Elbert County News June 6, 2024

GOP hopefuls jockey for position

Primary season is here and 4th District candidates make their cases

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With little ideologically separating the large group of Republicans who want to ll the seat in Congress recently vacated by Ken Buck, the candidates have spent months on the campaign trail touting their resumes and, sometimes, their personalities in hopes of wooing voters.

But there are some di erences. For instance, every one of the GOP hopefuls for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District said they will vote for Donald Trump for president in November. Yet not all of them believe the 2020 election was stolen.

It’s one of the few deviations between the six can-

Longtime Kiowa postmaster retires from job

Joan Mallon spent 31 years at hub of small town life

BY COURTNEY

Joan Mallon, the dedicated postmaster of the Kiowa Post O ce for 31 years, retired on May 31. Her career with the U.S. Postal Service spanned an impressive 42 years, beginning as a part-time clerk and working her way up to postmaster.

“I was hired as a part-time exible clerk in Otis, Colorado May 1, 1982. In 1990 I was promoted to postmaster of Otis and in 1993 I was promoted to postmaster of Kiowa, Colorado,” Joan said.

didates who largely agree on everything from immigration to the economy.  e most recognizable

name on the ballot is U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who currently represents the 3rd Congressional Dis-

trict on the Western Slope. Also vying for the job

Joan, who was the longest-serving postmaster in the Colorado/Wyoming District, said she witnessed and adapted to signi cant technological changes throughout her tenure. When she began her postal career in 1982, none of the o ces had computers. Joan recalls mastering nancial tasks using handwritten spreadsheets. is is a skill that proved invaluable over the years.

“Learning to balance the books by

Pet lovers consider options for end-of-

The six Republican candidates running for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District are, from top left, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, Deborah Flora, state Rep. Richard Holtorf, state Rep. Mike Lynch, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg and Peter Yu. COURTESY PHOTO

BAKOS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

WWII history group recovers some items stolen in April

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

An organization in Highlands Ranch that preserves World War II history observed Memorial Day following the recovery of some items stolen in April.

David Little, president of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Group, said the organization held a Memorial Day ceremony at Tennessee Pass, near Leadville, an event that has taken place for 65 years.

“We had roughly 200-250 attendees,” Little said. “We had an absolutely outstanding time. e weather was bright and sunny and couldn’t have asked for better. We’re used to other problems and while the theft was signi cant for our large public events it had zero impact on this ceremony.”

Some of the many tents used by the 10th Mountain Division Living History Display Group, Inc. in their displays when educating people about the history of the soldiers who trained near Vail and Leadville, at Camp Hale 9 during World War II. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID LITTLE

Little said a trailer and artifacts were stolen from the home of a member of the organization who was doing repairs on the trailer in Englewood in April. Little said police found the organization’s supply trailer and some of the items inside about ve miles north of where they were originally stolen.

“We recovered one tent, our camou age net, the tent poles, one table, toe cots and our litter and a portion of our stove,” Little said. “We are delighted to get any of our items back, but are sad that the people of Colorado and elsewhere will lose access to these bits of history.”

Little said no arrests have been made and that the Englewood Police Department, which is investigating the case, is still working to recover stove parts, camp equipment, furniture, food lockers and more.

Additionally, Little said the organization raised over $1,000 through donations and a GoFundMe he launched in an e ort to replace some of the stolen items. He said those funds will be used to repair the trailer and replace some items including ropes, stakes, chairs and tables.

“Other things will have to wait to be found or located, and then will be subject to available funds,” Little said. “We estimate that it will cost about $15k to replace everything if the items were available.”

Little added that there have been donations of artifacts from the descent of a 10th Mountain soldier.

“So the community has stepped up and is providing lots of support,” Little said.

e Tenth Mountain Division Living History Display Group, Inc. is a nonpro t that has been around for more than 40 years. And the equipment it has is used in museum exhibits around the country.

“Using original artifacts, the members wear original uniforms and equipment to teach folks about the history of these soldiers who trained near Vail and Leadville, at Camp Hale 9,” Little said.

e unit doesn’t operate on public support but donations and the members own contributions.

Little said the organization hopes to recover more items and continue to “be a visible reminder of Colorado’s outdoor recreation history and legacy.”

“We will not be stopped by this,” Little said. “Maybe our thieves will see this and will drop o these items at the Englewood Police Department or call us to tell us where they can be found.”

Little said the theft is still under investigation.

e Englewood Police Department encourages anyone with information to call the non-emergency number at 303-761-7410.

Members of the 10th Mountain Division Living History Group and others salute during the organization’s 65th annual Memorial Day ceremony at Tennessee Pass, near Leadville.

Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take So You Have No Unpleasant Surprises After Closing

The Division of Real Estate’s HOA Information & Resource Center issued some useful advice last week which got me to thinking. It was advice on doing “due diligence” about a neighborhood’s HOA so you’re not blindsided after closing.

With over two decades of representing buyers in the purchase of homes, both with and without a homeowner’s association, I have lots more to suggest than was in that release.

I advise all buyers to look for neighbors who are outdoors, perhaps mowing their lawn, getting their mail, or washing their car in the driveway. Introduce yourself in a friendly manner, explain that your looking at that neighbor’s house which is for sale and would like to know how they like living in this neighborhood. Follow-up questions could include, “Are the homes built well? How’s the HOA? Are the neighbors friendly? Any complaints? Are the schools good? Is there much crime? By the way, do you know why the owners are selling that home?”

Don’t interrogate the poor fellow, but use your judgment in being as warm and conversational as possible. You’ll learn a lot that will serve you well if you end up buying that home. This is one task I want you to do yourself instead of me doing it for you as your agent.

Among the advice from the HOA Information & Resource Center was to request the covenants (or “CC&Rs”) from the county clerk and recorder. That

document is something I can get for you more easily (and free) from my contacts at any title company. I can also ask the listing agent for the covenants and other HOA documents, but keep in mind that one of the earliest deadlines in any contract to buy and sell a home is the “Record Title” deadline and the “Association Documents” deadline, along with an opportunity for you to object or terminate if you don’t like what you read.

The covenants are recorded, so they will come to you with the title documents. Just as important as the covenants, however, is how they are enforced by the HOA board and the management company hired by the board.

The most useful HOA documents are the minutes of the last six months’ board meeting and the most recent annual meeting. These minutes will let you know what issues may be bothering the members. (Hopefully, you learned many of those from interviewing neighbors, as suggested above.)

Those minutes will also give you a sense of the financial health of the HOA and whether a dues increase or special assessment might be under discussion.

Other documents for you to study are the financial statements, the budget for the coming year, and the most recent reserve study, which lets you know whether they have the financial reserves to deal with future repairs such as replacing the boundary fences, or fixing

How to Do Advanced Listing Searches on the MLS

Unless you’re a licensed broker with access to the MLS, the number of criteria on which you can search is very limited. Typically, consumer-facing websites only allow you to search for price range, city or county, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and a few other criteria.

But virtually every MLS field is searchable if you ask an MLS member such as myself to do the search.

Schools are very important to parents, and I can define a search area by naming a particular elementary, middle school or high school.

North-facing driveways are a no-no for some buyers. I can specify “Not North” in that field.

Main-floor living is important to many seniors, and I can specify one-story homes or, my favorite, specify main -floor primary bedroom (or non-primary bedroom), thereby allowing for 2-story homes which have main-floor bedrooms.

Is having the laundry on the same floor as the primary bedroom or simply not in

the basement important to you? That can be specified too and it’s required that listings indicate which floor the laundry, bedrooms and bathrooms are on.

Do you want to see only those homes which aren’t in an HOA? Or maybe you want an HOA that includes exterior maintenance of the home. No problem.

I can also search for key words within the listing’s public remarks. I mentioned last week that I did a search for the phrase “outdoor kitchen” and found 67 such listings within 20 miles of downtown Denver. I can search for any word or phrase.

Searching by map is useful, and I can draw a line around a particular neighborhood or multiple non-contiguous neighborhoods in the same search.

I can search for homes with property taxes under a particular amount, or simply homes that do not have a Metropolitan Tax District with an additional tax levy.

The age of the home, 220V wiring in the garage, solar panels, type of heating and cooling all these and more can be searched, but only by an MLS member.

the common area amenities such as parks, playgrounds and trails.

In some cases, the listing agent may have obtained those HOA documents in advance. As your agent, even before submitting your offer, I can ask for them, first looking to see if they’re already posted as “supplements” on the MLS.

Sometimes the “Sellers Property Disclosure” is also posted on the MLS, but if not, I can request that document for you, then ask follow-up questions about items disclosed on it.

Every HOA in the state must be registered with the HOA Information & Resource Center. If they are not registered, they are unable to enforce the covenants or file a lien against a member who is delinquent on dues or fines.

The state legislature has not empowered the Center to license or otherwise regulate HOAs, including to receive and act on member complaints. It’s really quiet a sad situation. Even sadder is the condition of its registry of HOAs. I downloaded the Excel file and was shocked at the amount of duplication and errors in the data entry. See for yourself at the posting of this article at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com.

The link provided for finding a registered HOA takes you to the same form that is used for finding brokers and brokerages, so you enter the name (or part thereof) for the HOA you’re looking for, but it is very hit or miss when I tested it. Entering the ZIP code of the HOA in addition was useful. It also shows if the HOA’s license is expired, which was the case for one I looked up. The phone number was for the clubhouse and a random HOA member picked up. I had to find an HOA document in order to get the number for the contact person. Ugh!

I Just Had a Terrible Thought…

ChatGPT has leveled the playing field for real estate agents. As in most professions, 90% of us aren’t good writers or even spellers! Ask ChatGPT to rewrite a property description or newsletter, and it will do so in flawless English with flawless spelling and flawless grammar, which got me thinking about scammers. Scam texts and emails can often be identified by their poor English and spelling, but if the scammer uses ChatGPT, that red flag will no longer be present.

Every year we have to be more and more alert for possible scams.

Just Listed: 2-BR, 1280-SF Fraser Condo

This wonderful condo at 693 Wapiti Drive #A16 features a moss rock fireplace and a skylight in the living room. Off the living room is a deck with marvelous views of Byers Peak. The kitchen has granite counters, hickory cabinets, and double sink with mountain views. A laundry room/pantry is off the kitchen. The primary bedroom has new windows, double closet, a full ensuite bathroom with tile floor and tiled bath area.

$697,000

The 2nd bedroom has carpeting, double closet and new windows. The oversized garage has plenty of room to store firewood, and at the rear of the garage is a huge locked storage space. Reasonable HOA dues pay for water, sewer, snow removal, trash, and internet. Unit comes tastefully furnished. It’s a short walk from downtown Fraser with its many shops, bars, and entertainment. Experience the great outdoors just outside your door. Hike or bike along the Fraser River trail that leads to Winter Park. It’s also on the free bus route to Winter Park. To see it, call David Dlugasch at 303-908-4835. Take a video tour at www.WinterParkCondo.info.

on

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851

Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401

Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727

CHUCK BROWN, 303-885

in Washington are former radio host Deborah Flora, state Rep. Richard Holtorf, state Rep. Mike Lynch, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg and entrepreneur Peter Yu.

In a heavily conservative leaning district, many Republicans feel confident that whoever wins the primary on June 25 will go to Congress. Three Democrats who are looking to challenge that narrative are also battling in the upcoming primary.

The district is vast, made up of 21 counties. Its population centers include Douglas County in the south metro area — Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock and Lone Tree — and Loveland and Windsor in northern Colorado. It also encompasses the Eastern Plains, including Elbert County. Its voters are 46.6% unaffiliated, 35% Republican and 16.6% Democrat, according to April registration numbers from the Colorado Secretary of State.

A common refrain among the Republican candidates on the campaign trail is that while geography in the district differs from suburban to rural, conservative values are shared across the region.

The Douglas County News-Press sat down with Boebert and Flora, interviewed Sonnenberg and Yu over the phone in between campaign stops and spoke with Holtorf at a Douglas County panel. Lynch did not respond to interview requests.

In addition to interviews, the NewsPress attended multiple forums and events, including ones in Fort Lupton, Lone Tree and Castle Rock.

Experience matters

Acknowledging their policy similarities, the conservative candidates have largely differentiated themselves by highlighting their political experiences and backgrounds.

Sonnenberg, who is from Sterling, in the northeast of the district, said his time in the state legislature and connections in the district are what sets him apart.

“We’re going to agree probably 90% of the time and probably vote the same way 90% of the time,” Sonnenberg said in a phone interview. “I think I’m the best candidate for CD4 because I have a proven track record of experience and leadership skills, not only representing my district, but all of Colorado when I served in the legislature.”

Similarly, Holtorf and Lynch point to their time representing northeast

Coloradans in the state Capitol. Holtorf added that his military service helped prepare him for the role.

“I’ve represented 16 of the 21 counties at the state over the last five years,” Holtorf said. “Sizing up the resumes, I’ve done more in this world, with military service, in business and as a successful agricultural businessman.”

Boebert’s response to those who boast credentials at the state Capitol is that she is already holding office in Congress and has passed federal legislation. Boebert’s Pueblo Jobs Act was signed into law in December and the CONVEY Act, which authorizes a land sale in Mesa County, passed the House in February.

Boebert said she aims to be a public servant and a voice for the party, which she is confident will be led again by Trump.

“In Washington D.C., when President Trump comes back, he wants his A Team ready to go,” she said. “When I’m here with my hopeful constituents, it’s about how I can serve them.”

For other candidates, the connections they highlight are local. Flora and Yu say they’re grassroots conservatives, not career politicians. Flora, of Douglas County, has worked to support school choice and parents’ rights at the local level, including filming the documentary “Whose Children Are They?”

Flora said she would be very present in the district as its representative.

“What I think we need in elected representatives that’s been missing is not someone who pretends to be an expert on every single subject, but somebody who has the humility and respect to make sure people have a seat at the table,” she said.

Yu, who is from Loveland, said he is running because of the political corruption and division he sees in Congress. He said too many politicians overpromise and underdeliver.

“Some of these promises are so extreme that they’re never going to happen,” he said. “I take a microview of the situation and take it step by step.”

So, where do they disagree on issues?

When it comes to the 2020 election, Boebert and Holtorf have questioned the legitimacy of Biden’s win, while the other candidates accepted the results, which were counted and certified by election officials across the country.

The Douglas County News-Press asked candidates whether they would certify the 2024 election if Biden wins. Most candidates said it would depend on the information available at the time.

“It depends on the terms of the election,” Holtorf said.

“It depends on how the election is run,” Boebert said. “I would hope no one would do that just because they didn’t like a candidate. It would have to be about, ‘Were our elections free and fair?’”

Sonnenberg said he is concerned about election integrity, but added that he would have certified the 2020 election for Biden.

“I would have to look at everything that plays in the 2024 election,” he said. “For me to not vote to certify it, I would have to have evidence that the election was incorrect, that we were certifying someone who was not duly elected in a free and fair election.”

Yu said he would likely certify a Biden win in 2024.

“I would, unless there’s something obvious and with documented proof,” Yu said.

Flora said she would certify a fair election, even if it is not the outcome she would prefer.

“We are based on a system where people get to elect their representatives,” Flora said. “I would never want to overstep the will of the people. If Joe Biden is elected and I’m elected, I will do everything I can to make sure we have a government meeting the needs of the people of CD4 and Colorado.”

One of the only policy differences between the unanimously pro-life candidates is a split in the approach regarding anti-abortion legislation. Boebert, Flora and Sonnenberg support federal legislation to limit or ban abortions, while Holtorf, Lynch and Yu say it’s a state’s rights issue.

“You don’t want the federal government telling 50 states how to live their lives,” Yu said. “It’s a slippery slope.”

Boebert is a signatory on the strictest anti-abortion legislation that has been introduced in Congress, the Life at Conception Act, which would define a fertilized embryo as a person. If it became law, it could ban some contraception and in vitro fertilization on top of abortions.

Policy alignment

All of the candidates say they plan to vote for Trump in the 2024 election and support his policies.

For all the candidates, the top issues facing the country are immigration and the rising cost of living, amid inflation. They also largely agree on how to tackle those issues.

On immigration, the Republicans are united in wanting to deport immigrants who are undocumented, finish work on the border wall that Trump began, and Biden halted, and enhance border patrol.

Boebert introduced legislation that

she has dubbed as the “Build the Wall, Deport them All Act,” which would follow through on those plans and end birthright citizenship for people whose parents are not citizens.

“There is an invasion taking place at our southern border and I have a proven track record of being one of the frontrunners getting our border secure,” Boebert said. “It’s more affordable to deport them than to support them.”

Holtorf advocates for militarizing the border and declaring war on drug traffickers.

“(We should) use our military resources, military support to civilian authorities, leverage those things we already have in the inventory and the manpower that’s already paid for,” he said. “We can shut this border down right now.”

To handle inflation and improve the economy, the candidates point to reducing regulation on domestic energy production and small businesses and cutting government spending and taxes.

Yu said the most common thing he hears from voters is that they are struggling with rising costs.

“We need to work on deregulation because it is so hard to be productive in society when there’s regulations on everything,” Yu said.

Reducing regulation and downsizing or dismantling government agencies, such as the Department of Education, is a popular idea among the candidates. Sonnenberg suggested he would push for a hiring freeze on all government agencies to curb costs.

“We would reduce the size of government through attrition,” Sonnenberg said. “We’ve grown government so large that people are looking for things to do and then we have overregulation.”

To address the economy, the candidates also agree on the idea of ramping up domestic energy production.

“The overbearing restrictions that are being put on our energy sector, when we were just recently energy independent, is driving up the cost of everything from fertilizer for the Eastern Plains to diapers,” Flora said.

Nearing Election Day

Even as the race has narrowed from its starting group of 11 hopeful representatives to six, campaign events continue ahead of the June 25 primary.

Ballots will be mailed starting on June 3 and voters can find drop box and polling station locations in Douglas County at douglas.co.us/elections. Elbert County information is online at elbertcounty-co.gov/290/Elections.

Family, friends honor Danny Dietz Sr.

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In a moving coincidence, two military jets ew over the heads of more than 100 people at Fort Logan National Cemetery, just as the sound of taps started to oat through the air. It was the burial ceremony for

Danny Phillip Dietz Sr., a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a passionate servant to at-risk youth.

Dietz, who lived in Littleton, passed away on May 11 at the age of 75. He was laid to rest next to his son, Danny Phillip Dietz Jr., a Navy SEAL who was awarded the Navy’s secondhighest decoration, the Navy Cross,

and the Purple Heart after his combat death in Afghanistan in 2005.

“Senior was my hero,” said Henry Jones Jr., a retired Denver police ofcer who counted Dietz as a friend.

“He would do anything for you … He’d give you the shirt o his back.”

Dietz was born in Nebraska and raised his family in the Littleton/Englewood area. He served in the Navy from Dec. 1, 1967 to Nov. 30, 1971 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, said his daughter, Ti any Bitz.

After the death of his son, Dietz and Bitz started the Danny Dietz Jr. Foundation to “enrich the lives of youth and young adults through strenuous mental and physical activities,” according to the foundation’s website.

“My brother … he might have been considered an at-risk youth in his young days,” Bitz said. “While he was a good kid and had a good heart, he oftentimes found himself going down the wrong path at times.”

Bitz said many people told her brother he would never amount to anything. All it took was someone to believe in him, she said, and he ended up serving the country and becoming a national hero.

“After we lost my brother, we wanted to start a foundation to nd kids

who were like my brother, that maybe they just needed a little direction or guidance, or even just a loving hand,” Bitz said. “ ey had good in them, and they just needed somebody to tell them that and help them nd their purpose.”

Bitz said her father was very passionate about the foundation and its work with youth.

Dietz’s friend, Jones, said he was inspired by how his friend taught the kids to serve their country, whether through military or community service.

“What he teaches you is, there’s more to life than yourself,” Jones said.

Bitz said her father was a strong patriot. Even when things got tough and challenging, she said, he wanted to remind people of the greatness of living in the United States.

“He loved this country,” she said. “He loves what we stand for, and he wanted to ensure that others understood how beautiful we have it.”

Even beyond serving youth, Dietz lived his life to build connections with others, Bitz said.

“Veterans who might have been su ering with (post-traumatic stress

A bugler plays taps to honor Danny Phillip Dietz Sr. at his committal service at Fort Logan National Cemetery on May 29.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

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Elbert County water plan inches ahead

Consultants hold meeting with residents to review draft of policy ideas

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Water has always been a hot-button issue in Colorado and it’s no di erent in Elbert County. E orts are still underway to create an Elbert County Water Master Plan to inform Elbert County’s water rules and guidelines for developers. e county hired Forsgren & Associates to make recommendations to the county and collect public feedback.

e consultant group recently offered an opportunity for community feedback on May 29 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds Agricultural Building in Kiowa.

e consultants facilitated two focus group discussions to review the draft policy recommendations for the Elbert County Water Master Plan.

Marc Dettenreider, Elbert County Director of Community and Economic Development, attended the event and said 32 people showed up for the rst focus group and 12 for the second.

e draft, which is two pages long

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

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.

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110.

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POSTMASTER

hand has helped me troubleshoot issues even now. I can visualize the spreadsheet in my mind to get the ofce back in balance,” she explained in her nal week of the job.

Upon starting at the Kiowa Post Ofce, technology included computers with oppy disks, which had to be downloaded each night to consolidate the books. Joan was instrumental in the installation of subsequent computer updates. She also coordinated the implementation and use of the current system across Colorado, a reection of her expertise and dedication. “I still get calls from postmasters, supervisors and clerks when they have an issue they don’t know how to x,” said Joan.

Re ecting on the changes she’s experienced since taking the Kiowa postmaster position, Joan highlights the area’s growth.

and includes 12 recommendations, started o with items directed at new developments. e draft suggests, in part, that water supply sources be identi ed at the beginning of the Elbert County land-use application process, that a development’s use of the Upper and Lower Dawson aquifer be restricted, and that new developments perform an evaluation of existing water infrastructure within a two-mile radius to determine whether or not connecting into that existing system is possible.

e document also advised that new developments promote best practices in the areas of landscaping, tiered water rates and water reuse.

e current draft of the Master Plan in its entirety is available at tinyurl. com/3z2xt4m3 until June 10.

Elbert County is in the process of creating a master plan for water.

In the interest of water conservation, the Town of Elizabeth has recently put watering restrictions in place for the summer. ey note that “watering schedules have been a proven method for conservation, e cient irrigation and demand management.” e mandatory watering guidelines will be in e ect from June 1 to Sept. 30. Watering is permitted every other day, depending on address, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. and no watering is permitted on Sundays. e schedule can be found at tinyurl.com/4w28rv9k.

Elbert County News wrote about a previous Water Master Plan Open House on Jan. 24. e article is available at tinyurl.com/ys42xk43.

A questionnaire for feedback on Draft Policy Recommendations is available at tinyurl.com/muw8vtun.

one carrier had 95 deliveries driving over 100 miles a day and there were about 100 P.O. boxes rented,” she said.

As new subdivisions emerged, the

single route was split into two, increasing the demand for more post-o ce boxes and resources. is led to the construction of a larger post o ce in 2001. Today, Kiowa has more than 500 post-o ce boxes rented, and the two routes handle nearly 500 deliveries each.

“Whether customers or employees, I just really love helping people,” said Joan, capturing the essence of her career built on service and community.

One of Joan’s favorite memories involves an eighth-grader who petitioned for home delivery in Forest Ridge, an area previously limited to post-o ce box delivery. “He went around to all the residents and collected signatures. When I presented this to the district, they agreed to extend the route nine miles south to deliver to this subdivision,” she fondly recalled.

As Joan embarks on her well-deserved retirement, the community will surely miss her presence but will always be grateful for her invaluable contributions and the love she poured into her work.

Joan Mallon has retired after 31 years as the Kiowa postmaster. COURTESY PHOTO

FROM PAGE 1

disorder), he would spend countless hours … just trying to help them see the good in themselves, and why they matter, and why they’re important and that they have a purpose,” she said.

As highlighted by the mass of people who attended his committal ceremony at Fort Logan on May 29, Dietz had a superpower in building relationships.

“He found purpose in making connections, and through those connections, helping people,” she said. “I really feel like that was my dad’s true purpose, was just to make connections and help people see the good in themselves and the value that they bring.”

Members of the Denver Fire Department raised a flag to honor Danny Phillip Dietz Sr. at his committal service at Fort Logan National Cemetery on May 29.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

People held American flags around the committal shelter during the service for Danny Phillip Dietz Sr. at his at Fort Logan National Cemetery on May 29.

Bonding authority set to buy fabled Stanley Hotel

BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN

Gov. Jared Polis has signed legislation that modi es a grant program for Colorado’s creative industries to allow the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority to buy the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Polis signed the legislation Tuesday at the Stanley Hotel. A lengthy amendment to House Bill 1295— which extends incentives o ered under theColorado Community Revitalization Grant programand was approved by the Colorado House late April and the Colorado Senate earlier this month — allows the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority to create a nonpro t company to manage a facility and direct revenue from that facility toward the organization’s mission to

support schools and art facilities in the state.

e legislation is a critical step in the authority’s plan to buy the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and issue bonds to support the construction of a new lm center at the hotel. Once the bonds are repaid — the bonds could be for as much as $450 million — the authority will own the hotel and lm center as a private revenue generator to support schools and cultural facilities.

e authority was created in 1981 to lend money to educational and art organizations for new and renovated schools, venues and museums, but the original legislation barred it from owning or operating those facilities. e new legislation changes the authority’s mission to include owner-

Gov. Jared Polis speaks in front of the Stanley Hotel before signing House Bill 1358, which expands tax incentives to film production companies that want to work in Colorado.

PHOTO BY PARKER YAMASAKI; THE COLORADO SUN SEE STANLEY, P39

How to become a part of the community

In an increasingly digital world, the importance of being part of a physical community cannot be overstated. Communities form the bedrock of society, providing a support system, fostering relationships and enhancing our overall quality of life. Engaging with your community through various activities not only bene ts those around you but also enriches your own life in myriad ways. Here’s why being an active community member is essential and how you can contribute.

Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to give back to your community. Local events, whether they are charity runs, community cleanups or festivals, rely heavily on volunteers to succeed. By dedicating your time, you help ensure these events can take place, which in turn strengthens community bonds. Volunteering also allows you to meet new people, learn new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. It creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to participate and fostering a culture of giving.

Supporting local businesses is crucial for maintaining the economic health of your community. When you shop on Main Street, you help local businesses thrive, which keeps money circulating within the community. is supports local jobs, encourages entrepreneurship and helps maintain the unique character of your town. Additionally, local businesses often give back to the community by sponsoring events and contributing to local causes. By prioritizing local shops over large chains, you contribute to a vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Local restaurants and pubs are more than just places to eat and drink; they are social hubs where people gather, share stories and build relationships. By patronizing these establishments, you

help them stay in business, which in turn keeps the social fabric of your community strong. Local eateries often use locally sourced ingredients, which supports local farmers and producers. Moreover, these venues frequently host community events such as trivia nights, live music, and charity fundraisers, providing additional opportunities for community engagement.

Town events, from parades and fairs to farmers markets and holiday celebrations, are integral to community life. ey provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and connect. Participating in these events fosters a sense of belonging and pride in your community. It also supports local organizers and vendors, further boosting the local economy. ese events often become cherished traditions that strengthen the bonds among community members and create lasting memories.

For many people, regular attendance at worship services is a cornerstone of community involvement. ese gatherings offer spiritual support, a sense of belonging and opportunities for service. Faith communities often engage in charitable activities, provide support networks for members and o er programs for youth, seniors and families. By participating in worship services, you contribute to the spiritual and social well-being of your community.

Sometimes, the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact. Sharing a wave hello or a friendly smile when you’re out

A

Hlook back at 2023-2024

ere in the Douglas County School District (DCSD), we have some of the most dedicated teachers, principals, and support sta who give their all each and every day to ensure that our students receive the best possible education. Because of their efforts, the 2023-2024 school year was full of celebrations!

Did you know?

• For the rst time in a decade, DCSD is the TOP scoring district in the Denver metro area!

• DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!!) scores in every subject and every grade.

• DCSD is one of the only school districts in the state to increase prociency levels across all student subgroups.

• DCSD is one of the leaders, nationwide, in “blurring the lines” between PK-12, higher education, and industry through our incredible Concurrent Enrollment/Career and Technical Education o erings (over 20K seats!) and our partnerships with multiple higher education in-

EDUCATION CORNER

Erin Kane

stitutions, providing students additional pathways to success after high school, whether they choose college or go straight to industry.

• Finally, DCSD ranked number 11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight (DCSD is the only Colorado school district in the top 65!).

Award-winning academic success

• irty- ve of our schools received the 2023 John Irwin Award of Excellence from CDE.

• Ten of our schools received the 2023 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

• Parker Core Knowledge Charter was named a 2023 Colorado National Blue Ribbon School. e future is bright!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Pick Padora in primary

We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and the future depends on electing leaders who genuinely listen to their constituents and work tirelessly on their behalf. roughout my life, I’ve seen rsthand the kind of dedication it takes to build a better future. My parents epitomized hard work and commitment. My father, a front-line supervisor in golf course maintenance, and my mother, who worked overnight shifts at a federal bank, both sacri ced immensely to support my two brothers and me. ough they have since passed, their lessons in integrity, teamwork and respect for others have stayed with me. ese values are why I am wholeheartedly supporting John Padora for Congress in CD4. John embodies the same spirit of relentless dedication and genuine care for the community. He is a ghter for the hard-working individuals and families who make up our district. John isn’t in this for personal gain; he is driven by a deep commitment to serve the people of CD4.

John’s tenacity and compassion are precisely what we need in Congress. He listens, he cares, and he never stops advocating for the well-being of his neighbors. His campaign is not just about winning an election; it’s about making a tangible di erence in the lives of the people he aims to represent.

Water money and local races

Douglas County voters should be aware of the substantial amount of dark money to local candidates for multiple local o ces, owing from deeppocketed proponents of piping groundwater from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County.

In June 2023, the Alamosa Citizen published an article noting several candidates for the Parker Water Board received large donations from agents of Renewable Water Resources, according to

TRACER

lings.

Around the same time, winners of seats on the Sterling Ranch Metro received funds from the same RWR sources, routed through several dark PACs and disappeared electioneering committees including Neighbors for a Safe and Prosperous Community.

On June 25th, I urge you to cast your vote for John Padora in the primary election. We need a leader who will bring our voices to Washington, someone who will ght for our needs and stand by our side. John Padora is that leader. Together, let’s choose a brighter future for our district and our nation by supporting John Padora for Congress.

Nick Petersen, Highlands Ranch

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

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

According to a December 2023 article in the Colorado Sun, when Douglas County commissioners formed the water commission, they placed several RWR parties on the board.

Now, several local candidates for county commissioner and Colorado House positions are being touted/supported by the Douglas County Future Fund, another six- gure o shoot of RWR interests. DCFF is chaired by an RWR principal (also a DougCo water board member).

So, the points of these facts are clear. Advocates for the transfer of San Luis Valley water to DougCo are continually dumping money into local political races. If they have their way, a lot of our local water resources will fall into the hands of a few very wealthy investors.

Lloyd Guthrie, Roxborough Park

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

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

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

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Jacques Hennig’s Australian shepherd mix Alex collapsed at the park in January 2024, he knew it was time to say goodbye.

“It’s a feeling in your gut; I knew immediately the cancer had come back,” he said.

He also knew how Alex would die: at home, with Hennig and his partner Max Donald by his side. A year earlier, the couple had used in-home euthanasia for their other dog, Oliver.

“It’s a horrible thing to have to deal with,” Hennig said. “You don’t want them to ever go; you want them to be with you forever. But it was important to me they were happy in death as well. I didn’t want their last vision to be the vet with uorescent lighting and lots of noise.”

Veterinarian H Howells, who performed the service for both Alex and Oliver through her company Peace Wings, is among a subset of veterinarians who o er in-home euthanasia. ese mobile veterinarians come to the pet owner’s residence, where they administer medication so the pet can pass in their home, surrounded by their owners and often, other family pets.

In-home euthanasia is a fastgrowing service, with a network of veterinarians that includes local, independent doctors like Howells, Conifer-based Amy Holtschlag and Franktown-based Julie Hasenfratz of Hometown Veterinary Hospice, as well as national companies like Lap of Love that employ a network of doctors.

As in a clinic setting, veterinarians performing in-home euthanasia typically use two medications: one to sedate the pet, and a second that stops the heart. Some vets also

use oxygen to help the pets relax further.

While fees vary, the service costs more than an in-clinic euthanasia service. e personalized nature of the service, time spent with each client and transportation costs are all factors in setting prices, veterinarians said.

e three veterinarians who spoke for this story charge between $350 and $775, their rates varying with the type and size of animal and the services included. Some charge separately for cremation, urns, memorial keepsakes and other items and services, while others include it in a at fee.

‘The last act of love’

Many pet owners say it’s worth it, and the best way they’ve found to close the nal chapter in a beloved pet’s life.

When Commerce City residents

John and Jan Leiker adopted their Great Dane Kiara, John Leiker said she was an aggressive, poorly socialized, “out-of-control” rescue.

ey spent two years training and loving her, “to turn her into the wonderful Great Dane that she was. She had a wonderful life.”

Giving her a peaceful ending was their nal act of caring, and Hasenfratz helped them give her that.

“Dr. Hasenfratz took her time and let us know everything she was doing, every step of the way,” Leiker said. “She just sat down with Kiara petting her, letting her sni everything. She gave her the proper drug to just relax.

“You still cry when they go; it’s never easy. But this is so much easier on the people and the animals. It’s the last act of love you can do. I will always do it this way if pos-

sible.”

Hasenfratz also o ered the couple a memorial paw print with Kiara’s name imprinted on it, which the couple treasures.

“When it’s time for our current Dane to go, Julie will be the one we’ll call,” his wife Jan agreed.

Despite the pain of loss that accompanies an in-home euthanasia, owners describe the service as personal, intimate and soothing. And most veterinarians say they work hard to make it that way.

“People have a lot of anxiety around this decision,” Holtschlag said. “And pets are often not relaxed when they come to the vet clinic; there’s that innate panic they have coming through the doors. at fear is not there when they’re home with their people.

From left, Jacques Hennig, Oliver, Alex and Max Donald on the road together. Hennig and Donald chose in-home euthanasia for both dogs. “It was important to me they were happy in death as well,” Hennig said.

PHOTO BY JACQUES HENNIG

ALTERNATIVE

“I want the experience to be as peaceful as it can be for both the pet and the people, and a memory the owners can cherish going forward,” Holtschlag continued.

Holtschlag treats each appointment as its own service.

“I usually do a little information gathering before I get there,” she said. “I have the family tell me if they have any special requests or wishes, and who is going to be there. ere are things we can do at home we’re not able to do in a clinic to make it meaningful for them; they can set up the experience the way they want it to go.

“When I get there, I spend a lot of time going through what will happen, explaining the process so they know what they’re going to see. ey can hold their pet, or be right next to them throughout.”

In December 2023, Holtschlag helped Evergreen residents John and Sue Dunlop say goodbye to their 10-year-old standard poodle Reggie, who’d su ered a series of debilitating seizures. Dunlop described Holtschlag and her assistant as patient, respectful and “very compassionate.”

“While it was heartbreaking, it

was great that he was here in our house, in a place he was comfortable,” John Dunlop said. “It was easier on us, too, because we didn’t have to walk out of the vet’s o ce and leave our (deceased) pet behind.

“We’ve been down this road before, and this was so much more comforting. ere’s no easy way. But in our mind, it was the most compassionate thing we could do.”

After Reggie passed, John Dunlop brought his other standard poodle Cooper into the room to see the body — an act that would have been more challenging at a clinic.

“We hoped it would give him some knowledge of what’s going on,” he said. “Who knows what they think. But for my peace of mind, I’d like to think he understood.”

e Dunlops opted to have Reggie cremated and plan to spread his ashes on their property.

“I would do it again,” John Dunlop said. “We’ve had pets euthanized in a vet’s o ce and they were also compassionate and doing the best they can, but it’s not the same. It’s not like being at home.”

Guidance for end-of-life decisions

Veterinarians who provide the service can also guide pet owners in making end-of-life decisions.

“When a pet has a slow-moving illness or a long decline, the owners have a choice in the matter,” Howells said. “When they call me, a lot of them are struggling with the timing. If I wait too long, I’ve been sel sh. If I do it too soon, I haven’t been patient enough. e big question that’s underlying that is, ‘Am I killing my pet?’

“ e answer is no. Cancer is killing your pet. Kidney disease is killing your pet. eir pets are dying anyway,” Howells continued. “When people can ip that switch, it gives them and me peace. ey’re no longer making a life-and-death decision; biology has already made it. In all reality, at-home euthanasia is a happy ending. In many cases, they’ve lived a long life, and they’re in the home in which they’ve been cherished.”

Hasenfratz also provides such consultations and said she understands the struggle pet owners undergo. She tries to emphasize that

death is not just inevitable, but natural. And while you can’t keep it from happening, you can sometimes control the circumstances that surround it.

“I lost my mom in hospice care, and that’s when I started realizing how important it is to be home — not just for the patient but the family,” she said. “Saying goodbye is a natural part of living. If we can pass away as comfortably as possible, I think that’s what we all would want.

“I feel very good about what I do because I end struggles,” she continued. “I give the pet a peaceful passing, and I give that peace to their human family too.”

Because the service is so personal, the bonds extend beyond owners and pets to the veterinarian as well. Hennig and Donald chose Howells for Alex because she had previously done the same service for their dog Oliver. e moment Howells and Oliver met is still vivid in Hennig’s memory.

“Oliver used to come over at every meal and lean on you with his forehead; we found out years later that’s a way they bond or say thank you,” he said. “When Dr. H came in for his appointment, she was sitting on the oor, getting her supplies out. Oliver could hardly walk, but he went over to her and pressed his forehead into hers. And I thought, ‘ is is OK.’”

Commerce City residents John and Jan Leiker opted for in-home euthanasia for their great Dane Kiara. “It’s the last act of love you can do,” John Leiker said.

PHOTO BY JOHN LEIKER

Jacques Hennig’s dog Alex rests his paw on Hennig’s hand on the day he died through an in-home euthanasia. Hennig has Alex’s head tattoed on his hand.

PHOTO BY JACQUES HENNIG

One of the rst questions many of my clients ask is whether they need a trust. It’s a great question, but it leads to another: What do you want your estate plan to accomplish? First I will explain what trusts are and how they work. en I will look at the bene ts of a trust based plan so you will have a better idea of whether a trust is right for you and your family.

ere are many di erent types of trusts and they can accomplish a wide range of goals. However, when most people think about trusts, the one they have in mind is a Revocable or Living Trust.

NORTON

Do you need a trust?

A trust is a separate legal entity that is established by a trust agreement.  e grantor is the person who creates and signs the trust agreement.  e trust agreement sets forth the rules and guidelines the trustee must follow when managing the assets whether it is during the grantor’s incapacity or upon the death of the grantor.

After signing the trust agreement, the grantor’s assets are funded into

the trust. Assets that may be funded into the trust include, but are not limited to, real property, nancial accounts, motor vehicles and other items. An example of trust funding is recording a deed moving the ownership of a house from the grantor’s name into the name of the trust. After assets are transferred into the name of the trust, the trust technically owns the assets; however the grantor can continue to use them as he or she normally would.

When the trust is created, the grantor names a trustee to manage the assets funded into the name of the trust.  Most grantors name themselves as the initial trustee, giv-

ing them complete control over the trust’s assets. A  successor trustee is also named to take over management of the trust upon the grantor’s incapacity and death.

One of the primary bene ts of a trust is that it enables assets held in the trust to avoid the probate process after the grantor’s death thereby avoiding the costs associated with probating the estate. e grantor can stipulate when, how, and under what circumstances the successor trustee is authorized to distribute trust assets to bene ciaries. is is particularly important if

walking can brighten someone’s day and create a more welcoming atmosphere in your community. ese simple acts of kindness can break down barriers, make people feel seen and valued, and contribute to a culture of friendliness and inclusivity. ey remind us that we are all part of the same community and that even small actions can strengthen our social bonds.

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, being part of a community reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of coming together. I would love to hear your community story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we do our part in creating a thriving community, 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.

KANE

What’s next for DCSD?

In the coming school year, we will ask our community to join us in conversations about our future. Looking ahead 10 years to 2035 and beyond, together we will:

• PARTNER: Continued partnerships with our families, students and sta to remain in that number one spot! Together, we will take on issues that impact our kids, like social media.

• DREAM: Community conversa-

tions around what we want for DCSD 10 years from now and beyond.

• DECIDE: Determine what we want our kids to know and be able to do in 2035 and beyond.

• EXPLORE: Prepare students for the workforce and life after high school as it looks in their future. is means leveraging (safely!) the world of Arti cial Intelligence (AI) and whatever else is to come. ank you for an incredible 20232024 school year. We are very grateful for our students, families, teachers, sta and community members.

#ProudtoBeDCSD

Erin Kane is the superintendent of the Douglas County School District.

FROM PAGE 14

FROM PAGE 14

Thu 6/06

Jubilingo Live at Clement Park @ 6pm Clement Park, Littleton

Strung Out @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Fri 6/07

Jordan Yewey @ 5:30pm

Scooters Sports Bar & Grill, 13698 E Alameda Ave, Aurora

Hazel Miller & the Collective @ 7pm

Los Inquietos Del Vallenato - Los Diablitos del Vallenato @ 8pm / $60 Stampede, Aurora

Sat 6/08

Mutt Market at Aspen Grove @ 9am

Sun 6/09

The Mike G Band @ 11am

Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker

Eric Elison @ 2pm

Tue 6/11

Build and Fly Your Own Estes

Alpha Rocket @ 7am / $125

Jun 11th - Jun 13th

Valor - Academic Building Basement, 3775 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303471-3000

Hampden Hall, Englewood Civic Center 2nd �oor, 1000 Englewood Pkwy, Engle‐wood

98.5 KYGO Birthday Bash featuring Jordan Davis @ 3pm Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, Englewood

Cruxvae @ 7pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Wed 6/12

7301 S Santa Fe Dr, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. info@as pengrovecenter.com

Fleatwood Mac: The Premier Fleetwood Mac Tribute: Fleatwood Mac at Tailgate Tavern (Parker, CO), 6/8/24 @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Eric Golden @ 4pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker Extra! Extra! @ 7pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Mon 6/10

School's Out for the Summer! Musical Theatre Full Day Camp 4th-8th Grades @ 8am / $380

Jun 10th - Jun 14th

Valor Center, 3775 Grace Blvd, Orchestra Room, Highlands Ranch. 303-471-3000

MC Lars @ 7pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood

Football OL/DL Speciality Skill Development Camp @ 7:30am / $189

Jun 12th - Jun 13th

Valor Athletic Stadium, Fields, and Courts, 3775 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303471-3000

Godcaster @ 6pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Thu 6/13

CITRA: Parker Days 2024 @ 6pm Downtown Parker, 19501 Mainstreet, Parker

DannyLux @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, Englewood

Dannylux @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

Douglas County calls o plan for probation o ce

Commissioners halt Lone Tree proposal

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Amid loud opposition from Lone Tree residents, Douglas County commissioners halted a plan to place near a neighborhood an office that monitors people after they are convicted of crimes.

At a community meeting, a man in the crowd asked county leaders whether it’s more important to give people who committed crimes easy access to a nearby light rail station or to keep them “away from our schools and children.”

Some people on probation and other court-related services out of Douglas County have been receiving service in Arapahoe County because of a lack of public transportation to the justice center in Castle Rock, according to county officials.

“We have a transportation problem where it is very difficult for a lot of our clients to get from where they live, north Douglas County, (to) Castle Rock,” Judge Ryan Stuart told the crowd at the May 30 meeting.

Some may have a driving under the influence, or DUI, charge and rely on public transit.

In front of a frustrated crowd

of more than 200, Commissioner Abe Laydon convinced Commissioner George Teal, who chairs the board, to back off the Lone Tree-area spot.

Teal told county staff to “stop work on this location,” eliciting a standing ovation.

The county has three other unspecified locations in mind, Teal said: one west of Lone Tree, one east of Lone Tree, and an option that lacks transit. He said a decision may not come until after June.

‘Low to moderate risk’

Colorado’s court system is made up of 22 judicial districts, and a new district is on the way. Today, the 18th Judicial District includes Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

But state lawmakers — driven by population growth and a political split in the region — decided to break it up, moving Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties into Colorado’s first new judicial district in decades.

As part of that retooling, Douglas County officials were poised to add a local probation office near the light rail station off Lincoln Avenue near Interstate 25.

Residents of the Heritage Hills gated community expressed wide opposition to the plan to place the probation office near their neighborhood.

Some people have confused pa -

role and probation, “and I think that’s just a common misnomer,” Suzanne Karrer, a spokesperson for the Colorado Judicial Branch, told the Douglas County NewsPress.

“A parolee is an individual who has been released from prison before completing their full sentence; these persons are managed under the statutory authority of the Colorado Department of Corrections,” a statement from Colorado’s judicial branch said. “People on probation, who (would) be serviced at this location, are individuals who received an alternative sentence for convictions in which they agree to abide by certain terms and conditions in exchange for not serving jail or prison sentences.”

The new Douglas office will have probation check-in appointments with people of “low to moderate risk” to the community, Karrer said.

“These could include crimes like driving under the influence or certain domestic violence charges, for example,” Karrer said. “Low-to-moderate-risk individuals require less supervision and treatment to reduce recidivism than those on parole or considered high-risk.”

The new location would likely offer other programs too, including pre-trial services for those who are accused but have not been convicted of a crime.

Court-related programs give people “a chance to turn their life around,” Commissioner Lora Thomas told the crowd.

Close to neighborhoods

Laydon said officials shouldn’t put offenders next to kids in a residential area, to applause from the crowd.

Some other probation offices are near residential areas or schools in the 18th Judicial District, such as the Littleton office along Littleton Boulevard or the Aurora office off Chambers Road.

The existing Douglas probation office sits in the county justice center in the Castle Rock area, near the sheriff’s office and county jail.

Teal said his kids went to grade school and high school close by the county jail. Stuart, the judge, said the county justice center sits near schools, a skate park, sports fields, an apartment complex and a neighborhood.

Referring to the other places where the county could place the office, Teal said the other three communities in those areas could also push back as Lone Tree residents did.

The new 23rd Judicial District is set to take effect January 2025. The 18th Judicial District will then only include Arapahoe County. In 2020, the bill to create the new district passed with bipartisan support in the state legislature.

Balancing badges and biology in the field

In the captivating world of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, our team of intrepid eld biologists is rewriting the narrative of wildlife management. Contrary to the traditional image of scientists in sterile lab coats, our dedicated terrestrial and aquatic biologists venture into the wild, focusing on an eclectic array of species – from majestic deer and elk to elusive trout, warm-water sport sh, and amphibians. ese eld biologists are the unsung heroes working tirelessly to conserve and understand nature’s intricate dance.

In the vast tapestry of CPW, researchers delve into singular species management, species interactions, habitat utilization, and the ever-complex human dimension. Meanwhile, our district wildlife managers, also known as wildlife o cers, equipped with both biological expertise and law enforcement commissions, play multifaceted roles in the eld. It’s this biological foundation that empowers CPW to manage all of Colorado’s wildlife based on the best available science, transcending subjective instincts and political whims.

CPW takes pride in its diverse projects, spanning the monitoring of mountain plovers, sage grouse lek counts, helicopter classi cations, and counts of various wildlife species. From gill net surveys in warm-water lakes to adrenalinepumping electroshocking surveys in high mountain trout streams,

FROM THE WILDLIFE OFFICER’S DESK

Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch, Philip Sorensen, Mark Lamb, Matt Martinez & Kara VanHoose

and even quirky toad counts, the breadth of projects re ects the agency’s commitment to understanding and conserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity.

For those immersed in the eld, the biological aspect of the job stands out as particularly spectacular. Memories of ying in helicopters, counting and classifying deer amid breathtaking landscapes, evoke a sense of awe. e work often garners reactions like “ at’s work?” or “How can I get that job?” as we recount experiences of solitary sage grouse lek counts, witnessing the fascinating dance of birds, and encountering wildlife untouched by time. And then there’s the thrilling shock shing – an activity that might raise eyebrows. Rest assured, it doesn’t harm the sh; instead, it provides crucial data for sheries management. e day unfolds with the excitement of netting and measuring sh as they dart around in a state of temporary confusion. e collected data in uences shing regulations and guides the strategic placement of nearly 100 million sh stocked by CPW each year.

If that’s not enough, gear up for the physically demanding and challenging sheep inventories. Equipping sheep with GPS collars

unlocks insights into movement patterns and mortality rates. Data gathered is essential for pinpointing lambing and wintering locations. As summer unfolds, embrace the challenges of hiking, horseback riding, and climbing to track down sheep in high altitudes and rugged terrains. e collected data steers the course for critical habitat projects and shapes the population models.

e life of a eld biologist is not one of comfort. It involves long, tedious days, often in adverse weather conditions and challenging terrains. While it may not make you rich, the real wealth lies in the satisfaction of dedicating a day to the resources and collecting data for the sake of conservation. As the sun sets and a massive ram silhouette graces the mountain range, the thought crosses my mind – should I be paying for the privilege of doing what I do?

If you would like to get in touch

with your local Wildlife O cer regarding wildlife violations, habitat projects, educational program opportunities, or other wildlife concerns and incidents, please contact CPW’s Northeast Region Service Center during normal business hours at 303-291-7227.

If you would like to report a wildlife incident and it is outside of normal business hours, please contact Colorado State Patrol’s Non-Emergency Dispatch at 303-239-4501 or *CSP (*277), and a Wildlife O cer will be in touch.

If you would like to report a wildlife violation, on record or anonymously, please contact Colorado Operation Game ief at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648).

Contributors to this column included Wildlife O cers Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch and Philip Sorensen; Area Wildlife Managers Mark Lamb and Matt Martinez; and CPW NE Region PIO Kara VanHoose.

Nationwide coverage wherever Colorado businesses grow

Swim safely this summer by following these tips

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As warm weather increases and the number of pools and outdoor spots open for swimming, here are some tips to ensure people are being “water smart.”

In an e ort to protect swimmers while they enjoy aquatic activities, the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming says it’s important that people take certain precautions.

“Before families head out to pools and parks, it’s important for all family members to learn and review critical water safety skills,” said Gino Greco, chief executive o cer for the

organization. “Knowing fundamental Red Cross water safety skills will help you feel more prepared for fun outings in, on and around the water and help save lives.”

A press release from the organization says “formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for one to fouryear-olds.”

With more than 2.5 million people participating in the organization’s programs, the Red Cross is determined to o er the best sciencebased curriculum and practices for swimming safely.

“ rough this work, over the last century, the Red Cross has helped to reduce accidental drownings by nearly 90% nationwide,” the organization said.

National Water Safety Month

Along with the Red Cross, the City of Englewood also encourages swimmers to be safe.

e city’s aquatics team o ered many tips in their promotion of National Water Safety Month, which was May. e city’s website states the month-long awareness initiative began in May 2007 after the National Recreation and Park Association decided, along with the WWA, that it was important. e American Red Cross joined the coalition as a key partner in 2010.

“Drowning has become the leading cause of death for children ages (one to four), ahead of car accidents, birth abnormalities and cancer,” the city said. “And, drowning remains the second leading cause of unintended death for kids four to14 and the third for adolescents ages 15-17. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide.”

Swimming safety tips

To continue their e orts to prevent drowning and other dangers, the City of Englewood and American Red Cross o er various safety tips to the public:

• Don’t swim alone.

• Appoint a “water watcher” who will keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers.

• Provide properly tted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

• Reach or throw, don’t go! — In the event of an emergency, reach

Families enjoy the lazy river and pools of Pirates Cove Water Park in Englewood. With summer now here, the American Red Cross o ers tips for swimming safely.

or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in.

• Learn to swim.

• Never leave children unattended.

• Read all posted signs.

• Look for lifeguards.

• Don’t drink alcohol.

• Don’t drink pool water.

• Avoid water wings.

• Note the weather.

• Use sunscreen.

• Follow age and eight instructions as well as health restrictions

• Use plastic swim diapers.

“We encourage families to educate themselves on safer water habits, to learn to swim and know how to handle emergencies,” said Connie Harvey, director of the Aquatics Centennial Campaign and Survival Programs for the American Red Cross. “Our aquatic training providers o er swim education and classes for both children and adults. We recommend that you also learn rst aid and CPR, so you’ll know what to do until help arrives.”

e organization recently revamped its Whale Tales For Children swim safety program, which doesn’t cost anything and is made to help children in kindergarten through fth grade “learn vital water safety behaviors without having to be in or near the water.”

“Whale Tales are short, engaging and age-appropriate lessons that cover important water safety topics in di erent environments such as pools, waterparks, oceans, lakes and rivers,” the organization said.  Resources such as lessons, course presentations and more can be found at bit.ly/WHALE-swimming. For more information on teaching one’s own children, people can visit bit.ly/ safe-swimming-tips.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF ENGLEWOOD

13-16, 2024

Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES

FUN THINGS TO DO:

• Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food

• Shopping Marketplace

• Music on Four Stages

• Carnival Rides for the Whole Family

• Free Kids Crafts

• Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the In atables

AIR ACADEMY CREDIT UNION

EAST MUSIC Stage – Live Music ALL Day

Friday 8 pm – 10 pm Sisters of Rock

Saturday 8 pm – 10 pm

Shelvis and the Roustabouts

Sunday 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Lies or Lullabies

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm CORE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Community Stage – Entertainment ALL Day

MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 14 presented by

8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Kory Brunson Band

Saturday, June 15 presented by 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Wash Park Band Sunday, June 16 presented by 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: That Eighties Band

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Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

King Soopers salvaged enough food for nearly 5 million meals last year

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ever wonder what happens to the dented cans or cereal boxes that get pushed aside at King Soopers? Most of the items nd a way to people’s plates through recovery and redistribution e orts with hunger relief organizations that partner with King Soopers.

“It’s our mission to end hunger and waste in our communities, but it takes all of our associates doing their part,” said Jessica Trowbridge of King Soopers and City Market corporate a airs.

Another part of the e ort is to ght climate change by preventing salvageable food from being thrown away. Kroger Co., which operates 153 King Soopers in Colorado, established a Zero Hunger / Zero Waste program in 2018. It aims to build a more resilient, equitable and sustainable food system.

rough the e ort, nearly 6 million pounds of food was rescued last year.

“Which is equivalent to 4.92 million meals,” said Trowbridge.

Such e orts are needed. In Colora-

do, one in nine people face hunger, according to Feeding America.

e Zero Hunger / Zero Waste program is not just about rescuing and redistributing food. It also aims to increase the a ordability of and ac-

cess to fresh food.

Feeding America also reports those facing hunger often lack funds to purchase healthy foods. at is why King Soopers activates a markdown program when items in the fresh departments approach their use-by dates, making them more affordable, reducing the amount that would spoil.

e grocer also considers the effort to be a top solution when it comes to reversing the e ects of climate change. Unsellable items may be donated to local food banks and agencies. For example, if the corner of a Cheerios box has a dented corner and gets pushed aside, it’s still usable as long as the cereal inside is not compromised.

“Oftentimes, this is where the food banks get the majority of that fresh product, which they can redisburse to the community,” said Trowbridge. “It helps them make sure people that are in need are still getting fresh meat or dairy.”

King Soopers works with Feeding America as well as the Food Bank of the Rockies, where they pick up the products weekly and redistribute them to local communities.

e federal Department of Agriculture estimates that between 3040% of food produced goes to waste in America. For Zero Hunger / Zero Waste, the goal is to ensure that nonperishable items don’t wind up in

With about 8 million pounds of cardboard recycled monthly, the cardboard at the King Soopers Reclamation center in Aurora gets compressed in a baler compactor and taken to New Mexico where they get turned into new boxes.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

FOOD

the land ll, as well as organic items, because those take longer to break down, producing more climateharming methane. It can also help water systems.

Ralph Powell, the reclamation center manager at King Soopers, added that Colorado’s good samaritan law allows donated products to go to food banks. From there, the food banks will evaluate to make sure it’s safe to consume.

“ ey will trash some of what we give them if it’s not up to their standards,” Powell said.

Any unsold organics not eligible for donation go into a composting program, which Powell helped develop. In addition to helping the environment, their trash bill was reduced by the amount it cost to compost what was being thrown away, said Powell.

With composting taking place at each store, and about 500,000 pounds of mostly produce and deli trimmings each week, King Soopers locations across the state composted over 9.5 thousand pounds last year.

Several of the stores commercially bag and sell the compost for people

The King Soopers Reclamation Center in Aurora takes in recycling from all 153 King Soopers grocery stores in the state. They unload, organize and condense millions of pounds of materials in the warehouse that coincides with the Zero Hunger Zero Waste program and helps keep materials out of landfills.

to use in their gardens.

“Always looking for ways that we can leave less of an impact on the earth,” Trowbridge said.

King Soopers reclamation center e King Soopers Reclamation Center in Aurora, near Denver International Airport, operates round the clock. About 180 semi truck trailers lled with plastic containers used for shipping, the bakery, diary, reusable containers and materials like baled cardboard and loose plastic are cleaned out daily at the center.  It didn’t use to be this way. Powell

began working at the reclamation center in 1986 in the transportation department.

“It’s totally di erent from what it was,” said Powell. “When it rst started, we were doing glass, steel cans and aluminum cans.”

For a time, the stores had bins and employees would sort materials customers brought in, but that raised concerns about sanitation within the stores.

In 2023, the reclamation center recycled over 104 million pounds of materials. e top product is baled old corrugated cardboard, making

up 94 million pounds.

e cardboard gets compressed in a Baler Compactor, making it easier to transport. Powell said about seven trailers a day take the material down to New Mexico where it is turned into reusable boxes.

Loose plastic is continuously cleaned, compacted and made into 2,000 pound bales that are then sold for deck materials. Plastic bags, which accounted for over 3.2 million pounds last year, also get condensed.

ere is more to the reclamation center than condensing materials. Dairy, bakery and produce crates get sanitized and reused, and eventually recycled when no longer useful.

“We’ve looked at our operation and how do we, instead of using something that’s single use, use something that’s multiuse,” said Trowbridge.

Outside, there are trailers that hold smaller items, such as milk jugs and plastic soda bottles.

Having worked in the industry for nearly four decades, Powell has seen the impacts recycling, composting and donating can have on the community and environment.

“We’re all coming to grips with what hunger is about and what we’re doing to the earth,” said Powell. “ is is just one piece that can help it.”

SHOWCASE

SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Check out a spectacular display of aviation history and see various types of warbirds up close at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Friday Night Markets step up their game

Weekly events to be bigger this summer, starting June 14

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Elizabeth’s Running Creek Park at 500 E. Kiowa Ave. has been relatively quiet all winter. e nearby pedestrian bridge near Evans Park has been repaired and residents are ready for the excitement of the park’s upcoming Friday Night Markets. e free events, a collaboration between the Town of Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Brewing Company, include live music, food trucks, beer and wine for purchase, and local vendors. ere will also be face painting, balloon twisting, juggling and magic for kids. e markets, open from 5-9 p.m. each Friday night, begin on June 14 and run all the way to Aug. 16 to close out the summer. e hybrid farmer’s market and concert series has been a draw for townspeople.

In past years 700 to 900 people have attended each Friday night, but this summer around 1,000 people are expected to attend.

e event has become a high point in Elizabeth, a place to relax and connect with community. Elizabeth Brewing Company founder Tony Briggs said, “It’s the one thing we do all summer long that brings the whole community together.”

Elizabeth resident Rachel Pro tt has attended the Friday Night Markets for the last three years. Pro tt volunteers at the American Legion

Auxiliary booth and has also been a vendor. “ e Friday Night Market is more than just an event,” she shared, “it’s a wonderful way for the community to come together. It’s always fun to see families and friends gathering, sharing good times, and supporting local businesses. It’s events like these that strengthen our community bonds and create lasting memories.”

For the rst time, some of this year’s markets will have themed nights for something extra special.

e Town of Elizabeth has hired

TRUCK & TRAILER

AUCTION

event planner Amanda Love to organize the specialty markets. e three “Specialty Markets” will be July 5, Red, White and Brews; July 26, e Elizabeth Mainline Market; and Aug. 16, Beer with the Deer.

Love says the theme nights envisioned by the Town of Elizabeth will have bigger bands, more retail vendors for shopping and additional food options. ere will also be some added attractions. On July 5 there will be a car show and on July 26 there will be extra children’s ac-

tivities, including a kiddie train.

“ e town knows that our community truly has enjoyed these Friday Night Markets & Concert series and wanted to bring even more fun and community togetherness to these nights,” Love said.

Each specialty night will bring recognition to speci c community groups or businesses. ese selected groups or businesses, Love added, are working with e Elizabeth

Part-time hours

Adaptable route sizes

• No suit & tie required! revious carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but email us at:

The bandstand, equipment and chairs wait in the morning sun at Running Creek Park, 500 East Kiowa Avenue, before the Friday Night Markets begin on June 14. The market was first held at the old Gesin’s Lot at 165 Main St. in Elizabeth.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

special beer for that night.

Candace Gilchrist, an Elizabeth resident, feels that the markets are “a great way to bring the community together and support local businesses.” Gilchrist is the owner of Permanently Punchy, a permanent jewelry business specializing in Western jewelry and authentic Native American jewelry. is will be her rst time being a vendor.

Candice Baker, the brewing company’s event planner, says the event began in the summer of 2017. e town community development director reached out to Briggs to help start a new town event, a farmers market but with a twist. e original idea was to bring out food trucks, sell beer and wine, and do it all for free.

Initially called the “Elizabeth Farmers Market,” it started o small in the old Gesin’s lot o of Main Street with only 10 vendors, live music, beer, and one food truck. e catch, Baker explained, was that initially the market was funded solely through vendor fees, sponsorships, and e Elizabeth Brewing Company. e brewing company wasn’t even operating yet and worked with the Black Forest Brewing

to bring beer to the rst market.

eryone watched the markets unfold into a beautiful event for our community. ey got bigger and better every year.”

For a complete list of which bands,

food trucks, and other vendors will be present and on which dates, visit brewelizabeth.com/market-schedule or tinyurl.com/2j3scnab. For information on becoming a vendor go to brewelizabeth.com/ vendors.

The Elizabeth Brewing Company tent at a Friday Night Market in a previous summer.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ELIZABETH BREWING COMPANY

Rickie Baumert, head brewer at the Elizabeth Brewing Company, at a Friday Night Market in a previous year.

CONGRATULATIONS!

To the winners of our Cutest Pets Contest

First Place Dog

First Place Cat

First Place Other

Round of applause to our winners and a very special thanks to all the cute pets that participated in this years contest. We’ll see you again next year!

DUNCAN

the beneficiaries are not yet mature enough to manage an inheritance on their own, or in situations involving blended families.  Additionally a trust protects the privacy of the grantor (and beneficiaries) because the trust’s provisions are confidential. Once a person’s Last Will and Testament is submitted to the probate process, it is a matter of public record. Anyone can access information about

the decedent’s assets, creditors, debts and more.

Trusts can also be used to protect the grantor and the grantor’s family from a stressful and expensive guardianship (day-to-day decisions) proceeding or conservator (financial) proceeding if the grantor becomes incapacitated. The probate court treats the appointment of a guardian and the appointment of a conservator as two separate lawsuits, each with their own rules.

As mentioned earlier, there are many different types of trusts. If one of your primary goals is to

protect assets from long-term care costs, creditors, lawsuits, and other threats, an Irrevocable Trust or an Asset Protection Trust may be a much better option then a Revocable Living Trust. If you have a loved one with special needs, a Special Needs Trust can allow you to create a fund for goods and services not provided by Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income while protecting eligibility for these vital programs.

These are but a few examples of various trusts and what they can accomplish. If you’re still not sure whether you need a trust, we

welcome the opportunity to explain your options in detail and, if appropriate in your particular circumstances, design and implement the trust that’s right for you and your family.

Carolyn Moller Duncan’s Duncan Legal, PC is located in Centennial with a practice emphasis on estate planning, probate and trust administration. Carolyn has over 22 years of experience practicing law in Colorado. Carolyn is a member of the Colorado Bar, Trust & Estate Section, Family Law Section and Denver County Bar Association.

Colorado Community Media to Hold its First 5K Run

BY JO ANN M. COLTON

ere is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Colorado than by witnessing all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

from walking and/or running along our state’s many wonderful paths and scenic nature trails.

Join Colorado Community Media as we host our rst-ever 5K run on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton.

And, before the run, we want you to submit your own “Trail Tales,” including photos, to your local newspaper (events@coloradocommunitymedia. com). Tell us where you most enjoy going for a walk or a run in your commuor elsewhere in Colorado.

In turn, we will share many of those adventurous tales with the readers of our two dozen community newspapers in the weeks ahead of the run.

ere are no prizes associated with the event and participants will not receive a “standard” T-shirt. Instead, registered participants will receive a pair of custom running socks. e Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run is open to people of all ages. Participants have the option of making it a fun- lled day for the entire family. Registration fees are $35 for adults (ages 17 & up), $15 (ages 5 to 16), and free for children (ages 4 and under ). Parking for run participants and event attendees is available in the west parking lot, which can be reached as you enter Clement Park through the Library entrance on W. Bowles Avenue.

ent Park is currently being rmed up to feature other activities throughout the day including food and beverage purchase options o ered by local food trucks, vendor booths, and live music entertainment.

About the 5k: It is scheduled to loop around Johnston Reservoir from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It will start and end on the bike path near Shelter P. e event is di erent from most 5k runs in many ways. For starters, the sole purpose of this event is to simply provide an opportunity for people across Colorado to come together, interact, and share their personal experiences gained

Colorado Community Media publications span eight counties along Colorado’s majestic Front Range — Weld, Adams, Je co, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Denver. As a nonpro t organization, community is important to us and we are eager to reach out and meet members of the communities our news organization serves.

Carlie Scott, Colorado Community Media’s events director, stated that the program for the Aug. 24 run in Clem-

“Your support of this event as a race participant and/or as an attendee is paramount to the success of our rst Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run and it will help us sustain our ability to support local news,” Scott said. “We encourage the engagement of our readers and future readers to be part of this and future events at Colorado Community Media.” Colorado Community Media could not put on events like this 5k run without the help of its dedicated supporters and sponsors. Sponsorship provides an ideal marketing prospect for your business and positive brand recognition. e organization o ers many levels of sponsorship and opportunities for involvement. As a sponsor, you can be part of a fun community event that promotes health and wellness.

To register for the Share Your Trail Tales 5k please visit our website www.coloradocommunitymedia.com and click on EVENTS/CONTEST tab.

Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional needed for 2024-25 School Year in our West Area Center-Based Learning Programs located in Strasburg

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ship and management of facilities and expands the definition of the facilities supported by the authority to include a film center, a hotel, eating and drinking establishments, gift shops and lodging.

Owning the Stanley Hotel would be a new role for the bonding authority that has issued $7.6 billion in low-interest, tax-exempt bonds that help pay for schools, student housing, performance halls, museums and Olympic training facilities across Colorado since the early 1980s.

The 140-room Stanley Hotel — the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining” — is owned by the Grand Heritage Hotel Group.

The group’s CEO, John Cullen, bought the dilapidated historic hotel out of bankruptcy in 1996 and has invested millions in upgrades and maintenance.

Originally Cullen planned to sell the Stanley Hotel to Arizona-based nonprofit Community Finance Corp., which would use bonds backed by CECFA to develop the Stanley Film Center. When the deal with the Arizona group did not materialize, the Colorado bonding authority stepped in with the plan to acquire the hotel, which required legislation to adjust its mission and allow the purchase and management of a property.

The legislation does not approve the deal, but only empowers CECFA to own and manage property, John Cullen said Tuesday.

“That doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen, it just means it’s

enabling it. So rather than having an Arizona group, we now have a Colorado group,” Cullen said. “And when I last checked, people in Colorado are more motivated by things in Colorado.”

Part of the original deal included the sale of Cullen’s 89-unit Fall River Village Resort. A new deal has emerged with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, the Estes Park Housing Authority and Grand Heritage Hotel Group that would convert the Fall River Village property from vacation rentals to workforce housing.

The Fall River Village deal is not connected to CECFA’s plan with Cullen for the Stanley Hotel.

“It’s important to note that CHFA is not party to any agreements or arrangements pertaining to the sale of the Stanley Hotel, including whether that sale may be con -

ditioned upon the sale of Fall River Village Resort,” said Matt Lynn, a spokesman for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission in 2015 designated the proposed Stanley Film Center a Regional Tourism Act project, qualifying it for $46.4 million in state sales tax incentives over 30 years. The commission last month approved an amendment to the Stanley Film Center plan that included listing both CECFA and the authority’s subsidiary “Stanley Partnership for Art Culture and Education, LLC” as owners of the film center.

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

as follows:

A tract of land situated in the West ½ of Section 31, Township 7 South, Range 64 West and in the East ½ of the Northeast ¼ Section 36, Township 7 South, Range 65 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Elbert County, Colorado, set forth in the legal description of the property contained in the Petition for Exclusion which is on file with the District and available for public inspection.

Also known as 36600 County Rd 13 and 36500 County Road 13, Elizabeth CO 80107

All interested parties may appear at such hearing to show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT.

ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

By: /s/ Kelly Moffatt, President

Elbert Legals

Douglas County School District RE-1 Dated: May 28, 2024 Ronnae Brockman Board of Education

Notice is hereby given that, at a properly noticed public meeting on May 28, 2024, a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of Douglas County School District RE-1, Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and has been filed in the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104, and online at the Douglas County School District website at www.dcsdk12.org, where it is available for public inspection.

Formal adoption of the proposed budget will be considered at the regular meeting of the Board of Education, at the Wilcox Administration Building, Castle Rock, Colorado on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Name Changes