🌱 SunCor Plant Closure Continues + Dead Geese + RTD Operators Exposed

Hi there, Lakewood. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about...

• Dead geese across metro Denver area linked to avian flu.
• Suncor oil refinery's shutdown hasn't led to big spikes gas prices, yet.
• Englewood's library closed after testing confirms meth contamination.

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Friday's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 49 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories today in Lakewood:

1. Train operators for RTD are encountering meth and fentanyl on a regular basis. The head of the union that represents RTD operators (ATU1000) says that the presence of drug users on trains and buses has increased since the police and RTD started cleaning up Union Station. (CBS4)
2. So far, the Suncor shutdown hasn't led to big spikes gas prices or reduced air pollution levels. Well, at least not yet. It's been two weeks since Suncor Energy suspended operations at Colorado's only oil refinery after cold weather triggered malfunctions and a pair of fires. Suncor said it the refinery won't be fully operational until March. (CPR)
3. What does new AI developments mean for artists and knowledge workers in the future? Daniel Acuña of CU Boulder and Casey Greene of CU Anschutz make the argument that at this point it's not clear-cut whether or not creative and knowledge workers will be able to compete with artificial intelligence systems. (CU Today)
4. Dead geese across metro Denver area linked to avian flu. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there's been a rise in reported cases of sick and deceased geese. The deaths are being attributed to the outbreak avian flu. (FOX31)
5. Englewood shuts down library after finding meth contamination. The Englewood Public Library was forced to close after tests showed high levels methamphetamine. Restrooms and other surfaces in the library were tested and exceeded allowable state thresholds. (9News)

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Today in Lakewood:

• Friday Open Studio: At Lakewood Arts. (Noon-3 p.m.)
• EDGE Gallery: Past and Present (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Is your New Year's resolution to volunteer more? Want an opportunity to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community? The Lakewood Victim Assistance Unit is looking for community members of all ages to join the team. (Lakewood Police)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update. — Brad K. Evans

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Lakewood Daily? Contact me at lakewoodpatch@gmail.com