Tracks of the Traffic
Photo by Alan Pinkus
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Wednesday, Dec. 17th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Golden Sports
- 7:30-9AM - Citizens Budget Advisory Committee Meeting
- 9AM - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Xfinity Store
- 9-10:30AM - Golden Walks
- 10AM - Golden Fire "Push-In" Ceremony
- 10AM-5PM - Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
- 10:15-10:45AM - Toddler Time - Registration Required
- 3PM - Weekly Jam Session
- 3-5PM - Virtual/Call In: Hard Times Writing Workshop
- 4:30-6PM - Rescheduled: REDI Task Force Meeting
- 5-9PM - Ski X Board Tune Night
- 5:15PM - Holiday Dinner Show with Jefferson Symphony Orchestra
- 5:30PM - CANCELED: Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall
- 6-8PM - Summit Huts 101
- 6-8PM - Fly-Tying Clinic
- 6:30PM - Wednesday Night Trivia
- 6:30-8:30PM - Trivia Wednesdays
- 7:30PM - Stocking Stuffers
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
Probable Power Outage Today
Xcel anticipates bringing back the power by early evening.
Anticipating high winds--along with exceptionally dry conditions--Xcel Energy is likely to do a planned power outage today. They anticipate that it will start around 10AM and end sometime after 6PM.
The City buildings will definitely be closed, including the Community Center, so several events planned for today (including the jam session at the Front Porch and the rescheduled REDI Task Force Meeting) will be canceled. I'm not sure about the push-in ceremony at the Fire Station.
For the latest info from Xcel, check their Public Safety Power Shutoff page and their Outage Map.
What Happened to the M?
Mines de energized the feeder power line to the “M” to prevent wildfire risk due to the high winds forecasted for tomorrow. If conditions permit, Mines plans to have the “M” energized again by Thursday night, so we can continue the countdown to graduation on Friday.
9AM Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Xfinity Store @ Xfinity
Join special guests at the grand opening of the newest Xfinity store in Golden! Register
Location:
Xfinity
17121 S. Golden Road (Map)
10AM “Push-In” Ceremony @ Fire Station 24
Join Golden Fire at Station 24 (151 Heritage Road, Golden) as we officially welcome our new brush engine with a traditional “push-in” ceremony. This hands-on fire service tradition invites the community to help roll the new truck into the bay—kids and families welcome! More information
While you’re there, stick around to help shape the future of fire services in Golden. Staff will be on hand to talk about our Fire Strategic Plan and gather your ideas and priorities for community safety and wildfire preparedness.
Can't make it on this morning? You'll also have an opportunity to participate in Strategic Planning on Thursday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. at the Golden Community Center!
Location:
Golden Fire Station No. 24
151 Heritage Rd. (map)
The Golden Word - 12/17/25
Live Music for Wednesday, Dec. 17th
- 6-9PM Chance Gallagher @ Miners Saloon
- More Live Music
4-8PM Chrispy @ Mountain Toad
6PM Live Music @ Rock Rest Lodge
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Practicing Blackout Conditions
Central Power Company ad, discouraging use of power (and steel) for the duration of the war
Click to enlarge
83 Years Ago
When the December 17, 1942 Colorado Transcript was published, the country had been at war for a year. Rationing was in place; materials were reserved for the war effort, and many of our young people were overseas.
The front page featured the article, "Golden Blackout in Answer to Signal is 100 Percent Perfect." On Monday the 14th, the U.S. Army ordered a blackout for the entire state. Many people (those who were willing to use their gasoline ration) ventured to the top of Lookout Mountain. Those who watched the drill from that vantage point reported that Golden’s response to the signal (a whistle blast from Coors) was instantaneous–all lights went out immediately. Denver was a little slower, but their lights went out within a few minutes.
While Army officers watched from the D&F Tower in downtown Denver and unofficial observers watched from Lookout Mountain, an Army Air Force bomber was circling the area, assessing the response from the vantage point of someone trying to bomb the city.
The test identified some neighborhoods in Denver where the signal had not been heard. In fact, there was a strong wind from the west that night and some people on the west side of Golden hadn’t heard the Coors whistle, while residents of Wheat Ridge and Arvada had heard it clearly.
People who lived in the countryside between Denver and Golden (unable to hear signals), were advised to keep an eye on the “M” on Mount Zion. If it went out, people should assume that a blackout was in effect.
The editorial section provided an interesting summation of the drill:
We can all remember when Washington Avenue, Golden, had no lights or electric signs–some of the older folks can remember the days of coal oil lamps…. Then folks were used to dark houses and dark streets and thought nothing of it–now to be without our wonderful cheap electricity even for twenty minutes is an experience to be remembered–especially had two or three boxes of dynamite been touched off in the clay pits to make the thing realistic. We are all appreciative of the trained wardens and deputies on duty during this test and are glad to know that they will be on the job should a real thing ever happen.
Weather
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Low around 43, with temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. West southwest wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Wednesday: A chance of rain showers after 5pm. Sunny. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 10 to 41 mph, with gusts as high as 77 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a chance of snow showers between 10pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 39 overnight. West northwest wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 53 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night: Chance Snow Showers then Partly Cloudy, 36°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 50°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 38°F
Friday: Mostly Sunny, 66°F
Friday Night: Partly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers, 49°F
Saturday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny, 61°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 38°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny, 59°F
Sunday Night: Partly Cloudy, 42°F
Monday: Mostly Sunny, 66°F
Monday Night: Partly Cloudy, 42°F
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, 64°F
News About Golden - December 17, 2025
Share a Meal, Build Community with Mines Students This Winter Break
Golden United
Golden United invites Golden-area residents and Colorado School of Mines students to come together over winter break through a simple but powerful act: sharing a meal.
Many international students are unable to travel home for the holidays. This program connects them with local neighbors who are willing to open their homes for a warm meal, helping ensure no student goes without food, connection, or a sense of belonging during the break... Read more... Download PDF below. Sign up.
Montano found guilty of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
The Arvada man charged with kidnapping, second-degree assault and four other counts for a May 21 incident at the Rock Rest Lodge has been found guilty of third-degree assault.
For five other charges, including felony kidnapping, assault and menacing, jurors returned not guilty verdicts... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Goosetown Station, and Earth Sweet Boutique
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Vic DeMaria
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, Centennial State Wealth Advisors, and Steve & M.L. Richardson
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, Pam Logan, Clare Shier, and Wendy Weiman
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, Kristen Morgan, Joyce Sutton, Mary Rains, Craig Champlin, Stan Swisher, Bill Way
