Today is Health insurance Deadline Day

Colorado's health care exchange website and phones are busy with people signing up for coverage starting in the New Year. Today's the final official day to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1. However, the deadline on the federal health care website has been extended through Tuesday and Colorado officials say they're confident they can also guarantee coverage for anyone who signs up then too. Enrollment' been slow s so far, even though the state hasn't experienced the kinds of computer problems seen elsewhere. About 35,000 people have signed up for coverage. That's expected to rise to at least 36,000 by tomorrow.

Some residents and business owners in the Lyons area got a big surprise in their mailboxes Friday

Some residents and business owners in the Lyons area got a big surprise in their mailboxes Friday. 280 people found checks for up to $5,000 to help them as they rebuild their lives following September's flooding. The Lyons Community Foundation and the Lyons Community Church's Community Basic Needs and Emergency Fund distributed more than $950,000 to peopole who submitted applications asking for help. Most weren't notified in advance that they were selected to receive money. The money came from individual and corporate donations and some proceeds from October's benefit concert featuring Dave Matthews.
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Tis the season, and local authorities are warning consumers to be cautious of identity theft

Tis the season, and local authorities are warning consumers to be cautious of identity theft. Police say they've seen in increase in debit and credit card fraud over the past weekend, where thieves obtain consumer account information when credit and debit cards are used. The account information can then be used to withdraw cash or purchase items in other areas around the country. Credit and debit card fraud happens throughout the year, but officials say consumers should especially be vigilant during the holiday season when transactions are typically higher with the increased spending on gifts and holiday parties.
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Friday marked 100 days from the start of the September floods

Friday marked 100 days from the start of the September floods, and Wednesday, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper showed his support for ongoing flood recovery efforts in the 24 counties where flooding occured. He applauded Colorado united for helping communities deal with the floods aftermath, and said he and his family will spend Christmas in Estes Park, one of the communities most devastated by the floods, to help support local businesses in that area.
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The victim in that shooting at a Colorado High school earlier this month, has died

The victim in that shooting at a Colorado High school earlier this month, has died. Gov. John Hickenlooper and other officials from the state offered their condolences Sunday to the family of Claire Davis after the 17-year-old, who was clinging to life, lost her fight to survive, Saturday. Claire was the victim of the Dec. 13 shooting at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, at which the gunman took his own life. At the request of her family and friends, The Denver Foundation announced it had created a fund in Claire's name on Dec. 16. The foundation said the Arapahoe High School Community Fund honoring Claire Davis will support mental health care, anti-bullying programs, and other community needs.
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