BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e results of the primaries in late June sets up a race between Republican Lauren Boebert and Democrat Trisha Calvarese for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District this November.
Boebert, who currently holds a congressional seat in Colorado’s 3rd District on the Western Slope, beat ve conservative challengers with 43% of votes. Calvarese secured her primary win by beating two Democratic candidates with 45% of votes.
Boebert, who has the endorsement of Donald Trump, seems con dent that she will win in November, saying in a statement that she and her Republican colleagues will “stand strong with President Trump when he retakes the White House.”
Boebert promised to continue to be a “conservative ghter.”
“I will continue to travel the miles, make the phone calls, and show up in communities of every size and background to earn your votes this November,” she said. “I cannot thank 4th District voters enough for trusting me to e ectively represent their interests.”
In December, Boebert posted a video posted to social media announcing plans to leave her 3rd District seat.
BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Next year, the Douglas County commissioners will have at least one new face. It could be state Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, who comfortably won a Republican primary race for one of two board seats that will appear on the ballot in November.
Van Winkle bested Priscilla Rahn, former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party, and John Carson, a former Douglas County school board president.
Calvarese
Boebert since the district is heavily conservative. COURTESY OF TRISHA CALVARESE CAMPAIGN
New England’s MLS Goes Its Own Way, Ch allenging DOJ Regarding NAR Settlement
On June 20, MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) informed its 44,600 New England subscribers that, effective immediately, they could submit listings with no offer of buyer agent compensation. That MLS field isn’t being removed, but will now designate the seller’s offer of compensation, not the broker’s.
The article about this development in Inman news service got me thinking about the rationale behind the litigation against co-op commissions and the 1st Amendment implications of prohibiting the display of a seller’s offer of an incentive for other agents to bring a buyer for their listing.
buyer’s agent to compensate. This is our policy at Golden Real Estate — a win/ win policy, under which we earn more for handling both sides of the transaction, and the seller pays less overall.
for them.
But let’s rethink that concept. Now, the listing commission in the above scenario would be 2.8%, not 5.6%, and the listing agreement would specify that the seller offers 2.8% to the buyer’s agent who represents the buyer for his home. The MLS would then have a field for displaying the seller’s offer of compensation, not the listing broker’s offer. This is where freedom of speech comes into play.
Let’s remember who has the resources to pay agents representing buyers. Unless buyers are paying cash, they’re already hard pressed to come up with the down payment and the fees charged by their loan officers. Those fees, except for the appraisal, are simply added to the principal amount of the mortgage loan, so they’re not out of pocket for buyers, but you better believe that a 4- or 5-figure agent compensation amount will be hard felt by buyers.
The many class action lawsuits regarding co-op commissions have echoed the same assertion, alleging that the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers inflates seller costs and is a conspiracy in restraint of trade, a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The change suggested in this column would, I believe, invalidate that claim.
MLS PIN made the following points in its June 20th email to subscribers:
The practice has, until now, been for the seller to agree to a listing commission which was high enough for the listing broker to share it with the agent who produced the buyer. For example, a listing commission might be 5.6%, specifying that 2.8% would be offered to a cooperating buyer’s agent.
Many, but not all, listing agents would insert in the contract a provision that the listing commission would be reduced by, say, 1%, if there was no
Price Reduced on My Model S
It still runs like new, although it has 103,000 miles on the odometer. I’m letting it go for $17,500. Call me at 303-5251851 for a test drive. You’ll love this car.
It would be stated in the listing agreement that sellers are free to offer zero compensation to brokers who produce the buyer for their home. Because offers of compensation by sellers would be published for buyers and their agents to see when searching for listings, sellers would be incentivized to offer such compensation. It’s okay for the seller to offer zero compensation, but if that results in few showings and no offers, the seller might change his mind later on. Listings suffer when the “days on market” number grows. I suspect most sellers will agree to offer something in order to increase showings and offers. It has always made sense to me that agents for buyers be compensated by the sellers. The builders of new homes will continue to offer compensation to buyer agents, with or without that offer being displayed on the MLS, knowing that failure to do so would only drive buyers to their competitors. The failure of any home seller to do the same would have the same effect.
Builders must already be excited by the conventional wisdom that buyers will have to pay the brokers who represent them, knowing the great advantage that such a belief will increase business
Coming Soon: Townhome in North Golden
$695,000
On the other hand, any compensation paid to a buyer’s agent by the seller is not paid upfront, but is taken from the seller’s proceeds, which makes it much less painful. But it needs to be a conscious decision of the seller to make that offer, just like any other incentive — for example, providing money to buy down the buyer’s interest rate. The shock of seeing the buyer’s agent’s commission on the seller’s settlement statement instead of the single commission payment to the listing agent is no doubt what triggered that class action lawsuits from sellers complaining, “Why am I paying my buyer’s broker?” With the decision to incentivize buyer agents being more conscious for sellers, that shock will not be as great.
“Offers of compensation, if any, will be made by the seller. Listing brokers and cooperating brokers will no longer split commissions.
“Listing agreements must disclose that the seller is neither required to offer compensation nor required to accede to any cooperating broker’s request for compensation. The listing broker must disclose this to the seller before the seller signs the listing agreement.
“If a seller elects to offer compensation, the listing agreement must also say that the cooperating broker will be an intended thirdparty beneficiary of the agreement with the right to enforce the same.
“Before posting a listing, the listing broker must certify, in a checkbox designated for this purpose in Pinergy [the MLS app], that the listing broker has notified the seller of the seller’s rights not to offer compensation and not to accede to a cooperating broker’s request for compensation.”
Just Listed: 4-BR Home in North Arvada
$695,000
This 1967 brick ranch at 10840 W. 71st Pl. has a fully finished walk-out basement. Both the front and back yards are fenced and sprinklered. There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom and one 3/4 bathroom on the main floor and two more bedrooms sharing a 3/4 bath in the basement. With its own entrance and kitchenette, the basement could serve as a mother-in-law apartment. Both levels have wood-burning fireplaces. There’s a large covered deck on the main level and a sunroom which the seller uses as her dining room. With its ramped entrance, the main floor of this home is handicapped accessible. The kitchen was recently renovated. The location is a quiet subdivision that is nevertheless convenient to Old Towne Arvada, parks and bike paths, and the Apex Rec Center on 72nd Avenue. You can view a narrated video walk-through at www.GRElistings.com, then call Jim Smith at 303525-1851 to request a private showing.
Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac in the small and quiet Canyon Point Villas subdivision, this home at 533 High Point Drive has a commanding view of the City of Golden, the table mountains and the foothills, including the famous "M" on Mt. Zion from its recently refinished full-width wood deck. You'll appreciate the interior too, including the recently refinished hardwood floors and new carpeting, and the updated kitchen with slab granite countertops. Even the two-car garage has been painted and includes wall cabinets and other storage. You will be able to view a narrated video tour next week at www.NorthGoldenHome.com, then come to our open house on Saturday, July 13th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call Jim Smith at 303-525-1851 for a private showing.
Jim Smith
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
In-house Lender:
“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous
George Brauchler could become DA in Colorado’s newest judicial district
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Colorado’s rst new judicial district in decades could be George Brauchler. at’s because he defeated Dagny Van Der Jagt by a large margin in the Republican primary for the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s O ce.
ney, had 65% of the vote compared with Van Der Jagt’s 35% about a day after the June 25 primary, according to uno cial results.
“I’m really not surprised at the outcome in terms of victory, but I am surprised at how big it was,” Brauchler told Colorado Community Media on election night.
Brauchler chalked up the results partly to name recognition as a longtime politician who has appeared on ballots in several elections.
But “I’m telling you man, we worked freakin’ hard,” he said of his campaign team’s e ort to reach voters.
Given the conservative-leaning voter base in Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, a Democrat faces a tough road to win the seat. Should Brauchler beat Karen Breslin, who ran unopposed in the
Democratic primary, in November, he said he will bring a tough approach to crime, a philosophy he believes contrasts with other parts
“I think for this community, the opportunity to take a di erent approach to criminal justice and public safety than the people up north of us is a great opportunity,” Brauchler
In particular, he wants to say “to everybody in and out of this jurisdiction that if you steal from us, you should expect to go to jail.”
“Nobody should (expect to) get a summons and get sent home,” Brauchler said.
But he also wants to prioritize exibility in how the new DA’s o ce will process theft cases.
“I’m not saying ending people’s jobs or their families,” said Brauchler, who wants some defendants taking plea deals to serve days or weeks in jail.
“ is isn’t just retail theft. is is (about) embezzlement from companies,” added Brauchler, who wants a bigger focus on theft in general.
In a statement, Van Der Jagt congratulated her opponent and said she “will be supporting all the primary winners during the gen-
eral election including George Brauchler.”
“For the young voters following this campaign and other races, remember, you lose every opportunity you refuse,” Van Der Jagt said in the statement. “Raise your hand. Give it a try. And do it with honor.”
New o ce on way
Colorado’s court system is made up of 22 judicial districts, and a new district is on the way. Today, the 18th Judicial District includes Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties.
But state lawmakers — driven by population growth and a political split in the region — decided to break it up, moving Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties into a new district.
e 23rd Judicial District is set to launch in January 2025. e 18th Judicial District will then only include Arapahoe County.
A district attorney serves as the head prosecutor for a region of Colorado’s courts, also leading the prosecutors that work in that DA’s o ce. e o ce is responsible for prosecuting crimes that allegedly occur in the area.
In the Republican primary race, voters had a choice between
Brauchler — the region’s former DA from before the district split — and Van Der Jagt, who claims a long legal career, including as a deputy district attorney.
Brauchler’s time as DA for the 18th district was essentially bookended by shootings that horri ed the Denver suburbs: the 2012 Aurora theater shooting and the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting of 2019.
Brauchler’s successor, John Kellner, asked him to stay on as special prosecutor for the STEM School shooting trial. Brauchler’s eight years as DA for the 18th ended in 2021.
Creating a new district
In 2020, the bill to create the 23rd Judicial District passed with bipartisan support.
State Rep. Kevin Van Winkle, a Highlands Ranch Republican and a main supporter of the bill, has said putting Arapahoe County into its own district and leaving Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln in another will allow the counties to customize a district to their local needs.
“ e voters of each Douglas and Arapahoe county should be able to elect a district attorney that re ects their hometown values,” Van Winkle has said.
Karen Breslin
PHOTO VIA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE
George Brauchler COURTESY PHOTO
Shooting in Lone Tree leads to arrests
BY ISABEL GUZMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
In the early hours of June 22, the Lone Tree Police Department responded to a 911 call from a man who reported he had been shot. Officers located the 18-yearold man, with a gun wound in his shoulder, at a gas station near Lincoln Avenue and Commons
Street. The victim told police that two suspects had entered his car in the Heritage Hills neighborhood, where one shot him before both fled on foot. The police department issued an alert at 3:55 a.m. to the surrounding area as a public safety precaution.
The man with the wound was transported to Sky Ridge Medical Center and has since been treated
and released.
A police investigation discovered a group of teens and young adults at a residence on Winding Hill Way, where an altercation between them had led to the shooting. Two juvenile males were subsequently arrested and charged with attempted 2nd degree murder and robbery.
The police department said nei-
ther the victim nor the suspects are residents of Lone Tree. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Police also believe it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Lone Tree Police Department said it received assistance from the Parker Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation.
“It’s the right move for me personally, and it’s the right decision for those who support our conservative movement,” she said.
She also alleged that “Hollywood elites” were attempting to “buy the 3rd District” for Democrats.
Since then, she has moved to Windsor, in Northern Colorado, a part of the 4th Congressional District, which
After Refacing
includes Douglas County and much of the Eastern Plains.
e district is known as a conservative stronghold, meaning Calvarese faces strong headwinds in a campaign against Boebert. Calvarese also ran in the special election to represent the 4th District, but lost to Republican Greg Lopez with only 34% of the vote.
e special election was necessitated by the surprise resignation of Ken Buck, a Republican, earlier this year. Lopez, who received 58% of the vote, will be the 4th Disrict representative until January, when the winner
of the November election is sworn in.
In an email claiming victory in the Democratic primary, Calvarese thanked her supporters and acknowledged the “long way to go,” but said her success scares conservatives.
“We are in this long game together,” she said.
Calvarese’s top priorities include health care, including defending seniors and restoring reproductive rights, expanding access to education, job training programs, and infrastructure like broadband internet in rural communities.
Boebert’s primary campaign focused on issues of immigration, the economy and energy production. She touted her conservative track record and experience in Congress to stand out in the crowded eld of Republicans who agreed on a majority of issues. Douglas County played a decisive role in the primary. Local voters submitted more than 86,000 votes in the Republican and Democrat primaries. In all, about 168,000 ballots were submitted in the 4th District primaries, according to the Colorado Secretary of State O ce.
For longtime Douglas residents, Van Winkle’s success in the commissioner District 3 race may not come as a surprise. Rahn chalked the win up to the state senator’s name recognition.
“So people who see a name, you know, that’s politics,” Rahn said on the night of the June 25 election. “ at’s why I worked so hard to go door to door and try to be visible because you’re competing against a career politician.”
Van Winkle could not immediately be reached for comment on the results.
e winner in November will replace outgoing Republican Commissioner Lora omas, who cannot run for reelection because of term limits.
One Democrat — Josh Smith — ran unopposed in the primary in District 3 and automatically advanced to the general election. Meanwhile, in commissioner District 2, Angela omas won the Democratic primary in an attempt to unseat incumbent Republican Commissioner George Teal.
“Douglas County is facing exploding growth and the challenges that brings,” Angela omas said in a statement. “Our County Commission has responded with dysfunction and a failure to strategically address the needs of our citizens.”
In the primary for Teal’s seat, both Democrats, Angela omas
and Julien Bouquet, positioned themselves as an alternative to the status quo — to the all-GOP board of county commissioners, which they consider politically extreme.
County commissioner District 2 is a vast region that covers Castle Rock and the southern portion of the county, including much of Douglas’ rural areas.
Given the high number of registered Republicans in the county, a Democrat would face an uphill battle against Teal, who ran unopposed in the primary and automatically advanced to the November election.
Douglas County commissioners are elected “at large” from one of three geographic districts. at means commissioners are required to reside in di erent districts, but voters throughout the entire county cast ballots for each seat.
e board is the county’s policymaking body, approving Douglas’ annual budget and passing local laws that govern “unincorporated” areas, or those outside of city and town limits. at includes the highly populated Highlands Ranch area, and several other parts of the county.
Election night details
Van Winkle pulled away from his opponents with roughly 41% of the vote, compared with Rahn’s roughly 30% and Carson’s 29%, according to uno cial primary results.
Carson said he called Van Winkle to congratulate him on election night.
“I’ll be supporting him in the
general election,” said Carson, adding, “ e voters have spoken.”
Van Winkle says he has a “proven record” in the state legislature of ghting for conservative values.
at includes stances on “big bills such as Second Amendment bills and life bills,” referring to proposals that relate to abortion, he said during the campaign.
Van Winkle was sworn into the state Senate in 2022 and is a smallbusiness owner. He currently represents the Highlands Ranch area at the Capitol.
Meanwhile, Angela omas, a former chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party, won by a wide margin with roughly 57.5% of the vote compared with Bouquet’s 42.5%, according to uno cial primary results.
In a statement, Bouquet said his campaign was disappointed in the outcome, “but it is my duty as a candidate to accept the results of the election. It is key to our democracy.”
“We were de nitely underdogs in an uphill battle, but I am proud of how far we got. I have to say a huge thank you to my team and to the folks who donated to our campaign,” Bouquet said in the statement, adding: “I am wishing the best of luck to my Democratic candidates in the general election. ey have my full support.”
Angela omas, who spent 20 years as a social worker, wants to “bring moderation to Douglas County.”
During the campaign, omas pointed to the high cost of housing in the county.
“We need to have places for people to live who work here,” omas said. “Because people working in our hospitality industry here, they aren’t making 80, 90, $100,000 a year. ey’re making $50,000 or less.”
“I want people to recognize that not everybody in this county is afuent, and probably more people than they’d like to imagine aren’t a uent,” omas said. “ ey’re just struggling to get by.”
Kevin Van Winkle prevailed over two opponents in the Republican primary for the Douglas County District 2 commissioner seat. COURTESY PHOTO
Grant targets lead at Centennial Airport
State board approves $300,000 grant for Centennial Airport’s unleaded fuel e ort
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Centennial Airport will get a $300,000 grant to support an ongoing program to provide more environmentally friendly unleaded fuel for the facility’s piston-powered aircraft. Neighbors and other critics have targeted both Centennial Airport in Arapahoe County and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomeld for using lead fuel in their small aircraft. Lead fuel is a leading cause of air pollution and contributes to health problems for those who live near the airports, say activists. Both airports are ranked among the busiest general aviation airports in the country, according to the Pilot Institute.
e grant to Centennial from the Colorado Aeronautical Board will support a price subsidy program at the airport aimed at making the transition from lead to unleaded fuel aviation fuels more economical, according to a news release from the Colorado Aeronautical Board.
Centennial Airport in May 2023 became the rst airport in Colorado to o er unleaded aviation fuel at their JetCenters of Colorado Fixed Base Operator (FBO), the news release states.
e move marked a critical step towards eliminating lead fuels for piston aircraft in Colorado. To help address the higher cost of transitioning to unleaded aviation fuel, in 2023, the airport developed and executed an agreement with JetCenters of Colorado to implement a subsidy program, states the news release.
is program allows the FBO to provide unleaded aviation fuel at nearly the same price as its low-lead counterpart and then be reimbursed by the airport for the price di erence. To date, the subsidy program has shown promise, as over 80% of the training
An airplane takes o from Centennial Airport, located in Arapahoe County and extending into Douglas County.
been certi ed to safely use the currently available 94-octane unleaded aviation fuel. To broaden the program’s success, Centennial Airport has allocated $380,000 to support this innovative aviation fuel price subsidy program, the news release states.
e grant from the aeronautical board comes almost a month after Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1235, which focuses on reducing the negative impacts of aviation on Colorado’s communities and smoothing the transition to a safe, eetwide 100 octane unleaded fuel, the news release states.
e bill provides that the lesser of $1.5 million or 10% of the annual Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant (CDAG) Program be allocated to support Colorado public-use airport transition to unleaded aviation fuel, according to the news release.
As the only Colorado airport currently o ering unleaded aviation fuel, this year’s price subsidy funding grant to Centennial Airport will set the precedent for potential future funding of unleaded aviation fuel subsidy programs at other Colorado airports beginning with the next grant cycle in early 2025, the news release states.
Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) Chair Kent Holsinger said in the news release that “the CAB and the Division of Aeronautics are excited to help facilitate our industry’s transition to a safe, a ordable eetwide unleaded aviation fuel, as those fuels continue to be developed. We are committed to assisting airports with this transition through innovative programs like this, and future Division funding for unleaded fuel infrastructure,” he said.
“We are committed to protecting
healthy no matter where they live,” said Polis in the news release. “ is session we took action to keep Coloradans who live near airports safe, and this grant will help Centennial Airport continue its work to transition to unleaded fuel, protecting our clean air and environment. I look forward to seeing more airports follow Centennial’s lead,” Polis said.
“ ere is no safe level of lead, and HB24-1235 makes transitioning away from lead aviation fuel a top priority,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, who was a co-sponsor of the bill, in the news release.
“I applaud the Department of Transportation and the Division of Aeronautics for working to immediately implement this new law,” said Brown. “With this grant, Centennial Airport and Arapahoe County will continue to lead the way in transitioning towards unleaded fuel. I encourage airports across Colorado to follow Centennial’s lead in applying for this new funding.”
Centennial Airport Executive Director Mike Fronapfel said in the news release that “Centennial Airport is committed to being a global leader in sustainability and the transition to unleaded aviation fuel. We were the rst airport in Colorado to o er an FAA-approved alternate unleaded fuel to our customers. is happened by listening to our communities’ concerns, having a responsive airport board and elected leaders, and leveraging our strong partnerships with jetCenters of Colorado and based ight schools,” Fronapfel said.
“With the support of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, we can continue to facilitate the transition to unleaded aviation fuel not just at Centennial Airport, but across the state,” he said.
Five tips to stay on track this summer for students headed to college in the fall
BY JASON GONZALES
CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Many Colorado high school graduates have headed into this summer uncertain about college.
Some still might need an estimate of the cost, commit to enroll at a school, or nish tasks, like turning in immunization records and high school transcripts, before they show up in the fall.
While students and families might fear they’re behind for the fall, college advisers and admissions experts say they shouldn’t worry after a college-going process complicated by Free Application for Federal Student Aid issues.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle,” said Federico Rangel, a Denver Scholarship Foundation college adviser. “And it’s been hard for students to make college decisions.”
Because of the FAFSA complications, college experts worry students’ dreams of college might fade during the summer. But, they say, there are ways students and families can stay on top of the process.
Here are ve tips to remain on track this summer.
If you haven’t, fill out the FAFSA Nationally, less than half of the Class of 2024 has lled out the FAFSA, which opens the possibility of federal grants and institutional aid to attend college. About 11% fewer students have lled out the FAFSA compared to last year.
is year’s FAFSA issues started with a delay in when students could ll out the form. Problems persisted throughout much of the year. But, most problems that prevented students from lling out the form have been resolved.
Filling out the FAFSA is critical to families so they understand how much they can expect to pay.
Colleges and universities use the FAFSA to determine nancial aid for each family. Many students who struggle the most to pay for college qualify to pay a lot less or even nothing.
Most students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents cannot ll out the FAFSA, but students
who graduate from Colorado high schools can ll out the CASFA, or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. Students then can qualify for in-state tuition and aid, regardless of their immigration status.
You’re not too late to enroll in college Haven’t committed to a college or university yet? at’s OK.
Many colleges nationwide extended enrollment deadlines to June 1. But, just because the deadline has passed doesn’t mean students are too late to choose a school.
Larger agship schools like the University of Colorado Boulder might be more strict on the timing of enrollment, but Marty Somero, director of University of Northern Colorado’s nancial aid o ce, said he speaks with other admissions ofcers frequently and every public college and university will still work with students.
Smaller, regional universities like UNC in Greeley are more exible. Although the schools may have stated enrollment deadlines, Somero said, “we really don’t.”
“We just want to encourage students to make a decision as soon as possible,” he said.
Community colleges have the most exible enrollment deadlines.
“Colorado public colleges and universities are glad to work with students if they need to take just a little bit longer to make some decisions,” Somero said.
Make a list of college to-do items
Once a student commits to a college, there’s still a lot to do. Students must sign up for orientation, submit immunization records and high school transcripts, and check on housing options if they want to live on campus.
Students should keep a checklist of tasks they must complete.
“Students will need to keep things moving in the right direction so they don’t fall behind,” Somero said.
Rangel said typically he helps students prepare for college in April. But that timeline has been delayed for many students this year because they’re still waiting on nancial aid
details.
For example, Adams State University’s nancial aid o ce is holding open hours on Fridays to help any student or parent ll out the FAFSA or gure out the college-going process.
e university also plans to hold Friday and Saturday webinars throughout the summer.Students and parents can call 719-587-7306 or email onestop@adams.edu for help. To access the webinar link visit ad-
ams.edu and click on the FAFSA Fridays graphic.
Don’t hesitate to reach out Have a question?
Rangel and Somero said college advisers and admission o cers want to help.
“Students certainly should reach out to the schools,” Somero said.
Students also can keep in touch
Which college opportunities are worth the money?
BY JASON GONZALES
CHALKBEAT COLORADO
e routes to two- and four-year colleges didn’t t Maryssa McCray’s ambitions.
McCray, 19, wants to be an o cer in the Air Force. But her SAT score wasn’t high enough to enroll in the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Life events also got in the way. Her Kia Sportage got stolen. She also experienced the shock of her family needing to put down two of their dogs.
When she heard about the ASCENT program from her Rangeview High School counselors, she jumped at the chance. e program extends high school by a fth year, but allows students to attend college in that fth year. She enrolled at the Community College of Aurora as she gured out how to join the Air Force.
“I wasn’t necessarily ready to leave my family, so it kind of gave us both a little bit more time to get situated,” she said.
For students like McCray, Colorado has o ered numerous collegelevel opportunities, typically free of cost, while they attend high school. Some options introduce collegelevel classes as early as ninth grade. Others, like ASCENT, pay for students to attend college on campus at no cost and can help prevent them from dropping out of high school.
But state lawmakers are now digging deeper into the value and outcomes of these programs after a
task force highlighted problems like a lack of cohesion with these programs. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers placed an enrollment cap on ASCENT, which stands for Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment, as part of broader e orts to scrutinize the program and others that give students college and workforce experience.
While lawmakers say they’re dedicated to workforce and college programs in high school, ASCENT has faced perhaps the most skepticism because of the minimal data about it and its rising costs as more students participate.
It’s one of the state’s oldest concurrent and dual enrollment programs; lawmakers created ASCENT in 2009. Yet there’s still not a lot of information about the classes students take in college, whether they leave with a credential or degree, or whether students enter into good-paying careers, partly because collecting this data is not required.
However, the information that is available suggests ASCENT is not fullling its original mission to the extent people hoped. Originally aimed at helping students who might otherwise lack access to college, such as students without documentation, data shows that half of participants are white and three-quarters are middle-class.
District leaders say there’s value in ASCENT, even if other programs overlap somewhat with the experi-
Weekly Carrier Routes Available
Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker & Highlands Ranch Areas
•
Part-time hours
Adaptable route sizes
• No suit & tie required!
revious carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required.
no telephone inquiries - but email us at:
ence students get. But others worry about the expense and an outdated mission that doesn’t align with workforce goals.
For students like McCray, the program allowed her time to gure out her next steps, instead of making a college decision that didn’t t or not going to college at all. She’s not sure what she would have done without the program.
“I knew at least for a year I can get through college, learn what I want to do and get used to it, and then gure things out from there,” McCray said.
About 90% of jobs that can support a family of three require a postsecondary education, such as a certicate or degree, according to a recent state report.
Yet recent graduation data shows only about half of all Colorado high school graduates will head to college. Many of them — especially Black, Hispanic, and Native American students — will never nish college or enter a workforce training program.
In response, Colorado has pushed college courses down to high school students to help them get college experience, a workforce credential, or even graduate with a higher education degree. Or in the case of extended high school programs, like ASCENT, the state has o ered to pay for a student’s rst year or years in college.
But a report released in December by a state task force detailed a fragmented early career and college system that’s in need of streamlining.
Colorado has a dizzying number of such opportunities for high school students. e crowded landscape can cause confusion.
Each program is distinct, and not all of them are administered by the same o ce. at can make it dicult for families and students to understand their options.
e di erent programs also have disparate reporting requirements, creating di culties for measuring how programs are working as a whole and individually.
Colorado lawmakers said the task force’s report, which they authorized, outlined a path toward more accountability and would help them understand what is and isn’t working for students.
Colorado lawmakers halt ASCENT’s expansion
Lawmakers enacted a series of bills this year to expand and evaluate college and workforce education programs after the report.
e bills direct the state to do a comprehensive nancial study to analyze how much the programs cost the state and districts, compile long-term data on program outcomes, expand opportunities, and seek to nd a comprehensive direction when it comes to college and career education.
e growth — and the price tag — of ASCENT in particular raised lawmakers’ eyebrows.
Colorado had spent about $3.8 million a year on the program prior to 2022. at year, in the name of increasing opportunities for students statewide, lawmakers lifted a 500-student cap for ASCENT. at’s led to rapid growth for ASCENT. Next year, 1,700 students are expected to participate, up from 1,200 this year. As more of them have jumped at the chance at free college, the state is projecting it will spend about $17 million on ASCENT next year, more than quadruple what the program cost in 2022.
Lawmakers decided this year to cap the program at next year’s student enrollment levels, and a scal analysis says changes will bring down costs by about $1 million. ey also approved a mandate for students to ll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. at could o set some of the state’s costs if students are eligible for and receive federal grants.
e new law also mandates further study of the program’s cost and outcomes.
Many ASCENT students enroll at community colleges in Colorado, which costs about $4,692 for fulltime enrollment of 30 credit hours a year. Yet the state provides about $10,000 a year to districts for every student in the ASCENT program. Aside from tuition, the funding covers districts’ administration of the program. But that hasn’t assuaged o cials’ concerns about costs.
“ ere are valid questions about whether this program is actually helping the students it is intended to help,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, a
COLLEGE
Westminster Democrat and Joint Budget Committee chair, during a oor hearing on the bill that targeted ASCENT. “And we need to make sure that we get the biggest return for every dollar we spend.”
ASCENT helps students get college experience
e ASCENT program helped Jennifer Martin nd her footing in college.
Martin, 19, almost took a gap year after she graduated from Aurora’s Gateway High School in 2023 because she didn’t feel ready for college and worried about the cost.
However, counselors helped convince Martin to participate in ASCENT, which would provide support from Aurora Public Schools during her year at the Community College of Aurora.
“My mentality was to save up enough money to where I could afford the tuition and pay for the costs of living on campus,” she said. But other programs might achieve the same goal while o ering a clearer focus.
Michelle Romero, the postsecondary & workforce readiness director for the Colorado Department of Education, said newer extended high school programs that have come after ASCENT steer students into speci c careers.
For example, the P-TECH program began in 2016 and also gives students the option of extending high school enrollment. But it is designed
TIPS
with their high school counselors. Rangel said he will be helping Denver students throughout the summer with questions and completing items necessary to go to college. Other school counselors are available to do the same, he said.Somero also said college admissions o cers want to help. A call to the school’s admissions o ce can help students and families stay on track, he said. “ ere’s help out there,” Somero said.
Connect with a school resource o ce ere are other o ces at colleges and universities that can help. Rangel said a great way to get questions
to get students into a science, technology, engineering, or math pathway in ninth grade. e program o ers six years of high school, and allows students to graduate with an associate degree in a relevant eld. Some P-TECH students have graduated in four years and never needed more time in high school, Romero said.
Meanwhile, the state’s Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program started in 2021 to help address the state’s teacher shortage. e program also extends high school enrollment. It pays for students who want to become teachers to take college classes for up to two years.
ASCENT students, on the other hand, can take whichever college classes they want. And the state doesn’t even track if they stay in college beyond their ASCENT year.
When discussing ASCENT student outcomes, Romero said: “Do they stick with a certain pathway? Do they nish? Do they end up with some type of credential, associate certi cate, or do they then transfer to a four year? I couldn’t tell you.”
Colorado educators give ASCENT mixed reviews
Bill Summers, Cañon City High School principal, had about 30 students in ASCENT this year. Next year, he projects participation will more than double to 70 students. But he said it’s hard to evaluate if ASCENT is putting students on a path to a good career and economic mobility.
“It can be both a criticism and praise that students are allowed to take whatever they want, which is great for experimenting or seeing
answered is to reach out to student resource centers on campuses. e support services, sometimes called educational opportunity centers or academic success o ces, are meant to help students on campus.
Students also can sign up for programs meant to help them succeed.
Programs like TRIO, which includes three federal programs meant to help students from low-income backgrounds and who are the rst in their families to go to college, can help students navigate hurdles throughout the summer. e programs — Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services — also help students once they are enrolled and taking classes.
Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.
what a student wants to do,” he said of ASCENT. “But are students just wasting their time taking courses that they don’t need? Or is it actually going to give them a bene t?”
Dave West, director of college and career success for Aurora Public Schools, sees the purpose of concurrent enrollment programs di erently. ree-quarters of Aurora students are from relatively low-income backgrounds, and West said ASCENT and other programs help these students realize their college dreams.
“For me, concurrent enrollment is about opening opportunities and additional doors that our students may not even realize at this point in time exist,” he said.
Although it is not required by the state, Aurora Public Schools uses ASCENT funding to pay students’ college fees and provide them with a
stipend for books.
West said he understands the program is costly, but hopes lawmakers work with districts in crafting next steps for ASCENT. Students who have experiences like McCray and Martin show it can be e ective, he said.
Martin will graduate from the Community College of Aurora in the fall with her associate degree and plans to go to the University of Denver. McCray graduated with her associate degree in science this spring. She will soon enlist in the Air Force.
“It helped me gure out where I wanted to go,” McCray said about ASCENT. “I got my associates and that feels like such an accomplishment. Like, I’ve actually done it.”
Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.
Seniors’ Council o ers a myriad of opportunities
OLIVING AND AGING WELL
Jean Spahr
lder adults are encouraged by the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) to be heard, to keep learning and to make a difference. Monthly meetings are held at various locations in Douglas County on the rst ursday of the month; there is no meeting this July in observance of the July 4th holiday. e meetings are free and open to the public.
An aging explosion exists in Douglas County. By 2040, 1 in 4 persons will be 60 or older. Older adults are invited to let their voice be heard by sharing ideas, needs and concerns. Participation enhances the quality of life in Douglas County.
Learning opportunities are abundant because SCDC and our partners host events and hands-on workshops in addition to monthly meetings. SCDC o ers a great way to socialize with peers, learn from experts, explore new ideas and have fun. e next special event is a halfday program scheduled for Tuesday morning, Sept. 24. e presentation will focus on preparing a legacy
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Frustrated with system is is to express my frustration with the way the primary process treated una liated voters who wanted to vote in the congressional vacancy election in Congressional District 4.
I am a lifelong una liated voter who wanted to vote in the congressional vacancy election but did not
binder that contains important information. Program information will be posted on our website. Older adults who share opinions and dialogue with others make a di erence. Regional legislation and policy have been shaped to bene t Douglas County. is is an ongoing priority.
e ursday, Aug. 1 meeting will focus on the fact that mental health is important at all stages of life. Jason Hopcus, president and CEO of the National Association of Mental Illness/Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, will present the available resources for youth and adults. Hopcus is a dynamic speaker with a wealth of experience and a passion to serve.
SCDC strives to increase the quality of life and assures accessibility through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Our monthly meeting format includes announcements at 10 a.m., a presentation from 10:15-11:15 a.m., and conversation from 11:1511:30 a.m. For up-to-date meeting topics, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Seniors’ Council. Email us at DCSeniorLIfe@douglas.co.us. Join us!
Jean Spahr is the publicity chair on the SCDC Leadership Team.
Overcoming mistakes and embracing our true potential
Lwant to vote in either primary. To do that I had to return either the Republican or the Democratic ballot. Both ballots listed the congressional vacancy candidates at the bottom. I could select a party ballot, leave all the party elections blank, and vote for a congressional
ast week I shared thoughts about living and telling our story. Building upon that this week, let’s make sure we understand the role our failures and mistakes play in our success. Remembering what Zig Ziglar taught us is important here: “Failure is an event, not a person. Yesterday really did end last night.”
CLARIFICATION
A story published in print May 2, headlined “Candidates for commissioner meet in forum,” did not note that Douglas County commissioners are elected “at large,”
meaning while commissioners are required to reside in di erent districts, voters throughout the entire county cast ballots for each seat.
Because in our own grand story of life, each of us plays the protagonist in our unique story. Our journey is lled with highs and lows, victories and setbacks, successes and mistakes. And it is essential that we do not let these mistakes de ne us. Living our story means rising above past failures, refusing to be hamstrung by them, and boldly pursuing our dreams and purpose.
Our mistakes are not the end of our story; they are merely chapters within it. ey are opportunities for growth and learning, not nal judgments on our worth or capabilities. Too often, we allow the fear of being labeled by others to hold us back. We become prisoners of our past, weighed down by shame and regret. Yet, to live our story fully, we must shed these burdens and embrace the lessons that our mistakes o er. One of the most powerful steps we can take in living our story is to change the narrative we tell ourselves about our past. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, we can see them as valuable learning experiences. Every error we make teaches
NORTON
us something new, whether about our abilities, our resilience, or our values. By reframing our perspective, we can transform past setbacks into steppingstones that propel us forward.
Living our story without fear of others’ labels means embracing our authenticity. We cannot control how others perceive us, but we can control how we perceive ourselves. When we live authentically, we free ourselves from the need for external validation. We become true to our values and passions, pursuing our goals with unwavering commitment. is authenticity not only enriches our own lives but also inspires others to live their truth.
Living our story means taking action, even when the path is uncertain. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. It means being proactive in the face of adversity and taking responsibility for our growth. By doing so, we turn our dreams into reality, shaping our story with intention and purpose.
Ultimately, living our story with-
out letting our mistakes de ne us is an act of courage and self-compassion. It requires us to forgive ourselves, to let go of the past, and to believe in our capacity for change and growth. It is about recognizing that our worth is not determined by our failures, but by our ability to learn from them and continue moving forward.
In living our story, we become the authors of our destiny. We write each chapter with intention, embracing the lessons of the past, the possibilities of the present and the promise of the future. By doing so, we create a narrative that is rich, meaningful and uniquely our own. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and in living our story with authenticity and resilience, inspiring others to do the same, fostering a world where mistakes are not a source of shame, becoming a catalyst for growth and transformation, it really will become a better than good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
vacancy candidate. However, I understand that a public record would be made of which party ballot I returned. Since my actual votes are secret, there would be no record of the fact that I chose not to vote in any of the party elections.
I remain an una liated voter for several reasons. e most important are (1) I do not want to be solicited for nancial or other support by any party or candidate; (2) My conversations with people on the right and on the left tend to be more open, since they don’t regard me as the enemy; and (3) My opinions have greater credibility because my friends and relatives know my positions are not dictated by party loyalty. While I know that my returning a Republican or Democratic ballot in this primary election would not a ect my una liated status, I have great respect for the diligence of both parties in tracking which ballots are re-
turned and the likelihood that they will draw inferences from that information.
e bottom line is that if I wanted to preserve my current record of having no connection with either political party, I was disenfranchised in the congressional vacancy election. is seems unfair, since I believe it was my civic responsibility to vote in that election.
It occurs to me that another “disenfranchisement” happens when a voter registered with one party decides to cross party lines to vote in the other party’s primary for one o ce. at voter cannot vote in the primary for all the other o ces of his or her party.
ere’s no clear solution to these problems. A separate ballot for the congressional vacancy election would cause confusion and be expensive. A separate election on a di erent day would be even more expensive. If my problem is simply a matter of reprogramming election software, that step should be taken.
Rebecca Lennahan, Highlands Ranch
BY MCKENA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With one simple swish of his bug net, University of Colorado entomologist Adrian Carper deftly caught three di erent species of bees that had been buzzing around the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Carper identi ed them to his tour group as an American bumblebee, a sweat bee and a leafcutter bee — just a few of the more than 1,000 species of bees native to the state. “ ere are so many things that sometimes we don’t see at rst glance but are there,” he said.
As part of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Big Day of Bugs, Carper and others shared their expertise on pollinators with hundreds of
visitors, celebrating the important role the bugs and birds play.
Colorado’s colorful biodiversity is in large part thanks to the thousands of species of pollinators, including bees, butter ies, hummingbirds, beetles and moths, that call it home. Worldwide, more than 80% of owering plants rely on pollinators and pollination is crucial for producing fruit and other foods.
Pollinators play such a crucial role in the environment that Colorado named June as pollinator month in an e ort to educate about them and raise awareness of the issues leading to population decline, including habitat loss, climate change and pesticides.
June also kicked o the prime time for pollinators, according to John Murgel, a horticulture and natural resources specialist for the Douglas County Colorado State University Extension O ce.
“If you were going to pick one time to look for pollinators and see a diversity, this is it,” Murgel said.
For those interested in helping build up pollinator populations, there are a number of ways to help.
Murgel said anyone with an outdoor space can help combat habitat loss by planting owers, shrubs or trees that have pollen or nectar, particularly native wild owers like the aptly named beebalm.
“One thing folks can consider do-
ing is build habitat back into their landscapes,” he said. “It’s an ‘if you build it, they will come’ model for pollinators. If you have oral resources, you’re going to see pollinators.”
Murgel said it’s ideal to try and plant a variety of owers and shrubs that ower throughout the year. He added that local CSU extension o ces can recommend speci c plants depending on the area and resources available.
Another local resource is the People and Pollinators Action Network, which also o ers grants to support building new habitats.
Colorado is home to more than 1,000 species of bees, as well as thousands of other pollinators, like butterflies, beetles, moths and hummingbirds.
PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
POLLINATORS
In addition to owers, Murgel said an ideal pollinator habitat has access to soil, nesting sites, like rocks, mulch or sticks, and a water source. He also encouraged people to avoid weed fabric.
“ e more diverse habitat you can build, the more pollinators you stand to see and to help,” Murgel said.
Another big way to combat pollinator declines is to stop using pesticides, Murgel said.
In order to keep track of pollina-
tor populations, there are also volunteer networks that survey areas for di erent species. CSU extension o ces have the native bee watch program, which trains volunteers to identify species and then submit reports.
“You can do it in your yard or your local park, any place there are owers,” Murgel said. “ en you submit your observations so we can track how many native bees we’re seeing in habitat fragments.”
Similarly, the Butter y Pavillion, an invertebrate museum in Westminster, o ers the Colorado Butter-
y Monitoring Network to train volunteers to track butter y species.
A number of educational events also focus on pollinators, including the Big Day of Bugs and the Butter y Pavillion’s Pollinator Palooza. ornton residents Hailey, Shannon and Melissa Castillo, who took one of Carper’s bug tours, said they would be implementing several things they learned about at the Big Day of Bug in their new garden to support bees and hummingbirds.
“Now we know it’s not just about the owers, but also the environment,” Hailey Castillo said.
Hannah Craft, associate director of learning engagement and inter-
pretation with the Denver Botanic Gardens, said awareness and education is a key rst step to helping pollinators. She said surveys found that some visitors reduced their water consumption, planted di erent species or talked to a friend about conservation after learning about plants and pollinators.
“I think it’s exciting to move the needle on that and get people thinking,” Craft said. “ ings like climate change can seem really overwhelming but facilitating these conversations is a great place to start.”
Murgel agreed.
“For tiny creatures, tiny actions can be a really big deal,” he said.
Butterflies and moths fly freely inside the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. PHOTO BY KRISTEN FIORE
BOTTOM LEFT: Thornton residents Melissa Castillo, Shannon Castillo and Hailey Castillo examine a bumblebee caught in a tube. The Castillos are
DMNS explores ’The Power of Poison’
Ever since most of us were young, we’ve been exposed to stories that include poisoning of some kind — think about classics like Snow White and Greek mythology. And poisoning still features in murder mysteries and true crime sagas that enthrall adults.
e Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s newest exhibit, “ e Power of Poison,” explores the natural history of poisons, how and why they were developed by plants and animals, and the role poison has played in human society for centuries.
“ is is the second time we’ve hosted this exhibit. e rst was in 2015 and we heard from audiences that they loved it so much, we decided to bring it back,” said Jenna Chervin, program coordinator for DMNS. “What’s really cool about the exhibit is there’s so much to it, we couldn’t t it all last time. So, this time around, we’re able to include some new features.”
“ e Power of Poison,” organized by the American Museum of Natural History, will be on display at the museum, 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, through January 5. Access to the exhibit is part of a general admission ticket to DMNS.
e exhibition takes a multi-faceted and multi-media approach to poison, beginning with which kinds of plants and animals developed toxicity and how they use it for protection. Guests
COMING ATTRACTIONS
will walk through the Colombian jungle as they learn about the poisonous creatures that inhabit the environment.
From there, “ e Power of Poison” delves into mankind’s history with poisons, including stories from Greece and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” is portion also features real people who were connected to poison (like Egypt’s Cleopatra) and whether the stories about them are based in fact. ere is even a performance hosted every half hour that involves the true story of a dairy farmer and his family who died under mysterious circumstances in the 1830s.
e nal piece of the exhibit is focused on the bene ts of poison and the way science is harnessing these substances to make medicines and cure diseases. According to provided information, it uncovers how “scientists are studying poison’s e ects on human cells to protect, repair and heal our own bodies and improve our health.”
ere’s always been a sense of mystery and danger around poisons, but this fascinating exhibit peels back the layers to let visitors see how important these toxic substances are.
“ e exhibit is visually stunning. is one really is for everyone,” Chervin said. “Whether you want to read every panel or talk to volunteers and experience a show, there’s so much to learn and so many ways to learn it.”
More information is available at www.dmns.org/visit/exhibitions/ the-power-of-poison/.
Hyland Hills
Park Hosts Country Concert Under the Stars
For those looking for a more intimate outdoor musical performance, head out to Clear Creek Valley Park, 3700 W. 58th Place in Arvada, for Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation’s free Summer Concert Series. According to provided information, each concert features food trucks, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, and face painting and balloon art for children.
e show at 7 p.m. on ursday, July 11 will see Ryan Chrys & e Rough Cuts take to the stage. e group is four-piece touring band that shares male and female leads in a mix of old school country and rock and roll. Find details at www.hylandhills. org.
Take an Artistic Walk Down South Pearl Street
from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature about 50 local artists o ering live demos on the sidewalks, as well as live music for visitors to enjoy. Many merchants will also be participating with extended hours and special events, like tarot card readings. ose looking for a bite or drink can participate in wine tastings and special menus at the street’s restaurants.
More information is available at https://www.southpearlstreet.com/ rst-friday/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Summer Camp with Trucks Tour at Fiddler’s Green
You might not believe me if you weren’t around at the time, but Hootie & e Blow sh had heaters, man. e South Carolina group became a punchline for a while, but that’s what happens when you make songs like “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time” and “Let Her Cry,” all of which are undeniable.
e group took a long time o , but they’re back with the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, which is stopping at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Englewood, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. ey’ll be joined by Collective Soul(another timeless favorite for yours truly) and Edwin McCain, making the event a true 90’s night of the highest order. It’ll be a blast. Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535.
Be prepared before the next power outage. Call 866-977-2602 to schedule your free quote!
South Pearl Street, stretching from Buchtel to Jewell Avenues in Denver, is one of the city’s most delightful gems, and this summer it’s getting more fun with First Friday Art Walks, which will run through November.
e walk on Friday, July 5, goes
ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:
• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.
• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.
• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.
• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted let
Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
ters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.
• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for office. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.
• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.
• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.
Clarke Reader that
Much of Colorado could be pushed into drought by late summer
BY SHANNON MULLANE
THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado has seen an average water year so far, but looking ahead, climate experts say much of the state could fall into drought conditions and struggle to nd relief.
Colorado’s very average snowpack has o cially melted away from all 115 federal snow monitoring stations in the state, as of this week. Reservoir levels are at 94%, just slightly below average, while precipitation was at exactly 100% of the 30-year median, according to a recent Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting.
Heat, however, has been on the rise. Even summer showers may not be enough to combat its e ects, or to keep the state away from drought.
“Really the entire state is at risk of developing drought this summer,”
Assistant State Climatologist Becky Bolinger told listeners during the meeting. “A strong monsoon would be really helpful. It would limit that risk of worsening drought, particularly over the Four Corners. … For now, it’s looking like that is not as likely, and that it’s going to be a pretty rough summer.”
Climate experts track precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and other factors year-round to gauge water supplies and storage for farm-
ers, city utility managers, reservoir operators and residents around the state.
is year’s outlook has some of those water users looking out for impacts to sh populations, recreation opportunities, irrigation supplies and wild res.
“Without much rain, wild re will de nitely be a pretty serious concern,” said Adrian Bergere, executive director of the San Miguel Watershed Coalition in southwestern Colorado.
e period from October 2023 through May ranked in the top 10 warmest time periods across a signi cant majority of the state when
compared with a 129-year historical record, Bolinger said. Areas of southeastern Colorado, like Lamar and La Junta, have already reported 20 or more days over 90 degrees. e Front Range has already had 10-15 days over 90 degrees. Most of the country is also likely to be hotter than usual for the rest of the summer, she said. at’s quite the switch after last year, which started out with coolerthan-average months, Bolinger said. e hotter temperatures are likely
Skiers cruise down the slopes at Arapahoe Basin ski area in Colorado on Nov. 13, 2023. Low precipitation has left much of the region in a “snow drought,” which could have big implications for Colorado River water supply. Climate o cials said the snow pack has o cially melted as of June 27 at all mountain monitoring stations.
Bears abound: The season for these large animals is in full swing
The season for these large animals is in full swing
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Castle Rock resident Carly Rima was reminded that bear season is in swing when a mother bear and her cub visited her yard, attracted by a bird feeder full of seeds.
Rima, who has lived in the Happy Canyon area for decades, is used to visits from her wildlife neighbors and typically takes the bird feeder down in the summers to avoid attracting bears. She just wasn’t quick enough this year.
“It was a beautiful thing to witness, safely of course,” Rima said.
After brie y taking in the moment, including getting photos and video, Rima yelled to scare the bears away. Once they ran o , she took the feeder in. Rima said that even though it was special to witness the bears, she doesn’t want them to come back.
“I had to watch in awe for a while because of how unique the moment was, but I don’t want her comfortable around humans,” Rima said of mother bear. “(I’m) so happy to see her gone and not returning – so far.”
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Rima’s response to the bears in her yard is spot on.
Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for CPW’s Denver region, said the best thing to do when spotting a bear in a residential area is to shoo them away.
“Hazing is making bears uncomfortable in human spaces, whether through loud noises or lights,” Van Hoose said. “It can be as easy as yelling at the bear, setting o a car alarm or clanging pots and pans.” e exception is if a bear is spotted in a tree. en, Van Hoose said, it’s best to leave it alone because the bear will leave when it feels safe.
Van Hoose said bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, are an easy meal for bears, even during the day.
“ e thinking used to be that you could leave bird feeders out during the day if you took them in at night, but bears are more used to human activity and awake during the day looking for food, so we’re asking people to take down bird feeders until after anksgiving,” she said.
Van Hoose also encouraged metro area residents to use secure trash bins and not leave them out overnight. It also helps to clean grills or outdoor cooking appliances so food residue isn’t left over, as well as to remove food from around grills.
“We have to be really mindful of what we’re leaving outside so bears don’t forage around houses,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is for bears to be in the wild and for us to not have any interactions with them.”
For bears that won’t leave an area or those that return, Van Hoose said to contact the local CPW ofce, which can be found at cpw. state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/ContactUs.aspx, or the non-emergency police line.
Castle Rock resident Carly Rima had a bear and her cub visit her yard in Happy Canyon on June 13, attracted by a bird feeder. Rima said she usually takes the feeder down before bear season to avoid drawing them into the neighborhood.
PHOTO COURTESY CARLY RIMA
Why allergy season might be worse this year
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As the owers bloom, some people su er. It’s a prime time for seasonal allergies, and some may be feeling worse, or su ering longer, than in past years. e extra-itchy eyes, wheezing and sneezing could be related to climate change, which experts say is happening in Colorado.
“Plants bloom earlier, bloom later, di erent species are moving in,” Dr. Ming Wu, a family medicine doctor at AdventHealth Littleton, said. “With all of this change, we’re encountering things that our bodies have never encountered before.”
Allergies are overreactions to environmental stimuli, Wu said. Allergic reactions happen when the body perceives something not normally harmful as dangerous. To combat what the
body perceives as a threat, the immune system ghts against the stimulus – for instance, pollen — triggering allergy symptoms.
Climate change has brought concern to Colorado, which is expected in the years ahead to trend warmer, including earlier snowmelt in the spring, hotter summers and drier soils. Such a shift has the power, over time, to bring more of certain kinds of plants while other kinds struggle, according to state scientists.
Environmental changes can impact pollen seasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, climate change can cause shifts in precipitation, fewer frost days, warmer air temperatures and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide.
ese changes can a ect the length of the pollen season, how much pollen plants create, how much is in the air
and how likely the pollen is to cause irritation, according to the CDC. is year in Colorado, Wu said the weather may play a role in people’s experiences.
“Environmental allergies could potentially be worse because we’ve had a lot more rainfall, it’s been a lot wetter,” he said. “Mold, pollen — those are going to be higher … in the environment and that can cause issues.”
He said it can be challenging for some people to know whether symptoms are related to allergies or a viral illness, since they often have similar symptoms. Both seasonal allergies and viral illnesses can involve a runny nose, sneezing, di culty breathing, ear pain and skin rashes, he said.
To tell the di erence, he said to look out for a few speci c symptoms.
“ e biggest things that I’ve noticed with allergies that don’t really follow
with a viral illness are itchy, watery eyes, and viral illnesses usually will present with fever, whereas allergies don’t present with a fever,” he said.
For people struggling with their seasonal allergies this year, Wu recommends over-the-counter antihistamines. For people who need extra help, doctors can prescribe stronger allergy medications, steroids or immunotherapy, a process that slowly exposes a person to allergens to build tolerance.
“(Immunotherapy is) useful for environmental allergies, insect allergies (and) asthma,” he said. “ is should be done, obviously, with medical supervision.”
For pollen allergies, Wu said some people nd that eating local honey can be a natural remedy. is is not a proven solution, he said, but some believe it helps slowly build immunity to the pollen in their area.
MARKETPLACE
Help Wanted
Need someone to transcribe the book I wrote into a manuscript. Experience required. Negotiable pay. Call: 303-746-0202 or Email: Josephyanofsky7@gmail.com
Special Education Teacher for a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year! Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required. BA salary range $41,000-$47,300 & MA salary range
$46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
HUGE YARD SALE ! LONE TREE Fri. & Sat., July 12 & 13, 8 am - 3 pm. 9734 Cypress Point Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124. Adults' & kids' clothing, toys, accessories, linens, kitchen items, tableware, decor, small appliances, books, rug, & much more.
60+ HOMES SOUTHGLENN & SOUTHWIND NEIGHBORHOODS Fri & Sat, July 12 & 13 E Arapahoe Rd & S Clarkson St Centennial 80122 SAVE THE DATE!!!
Vendors Needed for our Summer Craft Fairs!
The Gardens at Columbine Retirement Community is having a craft fair on July 13th.
We would like to invite vendors to participate in this fun and well attended event.
Please contact Rainey Brown at rainey@ gardensatcolumbine.com for more information.
Our booth fees are extremely reasonable!
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! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045
& Delivered
a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475
Miscellaneous
Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 8/25/24. Call 1-844-501-3208
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
DIRECTV Stream - Carries
the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
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
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595
Miscellaneous
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads
Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888489-3936
Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com
Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
Oxygen Concentrator
be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One Free Information Kit! Call: 844-823-0293
