Oh, Christmas tree

Christmas tree cutting permits are now available. The Pikes Peak Ranger District is offering the permits in person at the Ranger office located at 601 South Weber in Colorado Springs. If you would like to obtain your permit online, go to https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/49f7193c-e64e-11ea-a244-5e6d4b9f6262/order through Dec. 23rd.

The cost is $20 per tree (limit five per family) for the Pike National Forest There is not a quota, so permits will not sell out. Be sure you are purchasing a permit for the Pikes Peak Ranger District and ensure you print your permit, map and cutting information from the website.

UCCS expands opportunities

As part of ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs recently announced multiple new initiatives and expansions for more local high school students.

Coinciding with the CU Board of Regents meeting on the campus on Nov. 6, UCCS announced that all Colorado students with a grade-point average of 2.75 or higher will be granted admission. For those looking for a head start, the university also announced that it’s expanding its concurrent enrollment options for students across the Pikes Peak region.

During the reception following the meeting, the university also announced it will host its own Air Force ROTC detachment starting next fall.

“We’re looking at expanding opportunities for high school students, for transfer students, adult students, really to open up the university to all we have to offer to anyone who’s looking for a CU degree or credential,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet.

Vehicle theft assistance

The Colorado State Patrol is leading the way in providing economic recovery services to victims of motor vehicle theft through the Victims Assistance Grant Application Program.

Victims’ support services may include assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft and/or motor vehicle theft. Funding for victims’ support is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to qualification. Applicants must be Colorado residents throughout the process and the current registered owner of the titled vehicle through the Colorado Department of Revenue.

This program is intended to assist citizens with some of the unknown or unexpected costs associated with vehicle theft, many of which are generally discovered upon the vehicle’s recovery. If you are a Colorado resident and your registered and insured vehicle was stolen, please visit lockdownyourcar.org and go to the Victims’ Assistance page to view a list of available resources.

Don’t refuse DUI tests

The Colorado State Patrol issued a release warning drivers about the consequences of refusing of attempting to delay a chemical test (blood or breath).

“In Colorado, with the privilege of receiving a license to drive in this state, you have agreed to submit a chemical test when requested if the officer places you under arrest for driving under the influence,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When a person refuses, this driver can receive additional penalties, and your refusal could work against you even further as you go through the court process.”

If a Colorado driver refuses a chemical test, one automatic consequence is a longer revocation of his license at the DMV. For a first offense, the driver’s license revocation will increase from 9 months to one year. This and other potential consequences could be applied regardless of whether the driver is convicted of the impaired driving offense in criminal court.