Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1870, the Colorado Territory passed its first wildlife protection laws, codifying its commitment to preserving native fish and birds.

President Trump says he has directed the U.S. Treasury to halt penny production, citing costs that now exceed their value—a decision that would affect the Denver Mint, one of only two federal facilities that manufacture pennies.

Thinking of starting a collection? Check out today’s trivia to see how you can identify which pennies were minted in Colorado.

Did you know that the team that makes The Colorado Flyover also produces a national publication called The Flyover? Click here to subscribe and stay up to date with the latest national headlines—without the bias of legacy media outlets.

Today, we’ll be sending you an offer to invest with our partner Boxabl. Boxabl is at the forefront of patented technology that will enable it to mass-produce housing at an unprecedented scale and cost.

Today’s sponsor is Groupon. Check out the Valentine’s Day specials available to Flyover readers.

Lawmakers Vote to Keep Bag Fee

State legislators voted down an effort to repeal Colorado’s 10-cent paper bag fee on Thursday. Nine Democrats voted against the measure, while four Republicans voted in favor.

The fee, which retailers are required to charge for single-use bags, was implemented in early 2023 as part of the same law that banned plastic bags.

Those who support the fee say it reduces waste and funds local governments. Sponsors of House Bill 1051, the proposal to repeal the fee, argue it burdens retailers and customers alike.

Several counties, including El Paso and Weld counties, registered in support of the repeal. Among those registered against the bill were Boulder and Larimer counties, alongside a number of local environmental groups.

Fort Logan National Cemetery Revises Expansion

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is revising its planned expansion of Fort Logan National Cemetery after residents of Pinehurst Estates, a neighborhood bordering the cemetery, expressed dissatisfaction with the plans.

In the original expansion, a new columbarium, or a building for the interment of ashes, would have been built on the cemetery’s southern boundary, blocking the view of nearby homes.

Neighbors urged the VA to reconsider the plans at a town hall meeting in December. On Friday, a spokesperson announced the columbarium would be relocated to the cemetery’s interior.

Residents of Pinehurst expressed gratitude and support for the VA. One resident said “it was very reaffirming” that the department took the community’s feedback into account.

Bighorn Sheep Relocated to Form New Herd

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) captured 20 bighorn sheep in Colorado Springs on Thursday, employing a 70-foot-wide net and a team of workers to catch and subdue the animals.

The sheep, after being checked for overall health, were then tagged, sedated, and transported to the mountains southwest of Pueblo, where they will form a new herd apart from the original 150-head group.

The relocation is part of an effort begun in the 1940s to bolster bighorn populations, which nearly vanished last century due to unregulated hunting, habitat loss, and disease.

Currently, there are 80 bighorn herds in Colorado, forming a total population of 7,000. CPW shared that the new herd, which they hope will add to this number, is “alive and well” in their new habitat.

Flying together with our sponsor

This Valentine’s Day, make your loved one feel truly special with Groupon’s exclusive deals.

Explore a wide range of experiences, from romantic dinners and spa treatments to exciting adventures and personalized gifts, all at up to 70% off.

Whether you’re planning a memorable date night or searching for the perfect present, Groupon has you covered. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers to create unforgettable moments with your special someone.

Visit Groupon’s Valentine’s Day Gifts to find the perfect deal today.

➤ Statewide: Colorado is among the most educated states in the U.S., ranking number four nationally according to a new study. (Read the Full List)

➤ Aurora: The city council is considering a measure to restrict public comments during meetings after being repeatedly interrupted by protestors. (See Details)

➤ San Miguel County: Sheriff Bill Masters, the longest-serving sheriff in Colorado history, announced that he will retire this year after nearly five decades of service. (More)

➤ Idaho Springs: Police are renewing efforts to solve the cold case of Beth Miller, a 14-year-old girl who disappeared in the mountains 42 years ago. (See Details)

➤ Denver: Authorities thanked a good Samaritan who helped stop a weeks-long crime spree by tackling the suspect to the ground in the midst of a citywide chase. (Watch Video)

➤ Aurora: A teenager initially thought to be the victim of attempted robbery fabricated the story after he shot himself in the hand, Aurora police say. (More)

➤ Four Colorado Avalanche players will participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off beginning on Wednesday. (See Preview)

➤ The Colorado Buffaloes football team has extended an offer to five-star Ohio State commit Chris Henry Jr., the top receiver in the 2026 recruiting class. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos team president Damani Leech announced the team is exploring options for a potential new stadium. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience fast, natural relief from foot and leg pain with TheraFoot Pro. Utilizing advanced Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology, it enhances blood circulation, reduces swelling, and alleviates discomfort. Enjoy customizable massage modes and a portable design for relaxation anytime, anywhere. (See It Here)

➤ Bar Chelou, an award-winning Los Angeles restaurant, announced it will reopen in Denver after shuttering its Pasadena location. (See Details)

➤ Bayswater Exploration and Production, a Denver-based oil and gas company, is selling $603 million worth of assets in the Denver-Julesberg Basin to a Houston-based energy company. (More)

➤ Former Broncos players Joel Dreessen and Le-Lo Lang are among the first to be tested in a study checking cardiovascular impacts of the NFL launched by Greenwood Village-based medical technology company HeartFlow, Inc. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Check out the future of pain relief with Kailo. An all-natural pain patch, designed to quickly relieve pain anywhere on your body in as little as 60 seconds. It’s all-natural, drug-free, and works anywhere on your body. (See It Here)

Flying together with our sponsor

💖 This Valentine’s Day, surprise your special someone with unforgettable experiences at unbeatable prices! 💝 From romantic dinners to relaxing spa days and unique adventures, Groupon offers amazing deals up to 70% off. 💑 Find the perfect gift and make memories together! Shop now: Groupon Valentine’s Deals. 🎁✨

➤ Five of the Super Bowl commercials that aired on Sunday had connections to Colorado, featuring Peyton Manning as well as Windsor’s Sophia Smith. (Watch Commercials)

➤ An Aurora woman will appear on the newest season of The Floor, a national game show hosted by Rob Lowe. (More)

➤ Goldens in Golden, an annual event hosted by the City of Golden in celebration of the dog breed, took place on Saturday with hundreds in attendance. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Introducing the Patriot Power Generator 2000X: your reliable, portable, and silent power solution. With 2,200 watts of continuous power and a 1,612Wh capacity, it keeps essential devices running during outages. Rechargeable via solar panel, it’s safe for indoor use and requires no fuel. Ensure your family’s safety with this dependable backup power source. (See It Here)