by Rusty Collins, Jefferson County CSU Extension Director

2009 marks a critical time in our nation’s economy. With the changing economy, more people are again looking to Extension to teach families about small acreage management issues, like growing their own food and living a more sustainable lifestyle. The need for Extension and the information we provide to consumers is higher than ever.

Extension is here to serve the public in Jefferson County. We bring relevant, research-based information from the University and make sure the information gets to the public that is in need. We can provide assistance on everything from home gardening to planning for retirement. We have Extension Agents on staff who are here to answer questions and provide direction to our fellow citizens in Jefferson County.

You can:
>> Bring us your diseased plants and we can diagnose them.
>> Bring us an odd bug that you found in your home and we will identify it for you.
>> Call on our Lawn Check program and an Extension Agent will arrive at your home to diagnose your lawn problem and provide tips to improve your yard.
>> Call if you have questions on food canning and preservation.
>> Engage with the office to learn about planning for retirement and family financial planning.
>> Take courses in our Master Gardener and Native Plant Master programs.
>> Participate in 4H Youth Development and support your children in their efforts to become leaders in life.
>> Sign-up your 4th and 5th graders for our award winning Environmental Day Camp named Eagles Nest Owls Roost (ENOR).

We work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for all Jefferson County citizens.

For more information on the CSU Extension office in Jefferson County, check out our Web site.

You may also call our office at (303) 271-6620, or come visit us at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 15200 West Sixth Avenue in Golden.

by Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder

As part of Senate Bill 09-108, also known as the "FASTER" Bill, there will be an increase to vehicle registration fees to raise additional funds to repair unsafe bridges and roadways. Additionally, late registration fees now MUST be enforced by every Colorado county.

The new increased fee structure will go into effect on July 1. This fee is part of the Bridge Safety Surcharge and Road Safety Surcharge. This fee incorporates incremental increases over the next three years and is based on the weight of your vehicle.

To arrive at your vehicle weight, take the number under "CWT" on you registration and multiply it by 100. Beginning this July, the average car registration (weighing 2001 lbs. to 5000 lbs.) will increase by $32.00. Motorcycles and very light-weight vehicles (2000 lbs. or less) will increase by $22.50. An average pick-up (5001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.) will increase by $39.50, and larger trucks will see an increase of $51.50 to $55.00. The fee increase will also be applied to utility and camper trailers, based on their weight.

The legislation, Senate Bill 09-108, is expected to generate about $252 million annually for transportation projects, including improvements to more than 100 structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges. The Colorado Department of Transportation says the state has 115 bridges that are 75 years old, highway sections that are 75 to 100 years old and interstate sections that are up to 50 years old.

Because vehicle weight disproportionately affects road and bridge deterioration, FASTER established the fee schedule according to vehicle weight. The new fees will be imposed on registrations starting July 1, 2009, and will average $41 for new registrations when fully phased in over three years.