FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1972, Denver officially withdrew its offer to host the 1976 Winter Olympics after Colorado voters rejected funding for the games in a statewide referendum.

Mountain lions have flooded The Colorado Flyover today! Let's see if you can spot all three items in today's edition.

Did someone send this to you? Keep The Colorado Flyover coming to your inbox by subscribing today.

We're sponsored today by Laughland, a 100% safe and easy-to-use teeth whitening kit for home use.

Xcel Energy Gas Bills to Rise

Customers of Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, will start seeing higher bills after the state approved a $130.76 million revenue increase.

The approved hike will increase monthly residential bills by an average of $4.57, while small business customers will see an increase of $17.49.

Xcel Energy had initially requested a $171 million rate increase to upgrade its natural gas infrastructure and serve new customers, a proposal that faced substantial public opposition.

Advocates contested the rate hike, pointing out that Xcel's gas revenue surged by 80% to over $1.8 billion in 2023 following multiple rate increases.

Record Surge in Youth Safety Reports

More than 20 years after its creation in response to the Columbine High School shooting, Colorado's anonymous youth reporting system, Safe2Tell, has reached record-breaking usage levels, according to the annual report.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office reports that the 2023-24 school year saw 28,218 Safe2Tell reports, up from 22,245 the previous year.

The increase reflects rising concerns among youth, with reports covering school complaints, suicide threats, bullying, drug issues, and other threats, which together accounted for over 41% of submissions.

Only 3.7% of reports were verified as false, highlighting Safe2Tell's effectiveness in addressing real safety issues.

Study Finds Strong Mountain Lion Population

A multi-year study by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on mountain lion populations in Colorado's Western Slope shows strong numbers, surpassing expectations in some regions.

The research, which began in Middle Park in 2021, uses advanced technology, such as GPS collars, ear tags, and trail cameras, to assess mountain lion densities more accurately.

The study found mountain lion densities of 2.5 per 60 square miles in Middle Park and 4.2 in the Gunnison Basin. CPW analyzed both marked and unmarked lions to estimate population numbers. Watch a video explaining the study here.

After finding success in these initial studies, CPW completed a third survey in the Book Cliffs area last winter and plans a fourth near Durango this winter.

Flying together with our sponsor

Whiten Your Teeth With Science — Not Gimmicks!

Laughland is the dentist-formulated, clinically proven whitening kit that's given 200,000+ people their dream smile — without pain or sensitivity. It's easy to use, 100% safe, and guaranteed to work!

Get 7+ shades whiter in just 6 days — guaranteed!

➤ Denver: Authorities are seeking suspects in connection with four armed robberies targeting postal carriers in Denver and Aurora. A reward of up to $150,000 is offered for information leading to arrests. (More)

➤ Southern Colorado: A $2.6 million Colorado Lotto+ jackpot ticket was sold in the town of La Veta, with a population of 878, making one resident a new millionaire. (More)

➤ The Boulder Falls trail is closed indefinitely following a recent rockslide that damaged its infrastructure. Repairs are underway, but no reopening date has been set. (More)

➤ A Denver couple has been sentenced to prison for defrauding a Department of Defense contractor of $5 million, spending funds on gambling and cryptocurrency. (More)

➤ Jefferson County commissioners rejected the Shadow Mountain Bike Park proposal after residents raised concerns over traffic, infrastructure, and environmental impact on nearby forests. (More)

➤ Littleton: Residents of Meadowood Mobile Home Park still need $1.5 million to secure ownership and preserve affordable housing after forming a cooperative to outbid a corporate buyer. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was awarded NFL Rookie of the Week after a two-touchdown performance against the Chiefs in Week 10. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets have revealed their 2024-2025 City Edition jerseys. (See Photo)

➤ Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders dismissed speculation that he might leave the school for a job with the Dallas Cowboys. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Clean any screen or lens in seconds! WaterBear makes it easy and convenient to keep all types of screens and lenses free from smudges, grime, and bacteria—and since it sticks to your phone or camera, it’s always with you. (Learn More)

➤ Fort Collins has unveiled plans for the Siphon Pedestrian Overpass, a $4 million bridge project linking Southeast Fort Collins to the city’s trail network, set for completion by summer 2025. (More)

➤ American Freight, a furniture and appliance store, is closing all locations nationwide, including four in Colorado, as part of bankruptcy proceedings. Liquidation sales have already begun. (More)

➤ The Denver Broncos are set to launch Wi-Fi 6E at Empower Field at Mile High, providing faster internet connectivity for fans, with new tech upgrades such as facial authentication. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Never lose your reading glasses again! With ThinOptics®, you’ll always have your reading glasses handy! These thin, incredibly durable, and comfortable glasses stick right to the back of your phone, keeping them safely tucked away until you need them. (See It Here)

Flying together with our sponsor

How does Laughland whiten your teeth by 7+ shades in less than a week without sensitivity? It’s simple — we partnered with a team of renowned dentists, then did exactly what they told us to do!

That’s why our proprietary formula combines Hydrogen Peroxide — the exact same whitening agent your dentist uses — with a soothing blend of Glycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate and more natural ingredients that prevent sensitivity and boost results.

Finally, we keep our formula temperature controlled at all times to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

Only your dentist can offer similar results — yet Laughland is a fraction of the price, and you can use it from the comfort of your couch!

Laughland is the only whitening kit with a 100% success rate in clinical trials.

➤ Denver’s Christkindlmarket, recognized by Food Drink Life as one of the best Bavarian-style Christmas markets in the U.S., returns Nov. 22 to Dec. 23 at Civic Center Park. (More)

➤ Rocks discovered in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains may offer the first physical evidence that the entire planet was once completely covered by massive glaciers. (More)

➤ A Boulder man saved his dog from a suspected mountain lion by throwing a cup of coffee at the animal, startling it into releasing the pup from its maw. (Watch Interview)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ As the cold air creeps in, don’t let drafty windows ruin your comfort—or your energy bills. With Renewal by Andersen®, you can keep the chill out and enjoy a cozier, more energy-efficient home. For a limited time, save $400 on every window and $850 on every door¹. Their premium windows are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring lower heating costs and long-lasting comfort. Backed by a limited warranty and installed by experts, you’ll experience a perfect fit that stands the test of time. Don’t wait! Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a warmer, more comfortable home.