INSIDE Outdoor management plan PAGE 6
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Smartwatches are calling 911 from the slopes Clear Creek dispatchers are getting calls from the ski slopes, but not from people — from their wrists
the ski slopes, but not from people in distress — rather, their watches are calling for help when the owner takes a tumble. Increasingly, people wear smartwatches and other devices to track their workouts, but some of these devices are tracking other activities, too. Many watches have the ability to track a “hard fall” or crash that its user is involved in and automatically call for emergency help. In a sport known for messy falls, not every crash while skiing or
BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Clear Creek County 911 dispatchers are getting increased calls from
snowboarding is an emergency. 911 dispatchers have been getting increased calls from smart watches at Loveland Ski Area, sometimes even as many as eight a day according to dispatcher Tom Dale. “We’re pretty routinely, almost every day, getting at least one crash,” Dale said. “We’re getting more this year than we have in the past.” The dispatchers aren’t ignoring these calls, though. While many of the calls might be false alarms, Dale has seen a watch help an injured
Mount Evans name change to Mount Blue Sky moves to governor’s office for final approval BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board moved to make an official recommendation to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to change the name of Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky. The unanimous decision by the board came during the Nov. 17 meeting where all suggested names were considered. The suggested names included Mount Soule, Mount Rosalie, Mount Sisty, Mount Cheyenne-Arapaho and Mount Evans (rededicated). The end of the meeting was reserved for public comment where Colorado residents, tribal members and others could voice opinions about the name change. Andrea Valeska is part of Right SEE BLUE SKY, P2
skier firsthand. “We received a call from an older gentleman….this gentleman was obviously disoriented, possibly had loss of consciousness briefly….we were able to verify his location and notify ski patrol,” Dale said. When it detects a crash, the smartwatch will call 911 and give an announcement about the crash. The watch will identify the device and GPS coordinates of the owner, and SEE WATCHES, P2
Words about LGBTQ+ community matter, say leaders across Denver area in wake of Club Q shooting BY COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA STAFF
Mount Evans, seen here in Dec. 2020 from Fire Tower Trail along Highway 103, was named for John Evans, Colorado’s second territorial governor. Evans is believed to FILE PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN have authorized the Sand Creek Massacre.
In the wake of a deadly mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, leaders in cities and counties to the north are among those denouncing hate and violence. From county commissioners to newly-elected sheriffs, to mayors and chiefs of police, community leaders say words of support for the LGBTQ+ community are needed now and should continue beyond the tragedy. “Clubs like Club Q are one of our safe places where we can be free and celebrate who we are, but clubs SEE CLUB Q, P4
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