Highlands Ranch Herald February 15, 2024 by Colorado Community Media

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2024

VOLUME 37 | ISSUE 11

Duo to go pro in cornhole

FREE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MANAGING THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF STRESS P6

ThunderRidge seniors Jaxson Remmick, left, and Gavin Hamann are excited to continue their cornhole legacies together at the next level. Both are two-time national champions in high school and are the new foundational pieces of Winthrop PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW University’s cornhole team in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Highlands Ranch area seniors nab big title BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Though a very small percentage of high school athletes go on to play in college, National Signing Day along the Front Range always makes you think twice. At ThunderRidge High School, several students put pen to paper for a spot at the next level. But two cornhole players — who have found a way to get a college scholarship and go pro at the same time — headlined the event. Yes, cornhole players. It’s become much more than just a tailgate, beer garden or backyard barbecue game, and two local seniors are paving the way.

Making history

Jaxson Remmick and Gavin Hamann, two-time high school national champions in the American Cornhole League (ACL), officially became the first Division I cornhole players at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. According to cornhole pro and Winthrop Head Coach Dusty Thompson, they are believed to be the first such Division I cornhole scholarships in the country. “Cornhole has grown so much in the past five years and these kids are the best in the country at what they do in high school and college,” Thompson said. “We could not be more excited to have them come and be a part of our team.” Remmick and Hamann are considered five-star prospects and the first two foundational pieces of what Thompson hopes to develop into a powerhouse program.

VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | SPORTS: 18 | CALENDAR: 19

Cornhole isn’t yet an NCAA-sanctioned sport, so the scholarships don’t give the freshmen-to-be a full ride. Yet Thompson is confident that in coming years college cornhole can grow into a sanctioned, full-scholarship sport.

THE WONDERS OF WONDERBOUND DANCE P24

Playing with pros

The historic signing was only part of what made the past week dynamic for the Highlands Ranch-based seniors. Both were also drafted (called up) to the Colorado Timber, one of 16 pro teams in the ACL. Remmick and Hamann will be based in Rock Hill (the home of both the ACL and Winthrop). But as pros, the two will travel around the country to compete in national events throughout the year, including a Cornhole Mania National event that will be broadcast

HOMEOWNERS CAN DELAY PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS P26

SEE DUO, P10

HIGHLANDSRANCHHERALD.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

February 15, 2024Fe

$1M in Denver Broncos sale funds go to youth causes BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Not many government efforts put teens at the adults’ table to decide how to spend almost $1 million. But that’s what happened in Douglas County as officials weighed how to distribute their local slice of revenue triggered by the 2022 sale of the Denver Broncos. The county’s payout stems from a tax plan in metro Denver that helped build Mile High Stadium, now called Empower Field at Mile High. Funding that flowed to Douglas County will now support a long list of youth activities programs, including those that address sports, special needs, education and more. After a monthslong process to decide where the money goes, the county’s elected leaders presented checks to organizations that they felt were worthy. “From safe driving classes to mental health programs and camps for children with developmental disabilities — the use of this one-time money is going to save and change lives through community partnerships,” Commissioner Lora Thomas said in a prepared statement. Douglas leaders are “thankful

for the organizations that took the time to apply for this funding and our youth representatives for their work guiding our decision making,” Thomas added. “We were truly impressed by their thoughtfulness.” Where the funding came from

As one of seven counties in the Metropolitan Football Stadium District, Douglas County was awarded the funds in late 2022 that, legally, must be used for youth activities programs, according to the county. A long process led to the county distributing the money this year. The district is a government body that was created for the purpose of planning, acquiring land and constructing Mile High Stadium. It was authorized to collect a sales tax of one-tenth of 1% throughout the district’s area from 2001 through 2011. The funding for youth activities comes from the $4.65 billion sale of the Denver Broncos to the WaltonPenner Group, which resulted in a $41 million refund to the seven counties and 40 municipalities that helped fund the stadium. The funds were to be shared with Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties and the cities and towns

within them. Douglas County received about $940,000. From organizations seeking a piece of the Broncos sale funding in Douglas, the county received 45 grant requests that totaled about $1.8 million. That means the youth representatives and county officials had to figure out how to whittle the size of the requested funding down by about half. Where the money goes

The Douglas County Youth Commission advises the county’s elected leaders on matters pertaining to young residents in the county. The youth commission chose mental health as its top priority in guiding county officials on how to distribute the money. The priorities the youth commission ranked as most important in steering its recommendations, in order, included mental health, “education/STEM,” “prevention/mentoring,” special needs, a fifth-place tie among arts and sports equipment, “vehicles/buildings,” and agriculture. Out of the 45 grant requests, 31 youth activity programs won funding. Some of those include: - A “Save Teen Lives - Teen Crash

Avoidance” program from the South Metro Safety Foundation - Therapy camp for families with disabilities, a program from Colorado Institute of Developmental Pediatrics Inc., also called Adam’s Camp - Middle school “prevention assemblies” in Colorado from an organization called Johnny’s Ambassadors that focuses on youth marijuana prevention -Tuition assistance “for underserved children” for Garden Preschool of Lone Tree - And mental health training from an organization called Happy Crew. The youth commission and Douglas County Youth Initiative reviewed the proposals and recommended about $830,000 in funding. The remaining $110,000 will be “retained for future investments in innovative mental health programming,” the county said in a news release. In Douglas County, proposals for youth activities to be funded were due in July, and the youth commission then discussed priorities in meetings in the summer. As part of the decision making, the county also hosted alive town hall event with youth panelists in September. County commissioners recently presented the checks.

Police identify arrested ACC student

NO HIDDEN FEES. NO HIDDEN ANYTHING. FREEDOM CALLS. Plans start at just $20/month.

Apprehension on weapon warrant was subject of campus crime alert STAFF REPORT

An Arapahoe Community College student who was arrested on campus Feb. 1 while allegedly carrying a loaded handgun in his backpack has been identified as James Curtis Graham Jr., 35. Graham was the subject of a campus crime alert that was emailed to ACC students, faculty and staff the day of his arrest, though campus police did not publicly identify him until Feb. 6, in response to a records request from Colorado Community Media. On Jan. 30, Denver marshals contacted campus police to inform them they were attempting to lo-

cate Graham on a felony arrest warrant, said Arapahoe Community College Campus Police Chief Joseph Morris. Morris said the marshals believed GraGraham ham was enrolled in classes and had a history of violence and weapons violation, so he could be armed. Campus police created a plan to apprehend Graham next time he was on the Littleton campus, Morris said. With assistance from the Littleton Police Department, campus police located Graham in Parking Lot B SEE ARREST, P4

February 15, 2024 ADVERTISEMENT

Evidence Mounts That the Off-Site (aka Modular) Construction Industry Is Maturing

Every day I receive email newsletters about real estate, and one of my favorite is Construct Utopia, published by Pro Builder magazine. This week is not the first time I have written a column based on or inspired by an article in that newsletter. A common subject these days is modular or “off-site” construction. The latest Construct Utopia newsletter has an article about Cuby Technologies, a startup which devised a solution for customizable mass-produced prefab homes — mobile micro factories. Instead of constructing big factories that ship new home modules, Cuby produces micro factories that are set up near the construction site, such as in a field or on a rented parking lot. Modular construction is typically off site, but bringing the factory to or near the worksite is an interesting twist — perhaps call it “on-site (or close-by) offsite construction.” But the factory could also serve other build sites, functioning as a traditional off-site modular factory but one that is much closer. The micro-factory is shipped in about 10 containers, and it is set up inside an inflatable tent that covers 30,000 to 40,000 square feet of interior space for creating the modules to be assembled on a nearby construction site. The idea is to eliminate one of the major costs of modular construction, which is shipping the modules great distances to the work site. I’ve been a fan of the idea of modular construction ever since I purchased what I thought was a stick-built home in the Mesa Meadows subdivision in north Golden. I bought the home in 1997. After moving in, a neighbor told me he had watched my home go up in one day, delivered from Ft. Morgan on flatbed trailers for installation on a prepared foundation. The interior work was then completed by Pat Foss, a local builder.

The advantages of building the home in a factory, I was told at the time, was better quality control, including better insulation. The exterior walls were all built with 2x6 instead of 2x4 studs, to better survive flatbed transportation from Ft. Morgan. At right is an artist’s rendering of one of Cuby’s micro factories. It reminds me of how Elon Musk built a tent for assembling the Model 3 next to the Fremont factory rather than wait for a brick-and-mortar building to be permitted and built. Neighbors of construction sites would probably appreciate having the construction of a new building or subdivision taking place largely indoors, even if it is just a tent, reducing the noise and dust of on-site construction. Construction in a tent has other advantages including protection from the elements, whether it be rain or snow or simply cold weather. Productivity would be greatly enhanced. Workers will appreciate working a predictable number of days and hours as well as being warm during the winter months. Making working conditions better could also address one of the biggest problems facing the home construction industry: attracting and hiring enough workers. By completing the major structural panels indoors, the subsequent on-site finishing work can be made more attractive thanks to being able to “weather in” the building quickly. This too improves working conditions and recruitment. “Inside the dome,” according to the company, “machines and conveyor belts produce and prep all the elements of the home—windows, wall panels, plumbing pipes, drywall, HVAC systems, and so on—then package them into kits.” The enclosed environment also contributes to less waste and better waste management and recycling.

This Column Is 20 Years Old — See What You Missed

Have you enjoyed reading this column? I have been writing this column for nearly two decades, but only started paying for it to appear in this newspaper last April. At www.JimSmithColumns.com you can find links to more than a decade of “Real Estate Today” columns that you may find applicable to your own real estate journey. At right is a glimpse of what that catalog of previous columns looks like, showing just a few of the columns that predated my contract with this newspaper.

Cuby is a startup that began in Belarus. Cofounder Aleksandr Gampel says the first micro factory is being delivered to Detroit shortly. Within the next decade he expects to produce 275 micro factories that will build 200,000 homes and create 300,000 jobs, removing approximately 750,000 tons of waste from the construction process.

Although Cuby promotes its micro factories for home building, it’s not a home builder. It sells the micro factories for $10 –15 million. Their customers are typically developers, builders, general contractors and private equity groups, whose customers might be midsize home builders. Cuby claims that it can lower the cost of new construction from $150 per square foot to $100 per square foot.

This & That: Smaller Topics Not Worth Full Articles Renewable Energy Is Being Banned in More and More U.S. Counties

This is according to a Feb. 4 article on USA Today’s website. Here’s an excerpt: “In the past decade, about 180 counties got their first commercial wind-power projects. But in the same period, more than twice as many blocked wind development. And while solar power has found more broad acceptance, 2023 was the first year to see almost as many individual counties block new solar projects as the ones adding their first projects. “The result: Some of the areas with the nation's best sources of wind and solar power have now been boxed out.” I have a link to the full USA Today article at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com.

Beware of Scammers Pretending to Be Alerting You to a Scam

Fox 31 reported last week about a Golden couple that was scammed out of more than $137,000. The scam began with a phone call from the “Chase fraud department.” It is so important to question every phone call, text message or email you receive. If that Golden resident had thanked the caller, but hung up

and then called Chase’s customer service number to see if there was a fraud alert on his account, he could have avoided being the victim of that scam. I have posted a link to that story on my Substack blog.

NAR Is Criticized by Its Own Members for Donating to Anti-LBGTQ+ Candidates

The political action committee of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is one of the biggest donors to political candidates and incumbents who are considered, based on Realtor interviews, to be “prohousing.” A collection of diverse NAR members calling themselves the Real Estate Alliance is now challenging donations by local and national Realtor associations to candidates who push laws which violate Fair Housing. For example, the Florida association donated $200,000 to Gov. Ron DeSantis, despite his well-known anti-LGBTQ+ policies such as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Here in Colorado, the Realtor association has donated to three candidates who sponsored an anti-trans bill. On my Substack blog, you can learn more about the Real Estate Alliance’s program.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855 DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835 GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922 AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071 KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

February 15, 2024Fe

Sheriff asks for help finding suspected wallet thief BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a man suspected of stealing wallets from local shoppers and then using their credit cards to purchase items. The suspect is described as a male between 20-30 years old with a thin build and brown curly hair. The sheriff’s office believes the suspect in recent weeks stole wallets from shoppers in Douglas County

and Lone Tree. “He then took their credit cards and made several charges at local stores, totaling thousands of dollars,” the sheriff’s office said on social media. “He was seen wearing a black bucket hat in both cases.” The agency told shoppers to keep their purses or bags with them at all times and never leave them unattended. The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about the suspect to email acoleman@dcsheriff.net.

ARREST FROM PAGE 2

on the campus around 3:55 p.m. on Feb. 1. Upon arresting Graham, police found a loaded handgun in his backpack, according to the crime alert. The felony arrest warrant was for failure to appear on weapons charges from Jefferson County, Morris said. Records show the Jefferson County District Court case that led to the failure-to-appear warrant stemmed from an incident on Aug. 16, 2023. Seven charges arose from that incident, listed in the court register of actions as weapon possession/ previous offender; protection order violation; weapon-prohibited usedrunk with gun; driving under the influence; and three traffic offenses. Graham was initially booked into

the Arapahoe County jail on Feb. 1. Denver County records show he was then booked into Denver’s Downtown Detention Center on Feb. 5, and as of Feb. 7 he continued to be held there on a failure-toappear warrant and 2021 charges of assault, protection-order violation and harassment-strike/shove/kick. Court dockets and jail records show Graham’s next court appearance is set for Feb. 20 on the Jefferson County charges; followed by a Feb. 23 appearance in Adams County on charges of assault and protection order violation; then a Feb. 26 appearance in Denver on charges of assault, protection order violation and harassment-strike/shove/ kick; followed by a Feb. 26 status conference in Arapahoe County concerning a 2021 conviction for assault-strangulation; and then another Arapahoe County status conference the same day concerning a 2021 conviction for weapon possession by a previous offender.

REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE EASY Call me to schedule your free, confidential, in-home review of this unique product. Corbin Swift Vice President | Reverse Mortgage Specialist NMLS #1883942 Colorado Lic #100514955

Cell (720)812-2071 Corbin@RMofCO.com 6530 S Yosemite St#310 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

www.RMofCO.com

“Helping those in my community with their mortgage needs for over 36 years.” All applications are subject to underwriting guidelines and approval. Not all programs available in all areas. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Licensed and regulated by the Division of Real Estate. Cl Partners LLC dba Reverse Mortgages of Colorado, NMLS# 1846034, licensed in CO, MT License # 1846034, and TX. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. Not all applicants will qualify.

This material is not from HUD or FHA and has not been approved by HUD or any government agency. The reverse mortgage borrower must meet all loan obligations, including living in the property as the principal residence and paying property charges, including property taxes, fees, hazard insurance. The borrower must maintain the home. If the borrower does not meet these loan obligations, then the loan will need to be repaid.

February 15, 2024

Memorial planned for Castle Rock’s beloved ‘Joe Pro’

b. w ’s on noof on k. ds BY MCKENNA HARFORD r- MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM ra A memorial service for Castle n- Rock legend Joe Procopio, known c- as “Joe Pro,” will take place later 26 this month at the Douglas County es Fairgrounds. a- Procopio died on Dec. 22 at 83 e/ years old. He was an omnipresent us figure in the Castle Rock community ty, who helped found the Emmaus or Anglican Church, worked to start n- the boy’s lacrosse program at Casn- tle View High School and served on a numerous councils and boards. s- Procopio moved to Castle Rock in 1998 after an extensive career serving in the U.S. Navy, including three tours to Southeast Asia. Jenna Lahey, Procopio’s daughter, said he fell in love with the town and dedicated himself to helping wherever possible.

“He may have been born and raised in New Jersey, but Castle Rock was his home,” she said. Procopio sat on Town Council from 2012-2014 and worked to bring businesses like AdventHealth Castle Rock and Arapahoe Community College to town. In 2015, Procopio was named Douglas County Citizen. The award honored his roles on the county planning, public safety and public works commissions, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the board for the Douglas County Fairgrounds and a veteran’s memorial working group. Procopio is survived by Lahey and his son, Joseph Procopio, as well as six grandchildren. The memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the fairgrounds’ event center and will be followed by a reception.

Holiday office closure Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Presidential Primary Election March 5, 2024 *

Watch for your mail ballot Ballots for the Presidential Primary Election are being mailed to registered voters this week.

Instructions for unaffiliated voters Unaffiliated voters receive both the Democratic and Republican ballots but can vote and return ONLY ONE.

Track your ballot Sign up at DouglasVotes.com/track-your-ballot to check the status of your mail ballot. For trusted election information visit DouglasVotes.com or call 303-660-7444.

PATIO FURNITURE REPAIR STRAPS REPLACED LACE REWOVEN NEW SLINGS REPAIRS • FABRICS SLINGS & VINYL STRAPS • POWDERCOATING

303-430-0143 WWW.OPENAIRCHAIR.COM

2400 WEST BELLEVIEW, LITTLETON CO M-F: 9AM – 5:00PM SAT: 10AM-2PM

ITS ALMOST SPRING - DO IT NOW

Nominate a special teenager for a 2024 Youth Initiative Award Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others? Nominate them for a 2023 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award by March 3. Visit douglas.co.us and search Youth Awards.

Visit douglas.co.us

February 15, 2024Fe

Experts talk about impacts of stress on the body BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Whether it’s daily hassles or major life events, the resulting stress can impact both physical health as it engages nearly every system in the body. “It can cause mind-body changes,” said Alyssa Henry, licensed professional counselor with UCHealth Family Medicine. “And in doing so, stress contributes directly to psychological and physiological disorders and disease.” In addition to impacting mood, behavioral changes, anxiety disorders, depression and even potentially linking to post-traumatic stress, Henry and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gina Hochhalter, say unchecked stress can lead to a number of physical health concerns.

The most common symptoms of stress include muscle tension, digestive issues, headaches and fatigue, but stress can also exacerbate existing health conditions, weaken immune systems and even affect the musculoskeletal, respiratory, endocrine and other systems. Chronic stress can also negatively impact the cardiovascular system. Prolonged stress can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other issues because stress activates the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. “This release can raise blood pressure and could damage blood vessels over time,” said Henry. But stress can also suppress the immune system, which makes the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. According to the National Institute

THEATER • ART • CREATIVE PLAY • MUSIC & DANCE • SCIENCE • DIGITAL • +MORE!

Alyssa Henry and Gina Hochhalter with UCHealth Family Medicine say while stress can impact mood, behavior, anxiety disorders and depression, unchecked stress can lead to a number of physical health concerns such as having a negative impact on the SHUTTERSTOCK cardiovascular system.

of Health, chronic elevations of cortisol can lead to the immune system developing a resistance and the accumulation of stress hormones can further compromise the immune response. “Being ill more frequently may impact productivity at work or home, which could result in an increasing number of growing tasks,” said Henry. Chronic stress can disrupt digestive system functions as well as it can lead to stomach aches, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. It can also contribute to weight gain or weight loss. Sleep quality and physical activity

Diet and the quantity of food can also disrupt sleep patterns as well as caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt the quality of sleep. Alcohol can make people feel sleepy, said Hochhalter, but it won’t contribute to the quality of sleep. “It might get you to sleep,” said Hochhalter. “But you’re not going to be getting that restful sleep because your body’s gonna have to metabolize that alcohol through the night which turns into sugar.” Chronic stress may lead to insomnia, which can result in fatigue and can cloud judgment and impacts our mood and increases our perception of stress. “It’s not something we can catch up on, on the weekends,” said Hochhlater. “We want to be consistent with how much we are getting.” Maintaining a consistent sleep

schedule, even on the weekends, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine that signals the body it’s time for sleep can help regulate the body’s internal clock and improve the quality of sleep. A review in the Journal of Sleep Medicine found that mindfulness and meditation interventions significantly improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia symptoms and normalize sleep duration. Additionally, regular exercise can promote better sleep, however, intense activity close to bedtime can have the opposite effect. Therefore, it is recommended that physical activity should be done a few hours before going to sleep. “There’s considerable evidence that an individual who is addressing stress in a healthy way has improved cognitive function, their ability to mentally attuned to demanding tasks go up and their cognitive performance increases,” said Henry. The Journal of Neurobiology of Learning and Memory found that regular physical activity has improved memory and cognitive function in older adults as physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and can contribute to a positive or relaxed mood. Henry added that regardless of physical ability, any amount of time committed to moving the body is beneficial. Other benefits of physical activity include a reduction in stress hormones, improvements in mood, emotional well-being and cognitive abilities, which can help people cope with stress more effectively.

February 15, 2024

Thousands of satisfied homeowners!

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN ROOFING Roofing, Gutters, Siding, Windows & Paint At Colorado Construction & Restoration, we’re more than just hail restoration contractors; we’re your neighbors, local and dedicated to beautifying and safeguarding your home. Specializing in roofing and comprehensive restoration, we’re here to provide unparalleled service in the Denver Metro area.

We work with your insurance You only have 365 days from the date of the hailstorm to file a claim. Last year’s storm came in May and June. This means you must file a claim before May or June of this year. Before you call your insurance company, call us to get a free roof and hail damage inspection. If you have already filed a claim with your insurance company and the work has not been completed, we will offer you $2500 off* other home remodel or repair services like exterior painting, fence repair, window repair/ replacement, upgraded shingles, ice and water shield, or upgraded roof venting that may not be covered in your claim. *Some restrictions may apply.

Call today for a FREE roof inspection

720-640-7974

coloconstruction.com 1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 400 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Your local hail damage restoration experts since 2013

February 15, 2024Fe

DEA confiscated 2.6 million pills in Colorado BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

Roughly 3.4 million fentanyl pills were seized across Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming last year, federal officials said, marking a 79% increase across the region from 2022 and the highest number of fentanyl pills ever seized in a calendar year. The Rocky Mountain Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the record-breaking numbers as fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing the country and is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. As many as 7 in 10 counterfeit pills tested last year contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, or roughly the amount that fits on the tips of a pencil, national DEA laboratory testing

showed. That’s an increase from 4 in 10 pills in 2021 and 6 in 10 pills in 2022, the DEA said. In Colorado, investigators seized nearly 940 pounds of fentanyl last year, or about 2.61 million pills, the DEA said. The amount seized across the fourstate region in 2023 was more than a 500% increase from amounts confiscated in 2021. The increase in fentanyl seizures across the Rocky Mountain region highlights the extent to which cartels are bringing fentanyl into the country, David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division said in a news release. Most of the pills entering Colorado were manufactured in Mexico with chemicals shipped there from China. “As we begin the new year, DEA is committed to staying laser-focused on

BATHROOM REMODELING DONE RIGHT Employee Installers Easy Maintenance

Evening Appointments Licensed & Insured

Hassle Free Experience

Flexible Payment Plans

Design Consultation

Before

FREE INSTALL

bathroom remodeling projects 1

investigating the two cartels most responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States, as well as bringing greater public awareness to the dangers of fentanyl,” Olesky said in the release. While there is far more information on the dangers of fentanyl now than when the state first started seeing a spike in overdose deaths in 2017, families who have lost loved ones to the drug say there is still a lot more work to do. Several universities and community colleges have agreed to a list of requests by parents, including joining a real-time overdose map, that would quickly alert school leaders about fentanyl deaths in their cities and on campus, and naloxone training for students. The push for more warnings and education comes after parents of five

204,601+ COMPLETED BATHROOM REMODELING JOBS

4.7/5

12 MONTHS

After

FREE

NO OBLIGATION

no payments & no interest

DESIGN CONSULTATION

1 Free install is equal to 20% off the total project price. 2Financing offers a no payment - no interest feature (during the “promotional period”) on your purchase at an APR of 17.99%. No finance charges will accrue on your account during the promotional period, as set forth in your Truth in Lending Disclosures, and you will not have to pay a monthly payment until the promotional period has ended. If you repay your purchase in full before the end of the promotional period you will not have to pay any finance charges. You may also prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. Normal late charges apply once the promotional period has ended. Call 866-393-4573 for financing costs and terms. Minimum purchase $9,999 required. See design consultant for details. Other restrictions may apply. New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 2/18/24.

INSTALLED IN 4.8/5 JUST 1 DAY!

(Company reviews across all branches as of 1/01/2024)

Subject to credit approval.

5-Star Installation

young adults who died from fentanyl poisoning questioned by state universities had not done more to warn students, especially when local authorities knew that a particularly deadly batch of counterfeit oxycodone or Xanax containing fentanyl was circulating. In 2023, 948 people in Colorado died from a fentanyl overdose, up from 920 in 2022, according to preliminary state health department data. Officials expect the total fentanyl overdose deaths from last year to increase due to a roughly three-month lag in the data. Nationally, the DEA seized more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder last year, officials said. This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

720-770-8551

WestShoreDenver.com

February 15, 2024

February 15, 2024Fe

A publication of

Call first: 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: HighlandsRanchHerald.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100 LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

HALEY LENA Community Editor hlena@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald.

There when Highlands Ranch began Jeff Case retires after more than four decades BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Jeff Case began working on the Highlands Ranch development in 1981, he thought he would only stay for a few years. He has watched Highlands Ranch grow from a piece of land into a bustling suburban community. Case has worn a number of hats in his 43 years serving the Highlands Ranch area, including director of public works and engineering for the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Centennial Water and Sanitation District. Case retired in January. “We had to be one of the firsts,” said Case. “And that was what made every year of 40 years not boring.” The first phase of Highlands Ranch’s construction took place in 1980, a year after the Douglas County Commissioners approved the plan and Mission Viejo Co. purchased the 22,000 acres for the development. Sales of homes began in 1981, just before Case was hired with Centennial Water. Most of his experience in civil engineering was water and wastewater, so he focused on the community’s water infrastructure. Since then, Case has led his staff in the design and construction of the

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

DUO

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

FROM PAGE 1

Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.

on the CBS Sports Network on May 3-5. “I never would have thought that starting cornhole two-and-a-half years ago as a hobby and side hustle to make money would lead to playing at a Division I level in college,” Hamann said. “I’m really excited to help build the Winthrop program.” Hamann grew up playing soccer and Remmick played baseball. Remmick always thought he’d sign to play baseball, but he’s found a passion and talent for cornhole, and he’s going to take it as far as he can. Both bring the lessons they learned in other sports, like mental discipline, to succeed in cornhole. “It never even crossed my mind that I could do this as a career or go to college for this, but I wouldn’t want it any other

Highlands Ranch Herald A legal newspaper of general circulation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Herald is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124. Send address change to: Highlands Ranch Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

community’s major water and sewer infrastructure system. “Jeff was literally here from the start,” said Centennial Water General Manager Sam Calkins in a news release, praising Case’s years of service. “Working day Case in and day out with the vision to make sure our community had the best possible water and wastewater systems for the first 40 years — and the next 40 years.” Using a master plan for the community, said Case, they were able to look at the anticipated demands in various locations in the community. The team wanted to build what was necessary and not be excessive. Case said it was a balancing act to figure out what was needed then providing it. From 1981 to 1986, Case became the director of planning and engineering for the water and Highlands Ranch Metro District. From there, his responsibilities turned into managing roads, storm drainage, parks and recreation and more. “That’s what has been so exciting about it,” said Case. “It’s been such a diverse area of responsibility, but also of challenges.”

He also led the master planning of the metro district’s local outdoor recreation system, which interconnected the park and trail system. Case said the district focused on access to trails that were close in proximity to open space and created a big network not just for people, but for wildlife. Case was also part of developing one of the first water budgets in the nation in the early 2000s, coordinated the Lucent interchange off C-470 and led the renovation of the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion from 2010 to 2012. Looking back at his career, Case said one of his biggest accomplishments was listening and being an advocate for approaches they felt were best for the community. “We will continue to see his legacy every day in the projects he built to turn Highlands Ranch from a plan on the map into the vibrant community we enjoy today,” said Calkins. Although he doesn’t have any specific plans for retirement, Case said he wants to stay involved in the community. From watching the first grocery store open up on University Boulevard to a community that provides education, recreation and a home to many, Case said the most memorable piece for him has been the ability to work with many talented people. “There were a lot of people that gave their hearts and souls into this community,” said Case. “I think that, in some ways, is what made Highlands Ranch.”

way,” Remmick said. “It’s super awesome to be a part of and to be the first cornhole committed players. I’m super stoked.”

tional championships. Now, there are college scholarships available and professional teams playing on major networks like ESPN and CBS. “When we went and visited a couple of weekends ago, we really loved the people and the environment,” Hamann said. “It’s right next to the ACL headquarters, so we’ll be getting a lot of practice on the ACL boards. I’m excited and I’m confident in me and Jaxson and what we can do. We went to a regional out there and actually won all the events, so I know we can do it. It’s just about staying consistent.” Though National Signing Day often brings tough goodbyes and tears between longtime teammates parting ways, Remmick and Hamann are excited to continue their legacies together. “I know, with me and Jaxson’s talents, we can definitely help bring that team to the success we want it to be at,” Hamann said.

Cornhole country

Both are familiar with Rock Hill and know they’re going into the heart of cornhole country. No strangers to the game, both have racked up championships and sponsorships aplenty before graduating high school. They know the competition will be stiff, but they’ve been playing elite cornhole for years now and are ready for the challenge. “Everyone is super welcoming and the competition is very, very tough; tougher than Colorado,” Remmick said. “But it’s just a great opportunity.” The growth of cornhole has been exponential in a short time. Just two years ago, Remmick and Hamann were competing in the first-ever high school na-

February 15, 2024

ps ynd

le he aCL ot xxa all t’s

en eng t-

s, m a-

February 15, 2024Fe

Vote for

B E 20 24

S T Colorado Community Media

2024 BEST OF THE BEST CONTEST STARTS

MARCH 1 ! ST

VOTING PERIOD: March 1st – April 15th, 2024

WATCH WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ColoradoCommunityMedia.com To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

Why a Littleton wine shop is closing BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After about 18 years on Littleton’s Main Street, a small wine and liquor store is closing. Neighborhood Wine & Spirits, formerly Lido Wine Merchants, offers a selection of liquors, beers and artisan wines. The shop is saying goodbye in response to the economic challenges it faced last year, owner Jordan Blaydes said. “This decision was not made lightly, but it has become clear that moving forward is no longer sustainable for us,” he wrote in an email announcement to his customers. Blaydes bought the store from its previous owners in 2020. In the past year, he said his shop was hit by a number of factors, including voters’ decision in 2022 to allow grocery stores to sell wine. The ballot measure, which went into effect in 2023, narrowly passed with just over 50% of Colorado voters in favor of allowing grocery and convenience stores to sell wine. “Everybody in my industry just, you know, they blame the grocery stores,” he said. “But it was bigger than that, because a lot of people are having a tough time.” He also blamed the economy in general for the closure. Blaydes said the loss of his small store and other wine and liquor shops like his may have a farther-reaching impact than people realize. “Small stores like mine, we work with small distributors who support small boutique wineries,” he said. “When all of these little stores go under, those little distributors are going to be behind them, and then consumers are not going to have access to the small-production boutique wineries that they used to have access to.” Blaydes worked with 18 different distributors, and he said he worries about the challenges the small wine and liquor companies may face as stores like his close. The end of the COVID-19 pan-

demic also changed people’s drinking habits, which reduced demand on businesses that sell alcohol, he added. “A lot of people, during COVID, overdid it with the drinking,” he said. “Last year, a lot of people were cutting back on their alcohol consumption.” Blaydes himself has changed his relationship with alcohol in recent years, as he celebrates over two years of sobriety. As he moves forward to his next professional steps, he hopes to find a way to help people on a similar journey. “I’ve just experienced a lot of personal growth in the last two and a half years and learned a lot about myself,” he said. “Part of that was various disorders that I have, that I was never diagnosed with, that can lead to substance abuse problems.” Blaydes hopes to use his public speaking skills to help people. “I really want to try to find a way to speak to people who may be suffering from substance abuse and not know that they may also have underlying disorders that contribute to that,” he said. “If I can help other people who might be struggling, I would really like an opportunity to do that.” In addition to the wine and liquor shop, Blaydes is a part owner of Littleton Learning Lab, an interdisciplinary studio where he teaches wine classes. He is looking forward to growing this business and teaching people about what they drink, even as he says goodbye to his shop. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our story,” he wrote in his email to his customers. “You have not just been customers; you have been friends and an integral part of our wine-loving family. We hope the memories and experiences shared within our walls will linger fondly with you, as they will with us.” Neighborhood Wine & Spirits will remain open on weekends through the end of February.

February 15, 2024

LOCAL

February 15, 2024F

VOICES

Living with an abundance mentality

hen bombarded by problems, our instinct is often to fixate on lacks, not enough time, energy or resources. We opWINNING erate from a scarcity mindset govWORDS erned by fear and self-protection. But shifting to an abundance paradigm alters life’s trajectory. There are many of us who grew up with parents, grandparents, and even Michael Norton great-grandparents who lived during the Depression era. For those of us who did, we were often told stories of how they lived and survived during those lean years. Times were hard, people became hardened, and abundance was tough to come by. Even now, there are still those who live and work with a scarcity mentality instead of an abundance mindset. Being cautious and wise with resources is important, and not chasing foolish optimism is sound advice. We need to use good judgment when determining our condition and environment when it comes to choosing abundance over scarcity. One of my favorite scenes from a movie that clearly depicts the scarcity mindset in a lighthearted way is found in the movie, Finding Nemo. It’s the scene where Nemo’s dad and Dory find themselves among a flock of seagulls. The seagulls mimic their cry using the words, “Mine, mine, mine.” How often do we look at what we have and refuse to share, saying the same thing, “Mine, mine, mine?” Living with abundance means that we carry the belief that there really is enough for everyone. It’s not just making sure we get our slice of the pie; it’s about making the pie bigger so all can enjoy it. It’s know-

ing that we have enough to meet our needs and looking at how we can help others who might be in a time of need. Learning to live with abundance takes away the edge and worry about what will happen next. It not only calms our fears, but it also actually increases our generosity. An abundance mindset can bolster innovation at work. Feeling strapped stifles creativity about possible solutions. But believing options and answers exist outside of our scope of understanding liberates innovation. If resources feel scarce, we likely need to think bigger. Leaders would do well to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking to spur breakthroughs. Abundance empowers us to stop hoarding in fear. We spend time and talents freely, trusting the well will not run dry. Saying yes to life’s invitations leads to growth. Declut-

tering the unnecessary makes space for joy and purpose. Abundance thinking reframes “not enough” into “more than enough.” It believes resources exist to accomplish our divinely inspired purpose, whether launching a company or raising a child. Lack is merely a limitation of vision, not actually supply. Abundance thinking builds confidence, not arrogance. Our worth rests on grace, not works. When we live and work with an abundance mentality instead of material scarcity, anxiety is lifted. We take bold risks toward the achievement of our goals and dreams. We create value instead of competing for those slices of the pie mentioned earlier. We breathe deeper and stand taller, empowered to change the world. Those with an abundance mentality are generous because they believe resources exist to fulfill pur-

pose. They freely spend time mentoring others whose talents could one day launch world-changing ventures. They know the water won’t run out if they pour out freely. Abundance breeds gratitude and giving. An abundance mentality also builds resilience amid hardship. During storms, scarcity fixates on all that may be lost. It knows setbacks are often setups for greater impact. This mentality lifts eyes beyond the present turmoil to see hope. Scarcity thinking shrinks possibility and fuels fear. Adopting an abundance mentality liberates us to thrive. Despite real limitations, embracing the truth of the blessings that we have lavishly been provided transforms everything. Abundance thinking awakens courage, creativity, and deep joy. SEE NORTON, P15

February 15, 2024

The good, bad and ugly

y readers know I like to look at all sides of a situation. The beginning of the year is a good time to map out what is great, FINANCIAL what may be chalSTRATEGIES lenging and what is potentially awful with the economic landscape and how it affects investors. I like to be positive, so I’ll start with the current good things. First is the Fed and that they may Patricia Kummer have pulled off a soft landing. This is where they are able to raise interest rates enough to curb inflation and not cause a recession. So far, so good. Inflation has come down; the economy is still growing and employment remains strong. Second, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positive but slowing. I put this measure of economic growth in the good category because it could be much worse considering the level of interest rate hikes we have endured. Economic growth is naturally expected to slow as inflation comes down. Much of this growth is fueled by consumer spending which last year made up 80 percent of the GDP. Higher inflation should have curbed some of that spending but there could still be pent up demand from shortages during COVID. Housing has also held up well considering high mortgage rates. Those of us buying houses in the eighties when interest rates were around 12% don’t think current rates are high. However, there is a whole new generation of home buyers that

have never seen anything north of 4%. Fannie Mae states “Mortgage rates will fall below 6% in 2024.”¹ Investors are enjoying a nice start to the year. The stock market falls into both the good and the bad category. While returns have been nice as corporate earnings have held up during rising rates, many believe valuations are artificially high and will correct at some point. That is usually the natural cycle of the market so this is not really unexpected. It may also depend on which stocks and which sectors, given that we often see rolling corrections that don’t affect the entire S&P 500. Currently we have price to earnings (P/E) in a wide range. Twenty or below is considered decent. This is the calculation of the stock price divided by annual earnings, so the lower the better if you are looking for undervalued stocks. Other economic indicators on the bad list include a slowing economy, a softening labor market, and uncertainty around when the Fed will start to lower interest rates.² And we can’t talk about 2024 without mentioning that it is an election year. While political outcomes are never a successful investment strategy, it does affect the mood, if not the perception, of how the economy will be affected at least for the next four years. Therefore I would put elections in the ugly category along with war, violence, poverty, and declining health. Maybe we just need more love, hope, faith, and charity to push everything into the good category! Anything is possible. 1.Dow Jones Market Watch 1.26.24 2 UN News at UN.org

NORTON

gmail.com, and when we can truly understand the impact of living with a mindset of abundance, it really will be a better than good life.

FROM PAGE 14

Where are you now when it comes to living with an abundance mentality rather than one of scarcity? Was there ever a time when you made the shift from scarcity to abundance, and if so, how did that make you feel? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@

Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

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.

Memory In Loving

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at HighlandsRanchHerald.net LoneTreeVoice.net

February 15, 2024F

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

n the back of your mind, you might recall fond memories of your parents taking you to the park — or school programs busing you to faraway nature scenes. And in the bustle of adulthood, getting outdoors may have become less of a priority in your daily schedule. But the benefits of viewing and spending time in nature go deeper than the proverbial “getting some air.” In fact, it can lower blood pressure and is linked with lowering levels of stress, depression and anxiety, according to the National Park Service. One easy way to capture those benefits is hiking, a word that conjures images of mountains and rugged dirt trails. And in Colorado, chances are you’ve met someone with a “hiker” persona:

lots of gear, often heading out on weekends, probably driving a Subaru. But hiking doesn’t have to be so extreme. It doesn’t even have to involve big hills. In the purest sense, it’s just a long walk for pleasure or exercise. And if you live in any of the counties around Denver, the good news is you’re never far from a hiking spot. That includes places with breathtaking views in Douglas County. “Most Douglas County staffers will tell you that the open space that they like best is the last one they got to hike,” said Dan Dertz, director of Douglas County’s open space office. From Georgetown in the mountains to the plains of Elbert County, here’s a look at hiking spots for beginners and seasoned veterans alike — and some tips if you’re new to the activity. Douglas County

If you’re just starting out, one of the easiest

hiking trails in Douglas County is Bluffs Regional Park, Dertz says. Just a few miles from Park Meadows mall, Bluffs Regional Park offers sweeping views of the mountains and the Denver metro area. It’s a short drive south of Yosemite Street and Lincoln Avenue near Lone Tree. If you’re seeking high elevation and more of a challenge, try Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail. That’s off Spruce Mountain Road south of Noe Road, west of Interstate 25. There are no costs for parking or access at those hiking spots. Jefferson County

For an easy and flat hike not far from downtown Denver, try Crown Hill Park off 26th Avenue in the Wheat Ridge area. Its trailways offer lakeside views. SEE TAKE A HIKE, P17

February 15, 2024

TAKE A HIKE FROM PAGE 16

One of the higher-elevation spots in Jefferson County for a hike is Elk Meadow Park in the Evergreen area. There, you can brave a 2,100-foot elevation gain from the Stagecoach Boulevard trailhead to the 9,708-foot Bergen Peak, according to Jefferson County Open Space. All Jeffco Open Space parks are free to access and open to the public one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, according to the county. For information on park closures, see the county’s alerts and closures webpage. Clear Creek County

Asked about lesser-known spots for hiking in Clear Creek County, Jon Butcher, a county staffer, said: “The Silver Creek Trail is probably the coolest but hard to get to.” “It is a wagon road built in the mid-to-late 1800s that is flat once you get there,” said Butcher, the county’s recreation facilities manager. For easiest access, park at Georgetown Lake and take the part of Tom Benhoff trail on the south side of the lake, then head uphill on Purdy or Dunbar- A trail meanders through Columbine Open Space in Douglas County. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY ton trails to get to Silver Creek Trail. Once there, head east for about 4 miles one way or 8 miles out fields, and trail access is at the northwest corner of Chris Barker, a county spokesperson. “Visitors and back. the parking area. that provide information on wildlife interactions In a mountain county, trails are better suited to All trails in Elbert County mentioned above are play a critical role as stewards and partners in experienced hikers. open to pedestrians, bikes and horses and closed managing wildlife.” “As far as ‘easy trails’ lacking too much elevation to motorized vehicles, according to the district. All reports are anonymous. You can report wildchange, I would suggest Alvarado, Georgetown Free parking is available near all trail access life sightings, encounters or incidents at jeffco. Lake, Meadow Loop at Floyd Hill or any of the points. us/3620/Human-Wildlife-Interactions. Greenway Trails,” Butcher said. The trails are accessible for free. Staying safe Navigating snowy season For beginners, here are some tips for hiking For hiking amid snow this winter and early Elbert County from Jefferson County Open Space, especially for spring, here are some tips from Jefferson and In the plains of Elbert County — east of Douglas challenging routes: Clear Creek counties for staying safe in challengCounty and southeast of Aurora — wide-open ru• Pick up a physical map near a trail parking ing environments: ral views are the norm. area, or use a mapping app like COTREX. (You • Bring traction devices for your shoes or boots, But for a trail maintained for the public, look to can download offline maps to navigate trails for or trekking poles, for snow-packed or icy trails. the Elizabeth area. when you don’t have cellular service.) • If heading to parks alone, let someone know One trail runs for 1.3 miles with access at Run• Bring a compass if you know how to use one. where you’re going and your anticipated return ning Creek Elementary School on the south and • Dress in layers or have extra layers for warmth time just in case. Evans Park on the north, said Eric Larson, an El- or rain protection. • Check online for park or trail closures in case bert County staffer. • Use sunscreen, hats and long sleeves for sun snowy conditions begin to thaw and create mud(Flooding last summer washed out the trail at protection. dy trails that are closed. Colorado Highway 86. Repairs are slated for this • Bring extra food and plenty of water for your• Know what layers to bring: Synthetic fabric or summer, intended to return the path to its full self and your pets. wool are best as they tend to provide some insulalength and useability.) • Have a flashlight in case you get caught out af- tion even when wet. Avoid cotton. Once in Evans Park, the town trail connects with ter dark. • Bring a map. Remember: Many trails in lessa small trail that loops through a wooded section • Bring a first-aid kit. populated regions go outside phone coverage arof the park. • Bring matches in case of an emergency. (Gen- eas. Have a full phone battery and keep it warm. “The most significant, and perhaps only other erally, Jeffco Open Space does not allow fire or • Bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batpublicly accessible, trail in the county is located open flame in its parks.) teries. in Casey Jones Park at 4189 Highway 86” in the • Have emergency shelter, such as a tent or tarp. • The snow off trails can be deep. If going off Elizabeth area, said Michael Barney, director of Be on the lookout for wildlife. Jeffco Open Space trail, bring gaiters and skis or snow shoes. Elizabeth Park and Recreation District. That park tracks human-wildlife interactions in parks and • Do not enter avalanche terrain unless you is next to Evans Park. surrounding neighborhoods. have the needed training and equipment. The trail is roughly 1.4 miles and passes through “We strive to balance the protection and preser“Know the limits of your fitness and clothing,” the northern wooded section of the 103-acre park. vation of wildlife and their habitat while promot- Butcher said. “Turn around if either of them are It’s best reached by parking north of the baseball ing a safe and positive visitor experience,” said failing to keep you comfortable.” Left: A group stands as the sun goes down at Bluffs Regional Park in the Lone Tree area of Douglas County.

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY

LOCAL

February 15, 2024Fe

SPORTS

The mental game: Castle Rock coach focuses on athletes’ mindset Stacy Ingram’s mission to help athletes, performers overcome mental obstacles BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Like Super Bowl champion and former Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch famously stated, “Take care of y’all bodies, take care of y’all chicken, and take care of y’all mentals.” As for the last part of that, many say sports are 90% mental. While there are ways to measure the physical attributes of athletes, there aren’t too many ways to demonstrate mental performance, especially on a stat sheet. Often athletes are only measured by points, tackles, saves or other statistics. Stacy Ingram, a mental toughness and performance coach for youth athletes, performers and others in Castle Rock, knows mental barriers can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. She’s here to help.

“Sports and performance is a way that you’re able to teach them skills they can use in their sport but also throughout their life,” Ingram said. “Things like emotional regulation, stress reduction and more.” Whether it’s managing a full class schedule and a demanding sports calendar at once, overcoming an injury to get back on the field or stage or trying to stay tunnel-focused on earning a scholarship, Ingram knows high school athletes today have a lot to manage. Before the pandemic, Ingram owned a clothing boutique, where she said a lot of people (friends and otherwise) would come in and look for emotional or mental support. Feeling her store was a place of refuge, Ingram cared for her patrons and wanted to take the next step in helping them. She began taking psychology and coaching courses and fully pivoted to mental coaching when the pandemic forced her store to close. “I really wanted to address this niche because I do have a passion for sports, but also I have a passion for kids this age,” Ingram said. “Even at my store, I had a lot of

Stacy Ingram specializes in several different mental coaching services, including managing inner dialogue, staying present in the moment and overcoming body posiCOURTESY PHOTO tivity issues.

Call 866-977-2602 to schedule your free quote!

high school and college kids that worked for me. And I really missed that sort of mentorship piece and relationship piece. It showed me a lot about how much these kids need additional support, but they’re sort of afraid to ask for it.” She’s now worked with several clients across various sports and performance activities. Her focus (for now) is on schools in the south like Arapahoe, Mountain Vista and Green Mountain, her alma mater. For more from Ingram, check out the Q&A below. You can find her services at www.cultivatingyourcourage.net. Colorado Community Media:

What goes into the mental gymnastics of re-trusting yourself after you’ve been injured in your sport or profession? Ingram: That’s a pretty emotional thing for a number of reasons: everything from disappointment if you’re a senior especially and you lost your last season to simply being afraid. And when you are afraid of being injured, you have a much higher percentage of likelihood of actually being injured because you’re focusing on the wrong things and that mind-body connection isn’t in the most posiSEE MINDSET, P20

February 15, 2024

Thu 2/15

Featured

Cody Cozz @ 9pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Sun 2/18 Denver Concert Band: Symphonic Voices @ 2pm / $23 Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree. Info@DenverConcert Band.org, 720-509-1000

Sarah Jarosz @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 South Broadway, Englewood

Amtrac

@ 7pm daniels hall, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Eric Golden

Sat 2/17

@ 7:30pm Wild Goose Saloon, Parker

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo - Tailgate Tavern & Grill

Featured

@ 8pm Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

@ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood Tourist & Amtrac

The Tim O'Brien Band

Mon 2/19 School Break Camp - 2/19

Featured

@ 7:30am / $52 Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr., Parker. 303-805-6315

@ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐ wood

Wed 2/21 Machine Head

Fri 2/16

@ 6:30pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐ wood

Jay Nash @ 7pm Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

TEN - Colorado Tribute to Pearl Jam: TEN and Lounge Fly at Fracos @ 7pm The Toad Tavern, 5302 S Federal Circle, Littleton

Mandar Bhide Stand up Comedy: Get Ready to ROFL with Mandar Bhide Live Comedy in Denver Sarah Jarosz @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

The Ballroom Thieves @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐ wood

Birds of Play @ 7pm Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Noelia @ 9pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

@ 4:30pm Paradise Tavern, 9239 Park Mead‐ ows Dr, Lone Tree Science: Life is Gross (6-12yrs) @ 4:30pm PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Dance: Pre Ballet (3-5yrs) Feb-Mar @ 5:15pm Feb 17th - Mar 16th PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker

Foghat @ 7:30pm Pace Center, Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://littletonindependent.net/calendar

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 8pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Thu 2/22 Eric Golden @ 6pm The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Littleton

Canellakis-Brown Duo @ 7:30pm Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐ tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐ curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

MINDSET FROM PAGE 18

tive space. I think one thing that can happen with the kids, too, is they get so afraid of getting injured that sometimes they don’t even want to get back. It is a mental thing to get past because it’s not a failure of their own but sometimes they can look at it like that. CCM: What percentage of your clients are bouncing back from injuries? Ingram: It really varies because it depends on what’s happening. But I would say about 25%. The athletes’ goals can vary. If they’re really at a high level and are trying to get a scholarship, they’re working more on the peak performance side of things… Then you have others that are overcoming injuries. And then you have some kids that just want to enjoy their time playing in high school, but

February 15, 2024Fe they start to get themselves either so burnt out or so wound up between the mental side of the game that they begin not to enjoy it. So it’s that balance of how to teach those things so you can manage the anxiety and the stress and all the pressure. CCM: What makes advising this age group unique? Ingram: One thing that we see a lot is just kids’ prefrontal cortex in their brain is not fully developed until they’re 25. Because of that, they have a little bit bigger extremes, but they also have a lot of neuroplasticity happening, so it’s a great time for them to learn, and they can learn a lot faster than we learn as adults. So it’s sort of a crucial time to try and help teach them some good skills. CCM: What goes into managing an internal dialogue during a game, performance or otherwise? Ingram: For one, the internal dialogue… a lot of it is negative self-talk. I try and work with them on different little techniques and skills to get past

that. And a lot of times, if you can focus them somewhere else, you’re able to do that, even if it’s something as simple as making sure they have a routine or understand their nervous system enough to know, “When I feel this, I need to do this and not get caught up in the emotion.” The other piece that happens in pressure moments is teaching them to mentally slow down the moment. Sometimes it can be as simple as a visualization method, but it really depends on the kid. The other internal dialogue piece I see is body positivity and sometimes not feeling comfortable with their own body. So, sometimes the internal dialogue can be around a topic like that. CCM: Are there notable differences between coaching athletes and performers, or is it mostly the same? Ingram: Honestly, it’s pretty similar. I would say the speed of the game is something more on the athletic side, where if you’re in dance or mu-

sic or something like that you might not be experiencing that so much. But things like focus, concentration, all of those you do. I would say it’s about two-thirds similar and onethird different. CCM: Finally, how rewarding is it to see your services working and see an athlete or performer overcome their obstacles? Ingram: It’s amazing. One of the victories is just having an athlete or performer being able to control their own emotions enough to think is a really big thing. For example, when you have someone that typically freezes during games… they’re amazing during practice but then in a game, they constantly are freezing… it’s gradual steps so you don’t change 100% overnight. But at the moments that you see the difference, you just want to jump up and down and scream. And so do their parents. It is really rewarding from that perspective. And also just to be another ear for these kids.

Custom Pull-Out Shelves for your existing cabinets and pantry.

50% OFF Call for Your FREE Design Consultation INSTALL!*

(877) 326-0607

February 15, 2024

CLEAR VISION IS YOUR VISION HAZY, BLURRY, OR CLOUDY? These are often the first signs of cataracts. The COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS team has extensive experience treating cataracts and performing cataract surgery. Our patients receive personalized care by knowledgeable and experienced board certified ophthalmologists to ensure the clarity needed to see the most important things in their world. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404. 1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

SCAN ME

February 15, 2024Fe

Colorado hits Suncor with $10.5M settlement BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado has issued a $10.5 million penalty on the Suncor refinery in Commerce City over three years of air pollution violations, calling it the largest-ever action against a single facility, and also settled a suit resulting in a doubling of fenceline monitoring at the troubled fuel plant. The agreement surpasses a $9 million deal in 2020 for similar releases. Colorado director of public health Jill Hunsaker Ryan called it a “historic enforcement package” to “demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental protection and the health of our residents.” “We will continue to use every tool available to prevent Suncor from having future violations,” Hunsaker Ryan said. The $5 million in required plant improvements in the 2020 settlement have made a measurable difference in Suncor violations since then, and the new settlement requires $8 million more in plant changes, she said.

The new $10.5 million settlement includes a $2.5 million cash fine, which will be split between environmental justice grants and the general fund. The violations lasted through June 2021. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment investigates Suncor violations on a two-year cycle, and is still probing air pollution releases from the past two and a half years, said Michael Ogletree, director of the department’s Air Pollution Control Division. With Canada-based Suncor reporting $2 billion in profits from the third quarter of 2023 alone, “it’s a really good question” whether a $2.5 million fine is enough to change Suncor’s behavior, Hunsaker Ryan said. “What I would say is, we are limited in the penalties that we can assess by law,” she said. It’s also important for the state to protect the community by reaching a reasonable settlement “that’s not going to drag out a long time, but get some meaningful action,” she said.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

AUCTION 425+ ITEMS SELL NO RESERVE! CO

RIN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

DK8971 ‘09 Volvo L90F wheel loader

OD9193 ‘20 K-tec 1233 scraper

NP9325 ‘12 Ditch Witch RT115 trencher

INVENTORY INCLUDES: soil stabilizer/reclaimer, directional boring units, trencher, excavators, dozers, track loaders, mini excavator, cable plows, wheel loaders, motor graders, vibratory drum rollers, bucket truck, service truck, dump trucks, ready mix trucks and more. All items are sold “AS IS.” 10% buyers premium applies. 866.608.9283

BID NOW! purplewave.com

Suncor Energy’s Commerce City plant on Feb. 17, 2023. PHOTO BY OLIVIA SUN THE COLORADO SUN VIA REPORT FOR AMERICA

The settlement is not part of Suncor’s application for a renewed air pollution permit for part of the sprawling Commerce City refinery, which is still pending revisions at the state health department. State officials said the violations from July 2019 through June 2021 often involved power disruptions. Violations cited include: - Exceeding EPA and state emissions limits on sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. - Exceeding hydrogen sulfide concentration caps. - Exceeding opacity and visible emissions standards. - Violations from causes other than power outages. Suncor, the only vehicle and airplane fuel refinery in Colorado and one of the few in the West, has long been a target for environmental and community groups, as well as

state regulators, for both local pollution violations and greenhouse gas emissions. Suncor has responded that it has made continual improvements to both refining and monitoring equipment to better protect the community, and that the plant is an important economic engine for the neighborhood and Colorado. A fire at the refinery in December 2022 disrupted operations for months, and may have contributed to an increase in fuel prices for Colorado drivers. Some environmental advocates have called for an outright denial of future permits for Suncor and a closure of the refinery, but state officials have never endorsed those calls. The latest settlement also include a deal for more intensive fenceline monitoring and community SEE SUNCOR, P23

February 15, 2024

Plan protects future oil leasing on Colorado lands BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

The Bureau of Land Management has released its final Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan, which will guide the use and management of over 658,000 acres of public lands for decades to come. Conservation geographer Alison Gallensky with Rocky Mountain Wild said the plan does a good job of increasing protections for some 300,000 currently undeveloped acres, mostly along the Arkansas River between Salida and Canon City. “By setting aside several hundred thousand acres,” said Gallensky, “to stay the way they are now, for wildlife, for the headwaters for the different tributaries into the Arkansas River.” In addition to protecting areas for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting - which bring over $54 million into local economies - Gallensky said these lands support healthy ecosystems that can help species survive in a changing climate. Some environmental groups criticized the BLM’s plan for keeping most acres open to oil and gas leasing, but the Western Energy Alliance defended the agency for balancing development with conservation.

SUNCOR FROM PAGE 22

alerts about air pollution releases in Commerce City. A 2021 state law required Suncor and three other large facilities to implement fenceline monitoring of certain toxins and sharing data with the public. Suncor had sued the state in 2022 over how Colorado was applying monitoring regulations to the refinery. The deal will have Suncor doubling the number of monitors from its latest proposal to the state, officials said. Suncor will also expand the number of toxins monitored from the minimum list in the 2021 law. Colorado had required covered facilities to monitor and alert for hy-

The plan paves the way for future oil and gas production on BLMmanaged lands in northeastern Colorado, where current production has been linked to a rise in harmful ground-level ozone pollution and the state’s failure to meet Environmental Protection Agency clean air standards. Gallensky said the plan, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, includes old analysis on the true risks of drilling. “There’s been a lot of new information learned about the impacts of oil and gas development and how to transition to cleaner forms of energy,” said Gallensky. “And that wasn’t as well integrated into the plan as it could have been.” The plan takes thousands of acres off the table for drilling, but those acres are considered to have very low potential for tapping oil and gas. Advocates say they will ask the Colorado BLM to address the threats of continued fossil fuel development, the primary driver of climate change, by strengthening their Big Game Resource Management Plan Amendment, which is currently accepting public comments. Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts. This story runs via The Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member. drogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and benzene. Suncor has agreed to also monitor toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, state officials said. Suncor will also alert the public sooner than previously required when certain pollution thresholds are crossed, Ogletree said. For some compounds, alerts were triggered when releases hit the EPA’s more stringent one-hour thresholds for certain toxins. By the end of 2024, when the monitoring equipment is fully in place, those compounds will trigger alerts after reaching the lower four-hour thresholds. This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

Vote for

B E 20 24

S T Colorado Community Media

2024 BEST OF THE BEST CONTEST STARTS

MARCH 1 ! ST

VOTING PERIOD: March 1st – April 15th, 2024

February 15, 2024Fe

Beguiling audiences with storytelling Denver’s Wonderbound reimagines ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with a forceful princess, live music BY KIRSTEN DAHL COLLINS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

At Wonderbound ballet’s performance of “Wicked Bayou” this past fall, a zombie band played funky rock-and-roll onstage, while two children lost in the bayou tried to evade a snapping, 20-foot-long alligator. There were no tutus or pointe shoes in sight. That’s nothing unusual at Wonderbound. The Denver dance company — which was honored with the 2013 Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture — is nudging ballet into the 21st century with dramatic storytelling, live rock and pop artists, and powerful ballerinas who sometimes lift their male partners instead of vice versa. After relocating 10 times in 10 years, Wonderbound recently settled into permanent headquarters: a cleverly renovated 1920’s airplane hangar in Denver’s Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. New features

Dancers Nathan Mariano and Danielle Lieberman rehearse for Wonderbound’s upcoming show, “Awakening Beauty,” in the company’s newly-renovated quarters in northern Park Hill in Denver. Appropriately enough, the dancers now take flight in a PHOTO BY TIM COLLINS space that was once an airplane hanger.

include retractable seating, which allows the troupe to transform its enormous theater into two spacious practice studios. In the company’s new, onsite scene shop, production manager Eleanor Moriarty can hammer and saw to her heart’s content — since a six-inch thick freezer door blocks all noise from the stage. Led by husband-and-wife team

WANTED: 5 HOMES IN YOUR AREA THAT NEED SIDING AND WINDOWS

Five homeowners will be given the opportunity of having Western Extreme Composite Siding and/or Energy Saver Windows applied to their home at a low cost!

WESTERN EXTREME COMPOSITE SIDING ENERGY SAVER WINDOWS

• Featuring Infrablock Technology • Engineered specifically for the Western climate • NEVER REQUIRES PAINTING • 200 mph windload • Full insulation package • Exclusive Double Lifetime Warranty

• #1 rated manufacturer in North America • Western climate ENERGY STAR package • Custom made for an exact fit • Tilt in sashes for easy cleaning • Lifetime warranty

BE PART OF OUR SHOW HOME CAMPAIGN AND SAVE! Beautify Your Home Today With New Siding & Windows

Both of these amazing new products are being introduced to your market. We will make it worth your while if you allow us to show your home. Call now for show home details!

LIMITED TIME OFFER 5 Homes Only Call Now To Qualify

Financing Available WAC

CALL NOW! Nationwide Builders 888-540-0334

Limited Time Offer. 3 generations of experience at work for you. www.nbcindustries.com

Garrett Ammon and Dawn Fay, who live in Adams County, the 12-member troupe is Denver’s second largest dance company. As former principals with Ballet Memphis, both Ammon and Fay are accomplished dancers in their own right. Both are retired from the stage but if anything, their explosive creativity has only increased – enlivening the local arts scene with full-length, original story ballets, often in collaboration with local musicians, visual artists, poets and even a local magician. In a way, their collaborative approach evokes the birth of contemporary ballet in turn-of-the-century Paris, when impresario Sergei Diaghilev gathered dancers, composers, artists and writers together to form the legendary Ballets Russes. A mid-century modern fairy tale

On Feb. 22, Wonderbound will raise the curtain on “Awakening Beauty,” a new ballet created by Artistic Director Ammon and Denver musician Tom Hagerman, known for his Grammy-nominated band, DeVotchKa. The story draws on Peter Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “Sleeping Beauty.” In Ammon’s version, the young heroine, Talia, will take charge of her own journey to adulthood instead of snoozing while Prince Charming hacks his way through a wall of thorns. Her castle will have a distinctly mid-century

modern feel. Ammon choreographs while in rehearsal with the dancers. Often, he said, the characters take on a life of their own. “Sometimes things I thought were … pivotal … won’t make any sense in the rehearsal process.” He compared it to writing a novel. “You discover things as you go along.” To create the ballet, Ammon said he read many coming-of-age stories about young girls entering their teenage years. He also looked backward in time. The name Talia, he said, comes from an earlier – and much grimmer — 17th-centuryItalian version of the fairy tale. Wonderbound’s retelling will also lean toward the dark side. “This is not Disney,” declares a press release. A beehive of creativity

Wonderbound Artistic Director Garrett Ammon poses with the mid-century modern-style sets he designed for “Beauty Awakening.” A retired ballet dancer, Ammon is primarily involved in choreography and draws on a life-long love of visual arts to create the right setting for each of his ballets. In addition to creating the story and choreography for “Awakening Beauty,” Ammon also designed the striking, geometric sets. “Here we wear a lot of hats,” he said. Fay, who serves as Wonderbound’s president, also wears many hats. As a classically trained ballerina, she has danced many a Sugar Plum Fairy – and when she isn’t fundraising, writing grants, working on the budget or meeting with the board, she teaches classical technique and rehearses the dancers. She also designs all the costumes. As Ammon develops the story for each ballet, Fay works with him closely to make sure the costumes are a good psychological fit. Tango-inflected melodies

In setting this dark fairy tale to music, Hagerman said he used some of Tchaikovsky’s familiar themes, while creating a score that is largely new. He and six other musicians will play tango-inflected melodies complete with the sensual wail of the bandoneon. Denver musician Tom HagerSEE WONDERBOUND, P25

February 15, 2024

the focus is on these amazing things I didn’t know I could do,” said dance a love scene with Nathan dancers.” the California-born dancer, who Mariano, who is also in his second WONDERBOUND when In turn, Fay said working with mu- now lives in Denver’s Cherry Creek. season with the company. He too FROM PAGE 24

man, pictured on the far left, composed the score for Wonderbound’s “Awakening Beauty.” To his right are musicians Sara Parkinson, Evan Orman and Susan Cahill. Not pictured are musicians Shane Endsley, Jocelyn Hach and Nadya Hill, who will round out the onstage band. “I call it my ‘little devil box,’” said Hagerman, who finds the bandoneon tougher to play than its cousin, the accordion. A prolific musician who plays many instruments and operates two different bands, Hagerman said he especially enjoys working with Wonderbound. “When you write music for dance, there’s a storyline, there’s richness,” he said. “It’s definitely more fun

sicians onstage is “a magical thing” that allows dancers to be in conversation with the music. Dancers drawn to the unconventional

Danielle Lieberman, who will dance the leading role of Talia in “Awakening Beauty,” started her career in competition hip hop. Ballet won her over when she was cast as a mouse in the Nutcracker at age 10. She was first drawn to Wonderbound by its nonconformist style, including the chance to leave her pointe shoes behind. “I felt dancing in pointe shoes held me back a little bit,” Lieberman said. Minus those stiffly reinforced soles, she said she felt more freedom of movement. “I discovered I could do a lot of

“Our partnering requires the woman to handle the men just as much as they handle us. It’s very different from classical ballet which requires women to be light and dainty. This has taught me a lot more about being powerful,” Lieberman added. She also enjoys the company’s informal style, which encourages performers to connect with the audience. “We go out in the lobby and talk to people after the show. They’re so receptive. I just love that,” she said. Although the central character in Wonderbound’s “Awakening Beauty,” Talia, danced by Danielle Lieberman, left, confronts darkness on her journey to adulthood, she also finds love with A Boy, portrayed by Nathan Mariano, also pictured. In “Awakening Beauty,” she will

enjoys Wonderbound’s kinetic style of partnering. “We’re not just hoisting women. Sometimes we’re on the floor, all tangled up together, using arms, legs, core — the entire body,” Mariano said. Growing up in northern Minnesota, Mariano was active in community theater. Now a resident of Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, he relishes the chance to dance in full-length dramatic works instead of the short, abstract ballets more common in contemporary dance. In fact, that’s what motivated him to audition for Wonderbound in the first place. “I love theater,” he said. “I love telling a story.” And that seems to be what Wonderbound does best.

February 15, 2024Fe

Homeowners can delay property tax payments Under the program, homeowners don’t have to pay any portion of their deferred tax amount — including interest — so long as they continue to reapply, according to the Colorado Department of the Treasury. “As long as the homeowner reapplies each year, they don’t have to pay until they don’t apply,” said Sheena Kadi, spokesperson for the department. The current deferral interest rate is 4.125%. That means after a year, the deferred tax amount will have grown by that percentage.

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORACOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If you’re staring at your property tax bill and having a meltdown, a Colorado program might offer you relief. The state’s Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners to push their property tax payment down the road, potentially for years — depending on eligibility. “Anytime we can keep folks in their homes and help them find tax relief at the same time is a win for Coloradans,” Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young said in a prepared statement. Homeowners can delay, or “defer,” tax payment for as long as they own their home. The program charges interest — or a slow yearly increase — in the amount of taxes you owe. Here’s how the program works.

Other criteria

Other eligibility criteria include: • The property claiming the deferral must be owner occupied, meaning the taxpayer must, by themselves or with another person, reside at the property • All property taxes for years before 2024 must be paid • For the growth cap-based deferrals, the property must not be income producing, meaning the property is not used for financial gain.

Who is eligible

Colorado’s deferral program has traditionally helped seniors and active military personnel, but it was expanded last year to provide relief to homeowners affected by increased property taxes for the tax years including and between 2020 to 2023. (2023 property taxes are what you’re billed for this year.) The application period closes on April 1. Homeowners who aren’t seniors or active military can apply under different criteria — they’re eligible if their property taxes increased above what the program calls a “growth cap.” The tax-growth cap is met when the current year’s property tax amount has increased 4% or more compared to the average of the two preceding tax years’ amounts.

A vast view of homes from Bluffs Regional Park and Trail in Lone Tree in October PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW 2022.

Given the headline-grabbing spikes in property values — as calculated for tax purposes — last year in the Front Range and other parts of the state, many homeowners will likely qualify for the program because of how much their home’s property tax bill has increased. Ins and outs

The program does not exempt homeowners from paying taxes but, rather, serves as a loan that a home-

owner pays later. Seniors and active military can defer for as long as they own their home and they reapply for deferral each year. Others applying under the tax growthbased eligibility can defer for as long as they own their home and reapply each year — as long as the amount being deferred does not exceed $10,000. For example, if you applied last year and were granted a $6,000 deferral and then apply again this year, only $4,000 more could be deferred.

To apply

Homeowners can learn more by calling 833-634-2513 toll free or emailing cotreasproptax@state.co.us People in some areas may need to wait for their county to upload data before they’re able to apply, Kadi said on Feb. 8. Looking for tax exemptions?

For information on property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans and gold star spouses orfor senior citizens, email dola_dpt_frontdesk@ state.co.us or call 303-864-7777 or 303864-7758.

Tosoutheast advertise Serving the Denveryour place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email area eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com Castle Rock/Franktown

Greenwood Village

Parker

Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m. Meditation before service - 9:30 a.m. Cimarron Middle School

Join us in respecting & honoring all lives and faiths

YOUR AD HERE

WORLD MISSION CHURCH (KOREAN CHURCH)

7249 E. Park Dr. Franktown, CO TIME: 10:30 PM PHONE: 303-688-1004 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Congregation Beth Shalom Serving the Southeast Denver area

Call or check our website for information on services and social events! www.cbsdenver.org

303-505-9236

12130 Canterberry Pkwy, Parker, CO 80138 www.CSLParker.org • (303) 805-9890

10:45AM Sunday Services Check out our website for events and information

prairieuu.org

Advertise Your Place of Worship

HERE

February 15, 2024

Colorado deadlier for pedestrians and cyclists BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

The number of pedestrians killed on Colorado streets reached an alltime high last year, painting a grim picture of traffic safety, a year after the state recorded the largest number of road deaths in more than four decades. While traffic deaths saw a slight dip last year, the picture isn’t getting any brighter for those traveling by foot or bike. Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation shows the number of cyclist deaths jumped by 33% last year to 20, up from 15 in 2022, and the number of pedestrians killed on Colorado’s streets reached a new high. Colorado saw a significant uptick in pedestrian deaths in 2020 when 93 people were killed while walking along or across the state’s streets compared with 76 in 2019, and the number has continued to rise. Last year, at least 131 pedestrians were killed — an overwhelming majority of them at night. “A lot of people die just moving from point A to point B,” said Pete Piccolo, executive director of the advocacy group Bicycle Colorado. “And it seems as though unless you’re impacted by traffic violence, it’s almost normalized.”

“The fact that 12,982 people died in Colorado (since 2002) going to school, going to work, going to the grocery store, it is really an unbelievable thing that we cannot figure out how to move around our communities without killing each other,” Piccolo said. Preliminary data shows that last year, 712 people were killed on Colorado’s roads, including 20 cyclists, 134 motorcyclists and scooter riders and more than 300 drivers. In 2022, 764 people were killed in traffic crashes. The causes aren’t easy to identify and there are several theories to explain how driver and pedestrian behaviors, road design and vehicle size all fit together. While rising pedestrian deaths match a nationwide trend, it isn’t one that has occurred in other countries of comparable wealth, where pedestrian and cyclist deaths have generally been declining, not rising. The number of pedestrians killed by drivers in the U.S. has been climbing for more than a decade and in 2022, they reached a 40-year high when more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed. The Colorado Sun parsed last year’s data on traffic deaths and spoke to experts about the numbers. Here’s what we found: More than 2 in 3 pedestrians were

killed last year between sunset and sunrise. In Colorado last year, 67% of pedestrians died while walking across or along the road in the dark, data from CDOT shows. The data shows that of the people who died at night, 65 were in areas with streetlights and 16 were in areas that had no lights at all. “A lot of times you’ll have street lights, but not necessarily a really visible crosswalk,” said Annelies Van Vonno, CDOT’s bicycle and pedestrian planning coordinator. Since crash data from 2023 is still being evaluated, final data could vary. Officials expect the year’s total number of traffic crashes to represent a 5% decrease from 2022, a spokesman said. The pedestrians who were killed included three people age 10 and younger and eight people between the ages of 11 and 20. More than three-quarters of the pedestrians killed were male and all but one of the cyclists killed on Colorado’s roads were male, preliminary data shows. “(Men) are overwhelmingly represented as both victims and offenders in traffic crashes,” said Sam Cole, CDOT’s safety communications manager. “They tend to be young. And what do we know about young men? They tend to be risk-takers.”

Research also shows that more men tend to bike compared to women and men could have the tendency to walk more often at night compared to women, Van Vonno said. Cycling deaths are on the rise After three consecutive years without an increase in cyclist deaths, the number of people killed while riding a bike in Colorado jumped to 20 last year. Among the bicyclists killed in 2023 were 13-year-old Liam Stewart, who was struck by a car while riding his bike to his middle school in Littleton, and 17-year-old Magnus White, who was training for the upcoming world championships in Scotland when he was struck near Boulder by a driver who fell asleep and drifted from her lane. Colorado’s growing population could be contributing to the rise in traffic deaths with more people on foot, bike, electric scooters and vehicles sharing the road, said Piccolo, with Bicycle Colorado. Five times the number of cyclists died in 2023 compared with 2003, when three cyclists were killed. The state’s population has also soared in the past two decades with census data swelling to 5.8 million in 2023 from 4.5 million in 2003. “We’ve got a lot more cars, a lot SEE CRASHES, P28

CLOG-FREE GUTTERS

FOREVER TH GU

Free Estimates and Second Opinions for New Heating and Cooling Systems Many Payment Options to choose from Service Available Seven Days a Week Licensed and Professional Technicians

Call today! (888) 489-2934

$49

Cooling or Heating System Tune Up

SAVE UP TO

$2000

on a New Cooling and Heating System with our Buy Back Program!

Price valid for one working unit. Excludes oil fired systems. Valid at participating ARS® Network locations. Not valid for third party, new construction, or commercial customers, with any other offers, discounts, or on prior sales. Call service center for details. Coupon required at time of service. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited. Any other use may constitute fraud. Cash value $.001. Offer expires 3/31/2024.

Savings requires purchase and installation of select complete heating and cooling system. Removal and disposal by Company of existing heating and cooling system required. Valid at participating ARS® Network locations. Not valid for third party, new construction, or commercial customers, with any other offers, discounts, or on prior sales. Call service center for details. Coupon required at time of service. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited. Any other use may constitute fraud. Cash value $.001. Offer expires 3/31/2024.

License numbers available at americanresidential.com/licenses

NATIO

ter

fFil

Lea

’S

RE EFO

Schedule Soon & Save Up to $2000!

ter

fFil

Lea

ER AFT

Keep Your Family Warm This Winter

ER GUA

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

15% + 10 % + 0% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

SENIORS & MILITARY!

OFF

APR FOR 24 MONTHS**

Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING*

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-855-402-9138

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST **Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 24 mo. apply to qualifying purchases of $1,000 or more with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments will not pay off balance before end of promotional period. APR for new purchases is 28.99%. Effective - 01/01/2023 - subject to change. Call 1-800-431-5921 for complete details.2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. Offer valid at time of estimate only. See Representative for full warranty details. Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMTMercer Group in Ohio. AR #0366920922, CA #1035795, CT #HIC.0649905, FL #CBC056678, IA #C127230, ID #RCE-51604, LA #559544, MA #176447, MD #MHIC148329, MI # 2102212986, #262000022, #262000403, #2106212946, MN #IR731804, MT #226192, ND 47304, NE #50145-22, NJ #13VH09953900, NM #408693, NV #0086990, NY #H-19114, H-52229, OR #218294, PA #PA069383, RI #GC-41354, TN #7656, UT #10783658-5501, VA #2705169445, WA #LEAFFNW822JZ, WV #WV056912.

CRASHES FROM PAGE 27

more people on bikes, a lot more people on foot and one-wheeled scooters, within this essentially the same built environment,” Piccolo said. Generally, data shows that more deaths happen in urban areas, with more cars and bikes on the roads and more people walking or biking to public transportation, and a higher number of commuters are killed compared to recreational riders, Piccolo said. But in the end, the deaths don’t discriminate. “It is everyone,” Piccolo said of the demographics. “At the end of the day, it is young and old. It is rural and urban, it is a commuter and recreational rider. It has impacted everyone now.” Lawmakers this year are considering two bills intended to make Colorado’s roads safer for cyclists. It’s currently illegal in Colorado to text and drive. But Senate Bill 65, also known as the “hands-free bill,” would ban all cellphone use while driving, unless drivers are using a hands-free device. Current law only prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a cellphone while driving. Senate Bill 36 would provide transportation funding for bike lanes, pedestrian walkways and crosswalk lighting, among other safety improvements, by imposing a small fee for each driver during registration in Colorado’s 12 most populous counties — calculated based on a vehicle’s weight. Senate Bill 65 has been introduced in prior years and failed to pass, Piccolo said. “This is one public health crisis where we know what the solutions

February 15, 2024Fe are,” he said. “So the challenge isn’t figuring out what to do, the challenge is finding the will to implement them.” The highest number of pedestrian deaths happened in urban, more populated areas Denver saw the highest number of pedestrian fatalities with 24, followed by 15 in Adams County, and 14 in El Paso County, data shows. Urban arterial roads are overwhelmingly the most dangerous for pedestrians because of the high speed of cars and the extended exposure for pedestrians before reaching the other side, Van Vonno said. “When you have to cross six or eight lanes of traffic, it just takes a longer time,” she said. Arterial roads are designed similarly to highways, but with more cross streets, and often have a limited number of crosswalks. “If it’s gonna take you a quarter-mile, half a mile to walk to the nearest crosswalk, you might just take your chances in traffic and try to dash across the road,” Van Vonno said. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what causes each crash, distracted driving is a growing concern, Colorado State Patrol Master Trooper Gary Cutler said. A recent report from The Schiller Kessler Group, a Florida-based law group, which used data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, shows that Colorado has the highest number of pedestrian deaths occurring at intersections in the country. Of the 433 pedestrian deaths recorded in Colorado between 2017 and 2021, 138 were at intersections, accounting for nearly 32% of pedestrian deaths, data shows. Nationwide, pedestrian deaths occur at intersections

17% of the time, according to NHTSA data. Last year, Colorado State Patrol recorded 36 pedestrians or bikers who were struck, but not necessarily killed. Twenty-five of those crashes were a result of a driver failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk and three collisions happened at a crosswalk where there were flashing lights, Cutler said. Three bikers were hit when a driver failed to yield to a cyclist in a bike lane. “I believe we’re just getting as a society that we’re trying to push the limits of what we should be doing on the roadways and trying to get there faster and quicker and it’s not safe to do that,” Cutler said. Smartphones and the distractions they offer both drivers and pedestrians could be playing a huge factor in traffic fatalities, especially in the U.S. where the ubiquity of automatic transmissions frees up a driver’s hands for other uses. A CDOT survey in 2022 found that more than half of drivers in Colorado use their phone while driving. The New York Times reported that Americans spend nearly three times as much time interacting with their phones while driving compared to drivers in Britain, according to data collected by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a company that tracks dangerous driving. The data showed that distracted driving in the U.S. — detected when phones are tapped or in motion in vehicles traveling faster than 9 mph — typically peaks in the evening hours, the Times reported. Experts say bigger cars on the road could also play a factor, though car sales haven’t dramatically changed in the last few years. “As cars have gotten bigger, longer, taller, heavier, they’re hitting pedestrians and bicyclists with more force,” Van Vonno said. “The heavier a car is, the longer it takes to stop that car. Brakes are slower when you have a heavier vehicle and you have a lot of vehicles nowadays that have a very tall hood and instead of hitting a person at the leg or knee level, it’s hitting people

in the chest.” In 2023, the most registered car in Colorado was a Ford F-150, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado, two massive trucks with high front ends, according to data from the Division of Motor Vehicles. The best-selling car nationwide in 1990 was a Honda Accord, a much smaller sedan. “At the end of the day, when a car and a bike come into conflict, it’s the pedestrian who’s going to lose,” she said. “A person in a car might be safe, but you might kill somebody and I don’t think anyone wants to be responsible for that.” 226 people were killed in an impairment-related crash Impairment-related crashes were down last year compared with 2022, but still 226 people lost their lives. “There’s not a soul in the U.S. that doesn’t know if you get behind the wheel (while impaired) that you could end up killing somebody. So getting behind the wheel, knowing that information, is selfish, it’s careless and reckless,” Cutler said. A variety of factors could contribute to the dip in traffic fatalities in 2023, Cutler said, including increased technology in newer cars that reminds drivers to fasten their seatbelts. Enforcement is also up, with a team of state troopers stationed in parts of the state to target impaired driving and various campaigns to warn against dangerous driving behaviors, including aggressive driving, he said. For safer roads, drivers need to stop thinking about pedestrians and cyclists as an afterthought, Cole with CDOT said. “We need a wholesale shift in the way drivers think about safety and sharing the road,” Cole said. “Too many people drive without a consideration to the increasing number of roadway users out there.” This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state. CLAIM YOUR

PORTABLE OXYGEN FOR YOUR ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE

14-DAY

Call us toll-free at

1-844-823-0293 1 14-day risk-free trial- Return within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price.

PM230469 EN_EX_USA | Rx Only. © 2023 Inogen, Inc. 301 Coromar Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

RISK-FREE TRIAL1

February 15, 2024

DENTAL Insurance Great coverage for retirees. Coverage for cleanings, fillings, crowns — even dentures! Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Go to any dentist, but save more with one in our network

Helps cover No deductible, over 400 no annual procedures maximum

100% preventive care when you see in-network provider

Get your FREE Information Kit It’s easy! Call today

1-855-993-1460

or go to Dental50Plus.com/Rockymtn

Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual.com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY, VA – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469, P150/B439 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

6347

P R E C IS E RE PA IR , GE NU INE CARE

Keep your home safe with concrete repair

BEFORE

Worrying about your uneven or cracked concrete can make owning a home very stressful. By investing in concrete repair, you can fix your driveway, walkways, patio, and more in one easy lift.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE

877-734-1105

AFTER

February 15, 2024Fe

Scileppi’s reopens after wall fall at old Castle Rock church BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A 136-year-old church turned Italian restaurant in Castle Rock has reopened only days after a building wall collapsed during construction to expand the restaurant. The owners of Scileppi’s said in a Facebook post on that the restaurant is open again for dine-in service and back to normal business hours. “The town, construction crews, engineers, and everyone else involved have been working round the clock to ensure the church is safe to occupy and ready for patrons,” the Feb. 6 post says. “We are so thankful to have so many people in our corner to get us to today.”

The restaurant suffered a wall collapse on Jan. 31 and closed while repairs got underway. Castle Rock Communications Director Melissa Hoelting said the fallen wall appeared to be an “unintended” result of excavation work for the foundation of a 6,000-square-foot addition. The site had yet to have its first inspection because the construction was in the early stages, Hoelting said. “The first building inspections by Town staff that would be needed would be related to the new underground plumbing work, which has not yet occurred,” she said in an email. Built in 1888 as a Catholic church, the stone Victorian Gothic structure has seen several changes over its life-

A wall at the 136-year-old church turned Scileppi’s restaurant collapsed on Feb. 1 during excavation for a 6,000-squarefoot addition. Repairs are underway though a timeline is unclear. PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

time, including damaging events and various additions. Until 1966, the building was the St Francis of Asissi Catholic Church. Then it served briefly as a Protestant church until it was transformed into a restaurant in 1969. In 2004, the church suffered a fire that burned down the rear addition. Scileppi Properties bought the restaurant in 2018 and in 2023 received approvals from town staff to add a rear addition and basement. Hoelting said the site plans met all of the town code’s requirements and the building plans were reviewed by the building department. While the church is historically significant, it is not a designated historic landmark.

PICTURE PERFECT, NOW

YOU TASTE IT Experience a steak that’s hand-carved by master butchers, perfectly aged to

maximize tenderness, and double-trimmed to remove imperfections. This isn’t a steak – this is Omaha Steaks.

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

Protein-Packed Assortment

4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (5 oz.) 4 Boneless Pork Chops (6 oz.) 4 PureGround Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.) 4 Potatoes au Gratin (2.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE PureGround Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.)

– GET 8 – BURGERS

FREE

75039DQC separately $313.93

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

12999

Order Now! OmahaSteaks.com/TasteIt2146 | 1.833.515.0567 Ask for your FREE burgers with offer 75039DQC Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. 8 free 6 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 75039. Standard S&H added per address. Offer available while supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI. Expires 03/31/24. 24M5250 | Omaha Steaks, LLC

February 15, 2024

Save on Windows and Doors! BUY ONE, GET ONE

40OFF %

A ND 1

0 Money Down $0 Interest $0 Monthly Payments $

for 12 months1

INTEREST ACCRUES FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT IS WAIVED IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS – MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4

4.7 OUT OF 5 BASED ON 95,000+ REVIEWS “My overall experience was great. I love the window, and from sales to scheduling, the experience was very good. The installers are highly skilled professionals and I would recommend Renewal by Andersen to all my contacts.” – LYNN F. | RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN CUSTOMER

49%

KEEP THE HEAT IN AND THE COLD AIR OUT! Solving your window problems and having a comfortable home is easy and enjoyable when you choose Renewal by Andersen. Take advantage of this great offer to save money on your window project – and help save on high energy bills for years to come!

2 CIENT MORE EFFI

Keep the heat in and the cold out.

Call by April 30 for your FREE consultation.

855-658-6864

DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 4/30/2024. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 12/25/2023 and 4/30/2024. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. CA License CLSB #1050316. Central CA License #1096271. License #RCE-50303. OR License #198571. WA License #RENEWAP877BM. WA License #RENEWAW856K6. FL License #CGC1527613. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. 2Values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen® double-hung window U-Factor to the U-Factor for clear dual-pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables. "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2024 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. This was delivered via your local newspaper. RBA13669 *Using U.S. and imported parts.

February 15, 2024Fe

NEVER WILL I EVER... BY MARC VARGAS • ZAZ@CAMPVARGAS.COM

...HAVE TO TURN THE HEAT UP AGAIN.

Solution

Crossword Solution

February 15, 2024

.com/Classifieds

DEADLINES:

CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: FRIDAY, 12 P.M.

SERVICE DIRECTORY: WEDNESDAY, 5 P.M.

LEGALS: TUESDAY 5 P.M.

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

REAL ESTATE & RENTAL

CAREERS Help Wanted

Help Wanted Special Education Teacher For a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year. Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required. BA salary range $41,000$47,300 & MA salary range $46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 7752342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS AND CLASSIFIED LINE ADS

Do you love being a part of your local community helping businesses grow? If you like to talk to people we want to talk to you! We are currently hiring for a local Marketing Engagement Specialist in the Golden area!

Please send resume to

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MARKETPLACE Colorado Statewide Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Sports Pack 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE, Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-725-0897 AMERIGLIDE Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-877-418-1883

PORTABLE OXYGEN Portable Oxygen Concentrator. May be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independece and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free Information Kit! Call: 844-823-0293

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET Free High Speed Internet for those that qualify. Goverment program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefit, Lifeline, Tribal. 15GB Internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free Shipping & Handling. Call MaxsipTelecom Today: 1-866-654-9429

Cemetery Plots

Home for Sale We have a rare property with a fully permitted Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) near the highlights. The property is 90% completed to allow for customization.

The last buyer would be a mid to older age couple who would like to have additional space for guest and for them to have private space. The home is all on one level.

The property is 2,300 square feet with a 560 sq. foot ADU with 2 car garage and space for RV parking—the unit has solar.

Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV parking or off street parking for the ADU.

The property is best as an investment property with the main unit renting out as a Short Term Rental for around $5000/month. The ADU will rent out $4000/month for a total of $9K/month. There are so many individuals and families that want to come to Colorado for an adventure and see Red Rocks Parks, Garden of the Gods, The Air Force Academy and of course check out our great skiing and beer. We will list the property on Air BNB and or VRBO for no charge and run the rental for 90 days at no charge and hand over to you turnkey.

FOR SALE Inside eye level cript for sale at Crown Hill. Located inside front mausoleum facing Wadsworth. Worth $16,000 selling for $10,972. Call 303-480-0320 or 720-620-2731.

Cemetery Plots Golden Cemetery Plots 12 choice plots at bargain price. $2000 or best offer. dstruck9@comcast.net

Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@ levelengineering.com

Real Estate Brokers

The property has an amazing open space kitchen with a large master bed room, large walk in closet and wow ensuite bathroom. The property is superb for entertaining with a large deck and breakfast nook. The 2nd buyer is a young couple that would live in one unit and rent out the other to cover their payment. We are offering a 2-1 buydown for a full price offer. The interest rate will be around 5% in year one and 6% in year 2. The 3rd buyer is a family care situation where one will support the other but do not want to be too close.

Classifieds

Continues Next Page

February 15, 2024Fe

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

Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles

1959 Ford Thunderbird. $20,000 Call 303-431-1412 Firewood

Old Crows Antiques featuring The Root Beer Bar An Antique destination in Littleton Colorado Join us on Memory Lane. Something for everyone. Visit us for store info Instagram: @oldcrowsantiques www.facebook.com/ oldcrowsantiques www.oldcrows antiques.com 303-973-8648 10081 W. Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO 80127

Miscellaneous

Wanted

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

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809

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

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re cutting installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 3/31/24 Call 1-844-501-3208

Any condition • Running or not No title OK • Free towing • Under $850

Pets

Chunky’s Towing

Autos for Sale

Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173

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

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

Miscellaneous MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-4893936 Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234 Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707 BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725 Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833-308-1971

Cash for all Vehicles!

Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUV’s

(303)741-0762

Cell: (303)918-2185 for texting Bestcashforcarsco.com

Transportation Wanted

Dogs

720-560-6763

Doodle Puppies

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

Classifieds

Continues Next Page

SERVICE DIRECTORY Air Conditioning Serving the Front Range since 1955 Furnaces • Boilers • Water Heaters Rooftop HVAC • Mobile Furnaces Commercial • Residential Install • Repair • Replace

AC, Furnace and Boiler Specials

Free Estimates • 720-327-9214

Serving the Front Range since 1955 Residential • Install • Repair • Replace

WINTER FURNACE SPECIALS 720-327-9214

Blinds

BLIND REPAIR Blinds Break, We Fix ‘Em! Most Major Manufacturers of Blinds, Shades & Shutters.

Call 303-564-4809 For Mobile Repair

Buildings, Metal

METALBUILDING OUTLET CORP.

LOCAL BUILDINGS FOR 30+ YEARS! · SHOPS & GARAGES · EQUIPMENT STORAGE · SELF STORAGE · BARNS & AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS · EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES · COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS · AND MORE...

We come to you for in home repairs.

303.948.2038

METALBUILDINGOUTLET.COM

February 15, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY Deck/Patio

Carpet/Flooring

WOOD

Great Floors. Great Impressions.

. ,

FOOTPRINTS HARDWOOD, TILE,

UTDOOR

Fence Services

ESIGNS, INC

“Specializing in Composite Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years” INC

ESIGNS, UTDOOR• Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs •

Call today for a free estimate!

“Specializing in Composite Redwood “Specializing in Composite and Cedar Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years”

720-344-0939 | FOOTPRINTSFLOORS.COM 20-344-0939

303-471-2323

ors. Impressions.

floors BACKSPLASHES & LAMINATES

day for a free estimate!

Cowboy Fencing is a full service residental fencing company installing fences in Colorado for 28 years. Great fences make great neighbors. Low rates. Free estimates.

Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs

Construction for • Decks • Years” Fences • Stairs • Overhangs • Over 30

720-364-5270

Drywall

Handyman

FOOTPRINTSFLOORS COM

Cleaning

PROMAID CLEANING Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly Move-In • Move-Out

Sheetrock & Drywall Framing Specialist EPA Certified Painter, Interior/Exterior Demolition • Insured 7+ Years Experience!

303-471-2323 ®

ProMaidsInc@yahoo.com

Concrete/Paving

REPAIRS & REMODELING HOMEHOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

• Drywall • Painting • Tile • Trim • Drywall • Painting••Doors Tile •• Trim • Doors • Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel • Kitchen Remodels MuchMore! More! • Kitchen Remodels••Basements Basements &&Much Mark Up Materialsyou 25%-35% We Never MarkWe UpNever Materials • Saving Saving you•25%-35% All Work Guaranteed A+ BBB Rated All Work Guaranteed • A+ BBB Rated

Home Improvement Room Builders LLC.

FREE ESTIMATES Call Today: 720-225-7176 Licensed with excellent references

Call Today for a FREE ESTIMATE: 303-427-2955 Call Today for a FREE ESTIMATE

Toll Free 866-552-6987 Cell: 646-825-1716

303-427-2955

DESPAIN’S

HOME SOLUTIONS

A Patch To Match

Solving All your Remodeling & Repair Problems – Just Ask!

Drywall Repair Specialist

DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE SERVICE Over 30 Years Experience Licensed & Insured

• Home Renovation and Remodel • 30 Years Experience • Insured • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Eric DeSpain 303-840-1874

Highly rated & screened contractor by Home Advisor & Angies list

• All Concrete • Tear Out • Patios

• Driveways • Anything • Curb & Gutter Concrete • Walls

303-888-7595

Ed 720-328-5039 Estate Planning

HANDYMAN

Repairs • Install Fixtures, Appliance • Plumbing Electrical • Expert Tile • Kitchen/ Bath Remodel • Decks 35 yrs. experience • Licensed, Insured • References

Wes 720-697-3290

Deck/Patio

DECKS BEST PRICES 30+ years experience

Clem: 303-973-6991 FREE ESTIMATES

Hauling Service

Cut Rate Hauling

Cut Rate Hauling WILLS AND TRUSTS Kurt E. Walberg, P.C. Esq.

Trash / Rubbish / Debris Trash / Rubbish / Debris and Junk Removal and Junk Removal

Professional and Reliable Year Round Service

Professional and Reliable Call now to schedule a no cost appointment Year Round ServiceRubin (720)434-8042 | Kerwin (720) 519-5559 720.772.7565 • dawn@kewpclaw.com Rubin (720)434-8042 Kerwin (720) 519-5559

Classifieds Continues Next Page

February 15, 2024F

SERVICE DIRECTORY Heating & Air Conditioning

IS YOUR FURNACE 10 YEARS OLD OR OLDER? MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON!

$49.99 FURNACE INSPECTION WITH CO DETECTION Call and schedule today - 303.909.2018 OFFER EXPIRES 11/30/2023. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS.

Lawn/Garden Services

Colorado Lawn Care Fall & Winter: Landscaping, Fall Aeration, Overseed, Fertilizer, Gutter Cleaning, Lawn/Leaf Cleanup, Fence & Deck Install/Repair, Tree & Shrub Trimming/ Removal, Snow Removal, Residential/Commercial

scottcindy4242@gmail.com | Licensed/Insured

720-202-9975 Painting

• Benjamin Moore Paints • Labor and Materials Warranty • Free Estimates • Color Consultation Included • Kind/Highly Communicative Staff Helpful Ace Hardware Pro Painters is a residential painting company which specializes in exterior and interior painting. Our core values are honesty, integrity, service, quality and beauty and our focus is on delivering an outstanding customer experience. We currently include a full color consult, test pints and a detailed walkthrough with all of our paint jobs.

Give us a call to set up a free estimate! (720) 432-6125 helpfulacehardwarepropainters.com

DANIEL’S PAINTING

exterior • interior • residential repaints Re-caulk all home complete prime all caulked areas / replace any damaged boards / popcorn removal drywall and texture repair / fences and decks / insured and bonded

720-301-0442

Painting

Roofing/Gutters

Have a Hail Damaged Roof? Residential Experts

Residential Experts paintHomes over 800Per Homes Per No YearDeposit Ever We paint overWe800 Year. No Deposit Ever Satisfaction Guaranteed. 5 year, 7 year and 9 year Satisfaction Guaranteed 5 year, 7 year and 9 year Exterior Warranties Exterior Warranties. 2 Yr. Interior Warranty 2 Yr. Interior Warranty & Insured up to $2 Million Licensed & Insured Licensed up to $2 Million. Locally Owned and Operated Locally Owned and Operated In business for 29 years. FreeforColor Consulting & Samples In business 29 years

- Gutter cleaning /gutter covers available now - We are 100% Local & Have Great References - Roofing • Siding • Paint • Windows • Gutters - Call Dave Vaughn 720-427-7422 - davegoldenspikeroofing@gmail.com

Free Color Consulting & Samples

35% Off Int. & Ext. % Off 35All All Int. & Ext.

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE

720-328-2572 CALL TODAY FOR

innovativepaintingllc.com YOUR FREE QUOTE

Siding & Windows

720-328-2572 Plumbing

www.innovativepaintingllc.com

“We’re Crazy About Plumbing” CUSTOM HOMES • REMODEL • FINISHED BASEMENTS SERVICE AND REPAIR • LICENSED & INSURED ALAN ATTWOOD, Master Plumber

PH: 303-472-8217 | FX: 303-688-8821

Siding

Siding Repairs · Insulated Vinyl and Steel Siding

Fair Pricing and Free Estimates Call Sam 720.731.8789

I am a Master Plumber that has 15 years of experience, licensed and insured, and trying to get my own business up and going. I would be grateful for the opportunity to earn your business, to help a Colorado Native business grow. Mountain Men Plumbing has been around for almost two years now!

www.MountainMenPlumbing.com Or give a call to (720) 328-8440! Roofing

Local Company Veteran Owned Integrity Focused VOTED BEST ROOFING COMPANY Complimentary Roof Inspections

303-770-7663

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com

Solar

Residential andand Commercial Residential Commer

SOLAR SYSTEMS SOLAR SYSTEM 303-770-7663 303-647-3173

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com www.ValorRoofandSolar.com

Service Directory Continues Next Page

February 15, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY Tile

OOD

Great Floors. Great Impressions.

. ,

FOOTPRINTS HARDWOOD, TILE,

ressions.

floors BACKSPLASHES & LAMINATES

y for a free estimate!

Call today for a free estimate!

720-344-0939 | FOOTPRINTSFLOORS.COM 0-344-0939

OTPRINTSFLOORS COM

Thomas Flooring & Tile

Looking for something to do?

• All Types of Tile • Granite-Ceramic • • Porcelain • Natural Stone • • Vinyl • Bathroom Remodel • 32 Years Experience • Work Warranty

303-781-4919 FREE Estimates Tree Services

ABE’S TREE & SHRUB CARE Abraham Spilsbury, Owner/Operator

Certified Arborist Licensed & Insured Veteran

•Pruning

Phone: 720-283-8226 Cell: 720-979-3888

•Shrub Maintenance

•Removals •Stump Grinding •Free Estimates

Check out the calendar of events! Please support these amazing local businesses

February 15, 2024Fe

Anywhere. Anytime.

Visit us online for news on the go.

February 15, 2024

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0204 To Whom It May Concern: On 12/7/2023 8:16:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County. Original Grantor: WILLIAM LESLIE IV Original Beneficiary: ZIONS BANCORPORATION, N.A., dba VECTRA BANK COLORADO Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: ZIONS BANCORPORATION, N.A., dba VECTRA BANK COLORADO Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/27/2022 Recording Date of DOT: 10/11/2022 Reception No. of DOT: 2022066559 DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $160,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $160,074.12 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay installments of principal and interest, together with other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations of the terms thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust. Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 82, HIGHLANDS RANCH – FILING NO. 150, 4TH AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 9600 Firenze Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended. First Publication: 2/8/2024 Last Publication: 3/7/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 12/7/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

DOUGLAS W. BROWN Colorado Registration #: 10429 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 101E , GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111 Phone #: (303) 329-3363 Fax #: Attorney File #: 3230-157

First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Legal Notice No. 2023-0204 First Publication: 2/8/2024 Last Publication: 3/7/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

ALISON L. BERRY Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 23-030797

PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0193 To Whom It May Concern: On 11/28/2023 9:05:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County. Original Grantor: NADIA E. ALONSO Original Beneficiary: BELLCO CREDIT UNION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: BELLCO CREDIT UNION Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/17/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 9/23/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021109370 DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $76,500.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $77,379.43 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower's failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust. Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 290, HIGHLANDS RANCH - FILING NO. 122-G, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 10334 Hunterwood Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of

Dated: 11/28/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0193 First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0194 To Whom It May Concern: On 11/28/2023 9:24:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County. Original Grantor: DONALD R ERMEL Original Beneficiary: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 5/27/2015 Recording Date of DOT: 5/28/2015 Reception No. of DOT: 2015034703 DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $195,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $152,280.45 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower's failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust. Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 33A-C, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 121-B, 4TH AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 1235 Carlyle Park Cir, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129-5668 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale

as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended. First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 11/28/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: DAVID R DOUGHTY Colorado Registration #: 40042 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 23-031247 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0194 First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0198 To Whom It May Concern: On 11/28/2023 9:26:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County. Original Grantor: Ha Nguyen and Nang Long Original Beneficiary: Credit Union of Colorado Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Credit Union of Colorado Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/7/2022 Recording Date of DOT: 6/13/2022 Reception No. of DOT: 2022041713 DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $195,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $195,252.62 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make installment payments of principal, interest, taxes and/or insurance as provided for in the Revolving Credit Deed of Trust and Credit Agreement. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: Lot 177, Highlands Ranch Filing No. 122-G, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Which has the address of: 4575 Hunterwood Drive, Littleton, CO 80130 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended. First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 11/28/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: IMAN TEHRANI Colorado Registration #: 44076 514 KIMBARK STREET: P.O. BOX 298 , LONGMONT, COLORADO 80502-0298 Phone #: Fax #: Attorney File #: Long *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

“Trust Us!”

Legal Notice No. 2023-0198 First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.

Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Notices are meant to be noticed. Read your public notices and get involved!

Highlands Ranch Legals February 15, 2024 * 1

February 15, 2024Fe

FROM OUR COMMUNITY TO YOURS We hit over $30,000 in contributions for Local News, and it’s all thanks to YOU! Local news is the heartbeat of our community. It keeps us connected and informed. Your contributions ensure that we keep bringing you the news that hits close to home.

Every dollar counts, and together, we’re keeping local news strong. Linda Shapley, publisher • lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

STAY INFORMED. STAY ENGAGED. STAY LOCAL!

ANYTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME TO GIVE. SCAN THIS CODE TODAY!