City moves to reduce fatalities on Alameda Boulevard
BY ALLEN COWGILL
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
A disproportionate number of Denver’s most serious and fatal crashes happen along Alameda Boulevard. And the section of Alameda within a few blocks east and west of Downing Street are among the most dangerous in the city, with a crash rate almost seven times higher than the average Denver arterial street.
Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) wants to decrease that rate by reducing speeding along Alameda, as well as Federal Boulevard, through a pilot program aimed at reducing crash deaths on the two streets in what has become known as Denver’s high-injury network.
e move comes after several record years of tra c-crash deaths, including 2023, when 83 people were killed in crashes on Denver streets. e city recently doubled down on its Vision Zero by 2030 goal of decreasing tra c deaths to zero.
“Building a safe and vibrant Denver means improving tra c safety by reducing speeds on Denver roads,” Mayor Mike Johnston said. “I’m proud to roll out our new pilot program that coordinates evidence-based actions that are shown to reduce speeds and reduce deaths.”
A DOTI report found that speed was the biggest factor in fatal and serious injury crashes, thus the pilot program will focus on reducing the number of drivers choosing to speed.
VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 14| CALENDAR: 17
At 40 mph, a pedestrian struck by a driver has a 73% chance of a serious or fatal injury. By reducing the speed of a car to 30 mph, that same pedestrian now has a 40% chance of a serious or fatal injury. e posted speed limit for the stretch of Alameda Boulevard near Downing Street is 30 mph.
DOTI will be taking a multilayer approach to reduce speeding. For starters, it wants to give drivers a chance to slow down on their own before it starts issuing speeding tickets. It’ll post additional speed limit signs, add the type of speed feedback signs that tell drivers what speed they are going, and implement a marketing program warning drivers to slow down.
These teens want to change the world — starting with Colorado laws
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Help schools install solar panels to cut fossil fuel use. Reduce cafeteria food waste by creating “share” tables and composting programs. Stock opioid overdose remedies in school AED cabinets. ese are a few of ideas that Colorado teens recently proposed to state lawmakers as part of a program that seeks to include young people in the legislative process. It’s possible some of the ideas could eventually become law.
Most of the eight proposals presented by students on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council touched on environmental or health issues. Others addressed the shortage of school bus transportation and the di culty that students with disabilities face in navigating school buildings. e advisory council consists of 40 students from across the state who are appointed for two-year terms.
One theme that emerged from ursday’s presentations was students’ concern about the impact of climate change and their desire for solutions.
Alex Fabbri, a 17-year-old who attends Lakewood High School, suggested the creation of a state program that would award grants and no-interest loans for schools to install solar panels. He cited both the rising cost of natural gas and the fact that burning fossil fuels worsens the greenhouse e ect on the Earth’s atmosphere.
SEE LAWS, P11
Getting past emotional, money hurdles to be a
Cars traveling on Alameda Boulevard at Downing Street, a section of Alameda where the crash rate is nearly seven times the average Denver arterial street. E orts to reduce speeding and tra c fatalities are coming to drivers on Alameda. PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
RTD extends free fare for youth program
Zero Fare for Youth initiative earned praise from schools and youth groups in the metro area
MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Kids ages 19 and under can continue to ride Regional Transportation District buses and trains for free after a one-year trial program that was supposed to end Aug. 31 is now a regular feature in the district.
Positive reviews of the Zero Fare for Youth e ort – especially from schools and youth groups – prompted the RTD Board of Directors Tuesday to let the program continue beyond the one-year pilot, with no disruptions to youth customers. e zero-fare initiative allows youth ages 19 and under to use all RTD services at no cost.
“Since Zero Fare for Youth began last year, my team and I have heard directly from the public that the program has proven to be a gamechanger, enabling youth to have access to schools, work and extracurricular activities without the concern of how they will pay their fares,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said in a news
“Zero Fare for Youth is helping RTD’s youngest customers understand how their new habits are aiding air quality in their communities and supporting their freedom to explore and gain independence. RTD is also developing transit customers for life,” Johnson said.
Extending the pilot
e one-year pilot program initially launched on Sept. 1, 2023, to
provide a ordable, equitable and simple transit options for youth, the news release states.
e pilot was based on a key recommendation from the agency’s fare study and equity analysis, the news release states. Youth ages 19 and under can now continue to present a valid student or government-issued ID and use all of RTD’s services at no cost. A full list of acceptable ID options can be found on the Zero Fare for Youth webpage.
RTD received positive feedback from many schools about the program’s impact in reducing truancy, and it garnered support from school districts, youth organizations and customers across the entire Denver metro area, according to the news release.
e Colorado legislature passed a bill in May 2024 to appropriate up to $5 million to RTD to continue a zero-fare program for youth. SB24032 Methods to Increase the Use of Transit outlines RTD’s eligibility to apply for and receive grant money to provide year-round, zero-fare transit services for youth.
RTD o cials say the Zero Fare for Youth program provides many bene ts for youth and their families, including cost and time savings. Using RTD’s buses and trains increases independence by reducing dependence on others for transportation, and it provides young people with the freedom and exibility to travel where they need to go, the news release states.
People age 19 and younger can now ride RTD buses and trains for free. MONTE WHALEY
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Less Than 3% of Homeowners Took Advantage of Clean Energy Tax Credits in 2023
The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included generous incentives to homeowners who invest in clean energy (such as solar panels) or in energy improvements (such as improved insulation, windows or doors).
Only 3.4 million households took advantage of those tax credits nationwide on their 2023 tax returns. That was just under 2.5% of filed tax returns. In Colorado, the number was 65,810 households, or 2.9% of tax returns filed. The states with the largest participation were California, Florida and Texas, but only Florida saw over 3% of tax returns that included the tax credit (3.26%), and the other two states had rates lower than Colorado’s.
seems to be the case since 15 percent of the 3.4 million nationwide returns which took advantage of the tax credit had Adjusted Gross Incomes under $50,000. Just under half of the returns had AGIs under $100,000. The largest bracket was AGIs of $100-200,000 that numbered 1.2 million returns or 35% of all filed returns.
the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. The average tax credit taken for those systems was $12,078.
A total of $8.4 billion in tax credits was taken by taxpayers. The program is still active, and any taxpayer who wants to reduce his/her home’s operating costs should seriously consider taking advantage of the tax credits, which remain in place through 2032. I have posted a link for its provisions at http:// RealEstateToday.substack.com
One of the smallest amounts, $55.4 million in tax credits, were claimed by 36,820 households nationwide for my favorite investment, energy audits.
The average tax credit for home energy improvement such as solar panels, solar water heating and home battery installations was $5,084. The average credit for improvement in energy efficiency, such as better windows, air sealing and heat pumps, was $882.
Questions to Ask When Buying a Solar-Powered Home
I have always said that the most affordable way to “go solar” is to buy a home that’s already solar-powered. The reason is that the price differential on a solar-powered home versus a home that is not solar-powered is minimal. (Don’t invest in solar if you’re not keeping your home at least 5-10 years, because you won’t recover the cost of your investment when you sell your home.)
So, let’s say you’re buying a solar-
powered home. Most of what you need to know should be on the MLS. Is the system owned or leased, or is it owned by a 3rd party which sells the electricity to the home owner under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)? The MLS says when it was installed and how big it is (in kilowatts), but you’ll need to find out if it still performs efficiently. You might want to hire an agent like me to represent you in your purchase.
The intention of the program is to benefit working families and small businesses to lower their utility expenses by improving their homes and offices. That
Your Best Deal on an EV Is a Used One From a Dealer
I learned the hard way that you can’t get a good deal on a used EV unless you buy it from a dealer. The reason is that there’s a 30% Clean Vehicle tax credit up to $4,000 on used EVs, but only if they are under $25,000 and purchased from a dealer. I have posted on http://RealEstateToday.substack.com a link to the IRS web page with the details on qualifying for the tax credit.
I tried selling my 2015 Model S, but no one wanted it at a reasonable price, so I ended up selling it to CarMax. Google “Used EVs Under $25,000” and you’ll see there are lots to choose from.
August 15th is the day which Denver’s MLS, REcolorado, set for removing buyer agent compensation from all MLS listings in compliance with the March 15th settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a class of home sellers in Missouri. NAR had set the deadline for Aug. 17th. August 15th is also the date that new state-approved contracts consistent with the NAR settlement become mandatory in Colorado. I wrote about that on Aug. 1st. (see www.JimSmithColumns.com.)
Theoretically, home buyers will start paying the brokers who represent them in the purchase of real estate, but I will be surprised if a single home buyer pays anything at all for professional representation. That’s because most sellers will agree to offer compensation, leaving any seller who does not offer compensa-
Although the credits vary from one improvement to another, it is generally a 30% on the cost of the improvement, including labor. The most popular improvement is solar photovoltaic installations, claimed by 752,300 households nationwide. The second most popular improvement was insulation, followed by exterior windows and skylights and central air conditioners.
Heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters were also a popular improvement, claimed by 267,780 and 104,180 households respectively.
Just under $1 billion in tax credits were claimed by 80,730 taxpayers for
Archive of Past Columns Is Online
Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com
Commissions
Off the MLS
tion in an untenable position — no buyer will want to make an offer on homes that require them to pay their agent. Keep in mind that most buyers are already heavily burdened in the transaction to buy a home, especially when they are having to finance their purchase with a mortgage at 6% or higher interest rates. They have to pay for inspection, for appraisal, for loan origination, first-year’s home insurance premium, and for escrow deposits to cover next year’s property taxes and insurance renewal. Only cash buyers are spared those heavy upfront costs. If sellers wants to attract buyers, they will need to offer compensation. It’s just that they can’t advertise it on the MLS. They’ll still let buyers know, either on a home-specific website (like we provide), on a sign rider, or in a brochure.
We Need to Level-Up Sustainability & Recycling
Have you heard of toilet paper made from bamboo? I hadn’t either, but when I read the pitch for it, I was sold. Regular toilet paper is made, like other paper, from trees. But trees grow back slowly, whereas bamboo is famous for growing quickly. It would be a lot better for the planet if everyone switched to bamboo toilet paper. Rita and I received our first order last week, and we are sold on it. It’s the only toilet paper we’ll buy now, online from both Amazon and Costco.com. I made another discovery recently. Those plastic jars you buy for everything from yogurt to milk and milk substitutes are wrapped in plastic that must be removed in order to recycle the bottle. At left is a picture of two quart bottles, plus a third in the middle with its label removed. The back of the milk bottle contains the notice shown at right:
It’s common practice in our home now to cut those plastic wrappers off and trash them before putting the bottles in the recycling bin. Some bottles, such as Activia’s Probiotic Dailies, have a marked “zipper” on them, making it easy. Others don’t even tell you that the wrapper must be removed, and you need a pointed knife to remove the wrap.
When we were in New Zealand in February, I saw a bicycle in the window of a Nespresso storefront. Looking closer, there was a sign on it saying that the bike’s aluminum frame was made of recycled Nespresso pods. We have one of Nespresso’s coffee makers, and now we keep one of their free postage paid recycling bags under the counter in our kitchen. Call Nespresso at 855-325-5781, and they’ll mail you some. K-cups can be recycled curbside after you remove the lid and contents. Do you want to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic? It’s becoming popular for restaurant-goers to bring Tupperware containers with them for leftovers. Rita does that. Also, there’s increasing popularity of “refill shops” where you buy bulk dry and liquid groceries to refill your own bottles or containers. Here’s a map from Googling it.
A story of family as much as business
Los Dos Portillos restaurants serve the metro
BY ISABEL GUZMAN
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e popular south metro Mexican restaurant, Los Dos Portillos, announced last week that it will open a Denver location early next year near Colorado Boulevard and Interstate 25.
e rst location opened in Centennial in 2002 because at the time, the suburbs lacked authentic Mexican cuisine, said Daniel Ramirez, CEO of the family-owned Los Dos Potrillos.
Today, the restaurant currently has ve locations in the south metro area: Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Parker and Castle Rock.
“Expanding to Denver is an important step for us, allowing us to connect and serve a new group of diners,” added Luis Ramirez, Daniel’s brother, who serves as the restaurant’s COO and president. “Our Los Dos family is excited about this growth and cannot wait to bring our delicious food and overall dining experience to a new community in such a centralized location.”
e new location will be
at 4100 E. Mexico Ave., Ste. G, in Denver’s Virginia Village neighborhood.
e brothers grew up together in the restaurant.
“We lived in the booths, we slept there and did our homework there. Our teachers were our servers,” Daniel recalled. “ e hope is to continue expanding, where we can continue creating as much value as we possibly can … and ask ourselves … how can we make each restaurant feel like home for the community?”
Daniel now has his own children, who are getting more involved in the business as they grow older.
“I love being able to bring my son here because … he wants to go into the kitchen and make an experiment,” he said.
Los Dos Potrillos opened its Castle Rock location in January, the rst restaurant the brothers built from the ground up. ey modeled the building after Mexican haciendas, complete with arches and an outdoor patio featuring guava plants.
e Denver location is planned to include a new Mexican brunch menu, beer brewed by Los Dos Potrillos and the same traditional Mexican family value atmosphere.
To learn more about the reastaurant and to view menus, visit los2potrillos. com.
PHOTOS BY ISABEL GUZMAN
Fresh tortillas being made at Los Dos Portillos’ Castle Rock restaurant on July 29, 2024.
A LETTER TO OUR READERS
To our loyal supporters,
ere’s a saying in journalism that newspaper production is a daily or a weekly miracle. A er the last few weeks, we’ve performed a few such miracles to make sure you can continue to receive your local newspaper.
I’m writing to update you about some short-term (potential) delivery delays, to provide information about the reasons, and to thank you for your continued support of your community newspaper.
As you may know, Colorado Community Media’s parent company, the National Trust for Local News, has been busy building a new, local commercial printing facility to serve Front Range newspapers. is move sets up our newspapers for more economic sustainability and the potential for future editorial investments – in other words, a stronger, more vibrant community news source.
Along the way, we’ve learned that launching a printing press from scratch is not for the faint of heart. During the initial project work, we discovered that the electrical capacity needed to run all of our equipment required additional (and unexpected) enhancements to our facility. We’re making great progress and are working with our partners to complete the nal electrical services. We hope to begin printing Colorado Community Media’s newspapers there in early September.
Given the unexpected closure of the Berthoud press facility this month, we have been scrambling to nd alternatives to print our mailed newspapers during the 3-4 week timeframe expected before our own press launches. Fortunately, we’ve found a temporary out-of-state alternative that will allow us to continue providing you the print newspaper you’ve come to expect from us while we work to get our own press operational. What that means, however, is that you could experience delays of one to four days in receiving your printed paper.
Know this: We’re dedicated to ensuring you get your newspaper throughout this interim period. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to hello@coloradocommunitymedia.com, or visit our website, which is always up-to-date with the latest news and information in your community.
We’re hopeful the disruptions to our readers and customers will be minimal and deeply appreciate your support of local journalism.
Linda Shapley Publisher Colorado Community Media
Summer Art Market returns to West Wash Park Aug. 24-25
Connections are made between local artists and art lovers, gallery owners and collectors from across the state.
e Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market will take place Aug. 24-25 in the streets surrounding the organization’s West Wash Park building. e market will feature all-original works in 12 artistic disciplines, as well as artmaking demonstrations, a KidArt area and food and drink vendors. More than 175 exhibitors, including 35 rst-time vendors, will bring 24 and 25 at 200 Grant St. For more information, visit asld. org.
In addition, tra c signals will be retimed so that drivers going the speed limit will be rewarded with more green lights. And since more than half of fatal crashes happen at night, signals will be set to “rest in red” until a car arrives to prevent excessive speeding at night. Tra c signals will also be set to give pe-
destrians a head start of a few seconds, which allows people walking in the crosswalk to be more visible to drivers, thus reducing the risk of a collision.
DOTI will also utilize automated speed limit enforcement methods on the corridor, including camera vans and a pilot speed enforcement camera program.
DOTI said similar e orts on West Colfax between Sheridan and Irving Street resulted in a 71% decrease in fatal crashes in recent years.
e announcement of the pilot program came alongside a new citywide policy aimed at safer streets. In a press release, DOTI said that it is “con rming the department’s commitment to safety rst in the design and operation of city streets, emphasizing lower speeds, safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings and improving the experience for people taking transit at all times of day with safe, comfortable and accessible transit stops.”
e new policy is not only a topdown emphasis on safety by DOTI Executive Director Amy Ford, but also highlights a handful of shortterm goals including safer school zones, improving the high-injury streets where most crashes happen and a focus on investing in underserved communities.
Allen Cowgill is the City Council District 1 appointee to the DOTI Advisory Board, where he serves as the board co-chair.
Emerging and established artists showcase and sell their works at the Summer Art Market.
Voters to decide fate of mountain lion hunting
The last wildlife management question that went to voters was the reintroduction of wolves
BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado voters will get a chance to ban mountain lion hunting in November.
e Colorado Secretary of State on Wednesday con rmed that the campaign to end mountain lion hunting in Colorado had gathered enough signatures to get Proposition 91 on the November ballot. e initiative asks voters to declare that “any trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats or lynx is inhumane, serves no socially acceptable or ecologically bene cial purpose, and fails to further public safety.” e measure would ban any shooting or trapping of wildcats but allows killing cats that are threatening livestock or people.
Representatives with the Cats Aren’t Trophies group submitted 147,529 valid signatures, more than the 124,238 that were required for ballot access.
Samantha Miller, the manager for the Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign, said the organization has 900 volunteers who will now transition from signature gathering to outreach and advertising.
“Our message remains, Coloradans know that the cruel and inhumane trophy hunting and fur trapping of Colorado’s wild cats has no place in our state, and many of them have been outraged to learn this practice continues despite measures in the ’90s that stopped leghold traps, hounding of black bears and spring bear hunting,” Miller said in an email. e Cats Aren’t Trophies group has raised $414,000 since the beginning of the year — with the largest contributor, Washington D.C.-based Animal Wellness Action, providing $147,000 — and spent $335,000, according to the group’s Aug. 1 ling with the Colorado Secretary of State.
California is the only state in the U.S. where voters have banned mountain lion hunting. e last time voters weighed wildlife issues was in 2020, when a narrow margin of Coloradans required Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolves on the Western Slope. Before that, voters in 1992 approved a constitutional amendment that limited black bear hunting, and in 1996 voters approved an amendment that banned leg hold and instant-kill traps.
Hunting advocates challenged the ballot initiative last year, arguing the wording of the measure was misleading and the state’s Title Board erred when approving it for signature gathering. e Colorado Supreme Court in January denied the challenge and a rmed the Title Board’s decision.
Two years ago animal conservation groups supported legislation that would have banned the killing
of mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado. Hunting groups opposed the bill and ooded lawmakers with opposition statements. e bill’s top sponsors pulled their support before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources committee rejected the legislation in February 2022.
CPW has managed lion hunting since 1965
Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates there are between 3,800 and 4,400 mountain lions in the state. e agency has managed lion hunting for decades with annual caps on how many cats hunters can kill. In 1980, hunters took 81 mountain lions.
In the 2022-23 lion season, 2,599 hunters spent 1,635 days hunting lions and killed 502 animals, including 298 males and 204 females. at was below the annual limit set by the agency, which is updated daily during lion hunting seasons. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires hunters to take an online class and exam before securing a license to hunt mountain lions.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife rarely takes a side in political issues and the agency did not take a position on Initiative 91. But the agency supports mountain lion hunting as a tool for managing populations.
“For many people, hunting is a continuation of the hunter-gatherer traditions and a way to connect to nature. It also helps maintain healthy wild animal population,” reads a statement on the agency’s website. “ ere is no evidence of managed hunting leading to the extinction of any species in Colorado, or of well-regulated hunting negatively a ecting the population sta-
lot-box wildlife initiatives and how they can be a negative for wildlife management in Colorado,” said Jones, who expects the opposition campaign will include the challenges that followed the introduction of wolves to the Western Slope this year. “We can see there have been problems and mistakes that have put folks at odds with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and we don’t want to see that again.” is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
bility of the state’s mountain lions.” e agency this year held public meetings to update its management plan for lions on the Front Range, where development into mountain lion habitat is increasing humanlion interactions. e Front Range management plan — which was last updated in the mid-2000s — mirrors 2020 updates to the West Slope Mountain Lion Management Plan.
In January, Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners cut the 2023-24 lion hunting season — which typically runs from December through March with a second season in April — by eliminating the April season. Commissioners also voted to prevent hunters from using electronic calls to lure lions in the two hunting areas on the Western Slope where calls were allowed. e changes came as animal advocates decried a slightly higherthan-average number of female cats killed in the early portion of the season.
Hunting groups and others behind the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project have worked against the hunting ban, arguing that voter initiatives can sidestep management by state wildlife biologists. e groups point to healthy mountain lion populations in Colorado since 1965, when Colorado Parks and Wildlife began managing wildcats as big game.
Opponents of Proposition 91 will continue an educational campaign “to let the conservation-minded public at large know why mountain lion hunting is important and what this hunting ban is bad for sciencebased management in Colorado,” said Bryan Jones with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
“We will certainly talk about bal-
LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Independent. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline
Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Denver Herald-Dispatch (ISSN 1542-5797)(USPS 241-760) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Denver, Colorado, the Herald-Dispatch is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 1624 Market St., Suite 202, Denver, CO 80202.
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A ranger found a mountain lion in a cottonwood tree in Garden of the Gods about 6 a.m. April 29, 2023. The adult mountain lion stayed in the tree all day, feet from unsuspecting hikers on Ute Trail and climbers in the Snake Pits, a popular bouldering section of the park, likely after feasting on a deer.
PHOTO BY CODY BEAR SUTTON / SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO SUN
Morrison annexes Bandimere Speedway property
Town also rezones land to allow development of vehicle auction center
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Morrison town board narrowly approved the 125-acre annexation of the former Bandimere Speedway site at its Aug. 6 meeting. e deal also calls for the new land owner to transfer 16 acres zoned for mixed-use to the town, giving Morrison control over future retail or commercial development at its front door. Trustee Sean Forey described the acreage near C470 and Morrison Road as “prime real estate.” at decision, paired with a second vote to rezone the land to planned development, clears the way for global auto company Copart to move ahead with plans for a vehicle auction center on the remaining property at C470 and Morrison Road. Copart is under contract with John Bandimere, Jr. to buy the land.
As part of the deal, Copart will take down the grandstands, stadium lights and signs, then fence and revegetate much of the speedway site. Developers describe the planned future operation as a “passive use” that will be quiet, and preserve views of the hogback.
Because of that, several residents and trustees said it ts with Morrison’s motto of “Keep Morrison Morrison,’” a slogan built around the idea of maintaining the community’s small-town feel and history.
“Morrison’s not going to get a better deal,” Forney said as he cast his vote for the annexation. “It’s the lowest (impact) use possible. It would be a real problem if Morrison didn’t take advantage of this time to control this property. I’m voting with the majority of the residents in the town to keep Morison Morrison.”
Longtime speedway owner John Bandimere Jr. and his wife Lorraine both shed tears during the public hearing. Bandimere said it’s been his family’s “home away from home” for 65 years, but said changes in the racing industry and encroaching
development are making the site unsuitable for the speedway. Bandimere plans to move the business to a larger site near the metro area.
“Do we want to leave? No,” Bandimere said, pausing with his head down for a long moment as emotion overtook him. “ is property is sacred ground to me and my family, as well as the community and especially our racers who we’ve seen grow up. It’s probably one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.
“But we do know things in life change,” he continued. “Copart has the same principles we built our business on. We feel it’s important to leave our land in the hands of someone who wants to be an integral part of the community and will make it better.”
Copart corporate counsel Jon Lawson said the company will hire about 20 employees at the site, which will be open weekdays. e center will include about 66 acres of outdoor vehicle storage, o ce and administrative building and employee and visitor parking.
“We try to be a good neighbor,” he said. “ ere will be no live auctions. We don’t part these (vehicles) out. We won’t crush them. We won’t stack them. We make money when these vehicles leave the site, not when they stay on site.”
e agreement also limits Copart to three water taps and puts a cap on water usage.
Copart consultant Marcus Pachner said the developer was generous in agreeing to give the town 16 acres on the south end of the property nearest the town, a request town trustees made during negotiations.
“We had an average of ve commercial brokers a week calling us about those properties,” he said. “It is very valuable, a remarkable asset. is annexation deal has been so smartly crafted to limit town costs. It is a very good scal deal.
“It will have less intensity and less scale than what is there today. It also honors the automotive legacy on this site.”
e board was unanimous on a separate vote to rezone the property but split four to three on the annexation.
Trustee Paul Sutton said he felt the deal was rushed.
“Copart is one thousand times bigger than the town of Morrison nancially, so I think we’re inviting a gorilla to our little town,” he said. “Any disputes we may have after (this), we will lose. I think Copart can make Je Bradley look like a bit player in town.”
Bradley, whose family has lived in the area since the Civil War, owns several Morrison properties, including the Café Prague and Morrison Joe buildings, and a parking lot on Bear Creek Avenue.
“I would prefer to see a more sophisticated party like Je erson County be the ones to negotiate what happens on this land,” he said. “I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material I should presumably be up to speed on this issue.I feel like this is a rushed marriage between the little town of Morrison and the big company of Copart, and I’m concerned it might not work out so well.”
Trustee Katie Gill agreed, pointing to the 500 pages of information developers presented to the board just days before the hearing. Regardless, she said she sees many potential bene ts to Copart’s plans and the deal the two have crafted.
“In the beginning, I was opposed to this proposal,” she said, before casting a ‘no’ vote. “But I now believe the view will be better than it is now; people are not going to be gazing at a junkyard as the original concern was. ere is also not a development on the planet that would use less water on 124 acres.
“I think this is probably a good deal for the town,” Gill continued. “But I think I am personally not in a place where I should be voting for something I haven’t fully understood.”
Trustee David Wirtz also voted against the annexation.
Town residents who spoke at the hearing spoke for the annexation and Copart — even as some lamented the loss of the speedway.
“Bandimere had the sound of summer; I always welcomed that noise,” said Morrison planning commissioner Maya Stefansdottir. “I like the idea (that the) town of Morrison will get about 16 acres. I’m thinking
if we don’t take them, someone else will and we might not like what they put in.”
Longtime resident Gus Chambers agreed. “ is use of that land I think is a dream come true for the town,” he said. “It’s zoned for high-impact commercial. You can’t nd anything more low impact, or low light (than Copart). e town really ought to step in and grab this. Only if it’s annexed can the town control what goes on there.”
John Bandimere Sr., now 86, bought the 150-acre property on Morrison Road in 1957 — decades before C470 was built — and opened the speedway a year later. Also known as under Mountain, the dragstrip hosted 28,500 spectators at more than 130 events a year. Bandimere Speedway closed at the end of the 2023 season.
Longtime Bandimere Speedway owners Lorraine and John Bandimere Jr. pose in the Morrison Town Hall after the town board voted to annex the former speedway site and rezone it for a vehicle salvage center.
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
Fall sports: Key takeaways from CHSAA Media Day in Denver
Flag football and more metro-area prep sports news
BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A day after boys golf teams o cially were allowed to practice, marking the start of the 2024 fall sports season, dozens of high school athletes from around the state descended on Empower Field in Denver for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s fall sports Media Day. Headlining fall sports this season is ag football, which will be introduced with two classi cations in 2024-25. Previously, there was a two-year pilot program with Colorado high schools. But in April, Colorado became the 11th state to sanction the sport. It is the inaugural season for the sport in Colorado. Girls ag football becomes the 14th fall activity and 21st activity for girls recognized by CHSAA. Defending champions Arvada West and Chat eld, Cherry Creek, Mountain View, Valor Christian and Vista Ridge high schools sent teams to speak to the media.
“Flag football is the fastest-growing sport nationally, especially for girls,” said CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger. “So, we’re excited to be part of that with a number of states that have now sanctioned it. To say we’re excited would be an understatement. It was a lot of work to get through that pilot program, but credit to Je erson County, Cherry Creek and Denver Public Schools along with the Broncos in getting that done. We’re super excited for our girls.”
Flag football
Arvada West defeated Cherry Creek 34-14 in the nal of the 16team state championship tournament last October. e Wildcats nished the season with a perfect 25-0 record. ey were the rst team to speak.
e team addressed several changes coming to the sport in its inaugural season as a fully sanctioned sport. What was a noncontact sport the past two pilot years now brings more physical changes, including punting, screen blocking, a one-yard rush line for defenses and a major change in eld size.
Instead of a 60-by-30-yard eld, it’ll now be 80-by-40 yards. e game will be more physical this upcoming season as blocking will be a big emphasis on o ense.
“Luckily a bunch of our players were able to play summer ball with those new rules,” Chat eld coach
Alexis Rosholt said. “I think the two main di erences are going to be the one-yard rush, the unlimited rushers as well as blocking. Your quarterback is going to basically have a second to get the ball o . Our receivers are going to have to do some blocking before getting into routes.” at means team depth is going to be important. Fortunately, every team’s coach said there’s been a spike in interest this past o season and it’s nice to see the sport continue to grow.
“Depth is going to be a huge role this year,” said Arvada West Head Coach Mario Lopez. “We’re going to have pass rushers … in the trenches, we’ll have blockers. So, it’s going to be a di erent style of football. ere are going to be girls sacri cing their bodies on plays as opposed to last year where the girls had noncontact. It’s going to be a lot more similar to tackle football (this season).
Arvada West quarterback Saylor Swanson said she’s excited to have blockers in front of her so she can move around in the pocket and make plays.
e Wildcats know the target will be on their backs this season.
“Being state champs, feel like we have to push ourselves a little bit harder,” Molly Schellpeper said. “Everyone, knowing that, will push themselves harder too.”
Chat eld won the championship in the rst year of the pilot program and nished in the nal four last year.
But now the Chargers are hungry.
“ ey don’t lose well,” Rosholt said of her team. “ ey’ll be ghting from day one. ey’re ready. Yes, we lost quite a few seniors last year that were big playmakers for us, but we gained so many underclassmen that were on our varsity team last year that were competitors.”
Valor Christian, another team determined to make their mark on the inaugural ag football season, is ready to build a legacy for the program. It starts now, they said.
“Especially at Valor, competition is so high,” said Savannah Khan. “Coming in last year, having the opportunity to start completely over and learn something new, and continue to grow on that and create a foundation … being able to just make that mark at Valor is something super important and something that is really inspiring, especially to young little girls.”
Valor hosted its rst ag football camp over the summer. e turnout was tremendous, with over 50 girls showing up to learn from the high school players.
“Having little girls having someone they can look up to is already
starting to create a legacy,” Khan said.
Cherry Creek’s ag football team lost to Arvada West in the nal last season. Since that loss, they’ve been anxious to get back on the eld and pursue another championship run.
“I think we’re coming back stronger than ever,” said Cherry Creek’s Addy Beck. “We’ve worked together with all the new rules and we’re so excited to come back.”
Football
Broom eld, Columbine, Delta, Erie, Haxtun, Holy Family, Limon, Ralston Valley and Stratton high schools sent representatives from their football teams to speak with the media.
For Ralston Valley, the team is tired of seeing teams that beat them in the championship game.
“Really, the past two years, both teams that we lost to went to the state championship,” Ralston Valley Head Coach Jared Yannacito said. “So, you just continue to be consistent. You continue to show up. You
continue to focus on one game at a time, one week at a time. We don’t overlook any of our opponents.” e Mustangs will have to replace former quarterback Logan Madden, who is now a freshman player at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Yannacito said he can’t replace Madden other than having his team come together to make up for his production.
Last year, Columbine dethroned Cherry Creek as the 5A champion. It was the Rebels’ sixth 5A state championship since 1999 and the rst since 2011. All six of the Rebels’ state football titles have been coached by Andy Lowry, who wasn’t in attendance.
But his players showed up as champs and are ready to repeat if they can.
“Every senior group at Columbine steps up,” said Brennan Goodwin, the starting quarterback at Columbine. “We’re excited to do that.”
SEE CHSAA, P23
Reigning flag football state champions Arvada West spoke to the media first. The Wildcats enjoyed a perfect season capped with a trophy in 2023. PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW
Colorado joins Purple Star School Program for military families
Legislation aims to support spouses of high-risk workers
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With kids heading back to school, a new Colorado law aims to support students in military families. e state now joins dozens of states in implementing the Purple Star School Program.
Highlands Ranch state Rep. Bob Marshall was the prime sponsor of the House Bill. House Bill 24-1076 establishes the program in K-12 public schools in an e ort to assist military children with the transitions and deployments involving their parents.
“ ese little ones (bills), they’re little, but they’re extremely important to the small group that is impacted by it,” Marshall, a Democrat, said. e bill had bipartisan support. Its Senate sponsor was Bob Gardner, a Republican who represents El Paso and Teller counties.
A public school can qualify by showing a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families through resources and support that helps mitigate the “academic and social-emotional challenges they may face” due to parent deployment, frequent moves and new schools.
Marshall, who served as a Marine, said he knows personally the challenges that reclocating has on families.
According to the Military State Policy Source, other gaps the program addresses include overlaps in curriculum, course-placement disruption and di ering school district graduation requirements.
“Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” Marshall said in a statement.
Over 40 states across the country have received Purple Star School designation. With a large military presence in Colorado – almost 40,000 active duty service members according to the Military State Policy Source – Marshall said Colorado
should be included..
“It just made no sense that we didn’t have it,” said Marshall.
To qualify for the designation, schools must recognize military service and civic responsibility, as well as:
• Designate a school sta member as a military liaison
• Maintain an accessible web page on the public school websites with resources for military-connected students and their families
• Maintain student-led transition programs
• O er professional development opportunities for educators and sta relating to students.
Whether it’s publishing a resolution on the school’s website, partnering with a local military installation for volunteer opportunities, showing community-family engagement through student-driven clubs or celebrating families in April and November, the schools must implement one of the initiatives.
e bill was also sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora who says the law could strengthen communities and Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora..
“Military families make big sacri ces to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Fields said in a statement. “ is new law will uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive in school.”
Legislation to support families of high-risk workers
Another new state law aims to support families of rst responders and state employees with high-risk jobs.
Previously, surviving spouses of rst responders could be eligible to receive lifelong workers’ compensation death bene ts if their spouse was killed on the job, but that right was forfeited if they remarried.
Sponsored by Reps. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud and Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, HB24-1139, also known as Death Bene t for State Employee Surviving Spouses, ensures surviving spouses bene ts will not change, even if they remarry.
is includes spouses of state troopers, Colorado Bureau of In-
vestigation o cers, correction ofcers, community parole o cers, state re ghters, port of entry ocers, Parks and Wildlife o cers and Colorado Department of Transportation safety and maintenance workers.
Co-sponsor of the bill, Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado, who served as a re ghter for over 35 years, said he understands the di culties spouses of lost employees go
through following the passing of their loved one.
“Death bene ts are critical for them during their times of need,” said Exum. “ e current remarriage penalty forces a surviving spouse to relive the trauma of their loss and prevents them from moving forward with their lives. With this law, widows can choose to remarry without sacri cing nancial security.”
Highlands Ranch Rep. Bob Marshall, who served as a Marine, was a co-sponsor of the House Bill 24-1076, also known as the Purple Star School Program. The program aims to assist military children with the transitions and deployments involving their parents in public schools.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
“I’m seeing my school and teachers struggle for funding while relying on nonrenewable energy options that keep getting more expensive every year,” he said.
Following Fabbri’s presentation, Sen. Janice Marchman, a Democrat from Loveland, told Fabbri she was interested in the proposal, saying, “ is is a very creative solution to an important problem.”
Ashna Shah, a 17-year-old who lives in Superior, described becoming involved in environmental action when her community was ravaged by the Marshall Fire, a wild re that destroyed more than 1,000 Boulder County homes in December 2021.
“Every day, I’m forced to wonder what my future will look like in a world plagued by the climate crisis,” she told lawmakers.
Shah proposed a state-sponsored youth conference aimed at accelerating Colorado’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. She said while today’s young people care about environmental protection, they lack the knowledge and power to drive change in their communities. A state conference would allow teens to learn about the issues and share their input.
Sophie Tipper, a 16-year-old who attends Cherry Creek High School, also proposed an idea to get more young people involved in environmental decision-making. She suggested adding two youth representatives to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, a 12-member state panel run by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. e group makes recommendations about environmental issues that disproportionately affect certain communities and helps administer state environmental grants.
Tipper described her own evolution from a middle-schooler anxious about climate change to an environmental activist.
“In middle school, I heard over and over again how it was my generation’s responsibility to x this planet, but no one o ered any so-
lutions,” she said.
ings changed, she said, when she and a friend saw trash cans over owing with plastic foam lunch trays and decided to contact the superintendent. He quickly responded, and Tipper soon received funds to launch a recycling awareness campaign.
“Being able to work on the project relieved much of my hopelessness and made the future of a green planet a possibility again,” she said. “Youth truly are paying attention to what is happening and they want to help.”
e last youth presentation of the morning focused on access to naloxone, a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses.
Makena James, 17, talked about the impact of opioid-related deaths in rural Routt County, where she attends Steamboat Springs High School. She described 22 such deaths there over ve years.
“ ose small-seeming numbers take an immense toll on the community and on the people inside of it,” she said. “I grew up, and each year there were more deaths.”
Her presentation partner, 15-year-old Suyash Shrestha, proposed a state program that would allow schools to place naloxone into the same cabinets that already house automated external de brillators, or AEDs, devices that can treat people whose hearts have stopped.
By providing easy access to naloxone, especially in rural and lowincome communities, “we have the power to save lives” and empower youth to become heroes, he said.
e Youth Advisory Council typically has a few proposals that become law each year. During the 2024 legislative session, a youth council proposal to require school sta to call students by their chosen name was signed into law, and components of two other youth council proposals became law. In 2023, four youth council proposals became law, and in 2022, three became law.
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Silverdale
Students from the Colorado Youth Advisory Council presented their ideas for legislation to state lawmakers. COURTESY OF SARAH MOSS
Finding life’s balance in the snow and surf
h
Te snow-covered mountains in winter and the powerful ocean waves o er two of nature’s most exhilarating playgrounds: skiing and snowboarding on the one hand, and sur ng on the other. Each of these sports, while distinct in their environments and techniques, shares a common thread that is essential not only to their practice but also to our broader experience of life: balance.
ere is an art of balance in sport. In skiing as in snowboarding, in the serene, snow-laden mountains, skiing and snowboarding demand a harmonious blend of strength, agility, and control. Skiers carve graceful arcs down the slopes, their movements a dance of precision and uidity. With their single board, snowboarders exhibit a unique balance style, leaning into turns and navigating the mountain’s contours with an elegant ow. Both sports require an acute awareness of one’s body in relation to the terrain, a constant adjustment to the everchanging snow conditions, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
WINNING
able, and each wave presents a new challenge, demanding adaptability and resilience. Sur ng is a dance with nature’s raw energy, requiring a deep connection with the water and a keen sense of
I have learned many lessons in balance from the mountains and the sea. Having been fortunate enough to live in the mountains and by the beach, I’ve witnessed rsthand how these sports mirror life’s journey. Like in skiing, snowboarding, and sur ng, balance is crucial as we navigate the turbulence and tranquility of our everyday lives.
Sur ng, in contrast, takes place against the backdrop of the ocean’s vast, sometimes thunderous power. Surfers must balance on their boards while reading the waves, anticipating the swell, and executing maneuvers with split-second timing. e ocean is unpredict-
MAs beginners, whether on the slopes or in the surf, we start with tentative steps. Our movements are awkward, falls are frequent, and progress can seem slow. is phase teaches us the importance of perseverance and humility. We learn to get up after each fall, to laugh at our mistakes, and to appreciate the incremental gains we make.
Moving to the intermediate stage, we gain con dence and competence. Our skills improve, and we start to enjoy the rhythm of the sport. However, this is also a period where we must guard against complacency. e challenges become
more complex, and the need for physical and mental balance becomes even more pronounced. We learn to push our limits while maintaining control, to take calculated risks, and to stay focused amidst distractions.
Reaching the expert level, we achieve a mastery that allows us to express ourselves fully through the sport. Our movements become second nature, and we can tackle the most challenging terrains and waves with nesse. is level of pro ciency is not just about technical skill but also about an inner balance. Experts in skiing, snowboarding, and sur ng often speak of a state of ow where they are completely immersed in the activity, their mind and body perfectly synchronized.
Living in the mountains and by the beach has shown me that true balance is not about avoiding the ups and downs but embracing them. It’s about nding stability amidst change, peace amidst chaos, and joy amidst challenges. You may not ski, snowboard, or surf, but there have probably been times when you felt out of balance. If so, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can ride the ups and downs of life with greater balance, it really will be a better than good life. Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
12 Tablecloths art installation honors women
ost people don’t spend much time thinking about the dining room table unless it’s a holiday or special event. But for many women who were enslaved throughout the US, the dining room table of their enslavers was the focus of their day.
Artist and historian Chloé Duplessis was introduced to ve of these women during a tour of e Whitney Institute, a plantation museum in her home state of Louisiana. eir names are Lucy Clark, Francoise, Julienne, Sally and Marie and they were enslaved at the plantation in the late 1800’s.
eir stories and living conditions inspired Duplessis to think about the many tablecloths these women had to clean every day, and how she could reclaim the tablecloths in a way that honored them.
“ e average meal required 12 tablecloths. e people in the main house had three meals a day and those meals had to be served on crisp, white linen,” she said. “I had to face the fact that these women’s whole existence was minimized
COMING ATTRACTIONS
and regulated to present a measure of quality of life to the people in the main house, at the expense of their
As Duplessis started working on the installation that would become 12 Tablecloths, which is on display at the Center for Colorado Women’s History Museum at the Byers-Evans House, 1310 Bannock St. in Denver, through Monday, Sept. 30, she heard the story of another woman, named Myrtle Grant, who worked at the house in the 1940s and 1950s.
And she knew the installation needed a sixth table setting.
“Myrtle did the only job a woman of color could do at that house, and it was a source of pride at the time to be a laundress there,” Duplessis said. “ ere’s a tendency with people who were servants to only focus on their service, but these were people who had lives and ex-
periences of their own, so I wanted to make sure I included Mrytle’s life outside of her work in the piece.”
e resulting installation is set up in the house’s dining room and includes original art pieces by Duplessis and noted visual artist and ceramicist Katie McWeeney, narrative panels and an online audio tour.
e table settings carve out a place of rest and welcome for these six women, and honor their service and sacri ce, Duplessis explained. Burlap is used to represent people of color through the fabric’s resiliency and versatility. e handcrafted plates around the table feature ebony ecks representative of the African Diaspora, and are made from clay from North Carolina, a hub of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Everyone will come away from the exhibit with their own meaning, but the intention was to invite contemplation of the luxuries so many take for granted and to celebrate the labor of women from every generation.
e exhibit pairs beautifully
with a tribute to underrated musical keystone Sister Rosetta arpe that Duplessis has on display at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. at exhibit runs until Saturday, Aug. 31, and there will be a special public closing ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. that day.
“I want the feminine to be honored and exalted in both installations,” Duplessis said. “I hope visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of what women have had to endure throughout history.”
For more information on 12 Tablecloths, visit www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/12-tablecloths.
Summer Scream Honors Winona Ryder
Denver Film’s annual Summer Scream event at Lakeside Amusement Park is one of the best seasonal traditions. e event is held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd. and this year’s theme is Winona Forever, in celebration of actress Winona Ryder.
Clarke Reader
Preparing for the school year: Yes, it’s time!
The countdown is on for both parents and kiddos. e new school year means a return to routines, perhaps slightly less chaos, earlier bedtimes and a break from constant snack and entertainment requests. It means excitement about new teachers, making new friends and seeing old friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you and your family gear up for a successful and lowstress start to the school year.
1. Organize your supplies
It starts with the school supply list and honestly, as a Type A oldest child, I loved school supply shopping and I still get excited about getting my daughter’s supply lists. Shopping early can help avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you get everything on your list. Consider buying in bulk for items that will be used throughout the year. And don’t forget to label belongings to prevent lost items. ere are many cool options for stickers and stamps to make this even easier.
2. Update the wardrobe
Planning that rst-day out t is a back-to-school fave. But rst, be sure to take inventory of your child’s current clothes to identify what they truly need, what needs to be replaced and what they’ve outgrown. As you gather clothes for donation, consider organizations that accept clothing and other back-to-school supplies to support kids. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to purchase new clothes, shoes and accessories, and don’t forget about
READER
e fundraiser will feature Ryder cosplay, art, trivia and games, and even a scavenger hunt. Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling will also be on hand, in addition to unlimited rides and nightlong open bars. Grab your tickets at www.denver lm.org.
Northglenn Invites People to Put on Their Boogie Shoes
ese warm summer evenings are the perfect occasion for some dancing under the stars and the City of Northglenn has people covered with its Dancing rough the Decades party, held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at the Festival Lawn at 1 E. Memorial Parkway.
As a way to add a fun spin to the proceedings, each hour will focus
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even smoother (packing lunches, organizing backpacks, laying out clothes, etc.).
Megan Trask and Cody Galloway
hand-me-downs as well. If your school has a uniform policy, be sure you have enough sets to last through the week to prevent midweek laundry stress.
3. Set up a study space
Creating a dedicated study space at home is a great way to help motivate your child to do homework. Get your kids involved in preparing the space, from choosing decorations to picking out fun pens, a cool lamp, a comfy chair, anything that will help them look forward to using the space. Having a designated homework zone establishes a routine and signals to your child that it’s time to focus and get work done.
4. Establish a routine
A consistent routine is key. Start adjusting your child’s sleep schedule at least a week before school starts to ensure they are well-rested and ready to learn. Establish a morning routine that includes enough time for breakfast, hygiene, getting dressed, organizing their backpack and getting out the door with minimal stress. Similarly, create an after-school routine that incorporates time for homework, play and relaxation. Pro tip: Many morning routine items can be handled the night before to make mornings
on a speci c decade — beginning with the 50s, moving through the 60s and ending in the 70s. e free event will also o er dance demos, giveaways, booths and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, and there will also be food and beverages available for purchase.
Get all the details at www.northglenn.org/backintime.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Hold Steady at the Bluebird Theater
If you like rock music, you’re going to enjoy a e Hold Steady show. ere’s really no two ways about it.
Since the band’s formation in 2003 they’ve cemented a reputation as one of the best live shows around and that designation is well-earned. e blend of singer/ songwriter Craig Finn’s sharply drawn stories and the band’s rocking music is irresistible.
e Hold Steady is stopping by
ered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.
• 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.
5. Health and nutrition
It’s that time of year for wellness checks, which can bring anxiety if vaccinations are involved. Creating a fun tradition around checkups can be a great way to mark the upcoming school year. My family likes to make a trip to our favorite local bookstore, e Bookies, to pick out a book after our appointment. And ice cream, always ice cream. Since everything is about balance, this can also be a great time to brainstorm a list of nutritious meals and snacks your kids would like to eat. Don’t forget to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and packing a water bottle.
6. So many big feelings e start of a new school year can bring a mix of emotions. Be sure to create opportunities for your child to share their feelings by asking questions about concerns or anxieties they may have. Encourage positive energy by focusing on the exciting prospects of the new school year, such as extracurricular activities, new subjects and seeing friends. I’ve also found it helpful to share the worries I had at their age or embarrassing stories (there are plenty) to nd common ground and humor in worries that are totally normal.
7. Get involved is doesn’t mean being at school every day, but being en-
Denver as part of their Constructive Summer tour, and are playing at the Bluebird eater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., at 8 p.m. on ursday, Aug. 22, Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24. Everyone should experience
gaged to show your child you are supportive of their experience is important. Attend orientation sessions, meet teachers and familiarize yourself with the school’s policies and expectations. Establish a communication line with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any areas that may need attention. Volunteering at school can also provide insights into your child’s school life and help build a supportive community.
8. Technology and tools
Technology plays a signi cant role in education, which can make life both easier and harder at the same time. Make sure your child has access to the necessary devices and learning tools, such as a computer or tablet, internet access and any required software or apps. Set up parental controls and discuss responsible use of technology, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.
Preparing for the school year involves more than just shopping for supplies and clothes. It’s about setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable year, for everyone. So cheers to getting back into a routine, nding calm in the chaos and enjoying all the moments with your littles during these years.
Megan Trask and Cody Galloway are Denver residents and co-founders of TULA Life Balanced. Learn more about their business at tulabalanced.com.
this band live at least once, so get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
BY AUDREY BRICE AND LOURDES CAMARILLO SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
On a hospital bed, surrounded by sterile equipment and isolated, the anxious await a surgery that will alter their lives. In pursuit of motherhood, many women have turned to In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF).
Samantha Bronson, a children’s youth minister at a church near Littleton, has dealt with negative thoughts and emotions regarding her infertility.
“A lot of questions came to me about my spirituality as well,” Bronson said. “Like, ‘Is this God saying something to me?’ And, in my darkest moments, ‘Is God punishing me?’ I don’t believe that’s how God works at all, but those were the feelings that were coming up for me.”
Samantha Sullivan of Fort Collins wanted a child, and her mom had called a center to talk about taking steps toward fertility treatment.
“She knew that my dream has always been to have kids, and so I was grateful,” Sullivan said. “But I also didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.”
Emily Heizer-Kochman, from Sacramento, California, is on her ninth round of IVF.
“ e whole thing’s been brutal. e emotional ups and downs are just exhausting, and any time there’s a sliver of hope, it just seems like it’s a trick,” Heizer-Kochman said. “Something worse happens when you’re expecting the good news.”
For Tanya Knepp of Florence, the costs “impacted us in a lot of ways emotionally, mentally.”
Knepp and her husband paid for IVF without the help of insurance. While Colorado law mandates IVF coverage, Knepp’s insurance skipped around this law because her company’s insurance is self-funded.
“It was 100% out of pocket,” said Knepp. e World Health Organization says one in six women globally experience infertility.
A single IVF cycle can cost $15,000 to $30,000, creating another challenge for many.
Bronson, Sullivan, Heizer-Kochman and Knepp shared their experiences with the University of Colorado’s News Corps in hopes that their stories would help other women and their partners as they navigate the di cult path of IVF in hopes of having a baby.
Samantha Bronson, God and science
In 2020, Bronson and her husband, Luke, decided to start trying to conceive. By the end of 2021, the couple still wasn’t expecting, so Samantha went to her OBGYN for answers.
Bronson, of Aurora, was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning that despite appearing capable of conceiving, she has been unable to do so. e only test Samantha could not undergo was an egg health test, which requires an egg retrieval.
“I wanted there to be a reason,” said Bronson. Bronson started trying to conceive through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of articial insemination where a long tube is used to put the semen directly into the uterus. Bronson tried this method of conception four times.
“We were paying out of pocket for those each month, which was racking up a lot. So our fertility doctor recommended we switch over to IVF,” said Bronson.
e switch would cost around $30,000.
Bronson felt like they wouldn’t be able to pursue that path at anytime soon, and after going through multiple rounds of IUI, she needed a break.
However, this changed when Luke switched careers, as his new job’s insurance would be able to cover the cost of IVF.
“We were ready to be parents,” said Bronson. “And because of (Luke’s) job and the fact that (his) insurance does cover it, that’s when we were able to pull the trigger on (IVF) without having to stress about going into more debt.” roughout her struggle with infertility, Bronson has felt a strain on some of her relationships. She has had friends hesitant to tell her they are expecting because they don’t want to upset her, along with people just saying the wrong things.
“A lot of people don’t really know how to talk about infertility, so they’ll say some really stupid things. I am in a Christian community, and sometimes people will ask me if I’ve prayed about it,” said Bronson.
Bronson has chosen to keep her infertility journey largely private. While she believes she may share her experience once she has dealt with it, she exercises caution, particularly within her congregation, mindful of her position and the potential impact.
“As pastors, we’re taught to share vulnerably with people, and at the same time, the people that we are serving and helping, we don’t want them to feel bad for us,” said Bronson. “So, I
don’t want it to be that somebody who is expecting gets worried or weird about sharing that with me because they are worried I would feel upset about it. Whereas this is my job and calling to walk through that with people.”
Leading up to her rst egg retrieval, Bronson was feeling a variety of emotions.
“I feel excited and nervous and worried and happy, and quite literally what feels like every emotion I could feel,” said Bronson. “ ere’s still grief in there, too. is isn’t what I planned, I wish it would have been di erent.”
On April 2, Bronson underwent her egg retrieval, and 17 eggs were retrieved, but no answers about her unexplained infertility diagnosis were discovered.
e couple would get nine embryos, but upon further genetic testing for abnormalities only seven were viable for transfer.
“I had a lot of feelings. One of those feelings was that I did not want nine or seven children. at’s a lot,” said Bronson. “I was also excited about how successful it was and that this means that theoretically, I will never have to do an egg retrieval again.”
Bronson was ordained as a minister in June and her embryo transfer was set for mid July.
Samantha Sullivan, cancer survivor
When Sullivan’s journey with IVF began, her mind was far from fertility preservation, as she waited to nd out if she had breast cancer.
“I didn’t even think about that prior because I was so focused on: am I getting diagnosed with breast cancer?” said Sullivan.
SEE THE SILENCE, P15
Emily Heizer-Kochman cries tears of joy while her husband, Ben Kochman, rests his head on her shoulder, sighing
THE SILENCE
She was devastated. She was unable to think about the trajectory of her life, but her mother’s call to a fertility treatment center put her on track. It was on Valentine’s Day of 2020 that Sullivan received her diagnosis: stage two, grade three, triple-negative breast cancer. e nancial burden of IVF also quickly revealed itself.
“I remember we had to pay in full up-front, and I think it was something like $15,000 or $20,000 and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t have that so I can’t do this,’ and my mom was like, ‘We’ll talk about it. We’re doing it. Let’s go,’” Sullivan said.
“I didn’t know if I was going to survive, I didn’t know if my husband was going to become my husband,” said Sullivan. “We were engaged at the time. I gave him an out, and he stayed with me.” Sullivan and Patrick would later marry on the rst anniversary of Sullivan being cancer-free on Oct. 9, 2021.
Before chemotherapy, Sullivan underwent two egg retrievals which gave them eight embryos viable for transfer. Only three were free of the BRCA 1 gene, which can increase a person’s chance of developing breast cancer.
Two years after her double mastectomy, Sullivan was able to undergo her rst embryo transfer. She went through three embryo transfers. One ended in a miscarriage and two didn’t implant. Sullivan would have to come to terms with her only remaining embryos having the BRCA 1 gene.
After all those losses, Sullivan decided to take some time away from trying to become pregnant and also decided to switch from her previous clinic to the Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado.
Instead of spending a couple thousand dollars to transport the embryos there, Sullivan rented a tank and transferred them herself.
“My mom and I drove down, dropped the tank o at CCRM in Lone Tree. ey loaded the embryos up and I bucked them into the car and drove them over,” said Sullivan.
At this new clinic, Sullivan went through her fourth embryo transfer, which ended in a miscarriage.
“Every single failed transfer has been absolutely devastating, and of course, every pregnancy I have lost a child. So, it’s been very di cult,” said Sullivan.
Later on, Sullivan went in for a fth embryo transfer.
e procedure itself went well, but a home pregnancy test she took came back negative. e
clinic con rmed the result.
e couple still has two embryos that their current clinic could transfer. However, they have begun looking into using an egg donor to make an embryo.
“I don’t know if I can keep going through loss,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan works as a postpartum nurse, a dicult position to have while going through infertility.
“It is really hard to take care of patients that don’t want the baby, or are upset that they’re pregnant, or are abusing their bodies – intentionally or unintentionally – which then a ects the baby, when I’m trying to do everything that I can and everything right to have a child,” Sullivan said.
Tanya Knepp, one little chance
Knepp and her husband, Leslie, have been trying to conceive for ve years, and recently started their rst round of IVF.
“We were very con dent that – aside from something miraculous and out of the ordinary – we weren’t just gonna get pregnant with less invasive means, and our doctors are pretty condent of that too,” said Knepp.
e couple had to make a lot of sacri ces – living in a less-than-desirable neighborhood and driving older cars – to a ord IVF. And, after selling their last house, they were able to a ord their rst cycle of IVF.
When Knepp started, she got the news that she had low ovarian reserve. is diagnosis means a woman has fewer eggs in her ovaries compared to others her age, making conceiving more difcult.
During her egg retrieval, Knepp’s emotions were mixed, partly due to the cost of the procedure.
“I was de nitely feeling hopeful, but at the same time, just scared,” said Knepp, adding that part of her fear came from the nancial aspect because they were spending $5,000 for one cycle of IVF with no guaranteed success.
e retrieval returned seven eggs, but only one ended up being viable for transfer.
“We have one embryo. We’ve got one little chance waiting for us,” said Knepp. “So that’s how I feel about that embryo now, just glad we had that chance.”
As the couple wants more than one child, they have decided that with Knepp’s diagnosis of low ovarian reserve, they should attempt another egg retrieval now before attempting an embryo transfer.
“You’re not crazy for wanting to do this. e hope of bringing a child into this world is so valid,” said Knepp.
Emily Heizer-Kochman, the ninth try
“I had worries that we would have trouble conceiving another baby – or that we were on a short timeline – just because of my age,” said Heizer-Kochman.
Unfortunately, Heizer-Kochman was right to worry, as she would begin struggling with secondary infertility, a condition in which someone is unable to conceive or carry to term after already giving birth to a child without any fertility treatments.
Heizer-Kochman had ve miscarriages.
“I don’t know that you ever forget that pain. I don’t know,” said Heizer-Kochman. “You gure out how to live with it. I didn’t really do anything to deal with it, I just tried to move on.” e couple ended up going to CNY, a fertility clinic in Colorado Springs. e cheapest option they could nd in the United States, which costed roughly $3,700 per cycle.
Out of eight rounds of IVF, none of the three embryos retrieved were deemed viable due to chromosomal abnormalities.
On Feb. 16, Heizer-Kochman went in for an egg retrieval for her ninth and nal round of IVF. e procedure only returned a single egg. e couple wanted to try one last time to ensure they had done all they could, but Heizer-Kochman wasn’t putting much hope into their single egg. ree weeks later, the couple received the results that their latest embryo would not be viable. ey continue to work towards having another child with the help of a friend who has agreed to be their egg donor.
“We got nothing out of it, other than the courage to move on,” said Heizer-Kochman. “If we hadn’t done IVF and spent that much and tried all those times, I don’t know that we would be emotionally ready to move on.”
e couple has spent around $50,000 on medical expenses.
“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t always work,” said Heizer-Kochman. “It’s not necessarily a faster track to a baby. ere are some people who do one cycle and get everything they need. at’s not everybody.”
A threat to IVF
Navigating IVF is already challenging, but the recent Alabama ruling has added another layer of di culty. It’s evident that many people lack understanding of the complexities involved with IVF. Although none of the women interviewed were from Alabama, some still express concerns about the misconceptions regarding IVF highlighted by the ruling.
is story was created by students at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s News Corps. Colorado Community Media participated in the process that helped bring this story to light.
Tanya and Leslie Knepp walk in their neighborhood in Florence. “IVF was the only thing remaining for us to try,” Tanya Knepp said.
Samantha Bronson sits on her porch in Aurora. She and her husband, Luke Bronson, tapped their savings, paying just under $25,000 in fertility treatments.
Samantha Sullivan looks outside of her bedroom window in Fort Collins. “IVF changes you,” she said.
PHOTOS BY LOURDES CAMARILLO / CU NEWS CORPS
Colorado Community Media 5K to support firefighters
Event looks to build friendships centered around trails
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Community members will gather to run, walk and raise money to support local re ghting e orts at an upcoming 5-kilometer race in Robert F. Clement Park.
e “Share Your Trail Tales 5K” event and related storytelling initiative will be hosted by Colorado Community Media, the nonpro t that owns the Littleton Independent and two dozen other local newspapers around the metro area.
Events Director Carlie Scott said the event aims “to bring our communities together through our shared love for the great outdoors and to showcase all the beauty Colorado has to o er.”
It will also bene t the rst responders to the Quarry re, which
erupted in early August in the Deer Creek Canyon area, many who are volunteers from local re departments and the American Red Cross.
“ is event is not only about enjoying nature, but also about giving back,” Scott said. “It’s an opportunity for our community to support our local volunteer re ghters, whose extraordinary e orts have saved countless homes and protected vast areas of wildlife and open space.”
e run takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Robert F. Clement Park, located at 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in unincorporated Je erson County, just west of Littleton. e course will include two laps on the bike path around the lake, according to the event’s webpage.
Scott said a local competitive dance group will perform after the race, and other local businesses and vendors will be on site.
Leading up to the event, community members can share stories about and photos of their favorite Colorado parks and trails at https:// tinyurl.com/h2s562d5.
Registration costs $35 for individuals ages 17 and above, and $15 for youth between the ages of ve and 16. Children ages four and under can join the race for free. Runners who register early will receive a pair of custom running socks, according to the event’s webpage.
Race-day registration is also available for an additional $10 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Clement
Park Shelter Q. Race packets may be picked up that morning at Shelter P. Scott said events like the 5K are important because they create opportunities for community members to connect with each other.
“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected,” she said. “ ese events provide a chance to slow down, enjoy the beauty around us and share meaningful experiences with our neighbors.”
More: Participants can register for the event at https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/05/04/shareyour-trail-tales-5k/. Scott encourages community members to share photos and stories about their favorite trails at https://tinyurl.com/h2s562d5.
Does Colorado require motor vehicle insurance for e-bikes?
BY JUSTIN GEORGE THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado does not require motor vehicle insurance for electric bikes as long as the bikes t the state’s electrical assisted bicycle classi cations and aren’t motorcycles. e state has three classi cations for e-bikes:
Class 1: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power when the rider is pedaling and stops when the bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power but stops when the bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power when the rider is pedaling but stops when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.
Insuring e-bikes, however, is recommended by some insurance providers, who recommend at least liability coverage in case of an accident. Companies have started offering special e-bike insurance for riders as some companies don’t insure them as property under homeowners policies. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state. e Colorado Sun partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-size fact-checks of trending claims.
As part of the “Share Your Trail Tales” 5K storytelling initiative, one community member submitted this photo of the Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail in Lakewood.
One person uploaded this photo of their dog at the Genesee Mountain Trail for the “Share Your Trail Tales” 5K storytelling initiative.
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Public Notice
Notice to obtain title- The following vehicle was towed and abandoned:
1) VIN 1FTWW31P57EA90183
2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty, 2) VIN 1FMDU34E2VZB53832
1997 Ford Explorer,
M1 Towing lot address 2810 W 62nd Ave, Unit B Denver, CO 80221, 720-364-1160 is applying for title.
Legal Notice No. DHD 3237
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of JOSEPH J. MCMAHON, aka JOSEPH JAMES MCMAHON, and JOSEPH MCMAHON, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR030837
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 6, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Leanne W. McMahon
Personal Representative
1768 S. Jasmine Street Denver, CO 80224
Legal Notice No. DHD 3226
First Publication: August 1, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Jack Donald Edinger, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30821
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 1, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Jeffrey M. Villanueva, #10001
Attorney to the Personal Representative 700 Colorado Blvd., #347 Denver, Colorado 80206
Legal Notice No. DHD 3229
First Publication: August 1, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of David Gonzales III, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30695
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver on or before November 30, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Dated July 23, 2024
CURTIS LAW FIRM, LLC
10333 E Dry Creek Rd, Suite 210 Englewood, CO 80112 720-263-4600
/s/ Cory M. Curtis Cory M. Curtis, #40549
Legal Notice No. DHD 3228
First Publication: August 1, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Nelson Whitaker Wagner, Jr., a/k/a N. Whitaker Wagner, a/k/a Whitaker Wagner, a/k/a Whit Wagner, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30820
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before 12/08/2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Jonathan S. Wagner, Personal Representative c/o Carleton H. Hutchins
1999 Broadway, Suite 1400 Denver, CO 80202
Legal Notice No. DHD 3231
First Publication: August 8, 2024
Last Publication: August 22, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Robert A. Weinberger, a/k/a Robert Alan Weinberger, a/k/a Robert Weinberger, a/k/a Rob Weinberger, a/k/a Bob Weinberger, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30868
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 9, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Margaux Star Weinberger
Personal Representative 5462 N. La Casita Drive Tucson, AZ 85718
Legal Notice No. DHD 3230
First Publication: August 8, 2024
Last Publication: August 22, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Ruth D. Klein, a/k/a Ruth Dunbar Klein, a/k/a Ruth Klein, a/k/a Ruth Elaine Dunbar Klein, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR030847
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
James L. Wolfli
Personal Representative 23741 Robertson Blvd Chowchilla, CA 93610
Legal Notice No. DHD 3233
First Publication: August 8, 2024
Last Publication: August 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Douglas M. Berger, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30735
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or
before 12/01/2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Debra K. Berger, Personal Representative c/o Carleton H. Hutchins 1999 Broadway, Suite 1400 Denver, CO 80120
Legal Notice No. DHD 3227
First Publication: August 1, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of RICHARD L GIBNEY, a/k/a RICHARD LEE GIBNEY, a/k/a RICHARD GIBNEY, a/k/a DR. RICHARD L GIBNEY, a/k/a DR. RICHARD LEE GIBNEY, a/k/a DR. RICHARD GIBNEY, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30759
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Edith Hill Gibney, Personal Representative 3401 E. Floyd Drive, Denver CO, 80210
Legal Notice No. DHD 3239 First Publication: August 15, 2024 Last Publication: August 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
Denver Probate Court City and County Building 1437 Bannock St. Room 230 Denver, CO 80202
In the Matter of the Estate of: DONALD RAY BAIN, a/k/a DONALD R. BAIN, a/k/a DONALD BAIN, Deceased
Attorney: 3i Law, LLC
Klaralee R. Charlton #45086
2000 S. Colorado Blvd. Tower 1, Suite 10000
Denver, CO 80222
Phone Number: (303) 245-2100
E-mail: kcharlton@3ilawfirm.com
FAX Number: (303) 245-2108 Case Number: 2024PR30761
NOTICE OF HEARING WITHOUT APPEARANCE PURSUANT TO
CHSAA
Other sports
Other fall sports teams were in attendance also ready to kick o the 2024 season.
Field hockey, gymnastics, boys golf, uni ed bowling, softball, girls volleyball, cross country, spirit and student leadership representatives all spoke to the media.
Evergreen golf’s Liam Houlihan is excited to have everybody back this fall to try and win another team title. Houlihan and his teammate Tyler Long nished tied for second in 4A individual nishes last season.
“It’s a lot of fun having the same guys return each year,” Houlihan said. “I don’t quite know if we’re going to be the favorite — we just moved down to 3A, so that’s a new kind of team dynamic there — but we’ll see what happens and it should be fun.”
Valor Christian volleyball has gone 58-0 in the past two seasons and won back-to-back 5A titles in Colorado.
But the Eagles know competition gets stronger each year and they aren’t ready to overlook anyone.
“I would say every time out there is
Chloe Elarton, a senior and University of Georgia commit said. “I just to savor every moment, every win, every loss, every practice. It’s going to be a really special season for us seniors and I just want to cherish that.”
Lutheran has won three straight 4A softball titles in Colorado. Meredith Barnhart said this year, preparation is more emotional this year.
“We need to make up a lot of that momentum and success that we’re
Public Notices
C.R.P.P. 24
****** Attendance at this hearing is not required or expected. *******
To all interested persons: A hearing without appearance on Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative (name of motion/petition and proposed order) is set at the following date, time, and location:
Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Address: 1437 Bannock St. Room 230, Denver, CO 80202
***** IMPORTANT NOTICE*****
Any interested person wishing to object to the requested action set forth in the attached motion/petition and proposed order must file a written objection with the court on or before the hearing and must furnish a copy of the objection to the person requesting the court order. JDF 722 (Objection form) is available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website (www. courts.state.co.us). If no objection is filed, the court may take action on the motion/ petition without further notice or hearing. If any objection is filed, the objecting party must, within 14 days after filing the objection, contact the court to set the objection for an appearance hearing. Failure to timely set the objection for an appearance hearing as required will result in further action as the court deems appropriate.
Sherry Choi, c/o 3i Law
2000 S. Colorado Blvd, Tower 1, Suite 10000 Denver, CO 80222
Legal Notice No. DHD 3224
First Publication: August 1, 2024
Last Publication: August 15, 2024
Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Estate of Michael George Zemcik, a/k/a Michael G. Zemcik, a/k/a Michael Zemcik, a/k/a Mike G. Zemcik, a/k/a Mike Zemcik. Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30645
All persons having claims against the above-named Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court. Denver County, State of Colorado on or before December 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Raymond Joseph Zemcik, Personal Representative 1416 Aris Drive, Erie, PA 16505
Legal Notice No. DHD 3235
First Publication: August 15, 2024 Last Publication: August 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Max Wayne Schroer, a/k/a Max W. Schroer, a/k/a Max Schroer, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30749
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
the hitting in the cages and taking ground balls, so we’ll get that going here pretty soon and hopefully hit the road quick.”
Kinley Wolfe of Cherry Creek cross country just wants to improve.
“I’m just hoping to do the best I can and try to be better than I did last season,” Wolfe said. “I’m just trying to be a strong competitor this year that people are looking at.”
But no matter the sport, the ath-
Donna Schroer, Personal Representative c/o Mollie B. Hawes, Miller and Steiert, P.C. 1901 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton, CO 80120
Legal Notice No. DHD 3238
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Howard Eugene Watson, aka Howard E Watson, aka Howard Watson, Deceased Case Number: 24PR392
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before December 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kent Watson, Personal Representative 17501 Hill Way, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Legal Notice No. DHD 3236
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Charles Angelucci, a/k/a Chuck Angelucci, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30882
All persons having claims against the
letes said they’re all inspired by the recent uptick in the popularity of women’s sports.
“I think, for me, sports have allowed me to nd who I am,” said Colorado Academy eld hockey player Addie Chandler. “So, having these big stars like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, having these really cool role models to look after has been really cool.”
For more from CHSAA’s fall sports Media Day, visit www.chsaanow. com.
above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the 0enver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before September 21, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.
Irvin Borenstein, Personal Representative 7200 S. Alton Way, Suite B 180 Centennial CO 80112
Legal Notice No. DHD 3232
First Publication: August 8, 2024 Last Publication: August 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Peter Sebastian Nellhaus, a/k/a Peter S. Nellhaus, a/k/a Peter Nellhaus, Deceased Case No. 2024PR030800
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, December 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Stephanie Angelo, Personal Representative c/o Brian Landy, Attorney 4201 E. Yale Ave., Suite 110 Denver, CO 80222
Legal Notice No. DHD 3225
First Publication: August 1, 2024 Last Publication: August 15, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch ###
Valor Christian volleyball’s Bergen Waitman, Kenzey McGatlin and Kenzee Steinbar take questions from the media on Aug. 6 at Empower Field in Denver.
