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Stay Safe Online When Using AI
While artificial intelligence might offer valuable capabilities, always remember to stay proactive and educated about the risks. Here are essential tips to ensure you stay secure. While artificial intelligence (AI) might offer valuable capabilities, always remember to stay proactive and educated about the risks. Here are essential tips, used with permission from Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, to ensure you stay secure while using generative AI.
Standing for country founded on Christian principles
I too had become (like Dr. Roberts in his letter of July 26) disillusioned with my religion (I was raised Catholic), however, I have made a comeback. I have not detected a scourge of fundamentalism as the headline of the article suggests. To correct this record, this country certainly was founded on Christian principles and is a mostly Christian nation. The founding fathers were all religious men and had fled England to escape the church of England.
Smith: Declaration of interdependence
This is the time when we look back at our origins as a country. It’s also a good time to revisit the origins of one of our own institutions: the Women’s Fund of Smith County. In 1998, a study was conducted to help understand the role of women in the work of philanthropy in Tyler.
Going on Vacation? Simple Steps to Make It Cybersecure
The summer season is upon us, and soon millions of people will be traveling all over the world. If you are going on vacation, here are some travel tips to help keep you cybersavvy and safe. Overview The summer season is upon us, and soon millions of people will be traveling all over the world. If you are going on vacation, here are some travel tips from the SANS Institute to help keep you cyber-savvy and safe.
CHP Escorts Big Rig as It Drifts Down I-80
0:33 8 hours ago CHP asks for help after 16-year-old killed in El Dorado County hit-and-run crash KCRA • 8h The California Highway Patrol is asking for help to find the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 16-year-old in El Dorado County last year. Josiah Stayner was walking along Highway 50 near El Dorado Road on June 5 when he was hit by a car, CHP said. By the time his body was found he was dead. Investigators believe he was hit by a 2018-2020 white Honda Accord.
Lafayette renews contract to provide support, services to small businesses Original
Lafayette small, local businesses may receive free consultation and advice for how to improve their business. Director of Economic Development Brigid Keating provided City Council with an update Tuesday night on the Boulder Small Business Development Center programs. Keating said that the SBDC program has dedicated programs and support for small businesses through technical, consulting, outreach, marketing and resilience.
Maxar wins $192M contract to provide imaging for intel agency
WESTMINSTER — Maxar Technologies Inc. (NYSE: MAXR) could be paid as much as $192 million over five years by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to provide “multiple U.S. allies and partners with commercial imagery services consisting of high-resolution electro-optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and 3D data products,” the Westminster-based firm said.
Louisville to increase wastewater and stormwater fees Original
Louisville City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to pass rate increases in wastewater and stormwater fees. The average water, wastewater, stormwater and trash bill is expected to increase $4 per month. Wastewater fees will increase 8% and stormwater fees will increase 9%. However, the monthly residential bill is project to only increase 3.8%. Cory Peterson, deputy director of utilities, presented the utility rate increases.
Longmont's Meals on Wheels rolls out 3 million meals Original
A decades-long staple of the Longmont community, Longmont Meals on Wheels celebrated a major milestone Wednesday as the nonprofit surpassed 3 million meals served to clients since its founding in 1969. The nonprofit marked the occasion at its regular community lunch, held weekdays at the Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave.
Longmont man arrested in child sexual exploitation investigation Original
A Longmont man was arrested and accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Juan Ramon Aranda, 37, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child — distribution and sexual exploitation of a child — possession.
Man sentenced to 16 years in prison after bike theft, assault
A man accused of stealing a bike and then assaulting the owner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 years in prison Wednesday. Sean Michael Hyche, 24, pleaded guilty in Boulder District Court to one count of second-degree assault as a habitual offender, according to a release from the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. The plea included a stipulated sentence to 16 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Pizza is number one when it comes to favorite Super Bowl foods
Who will be victorious in Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl LVII game between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles? The Eagles are a slight betting favorite but it’s anyone’s guess. One thing is for sure — pizza will be served during the game by at least 56% of those watching it, according to a recent survey by TopCashback.com, a popular online cash back savings site.
Lafayette police still searching for shooting suspect as victim recovers Original
Lafayette police are still searching for the suspect in a shooting at a mobile home park Tuesday afternoon. According to police radio traffic, dispatchers around 1:50 p.m. Tuesday received a report of a shooting at Lafayette Gardens, 11700 E. South Boulder Road. Lafayette police Deputy Chief Brian Rosipajla said the victim is recovering at the hospital. Police have not yet said if the victim and the suspect knew each other or what might have led to the shooting.
Open mic at Vision Quest Brewery and other Boulder events for today
TODAY Open mic at Vision Quest: Jam out with music-makers at this singer-songwriter open mic hosted by Jim Herlihy (of Boulder band Augustus). Sign up at 5:30 p.m.; live music from 6-8 p.m., with three-song sets; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Visionquest Brewery, 2510 47th St., Suite A2, Boulder; free; visionquestbrewing.com.
High of 48 with a chance of snow tonight in Boulder
Boulder should see highs in the 40s with a chance of snow tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high of 48 and an overnight low of 18, with winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 24 mph and a 40% chance of snow. Thursday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high of 34 and an overnight low of 14, with winds 10 to 16 mph with gusts as high as 23 mph.
College Board AP course tests our racial politics, too
Sometimes people who want to show you how clever they are only end up exposing their own ignorance. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stumbled into that hole in a news conference just before Black History Month, as he tried to explain why he supported his education department’s rejection of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course created by the nonprofit College Board.
Guest opinion: Tom Conway: Social Security is America’s contract with working people
By Tom Conway Cliff Carlton was the tenth of 11 children and one of three still living at home when his father, a coal miner, died unexpectedly at 67. Only his dad’s Social Security benefits, along with vegetables from the family’s small farm in southwestern Virginia, kept the household afloat during the lean years that followed.
Colorado does not need more deep injection wells; Dr. Hern is a gift to Boulder community
Shirley Jin: Environment: Colorado does not need more deep injection wells Colorado Senate Bill SB-016, sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, has fourteen parts. Thirteen are simple and good legislation but Number 7, sandwiched between the others, is not good for Colorado. It directs Colorado to build deep injection wells to sequester CO2. It makes no sense for Colorado to expend money to sequester CO2 as Xcel Energy plans to generate 80% of Colorado’s electricity with renewables by 2030.
Priscilla Dann-Courtney
Last Saturday, as my mind did its trip around the sun from one musing to another it stopped at a mother-thought, “I’d really like to talk to Max,” one of my sons, now a grown-up. And voila, my phone sang and it was my son calling on his 33rd birthday. I am certain he doesn’t recollect the time of his birth, but serendipitously his call matched the time at which he came whaling into the world 33 years ago.
Editorial: Don’t necessarily blame Trump, Pence or Biden for mishandled secret papers
Controversies surrounding the discovery of classified documents in the personal quarters of President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence have helped some misperceptions flourish about how those documents wind up in places they shouldn’t be. The fact that classified documents have been located in storage areas belonging to the three leaders doesn’t mean they were the ones who packed them up and hauled them away.
Longmont Symphony Orchestra proposes public-private partnership to fund center for the performing arts Original
When Longmont Symphony Orchestra Music Director Elliot Moore took the podium in the Council Chambers on Tuesday night, it wasn’t to conduct any music. Instead, Moore proposed a public-private partnership between the city and a consortium of local musicians, business owners and community leaders to fund an $80 million center for the performing arts in Longmont. “Longmont needs a dedicated space for the performing arts,” Moore said during Tuesday’s City Council study session.
Louisville appoints two to City Council seats Original
Two new councilmembers were sworn in to serve on the Louisville City Council on Tuesday night. Barbara Hamlington and Dietrich Hoefner will fill the Ward 3 vacancies until November’s elections after being unanimously voted to join the Council. Mayor Dennis Maloney said that all seven applicants who applied and were interviewed were qualified for the role. “It was a tough decision,” Maloney said.
Funding requested for NIST Boulder renovations
A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is asking for federal funding to improve the National Institute of Standards and Technology campuses, one of which is in Boulder. The report, led by University of Colorado Boulder engineering professor emeritus Ross Corotis, puts forward a draft recovery plan asking for funding between $420 million to $550 million annually to cover maintenance and renovation projects.
Photos: Erie Vs. Boulder Boys Basketball 2/7/23
Boulder County crews responding to report of shooting at Lafayette mobile home park Johnnie St. Vrain: Leaning tower of Longmont Affidavit: Assault suspect threatened family member with a hammer Longmont man charged with assault at Lanyon Park Longmont and Erie police notes: Assault on Main Street Woman arrested after bringing toy gun into Longmont building Longmont knitting group seeks yarn donations Longmont police notes: Wanted party arrested, multiple disturbances Airport shuttle company...
Photos: Erie Vs. Boulder Boys Basketball 2/7/23
Neighbors sue to stop BVSD modular home factory Boulder County crews responding to report of shooting at Lafayette mobile home park One arrested, gun recovered after report of armed male near North Boulder Rec Center Driver sentenced to nine months work release for fatal Boulder crash New pro-tenant Colorado bills want to limit fees, rent increases and evictions Polis orders all-hands-on-deck response to Coloradans’ high heat bills Fire contained at Boulder apartment on Friday night
Boulder's new dashboard shows ARPA spending as remaining $11.4 million is yet to be doled out
Boulder has created a new funding dashboard to keep residents up-to-date with how it spends and plans to spend the remaining American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The new tool comes after many small business owners and members of the Boulder arts community pressed the City Council for more financial support while they recover from the coronavirus pandemic and grapple with high inflation.
Flagstaff Academy teachers nominated for Educator of the Year Original
Flagstaff Academy in Longmont is well-represented in the Colorado League of Charter Schools’ 2023 Hall of Fame awards, with two teachers named as finalists for Charter School Educator of the Year. Kahlie Benz and Stacy Wolff are among a dozen finalists from schools around the state. Benz is the school’s Gifted and Talented teacher, and Wolff serves as the elementary science teacher. “I was flabbergasted that I was nominated as a finalist,” Benz said.
Johnstown council approves incentives for Kroger
Ken Amundson JOHNSTOWN — With just a single question asked, the Johnstown Town Council approved an incentive agreement with the Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Monday night to establish an ecommerce fulfillment center in the community. Councilmember Vanessa Dominguez asked whether the operation might provide a larger variety of foods suitable for people with food allergy issues. The answer: yes, over time.
Mixed results for Boulder-area commercial real estate
BOULDER — The outbreak of COVID-19 was nearly three years ago, but the Boulder-area commercial real estate market is still digesting some of its lingering impacts. That’s especially true in the office subsector, Becky Gamble, CEO of the brokerage Dean Callan & Co., told BizWest. Office buildings in certain Boulder County markets — notably, downtown Boulder — are experiencing historic vacancy rates with no owners facing obvious mechanisms to reverse the trend.
Boulder man sentenced to federal prison for COVID relief fraud
A Boulder man was sentenced to prison for taking money from pandemic relief funds by filing false applications. Russell Bryant Lester, 41, pleaded guilty in November to one count of wire fraud and was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Domenico, according to a release from the Colorado District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Lester was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $584,851.75.
Larimer County supports state bill to expand employment training programs
Larimer County Commissioners issued a formal declaration of support for HB 23-1124, which would provide further funding to Colorado’s Employment First program, providing supportive services and job training to individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, sometimes referred to as food stamps.
Johnstown council approves incentives for Kroger
With just a single question asked, the Johnstown Town Council approved an incentive agreement with the Kroger Co. Monday night to establish an ecommerce fulfillment center in the community. Councilmember Vanessa Dominguez asked whether the operation might provide a larger variety of foods suitable for people with food allergy issues. The answer: yes, over time.
Humane Society of Boulder Valley offering free adoptions for animals
Humane Society of Boulder Valley is offering free adoptions for animals 1-year-old and older starting Saturday through Tuesday. The center is offering waived adoption fees for any animal that is a year and older who has been in the care for more than 14 days. Currently, the center has 55 animals up for adoption that includes puppies. More information can be found on their website at www.boulderhumane.org/feb-11-14-2023-free-adoptions-for-animals-one-year-and-older/
City of Boulder’s Youth Internship Program accepting application
The City of Boulder’s Youth Internship Program is accepting applications until filled. The program promotes “youth civic engagement and leadership development, organizes community events and provides youth perspective and recommendations on city and community projects, issues and initiatives,” according to a news release. The internship is a six-week paid summer internship where the intern will be paired with a city department to “gain experience in city government,” according to the release.
Longmont police investigating vehicle arson Original
Longmont police are investigating after a vehicle fire in January was determined to be arson. According to a Facebook post, Longmont police and fire crews responded to a vehicle on fire in the parking lot of 1050 16th Ave. at 4:13 a.m. Jan. 11. The vehicle was engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived, and the incident is being investigated as an arson case. The vehicle, a gray 2020 Nissan Rogue, was owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and had an Iowa license plate of LRS767.
Driver gets fines, community service in Boulder injury crash
The driver accused of hitting and injuring a woman crossing Canyon Boulevard last summer was sentenced to community service and fines. Zachary Heine, 32, pleaded guilty Friday in Boulder County Court to careless driving resulting in injury and unsafe or defective vehicle, both traffic infractions. Heine was sentenced to fines and court costs, including a $165 traffic fine, and ordered to complete 16 hours of community service, according to online court records.
Winter Bike to Work Day coming to Boulder County Original
Boulder County will participate in the international Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday. Bike to Work Day is a popular free event that encourages commuters to save money, enhance health, reduce road traffic and enhance air quality by biking to work. The main Bike to Work Day event is held annually on the fourth Wednesday in June, but the winter Bike to Work Day is a “tradition for seasoned cyclists,” according to the event website.
‘The Severed Thread’ book signing and other Boulder events for today
TODAY ‘The Severed Thread’ book launch at Boulder Book Store: Leslie Vedder will celebrate the launch of her new book, “The Severed Thread,” at the Boulder Book Store; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder; free; boulderbookstore.net. Live music with CU Jam Society: Come down to The Connection every Tuesday for live music provided by the CU Jam Society; 7 p.m. Tuesday, University Memorial Center, The Connection, First Floor, Boulder; calendar.colorado.edu.
Sunny skies with a high of 45 today in Boulder
Boulder should see clear skies and highs in the 40s today, according to the National Weather Service. Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 45 and an overnight low of 24. Wednesday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high of 47 and an overnight low of 19, with winds 10 to 17 mph with gusts as high as 26 mph and a 40% chance of snow.
Guest opinion: John C. Lamb: It’s not too late to make a difference on climate change
By John C. Lamb Bill Wright, a member of the Daily Camera’s Community Editorial Board, wrote an opinion on December 24, 2022, under the headline “Corporate Climate Obligations.” He called climate change activists a derogatory name, questioned their motives and tried to cast doubt on scientific facts. And he spread the gloom of hopelessness in regard to addressing climate change/global warming. His opinion lacked explanations of his conclusions or any citations.
Letters to the editor: Community Choice Energy; ‘breed discrimination’; Boulder’s water supply
Steve Whitaker: Electricity: Community Choice Energy can bring down costs Residents in Longmont pay about 23% less for their electricity than residents using neighboring utilities, such as Boulder. Why? One answer is that the Longmont utility can find electricity suppliers in a competitive market for the sole benefit of its residents.
Mr. president, level the playing field
Seven leading journalism, media and pro-consumer antitrust advocacy organizations sent a joint letter to President Biden on Jan. 30 calling on him to highlight, in his upcoming State of the Union address on Feb. 7, the importance of local journalism. The letter highlights the urgent need for congressional action to preserve a strong democracy and a free press. Specifically, the letter urges Biden to call on Congress to advance the bipartisan Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) (S.
The Longmont City Council will review capital projects that have been on the back burner because of high construction costs during its study session Tuesday. Original
The Longmont City Council will review capital projects that have been on the back burner because of high construction costs during its study session Tuesday. In 2020, Longmont voters overwhelmingly supported Ballot Question 3C, which authorized the city to borrow up to $80 million to finance water system improvements, including expanding the Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant.
Athletic director Rick George enjoying Deion Sanders’ initial impact on CU Buffs
From the carpet in the head coach’s office to the menu in the cafeteria, a lot has changed within the walls of the Champions Center since Colorado athletic director Rick George hired Deion Sanders on Dec. 3. The primary change, however, is one that can be felt, but not seen. “Our attitudes,” Sanders said of the biggest change he’s seen since coming to Boulder after three seasons as the head coach at Jackson State. “Everyone in this building has a commitment to excellence.
Boulder Chamber to recognize six at leadership awards event
BOULDER — Six individuals or companies will be recognized with the Boulder Chamber’s top awards at the Celebration of Leadership event March 15. The 2023 honorees are: Danica Powell — Virginia Patterson Business Leader of the Year Award The Patterson award is given to an individual who exemplifies determination and commitment to building a strong local economy. Powell is the founder of Trestle Strategy, which engages in strategic planning for organizations.
Affidavit: Assault suspect threatened family member with a hammer Original
A Longmont man who was arrested Thursday afternoon for attempted first-degree assault and other offenses had allegedly tried to assault a family member with a hammer. According to an arrest affidavit, 39-year-old Eric Knutson had recently been staying with the family member, and he had been out with friends on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, the family member said Knutson was tired and hungry, and he told the family member that he had a 10 a.m. dentist appointment.
Neighbors sue to stop BVSD modular home factory
Two neighbors are suing to stop a modular home factory from being built on a Boulder Valley School District property as part of a Boulder annexation agreement. The Boulder City Council in December unanimously agreed to annex about 48 acres at 6500 Arapahoe Road, which will allow the school district to construct a modular home factory on the property for students to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. The lawsuit, filed by neighboring residents David Hsu and Harald Cassidy on Jan.
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