🌱 Meth Users Pose Real Problem At Area Libraries + Movie Screening!

Hello again, hello! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Boulder Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on in town these days. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• Meth users shutting down area libraries.
• Boulder Day School movie screening.
• Cameron Joseph Lawstuen was arrested for for the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material on a social messaging app.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds breaking for some sun. High: 35 Low: 17.

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Here are the top three stories in Boulder today:

1. What's going on? Meth users are costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars because they are lighting up in library public bathrooms and leaving behind toxic drug residues that need cleaning up. In the past six weeks alone, a reported four libraries in the surrounding area including Boulder, Englewood, Littleton and Arvada, have had to close due to drug contamination. According to Longmont Times-Call, "a city official said remediation and testing have cost Boulder $105,000 so far, with an additional $68,000 in cleaning costs expected, as well as $15,000 put toward future bathroom access control. That will likely take the form of a key that must be signed out or the stationing of a guard at the bathroom entrance." (Longmont Times-Call)
2. "This Is [NOT] Who We Are," will be screened at the Boulder Day School on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a question and answer session with the film's director, Katrina Miller. The event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in attending can register at www.bouldercountryday.org. Hope to see you there! (Left Hand Valley Courier)
3. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office announced that Cameron Joseph Lawstuen, 32, was arrested Friday for the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material on a social messaging app, the Sheriff's Office said. According to Colorado Springs Gazette, "Lawstuen is being held without bond at the Boulder County Jail for two felonies: one count of sexual exploitation of a child-distribution and one count of sexual exploitation of a child-possession." (Colorado Springs Gazette)

Today in Boulder:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (9:00 AM)
• Chautauqua: 125 Years at the Heart of Boulder Exhibit at the Museum of Boulder (12:00 AM)
• All State Choir - Boulder High School (12:00 AM)
• 22-23 Hearing and Vision Screening - New Vista High School (8:45 AM)
• Art & Love Collide - Boulder Chamber (5:00 PM)
• Staying Connected as a Community - Boulder Chamber (6:00 PM)
• New Vista Parent Speaker Series - New Vista High School (6:30 PM)
• Collaborative Comedy (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boulder Coffee Cafe And Lounge: "Join us Saturday, February 11 at 11am for a Black History event hosted by @_cananybodyhearme" (Boulder Coffee Cafe And Lounge via Instagram)
• Boulder Theater: "Get ready for a night of soulful jazz as Christian McBride returns to Boulder Theater on February 26! This time around he will be joined by his current quartet, New Jawn. " (Boulder Theater via Facebook)
• Boulder Medical Center: "No two days are the same. Make use of, and fine-tune your skills in minor electrical; plumbing; heating; ventilation; air conditioning; drywall and finishing, finish carpentry, and more to support the wellbeing and safety of Boulder Medical Center's employees and patients. Apply today for our Maintenance Technician positions:
  https://bit.ly/3YppRmQ" (Boulder Medical Center via Facebook)
• Downtown Boulder: "Valentine's Day is right around the corner....have you gotten your special someone a gift yet? Check out our 2023 Valentine's Day Gift Guide for inspiration and ideas!ht tps://boulderdowntown.com/shopping/valentines-day-gift-guide" (Downtown Boulder via Facebook)
• Boulder JCC: "Join us February 13 with artist Carol Ann Wachter who will teach how to "draw with scissors," to layer colors, and create a collage of an abstract still life! No prior painting experience is needed, all levels and beginners are welcome!" (Boulder JCC via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boulder Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com