DENVER – Denver hospitals are seeing a surge in a severe respiratory illness in children, especially the very young and those with asthma.

The Denver Post reported that some doctors suspect the ailment is caused by a rare virus called Enterovirus 68. Health officials are awaiting laboratory confirmation.

Enterovirus is related to rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

Children’s Hospital Colorado reports treating more than 900 children for respiratory problems since Aug. 18. It says 86 were admitted.

KMGH-TV reported that about half the patients in the 20-bed intensive-care unit at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children have respiratory problems.

Jennifer Cornejo of Lone Tree says her 13-year-old son, William, had cold symptoms that developed overnight into a life-threatening respiratory illness. He is improving.

Warrant issued for psychic thief

LOVELAND – Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a self-proclaimed Loveland psychic – convicted of scamming a woman – because he skipped his sentencing hearing.

The Fort Collins Coloradoan reported that authorities obtained the warrant for 31-year-old Adam Marks despite objections from his public defender.

Marks was charged in 2012 with stealing more than $20,000 from a customer by repeatedly asking her for money to help heal her negative aura. The woman said Marks assured her that her money was being safely stored in a cave in Estes Park. Marks pleaded guilty in March to a less serious charge of theft.

Authorities say his plea deal required him to pay $75,000 in restitution by the time of his sentencing. Marks’ attorney says he needs more time to secure the full amount.

Chevron Mining Inc. reaches $4M settlement

ALBUQUERQUE – Chervon Mining Inc. has reached a $4 million settlement to restore natural resources damaged as a result of hazardous substances being released at its mine in northern New Mexico.

The settlement was announced Friday by the state, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge and public comment will be accepted over the next month.

The trustees plan to use the money for restoration projects at the site near Questa.

Also, 225 acres will be transferred to the federal government for conservation and natural resource protection.

Studies have shown ground water in the area has been contaminated with hazardous substances, and heavy metals have been found in surface water at levels that exceed water quality standards.

Man accused of filming women in tanning salon

LAKEWOOD – Authorities say a suburban Denver man broke into tanning booths and secretly took videos of naked women.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office on Friday announced charges against the man that include 11 counts of burglary and 14 counts of invasion of privacy for sexual gratification.

Police say while investigating him, they found numerous videos of naked female customers in tanning beds at a salon in Lakewood. Each of the women was in a private booth with the door closed and locked. Investigators say they have identified nine adult women and a 17-year-old girl as victims.

Court records do not list an attorney for the man, and a call made Saturday rang unanswered.

Associated Press