Erie News & VIEWS

While we enjoy the good weather, dear friends, and tasty treats…may we all take time to remember these things are possible only with sacrifices of our military and their families. It’s more than just a long weekend.

Public Meeting: Draco Well Pad & Mineral Rights

We invite the community to join Town Council for a public meeting on Tuesday, April 21 (6–10 p.m.) to share input on a possible sale of Erie’s mineral rights at the Draco Well Pad.

Council will be listening to community perspectives during this meeting. No vote will be taken.

Want to share your perspective?
You’re encouraged to sign up in advance to speak. Speakers will be called in the order they register.

The link to review the staff presentation is available in the Public Comment sign-up form: https://erieco-meeting-lobby.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/april-21-comment

Planning to attend?
We anticipate the room reaching capacity. The meeting will also be available for live streaming online, where residents can watch and provide public comment remotely.

Join the meeting:
Zoom: https://townoferie.zoom.us/j/81390229570?pwd=Ro5TKXyRv5aMDzVOEzUSR5JXbb1VIl.1
YouTube: youtube.com/eriecolorado

Meeting Details:
Town Hall Council Chambers
645 Holbrook Street
6–10 p.m.

What to expect:
• Staff presentation
• Public comment
• Meeting wrap-up (no vote)

Questions: [email protected]

Do you know the latest trends in teen substance use?

From va**ng to underage drinking, staying informed is the first step in keeping your child safe.

Join the Erie Police Department for a free, informative clinic designed to help parents understand the realities of teen drug, alcohol, and v**e use in our schools.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 26
📍 Location: Erie Police Department
🎯 Why Attend?
Gain expert insights, learn warning signs, and get the tools to talk to your teen.

Let’s work together to keep our kids safe! Reserve your spot today:
https://www.erieco.gov/1561/Teen-Use-of-Drugs-Alcohol-Vaping

End of an Era

Boulder's iconic bar will close its doors after 51 years: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/boulders-dark-horse-closing-50-years-march/73-9953a963-6681-4c47-98cc-8e30dcbf7d8f?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_9NEWS_(KUSA)

Doing the good work at our local Erie Middle School!

Congratulations to our student teacher mentor teacher, alumna Abby Martinez (BME), who’s the St. Vrain Valley School District’s recipient of the CU Boulder 2026 Best Should Teach Award! This recognition reflects the profound impact of her teaching, and the deep respect she's earned in her school community and in the field.

Martinez—a teacher, performer, clinician and conductor from Grand Junction, Colorado—directs the Erie Middle School Choir program comprising some 400 students in three mixed, non-auditioned grade-level choirs and four varied extracurricular choirs. She is also a two-time SVVSD Teacher of the Year, and was recognized as a 2025 GRAMMY Music Educator Quarterfinalist and a 2026 GRAMMY Legacy recipient. MORE: https://emschoir.weebly.com/meet-the-directors.html

CU Boulder Music Education University of Colorado Boulder Forever Buffs: University of Colorado Boulder Alumni St. Vrain Valley Schools Erie Middle School

Sharing a community event hosted by the .

The 2026 Black Rock BASH on March 7th, 2026 at the Colorado National Golf Club from 7-11pm.

This event raises funds for the Black Rock Elementary School PTO! The BRESPTO does all the usual school support things you might expect, BUT additionally this PTO covers salaries for in grades 1-5, of the paraprofessional support members! This is an extremely unique and useful endeavor that greatly enhances the learning environment for the students there.

There will be a silent auction, which will open a week before the date of the event to the public, as well as some Live Drawings, Casino Games, DJ, and dancing all night long, Photo Booth, and food is included! Cash Bar is available.

You do not need to have kids at Black Rock to attend this adults only night out in Erie!

Ticket link : https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-black-rock-bash

Hope to see you there!!

Just outside our Erie nook, we ventured to in Old Town Louisville. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. A classically elegant experience with great service.

Perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. A solid Happy Hour assortment as well.

Add it to your list if you’ve never been!

Please contact police if you know anything.

UPDATE (May 6, 2026)

The Erie Police Department continues to investigate the tragic hit-and-run collision in the Village Vista area that claimed the life of a young child. Our thoughts remain with the child’s family and all those impacted by this devastating loss.

On April 15, investigators asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a driver who was in the area at the time of the incident. That individual has since been located, interviewed, and is not involved. We appreciate the community’s help in identifying the vehicle. At this time, a person of interest remains under investigation. Detectives are continuing to utilize investigative techniques, and further steps are necessary before any additional action can be taken.

The Erie Police Department remains committed to conducting a thorough and careful investigation. Updates will be provided as information can be confirmed and released.

Anyone with information related to this case is still encouraged to contact 303-441-4444. Even the smallest detail may assist investigators.
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UPDATE (1 p.m. on April 15, 2026)

The Erie Police Department continues to investigate the tragic hit-and-run collision in the Village Vista area that claimed the life of a young child. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

A driver of interest, along with their associated vehicle, was identified early in the investigation. Detectives are currently awaiting results from the crime lab, which may take several more weeks to complete.

In the meantime, investigators are working to account for every vehicle and individual who may have been in the area at the time. We are currently needing to speak with the driver of a white Cadillac Escalade. If you were in the area of the carwash near Village Vista Drive and Highway 7 on February 15, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., please contact us.

Investigators have recently obtained additional surveillance image screenshots. Despite efforts to enhance these images, the quality has not improved to a level that allows for further identification.

We recognize the community’s continued concern and desire for answers. While some aspects of the case cannot yet be shared, we remain committed to a thorough and careful investigation.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or who may have any information, is asked to call Detective Sergeant Burch at 303-926-2825. Even the smallest detail may assist investigators.

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UPDATE (4:15 p.m. Monday, February 16)

The investigation into the tragic hit-and-run collision remains active and ongoing.

Dispatch received the initial call from a motorist who stopped after observing the child lying in the roadway. That individual remained on scene and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Detectives have reviewed surveillance footage from the surrounding area, and investigators identified a vehicle of interest that was in the area at the relevant time. Investigators are currently in contact with that individual as part of the ongoing investigation.

We understand the community’s desire for answers. This remains an active investigation, and our priority is conducting a careful and thorough review of all available evidence to determine what occurred.

We continue to urge anyone who was in the area and may have seen or heard anything — even if it seems minor — to contact 303-441-4444. Additional information from the public may still be critical to the investigation.

Further updates will be shared as information can be confirmed and released.

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Sunday, February 15, approximately 6:00 p.m.

The Erie Police Department is currently investigating a tragic hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of a two-year-old child.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m., Sunday, February 15, in the neighborhood area east of Mountain View Blvd and north of Village Vista Drive in Erie, Colorado. Officers and emergency personnel responded immediately; however, despite life-saving efforts, the child succumbed to their injuries.

This marks the third serious traffic tragedy this weekend. There are no words that can ease the pain of such a loss. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and ask the community to surround them with compassion and respect.

The driver fled the scene. Leaving the scene of a crash—especially one involving injury or loss of life—is both unlawful and deeply troubling. We urge the individual involved to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 303-441-4444. Even the smallest detail may assist investigators in bringing answers to the family.

As this investigation continues, we urge drivers to please slow down, remain alert, and help us ensure everyone’s safety in our community.

Additional updates will be provided when, and if, possible.

Our hearts go out to Landon and his parents, Ken and Emilie, following the tragic accident on Friday night in Erie. Landon has suffered a severe brain injury and is currently requiring 72 hours of medical sedation to aid in his recovery.

This Tuesday, we will be contributing 15% of ALL sales raised to support the Eslick Family.
Join us for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or take-out to contribute. All online and physical gift-card sales will also be counted.

If you are unable to join us, please consider making a donation to their GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sqd4bu-prayers-and-support-for-landons-recovery?attribution_id=sl:67d7afae-3df1-4120-8a5b-9b8b47067d9a&lang=en_US&ts=1771186654&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_content=amp17_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

On Friday night, just before 10:00 p.m., Erie Police officers responded to a serious crash at the intersection of Erie Parkway and Briggs Street involving an electric motorized vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

The rider, a 15-year-old juvenile, sustained serious injuries and was transported by paramedics to Children’s Hospital. At this time, the teen remains in serious condition. Our thoughts are with the young person and their family during this incredibly difficult time.

We want to take a moment to remind our community that not all electrically motorized vehicles are permitted on public roadways. Many of these vehicles can reach significant speeds and may not offer the same protections as passenger vehicles. We encourage families to take time to understand local ordinances and safety requirements before allowing juveniles to operate any motorized vehicle. Knowing what is street legal — and what is not — is part of our shared responsibility to keep our community safe.

The Erie Police Department Crash Team and investigators responded to thoroughly document the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.

This is a heartbreaking incident. We ask the community to keep everyone involved in their thoughts and to allow space for the family as this investigation continues.