Clear Creek High School students join forces to create a profitable ski and board shop business
Clear Creek County Commission recognizes work of Wheelock, Houston
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e 2025 board of Clear Creek County Commissioners recently took their seats for a regular meeting with George Marlin seated in the middle, Rebecca Lloyd to the left and Jodie Hartman-Ball on the right.
Former commissioner Randy Wheelock took a seat among spectators in the back of the commission room next to Sheri Matt Harris.
At the start of the meeting, commissioners took time to read and pass county resolutions recognizing the work of former commissioners Wheelock and Mitch Houston.
“Commissioner Wheelock has dedicated nearly eight years of distinguished service to Clear Creek County while serving even longer as a steadfast advocate for the broader Front Range region,” read the start of resolution #25-15.
“Mitch Houston — better known as Mitch House-ton (emphatically not like the city in Texas, lest anyone mistakenly assume he was a Texan in Colorado!) — has been a dedicated and valued member of the Clear Creek County community,” read resolution #25-16.
“Creek Craft” is the new name in the ski and snowboarding industry in Clear Creek County and high school students, mentors and teachers aim to make it pro table for Clear Creek High School. Students in the Clear Creek High School Entrepreneur II class are taking their business education to the next level by creating a sustaining model for manufacturing and marketing, according to Career Connections Coordinator Dacia Kelly. “ e students in this class are learning how to start a business and they’re doing it through a real-world project rather than a hypothetical,” Kelly said. When searching for a business idea to engage students, Kelly said they realized there is a great opportunity down the hall and stairs in the high school where Outdoor Rec and Tech Instructor Ben Shay runs the Ski Program.
e goal is to “open a ski room to the general public for students to do some basic maintenance on skis for hands-on
experience,” Shay said. “At the same time create a viable cash ow in business that can put money back into programs.” e ski program and business classes t hand-in-glove as a potential learning experience for business students to the marketing, manufacturing, tuning and repairing of skis and snowboards, according to Executive Director of Clear Creek Schools Foundation Mitch Houston.
“It’s also providing great handson skills for the students, you know
Houston has mentioned to the Courant that he doesn’t mind that his name is so often mispronounced.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis selected Houston to serve as interim commissioner after the seat was left vacant following the May 6 death of Sean Wood, who represented District II for nearly eight years.
“Mitch sel essly stepped up when his County needed him most, temporarily setting aside his tireless fundraising efforts for the Clear Creek Education Foundation to assume the responsibilities of
Students in the Clear Creek High School Entrepreneur II class have joined forces with students in the ski program to create a ski business.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Expanding Early Care and Learning nonprofit in Clear Creek County gets $50,000 boost
Local nonprofit awarded the grant from statewide Buell Foundation
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Expanding Early Care and Learning in Clear Creek County, a nonpro t located in Idaho Springs, recently received a $50,000 grant from the Buell Foundation aimed at providing long-term solutions to childcare issues in the county.
e Buell Foundation is “a professional philanthropic organization supporting the positive development of children through grants and partnerships with other sectors of our community,” according to its mission and values statement on its website.
“ e Foundation focuses primarily on the state of Colorado and concentrates its grantmaking on programs that bene t children,” the statement continues.
e EECL is a local non-pro t organization started by volunteer board members in 2021, according to its President Pamela Marsh.
e volunteer board members have expertise in early childhood education and mental
SKI BUSINESS
we’ve always argued that we have the same equipment they have at Loveland Ski Area,” Houston said. “So, the students are getting trained in the fall here and then come ski season they can just plug right into a shop at Loveland.”
Houston serves as a mentor for the students in the Entrepreneur II class working with high school junior Maggie Gothman and senior Asher Isaacson, according to Kelly.
“Eventually we hope to sell skis and boards but for now we’re starting o with maintenance and tuning because it’s simply less time-consuming and easier for students to pull o at the moment,” Isaacson said.
e CCSF also pitched in by funding most of the equipment in the ski tech classroom as well as networking with community business leaders seeking additional funding and partnerships, Houston said.
e rst business to step up as a partner was Loveland Ski Area, Houston said.
“ ey helped us buy all of the hand equipment necessary for the students to learn how to sharpen edges and wax skis and do all of that stu by hand,” Houston said.
e Outdoor Rec and Tech
health, community engagement, strategic thinking and research and data compilation, according to Marsh.
e EECL mission statement is to increase quality, a ordable, safe and supportive environments in all early childcare and learning settings to promote development and create nurturing relationships for young children, as stated by board members including Marsh, Vice President Carla Pokrywka Cole and Caitlin Morris.
“ e Buell’s support allows us to create a county-wide action plan, helping us reach our goal of expanding accessible and affordable early childhood education,” EECL Secretary Jessica Tribbett said.
e grant money will initially serve to hold meetings to answer questions about the future of childcare in the county, according to Tribbett.
“To get numbers and metrics, goals and timelines but the base range is going to be the dollar amount,” Tribbett said. “How much are we (EELC) going to need to provide supplemental scholarships to families to bring childcare down to 5-10% of a family’s income.”
“We are a community without childcare options, which is very much not a solid community as families are forced to move to other areas of the state and country in order to support their families while trusting their
class will perform basic tuning services and is expected to start operations soon like a ski shop.
“So, instead of taking your snowboard or skis to another area business… you can support the school and student learning by taking your equipment to the class,” Kelly said.
Organizers say the eventual goal is to make the operation a self-sustaining business with any pro ts going back to the classroom to supply material and tools to the next set of students.
“If their net pro t is enough to allow us to buy the materials and things like that to teach the kids to do the work it saves the school district money,” Houston said.
“I think I’m taking away how through the process of starting a business, waivers have to be precisely organized in a timely and e cient manner,” Isaacson said while working on a customer satisfaction survey the class plans to distribute.
In addition to hands-on experience in starting and marketing a new business, students in the entrepreneur course are earning college credit simultaneously through Red Rocks Community College course 1002, Kelly said.
“From here we want to open up an opportunity for community members to build custom skis using the building platform we have as another revenue source to sustain the program,” Shay said.
children are safe and supported emotionally,” Marsh said.
e EELC e ort to bring affordable childcare to Clear Creek County is operating as former county commissioner Mitch Houston moves forward with another plan to provide early learning in Building 103 in Idaho Springs..
e Early Childhood Educa-
tion Center at Carlson Elementary School is an e ort Houston has championed for several years, according to reporting by the Clear Creek Courant Mountain Trails will be the name of the early learning center.
“I still have a nancial gap that I’m trying to ll, but I have some opportunities to ll that gap,”
Houston said. e goal is to open Mountain Trails in Carlson in 2026. Houston said the two groups share a common goal.
“ at goal is getting all of the children in the county in an early learning program. When they show up for kindergarten they thrive as opposed to struggling,” Houston said.
The ski program and hand-in-glove as a potential learning experience for business students to the marketing, manufacturing, tuning and repairing of skis and snowboards, according to
Expanding Early Care and Learning in Clear Creek County, a nonprofit located in Idaho Springs, recently received a $50,000 grant.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Executive Director of Clear Creek Schools Foundation Mitch Houston. PHOTO COURTESY OF DACIA KELLY
Ben Shay (left) works with students building snowboards at Clear Creek High School in Evergreen. PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
A Professional Home Inspection Is the Best Investment You Can Make in a Home You Buy
The importance of hiring a professional home inspector can’t be overstated, whether you’re buying a new home from a builder or an existing home of any age.
Many, perhaps most, readers understand that and know how a professional inspector works in the context of a signed purchase contract. For others, let me answer your likely questions in hopes that some readers will benefit from this column. The questions below are from a consumer guide published by the National Association of Realtors, but the answers are all my own, based on over two decades of representing buyers in the purchase of both new and existing homes. What is a home inspection?
cause we’re in the Rocky Mountains, he will certainly recommend a test for radon gas using an electronic device that samples the air for the presence of radon gas once an hour for 48 hours. And he (as well as your agent) should always recommend a sewer scope to determine whether the sewer line from the house to the sewer main is damaged or simply requires cleaning. Are home inspections required?
Your inspector will be looking at every element of the home — the structure, the roof, the siding, the foundation, the flatwork (driveway, walkways, basement and garage slabs), rainwater management (downspouts, gradient of earth next to the foundation), insulation (both walls and attic), windows, doors, flooring and ceilings. He (or, rarely, she) will test all appliances, including disposal, and run a cycle of the dishwasher and clothes washer. He’ll test all faucets, making sure, for example, that hot is on the left and cold is on the right. He’ll fill sinks and bathtubs enough to see whether they leak when drained. He’ll flush toilets. He’ll test light switches and outlets, using a device which shows whether the hot/neutral polarity is correct, and whether the outlet is grounded. Within 5 feet of any water source, he’ll use the same device to see whether an outlet is ground-fault protected, as required by current building codes. If the home was built in the 1960-70s, he’ll check to see if there is aluminum wiring. If so, he’ll check whether the wiring has been pigtailed with copper. He’ll inspect the breaker box. He’ll look at the manufacturer’s tags on the furnace, A/C and water heater, which will tell him the year of manufacture. If they are over 15 years old, he’ll indicate that they are “beyond their useful life” on the inspection report, suggesting that the buyer should demand replacement, even if they’re working fine.
Your inspector is usually a generalist, and he’ll recommend a secondary inspection by a specialist if, for example, he suspects the presence of asbestos, or structural issues. Be-
No, but any buyer would be illadvised not to spend the few hundred dollars for a professional inspection, a radon test and a sewer scope, given that any single issue that is uncovered could cost far more to mitigate than you spent to uncover it, and the buyer could reasonably expect the seller to agree to the repair, especially when it’s a health or safety issue, as is often the case. That’s why I wrote in the headline that an inspection is your “best investment.”
Who performs the home inspection?
Fortunately, there are national associations (e.g., NACHI) which certify home inspectors, because the State of Colorado does not license or regulate home inspectors (which I have argued for in previous columns). Radon inspection is regulated, and the person who installs the device must be licensed. Sewer inspectors are also not licensed. That said, however, your real estate agent, if he or she is not a newbie, probably has all kinds of specialists, including electricians and structural engineers, that he can recommend based on past experience with other buyers. Who is responsible for inspection costs?
The state-mandated purchase contract says that inspection is the buyer’s responsibility and expense. Sometimes, a buyer will submit and “inspection objection” which demands that the seller hire, for example, a licensed electrician to inspect the home and make any recommended repairs, but a seller should reject such a provision and remind the buyer that doing so is the buyer’s responsibility and expense.
Should a buyer attend the inspection?
Absolutely. The inspector will provide a PDF detailing the results of the inspection, but there’s no substitute for the buyer to attend the inspection so the inspector can ex-
plain any issues that he uncovers, but also show where utility turn-offs are located and answer other buyer questions. How long does the home inspection take?
A thorough home inspection should take at least two and usually three hours for a typical single-family home. A condo or townhome can be inspected in less time, and a large home could take even longer, especially if there are outbuildings.
When the inspector has finished his rounds he will want to go over the key issues that he uncovered. He will have taken photos and possibly videos of the issues he uncovered, which will be included in the PDF he sends you and your agent that evening or the following day. Some inspectors now put their reports online, which has the benefit of including links to video clips.
Some inspectors provide a 3-ring binder
which not only includes the printed report, but also useful homeowner advice about all aspects of maintaining the home year-round. What does it mean if a home is listed as is?
I addressed this in my column two weeks ago, but let me repeat my comments. Yes, a seller may say upfront that the home is sold “as is” and that they will not make any repairs. Or, to win a bidding war, the buyer may “waive inspection” in their purchase contract, but I consider both actions bogus, for the reason that the buyer will (or should) still conduct a professional inspection, and, if a serious issue or two are uncovered, the buyer can still terminate the contract because of that condition. When notified, the seller will most likely want to salvage the contract by offering to make the necessary repair. Thus, the house was not sold “as is” after all, or the buyer didn’t really “waive inspection objection.”
Subdivisions Without an HOA Can Still Have Covenants
Covenants has been around for at least as long as subdivisions, and probably longer. Not so long ago, covenants tended to focus more on racial discrimination than on controlling things like the minimum or maximum size of homes, the requirement to have grass and one tree in the front yard, etc.
Nowadays those old covenants which discriminated against people of color and/or Jews are illegal and can’t be enforced, but there are covenants about those modern topics which can be enforced — but by whom?
That’s why homeowner associations (HOAs) were created. Not only do they provide services for which they charge dues, but they can enforce covenants plus their own rules and regulations to which homeowners must abide. And state law stands behind those enforcement powers. In fact, until last year an HOA could actually foreclose on a member’s home if they failed to pay fines for violations levied by the HOA. (Now an HOA can only foreclose on a member for unpaid dues.)
So, let’s say you are in a subdivision with no HOA (yippee!), but a neighbor is violating something in the covenants, such as parking their work truck or an abandoned car in their driveway or on their front lawn?
As the complaining neighbor, your only recourse is to sue the offending neighbor in civil court for violating the covenants that pertain to that home. Because of the cost and inconvenience associated with litigation, only egregious violations are likely to be enforced by one neighbor against another. Has this softened your attitude toward HOAs?
A Mini Restaurant Review...
Rita and I have discovered a great Mexican restaurant, La Huacha, right under our noses — literally. The restaurant is on the corner of Rogers Street and South Golden Road, on the 1st floor of GW Apartments. We live right above it!
This restaurant began as a food truck 1/4 mile away, but now they occupy the space occupied briefly by Pancho & Jane, which didn’t last long at all because it was just a bar with tacos. La Huacha is a full-menu restaurant. See www.LaHuacha.com and give it a try! It has a well deserved rating of 4.9 on Yelp and elsewhere.
I ordered their crispy chili rellenos and a tequila drink served in a carved-out pineapple which they call Pina Loca. Yum!
We Want to Help Refugees of the California Wildfires
If you know anyone who lost their home in the California wildfires who is thinking of relocating to the Denver area, we’d like to help them by rebating up to $10,000 of any commission we earn and using our connections to acquire and deliver donated furniture
and furnishings for their new home. You can download this column from www. JimSmithColumns.com and send it to them. Our broker associates and I look forward to serving them. Invite them to contact me or any of our broker associates listed below.
Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado
Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado
Week of 13 January 2025
Week of 13 January 2025
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 56 years within the period 1893-2024). Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set for that speci c date.
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 o 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 56 years within the period 1893-2024). Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set for that specific date
Day and date of observation (2025)
COMMISSIONERS
County Commissioner,” reads the proclamation.
Wheelock stepped down as a term-limited commissioner who spent eight years on the board.
In a recent out-going interview with Wheelock the former commissioner told the Courant one of his proudest achievements was working with local Native American tribes to “right the wrongs” of our ancestors.
Wheelock’s proclamation recognized
that work by putting in the record.
“Wheelock played a pivotal role in the renaming of Sq**w Pass to Mestaa’ hehe Pass and Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky, each chosen in collaboration with Native American tribes to honor their language, traditions, and historical signi cance,” read the proclamation.
After the reading of the proclamation, Wheelock stood from his seat and exited the commission as a civilian.
Houston recently told the Courant now that his time in public o ce is over, he plans to dedicate more of his time to the CCEF and the establishment of an early childhood education center inside Carlson Elementary in Idaho Springs.
Clear Creek County Commissioners Rebecca Lloyd, George Marlin and Jodie Hartman-Ball in Georgetown. PHOTO COURTESY OF
FROM PAGE 1
Colorado Cowboy Gathering performers, organizers reflect on importance of Western lifestyle, storytelling
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In the song “Night Rider’s Lament,” a cowboy reads a letter from home asking:
“Why do you ride for your money? / Tell me: Why do you rope for short pay? / You ain’t a’gettin’ nowhere / And you’re losin’ your share / Boy, you must have gone crazy out there.”
Perhaps some Colorado Cowboy Gathering attendees ask themselves the same thing every year, when the performers get on stage to sing songs and recite poems about long cattle drives, lonely nights in the wilderness, dangerous outlaws and other challenges one might face on the Western Frontier.
As those performers and organizers will explain, the cowboy lifestyle is certainly hard, but it’s also very rewarding.
“I’m grateful and blessed to remain in this lifestyle,” emcee Dennis Russell said.
Over the Jan. 17-19 weekend, the Colorado Cowboy Gathering returned to Golden for its annual shows at the Bu alo Rose. is year’s show featured 10 musical and poetry acts from four states.
e Jan. 17 “Kickin’ It O ” show was practically sold out with more than 200 attendees packed onto the main oor and spread around the balcony to enjoy a mix of original and classic cowboy poems and songs.
Russell was thankful for “so much participation,” as well as the quality of performers who traveled to Golden for the occasion.
e Colorado Cowboy Gathering started 36 years ago at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities and typically coincides with the National Western Stock Show.
Around 2011, CCG moved to the American Mountaineering Center in downtown Golden, Russell and fellow board member Susie Knight explained. e 2021
Cowboys & Friends
but returned in January 2022. However, the organizers decided to forgo the 2023 show, but returned in 2024 at a new Golden venue.
“It worked out for our crowd,” Knight said. “ e Bu alo Rose was calling our name. … (Golden’s) Western connection just calls to cowboy culture.”
Should have been a cowboy
While there aren’t many in Golden anymore, Knight de ned a cowboy as someone who knows how to ranch, handle cattle and ride horses. Being handy with a rope is good too, she added.
Knight, who lives in Conifer, rides horses and guides trail rides, among similar work.
Russell, who also ranches in Colorado, said working with livestock was a key trait of cowboys. But, he added that one’s relationship to the land is also crucial. Cowboys typically live “out at the end of the pavement” and have an intrinsic feeling for their surroundings, he described.
“You put the land and animals before yourself,” Russell continued. “ … You’re close to nature and close to God.”
Another aspect is following what Russell called “the cowboy code,” explaining: “When you give your word, you keep it.”
While this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, Russell and Knight said everyone can enjoy cowboy songs and poems. Knight described how the cowboy lifestyle is “romantic, attractive and wholesome” — traits that also pervade the songs and poems about it.
New Mexico musicians and twins Kacey and Jenna unborg, 19, shared their
original songs Jan. 17 during their rst trip to the Colorado Cowboy Gathering. e unborgs grew up on a ranch and embraced their passion for music at a young age, learning to play the guitar, sing and write songs.
Doug Figgs performs at the Colorado Cowboy Gathering’s “Kickin’ It O ” show Jan. 17 at the Bu alo Rose. This year’s Colorado Cowboy Gathering featured 10 poetry and musical acts from four states. Twins Jenna and Kacey Thunborg perform during the Colorado Cowboy Gathering’s “Kickin’ It O ” show Jan. 17 at the Bu alo Rose. Many attendees wore cowboy hats, boots and other Western apparel to the show, which typically coincides with the National Western Stock Show.
Like Knight and Russell, the unborgs said cowboy music and poetry often describes a love for the land; an appreciation for animals and people; and a respect for history and storytelling of the Old West.
Kacey described how she loves this style of music — calling it an “underground genre” — partly because of how di erent and soulful it is from other genres of music.
While these songs and stories of the Old West might not be completely true, it’s important to carry on the tradition, the unborgs said, and help others learn about and appreciate cowboy culture, they said.
“It’s a lot like folk music,” Jenna said. “It’s for the people. It’s relatable.”
For those on the outside looking in, the cowboy lifestyle might seem crazy or too hard, even if they appreciate the music and poetry it produces.
But, if the “Night Rider’s Lament” is anything to go by, the cowboys think everyone else is crazy. After all, they’re the ones missing out on the beauty of the untouched wilderness, the camaraderie of a cattle drive and seeing one’s perseverance pay dividends long-term.
“Why do they ride for their money? / Tell me: Why do they ride for short pay? / ey ain’t a’gettin’ nowhere / And they’re losin’ their share / Boy, they must have gone crazy out there / Son, they all must be crazy out there.”
PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Fred Powell, a Colorado Cowboy Gathering volunteer, inspects things at the back of the Bu alo Rose during the Jan. 17 afternoon show. The afternoon show, which was the first of the weekend, was sold out with more than 200 attendees.
Peggy Malone performs during the Colorado Cowboy Gathering’s “Kickin’ It O ” show Jan. 17 at the Bu alo Rose. Malone, who hails from Fruita, Colorado, has been in entertainment for nearly 60 years.
Discover more at your Clear Creek County library
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENT: NATIONAL LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH
February is National Library Lovers Month! Celebrate with a swoon-worthy prize drawing: each time you come to the library, ll out a heart entry card with a brief note explaining why you love your Clear Creek County Libraries. Two lucky winners will receive gift cards to local co ee shops at the end of the month! STORYTIMES
Share stories, play games, and get creative. Storytimes are a great opportunity to connect with other local families with young children!
Tooth Fairy Storytime: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Idaho Springs Public Library
Love & Hugs Storytime: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at John Tomay Memorial Library
Beautiful Colors Storytime: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Idaho Springs Public Library
Pizza Pie Storytime: 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at John Tomay Memorial Library
VALENTINE BINGO
Play bingo to compete for prizes! Yummy snacks to be served.
• Idaho Springs Public Library: 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
• John Tomay Memorial Library: 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
FRIDAY VIRTUAL REALITY SESSIONS
Explore new worlds at our virtual reality sessions for young patrons ages 12 years and older. Please email heather@cccld.org to learn more and register.
• Idaho Springs Public Library: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
• John Tomay Memorial Library: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21
FULL MOON SNOWSHOE EXCURSION (ages 18 years +)
5:45-8:45 p.m. ursday, Feb.13
Go on a moonlit adventure in the snow! Kimberly Knox of Georgetown Outdoor Discovery will guide us on an easy snowshoe hike on a local trail. Beginners are welcome, and snowshoes and poles will be provided. is activity is FREE for Clear Creek County Library cardholders and $25 for non-cardholders (a $100 value). More details will be provided upon registration. To learn more, please contact holly@cccld.org.
BOOK GROUPS
Connect with other local readers at our monthly book groups. Email libby@cccld.org for information.
• Idaho Springs Book Group: 4 p.m. Feb. 10. “ e Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods
• Georgetown Book Group: 3 p.m. Feb. 20. “ e Heaven & Earth Grocery Store”by James McBride
CONNECT WITH US
Idaho Springs Public Library: 303-567-2020
John Tomay Memorial Library (Georgetown): 303-569-2620
Email us at hello@cccld.org
Visit us at www.cccld.org
LIBRARY SERVICES
COLLECTION
Call or visit us to learn more and request items.
• Explore our book and movie collection at www.cccld.org
• View our Library of ings at https://cccld. org/library-of-things/
• Download the Libby App to your smart device to access thousands of e-books and eaudiobooks.
Do you have the Libby App? Download the Libby App by Overdrive to your smart device to access thousands of e-books and audiobooks, available for checkout with your library card. Visit https://cccld.org/libraryresources/ and click on the Overdrive/Libby icon to get started.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Many library resources are available online 24/7. Access young learner resources, aca-
including full text for nearly 3,900 peer-reviewed titles.
• BookFlix builds a love of reading through thematically-paired ction and non ction titles, plus animated storybook classics.
• Brainfuse provides online homework help through the HelpNow service. Take advantage of services like live online tutoring, the writing lab, collaborative study sessions, and more.
• Access digitized local newspapers from 1867 to 1926. Search your family name or topics of interest for a quick exploration of the county’s history.
• Our Local History Archives’ digital repository includes over 500 historical images (as well as oral histories and local music) of Clear Creek County for you to nd and explore.
Find our full catalog of online resources at https://cccld.org/library-resources/. Need help getting started? Connect with your friendly Clear Creek County librarian — we are here to help you!
HOME DELIVERY
Let us bring the library to you! Call us for details. Home delivery services are intended for homebound persons and patrons experiencing illness, and availability is determined by weather and sta ng.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Our library sta can assist you with a variety of tasks –– using a tablet or smartphone, navigating the internet, setting up an email account, and more. Call us or email heather@ cccld.org for more information.
PRINTS, COPIES, FAXES
Email printcccld@gmail.com or call your Clear Creek County Library branch to request prints, copies, and faxes — or just come in and use our equipment during our hours of operation!
NOTARY SERVICES
Notary services are FREE! Please contact your Clear Creek County Library branch to book your appointment.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
Help yourself to free, gently-loved books from our Little Free Libraries at numerous Clear Creek locations. Visit our website to learn more.
VISITING AND CURBSIDE PICKUP HOURS
All Clear Creek County Libraries will be closed Monday, Feb. 17, in honor of Presidents Day.
Idaho Springs Public Library Hours
Monday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
ursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Local History Archives: visitors are welcome with an appointment. Curbside pickup services: available by appointment; please contact us to schedule your pickup.
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Clear Creek Courant (USPS 52610)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Idaho Springs, Colorado, the Clear Creek Courant is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 1630 Miner St., Idaho Springs, CO 80452. PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Idaho Springs and additional mailing o ces.
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CORRECTIONS
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Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.
Storytime at the Idaho Springs Library.
FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
A heavenly thought
“JERRY FABYANIC
A fever called Living.” It’s a line in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “To Annie.” I was so moved by it that I instantly decided it would make an ideal theme and perfect title for an essay. But like what unfailingly happens when I write, thoughts and words veered in the direction they would.
The power of friendship, unwavering confidence and a commitment to action
TWORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
“To Annie” is a melancholy paean about resting serenely in the afterlife. Perhaps it was Poe’s notion of heaven. Maybe, but the poem indirectly alludes to the intensity of life in the 1840s. Since then, it’s grown exponentially more feverish.
Poe’s writings, like those of the many greats, invariably cause my mind to wonder about the mystery of life. at penchant began in the rst grade when I was introduced to my rst tome: my reader of Dick and Jane’s escapades. I quickly became fascinated with stories, both ctional and true-to-life. In time, history, psychology and the other ologies became strong interests. Actually, passions. e human condition and experience. I found adventurous stories very much to my liking. In the eighth grade, Sister Elenita prompted us boys to read “ e Hardy Boys” series, but when I saw what they were about, I thought, “Meh,” or something close to that. But it was then I discovered Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” I had no clue what a league was in that context because for me at that time it was the group of teams the Pittsburgh Pirates played in. I consulted a dictionary, but the concept remained vague. But it didn’t matter because I dove into the depth with Captain Nemo and discovered a wondrously mysterious world. To this day, I still nd adventure stories like Jon Krakauer’s “Into in Air,” Daniel James Brown’s “Boys in the Boat,” and the host of Hampton Sides’ books to be gripping page-turners. Nevertheless, my heart resides primarily in stories about the human condition. Generally not packed with page-turning adventure, mystery, or romance, literary ction takes the reader on a more perilous journey: into the recesses of the human mind. For me, there’s no better guide than John Steinbeck. In my estimation, he was the best in developing complex characters as they make their ways through the maze of life. us it happens that that literary preference dovetails perfectly with my passion for the ologies.
As I wrote in “Toning the Mind,” reading ought to provide an enjoyable escape from the mundane, bustle, and travails of life. But I already live far from omas Hardy’s Madding Crowd, never inclined to amass a golden nest egg, and continue to be a voracious reader. And now a writer. As such, I ruminate about the madness that’s infected us. I think about the world of illusion, delusion, and fantasy that the great writers diligently worked to bring to our consciousness with the hope, I presume, of dispelling social pathologies from our psyches. To little avail, it seems. But they never quit trying.
I try to carry on their work, but it’s a never-ending work in progress. Like it is with sports, art, and craftsmanship, watching and learning from the great ones is a terri c way to hone your skillset. To do that, to absorb an iota of Steinbeck’s literary touch, I crawl slowly through his novels and marvel at how without wasting words, even in his 600-hundred page opus, “East of Eden,” he guides the reader through the caverns of his characters’ minds and souls, discreetly detailing how their lives intersect in relation to the moral principle in play, like how the biblical Cain has gotten a bad rap.
I marvel at the human spirit and the achievements, perseverance, and goodness of those who don’t put money and career front and center, who are generous with their time, who are caring for and appreciative of their family, neighbors, and nation, and who live authentic, full-throated lives. I nd their stories uplifting and inspirational counterweights to the excesses of those in the throes of the fever of living. Poe, like each of us, had his notion about the afterlife. And here’s where I’ll probably o end at least part of the 73 percent of Americans that polls indicate believe in a literal heaven. For me, that notion is a fantasy, although I understand why many subscribe to it. Being that as it is, I prefer Robert Browning’s description of heaven: One’s reach exceeding their grasp. us, I pluck away on my keyboard with visions not of sugar plums dancing in my head but of carrying on the tradition of Steinbeck by doing what he tried to do — explain the inexplicable — and in like manner encouraging you, no matter your age or circumstance, to extend your reach beyond your grasp.
Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for ought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.
his week, I want to share some lesser-known insights about two remarkable leaders: Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I learned about some of their stories in a fantastic podcast called “Hope rough History.”
In 1940, Winston Churchill believed he was the only person capable of saving Great Britain from the impending invasion by Germany. When he was appointed Prime Minister, he was already a familiar name worldwide, but few people had con dence in his ability to lead, and even fewer believed that Britain could fend o a German invasion. Churchill’s conviction was undeniable. Ultimately, he proved to be an exceptional leader, signi cantly contributing to saving the world from a terrible fate.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s true genius as a political leader lay in his relentless pursuit of solutions and his belief that it was essential for people to maintain hope. He rmly believed that combining action with hope would lead to excellent results. FDR developed this philosophy during his struggles with polio; it became central to all his endeavors.
During World War II, these two world leaders became close friends. At one point, Churchill even received a letter from Roosevelt that concluded with, “It is fun to be in the same decade as
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 newspaper. Items will appear in
UPCOMING
Groundhog Story Time at Clear Creek Library District: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at John Tomay Library 605 Sixth St. Georgetown. “Hop into the fun of Groundhog Day with Miss Honeybun.”
Learn to Curl: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 Werlin Ice Rink 1014 Taos St., Georgetown. Sponsored by Cloud City Curling Club and Cabin Creek Brewing. Tickets $15.
Full Moon Shoe Shoe Excursion: 5:45 p.m. ursday, Feb. 13. Clear Creek Library District holds a snowshoeing guided tour under the moon. Tickets and information at holly@ cccld.org. Must be at least 18 years old.
Jim Roome
you.” In many ways, both men played crucial roles in saving the world. eir friendship and core beliefs serve as inspiring models for us today, especially during personally challenging times.
As the con ict progressed, Churchill and Roosevelt’s friendship deepened. During World War II, they spent 113 days meeting face-to-face and exchanged over 2,000 letters and messages. e bond they forged allowed them to navigate numerous difculties together, with encouragement and support evident in every communication.
When we face struggles, one of the most important things we can do is seek out our friends. eir presence provides immense support. Celebrate those friendships; they can help you overcome any di cult situation.
Beyond their friendship, when we examine the foundational beliefs of Churchill and Roosevelt, we see that the combination of absolute con dence, commitment to action, and unwavering hope was not only present in their every word and action but also instrumental in saving the world.
Pond Hockey Tournament: Saturday, Feb. 22, Georgetown Lake Cabin Creek Brewing. Information: jenn@ccmrd.com.
ONGOING
Idaho Springs Lions Club meetings: 7:30 a.m. every rst and third ursday of the month at Marions of the Rockies, 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. Come join us and help to serve our community. For information – www.islions. org, email info@isLions.org or call 720-608-1140.
Clear Creek Democrats:5-7 p.m. “ irsty 3rd ursday” at the Vintage Moose, 12 16th Ave. in Idaho Springs. Non-alcoholic options and snacks are provided.
ose same core beliefs — condence, action, and hope — can transform our individual worlds today, just as they did during World War II.
I understand that struggles can be overwhelming and that some days may feel insurmountable. However, do not lose sight of the fact that friendships, unwavering con dence, a commitment to action and hope are powerful pillars upon which to build your approach to adversity. With these as your foundation, you will prevail. I hope my words inspire you, and that you will share them with those who need encouragement. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly enjoy hearing how you nd valuable insights in these columns and use them to uplift those around you. is week, I would especially love to hear how the foundations of friendship, con dence, action and hope help you. You can reach me at jim.roome@gmail.com.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.
CASA of the Continental Divide seeks volunteers:CASACD promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy e orts of trained CASA volunteers. Be the di erence and advocate for the youth in our community. e o ce can
be reached at 970-513-9390.
Clear Creek EMS/Evergreen Fire Rescue Launch Mugs for Rugs Campaign: Bring an old throw rug and you’ll leave with a 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. Clear Creek EMS also o ers fall-risk assessments by bringing someone from the re department to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. To request a visit, ll out the form at clearcreekcounty.us/1388/ Community-Outreach.
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact
Columnist
CURRENTS
gested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Resilience1220 counseling: Young people 12 to 20 can get free counseling through an Evergreen-based 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 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. Sug-
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concan worlds during can some insurmountable. the unwavering acpilapas prevail. you, with encouragement. has so you these uplift week, hear friendand me with in learned being bediagnosed him freelance life to encourage international volunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.
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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.
Clear Creek County Lookout Alert: e CodeRED alerts have been replaced by the Lookout Alert. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts county-wide by signing up at www.lookoutalert.co. e new site replaces CodeRED following the switch to Je Com911 for emergency dispatch earlier this year.
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FETCHING SUCCESS
Local businesses serve Denver’s dog-lover haven
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From handcrafted shampoo bars to stylish bow ties and everything in between, Denver businesses o ering specialized products and services for dogs are thriving in a city catered to man’s best friend.
e owners and creators behind these unique ventures shared why they enjoy improving the quality of life for the dogs of Denver, as well as why they think Denver loves canines.
Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC
Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC in Englewood is dedicated to helping dogs from puppies to senior dogs “fetch more out of life.”
“Our facility focuses on a number of bene ts for dogs from rehab rehabilitation, which is physical therapy for dogs, to recreational swimming tness and conditioning and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine along with chiropractic so any orthopedic or neurological issue that a dog has can be treated on the clinical side and recreationally the tness and conditioning and swimming pool helps healthy dogs stay t and healthy,” founder Lori Beuerle said.
Originally from Michigan, Beuerle said she opened the Englewood location in 2005 and a Broom eld location in 2010 with business partner and physical therapist Marty Pease.
Beuerle was seeking help for her dog, Clark.
“He had a shoulder issue that the orthopedic surgeon said we could either try physical therapy or rehab rehabilitation or exploratory surgery,” Beuerle said. “So there was a physical therapist operating out of the VRCC in the back o ce parttime and I decided to go with physical therapy and it solved the issue.”
After undergoing physical therapy, Beuerle said Clark was back to normal and didn’t have to undergo surgery. Pease was the physical therapist who helped Clark.
“ at convinced me that it needed to be available to more people so I talked with (Pease),” Beuerle said. “And she said, ‘I’d absolutely love to. I just don’t know what to do.’ So, I said ‘I can help with that.’ So, we started working together and nine months later we opened our Englewood location.”
She said over the years people throughout the metro area have responded well to the care offered at her facilities.
Beuerle said this response is the best aspect of her business.
“It’s just so rewarding to see a dog come in that is either not walking well or not walking at all and we’ve had cases where they’ve received acupuncture or underwater treadmill and they’ve been able to walk out the door,” Beuerle said.
Beuerle said one unique aspect of her business is that each location has the largest swimming
pools for dogs in Colorado and the pools contain freshwater.
“I thought recreational swimming would allow us to bring in more people to educate them on what rehabilitation can do and it worked out,” she said. “It wasn’t just a marketing piece. It was something that the community loves for their dogs.”
Beuerle feels people in Denver cater so much to dogs due to the weather and outdoor activities.
“We’ve got a lot of recreational activities for people (and they) move here because of it. ey can ski, hike, rock climb and all sorts of things,” she said. “So with that, we include our dogs as our family members and that is an attraction along with it that allows us to have businesses that can serve that population.”
Going forward, Beuerle said she hopes to expand nationally and open about 10-15 more locations around the country so that people everywhere have access to these services for their dogs.
Learn more at dog-swim.com.
Buddy Bows
While some Denver businesses focus on physical health, others like Denver’s Buddy Bows were created to help dogs with their sense of style.
Co-owner Peter Horton said Buddy Bows started going to markets in October last year. “Buddy Bows is a pet fashion accessory company and basically we design and handmake bowties for dogs,” Horton said.
e idea for the business initially began in April after Horton’s girlfriend and co-owner Michelle San Miguel designed a bowtie for her dog.
“I just absolutely fell in love with it so I asked her to make a couple for my dogs and she did and ever since I put them on the dog…literally every person was like, ‘Oh my God, I love the bowtie,”’ Horton said. “So I thought I should look into this to see if maybe it could be a potential business opportunity.”
Horton said the market is fragmented and while a lot of businesses are selling bow ties, they are not all the best quality.
“It’s like an ancillary product that a lot of other pet supply companies are doing and most of them are made in China and are very cheaply made and so we wanted to establish a true brand just for the bowties,” Horton said.
Horton said he and San Miguel work together to hand make the bows as Horton maps them out and San Miguel sews everything together.
Since they started selling their bowties, they’ve received very positive feedback.
“We have people that are absolutely just oored,” Horton said. “ ey’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is the greatest thing in the world. I’ve never seen this.’ And then they buy them.”
Horton feels the reason why people love the bowties is because they love to see their dogs looking cute.
“I don’t really know how to put it into words, but
it just brings a natural smile to your face and it’s just adorable,” Horton said.
San Miguel also feels Denver is so catered to dogs because of all the outdoor activities available that people can do with their dogs.
“I can’t speak for everyone of course, but there is something wonderful about the company of a fur baby,” San Miguel said. “ ey bring pure joy and love. ere’s nothing better than their love.”
For San Miguel the best aspect of Buddy Bows is meeting fellow dog owners and their “fur-babies.”
“I love getting to meet and see all the fur babies at events, pictures of fur babies with their new bow ties and getting to be a part of the community of creators and small business owners,” San Miguel said.
Horton loves working with San Miguel because it’s fun and he loves that their product makes people smile.
Going forward, both San Miguel and Horton hope the business will expand.
Learn more at buddybows.com.
SEE DOG HAVEN, P11
Owner of Buddy Bows, Michelle San Miguel’s dog Inu wears one of her first bow tie prototypes. San Miguel now hand makes and sells various types of bow ties for dogs with her boyfriend Peter Horton. COURTESY OF PETER HORTON
DOG HAVEN
Buddy Scrub
While San Miguel and Horton focus on canine fashion, 32-year-old Denverite Mitchell Teston, owner of Buddy Scrub, creates natural grooming products for dogs right in his mother’s kitchen.
“I make three things and I kind of just keep it simple,” Teston said. “I’m really happy with the way those three things work, and I’ve thought about expanding, but I keep changing my mind because I keep (sticking) to what I know.”
e three products Teston makes include a shampoo bar, coat spritzers and balms for their paws and nose.
“ e only other variation I have is ve di erent scents for the shampoo bars and the spritzers,” Teston said.
ose scents include sweet coconut, light grass, aloe and clover, eucalyptus and fresh-cut grass, which is his favorite.
Teston said his products, while not completely all-natural, are safe for dogs as he uses fragrant oils and not essential oils.
“All the ingredients in it are really gentle stu ,” Teston said. “It’s PH balanced for dogs so it’s not harsh. It won’t overly dry out their skin. A lot of dog shampoos from a dollar store, for example, like, yeah, it’ll clean your dog, but it’s not really balanced well and it can actually make them itchy or dry out.”
He explained he uses a buttermilk base, coconut oil extract and nely ground oatmeal in his items.
“One common question I get is if it’s all natural, and unfortunately, it’s not, but that’s just a conscious decision I make, so it’s higher quality and has a longer shelf life, and even so, I don’t use anything that’s super out there,” Teston said.
Buddy Scrub was started in 2021 after Teston was inspired by his mother Sharry Henk, who makes soaps and candles.
“I kind of took that idea and tried to make it more realistic and I was like, ‘Well, maybe I could make soaps, but I want to do something that’s more unique,” Teston said.
For Teston, the best aspect of being a business owner is talking with customers both new and returning and being able to reassure them that his product is quality and will directly help with any issues or concerns.
“I’m just glad to be so involved and out front with everything,” Teston said. “So, yeah, that’s one nice thing in contrast to some of (those) bigger stores.”
Similarly to his fellow dog business owners, Teston believes Denver is so focused on dogs because of the outdoors.
“I think it’s just that kind of lifestyle that is fun and it invites space to have a companion with you,” Teston said. “ ere’s a lot of parks in Denver. at’s something I’ve come to appreciate over time…Denver feels a lot more open and a lot more space to have a dog.”
Currently, Teston works in higher education full-time and runs Buddy Scrub in his spare time with help from Henk and his girlfriend Jessica Pike.
Going forward, Teston said he hopes to work in other businesses including nonpro ts that help dogs and animals.
“I hope to get a little more regular with the markets and events I go to,” Teston said. “(Also) just kind of building a network of working with other businesses and adoption agencies and just other things beyond just farmers markets type things.”
Learn more at buddyscrubpet.com.
A client at Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC in Englewood utilizes water walking, a service they o ered to dogs to help improve their quality of life. COURTESY OF CANINE REHABILITATION & CONDITIONING GROUP LLC
An employee at Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC assists a dog through an exercise. The facility provides many services to improve the quality of life for canines from puppies to senior dogs.
COURTESY OF CANINE REHABILITATION & CONDITIONING GROUP LLC
Buddy Scrub owner and operator Mitch Teston begins the process to make one of his shampoo bars for dogs. Teston has operated his business for the last four years and sells his products at local farmers markets.
PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
Mitch Teston, owner of Buddy Scrub, makes three pet care products for dogs including shampoo bars, spritzers and paw and nose balms in the kitchen of his mothers apartment. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
Owners of Buddy Bow Michelle San Miguel and Peter Horton at their first event after deciding to make bow ties for dogs.
COURTESY OF PETER HORTON
Lookout Mountain Road is now closed every night
First responders, administrators testing overnight gate access through Jan. 28
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Any locals wanting to drive up to or down from Lookout Mountain at night should nd an alternative route.
A 4.1-mile stretch of Lookout Mountain Road across parklands will be closed to motor vehicles all night, every night, Je co Open Space o cials have announced. e closure went into e ect Jan. 29.
e only exceptions will be for rst responders and those with administrative access, like the local water district and the antenna operators, and in emergency situations like evacuations.
e road will be closed when the surrounding park areas close, which is one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. In the winter, this is roughly 7 p.m.-5 a.m.
“We are encouraging motorists to plan accordingly if they travel after hours and choose alternate routes to reach their destination,” JCOS spokesman Matt Robbins stated in an Jan. 15 email update on the road closure.
Robbins con rmed the transmission lines and transformers at both the lower and upper gate sites have been installed. JCOS sta , rst responders and those with administrative access were scheduled to test their overnight access through Jan. 15-
the testing and training period,” Robbins continued.
Lookout Mountain Road will be open overnight for pedestrians and cyclists only. ey can’t use the trails, pullouts or restrooms, and signs will be posted at each gate site informing people of overnight rules. If problems continue overnight, Open Space o cials have said those privileges can be taken away. e project has been in the works for over a year, and residents on both sides of Lookout Mountain Road have generally supported it, as gun re and other illegal activity have become more frequent and
o cials said Nov. 11 was the earliest possible date given the project’s legal requirements and practical scope. roughout the process, including at public meetings this summer, some residents asked Open Space for access codes so they could continue to use the roads overnight, as they have for decades.
However, project lead Mary Ann Bonnell continually outlined several safety problems with that proposal, including potentially sharing their codes with others, visitors “piggybacking” o them as they drive through the gates, and endangering the pedestrians and cyclists using the roadway
A cyclist navigates a switchback while riding up Lookout Mountain Road Feb. 29. Permanent overnight closures along a 4.1-mile stretch of the road were scheduled to start Jan. 29.
e gates can be opened and closed remotely, she has explained, so rst responders can facilitate evacuations or respond to other emergencies.
Golden Police o cers and Je co Sheri ’s deputies have con rmed they’ll continue to patrol along the road for problems. ey’ll also keep a close eye on the surrounding areas to ensure the illegal behaviors don’t move into the neighborhoods and parking lots.
Additionally, JCOS will have several rounds of trash cleanup, gra ti removal and other work to address problem behaviors currently tied to the area’s overnight activity, Bonnell continued.
For more information, visit je co.us.
Colorado names its top five air contaminants
Next comes rules to regulate them in street-level toxic air program
BY PARKER YAMASAKI THE COLORADO SUN
e Colorado Air Quality Control Commission on Jan. 17 named ve pollutants as priority air toxics, one of the key steps in a multiyear process to ratchet back neighborhood air pollution. ose hazardous pollutants, known as air toxics, are formaldehyde, benzene, hexavalent chromium compounds, ethylene oxide and hydrogen sul de. e contaminants are separate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas and ozone regulations, though four of the ve of them appear on both lists. e new list, known as regulation 30, was created to target street-level toxins with adverse health e ects on individuals, and to ll in gaps in the federal framework.
e list is the latest move to comply with Colorado House Bill 1244, passed in 2022, which laid out a roadmap to a more robust toxic contaminants program. One of the bill’s statutes required the Air Quality Control Commission and Air Pollution Control Division to identify “up to ve” priority toxins by April 30, which will become the focus of a yearlong regulationbuilding process.
By April 30, 2026, the commission must create “health-based” standards for each of the toxins, and establish new monitoring and enforcement protocols.
e state-led program is meant to be more stringent than the EPA’s regulations, and will be shielded from any federal changes to the EPA. e new program also gives the commission more exibility in determining which compounds to target.
e bill allows contaminants to be added at any time, within reason, and requires a review of the list at least once every ve years. Advocacy groups like Green Latinos encouraged the division to review the list on a more frequent, rolling basis.
While representatives from Weld County’s Board of Commissioners were concerned about the feasibility of constantly creating new regulations.
“All legislation as it pertains to air quality is not just a matter of, you know, meeting ambitious goals around (nitrogen oxide) reduction or greenhouse gas reduction, but rather what are the speci c things we’re doing to improve the health of residents in Colorado,” said Michael Ogletree, director of the Air Pollution Control Division.
ose speci cs were debated by representatives from the oil and gas industry, environmental justice groups, local governments and county commissioners ursday and Friday.
Meet your top five toxics
Almost every toxin selected by the Air Pollution Control Division was challenged at some point during the two days of testimony. e biggest headaches for the commission were the inclusion of acrolein — swapped for formaldehyde at the eleventh hour — and hydrogen sul de, a compound that is not agged by the EPA as a hazardous air pollutant.
So, what are the rst ve toxics?
e compound formaldehyde was presented by the Green Latinos advocacy group as a substitute for acrolein, which was originally included on the list. Both are combustion-related compounds emitted from natural gas processing plants. However, formaldehyde is considered a probable cancer-causing compound by the EPA, where acrolein is not. A number of other parties followed Green Latino’s suit and pushed to include formaldehyde instead of acrolein. e largest emitter by far of formaldehyde in Colorado is wild res. But looking only at sources that can be directly regulated, the impacts of regulation would mostly be felt in the oil and gas industry. Benzene, on the other hand, received almost no pushback.
It’s a widely used chemical found in everyday sources like cleaning products, paint and gasoline, and is also emitted from combustion sources, like vehicle ex-
NEW YEAR, NEW PLAYS
The Su ragette’s Murder
By Sandy Rustin
Directed by Margot Bordelon
WORLD PREMIERE
WORLD PREMIERE
An air particle and quality monitoring device provided by Boulder AIR on Feb. 17, 2023, in Commerce City. PHOTO BY OLIVIA SUN FOR THE COLORADO SUN VIA REPORT FOR AMERICA
AIR QUALITY
haust and res. Most of the stationary benzene emissions in Colorado — about 70% — come from oil and gas activities.
Residents in Commerce City and northeast Denver have criticized the nearby Suncor re nery for exposing them to benzene for years, and the EPA has repeatedly cited and ned the re nery for its out-of-control emissions.
Hexavalent chromium was chosen because of its cancer risk. e vast majority of hexavalent chromium emitted in Colorado comes from coal- red power plants, which the state is in the process of shutting down by 2031. e division maintained that the greatest risks to individuals’ health comes from smaller manufacturers that work with metals and glass.
Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas used in making a range of everyday products, including antifreeze, textiles, plastics, detergents and adhesives, according to the division. It’s primarily emitted from
commercial sterilizers, like Terumo BCT in Lakewood, which is already under ethylene oxide restrictions after pressure from nearby residents and the EPA.
Finally, hydrogen sul de, the colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs at low levels (the one that signals a nearby hot spring), is emitted from natural sources, like decaying organic matter, and industrial activities like petroleum re ning and wastewater processing.
Hydrogen sul de is not on the EPA’s list of hazardous air pollutants, and has not been shown to cause cancers. According to the division’s report, it was added to the list because of its cumulative e ects — its ability to join with other toxic compounds and cause headache, nausea and chronic coughs, among other symptoms. e data showing hydrogen sul de as a signi cant risk was primarily taken from monitors by the nonpro t advocacy group Cultivando, which tracks the air quality around Commerce City.
e limited data around hydrogen sulde raised questions from groups like the Colorado Petroleum Association and Metro Water Recovery. e toxin is emitted from the wastewater treatment cen-
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ter’s massive “digesters,” tanks where the matter is broken down. Metro asked the commission to exempt wastewater facilities from its regulations.
But advocacy groups from Commerce City and northeast Denver provided resident testimony and data that encouraged the commission to include the compound in its priority list. As the commission later reiterated, one of the reasons the air toxics program was created is to ll in gaps in the federal framework, and the lack of widespread data didn’t preclude its inclusion.
Representatives from the City and County of Denver went a step further and insisted that “lived experience” should be considered relevant data for choosing new toxins.
What’s in and what’s out
To narrow it down to the rst ve targeted toxics, the Air Pollution Control Division started with a list of 477 possible contenders — basically, anything found in Colorado air that has been known to cause cancer or other serious health effects.
ey surveyed state-controlled air
quality monitors, and EPA measurements and models, to whittle that list down to 142 contaminants with enough data available to analyze, then screened each one for its cancer and noncancer risks. at process popped out 41 contaminants that exceeded the risk thresholds. For cancer risk, that threshold is anything greater than 100 cancer cases per million people caused by a single compound. For noncancer risk, that threshold is measured as a “hazard quotient.” Anything above a hazard quotient of 1 is expected to cause adverse e ects.
Finally, the division ruled out any toxics emitted mainly by vegetation, soils or wild res, and excluded mobile sources of toxics. e remaining toxics were ranked from highest to lowest in terms of cancer and noncancer risks, and the ve compounds were chosen.
ree toxins were chosen because they had the highest risk rankings in each category, two were chosen because of their high risk and wide exposure.
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A chicken and a rotten egg situation
One major point of contention at Thursday’s hearing was about the order of operations. The statute requires the commission to pick out their priority toxics before April 30, after which, the regulatory discussions can begin.
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Oil and Gas Asso -
ciation, the American Petroleum Institute and Weld County commissioners all argued that the process was too stripped of context to make informed decisions. Weld County argued for a more “holistic” approach to the decision process, and urged the commission not to get “caught up” in the stepby-step deadlines.
All of the groups emphasized the need to gain the public’s trust with the new program, and argued that prematurely deciding which contaminants to regulate, without assessing feasibility
or economic impacts, could ruin the chances of a successful program rollout.
Advocacy groups like Cultivando and Green Latinos, on the other hand, pushed for establishing the priority contaminants. And the Air Pollution Control Division, which will be responsible for implementing the new program, acknowledged that the new program is a “paradigm shift” in how the commission and division manage risks.
“(We) have spent a lot of effort re -
cently before this commission to address global pollution, climate change, and regional pollutants in our areas of non-attainment,” said Amanda Damweber, air toxics regulation supervisor for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Air toxics are fundamentally different. They require new policies and regulations to better manage risk for Colorado.”
This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.
lations along approximately 9.2 miles of Fall River Road.
Bids are requested for the following Contract: RC 25-01 Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for Construction Contract (Stipulated Price)
Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/bids.aspx
Prospective Bidders must register as a plan holder via email to receive a link to the Prospective Bidder Submittal Folder, Project invitations to the mandatory pre-bid meeting and bid opening: Email scanada@clearcreekcounty.us; subject line RC 25-01 RFB. Prospective Bidders are urged to sign up to receive a text message or email when new Bidding Documents are periodically uploaded to the designated website such as addenda, reports, and other
oradans
LEAP ayuda a los residentes elegibles de Colorado a pagar una parte de sus gastos de calefacciòn de invierno.
