Stories in this list received the most page views on postindependent from Oct. 6-Oct. 13

1.CDOT removes 136 cameras, including along 1-70 corridor and mountain passes, after contract expires 

The Colorado Department of Transportation has removed about 136 cameras from roadways across the state.

Residents in the High Country often used these cameras, many of which were located on mountain passes and rural roads, to check driving conditions. This was especially helpful in the winter when snowy conditions and ski traffic impacted local commutes.

“These cameras were a really big deal for us, especially in the winter,” said Jeff Delazaro, who noticed earlier this summer that several cameras had been taken down on Berthoud Pass, which he drives regularly on his way to his place in Tabernash.

-Ryan Spencer 

2.Colorado State Patrol Troopers hand out 50 citations for chain law violations during enforcement operation 

With snow starting to fall in Colorado, law enforcement officers are ensuring that commercial motor vehicles are complying with the state’s commercial vehicle chain law.

The Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Port of Entry Officers conducted their second chain law enforcement operation of the season on Wednesday on Interstate 70 near Dotsero, according to a news release.

Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain law and passenger vehicle traction laws went into effect Sept. 1, requiring commercial vehicles to carry chains and passenger vehicles to have proper traction devices. The winter driving laws remain in effect through the end of next May.

-Staff report 

3.Rifle man turns perseverance into purpose 

“Never give up”: that’s Rifle local Tristian Grey’s life motto. 

Tattooed on his left arm, the phrase is more than daily inspiration — it’s a reminder of where he’s been and, more importantly, how far he’s come. 

After having a stroke in the womb, Grey was born with gangrene — the death of body tissue when blood flow to a specific area is reduced — in one arm. By three years old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. 

-Julianna O’Clair 

4.Colorado stargazers are in for ‘extra special’ treats this October with 7 meteor showers and 2 comets 

Colorado nights are getting colder, but stargazers who get outside after dark this October will be rewarded with a smattering of celestial phenomena.

Astronomy guide Mark Laurin — who is better known as Astro Mark — wrote in his monthly stargazing blog that this October is “extra special” because seven meteor showers will reach their peak and two comets could be visible to the naked eye.

“Unquestionably, the October stargazing calendar is full,” Laurin said. “It’s no stretch to say that there are big things happening in the night sky every night this month. From seemingly back-to-back meteor showers to comets galore.”

-Ryan Spencer 

5.West Canyon Nurseries host first Fall Festival in New Castle, grows community roots after merger 

January marked more than just the start of a new year for West Canyon Nurseries and Dwyer Greens and Flowers —  it signaled the beginning of a blossoming partnership between the families behind both businesses. 

West Canyon Nurseries was founded in 2018 by Ray and Kim Shorette, their daughter Amy Anglemyer and her husband, Derek. The family launched the wholesale and retail nursery in New Castle at the historic West Canyon Tree Farm property with hopes of bringing it back to life. At the time, the nursery focused on shrubs, perennials and container trees. 

That year, Brett Folske purchased Dwyer Greens and Flowers, a well-established business that had been part of the Garfield County community for nearly two decades.

-Julianna O’Clair