Elbert County News January 30, 2025

Stampede royalty joins Stock Show

BY NICKY QUINBY

COMMUNITY MEDIA

Elizabeth Stampede’s 2025 royalty, Queen Kallie Russell and Attendant Georgia Swanson, were part of the Jan. 9 parade to kick o the 119th National Western Stock Show. ey remained involved in the

signature Denver gathering for most of the remaining days, despite bitter snow and freezing temperatures, otherwise known as Stock Show weather. Russell and Swanson have also joined guests square dancing, in the Kids Corral and in horse trail classes.

Cassidy Esposito, the 2017 Elizabeth Stampede attendant and the 2018 queen, is the NWSS Digital Marketing Coordinator and volunteers with the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo.

“It’s important for rodeo queens to represent at the Stock

Show because, with the exception of our volunteers, they are some of the only people who interact directly with our visitors. ey are knowledgeable, kind, and truly represent the future of our industry,” Esposito said.

“Having the Elizabeth Stampede represented at one of the biggest rodeo/stock show of the year is a huge testament to how the rodeo community supports each other and gives the girls the opportunity to represent not only themselves but the entire Stampede at an interna-

tional event,” Esposito added. “Stock Show attracts attendees, competitors, and exhibitors from all over the U.S. and the world. It is an opportunity for the girls to grow, gain skills and build connections in the industry while getting their rodeo in the eyes of people who may not have otherwise known.”

Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Vice President Lea Anne Russell and other Stampede representatives also attended, promoting the Elizabeth

presidential election.

Trump’s action, dated Jan. 20 this year, marked a broad reversal in the government’s approach to the Capitol riot.

In all, Trump pardoned, commuted the prison sentences of or vowed to dismiss the cases of a vast number of people charged with crimes in the Capitol riot, including people convicted of assaulting police o cers, the Associated Press reported.

In the years since the incident, more than 1,500 people had been charged in nearly all 50 states related to the breach of the Capitol, an October 2024 Justice Department news release said.

Here’s a look at the cases with local ties.

Rodeo royalty from around the state joined in supporting the 119th National Western Stock Show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEA ANNE RUSSELL

At long last, cold case homicide brings prison term

Douglas County man was killed during 1985 home invasion in area that is now Lone Tree

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For 39 years, Tamara Harney never gave up hope that her father’s murderer would one day sit behind bars.

A piece of her has been missing for 39 years, she said.

“My life has never been the same,” Harney told Douglas County District Court Judge Victoria Klingensmith. “It will never be the same.”

On Jan. 16, Klingensmith sentenced 67-year-old Michael Shannel Je erson to 32 years in the Department of Corrections for conspiracy to commit murder in the rst degree.

Roger Dean, Harney’s father, was shot and killed in a home invasion on Nov. 21, 1985.

Harney knew her father as a person who put the needs and wants of others above himself, she said. He was not just a businessman, he was a family man with a tender and passionate heart. He loved the Denver Broncos, liked to dance, had a contagious laugh and loved to have a good time.

“He didn’t deserve the end that he had,” Harney said in a press conference following Je erson’s sentencing. “My family didn’t deserve to go through everything that they did.”

Inside the courtroom

Harney’s loved ones and law enforcement sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the courtroom on Jan. 16 at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock, including past and present sheri s.

Inside the courtroom, the prosecution, Harney and two former sheri s recalled a November day nearly 40 years ago.

On the morning of Nov. 21, 1985, Roger Dean and his wife, Doris, also known as DJ, were going through their morning routine at their home on Bighorn Court in what is now the City of Lone Tree.

DJ Dean was washing up when she heard her husband call out for her from the garage. A masked suspect led Roger Dean back into the house. DJ Dean saw her husband sitting on the bed at gunpoint.

DJ Dean’s hands were then bound, duct tape was put over her face and she was taken to another room. e suspect demanded to know how much money was in their savings.

Roger Dean was led downstairs and an altercation ensued. As the sounds of gunshots rang out, DJ Dean ran down the stairs to see her husband shot multiple times in close proximity in the entry of the home. Roger Dean ran out into the street where he collapsed and died.

Michael Acree, a former Douglas County sheri , was on duty as the investigation captain when the murder occurred. Responding to a call of shots red, Acree said he was met with a horri c scene. He saw a man at the end of his driveway and a woman with duct tape on her face.

“ e screams she gave will never, never leave my mind,” Acree said.

Harney was at work that morning, and when she got a call to come home immediately, her stomach sank, she said.

“ e scene was surreal when I turned toward our street,” Harney said.

It was also the day that Carly Gibson’s life would forever be altered. Gibson was

the

the Deans’ neighbor, and at nine years old, Gibson witnessed Roger Dean being shot, and watched as the suspect ran through the snow to get away and DJ Dean running out of the house screaming, Gibson said during testimony on Jan. 16.

She told the judge that her story was disregarded by law enforcement at the time, which resulted in former Douglas County Sheri Tony Spurlock publicly apologizing to her in the courtroom. Gibson, a mother of her own now, said that the trauma didn’t end on the day of the murder — that it’s been decades of hardship.

“I have spent a lifetime with this murder being part of my story,” said Gibson. “It’s time that Mr. Je erson carries the burden.”

Following Roger Dean’s funeral, Harney and her mother received threats intermixed with condolences. e two were encouraged to move. However, Harney said the move out of state only turned their lives more upside down, worrying they were on someone’s hit list.

“Mom was the only family I had left,” said Harney. “My world had become unrecognizable.”

Five years after the homicide and no suspect in custody, Harney and her mother were back in Colorado when they began receiving extortion letters in the mail from an author who stated he was the killer, detailing the murder scene, asking for money and threatening their lives.

Harney said their kitchen became a staging room so the threatening phone calls could be recorded.

“He made murder and extortion — something most only experience at the movies or on TV — part of our reality,” she said.

Two pieces of evidence were left at the scene in November 1985 — a mask and a bag. However, there was not enough evidence at the time to link the evidence to a suspect as DNA technology had not yet evolved.

In 2018, Douglas County detectives sent the ski mask to Parabon NanoLabs for genetic genealogy testing, which linked Jefferson to the mask.

A few years later, in early 2021, Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce authorities ew to Los Angeles and obtained a water bottle to test it for Je erson’s DNA. It was conrmed there was a DNA match to Je erson.

Spurlock, who responded to Roger Dean’s murder in 1985, was among the law enforcement o cials that went to Los Angeles to arrest Je erson, and he was extradited to Colorado.

A plea agreement in the case was

reached following the news that a Colorado Bureau of Investigations employee had deleted or manipulated data in DNA testing in hundreds of cases, which had an impact on Je erson’s case. Je erson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit rst-degree murder.

Je erson’s character presents a puzzle for the judge e defense, which asked for a minimum sentence of 16 years, aimed to answer the question of who Je erson is.

Despite living in an area of California that presented challenges, the defense said Je erson was able to avoid negative in uences.

Je erson’s education and intelligence was a primary focus. e defense stated that from the time he was young, Je erson was a good student. He graduated from high school then moved to Denver where he later earned a college degree.

e defense added that he worked respectable jobs, even winning an award for his work. He ran his own construction business and helped rebuild his community in New Orleans, where he was living when Hurricane Katrina hit. And in 2012, he began to travel the world.

Describing Je erson as a well-spoken,

even-tempered, generous man, the defense asked the judge to consider the totality of the circumstances and his age.

“I can only imagine their hunger for justice and closure,” Je erson said in court.

“ at is something I would feel, too.” e defense pointed to the numerous letters provided to the judge, written by doctors, coaches and community members that spoke to Je erson’s giving character and intelligence.

“ en I hear what Mrs. Harney and Gibson had to endure for the last 39 years, and frankly, it has puzzled me,” Judge Klingensmith said.

Klingensmith came into the case when Je erson pleaded guilty, and she said that it has been a di cult case. Ultimately, she struggled with Je erson’s lack of remorse and accountability, leading her to impose the maximum sentence for the crime.  is case marked the rst murder sentencing in Colorado’s new 23rd Judicial District.

“Mark my words, our cold case unit is not done,” Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly said at the press conference following Je erson’s sentencing. “ ose of you who have family that have been murdered in

County,

have not forgotten your case.”

Douglas

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Tamara Dean Harney holds a photo of her father at the Douglas County Courthouse on Jan. 16 after a District Court judge sentenced a man to 32 years in the Department of Corrections in the slaying of her father, Roger Dean.

PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA

Former Douglas County Sheri Tony Spurlock speaks at a press conference on Jan. 16 following the sentencing hearing of a cold case that Douglas County recently solved, while Sheri Darren Weekly and former sheri Michael Acree listen.

Nearly 40 years after Roger Dean was shot and killed in his home on Bighorn Court in what is now

City of Lone Tree, Douglas County District Court Judge Victoria Klingensmith sentenced 67-year-old Michael Shannel Je erson to 32 years in the Department of Corrections.

A Professional Home Inspection Is the Best Investment You Can Make in a Home You Buy

The importance of hiring a professional home inspector can’t be overstated, whether you’re buying a new home from a builder or an existing home of any age.

Many, perhaps most, readers understand that and know how a professional inspector works in the context of a signed purchase contract. For others, let me answer your likely questions in hopes that some readers will benefit from this column. The questions below are from a consumer guide published by the National Association of Realtors, but the answers are all my own, based on over two decades of representing buyers in the purchase of both new and existing homes. What is a home inspection?

cause we’re in the Rocky Mountains, he will certainly recommend a test for radon gas using an electronic device that samples the air for the presence of radon gas once an hour for 48 hours. And he (as well as your agent) should always recommend a sewer scope to determine whether the sewer line from the house to the sewer main is damaged or simply requires cleaning. Are home inspections required?

Your inspector will be looking at every element of the home — the structure, the roof, the siding, the foundation, the flatwork (driveway, walkways, basement and garage slabs), rainwater management (downspouts, gradient of earth next to the foundation), insulation (both walls and attic), windows, doors, flooring and ceilings. He (or, rarely, she) will test all appliances, including disposal, and run a cycle of the dishwasher and clothes washer. He’ll test all faucets, making sure, for example, that hot is on the left and cold is on the right. He’ll fill sinks and bathtubs enough to see whether they leak when drained. He’ll flush toilets. He’ll test light switches and outlets, using a device which shows whether the hot/neutral polarity is correct, and whether the outlet is grounded. Within 5 feet of any water source, he’ll use the same device to see whether an outlet is ground-fault protected, as required by current building codes. If the home was built in the 1960-70s, he’ll check to see if there is aluminum wiring. If so, he’ll check whether the wiring has been pigtailed with copper. He’ll inspect the breaker box. He’ll look at the manufacturer’s tags on the furnace, A/C and water heater, which will tell him the year of manufacture. If they are over 15 years old, he’ll indicate that they are “beyond their useful life” on the inspection report, suggesting that the buyer should demand replacement, even if they’re working fine.

Your inspector is usually a generalist, and he’ll recommend a secondary inspection by a specialist if, for example, he suspects the presence of asbestos, or structural issues. Be-

No, but any buyer would be illadvised not to spend the few hundred dollars for a professional inspection, a radon test and a sewer scope, given that any single issue that is uncovered could cost far more to mitigate than you spent to uncover it, and the buyer could reasonably expect the seller to agree to the repair, especially when it’s a health or safety issue, as is often the case. That’s why I wrote in the headline that an inspection is your “best investment.”

Who performs the home inspection?

Fortunately, there are national associations (e.g., NACHI) which certify home inspectors, because the State of Colorado does not license or regulate home inspectors (which I have argued for in previous columns). Radon inspection is regulated, and the person who installs the device must be licensed. Sewer inspectors are also not licensed.

That said, however, your real estate agent, if he or she is not a newbie, probably has all kinds of specialists, including electricians and structural engineers, that he can recommend based on past experience with other buyers. Who is responsible for inspection costs?

The state-mandated purchase contract says that inspection is the buyer’s responsibility and expense. Sometimes, a buyer will submit and “inspection objection” which demands that the seller hire, for example, a licensed electrician to inspect the home and make any recommended repairs, but a seller should reject such a provision and remind the buyer that doing so is the buyer’s responsibility and expense.

Should a buyer attend the inspection?

Absolutely. The inspector will provide a PDF detailing the results of the inspection, but there’s no substitute for the buyer to attend the inspection so the inspector can ex-

plain any issues that he uncovers, but also show where utility turn-offs are located and answer other buyer questions. How long does the home inspection take?

A thorough home inspection should take at least two and usually three hours for a typical single-family home. A condo or townhome can be inspected in less time, and a large home could take even longer, especially if there are outbuildings.

When the inspector has finished his rounds he will want to go over the key issues that he uncovered. He will have taken photos and possibly videos of the issues he uncovered, which will be included in the PDF he sends you and your agent that evening or the following day. Some inspectors now put their reports online, which has the benefit of including links to video clips.

Some inspectors provide a 3-ring binder

which not only includes the printed report, but also useful homeowner advice about all aspects of maintaining the home year-round. What does it mean if a home is listed as is?

I addressed this in my column two weeks ago, but let me repeat my comments. Yes, a seller may say upfront that the home is sold “as is” and that they will not make any repairs. Or, to win a bidding war, the buyer may “waive inspection” in their purchase contract, but I consider both actions bogus, for the reason that the buyer will (or should) still conduct a professional inspection, and, if a serious issue or two are uncovered, the buyer can still terminate the contract because of that condition. When notified, the seller will most likely want to salvage the contract by offering to make the necessary repair. Thus, the house was not sold “as is” after all, or the buyer didn’t really “waive inspection objection.”

Subdivisions Without an HOA Can Still Have Covenants

Covenants has been around for at least as long as subdivisions, and probably longer. Not so long ago, covenants tended to focus more on racial discrimination than on controlling things like the minimum or maximum size of homes, the requirement to have grass and one tree in the front yard, etc.

Nowadays those old covenants which discriminated against people of color and/or Jews are illegal and can’t be enforced, but there are covenants about those modern topics which can be enforced — but by whom?

That’s why homeowner associations (HOAs) were created. Not only do they provide services for which they charge dues, but they can enforce covenants plus their own rules and regulations to which homeowners must abide. And state law stands behind those enforcement powers. In fact, until last year an HOA could actually foreclose on a member’s home if they failed to pay fines for violations levied by the HOA. (Now an HOA can only foreclose on a member for unpaid dues.)

So, let’s say you are in a subdivision with no HOA (yippee!), but a neighbor is violating something in the covenants, such as parking their work truck or an abandoned car in their driveway or on their front lawn?

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As the complaining neighbor, your only recourse is to sue the offending neighbor in civil court for violating the covenants that pertain to that home. Because of the cost and inconvenience associated with litigation, only egregious violations are likely to be enforced by one neighbor against another. Has this softened your attitude toward HOAs?

A Mini Restaurant Review...

Rita and I have discovered a great Mexican restaurant, La Huacha, right under our noses — literally. The restaurant is on the corner of Rogers Street and South Golden Road, on the 1st floor of GW Apartments. We live right above it!

This restaurant began as a food truck 1/4 mile away, but now they occupy the space occupied briefly by Pancho & Jane, which didn’t last long at all because it was just a bar with tacos. La Huacha is a full-menu restaurant. See www.LaHuacha.com and give it a try! It has a well deserved rating of 4.9 on Yelp and elsewhere.

I ordered their crispy chili rellenos and a tequila drink served in a carved-out pineapple which they call Pina Loca. Yum!

Want to Help Refugees of the California Wildfires

If you know anyone who lost their home in the California wildfires who is thinking of relocating to the Denver area, we’d like to help them by rebating up to $10,000 of any commission we earn and using our connections to acquire and deliver donated furniture

and furnishings for their new home. You can download this column from www. JimSmithColumns.com and send it to them. Our broker associates and I look forward to serving them. Invite them to contact me or any of our broker associates listed below.

Dougco schools updating restraint, seclusion policy

Board vote was set for Jan. 28

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Douglas County School Board is set to limit the use of restraint and seclusion and eliminate dedicated seclusion rooms in the district.

e board will vote on an updated policy regarding the use of seclusion and restraint on students at its Jan. 28 meeting. e updated policy limits use of seclusion and restraint to emergency situations during which students or sta are in harm’s way.

During a Jan. 14 board discussion, Deputy Superintendent Danelle Hiatt presented the updated policy. Hiatt said the district prohibits the use of seclusion or restraint for discipline purposes, and the policy centers around student safety.

“We always use de-escalation techniques rst as a way to reduce student aggressive behavior,” Hiatt said. “Some of the de-escalation techniques we use include sensory breaks, breathing exercises, verbal redirection and environmental changes.”

Physical restraint can be used to break up ghts, stop a dysregulated student from going into a dangerous situation, prevent a student from self-harm behav-

iors and if a student is approaching a busy intersection or tra c.

Seclusion can be used if a student brandishes a dangerous object with the intent of using it as a weapon, or if a student is hurting a sta member and they are unable to physically restrain the student.

e policy updates re ect changes made in state law surrounding the use of seclusion and restraint, which became effective in June 2023.

“ is policy is intended to prevent and reduce serious injuries to students and sta in the school environment,” Hiatt said.

Hiatt said less than 1% of students have been involved in a situation where physical restraint or seclusion was used, and the 2024-25 school year has seen a reduction in the use of restraint and seclusion.

Hiatt added that restraint and seclusion are more common at the elementary school level.

In addition to updating the policy, the district hired a behavioral specialist who reviews all of the instances of restraint or seclusion to provide direct oversight and monitoring. Hiatt said the data is reviewed to ensure the policy isn’t being applied in a discriminatory way and to identify students who have experienced multiple instances of restraint or seclusion.

“Our system for monitoring data does include a review of our students who have

multiple incidents of the use of restraint,” she said. “When we see data like that, we come together and problem-solve around the (individual education plan).”

Board member Valerie ompson also requested the policy include an annual monitoring report be shared with the board.

“I think it would demonstrate transparency to our community and also build con dence in our processes when we’re dealing with, in many cases, our most vulnerable students,” ompson said.

e district’s review of its seclusion and restraint policies were prompted by a complaint that was led with the Colorado Department of Education in 2022 that alleged inappropriate use of seclusion for a student with disabilities.  at complaint, in part, led to an investigation into the district by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for its use of restraint and seclusion, as well as its response to discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Former Rock Canyon teacher facing sex charges

55-year-old educator allegedly was found in room with pants down, porn on USB drive

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A former Douglas County School District teacher is facing charges of sexual

exploitation of a child and indecent exposure.

e Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce arrested Christen Cassic, 55, on Jan. 21.

According to the Douglas County School District, Cassic had been with the district since 2015 and most recently was a computer science teacher and soccer coach at Rock Canyon High School in Lone Tree. e district con rmed it no longer employs Cassic.  Cassic formerly taught and coached at

Legend High School in Parker from 2015 to 2022.

In a statement sent to families, Rock Canyon Principal Andy Abner said he was limited in what he could say due to the ongoing investigation.

“I know it is concerning to receive news of this nature,” Abner said. “Please know the safety and well-being of every student is of primary importance to Rock Canyon High School and the Douglas County School District.”

According to Cassic’s arrest a davit, someone reported on Jan. 14 that they walked into Cassic’s classroom and saw him sitting at his desk with his pants down, which exposed his thigh and buttocks.

e person said Cassic quickly pulled up his pants and closed his computer when they came into the classroom.

When school o cials confronted Cassic, he allegedly con rmed what the student saw and admitted to having a USB drive of pornographic pictures, according to the a davit.

Police reviewed the USB drive and found hundreds of pornographic pictures, including some they believe to be of children. Police also found clothed photos of students on Cassic’s phone and USB drive.

According to the a davit, Cassic told police that he had looked at pornography and masturbated at school about 10 times over the last three years. Cassic allegedly told police that he believed all of the pornographic photos on his USB drive were of women over the age of 18.

Cassic is being held at the Douglas County Jail on a $150,000 bond. He is scheduled to be in court on Feb. 21.

Illness spurs school notifications

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Douglas County Health Department is notifying Castle View High School families that students may have been exposed to pertussis.

Maisie Wingerter, a spokesperson for Douglas County, said one case of pertussis has been linked to Castle View High School as of Jan. 17.

Commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms typically start between seven and 10 days after being in close contact with someone with pertussis, though it can range from four to 21 days after exposure.

Pertussis symptoms start similar to a cold, with a runny nose, coughing and fever, with coughing becoming more severe and developing into ts over one to two weeks.

e health department encourages students suspected of having pertussis to see a doctor for a nasal swab test and, if positive, antibiotics. e department says that students diagnosed with pertussis must be kept home from school and should avoid crowded public places and contact with people at risk of severe disease — including infants, pregnant women and people with severe medical conditions — until completing ve days of antibiotics.

Health department o cials recommend students and families receive the DTaP/Tdap vaccine, which protects against pertussis. ough people who are vaccinated can still catch pertussis, they typically experience lesser symptoms.

For more information or questions, Elizabeth Walker-Short, epidemiologist at the Douglas County Health Department, can be reached at 720-643-2485.

Outside the Douglas County School District building in Castle Rock in July 2024. The school board is updating the district’s policies around the restraint and seclusion of students.

PHOTO BY ARIA MARIZZA

STOCK SHOW

Stampede and meeting with sponsors and potential vendors.

“Our vice chair for technology is a longtime volunteer of the NWSS and is on sta for the entire 16-day event,” Lea Anne shared. “Others act as volunteers with the visiting royalty program, the equine events and rodeo production. Our royalty team has been active in the parade, hosting the stick horse rodeo for kids, helping with the kids’ farm animal display, working the PRCA rodeos in various capacities and welcoming guests. ey average 40 hours of volunteer work during 16 days.”

e Elizabeth Stampede Board of Directors also hosted and served one of the meals for rodeo contestants on the 25th. “It is a great way to promote our rodeo and encourage top contestants to enter our rodeo,” Lea Anne added.

Representing the Elizabeth Stampede goes beyond giving a face to the event and the town. “From my perspective, one of the most important parts of an event like NWSS goes beyond the celebration of our western roots here in Colorado,” Lea Anne said. “It is the education of so many di erent aspects of agriculture. It’s important for people to know that farmers and ranchers are truly stewards of the land and the livestock that nourish the nation.”

Each January, almost 700,000 people attend the NWSS, established in 1906. e show includes about 30 rodeos, 11 horse shows and more.

e Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo will take place this year June 5 to the 8. For more information about getting involved, visit elizabethstampede.com.

Queen Kallie Russell and a young friend get serious talking about horses during the Stick Horse Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEA ANNE RUSSELL

Queen Kallie Russell, left, and Attendant Georgia Swanson, 2025 Elizabeth Stampede Royalty, gearing up to support the PRCA Rodeo performances at the National Western Stock Show.

Chief justice urges funding for more judges despite budget crunch

BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE

Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez has called on the Legislature to approve a spending increase for new judges in the state.

“Many of our judges are routinely working nights and weekends, unable to take time o to attend training or to take care of sick family members, let alone tend to their own health,” she said during the annual State of the Judiciary address at the Capitol.

Referring to a bill introduced Wednesday, the rst day of the 2025 legislative session, she said, “For judges in the jurisdictions targeted in the bill, the current situation is simply unsustainable. We cannot ask our judges, day in and day out, to be making consequential decisions impacting people’s lives when they are running on empty tanks.”

Monica M. Márquez is chief justice of Colorado’s Supreme Court.

Other districts and the Denver probate court, would get judge increases in 2026. It is sponsored by Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat, and Sen. Lisa Frizell, a Castle Rock Republican. e bill’s cost would be about $13.2 million for the upcoming scal year, according to a budget brie ng for the department.

a tough sell.

“We can’t a ord any of it,” Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican, said during a Tuesday Joint Budget Committee hearing with Márquez. “From my perspective, being a good partner is you (helping) us nd where we’re going to make cuts. Certainly not make increases.”

Disruptors in the virtual courtroom

nearly daily attacks have had on them and our court sta .”

She thanked the JBC for authorizing $200,000 in emergency spending for a technology solution proposal request.

Senate Bill 25-024 would implement the Judicial Department’s request to add district court judges beginning this year in the 8th, 13th, 19th and 23rd judicial districts and add county court judges in Douglas, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Weld, Eagle, Adams and Arapahoe counties.

“In recognition of the obvious budget realities of this year, our judge request does not seek to fully sta our courts. It would merely provide some relief to those districts facing the greatest need,” Márquez said, acknowledging this year’s intense budget de cit, which could exceed $700 million.

Legislative leaders say that budget reality will make any new programs or spending requests di cult to pass. Amid a tight focus on where to make spending cuts, any bill with a high price tag will be

In her remarks, Márquez also spoke about a need to adopt new technology to facilitate virtual courtrooms, which have become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the business meeting platform the courts currently use was never meant to function as a virtual courtroom, and creates vulnerabilities for disruptors to attack proceedings.

“ ese are individuals who sneak into virtual courtrooms, sometimes posing as actual parties and witnesses, and they hijack the proceedings by screaming racial epithets at litigants and judges and streaming pornographic, racist or violent video,” she said. “I’ve heard directly from several judges around the state about the mental and emotional impact that these

Márquez also acknowledged the in ux of new employees in the judicial system over the last ve years. She said that over half of the state’s judges were appointed in 2020 or later, and 80% of chief judges have been in their leadership roles for only a “handful” of years.

“ is true transformation of the department has presented a fertile environment for the seeds of our workplace culture initiative to take root,” she said.

She began that initiative in 2022 to improve workplace culture and sta well-being. It relies on value statements developed from employees and district leaders, she said.

Márquez became chief justice in July 2024 and is the rst Latina to hold the state’s top judicial position. She has served on the Colorado Supreme Court since 2010.

is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

Norovirus, whooping cough cases surge around Colorado

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Colorado is grappling with an increase in norovirus cases this winter, with public health officials urging residents to take proactive steps to prevent its spread. Norovirus, often called the stomach flu or stomach bug, is highly contagious and causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

season does seem to be hitting a little harder,” said Melanie Rogers, a public health nurse and epidemiologist with the Je erson County Public Health Department.

“Norovirus normally has a seasonal increase over the winter months, but this

“In 2023, we had 23 norovirus outbreaks in Je erson County. Last year, we saw 57,

and this year, just since Jan. 1, we’ve already registered eight,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an outbreak is an unusual increase in illness within a speci c setting, such as schools, childcare facilities or long-term care centers.

The Su ragette’s Murder By Sandy Rustin Directed by Margot Bordelon

Douglas County man

According to court documents, on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Montgomery and two others met at the Yours Truly hotel in Washington, D.C., and walked to an area near the Washington Monument and the Ellipse to hear the speakers at the “Stop the Steal” rally, a Department of Justice release says.

e release lays out more details:

After the rally, the three men made their way to the west front of the Capitol building, crossing over inside the restricted perimeter.

About 2 p.m., Montgomery grabbed a law enforcement o cer’s baton and attempted to wrestle it away from the ocer. e o cer held onto the baton and fell to the ground with Montgomery. e two then attempted to wrestle control of the baton from each other while other men watched nearby. During the scu e, Montgomery kicked the police o cer in the chest.

After that incident, Montgomery and his two companions ascended the upper west terrace stairs with a mass of individuals and approached the upper west terrace door.

As they approached, the exterior double doors were propped open, people were screaming and a loud alarm sounded as people were streaming into the Capitol building.

e three men entered the Senate gallery, where they saw another rioter jump down to the Senate oor.

e three men left the gallery and proceeded to the second oor to an area near the Senate oor, where they confronted a U.S. Capitol Police o cer. One of the men other than Montgomery yelled at the ofcer: “ is is not about us. is is bigger than me, it’s bigger than you. It’s about this — everyone’s right to self-government … We’re with you guys. You think these people in this building would ght for you?”

Montgomery yelled: “You gotta stop doing your job sometime and start being American. You gotta quit doing your job and be an American!”

After that confrontation, the defendants exited the Capitol building about 2:50 p.m.

e FBI arrested Montgomery on Jan. 17, 2021, in Colorado.

During national news coverage, video footage that appeared to be captured on mobile devices of people at the scene depicted evidence of violations of local and federal law, including scores of individuals inside the Capitol building without authority to be there, according to an ar-

Montgomery had been sentenced to 37 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. e sentencing occurred on Oct. 31, 2024.

See further details in Colorado Community Media’s story online at tinyurl. com/DouglasPardon.

Kittredge man

A U.S. district judge sentenced Sabol in March 2024 to 63 months in prison and ordered him to pay $32,000 in restitution. e felony charges were obstruction of an o cial proceeding and aiding and abetting, federal robbery, assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain o cers with a deadly or dangerous weapon and aiding and abetting.

According to the Associated Press, Sabol ripped a baton from an o cer’s hands before pulling another o cer into the crowd outside the Capitol, allowing other rioters to assault the o cer with weapons.

Less than a year ago — in March 2024 — Sabol told U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras that he knows he is “100%” guilty and would have apologized directly to the o cers whom he attacked if they had attended the hearing, according to the AP.

“I accept whatever it is you hand me,” the AP quoted Sabol as saying. “I’ll be honest: I deserve it.”

More details at tinyurl.com/KittredgePardon.

ers from the Capitol building, according to a news release.

e release lays out more details:

Melsen allegedly reached over the barricades and pushed a Metropolitan Police Department o cer. e o cer responded by pushing the man away from the barricades and into the crowd. Melsen then allegedly “charged” at the o cer with both hands outstretched and pushed the o cer in the chest.

e man was again pushed back toward the crowd and was sprayed with “OC spray” (an apparent reference to “oleoresin capsicum,” or pepper, spray).

Melsen then allegedly moved back into the crowd of rioters away from the police line. Later, he was allegedly seen in an “open-source” video as he climbed onto the inaugural stage sca olding erected on the west plaza of Capitol grounds.

Based on review of public video, closed circuit video footage and police bodyworn camera footage depicting the events at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, law enforcement identi ed an individual who allegedly assaulted an o cer on the west plaza, according to an arrest document led in federal court.

e document lays out further details and allegations:

e FBI posted a photo of the individual at the Capitol under the name “375-AFO” and requested help from the public to identify the individual. Law enforcement identi ed “375-AFO” as Melsen.

e government moved to dismiss the indictment against Melsen in a court ling dated Jan. 21 this year, citing to the “Executive Order dated January 20, 2025, Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences for Certain O enses Relating to the Events at Or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” as the reason.

Further details at tinyurl.com/Je coPardon.

Whether riot was violent

In the years since the Jan. 6 riot, disputes have played out in the public sphere about the extent to which it was a peaceful gathering.

e Justice Department has said that rioters assaulted about 140 police o cers on Jan. 6, the AP reported.

A Senate report details how o cers on the front lines su ered chemical burns, brain injuries and broken bones, among other injuries, after ghting the attackers, who quickly overwhelmed them and broke into the building, the AP reported.

at report includes a statement from the Capitol Police Labor Committee recounting some of the more serious injuries: “I have o cers who were not issued helmets prior to the attack who have sustained brain injuries. One o cer has two cracked ribs and two smashed spinal discs. One ofcer is going to lose his eye, and another was stabbed with a metal fence stake.” e AP’s review of hundreds of videos and photos from the riot shows scores of people mixed in the crowd who were wearing military-style gear, including helmets, body armor, rucksacks and two-way radios.

See more detail from the AP at tinyurl. com/APCapitolReview.

In the years since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals had been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony, an October 2024 Justice Department news release says.

Duo with Highlands Ranch ties

A father and son with local ties are also among those who were sentenced in relation to the Capitol breach.

e FBI interviewed David Tyner outside of his residence in Highlands Ranch. Tyner stated that he and his son, Christian, drove from Colorado to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, and woke up on Jan. 6 and went to “the rally and speech at the Ellipse,” according to a document led in federal court.

Law enforcement conducted a review of Capitol footage, “open-source” materials that had been submitted to the FBI and records maintained by the State of Colorado, according to the document.

Both David Tyner and Christian Tyner pleaded guilty, and they were adjudicated guilty of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

David Tyner was sentenced to probation for 36 months, and Christian Tyner was sentenced to probation for 24 months, according to 2024 judgment documents.

In a letter addressed to a judge led in court, David Tyner said he expressed “my sincerest regrets for the abhorrent and misguided decisions I made and subsequent actions I took during the Capitol riot.”

“One thing that’s clear is that I was deceived. I should say, I allowed myself to be deceived,” Tyner’s letter said. “My sense of patriotism to the country I love was exploited by former President Donald Trump, attempting to cling to the power he lost in a free and fair election.”

A list of other Coloradans accused in relation to the Capitol breach is located online at tinyurl.com/ColoradoJan6.

Colorado residents are among the roughly 1,500 defendants in the Jan. 6, 2021 United States Capitol riot pardoned by newly inaugurated President Donald Trump. SHUTTERSTOCK

How to keep animals safe in cold weather

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With bitter cold temperatures in the Denver metro area, you may be hunkered down at home — but your animals may need a change of routine too.

Douglas County Animal Services issued the following recommendations for pet owners:

• Limit your pets’ time outdoors and supervise them during short intervals when they are allowed outside for bath-

room breaks.

• Consider putting your dog in a coat or sweater and booties if your pet is outside and is susceptible to getting cold — for instance, pets that are old, young or shorthaired.

• Bring outdoor pets indoors.

• Consider replacing walks during the cold spell with mental stimulation, such as puzzles and toys that can be done indoors.

• Ensure you check your water sources for horses, and break the ice periodically

to allow freshwater access.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Jan. 17, the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce posted a chart of how di erent temperatures pose risks to dogs.

e chart shows ve levels with these labels:

• “No evidence of risk” at temperatures generally between 50 and 60 degrees.

• “Risk is unlikely; go outside and play but be cautious” generally around 45 degrees.

• “Unsafe potential” depending on the

size or breed, so keep an eye on dogs, generally between 30 and 40 degrees.

• “Dangerous temperature potential” roughly around 20 degrees.

• “Temperature presents risk of damage/ death,” so avoid extended time outside, generally around 10 degrees or below.  e recommendations of the chart vary based on dog size. e chart can be found at tinyurl.com/DouglasDogSafetyChart. You can contact Douglas County Animal Services to report animal welfare concerns at 303-660-7500.

Safety tips o ered after dog ingests rodent poison

Castle Pines incident appears to be accidental

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A dog ingested rodent poison while walking through the Tapestry Hills neighborhood in Castle Pines around the beginning of the year, an incident that prompted an investigation by the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce and local animal law enforcement o cers, according to the sheri ’s o ce. e situation appears to be accidental and caused by wildlife dispersing the poison that was legally placed in an individual’s backyard, according to the

sheri ’s o ce.

rough the investigation, conversations with the individual who placed poison in their backyard and conversations with members of the neighborhood, Douglas County Animal Services was able to determine the likely number of tablets placed in the yard and believes that the majority of the tablets have since been located, said Sgt. Bryanna Munns, an o cial with the area’s animal law enforcement.

“Due to our o ce being unable to de nitively determine the exact number of tablets that were placed in the backyard and subsequently dispersed, we are still recommending that dog owners and parents in the area be vigilant,” Munns said on Jan. 9. Douglas County Animal Services last spoke with the owner of the dog that in-

gested the poison on Jan. 6, and the dog was under veterinary care but had returned home, Munns said.

“ is unfortunate incident is a great reminder to be mindful when using rodent poison and to ensure that the poison is placed in an area away from pets and children and to monitor that area for any signs of wildlife activity,” Munns said. “It is also a reminder for Douglas County citizens to maintain their pets on (a) leash to ensure that their pets do not wander into areas where they could potentially come in contact with something dangerous to their health and wellbeing.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, in early January, the sheri ’s o ce and animal law enforcement urged residents to follow these safety tips when using rodent poison:

REVERSE MORTGAGES

• Read and follow all label instructions carefully.

• Place poisons only in areas that are inaccessible to pets and children.

• Securely store unused poison in a safe location.

• Monitor outdoor areas for signs that poisons may have been moved or scattered.

If you suspect your pet has ingested rodent poison, seek immediate veterinary care. Contact Douglas County animal law enforcement at 303-660-7529 for more information.

e area’s animal law enforcement o cers are employed by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and are contracted with the sheri ’s o ce to perform animal services in Douglas County, Munns said.

United Power lays out hyper-localization strategy

United Power, Colorado’s largest electrical cooperative in terms of the electricity it distributes, made its break from Tri-State G&T on May 1, 2024. It seems to be on its feet with no reason to look over its shoulder.

But where is United going?

Hyper-localization was the phrase introduced in 2024 by its chief executive, Mark Gabriel, as the cooperative put into operation several major battery storage installations in its service territory on the northern side of metropolitan Denver. at hyper-localization can also be understood in terms of the 12,600 rooftop solar installations among its 113,000 members.

In its annual report issued in early January, United also discussed the concept of a distribution system operator (DSO). If perhaps elementary to some readers of

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Time to work together

BIG PIVOTS

Big Pivots, to others it might be a nice explanation of where we’ve been and where we’re headed as we try to reinvent electricity — and all of energy, for that matter.

United Power’s service territory includes much of the Wattenberg oil and gas eld, the principal reason that Colorado ranks fourth in oil and eighth in natural gas extraction among the 50 states. Many energy-requiring tasks in this place of energy production, however, are being converted to electricity.

Here is how United explained what it described as an industry-leading e ort: “ e ow of energy only used to move

in one direction, but this model is quickly changing. Technology, like EVs and distributed generation such as solar photovoltaic systems and batteries, are changing the way cooperative members use electricity and interact with the local grid.

“United Power has developed a DSO Action Plan to ensure it can deliver a reliable and e cient ow of electricity within its distribution network by maintaining critical infrastructure, such as substations, transformers, and power lines to ensure safety and reliability, and managing the integration of DERs (distributed energy resources), like solar panels and battery storage, while facilitating connections for new members and opportunities for independent energy generators.

“ e DSO model also drives grid modernization by analyzing data from smart

devices and sensors to enable a smarter, more exible system to support technologies like EVs and demand response tools. is grid modernization also ensures increased resiliency through the integration of hyper-local energy generation, microgrids, and other adaptive measures.

“Essentially, the transition to a DSO will ensure that United Power members, who are increasingly becoming both consumers and producers of energy, have a reliable electrical distribution network that maximizes the transfer and use of electricity from DERs to their homes, businesses, and industries.”

Ah, and to think that just a decade ago, the world of electrical cooperatives seemed to be a backwater. Now, the electrical cooperatives may be providing the most interesting innovations in Colorado.

Notwithstanding increased usage — especially on the rst day of a presidential term — federal executive orders have always bothered me. I don’t care which political power is in power, but the overuse of a pen seems both dictatorial and a sidestep of proper lawmaking procedure. When executive orders fall into the area of pardons — and the newly employed “pre-emptive” arena — it’s even worse as an unethical-appearing move.

It’s no wonder that the order on ceasing birthright citizenship has already drawn a lawsuit. It should. Ambiguous laws need to be either clari ed or trashed — especially in the area of immigration, where both sides of the aisle have kicked the proverbial can down the road for far too many decades.

Trump was reelected because of the populist push to upend business as usual in D.C. People are tired of lawmakers strictly adhering to party lines, reaching impasses, and not nding common ground. Politicians continue to vote for porky pet projects rather than policies of substance.

It’s past time to work together. Will common sense ever return to our nation’s capital?

Water district overkill

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Linda Mazunik, Lone Tree

Centennial Water separately mailed out at least three meaningless printed yers along with a full-page announcement with the most recent water bill leading up to the name change and new website announcement. An announcement in the printed monthly newsletter and eNewsletter would have been su cient. What a colossal waste of ratepayers’ money! Clearly Centennial Water does not require a rate increase!

John M. Schauf, Highlands Ranch

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

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

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

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

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

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.

• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.

Reality of life in the wake of devastation

Life has an uncanny way of reminding us how fragile and unpredictable it can be.

From the California wild res that sweep through entire towns, reducing homes and memories to ashes, to hurricanes battering coastlines with unrelenting force, to earthquakes that rattle the very foundation of our lives, we are repeatedly reminded of our vulnerability. Tornadoes, oods, mudslides, cyclones, nor’easters, and blizzards are not just natural phenomena; they are events that alter lives forever. And then there are man-made disasters, oil spills, chemical explosions, and wars that leave scars just as deep.

Wherever we choose to live, there’s an inherent risk. Coastal residents brace for hurricanes; those in the Midwest know the terrifying power of tornadoes; mountain communities are wary of mudslides and wild res; and urban areas are not immune to oods or infrastructure collapses. e truth is that no one is entirely safe from the whims of nature or human error.

WINNING

what we can o er, and how we can contribute without fully understanding what would ease the Time, as they say, is a great healer. And often, the most meaningful thing we can do is give people the time and space to grieve, process, and begin to rebuild. Loss is unique to each individual, and so, too, are the paths to recovery. ere are no universal solutions, no “right” ways to help. What’s needed is discernment and a

When tragedy strikes, it often leaves a profound sense of loss: lives lost, homes destroyed, businesses shattered, and communities brought to their knees. In these moments, people don’t need cliches, motivational quotes, or hollow assurances that “everything happens for a reason.” What they need is tangible, meaningful help.

Help comes in many forms. It might benancial assistance to rebuild a home, food, and water to sustain life, or shelter to provide safety. For some, it’s as simple yet vital as a shoulder to cry on, a compassionate ear, or a quiet presence that reassures them they are not alone. And for many, prayers o ered with sincerity can provide a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

One of the greatest motivators of our time, Zig Ziglar, once acknowledged that even with the most positive mindset, life’s tragedies and challenges are inescapable. Zig, known for energizing audiences with his boundless enthusiasm, understood that there are times when motivation alone isn’t enough. During seasons of profound loss, what matters most is discretion, sincerity, and a grounded understanding of the moment.

is is a time for genuine compassion. It’s not about rushing in to x things on our terms but taking the time to discern what’s truly needed. Sometimes, in our eagerness to help, we inadvertently make the situation about ourselves,

I’m reminded of a story from Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Houston area. My friend Mike P. and his wife had a couple of empty bedrooms as their boys were away at college. Without hesitation, they opened their home to a family they had never met that had lost everything. is act of kindness, born from compassion and empathy, exempli es the best of humanity.

Not all of us may have spare rooms to o er, but we all have something we can give: our time, talents, or resources. Whether it’s organizing donations, volunteering in disasterstricken areas, or simply being a steady presence for someone who needs it, each act of kindness contributes to the healing process.

As we move forward, let us be mindful of the realities of life when tragedy strikes. Let’s offer hope and encouragement not with words alone but through action, grounded in compassion, empathy, and a sincere desire to help. In doing so, we become the steady hands that lift others from despair and the foundation upon which they can rebuild.

Do you have personal experience with manmade or natural disasters? Do you have a family member or friend who has had to face devastation or tragedy? Have you been a part of a community that experienced severe challenges? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. When we can help foster healing and hope for those in need, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Allen Best energy,

The case for public technical colleges in Colorado

In this moment of division, when perhaps one of the only items anyone can agree on is the need for a skilled workforce to move our economy forward, there is — in the vernacular of the day — a sure thing. A proven opportunity that has the potential to unite across divisions, has incredible return on investment, is fractionally small in the state budget, and most importantly gives people the agency and the dignity that comes from having earned a skill, a trade, a career, a purpose. A technical college education for any Colorado resident is not only possible but, considering the times, is a moral imperative that every state legislator should align themselves with.

A rapidly earned, intensely learned, technical education has transformative power to quickly change life trajectories, lift families and communities, lift our economy, and unite us in purpose as we return to a focus on how we can best help people help themselves. A government of the people, for the people, invests in a skilled workforce.

For 108 years the state’s largest public technical college, Emily Gri th Technical College, has been focused on providing an opportunity for all who wish to learn, with a mission that is clear: preparing our students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. And the impact of this century-long focus is undeniable: Emily Gri th students have literally built the city of Denver, and have kept it running. In fact, even today you cannot walk down the street and shout without someone hearing your voice who has a connection to the school.

Trade schools, now frequently recognized through their expanded roles as technical colleges, have been around for more than 140 years, and in these past several years, enrollment and interest has skyrocketed, and for good reason — technical colleges have immediate, tangible outcomes for students while providing a critical service for local economies. In fact, technical colleges train students for the careers that are recession, depression, and pandemic-proof. Technical colleges are uniquely designed to be responsive to the needs of the workforce, to scale as industry demand dictates, and o er students training in a wide range of elds including emerging elds, such as preparing skilled workers for quan-

GUEST

COLUMN

Randy Johnson

tum-aligned industries, mental health, and the full spectrum of rapidly growing registered apprenticeships.

During the pandemic, a lot of young people and adults looking to reskill had life-check moments, asking themselves questions like, “Is what I’m doing ful lling? Do I want to go to college for the next four years? Would I rather start earning money now, more quickly, in a eld I am passionate about?” Technical colleges provide real answers by o ering programs that can be completed in as few as three months, with most completing within nine months. is means an education, a job and a salary can be secured in less than a quarter of the time it takes to earn a four-year college degree.

And just as important for those who envision a higher education journey to reach their ultimate goals, technical colleges are not stopping points; they are starting points. ey are the rst step in the continuum of higher education in Colorado, conferring college credit along with industry-recognized credentials.

No matter how students navigate higher education, a technical college is a sure thing with successful outcomes for individuals and, as a result, for our communities. In fact, 85% of our students complete their programs and 93% nd a job in their eld.

Ultimately, career and technical education is purpose education, and purpose is the most powerful life-tool of all. I encourage our state legislators to continue to invest in people through workforce education and training opportunities; invest in public technical colleges. Closing workforce skills gaps, closes opportunity gaps. Closing opportunity gaps, closes achievement gaps. And closing achievement gaps, opens the door to every student and citizen in Colorado to pursue the lives they want, and make us all stronger and safer in the process.

is guest column was written by Randy Johnson, who has more than 34 years of experience in education, with 16 years at Denver Public Schools. He is the executive director of Emily Gri th Technical College, a role he has held since 2020. Emily Gri th is the postsecondary and adult education arm of Denver Public Schools.

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Connections for Families o ers needed support

Elbert County program is collaboration with state

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Connections for Families, a collaborative program of Elbert County and the state, has been supporting youth and their families since 2004. e program coordinator, PattyAnn Fontenot, said their goal is to “empower families to sustain a healthy environment of support for their children while avoiding involvement in the juvenile justice and human services system.” In her words, the organization provides “comprehensive wraparound support” for youth and their families with the resources available in their community.

Fontenot shared that Connections for Families has many success stories. “A perfect example is how we were able to serve a 14-year-old youth who failed school because she missed so much,” she shared. “When Connections for Families got involved, our focus was on seeing what the barrier was in getting her to school.”

“It turns out, she was left alone the majority of the time.” Fontenot went on. “Although she had a roof over her head, on many occasions, she did not have water or heat, and food was limited. In addition, this young girl ended up in the court system, which added more barriers for her. She was expected to pay nes, pay for her court education classes, and provide community service while having no means to meet the criteria determined by the court.”

Connections for Families was able to help break these barriers down. In the end, the girl followed their guidance and worked with the appropriate agencies. She was able to graduate from high school, further her education and land a successful job.

Fontenot, an Elbert County resident since 2006, has worked for the program since 2015. As the program coordinator, she works closely with all collaborative partners and connects youth and families to appropriate resourc-

families, helps organize an event called Circle of Parents. Circle of Parents meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

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Filmmaker seeks to keep notorious site’s history alive

BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

An Arvada native and lmmaker whose documentary examines the deadly history of Rocky Flats will soon be put on the national stage.

Following its premiere at the Denver Film Festival, “Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory” is set for national video release. e documentary became available to rent or own across North American digital HD platforms – including internet, cable, satellite, and DVD – beginning Jan 25, according to a news release.

e Rocky Flats lm will also have local theatrical screenings at Denver University, e Dairy Arts Center, and the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in the new few weeks, the news release states.

Half-Life of Memory exposes the legacy of Colorado’s Rocky Flats plant, which secretly produced thousands of atomic weapons. From illegal nuclear waste dumping to radioactive contamination in suburban Denver,  Half-Life of Memory reveals the devastating aftermath of America’s nuclear ambitions, the news release states.

Rocky Flats churned out 70,000 plutonium

Jolene Funkhouser is the RISC case manager for Elbert County. She o ers supervision through the Elizabeth Municipal Courts and works with juveniles who are involved on a district court level. Funkhouser provides youth and their families with resources that benefit their health and well-being.

es and agencies. She also partners with the school district by facilitating discussions on getting support and resources for a student’s academic success, which might include services for the family as a whole.

Since 2021, Connections for Families has also employed a rural integrated specialist case (RISC) manager, Jolene Funkhouser. RISC is an early-intervention program, targeting 5- to 18 year-olds, focusing on school issues, disruptive or de ant behavior, homicidal or suicidal thoughts, mental health, and family or substance abuse.

Funkhouser o ers supervision, when necessary, through the Elizabeth Municipal Courts and works with juveniles in the court system.

PattyAnn Fontenot is the program coordinator for Connections for Families in Elbert County, which advocates for youth and their families. She facilitates connections to services and providers that fit the needs of youth and their families to be successful.

She helps make sure young people are ful lling all their requirements with school, treatment and their case. Funkhouser also facilitates a middle school after-school program.

Connections for Families helps organize a free Circle of Parents group on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. It’s an opportunity to connect, receive support and share parenting ideas. For more information, email Fontenot at pafontenot@connections4families.org.

Connections for Families receives referrals to help youth from many sources, including police, legal, human service departments, schools, community agencies or community members. For more information, call 303646-6118 or visit connections4families.org. e program also has a Facebook page at facebook.com/pro le.php?id=100078166962340.

Rocky Flats documentary released nationally

“triggers” for nuclear weapons. e plant’s res, leaks and illegal dumping contaminated the Denver metro area with radioactive and toxic chemicals, according to an earlier news release about the lm.

A massive plutonium re in 1969 – one of the worst in U.S. history  – sparked a decade of mass protests, eventually leading to an unprecedented raid by the FBI and the Department of Energy that shuttered the plant in 1989, according to the news release.

Half-Life of Memory is the rst full-length lm by director Je Gipe, a visual artist best known for creating the Rocky Flats  Cold War Horse monument. Gipe grew up in Arvada, downwind of the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant. His father worked in the plant and

The documentary

“HalfLife of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory” was set to be released Jan. 25, COURTESY

was exposed to hazardous chemicals. Gipe told Colorado Community Media last October that he did not want Rocky Flats and its history to be whitewashed by state and local governments, who helped create the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in 2007. “ e DOE does not want to acknowledge the history of the plant,” Gipe said. “Colorado instead wants to create a success story out there.” e lm is scheduled for national video release on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, cable, and satellite via distributor Freestyle Digital Media. For more information, visit the website at www.hal ifeofmemory.com. Watch the trailer on YouTube at  www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s91cPfT0gE.

Connections for Families, an Elbert County program to support youth and their

Students pitch in to help Ukraine

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As a rst-generation American, Broomeld resident Andy Lenec was steeped in the language and culture of Ukraine. His parents were political refugees who relocated to the United States after World War II to escape Russian occupation.

Once he retired as an engineer, Lenec joined the Peace Corps and lived in Ukraine from 2017 to 2018, where he made numerous connections.

Shortly after Lenec returned to the U.S., he began doing weekly Zoom calls with his friends in Ukraine.

“When the war started, I was still running these weekly calls,” said Lenec. “I was just devastated. I was gobsmacked.”

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure targeted

For months, Russia grew its military presence along Ukraine’s border and on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in what he called a “special military operation.”

Nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s territory was seized within the rst few weeks. However, Ukraine met Russian troops with resistance.

“I just kind of had a feeling — a gut feeling — that energy was going to become an issue,” said Lenec. “And it did.” at fall, Russia launched a new strategy to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is reliant on nuclear power, according to the International Energy Agency. Nearly half of the county’s electricity is generated o nuclear power, followed by coal and gasred plants, all of which were damaged or occupied by Russian attacks.

Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that in less than a month after the invasion, about 10.7% of Ukraine’s total energy production was eliminated as Russia captured one of the largest nuclear facilities in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant which is located in southeastern Ukraine.

Local youths assemble solar panels for schools, hospitals in war zone SEE UKRAINE,

In late August 2024, about 200 Russian missiles and drones caused millions of households to lose power. e Associated Press reported it was the 11th massive combined attack by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.  e loss of power has made it di cult for many to communicate with loved

ones, for hospital workers to communicate with rst responders and treat patients in hospitals, and for educators and students to continue schooling.

When the war started, Lenec’s best friend in Ukraine told him: “Нехай світ не забуде про Україну,” which is Cryillic for: “Don’t let the world forget about Ukraine.”

“ at’s been sort of my motto,” said Lenec. “It’s been tattooed onto my soul.”

The Solar Charger Project

Within the rst couple of months of the war — while volunteering with a group called Ukrainians in Colorado — Lenec was contacted by Rich Stromberg, a professor at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, who is an expert in solar energy.

Stromberg’s class took used solar panels, put a piece of equipment on them and converted them to four-port USB chargers. e panels were decorated with supportive messages, photos and artwork, and brought to Lenec.

Using the organization “Meest” — which is Ukrainian for “bridge” — Lenec sent the rst several panels that summer to one of the largest Rotary clubs in western Ukraine.

“ ey were an immediate hit,” said Lenec. “A short video clip that I have actually shows the Rotarians going out — there’s a light mist, it’s not full sun (and) this guy plugs in his phone and shows that it’s charging.”

Terre Cone and Zig Berzins, co-chairs of the Highlands Ranch Rotary Club, were overcome with emotion as they watched Lenec’s presentations regarding the situation in Ukraine at a Rotary conference in September 2024.

“Literally in tears watching children run to bomb shelters in the middle of class,” said Cone. “Zig and I said we need to do something about this.”

ey met with Lenec and shortly after, a grant from one of the Rotary members was made to fund solar panel projects.

e club decided to order panels, which are two by two and half feet, and wanted

to get the community involved.

With a robust Interact program, which is a Rotary program for middle and high school students, the Rotary club held a multi-generational event at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch to put together panels for use as mobile device chargers.

About 50 students split into groups and worked with Rotarians to assemble more than 20 panels.

Speaking to the students about the importance of the panels, Lenec told them that they were all peace builders.

“ ese messages of support are priceless,” Lenec said.

As students stripped wires, connected USB devices and decorated the panels, they heard about the impact directly from Ukraine as Lenec held a Zoom call with Ukrainian Rotarians.

Including the packaging and shipping, the total cost is around $125 per panel.  e Rotary club hopes to hold what

Interact Club students from Mountain Vista High School and Mountain Ridge Middle School work with the Highlands Ranch Rotary Club as they assemble solar panels with USB chargers that will be shipped to Ukraine.

PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA

FETCHING SUCCESS

Local businesses serve Denver’s dog-lover haven

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

From handcrafted shampoo bars to stylish bow ties and everything in between, Denver businesses o ering specialized products and services for dogs are thriving in a city catered to man’s best friend.

e owners and creators behind these unique ventures shared why they enjoy improving the quality of life for the dogs of Denver, as well as why they think Denver loves canines.

Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC

Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC in Englewood is dedicated to helping dogs from puppies to senior dogs “fetch more out of life.”

“Our facility focuses on a number of bene ts for dogs from rehab rehabilitation, which is physical therapy for dogs, to recreational swimming tness and conditioning and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine along with chiropractic so any orthopedic or neurological issue that a dog has can be treated on the clinical side and recreationally the tness and conditioning and swimming pool helps healthy dogs stay t and healthy,” founder Lori Beuerle said.

Originally from Michigan, Beuerle said she opened the Englewood location in 2005 and a Broom eld location in 2010 with business partner and physical therapist Marty Pease.

Beuerle was seeking help for her dog, Clark.

“He had a shoulder issue that the orthopedic surgeon said we could either try physical therapy or rehab rehabilitation or exploratory surgery,” Beuerle said. “So there was a physical therapist operating out of the VRCC in the back o ce parttime and I decided to go with physical therapy and it solved the issue.”

After undergoing physical therapy, Beuerle said Clark was back to normal and didn’t have to undergo surgery. Pease was the physical therapist who helped Clark.

“ at convinced me that it needed to be available to more people so I talked with (Pease),” Beuerle said. “And she said, ‘I’d absolutely love to. I just don’t know what to do.’ So, I said ‘I can help with that.’ So, we started working together and nine months later we opened our Englewood location.”

She said over the years people throughout the metro area have responded well to the care offered at her facilities.

Beuerle said this response is the best aspect of her business.

“It’s just so rewarding to see a dog come in that is either not walking well or not walking at all and we’ve had cases where they’ve received acupuncture or underwater treadmill and they’ve been able to walk out the door,” Beuerle said.

Beuerle said one unique aspect of her business is that each location has the largest swimming

pools for dogs in Colorado and the pools contain freshwater.

“I thought recreational swimming would allow us to bring in more people to educate them on what rehabilitation can do and it worked out,” she said. “It wasn’t just a marketing piece. It was something that the community loves for their dogs.”

Beuerle feels people in Denver cater so much to dogs due to the weather and outdoor activities.

“We’ve got a lot of recreational activities for people (and they) move here because of it. ey can ski, hike, rock climb and all sorts of things,” she said. “So with that, we include our dogs as our family members and that is an attraction along with it that allows us to have businesses that can serve that population.”

Going forward, Beuerle said she hopes to expand nationally and open about 10-15 more locations around the country so that people everywhere have access to these services for their dogs.

Learn more at dog-swim.com.

Buddy Bows

While some Denver businesses focus on physical health, others like Denver’s Buddy Bows were created to help dogs with their sense of style.

Co-owner Peter Horton said Buddy Bows started going to markets in October last year. “Buddy Bows is a pet fashion accessory company and basically we design and handmake bow ties for dogs,” Horton said.

e idea for the business initially began in April after Horton’s girlfriend and co-owner Michelle San Miguel designed a bow tie for her dog.

“I just absolutely fell in love with it so I asked her to make a couple for my dogs and she did and ever since I put them on the dog … literally every person was like, ‘Oh my God, I love the bow tie,”’ Horton said. “So I thought I should look into this to see if maybe it could be a potential business opportunity.”

Horton said the market is fragmented and while a lot of businesses are selling bow ties, they are not all the best quality.

“It’s like an ancillary product that a lot of other pet supply companies are doing and most of them are made in China and are very cheaply made and so we wanted to establish a true brand just for the bow ties,” Horton said.

Horton said he and San Miguel work together to hand-make the bows as Horton maps them out and San Miguel sews everything together.

Since they started selling their bow ties, they’ve received very positive feedback.

“We have people that are absolutely just oored,” Horton said. “ ey’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is the greatest thing in the world. I’ve never seen this.’ And then they buy them.”

Horton feels the reason why people love the bow ties is because they love to see their dogs looking cute.

“I don’t really know how to put it into words, but

it just brings a natural smile to your face and it’s just adorable,” Horton said.

San Miguel also feels Denver is so catered to dogs because of all the outdoor activities available that people can do with their dogs.

“I can’t speak for everyone of course, but there is something wonderful about the company of a fur baby,” San Miguel said. “ ey bring pure joy and love. ere’s nothing better than their love.”

For San Miguel the best aspect of Buddy Bows is meeting fellow dog owners and their “fur babies.”

“I love getting to meet and see all the fur babies at events, pictures of fur babies with their new bow ties and getting to be a part of the community of creators and small business owners,” San Miguel said.

Horton loves working with San Miguel because it’s fun and he loves that their product makes people smile.

Going forward, both San Miguel and Horton hope the business will expand.

Learn more at buddybows.com.

SEE DOG HAVEN, P15

Owner of Buddy Bows Michelle San Miguel’s dog Inu wears one of her first bow tie prototypes. San Miguel now hand-makes and sells various types of bow ties for dogs with her boyfriend Peter Horton. COURTESY OF PETER HORTON

DOG HAVEN

Buddy Scrub

While San Miguel and Horton focus on canine fashion, 32-year-old Denverite Mitchell Teston, owner of Buddy Scrub, creates natural grooming products for dogs right in his mother’s kitchen.

“I make three things and I kind of just keep it simple,” Teston said. “I’m really happy with the way those three things work, and I’ve thought about expanding, but I keep changing my mind because I keep (sticking) to what I know.”  e three products Teston makes include a shampoo bar, coat spritzers and balms for their paws and nose.

“ e only other variation I have is ve di erent scents for the shampoo bars and the spritzers,” Teston said.

ose scents include sweet coconut, light grass, aloe and clover, eucalyptus and fresh-cut grass, which is his favorite.

Teston said his products, while not completely all-natural, are safe for dogs as he uses fragrant oils and not essential oils.

“All the ingredients in it are really gentle stu ,” Teston said. “It’s PH balanced for dogs so it’s not harsh. It won’t overly dry out their skin. A lot of dog shampoos from a dollar store, for example, like, yeah, it’ll clean your dog, but it’s not really balanced well and it can actually make them itchy or dry out.”

He explained he uses a buttermilk base, coconut oil extract and nely ground oatmeal in his items.

“One common question I get is if it’s all natural, and unfortunately, it’s not, but that’s just a conscious decision I make, so it’s higher quality and has a longer shelf life, and even so, I don’t use anything that’s super out there,” Teston said.

Buddy Scrub was started in 2021 after Teston was inspired by his mother Sharry Henk, who makes soaps and candles.

“I kind of took that idea and tried to make it more realistic and I was like, ‘Well, maybe I could make soaps, but I want to do something that’s more unique,” Teston said.

For Teston, the best aspect of being a business owner is talking with customers both new and returning and being able to reassure them that his product is quality and will directly help with any issues or concerns.

“I’m just glad to be so involved and out front with everything,” Teston said. “So, yeah, that’s one nice thing in contrast to some of (those) bigger stores.”

Similarly to his fellow dog business owners, Teston believes Denver is so focused on dogs because of the outdoors.

“I think it’s just that kind of lifestyle that is fun and it invites space to have a companion with you,” Teston said. “ ere’s a lot of parks in Denver. at’s something I’ve come to appreciate over time…Denver feels a lot more open and a lot more space to have a dog.”

Currently, Teston works in higher education full-time and runs Buddy Scrub in his spare time with help from Henk and his girlfriend Jessica Pike.

Going forward, Teston said he hopes to work in other businesses including nonpro ts that help dogs and animals.

“I hope to get a little more regular with the markets and events I go to,” Teston said. “(Also) just kind of building a network of working with other businesses and adoption agencies and just other things beyond just farmers markets type things.”

Learn more at buddyscrubpet.com.

A client at Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC in Englewood utilizes water walking, a service they o ered to dogs to help improve their quality of life. COURTESY OF CANINE REHABILITATION & CONDITIONING GROUP LLC

An employee at Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC assists a dog through an exercise. The facility provides many services to improve the quality of life for canines from puppies to senior dogs.

COURTESY OF CANINE REHABILITATION & CONDITIONING GROUP LLC

Buddy Scrub owner and operator Mitch Teston begins the process to make one of his shampoo bars for dogs. Teston has operated his business for the last four years and sells his products at local farmers markets.

PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY

Mitch Teston, owner of Buddy Scrub, makes three pet care products for dogs including shampoo bars, spritzers and paw and nose balms in the kitchen of his mothers apartment. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY

Owners of Buddy Bow Michelle San Miguel and Peter Horton at their first event after deciding to make bow ties for dogs.

COURTESY OF PETER HORTON

SPORTS

We counted 9 Coloradans in Aspen for the X Games

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e best extreme athletes in the world are descending on perhaps the globe’s greatest outdoor playground for the X Games this past weekend.

e X Games Aspen 2025, which kicked o on Jan. 23, featured men’s and women’s skiing and snowboarding at Buttermilk Mountain in the esteemed Colorado winter resort.

Of over 100 athletes, we counted nine from the Centennial State who competed in iconic snow sports events such as the SuperPipe, Slopestyle and Knuckle Huck. But rst, an explanation of the events:  SuperPipe: A fan-favorite, this skiing and snowboarding event features a large halfpipe structure with steep walls for big air and exciting tricks.

Slopestyle:In this event, skiers and snowboarders race down the mountain course that features obstacles like rails, boxes, jumps and more.

Knuckle Huck: is snowboard event features riders using a “knuckle” or “knob” of a jump to do tricks rather than hitting the big jump itself. It’s a curved section at the crest of a ramp between at land and steep landing ground.

For more explanations of X Games events and the history of their inception, visit www.xgames.com/our-history.

Meet your four snowboarders and ve skiers from Colorado below. Snowboarders

Ellie Weiler – Highlands Ranch – Women’s Snowboard Knuckle Huck Weiler made her X Games debut in 2024 in the Women’s Snowboard Knuckle Huck, impressing with a fth-place nish in the event. Weiler, 22, is a member ofGnu Snowboards’team and has been mentored by eight-time X Games gold medalistJamie Anderson. She claims Highlands Ranch as her hometown but now lives in Silverthorne, making it easier to train at Copper Mountain and its Woodward Copper facilities. Weiler “competes in slopestyle and big air on the FIS amateur circuit and got her start in boardercross racing when she was younger,” according to her pro le on XGames.com.

Egan Wint – Denver – Women’s Snowboard Knuckle Huck

Wint is also coming o her X Games debut in 2024, where she made a splash and nished with a bronze medal in the Women’s Snowboard Knuckle Huck event.

At 23, Wint is originally from Denver but now resides in Park City, Utah. According to XGames.com, Wint has “emerged as a dominant force in the international street and rail jam contest scene with back-toback wins at Red Bull Heavy Metal in Detroit in 2023 and 2024 and a 2024 win at DIYX in Stockholm, Sweden.” She’s also a member of the Dinosaurs Will Die snowboard team.

Lucas Foster – Telluride – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Foster, 25, is back for his fourth X Games appearance in the Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe event. In his three previous X Games competitions, Foster nished eighth (2023) fth (2022) and 15th (2020). Originally from Telluride, Foster now lives in Frisco and frequents Copper Mountain to train. He fell in all four of his runs in 2020, which resulted in the 15th-place nish, but earned respect by nishing in fth in his next appearance. According to XGames.com, Foster made history at the 2022 Laax Open in Switzerland, landing a rst-in-halfpipe-competition backside 1620.

Red Gerald – Silverthorne – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle

Coming o his rst gold medal in the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle event in 2024, Gerald is back for his 11th X Games

appearance. e 24-year-old also has a bronze nish in 2020. His breakthrough gold medal last year was due for the Silverthorne native; he won back-to-back slopestyle wins at the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain in 2020 and 2021, has four World Cup slopestyle wins, won a slopestyle gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics at age 17. Before his gold medal in the X Games last year, Gerald nished fourth in 2022 and 2023.

Skiers

Aaron Blunck – Crested Butte – Men’s Ski SuperPipe

One of the more decorated returners, Blunck, 28, is back for his 15th X Games appearance. A specialist in the Men’s Ski SuperPipe, Blunck nished in sixth last year, fourth in 2023 and won silver medals for three straight years from 2020 to 2022. His best year was in the X Games Aspen 2017 when Blunck won his rst and only gold medal. His grandfather started the ski school at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where Blunck began skiing at 18 months old.

Hanna Faulhaber – Basalt – Womens’ Ski SuperPipe

Back for her third X Games, Faulhaber is no stranger to Aspen. According to XGames.com, Faulhaber, 20, was born at the Aspen Valley Hospital in 2004, two years after the X Games rst came to Aspen. In her rst X Games appearance in 2022, she nished with a bronze medal in the Women’s Ski SuperPipe event. e

next year, Faulhaber nished fth. She is back after missing 2024 with an injury but is looking for more hardware. She has ve World Cup podium appearances and is the 2023 world champion in her event.

Alex Ferreira – Aspen – Men’s Ski SuperPipe

e 12-time X Games veteran is back in Aspen after winning gold in the Men’s Ski SuperPipe last year, marking Ferreira’s third gold medal in the event and rst since 2020. Ferreira, 30, is the hometown hero from Aspen and is looking to add to his three gold, two silver and two bronze nishes. According to XGames. com, he became the rst skier to achieve the perfect season in the halfpipe in 2024, winning 7-of-7 competitions including X Games gold, ve World Cups and the 2024 Dew Tour at Copper Mountain in Summit County.

Birk Irving – Winter Park – Men’s Ski SuperPipe

Joined by his sister, Svea, Birk Irving is back for his eighth X Games appearance. Birk, 25, is a two-time medalist in the Men’s Ski SuperPipe, winning silver in 2023 and bronze in 2021 (both in Aspen). Of his seven X Games appearances, six have been in Aspen. Birk is from Winter Park and recently bought a home in Steamboat Springs. Svea and Birk’s grandfather, John Irving, is an American-Canadian writer and novelist. His most famous books, “ e World According to Garp” and “ e Cider House Rules” have been adapted into award-winning lms starring actors like Robin Williams, Tobey Maguire and Michael Caine.  Svea Irving – Winter Park – Women’s Ski SuperPipe

Svea Irving, 22, is a three-time X Games athlete, all in Aspen for the past three years. Svea holds one bronze medal in the Women’s Ski SuperPipe from 2023. According to XGames.com, Svea was brought up o the alternate list in 2023 and managed to medal for third place. She also has a fourth-place nish in 2024. Svea has two World Cup podiums and recently graduated from CU Boulder where she studied strategic communications.

For results from the X Games Aspen 2025 or to follow all these X Games athletes, visit www.xgames.com/events/x-games-aspen-2025.

Svea Irving from Winter Park catches some big air during the Women’s Ski SuperPipe Final at the 2024 X Games Aspen in Aspen. JOSHUA DUPLECHIAN/X GAMES

Thu 2/06

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ABC and Howard Jones @ 6pm Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver

Richard Blade - Meet & Greet Upgrade @ 7pm Mission Ballroom, Denver

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Sons of Silver @ 7pm Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver

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write encouraging messages such as “Stay

UKRAINE

Lenec calls a “low cost, high impact” project about four times a year.

“ e war is still going on,” said Berzins. “Even if it ends tomorrow, they still won’t have power and we’ve got to recognize that. Getting the infrastructure back into Ukraine is going to take some time.”

and draw

Seeing the impact

on

For a while, Lenec said he was a oneman show sending solar panels to Ukraine — until he partnered with Sunower Seeds Ukraine, a Boulder-based nonpro t dedicated to assisting civilians and defenders in Ukraine.

Since the start of the project, about 600 panels have been shipped to Ukraine. e president of the Rotary club in Lutz, Ukraine, told Lenec that the panels not only helped charge phones and tablets,

Each solar panel is decorated with artwork. Many include Ukraine’s flag and national flower, the sunflower, which symbolizes peace, resilience, and hope.

but also lanterns.

Panels have been distributed to defenders in Ukraine. Lenec said he understands why some people wouldn’t want to supply soldiers, but he felt the need to support as many Ukrainians as he can.

“What the people in Ukraine will tell you is our military is made up of your uncle, your father, the baker, your neighbor,” said Lenec. “ is is not a professional army and so I don’t really put a restriction on it.”

Most recently, panels have been sent to universities in Ukraine where “Invincibility Centers” were set up so students and sta could have the opportunity to charge their phones.

It’s been almost three years since the war in Ukraine began.

rough it all, Lenec has held onto the words spoken by his best friend in Ukraine.

“Don’t let the world forget about Ukraine.”

Holland & Hart LLP 555 Seventeenth St., Suite 3200 Denver, Colorado 80202 Telephone: (303) 295-8000

Email: clkelley@hollandhart.com kbwhite@hollandhart.com Case Number: NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO INTERESTED

Bank, NA, Trustee of the Delight Verdenius Kolar Trust Anne H. Gordon Brittany Jones

Christopher E. Leonard Colby Leonard

Courtney Taylor Kenney

David G. Hilleary

Delight E. Pugel

Richard H. Leonard Jr. Robert L. Hilleary

Thomas K. Hilleary

Whitney Leonard

A petition has been filed alleging that the above decedent(s) died leaving the following property (including legal description if real property):

Property 1 Description of Property: Mineral Interest Location of Property: Township 6 South, Range 59 West, Section 34: SE/4 Elbert County, Colorado

The hearing on the petition will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued: Date: April 14, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Courtroom or Division: Probate Address: 751 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, Colorado 80117*

*The hearing will be held virtually via Telephone: (720) 650-7664 Code: 2599 173 3176

#, # (no attendee ID is needed) or WEB: https://judicial.webex.com/meet/D18ELBE-Div1

The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.

Note:

• You must answer the petition on or before the hearing date and time specified above.

• Within the time required for answering the petition, all objections to the petition must be in writing, filed with the court and served on the petitioner and any required filing fee must be paid.

• The hearing shall be limited to the petition, the objections timely filed and the parties answering the petition in a timely manner. If the petition is not answered and no objections are filed, the court may enter a decree without a hearing. Legal Notice No. ECN 1603 First Publication: January

Elbert Legals

Students

Strong”

artwork

the backs of the solar panels for those in Ukraine who will be using the panels. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA