🌱'Colorado Roll' Coming? + Westy Explosion + Fentanyl Fears In CO

Good morning, Lakewood! Let's get you started this Thursday with everything you need to know going on around town today.

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Thursday's weather: Mainly cloudy and cold. High: 23 Low: 7.

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Here are the top stories in Lakewood today:

1. Another explosion in Westminster rocks apartment building. A day after an explosion destroyed a home in a suburban neighborhood, a fire engulfed an eight-unit residential building after an explosion, injuring at least two. The cause of the incident wasn't immediately known. (CO Sun)
2. Colorado House bill rolls forward that will allow "Idaho" stops for bicycle riders. According to the bill, a "safety stop," as opposed to a full stop, if approved, would allow those riding bicycles, electrically assisted bikes, or electric scooters to make a "rolling" stop. (KDVR)
3. Public Health officials are concerned about alarming fentanyl stats. In Colorado, in 2021 there were 1,047 emergency department visits for overdoses from fentanyl, a significant jump from 402 in 2020 and 105 in 2019. (CO Daily)
4. What you should do if the heat is out, or the pipes burst. In Colorado, landlords have five business days to fix plumbing and heating, or the tenant has the ability to end their lease without any penalties. (FOX31)
5. Nursing shortage in Colorado exacerbates health care in the age of COVID-19. Staffing shortages for nurses was challenging before the pandemic, COVID-19 only made it worse. (9News)

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Today in Lakewood:

• Online Interviews: How to Set the Stage for Success. (9 a.m.)
• Toddler Time: Belmar Library. (11:15 a.m.)
• Library for All: Interactive Programs for Adults with Disabilities. (11:3o a.m.)
• AARP Tax Help: 2021 Tax Year at Belmar Library. (1 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Lakewood Police Department goes out of state seeking agents. Are any law enforcement officers from the Gulf Coast, Texas or California looking for a change in scenery? We are looking for people who love this kind of "variety" in weather! (Facebook)
• Call for Public Artists - 40 West Arts District: A new art collaboration between Metro West Housing Solutions and Lakewood's 40 West Arts District has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a sculpture installation in an outdoor community space in the second phase of the Lamar Station Crossing. (4o West)
• Playgrounds, picnic shelters and even rain gardens really help improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. Your neighborhood can get help from the city to have an important amenity built, but the deadline to apply is coming up. (Lakewood)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all Friday morning for another update! — Brad K. Evans