Tag Archives: city of thornton

Construction uncovers 66-million-year-old triceratops in Thornton

Experts from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science work to uncover a dinosaur fossil found in Thornton. (City of Thornton)
Experts from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science work to uncover a dinosaur fossil found in Thornton. (City of Thornton)

Crews working to build the City of Thornton’s new fire and police substation in the north part of town have unearthed the remains of a dinosaur.

The finding of the 66-million-year-old triceratops includes the skull and other bones.  Dr. Joe Sertich, Curator of Dinosaurs, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, spoke to the rarity of the find saying, “This is probably one of only three skulls of triceratops found along the front range area.”

The full press release from the City of Thornton:

Rare dinosaur fossil uncovered in Thornton
“This dinosaur has been laying here for at least 66-million years.”

THORNTON, CO… Scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) are working at the site of a fossil discovery in Thornton. On Friday, August 25, construction crews working on Thornton’s new Public Safety Facility at 132nd Avenue and Quebec Street uncovered the fossil, and scientists at DMNS were on-site on Monday, August 28, to confirm it is a fossil. “My heart was racing,” says DMNS Curator of Dinosaurs Joe Sertich. “I realized it was a pretty important dinosaur find.”

After initially clearing away some of the dirt at the site, Sertich says it appears to be a triceratops skeleton and skull. “This is probably one of only three skulls of triceratops found along the Front Range area,” says Sertich. According to Sertich, most fossil finds along the Front Range are from the Ice Age, just 10 to 12-thousand years old, but this fossil is much older, and much rarer. “This dinosaur has been laying here for at least 66-million years,” says Sertich. “I’m over the moon right now about this dinosaur fossil.”

A look at the triceratops fossil found in the city of Thornton. (City of Thornton)
A look at the triceratops fossil found in the city of Thornton. (City of Thornton)
Construction crews have stopped work in the area of the fossil. The DMNS scientists will stabilize the area, carefully expose the fossil, look for any other bones that remain uncovered, and safely extract them. “A lot of times these will be plowed up and they won’t be recognized,” says Sertich. “We’re really lucky in this case that it was recognized as fossils and we got the call.” Scientists hope to eventually house the fossil at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

The city of Thornton is providing security at the fossil site to ensure the items make it safely to its new home. The fossil site is not visible from the street, and because this is an active construction site, only museum personnel, city of Thornton crews and construction personnel are permitted on the site. Thornton is making the following media resources available for covering the story: video of site (broadcast quality), video interviews, still photos. These resources can be found at www.gocot.net/dinosaur. Again, no access to the construction site will be permitted for safety reasons. Interviews may be facilitated upon request. For more information go to cityofthornton.net.

Photos and video courtesy the City of Thornton.

Thornton residents launch petition to put retail marijuana on the ballot

A majority of Thornton City Council has chosen to allow drugs into our community but a group of citizens is working to reverse that.
A majority of Thornton City Council has chosen to allow drugs into our community but a group of citizens is working to reverse that.

What to do when your elected officials ignore the will of the people?  The people take it into their own hands.

Last month, Thornton City Council voted to allow retail and medical marijuana stores in the city despite overwhelming opposition by citizens.

What they should have done, if not reject it, is at least put it on the ballot so the people could have their say.

Now a group of citizens is trying to do just that – let the people have their say. It will take 6,900 signatures to get the issue on this November’s ballot and the signatures must be turned in by Monday.  It is a tall order but not impossible.

  • Editor’s note: While we wholly support the effort to put this issue on the ballot (and deliver a slap down to city council), Thornton Weather is not involved with the effort.  We are merely getting the word out.

Below are details on where you can go to sign the petition.  With time so short, the community needs you to seek out the petition and get your name on it.  Please visit one of the locations below!

Dear fellow Thornton citizens,

About three weeks ago, in a five to four vote, our City Council passed an ordinance allowing marijuana stores and test facilities within our city. This is a link to the ordinance.

Due to the significance of this issue, we think it should be put to a citywide vote. Therefore, we are sponsoring a petition that, with enough signatures, would enable you, the voters, to have a voice in the matter.

Time is short. If the petition containing at least 6,900 signatures of registered voters living in Thornton is not submitted by September 22nd the ordinance becomes law. If you want the council to reconsider, it is imperative that you EXERCISE YOUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS AND SIGN THE PETITION ALLOWING THE MATTER TO BE DECIDED BY THOSE MOST AFFECTED – YOU. Make your voice heard.
(See end of message for locations to sign petition.)

Finally, PLEASE email this open letter to anyone you know who might also oppose the idea that the nine members of the city council will have final say over the future of the 100,000 people in Thornton. PLEASE give everyone a chance to exercise their constitutional rights.

You are also welcomed to visit our Facebook page for more information,https://www.facebook.com/ThorntonsVoice.

Thank you,
Arend Visher
Charles Peraino
Thornton, CO

Places to sign petition:

· THURSDAY, 15 September from 9 – 11 AM; WHERE: Carpenter Rec Center (main entrance) on 112th Ave and Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO
· SATURDAY, 17 September, Pretty much all day; WHERE: Trailwinds Park at 13385 Holly St, Thornton, CO
· SATURDAY, 17 September in the Evening; WHERE: Crossroads Church Northglenn at 10451 Huron St, Northglenn, CO
· SATURDAY, 17 September in the Evening; WHERE: Crossroads Church Thornton at 53 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO
· SUNDAY, 18 September in the Morning; WHERE: Crossroads Church Northglenn at 10451 Huron St, Northglenn, CO
· SUNDAY, 18 September in the Morning; WHERE: Crossroads Church Thornton at 53 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO

City of Thornton adds live online feed of Channel 8 community access TV

Thornton 8 is now available for live, online streaming on the city's website and ThorntonWeather.com.
Thornton 8 is now available for live, online streaming on the city’s website and ThorntonWeather.com. (City of Thornton)

The City of Thornton’s KTTV-8 television channel can be a great resource for information as to what is going on in our fine city.  Unfortunately watching the channel required you subscribed to Comcast cable – until now.

We were browsing the city’s website today and noticed they have added a live Internet feed of the channel.  This is a great development and one that allows all Thornton residents with Internet access to view the station and get the latest city news and information.

You can watch it directly on the city’s website here.

Alternatively, we have added a page on our website where you can watch the live feed.  You will find it under the ‘Area Information’ button to the left or click here to view it.

Please note: ThorntonWeather.com is not endorsed by or an official website of the City of Thornton.

 

Reminder: Personal use of fireworks illegal in the City of Thornton, big time fines await violators

Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal in Thornton and with the tinder dry conditions this year, fire danger is extraordinarily high. Please leave the show to the pros!

Fireworks have long been illegal in the City of Thornton and in recent years stiff fines have been meted out to violators.  Like last year, conditions are tinder dry and as such it is especially important that residents adhere to the law and leave the show to the pros.

Wildfires are burning across Colorado right now with tens of thousands of acres charred and more than 500 homes destroyed.    These events highlight that even a small spark in the dry conditions we are experiencing could lead to disaster.

The danger is there, even in an urban environment, where foliage is very dry, lawns are parched and building materials are completely dried out.  While residents could still go to Wyoming or unincorporated areas of Adams County to purchase them, the risk is simply not worth the minimal reward.

Not too many of us have an extra $500 lying around and that is what it will cost anyone who shoots off fireworks in Thornton.  A second violation in 12 months nets you a $1,000 fine.  Of course violators will also have to deal with the disdain of neighbors who likely do not appreciate the noise, mess, smoke, hassle and danger you present to their property.

The City of Thornton will be holding its annual 4th of July celebration with its usual second-to-none fireworks show.  ThorntonWeather.com asks all Thornton residents, please, don’t put anyone at risk.

Rather than spend money on fireworks – and fines – do something good with your money.  Donate to Help Colorado Now,  an organization sponsored by the state of Colorado dedicated to helping relief organizations assisting communities hit by disaster.  Show your support for our fellow Coloradans and leave the show to the pros.

Click here to visit the Help Colorado Now website.

Community reminder: Fireworks illegal in Thornton, $500 fine awaits violators

Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal in Thornton and with the tinder dry conditions this year, fire danger is extraordinarily high. Please leave the show to the pros!

Fireworks have long been illegal in the City of Thornton and in recent years stiff fines have been meted out to violators.  This year with conditions tinder dry it is especially important that residents adhere to the law and leave the show to the pros.

Wildfires are burning across Colorado right now with tens of thousands of acres charred, 500 homes destroyed and lives lost.  These events highlight that even a small spark in the dry conditions we are experiencing could lead to disaster.  The danger is there, even in an urban environment, where foliage is very dry, lawns are parched and building materials are completely dried out.

Gov. John Hickenlooper issued a statewide ban on open burning and this includes fireworks.  While residents could still go to Wyoming or unincorporated areas of Adams County to purchase them, the risk is simply not worth the minimal reward.

Not too many of us have an extra $500 lying around and that is what it will cost anyone who shoots off fireworks in Thornton.  A second violation in 12 months nets you a $1,000 fine.  Of course violators will also have to deal with the disdain of neighbors who likely do not appreciate the noise, mess, smoke, hassle and danger you present to their property.

The City of Thornton will be holding its annual 4th of July celebration with its usual second-to-none fireworks show.  ThorntonWeather.com asks all Thornton residents, please, don’t put anyone at risk.

Rather than spend money on fireworks – and fines – do something good with your money.  The City of Thornton will be accepting donations to the newly established  Colorado Fire Relief Fund 2012.  Show your support for our fellow Coloradoans affected by these disasters and leave the show to the pros.

Thornton Fire Department deploys crew to battle wildfires

City of Thornton Fire Department engine. (City of Thornton)
The Thornton Fire Department will be deploying a crew and engine to help support the battle against Colorado's wildfires. (City of Thornton)

With wildfires raging across much of the Colorado high country, nearly half of all available resources in the nation have been deployed to our state.  Today the City of Thornton said it would be lending a hand in the battle against these deadly and damaging fires.

The Thornton Fire Department will be joining the multijurisdictional effort and deploying a crew and fire engine to assist with the Flagstaff Fire burning west of Boulder.  The blaze started late Tuesday afternoon and forced the evacuation of more than two dozen homes.

While the fire is not the largest or most critical one in the state, by Thornton sending a crew it helps to free up other resources to battle other blazes like the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs.

ThorntonWeather.com offers our support for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us and others across the state.  We pray for your safety and success as we deal with this horrible summer of fire.

Update, 2:15pm, from the City of Thornton: “Fire fighters from the Thornton Fire Department mobilized to assist with the Flagstaff Fire in Boulder on June 26. A “Strike Team” from Thornton went to Boulder to provide assistance with structure protection. The Thornton Fire Department remains on standby to assist with any structure protection requested by agencies fighting the fires in Colorado.”

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More coverage from Examiner.com:

City of Thornton announces emergency alert system for residents

City of Thornton Emergency Management T-Alerts
The City of Thornton's new Emergency Management T-Alerts will inform residents of a wide variety of weather and civil emergencies.

Sitting at the western edge of tornado alley, the Denver metro area is home to severe weather of all forms.  In an effort to keep residents aware of the dangers Mother Nature brings every year, the City of Thornton is set to roll out an email alert system.

It has been nearly 31 years since the most destructive tornado to strike the Denver area tore through the city of Thornton.  In the intervening time between now and then, it is ironic that neither Thornton nor Adams County deployed any sort of alert system for its residents beyond Reverse 911.

Seeking to correct that lapse, Thornton’s Office of Emergency Management presented a significant enhancement to the city’s T-Alert system to city council at a planning session last night.

T-Alert is the existing email subscription system for Thornton residents that can keep them up to date with everything from traffic to trash services to recreational opportunities.  Now, emergency management announcements will be added to the service.

Emergency Manager Gene Putman explained that with the proliferation of email on mobile devices like cellular phones, the system will allow the city to send out warnings to residents in a matter of seconds.  The system was tested during the February snowstorms and was a resounding success.

Dispatches can be sent out by the city’s emergency management personnel or in an urgent situation, the new 911 center.  Spanish translations to the messages will also be included in the emails.

Putman said, “Within 30 seconds of a warning being issued by the National Weather Service we can have that critical information out to residents.”

Uses for the emergency management service will include obvious items such as tornado watches and warnings and severe hail or flooding.  Also thrown into the mix will be important announcements about major snow events, hazardous material spills and other types of civil alerts.

Jack Ethredge, City Manager, is no stranger to disasters having served as Emergency Manager along the Gulf Coast during two hurricanes.  He told council the system gives the city an “important, broader way to communicate.”

While the new system will help to keep residents safe, officials also remind residents that they must take responsibility for their own safety as well and stay aware of developing weather.  Local news media should be monitored and residents should own a NOAA All Hazards Radio.

  • Note: In addition to the city’s alert system, you can subscribe to ThorntonWeather.com’s alert system.  We believe the two systems will complement each other.  Our system provides all watches and warnings from the National Weather Service while the city’s will maintain a focus on the major events.

Thornton also continues to improve and refine its disaster preparedness as a city government.

Emergency management personnel are receiving important training on disaster response and new emergency procedures are being developed all city employees.

When disaster strikes, the speed and accuracy of a response is essential and Emergency Investigation Area Teams have been created to aid on this front.  Each team will be comprised of personnel from key city departments.  These teams will be responsible for one of six Emergency Investigation Areas and when needed, will be deployed to document a situation and provide direction.

City of Thornton’s WinterFest to enjoy great weather for the festivities

One of many ice sculptures on display at WinterFest.  View more images from the first night of the festival below. (ThorntonWeather.com)
One of many ice sculptures on display at WinterFest. View more images from the first night of the festival below. (ThorntonWeather.com)

The City of Thornton’s annual winter festival is in full swing and after a chilly start Friday, the weather for the rest of the events looks to be much milder.

Santa Claus arrives safely last night and as always, the city has a full slate of events surrounding WinterFest at the Multipurpose Fields at 108th Ave and Colorado Blvd.  Residents can ice skate all day long and into the night, the ice carving demonstration is underway and of course Santa’s Village is open.

Tonight the Thornton Community Band will take to the stage at 7:00pm showcasing our community’s musical talent.  After the concert, Thornton will put on a fireworks show at 8:30pm, one of the few in Colorado during the winter and always the best.

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Sunday features the wide variety of fun in Santa’s Village. Tomorrow night the Thornton Community Chorus will raise their voices in celebration of the season.

For the weather, today we’re heading for a high of 45 degrees with just a light wind.  It will dip to right around the freezing mark by 7:00pm when the band concert takes place and then down to 28 degrees for the fireworks at 8:30pm.

Tomorrow will be even warmer with plenty of sun above as we head for a high of 48 degrees with light winds.  When the chorus takes to the stage at 6:30 it will be around 32 degrees.

Check out some of the photos we took of WinterFest last night below – then head on down and join the fun!

City of Thornton offers residents winter weather preparedness tips

The City of Thornton wants residents to be prepared for the coming cold weather.
The City of Thornton wants residents to be prepared for the coming cold weather.

As we have been covering all week, by the governor’s declaration this is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.  The City of Thornton has gotten on board with information to help the city’s residents prepare themselves for the coming season.

Thornton has become much more ‘weather aware’ in recent years and we applaud them for that.  Weather has a direct impact on everyone’s lives, too often with deadly effects, and it is important that people are aware of the dangers it presents.

The new page on the city’s website provides some great resources for residents.  On the page you will find information from the National Weather Service, a great document prepared by the Thornton Fire Department about winter safety and information about the city’s snow removal plan.

We do have to make note of a couple of things on the page.

First, there is no link to ThorntonWeather.com.  We are not affiliated with the city in any way however we are the only source of truly local weather news and information.  The city must be careful of who they put out there as a recommended resource but ThorntonWeather.com is well-established having been around for more than five years and being well known and highly regarded in the community.  We pride ourselves on the wealth of information we provide, an amount that far surpasses any other.

Second, it is somewhat ironic that one of the links provided on the city’s page is for Emergency Alert Information from the Colorado Division of Emergency Management.  This is a great resource page but as we have pointed out repeatedly, neither the city nor Adams County has any sort of emergency alert system.  This is a serious deficiency that the city has chosen not to address at this time.


Rain and hail put ThorntonFest under water; Annual city festival cancelled

The Thornton Multipurpose Fields at 108th Avenue and Colorado Blvd were flooded by heavy rains and hail on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. (City of Thornton)
The Thornton Multipurpose Fields at 108th Avenue and Colorado Blvd were flooded by heavy rains and hail on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. (City of Thornton)

Yesterday’s bout of severe weather dropped more than 2 inches of rain and buried parts of the city in a blanket of white hail.  All of it was too much for the City of Thornton’s Multipurpose Field which was submerged by the deluge and the city has announced that ThorntonFest has been cancelled.

“Even though the Saturday forecast calls for a nicer day, we must make the call now,” Thornton Community Services Executive Director Mike Soderberg said in a press release. “Attempting to host an event on fields this wet would result in tens of thousands of dollars in damage.”

The annual festival draws tens of thousands of visitors and is highly popular with residents.  All related events have been cancelled as well with the exception being the Cottonwood Classic 5K.  That event will still take place at 8:00am at the Thorncreek Shopping Center.

In the wake of the severe weather yesterday the city posted images of the fields submerged under water.  Thornton has recorded 2.25 inches of rain in the past 24 hours and parts of the city saw hail reach depths of 3 to 4 inches.

“No one is more disappointed than our staff,” Soderberg said. “They work for hours preparing for these events and watched Wednesday as all of that work flowed down Grange Hall Creek.”

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