Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada, recently received two separate awards for her work on behalf of the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled.
Kraft-Tharp was recognized by the Jefferson Center for Mental Health and the Colorado Behavioral Council on Aug. 26 for her work on mental health bills that she sponsored during her freshman year at the Legislature this year.
The award comes on the heels of another award that Kraft-Tharp recently received from Alliance Colorado. The organization named her the Legislator of the Year for helping to raise awareness for persons with developmental disabilities during this year’s legislative session.
Man dies in motorcycle crash
Alcohol consumption was suspected in a fatal motorcycle crash that took place in Wheat Ridge in the early morning hours of Aug. 22, according to police.
A 37-year-old man was riding his motorcycle on the Highway 58 interchange, toward eastbound Interstate-70, when he crashed into a cement guard rail. The man, who police say was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place just before 1 a.m. Wheat Ridge police spokesman John Romero said that officers suspect that the rider — whose name was not being released — had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Toxicology results could take two to three weeks.
Wheat Ridge hires
new public works director
The City of Wheat Ridge has hired Scott Brink, who has more than 30 years of engineering experience, as its new public works director.
Brink comes to Wheat Ridge from St. Louis Park, Minn., where he served as a city engineer for eight years. Brink has volunteered with organizations that include Engineers without Borders and Engineering Ministries International.
Brink replaces Tim Paranto, who has retired.
