Everyone knows where to find the big headlines and the front page stories, but each week I like to focus on highlighting some pieces by NewsBreak's Contributor Network that are worth checking out in case they didn't end up on your feed.
This week we're mourning the death of Pancake the Duck's owner, hunting for secret menu items for Denver's first Asian Restaurant Week and digging into Douglas County's bus driver shortage. Here are a handful of stories you may have missed over the last week:
Castle Rock’s beloved duck finds new home after owner’s sudden death
Why we love this: This is a tragic story about the death of a beloved Aurora woman, Amanda Giesen, but the outpouring of support from friends, families and followers of her and her pet duck, Pancake, show the massive impact that they had on the community. Giesen passed away at the end of January, and instantly condolences were given and offers to care for Pancake were shooting in on the duck's Facebook page. Contributor Natasha Lovato shares details of Pancake's new home in Alabama with friends of Amanda's. Pancake's family has grown significantly and she now lives among other ducks, cats, dogs, ferrets and human companions.
8 secret menu items to try during Denver’s first Asian Restaurant Week
Why we love this: Anytime I hear the term "Restaurant Week," my ears perk up because I know that means good food that tastes even better for a discounted price. Feb. 22 marks the start of Mile High Asian Food Week in Denver, where you can find roughly 50 restaurants, food trucks and pop-ups offering secret menus. Contributor Brittany Anas has some suggestions to help narrow it down. Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, salmon ramen, Pho dip and lotus paste mooncakes are just some of the tasty deals to take advantage of through Feb. 26.
UPDATE: State combats cannabis carbon pollution with energy efficiency program
Why we love this: Colorado energy officials are going to start accepting applications from cannabis cultivation businesses to help them save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contributor Matt Whittaker takes us into the weeds of the Cannabis Resource Optimization Program, a newly-created program aimed at reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Whittaker reports that the lighting, air conditioning, heating, dehumidifying, irrigation and other equipment used in the growing and cultivating process accounts for 4% of Denver’s electricity consumption.
DougCo schools face unrelenting transportation challenges
Why we love this: Bus driver shortages are impacting school districts across the nation, and Douglas County is no different. Contributor Suzie Glassman cites a Denver 7 news report that only 60% of the district’s 225 bus driver positions are filled. Even with Douglas County's $2,000 incentive, bus drivers remain in short supply for various reasons, including recruitment difficulties. In a recent recruitment video by the county, current bus drivers emphasize the rewarding nature of the job.
Sirens will wail across Aurora, police chief says
Why we love this: Starting March 7, police in Aurora will begin responding to violent crimes by blaring their sirens and flashing their lights in an effort to reach the scene quicker and to send a message to criminals that makes their presence known. Contributor David Heitz adds the context that the Aurora Police Department has been highly scrutinized since the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who died in police custody after he was injected with ketamine. Heitz reports that Aurora Police Chief Art Acevedo is embracing changes made to the department through a consent decree.
Quick hits
- Denver International Airport Breaks Record Passenger Count in 2022
- Tall Tales Coffee Co. funds Lone Tree nonprofit to build inclusive community
- Rep. Marshall celebrates defeat of ‘misnamed’ anti-trans bill
Further reading
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