How “NeuroPong” continues to expand and help people with cognitive disorders in Colorado

Bradley Davis

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – The Pueblo YMCA is the newest space in Colorado to host “NeuroPong,” and volunteers said it’s continuing to pick up speed.

“It’s open to anyone who would like to improve their brain health, which is almost everyone, I think,” said professional table tennis player and Pueblo Nueropong volunteer coach Alfred Adjei.

NeuroPong is a free program for people with cognitive disorders. The organization said ping-pong works as “neurorehabilitation and prehabilitation” for people with conditions like Parkinson’s, Dementia and Multiple Sclerosis.

“Our brain is shrinking, getting older. So, if we can challenge our brain, stimulate our brain with something new, our brain is like, ‘thank you, thank you!'” Neuropong founder Dr. Antonio Barbera said.

The Pueblo program started last November. It’s free for participants every Monday at the Pueblo YMCA from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“It makes me feel good. You’re using your time well,” said Pueblo Neuropong donor and volunteer coach Tom Ossner.

‘I just have a lot of pride, a lot of joy, to see all those stories,” Adjei said.

Dr. Barbera founded NueroPong in 2020 in Fort Collins after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He said he discovered the benefits of Ping-Pong after noticing his symptoms improved after playing with his son in the garage.

“After a couple of days, I was like, ‘William! This elephant on my chest,’ as I call it, ‘is leaving my chest and sitting on a chair when we play,” Dr. Barbera said. “I was like, ‘It’s impossible! I don’t believe it!’ I was surprised, and as a scientist, I said, ‘Am I drunk?’”

Every piece of equipment at the Pueblo location is donated from the community. Contact the Pueblo YMCA if you are interested in signing up. There is also a NeuroPong program at the Downtown YMCA in Colorado Springs.

Pueblo is the sixth Neuropong location in Colorado alongside Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Grand Junction. There are also locations in Utah and internationally in Italy and Austria.

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July trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region

News Release

The following is a press release from Idaho Fish and Game:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license (or the bug spray)!  Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing nearly 10,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during July. Fish on!

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!       

Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access. 

Cub River – 500 rainbow trout. This beautiful little river is located south of Preston. All fish will be stocked in and around the Willow Flat Campground area. Willow Flat is a popular USFS campground located at an elevation of 6,300 feet and surrounded by scenic mountain views.  Visitors enjoy fishing the river and exploring numerous forested trails. 

Kelly Park Pond (Upper) – 250 rainbow trout.  Located in Soda Springs within Arthur Kelly Park, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it offers a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages.  Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk! 

Mill Creek – 250 rainbow trout. Located about 15 miles north of Malad City, this little creek flows in the shadows of Elkhorn Mountain. Fish will be stocked near the USFS Malad Summit Campground, so bring the whole family for an overnight camping adventure! 

Montpelier Creek – 1000 rainbow trout.  Only a couple of miles from Montpelier, anglers can enjoy good creek fishing and a variety of camping options at the Montpelier Creek KOA (campsites and cabins). 

Montpelier Rearing Pond – 500 rainbow trout. This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon at an elevation of 6500 feet in the hills east of Montpelier.  It has very basic facilities but offers a variety of fish species in a peaceful setting.  Anglers can fish the pond, or head ½ mile north up Crow Creek Road to Montpelier Reservoir. 

Pebble Creek – 1000 rainbow trout. This pretty creek is home to both rainbows and cutthroat trout.  If you are looking to do some camping while you fish, Big Springs Campground is nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek at an elevation of 6,500 feet, just 16 miles from Lava Hot Springs.  The multi-use Boundary Trail, for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, begins in the campground and accesses several additional nearby trails.

Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.

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SJFD responds to house fire early Thursday morning

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Fire Department responded to a house fire around 3:40 a.m. on Thursday, according to a Facebook Post from SJFD.

The fire occurred at 1519 Felix St., where fire crews encountered heavy fire conditions in the basement of the structure upon arrival.

Firefighters initiated an “aggressive interior attack” to contain and extinguish the fire.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by EMS. No civilian injuries were reported.

A condemned sign is attached to remnants of a structure fire that occurred at 1519 Felix St.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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