Commerce City Sentinel Express 3
August 24, 2021
Adams charts top population growth BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Adams County and its municipalities were among the highest growing areas in Colorado, new 2020 Census data shows. Adams County added 77,969 new people between 2010 and 2020, a nearly 18% increase. It ranked the fourth highest in Colorado for counties with the greatest numeric population growth. Weld County was fifth on the list because of its 72,513 new people, a 30% increase, according to 2020 Census data organized by the Redistricting Data Hub. Adams County’s total growth is related to the population increases in its municipalities. There are 23,095 more people in Thornton, 16,505 in Commerce City,
10,203 in Westminster, 6,731 in Brighton, and 2,342 in Northglenn since 2010. Fort Lupton added 578 new people. Thornton was sixth, Commerce City was ninth, and Westminster was 17th for the top 20 municipalities in Colorado with the greatest numeric population growth, the Redistricting Data Hub reported. The U.S. Census Bureau released the first detailed population counts from the 2020 Census on Aug. 12. The data the Redistricting Data Hub provided has not been validated against Colorado’s redistricting body, the organization said. The recent data release includes population, demographic, and age information for counties and cities. Forty-one percent of people
in Adams County identify as Hispanic or Latino and 46% identify as White alone. According to the Washington Post, Adams County is one of 65 counties in the U.S. that became majority-minority in the past decade. Twenty-nine percent of people in Weld County identify as Hispanic or Latino and 62% identify as White alone. Thirty-six percent of people in Thornton, 23% in Westminster, 37% in Northglenn, 43% in Brighton, 49% in Commerce City, and 55% in Fort Lupton identify as Hispanic or Latino. The population of people who identify as White alone in each city is 51% in Thornton, 64% in Westminster, 52% in Northglenn, 49% in Brighton, 40% in Commerce City, and 40% in Fort Lupton.
Fire departments receive grant STAFF REPORT
Seven fire departments in the north Denver metro region received grant funding to purchase and install emergency access technology at commercial buildings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is giving $1.25 million to the Thornton, Westminster, Federal Heights, and Brighton fire departments and the North Metro, Adams County, and South Adams County fire rescue districts to implement a new electronic rapid access system, according to a Thornton Fire Department news release. The departments will use the funding to purchase small metal boxes, called Knox Boxes, to
install at businesses that opens doors. Firefighters remotely access the boxes in emergencies to enter the buildings. The North Area Fire Marshalls said in the news release, “Addressing fire and life safety issues is a top priority for our departments, and we are excited to be the largest regional effort to implement an Electronic Rapid Access System. This system reinforces our commitment to our community in providing professional and exceptional services for life and fire safety.” Several North area fire departments have already started retrofitting a total of 6,400 businesses – at no additional cost to the departments.
Commerce City man faces murder charges after shooting STAFF REPORT
BRIGHTON -- A 27-year-old Commerce City man faces first-degree and attempted first-degree murder after an Aug. 3 incident near Fairfax Park. The 17th Judicial District Office filed the charges against Andrew
Reineke Aug. 16. His next court appearance is at 9 a.m. Oct. 15 in Adams County District Court Division G. The DA also filed first-degree assault, menacing and crime of violence charges. Authorities said Reineke shot and killed a 65-year-old man before taking a shot at a Commerce City police
officer. A statement from Commerce City officials said six officers shot Reineke several times. Reineke went to an area hospital for treatment of several gunshot wounds. The original call was for shots fired in the 77100 block of Grape Street. Officers found the deceased victim when they arrived at the scene. Of-
ficers then found a potential suspect in the 6900 block of Fairfax Drive. A city statement said while officers were talking to that person, another man started shooting at officers. A bullet struck an officer’s sleeve; no officers were injured. Detectives searched the area for additional suspects but found none.
Folk Music Legends
There’s no place like hope. BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER. Children in foster care who have a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school and adjust to change. And they’re half as likely to re-enter the foster care system later. As a volunteer, you can make all the difference for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect in your community. Get involved, and change a child’s
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