We mourn the loss of Jefferson County Sheriff's Office K9 Graffit, who was shot and killed Feb. 13 while assisting Golden Police Department and Colorado School of Mines with a search for an armed suspect in the area of 6th Avenue and 19th Street.

Graffit loyally served the JCSO since 2015. He was trained in narcotics detection and patrol functions, such as tracking and apprehension. He was a very hard working canine that, according to his previous handler, “always gave 110%.” He gave his life to protect the lives of his handler and the other officers on scene. RIP, good boy.

Jeffco Open Space will host a two-day Volunteer Recruitment Fair at its headquarters, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100. Stop by to learn about all the ways you can volunteer with Jeffco Open Space and speak with staff and current volunteers about different programs and projects. Join us Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hope to see you there!

With the end of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, there will be changes to benefits that were put in place to support residents and families amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits will be impacted in the coming weeks and months. Most households will see a minimum of a $95 reduction in benefits. See a summary of the upcoming changes.

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners will host a Telephone Town Hall on March 29 at 6 p.m. We will call 50,000 randomly selected phone numbers, but you can pre-register if you would like to participate.

We want to hear from you. Please join us to listen in or to ask the commissioners questions.

On Jan. 24, Sheriff Reggie Marinelli presented the fourth quarter 2022 Law Enforcement Authority Report to the Board of County Commissioners. The report includes Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office events, news, statistics, and notable activities during the quarter for the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions. The report can be read in its entirety on the sheriff's office website.

Make a difference in your community — Jefferson County has vacancies for two of its volunteer commissions:

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 21. Get involved, apply today.

Jefferson County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are monitoring an ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (avian flu) in birds across the state. While the risk to humans remains low, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. Wild birds can be infected with avian flu without appearing sick.

County treasurers do not have legal authority to lower or waive property taxes. The Jeffco Treasurer’s Office and the State of Colorado have programs for seniors or people with disabilities.

If you believe your property has been incorrectly valued or classified, you may file an appeal with the Jefferson County Assessor.

Don’t let winter slow you down! Join Jeffco Open Space educators to learn about various topics — from geology, history, or a Winter Junior Ranger program, there is plenty to get out there and do. Register for an event or program or see the February events flyer for more information.

While winter cleaning may be less trendy than spring cleaning, have you considered ways to give new life/opportunities to your unwanted items? The Buy Nothing Project has groups all over Jefferson County that support anyone looking to find a new home for items that are no longer needed. Reducing, reusing, and sharing are great ways to contribute to Jeffco's recently passed Climate Action Plan.

Jefferson County Historical Commission publishes an annual magazine, Historically Jeffco, illuminating Jefferson County’s remarkable legacy. This year’s theme is “Embracing Jeffco’s Cultural Connections.” We are looking for articles about individuals, organizations, places, and events instrumental in creating the Jefferson County of today. Please visit the JCHC web page for more information.

Eagle’s Nest Owl’s Roost (ENOR) is an award-winning Jefferson County 4-H program that focuses on environmental education and youth development for campers in fourth to eighth grades. Curriculum highlights environmental and social themes that guide learning. Camp is in session daily Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Register here or see our flyer for additional information.

2023 began like 2022 ended, with severe cold weather and temperatures. In fact, Denver tied a 38-year-old cold record at the end of January. 

With those kinds of temperatures our most vulnerable constituents are threatened and for those that don’t have a shelter it could, unfortunately, turn deadly. As the temperature dropped, our community rose up to help those most in need. Citizens, our faith-based community, leaders across the county and our employees went above and beyond to collaborate, organize, and have a presence on our streets to help.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

Jeffco Invasive Species Management is relaunching our Land Stewardship Series in March. "Coyote Country" is the first offering and will be hosted by Mary Ann Bonnell, Jeffco Open Space Visitor Services Manager. Join us Wednesday, March 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Jeffco Open Space Building, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. Registration is free but required.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) knows how to disguise itself and hang around unnoticed. And many of these common items can be toxic or harmful if not stored properly or disposed of safely.

Rooney Road Recycling Center is a safe place for this household hazardous waste, and they keep fees low because costs are subsidized by communities like ours. Learn about pricing, scheduling appointments, and more.

Cypress spurge is a List A perennial that is an escaped ornamental. The plant contains toxic latex that is irritating to skin and eyes and causes rashes and blisters on lips and skin. Most native animals and livestock do not feed on it. Colorado’s List A noxious weeds are required to be eradicated. Learn more on the Weed of the Month page.

Colorado native and Jeffco resident Renny Fagan has joined the board of directors for Jeffco Human Services Foundation. Renny is passionate about JHSF’s mission and believes every person deserves dignity, understanding, and opportunity.

Want to serve your community? Apply to be a JHSF board member.

Do you want to learn how to support someone facing a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid prepares you make a difference during a mental health emergency. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of a range of mental health and substance use disorders while building the skills and confidence to help someone in crisis. Sign up for an upcoming class.

Wheat Ridge City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan on Jan. 9 as a guiding document to address housing affordability in Wheat Ridge. The process started in early 2022 and included opportunities for public input, discussions with more than 20 housing developers, and four city council discussions in 2022. A three-part video series about the document and its findings is available.

Throughout 2023, Superintendent Tracy Dorland will engage in conversations with Jeffco communities to discuss district-wide topics, and those specific to each articulation area. These conversations are open to the public, focused on family and community feedback, and provide community members the opportunity to discuss important and current initiatives. View the current schedule and continue to reference this page, as additional dates will be added throughout the spring.

Need a last-minute Valentine gift? Give two tickets to see “Romeo and Juliet,” the most enduring love story of all time, at LCC on Feb. 23. Purchase two tickets for just $60 (up to a 20% discount) with code “LOVE”. Some restrictions apply; see ticketing site for details. This performance is one of a pair of shows presented at LCC by the renowned theater troop, The Acting Company, and directed by Denver native Kent Gash. Learn more at Lakewood.org/ActingCompany

Apex is hiring for hot summer jobs. How does an bonus of up to $1,000 sound for working and playing with your friends? Join Team Apex and have the summer of your life. Apply today for hot jobs at Apex.

Apex Park and Recreation District is located in northwest Jeffco, has 12 facilities, and serves our community through recreation, community events, and more. Apex has what you need for your emotional, social, and physical well-being. Think Apex first for recreation, fitness classes, and fun!

Foothills Park and Recreation District has many job openings. You can either view current job openings and apply today or attend a job fair on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Peak Community & Wellness Center, 6612 S. Ward St., Littleton, CO 80127.

The Takács Quartet returns to the Cultural Center stage with its world-renowned, innovative programming. Hailed as "chamber music royalty" (Bachtrack), this Grammy-winning ensemble performs with an irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality. Purchase tickets at Lakewood.org/LCCPresents.

Dedicated candidates with at least three years of life guarding experience and strong leadership skills to are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the openings and apply.