Elbert County News July 25, 2024

Page 1


Castle Rock King Soopers is importing French bread that ‘you can’t find anywhere else’

In the middle of the fresh produce section in the King Soopers on Promenade Parkway is a bakery that elicits the best of French boulangeries with its authentic bread, sandwiches and pastries.

La Famille brings a taste of Paris to Castle Rock, selling baked goods made fresh daily after they are shipped over, frozen, from France weekly. It’s a rare treat for customers of the local supermarket, which is the only place in the state to get the bread as part of a test program.

e bakery works with Maison Kayser, a traditional bakery based in Paris that has hundreds of international locations, but only one in America – La Famille. From its aky croissants and traditional baguettes to buttery tarts with fresh fruits, all of La Famille’s baked goods are authentic.

e bakery is run by King Soopers employees Cherry Dim and Bawi Lian, who helped open La Famille in November.

e two essential ingredients that make the French bread and baked

goods at La Famille bakery di erent from the bread in the other aisles of the grocery store are time and butter.

“ e quality is the same as what you’d get at the (Maison Kayser) bakery in France,” Lian said.

Dim and Lian have been trained in French baking techniques, which often require a lot of patience. e pastries are thawed for 24 hours, then proofed for at least two more hours before getting nishing touches and heading into the ovens.

Dim and Lian estimate they make and sell an average of 40-50 baguettes on the weekends and around 180 croissants daily. ose numbers get much bigger around the holidays, Lian added.

“Closer to anksgiving and Christmas, we start selling out around noon,” he said.

Other popular breads include the rustic Italian loaf, the country French bread, honey multigrain and cranberry pistachio. e breads are all organic sourdough.

“ e special thing about the pastries and bread is they’re natural, with no chemicals added and low sugar, just a lot of butter,” Lian said.

Lian recommended customers

In addition to the traditional croissants and baguettes, La Famille also serves tarts, eclairs and sandwiches. Cherry Dim and her partner Bawi Lian are trained in French baking techniques and put a lot of time into each item.

stop by between 10 and 11 a.m. to snag the freshest bread.

Jessica Trowbridge, a spokesperson for King Soopers, said the grocery chain is looking to expand the bakery to more locations in the

“We want to bring new and exciting options for customers to try, so La Famille just made sense because, not only is it something that you can’t nd anywhere else in the United States, but it’s so fresh and authentic,” she said.

future.
Cherry Dim, a baker at La Famille, preps a customer’s order. La Famille sells authentic French breads and pastries shipped from France and made fresh daily.
PHOTOS BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Many Homeowners Don’t Understand Title Issues, Which Can Lead to Big Problems Later on

Our office hosted estate lawyer Dan McKenzie at last week’s office meeting, where he shared some horror stories about homeowners who made mistakes in the execution of deeds on their property.

It’s important to understand the difference between “joint tenants” and “tenants in common.” Most married couples hold title to their home as joint tenants, meaning that both of them own the whole house, and if one dies, the surviving spouse still owns the whole house by himself or herself. Tenants in common own part of the house, typically but not necessarily equal parts. When one of them dies, the heirs on the deceased party inherit that part of the house. The problem arises when that new relationship may not be a friendly one.

When a single person owns their home by him/herself (“in severalty”) and wants to add a lover or spouse to the title, a “quitclaim” deed is used to accomplish that, usually with zero dollars exchanged. For example: John Doe quitclaims his home to John Doe and Jane Roe. Dan told us of a case where John Doe mistakenly quitclaimed his home to Jane instead of to both of them, leaving him off title. When she died, her heirs inherited the house, not him. Because they weren’t married and he wasn’t in her will or on good terms with her heirs, it created a real problem reclaiming his former home.

A common mistake is for a homeowner, whether single or a couple, to put their heir(s) on title as joint tenants so they would instantly own the home when they die. The problem with that

North Park Hill Home Listed by David Dlugasch

Welcome to this completely renovated charming brick 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home at 2690 Ash Street in the heart of original Denver. This home features hardwood floors, new paint, new windows, stainless steel appliances, newer kitchen cabinets, tile backsplash and slate countertops. The bathroom has tile floors and a tiled bath. There is a 3 Season's bonus room (below) at the rear of the home. The yard has a 6’ privacy fence and has a large storage shed. The yard is great for entertaining friends and comes with garden beds to grow your veggies and flowers. Air conditioning, furnace, and water heater were installed in 2020, and there is a whole house fan. It is in walking distance to several coffee shops, City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Denver Zoo — and an Italian grocery store called Spinelli’s. There’s no HOA to deal with, either. Find a narrated video walk-through and interior photos at www.DenverHome.info Then call David at 303-908-4835 to see it!

$510,000

Price Reduced on 2 Golden Real

Estate Listings

At left is Jim Swanson’s listing at 3600 Miller Street in Wheat Ridge. Listed in late June at $775,000, the price was just reduced to $750,000. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 3 fireplaces and an oversized 2-car attached garage. The front yard is newly xeriscaped and the large backyard has mature trees. The interior is freshly painted throughout with new lighting, ceiling fans, and new oak laminate flooring. Take a video tour at www.WheatRidgeHome.info.

At right is Jim Smith’s listing at 533 High Point Drive in Golden. With 3 bedrooms and 3½ baths, it’s at the mouth of Clear Creek canyon and in walking distance (over a pedestrian bridge) of the Golden Community Center, a dog park, and the Peaks to Plains trail. Downtown Golden and the Colorado School of Mines are a short walk further. The seller has made over $100,000 in improvements, including hardwood flooring, a new full-width cedar deck and an updated kitchen. The price was just reduced to only $698,000. Video tour at www.NorthGoldenHome.com

approach is that the value of the home is not “stepped up” at death. You want to will the home to your heirs or create a “beneficiary deed” so that the value of the home is stepped up to the value at the time of death. Otherwise, the heir could owe a significant amount of capital gains tax. If that heir sells the house soon after inheriting it, the capital gains tax would be close to zero.

In a beneficiary deed, you name the person who is to inherit the home, independent or outside of your will. Thus, the transfer of ownership is automatic at your death without that tax liability.

A “life estate” is a special kind of deed that allows you to sell your home while you’re alive, but not have to vacate it until you die. When my brother died ten years ago, my sister-in-law (his

widow) was able to sell their farm to a buyer who gave her a life estate, allowing her to live free (except for utilities) in the farmhouse until her death many years later. The buyer got full use of the rest of the farm during those years, so it was a win/win.

If you have questions about deeds or other title issues, including how probate works, you can reach Dan McKenzie at The McKenzie Law Firm, LLC. His number is 303-578-2745, and his email is Dan@TheMcKenzieFirm.com

Come to Golden This Weekend!

It’s Buffalo Bill Days, one of Golden’s iconic events, and you’re invited. We’re one of the event’s sponsors, as we have been for over a decade, and I’ll be driving our free moving van in Saturday’s parade.

Greg Kraft was knowledgeable and professional. He was very easy to work with and was super proactive in searching the listings. That was a key in managing to buy the townhome in a very competitive market. He was also very responsive and communicated really well with us and the listing agents. We would recommend him without reservation.

Jim Swanson was kind and patient while listening to my questions. He helped me to translate the real estate language and manage the sale process. He connected the dots, allowing me to make good decisions, maintain my personal integrity and profit from the sale when a great offer came to the forefront. Jim, thank you for putting communication and community first. — N. W.

Kathleen Jonke is a knowledgeable, efficient and hard working broker. Her availability and response time were exceptional. — K. Wiig

Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very proactive and highly professional. Chuck was great at identifying potential properties that met our criteria, he moved very quickly to show us potential properties and his analysis of property values was on point and very thorough. Chuck was extremely proactive and responsive in his communications with us. Chuck went above and beyond our expectations. My wife and I have done six real estate transactions and we think Chuck is the best Realtor ever. We would highly recommend Chuck to other home buyers.

— S. Diamond

Dave Dlugasch did a phenomenal job working with us! We were not easy buyers because of an extensive “wish list” and he did his homework on each property we looked at until we found the right one. He gave us great advice and was very supportive of all our questions throughout the entire process. — M. Madigan

Based on Jim Smith's knowledge, experience, and expertise in the real estate arena, we decided to work with him when it came time to downsize. We used Jim and his real estate firm to both purchase the new home and then sell our existing property. All communication with Jim has been top notch. In addition, he provided all packing materials along with free use of the company's moving truck and labor to make our move. It was a great experience from start to finish! — R. Trujillo

Past Clients Have Left Positive Reviews of Our Agents & Me
When more students move in and out of the classroom midyear, third-grade test scores tend to decline, researchers found.
Mobile students have lower third-grade reading scores

Classroom “churn” — when students leave a classroom midyear or new students join — can have a negative e ect on third grade reading scores, according to a new study that examined Colorado census and state standardized test data. e study, by researchers at the Colorado Futures Center at Colorado State University, found that higher classroom churn was correlated with lower third grade reading scores, based on data from 2019. It’s a trend that the center’s executive director and lead economist, Phyllis Resnick, suspects has ramped up since that year, as schools experience higher levels of chronic absenteeism after the pandemic and struggle to make up for lost learning. After the study revealed that nding, Resnick said she spoke to one teacher who had 40 di erent students cycle in and out of 20 seats in

her classroom in a single year.

“Every time you have a new student, you have to take a step back and assess where that student is and then integrate them into the classroom,” Resnick said.

“It’s not easy to be a kid who’s bouncing in and out of schools,” she said, “but it’s also a challenge for the kids who are consistently in the classroom.”

Classroom churn was one of many factors examined in the study, called “Social Factors of Academic Success.” e research, Resnick said, grew out of a question from CSU ofcials: What policies can Colorado adopt to help students be more prepared for learning after high school, whether that’s at a college campus, a vocational training program, or a job site?

Resnick doesn’t specialize in education research, but she said it quickly became clear that early intervention, or policies with the potential to impact young students, would be most e ective.

With a team well-versed in guring out the impact of di erent socioeconomic, demographic, and community health factors, she and the other researchers set out to determine which of those factors most

a ect third grade reading scores in Colorado.

Many of the ndings were unsurprising. For instance, the team found that the more funding a school had, or the more access to early childhood education a community had, the higher its students’ third grade reading scores.

e nding about classroom churn stood out as more interesting, Resnick said. To calculate it, the team used data collected by the Colorado Department of Education on student mobility, plus scores from the state’s third grade standardized reading and writing test.

When stacked up against all the other factors, classroom churn ranked third among the factors most closely correlated with third grade reading scores, behind students’ household income and whether their parents have college degrees. Other classroom factors, including class size and teacher pay, did not correlate with third grade reading scores, the study found.

As Resnick has shared the ndings informally with elementary school teachers and principals, she said many of them have acknowledged that churn can be di cult. But they said they never thought of

it as a problem that could be solved by policy. Instead, Resnick said, they thought of it as something that would always be there. She described it as “the air they breathe.”

e study makes several policy recommendations to address classroom churn, including providing more support in classrooms with high churn or having teachers “loop” with the same cohort of students year after year to provide some level of stability.

Housing instability is often a root cause of classroom churn, and while it may be di cult for schools to a ect housing policy, the study suggests that states shore up their school records transfer systems so teachers know the academic histories of students who arrive midyear.

Now that the study has been released, Resnick hopes to nd the funding to take it on the road to discuss the ndings and potential policy solutions with educators across Colorado.

“We see this as the beginning to frame a conversation,” she said. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

PHOTO BY JIMENA PECK/CHALKBEAT

New details about parking garage in downtown Parker

Design meant to complement PACE Center

With plans to build a four-story, free parking garage in downtown Parker, town council members raised some questions about the building.

e town plans to redevelop part of the surface lot of the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center, also known as the PACE Center, to a parking garage, increasing the number of spaces by 41. e parking garage will serve all of the downtown area.

“We’re actually adding more parking,” said Councilmember Brandi Wilks.

e 48-foot tall garage will replace the existing 255 parking spaces at the PACE Center with an estimated 296 standard-sized parking stalls, nine of which are to be accessible and two to be van accessible. Additionally, there will be 10 bicycle spaces provided.

Of the 296 spaces, 10 will include electric vehicle chargers and an additional nine will be electric vehicle charger-ready.

When Councilmember Joshua Rivero brought up the cost of installing electric vehicle spots, Nathan Klass, project manager, said the town has been working with CORE Electric, which has launched an electric vehicle charging station at

O’Brien Park.

“It would be a ‘it pays for itself’ kind of structure,” said Klass.

“It’s frustrating in the sense that we have spots that are mandated to be set aside,” said Rivero. “Again, the state has decided these things and it’s outside of our power.”

As for entry into the garage, PACE Center Drive will be extended south past Pikes Peak Avenue to a drive aisle providing vehicular access, Julia Duncan, community develop-

ment, said. Pedestrian and bicycle access will continue to be provided along Pikes Peak Avenue.

Additionally, the current pedestrian access connecting Sulphur Gulch Trail to Pikes Peak Avenue will be relocated to the east under the power lines with the construction of the garage.

When Rivero also wondered about a possible dead end at the bottom of the garage and the ability for people to easily turn around, Brad Gassman,

THROWING MONEY DOWN ABSTAIN FROM THE DRAIN.

associate at Crane Architecture, said they plan to have a turnaround at the bottom level.

“We have some extra depth at the end there to allow that to happen,” said Gassman. “But the biggest thing is using signage to prevent a bunch of cars from stacking up as we go down there.”

Klass said the town opted for more parking spaces, which leaves them with less room in the budget to have signage at the front of the building that identi es the number of spots available. However, there will be something along those lines for the rst oor to help avoid backup.

Councilmember Laura Hefta expressed her concerns about people not remembering where they parked.

Gassman siad their conceptual plan at this point is to have Art House work on brightly colored signage and have each oor distinguished by a color.

Helping pull the garage and the PACE Center together artistically, the Cultural Department will commission an artist to paint a large mural on the western part of the building.

Hefta had some concerns about the parking garage, but agrees it is needed.

“We’re continuing to grow and expand at a steady rate and we’re developing downtown and there’s going to be lots more activities downtown,” said Hefta. “So this parking garage is going to be a central hub to that activity.”

Vicinity map of the upcoming parking garage in downtown Parker, adjacent to the PACE Center on Mainstreet. COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PARKER

The most common causes of death in Colorado in 2023

Cancer reclaimed the top spot as Colorado’s No.1 killer last year, according to nalized numbers released last month by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In 2023, 8,411 Coloradans died from what are known in vital statistics records as “malignant neoplasms.” Heart disease, the secondleading cause, claimed 8,071 lives. ose two causes far exceed any other cause of death in Colorado. Cancer has been No. 1 for most recent years, but heart disease held the top spot in 2021 and 2022.

COVID falls down the list

For the rst time since it appeared in Colorado, COVID-19 didn’t crack

the top 10 causes of death last year, though it was close. With 626 deaths in 2023, COVID was the 12th-leading cause of death. (In 2020 and 2021, it was the third-leading cause.) at re ects the waning severity of the pandemic. But, for comparison, in uenza and pneumonia combined last year killed 371 people, ranking 18th, so COVID is still very much a threat, especially to older populations.

e causes and categories in this list follow the methodology of the National Center for Health Statistics, though some of the causes are a bit of a mashup. Accidents, for instance, encompass everything from car crashes to falls to unintentional drug overdoses. Lumping them together like that can obscure some of the underlying trends.

Accidental deaths declined last

year, but drug overdose deaths were up — to 1,865, of which 1,097 involved fentanyl. Motor vehicle accidents (785 deaths) and falls (1,064 deaths) were down.

Other notable causes of death: Suicides (1,290 deaths) remained almost exactly the same as in 2022, while homicides (366) dropped by nearly 50.

Deaths dropped overall

Overall, 44,862 Coloradans died last year. ( e gure includes people who lived here but died elsewhere and not people who died here but lived elsewhere.) at’s roughly 2,000 fewer deaths than in 2022, and it’s nearly 3,500 fewer deaths than in 2021, Colorado’s deadliest year on record.

Relative to population size, Colorado’s death rate fell to something

closer to — but still higher than — pre-pandemic levels. e age-adjusted death rate was 681.7 deaths per every 100,000 population in 2023. e three years before that had seen age-adjusted death rates in the 700s. In 2019, the year before the pandemic, the age-adjusted rate was 635.9.

e state compiles these annual death numbers, as well as a host of other vital statistics data, in a system called the Colorado Health Information Dataset. e system has several easy-to-use data dashboards for members of the public interested in more speci c information.

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: ElbertCountyNews.net

To subscribe call 303-566-4100 A publication of

LINDA SHAPLEY

Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SCOTT GILBERT

Editor sgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE

Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Elizabeth district plans job fair to be held Aug. 1

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.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO and additional mailing o ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Elbert County News, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Many see the vital role lled by teachers and school sta , who spend hours each day caring for children — the future of every community. Unfortunately, in rural Elbert County, school districts can struggle to ll positions, especially classi ed jobs.

“I think all of us continue to struggle to ll jobs that don’t require speci c training, like paraprofessionals, custodians, preschool positions, etc.,” said Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger. “I know many think of teaching positions in school districts, but often forget we have other positions to ll and o er great bene t packages and retirement.”

Snowberger says similar issues plague nearby rural school districts.

Kelli ompson, the superintendent for Elbert School, agrees. ompson says they’re still looking for a special needs paraprofessional as well as bus drivers and substitute teachers.

Kiowa School District Superintendent Travis Hargreaves also agrees. “We have worked hard to get our pay competitive, not just in hourly rates but also medical, dental, life and other bene ts. ere are plenty of bene ts when work-

ing within schools. Working with children takes special individuals,” he said. “It is not just teachers that guide students in their educational journey,” he went on. “ e paraprofessionals, lunch sta , drivers, etc., all have just as pivotal an opportunity to make a positive impact on a child’s life. e teacher shortage that we see, not just in Colorado but across the nation, is also true in other school roles.”

Kiowa Schools are currently looking for a part-time food service worker and activity drivers.

Elizabeth is still looking for special education paraprofessionals, preschool teachers and assistant teachers, custodial sta and kitchen sta . Snowberger said the district provides access to training to support individuals interested in lling these roles, which includes positions in the district’s new infant and toddler care program.

To help ll some of these roles within ESD and garner interest in working at schools in our area, ESD will be hosting a job fair from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Elizabeth High School. School representatives will be hiring people on the spot.

John Rogerson, director of human resources for ESD, said, “We want to connect with residents in our area who are looking for work. We have both full- and part-time positions available and prefer to hire residents who live in our community when we can. It helps form a stronger connection between

schools and community. We would love for parents or other family members to apply.”

Snowberger shared his personal experience of working in a support sta role prior to graduating from high school. “I learned early on that working in a school district not only provides a great job, but also is rewarding and a chance to give back to one’s community,” he said.

When asked why people should work in this area despite local challenges, Snowberger acknowledged that “we live in a politically charged world and there are clearly elements in our community that continue to seek to divide our community.”

He added that the district is focused on serving students and improving sta compensation by engaging “both our licensed and classi ed sta in developing new compensation systems, (which) shows our desire to build a team atmosphere here in the district.”

“We hope members of our community seeking employment will take a look at jobs open in our district. Not only is Elizabeth School District a great place to learn, we believe it is a great place to work as well,” added Snowberger. For more information on available Elizabeth School District jobs, visit elizabethschooldistrict.org.

Kiowa School career opportunities are available at tinyurl.com/f9s8f6us and Elbert School openings are available at elbertschool.org/careers.

The Elizabeth School District is holding a job fair from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Elizabeth High School.
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

Lone Tree pickleball sparks lawsuit

Neighbors cite

‘unbearable’ noise from courts near homes

Several residents who live near pickleball courts are suing the City of Lone Tree and the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District for “unbearable conditions” caused by the noise emanating from the courts. e suit, if plainti s get what they want, could result in a shutdown of the courts or require soundproo ng mitigation at unknown costs.

e residents live in the neighborhood adjacent to the Lone Tree Recreation Center, a property owned by the city and operated by the parks district. e outdoor pickleball courts were recently added to the facility.

e lawsuit, led in Douglas County, alleges that noise levels at courts “exceed all reasonable standards set for Colorado state and local laws and deprive plainti s and their neighbors from quiet enjoyment of their homes and outdoor spaces.”

Six pickleball courts located at the southeast corner of the facility’s parking lot include button-operated lighting that allows players to play at night, year-round, according to the district’s website. e courts are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, it adds.

e lawsuit states that pickleball paddles striking balls at the courts create “impulsive noises” every two seconds for up to 13 hours a day.

“No resident in this community should live under these conditions,” the lawsuit states.

e city and the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District both declined to comment, saying they do not comment on pending litigation.

Residents, many of whom purchased their homes largely for the views from their patios, decks and porches, can no longer enjoy the “outdoor space, scenic views and quiet nature” of their homes due to

Six pickleball courts that opened at the Lone Tree Recreation Center last year are the subject of a lawsuit by neighbors who say noise from the courts is degrading their

the noise, the lawsuit alleges.

One family attempted to mute pickleball sounds by installing a fountain, adding speakers on their deck and wearing headsets while outside, according to the lawsuit, and none of these methods worked.

e residents can hear the noise even when they are in their homes with all doors and windows closed, the lawsuit adds. is has interfered with the ability of at least one resident to work in his home, it says.

e Colorado Noise Abatement Statute dictates maximum permissible noise levels for residentiallyzoned areas. For “periodic, impulsive, or shrill noises” such as pickleball strikes, the statute dictates the maximum permissible daytime level is 50 dBA and nighttime level is 45 dBA.

e lawsuit states that residents paid out-of-pocket to conduct a sound study of the courts.

“ e sound study performed in the community re ects the average maximum noise level due to pickleball strikes on the defendants’ courts is 62.1 dBA,” the lawsuit states, more than both daytime and nighttime permissible levels.

e lawsuit says residents have demanded closure of the courts for the past seven months.

e lawsuit states that the district and city installed fencing and landscaping around the courts to reduce noise, but said these e orts failed to address the noise levels.

SATURDAY AUGUST 24

SHARE YOUR TRAIL TALES

5K is a new event that celebrates Colorado’s walking/running trails within our local communities. Our 5K Run/Walk will mark the culmination of members sharing their stories about the great places they go for a run or a walk.

REGISTER NOW!

Lace up your shoes, and after you hit the path, share your story with Colorado Community Media. We will be publishing your fan letters in our local papers.

Silverdale Trailhead
Three Sisters Trail
quality of life. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES NUTTING

Babysitter training focuses on safety

Elizabeth Fire Protection

District helps young people gain skills

Babysitters in training had a productive day recently when Elizabeth Fire Protection District Rick Reduction Specialist Erin Loeks led the department’s all-day babysitting class.

At the July 12 event, Loeks deftly taught students how to do basic rst aid, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and much more. Without the option of this local class, most young people interested in taking it would have to travel to Douglas or other neighboring counties.

practice their newly acquired skills.

Loeks frequently stops to ask students if they have questions or to look over their technique as they

e class, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is fun, engaging and handson. Designed for students ages 11 to 16 who are interested in babysitting, the course is also bene cial for children staying home alone. e rst part of the class teaches not only rst aid basics and CPR but how to use an AED, or automated external de brillator, as well.

Loeks, a teacher by trade, has lived in Elizabeth since age 2 and has taught the class for about eight years. She started volunteering at Elizabeth Fire in support services and eventually became a CPR instructor.

“It’s the students that make the class the best. I think the class as a whole is very good for everyone to know,” she said. “ e students seem to enjoy the class and it is a great way for young people to help out the community and earn some money.”

Kara Gerczynski, EFPD’s division

As students demonstrate what they were taught about performing infant CPR, instructor Erin Loeks circles the room to observe technique and o er feedback.

chief of re prevention and administration, said students go through the Heartsaver CPR and rst aid training and then are required to pass a competency test. If they pass, students earn their CPR/ rst aid card.

“ e class also goes over cooking safety, weather noti cation awareness, and some babysitting guidelines like getting emergency numbers, age-appropriate games, and things to take with you,” she added.

Visit elizabethfpd.colorado.gov/ events for more information about upcoming events and other classes available through EFPD.

Weekly Carrier Routes Available

Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker & Highlands Ranch Areas

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:

Students in Erin Loeks’ babysitting class learn how to help a choking infant. Performing the Heimlich maneuver on an infant is vastly di erent than on an adult and involves using the legs and forearm as a brace.
PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY

THE 2024/2025 SEASON BEGINS WITH GRAMMY® NOMINATED ACADEMY OF

7:30 PM PACE CENTER ON SALE TO MEMBERS NOW!

SEP5

Parker Arts is excited to announce its 2024/2025 SEASON which includes an early season concert by Academy of Country Music Award winner and three-time GRAMMY® nominee Joe Nichols!

Members can purchase tickets with their PRESALE benefit NOW! Tickets go on sale to the general public on August 1.

Become a member at: PARKERARTS.ORG/membership

Upcoming featured events:

SEP6

STARTS at 6:00 PM | THE SCHOOLHOUSE NEW! CRIME & WINE

SEP8

6:00 PM | PACE CENTER

MEMBERS CONCERT: THE LONG RUN COLORADO’S TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES

SEP13

7:30 PM | THE SCHOOLHOUSE FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ: BACK TO BRAZIL WITH THE CJRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

SEP20

7:30 PM | PACE CENTER JEFF ALLEN: “ARE WE THERE YET?” TOUR

SEP27

7:30 PM | PACE CENTER

JIMMIE VAUGHAN: RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 29, 2024

Firefall founding members looks back at 50 years of music

Westminster’s Jock Bartley will play with Firefall during Evergreen’s Mountain Music Fest

Firefall founder and Westminster resident Jock Bartley is a walking encyclopedia of the best ‘70s rocks bands, many of which he’s played with in a musical career that spans more than 50 years. While those decades are accented with moments he describes as “magical,” Bartley’s career continues to evolve.

e band, which will headline Evergreen’s Aug. 3 Mountain Music Fest, released a new album in September 2023 and is now working on a follow-up album.

“Friends & Family” includes covers of ‘60s and ‘70s rock bands, many of which Firefall’s original members played in. “Friends and Family 2” will include more covers from the same era.

“Here I am in my 70s, my knees and hips are bad, my body’s falling apart,” he said. “And I’m still in a band people want to pay good money to come hear. I can still tour, I’m making money, and I’m making my second record in a year and a half. I’m one lucky dude.”

Bartley says many of the moments that led to his musical success were

matters of good timing and luck.

As a child living near Manitou Springs, his musician mother wisely denied his request for a $59 Sears guitar, instead introducing him to legendary jazz guitarist Johnny Smith. Smith owned a music store in Colorado Springs and gave 8-yearold Bartley lessons on a Gibson guitar.

“I had exquisite training by one of the best guitar players on the planet,” Bartley said. “I learned to play jazz and Bach fugues. When it came time for me to get into bands in high school and college, I was primed and had my unique style ready to go.”

Bartley was a young teen when another life-de ning moment occurred.

“On Feb. 9, 1964, the Beatles played on ‘Ed Sullivan,’” he recalled. “Everybody across the country was

The band Firefall today includes, from left, Steven Weinmeister on guitar and vocals, Jim Waddell on sax/flute/keys/ vocals, founding member and Westminster resident Jock Bartley on lead guitar and vocals, John Bisaha on bass and vocals, and Sandy Ficca on drums.

oored. I saw that and said, ‘I want to be in a band.’”   Bartley majored in art at CU-Boulder but dropped out after a year to pursue music. He joined the Boulder band Zephyr, which later broke up. Again, fate stepped in.

A Boulder club manager called Bartley to let him know Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels needed a guitar player. Bartley sat in with the band.

“ ey hired me that night, and said, ‘We leave tomorrow for Texas,’” he said. “I was 23 or 24. Suddenly I’m on the road with Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.”

Bartley’s life changed overnight. Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt joined Gram Parsons’ band for a few songs on the tour’s second stop, and members from all three bands hung out together that night.

“We went to Neil’s hotel suite, and were drinking, smoking, carousing and getting to know each other,” he said. “ at night was the rst night Emmylou Harris met and sang with Linda Ronstadt. I can still see it in my mind’s eye. ey got two chairs, faced each other and blended their amazing voices together in harmony for the rst time. It was unbelievable to be there in that room.”

e two women have been close friends since, later collaborating on an album together, and another with Dolly Parton.

Bartley met Boulder musician Rick Roberts on that same tour. Back home in Boulder, the two began playing together and decided to form a band. With the addition of bassist Mark Andes and singer/guitarist/composer Larry Burnett, Firefall was born.

e band launched in 1974 —a particularly exciting time to be a musician in Boulder.

James Guercio, producer for the band Chicago, built the Caribou Ranch recording studio in an old barn near Nederland in 1972. It hosted many of the country’s most prominent musical groups of the 1970s and 80s, many of whom moved from Los Angeles to the Colorado mountains.

“I was a Boulder guy, so I was there when all these people moved in,” Bartley said. “ e universe came together.”

While the music industry was in

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIREFALL
FIREFALL,

its heyday, Bartley said Firefall had some built-in advantages. e country rock/folk sound Firefall adopted was a relatively new genre that was sweeping the charts, and the band had two high-quality songwriters.

“In our rst week of practice, we had 20-25 of Rick and Larry’s original songs to look at right away,” he said, including the singles “Livin’ Ain’t Livin” and “Cinderella.” “ at’s unheard of. We didn’t have a name yet, but we knew where we wanted to go.”

Bartley believes his early instruction with Smith set him up well for Firefall.

“Having been really trained by a world-class jazz guitar player, I knew

instinctively the song came rst,” he said. “So many guitar players back then were ego-playing at the wrong minutes. I learned early on that being a tasteful soloist really wasn’t so much about what you played, but what you didn’t. e song comes rst for the listener.”

When Firefall’s rst album was released in 1976, including the hits “Livin’ Ain’t Livin’” and “You are the Woman,” the band took o .

“ at album hit so big out of the box we were on the road immediately with the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker — all the top bands that were playing,” Bartley said. “And we got to be friends with a lot of them.”

One of Bartley’s most memorable moments occurred in 1975 while recording the song “Mexico” in a Miami recording studio. Bartley was deep into the music, unaware that

Eric Clapton was listening from the control room.

“I was born to play that song,” he said. “You’re so in the moment, just playing. After I played, I saw him in the control room and I just crumbled. He stood up, shook my head, said ‘Keep playing, man” and walked out. If I’d have known if he was in the control room before I played, I would have sucked.”

Firefall released its last album with the original lineup in 1980, but Bartley has remained.

Two years ago, his manager suggested that the current Firefall band record covers from decades past, leading to “Friends & Family.”

“Really what it is to me is a history lesson of some of the best music of the late ‘60s and ‘70s,” Bartley said. “ ere are a lot of people today that have no idea that that decade of music was very possibly the best musi-

cal rock ’n’ roll decade ever.”

While Bartley acknowledges most people come to see Firefall for “You are the Woman,” his favorites are those that got less time in the spotlight.

“I’m really happy to have a song like ‘You are the Woman’ be as big a hit as it is,” he said. “It’s a not-toodeep white pop song. But Firefall’s lucky to have a couple of those. And then we have a lot of the darker stu . I thank my lucky stars most every day. For Firefall to have played even a small part in the music of the 1970s is unbelievable and humbling.”

Bartley, who’s done several shows to support his own personal cause of suicide prevention, said Firefall’s glad to support the Wooden Hawk Foundation and public education.

“We’re down with that big-time; we’re happy to play and help schools,” he said.

Finding common ground: lessons from the playground

Getting along well with other people is still the world’s most needed skill. With it ... there is no limit to what a person can do. We need people, we need the cooperation of others. ere is very little we can do alone.”

As I observed two young boys playing together on the beach this past Fourth of July weekend, a profound realization struck me. Here were two complete strangers, aged just 4 and 5, who within minutes of meeting had formed a seamless bond of temporary friendship. ey chased waves, shared seashells and beach toys, and laughed with the unrestrained joy that only children seem to possess. In that moment, it was clear that these children didn’t care about politics, religion, social status, or any of the divisive elements that often keep adults at arm’s length.

Citizens’ Tax Cut is solution to crisis

When taxes are soaring and taxpayers are struggling, the solution is simple: real, permanent tax relief. at is what the Citizens’ Tax Cut will do, and we will have the chance to vote it into law this fall.

Across Colorado, families and small businesses have been hit with huge property tax increases averaging 25% or more. In Douglas County, where I live, we have experienced some of the biggest property tax hikes in the state, with increases of 40 percent or more. Whether in

my county or elsewhere in our state, this sticker shock has placed signicant and needless strain on family budgets. is crisis didn’t occur by chance. For years, Governor Polis and legislative leaders were aware of this looming problem.

Instead of defusing it, they allowed

it to escalate. Unlike in the movies where the hero disables the bomb at the last second, the property tax crisis exploded.

Despite calls to provide a meaningful and lasting solution, state leaders ignored the problem, kicking it from one legislative session to the next. en they came up with Proposition HH, which they claimed would give us tax relief. But when taxpayers considered the details — rather than just trusting the word of anti-taxpayer politicians — they quickly found out that HH would

have forced us to pay for our own tax “relief” by using TABOR refunds. Fortunately, Douglas County’s commissioners stepped in and provided tax relief. is was an important recognition that many local taxpayers were struggling and that those dollars could be better spent by families than by the government. At the time, the commissioners made it clear that a permanent solution was needed from the governor and the legislature.

ey simply enjoyed each other’s company and the shared experience of being at the beach.

As adults, we often marvel at the simplicity of these interactions, and yet, we struggle to emulate them in our own lives. e question then arises: why do we, as adults, miss this every single day? What happens between childhood and adulthood that makes us more guarded, more suspicious, and less willing to engage openly with strangers?

One reason may be that as we grow older, we become more aware of the di erences between ourselves and others. We are taught to categorize people based on various attributes such as socioeconomic status, race, religion and political beliefs. ese categories, while sometimes helpful in understanding the diversity of human experiences, can also create barriers. We begin to see others through the lens of these di erences rather than the commonalities that unite us.

Yet, the scene of those two boys on the beach serves as a powerful reminder of what we stand to gain by embracing a more childlike approach to human interaction. e bene ts of forming connections with others are immense. Friendships, even temporary ones, can provide support, joy and a sense of belonging. ey can expand our perspectives and enrich our lives in ways that solitary existence cannot.

To foster this childlike openness,

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Boebert would be terrible choice It shouldn’t matter what political party, we as citizens, belong to. ere comes a time when we put our individual principles, ethics, and morals over party. Our individual ethics and morals should never be compromised for any political party.

Lauren Boebert came into power in 2020 after passing her GED, and was the previous owner of a Ri e CO restaurant. Since that time she has moved from the 3rd district to the 4th, because she was losing support in the 3rd. It was pretty arrogant of her to believe she could win in a strong Republican district

we can start by being more present in our interactions. When we meet someone new, instead of immediately categorizing them, we can focus on the shared experience. Whether it’s a conversation at a co ee shop, a friendly exchange with a coworker or a chance meeting at a park, we can choose to approach each interaction with curiosity and an open heart.

Ultimately, the example set by those young boys on the beach is one of simplicity and authenticity. ey remind us that at our core, we are all just people seeking connection and joy. By stripping away the layers of judgment and fear that adulthood often imposes, we can rediscover the ease of forming genuine bonds with others.

In doing so, we might just nd that the world becomes a bit more like a playground, a place where, despite our di erences, we can all play together, laugh together, and support one another. So, the next time you nd yourself hesitant to reach out to someone new, think of those two boys and let their example inspire you to embrace the beauty of spontaneous connection.

I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can start to be more open and welcoming to our new and spontaneous connections, it really will make it 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.

OBITUARIES

Michael Gene Lawson August 25, 1973 - May 21, 2024

Mike was an avid outdoorsman that found his true solace at the lake or in the mountains snowboarding, riding his quad, camping, or boating. His love of nature and enjoying the outdoors is something he has passed down to his greatest loves; his children.

We will miss Mike’s smile, great sense of humor and infectious laugh.

Mike is survived by his two sons (Jackson and Jace) and his daughter (Vivienne), his mother, his father, two sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and

like the 4th after losing most of her support in the 3rd, which was previously a strong Republican district. is is called carpetbagging, pure and simple! She has been thrown out of a family friendly theater for groping, and being groped, by her date. She was also recorded vaping, in a non-vaping theater, and in front of a pregnant woman, even after she was asked to stop. Her personal history includes three arrests, and one court-ordered summons, which should give us an insight to her personal responsibility.

LETTER, P18

IN GOOD HANDS

Local single moms use low-cost automotive services to provide for families

Danicka omas’ car was on its last legs.

For weeks, the Denver resident asked her neighbors for rides or spent hundreds of dollars on rideshares. With six children who all needed to be in di erent places at varying times, omas said public transportation wasn’t a viable option. She needed a car — a real, working car.

Finally, last month, she caught a ride to a concert at Clement Park, and then drove home in a new car.

“It’s been a long time coming,” omas said. “ … I’m beyond words.”

On June 28, Goldenbased nonpro t organization Hands of the Carpenter hosted a bene t concert to help omas and other single moms throughout the Denver area.

e faith-based nonpro t o ers low-cost automotive services, including maintenance and placement, for working single moms. It serves clients in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomeld, Denver, Douglas and Je erson counties.

Hands of the Carpenter started in 2003 and has garages in Golden and Aurora. It plans to open a third in the Federal Heights area this fall, Founder Dan Georgopulos said.

In 2022, it served 355 families. Last year, after opening the Aurora garage, it served 609.

Georgopulos added that Hands of the Carpenter had helped more than 400 fami-

lies so far in 2024, and believed the third garage would enable it to serve even more clients than 2023.

“We know there’s a lot of need in the northern Denver area,” he said, adding that the Federal Heights garage will be the largest of the three, with eight bays total.

As its operations expand, Georgopulos hoped the nonpro t’s clients, volunteers and other supporters would continue to spread the word about Hands of the Carpenter’s mission and services.

“Everybody knows somebody who needs help,” he continued.

‘It’s life-changing’ omas, who heard about Hands of the Carpenter from a coworker, reached out to the nonpro t in October. With her new car, she’ll be participating in the three-year Lift UP Program, which includes low-cost repairs and maintenance. e car itself was 35% of the retail cost under the Lift UP Program.

With her new 2010 Ford Edge Sport, omas said that she’s looking forward to driving herself to and from work, getting her children to all their commitments, and making a road-trip to visit her out-of-state relatives without issue.

“It’s life-changing,” she continued.

She thanked all the Hands of the Carpenter leaders and volunteers, and everyone who helped with the June 28 bene t concert, including musicians Hazel Miller & the Collective.

On June 28, Aurora’s Antoinette Ogunwo drives the car she received from Hands of the Carpenter about two years ago. The nonprofit serves single moms across the seven-county Denver metro area through its Transportation at Low-Cost program, which includes vehicle repairs and placement. PHOTO
Priscilla Guerra has her car repaired at Hands of the Carpenter’s Golden-based garage earlier this year. The nonprofit, which helps single moms with their transportation needs, has a second garage in Aurora and is planning to open a third in the Federal Heights area this fall. COURTESY OF HANDS OF THE CARPENTER

GOOD HANDS

“I hope they’re able to bless many more families,” omas said of the nonpro t.

On July 9, Lakewood’s Jasmine Coronado-Lopez took her car to the Golden garage for maintenance. After being referred through Hope House, she’s been in the Lift UP Program since March.

Coronado-Lopez said her car’s been having transmission problems, and Hands of the Carpenter referred her to an outside shop for additional evaluation. She hoped to get it xed soon, saying the nonpro t has been helping her navigate the stressful situation.

“ ey’ve been so helpful and encouraging on my journey to gure out cars and get my kids around safely,” she continued.

As a delivery driver and a relative’s primary care worker, Coronado-Lopez said having a car is crucial for picking up medication, grocery-shopping, and other tasks. She was thankful Hands of the Carpenter has kept her car running “when I thought it was going to break down for good,” she said.

She’s referred other moms, saying she’s learned a lot about cars as the Hands of the Carpenter mechanics walk her through everything her car needs and why. While she believed other shops might talk down to their clients or take advantage of them, Coronado-Lopez felt informed on the process at Hands of the Carpenter.

“It feels home-like,” she said of bringing her car into the Golden garage. “… I’m so thankful for all the work they’ve already done in the last few months.”

Aurora’s Antoinette Ogunwo is starting her third year with the Lift UP Program this August, as Hands of the Carpenter placed her with a 2011 Chevy Malibu a few years ago.

Ogunwo recalled trying to apply for help several years ago, but Hands of the Carpenter wasn’t serving her area yet.

After it expanded, though, she received a yer in the mail and applied that night.

She described how, before getting her current car, Ogunwo “kept driving lemons.” She became trapped in a vicious cycle of needing to x or replace her car on a regular basis. So, after she received her new car at a bene t concert like omas did, Ogunwo said it was “truly a blessing.”

Not only has it helped her family get around town, but Ogunwo said, “I’ve learned to manage my nances and appreciate what I have.”

Overall, she said her experiences with Hands of the Carpenter were reassuring, adding, “You’re in good hands.”

‘They do it with heart’

Along with individual donors, Hands of the Carpenter receives grants and donations from businesses, civic and philanthropic organizations, and faith-based groups.

Nancy Smith of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood said her group has been supporting Hands of the Carpenter’s work for years. She also volunteers at the Golden garage, helping families when they bring their cars in for service.

She said people don’t need to be mechanics to volunteer.

Just welcoming the clients and spreading the word is key, Smith continued, adding, “ ere’s something for everyone (to help with).”

In addition to monetary donations, Hands of the Carpenter also accepts vehicles. Georgopulos said that, depending on its condition, it might be placed with a family or sold to fund additional services.

From her experiences as a volunteer, Smith described just how important having a working and reliable car is for every family the nonpro t helps. She and Georgopulos hoped people would continue to support Hands of the Carpenter as it opens the third garage later this year.

“ ey’re making a di erence in people’s lives,” Smith said, “… and they do it with heart.”

With a fundraising chart for Hands of the Carpenter in the background, Hazel Miller & the Collective perform at a June 28 benefit concert at Clement Park. The nonprofit serves single moms across the seven-county Denver metro area through its Transportation at Low-Cost program, which includes vehicle repairs and placement.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
In March 2024, Solangel Ramos Blanco and her family receive a new car at the Golden-based Hands of the Carpenter garage. The nonprofit, which helps single moms with their transportation needs, placed the family with a donated 2012 Toyota Highlander that was evaluated and prepared by the nonprofit’s mechanics.

Fast forward to early May. As the nal days of this year’s session approached, the legislature introduced a last-minute tax plan that, while certainly a step above Proposition HH, fails to provide the permanent and deep tax break that we need. In fact, we will pay more under this plan, which has many loopholes and is temporary, not permanent. Colorado deserves better. Advance

Colorado has proposed the Citizens’ Tax Cut, which, in my view, delivers property tax relief in Douglas County and around the state. It is simple, responsible and permanent, without the convoluted and complex gimmicks that have been hidden in so many of the alleged “relief” plans.

e Citizens’ Tax Cut is a package with two elements. e rst cuts taxes back to 2022 levels. is reset is critically important, particularly for senior citizens and those on xed incomes. e second measure caps future increases at 4%, so we will not have the unexpected, huge tax

increases we are dealing with today. It’s like TABOR for property taxes.

One concern I had, as a former school board member, is that providing property tax relief would hurt funding for schools in Douglas County and across the state. If there is a bipartisan consensus in Colorado, it’s that we want our schools properly funded.

e good news is that the Citizens’ Tax Cut protects funding for schools, law enforcement, re departments and other important local priorities. It does so by directing the state to take a small portion of its $40 billion

budget and back ll local revenues. I believe that investing in local services such as schools, public safety and re protection is a much better and more tangible use of these dollars than bureaucratic state programs.

e Citizens’ Tax Cut is the solution Colorado taxpayers have been seeking from state leaders. It is balanced and fair by cutting and capping local taxes while protecting our vital local services. My prediction is that it will win a big victory in November.

Steve Peck is the chair of the Douglas County Republicans.

If you research her record you’ll

nd that instead of ghting for her constituents, she has grandstanded, while promoting election denial. Even after over 60 challenges indicated there was no election fraud.

Last year both primary papers in

Durango, and Pueblo, criticized her for voting against the Pact Act, which expands bene ts for millions of veterans.

Lauren Boebert is betting that the great citizens of District 4 will lower their personal standards, and will vote for her based on party. I believe that the citizens of CO4 will vote for their personal convictions.

Dave Martin Castle Rock

Colorado Community Media to Hold its First 5K Run

There 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 first-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. 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. The event is different 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

There 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. The Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run is open to people of all ages. Participants have the option of making it a fun-filled 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.

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

“Your support of this event as a race participant and/or as an attendee is paramount to the success of our first 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 publications span eight counties along Colorado’s majestic Front Range — Weld, Adams, Jeffco, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Denver. As a nonprofit 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 Clement

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. The organization offers 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.

Thu 7/25

Eric Golden @ 5pm

ViewHouse Centennial, 7101 S Clinton St, Centennial

Teague Starbuck @ 5pm

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Littleton

Rotating Tap Comedy @ Coal Mine Ave Brewing @ 6pm

Coal Mine Ave Brewing Company, 9719 W Coal Mine Ave unit a, Littleton

Fri 7/26

Chris Janson @ 6pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock Soup!

@ 8pm

Thank Sool, 2222 S Havana St E, Aurora

Sat 7/27

TRYathlon 2024

@ 5:30am / $25

Cook Creek Pool, 8711 Lone Tree Park‐way, Lone Tree. SarahN@ssprd.org

Lauren Frihauf

@ 3:30pm

Eddie V's Prime Seafood, 5111 DTC Pkwy, Greenwood Village

Banda los recoditos @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

Makua Rothman @ 3:15pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village

Sun 7/28

Last Train To Juarez: Wheelz, West Hampden Avenue, Englewood, CO, USA @ 2pm Wheelz, 2490 W Hampden Ave, Engle‐wood

Lauren Frihauf @ 5pm

Mon 7/29

Denver Broncos Training Camp @ 9am

Broncos Park Powered by Com‐monSpirit, Englewood

MYD: Summer Rec Kidz @ College View: Passport to Cultures @ 2pm

Jul 29th - Aug 2nd

Denver Parks and Recreation (CGV), 2525 S. Decatur St., Denver. 720-913-0654

Lydia Can't Breathe: Wild Goose Saloon @ 5pm

Wild Goose Saloon, Parker

Fleming Mansion Open House Tour (for future customers) @ 8pm

Fleming Mansion, 1510 S. Grant St., Den‐ver. 720-913-0654

Thu 8/01

Denver Broncos Training Camp @ 9am

Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit, Englewood

Bush @ 5pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350

Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Vil‐lage

Eddie V's Prime Seafood, 5111 DTC Pkwy, Greenwood Village

Sapphira Cristál @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Volleyball: Youth - Ages 14 to 18 Beginner- Fall 2024 @ 9pm

Jul 29th - Oct 5th

Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr, Parker

Volleyball: Youth - Ages 14 to 18 Upper- Fall 2024 @ 9pm

Jul 29th - Oct 5th

Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr, Parker

Tue 7/30

Bunny Blake Music: Uncorked Wine Bar @ 4pm

Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar, 8171 S Chester St Ste A, Centennial

Wed 7/31

Neil Young/Crazy Horse @ 6:30pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350

Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage

After Midnight Jazz Band: Curtain Call at the Mansion @ 5:30pm

Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E Gateway Dr, Highlands Ranch

Neil Z @ Earls Kitchen @ 6pm Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree

CW & Twenty Hands High @ 6:30pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Hash Cabbage @ 8pm

Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood

Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the

curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

powered by

Evergreen Festival returns for a celebration of jazz

When most people think of live jazz, many probably imagine dimly lit, smokelled clubs. However, the music sounds just as great at a higher elevation.

at’s the idea behind the Evergreen Jazz Festival, which is returning for its 21st year on Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28.

“What makes the festival unique is we focus on classic and early forms of jazz,” said Ed Danielson, the event’s music director. “ ere are still plenty of people out there playing and appreciating this kind of music.”

When Danielson said the festival features on classic jazz, he means the types of jazz that really helped to create the genre — big band, Dixieland, and Gypsy and western swing. Some of the legendary artists who pioneered this music include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton, just to name a few

e three-day festival features musicians performing at a variety of lovely venues in Evergreen: the Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Lake House, Evergreen Christian Church and Center Stage. Each space provides a unique live experience and they all have the bene t of being surrounded by Evergreen’s natural beauty.

Some of the bands that are performing at this year’s festival include:

After Midnight (Denver): A group that’s been around more than 30 years

COMING ATTRACTIONS

and specializes in the sounds of the legends of the swing era, like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman.

Jeremy Mohney & His Band (Boulder): Making their festival debut, this group has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its energetic and fun take on classic jazz from the 1920s and 40s.

e Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra (Denver): A band for the dancers, this swing group is made up of top-notch musicians performing some of the swing era’s greatest hits. ey’re guaranteed to get you out on the dance oor.

Appealing to younger audiences is a key goal for Danielson, and bringing in younger performers and groups that play music attendees can dance to is a key part of that e ort.

“ ere’s been a renewed interest in recent years in swing dancing, so we want to make sure the performances are danceable,” he said. “We o er dance lessons as part of the festival as well.”

ere will be food trucks at this year’s event and all funds raised go right back to putting on the festival for another year. Since the event’s mission includes

a commitment to jazz education, attending is a great way to listen to wonderful live music and support a good cause.

“ e festival is just a real pleasant way to spend the weekend,” Danielson said. “ e music is great and the people are friendly. It’s a real joy to be part of.”

For more information and schedule, visit www.evergreenjazz.org/.

A day of racing fun at the Littleton Twilight Criterium

Anyone who thinks cycling is just a leisurely activity or a more environmentally-friendly way to get from one place to another have never watched a race like the Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium.

is year’s race will be from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 in Downtown Littleton and promises a whole day of fun. e race portion of the day features men’s and women’s races and is part of the national criterium series formed in collaboration with USA Cycling and America’s best criterium races.

For the non-racers, the Criterium will also feature live music, a beer garden, a cruiser ride for the family and much more. Get all the details at https:// www.littletoncrit.com/.

DIA takes live music to the skies

ere are a lot of interesting live music venues in the metro area, but the Denver International Airport’s Concerts on the Fly series has to be high up

on the list.

e second annual outdoor concert series will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. every Sunday from July 28 through Sept. 1 at the airport’s 82,000-squarefoot open-air plaza, located between the South Security TSA Checkpoint on the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal and e Westin Denver International Airport Hotel and Transit Center. Performers will include Ambrosia, e Motet, Dotsero and more, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. e concerts are free, but there are a limited number of tickets available, and guests must register in advance. Visit FlyDenver.com/concerts for more information.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Oneness Tour at Red Rocks

e Oneness Tour, which features guitar legend Carlos Santana and 90’s rock stalwarts Counting Crows might seem like an odd pairing, but since both have consistently delivered high-quality rock music for decades, I think it makes perfect sense. e tour will be stopping by Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, for two nights: 7 p.m. on Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30. For a night of musical greatness, get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

Clarke Reader

Where to begin when tackling 14ers: Tips from a seasoned hiker

How to take your hiking to new summits

e Rocky Mountains dazzle natives and transplants alike with their stunning peaks and seemingly endless hiking trails. From quick outings to day hikes, it’s easy to get out there and explore the beautiful Colorado landscape.

But for diehards, 14ers are the Goliaths just waiting to be conquered. But they aren’t to be taken lightly. If you’re truly serious about taking your hiking skills to the next level, there are a few things to know before taking on these mountain titans around the state.

We asked a local experienced hiker to provide tips about 14ers, including where to start, what to take with you and which are the toughest to tackle.

What is a 14er?

A 14er, or fourteener, is a mountain with a peak above 14,000 feet above sea level.

ere are nearly 100 14ers in the United States (all in the West). Colorado boasts the most of any state with 53 ( ere are 58 peaks above 14,000 feet in Colorado, but to qualify as an o cial “14er” in the hiking community, a peak must have at least 300 feet of prominence, which is the amount of elevation it rises above the lowest saddle that connects to the nearest, higher peak, ac-

cording to 14er.com).

Alaska has 29 and California has 12.

Keep in mind: all 14ers you hike in Colorado won’t require you to climb a full 14,000 feet. With Denver sitting at 5,280 feet, you’re already at a decent head start before you get to the base of your 14er of choice. Pikes Peak, for example, has a base elevation of 7,400 feet.

Some 14ers can be tackled in a few hours, while others might take up to two days.

A full list of every 14er in the Centennial State can be found at www.14ers.com.

Where to start? Tips from a seasoned hiker

Don’t go alone. For rst-timers, tag along with an experienced hiker or consider one of the many guided hike companies along the Front Range, such as Colorado Adventure Guides.

A local hiker, Zachary Lundgren, grew up in the mountains of Evergreen. After graduating from CU Boulder and a teaching stint at the University of Northern Colorado, he now works in communications for the Colorado School of Mines.

So far, he’s summited about a dozen 14ers and has some advice for those irting with the idea.

Lundgren said to stay away from Sunlight Peak due to a dangerous “leap of faith” at the summit, where hikers must hop between rocks at 14,000 feet to nish the hike. He also suggests waiting to do Mount Sneffels because “it’s the hardest hike I’ve ever done.”

But he recommends some good starting points below, with each taking about four to seven hours to complete round-trip.

Mount Bierstadt

Lundgren said Bierstadt is commonly known as “your rst 14er” and should be the universal rst choice. Only about an hour and a half drive from Denver, it is one of the safer choices for starters exposure-wise. ere are often crowds, he said, so prepare for that. But with

the trailhead conveniently located o Guanella Pass, it’s an easy one to knock out rst, he said.  “Mount Bierstadt trail takes you a little over seven miles as you gain 2,700 feet to a summit with amazing views of countless peaks,” Lundgren said. “For the truly bold, you can also take the ‘sawtooth’ route and bag Mount Blue Sky as well, but I’d recommend waiting for this one as

From left to right: Bruce, Matt and Zach Lundgren pose for a photo at the top of Mount Blue Sky, which was Mount Evans until its renaming in 2023. COURTESY PHOTO

the infamous ‘sawtooth’ has some serious exposure.”

Mount Blue Sky

Formerly known as Mount Evans, this 14er is one of the most notable peaks in the Front Range and can be seen from most of the Denver area. It’s another close one — only about an hour’s drive from Denver. Lundgren said Mount Blue Sky takes you on a ve-mile horseshoe trail that gains just over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Plus, you can bag a 13er in Mount Spalding along the way, he added.

“Keep an eye out for mountain goats along this trail as they’re common throughout this area,” Lundgren said. “Oh, and all those cars and families you might see at the summit? Mount Blue Sky is one of two 14ers that you can actually drive to the top of; the other being Pikes

Peak near Colorado Springs. But trust me, it’s much more rewarding to take the trail to the top.”

Mount Quandary

Quandary is a little farther away (just south of Breckenridge), and is a little harder, Lundgren said. You eclipse 3,300 feet of elevation in over six miles to the summit.

“Mountain goats are also a common sight on this trail and de nitely aren’t shy,” he said. “Another unique aspect of Quandary is that this is one of the more common winter summits for locals as there’s very little avalanche risk on the route. But it’s de nitely advisable to tackle this one in the summer rst and always check for local weather conditions before setting out on any hike.”

e DeCaLiBron

“Short on time but looking to bag a few peaks? en you need to check out the vaunted DeCaLiBron. is funny name represents a unique route where you can bag four (or three, there’s still some debate) 14ers in one go,” Lundgren said.

“Hike Mount Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross on a seven-mile trail north of Fairplay that ascends just over 3,000 feet in elevation. Some claim that Mount Cameron is not o cially a 14er as it has only 118 feet of prominence from its parent peak, technically classifying it as a sub-peak. However, technicalities aside, I still tell my friends I bagged four 14ers in a day. You should, too.”

For a full list of peaks in Colorado, visit 14er.com/14ers or 14ers. com/13ers.

What should you bring with you?

Tackling a 14er is no regular day hike. It requires much more time, further distance traveled and more energy spent. e last thing you want is to be unprepared halfway through or if something were to go wrong.  ough technically you could climb 14ers in the winter or spend overnight trips tackling them, we’ll cover the basics for a same-day, summertime 14er trip.

According to 14er.com, the main

gear you should bring with you includes:

Plenty of food and water  A hat Gloves  Sunscreen  Gloves Synthetic shirts and synthetic long underwear

Fleece or windbreaker jacket Waterproof shell/jacket Nylon shorts Hiking pants Hiking boots / scrambling shoes Hiking socks Watch Pack (that ts the hike/climb) Headlamp Sunglasses Knife or multi-tool A water bladder or bottles Compass GPS Maps Tape Whistle Matches/ lighter TP (in Ziploc bag) Trash Bag Cell phone Extra batteries Emergency supplies, including a rst-aid kit SPOT or other personal locator device Optional: Trekking poles Optional: Water lter Optional: Satellite Phone (expensive but extremely valuable in an emergency)

For a list of winter and/or overnight gear, visit www.14ers.com/ gearlist.php.

Do you have 14er tips or opinions about where locals should begin? Email Jrenfrow@coloradocommunitymedia.com with your takes.

Contact Erin Addenbrooke, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CAREERS MARKETPLACE

Help Wanted

Software Development Engineer Lead

CSG Systems Inc. d/b/a CSG has an opening for Software Development Engineer Lead in Englewood, CO to research, design, and develop computer software programs. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, and 5 years of post-bachelor’s progressive experience in a related occupation. 100% telecommuting permitted. Position reports to company HQ in Englewood, CO. The base pay range for this position in Denver, CO is $152,069.00 - $162,069.00 per year plus standard company benefits. To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.98.2.

RingCentral, Inc.

Job Title: Principal VoIP Engineer (FT; Multiple)

Job Location: Centennial, CO Requirements: BS or equiv. in CS, IT, etc. + 3 yrs. exp. Exp. w/VoIP apps, SIP, RTP, RTCP, SRTP, Linux, Shell, Contact center apps, VoIP app servs, Elasticsearch, Kibana, & Ntwrk to App Layers req’d. Apply online at ringcentral.com/company/care ers

Help Wanted

Special Education Teacher for a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year! Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required. BA salary range $41,000-$47,300 & MA salary range $46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

Help Wanted

Special Education

Paraprofessional

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

• Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $16-$19 per hour depending on experience

 May be eligible for Sign On Bonus!

• Questions contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org

• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

Software Architect at Colliers in Centennial, CO: Design & devp cloud-based applications and APIs. Req MS in Comp Sci, Comp Eng’g, or rtd & 3 yrs exp. Telecommuting permitted. Salary: $150,800-$162,538/ year. Competitive salary incl full range of health benefits, vacation plan, 401K & other benefits available. Email resume to Cass.Bissett@ colliers.com, ref Job Req# JR14181.

Misc. Notices

WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

ANNUAL ENCLAVE MULTIFAMILY COMMUNITY

SALE: Aug. 2nd 8:00-2:00 - Aug. 3rd 8:00-11:00. In Lone Tree on Yosemite N. of Lincoln Ave. or 1 mi. S. of C-470 on Yosemite. Something for everyone!

Lawn & Garden

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833606-6777

Health & Beauty

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00

100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045

Become a published author We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads

MARKETPLACE

Miscellaneous

Bath & shower updates in as

little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189

MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts!

Free brochure! Call 1-888489-3936

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-9486176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 8/25/24. Call 1-844-501-3208

Miscellaneous

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation

Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833-308-1971

Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

Got Storm Damage?

You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951

Doodle Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com

Wanted

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Legals

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

Notice is hereby given that final payment will be made on or after the 4th day of August, 2024, on a contract dated July 2, 2023 between the Jewish Community Center of Denver dba JCC Ranch Camp (Owner) and Maguire Iron, Inc. (Contractor) for the Water Tank Improvements project.

All persons, companies or corporations that have furnished labor, materials or other supplies or services used by Contractor under and in connection with said contract and whose claims have not been paid by the Contractor shall file with the Owner a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such a claim on or before the date of final payment stated above. Failure on the part of the claimant to file such settlement will relieve the Owner from any or all liability for such claim.

Owner: Jewish Community Center Ranch Camp /s/ Ronald Goss, CFO

Legal Notice No. ECN 1531

First Publication: July 18, 2024

Last Publication: July 25, 2024

Publisher: Elbert County News

Water Court

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JUNE 2024 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION

TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1

Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JUNE 2024 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www.coloradojudicial.gov)

CASE NO. 2024CW3085 SCOTT PAUL ENGLISH AND WANDA ENGLISH, 17079 E Mansfield Ave, Aurora, CO 80013. James J. Petrock, John D Buchanan, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 700 17th Street, Suite 1800, Denver, CO 80202. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR AUGMENTATION IN THE NOT NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER IN ELBERT COUNTY. Well Permits: Well permits will be applied for prior to construction of any wells. Subject Property: Lot 1 Palmer Divide Ranches on East Cherry Creek, per plat recorded June 6, 2005, Plat Book 12, page 113 recorded February 3, 2006, Reception No. 470987 consisting of 10.010 acres located in the NE1/4 NE1/4 of Section 34, Township 9 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado, as described and shown on the attached Exhibit A ("Subject Property"). Applicants are the sole owners of the Subject Property, which is included within the property described in Case

No. 04CW157. Source of Water Rights: 4-acre feet of Upper Dawson Non tributary groundwater and 4 acre feet of Denver aquifer non tributary groundwater decreed in Case 04CW157, for use on the Subject Property. The Upper Dawson and Denver aquifer groundwater is owned by Applicants pursuant to deed granting 6 acre-feet annually from each aquifer recorded on February 3, 2021, at Reception No. 2021013925 in the records of the Douglas County Clerk & Recorder, being part of the annual amount decreed for use in Palmer Divide Ranches on East Cherry Creek in the 04CW157 Decree. Prior Decrees. In case 2021CW3017, an augmentation plan for one not nontributary Upper Dawson well on the subject property was decreed. 1.7-acre feet of Upper Dawson aquifer groundwater is augmented by 1.7-acre feet of Non tributary Denver aquifer groundwater under that plan, for use in one single family residence, with 26,000 square feet of irrigation, and stock watering of up to 8 large domestic animals. Applicant is currently the owner of 2.3-acre feet of Upper Dawson aquifer groundwater and 2.3-acre feet of Denver aquifer groundwater not committed to the previously approved augmentation plan and available for use in the Plan of Augmentation described in this application. Applicant requests approval of a plan for an additional 1-acre foot of Upper Dawson not nontributary groundwater, augmented by 1 acre foot of Denver aquifer nontributary groundwater, for one additional single-family house, with 15,000 square feet of irrigated lawns and gardens. Amount: 1 acre-foot per year of Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater decreed in Case No. 2004CW157 (“04CW157 Decree”). Proposed Uses: Domestic, including in-house, irrigation of home lawn and garden, livestock watering, and augmentation purposes. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92-302(2). Summary of Plan for Augmentation: Groundwater to be Augmented: 1 acre-foot per year of Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater as requested herein. Water Rights to be Used for Augmentation: Return flows from the use of nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer and return flows from use of, or direct discharge of nontributary Denver Aquifer groundwater as specified in the 04CW157 Decree. Applicants are currently the owners of 2.3-acre feet of the decreed Upper Dawson aquifer and 2.3-acre feet of the decreed Denver aquifer, which is available in each aquifer for use in the Plan described in this application. Statement of Plan for Augmentation: The Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used to serve one residential lot on the Subject Property through an individual well for in house use (0.3 acre-feet per year), irrigation of up to 15,000 square-feet of home lawn, garden and trees (.7 acre-feet per year. Sewage treatment for in-house use will be provided by a non-evaporative septic system. Return flows associated with in-house use will be approximately 90% of water used for that purpose and return flow associated with irrigation use will be 15% of water used for that purpose. During pumping Applicants will replace actual depletions to the affected stream system pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9) (c.5). Depletions occur to the Cherry Creek stream system. Return flows accrue to the South Platte River stream system via Cherry Creek and those return flows are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicants will reserve an equal amount of nontributary Denver Aquifer groundwater to meet post-pumping augmentation requirements. Applicants request the Court approve the above underground water rights, find that Applicant has complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right

Elbert Legals

or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 4 pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of AUGUST 2024 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. ECN 1534

First Publication: July 25, 2024

Last Publication: July 25, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO

JUNE 2024 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1

Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JUNE 2024 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www.coloradojudicial.gov

CASE NO. 2024CW3091 GREGORY T BENJAMIN AND KRISTIN E BENJAMIN, 4283 County Road 106, Elbert, CO, 80106. Eric K. Trout, #48640, McGeady Becher, P.C., 450 E 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203. APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT-NONTRIBUTARY SOURCES IN THE NONTRIBUTARY LOWER DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NOT-NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER IN ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: A parcel totaling 35.656 acres located in the W1/2 for the E1/2 of the SW1/4 of Section 20, Township 9 South, Range 64 West of the 6th P.M., Elbert County, State of Colorado, also known as 4283 County Road 106, Elizabeth, CO, 80107, as shown on Exhibit A (“Subject Property”). Lien Holder Certification: Applicants certify that there are no mortgage or lien holders, therefore no notice is required under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2)(b). Well Permits: There is one existing Upper Dawson Aquifer domestic use well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 264600, which will continue operating under its existing permit. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells. Source of Water Rights: The Upper Dawson Aquifer is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the Lower Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills

aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicants estimate the following amounts may be available for withdrawal:

*The total estimated volume in the not-nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer is 12.16 acre-feet per year. 4 acre-feet per year is reserved for existing Well Permit No. 264600. Applicants desire to leave no additional groundwater unadjudicated.

Proposed Uses: Groundwater withdrawn from the not-nontributary and nontributary aquifers underlying the Subject Property will be used, reused, and successively used to extinction for all allowable beneficial uses, including, but not limited to, domestic, including in-house use, commercial, irrigation, stock watering, fire protection, recreational, fish and wildlife, and augmentation purposes, including storage. The water may be immediately used or stored for subsequent use, used for exchange purposes, for direct replacement of depletions, and for other augmentation purposes, including taking credit for all return flows resulting from the use of such water for augmentation of, or as an offset against, any out-of-priority depletions. The water may be leased, sold, or otherwise disposed of for all the above uses both on and off the Subject Property. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92302(2). Remarks: Applicants claim the right to withdraw more than the average annual amounts estimated in Paragraph 6 above pursuant to Rule 8A of the Statewide Rules, 2 C.C.R. 402-7. Applicants request the right to revise the estimates upward or downward, based on better or revised data, without the necessity of amending this application or republishing the same. Applicants request the Court approve the above underground water rights, find that Applicants have complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 4 Pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of AUGUST 2024 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the

Legal Notice No. ECN 1535

First Publication: July 25, 2024 Last Publication: July 25, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

TO CREDITORS Estate of JEFF L. GREENWAY, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30026

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Elbert County District Court, Colorado on or before November 25, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sandie A. Greenway, Personal Representative 44872 Overland Trail Elizabeth. CO 80107

Legal Notice No. ECN 1536

First Publication: July 25, 2024 Last Publication: August 8, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

The Petition requests that the name of Evolet Deng be changed to Evolet Yan Case No.: 2024 C 60

By: Judge Palmer Boyette

Legal Notice No. ECN 1530

First Publication: July 11, 2024 Last Publication: July 25, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on July 1, 2024 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Yingfei Deng be changed to Long Yan Case No.: 2024 C 64

By: Judge Palmer Boyette

Legal Notice No. ECN 1533

First Publication: July 18, 2024

Last Publication: August 1 2024

Publisher: Elbert County News

###

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.