Broadband Office Rescinds $100M in Awards

The Colorado Broadband Office has canceled more than $100 million in fiber contracts awarded to Maverix Broadband of Parker. Officials cited misuse of taxpayer funds and referred the case to the CBI.

The state pulled a $103 million provisional federal award, though none of that money was ever paid. The review found about $3.2 million tied to canceled invoices or unfinished work on older grants.

The office froze payments after two whistleblower complaints in May questioned Maverix’s use of grant funds. The company entered receivership earlier this year and filed for bankruptcy Aug. 31.

The move came days after director Brandy Reitter resigned with two days’ notice. The state plans to rebid the affected locations so others can serve towns like Kiowa, Livermore, and Walsenburg.

UCHealth Oxygen ‘Intentionally Disrupted’

Someone intentionally disrupted the primary oxygen supply at UCHealth University of Colorado (CU) Hospital in Aurora on Sept. 3. The person first gained access to oxygen storage outside the building.

Low-pressure alarms warned staff as levels fell, and teams moved patients to backup supplies before switching the hospital to a secondary source. UCHealth said no patients were affected.

The hospital is tightening security around its oxygen but has not detailed the changes or how the person got in. A spokesperson warned that penalties for such a crime can be very serious.

CU police have identified a suspect and are working with other agencies to make an arrest. Authorities have not released the person’s name or a possible motive.

Colorado to Celebrate Dolly Parton

Colorado is throwing Dolly Parton a party this weekend, honoring the late country icon and her childhood literacy legacy. Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80.

The celebration kicks off Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. with a free gathering at Governors Park in Denver. Fans can expect live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a look-alike contest.

Organizers are encouraging rhinestones, western wear, and big hair, with a special prize for the 925th Dolly look-alike to enter. Local events around the state continue through Sept. 27.

Parton’s Imagination Library has sent over 3.4 million books to Colorado children, according to Gov. Jared Polis. More than 93,000 kids in the state currently receive a free book each month.

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➤ Loveland: Two people found shot inside a crashed car near I-25 and Eisenhower Boulevard early Monday are in critical condition. Police believe it may have been a targeted attack. (More)

➤ Larimer County: A jury awarded $65 million to the family of Megan Arneson, killed in 2022 when a semi’s excavator struck an I-25 overpass near Mead. It’s the county’s largest jury verdict. (More)

➤ Mesa County: The Colorado Supreme Court declined to hear former county clerk Tina Peters’ appeal of her election tampering convictions. Gov. Jared Polis commuted her sentence earlier this year. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: A 62-year-old woman faces murder and tampering charges after police found her husband’s remains in totes inside their home. She allegedly said he died in March. (More)

➤ Clear Creek County: Witnesses helped deputies stop two alleged kidnappings within 24 hours in Georgetown and Empire, the sheriff’s office said. One witness followed the suspect’s car onto I-70. (More)

➤ Westminster: Police searched Westminster High School Tuesday morning after a reported threat but found it unfounded and said all were safe. Investigators are now looking for whoever made the report. (More)

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➤ Deion Sanders dismissed several Colorado players after the Buffs’ 41-7 loss at Northwestern, citing a pattern of behavior. He didn’t name them, and the Buffs (2-1) visit Baylor on Saturday. (More)

➤ Colorado’s Oct. 3 game against Texas Tech will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on FOX, the Big 12 announced Monday. The Buffs landed another national slot despite Saturday’s lopsided loss. (More)

➤ Broncos linebacker Que Robinson said he planned his Mile High Salute before Sunday’s game, then delivered it after sharing a sack of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NHL | WNBA

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➤ Georgetown is getting leaf peepers to linger this fall with new marketing, added parking, and a traffic change routing drivers past shops. Business owners report plenty of new faces. (More)

➤ Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity bought a former TBK Bank building in Evans to serve as its first permanent headquarters. The nonprofit expects to move in by the end of March 2027. (More)

➤ Walmart’s Neighborhood Market on the Aurora-Centennial border reopened Friday after a four-week rapid remodel. The store adds brighter lighting, a new layout, cake decorating, and pre-sliced meat. (More)

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➤ A roughly 700-pound bull elk nicknamed Smash has been charging golf carts, maintenance vehicles, and even a pickup during this fall’s rut in Estes Park. Officials advise staying 75 feet away. (More)

➤ This roundup of 12 favorite breakfast burritos in Denver and beyond has everything from Santiago’s grab-and-go classics to Smōk’s brisket behemoth. Blackbelly, Onefold, and La Fuente also made the cut. (More)

➤ Fifteen lions and tigers rescued from a shuttered zoo in Argentina landed at Denver International Airport before heading to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. Animal welfare group Four Paws oversaw the transfer. (More)                

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ What are the 10 most popular at-home headache remedies, and do they actually work? (Hear Remedies)

➤ Tesla has reopened reservations for its long-delayed Roadster, nearly nine years after the car was promised. (Listen Now)

➤ Demand for wine is falling, forcing California grape growers to tear out vineyards their families tended for generations. (Hear Story)

In case you missed it, this week on Flyover Focus, we dug into the cost of living and how it affects you. Why does your paycheck buy less, and do Social Security raises keep retirees afloat? Tune in here for all of those answers and more.

Will you be celebrating Dolly Parton Day on Sept. 25?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Should we stop changing the clocks twice a year?

1. Yes, switch to permanent DST: 41%
2. Yes, switch to permanent ST: 41%
3. No, keep changing the clocks: 17%

What town is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado?

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