🌱 Rent Rates Slow + Avian Flu + New Car Theft Bill

Hello all. I'm here right on time with your Wednesday edition of the Lakewood Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• Avian flu
• New car theft bill proposed
• Snow hitting Colorado today

But first, today's weather:

Colder; a little p.m. snow. High: 37. Low: 20.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Lakewood? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top four stories in Lakewood today:

1. A January housing report has shown Denver's rent increases are finally beginning to slow down. Between January 2023 and January 2022, metro Denver's rent only increased 1.2%, which is among the lowest increase in all cities with rising rent. (Fox 31)
2. An unusual version of the Avian flu has killed at least 12,000 Colorado birds. Mammals in the state have now also been recorded contracting the virus, namely a mountain lion, black bear, and skunk. While humans can catch the virus, it is incredibly uncommon. (Daily Camera)
3. A new bill that would make all car thefts a felony-level charge has advanced through the state Senate committee. This is a change from current law, that labels thefts of cars valued at less than $2,000 a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Critics of the bill worry that this will only increase incarceration without successfully deterring the crime from occurring. (Colorado Newsline)
4. In trend with the city's usual snowiest month, Denver is likely to see a bit more snow tomorrow afternoon. While surrounding areas are likely to get over an inch, Lakewood is not likely to be hit with very much snow. (Fox 31)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Lakewood Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Lakewood Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Lakewood:

• Preschool Time! Belmar Library, 10:15 AM
• Let's Dance! Lakewood Library, 10:15 AM
• Cuentacuentos! Columbine Library, 10:15 AM
• Computer Basics! Belmar Library, 1:00 PM
• AARP Tax Help! Columbine Library, 1:00 PM
• A Novel Bunch - The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak! Belmar Library, 6:00 PM
• Intercambio Spanish Conversation Table! Columbine Library, 6:30 PM

From my notebook:

• Colorado Seasoms: "Different seasons in Colorado 🤩✨ 💡In Colorado 1. Summer starts: Mid June to early September. 🩱 2. Fall starts: Early September to mid November.🍂 3. Winter starts: Mid November to Early April. ❄️" (Colorado, Denver 🌲 Travel | Hotels | Outdoors | Tips via Instagram)
• Wetzel's Pretzels: "Good luck finding a better mid-shopping trip snack than Wetzel's Pretzels 🥨 #colomills" (Colorado Mills via Facebook)
• West Metro Fire Rescue: "Applications are open! - Camp Ember is a 4 day, 3 night immersive camp for young women, ages 16 to 18, who are interested in the fire service." (Nextdoor)
• Cheap Drywall in Miller Heights: "ISO cheap drywall install- it’s for our garage so it doesn’t have to be gorgeous. - We’ve had a few very expensive quotes. Thanks!" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Lakewood Fitness and Massage — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Lakewood Patch newsletter? Contact me at lakewood-co@patch.com