National headlines suggest alcohol consumption is on the decline, with Gallup reporting that U.S. drinking is at a historic low. In 2026, 54% of U.S. adults said they drink alcohol, tying the record low set the year before. Younger generations are drinking less, the population is more health conscious and the use of GLP-1 medications
Baby boomers are the generation that reshaped American culture, consumerism, the workplace and retirement and senior living is next. Nearly one in five Jefferson County residents is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and Jefferson County’s population ages 65 to 100 was projected to grow 25 percent between 2022 and 2030, according
First, Lutheran Hospital moved to a new location. Now, an agreement has been reached that could put the hospital’s day-to-day operations under new management. Intermountain became Lutheran’s parent system through its 2022 merger with SCL Health, which had operated Lutheran for decades. The new campus at Clear Creek Crossing at 12911 W. 40th Ave. is
Over the last few months, the most visible changes at the former Lutheran Hospital campus have revolved around clearing old buildings to make way for new construction. Now, the roughly 100-acre redevelopment is beginning to reveal what is coming next. Demolition at the Lutheran Legacy Campus remains on schedule and is expected to wrap up
The 38th Avenue corridor is the heart and main street of Wheat Ridge and as the community prioritizes safety, engagement, placemaking and identity, the challenge becomes balancing these long term goals with the everyday needs of the current businesses and their customers. At the city council meeting on June 15th, a refresh of 38th Avenue
Astanding-room-only crowd gathered July 10 at Fellowship Denver Church North Metro to remember Dominick Breton, the beloved community leader known to many as “Mr. Wheat Ridge.” Breton, who was born with liver and kidney disease, died June 18 at age 41 while awaiting another transplant. Pastor and friend Rich Dugan led the service, where Breton’s sister,
During its June 1 study session, Wheat Ridge City Council reviewed two code enforcement issues with public safety implications: recreational vehicle (RV) parking in parks and updates to the city’s massage business licensing rules. The first discussion focused on proposed amendments to the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws that would regulate RV parking in city
Wheat Ridge is home to 2,533 businesses in roughly nine square miles, which provides immense opportunity for businesses to network, support each other and promote the city’s local economy. Businesses in Wheat Ridge are surrounded by chambers, associations, economic development organizations, referral groups, corridor identities, grant programs and civic clubs. Each serves a purpose in
Typically, when you spend more, you expect to get more in return. That’s not the case when it comes to the water in Wheat Ridge. Beginning February 1, 2026, Wheat Ridge Water District water bills increased by $5.51 per month on the service charge for single-family residential customers from $11.02 to $16.53 and by $11.02
Wheat Ridge residents have seen inflation in the grocery aisle, on utility bills and in nearly everything they buy. But it is less obvious when inflation is parked inside a local fire station. According to West Metro Fire Rescue, the cost of a fire engine has increased from $720,000 in 2018 to $1.3 million today.
After a winter with roughly half the Denver metro area’s average snowfall, Wheat Ridge residents want to know where the snowplow budget falls. Specifically, if the city spends less on plowing, where does that money go and does it change the budget allocation for next year? City council member Rachel Hultin said the system is
We’re taught to turn off the tap while brushing our teeth, a small act that saves a few gallons a day and reassures us we’re doing our part. It’s the kind of advice that drought checklists and utility bill inserts are made of. While water is being saved at the sink, the urgency is growing.
