Raising a warning about sex tra cking
BY MONTE WHALEY
When she rst met the young man in her 16-year-old daughter’s life, Stacey was struck by how little he said.
“He was just so quiet, and something felt o about him,” she said. “Turns out he had a lot to hide.”
What she didn’t know is that he was working behind the scenes to shackle Stacey’s daughter to him and market her for sex.
“He love bombed her,” said Stacey, a woman who asked that her real name not be used. But she wanted to tell her
daughter’s story to raise awareness for Human Tra cking Awareness Month.
Stacey said the nearly silent young man showered her daughter – who was enrolled in a Douglas County high school - with a ection and attention. He made her feel dependent on him for her happiness and threatened to kill himself when she broke up with him. Eventually, he convinced her to hook up with men for sex, Stacey said. Meanwhile, he was registering her on various social media and dating websites, marketing her and pocketing the money he made o their abusive arrangement. Stacey was only aware that her daugh-
ter became more isolated from her family. She almost shakes with rage when she talks about the nearly two years her daughter was psychologically tied to the man.
“She was a source of income to him,” Stacey said. “He would sell her over and over again, he did it multiple times.”
“He knew exactly what he was doing,” Stacey said. “It was easier to sell my child than to work.”
He also made her get a degrading tattoo, e ectively branding her as his property.
Brighton rental grants helping studio artists
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Brighton artists working out of studio businesses in the city’s urban renewal area can qualify for up to $15,000 in annual rental assistance through the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority.
e authority is o ering the Brighton Hearts art rental assistance grants, according to a Jan. 13 news release.
Local artists who qualify for assistance with rental costs must have physical space in the downtown urban area. When they apply, the artist may receive a grant of up to 50% of their yearly leases, not exceeding $15,000 per year.
According to o cials, the funding is available on a rst-come, rst-served basis.
Additional appropriations will be considered when BURA, the authority, prepares its annual budget.
e BURA commissioners will review the application and determine if the applicant quali es for the grant. Art-focused nonprofits as well as for-pro t art galleries and art studios can apply for the grants.
According to o cials, all nonpro t applicants must be in good standing per the Internal Revenue Code and must be a designated 501(c)(3) to qualify for the grant.
According to o cials, for-pro t applicants must meet the following criteria: e museum, art gallery, or artist space must operate as an exhibit to create, present, or sell artistic work in various media produced by an artist, artist collective, or arts and culture organization that is accessible by the public to visit.
According to o cials, the eligibility requirements and location of the artist facility must be within Brighton’s downtown urban renewal plan area.
Applicants must also have a current Brighton business/sales tax license and must submit a fully executed lease agreement. Home-based studios are not eligible for the grant. ey must provide a copy of their lease agreement and a signed W-9 when completing their online application.
Applicants must occupy physical space per the lease and be on the premises at the time of award. ey may not sub-lease, rent, or occupy additional space to other entities who are grant award recipients. Reimbursement will require proof of rent or lease payment.
Payments will be made directly to the landlord in most cases.
An illustration titled “Our Stories Never End,” by human tra cking advocate Alane Holsteen made for the From Silenced To Saved organization. COURTESY FSTS.ORG
Adams County Jail ‘Deteriorating rapidly’
Sheri says Adams County Jail costs millions in patchwork repairs
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Adams County Detention Center is a money pit, sucking in millions of taxpayer dollars every year for basic maintenance to keep the 40-year-old facility operating safely for sta and inmates, say county o cials.
Recently, the county paid $2.5 million to bolster a sagging ramp that leads to the jail’s main entrance in Brighton. Sheri Gene Claps said at least $10 million is spent each year for other structural xes to prop up the sagging jail.
“It really is a band-aid approach to keep things running as best we can,” Claps said. “But it’s non sustainable in the long run.”
e jail was built to performance standards of 1982. But a ood of environmental and criminal justice edicts – along with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards – has made it clear that the detention center is falling short of compliance in many areas. “ ese changes in standards have further perpetuated the need for a new or rehabilitated detention center,” states the county in its Adams County Detention Center Project webpage which details the jail’s woes and calls for help from the voters.
As it stands, the “condition of the Adams County’s detention center is deteri-
orating rapidly, and this could pose serious health and safety issues for sta and inmates, as well as costly civil rights violations s and/or civil liability damages,” the project webpage states.
e project calls for the county to work with local cities to determine a possible new site for the jail. It also proposes a 2.383 mill property tax increase, which would generate $500 million for a new structure.
e bond issue never made the 2024 ballot and it’s unlikely to make it to voters this year. is leaves Claps and his sta to consider other ways to prop up the facility for the time being.
“We’ve done it in the past and we will continue to gure it out again this year, ” Claps said.
Water pond issues
Some of the structural issues at the jail include mold and water contamination; water pooling on the roof causing leaking into inmates’ cell and other parts of the building, the county states. ere is also corrosion and deteriorating of the detention center’s sewer and water pipes which prompted a main water line to break and cause ooding.
Also, in 2022, an assessment determined that the jail’s location has caused the facility to have ongoing “water pond” issues throughout the site, including utility leakage, a high-water table, and poor drainage, the county states.
Repairs are also needed to meet state’s rules for improving air quality in detention centers. at means the Adams facility needs xes for its roof, security and structure, the project webpage states.
e Adams jail is taking on rehabili-
tation programs for inmates to prevent them from re-o ending, Claps said. But the building’s Behavioral Health Unit is overcrowded and needs to be expanded to help the rehab programs to succeed.
“I am fully in support of doing what we can to prevent people from coming back in this facility,” Claps said. “But we need room to grow these types of programs.”
Adams County Commissioner and Board Chair Emma Pinter said county leaders are aware of the needs of the jail. A solution will likely involve some sort of collaboration, she said.
“ e conditions at the jail are a seri-
ous concern, and we are fully committed to addressing them,” Pinter said in an email. “Ensuring the safety of our employees, inmates, and the community is a responsibility we take very seriously.”
“Fixing this is going to take time,” she said, “but we’re exploring every option to nd the right solution and either repair or replace the facility. Community input will be key in helping us nd the best path forward, and we’re grateful for Sheri Gene Claps’ dedication to this issue. Together, we’ll work toward a plan that ensures everyone’s safety and wellbeing.”
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Adams County Detention Center in Brighton. MONTE WHALEY
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?
We
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.
Schools gird for immigration sweeps
Districts o er protection for migrant children should ICE show up locally
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
North metro school districts are girding for the possibility of immigration o cials showing up in local classrooms, scooping up students of immigrants for deportation with their families.
Con rmation that schools are no longer “sensitive” areas and o -limits to ICE, came earlier this week when Homeland Security reportedly issued a directive that rescinded the sensitive locations policy, according to the education website Chalkbeat.
A Homeland Security spokesperson said the action would help federal authorities enforce immigration law and catch criminals who entered the country illegally. Immigration agents will be asked to use “common sense” in enforcement of the law, according to Chalkbeat.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the Homeland Security statement read.
‘Bloviating’ claims
Commerce City-based Adams 14 School District is o ering a combative tone toward immigration enforcement in its schools. e district won’t be intimidated by a “bloviating” President Donald Trump and his comments toward immigrants and will defend the right of immi-
grant children to be in Adams 12 schools, said Joe Salazar, the district’s legal counsel.
“School districts are not here to pick ghts. But we have an obligation to educate our students. We also are not just going to rollover and let someone disrupt our schools.”
e district has a webpage called “Immigrant Legal Protection Resource Guide” which details resources people can call if they are contacted by immigration o cials.
“ is resource is intended to support organizations, legal service providers and allied partners who are working to protect and defend immigrant communities from threats and attacks under the Trump administration,” the webpage states.
e webpage also includes a nearly two-hour training video for Adams 14 parents and sta ers on immigration issues. e district, earlier this month, produced cards for employees which detail their rights should they be approached by an immigration o cial. e card also details how individual law o cers could be sued if they illegally detain someone, Salzar said.
Parents of immigrant students came here to escape autocratic regimes and now they are facing the same fears in the United States, Salazar said.
“ ey are very worried and anxious about what is going to happen to them,” he said.
e Adams 12 Five Star Schools governing board on Jan. 15 adopted a resolution stating, “that the Five Star District shall utilize its lawful powers to protect our students and families, regardless of immigration status.”
e resolution also states that the District will continue its practice of not inquiring about students’ or families’ immigration status and will protect con dential student and family information according to applicable law. It speci es that the District will assist families in keeping emergency contacts up to date and otherwise support families in making emergency plans should families feel a need to do so and shall support students who may feel that they and their families are at risk. e resolution directs schools to forward any request by federal immigration o cials to the District’s Legal Department. ose includde requests for entry into any District school or other District property, e orts to communicate with any
student while that student is under the supervision of the District during any school activity or while using District transportation and for for any information about the school’s students or families.
Westminster Public Schools is also preparing should district parents be caught up in an immigration sweep, said district spokesman Stephen Saunders.
“We have asked parents to provide accurate back up contact information and to designate a trusted individual to care for a child, if necessary,” Saunders said via email. “Also, we are making sure that schools have basic health information.”
“We are also connecting with local resources to provide emergency housing and support,” Saunders said.
NEW YEAR, NEW PLAYS
The Su ragette’s Murder
Sandy Rustin Directed by Margot Bordelon
Commerce City-based Adams 14 School District is taking a combative tone toward immigration enforcement in its schools. FILE PHOTO
Commissioners select new chair, vice chair
Brighton’s Baca to lead commission for 2025
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca was unanimously elected as chair of the Board of County Commissioners for 2025 and Commissioner Julie Duran Mullica was elected vice chair, according to a news release on Jan. 21.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chair and work collaboratively with this board in shaping a future that respects and celebrates the rich heritage of Adams County,” Baca said.
“As a second-generation resident who grew up in Brighton, I’ve seen our county evolve from a vibrant farming community into a hub of innovation, home to worldclass institutions like the Colorado Air and Space Port. My family’s farming roots instilled in me the importance of preserving our open spaces and farmland while ensuring every resident can enjoy the beautiful outdoors and high quality of life in the county I’ve always called home.”
Baca won the seat to represent District 5 as commissioner in 2020 and was reelected in 2024. She formerly served as board chair and vice chair.
According to o cials, she is the rst Latina Asian Paci c Islander elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Her goal is to support inclusion, equity and opportunity.
Baca’s grandfather was a farmer in unincorporated Adams County, so she supports farmers and advocates for preserving farmland, open space and outdoor
ARTISTS
According to o cials, the BURA commissioners will approve or deny awards at their discretion. Grants will be awarded on a rst-come, rst-served basis if the applicant meets the requirements to receive funds.
recreation.
Mullica, representing District 1, was unanimously elected vice chair in 2024 and was sworn in as the new county commissioner on Jan. 14, 2025.
“As someone born and raised in Adams County, it means so much to me to give back to this community that shaped who I am and is helping shape my family,” Mullica said.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as vice chair of this board, to help advance initiatives that will improve lives for our residents, and to stand as proof to the next generation that they can make a di erence and be leaders in their communities,” she said.
Mullica is a native of Adams County and a graduate of Mapleton Public Schools and the University of Colorado. Before being elected as an Adams County commissioner, she was elected to the Northglenn City Council. She has experience as a member of multiple boards and commissioners within the community.
Mullica also served on the Board of Health for the former Tri-County Health Department, the Front Range Passenger Rail District Board Executive Committee, the North Area Transportation Alliance and the Adams County Subregional Transportation Alliance.
Mullica is a mother of three children alongside her husband, Kyle, in the county where she grew up. Mullica took over the vice chair role from former commissioner Eva Henry, and Baca took over the chair role from Commissioner Emma Pinter.
“Serving as chair over the past year has been a tremendous privilege,” Pinter said. “As we step into 2025, I am lled with optimism and determination. Challenges
Also, applicants who received an award a previous year’s requirements do not indicate that they will receive continued support. For additional information, contact Aaron Herrera at aherrera@ brightonco.gov or 303-655-2150.
For more information about the program, visit: https://brightonura.org/176/ Brighton-Hearts-the-Arts
To learn more about BURA, visit brightonura.org/ or call 303-655-2150.
are on our horizon, but our community is strong, and we know that challenges spark creativity, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful progress.”
“By working together with a focus on
building a safe and welcoming community for the humans who live in Adams County, we can overcome obstacles and continue to make our home a place where every resident can thrive.”
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 be nancial 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
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, what we can o er, and how we can contribute without fully understanding what would ease the burden.
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 willingness to listen.
I’m reminded of a story from Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Houston area. My friend Mike P. and his wife had
As we move forward, let us be mindful of the realities of life when tragedy strikes. Let’s o er 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 man-made 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 betterthan-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.
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.
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 ex-
GUEST COLUMN
Randy Johnson
panded 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 quantum-aligned industries, mental health, and the full spectrum of rapidly growing registered apprenticeships. Ultimately, career and technical education is purpose education, and purpose is the most powerful life-tool of all. I encourage our legislators 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. 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.
Allen Best
“She’s got a lasting image of that jerk on her body,” she said, even though her daughter is working to get the tattoo removed.
Stacey’s daughter Emma has also asked that her real name not be used in this story. Emma eventually told Stacey about her relationship with the 21-year-old in October 2022. at was seven weeks after they broke up.
Stacey contacted the FBI through a friend. e agency, through its Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force, worked with local police to gather evidence and eventually arrest the quiet man and as well as one of the Emma’s “johns.”
e man was arrested in July 2023 and was sentenced in Je erson County District Court to 12 years in prison on a charge of human tra cking of a minor, Stacey said.
Warning signs
Stacey said she wants to warn other parents about the danger signs posed by human tra ckers.
“You never think in a million years something like this would happen to you,” Stacey said. She wishes she would have said something about the man who eventually ensnared Emma in sex tra cking.
ere are a lot of misconceptions about human trafcking in the United States and Emma’s case was a prime example, said Jenelle Goodrich, founder and executive director of “From Silenced To Saved.”
“ ere are lots of myths about human tra cking and not just happening people who are homeless or struggling with addiction,” Goodrich said. “It happens everywhere. It happens in the best neighborhood.”
In Emma’s case, the man monitored everything in her life, even making her leave her telephone on while she talked to a therapist about him. He drove a wedge between Emma and her older sister. “He tried to damage that relationship. at was his way in.” Goodrich said.
“ ere are so many warning signs,” Stacey said. “ e speed of the relationship, love bombing her, then isolat-
Our Family Helping Your Family
RIEDELSPERGER
Ron Louis Riedelsperger
November 25, 1956 - January 9, 2025
Ron Louis Riedelsperger, 68, was born on November 25, 1956, in Brighton, CO and passed away surrounded by family on January 9, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Ron graduated from Brighton High School in 1975 and went on to work for Pepsi Bottling Company where he retired after 46 years of service.
On September 15, 1979, Ron married Gail Sharrai of Brighton, CO and they enjoyed 45 years of wedded bliss and the birth of 2 children, Sara and Ryan.
Ron was an avid sports fan for all sports including
ing from her friends and family, controlling every conversation, forcing her to turn o her location sharing app on her telephone.”
“At the end of the day, tra ckers are con artists,” Goodrich said.
Silenced to Saved
FSTS – a faith-based group – was formed in 2019 and is currently the only third-party organization assisting minors of human tra cking for case management in Colorado, according to the organization. Law enforcement and district attorneys refer victims to FSTS.
“Our case management services are for the totality of the survivor, and we create a plan to best serve the individual,” Goodrich said.
From Silenced to Saved has conducted awareness training for over 5,000 people on way to recognize, report and combat human tra cking and served at least 305 victims and survivors of the crime, the organization states
In 2023, From Silenced to Saved, was awarded the 2022 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. e Denver FBI lauded the organization for providing “crucial assistance to the FBI and other government agencies in domestic sex-tra cking investigations. Goodrich is dedicated to helping recovered victims by providing them with essential services.”
e FBI works closely with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, as well as non-governmental agencies and other nonpro ts on the front lines to combat human tra cking, said Vikki Migoya, spokeswoman for the Denver FBI o ce, said via email.
In Colorado, this includes the Colorado Human Trafcking Council and the Denver Anti-Tra cking Alliance, she said.
Trusting parental intuition
A piece of artwork designed by a 15-year-old human tra cking survivor who had been tra cked at 12 made for the From Silenced To Saved organization.
Born on July 1, 1931 to Reinie and Elsie Naeb, Darlene Rowe, a lifelong resident of Brighton, joined the church Triumphant on January 19, 2025.
In high school, she enjoyed close and long-term friendships and cheerleading and graduated in 1949.
She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Rowe, on December 30, 1950. ey were blessed with 5 children Alan, Marla, don, Cheryl, and Je .
She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Jack, and later, her oldest son, Alan. She is survived by her seven grandchildren, Kelly Zappanti (John), Brian Rowe (Nicole), Polly Taylor (Lionel), Daniel Voth (Adriana), Donald Rowe II
As of July 15, 2024, the FBI has more than 1,660 pending human tra cking investigations, with cases in each of the FBI’s 55 eld o ces.
the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, which he passed onto his children. Ron also enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Gail, his daughter Sara (Justin) Ratzla of Monte Vista, CO, his son, Ryan Riedelsperger of Brighton, CO, his sisters Elizabeth (Alan) Schritter of Cambridge, NE and Helen (Doug) Robinson of Fruita, CO and many nieces and nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Elisabeth Riedelsperger.
Darlene Jean (Naeb) Rowe July 1, 1931 - January 19, 2025
(Kindra), Aaron Gordon (Casey), Ty Gordon (Aly), and 16 great grandchildren.
She enjoyed a long career at the Adams County district court, full time for approximately 40 years, and part time into her 80’s. She was a long-term member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Brighton and was active in bible studies, Mary/Martha Group, and other volunteer activities.
Her hobbies include sewing, knitting, quilting, and Tole painting. She enjoyed travel, and particularly loved following her children and grandchildren’s school and sport activities. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church.
Stacey credits the FBI and local law agencies in helping arrest Emma’s abuser and From Silenced to Saved in helping Emma resume her life. Emma, now 18, gradu-
ated early from high school. She is working full-time and thinking about college.
Stacey just doesn’t want other parents to fall into the same trap she did with her daughter.
“My advice for parents is to lean into your intuition. Just don’t sweep aside the feelings you might have about somebody. Know where your kids are who they are hanging out with,” Stacey said.
“Nothing prepares you for something like this,” she adds. “Something like this is just not in the handbook.”
October 10, 1946 - December 23, 2024
Kathy, a beloved teacher and treasured member of her community, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born to Leroy and Dorothy Davis, Kathy lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and joy.
She is survived by her brother-in-law James Walker, brother Gordon Davis, nieces Kelley Moss, Janelle (Brian) arp, Sheryl Trego, neice-in-law Christine Stadler Walker(Eric)and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Kathy’s family fondly remembers her as a vibrant, witty, and thoughtful soul whose humor and warmth brightened the lives of everyone she met.
Kathy graduated from Brighton High School before pursuing degrees in Special Education/ Elementary Education at UNC and SpeechLanguage Pathology and Deaf Education from the
University of Denver.
Kathy’s life was enriched by her love for animals, gardening, traveling, reading, and lifelong learning. Her home was always lled with the love of her cherished pets and the vibrant
Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and resilience will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Dorothy Davis, her brother Leroy Davis Jr., her sister Dodie Walker, her nephew Eric Walker, and her nephew-in-law Randall “Randy” Moss.
In accordance with her wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate Kathy’s remarkable life. Her family invites those who knew her to honor her memory by spreading kindness, embracing curiosity, and living with an open heart.
ROWE
DAVIS
Katherine Marie “Kathy” Davis
FETCHING SUCCESS
Local businesses serve Denver’s dog-lover haven
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From handcrafted shampoo bars to stylish bow ties and everything in between, Denver businesses o ering specialized products and services for dogs are thriving in a city catered to man’s best friend.
e owners and creators behind these unique ventures shared why they enjoy improving the quality of life for the dogs of Denver, as well as why they think Denver loves canines.
Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC
Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group LLC in Englewood is dedicated to helping dogs from puppies to senior dogs “fetch more out of life.”
“Our facility focuses on a number of bene ts for dogs from rehab rehabilitation, which is physical therapy for dogs, to recreational swimming tness and conditioning and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine along with chiropractic so any orthopedic or neurological issue that a dog has can be treated on the clinical side and recreationally the tness and conditioning and swimming pool helps healthy dogs stay t and healthy,” founder Lori Beuerle said.
Originally from Michigan, Beuerle said she opened the Englewood location in 2005 and a Broom eld location in 2010 with business partner and physical therapist Marty Pease.
Beuerle was seeking help for her dog, Clark.
“He had a shoulder issue that the orthopedic surgeon said we could either try physical therapy or rehab rehabilitation or exploratory surgery,” Beuerle said. “So there was a physical therapist operating out of the VRCC in the back o ce parttime and I decided to go with physical therapy and it solved the issue.”
After undergoing physical therapy, Beuerle said Clark was back to normal and didn’t have to undergo surgery. Pease was the physical therapist who helped Clark.
“ at convinced me that it needed to be available to more people so I talked with (Pease),” Beuerle said. “And she said, ‘I’d absolutely love to. I just don’t know what to do.’ So, I said ‘I can help with that.’ So, we started working together and nine months later we opened our Englewood location.”
She said over the years people throughout the metro area have responded well to the care offered at her facilities.
Beuerle said this response is the best aspect of her business.
“It’s just so rewarding to see a dog come in that is either not walking well or not walking at all and we’ve had cases where they’ve received acupuncture or underwater treadmill and they’ve been able to walk out the door,” Beuerle said.
Beuerle said one unique aspect of her business is that each location has the largest swimming
pools for dogs in Colorado and the pools contain freshwater.
“I thought recreational swimming would allow us to bring in more people to educate them on what rehabilitation can do and it worked out,” she said. “It wasn’t just a marketing piece. It was something that the community loves for their dogs.”
Beuerle feels people in Denver cater so much to dogs due to the weather and outdoor activities.
“We’ve got a lot of recreational activities for people (and they) move here because of it. ey can ski, hike, rock climb and all sorts of things,” she said. “So with that, we include our dogs as our family members and that is an attraction along with it that allows us to have businesses that can serve that population.”
Going forward, Beuerle said she hopes to expand nationally and open about 10-15 more locations around the country so that people everywhere have access to these services for their dogs.
Learn more at dog-swim.com.
Buddy Bows
While some Denver businesses focus on physical health, others like Denver’s Buddy Bows were created to help dogs with their sense of style.
Co-owner Peter Horton said Buddy Bows started going to markets in October last year. “Buddy Bows is a pet fashion accessory company and basically we design and handmake bowties for dogs,” Horton said.
e idea for the business initially began in April after Horton’s girlfriend and co-owner Michelle San Miguel designed a bowtie for her dog.
“I just absolutely fell in love with it so I asked her to make a couple for my dogs and she did and ever since I put them on the dog…literally every person was like, ‘Oh my God, I love the bowtie,”’ Horton said. “So I thought I should look into this to see if maybe it could be a potential business opportunity.”
Horton said the market is fragmented and while a lot of businesses are selling bow ties, they are not all the best quality.
“It’s like an ancillary product that a lot of other pet supply companies are doing and most of them are made in China and are very cheaply made and so we wanted to establish a true brand just for the bowties,” Horton said.
Horton said he and San Miguel work together to hand make the bows as Horton maps them out and San Miguel sews everything together.
Since they started selling their bowties, they’ve received very positive feedback.
“We have people that are absolutely just oored,” Horton said. “ ey’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is the greatest thing in the world. I’ve never seen this.’ And then they buy them.”
Horton feels the reason why people love the bowties is because they love to see their dogs looking cute.
“I don’t really know how to put it into words, but
it just brings a natural smile to your face and it’s just adorable,” Horton said.
San Miguel also feels Denver is so catered to dogs because of all the outdoor activities available that people can do with their dogs.
“I can’t speak for everyone of course, but there is something wonderful about the company of a fur baby,” San Miguel said. “ ey bring pure joy and love. ere’s nothing better than their love.”
For San Miguel the best aspect of Buddy Bows is meeting fellow dog owners and their “fur-babies.”
“I love getting to meet and see all the fur babies at events, pictures of fur babies with their new bow ties and getting to be a part of the community of creators and small business owners,” San Miguel said.
Horton loves working with San Miguel because it’s fun and he loves that their product makes people smile.
Going forward, both San Miguel and Horton hope the business will expand.
Learn more at buddybows.com.
SEE DOG HAVEN, P9
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
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Weld o ers newsletter about roundabout progress
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Weld County has created a stayin-the-know newsletter to update the community on the construction process roundabout with Weld County Road 6 and Weld Road 13, according to a news release on Jan. 16.
“Construction is necessary to continue making our transportation infrastructure as safe and e cient as possible,” said Perry Buck, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “However, given the amount of tra c the intersection sees and the length of the project, we thought an email newsletter would be a good tool to help keep residents informed and up to speed on when work at this intersection will be complete.”
e project is currently underway about three miles south of Dacono on Weld Co. Road 13, also known as Colorado Boulevard. It’s about three miles north of Colorado Highway 7. Work there is expected to continue into August.
e newsletter will be similar to emailed updates on past construction projects, such as the roads at 35th and O Street, com-
pleted in 2002, and WCR 74 and WCR 33, completed last year.
According to o cials, the community will receive periodic updates on the roundabout construction process, such as milling, paving to curb, gutter work, etc.
e newsletter would also include photos of the progress of the intersection, which was built into a roundabout with lanes wide enough for large agricultural equipment.
“We understand the importance of this intersection to many, as more than 7,000 vehicles pass through it daily,” said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we work with our project contractor, WW Clyde, to complete this roundabout and encourage everyone to sign up for our project newsletter.”
In addition, Weld County Public Works asks that you respect the road closure signs. Work on the roundabout has started and will be completed by Aug. 19, 2025. Detour signs will be posted around the construction.
Hall said that local tra c within the area — residents with homes
BRIEFS
Saturday pancakes
e Fort Lupton Public Library hosts a simple pancake breakfast on the last Saturday of each month in the library’s community rooms. is month’s pancake breakfast runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m. February 22. e library is located at 370 S. Rollie Ave. e event is combined with the library’s weekly reading program, so families can ll up with a good meal while listening to popular cult classic children’s stories that never get old. Breakfast starts at 9:30 and read-aloud starts at 10 a.m. Every last Saturday of the month. All ages are welcome.
Weld announces the Annual Youth Advancement Scholarship e Weld County Sheri ’s Ofce will award its annual scholarship to one deserving Weld County student who intends on pursuing a degree in higher education. e scholarship will be a one-time $500.00 award. To be eligible, the applicants must be a high school graduation senior or current college / university student, a citizen of Weld County and have been accepted at an accredited university or college.
CORRECTIONS
Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.
Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.
question:“What do you see as the future for law enforcement in our nation?”
e competitive selection process is based GPA, student’s need, and community involvement. Finalists will be selected by the Weld County Sheri ’s Ofce scholarship committee and will be informed by April 28, 2025.
Chamber pancakes
e Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 2 at the Odd Fellows Lodge, 709 3rd St.
Proceeds bene t the Fort Lupton Food & Clothing Bank.
e applicant must submit a completed application form via U.S, Mail by April 11 to e Weld County Sheri ’s O ce – Scholarship Committee, Attn: Rosy Soto. 1950 “O” Street, Greeley, CO 80631
e scholarship application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation by a teacher or counselor from the applicant’s school and an o cial certi ed scholastic transcript. All applicants must also submit a 500-word essay on the following
in the construction area, business owners, postal carriers, etc. — will still be accommodated and can access property by utilizing WCR 4, 8, 11, 15, or 17, which is established as “Local Tra c Only” road closures.
“We’ve started to remove vegetation and part of the roadway, and we are still getting some cars driving around road closed signs and through barricades,” Hall said. “ is puts everyone’s safety at risk, and it can damage
usage moving forward.
Contractors will notify residents when they will replace meters in their vicinity. For houses with meters that are outside and accessible, the contractors will let residents know when they plan to replace the meter. For houses that have inaccessible meters that are inside, in a basement or a crawl space, residents should contact Public Works to schedule an appointment. More information can be found here- https://www.fortluptonco.gov/1240/Water-Meter-Replacement-Program.
Co ee with a cop
the driver’s vehicle and our construction equipment, not to mention the workers’ injuries. It can also damage the project or cause delays. Please help everyone stay safe by not driving through the construction area.”
To sign up for the Weld County newsletter, visit: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ COWELD/subscribers/new. When you sign up, enter an email address and CR 6 & 13 Roundabout.
Fort Lupton replacing water meters
e City of Fort Lupton has hired Northern Colorado Contractors to replace the water meters in town.
Fort Lupton Police set aside one morning each month to share a few cups of co ee with residents.
Co ee with a Cop is a chance for police to meet with community members and discuss many topics including parking regulations on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Hard Bean Co ee 107 Dales Place. e next scheduled event runs from 8-9:30 a.m. Feb. 5 at Dales Co ee.
Co ee with a Cop is an easy way to get to know the men and women who serve our community and let them know about the issues that matter most to you. Remember that you can always reach our police department through our non-emergency number 720-652-4222.
Acts of Connection seeks to lessen loneliness
ve adults younger than 24 and seniors older than 66 all reported feeling lonely at some point. e campaign encourages everyone to nd ways to connect with others, build relationships, and promote a stronger sense of well-being and a culture of connection for all.
e group has sponsored a website at https://actsofconnectionweld.org/ to survey members of each group, o er some tips to help and take pledges to connect to the community and connect with other members of the community.
Visit the e ort’s website at https://actsofconnectionweld. org/ for more information.
Blessings in a Bag
Over time, meters age and require replacement to ensure accurate measurement and efciency of water use. e majority of the meters in the City are reaching their useful life prompting this program. e replacement of the meters is entirely free of charge to residents. According to the city, the current meters continue to work properly, however, some meters do not transmit the data from the meter to the system. e meter must then be read manually. Accounts with meters that can’t be manually read, will be estimated. If the actual amount consumed is lower than the estimated amount previously billed, then the bill will be adjusted to re ect the higher usage. When the new meter is connected, it will re ect the correct
Weld County and North Range Behavioral Health are working to target social isolation and build personal connections throughout the county with the Acts of Connection Initiative.
According to the group, four of
Fort Lupton’s Backpack Program helps schoolchildren in need with a backpack of healthy food. It’s an all-volunteer program and needs volunteers. If interested in volunteering or donating, call 303-718-4440.
City committees need members Fort Lupton is looking for several community-minded individuals to ll openings on several boards that advise the City Council and help run city programs. e Cemetery Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, Golf Committee, the Library Board, Public Safety Committee and the Senior Advisory Committee have openings. e openings consist of a two-year term running through the end of 2024. If you or anyone you know is interested in serving on a committee, please complete a committee application at https://www. fortluptonco.gov/966/I-WantTo-Apply-for-a-Committee on the city’s website.
Weld County has created a stay-in-the-know newsletter on road construction updates. COURTESY WELD COUNTY
Bluedevils dominate Englewood for hoops win
BY STEVE SMITH
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e late Vin Scully opened his e ort each night with the Los Angeles Dodgers by saying, “A very pleasant good evening to you wherever you may be.”
ough we are not in Fort Lupton to cover baseball (it’s cold with the prospect of more cold coming, and it’s too dark outside), we still wish you the same greetings as we welcome you to Fort Lupton High School.
Tonight, it’s the Patriot League contest between the girls basketball teams of Englewood and Fort Lupton. ese are two teams that have struggled during the early part of the season. Between them, the squads have won three games in 16 starts. But there’s something about a league opener for Fort Lupton (the Pirates already opened their league campaign), a crowd of friends, family and teammates and a pep band that makes this night something special. So, without further noise, let’s set the scene.
Pregame
One of the rst things noticeable is the sight of Fort Lupton Coach Dan Lira. He’s put together the game plan and settled on his lineup of Maddie Beverly, Lillianah Zavala, Merely Gomez, Jasmine Tapia and Kianna Lennox.
And he’s taping ankles on a training table.
“I’m a jack of all trades … and a master
of none,” he smiles.
Alycia Harper is Englewood’s coach. She and assistant coach AJ Fletcher stand near the 10-second line, eyeing the Pirates go through their warm-up drills. ey, too, have settled on a lineup (Neveah Vigil, Naomi Vasquez, Lilli Manfre, Christina Molina and Leilana Phanekham) and plan for what is a
young team.
Vigil is a freshman. ere is but one senior; ve seniors graduated from Englewood High School in the spring.
“I am a rm believer that freshmen should not be playing basketball at this level,” Harper said after the game. “It’s very fast and very physical. She (Vigil) is getting better every day. My other fresh-
men and sophomores are getting better. ey will get used to the speed of the game and physicality of varsity basketball, and we’ll be in a better place.” By contrast, the Bluedevils have seven seniors on their roster, three of whom start. Next year, Fort Lupton will be in the same place as the Pirates are this year.
“We have a lot of seniors, which is a good problem to have,” Lira said after the game. “Next year is going to be a di erent story. But we’ll deal with that. We’re moving along as we see t. I’m excited. I’m happy with the players we have.” e press box – a three-legged stool with a seat and a cane – is within earshot of Fort Lupton’s pep band, which is a good thing for the occupant. It’s not a good idea to camp out for a game in front of the band, especially those who are hard of hearing and who have tinnitus.
Neither team has a lot of height with which to work. But as the pep band plays the ght song and the Fort Lupton cheerleaders go through their pregame routine, it’s time for the lineups and the opening tip.
Game time
e Bluedevils strike fast and score the rst eight points of the game. Harper has to call a timeout to correct what’s wrong. e Pirates’ trouble is the aforementioned youth, which has caused several turnovers early in the game.
Fort Lupton’s Maddie Beverly looks for an opening against Englewood’s Lili Manfre during the teams’ game in Fort Lupton on Jan. 16. PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH
Thu 1/30
Colorado Documentary Discovery –Evergreen Lake House @ 9am
Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Jenny Shawhan @ 4:30pm
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, 1717 Champa St, Denver
Brighton Co-Responders team open hours @ 5pm
Anythink Brighton, 327 East Bridge Street, Brighton. rbowman@anythinkli braries.org, 303-405-3200
Kansas City Roos at Denver Pioneers Mens Basketball @ 7pm
Hamilton Gym, 2240 Buchtel Boulevard South, Denver
Rio Da Yung Og @ 7pm Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver
Fri 1/31
Winter Potluck & Bingo @ 12pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Kristen Merlin Music: Kristen LIVE in CO @ 5pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Family Fun Friday- Nerf Battle @ 6pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Sun 2/02
Kristen Merlin Music: Kristen LIVE in CO @ 12pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Colorado Avalanche vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ 1pm / $62-$999 Ball Arena, Denver
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues @ 7pm / $63-$999 Ball Arena, Denver
Sat 2/01
2/1 Bald Eagle Walk @ 9am / Free Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53
Mason Jar Feb @ 9am
Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Six Pack Series Winter Westminster 4 mile & 5k @ 9am / $35-$35
10600 Westminster Blvd, Promenade Terrace, Westminster
Kristen Merlin Music: Kristen LIVE in CO @ 5pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Colorado Mammoth vs. Toronto Rock @ 7:30pm / $31-$999 Ball Arena, Denver
Dirty Side Down Band: Dirty Side Down @ Trailside Saloon @ 8pm
Lego Club for ages 5-12 @ 3pm
Irving Street Library, 7392 Irving Street, Westminster. wpl-intouch@westmin sterco.gov, 303-658-2306
Mon 2/03
Bootcamp Feb @ 5am
Feb 3rd - Feb 26th
Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Gallery on the Go - Paint Party @ 10am
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
SOAR Obstacle Course @ 10am
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
All Abilities Adaptive Yoga @ 10:30am
Anythink Perl Mack, 7611 Hilltop Cir‐cle, Denver. amartinez@anythinkli braries.org, 303-428-3576
Wed 2/05
Squeeze Your Stress Away @ 3:30pm Irving Street Library, 7392 Irving Street, Westminster. wpl-intouch@westmin sterco.gov, 303-658-2306
Loteria @ 4pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Thu 2/06
Kids Cafe @ 3:30pm
Trailside Saloon, 10360 Colorado Blvd, Thornton
Amazing Athletes @ 1pm Feb 6th - Feb 27th Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Beginner Pickleball Instruction @ 6pm Feb 6th - Feb 27th
Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron Street, Thornton. swhitelonis@anythin klibraries.org, 303-452-7534
Tue 2/04
National Homemade Soup Day @ 2pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic @ 7pm / $22-$2615 Ball Arena, Denver
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BRIGHTON, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY THIS 21ST DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
Court
Date: January 22, 2025
By: Andrea Rivera Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. BSB3596
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
Case Name: Conner Pad at East 136th Avenue
Case Number: OGF2024-00002
Board of County Commissioners Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:30 AM
Case Manager: Gregory Dean, gdean@adcogov.org, 720.523.6891
Request: Oil and Gas Facility permit to allow up to sixteen (16) horizontal wellbores and associated equipment on one (1) facility, on 8.1 acres in the Agricultural-3 zone district.
Location: SE/SW of Section 19 T1S R65W, near the intersection of E. 136th Avenue and Gun Club Road
Parcel Number: 0156719300004
Applicant: Meghan Grimes, for POCO Operating LLC, 9635 Maroon Circle, Suite 450, Englewood, CO 80112
Public Hearings Location: 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton, CO 80601
Legal Notice No. BSB3599
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
District Court, County of Adams, State of Colorado Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601
CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION – ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Notice is hereby given that in the following proceedings filed in the Court under the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, the Court has found that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service of process within the State of Colorado or that efforts to obtain the same would have been to no avail.
Pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-107(4)(a), one publication of the following shall be published once during the month of January, 2025. A copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the Combined Court. Default judgment may be entered against you if you fail to appear or file a response within 35 days of this publication.
Case Number Names of Parties
2024DR1410 JOSE DE JESUS GALLARDO PALACIOS VS DESTANIE CHAVEZ
2024DR995 TORI ARCHULETA VS THOMAS RANDY ORNELAS
2024DR1231 MARTHA FERRO CAURACURI VS JAVIER BARCO CRUZ
2024DR30845 ANALINA GARCIA VENTURA VS CRISTOBAL LORENZO GONZALEZ
ALANA PERCY Clerk of the Combined Court
Date: January 22, 2025 By:
Conservancy District, Brighton Fire Rescue District, Rangeview Library District, Regional Transportation District, Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, Urban Drainage South Platte, and South Beebe Draw Metropolitan District on December 20, 2024, and no less than twenty-five (25) days prior to the Public Hearing, as required by C.R.S. § 31-12-108.
ed its review and considered the Application pursuant to the applicable provisions and criteria set forth in the Land Use & Development Code; and
OF SILVER MAPLE STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY LOCATED IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, CITY OF
ATTEST:
/s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ YASMINA GIBBONS, Deputy City Attorney
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AND ON THE CITY OF BRIGHTON WEBSITE.
Legal Notice No. BSB3602
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
ORDINANCE NO. INTRODUCED BY: Fiedler
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AU-
THORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, WATER ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE REVENUE BONDS (WATER SYSTEM PROJECT), SERIES 2025, TO FINANCE A NEW WATER TREATMENT FACILITY, PAYABLE SOLELY OUT OF THE NET REVENUES TO BE DERIVED FROM THE OPERATION OF THE CITY’S WATER AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES; PROVIDING OTHER DETAILS CONCERNING THE BONDS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
INTRODUCED, PASSED ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED, THIS 21ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST: /s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ ALICIA CALDERÓN, City Attorney
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AND ON THE CITY OF BRIGHTON WEBSITE.
Legal Notice No. BSB3605
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
ORDINANCE NO. INTRODUCED BY: Fiedler
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, ANNEXING TO THE CITY OF BRIGHTON
APPROXIMATELY 2.859 ACRES OF CONTIGUOUS LAND, KNOWN AS THE PETERS ANNEXATION, IN A PORTION OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST, OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-12-107, a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) was filed with the City of Brighton on February 8, 2023, signed by the landowner, William E. Peters, which owns one hundred percent (100%) of the territory to be annexed.
Section 2. The City Council, at a Regular Meeting on December 3, 2024, passed Resolution No. 2024-93, accepting said Petition as shown in EXHIBIT C as compliant with C.R.S. § 31-12-107, and setting the matter of the annexation for a public hearing on January 21, 2025 (“Public Hearing”).
Section 3. At a Public Hearing held on January 21, 2025, the City Council found and determined that the applicable provisions of C.R.S. § 31-12-101 et seq., “The Municipal Annexation Act” (“Act”), and more particularly, Sections 31-12-104 and 31-12-105, have been met and further determined that an election was not required under the Act, and that no additional terms or conditions to the annexation are to be imposed.
Section 4. Notice of the Public Hearing for the annexation ordinance was published in The Brighton Standard Blade on December 19, 2024, December 26, 2024, January 2, 2025, and January 9, 2025, and no less than thirty (30) days or no more than sixty (60) days prior to the Public Hearing, as required by C.R.S. § 31-12-108. Further, a copy of the published notice, resolution of eligibility, and petition as filed with the City, were sent by registered mail to the Board of County Commissioners of Adams County, the County Attorney, School District 27J, the Central Colorado Water
Section 5. The annexation by and to the City of Brighton, State of Colorado, of that area, more particularly described in EXHIBIT A and shown in EXHIBIT B (the “Property”), attached hereto and incorporated herein, situated, lying, and being in the County of Adams, State of Colorado, to be known as the Peters Property Annexation, is hereby approved.
Section 6. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-12-115, rezoning of the Property, more particularly described in EXHIBIT A and shown in EXHIBIT B, attached hereto, shall be completed within ninety (90) days from the effective date of this Ordinance.
Section 7. The Property annexed herein shall be made a part of the Ward 1 territory as shown on the City’s official Ward Map and the map shall be updated to reflect said change.
INTRODUCED, PASSED ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED THIS 21ST DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ YASMINA GIBBONS, Deputy City Attorney
Legal Notice No. BSB3603
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
ORDINANCE NO. 2464
INTRODUCED BY: Fiedler
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AMENDING ARTICLE 13 OF THE BRIGHTON MUNICIPAL CODE FOR INSPECTION OF WATER SERVICE LINES
INTRODUCED, PASSED ON FINAL READING AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE
ONLY THIS 21st DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ ALICIA CALDERÓN, City Attorney
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK DURING
NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AND ON THE CITY OF BRIGHTON WEBSITE.
Legal Notice No. BSB3601
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
ORDINANCE NO. INTRODUCED BY: Green
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, APPROVING THE PETERS ZONING MAP
AMENDMENT FROM ADAMS COUNTY A-3 TO C-3 FOR AN APPROXIMATELY 3.0 ACRE
PROPERTY, GENERALLY LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF EAST BROMLEY LANE, SOUTH OF SOUTHERN STREET, EAST OF TOWER ROAD AND WEST OF THE SOUTH 45TH AVENUE ALIGNMENT, MORE PARTICULARLY LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, CITY OF BRIGHTON, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO
WHEREAS, William E. Peters (the “Owner”) is the owner of approximately 3.0 acres of real property more specifically described in EXHIBIT A, attached hereto and incorporated herein (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Owner has requested approval of the Peters Zoning Map Amendment, attached hereto as EXHIBIT B (the “Zoning Map Amendment”); and
WHEREAS, City Staff used the criteria for a Zoning Map Amendment as outlined in Section 2.03(B) of the Land Use & Development Code for its review and procedures related to the application; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on July 27, 2023, to review and consider the Application pursuant to the applicable provisions and criteria set forth in the Land Use & Development Code, and provided a recommendation of approval to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council opened a public hearing on January 21, 2025 where it conduct-
WHEREAS, in accordance with the public notice requirements of the Land Use & Development Code, a Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the Property, a public notice was published on the City’s website, and a sign was posted on the Property, all for no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the City Council public hearing; and
WHEREAS, at the public hearing, the City Council received and considered all relevant evidence and testimony from City staff, the Applicant, and other interested parties, including the public at large.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds and determines that the proposed Zoning Map Amendment: (1) is in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and any other plan, policy or guidance adopted pursuant to that plan; (2) will support development in character with existing or anticipated development in the area, including the design of streets, civic spaces and other open space, the pattern, scale and format of buildings and sites, and the integration, transitions and compatibility of other uses; (3) is able to be served by the City or other agencies that provide services or facilities that may be necessary for anticipated uses in the proposed district; (4) will serve a community need, amenity or development that is not possible under the current zoning or that was not anticipated at the time of the initial zoning of the property; and (5) is recommended for approval by any professional staff or advisory review bodies.
Section 2. The Property is hereby rezoned C-3 as more particularly set forth in EXHIBIT A and as the Peters Property Zoning Map Amendment as generally shown in EXHIBIT B.
Section 3. The City Zoning Map shall be amended to reflect the above change.
Section 4. As provided in City Charter Section 5.9(A), this Ordinance either as presented or as amended, shall be published in full as it was adopted prior to taking final action. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect five days after its final publication, as provided in City Charter Section 5.8, except as set forth herein.
INTRODUCED, PASSED ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED, THIS 21st DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST: /s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ YASMINA GIBBONS, Deputy City Attorney
Legal Notice No. BSB3604
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Metropolitan Districts
Public Notice
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
§§ 1-13.5-501; 1-13.5-303, C.R.S.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the eligible electors of The Lakes Metropolitan District Nos. 5-6, City of Brighton, Adams County, Colorado (each a “District” and collectively, the “Districts”).
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on May 6, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, and for each District, three (3) directors will be elected to serve until May 2029. Eligible electors of the Districts interested in serving on the boards of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form from the Designated Election Official (“DEO”) at 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000, Centennial, CO 80122 or via telephone at 303-858-1800, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Self-Nomination and Acceptance Forms are also available online at https://whitebearankele.com/.
The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form is the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, February 28, 2025. If the DEO determines a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form is not sufficient, the form may be amended prior to 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025. Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing of an insufficient form after this date and time. An Affidavit of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate must be submitted to the office of the DEO by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Monday, March 3, 2025.
letter is not sufficient, the eligible elector who filed the form or letter may amend the form or letter prior to Close of Business on February 28, 2025. Early filing is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing an insufficient form after this date and time. A person who wishes to be a write-in candidate must file an Affidavit of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate with the office of the DEO by Close of Business on March 3, 2025.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that information on obtaining an absentee ballot may be obtained from the DEO, and applications for an
Aims o ers free Income Tax preparation help
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Aims Community College, through the Tax Help Colorado program, is o ering free tax preparation and e- ling assistance starting in February.
Aims assisted 1,629 taxpayers last year and helped people receive more than $4.1 million in federal and state refunds. Volunteers contributed 1,876 hours to the project in 2024. e Aims program has a 98% accuracy rate, according to ofcials.
For the tax year 2024, individuals and households that make less than $67,000 can receive help to prepare their taxes from Aims students and community volunteers at no cost.
e preparation site is on a rst-served basis, so no appointment is required. All three Aims locations – the Fort Lupton, Loveland and Greeley campuses – are hosting the program this year.
e service will be o ered from 4:308:30 p.m. ursdays from Feb. 6 to March 6 at the Loveland Campus, 104 E 4th St. in Loveland.
It will be o ered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays from Feb. 7 to March 7 on the Fort Lupton campus, 260 College Ave. in Fort Lupton.
It will be o ered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays from Feb. 8 through March 15 and March 22 through April 12 in the Cornerstone Building of Aims Greeley Campus, at 5401 W 20th St. in Greeley
PUBLIC NOTICES
If
What to bring
Participants should bring several important documents to the tax preparation events.
Necessary documents include receipts from Mortgage interest, daycare payments, college education expenses, all W-2s, 1099s, and other income-related documents and information on charitable contributions, and all other taxdeductible expenses.
People should also plan to bring their Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identi cation Number documents for all family members and taxpayer photo ID. ey should also know their bank account number and routing number to direct deposit refund and should bring a copy of last year’s tax return, if
available.
e tax preparation service not only helps the community but also helps Aims students interested in careers in accounting and bookkeeping to get handson experience with tax preparation. In addition, students who volunteer with the tax preparation program can take courses that teach fundamental law and tax preparation in the fall semester, according to o cials. at quali es the students to take an IRS VITA exam, which gives them a certication to prepare tax returns. By spring, the student has the quali cations to participate in the community tax program.
For more information about the tax preparation program, visit aims.co/taxhelp.
Messiah Cox-Cardoza
and Concerning Maria Cox-Cardoza, John Doe, Donoven Mondragon
To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Donoven Mondragon
You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named Court in which it is represented to the Court that said child are alleged to be dependent and neglected; for the reasons set forth more fully in said petition, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference for greater certainty.
You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.
You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for hearing on the 7th day of March, 2025, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this Court located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.
Witness my hand and seal of said Court this 16th day of January, 2025.
Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court
Legal Notice No. BSB3588
First Publication: January 30, 2025
Last Publication: January 30, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
District Court, Adams County, State of Colorado 1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, CO 80601
In re the Parental Responsibilities:
Petitioner: BESSIE LIM PONCE MARIN and Respondent: JUAN CARLOS ALANIZ
ULLOA
Case Number: 2024DR30655 Div/Ctrm: A
Attorney for Petitioner:
Name: Alan Davis, Esq., 49870
Emily A. Jones, Esq., 49932
The Law Office of Emily A. Jones Address: 3900 E. Mexico Ave., Suite 300 Denver, CO 80210
Phone: 720-679-6055
Email: Alan@EmilyJonesLaw.com; Emily@EmilyJonesLaw.com
NOTICE OF ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES PROCEEDINGS AND SUMMONS
To the above-named
this Court within 35 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.
You may be required to pay a filing fee with your Response. A response form, as well as other forms that may be required in this matter may be found at: www.courts.state.co.us by clicking on the “Self Help/Forms” tab.
The Petition requests that the Court enter an Order addressing issues involving the child such as child support, allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making and parenting time), attorney fees, and costs to the extent the Court has jurisdiction.
Notice: Colorado Revised Statutes §14-10123, provides that upon the filing of a Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities by the Petitioner and Co-Petitioner, or upon personal service of the Petition and Summons on the Respondent, or upon waiver and acceptance of service by the Respondent, an automatic temporary injunction shall be in effect against both parties until the Final Order is entered, or the Petition is dismissed, or until further Order of the Court. Either party may apply to the Court for further temporary orders, an expanded automatic temporary injunction, or modification or revocation under §14-10-125, C.R.S.
A request for genetic tests shall not prejudice the requesting party in matters concerning allocation of parental responsibilities pursuant to §14-10-124(1.5), C.R.S. If genetic tests are not obtained prior to a legal establishment of paternity and submitted into evidence prior to the entry of the final order, the genetic tests may not be allowed into evidence at a later date.
Automatic Temporary Injunction – By Order of Colorado law, you and the other parties:
1. Are enjoined from molesting or disturbing the peace of the other party; and 2. Are restrained from removing the minor child(ren) from the state without the consent of all parties or an Order of the Court modifying the injunction; and 3. Are restrained, without at least 14 days advance notification and the written consent of all other parties or an Order of the Court, from cancelling, modifying, terminating, or allowing to lapse for nonpayment of premiums, any policy of health insurance or life insurance that provides coverage to the minor child(ren) as a beneficiary of a policy.
If you fail to file a Response in this case, any or all of the matters above, or any related matters which come before this Court, may be decided without further notice to you.
Respectfully submitted September 17, 2024. /s/Alan Davis
Alan Davis, Esq., 49870
The Law Office of Emily A. Jones
Attorney for Petitioner
Legal Notice No. BSB3564
First Publication; January 9, 2025
Last Publication: February 6, 2025
Publisher: Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601
Child(ren): Aleea Dreiling, Avaya Dreiling
Respondents: Kately Annette Crites, Jesse D Dreiling
Case Number: 23JV30224 Div.: S ORDER OF ADVISEMENT
NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPON-
DENTS,: Kately Annette Crites and Jesse D Dreiling
YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED that the Pe-
titioner, has filed a Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship which now exists between you and the above-named child(ren);
YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that the Motion has been set for hearing in Division S of the District Court in and for the County of Adams, Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, Colorado, on the 20th day of February, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at which time the Petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that: 1) That the child(ren) was adjudicated dependent or neglected; 2) That an appropriate treatment plan has not reasonably been complied with by the parent or has not been successful; 3) That the parents are unfit; 4) That the conduct or condition of the parent or parents is unlikely to change within a reasonable time; no less drastic alternative to termination exists, and 6) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed. OR 1) That the child(ren) has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the parent or parents have surrendered physical custody for a period of six months and during this period have not manifested to the child(ren), the court or to the person having physical custody a firm intention to assume or obtain physical custody or to make permanent legal arrangements for the care of the child(ren); and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed. OR 1) That the child(ren) has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the identity of the parent of the child is unknown and has been unknown for three months or more and that reasonable efforts to identify and locate the parent in accordance with section 19-3-603 have failed; and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed.
If a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister of the child is requesting guardianship or legal custody of the child such request must be filed within twenty days of the filing of this motion.
YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that you have the right to have legal counsel represent you in all matters connected with the Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship.
If you cannot afford to pay the fees of legal counsel, you are advised that the Court will appoint legal counsel to represent you at no cost to you upon your request and upon your showing of an inability to pay.
If you have any questions concerning the foregoing advisement, you should immediately contact either your legal counsel or the Court.
Done and signed on: BY THE
HOOPS
Despite the timeout, things don’t improve much for Englewood. Fort Lupton uses seven points from Daniella Avilles and shuts out the Pirates 18-0 in the rst quarter. Englewood’s Christina Molina breaks the scoring drought for the Pirates midway through the second period. But by then, the Bluedevils have scored 30 points, many o Pirates’ mistakes. e half ends, and the prospect of a running clock in the fourth quarter makes an appearance.
e second half is 16 minutes of play, mainly for the reserves. It’s a chance for the two coaches to examine their collective depth and to give players who don’t get a lot of court time their chance to play.
ere’s the running clock in the fourth quarter, thanks to the score. e Colorado High School Activities Association put that rule in place a few years ago to keep teams from running up the score.
e band and the cheerleaders continue with their routines as well. e clock runs through the fourth quarter, and when the horn sounds, the Bluedevils have a 49-9 win in their back pocket.
In summary
We begin with Harper as she leans up against a wall.
“Tough night, unfortunately. We’re a new team, and we’re growing,” she said. “ ey didn’t give up. I would say that’s the best thing we did.”
At the other end of the gym, Fort Lupton’s Dan Lira thinks his team is on the right track, especially on defense.
“Everybody says defense wins ball games,” Lira said.
“Defense has been one of my strong suits. It’s something we focus on in practice.”
Harper said this season is full of growing pains ... “big time.”
“ ey are good teammates. ey have really good camaraderie. When we have good games, they see the improvement,” Harper said. “ ey know they are young. ey know that when they are seniors, it’s going to be a little bit di erent.”
Lira said he uses one-sided games, such as this, to develop more energy on his team.
“It’s hard to adapt to the other side of this,” he adds. “We seem to adapt pretty well to how we shift things around. We’re strong on our defense. We’ve been working on our full-court press during practice.”
Englewood falls to 1-11 and 0-2 in league play. Fort Lupton has won three straight, improving to 4-7 and 1-0 in league play. Follow both teams at MaxPreps.com.
