Colorado and national eye care experts offer tips for limiting blue light exposure from screens. Eric Galatas reports on his cast of news today.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Eighty-one blue windmills are attached to the lawn of the Montrose County Justice Center and the Dolphin House Child Advocacy Center in Montrose, reports the Montrose Daily Press. The windmills represent 81 forensic interviews conducted this year. Dolphin House serves child abuse victims and their families in Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

The Ridgeway Planning Commission voted last week to reject an application for a new subdivision east of Highway 550, reports Ouray Plain Dealer. The decision came after nearly a year of continuation, discussion, and revision, including a last-minute proposal to donate $500,000 to the town for affordable housing.

A bill focused on increasing housing density held its first public hearing in the State Capitol last Thursday. Capitol Coverage reporter Lucas Brady Woods reports that it’s the most significant land-use reform in decades in Colorado.

As noted in previous reports, the Delta County Commissioner opposes the proposed land use bill. Montrose Mayor Dave Frank will also oppose the measure at a work session on April 3, and the town of Paonia will discuss the possibility of joining the Colorado City League against SB 23-213 at its next city council meeting.

The federal government is transferring millions of dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to help Arizona water conservation. KUNC’s Alex Hager reports that the Gila River Indian community will be paid to reduce water usage.

As the weather continues to warm, many states, counties, and local governments are predicting the potential for flooding this spring. KNVF’s Lisa Young sat down with Delta County Emergency Manager Chris Stewart to discuss her 2023 National Hydrological Assessment, which was released last month. This indicates that much of eastern Utah and western Colorado can expect moderate flooding this spring. Moderate flooding means inundation of structures and roads near streams. It is also possible to evacuate people and move properties to high places.

KVNF is looking for more local agent stories for the Farm Friday segment. If there is anything our listeners would like to know, please email news@kvnf.org. Please enter “farm news” in the subject line.