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Denver-area construction jobs: not enough workers to go around

DENVER — There’s at least one booming industry in Colorado right now, desperately looking for workers:  the construction industry.  After a decade of doldrums, Colorado construction is hot again. 

Between February 2011 and February 2012, the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield area added 6,300 construction jobs, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.  That’s more than anywhere else in the United States. 

Right now, about 137,000 Coloradans are working in construction.  Times are good.

“The first quarter of 2012, we will equal the construction volume and revenue that we had in all of 2011,” said David Sinkey, managing director for Boulder Creek Builders.  His company is hard at work developing the Steel Ranch neighborhood in Louisville.  But there’s a problem.  He can’t find enough construction workers.

One killed in crash during morning commute on C470

Front Range firefighters bare (almost) all for charity calendar

DENVER — Despite the chill in the air Friday night, it’s quite heated at auditions for the 2013 Colorado Firefighter Calendar in Denver.

This is the calendar’s first major event since a financial scandal last fall forced the former organizer to step down.

The screams firefighters hear are usually for help–not this–ladies screaming and squealing with delight.

And usually firefighters battle smoke and flames–not each other.

“Whether I make it or whether I don’t, just being asked to do it is a great honor,” says Eric Pingel from Buckley AFB Fire Department.

These professional firefighters compete for one of 14 coveted spots in the 2013 Colorado Firefighter Calendar.

“Firefighters are all about helping people. If we can use our role as firefighters to promote fire safety and help Children’s Hospital, I think any of us would take advantage of the opportunity,” says Matt Zavala with Boulder Fire Department.

New apps helping parents combat teen texting and driving

LONE TREE, Colo. – Max Rubin just got his driver’s license a few weeks ago. He’s enjoying his new freedom and trying to limit his distractions, like his cell phone and text messages. 

“It’s really tempting to see what (the message) about or who it’s from, but you can wait five minutes to pick it up or you can risk hurting somebody or yourself by looking at it,” Max said. 

Under Colorado law, drivers under 18 are not allowed to talk on the phone, and texting is illegal for everyone.  But it happens, sometimes with deadly consequences. 

But now there is a way to fight technology, with technology.  A wide variety of new smart phone apps are available which lock your phone while you are driving so you can’t text, call, email, surf the web or update your Facebook page. 

Michelle Rubin, Max’s mom, is considering one of the apps for Max and agreed to test one for us.

In wake of scandal, firefighter calendar returns with new management

DENVER — The Colorado Firefighter Calendar left some people feeling burned last fall when the woman who founded the organization behind it spent money meant for charity instead, on herself.

Now, the calendar rises from the ashes under a new volunteer organization, Colorado Firefighter Calendar Inc.

“We are really excited about the future of the calendar,” says Barbara Brooks, saying the organization has two treasurers and a full board of directors to prevent any future misuse of funds.

The calendar’s new organization is happy the mission to help burned children, is back.

“All net proceeds go to Children’s Hospital,” says firefighter Tyler Capron.

This Friday is the first major event since the scandal: an audition for the 2013 calendar.

Sheriff David Weaver Lowers Fire Restrictions to Stage One

On May 8, 2012, The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Reinstated Ordinance No. O-003-001, an ordinance restricting open fires and open burning in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. 

Douglas County parents learning of cyber-threats to children

We’ve all heard about the potential dangers our children face online.

Now, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is holding a series of “parent boot camps” to give parents some tough lessons about the cyber world their children live in.

At the first meeting Tuesday night, deputies showed parents how online predators can obtain their child’s username and eventually learn their real name, phone number, address and even school.

They also told parents their average sexting case involves 13-year-olds, and they’ve had cases of children as young as nine years old sexting.

A “boot camp” is scheduled for Thursday night at the Highlands Ranch substation, starting at 6:30 p.m.