Evergreen High School Starts Gradual Return

Jefferson County Public Schools announced its plan for students to gradually return to Evergreen High School, closed since the shooting on Sept. 10, starting this week and continuing into next.

Staff began preparing the building on Monday and will continue through Wednesday. The school will hold an open house on Wednesday evening, allowing students to readjust to the building.

Students will return Thursday and Friday for choice-based, supportive activities. Classes resume next week, starting with partial days Monday and Tuesday.

The plan is based on student, family, and staff feedback. It includes additional safety measures, such as a full-time school resource officer, along with mental health and academic resources.

Authorities ID Teen Fatally Shot by Police

The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office on Saturday identified a 17-year-old boy fatally shot by Aurora police last Thursday as Blaze Aleczander Balle-Mason.

According to Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, Balle-Mason called 911 on himself, telling the operator he had a gun and planned to “shoot up” a nearby gas station.

When officers arrived, Balle-Mason refused to show his hands and charged at them. After less-lethal rubber projectiles failed to stop him, one officer opened fire, Chamberlain said.

Authorities don’t believe the teen was armed. The officer who shot him has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.

Ice Castles Returns to Colorado

Ice Castles, a seasonal frozen attraction featuring ice-sculpted towers, tunnels, slides, and fountains lit by color-changing lights, is coming to two Colorado towns this December.

In addition to returning to Cripple Creek for a third year, the winter wonderland will celebrate its 15th anniversary by returning to Silverthorne for the first time since 2011.

As early as late October, a team of about 20 ice artisans will begin building the castles—growing, harvesting, and hand-placing hundreds of thousands of icicles.

Depending on the weather, Ice Castles typically opens in late December and runs through March. Tickets go on sale Dec. 2.

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➤ Thornton: The southbound I-25 on-ramp at 84th Avenue was closed for several hours Monday after 50-75 gallons of hydrochloric acid leaked from a FedEx delivery truck. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: Children’s Hospital Colorado reported a 26% year-over-year increase in children seeking emergency care due to mental health challenges between June and July. (See Details)

➤ Douglas County: State prosecutors say they’re “outraged” by a county judge’s decision to give probation to a man convicted of stalking and assaulting his ex-fiancée. (More)

➤ Larimer County: Police are seeking additional victims of a man who allegedly catfished multiple people on dating apps before trapping and threatening them. (More)

➤ Loveland: The South Railroad Facility, the city’s temporary overnight homeless shelter, will close by Sept. 30. A separate resource center will serve as an emergency shelter in severe weather. (More)

➤ Capitol: The Colorado Democratic Party is auditing House Democrats’ petty cash fund spending on caucus expenses. (See Details)

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➤ Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter became the first Buffaloes player in 30 years to throw three touchdown passes, record no interceptions, and rush for over 50 yards in a single game, doing it Saturday against Wyoming. (More)

➤ Colorado Rockies pitcher German Marquez admitted he was “very emotional” this weekend during what may have been his final start at Coors Field: “This is my home. I’ve been here for my whole career. I feel happy. I feel free here.” (More)

➤ CSU linebacker Owen Long leads the nation in tackles per game through the first three weeks of the season, averaging 12.7. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | MLB | Soccer

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➤ Shake Shack plans to open its first-ever northern Colorado location at Fort Collins’ Foothills Mall in March 2026. (See Details)

➤ Three cannabis companies linked to the production and distribution of a cannabis-based sleep aid suspected to cause liver injury agreed to pay a $400,000 fine and cease operations in Colorado. (See Details)

➤ The Colorado Eagles reached an agreement with the City of Greeley on the principal terms of a 40-year lease for a new arena, set to open for the 2028-2029 season. (See Details)

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➤ New Downtown Denver, a nonprofit group, has proposed building a 500-foot-tall Ferris wheel called the Rocky Mountain Eye as part of its vision to revitalize the area. (See Photos)

➤ Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs are two of the 10 most expensive small towns in the U.S., with median home values over $700,000 and $480,000, respectively, according to a new study. (See List)

➤ The West Metro Veterans Fair, an annual networking event for veterans, will return to Lakewood for its 12th year this Thursday, Sept. 25. (See Details)

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Would you support building a Ferris wheel in downtown Denver?

1. Absolutely
2. Somewhat
3. Maybe
4. Not a chance
5. No opinion

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever seen a ghost?

1. No: 29%
2. Maybe, not sure: 24%
3. Don’t believe in ghosts: 24%
4. Yes: 23%

Where is the world’s highest Ferris wheel?

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