Clear Creek Courant March 21, 2024

Central City Zoned Gaming!!

Anywhere.

Anytime.

Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado Week of March 4, 2024

Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado

Each day at about 8 a.m. a local National Weather Service volunteer observer makes temperature and precipitation observations at the Georgetown Weather Station and wind observations at Georgetown Lake. “Max” and “Min” temperatures are from an NWS digital “Maximum/Minimum Temperature System.” “Mean daily” temperature is the calculated average of the max and min. “Total Precipitation” is inches of rainfall plus melted snow. “Snowfall” is inches of snow that accumulated. T = Trace of precipitation or snowfall. NR = Not Reported. “Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake” is the velocity and the time of the maximum wind gust that occurred during the 24 hours preceding the observation time. Historic data are based on the period of record for which statistical data have been compiled (about 55 years within the period 1893-2023). Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set.

Week of March 4, 2024

Each day at about 8 a.m. a local National Weather Service volunteer observer makes temperature and precipitation observations at the Georgetown Weather Station and wind observations at Georgetown Lake. “Max” and “Min” temperatures are from an NWS digital “Maximum/Minimum Temperature System.” “Mean daily” temperature is the calculated average of the max and min. “Total Precipitation” is inches of rainfall plus melted snow. “Snowfall” is inches of snow that accumulated. T = Trace of precipitation or snowfall. NR = Not Reported. “Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake” is the velocity and the time of the maximum wind gust that occurred during the 24 hours preceding the observation time. Historic data are based on the period of record for which statistical data have been compiled (about 55 years within the period 1893-2023). Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set

Day and date of observation (2024)

Temperature (T) (degrees F) Precipitation (P) (inches) Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake

CORRECTION

A column in the March 14 newspapers titled “Listening to your heart: Emotions are the key for women’s heart health” ran with the wrong author’s name and photo.

e correct author of the column is Lisa D. Heart, aformer management executive who is now a heart-focused life coach and the founder of the ‘starts in the heart’ movement. She teaches working

women how to make self-care a priority to prevent stress-related diseases.

You can read the column online at coloradocommunitymedia. com/2024/03/13/listening-toyour-heart/

What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ & ‘Sick Building Syndrome’?

I remember decades ago, back in New York City, first hearing the term “sick building syndrome.” It had something to do with the chemicals from materials such as new carpet outgassing negatively affecting the health of office workers and home occupants.

More recently, we began hearing about “indoor air quality,” an issue that was addressed by HVAC and other vendors.

Next we started hearing about “volatile organic compounds” which was the name given to those chemicals that were out-gassing not just from carpeting but even from the paint applied to your walls. Merchants started advertising “low-VOC” products, not just paint and carpeting, that had less or none of the chemicals which could be harmful to human health.

In recent years, Americans and others became aware that plastic is not being recycled nearly enough, and in the past year we discovered that microplastics are even in bottled water. Fish in the ocean, it appears, have now consumed so much plastic that micro plastic is even in our sushi. Add that to reports of mercury contamination.

ever a gas burner is on, not just when your food is smoking. And let’s not forget the ever-present risk of home explosion in a home plumbed with natural gas. Now, that would be unhealthy!

But I digress. This is a real estate column, not a political column, and not a nutrition column, so let’s talk about the “healthy home movement” and how it’s expressed by different home builders and renovators.

That’s quite a list of health-impacting hazards added to the out-gassing from carpeting and wall paints of volatile organic compounds.

Since some of these hazards, unlike lead pipes and lead-based paint, are still legal, there’s a space in the housing market for builders who go to great lengths to reduce any and every possible hazard that could contribute to an unhealthy home. I’ll mention a couple below.

home cleaner.”

ERVs and HRVs are easy to install in new construction, but difficult to install as a retrofit, because they require the installation of extensive new ductwork of their own. Indeed, introducing such an appliance might be impossible in many homes. In such cases, an air scrubber would be an ideal solution, because it is simply installed within existing ductwork.

It has all culminated in what we know as the “healthy home movement.” Some home builders now promote the homes they build as healthy, not just efficient.

I appreciate this focus on making our homes healthier, especially for those with compromised immune systems.

Flint Michigan’s 2014 crisis involving lead in the water drawn from the Flint River and leaching from that city’s lead pipe service lines brought that issue to our consciousness and saw cities all around the country, including Denver, invest in replacing lead service lines in their older housing stock. Nothing epitomizes an unhealthy home quite as much as when the water from its faucets poisons those who live there, especially the children.

It was back in 1935 — before even my oldest sibling’s time — that DuPont introduced the advertising slogan “Better Living Through Chemistry,” and we all remember that one-word advice to Benjamin Braddock in the 1967 movie, “The Graduate” — “Plastics.”

Founded in 1992, the National Center for Lead-Safe Housing reflected the awareness of more wide-ranging in-home hazards when it changed its name to the National Center for Healthy Housing in 2001. (Its website is www.nchh.org )

One very serious home health hazard that was not recognized until 1986 was toxic black mold. Its scientific name is stachybotrys chartarum. Mold spores are all around us, including in our homes, but black mold can kill. The public became more aware of it following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As the waters receded from homes, black mold soon covered the walls that had been underwater or experienced water intrusion.

In the real estate business, we are used to inspecting for lead and mold, but also for radon gas (which can cause lung cancer) and asbestos, which can be in drywall from China and in popcorn ceilings. It’s even in some of the glues that have been used to lay vinyl flooring.

Just within the last year, there has been new attention to the hazard of methane and carbon monoxide emissions from gas cooking ranges. You are advised to always run the exhaust fan (assuming it’s ducted to the outdoors, not just recirculating through a filter) when-

Price Reduced on 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Arvada Condo

$335,000

Increasingly, home builders in America (and elsewhere) are taking to heart the need to look more deeply at the components and materials they put into the homes they are selling.

In the profiles of homes featured in the Metro Denver Green Homes Tour last October, there was frequent mention of Heat (or Energy) Recovery Ventilators (HRV or ERV). The best of these devices not only condition fresh air for temperature as it is brought into the home to replace air being exhausted, they also test for high levels of carbon dioxide (which is considered a pollutant at high levels), and also for VOCs in the home’s air.

From studying high performance homes including those in the green homes tours (both Denver and Boulder), I personally view an HRV, ERV or even a CERV (which contains a heat pump), an essential appliance in any modern home intended to be both energy efficient and healthy.

A fellow cruiser just told me about the air scrubber which he installed in his house. He reported that he and his wife felt the difference in just one day. I googled the phrase “air scrubber” since I hadn’t heard of this appliance, and they do exist as either an inline unit for your forced air ductwork or free-standing if you don’t have ductwork (such as in a home with hot water heat).

I have not seen a lot of progress among Denver area home builders when it comes to sustainability, so I’m not real hopeful for progress in addressing indoor air quality. When I represented a buyer in Jefferson County last year, I attended the meeting at which upgrades were discussed. All the homes were being outfitted with high-efficiency gas furnaces and A/C units. An upgrade to a heat pump system was simply not available.

Builders are also fighting laws which would require all-electric homes — that is, no natural gas lines serving new subdivisions. Such laws are being passed in other states or cities.

The US EPA has a program called “Indoor airPLUS” which sets a standard for achieving a healthy home by addressing all the contaminants mentioned above. Colorado-based Thrive Home Builders builds only Indoor airPluscertified homes and has won the EPA’s Leader Award eight years in a row. They are currently building homes starting at $449,900 in Broomfield, Lone Tree and Denver’s Loretto Heights. Call me or one of my broker associates below if you’d like us to show you those homes and represent you in a purchase.

Meritage is another Colorado builder of Indoor airPLUS-certified homes, but I was unable to get more information.

This week’s topic was inspired by an article I read on Probuilder.com titled “Breathe Easier — Healthy Homes Go Mainstream.” You’ll find a link to it at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com.

This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at 7700 Depew Street #1501 is in the well-maintained Wood Creek community that includes a pool and ample parking for you and your guests. Step inside to an open living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelves, dining area with patio doors and an all-white kitchen with tile floors. There is a bar-height counter between the living room and kitchen (see picture). The living and dining rooms are carpeted and freshly painted. The two bedrooms are at opposite ends of the condo, separated by the living area (see floor plan below). Both bedrooms have extensive closet space. Your private covered patio off the dining room has a secure storage closet with plenty of room and built-in shelves. The washer and dryer are included. Little Dry Creek trail is right outside your door. Walk to parks, shops, restaurants and transit. View a narrated video tour, drone video and magazine-quality still photos at www.GRElistings.com, then call listing agent Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a showing. If you prefer, you can come to the open house she will be holding this Saturday, Mar. 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To quote RhoadsEnergy.com’s blog post on air scrubbers, “It removes air pollution, VOCs, surface contaminants, pet dander, odors and dust. It provides a cleaner, healthier and more efficient home. This low maintenance device uses proprietary light waves along with a specialized catalytic process to keep your

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades this column has appear in the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate, You can search that archive, listed by headline, and downloadable with a single click at www.JimSmithColumns.com

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851

Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401

Broker Associates:

JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727

CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855

DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835

GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922

AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071

KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

Firefighters in training come to Clear Creek County Fire Authority to learn

At least 18 students from Red Rocks Community College learned the basics from experienced firefighters in Dumont

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It starts with the basics: put on bunker gear — re-resistant boots, heavy pants, suspenders, Nomex coat, gloves, mask and helmet — in one minute or less.

On command, re ghter recruits from Red Rocks Community College got to work March 8 at Clear Creek County Fire Authority, dressing in personal protective gear as fast as possible.

Speed is one thing, but getting it right is paramount, instructors reinforced.

“Make a mistake, don’t freak out. Fix it and learn from it,” instructors shouted in a rm tone.

“Life safety is our rst priority; victim life safety and your own,” said Clear Creek Training Captain Don Koogle.

e rst attempt to gear up in the

heavy and sometimes awkward personal protection equipment ended when the last recruit nished attaching air to his mask at 1:42 minutes.

Several students nished under the one-minute mark, but the clock doesn’t stop until the last person is complete.

In this class individual e orts mean little, working as a crew is everything, according to instructors.

“Do it again,” Koogle said.

Recruits raced the clock again and again until they nally got close to the one minute mark as a team.

“Once they’re done this certi es

them to go into the eld and be held to the standard of life and death scenarios,” John O’Conner with South Adams County Fire Department said. “So if their gear’s not on right, that’s a danger to them, that’s a danger to their crew.”

During the 16-week course, students learn from several veteran instructors with a combined 180 years of real-world experience in re ghting and rescue, O’Conner said.

“ is is the place to learn from mistakes, but we’re not letting them leave with those mistakes,” O’Conner said. “We’re turning those mistakes into learning lessons, building them up and improving them so when they get out to their departments

they’re ready.”

e group of recruits then headed outside to the training grounds at the Dumont station for hands-on trials.

One crew worked together to learn the correct way to carry and set up a 40-foot ladder to reach the top of a prefab metal structure known as the “burn room.”

“Ladder coming through,” the students shouted.

It will be a few weeks before these recruits train in the burn room, and when they do, they will face actual re in a con ned space where temperatures can reach up to 1,400 degrees, according to Koogle.

Another crew learned how to attack a vehicle re with high-pressure hoses and search for victims.

A pair of recruits popped the hood of the SUV open with a steel pry bar as the hose team doused the engine compartment with water.

“Everything is a real-world scenario. Everything is held to the highest accountable standards,” O’Conner said.

“ e biggest thing is con dence and then the desire to learn and to grow. Anybody in the re service who is done learning and done growing should be retired and out,” O’Conner said.

e 16-week course is designed to teach the basic skills required to be a year one probationary re ghter and is 90% funded by a Care Forward Colorado grant, according to Koogle.

Firefighter recruits work together as a ladder team during training in Dumont March 8.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

LEAP

LEAP ayuda a los residentes elegibles de Colorado a pagar una parte de sus gastos de calefacciòn de invierno.

Colorado Community Media owner purchases printing press, o ers lifeline to local news

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Colorado Community Media’s two dozen newspapers will get a muchneeded lifeline in the form of a printing press, allowing it to bring printing needs in-house while reducing costs and providing a longer-term solution for other publishers along the Front Range.

e National Trust for Local News, which owns Colorado Community Media, purchased the press after raising $900,000 in grant funding toward the project. e donations came through the Colorado Media Project and its coalition of funders: the Bohemian Foundation, Gates Family Foundation and the Colorado Trust.

Amalie Nash, head of transformation for NTLN, said the hope is to start printing CCM’s newspapers on the press, located in northeast Den-

ver, by the end of May. By summer, the Trust plans to o er printing services to other newspapers seeking a more a ordable solution.

e e ort to buy the press began after Gannett Publishing Co., which owns the USA TODAY Network, announced it was closing its plant in Pueblo last August. With few places left to turn, more than 80 Colorado publications that relied on the Pueblo press, including those at CCM, scrambled to nd alternative solutions.

“We were faced with a decision point and had to gure out where to print instead,” Nash said. “So we started seeking bids and trying to gure out how we were going to continue to provide print products that people want.”

CCM wasn’t alone. e Colorado Media Project, a nonpartisan philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting and sustaining local news,

surveyed publishers impacted by the Gannett press closure and found that one publication was forced to close. Several others were wrestling

with whether to go digital-only, and at least three publishers of multiple

The National Trust for Local News, owner of Colorado Community Media, is aiming for a May start to printing its newspapers. COURTESY OF IMPRESSIONS WORLDWIDE

PRINTING

papers opted to consolidate titles.

In October, e Colorado Sun reported that the ndings of a working group on the future of printing in Colorado, published by the Colorado Press Association, Colorado News Collaborative and the Colorado Media Project “underscored the blow of the Pueblo closure and highlighted the nearly exhausted printing capacity statewide and ‘unsustainable’ cost increases. e report voices concern that continuing those trajectories could lead to the demise of a ‘sizeable number’ of publications.”

Nash said CCM ultimately chose to contract with e Denver Post for printing, but did not consider it a long-term solution.

“Since the National Trust for Local News purchased Colorado Community Media in 2021, our printing costs have gone up 60%, which was obviously very signi cant for an operation of this size,” said Nash, adding that “we started having discussions around these larger commercial printers closing and the fact that there aren’t very many options in the Front Range. So, we asked: what if we came up with an option. What would that look like?”

NTLN began researching, talking to funding partners, and putting together

Colorado Community Media’s two dozen printed newspapers will be printed from a heavyduty printing press recently purchased by the National Trust for Local News, which owns Colorado Community Media. The Trust purchased the press after raising $900,000 in grant funding toward the goal.

a plan to buy a press.

“It’s heartening to think that we have an opportunity that helps us regulate our press costs better and that we have a real opportunity to help the media ecosystem in that way,” CCM Publisher Linda Shapley said.

While the print newspaper and magazine market has steadily declined since the mid-2000s, it’s still projected to earn $123.5 billion in the U.S. this year. Many communities still lack reliable internet access, and some people continue to prefer printed news, according to Nash.

And getting a paper copy to commemorate an event is still meaningful for many. Recently, parents whose

A publication of closure

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children were featured in a bilingual newsletter dedicated to Commerce City reached out to Shapley, asking if there were printed copies available.

“You can show the story on your phone or a computer, but it’s just not the same,” she said.

At the same time, CCM has focused on its digital transformation, relaunching its websites last fall and introducing new newsletters. Shapley said it’s important to give people news in all the formats they want it.

“As much as people talk about how print is going away, the fact of the matter is that it’s still here, and it needs support,” Shapley said.

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Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 1630 Miner St., Idaho Springs, CO 80452.

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POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Clear Creek Courant, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

PHOTO BY KRISTEN FIORE

As a Senator who represents ten rural and rural resort counties, I take the responsibility of ensuring that our communities’ unique needs are strongly heard and accounted for in a legislature dominated by metro-area legislators. We’re already making some big impacts this year for rural Colorado. Several of my bills have passed both chambers and will soon be signed into law by the Governor. Many others are being debated now. Here are some highlights of bipartisan bills I’m working on that will be particularly helpful for our rural and mountain communities:

Water conservation

VOICES

Capitol update: Rural Colorado issues

SB24-005 has already passed and will soon be law, which means that we’ll save more water by preventing the installation of water-guzzling nonfunctional turf grass in new developments. We’ll also be adding support to the very successful turf replacement program that we created two years ago that has already helped save millions of gallons of water in our state.

As we head into the second half of session, we’ll continue pursuing policy that defends Colorado’s water - our most precious resource. is will include implementing the recommendations of the Colorado River Drought Task Force and ensuring that we have proper guardrails to protect our wetlands and the environment that relies on them.

Promoting agriculture

Because of the dearth of oxygen, the region above 26,000 feet (8,000 meters) in mountaineering is referred to as the death zone. Only the hardiest or foolhardiest souls venture up to those regions. But in a sense, every person lives in the death zone. It’s part of life. One breath you’re here and before the next, you’re out of here. We prefer not to think of that because it’s a downer. After all, who

I’m excited to be sponsoring several pieces of legislation that will preserve and bolster our state’s agriculture economy. SB24-152 will o er tax incentives to local food and beverage retailers that source from local producers practicing regenerative agriculture – farming processes that support topsoil regeneration, biodiversity, and a healthy water cycle. In addition, we’re working on a tax credit for agriculture producers investing in certain stewardship practices to help them save money with HB24-1249.

I am using my role as Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee to ensure that our ranchers and communities get the answers and support they deserve after the rocky roll-out of the wolf reintroduction and continued wolf depredation on livestock in our region. We’re also ensuring that appointees to important state boards receive proper scrutiny and are truly ready to serve the interests of the entire state.

Mountain highway safety

Safety and e ciency on I-70 and mountain highways is a top concern I hear from constituents. Commercial motor vehicles are disproportionately responsible for crashes and closures. CMVs represent about

7.4% of tra c but account for more than 52% of incidents recorded by the Department of Transportation in the last ve years. at’s why I am working on SB24-100, which will require CMVs to have chains during the winter months, stay out of the left lane in key sections of I-70, and adhere to speed limits in Glenwood Canyon.

Rural health care

SB24-168 will bring Colorado in line with federal standards and 28 other states by expanding Medicaid coverage to include remote patient monitoring — a key way to monitor and treat health conditions for those who do not live near a hospital. I’m also excited to be working on SB24-121, which will provide more support to our rural critical access hospitals. And we’re looking forward to increasing provider reimbursement rates as part of our annual state budget, which is particularly impactful for our rural healthcare providers and facilities.

Rural jump-start renewal

I am working with Representative Meghan Lukens on the rst bill the House of Representatives introduced this year, HB24-1001, to re-authorize and improve the successful Rural Jump-Start business incentive program. I worked to signi cantly expand this program in 2020 and since then, dozens of businesses in Routt, Gar eld, and many other counties have been able to take advantage of this crucial assistance. We must continue it.

The death zone

Landowner liability

SB25-058 has already passed in both chambers and awaits the Governor’s signature. is bill strengthens liability protections for landowners who open their land to the public for recreation. is important clari cation to the Colorado Recreational Use Statute is absolutely essential to protect and support landowners who voluntarily provide access to their property so recreationists can continue to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes Colorado has to o er.

And so much more

ere is more good work being done for our rural needs by the bipartisan Western Slope delegation including e orts to: expand broadband, increase access to mental health resources, address cell phone connectivity, prevent more funeral home tragedies, improve wild re mitigation and response, support search and rescue programs, and much more.

e 2024 legislative session is moving faster than ever, and I am grateful for every opportunity to connect with constituents as I consider important votes and represent Western Colorado’s interests. I hope to see you at one of my upcoming town hall meetings and you can always contact me directly at SenatorDylanRoberts@gmail.com or 970-846-3054.

Dylan Roberts is the State Senator for Clear Creek, Eagle, Gar eld, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Mo at, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit Counties

JERRY FABYANIC Columnist

wants to think of dying when they have so much living to do?

I recall how in my youth I thought I was invincible. Death only happened to others, like our soldiers and Marines slogging through the sauna

of Vietnam and to old people. Old, as in what I am now. It’s true the odds of dying greatly increase if one’s in a war zone or if they live to a ripened age. At some point, a bomb might explode too close for comfort or the body wears out. But that doesn’t negate the reality that death happens to younger people for a range of reasons, from disease to bad luck and poor choices.

Generally, the thought of one’s

death tends to be a distant concern. However, it becomes more pronounced in our consciousness at around the Medicare threshold age: 65. It’s then that we’re thought to have crossed into the gray stage of life, a limbo or transitional period, not necessarily at the ICU level but, nevertheless, a heartbeat away from being carted off to it or to the beyond given Na-

STATE SENATOR

Dylan Roberts

FABYANIC

ture’s ironclad law mandating that which lives must wither and die. That law certainly applies to our physical being. But what about the mind?

Consider whether one’s mind and body wither concurrently. Can one decline faster than the other? Can one fall apart while the other remains relatively intact or even strengthens? Think about how many times you heard that someone was sharp as a tack up to the moment of their earthly departure. Think about physically fit younger people whose minds are destroyed by Alzheimer’s or another malady.

It’s clear that our body and mind don’t age along a parallel course, but often we conflate them and conclude they do. When in my sixties, I ran seven marathons. Prior to that, I couldn’t run one, arguably because of my mindset. Today, I’d be hard pressed to run a half-marathon. Prior to age 65, I didn’t have the wherewithal to write a book, but since then I’ve written four, and a couple more are baking in my writer’s kiln. Further, I used to struggle making headway with the New York Times crossword puzzles. Now, I often crush them, even the weekend editions.

Based on those experiences, I’ve concluded that while my body is slowing and my athletic prowess ebbing, the old noodle is getting stronger. And I’m not alone. Many give testament about adding life to their years by refining their skills in their favorite pastimes, pursuing new ventures, or learning a new language. Or writing a book. So, what gives?

We like to say we shouldn’t judge

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

a book by its cover, yet we do exactly that with people not only with regard to race, gender, or sexual orientation, but also with their age and the shape or condition of their body. The plain truth is looks are deceiving whether in relation to a book cover or people. We often picture Albert Einstein as the face of brilliance but don’t with Stephen Hawking, whose body was horrifically contorted from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Yet, their IQs were equivalent, somewhere in the stratosphere.

The mind, like the rest of the body, needs to be exercised and fed healthy nutrients. Throughout life, it’s an ongoing challenge to develop, strengthen and maintain it. Assuredly, it gets harder as we age, but harder doesn’t mean impossible. In fact, it’s quite possible to not only maintain mental acuity but also to increase it and to retrain the brain in the process. I see that in my senior role models, especially those who cite answers to crossword clues I’m clueless about.

Rather than a downhill trajectory, I compare aging to climbing. Like for mountaineers tramping inexorably up through Mt. Everest’s or K2’s thin air, trekking through one’s later years is not for the faint of heart. It requires a steeliness that only a lifetime of conditioning can prepare one for. Nonetheless, the going can get tough. But when that happens, it helps to keep in mind that while our physical muscles are weakening and perhaps atrophying, we have others, intangible but just as real, that can be toned and put to use.

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for Thought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not be submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

MCMILLAN

OBITUARIES

Harold and Jerry McMillan

May 24, 1931 - January 15, 2024

Harold Lee McMillan, Sr., age 92 passed away December 29, 2023 in Pahrump, NV. He was born May 24, 1931 in Denver, Colorado. He was the oldest of three sons born to Viola V. McMillan (Armbrust) and Clarence J. McMillan. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Howard D. McMillan and Michael J. McMillan. e brothers were raised in small mountain communities and grew-up living a subsistence life-style in the remote areas of Colorado.

Jerry Lee McMillan (Burger), age 90 passed away January 15, 2024 in Pahrump, NV. She was born December 19, 1933 in Denver, CO to Ella Lee Burger (Paxton) and Marvin L. Burger. She was the oldest of three siblings and the sister to two brothers.

ey were raised by their mother in small mining towns in the Colorado mountains. Her parents and brother, Marvin L. Burger, Jr., preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother Charles Burger of Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Idaho Springs, CO. ey celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Harold was a skilled heavy equipment operator and Jerry was an accomplished stay-at-home mom, bookkeeper and o ce manager. Like their parents and grandparents, Jerry and Harold raised their family in small mountain communities. ey lived in Berthoud Pass, Central City, Granby and Kremmling, Colorado. Once the children were grown they relocated to Montana and resided in Columbia Falls, Polson, and Frenchtown. ey were beginning their next chapter in Pahrump, Nevada at the time of their deaths.

Harold (from Empire Colorado) and Jerry (from Silver Plume Colorado) met while attending Georgetown High School in Clear Creek County. Harold graduated in 1949 and Jerry in 1951. ey were married August 11th of 1951 at the Presbyterian Church in

ey are survived by their three children. In Pahrump, Nevada, Vickie McMillan, Marilyn McMillan and partner Merle Jenson. In Frenchtown, Montana, Lee (Harold Jr.) McMillan and wife Lesa Day. Other survivors include two grandchildren Dirk McMillan and partner Dana Wilhem and Britt McMillan-Adams and her children Stormy Adams and Brody Adams. ey were predeceased by their greatgranddaughter Lacie Cooper-Adams.

As they planned, Harold and Jerry will return home where it all began. eir ashes will be interred at the Empire Cemetery at a future time with family and friends.

Unique desserts

hidden across the metro area

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ere’s something nostalgic about going to the local ice cream shop or bakery when in the mood for a sweet treat. Let’s face it, everyone has their go-to dessert shops and local businesses they like to support.

But sometimes, it’s fun to explore. And there are places across the Denver metro area that serve up delicious desserts for anyone’s preference.  With unique desserts being discovered all over the area, it would be nearly impossible to list every dessert shop. Here are a few that have made their way into people’s hearts and stomachs over the years.

Bahama Buck’s

8204 S University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122 3003 W 104th Ave., Suite 500, Westminster, CO 80031

ere are not many dessert spots in the metro area that specialize in shaved ice, making Bahama Buck’s unique, especially with the original avor pairings the business plays with.

It’s more than a place to get a brightly-colored sweet treat. It’s a place for people to leave their troubles at the door, enjoy themselves in a lowpressure atmosphere and hang out with friends, said Adam Cotton, owner of the Centennial location.

“It’s kind of a mini vacation for all our guests,” Cotton said.

Bahama Buck’s encourages people to get creative by choosing from over 100 original gourmet avors and toppings. e company’s avor team has even worked with di erent companies to incorporate Oreo’s and candies such as Nerds with their desserts.

Staying true to the island vibe, common avors include mango, peach and blue coconut. One of the signature “snos” is the Shark Attack Sno, which is a berry colada avor with Sour Patch Sauce in the middle.

Just as guests can get creative and build their own by choosing what avors and toppings they want, the Centennial employees have the authority to play around and come up with di er-

ent concoctions, which often become avors of the week.

Bahama Buck’s can’t share its secrets to its perfectly smooth shaved ice, other than the fact that the ice is made on site and there was a lot of time put into the shaving process, Cotton said.

Bahama Buck’s encourages friendly gatherings by o ering card and board games to play. e

business also has island smoothies in which guests can choose from a variety of cream blends, or if they want a healthier substitution, fresh fruit blends.

Other menu items include Acai Bowls, Red Bull Infusions and Bahama Sodas.

Yonutz! is a dessert shop that smashes ice cream and donuts together. It opened its Greenwood Village location March 15.

PHOTO FROM YONUTZ INSTAGRAM

SWEET TREATS

For Cotton, what makes Bahama Buck’s successful are the people who help make the island experience come alive.

“What makes our product excellent and what makes our place excellent are the people we have working for us,” Cotton said.

Heaven Creamery

6955 S York St. #420, Centennial, CO 80122

7181 W. Alaska Drive, Lakewood, CO 80226

Heaven Creamery rst opened its doors in 2020 on the Streets at SouthGlenn in Centennial and has gained millennial and Gen Z attention. Since then, the store has expanded to include locations at Cherry Creek North, Five Points, Lakewood, Avon, Boulder and coming soon to Arvada.

With over 500 avors in constant rotation for customers to try, Heaven Creamery aims to educate and introduce people to healthier frozen desserts, according to its website. Heaven Creamery doesn’t use processed sugar or arti cial colors, avors, additives or ice cream llers, according to its website.

Instead, stevia, monk sugar, agave, cane sugar and/or honey are used as sweeteners for the ice cream, gelato, fruit pops, vegan gelato and sorbet.

“Our gelato, ice cream and sorbet is made with 70% less sugar than traditional ice cream,” the website states.

Each Heaven Creamery location has unique specialty desserts, including ice cream served with crepes, in a pineapple or coconut and more.

Mochinut

7530 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122 2222 S. Havana St., Unit A2, Aurora, CO 80014

At Mochinut, it’s about bringing diversity to American desserts.

e Mochinut franchise originated in Los Angeles and is popular for its Korean hotdogs and bubble tea, but it is also known for its mochi donuts. e franchise came to Aurora nearly three years ago and recently opened a second location in Centennial.

“I think that they’re a little bit more special than other donuts because they’re made with rice our,” said Erin Chung, manager of the Aurora location. “If you taste it, it’s very chewy like mochi, but then you can also feel the donut as well.”

A mochi donut is a fusion of the Japanese rice cake, also known as mochi, and American-style donuts.

Constructed with eight small, round dough balls in the shape of a circle, the mochi donut has a crisp exterior, but a soft and chewy inside due to the main ingredient: sticky sweet rice our.  ey are then coated and glazed with rotating avors and toppings such as cookies and fruits.  One of the most popular avors is Ube, which is a sweet potato base, topped with fruity pebbles. Other popular avors are the caramel churro, chocolate churro and the strawberry funnel.

are so many to choose from.

“A lot of people like to try di erent avors every week,” Chung said.

Customers can get a single mochi donut or a box of three, six or a dozen. Additionally, the Aurora location serves mochinut balls as well as soft serve in a cone or bowl.

Mango Mango Desserts

1133 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246

From a classic tiramisu to wa es to hot desserts, Mango Mango Desserts’ mission is “to make edible incredible.” Mango Mango Desserts in Denver is a franchise from New York’s Chinatown.

While dining in an elegant store, guests can partake in sophisticated desserts utilizing the mango. Some of the most popular dishes include Mango Mochi, Durian Dessert Bowl, Green Tea Mille Crepe and the Coconut Mango Infused Smoothie.

In addition to uniquely layered crepe cakes, Mango Mango Desserts have traditional avors mixed with modern desserts.

Mango ice cream can be paired with snow white mango juice sago and pomelo or strawberry mango juice sago and lychee jelly. Other dishes include a rice or watermelon ball, herbal jelly, mustang king durian, black rice and more.

Yonutz!

7939 E Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Having to choose between ice cream or donuts won’t have to be an option thanks to Yonutz!, a colorful dessert shop that smashes the two desserts together. Yonutz opened its Greenwood Village location March 15.

e now-viral sensation, Yonutz SMASHED Donut, was created in 2018 in South Florida when

someone asked Tony Bahu how he was going to

“We ended up creating the smashed donut,” said Bahum Founder and CEO of Yonutz. “We’ve done donuts and ice cream before, but we never did it like this. It’s so decadent and fun and grand.”  It’s simple. You slice it, ll it, smash it, top it and eat it.

e donuts are made fresh in the store and then sliced in half. Guests can choose which avor of ice cream they want inside the donut before it’s smashed in a hot press and topped with any toppings such as chocolate sauce or candy.

“We know that people are looking for an experience, looking for something di erent, something fun, and so it just kind of all came together,” said Bahu.

After winning multiple Dessert Wars – even winning the national championships – and being featured on CNN’s Great Big Story, Bahu said the store was on people’s bucket lists, inspiring them to continue to expand their brand.

Some of the most popular avors are the Nutella Crunch, which was the creation that helped them win Dessert Wars, as well as Strawberry Shortcake and Bisco Cookie Butter.

Bahu wanted to come up with something more simple and recently came up with the Simple Smashed Donut. It is a smashed donut with any avor of ice cream inside, but instead of cutting it in half and decorating it with toppings, the donut is rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Although the ice cream is not homemade, Bahu said Yonutz! typically nds something that’s local or regional and works with that brand. e menu also includes Yonutz SMASHED Shakes and mini donuts.

“We’re really excited to be able to expand in Colorado,” Bahu said. “ ere’s so much liveliness and action going on there.”

Bahama Buck’s is a tropical hang-out that serves up airy shaved ice in over 100 flavors with a variety of toppings, island smoothies, Bahama Sodas and more. Guests can choose from crafted menu items or get creative and mix their own flavors.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Clear Creek Schools Foundation awarded $1.6 million in federal funding

The federal money is earmarked for an early child care learning center in Clear Creek County

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

E orts to bring early childhood education and daycare for infants 16 weeks and up ga big boost forward in Clear Creek County. $1.6 million in federal funding was secured by Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District Representative Joe Neguse as part of a larger $11,150,310 Community Project initiative for Colorado passed earlier in March by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Funding will go toward the county’s planned child care center, which will accommodate daily care for infants from age 16 weeks to traditional elementary school starting age, according to Clear Creek Schools Foundation Director Mitch Houston.

e federal funding supports local law enforcement, rst responders, a ordable child care, workforce housing, clean drinking water and expanded e orts to ensure safe, reliable and a ordable access to public transportation, according to Neguse.

“Together, we are making a real di erence for families and households from the Front Range to the Western Slope. Our work is only beginning,” Neguse said.

Current plans call for at least 60 new childcare spots to be available to the community, Neguse said.

Clear Creek’s $1.6 million portion of the funding is by far the largest chunk of the 14 statewide projects to bene t from the federal grant.

“It’s a signi cant percentage of the total funds we need to construct the center,” Houston said.

e daycare facility is planned for the south side of Building 103 in Idaho Springs.

e site, currently under construction, is scheduled to be the new home of Carlson Elementary at the start of the 2024-2025 school year in August, according to the Clear Creek County Board of Education.

e bene ts of an early childcare facility located in Idaho Springs are multifaceted, Houston said.

One of the biggest advantages will be for locals who want to enter or reenter the workforce but were hamstrung by the lack of early childcare

in the county.

“It should really give parents some exibility if they want to increase their economic participation in the workforce,” Houston said.

e center could also be an incentive to attract and maintain employees, such as teachers, Houston added.

“Finding child care close to work is really important with young families,” Houston said.

e childcare center is anticipated to open sometime in 2025, according to Houston. Before the grant was awarded, Houston said he would have put the opening into 2026.

e Schools Foundation says it is committed to sliding scale tuition with most recent estimates starting at approximately $600 a month for families earning under $60,000, according to Houston.

Centuries-old art form of painting Ukrainian Eggs comes to life in Idaho Springs

According to historians, the intricate designs of Pysanka predate Christianity, the skills passed down through generations

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Pysanka is a Ukrainian word that translates as “to write.” It’s a skill and

talent of creating Easter eggs with unparalleled precision and intricacy, historians maintain.

Idaho Springs resident and business owner Meghan Vickers has been practicing the art form since she was a child.

“I grew up in the Orthodox Church of America and this is very important in the Orthodox tradition. My grandmother was Ukrainian and my grandfather was Russian,” Vickers said. “My grandmother actually made these eggs so it’s carried down through the generations.”

Vickers and her husband own the Sit N Chill ice cream shop in Idaho Springs. is Easter season they

teamed up with the Clear Creek Library District to teach the ancient skill to locals.

“I’m attempting to make a very delicate egg. I’m learning a lot immediately and it’s a total blast. It’s de nitely going to take a lot of precision,” Katy Daily of Idaho Springs said while working with a tiny etching tool.

e small wooden tool Daily was working with is known as a Kitska.

e Kitska is heated over a small ame and beeswax is placed into a tiny funnel. Once the wax melts it’s extruded through a needle-like

Examples of Ukrainian Easter Eggs on display at Sit N Chill ice cream shop in Idaho Springs. PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL SEE EGG PAINTING, P16

Palm

Maundy

Good

Easter

Sunrise

Easter

opening to trace small wax lines on the hollow egg.

e wax precludes the dye from taking hold creating the lines and symbols, according to Vickers.

“And then you write your design on the egg and the wax sealing in the color underneath and so you just keep doing that layer by layer and then at the end you just remove all the wax,” Vickers said.

A group of would-be Pysanka artists gathered at Sit N Chill March 12, 1501 Miner St.,to try their hand at art under the tutelage of Vickers.

Chicken, goose and ostrich eggs are commonly used as the medium depending on the size of egg you want to decorate, according to Vickers. e larger the egg the more difcult it becomes to create symmetrical patterns and symbols, she said.

“I love the artistry about it but the cultural symbolism, just something that has been done for centuries is such a cool connection with the past,” Vickers said. “Teaching my children this year made me really proud and really happy, that was pretty exciting for me.”

e tentative artists in the class took great care outlining the wax lines and symbols before dipping the eggs into a wide variety of colors available.

“Using these tools and this block

wax just feels like you’re stripping it back to the basics which is pretty neat,” Daily said while concentrating on her work.

e goal of the introductory class is designed to be a glimpse into an ancient art form many have seen on display but only some know the skills used to create it nor the centuries of history behind it, Vickers said.

“Trying a new challenge that has always felt out of my depth and maybe it still will be out of my depth but it will be fun to try,” Daily said.

Examples of the Ukrainian art Psyanka can be found on display at Sit N Chill in Idaho Springs year-round.

Meghan Vickers explains “Pysanka” a Ukrainian word that translates as “to write.”

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Katy Daily of Idaho Springs works with a tiny wooden Kitska tool while learning Ukrainian egg painting in Idaho Springs March 12.

An example of Ukrainian Pysanka egg painting on an Ostrich egg at Sit N Chill in Idaho Springs.

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.clearcreekcourant. com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email ckoeberl@ coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the print version of the paper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

FRIDAY

Clear Creek Library District offers tax assistance: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 22 at Idaho Springs Library 219 14th St. Help in preparing 2023 taxes is available for residents who earned less than $64,000 in 2023. Bring a Social Security card, photo ID and any W-2s you have. Residents can also call 720-2218354 on March 22 for assistance.

WEDNESDAY

Clear Creek Library District: A History of Idaho Springs will be presented by friends of the library. Anyone can join at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March, 27 at the Idaho Springs Library.

Free senior foot care clinic: Clear Creek County Metropolitan Recreation will hold the event in Idaho Springs March 27 from 1-3 p.m. Call Heather at CCMRD 303567-2020.

ery on Tuesday, April 2. Tommyknockers will donate 20% of all sales associated with the event to the team and over $3,500 in silent auction items are available. e event starts at 5:30 p.m. Silent auction closes at 7:45 p.m.

Earth Day Clean-up at Lucky Ranch: Come out to Lucky Ranch for Earth Day and help get ready for the foraging season. e ranch will be cleaning up slash for re mitigation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 and 22. You do not have to be strong to help! e ranch needs help cleaning up trash and cutting up the branches that are removed.

UPCOMING

Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District Egg-Stravaganza: Join CCMRD for its yearly Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, March 30th. is egg-citing event is completely free, and activities include an Egg Hunt in the Pool (Ages 5 & Under: 1-2 p.m. - MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT) and (Ages 6 & up: 2-3 p.m.) Bounce House Fun! 98 12th Ave. Idaho Springs.

Clear Creek Girls soccer team fundraiser: Tommyknockers Brew-

Wander Women Project: Beginner whitewater rafting instruction on Clear Creek at 8 a.m. May 15. Even beginners can enjoy a whitewater rafting trip on Clear Creek with this guided tour. All instruction and equipment — wetsuits, paddles, life vests, and personal drybags — are provided for you. is tour is suitable for those who have no experience and is also perfect for families with children. Use of all equipment, including personal drybags. Instruction provided, perfect for beginners. 409 Park Ave. in Empire.

Charlie’s Place Fun Run: May 18 is the “Canine on the Creek” 5k/1mile fun run. Proceeds to bene t Gilpin and Clear Creek animal shelter Charlie’s Place. After-party featuring Smokin Yards BBQ, TKB craft brews and cocktails, dog caricatures, dog costume contest, agility course, and pet-themed vendors to explore.

ONGOING

in court proceedings through the advocacy e orts of trained CASA volunteers. Be the Di erence, and advocate for the youth in our community. O ce: (970) 513-9390.

Test sirens scheduled: In an effort to notify people in the town of Georgetown of potential ooding due to the unlikely event of a dam failure at Xcel Energy’s Cabin Creek or Georgetown hydroelectric plants, Clear Creek County would like to provide notice to the residents of Georgetown ahead of the test sirens expected to take place on the rst Wednesday of every month.

Clear Creek EMS/Evergreen Fire Rescue Launch Mugs for Rugs Campaign: Bring an old throw rug and you’ll leave with an awesome bright green mug! You can bring them to Station 1A in Dumont (3400 Stanley Road), or you can email captains@clearcreekems.com and

CCEMS will come to you to make the trade! Have elderly neighbors? Bring them and their throw rugs with you. Clear Creek EMS also offers Fall-Risk Assessments. EMS will also bring someone from the re department to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. To request a visit, ll out the form located here: https://www.clearcreekcounty. us/1388/Community-Outreach

Clear Creek Democrats: e Clear Creek Democrats meet from 5-7 p.m. the third ursday of the month at the Vintage Moose in Idaho Springs. Join them for conversation and social time.

CASA of the Continental Divide seeks volunteers: Clear Creek County: CASACD promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities

SEE CURRENTS, P23

City of Golden

Locations: See website

Jefferson County Library

Website: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Website: https://bit.ly/3Sm6Y1X

Locations: Variety of locations

Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

EMERGING ARTISTS

Website: www.evergreenarts.org/ summercamp/

Locations: Events in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Evergreen, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge and more

Evergreen Park & Recreation District

Website: www.evergreenrecreation. com/201/Camps

Details: Evergreen Park & Recreation District offers Summer Camps for youth ages 3 to 16.

Location: 4355 Field St, Wheat Ridge

Center for the Arts: Summer in Color

Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen

Details: Registration is open from Feb. 12th for residents and Feb. 13th for nonresidents through Aug. 9th.

COUNTY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Details: With summer coming, the Jefferson County Library system is already holding information sessions and planning events, such as the Cosmic Conversations: Telescope Highlights of the Midnight Sky in June.

Website: www.rootedinfun.com/191/SunCamp

Details: Wheat Ridge Sun Camp is a state-licensed day camp for children ages 6 to 13; offered during Jefferson County Public Schools’ spring, summer and winter breaks.

Details: Our camps explore various media, from clay sculpting and drawing techniques, to pop art and mural painting,

MOUNTAIN CAMPS

Avid 4 Adventure - Camp Blue Sky

Location: 201 Evans Ranch Road, Evergreen

to the art of different cultures and the art of the masters. Several of our camps also incorporate outdoor components, including hikes, plein air painting, and opportunities for photography and eco-art projects. Let your kids explore their creative side with imaginative and inspiring camps at CAE this summer! For ages 5-17.

Website: www.avid4.com/mt-evans-camps

Details: Located on over 500 acres of private property outside of Evergreen, CO, Avid4 Adventure Overnight Camp at Camp Blue Sky sets a stunning location for our 1st – 5th grade overnight camp programs. With climbing crags, mountain biking trails and a pond for paddlesports and more, Camp Blue Sky formerly known as Mount Evans Resident Camp is an

Summer Camp & Activity Listings

ideal spot for younger campers to build confidence as they immerse themselves in outdoor adventure. It’s also equipped with comfortable amenities that make it a cozy home away from home.

Avid 4 Adventure - Camp Windy Peak

Location: 20973 Wellington Lake Rd, Bailey

Website: www.avid4.com/windy-peakcamps

Details: Avid4 Adventure Resident Overnight Camp for 6th-12th graders is located at the beautiful Windy Peak Outdoor Lab in the beautiful Lost Creek Wilderness in Bailey, CO. Originally built as a summer campsite, then converted into a school, Camp Windy Peak has the feel of a quintessential sleep-away camp, outfitted with all the amenities and safety standards of a modern school facility. With over 200 private acres surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest, the scope for adventure is nearly endless.

Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District

Location: 98 12th Ave., Idaho Springs

Website: www.clearcreekrecreation.com/ summer-camp-1.html

Details: Established in 1979, the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District (CCMRD) is a special recreation district located in the historic mining center of Colorado covering roughly 45 square miles and includes the mountain communities of Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Empire, Dumont, Downieville, Lawson, Silver Plume and Floyd Hill as well as surrounding rural areas. The District strives to work cooperatively with other government and nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents of Clear Creek County through innovative recreation programs, service, events, and facilities, funded by a small mill levy.

Ignite The Mind

Location: 11485 Hwy 285 Frontage Road, Conifer

Website: www.ignitethemind.net/summersteam-camps

Details: Our summer STEAM camps are a way to help kids find their passions, and STEAM is the future! They are designed to be amazingly fun, all with a take-home product at the end of the week. They are FOUR hours per day for FIVE days for half-days or you can choose the FULL DAY option. These are at a reduced cost for two half-day camps.

Shwayder Camp

Location: P.O. Box 3899, Idaho Springs

Website: www.shwayder.com

Details: At 10,200 feet, Shwayder Camp is located in Colorado on the slopes of Mt. Blue Sky. Known for its breathtaking views, our mountain paradise offers campers a unique experience filled with adventure, friendship, Jewish values, and tons of memories.

Colorado leads on medical debt protections, even as health care costs soar

BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE

Lindsey Vance carried medical debt for nearly half her life.

e 41-year-old Denver resident is now both insured and in a better situation nancially. She was able to get her very rst credit card a few months ago.

“But my credit has been absolutely terrible my entire adult life because of the medical debt,” she said.

A recently-enacted law aims to help the estimated 700,000 Coloradans like Vance with medical debt by removing it from consumer credit reports. e law is one of several policies Colorado lawmakers have advanced in recent years to lessen the burden of medical debt.

Another recent law caps the allowable interest on the debt and aims to ensure transparency with consumers. In conjunction with the state’s Hospital Discounted Care program, created in 2021 for uninsured and low-income patients, and other debt-related laws, experts say that Colorado is a leader among states when it comes to medical debt protection policies.

“Colorado is de nitely at the forefront, especially with the recently enacted legislation,” said Maanasa Kona, an assistant research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms and author of a Commonwealth Fund report comparing states’ medical debt policies.

cal debt in collections with a median of $693, according to data from the Urban Institute. Nationally, 13% of people have medical debt in collections. An Urban Institute analysis found that many consumers saw their credit score improve as medical debt gets removed.

Colorado was the rst state to enact such a law, followed by New York. e federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is developing new regulations that would bar credit reporting for medical debt nationally.

in the lawsuit, according to a 9News/ Colorado Sun investigation done in partnership with the Colorado News Collaborative and KFF Health News for the “Diagnosis: Debt Colorado” series, which includes this story.

“ at’s a huge piece that we’d like to tackle at some point,” Cutter said. “Transparency is the baseline. Nobody should argue about being transparent in how they deal with their debt and their consumers.”

“It is some of the more ambitious actions we’ve seen states take,” she said.

Nationwide, about 100 million people have some form of health care debt, according to research by KFF Health News. e crisis is forcing millions of Americans to ration medical care, take on extra work and cut back on food, clothing and other essentials. Around Denver, medical debt is also exacerbating the city’s problem with housing affordability.

e trailblazing credit reporting law, House Bill 23-1126, was one of two medical debt bills passed during Colorado’s 2023 legislative session. It requires credit reporting agencies to remove the debt from consumer reports, limiting who can see it.

About 11% of Coloradans have medi-

Another 2023 law, Senate Bill 2393, caps interest on medical debt at 3% per year, reducing it from 8%. e law also allows consumers to request documentation from a creditor or debt collector to ensure that the debt is accurate and stops debt collections if the consumer is in an appeals process.

“It’s hard to say what the impact will be, but I know from hearing testimony and seeing people talk about it, I’m really optimistic that it will make a change,” Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Littleton Democrat who ran the bill, said.

Colorado joins seven other states that limit interest. A provision in SB-93 that would have required the original creditor to be named as a plainti in debt collection proceedings was stripped during its rst committee hearing.

ousands of Colorado patients from UCHealth are sued every year, with a third-party debt collector instead of the hospital often named as the plainti

Since the 2023 laws went into e ect less than a year ago, it is di cult to gauge the impact they have had on patients’ ability to manage medical debt costs. It is something experts are keeping tabs on. And medical debt protections are often a Band-Aid for “out of control” health care prices, Kona said.

Still, advocates say the e orts last year are major wins. At the Capitol last year, Vance testi ed at both the House and Senate committee hearings for the credit reporting law, lending a voice for Coloradans struggling to come out on top of their medical debt.

“Despite my best e orts to make any sort of payment, it always came down to having to choose between paying down my medical debt and paying necessities like rent and utilities,” she told lawmakers. “ is was my reality for many years.”

is story comes via the Colorado News Collaborative, of which Colorado Community Media is a partner.

Lindsey Vance and her daughter Allie pose for a portrait at their home in Denver. CHLOE ANDERSON FOR COLORADO NEWSLINE

What to expect from Clear Creek baseball in 2024

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Despite the occasional spring snowstorm, players are o cially back on the diamond in Colorado.

According to Golddiggers Head Coach David Schuessler, a young and inexperienced team will headline Clear Creek High School baseball this season in the mountains.

Schuessler has been at Clear Creek since 1988 and said teams ebb and ow throughout the years based on uctuating participation numbers. is year, like many years, the team’s a bit shorthanded.

“We’ve got no seniors, and we’ve got some kids that haven’t played before,” Schuessler said. “We’re glad they’re out there. e main

4-7 record in the 2A/1A Mile High League in 2023, Schuessler isn’t ready to call last season a “down year.”  e Golddiggers went to the state playo s and lost just 1-0 to Buena Vista, one of the top seeds in the state. is year will be a bit of a rebuild, with the hope to shape the team with a solid young core for years to come, Schuessler said.

“ ere’s no reason to have any kind of an outcome goal like we’re going to win this many games or something of that nature,” he said. “It’s just time to develop kids. We’re not going to be a state playo team this year; we don’t have the pitching.

“So, we’ve got to develop pitchers and the kids we have out there,” he continued. “Whatever happens in terms of wins and losses is whatever happens. As long as we’re getting

Returning starters Landon Lewis (starting catcher) and Zephyr Schuessler (lead-o hitter and third base) will be key pieces for the Golddiggers this year. Zephyr will move to shortstop and have to pitch some this year as needed.

Juniors Raymond Kurtz and Anthony Zacharias return from last year also and will start at second base and center eld, respectively. Vinny Schoell is a sophomore addition from Gilpin who will make a strong impact, Schuessler said.

“He’s making a huge commitment to drive over from Gilpin every day to practices and he loves baseball,” Schuessler said. “So he’s going to be a big part of our future. Hopefully, he’ll stick with it, he seems to really love the game. We love his attitude, he can pitch and he’ll be hitting in the top of the lineup as well.”  ere are only 10 players on the team currently, so there will be

But having low numbers means eighth-graders can practice with the high school team, which is a silver lining, Schuessler said. He’s hoping to cultivate players for the future early and get them prepared for the high school level.

“We’ve got to nd a good position or two for each kid because we’re going to have to switch things around every time we change a pitcher,” Schuessler said. “So, we’re going to need everybody to know a couple of positions well.”

e Golddiggers’ league is stacked, with teams like returning state champion Denver Christian, consistently solid Dawson and Lyons.

“We’re hoping that as we improve throughout the season we’ll be able to compete with them,” Schuessler said.

For Clear Creek’s schedule, roster and more, search for the Golddiggers on MaxPreps.com.

Clear Creek High School baseball will be young and inexperienced in 2024, but Head Coach David Schuessler hopes to lay a foundation for years to come with this group.

COURTESY PHOTO

A season preview with Head Coach David Schuessler

OLDS: This week in the Clear Creek Courant…

50 years of Courant headlines not to be confused with news

BY TEDDY JACOBSEN

mer professional gymnastics coach. “I thought this was an opportunity to give children who might not normally excel at PE a chance to do really good and get some recognition,” he said.

CCN Best Of categories:

Best Casino

every purchase over $10.

New county assessor named –March 22, 1989

‘The Great Clear Creek County Sales Tax Give Back’ – March 23, 1994

Best Margarita - Bistro Mariposa

Students tumble into gymnastics –March 20, 2013

Best Steakhouse - Monarch Chophouse

Georgetown Community School students received a crash course in gymnastics from former Silver Plume Mayor Earl Ballard, who was a for-

e Clear Creek County Commissioners had to return $8,700 of the sales taxes it collected in 1993 because voters decided in November that they could not have kept it. e front-running but undecided idea was to give businesses in town a jar of nickels to hand out one at a time with

e Clear Creek County commissioners appointed Diane Settle, 37, a veteran of more than 11 years in the county assessor’s o ce, to succeed former assessor Harald Scheid.

Historical society sets eyes on Bowman-White House – March 22, 1974

One of Georgetown’s most picturesque Victorian homes – the bu -colored Bowman-White House on the corner of 8th and Rose Streets – was

purchased by the Georgetown Society, Inc. for $30,000. Ron Neely, executive director of the society, said the group will still need to raise another $30,000 for restoration. e house was originally built in 1889.

e Clear Creek Courant was created in August of 1973. ese items come from Courant’s historic archives. As it turns out, previous Courant writers had the same idea for the paper’s 25th anniversary. eir section was dubbed, “Olds: Not to be confused with news.” It lives on for an entire year to celebrate the paper’s 50th birthday.

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Two Georgetown law enforcement o cers charged in connection with death of Christian Glass voluntarily resign before criminal trial

Georgetown Police Marshal Randy Williams and Officer Tim Collins are among six officers charged with Failure to Intervene the night Glass was shot to death

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Georgetown Police Judge Lynette Kelsy accepted resignations in February from two o cers who were charged in connection with the June 2022 shooting death of Christian Glass.

Although the written resignation agreements don’t mention Christian Glass by name, Georgetown Administrator Rick Keuroglian told the Clear Creek Courant that Georgetown Police Marshal Randy Williams and O ce Tim Collins’

resignations are in response to the criminal case.

Williams and Collins are among the six o cers charged with Failure to Intervene the night Glass was shot to death by former Clear Creek Sheri Deputy Andrew Buen.

Williams and Collins are scheduled for Disposition hearings May 7.

Although the pair of o cers resigned, they will not be leaving Georgetown Police empty-handed.

Williams will receive the equivalent of three month’s salary, or $32,416 as compensation. Collins will be compensated for two weeks’ salary or $2,570, according to agreements signed by Kelsy.

Of the four other o cers charged with Failure to Intervene the night of the shooting, Ryan Bennie of the Colorado State Patrol has been assigned “administrative duty” pending the adjudication of the criminal charges according to CSP spokesperson Gabriel Moltrer.

Colorado Division of Gaming Enforcement Investigators Mary Harris and Christa Lloyd continue as Gaming Criminal Investigators working in the eld, according to Daniel Carr of the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Idaho Springs Police O cer Brittany Morrow remains as a patrol of-

cer, according to Police Chief Nate Buseck.

Glass died on the night of June 10-11, 2022 when he was stranded in his car near Silver Plume. He had called 911 for help, saying he was trapped, and when o cers arrived, they asked Glass to leave his car. He refused in what turned into a long stando that ended when o cers broke Glass’ car window and used a Taser on him. Buen shot Glass ve times, killing him, according to an indictment.

Some 1,500 summonses started going out to Clear Creek county residents March 1 in an e ort to nd 12 impartial people to sit as jurors (additional jurors will be selected as alternates).

Fifth Circuit Judge Catherine Cheroutes said she anticipates the jury selection process to take at least a week.

rough his attorney, Buen pleaded not guilty Nov. 2, 2023 to charges of Murder in the Second Degree, O cial Misconduct, and Reckless Endangerment.

Buen’s criminal trial is expected to start after jury selection is complete in early April. Judge Cheroutes blocked o three weeks in the Clear Creek County Court schedule for jurors to see and hear evidence and testimony in the criminal case.

and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contactvolunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

Walk-in vaccine clinics: Walk-in vaccine clinics for adults and children needing u and other vaccines are available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center, 1969 Miner St., Idaho Springs. No appointments required for the vaccines, though you can pre-register by calling 303-670-7528.

Resilience1220 counseling: Young people 12 to 20 can get free

Say

counseling through an Evergreenbased organization called Resilience1220. Composed of licensed therapists, Resilience1220 serves individuals and groups in the foothills including Clear Creek County. ey also facilitate school and community groups to build life skills in wellness and resilience among youth. For more information or to schedule a counseling session, visit R1220.org, email Resilience1220@ gmail.com or call 720-282-1164.

Dental clinics: Cleanings, X-rays, dentures, tooth extractions and more. Most insurances are accepted including Medicaid. Sliding scale/ low-cost options are also available. No appointment necessary. is is a mobile dentist that comes once a month. Call program manager Lauralee at 720-205-4449 for questions.

Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meetings: Clear Creek Rotary 2000

goodbye to gutter

meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Marion’s of the Rockies. 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. For more information, email loe er806@ comcast.net.

Support After Suicide Loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.

Storytime with Miss Honeybun: Storytime with Miss Honeybun is at 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays at the Idaho Springs Public Library and at 11:15 a.m. ursdays at the John Tomay Memorial Library in Georgetown.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and

support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. and is o ered via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.

Public Health o ering sexual health and family planning: Clear Creek County Public Health is now o ering Sexual Health and Planning Services at the Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs. Public Health o ers counseling, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI and HIV screenings, basic infertility services and birth control options and referrals. ese services are con dential. Public Health can also now bill Medicaid and most private insurance. However, if you do not have insurance, fees are based on a sliding scale — and no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.

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*All participants who attend an estimated 60-90-minute in-home product consultation will receive a $50 Visa gift card. Retail value is $50. Offer sponsored by Leafguard Holdings Inc. Limit one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 10 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Except in the states of MD, NY and DC, where the gift card offer is limited to $25. Offer not available in the states of CA, IN, PA and MI. Expires 5/31/24.

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e ongoing snowfall on March 14 across Colorado buried cars and left people digging out their front doors.

Some areas, like Idaho Springs and Conifer, got hit hard, with around 30 inches of snow reported before noon on March 14. Most of the metro area contended with roughly a foot or more (Denver’s total as of noon ursday was about 9 inches, while Arvada had more than 16).

Kids got a snow day, hundreds of ights were canceled or delayed, courts were closed, roads shut down and more. In short, it was a big mess. But it was also beautiful, starting with the calm quiet everywhere.

And, we found signs of life.

Here are some photos from our reporters and readers across the west

FIRST

FIRST

Idaho Springs resident Amy Ward digs out from at least 26 inches of snow on the morning of March 14.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Idaho Springs at 26 inches of snow and counting at 8:15 a.m. March 14.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

One-year-old River makes first tracks in her Conifer yard at Stephen Koenigsberg and Jan Hauer’s King’s Valley neighborhood home. PHOTO BY STEPHEN KOENIGSBERG

Snow covers Green Mountain United Methodist Church in Lakewood on March 14.

PHOTO BY CASSIE WERTZ

A mountain chickadee takes advantage of a snow-topped bird feeder Thursday morning at Deb Brobst’s home in Bear Mountain Vista in Evergreen. By 9 a.m., that area of Evergreen had received 26 inches of snow. PHOTO BY DEB BROBST

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Code commencing at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard on the 3rd day of April 2024 before the Idaho Springs Planning Commission; and commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard on the 22nd day of April 2024 before the City Council to consider rezoning of a parcel of land known as 2060 Miner Street (Visitor Center parcel) from Park & Recreation to Commercial One.

This hearing will be held at the Idaho Springs City Hall, located at 1711 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, Colorado 80452.

Dated this 21st day of March 2024

Dylan Graves, Community Development Planner

Legal Notice No. CCC836

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

Clear Creek County Emergency Services General Improvement District Representative Vacancy to the Clear Creek Fire Authority Board of Directors

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancies on the boards listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO, OR Email: bluther@co.clear-creek. co.us. The position is open until filled.

CLEAR CREEK FIRE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The County holds two positions with the Clear Creek Fire Authority Board of Directors. These positions represent the unincorporated area of the County within the Clear Creek County Emergency Services District, excluding the areas served by the Evergreen Fire Protection District. Firefighter experience is preferred; however, we cannot accept current Clear Creek Fire Authority volunteers. The authority membership believes that the combining and coordinating of their resources through the formation of a regional fire authority will result in the delivery of greater fire protection and emergency services throughout the territory of their respective jurisdictions. This Board of Directors meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Station 1 in Dumont. The Commissioners are looking for one member who must be a resident of the Clear Creek County Emergency Services District and have the ability and commitment to be an active board member for 2024.

Legal Notice No. CCC828

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

CITY OF IDAHO SPRINGS

County of Clear Creek State of Colorado

Ordinance No. 8, Series 2024

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE AND PURCHASE OPTION AGREEMENT FOR THAT

CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS 1856 COLORADO BOULEVARD, IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO

WHEREAS, the City of Idaho Springs (the “City”), in the County of Clear Creek and State of Colorado, is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the City is authorized by Section 31-15-101(1)(d), Colorado Revised Statutes (“C.R.S.”), to lease, hold and acquire real or personal property, together with any facilities thereon, and is authorized by Section 31-15-801, C.R.S., to enter into leasehold agreements, which agreements may include an option to purchase and acquire title to the leased property, the terms thereof to be approved by ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that certain real property with a street address of 1856 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs, CO and legally described as Subdivision: LOGAN PLACER #6027 - ID SPGS PARCEL 1 & IMP 560/928

SUBD #214183 644/662 (“Subject Property”) is useful to the City for a variety of potential purposes, due to its location and features; and

WHEREAS, accordingly, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City to enter into a lease and purchase option agreement (the “Lease and Purchase Option Agreement”) with Western Skies DE, LLC (the “Owner”) pursuant to which the Owner will lease, with an option to purchase, the Subject Property to the City for the purchase price of $875,000, financed over 3 years; and

WHEREAS, the obligations of the City that are set forth in the attached Lease and Purchase

Option Agreement shall be from year to year only; shall constitute currently budgeted expenditures of the City; shall not constitute a mandatory charge or requirement in any ensuing budget year; and shall not constitute a general obligation or a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation whatsoever of the City within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation or requirement concerning the creation of indebtedness, nor a mandatory payment obligation of the City in any ensuing fiscal year beyond any fiscal year during which the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement shall be in effect; and

WHEREAS, the Council desires to approve the form of the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement and authorize the execution thereof.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado as follows:

Section 1. The above and foregoing recitals are hereby adopted as findings and determinations of the City Council and are incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. The form of the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement attached hereto between the City and Western Skies DE, LLC, and dated as of April 8, 2024, is hereby approved and the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement and any and all other documents that may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the performance of the City thereunder.

Section 3. Severability. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each part or parts hereof irrespective of the fact that any one part or parts be declared unconstitutional or invalid.

Section 4. Safety Clause. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and declares that this ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public, that this ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety or for the protection of public convenience and welfare, and that this ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be attained.

Section 5. Repeal. All other ordinances or portions thereof inconsistent or conflicting with this Ordinance or any portion hereof are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict.

Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect pursuant to the laws of the state of Colorado.

INTRODUCED, READ AND ORDERED PUBLISHED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado, held on the 11th day of March, 2024.

Chuck Harmon, Mayor

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED:

Diane Breece, City Clerk

PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED, after publication at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado, held on the 8th day of April, 2024.

Chuck Harmon, Mayor

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED:

Diane Breece, City Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCC832

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024 Publisher: Clear Creek Courant Public notice

To: All Registered Voters of The Town of Silver Plume, Colorado

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE

TAXES ON A REFERED MEASURE

TOWN OF SILVER PLUME CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO

Election Date: April 2, 2024

Election Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm

Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number: Town of Silver Plume Town Clerk’s Office 710 Main Street PO Drawer F Silver Plume, CO, 80476 (303) 569-2363

Ballot Title and Text:

BALLOT QUESTION

SHALL THE TOWN OF SILVER PLUME TAXES BE INCREASED IN THE 1ST FISCAL YEAR

2025 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED 4.331 MILLS ANNUALLY

FOR A TOTAL OF 9 MILLS UPON TAXABLE

REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE TOWN, SUCH REVENUES TO BE COLLECTED, RETAINED, AND SPENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING

THE TOWN’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLEAR

CREEK FIRE AUTHORITY, AND SHALL THE TOWN BE PERMITTED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND EXPEND THE REVENUES FROM THE AD-

JUSTED MILL LEVY AS A VOTER-APPROVED

REVENUE CHANGE WITHOUT REGARD

TO LIMITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE

APPLY UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

YES ___ NO ___

Total Town Fiscal Year Spending:

Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (estimated) $893,946.99

2023 (estimated) $851,378.09

2022 (actual) $674,365.45

2021 (actual) $542,764.37

2020 (actual) $458,470.81

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024:$51.286%

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024:$435,476.18

Town estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase for the fiscal year 2025 (the first full fiscal year of the proposed tax increase): $13,742.00

Town estimate of 2025 fiscal year spending without the proposed tax increase: $943,113.00

Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

Legal Notice No. CCC835

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE TOWN OF EMPIRE

Notice is hereby given that a municipal election

will be held in the Town of Empire, Colorado on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

To be eligible to vote in this election, you must be at least 18 years of age; be a citizen of the United States; have been a resident of the State of Colorado for at least 22 days preceding the election and registered to vote in the Town of Empire on Election Day.

The regular election will select a Mayor and four Board of Trustees.

The candidates for Mayor are as follows: Wendy Koch

The candidates for Trustee are as follows:

Randy Horning

Jacob Belcher

Denise Tennant

Lon Fulton

The Ballot Question: Pursuant to the authority granted by Article XVIII § 11(2), shall the term limits established in Article XVIII § 11(1) of the Colorado Constitution be eliminated, allowing the Mayor and members of the Empire Board of Trustees to serve an indefinite number of terms?

All registered voters will receive a ballot by mail. Ballots may be submitted by return mail, or in person at Empire Town Hall, 30 East Park Avenue, Empire, from 7 AM to 7 PM on Election Day, April 2, 2024.

All voted ballots must be received by the Empire Town Clerk by 7 PM on Election Day.

For questions or to request an absentee ballot or replacement ballot, please contact the Town Clerk, Jennifer Boswell, at 303-569-2978, or Clerk@EmpireColorado.us during regular business hours.

Legal Notice No. CCC834

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancies on the boards listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 OR Email: bluther@ clearcreekcounty.us. Position open until filled.

PLANNING COMMISSION: Seven members, three-year terms. Advises the Board of County Commissioners on zoning, subdivision and other land use planning issues. Studies and prepares master plan documents. Members must be Clear Creek County residents. Meets once per month with additional meetings and site visits as necessary. There is a vacancy for 2 Full Members on the Planning Commission for 2024.

Legal Notice No. CCC830

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

Clear Creek County Open Space Commission Vacancy

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Public Notices

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancy on the board listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 OR Email: bluther@ clearcreekcounty.us. Position open until filled.

OPEN SPACE COMMISSION: 9 members and 2 associate members, 3-year terms, and meets once a month. The most important criteria for selection will be an interest in and dedication to preserving open space and protecting the environment. The Commissioners are looking for 2 Full and 2 associate members who must be a resident of Clear Creek County and have the ability and commitment to become an active board member for three years. The commission requests that interested applicants attend one meeting to familiarize themselves with the organization. The commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Idaho Springs City Hall in Idaho Springs.

Legal Notice No. CCC826

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

CITY OF IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Idaho Springs Municipal Code commencing at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard on the 3rd day of April 2024 before the Idaho Springs Planning Commission; and commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard on the 8th day of April 2024 before the City Council to consider an application for a Conditional Use permit for a temporary, seasonal allowance for employee camping at the property known as the Silver Spruce Addition to the City of Idaho Springs, West of the Shelly/Quinn Ball Fields Park.

This hearing will be held at the Idaho Springs City Hall, located at 1711 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, Colorado 80452.

Dated this 21st day of March 2024

Dylan Graves, Community Development Planner

Legal Notice No. CCC837

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant Public Notice

CITY OF IDAHO SPRINGS County of Clear Creek State of Colorado Ordinance No. 6, Series 2024

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CON -

DITIONAL CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY

KNOWN AS LOT 3 OF THE BLOCK 57/ FORMER GOLDDIGGER FIELD SUBDIVISION

Legal Notice No. CCC831

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant Public Notice

Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau Board of Directors Vacancy

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancies on the board listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444, OR Email: bluther@ clearcreekcounty.us. Also, please fill out the attached form when submitting your letter of

interest. Now accepting applications until positions are filled.

CLEAR CREEK TOURISM BUREAU BOARD OF

DIRECTORS:

•The purpose of the Board of Directors is to increase the number and frequency of visits to Clear Creek County, and to provide information and direction to visitors in the County.

•The Board of Directors shall also serve as the panel of electors with respect to the County’s Lodging Tax Panel to the extent approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

•The Board shall have not fewer than three (3) and not more than nine (9) members of the Board of Directors for the Corporation.

• All members shall be appointed from the tourism industry in Clear Creek County. This includes tourism business owners or operators or their employees and representatives, local government representatives assigned to engage in tourism marketing activities, or persons experienced in advertising and marketing to encourage tourism.

•Specifically, the Board is seeking members representing the Lodging, Restaurant, or Adventure backgrounds.

•All members shall be citizens of or employed in Clear Creek County.

• The term shall be two calendar years and appointment for more than two consecutive terms is discouraged.

• There is currently a vacancy for TWO Full Members on the Clear Creek Tourism Bureau Board of Directors for 2024.

Legal Notice No. CCC829

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

NOTICE OF REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION POLLING PLACE ELECTION

TOWN OF SILVER PLUME, COLORADO

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024

Notice is hereby given that a General Municipal Election, by Polling Place, will be held on April 2, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At said election, the following questions shall be submitted to the registered electors of the Town of Silver Plume.

Town of Silver Plume Mayor

Two Year Term

(Vote for no more than one)

•Lee Berenato

Town of Silver Plume Trustee

Two Year Term (Vote for no more than six)

•Mark E. Basham

•Christian Frey

•Tammy Frey

•Martin Gitlin

•Kathy Grubbs

•R.L. (Mac) McDonald

•Bryon J. Monseu

BALLOT QUESTION

SHALL THE TOWN OF SILVER PLUME TAXES BE INCREASED IN THE 1ST FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED 4.331 MILLS ANNUALLY FOR A TOTAL OF 9 MILLS UPON TAXABLE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE TOWN, SUCH REVENUES TO BE COLLECTED, RETAINED, AND SPENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE TOWN’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLEAR CREEK FIRE AUTHORITY, AND SHALL THE TOWN BE PERMITTED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND EXPEND THE REVENUES FROM THE ADJUSTED MILL LEVY AS A VOTERAPPROVED REVENUE CHANGE WITHOUT REGARD TO LIMITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE APPLY UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

YES ___ NO ___

QUALIFICATIONS OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS

All persons who are citizens of the United States, at least eighteen (18) years of age and have resided in the Town of Silver Plume for at least twenty-two (22) days prior to the election, who are registered in the office of the County Clerk and not confined in public prison.

The Polling location is Silver Plume Small Town Hall, 710 Main Street, Silver Plume, CO. Polls will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024. Applications for absentee voter ballots must be filed with the Town Clerk not later than the close of business the Friday preceding

the election.

Chelsea Nihiser Town Clerk, Town of Silver Plume

Legal Notice No. CCC839

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant Public Notice

Clear Creek County Juvenile Community Review Board Vacancy

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancy on the board listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 OR Email: bluther@ clearcreekcounty.us. Position open until filled.

Juvenile Community Review Board

• The Juvenile Community Review Board screens requests for the community placement of youth entering Clear Creek County from the State Department of Human Services Division of Youth Corrections. Based on good behavior, the Rite of Passage/Qualifying House just outside of Idaho Springs offers attendees a graduating step to adulthood, college, military service, and/or career. The Juvenile Community Review Board meets as needed as youth graduates from the Rite of Passage program facility outside of Idaho Springs.

•Review Process:

oThe review board must review the juvenile’s case file, provided by the Department of Human Services, within fourteen days of referral.

o The board considers factors such as the juvenile’s history, risk assessment results, criteria established by the board, and guidance from the Department of Human Services.

o Criteria for placement must be based on researched factors correlated with community risk.

• Confidentiality: All information regarding a juvenile case reviewed by the board is confidential and can only be disclosed to specific parties with written permission from the juvenile and legal custodian.

•Meetings are held in Executive Session per Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402(4)(c). Meeting agendas and minutes are not posted due to confidentiality requirements. (www.larimer.org)

• Membership of the Juvenile Community Review Board represents specific members of the County, e.g., judicial, school district, mental health, etc.

The current vacancies on the Clear Creek County Juvenile Community Review Board include the following:

•Alternate Member: Private Citizen from the Idaho Springs area

•Alternate Member: Citizen from within Clear Creek County

•Juvenile Community Review Board contact: ttroia@clearcreekcounty.us or 303-679-2365.

Legal Notice No. CCC827

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher:

WHEREAS,

thereon, and is authorized by Section 31-15801, C.R.S., to enter into leasehold agreements, which agreements may include an option to purchase and acquire title to the leased property, the terms thereof to be approved by ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that certain real property legally described as IDAHO SPRINGS PT GRAHAM PLACER #840 (“Subject Property”) is useful to the City for a variety of potential purposes, due to its location and features; and

WHEREAS, accordingly, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City to enter into a lease and purchase option agreement (the “Lease and Purchase Option Agreement”) with Charles Harmon (the “Owner”) pursuant to which the Owner will lease, with an option to purchase, the Subject Property to the City for the purchase price of $39,000, financed over 3 years; and

WHEREAS, the obligations of the City that are set forth in the attached Lease and Purchase Option Agreement shall be from year to year only; shall constitute currently budgeted expenditures of the City; shall not constitute a mandatory charge or requirement in any ensuing budget year; and shall not constitute a general obligation or a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation whatsoever of the City within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation or requirement concerning the creation of indebtedness, nor a mandatory payment obligation of the City in any ensuing fiscal year beyond any fiscal year during which the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement shall be in effect; and

WHEREAS, the Council desires to approve the form of the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement and authorize the execution thereof.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado as follows:

Section 1. The above and foregoing recitals are hereby adopted as findings and determinations of the City Council and are incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. The form of the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement attached hereto between the City and Charles Harmon, and dated as of April 8, 2024, is hereby approved and the Mayor Pro Tem and City Clerk are authorized to execute the Lease and Purchase Option Agreement and any and all other documents that may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the performance of the City thereunder.

Section 3. Severability. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each part or parts hereof irrespective of the fact that any one part or parts be declared unconstitutional or invalid.

Section 4. Safety Clause. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and declares that this ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public, that this ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety or for the protection of public convenience and welfare, and that this ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be attained.

Section 5. Repeal. All other ordinances or portions thereof inconsistent or conflicting with this Ordinance or any portion hereof are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict.

Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect pursuant to the laws of the state of Colorado.

Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado, held on the 8th day of April, 2024.

Jeremy Jones, Mayor Pro Tem

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED:

Diane Breece, City Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCC833

First Publication: March 21, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO 405 Argentine St. Georgetown, CO 80444 (303) 569-0820

Plaintiff(s):

BRUCE BOYNTON

Defendant(s):

v.

CAROL LEE, in her capacity as CLEAR CREEK COUNTY TREASURER; SHAWN C. CARLSEN; all unknown persons who claim under or through the named defendants; and all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action

Case Number: 2023CV030048

Division: C

Attorneys for Plaintiff:

Zachary A. Grey, Atty. Reg. 49269

Jordan C. May, Atty. Reg. 38734

Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein P.C. 4750 Table Mesa Drive Boulder, CO 80305

Telephone: 303-494-3000

Facsimile: 303-494-6309

Email: zac@frascona.com

SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 21 or 35 days, as applicable, after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 21 or 35 days, as applicable, after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

Dated: February 29, 2024

Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C.

/s/Zachary A. Grey

Attorney for Plaintiff

Legal Notice No. CCC820

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: April 11, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant Name

State

Colorado, is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the City is authorized by Section 31-15-101(1)(d), Colorado Revised Statutes (“C.R.S.”), to lease, hold and acquire real or

INTRODUCED, READ AND ORDERED PUBLISHED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Idaho Springs, Colorado, held on the 11th day of March, 2024.

Jeremy Jones, Mayor Pro Tem

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED:

Diane Breece, City Clerk

PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED, after publication at a Regular Meeting of the City

Public

Case No.: 24 C 9

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCC817

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant ###

A LETTER TO OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS

To our loyal supporters,

We’re excited to tell you about a major expansion of our Colorado operation. We are launching a printing press to serve our publications, along with many other newspapers across the Front Range.

is unique project is a crucial step toward stabilizing our costs and ensuring you can continue to receive our news in all the ways that you want.

When the nonpro t National Trust for Local News purchased our 23 news brands in metro Denver in 2021, no one imagined we’d establish a new printing press. Our focus was squarely on digital transformation e orts that have included relaunching our websites and adding a series of new news products in the communities we serve.

However, rapidly rising costs associated with printing and distribution le us and many other publishers across the Front Range in a perilous position. While we know digital is our future, we also know many of our subscribers and advertisers still greatly value the printed newspaper, especially in areas where digital access may be limited.

Funds from the Colorado Media Project, Gates Family Foundation, Colorado Trust, and Bohemian Foundation enabled us to purchase a community printing press and secure a facility in Denver to begin operating it. We’re excited to kick o soon, with our newspapers set to be printed starting in May. We’ll bring on other publishers by the summer.

e new press should allow us to lower manufacturing costs – for ourselves and for other small local publishers – that will stabilize the bottom line and ultimately lead to reinvestments in our reporting resources and digital expansion. We’re strengthening our own business while supporting our fellow publishers.

We believe every community deserves a strong local news source. Your continued support fuels our passion and drive to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape. Together, we are shaping the future of local journalism in Colorado and beyond.

ank you for being part of this exciting milestone with us.

Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro CEO National Trust for Local News

Linda Shapley Publisher Colorado Community Media