Lake County Government

BOCC Approves Contractor for Fare-Free Transit Program in Lake County

July 2024 - Lake County, Colo – The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has approved a contractor to provide local transit services in Leadville and Lake County. Downtowner Holdings LLC, won the bid to provide fare-free transportation to key locations in town, prioritizing connecting the underserved populations to the city. This transit service is expected to begin operations in October of this year. The service will consist of a 14-passenger wheelchair accessible coach van that will operate 10 hours per day, 5 days a week to start, with a frequency of 1 hour. The route will make 10 stops within and surrounding Leadville and will follow a deviated fixed route from the Lake Fork Community, up to Mountain View Village and Mountain Valley Estates that can deviate ¾ mile off the fixed route for pick-up and drop-offs. The program will use a bilingual app and call-in dispatch service that enables riders to track the vans’ progress along the route for pick-ups.

After conducting a local transit feasibility study in partnership with the City of Leadville, Lake County was awarded a little over one million dollars in Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation for implementation of the local transit service. The MMOF funding came with a 25% local match requirement totaling $345,186 over three years. In collaboration with the City of Leadville, both the County and the City will spilt the cost of the local match. "The City of Leadville is beyond excited to welcome the first public transportation project to provide local transportation for our community. The city partnered with the county on this project at its early stages in 2021 and is happy to continue to financially help support this project going forward." -Laurie Simonson, City of Leadville. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and mobility for the community, ensuring everyone can reach essential services no matter their mobility abilities. Please see the map for the fixed route and deviation boundaries.

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INTERLAKEN IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! Effective July 23rd at 10am

From The US Forest Service:
"The old closure area has been rescinded, attached is the new order map and the only area that is closed are the severe burn areas and Trail #1776 (Segment 11 of the CT) this portion of the trail got hit hard and we are planning the maintenance needs that will need to occur in FY 2025 so it will be closed till that work is complete. It is closed from the junction of Forest Road 399 to the Interlaken Trail. Dispersed Camping is now open below the dam as well as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST)."

Friends of Twin Lakes generously primed and repainted the deck at Dexter Cabin during the closure. We're so happy this historic area was preserved in the fire - thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication!!

Go enjoy yourselves, and PLEASE drown your campfires!

There is heavy smoke in our area due to wildfires mainly in Canada. There are currently no active wildfires in our area. The air quality may be compromised, especially for those with respiratory issues.

For your safety, we urge caution:

1. Stay indoors: If possible, remain indoors to minimize exposure to the smoke.
2. Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise, until the air quality improves.
3. Keep Windows Closed: Seal windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering your home.
4. Use Air Purifiers: If you have them, run air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.
5. Seek Medical Help if Needed: If you or someone you know experiences breathing difficulties or other health issues due to the smoke, seek medical attention immediately.

Your health and safety are our top priority. Please take these precautions seriously until the situation improves.

We will keep you updated if we receive further information.

To check real time air quality in Lake County, go to

Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir Real time measurement of air quality on a public map. Useful to community scientists or air quality professionals alike, PurpleAir sensors are easy to install, requiring only a power outlet and WiFi.

Team Rubicon starts their mitigation work on CR 17 / Mountain View Drive today!

Please be aware that Mountain View Drive will be CLOSED between Silver Hills and the west entrance of Mtn View between 8:30 am - 3:30 p.m today through Sunday, July 15th. Residential access is open.

Lake County Government Lake County Public Works Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue Lake County Sheriffs Office

Good evening community —

As of this evening, the Interlaken Fire is at 45% containment.

Good night and rest well.

U.S. Forest Service - PSICC National Forest
Lake County Sheriffs Office
Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue
Lake County Office of Emergency ManagementLake County Search and RescueColorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office

LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Office of Sheriff Heath Speckman

Press Release
Contact
Deputy Danielle Lomascolo
Public Information Officer
P: 719-293-4095
E: [email protected]

PRE-EVACUATION LIFTED – Interlaken Fire
June 15, 2024, at 7:00pm

Twin Lakes, Colo – The Lake County Sheriff, Heath Speckman will be canceling the Pre-Evacuation notice for the Lost Canyon area (County Road 30 and Other Roads off of CR-30 within Lake County) as of June 15, 2024 at 7:00pm. Due to the increased containment of the Interlaken Fire and based off information received by partner agencies the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is cancelling the Pre-Evacuation Notice. Sheriff Speckman would like to thank the community for their continued support and cooperation.
For continued information please check out the Interlaken Fire Information page or InciWeb.

# # #

At 1 PM today, the Board of County Commissioners conducted a Special Briefing on the Interlaken Fire.

Lake County CO 6.12.24 Special Briefing Interlaken Fire Lake County CO 6.12.24 Special Briefing Interlaken Fire

ATTENTION
Please review the following evacuation statuses.

“Be Ready” / Pre-Evacuation
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area. You should prepare and be ready to leave and monitor local media outlets. Residents with special needs (such as the elderly or those with a susceptibility to breathing problems) are advised to evacuate. People with livestock or pets should consider moving them out of the area. Evacuations at this time are voluntary, but if you have concerns, evacuate now.

As Soon As Possible/Voluntary Evacuation
There is significant potential of danger in your area, and residents should relocate to a shelter with family/friends outside the area or a Lake County-operated shelter. You need to leave as soon as possible.

Leave Now!/Mandatory Evacuation
Danger in your area is current and imminent. There is no time to gather belongings. Leave immediately.

7: 35 - Comunicación de prensa de Interlaken - https://www.lakecountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=80

7:30 PM - 6th Street Gym está cuenta con personal y está en espera, pero actualmente no esta abierto.

7:00 PM - No hay nuevas actualizaciones.

Hay un incendio forestal cerca de Interlaken, en la zona de Twin Lakes. Leadville-Lake County Fire Rescue está en escena.

Debido al incendio forestal, hay mucho humo en el área y la calidad del aire puede verse comprometida, especialmente para aquellos con problemas respiratorios. Por su seguridad, le recomendamos tener precaución:

1. Quédese adentro: Si es posible, permanezca adentro para minimizar la exposición al humo.

2. Limite las actividades al aire libre: Evite las actividades al aire libre, especialmente los ejercicios extenuantes, hasta que mejore la Calidad del aire.

3. Mantenga las ventanas cerradas: selle las ventanas y puertas para evitar que entre humo a su casa.

4. Utilice purificadores de aire: si los tiene, utilice purificadores de aire para mejorar la Calidad del aire interior.

5. Busque ayuda médica si es necesario: si usted o alguien que conoce experimenta dificultades respiratorias u otros problemas de salud debido al humo, busque atención medica de inmediato.

Su salud y seguridad son nuestras principales prioridades. Tome esas precauciones en serio hasta que la situación mejore. Lo mantendremos informado a medida que recibamos más información.

There is heavy smoke in our area due to a wildland fire near Interlaken in the Twin Lakes area. The air quality may be compromised, especially for those with respiratory issues.

For your safety, we urge caution:

1. Stay Indoors: If possible, remain indoors to minimize exposure to the smoke.
2. Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercises, until the air quality improves.
3. Keep Windows Closed: Seal windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering your home.
4. Use Air Purifiers: If you have them, run air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.
6. Seek Medical Help if Needed: If you or someone you know experiences breathing difficulties or other health issues due to the smoke, seek medical attention immediately.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Please take these precautions seriously until the situation improves.

We will keep you updated as we receive more information.

To check real-time air quality in Lake County, go to

Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir Real time measurement of air quality on a public map. Useful to community scientists or air quality professionals alike, PurpleAir sensors are easy to install, requiring only a power outlet and WiFi.

7:35 - Interlaken Press Release 1 https://www.lakecountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=79

7:30 PM - 6th Street Gym is staffed and on standby, but not currently open.

7:00 PM - No new updates.

There is a wildland fire near Interlaken in the Twin Lakes area. Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue is on scene. It is essential to steer clear of the affected area to allow emergency responders to work efficiently. Please avoid overwhelming dispatch with inquiries as they coordinate resources. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.

Interlaken Fire Press Release 1  

The water levels in the Arkansas River and surrounding rivers are all high and running fast.

Call 911 for emergencies and the for non-emergent water on the roads or other concerns call 719.486.1249

• Turn around, don’t drown: never drive through water that has flooded a road. The road could be washed out underneath.
• If camping, select a site away from the bank. Do not put vehicles or tents near the water.
• The temperatures may be warm, but the water is not. Snowmelt water is cold and can cause hypothermia.
• Avoid cold, swift flowing water!

To learn more visit lakecountyco.gov.

Lake County Landfill Summer Voucher Program Is Back

It’s time for spring cleaning! The Lake County Landfill can help with their summer voucher program:

1. Landfill users paying for a load of 1 yard up to 3 yards between the dates of Saturday, May 18th and Saturday August 17th will receive a voucher for an equal or lesser amount of trash, to be redeemed in one trip. (Example: If you bring 3 yards of trash, you will receive a voucher for 3 yards of trash, which may be redeemed in one trip, not a little bit at a time)
2. Vouchers may only be redeemed from May 18th through October 19, 2024.
3. Batteries, electronics, mattresses, tires and appliances will be charged at the normal rate during this program and are not part of the voucher system.
4. The number of vouchers is not limited.
5. Only Lake County residents and those non-residents who own property in Lake County are eligible to participate. IDs or bills to prove residency will be necessary.
6. Commercial users of the landfill are not eligible for the program.
The intent of this program is to encourage the clean-up of Lake County. For more information on this Lake County program call Michael at Lake County Public Works @ 486-0259 or the Landfill @ 486-3099.

Feedback requested as the Department of Human Services Begins Search for a New Director

Filling out a three-minute survey will help interviews and selection process.

https://lakecountyco.gov/530/Community-Input

Lake County Government is beginning the search for a new Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). We seek feedback from the community to help us with the search/interview process. The Director of DHS plays a highly responsible and complex role in managing and administering State Assistance programs, county assistance programs and collaborating with community leaders to create a skilled human services workforce and expand county programming to meet our community’s public assistance needs.

Please take the survey by May 22