On Jan. 9, Jeffco Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp proclaimed January 2024 to be Radon Action Month in Jefferson County.

☢️ Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that threatens the health of the Jeffco community. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and leading cause among non-smokers in the U.S. The Colorado Rocky Mountain Region has been ranked Zone 1, an area with the highest radon potential possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Jefferson County's Road and Bridge Division is responsible for snow removal on 2,945 lane miles of paved roads and 647 lane miles of gravel roads in the unincorporated areas of the county. Plowing and application of traction materials takes place in four phases during a storm. Get all of the details at www.jeffco.us/snow.

Ballots for the Presidential Primary will mail out on Feb. 12 to all eligible voters in Jefferson County. Voters registered as Republicans, Democrats, or Unaffiliated will receive ballots—minor party members are not eligible to vote in this election. If you are an Unaffiliated voter you will receive two ballots but can only vote ONE. Voting will close March 5 at 7 p.m. Questions? Contact the Elections team.

Mark your calendars and join Jeffco Open Space on Feb. 15 and 17 to learn all about our fantastic volunteer program. There's a wide variety of volunteer positions ranging from helping to preserve natural resources and educating visitors to blazing new trails. Recruitment Fairs will be held at the Open Space Building, 700 Jefferson County Pkwy #100 in Golden. We hope to see you there!

Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio announced that a property tax relief bill that was recently passed by the Colorado Legislature will impact the timing of 2024 property tax bills. A two-week delay in certification of county tax rolls will cause property tax bills to be mailed later than in most years. The delay gives taxing authorities time to certify their mill levies and county assessors more time to gather data.

With help from Jacobs Engineering, Jeffco Open Space and Denver Water worked together to install Post Assisted Log Structures (PALS) at Beaver Ranch Park and Reynolds Park. This project addresses ongoing erosion issues, helping to restore the wetland habitat and stream corridors at the parks, and preventing sediment from reaching Strontia Springs Reservoir, which supplies water to the Denver Metro area.

The Jeffco Elections team is looking to hire hundreds of temporary election workers for upcoming elections There is a great need for workers who are tech-savvy and are comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Previous workers rated their experience as 4.4 out of 5 stars and said it was fulfilling to be connected to a larger democratic purpose. Pay and hours vary by position. Submit an interest form today.

Learn tips for sketching common cold-weather subjects such as snow, ice, conifers, and animal track on Jan. 20, from 1-4 p.m., at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Then head outdoors to record winter observations in your nature journal. All ages are welcome. Registration is free but is required.

Planning to get married this Valentine's Day? Want to include your furry (or scaly) friend in your celebration? From 8 to 11 a.m. on Feb. 14, bring your well-behaved pet to get and sign your marriage license! Limited slots are available and appointments are required.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office developed an internship program to provide students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the field of medicolegal death investigation. While gaining hands-on experience, students also earn college credit at their respective institutions. Interns have the opportunity to earn a Certified Death Investigator certificate through the Colorado Coroner’s Association while completing our program.

Chill out with Jeffco Open Space and learn the basics of ice fishing, safe fish handling, equipment, and ice safety. Fishing equipment will be provided but supplies are limited. Feel free to bring any gear you have. A fishing license is required for participants ages 16 and older. This event is offered on Jan. 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages six and older, with an adult. Registration is free, but required.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

Service through Jefferson County’s Volunteer Boards and Commissions is an effective way for community members to provide valuable input and make a positive impact in our community. The Board of County Commissioners appoints more than 300 Jeffco residents to serve on boards and commissions covering a wide variety of issues. Apply by Jan. 31!

Since 2023, retail stores across Colorado have charged ten cents for each single-use bag provided to customers. In the next phase of the state law, single-use plastic bags are banned altogether in 2024. Additionally, restaurants are subject to a new policy to eliminate Styrofoam food containers. Takeout items will now be served in more environmentally friendly or even compostable containers.

Since 1974, the Eagle’s Nest Owl’s Roost (ENOR) Environmental Discovery Camp has been a beacon of outdoor education, inspiring generations to connect with nature and foster a love for the environment. ENOR offers outdoor adventures, team-building activities, nature crafts and exploration, and environmental stewardship. Camp is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., throughout most of June and the beginning of July.

Jefferson County Coroner Annette Cannon, along with Donor Alliance, and Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, will host two community education events at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. These events will be held on Feb. 6 and Sept. 17, from 12 to 1 p.m.

Many Coloradans are eligible for tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but nearly a quarter of eligible people miss out. You don't need to make much money to get CTC or EITC, but you must file a tax return to receive these credits. Learn more on the Get Ahead Colorado website.

Coroner Annette Cannon will recognize Jan. 21-27 as Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) week, through a proclamation which will be announced on Jan. 22, by the Jefferson County Commissioners. Additionally, the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners selected the Jeffco Coroner’s Office to recognize during Medicolegal Death Investigator week. Watch for more information on social media!

Explore a wide variety of vendors, resources, and services for different abilities, including therapeutic recreation, adaptive sports, health care, funding sources, transportation, and more at this inclusive event at Charles Whitlock Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you would like to be a vendor at the event, register for a sensory-friendly time block offered at 10:30 a.m.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD) will start using drones and facial recognition software to help keep our community safe. WRPD launched a drone program and will release three drones to help with certain investigations, patrol, and active crime scenes. This spring WRPD will also reintroduce using facial recognition technology for identifying potential suspects. Stay up to date with WRPD on Facebook.

Have a project you'd like to see completed in your Lakewood neighborhood? Applications are now open for the Neighborhood Participation Program, which offers up to $60,000 for neighborhood improvement projects like community gardens, playgrounds, public art, and more. Applications are due by March 1.

The West Metro Chamber is jazzed to announce its first-ever Bourbon St. Bash Member Celebration (formerly Celebrate Jeffco) on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Join us in celebrating and honoring the outstanding economic, social, and community contributions West Metro Chamber member businesses and organizations have made across Jeffco and beyond. Event sponsorships are available. Learn more and get tickets.

A Wheat Ridge coalition is one of four Colorado communities selected by the Safe Routes Partnership for its Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities program, designed to improve safe and equitable local park access. 

The City of Wheat Ridge will coordinate with Bike Jeffco to identify projects and assist with active transportation design considerations.

CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin Counties recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in our community. All it takes is a willingness to invest in a child. The next training class starts on Thursday, Jan. 18. Find out more about our upcoming training and other ways to get involved.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners, formerly known as Jeffco Human Services Foundation, has evolved to better reflect its commitment to fostering prosperity and growth in our community. Our dedication to supporting families and individuals remains unwavering, and we're excited to embark on this journey under our new identity. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates as we continue to strive for a brighter, more prosperous future together!

Join Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation on Saturday, Feb. 17 for a magical night at Ties & Tiaras. Dads, moms, grandparents, father figures (whoever) are invited to treat their little darling to a night full of memories. Find details and register.

Foothills Park & Recreation District challenges you to walk one mile each day in the month of February to reach 26.2 miles. The challenge includes weekly motivational e-mails, an event t-shirt, and more. Register today to create healthy habits for the rest of the year.

Surprise your sweetheart with dinner and a show in Lakewood. Pair tickets to Canellakis-Brown Duo performing (b)Romance on Thursday, Feb. 22 with dinner at a participating Belmar restaurant and receive special dining discounts to create a fabulous package deal. Through Jan. 30, enter to win a Valentine's prize package.

Whether you are looking for full day, half day, whole summer, or a few days here and there, Apex Park and Recreation District has what your family needs. Camps are located throughout the district at many locations, with differing interests, days, and times. Let Apex engage your child socially, emotionally, and physically for the 2024 summer.

The Green Mountain Recreation Center opened a new hang-out space for teens ages 13-18. Come play Pop-a-Shot, Dungeons and Dragons, console video games and much more. The Teen Room is available with a Teen Pass to the rec center and is open weekly, Monday through Thursday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Ask about upcoming events!