BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A rift among Colorado’s conservatives, embodied in the Colorado Republican Party’s divisive approach to campaigning, including primary endorsements, is being addressed
by some with showings of unity.
Douglas County Republicans and the party’s nominee for 4th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, are promoting party unity as a key to winning more seats in the November elections.
“We have a major opportunity in Douglas County and across the 4th Congressional District to ip seats and make major inroads for the GOP, but it only happens if we’re united as a party,” Boebert said in a statement to the Douglas County News-Press. “Whether it’s fundrais-
Elizabeth schools may eliminate libraries in classrooms
19 books removed from district, ‘sensitive topics’ and other books will be further scrutinized
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
ing for and supporting county parties or promoting local candidates on social media, I’m leading by example when it comes to uniting the GOP in Colorado.”
e state party’s chairman, Dave Williams, is often at the center of criticisms over divisiveness, including his use of party money to promote his own failed congressional campaign in the Colorado Springs area and spearheading the endorsements during the primaries.
Editor’s note: On Aug. 13, less than 24 hours after the Elizabeth School Board voted unanimously to eliminate all classroom libraries across the district, the board announced that “through individual converstions” it had directed Superintendent Dan Snowberger to “hold” on that decision so the board can get “further feedback from sta .” No further developments were available at press time. e original Elbert County News story is below: e Elizabeth School Board voted at its Aug. 12 meeting to create a Sensitive Topic Book List and to eliminate classroom libraries from Eliza-
SEE LIBRARY, P6
NOTES ON COOPERATION
Colorado AMP aims to bring student musicians together P16
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert walks with the Douglas County GOP and local candidates at the Douglas County Fair Parade. Boebert and Douglas County Republicans are trying to unify the party amid divisions at the state level.
COURTESY LAUREN BOEBERT FOR CONGRESS
SEE GOP, P4
Guided tour of mansion is slated for Sept. 17
Highlands Ranch Mansion tour and lunch
e Living Aging Well Commission and the City of Lone Tree is planning a guided tour of the Highlands Ranch Mansion, followed by lunch at Sazon. e tour is Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m., with lunch around 1:30 p.m. Pre-paid tickets, $12 per person, are required. Register at www.cityo onetree.com/event/ highlands-ranch-mansion-tour. Call 303-225-4930 for more information.
Long-term closure of West Frontage Road in Douglas County
Crews have closed a section of the West Frontage Road between Territorial and Tomah roads. Local
access to businesses and residences along West Frontage Road will remain available, but no through tra c is allowed. e closure allows for bridge building over Interstate 25 and railway tracks, as well as new interstate on- and oramps. Crews will restrict and relocate West Frontage Road tra c through 2025.
Douglas County sheri stands up for safety of bicyclists on roads
After a lifelong cyclist survived a horrible bike crash after being struck from behind by a large truck, Sheri Darren Weekly is advocating that drivers look out for cyclists. Gary Robinson said the crash could have killed him, but the driver “jumped out, screamed at me.” And while in the hospital, people he knew made
negative comments about photos of what appeared to be the crash he was in on Facebook, including, “cyclists shouldn’t be on the road anyway” and “he got what was coming.” is sparked conversations with Weekly and his o ce, which has partnered with Robinson’s blog, Colorado Avid Cyclist, to help educate the community about cyclists and their rights on the roads. Tra c deputies also have developed a plan to step up enforcement and education of cyclists and motorists.
Safe2Tell sees 25% increase compared to the previous year
A July monthly tally of 28,218 reports for the prior school year is the highest ever in Safe2Tell’s history. Safe2Tell is a violence intervention and prevention program for
students to anonymously report threats made to them or others, distributing anonymous reports to local law enforcement and school o cials under state law. To make a report, call 1-877-542-7233 or visit Safe2Tell.org.
Asian Girls Ignite empowers local AANHPI community
e Asian Girls Ignite nonpro t, whose mission is to build a strong community of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Paci c Islander girls and women, has received $564,000 in grants. e funds will support goals of leadership development and expanded student programming. For more information about Asian Girls Ignite and their upcoming events and programs, contact Chea Franz at Chea@indiecreativeco.com
The Highlands Ranch Mansion will be the site of a guided tour o ered by the Living Aging Well Commission and the City of Lone Tree. COURTESY OF HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION
As the Real Estate Market Shifts, We’re in Uncharted Territory Thanks to
NAR Settlement
Sunday was the deadline for one very significant change in the practice of real estate, as the result of a March 15th settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a group of Missouri home sellers who claimed that the sharing of listing agent’s commission with the buyer’s agent was somehow a violation of anti-price fixing laws and just plain “unfair.”
Although I, along with most Realtors (and, in fact, NAR), disagreed, the parties agreed to a settlement in which MLSs may no longer display how much a buyer’s agent will earn if he brings a buyer to the table.
Real Estate, we’re not so worried.
Below is a picture of the yard sign that in front of the solar-powered listing featured at the bottom of the page. Do you notice anything new about it? Yes, it has a sign rider telling both buyers and their agents that the seller will pay a 2.5% commission to an agent who represents the buyer of this home.
The brochure in the brochure box has that same information. You could say that “nothing has really changed,” and you’d be almost right. What has changed is that we are not “splitting” our listing commission with the buyer’s agent. Ra-
ther, the seller has agreed (at my suggestion) to incentivize agents to bring their buyer, knowing that their client will not have to pay him, because the seller will. The sellers who sued to end the practice of commission splitting will finally recognize that compensating the agent who represents their buyer is a practical way to sell a home. They had hoped that buyers would now have to pay for their own professional representation, but if, as I expect, the vast majority of home sellers agree to compete with each other for the buyer’s business, which home do you think the buyer will offer to buy?
That’s how I see these coming weeks
and months shaking out. Some sellers will say, “Hey, I don’t have to offer compensation,” and a few may succeed with that strategy. But one thing is for sure: the universe of potential buyers will be smaller, because a significant percentage of buyers can’t afford to pay for representation on top of the other fees I listed in last week’s column. I do expect that many buyers will feel they should only deal with listing agents directly, but when they see our sign rider, they may do the right thing for themselves, which is to have a professional working in their best interest instead of the seller’s. Stay tuned!
MLS Now Has Fields for Audio & Video Recording
That change took place at midnight last Thursday and many real estate professionals are concerned about how it will affect them personally. At Golden
Do You Know or Care Where Your Realtor Stands Politically?
Real estate is not the only profession where the “rule” is never to talk politics or religion. I agree about religion, but in today’s divisive political climate, I feel differently about revealing my political leanings, which are liberal. As a seller, I would not be comfortable hiring an agent who was a Trump fan. Someone else may prefer hiring a fan of Trump.
Recently, a Denver agent referred a Golden seller to me. When I told him that his home would be advertised next to my weekly real estate column, he said, “I don’t read newspapers anymore because they’re all fake news.”
Okay, we’re not a fit — and that’s okay with me.
Archive of Past Columns Is Online
Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com
New: Solar-Powered Green Mountain Home
$795,000
The seller of this 3-bedroom/2½-bath home at 14038 W. Amherst Ave. provided this springtime picture of their crabapple tree in bloom. Not visible from the front is the seller-owned 5.98-kW solar array which reduces the Xcel monthly electric bill to under $10 year-round. The oversized garage has an extra 5'x18' workshop/storage area with natural light. The workbench, shop light and pegboards are all included. There’s another workshop area in the unfinished basement, plus a 10'x11' wood laminate dance floor! The cul-de-sac location makes this home a quiet place to enjoy life with friendly neighbors. The 8'x25' composite deck off the eat-in kitchen is half-covered, with stairs down to the backyard with its lush grass, garden beds and linden tree. The other half of the deck is shaded by the house itself in late afternoon. The 6'x8' front porch is also covered. Visit www.JeffcoSolarHomes.com to view a narrated video walk-through and drone video, plus magazine-quality photos and floor plans. The seller replaced the windows on the first floor and most of the second floor with high-end Marvin windows. The windows are energy efficient double-paned windows with aluminum clad wood frames. The frames are powder-coated white, requiring no routine maintenance. Come to the open house Saturday, 11-1, or call broker associate Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to see it. Note: Seller offers 2.5% buyer broker compensation.
With surveillance systems becoming more and more common in American homes, buyers can never be sure that what they say to each other and their agent during a showing isn’t being monitored remotely by the seller.
Personally, I advise my buyers to assume that everything they say is being heard by the seller and to monitor their conversation accordingly. There are any number of things a buyer could say while
touring a home that would disadvantage them when it comes to negotiating a contract or inspection issues.
REcolorado, Denver’s MLS, now has fields for indicating whether there is audio and/or video recording inside and/or outside the listing, but buyers should not count on privacy if those fields are not checked. I recently sold a home where the fields weren’t checked but cameras (and Alexa) were definitely present.
Just Listed: 20-Acre Apple & Peach Orchard
Our former broker associate, Kim Taylor, is now an independent broker in Cedaredge and just listed this interesting agricultural property nearby. With 4.8 shares of surface creek water, the meticulously managed fruit is thriving again this year, and there is a leased rental house that was recently remodeled. The orchard contains blocks of apples and peaches and has been a successful producer for over 20 years. The property also has a 1500 sq. ft. cooler with loading dock, a tractor barn with electric, and two 30-amp electric and water hook ups for RVs. Located in the county, this agricultural property sits literally on the edge of Cedaredge city limits, only 1/2 mile from town center. Property taxes run less than $500/year. Come take a closer look! The Cedaredge area is a great location for the outdoor enthusiasts! Just 20 minutes away is the Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mesa in the country with over 300 lakes for fishing, lots of space for camping, hiking and biking, miles of groomed Nordic ski trails, Powderhorn Ski Resort, snowshoeing, and miles of snowmobiling — not to mention that the Gunnison River is only 15 minutes south, and the greater area is Colorado wine country, with an airport just 45 minutes away! Seller also has 10 more acres with blocks of apples, peaches and grapes that would make a great addition to this property. Learn more at www.OrchardCityHome.info, then call Kim at 303-304-6678 to arrange a visit.
$850,000
Republican John Carson speaks at a forum for Douglas County commissioner candidates. Carson lost his primary
party e ort to unify conservatives ahead of the November election.
sions are leading them to campaign without the support and resources from the state party that they normally rely on.
Even in the 4th District race, Boebert’s Republican competitors expressed frustration that the state party endorsed Boebert. Traditionally, the party has watched primaries from the sidelines and has worked to further the broader issues of the candidates.
Conservative candidates recentlytold e Colorado Sunthat the divi-
“Without a state party, a campaign is signi cantly harder to run,” Nick Bayer, the campaign manager for Republican candidate Je Hurd, running in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, told the Sun.
In an e ort to prevent that from happening to Douglas County Republican candidates, the local party and many candidates are embracing a message of unity and coming to-
gether to support one another into the general election.
For example, the Douglas County GOP hosted a unity event following the primaries where Boebert gave the keynote address.
Boebert has also been promoting down ballot conservatives in the 4th District on social media and at local events, such as the Douglas County Fair Parade.
And, she also criticized Williams in a Facebook post for not doing more to promote Republicans.
“ is isn’t about competing poli-
cies or ideologies; this is about a failure from Chairman Williams to lead after our Primary Election and simply reach out to candidates and organizations throughout Colorado and beyond to o er support, mend bridges, and present a clear gameplan of how we can win together in November,” the post said, adding that Boebert will support all conservatives on the ballot.
Other local Republicans are also touting unity, even candidates who
to Colorado Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, but remains part of the
PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
lost their primaries.
John Carson ran in the Republican primary for Douglas County Commissioner in District 3 and lost to state Rep. Kevin Van Winkle, who was endorsed by the state and local parties. Carson told the News-Press that he fully supports Van Winkle in the general election and appreciates the e orts to bring conservatives together.
“I think it’s important that we get Republicans elected to o ces in Douglas County and the state of Colorado,” Carson said. “I owe it to (my supporters) to present a uni ed message for the election in the fall because they share our principles of limited government and individual freedom.”
Max Brooks, who is running for Colorado House District 45, said the
county party reached out to him on the night of the primary election to give him its support. e county and state parties had endorsed Brooks’ primary challenger Bill Jack.
“I felt it was a genuine outreach to support the primary winners because that’s the primary importance for the party,” Brooks said. “We’re focusing on the bigger picture.”
Brooks said voters have told him that they want candidates to focus on the issues, not personal attacks. He believes listening to that advice will help conservatives win.
“ ere is a genuine enthusiasm for discussing the things that are concerning to them at the state or town level and an appreciation that someone was listening,” Brooks said.
Douglas County’s elected o cials are almost exclusively Republican, with the notable exception of Highlands Ranch Rep. Bob Marshall. Marshall’s seat is one Republicans hope to win back this November through candidate Matt Burcham.
REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE
beth classrooms. e new Library Services Guiding Protocols, a list of 19 temporarily suspended books, and a draft of books on the ESD Sensitive Topics List can be found online at tinyurl.com/elizbooks.
e board unanimously decided to remove classroom libraries. “I move that the board direct that no classroom libraries of books are to be maintained within the Elizabeth School District and that students are encouraged to keep a book either from the school library or from home in their desks to utilize when necessary,” said School Board President Rhonda Olsen.
Regarding the book that can be kept in a child’s desk, students would only have access to books that parents have given them at home or from the board-approved school library. Olsen also clari ed that “books from home are not to be shared with other students.”
“We’re just saying that if you bring something in that someone else’s parent might not agree with, you know, that’s yours to read but it’s not yours to share,” she went on.
Superintendent Dan Snowberger said the decision to remove classroom libraries relieves the burden on teachers to maintain their own collections. “We feel it would be counterproductive to have classroom libraries that do not undergo the same review process,” he said. “ e library ‘sensitive topic list’ will most likely grow and change in the classrooms. We felt that this process would take the burden away from teachers so that they can remain focused on the curriculum versus having to update a changing list of books on their shelves. Utilizing our libraries instead of classroom materials will ensure that the school district respects the decisions our parents are making for their children.”
Kerry Jiblits, a retired Elizabeth elementary teacher and a reading inter-
ventionist, had strong words about the decision. “I am saddened, appalled, and angry with the Elizabeth School Board’s decision to ban classroom libraries,” she said.
“As an elementary teacher of 35 years (almost 30 of them in Elizabeth),” she went on, “I know rsthand how a robust classroom library is the key to not only teaching students to read, but to LOVE reading. Research shows the importance of large, multileveled classroom libraries in improving students’ reading performance. As teachers, it is our job to provide an environment that fosters a love of reading and an interest in books — an impossible task without a classroom library. ... e school board should be making MORE books available to our students, not removing them from the classroom ... A once-a-week, 15-minute visit to the school library will not su ce.”
When asked about lack of access to reading material, Snowberger said, “ ere should be no change to a student’s access to reading material as a result of any of these policy changes. Teachers and students will be able to use the school libraries as needed to supplement their reading materials that no longer exist in the classroom. Teachers may also check out a selection of books on key topics relevant to their unit of studies that are not on the sensitive topic list and make those available to students should they need a book during the day.”
Sensitive Topic Protocol
Regarding other aspects of library policy, which have not been placed on hold by the board, Olsen said that School Board Directors Mary Powell and Heather Booth spent the most time on the school library review. e review largely fell under the Curriculum Review Committee’s purview. e motion for the “board to approve the attached Library Sensitive Topic Protocol, the attached list of materials to be agged with sensitive topics, and to display the list for public feedback to determine the nal dis-
position” came before the discussion about the library review itself and was also passed unanimously.
Powell explained that the committee started reviewing school library collections using challenged book lists found online. She added that they did their due diligence and did not ag a book just because it was included on a challenged books list.
Powell added that the committee sees library books as part of the district curriculum that also falls under Policy IMB, Teaching About Controversial Issues and Materials. “We need to be sure that we are protecting our students from things that are controversial,” she said.
“We also came up with this idea of a Sensitive Topic Protocol,” Powell shared. “ ere were multiple reasons that something might be called ‘sensitive topics.’ e categories are Graphic Violence, Sexual Content, Profanity & Obscenity, Ideations of Self Harm or Mental Illness, Drug or Excessive Alcohol Use, Racism/Discrimination, and Religious Viewpoints.” e list is likely to change over time.
“We are trying to be very aware that not all of us in this school district have the same values,” Powell said. “A parent who does not want their child to read the Bible should be noti ed that their child checked out the Bible. A parent who does not want their child to read the Koran should be noti ed that their child has checked out the Koran. And then they can do what they want with it.”
If a student checks out a book identi ed as “sensitive,” it will be agged and parents will receive an email noti cation that their child has checked it out. Powell says this ties in with Parents Rights and Responsibilities. “It’s their right to know what their child is checking out,” Powell went on. She also noted that a student’s library borrowing history has been and still is accessible and available to parents.
Powell explained that any parent can opt-out of allowing their student to borrow any book at all on the Sensitive Topics list. e student’s account will be prohibited from checking out books on the list but students can speak to their parents about making an exception for speci c titles.
Snowberger said that by identifying books with sensitive material, “we empower parents to make these important decisions for their own children without taking away the freedom of anyone to access the material of their choosing. We feel this is a much more balanced approach than remov-
ing materials from our library so that we can respect the individual choices of our families and respect the rights of our parents to make those decisions for their children.”
e district is asking for parent feedback and admitted it will be an ongoing process as new books are added to school libraries. “We’re not going to be able to nd every book that might be objectionable,” Powell said, “…and we are asking parents, through this process of knowing what your kid is checking out, even if it’s not on the Sensitive List right now, to talk to their students…”
If there is something that a parent believes should be added to the Sensitive Topic List, Powell said, there is now a form to submit to the school librarian, who will then pass it on to the Curriculum Review Committee.
Some books removed e committee also physically removed and temporarily suspended some books. e list is available at tinyurl.com/elizbooks.
ose books, in addition to whatever else is suspended in the coming months, will be available in the district o ce for parents to review for 30 days. Parents are encouraged to come in, take a look, and ll out a form to vote on whether or not the book should be withdrawn from the collection or added to the Sensitive Topics list. An email with more information about the process was to be sent from the district last week, after press time.
“I’ll just deal with the elephant in the room,” Powell said, “this is not book banning. ey are not on our shelf because we do not feel that they fulll the educational protocols that we believe in for this district.” e board agreed that the measures were “just a protection” for students.
Last year ESD decided to move from Scholastic Book Fairs to SkyTree Book Fairs, connected to Kirk Cameron’s BRAVE Books. BRAVE Books describes itself as a “Christian publishing company that makes books for kids that reinforce biblically-based, foundational values.”
More information about the Curriculum Review Committee/Council can be found here elizabethschooldistrict. org/Page/3746.
Policy IMB is available to read at tinyurl.com/policyimb.
e Aug. 12 board meeting is available to watch in its entirety at tinyurl. com/aug12boe.
Past board meetings are available online at elizabethschooldistrict.org/ domain/124.
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Yoga in the Park
Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.
Tuesday, August 27th, 6:30-7:30pm
Guided Nature Hikes
Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com.
Saturday, September 7th, 9-10:30am – Bees of Colorado
Saturday, September 14th, 9-10:30am – A Geocaching Treasure Hunt
Sunday, October 6th, 4-5:30pm – Amazing Corvids
Thursday, October 17th, 5:30-7pm – Hunter’s Moon
Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch
The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org
Tuesday, September 17th, 6:30-8pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tour with SSPRD (Harvest Moon)
Saturday, September 21st, 10-11:30am – Guided Public Tour
Saturday, October 5th, 3-6pm – Lone Tree CraftoberFest
Sunday, October 6th, 11am-3pm – City of Lone Tree Fall Festival
Parker Chronicle
Kelly Smith’s daughter brought her pet duck to the marketplace for company. The duck was actually purchased at the marketplace as a duckling not too long ago.
Elbert County Marketplace is perennial treat
marketplace o ers a huge variety of goods, from produce, homemade bread and candy, to jewelry, bath products and handmade apparel and home goods. Vendors come locally from Elizabeth as well as from nearby towns like Kiowa and Parker, even as far as Larkspur.
e Elbert County Marketplace has been around for more than 15 years. e current location, just o Highway 86 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth, is under a huge stand of pine trees providing welcome shade in the summer. e market is selfdescribed as a “year-round, indoor/ outdoor market located in Elbert County, Colorado featuring local farmers, artisans, and vendors.”
On Aug. 3, a sunny Saturday, the marketplace was bustling with vendors and shoppers even though the Elbert County Fair was drawing crowds just down the highway. e
e brisk weather in winter doesn’t slow the marketplace down. On the contrary, the holiday season brings out lots of shoppers for holidaythemed products.
Jodi Miller, one of the volunteer organizers as well as a vendor, says the Elbert County Marketplace is not for pro t. Tyler Balfour and Shaina Borah from Forest Trail Farm also help organize the event. No one gets paid, Miller explained, and any money from reserving a booth space goes to rent the Casey Jones Pavilion or toward advertising the event itself. People help set up, put up event banners, and even the live music by Steve & Friends is free.
Miller organizes the vendors — which days they’ll be present and where they should set up. She also ensures there’s a variety of products. She makes a concerted e ort to keep costs down and couldn’t do it without the help of Elizabeth Park & Recreation. “ ey’ve been amazing,” she said.
It’s easy to see how close-knit the vendors at the marketplace are. ere is a strong sense of camaraderie and community, and everyone has a kind word to say about each other.
In fact, Miller calls the marketplace community her “Saturday friends.” She explained that they’re building a community of “growers, artists, crafters” and more. e event brought them all together; without it, Miller shared, many of them would never have met.
Kelly Smith, owner and operator of the Larkspur Farmers Market, sells an impressive spread of produce,
eggs and homemade canned goods at the Elbert County Marketplace. Smith has strong ties to the farmers market community. Her aunt established the Parker Farmers Market and the Southlands Farmers Market, both of which are hugely popular today.
Most vendors participate in other nearby farmers markets or marketplaces. Miller also visits Ahavah Farm, a year-round market in Peyton, every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information about Ahavah Farm can be found at ahavahfarm.com/market.
e Larkspur Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Visit thelarkspurfarmersmarket.com for more details.
e Elbert County Marketplace takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the year. Upcoming dates can be found on Facebook at tinyurl.com/elbmktfb and online at tinyurl.com/elbmkt.
Tyler Balfour and Shaina Borah from Forest Trail Farm also help organize the Elbert County Marketplace. They sell sourdough bread and an assortment of other baked goods, including bagels, cinnamon rolls, and English mu ns. PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY
Kelly Smith and her family came from Larkspur to sell produce, eggs, canned goods and so much more. Smith owns the Larkspur Farmers Market.
Nicoll Novak of Parker, jeweler and owner of Adornable, brought along her baby to her stand where she sells permanent jewelry.
Scott’s Woodcraft sells handmade bandsaw boxes, chip clips and other home goods. Scott is an Elizabeth native.
Parker native a Merchant Marine Academy grad
Amaranda Maureen
Teany enters U.S. Army as a second lieutenant
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From the mountains to the sea, Parker resident Amaranda Maureen Teany has joined a select group of Amerians after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Teany’s personal achievement comes in a year that marks a milestone in U.S. history. It is the 50th anniversary of the service academy admitting women.
“I am using this achievement to serve my country,” said Teany. e academy, founded in 1943,
was the rst of the country’s elite federal service academies that serve American national security and critical economic interests to allow women.
Ever since childhood, Teany was determined to pursue a career in the military. Growing up in Parker, Teany graduated from Lutheran High School and her dreams led her to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. e academy educates licensed merchant marine o cers to serve the nation during peacetime and war.
“With 95 percent of the world’s products transported over water, our graduates are vital to the e ective operation of our merchant eet for both commercial and military transport during war and peace,” states the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
website.
agship vessels transport goods and products around the world and can be called at any time to support critical sealift maritime operations. ey also deliver the country’s weapons, military supplies and troops during times of con ict.
7AM-12PM
Join us for our 3rd annual 5K trail run/walk focused on physical and mental wellness along with family fun and our furry friends.
• K-9 training demonstrations
• Vendor Market Place
• Food trucks
• Live and silent auction
• Kids zone with family fun events
• Pet costume contest
Entry into the academy is not as simple as lling out an application. It involves “rigorous academic and physical requirements” and must have a congressional nomination, which can be requested from a local of a U.S. senator or member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As part of her four-year education, Teany spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels, a requirement of the academy.
Teany earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. Armed Forces as well as a Merchant Marine o cer license, qualifying her to serve as an o cer on any ship in the U.S. ag merchant marine.
Given the academic demands, Teany told the Parker Chronicle in an email that graduating from the academy was something she wasn’t sure
“Graduation is not an individual accomplishment,” said Teany. “It is truly the culmination of God working through one’s friends, family and one’s own stubbornness to stick
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke at her commencement ceremony.
“ e path you have chosen is tremendously honorable,” Sullivan told the graduates. “As soon-to-be ensigns and second lieutenants, assistant engineers and third mates, you will crew ships that are essential to our nation’s security.”
Every graduate has a commitment to serve either eight years as an o cer in any reserve unit of the military, which is a majority of what “Kings Pointers” choose, said Marilyn Livi, senior vice president of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. Graduates can also serve ve years on a U.S. ag vessel or on active duty military.
Teany is ful lling her commitment as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and is currently going through basic training.
Amaranda Maureen Teany of Parker recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Teany earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a commission in the U.S. armed forces and a Merchant Marine O cer license.
COURTESY OF MARILYN LIVI
Fire bans scaled back, but o cials still urge caution
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After brie y implementing a strict re ban, the Douglas County sheri and Castle Rock have lowered the level of precautions back down. Ofcials shortened the list of banned activities but remained wary of the possibility of blazes like those along the Front Range.
Fires have spurred evacuations and required the e orts of hundreds of re ghters this summer, including the Quarry Fire in neighboring Je erson County.
at re began on Deer Creek Canyon Road near Grizzly Drive the night of July 30, quickly spreading hundreds of acres, prompting evacuations for almost 600 residences at its height. Just over a week later, it was 100% contained with no homes lost,
according to o cials, who expressed gratitude it wasn’t worse.
But with more hot weather on the way, the danger of wild res persists.
Still, Sheri Darren Weekly was con dent that a reduction in re restrictions, from stage 2 to stage 1, e ective Aug. 9, was enough. It affects unincorporated areas — those outside of cities and towns, but also the vast Highlands Ranch, which is anked by the Backcountry Wilderness Area.
Castle Rock almost immediately decided to follow the “county’s lead in reducing our re restrictions to stage 1,” said Oren Bersagel-Briese, the town’s deputy re chief of operations.
Douglas County ban
Prohibited activities under stage 1 includeopen burning of any kind and use of reworks, including use of
model rockets.
Allowable activities include the following:
- Fires within liquid-fueled or gasfueled stoves, replaces within buildings, charcoal grill res within developed residential or commercial areas, and res in wood-burning stoves within buildings only
- Professional reworks displays that are permitted, according to section 12-28-103 of Colorado law
- Fire suppression or re department training res
- Small recreational res at a developed picnic or campground sites contained in xed permanent metal/ steel re pits — rock re rings are considered temporary and not permanent — with ame lengths not in excess of four feet
- Or the residential use of charcoal grills, tiki torches, res in chimineas,
or other portable replaces or patio re pits, as long as the res are supervised by a “responsible person” at least 18 years of age.
Violation of the restrictions is a class 2 petty o ense, punishable by up to a $1,000 ne and a $10 surcharge.
More information on re restriction stages can be found at the Douglas County emergency management website at dcsheri .net/emergencymanagement/ re-restrictions.
If you live in an incorporated part of Douglas, the county suggests checking with your municipality about current restrictions.
Castle Rock ban
See crgov.com/ rebans for more information. Questions about the current status of re restrictions in town can be directed to the re chief’s o ce at 303-660-1066.
Superintendent: $490M needed for schools
Erin Kane pushes bond to fund buildings, cut maintenance backlog
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane says hundreds of millions of dollars are needed to build new schools and to bring existing ones into good condition. She has asked the school board to put a $490 million bond on the November ballot to see if voters support paying for a range of improvements.
e district hasn’t passed a bond since 2018 and the money from it has since been spent. Without additional bond funding, Kane said a
school building maintenance backlog has stacked up to $300 million and is growing yearly.
Additionally, the district needs to build new elementary schools to accommodate growing neighborhoods that currently don’t have schools, including Sterling Ranch and Ridgegate. Students in those neighborhoods are currently being bused to over ow schools.
Kane said the bond is the only way the district can a ord to make capital improvements, noting that even if it sold all of its excess land, the money would not cover a year’s worth of maintenance.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to our citizens to provide schools to the community,” Kane said. “ e ability to provide safe and adequate educational spaces for students, which we know is what’s best for their learn-
ing, would be compromised by our inability to take on this debt.”
would approve a $490 million bond.
If the board doesn’t put the bond on the ballot, or if the board does and it fails, Kane said there will be signi cant nancial impacts and disruptions to students.
branch opening in August!
Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, August 24th, 2024 | 3:00 - 7:00PM
Kane said she is recommending the $490 million gureafter evaluating other optionsbecause it would not increase taxes and had the most support in polling.
Last year, the district asked voters for a $488 million bond to fund maintenance for three years, build three new elementary schools and expand two middle schools, but it failed with 52% of voters opposing.
In ation has made construction and maintenance more expensive, Kane said. e $490 million bond would cover the construction of two new elementary schools, one middle school expansion and a majority of maintenance projects through 2026.
“ e schools students are attending are continuing to age and capital needs are becoming increasingly urgent,” Kane said.
“ e biggest impact is that continued growth will mean students in new communities will be redirected to existing communities, which will cause students in existing communities to be relocated to schools farther away from their homes,” she said.
Kane said the goal is to get back to passing bonds on a regular schedule of every three to four years, which the district did from 1984 to 2006. She added that future bonds, whether or not one passes in 2024, will require tax increases.
“When we look to a future bond, that will be a tax rate increase,” she said.
Support Ponderosa High School by purchasing ra le tickets! All proceeds will benefit their new scoreboard.
e bond would not increase taxes and this is the last year Douglas County can ask for a bond without increasing taxes because of the way that the district’s debt payments are structured. If a bond is not placed on the ballot, or if it fails, property taxes will decrease by an estimated $94 per year for a $1 million home.
A June poll of 800 presumptive voters found that 60% of respondents
Board members have expressed support for the plan. Board member Kaylee Winegar, who sits on the district’s Fiscal Oversight Committee, said the committee agreed that a bond is the most nancially responsible way to address capital needs.
“ e recommendation, I think, is wise,” Winegar said.
e board will vote on whether to place the bond on the ballot at the Aug. 27 meeting.
Douglas County School District Superintendent Erin Kane speaks to the school board about sta ’s recommendation to put a $490 million bond on the November ballot to pay for new schools and building maintenance. The $490 million bond would not raise taxes.
PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
FREE TO THE PUBLIC – ALL AGES WELCOME
EVENT LOCATION: DCSD Legacy Campus – 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree
https://bit.ly/2024-health-event
REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT to get updates, reminders, and to be entered to win prizes/giveaways!
A tribute to our Olympic heroes
AWINNING
s I re ect on the achievements of our Olympic athletes, past and present, I am overwhelmed with pride and admiration. Becoming an Olympian is one of the most challenging and rewarding paths one can take. It demands physical prowess and an immense amount of courage, commitment, and dedication. Our athletes have demonstrated these qualities in abundance, and their accomplishments on the world stage are a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Misplaced priorities
e city of Castle Rock is asking for your hard-earned money to fund public safety. While the use for the funds is laudable, the source is not.
Two events set for older adults
Ve road to the Olympics is paved with long hours of training, the relentless grind, and the inevitable spilling of blood, sweat, and tears. Each athlete’s journey is unique, yet they share a common thread of sacri ce and determination. ey wake up before dawn, often pushing their bodies to the limit,
SEE NORTON, P20
accine Recommendations for Older Adults” is the topic of the Sept. 5 monthly meeting of the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC). Ellie Furuta, community health educator with the Douglas County Health Department, will give a comprehensive overview of vaccine recommendations as well as answer questions. e meeting is from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Douglas County Library in Castle Pines located at 360 Village Square. e meeting is free and open to the public.
“I am looking forward to talking to the community about the upcoming respiratory season. We will discuss disease prevention measures, the importance of immunizations, and other healthy practices for the season,” states Furuta.
be to have necessary information readily available. Participants will begin assembling the binders during the session and then complete the binders at home.
e city could fund this need from other revenues. However, they have, and are, instead o ering substantial tax and other incentives to developers such as Conuence Companies for the planned Brickyard development, and did so for 221 N. Wilcox, Encore and Riverwalk. As well, the same was done for e View, Dawson Trails and others. Why is it
the city can throw money at developers, but can’t fund public safety? Because council is hellbent on growth at any cost, and part of that cost is public safety and quality of life. We’ve gone from ~20,000 people in 2000 to 85,000+ today. It’s insane. As city council likes to tout, “growth pays for growth.” Well then, the developers should pay for the needed services. But no, that would be too much of a burden. Better to go to the well, to the taxpayers. Just like with PIFs and TIFs, developers would rather spend other people’s money. e
city could also cut funding in other areas to fund this. As well, the budget for road maintenance has been cut. Enjoy dodging the potholes. I urge you to contact city council and ask them about their misplaced priorities. Tell them to stop giving tax incentives to developers. Also ask why they’re proposing to fund a third recreation center. at money could be better spent elsewhere, say public safety.
Chris Demarest, Castle Rock
e meeting format includes announcements from 10-10:15 a.m., followed by the presentation, and concludes with community conversation from 11:15-11:30 a.m.
“Aging Well, Finishing Strong” is an interactive workshop that will focus on creating a Legacy Binder on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Events Center in Castle Rock. Legacy Binders compile important information needed by loved ones or caregivers after death or in the case of grave disability. Imagine how helpful it would
Workshop panelists include Barb Lotze, patient navigator with All Seasons Health; Alyson Young, nurse practitioner from All Seasons Health; and Renet Greer, attorney from Greer Law, LLC. Refreshments will be provided by Seven Stones Botanical Cemetery. Registration is required and there is a $10 fee to cover the cost of materials. Scholarships may be available. Enrollment is limited to 50 participants on a rst come, rst served basis. To register please search for Seniors’ Council on the Douglas County website, douglas.co.us, or call 303663-7681. is workshop is co-sponsored by the Douglas County Department of Community Services and SCDC.
SCDC promotes Living Well/Aging Well in Douglas County. We serve to enhance quality of life through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Join us!
LIVING AND AGING WELL
Jean Spahr
Plan now for sweeping tax changes
Most people do not like change. Or maybe they don’t like it when things are out of their control. If this describes you, then now is a good time to get prepared for the sunset of our current income and estate tax laws. It will de nitely be a change, and it will de nitely be out of your control.
e Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. is a ects everything to do with how much you will pay in taxes and how much you can pass on to your heirs tax free. is assumes there will not be considerable tax reform between now and the end of next year.
It is important to understand that in this situation, taxes are going up and the amount you can exempt from estate tax is going down. at’s right — not good for you. But why worry about this now? Because you have only a few more months of this tax year to address any changes you would like to make. If new tax legislation does pass in 2025, you may wish you took advantage of current lower tax rates this year. If new tax law does not supersede the TCJA sunset, then you will have only one more year to make adjustments to your taxable income and to your estate.
I would suggest to anyone who is complacent with their current tax and estate situation, think again. Even if you are in the highest current bracket, it is likely going higher, so plan well this year and next to take advantage of paying what you can now to avoid paying more in the future.
is means purposely pushing more taxable income into this year and next. You can do this through changing your 401(k) contribution from tax deferred to a Roth contribution, if your employer o ers a Roth option. You can also consider a Roth conversion and realizing capital gains on highly appreciated stock. You can complete and bill projects if you are self-employed. e problem is many of these strategies take a while to plan and implement but could be spread over two tax years if you start now.
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
It is hard to predict what will actually take place next year since this is an election year. Starting now to plan for 2024 is the most control you may have since it is doubtful much new legislation will pass in the next four months. We also don’t know how the tax brackets from 2017 will be adjusted for in ation, but Michael Kitces, CFP®, tax planner, created a comparison that may be helpful for planning. One example is for those with household taxable income of $94,300, the bracket could jump from 12 percent to 25 percent. Household income of $189,850 could increase your bracket from 22 percent to 28 percent. Currently, the highest bracket of 37 percent is for incomes over $731,200. After the law reverts back to 2017 adjusted for in ation, the highest bracket will be 39.6% on incomes over $583,750 for married ling jointly.¹ ese are just a few of the signi cant changes that could be in e ect for many years to come and are certainly worth planning for.
Estate planning is another crucial opportunity to prepare for. You may want to consider transferring some of your wealth now to avoid having your heirs pay 45 percent or more on assets over the exemption limit, expected to drop back to $5 million, adjusted for in ation.² ere are gifting opportunities to help reduce your estate and keep assets with your heirs instead of Uncle Sam. You may also consider using your lifetime exemption now by putting the bulk of your estate in a gift trust. Work with your professional advisor to make certain what type of plan is right for you.
1&2: Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP, CLU, ChFC,RHU,REBC,CASL; founder of e Kitces Report and e Nerd’s Eye View. TCJA Sunset Provision Guide.7.10.24
Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
Arvada nonprofit aims to create bridges through collaboration, exploration and fun for kids in the metro area
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Studies on music’s bene ts repeatedly show its positive impact to mental and physical health. Research also shows it can build bridges.
Children who participate in group music activities exhibit more cooperation than kids who don’t, according to the journal “Evolution and Human Behavior.” Furthermore, researchers found children who regularly play music, sing and dance together can more easily empathize with others. at’s something today’s world needs more of, believes ornton resident Dustin Olde, and that he hopes his music school can foster. A lifelong musician, Olde runs Colorado AMP (After-school Music Program), a low-cost, nonpro t kids’ music school in Arvada. e three-year-old business draws students from the heart of Denver and throughout the suburbs.
“Kids can take music lessons online anytime,” he said. “ e whole point is we want them in-person, working together. We’re trying to get people to get along. at’s where we as a society are struggling. How can we all get along and understand each other? e music is just the gateway, the language by which they communicate.”
His students’ words suggest Olde is having an impact.
“When I thought of music before, I really thought more about, this note is A or B,” said Westminster’s Cullan Wright, 13, who’d played French horn in his school band before enrolling at Colorado AMP. “Now I understand it’s more about chords, how di erent things meld together.
“Before when I was playing, I was only thinking about my part,” he continued. “I would use someone else as a cue to come in. But for the most part, I wasn’t listening to other kids.”
Olde also discovered the power of music while playing with his peers. As a teen at Littleton High School, he experienced bene ts that went far beyond music’s immediate psychological rewards.
“At 15, I formed a band with some friends; that was a huge piece of what got me through high school,” Olde said. “ ose were my best friends, and the band was a fundamental part of my selfesteem. It gave me the con dence I needed to get through high school.”
ose bonds went so deep that 35 years later, Olde is still playing with one of his high school bandmates in the group Trouble Bound. e band recently played at Evergreen’s Aug. 3 Mountain Music Fest.
Olde was a college music major and early in his career, worked with at-risk kids as an AmeriCorps teacher. at experience sparked his interest in a music school open to children from families of all income levels.
“We were teaching anger and con ict management skills to kids,” said Olde, a father of two. “I learned that the time when kids get in the most trouble is between when school ends and when Mom and Dad get home from work. at’s the time I want kids to be doing something positive.”
Colorado AMP is designed for children ages 10 to 15 who love music. Skill level or family income
is not a factor. e school o ers sliding scale fees and full scholarships. Drawing kids from di erent backgrounds is key to ful lling Olde’s mission.
“My vision has always been that we’d have a kid from Sterling who likes country and one from Aurora who likes hip hop,” he said. “In real life, the two would never meet. But here, they hear one another’s music and play together. You start to understand somebody else’s perspective.
“It’s not hugely di erent from School of Rock,” he continued. “But our goal is to get to those kids who can’t a ord School of Rock.”
While Colorado AMP was intended to be primarily an after-school program and o ers individual lessons, specialty workshops and after-school programs, its summer music camps generate the highest turnout.
During the camps, kids practice in small groups for two weeks and then do a live performance. Students can choose to play guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards or sing. Olde typically contracts with teachers to instruct the summer programs.
Broomfield’s Davis Maurney, 11, focuses during an end-of-camp performance at Colorado AMP.
PHOTO BY LINDA MAURNEY
MUSIC
Westminster parent Kerstin Wright’s two sons have gone to Colorado AMP’s summer camp for two years running.
“I was a little skeptical when we went the rst time that by the end of two weeks we’d be attending a concert with them playing these instruments,” she said. “My kids had never had any experience with playing a bass guitar, an electric guitar or drum set. I was astonished. It was such a huge fun surprise to see them up on stage that rst time.”
Not only did her sons learn to play the instruments, they created a band name and logo, and produced a promotional video.
“ ey just had some very cool and di erent experiences they’d never had anywhere else,” Wright said. “ ey met some new kids, and some really awesome adults who have a passion for music and kids. at was also a win.”
Cullan Wright said it’s changed the way he listens to music.
“Whenever I’m listening to a song now, I can hear the piano part or the bass part,” he said. “I really do appreciate how much time they have to put into everything.”
Eleven-year-old Cooper Wright also saw his musical world expand after the summer camps.
“It’s opened up some more music genres,” he said. “(Before) it was kinda like whatever is on for me. I knew about bands like Nirvana and Green Day. But once we played a Nirvana song, I really got into it. Now I think I listen for more genres than just whatever.”
Cooper played both drums and guitar during his two Colorado AMP summer camps.
“ ey’re really good at simplifying things to make it kid-friendly,” he said. “I like the other kids there, and just getting to play and learn new instruments is pretty fun.”
It’s been fun for their mother, too, who said she now hears them talking in the car in great detail about a song playing on the stereo.
“So much of what kids do nowadays is screenbased; I feel like they don’t get a lot of opportunity to get creative,” she said. “For me, it’s important to create those opportunities that are meaningful and interesting to them.”
Broom eld’s Linda Maurney and her son and daughter had a similar experience. Son Davis, 11, has done the summer music camp for three years. Davis already owned a guitar but before Colorado AMP, he said he barely touched it.
“Now I’ve learned new things and it’s more fun to play guitar,” he said. “It really helped me practice.”
Davis said his favorite moment at each camp is the nal performance.
“It’s fun to play on a stage,” he said. “You come together as a band, and it’s fun to see how you sound.”
Linda Maurney said she’s watched her children’s musical con dence grow with each camp experience.
“My son’s talking about starting his own band,” she said. “He brought two of his friends to camp,
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO AMP
Address: 8141 N I-70 Frontage Road, Unit 7B, Arvada, CO 80002.
You can apply for camps and classes or make a donation online.
and now they do it together. ey’re engaged with other kids, for a common purpose. ey’re listening to and reading music, trying to gure it out. You can almost see that their brains are more activated.”
So far this summer, about 60 students have participated in Colorado AMP’s summer camps. While this basic formula’s been a winner, Olde is experimenting with alternative ideas, too. Earlier this year, the school hosted a Taylor Swift workshop, a four-Saturday program in which students learned and performed three Swift hits.
As the program has evolved, so too have its participants.
“ is year I had a student who was missing a hand,” Olde said. “In that same camp, I had a kid with a speech disability. We’ve had kids with autism. …I think a lot of kids on the spectrum gravitate toward music. ey can nd their voice through it. So that’s been cool.”
For Olde, the best moment of any program comes at the end — when students take everything they’ve learned and showcase it to friends and family.
“ at last day of camp when they do their performance is my favorite,” he said. “We try to have as polished a performance as we can. at sometimes means we as teachers are in there playing with them. We want them to think, ‘Whoa, this sounds really good.’ ey feel so proud of themselves. Everything’s worth it for that day.”
Students rehearse at Colorado AMP during a summer music camp. They include Julian Luby from Wheatridge on piano, Anya Beneski (wearing glasses) from Wheat Ridge on vocals, Molly Roman from Lakewood on vocals, Isaac Press from Lakewood on bass, and Khalil Foster from Arvada on guitar.
Cooper Wright and Davis Maurney show o their Colorado AMP IDs during a recent summer camp. COURTESY PHOTO
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
Lace up those running shoes, Elizabeth
Historic Main Street 5K and Family Color Run returns for 2024
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Town of Elizabeth is preparing to celebrate the community’s history as the Historic Main Street 5K and Family Color Run returns for 2024, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. Alexandra Cramer, the town’s planner and project manager, says the “historical” aspect of the run
comes from its route, “which starts and nishes on our historic Main Street, showcasing the heart of Elizabeth. Runners get to experience the charm of our downtown before venturing onto scenic trails through Running Creek Park and Evans Park.”
e race has a new course and will go over the reconstructed trail bridge and north through Evans Park. Cramer said the course winds through the disc golf course and offers fun and varied terrain. e town has partnered with Colorado Race Timing to provide o cial chip timing for the 5K, which gives participants accurate, professional results to measure their performance.
e Family Color Run also has a
later start time this year, beginning at 10 a.m., which allows participants to join both the 5K and Color Run. A breakfast food truck will be available as part of post-run festivities. As in years past, there will be face painting, street games and race-related vendors.
Cramer said the town’s overarching goal for the race is to bring the community together, promote healthy living and highlight Elizabeth’s unique blend of history and natural beauty.
e hope is to attract visitors to historic Main Street and encourage them to explore and patronize local businesses. “ is event is a perfect opportunity for participants and
spectators to discover the great offerings we have in downtown Elizabeth,” Cramer said. “We hope they’ll stick around after the run to shop, dine and experience the charm of our local establishments.”
To register for the 5K, visit tinyurl. com/elizabeth5k. Race registration includes a free T-shirt, a nishers medal, a souvenir bag and a pancake breakfast. Elizabeth Brewing Company is also o ering participants aged 21 and older a free beer ticket with registration.
For opportunities to volunteer for the 5K and other town events, visit tinyurl.com/elizabethvolunteer. For other questions, email Cramer at acramer@townofelizabeth.org.
A huge crowd of runners at the beginning of the Town of Elizabeth Historic 5K.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH
Runners take o at the beginning of the Town of Elizabeth Historic 5K.
Thu 8/22
Stone Mountain Elementary
@ 2:30pm / $778.75
Aug 22nd - May 15th
Stone Mountain Elementary, 10635
Weathers�eld Way, Littleton. 515-7080433
Orbit Culture
@ 5:30pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Blessing Offor
@ 6pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village
Dallas Moore
@ 6pm
Wheelz, 2490 W Hampden Ave, Engle‐wood
Glacial Tomb
@ 6:30pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Fri 8/23
Damage, Inc.: A Tribute to Sym‐phony & Metallica with Damage Inc and the Denver Pops Orchestra @ 7pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater, 210 E Wolfensberger Rd, Castle Rock
Bellhead: A night of Goth and Post Punk music in Denver at 1010 Workshop @ 7pm
The 1010 Workshop, 1010 Closed Street, Denver
Sat 8/24
Gravel @ 6:30pm
Wild Goose Saloon, 11160 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker
NU SKOOL @ 6:30pm Wild Goose Saloon, 11160 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker
Sun 8/25
Those Crazy Nights: Castle Pines Summer Concert Series @ 4pm
Coyote Ridge Park, 7485 Serena Dr, Cas‐tle Pines
Tue 8/27
Challenge to Excellence Elementary - Tuesday @ 2:15pm / $801
Aug 27th - May 20th
Challenge to Excellence Charter School, 16995 Carlson Dr, Parker. 515-708-0433
Open Jam at Western Sky @ 5pm
Aug 27th - Oct 29th
Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 South Broadway, Englewood. westernskybarco@ gmail.com
Wed 8/28
Ladies Night @ 5pm / $10 Stampede, Aurora
REO Speedwagon: The Summer Road Trip Tour @ 5:30pm
DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm
Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan
Rock Ridge Elementary, 400 Heritage Ave., Castle Rock. 303-912-0701
Renaissance Intermediate Band @ 4:15pm / $486
Aug 29th - May 22nd
Renaissance Elementary Magnet, 3960 TRAIL BOSS LANE, Castle Rock. 303-912-0701
Crashing Wayward @ 6pm
Wild Goose Saloon, Parker
Carin León @ 6:30pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Vil‐lage
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village
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.
driven by a dream few can truly understand. e courage to pursue this dream is astounding, knowing that the path is fraught with obstacles and that the margin for error is razor-thin.
However, it is not just the physical challenges that make the journey remarkable. e mental fortitude required to maintain focus, stay motivated, and overcome setbacks is equally impressive. Our athletes have faced numerous trials, from injuries and disappointments to the pressure of global competition. Yet, they persevere, driven by an unyielding desire to excel and represent their country with honor.
e world witnesses something extraordinary when these athletes nally step onto the Olympic stage.
e grace, speed, strength, agility, accuracy, beauty, and endurance they display captivate our attention like nothing else. Watching them
perform is a spectacle of human achievement and a celebration of the human spirit. eir performances inspire us, reminding us of the limitless potential within each of us.
I am incredibly proud of every athlete representing our country at the Olympics. Whether they have brought home medals or not, their e orts and achievements are nothing short of magni cent. e work ethic, e ort, and grittiness they exhibit, their natural gifts, and the skills they have honed over years of training are truly awe-inspiring.
Consider the swimmer who spends countless hours in the pool, perfecting each stroke, or the gymnast who pushes the boundaries of what the human body can do with grace and precision. ink of the runner who trains tirelessly to shave fractions of a second o their time, or the weightlifter who combines raw power with impeccable technique. Each of these athletes embodies the essence of what it means to strive for excellence.
Our Olympic athletes are more than competitors; they are ambas-
sadors of hope and determination. ey remind us that we can achieve greatness with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of our dreams. ey show us that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks and that true success is measured not just by medals but by the journey and the e ort invested along the way.
eir achievements extend beyond the con nes of the sports arena. ey inspire future generations to dream big, to push their limits, and to believe in themselves. Young athletes look up to these Olympians, seeing in them the possibility of turning their own dreams into reality. is ripple e ect of inspiration is perhaps one of the greatest legacies our Olympians leave behind.
As I salute our Olympic athletes, I also recognize the support systems that have helped them along the way. Coaches, families, friends, and communities play a crucial role in an athlete’s journey, providing the encouragement and support needed to reach the pinnacle of their sport. eir contributions are invaluable
and deserve recognition alongside the athletes themselves.
Again, I am profoundly proud of our Olympic athletes, both past and present. eir courage, commitment, dedication, and resilience are qualities that we can all aspire to emulate. ey have given us moments of joy, pride, and inspiration; we are forever grateful for that. Whether they have stood on the podium or not, they have all achieved something extraordinary by competing at the highest level. To each and every one of them, I say: well done, and I salute you all. Your legacy is one of excellence; you have made your country proud.
I would love to hear your praise for our athletes at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can all come together to stand with our athletes who honorably represent us, it really will be a better than good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
Parent and party polarity
Analyze two parents with opposite parenting styles. One embraces the gentle approach by encouraging a child to express “big feels” — even if the kid may be throwing a tantrum and/or beating on the adult. e other will sternly expect better selfregulation, show little patience, and may even swat a behind before banishing the kid to another room. e former parent is often characterized as compassionate and the latter one as cruel.
So follows the typical characterization of our two political parties. As classic-liberal Bill Maher has decried, the Left’s emphasis on compassion has grown increasingly bizarre because of its seeming embrace of little to no boundaries. e mainstream media has often painted the Right as self-righteously cruel and intolerant; they may display the bias of omission by not reporting on any hugs given after the tantrums pass.
Because of major personality aws, though, does America need a supernanny to come in and tell our household how to function better?
Perhaps more adults are registering as independents in a search for balanced leading without the possible extremes of either.
e blind side to the gentle parent-
ing approach is the non-correcting tactic of ignoring or standing back to allow the catharsis of negative behaviors. “Just say no” is a foreign phrase to many kids who will grow up to become unruly teens and join the increasing cadre of young adults who despise their parents and have no contact with them. (Can we say anarchy when translated to the political arena?)
e blind side of the sterner disciplinary approach is the possibility of a dictatorial takeaway. (Can we say executive orders actually occur in both parties?) While physical and mental abuses can be rightfully claimed in such an environment, they may also be imsy excuses for stubborn resistance.
In my experience after decades of teaching young adults, the most well-balanced ones endured the occasional disappointment of “No!” but also enjoyed quiet hugs and encouragement. Only later do they appreciate those boundaries. Like a train that can’t run wildly in daisylled meadows, a mature adult realizes that we all need the restriction of common-sense tracks in order to operate smoothly.
Rather than focus on awed personalities of the parties who claim they want to adopt us into their families, before we vote, shouldn’t we be looking at policies? Which direction leads down the best path?
Linda Mazunik
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Highlands Ranch resident Thoennes nearly medals in Olympic rowing
BY ED KLAJMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
PARIS — At the Olympics, it’s often said the most emotionally di cult nish an athlete can have is fourth place — just one spot away from coming home with a medal.
Highland Ranch’s Jessica oennes has now had that experience for a second consecutive time.
e rower nished fourth in the bow seat as part of the women’s eights crew in Tokyo three years ago, just two seconds o the podium. In Paris, oennes was in the pairs competition together with Azja Czajkowski.
It was a case of di erent boat –same result, as the duo nished fourth in the nal, and once again for oennes, about two seconds from having a bronze medal put around her neck.
“Yeah, it is a pretty familiar position to be so close and yet and maybe perhaps falling a little short,” said the 28-year-old, who graduated from Mountain Vista High School in 2014. “But I think if you look at our competition and how we have gone through this whole time, I’m incredibly proud and thrilled with how both myself and my partner Azja have been able to really break through and succeed in such a short amount of time.”
Emphasizing how it takes years of training together for a tandem to
reach their full potential, oennes explained the Americans had been together for just a matter of a few months, much di erent than the teams that nished ahead of them – the Netherlands (gold), Romania (silver) and Australia (bronze).
“ e gold medalists have been rowing together on and o for eight years,” explained oennes, who had never rowed in her life until walking on to the University of Washington’s team in 2015. “ e Australian pair have been rowing together exclusively for three years and were together for the last Olympics as well. e Romanians have now been rowing together for at least two quadrennials now that I’ve been able to tell. So, to have come together with somebody in four months, and to be so close, I think is such an exciting preview of what we can do.”
After taking in several other Olympic events as a spectator after her event wrapped up halfway through the games, oennes participated in the closing ceremony and then ew back to the U.S. on Monday.
Now, oeness said, a substantial break from the sport is the priority, including getting back to Colorado “sometime soon,” but oennes does not know when exactly, pointing out that she only planned up until the nal of her event and not a day after it.
“I have not taken a break since. Well, I don’t think I have ever taken
a break in my life, to be honest with you,” oennes laughed, noting that thoughts of 2028 and the enticement of a home Games in Los Angeles are certainly in play, but that she’s not going to plan too far ahead or get too far ahead of herself.
“It will come as it does. We will see how the body’s doing and how everybody’s feeling and kind of evaluate after a couple of months, and kind of move forward,” oennes said while
acknowledging that the Olympics there will “be really good” and that “the United States has put out some very good Games in the past.”
“But, I mean, if people have been complaining about the tra c here, I don’t know if they’ve ever been to Los Angeles,” oennes joked. e big challenge, oennes added, is that the rowing competition
The rowing pair of Jessica Thoennes, foreground, and Azja Czajkowski practice for the Summer Olympics in Paris. The duo finished fourth, one spot shy of a bronze medal, at the Games.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROW2K SEE ROWING, P23
will take place in Marine Stadium in Long Beach.
It’s the same course that was used in the 1932 Olympic Games, but it’s only 1,500 meters long, making it the shortest course in Olympic history. e standard length for any international competition has always been 2,000 meters. And U.S. team qualifying will also be on a 2,000-meter course.
oeness said Paris has been wonderful, and a much di erent experience than Tokyo, which was in a COVID bubble.
“It’s a very intimate village. Everything is very, very close, whereas in Tokyo, there was a lot of space,” said the Business and Corporate Communications grad, who was Academic All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention in 2018, and part of the
rst sweep in NCAA history, as the Washington team went undefeated in every race at the collegiate championship in 2017.
“I think I was a little bit better prepared this time on how things worked,” oennes added. “I think
Highlands Ranch native Jessica Thoennes, left, and her partner Azja Czajkowski pose for a photo after winning the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April. The two rowers’ finish qualified them both for the Summer Olympics this month in Paris. Thoennes is a 2014 graduate of Mountain Vista High School.
it was still overwhelming. It’s always exciting at this new spot when you get somewhere close to the number of athletes that we did and you’re like, whoa, this is wild. So it’s been a very exciting experience. It’s been really fun to experience the full pro-
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cessing and checking, like coming into Team USA, we didn’t get to have that experience last time, so I think it’s just trying to make sure that we make it as special as we could was the goal.”
She added that having her immediate family — father, Chris, mother, Sue, and sisters, Olivia and Camille – was a big plus. And she apologizes if people from back home tried to reach out to o er encouragement and did not hear from her, because like many athletes in an Olympics, phones get turned o and the attention gets placed squarely on the task at hand.
“I think I’ve been quite focused on my own path this couple of months,” oennes said. “So, I haven’t really heard too much from outside, because I’m not always that easy to reach.”
For this Highlands Ranch native, and all those in Colorado who watched the journey, it was an Olympics to remember.
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What drivers should know about school buses
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Part of keeping kids safe during the school year starts the second they get on the school bus every morning.
While school buses have the tools to indicate kids are getting on and o the bus, other drivers in the community also have the responsibility to abide by the bus’ rules. Drivers can even be penalized and ned for passing a school bus when it’s at a stop to pick up and drop o students.
Each state has a law that makes it illegal for motor vehicles to pass a school bus when it has its stop-arm extended and lights ashing.
“Unless on a divided roadway, all drivers must stop for all school buses displaying red ashing lights and stop signs for the entire duration the bus has the lights displayed,” said Cocha Heyden, public information o cer with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.
According to Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1903, a driver on either side of the road or street must stop at least 20 feet away before reaching the school bus if the bus has its lights and stop sign activated. e driver may proceed when the visual signal lights are no longer being used.
Drivers are required to stop when
they are approaching a stopped school bus even if they don’t see children crossing the road. If behind a bus, drivers should not pull into the left lane or go on the shoulder to pass the bus.
Additionally, bus drivers are supposed to use their yellow lights at least 200 feet before coming to a stop, according to the state statute. When the yellow lights are on, the speed limit is reduced to 20 mph, no matter the posted speed limit.
Once the signal lights are turned o and all the kids have cleared tra c, the driver of the bus should allow time for vehicles stopped behind them to pass, as long as passing is allowed in the area.
Illegally passing a school bus is a class two misdemeanor tra c o ense, according to Douglas County Tra c Sergeant Trace Warrick.
In addition to a mandatory court appearance and six points against your driver’s license, the presumptive penalty range is a minimum of a $150 ne and 10 days in jail, up to a $300 ne and 90 days in jail.
“Punishments increase for prior convictions within ve years,” said Heyden.
If the person is on their second conviction within ve years, the penalty go up range is a minimum of a $300 ne and 10 days in jail, up to a $1,000 ne and one year in jail, said Warrick.
Legals
Water Court
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JULY 2024 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION
TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1
Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JULY 2024 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www.coloradojudicial.gov)
CASE NO. 2024CW3104 PARKER CENTER
LLC; 53 Charlou Circle Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80111 Attn: George Mattione; (720) 236-8500; g.mattione@comcast.net. Please send all correspondence to Applicants Counsel: Michael A. Kopp, Vanya Akraboff; Trout Raley; 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1600 Denver, Colorado 80203; (303) 861-1963; mkopp@troutlaw.com. vakraboff@troutlaw.com; APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT-NONTRIBUTARY SOURCES IN THE NONTRIBUTARY DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE, AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NOT-NONTRIBUTARY DAWSON AQUIFER IN ELBERT COUNTY.
Subject Property: Applicant is the owner of a parcel of approximately 74.184 acres located at 1223 State Highway 86, Elizabeth, CO 80107 (the
“Subject Property”). The legal description of the parcel is more particularly described on Exhibit A hereto, and the location of the parcel is shown on Exhibit B hereto. Applicant is the sole owner of the Subject Property and therefore no notice is required pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2). 3. Well Permits: There are currently three small-capacity exempt wells on the Subject Property with the following permit numbers: 214687 (Lower Dawson), 131503 (all unnamed aquifers), and 55931 (all unnamed aquifers). These wells will be plugged and abandoned prior to extraction of any of the groundwater which is the subject of this application. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of wells to withdraw the groundwater which is the subject of this application. Additionally, should Applicant construct a new well to pump not-nontributary water from the Dawson aquifer, an augmentation plan will be applied for if needed to replace surface depletions attributable to that pumping. 4. Source of Water Rights: The Denver, Laramie-Fox Hills, Arapahoe, and the Lower Dawson aquifers underlying the Subject Property are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5), and the Upper Dawson aquifer underlying the Subject Property is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90103(10.7). 5. Well Fields: Applicant requests that this Court determine that Applicant has the right to withdraw all the legally available groundwater lying below the Subject Property through any additional wells which may be completed in the future, as Applicant’s well fields, subject to Rule 11.B of the Statewide Nontributary Ground Water Rules 2 C.C.R. 402-7. 6. Estimated Amounts: Applicant estimates that the amounts listed in the following table may be available for annual withdrawal based on a 100-year withdrawal period.
Aquifer
Upper
Annual Amount (acre-feet)
Elbert Legals
7. Proposed Uses: The groundwater will be used, reused, and successively used for domestic, irrigation (indoor and outdoor), agricultural, commercial, industrial, stock watering, fire suppression, fish and wildlife, recharge, exchange, replacement and augmentation purposes, either directly or after storage. The Applicant may reuse and successively use the groundwater to extinction, and may lease, convey or otherwise transfer the groundwater underlying the Subject Property. 8. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-302(2), 37-92-203(1). 9. Remarks: 9.1 Applicant claims the right to withdraw more than the average annual amounts estimated in Paragraph 6 above pursuant to Rule 8A of the Statewide Rules, 2 C.C.R. 402-7. 9.2 Applicant requests the right to revise the estimates upward or downward, based on better or revised data, without the necessity of amending this application or republishing the same. Applicant requests that this Court approve the above-described underground water rights, find that Applicant has complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. (4 pages)
THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as
to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of SEPTEMBER 2024 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.
Legal Notice No. ECN 1544
First Publication: August 22, 2024
Last Publication: August 22, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of ROBERT IHLY, Deceased Case Number: 24PR30036
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before December 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Rachelle Ihly, Personal Representative c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. ECN 1545
First Publication: August 22, 2024
Last Publication: September 5, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Mary L Langenberg, Deceased
Case Number: 24PR12
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado, on or before December 16, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marie T Johnson, Personal Representative 404 Cottletown Rd Smithville, TX 78957
