Gusty day backs up DIA, with only 2 runways in use
Gusty winds out of the west caused minor backups at Denver International Airport on Sunday as operations went into an “all-west configuration,” airport spokesman Chuck Cannon said.
With crosswinds gusting to about 40 knots (about 46 mph), the airport closed its four north-south runways, limiting operations to the two east-west runways, where optimum lift could be achieved when landing and taking off into the wind, Cannon said.
Because all fights into DIA were landing on one runway and all flights out of the airport were using the other available runway, coupled with the mandated spacing between operations, there was a little slowdown, he said.
“During the midday bank (of activity), some flights did back up,” Cannon said.
But operations returned to normal as soon as the numbers of flights scheduled decreased, even though the all-west configuration continued, he said.
Winds out of the west at 5 to 10 knots wouldn’t cause the airport to limit flights to the east-west runways, “but when they get to 40 knots-plus, those would be substantial crosswinds, and we start using the all-west configuration,” Cannon said.
The north-south runways were expected to be back in operation after dark, when the winds typically ease, he said.
DENVER
City holiday today honors César Chávez
Today is a Denver holiday in recognition of human rights activist César Chávez. All city and county offices will be closed, including recreation centers.
There will be no trash or recycling collection.
César Chávez Day is also an official parking-meter holiday.
Former Mayor Wellington E. Webb signed the bill creating the holiday in July 2001. The state of Colorado recognizes César Chávez Day on March 31, however, the holiday is optional, and state workers may choose to take the holiday off in lieu of another state holiday.
TELLURIDE
Charges for SnoCat driver in teen’s death
A Telluride Ski Resort worker was arrested on a charge of criminally negligent homicide after the death of a 16-year-old skier who was riding on a snow machine he was operating.
Aaron Apanel, 26, was free Sunday after posting a $10,000 bond, San Miguel County Jail officials said. He was arrested after Brooks Brown of Telluride suffered fatal injuries Friday during a photo shoot near the terrain park after the resort was closed, Mountain Village police and resort officials said.
9News reported that Brown and other teens were riding on the SnoCat when Brown fell off.
Police said drugs and alcohol were not believed to be factors.
LARAMIE, Wyo.
I-80 wreck in blizzard leaves at least 6 dead
At least 20 vehicles crashed in blizzard conditions on Interstate 80 west of Laramie Sunday, killing at least six people.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said semitrailers and passenger vehicles were still being cleared from the scene about 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
The interstate was closed from Rawlins to Laramie because of the weather, and an additional 50 miles from Laramie to Cheyenne was closed at the request of Laramie officials; there was no parking left in Laramie for semitrailers.
ARVADA
Robbers put workers in McDonald’s freezer
Employees of a McDonald’s in Arvada were forced into a freezer early Sunday as two masked men robbed the fast-food restaurant at 6590 Wadsworth Blvd., police said.
The men got in through the drive-through window and grabbed cash, police said. They said the silver two- door Honda used in the robbery was stolen and has not been found.
No employees were hurt.
Anyone with information should call the Arvada Police Department at 720-898-6900.
WESTMINSTER
Victim is identified in carjacking attempt
The victim of an attempted carjacking was identified Sunday as 47-year-old Ubaldo Galvan of Thornton.
Galvan was shot to death while resisting two men who tried to carjack his Chevrolet Tahoe about 4 a.m. Saturday near 72nd Avenue and Zuni Street in Westminster.
Police arrested Anthony Zarate, 19, and a 15-year-old boy on allegations of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and attempted vehicle theft.
BOULDER
Meeting will discuss sex predator’s release
Boulder authorities will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Bible Church, 3245 Kalmia Ave., to discuss the release of Sean Patrick King, a sexually violent predator who assaulted four Broomfield girls in 1999.
King, now 28, was serving time in state prison. Boulder County sheriff’s and police officers are required by law to notify the community of his release.
