Motor-vehicle division announces new laws
The Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicle announces the implementation of these new laws that went into effect Jan. 1:
Colorado residents 65 years and older can renew their identification card for free by visiting www.colorado.gov/vroom or by mail.
A veteran designator is now available on a driver’s license or identification card for honorably discharged veterans.
The Driver’s License offices will offer the option of preregistering to vote for any citizen 16 or 17 years old.
Applicants who are determined to have a “permanent disability” can submit an updated verification in the third and sixth year for identifying license plates, placards and parking privileges. Chiropractors and physical therapists will be able to validate temporary disabilities for the issuance of a temporary placard.
The DMV is required to collect a $50 registration fee for vehicles that are propelled by plug-in electricity.
The DMV will release new license plates this year.
The DMV will implement amended administrative sanctions associated with “persistent drunk drivers” in Colorado. The amended definition of a persistent drunk driver will now include any person who refuses to take, complete or cooperate in a test of their breath, blood, urine or saliva as required by law. The law requires such person to reinstate his or her driving privileges and hold a restricted license, requiring use of an ignition Interlock device.
Prescribed burning near Chimney Rock today
The Pagosa Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed burning today, weather permitting, on 30 acres of San Juan National Forest lands near the Visitors’ Center within Chimney Rock National Monument.
About one dozen firefighters will ignite by hand needle litter and debris left over from a 2009 mechanical fuels-reduction project to further reduce flammable fuels on the ground. Burning operations are expected to take place from about noon until mid-afternoon for optimal smoke dispersal. Smoke is expected to be minimal but may settle in areas to the north the next morning. Signs will be posted on highways to alert travelers, but no visibility concerns are expected.
For more information, call 264-2268.
Life-Long Learning lecture to be held
The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series at Fort Lewis College will present “The Evolution and Legacy of Rock Music and Its Effects on American Generations” at 7 p.m. Thursday in Noble Hall, Room 130.
Bob Griffith is a former radio broadcaster from Los Angeles with 31 years of experience in the business as a manager, performer and speaker, and is adept in most forms and formats of radio.
Griffith will explain the origins, accomplishments and failures of rock music and its influence as a social force in American culture at critical times in a changing society.
For a schedule, visit www.fortlewis.edu/professionalassociates.
Dodgeball event to benefit students
Southern Ute Community Action Programs Youth Services will hold its seventh annual Snowdown Dodgeball tournament at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave.
This year’s tournament is a benefit for Ignacio Middle School student leadership activities. Teams must register by noon today.
To register, visit www.sucap.org or call 563-4517.
Rotary Club of Durango to meet Tuesday
Laurie Swisher, forester with the San Juan National Forest, will speak about old-growth forests in the Durango region to the Rotary Club of Durango at its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave.
She will discuss what constitutes old growth forests, how human activity has affected the amount and distribution of old growth on the San Juan National Forest, the values of old growth, and management risks and strategies. She also will give suggestions about where to visit old-growth forests in the area.
Visitors are welcome.
For more information, call Bruce Rodman at 385-7899.
Herald Staff
