Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Thursday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
Counties await decision after applying for variances
Many counties in Colorado believe they are ready to reopen and should not have to wait on the rest of the state to start. El Paso County is one of the counties seeking a variance this morning. The El Paso County Board of Commissioners will vote on the variance to allow limited in-seating dining, which is then sent to the governor to approve.
_____
Help seniors win the mental health battle during isolation
The coronavirus pandemic and quarantine has impacted all of us in some way, but mental health experts say they're especially concerned about older adults in our lives. Many of them say they are feeling isolated and vulnerable, but there are steps we take to help them conquer these mental health battles.
_____
Strong to severe storms possible across the eastern plains tonight
The weather is going to turn a bit more stormy over the next few days. We could see a few daytime thunderstorms in Teller and Northern El Paso County later in the afternoon, but our storm chances in general are best in the evening and overnight hours. Storms look to be strongest out east of El Paso and Pueblo counties tonight, where the moisture and storm energy will be highest.
_____
President Trump praises Colorado's COVID-19 response as Gov. Polis, CDPHE head visit White House
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis met with President Donald Trump at the White House Wednesday to discuss the gradual reopening of the state and Colorado’s need for more testing supplies. Trump praised the response to the outbreak by Polis, a Democrat, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican who was also invited to the meeting at the White House Wednesday, saying both were working very hard.
_____
We're Open Colorado: Local Relic gives "liquid love notes" to front line workers
Local Relic has been working to take in and match community donations to donate beer paired with handwritten notes of encouragement to front line workers who have kept our community going through these tough times. The business started their Liquid Love Notes campaign during the middle of April and have been able to give out 200 bottles of free beer so far.
_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram
