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December 2017 - Posts
On January 1st, 2018 at approximately 1:58 am, Aurora Officers were dispatched to the 16700 block of E. Hampden Ave on the report of a vehicle into a house accident. Upon arrival, it was determined that a white Mercury SUV driven by the sole occupant was involved in a single vehicle accident during which a brick wall and tree were struck. The vehicle did not hit any houses. The driver was declared deceased on scene.

The cause of this accident is still under investigation. The victim's identity is not being released at this time, pending the notification of next of kin.

Sergeant Mike Douglass
Traffic Section
303-739-6293

Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 01, 2018 at 5:47 AM
  

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Post by Laura R. 

Your Next Favorite Author-Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds

It’s been a big year for Jason Reynolds.  The author’s third book to be published this fall, Long Way Down, was released at the end of October.  The book faces topical issues of race and gun violence head on, and cements Reynolds’ reign over the young adult literary scene.  Written in free verse, the novel narrates 15-year-old Will Holloman’s seven-floor descent in an elevator, as he grapples with the gang murder of his older brother.  Intent on taking revenge on his brother’s killer, Will must re-evaluate his mission as each floor introduces new characters, and new revelations.  The book was longlisted for the 2017 National Book Award in Young People’s Literature.

Reynolds made his name in 2014 with his novel When I Was the Greatest, followed quickly by The Boy in the Black Suit, and the Long Way Down absolute stunner, All-American Boys (co-written with Brandon Kiely).  The latter was my first introduction to Reynolds, and evangelized me for life—I suggest his books to nearly every kid at the library looking for a recommendation.  Reynolds books have ended up on the New York Times Bestseller list (Long Way Down debuted at number four) and have earned multiple Coretta Scott King Awards honors.

Reynolds recounts that as a struggling young author, he really got his start when a friend of his, writer Christopher Myers, suggested he write in a “natural tongue.”  The result is prose that is full of heart and authenticity, affirming African-American culture and experience, and never shying away from honest stories.  Reynolds says of presenting experiences of violence and trauma to young readers, “It’s my responsibility to honor young people with honesty, even if their parents are uncomfortable. They are human beings with feelings. They also have the internet, and they come with their own set of trauma. Why should I be disrespectful to the young reader by shielding them from what they already know?”

Published in 2015 as the debate around police brutality was very much at the fore of the national conversation, All-American Boys follows the twin stories of Rashad, a black teen who is falsely accused of stealing and subsequently beaten by a police officer untilAll American Boys he ends up in the hospital, and Quinn, Rashad’s white classmate who witnesses the incident.  I loved All-American Boys not only for its candid take on the violent realities faced by young African-Americans in the US today, but also because it’s a story told through the eyes of two relatable characters dealing with more mundane teenage challenges: Rashad would rather draw than listen to his dad’s lectures on joining the army, and Quinn is busy gearing up for basketball season, hoping to land a college scholarship.

Reynolds also writes for middle graders; the second installment of his “Track” series, Patina, was released at the end of August this year.  Ghost and Patina each follow one member of an elite middle school track team.  Ghost (real name: Castle Crenshaw) is the fastest sprinter Coach has ever seen, but is struggling with memories of his violent father.  Patina, or Patty, as her friends call her, smokes the other girls during the four hundred meter dash even as she’s weighed down with caring for her six-year-old sister and diabetic-amputee mother.  Despite the difficult home lives of these characters, the Track series is laced with sparkling adolescent humor and colorful supporting characters, making for truly un-put-downable reads.   

ghostReynolds himself makes it a point to visit schools and talk to young people.  He often tells his audiences that he didn’t read a book cover to cover until he was seventeen.  He stresses the importance of writing stories that are relatable to kids today.  He told an audience of middle schoolers of the time teachers tried to get him to read Moby Dick: “The teacher was like, ‘Read this book about this man chasing a whale,’ and I’m like, bruh… I don’t know if I can connect to a man chasing a whale when I’ve never seen a whale. Nothing that’s happening in these books is happening in my neighborhood.” 

Kids can see themselves and their neighborhoods mirrored in Reynolds’ books.  As a library professional working with children in Aurora’s uber-diverse center, I find Reynolds’ stories to be a rich and necessary addition to young people’s literature.  Don’t miss any of his books! 


Sources:
Washington Post     National Book Foundation     Twitter      BookList Online 

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 27, 2017 at 10:29 AM
  

DATE: 12/26/17
CONTACT: Sgt. Mike Douglass

NATURE: Operation Choose Your Ride
 

The APD Traffic Section will offer citizens located within the City of Aurora, 21years old and older, the ability to call the police department at 303-627-3100, and an officer will respond and provide a ride home if the driver feels they are impaired and not safe to drive a motor vehicle.

  • The program will run on Friday 12/29/17, Saturday 12/30/17 and Sunday 12/31/17 from 9:00 PM to 2:30 AM.
  • The driver and up to one passenger will be given a verbal presentation on the protocol our officers follow on a routine DUI arrest, (explanation of probable cause for a traffic stop, indicators we look for from the driver for DUI or DUI-D, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Preliminary Breath Tests, expressed consent law, Detox vs. Jail, possible penalties and fines, towing fees, etc.).
  • Educational materials will be given to all participants, along with a discussion of the consequences of impaired driving.
  • All drivers and passengers must be 21years of age to participate, be willing to be searched prior to being allowed in the police vehicle, must provide valid ID, clearance through CCIC/NCIC/DOR will be done, and they will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to being allowed in a police vehicle.
  • This program will be provided to the limits of available manpower assigned to the program.If capacity is exceeded, callers will be given suggestions for alternative transportation (taxi, ride services, friends, family), or put on a wait list.
  • Officers will transport participants from any location in Aurora to the participant’s home as long as it is within 10 miles of the City of Aurora border.
  • Officers assigned to this program will have body cameras, and they will be activated during the duration of the contact with participants.
  • The responding officer will have full discretion to refuse this service to anyone if the officer feels it would be unsafe to continue due to extreme intoxication, uncooperative behavior, etc.
  • The DUI taxi will be used as one of the transport vehicles, and the rest will be marked police cars to get the most exposure for the program.
  • Additional officers will be assigned as DUI enforcement units in case a driver chooses to drive while impaired or intoxicated and is contacted.

The media point of contact for this program will be Sgt. Mike Douglass from the Traffic Section.  Sgt. Douglass can be reached at 303-739-6293, or [email protected]

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 26, 2017 at 7:01 PM
  

__________________________________________
Post By: Leigh R. 

Get Cozy With
  
Holiday Picture Books

I think we can all agree that the holidays can be hectic. Scratch that. The holidays are hectic. Shopping for presents, attending the kids’ various plays and concerts, holiday parties, shopping, preparing for family visits, dealing with those family visits, trying not to eat too many sugary goodies, and of course, more shopping to find that thing you didn’t know a certain someone wanted until the last minute. In this busy and beautiful season, don’t forget to carve out some special quiet time for you and your family. The library can help you with this! We have wonderful books for children to help celebrate the season. So grab a cozy spot in your house, your favorite blanket for cuddling and a yummy mug of hot chocolate as you enjoy these holiday picture book reads for kids. 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Here Comes Santa Cat coverHere Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Claudia Rueda
Here comes the Christmas version of such a cute and funny series following the adventures of Cat as he helps out the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and in this story, Santa Claus! Cat doesn’t always get things right but that’s what makes him so charming. He also doesn’t say much but draws pictures that the reader must interpret to help tell the story.


Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook cover
 Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
based on the story written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, illustrated by Kim Smith
You know and love the movie but have you read the picture book version? Readers will love the funny and brightly illustrated pages of this wonderful book that completely captures the wild and crazy adventure Kevin has as he tries to get rid of those two, pesky bad guys.



Llama Llama Holiday Drama cover
Llama Llama Holiday Drama
by Anna Dewdney
This little llama, a favorite character of many, is stressed out from the holidays. Lots of shopping with Mama Llama, cookie baking and craft making are making it hard for him to be patient; that is, until Mama Llama reminds him that spending time with family is more important than presents.



My First Kwanzaa cover
My First Kwanzaa
by Karen Katz
Bright and colorful, Katz’s books for the youngest ones are short and sweet but always offer a warm and delightful story, perfect for babies and toddlers. In this holiday board book, a little girl teaches readers about the special traditions of Kwanzaa.



Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf coverShmelf the Hanukkah Elf
by Greg Wolfe, illustrated by Howard McWilliam
I know what you’re thinking. Shmelf…really? Trust me, this rhyming mash-up of Christmas and Hanukkah fun is a great introduction to Hanukkah traditions. It begins with an elf named Shmelf who is shocked when he learns that not all kids celebrate Christmas. He decides to visit some Jewish families and is fascinated when he learns about the story of Hanukkah and how some kids celebrate the holiday.


Stranger in the Woods coverStranger in the Woods
by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick
A stranger arrives in the woods in the shape of a snowman, and all the animals in the forest are curious to discover more about this mysterious visitor. The artists use real photographs to showcase deer and other creatures in this beautiful, magical winter wonderland that will make you want to get out there and do some exploring with your family!


The Christmas Boot coverThe Christmas Boot
by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
If there was an award for the illustrator who creates the “coziest” images, this recipient of the Caldecott Medal many times over, Jerry Pinkney, surely wins the prize! He beautifully captures Wheeler’s story about an older lady who lives alone in the wilderness and the magic boot she finds one day. When a mysterious visitor comes to reclaim his boot, the two “talked of everything and nothing, deep into the night”. He grants her wish before he leaves in this original, feel-good story.


The Itsy Bitsy DreidelThe Itsy Bitsy Dreidel by Jeffrey Burton and Chani Tornow, illustrated by Sanja Rešček
Sing the tune of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” as you share this board book with little ones. The cheerful pictures capture a Hanukkah night as a family of Dreidel characters read from the Torah, make latkes and light candles to celebrate the holiday.



The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story coverThe Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story
by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack.
Based on the classic poem, this newer version of the story is perfect for the little LEGO lover in your life! The illustrator does a great job constructing the scenes through LEGO bricks and characters. Kids will have fun pouring over the pages and noticing the tiny details and surprises that await them.


The Twelve Prayers of Christmas coverThe Twelve Prayers of Christmas
by Candy Chand, illustrated by James Bernardin
Beautiful illustrations and a reimagining of that first Christmas night tell the story of the birth of Jesus. What’s different about this version is that it’s written in twelve separate prayers or poems, and tells the perspectives of the different people and animals who witnessed the event, from a Wise Man to a donkey.



Turkey Claus coverTurkey Claus
by Wendy Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
Turkey makes his first appearance in the Thanksgiving story, Turkey Trouble, by the same author. In this sequel he is once again on a mission to save his turkey legs from becoming dinner for the farmer and his wife. Just like the first book, Turkey tries to disguise himself but this time he hopes to find Santa to make his Christmas wish come true. Will he make it in time to escape Christmas dinner? This book will incite laughs from little ones, and they will also be drawn to the fun illustrations.

Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah Tale in Chelm coverWay Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah Tale in Chelm by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic
Set in the fictional village of Chelm, popular in Jewish folklore, this book tells a cumulative story of a woman who forgets how to make latkes for Hanukkah. When her husband asks the Rabbi for help, their problem only grows…literally. Beautiful illustrations with funny facial expressions add to this new Hanukkah tale.




Come into the library to check out any number of these books and prepare for a cozy holiday break!

Cover images used from Amazon.

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 20, 2017 at 11:11 AM
  
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit announces the arrest of Nickolas Khalil Vinson (Date of Birth 08/17/1998) in connection with the homicide that occurred on December 14, 2017 in the in the 2700 block of South Rifle St.  Due to the on-going criminal investigation, a mug shot of Vinson will not be provided at this time.

There are no other updates in this case, which is expected to be filed with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office.  All further media inquires should be directed to their office.

Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer 
Media Relations Unit 
720-432-5095 




Information previously released December 14, 2017:

On December 14th, 2017, at approximately 6:56 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a report of a party stabbed in the 2700 block of South Rifle St. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The male was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A short time later, the suspect was contacted and placed into police custody. The identity of the suspect is not being released.

The victim’s identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once the victim has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.

There is no further information to release at this time.

Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6616
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 18, 2017 at 3:14 PM
  

On December 16, 2017 at approximately 5:35 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to a residence at 1410 N. Clinton St. in northwest Aurora on the report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, Officers found a deceased adult male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. 

The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is actively investigating this incident.  There is currently not a suspect in custody in relation to this incident.

The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victims and the notification of next of kin.

To protect the integrity of this open, active investigation no further information is being released at this time.  The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jamie Krieger with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6113.  Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.

Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095

 

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 16, 2017 at 2:07 PM
  
On December 14th, 2017, at 12:11 AM, Patrol Officers responded to a report of a crash at North Airport Bl. and East Centertech Ave.  When they arrived, they found that a Grey 2002 Honda Civic had been travelling at a high rate of speed southbound on N. Airport Bl. approaching E. Centertech Ave. in the center lane. For unknown reasons, it started to lose control and moved into the left lane.  The driver overcorrected, started to spin and struck a tree on the right side of the road. 

The driver (sole occupant) was pronounced deceased on scene.  There were several witnesses that remained on scene to speak with Officers.  Traffic investigations is handling this crash.  The identity of the driver is not being released pending notification of next of kin. 

Speed is a contributing factor in this crash.  The Aurora Police Department reminds drivers that maintaining appropriate speeds saves lives.

Sergeant William Revelle
Traffic Investigations
303 739 6374
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 14, 2017 at 2:02 AM
  
On December 12th, 2017 at approximately 6:20p.m. Aurora Police responded to an apartment at 165 South Sable Boulevard on a welfare check. Upon arrival officers made entry into the apartment and located a deceased 57 year old female. Her death is being investigated as a homicide by the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. 

The name of the victim is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once the victim has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Agent Warren Miller with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6117. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. 

Acting Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 13, 2017 at 3:35 PM
  
Investigators have recently sought the services of Parabon NanoLabs (Parabon), a DNA technology company in Virginia that specializes in DNA phenotyping, the process of predicting physical appearance and ancestry from unidentified DNA evidence. Law enforcement agencies use the company’s Snapshot™ DNA Phenotyping Service (Snapshot) for narrowing suspect lists and generating leads in criminal investigations.

Using DNA evidence from Mr. Oakey Kite’s Homicide investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest. An individual’s predictions were made for ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling and face shape. By combining these attributes of appearance, a Snapshot composite profile was produced that depicts what the person of interest may have looked like at 25 years old.

It is important to note that Snapshot composites are scientific approximations of appearance based on DNA, and are not likely to be exact replicas of appearance. Environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, diet, and other non-environmental factors, such as facial hair, hairstyle, scars, etc. cannot be predicted by DNA analysis and may cause further variation between the person of interest’s predicted and actual appearance.

On May 24th, 2004 Officers found the body of Oakey Kite in the basement of his town home at 2002 South Helena Street. Mr. Kite had failed to report to work which prompted co-workers to call the police for a welfare check. Mr. Kite had been bound, tortured, and killed with his own kitchen knives. The suspect cleaned the crime scene after the homicide and removed items of evidence from the scene. The investigation revealed that Mr. Kite had recently placed an ad in the paper and on the internet for a roommate. This ad was answered by the suspect, who used the name Robert Cooper. The information Robert Cooper gave the victim was false. After the murder, Mr. Kite’s credit card were used at nearby Wells Fargo ATM. The suspect was photographed at the ATM machine wearing a mask and gloves in the victim’s vehicle. The victim’s vehicle was returned near the victim’s residence.

If you or someone you know can provide information on this unresolved homicide investigation, you are encouraged to contact Agent Thomas Sobieski at (303) 739-6103, e-mail [email protected].

Sanpshot


Snapshot

Acting Sergeant Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 11, 2017 at 3:16 PM
  

__________________________________________
Post By: Elizabeth B

 

Deck the Halls:
Educational Family Games
Fun and Games

The holidays are here! That means nights are longer, the world is colder, and Great-Aunt Gertrude is packing her bags for her annual visit. Whether you have eight celebrations planned or are foregoing all holidays in favor of naps, you may be getting calls from loved ones asking when you can get together. Don't spend your winter dreading another conversation about politics over pie. Your local library has your back with six awesome, educational, and family-friendly games to fill those gaps in conversation with good memories instead.  

Each one is:  

  • Playable in 30 minutes
  • Builds important literacy skills
  • Available at Aurora Public Library to try!


1) For Kids Who Pore Over Picture Books: Dixit 

Dixit

Whether your kids can read yet or not, they'll love Dixit, a cheerful card game filled with fairy-tale imagery. One player names a prompt, like "music" or "The Little Mermaid." Everyone then chooses one of their cards that they think best represents the theme. Afterwards, all players try to guess what card the prompt-giver picked. With rabbit-shaped game pieces and lush illustrations, Dixit will leave you marveling at cuteness instead of stressing over winning.  

Recommended Ages: 6 and older 

Playtime: 30 minutes 

Literacy skills: Creativity, story-telling, communication 

 

2). For Your Niece Who Sleeps in a Tutu: Sparkle Kitty 
Sparkle Kitty

Cross Candy Land with Uno and you have this sugar-sweet game. The evil Queen Sparkle Kitty has locked the princesses of the land in towers! To escape, players must match cards and shout silly phrases to free themselves. Younger kids will love the bright colors and princess theme, while adults will enjoy the deck's diverse representation and vocabulary. (Plus, who says adults won't laugh over magic phrases like "Otter Devastation?")  

Recommended Ages: 6 or older. Younger kids may need a parent's help to read the words. 

Playtime: 15-20 minutes 

Literacy Skills: Colors, shapes, vocabulary 

 

3). For the Artist who Doodles in Notebooks: Tsuro 
Tsuro

Game play is marvelously simple: each player builds a path for their token, winding across the board. Players must avoid bumping into other players or falling off the edge of the board...but, as the board fills with paths, this gets harder and harder to do! Play it once and you'll know the rules. Play it twice and your friends will be placing tiles down with a conniving glint in their eyes.  

Recommended Ages: 8 and older. 

Playtime: 15-20 minutes 

Literacy skills: Strategy, spatial reasoning 

 

4). For Ralph the Reptile Lover: Coloretto 
Coloreto

Match colorful chameleons to win in this award-winning German card game. Players want to match one color with another, but beware: you don't want more than three different chameleon colors! Wordless and bright, the whole family will like this fast-paced card game. 

Recommended Ages: 8 and older 

Playtime: 30 minutes 

Literacy skills: Colors, counting 

 

5). For the Teen Who Loves to Yell: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking

Want to scratch that “spy” itch and strengthen communication skills at the same time? Teens at Mission Viejo and Iliff Square can’t get enough of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. The game’s premise is simple: only one player can see the bomb. They must explain what they see to anyone else playing, who desperately scour a rulebook looking for ways to defuse the bomb. Fail three times, and a loud explosion signals that it’s “Game Over.” Players can focus on reading, asking questions, or describing symbols, depending on their skills and confidence level.

 Recommended Ages: 12 and older, though younger kids can play with help.

Playtime: 5 minutes for a quick game, though I promise no one will quit after the first round

Literacy skills: Communication, advanced vocabulary, Morse code (yes, really)

 

6). For Anyone Who Won't Wash Dishes: Overcooked  
OverCooked

Everyone could stand to help a little more with household chores. And what better way to prompt that than by turning work into a fun game? In Overcooked, players must work together to cook various meals for their restaurant, passing burger patties and dirty dishes across the counters. The trick? You might be cooking on a moving truck, on an iceberg, in a spaceship, or with a flamethrower. Overcooked won multiple game awards for "Best Cooperative Game" in 2016, and after testing it with teens, young adults, and moms, I can confirm it's fun for video game addicts and novices alike.  

Ages: 12 and older.  

Playtime: 5 minutes for a quick game, though finishing every stage might take all winter. 

Literacy skills: Cooperation, time management 

 

Want more games? Or want to give these a test drive before committing?
 Check out our Tabletop Gaming Clubs at Mission Viejo and Iliff Square: 

Mission Viejo: Wednesdays, 4:30 PM: December 13, January 10, January 24
Iliff Square: Saturdays, 3 PM: December 2, December 16, January 6, January 20

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 11, 2017 at 12:03 PM
  
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