On the corner of O’Brien Park in Parker sits “Unconditional,” a piece by Boulder artist Mitch Levin, who was inspired to create the 3D heart by his trip to Paris and the lock bridge.
Using public art to serve beauty and purpose
Parker establishes its first public arts commission
Whether it be a mural on a building or a 3D heart covered with locks at O’Brien Park, art spreads across Parker like one giant canvas.
And now with a goal to create a more inclusive and vibrant community through
public art, Parker has established its rst public arts commission.
“Some of (the commissioners) are artists themselves, some of them are married to artists, some of them just love public art or do it as part of their job, (but) they all had a vested interest in bringing public art to Parker,” said Carrie Glassburn, Parker’s cultural director.
Christine Kennedy, who has been appointed to serve as the commission’s rst chair, is looking forward to implementing art not just downtown, but in Parker as a whole.
How does Colorado keep noncitizens and dead people everything from the DMV database to what’s known
“Creating unity in our community, as far as creating groups of spaces and areas where people can feel like they know they’re in Parker,” said Kennedy. “And that they are in a beautiful space.”
Public art is de ned as anything that is created by an artist, is unique and is not mass produced, according to Glassburn. She added that public art can just be a beautiful piece to look at, but it can also serve a purpose.
It can be used for safety by increasing
As the election draws nearer, Coloradans have a lot of questions around voting — about how the process works, and also, what protections are there to ensure ineligible people aren’t casting ballots. It’s a perennial concern in every election, but one that has heated up this year, that somehow large numbers of non-citizens — and the dead — will manage to
Weld County Clerk and Recorder Carly Koppes has been elding versions of these fears since she rst started working in the o ce in 2004. e Republican, who was rst elected Clerk in 2014, is on her 6th
“ is isn’t the rst presidential election that we’ve got a lot of voters asking, ‘what
Despite no widespread evidence of voter fraud in the 2020 election, an NPR poll shows that a majority of Americans are concerned that there will be fraud this time around, in large part due to former President Donald Trump’s false statements. A majority of respondents in that survey said they believe noncitizens will be able to vote in the upcoming presiden-
A number of audits, investigations and studies con rmed the results of the 2020 election, which President Joe Biden won. e checks to ensure only eligible voters end up on the voter rolls start with the rst question asked of anyone registering to vote in Colorado.
“On the form it says, ‘Are you a citizen of the United State? Yes or No?” Koppes said, pointing to a printed copy of Colorado’s o cial voter registration form. Next to the question, the document says, “if you answered No, do not complete this form.”
“So, it’s a self-a rmation. We are hoping that you are answering that question correctly,” Koppes explained. But “when we start registering you to vote in the voter registration system, we do verify and check.”
In other words: trust, but verify. Clerks and the Secretary of State’s Office rely on a long list of databases to
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
School resource o cers train with FBI about online threats
When an FBI special agent asked a room full of Douglas County school resource o cers if they had dealt with sextortion, only a couple of them raised their hands.
But it’s not only sextortion that today’s school resource o cers may have to face, there’s also violent extremism and human tra cking.
“ e school system has now become the epicenter of that nationally,” said Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI Denver Field O ce. “Our school resource o cers and our school administrators are on the front lines.”
Sextortion is the solicitation and enticement of someone to engage in photographed sexual acts. Violent extremism involves using violence to support a goal, and human tra cking refers to the buying and selling of people.
e FBI has seen a rise in human trafcking and violent threats involving youth throughout Colorado, mirroring national trends, and is focused on lone o enders and small groups that are “radicalized” online.
In September, roughly 50 school resource o cers got national-level training at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree on how to recognize signs of vi`olent behavior, sextortion and human tra cking.
Jonny Grusing, the school district’s security director, knows what level of training the FBI o ers, as he was in the FBI for 25 years. He said the partnership for the training provides local school resource o cers with extra tools to recognize concerning behaviors and prevent victimization.
operations center had received more than 4,500 threats against schools nationwide, including hoax bomb threats, fentanyl cases and swatting, similar to what Colorado is receiving.
Before becoming the school district’s security director, Grusing led lectures on pathways to violence at schools in Douglas County, identifying warning signs of how an individual can escalate to violence and how to stop violence before it happens.
“(Students’) brains are still developing and so they are subject to grooming,” said Michalek. “ ey’re subject to extremist views.”
Violent extremism is on the rise as o enders are targeting and recruiting children and teens online in the county, according to Grusing and Michalek. Michalek cited the teen from Castle Rock who last summer was indicted on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“We’re not talking about political perspectives or political ideology,” said Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly. “We’re talking about when that rises to the level of violence and hurting people.”
Hiding in plain sight
Instagram, Snapchat, Google Hangouts, Tik Tok, Roblox and Omegele are some of the ways students are being sexually exploited, according to the FBI.
“It’s something that parents need to be concerned about,” said Weekly.
Sextortion involves coercing a minor by using or threatening to use previously obtained sexualized images or videos. However, it can start by the subject gathering information from public pro les, initiating contact with a simple “hi” and asking for non-graphic images.
increase in nancially-motivated sextortion reports between 2021 and 2022. ey have also found boys ages 13-17 are most at risk to become victims.
Additionally, sextortion and child exploitation can lead to human tra cking.
In 2023, Colorado had the 10th highest overall number of human tra cking incidents nationwide, according to a recent Common Sense Institute Colorado report. e FBI de nes human tra cking as the illegal exploitation of people, and in the U.S., both residents and foreign nationals are bought and sold.
With an average entry age between 12 and 14, the National Human Tra cking Hotline 2021 polaris review states that becoming a victim stems from factors such as runaways, truancy, delinquency, family dysfunction and homelessness.
Other facts:
• e average life expectancy after entry is about seven years.
• About 82% of victims are physically assaulted.
• About 83% of victims are threatened by a deadly weapon.
• Two percent of victims are recruited from school and 11% are recruited from the street.
• Sixty-seven percent of recruiting comes from social media.
Compared to Arapahoe, Je erson and Adams counties, the Common Sense Institute report indicates Douglas County had the lowest number of victims in 2023.
However, Randy Allen, a detective with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce, said that human tra cking is a crime that hides in plain sight, including in Douglas County.
Craig Tangeman, an Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce investigator, added it may not be common to see human traf-
cking in places like Highlands Ranch.
“But it’s occurring,” he said.
Both Allen and Tangman are part of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force which includes multiple police agencies across the Denver area and the Colorado State Patrol. Since its inception in 2012, the task force has recovered about 700 minors.
While Michalek said this is a government and “all of community response” issue, he and local law enforcement agencies encourage parents to be more involved in what their children are doing online.
“As a parent myself, it’s hard to know what your kids are into,” said Michalek. “But you’ve got to be engaged.”
Agents from the Denver FBI Division and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force spoke to Douglas County school resource o cers at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree about the dangers of the internet and how it has played a part in the rise of violence and human tra cking.
PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
Jonny Grusing, Douglas County School District security director, speaks about the FBI initiative to engage with more school districts and their school resources o cers to learn more about identifying concerning behaviors that might lead students to violence or become a victim.
Cooperative Living Presents an Attractive Alternative for Downsizing Seniors
The first time I heard about Village Cooperatives was a few years ago when I listed the Lakewood home of an elderly couple who had a deposit on an apartment at Village Cooperative Lakewood, near Wadsworth and Jewell, which was then under construction. They ended up canceling their reservation, so I didn’t think more of it, including in March 2020 when Rita and I sold our Golden home and moved into a 55+ rental called Avenida. If I had looked into Village Cooperatives, I think Rita and I might have made a different decision.
pro-rated to the portion of the year, so it wouldn’t actually be 9% unless you bought after exactly 3 years.
There are between 50 and 70 apartments in each of the cooperatives. All but this one are 3 stories with a garage in the basement. There are a few 1-bedroom units, but most are 2 bedrooms, and some of those also have a den. They range from under 900 to over 1,700 square feet, and there are over 20 floor plans. During the tour, I got to see all three types.
Two weeks ago, I got an invitation to visit the Village Cooperative building in Centennial from a reader who had moved there from Avenida the same year we moved in. I attended a 2-hour talk and tour of the facility last week, and learned enough to consider getting on a waiting list for a 2-bedroom unit with a den.
Ten of the 45 Village Cooperatives built so far are in Colorado. Five of the 10 are in the Denver metro area, stretching from Longmont to Centennial, and the only ones that aren’t sold out are in the Columbine area of Littleton and in Longmont. All the others have waiting lists. The company that builds them is based in Minnesota.
The details and numbers I’ll quote below are for the Centennial location, but the other locations are probably comparable.
Buying into a cooperative is not at all like buying a condo. You are buying a share in the ownership of the building. The price of the share is set originally and appreciates by 3% per year, without compounding. For example, in the Centennial cooperative, the original prices ranged from about $160,000 to $240,000 when it opened three years ago. If you could purchase a share which had an original price of $200,000, you’d pay $218,000 (3% increase x 3 years). The 3% per year is
Real estate agents play no role in the purchase. You pay a refundable $500 deposit to get on the waiting list, and you will be notified when shares become available. You can pass on any unit that becomes available and not lose your place on the list.
The monthly fees — it’s not considered “rent” — are about $2,000 per month and consist of four components: your pro-rated share of the monthly payment on the building’s 40-year construction mortgage; your share of the property tax on the building, and a management fee, including your share of the building’s contract with Comcast for internet access, cable TV and a landline. The fourth component is contribution to reserves. Gas and electric are individually metered.
The cooperative is managed by a board of directors consisting of your fellow shareholders. Members also are encouraged to join committees focused on finance, maintenance, and social activities.
One parking spot in the secure basement garage is assigned to each unit. There is a high-pressure car wash bay with vacuum, too.
Amenities include a fitness center, a library, storage rooms, a meeting/game room, and two hotel-style guest rooms that residents can reserve for $50/night.
I was impressed by the sizes of the rooms in each of the apartments. In our current apartment, the master bedroom is
Just Listed: 5-Bedroom Brick Ranch in Wheat Ridge
10’ by 11’ — barely big enough for our king-size bed and one dresser. The master bedrooms in the cooperative’s units are more like 12’x15’, and the smallest guest bedrooms are bigger than the master bedroom in our Golden apartment.
A member can sell their share at any time and get back their investment plus the 3% per annum appreciation paid by the replacement member, minus deduction for repairs, etc. Members can pay for upgrades such as better appliances, countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, flooring, etc. and expect an additional direct payment for those upgrades by the buyer, as negotiated between buyer and seller.
A gas forced-air furnace is in a locked closet accessed from each unit’s balcony. Central hot water is included in the monthly fees.
You can’t finance your purchase with a mortgage, because it’s not real estate. It’s a cash purchase, and you have to demonstrate that you can afford the monthly fees. If you are planning to sell your current home when your wait for a unit is up, one strategy is to borrow the $200,000
via a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that is paid off when your home sells.
The purchase price and the monthly fees for a cooperative are roughly half what a comparable condo purchase and dues would be, making the decision an easy one if you have the liquid funds to buy the share.
Village Cooperative only began in 2011 and has grown impressively. You can learn more and see its many locations at www.VillageCooperative.com. In the posting of this article on my blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com, I have links to a few YouTube videos I recorded during my tour.
Some Buyers Pay ‘Admin Fees’
A couple weeks ago I wrote that almost no buyers are paying a commission to their agents, despite the recent NAR settlement. Sellers are still paying buyer agents’ commissions. However, many brokerages have a long-standing practice of charging a 3figure “administrative fee” to buyers — usually around $300. Golden Real Estate does not charge buyers such a fee.
Water Cremation: Going Green in the End
$750,000
The seller has owned and loved this brick ranch at 7085 W. 32nd Place for 43 years! The basement, with two doors to the backyard, includes a large wet bar for entertaining plus a sound-proofed musical studio which could be a bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The home has 500-amp electrical service, with 240-volt outlets in the detached garage/ workshop. There are four separate sheds in the backyard. Well water is used for irrigation. The asphalt driveway was recently seal coated. There’s a fenced dog run and pre-wiring for a hot tub. You’ve got to see this home to believe it! Visit www.WheatRidgeHome.info to see lots of interior and exterior photos and to take a narrated video tour. Kathy Jonke will be holding it open this Saturday from 11 to 1, or call her at 303-990-7428 to request a private showing.
Golden Real Estate’s Broker Associates
David Dlugasch
303-908-4835
Joined us in 2014
Licensed in 2001
Jim Swanson
303-929-2727
Joined us in 2010
Licensed in 2000
Chuck Brown
303-885-7855
Joined us in 2014
Licensed in 2000
Joined us in 2023 Licensed in 2002
I don’t recall how I learned about it, but last week Rita and I visited an open house at Be A Tree, a company which offers water cremation as a green alternative to conventional flame cremation. Conventional flame cremation uses natural gas. Water cremation is what it sounds like. Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, it uses a mixture of 95% water and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to dissolve fats and tissues in a body, reducing it to components of liquid and bone. The process takes place over 18 hours in a pressure vessel heated to around 200°F.
The bones are then ground into a powder referred to as ashes, although no flame was used. For an extra fee, those ashes can be molded into white stones which can be shared among loved ones.
The 150 gallons of nutrient rich water generated by the process, called Tree Tea, can be used as fertilizer, hence the
name of the company, Be A Tree. Rita and I had always thought that cremation was the best way to go when we die, but we had done no pre-planning and this approach is much more appealing to us, so we have now pre-planned for water cremation with Be A Tree. If this concept appeals to you, learn more at www.BeATreeCremation.com or call 720-782-2782.
Douglas County sheri
’s Trump rally speech
‘had nothing to do with race,’ Weekly says
Darren Weekly talks about immigration and crime at Aurora political event
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
On a stage with the words “Deport Illegals Now” behind him, Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly spoke at a rally for former President Donald Trump, praising him and emphasizing concerns surrounding migrant people and crime.
“ e Harris-Biden administration have turned their backs on law enforcement. President Donald J. Trump will bring law and order back to America,” Weekly said in his remarks. He added: “We need to make America great again.”
Trump’s rally took place in Aurora, a suburb thrust into the national spotlight amid claims that it had become a “migrant gang war zone” and that areas in the city have been taken over — a narrative that the former president has pushed. e Republican candidate’s rhetoric has continued despite Aurora o cials attempting to combat it.
“I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered,” Trump said at the rally.
In remarks at the event, the Douglas County sheri focused on immigration, standing next to mug shots of alleged gang members printed with the heading: “Occupied America.”
“Some of these migrants are hardened criminals. ey’re sex o enders, they’re murderers and they’re members of transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua,” Weekly said.
Days after the rally, Weekly told the Douglas County News-Press that “it’s
critical that people know that my speech and my comments had nothing to do with race.”
“It had everything to do with public safety. I’m the elected sheri , so I go through a primary process,” Weekly said, adding: “ e Republican Party elected me to be the sheri of Douglas County. (But) you will not nd a (social media) post from our organization about politics.”
At the rally, Weekly introduced himself as “the proud Republican sheri of Douglas County.” Later, Weekly argued the sheri ’s o ce isn’t a political space.
“I represent all the residents of Douglas County. at has not changed because I gave a speech for President Trump,” Weekly told the News-Press, adding: “We try to stay away from politics at the sheri ’s o ce.”
“My deputies put their lives on the line every day, and they would put their lives on the line for a migrant just as they would for a citizen of this community,” Weekly said.
‘Not suggesting all the migrants are felons’ e Trump campaign reached out to Weekly and asked whether he would be willing to speak, Weekly said. e former president is known for inammatory rhetoric about immigrants, including about Latino people who come to the United States.
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. ey’re not sending you. ey’re not sending you. ey’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. ey’re bringing drugs. ey’re bringing crime. ey’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” Trump said in 2015.
Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly stands on stage at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Oct. 11 in Aurora. Weekly spoke about concerns surrounding crime and immigration.
Asked whether the sheri worries that immigrants may be more hesitant about reporting crimes in Douglas County after seeing him speak at a rally for Trump, Weekly said: “I was very careful with my comments … to only comment on migrants who were committing crimes.”
“I’m not suggesting that all the migrants are felons and that they’re members of TdA,” Weekly said, referring to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
He said he’s concerned about what he calls “our open border,” a reference to the Biden administration’s handling of people entering the country seeking asylum. Seeking asylum — or safety from persecution — is a legal process. “Seeking asylum is a human right protected under our laws,” the website for the American Civil Liberties Union says.
He’s also concerned that terrorists could come through the border.
“Ask yourself: Could there be a terror plot right now within our borders being planned against the American citizens?” Weekly said at the rally.
Weekly told the News-Press that law enforcement has arrested Venezuelan nationals in cases connected to Douglas County.
“Over the last six months, we’ve had an uptick,” Weekly said, adding: “ e number of Venezuelan nationals that we have in custody ebbs and ows.”
“I think the last time I looked, it was nine,” Weekly said in mid-October. e suspects he referred to are undocumented, and they are believed to have residences throughout the Denver metro area, some of which are in Aurora, Weekly said.
“Typically, it’s property crimes,” Weekly said of the situations in his jurisdiction. “Typically, it is car theft and burglary (charges).”
He said he couldn’t comment on whether they’re gang related.
“We have ongoing investigations about their gang a liations,” Weekly said.
Eye on Aurora
A recent viral video that shows armed men in the hallway of an apartment complex in Aurora has helped fuel controversy over claims about gang activity in the city.
Aurora Mayor Mike Co man, a Republican, released a statement in response to Trump’s rally.
“ ere were thousands of people who attended the rally today, some of whom might have visited Aurora for the rst time, who were able to see rsthand the mischaracterizations of our great community,” Co man’s statement said. “I am disappointed that the former president did not get to experience more of our city for himself.”
“I cannot overstate enough that nothing was said today that has not been said before and for which the city has not responded with the facts,” the Oct. 11 statement said.
“Again, the reality is that the concerns about Venezuelan gang activity in our city — and our state — have been grossly exaggerated and have unfairly hurt the city’s identity and sense of safety,” the statement continued. “ e city and state have not been ‘taken over’ or ‘invaded’ or ‘occupied’ by migrant gangs. e incidents that have occurred in Aurora, a city of 400,000 people, have been limited to a handful of speci c apartment complexes, and our dedicated police o cers have acted on those concerns and will continue to do so.”
e Aurora Police Department an-
nounced in September that one suspect is in custody and others have been identi ed in connection with the August viral video. For more on that and information on gang concerns, see the city’s webpage at tinyurl.com/AuroraPoliceInfo.
Weekly said he thinks “any individual making comments should do their best to be accurate.”
“Obviously, the City of Aurora has not been taken over by gang members,” Weekly said.
His sta has been working on transparency in Douglas County’s jail demographics, he said, so the public will be able to see the numbers of Douglas residents and nonresidents, a breakdown of gender, and country of origin for inmates on the sheri ’s o ce website.
“I don’t want misinformation being out there either,” Weekly said, adding: “It’s my way of being transparent with the public.”
‘We have people from all backgrounds’ Safety and the border “shouldn’t be a racial issue,” said Weekly, who said he comes from mixed heritage.
“I’ve got Irish, Welsh, but yeah, on my father’s side, it’s Hispanic, it’s Mexican,” Weekly said. “ ey migrated here legally.”
His sta are from “all political backgrounds,” Weekly said.
“We don’t discriminate on people here. If we did, I’d re them,” Weekly said. “We have people from all backgrounds, cultures (and) sexual orientations.”
“And what I said at the rally is: e most important role of the U.S. government is to protect the lives of their citizens,” Weekly said. “I do not believe the HarrisBiden administration has the best interests of citizens in mind.”
Talking fentanyl
At the rally, Weekly also touched on the topic of drug deaths, saying: “Hundreds
of thousands of Americans have died across the country, and that is because of fentanyl that has made it across our open border because of the Harris-Biden policies.”
e world of drug smuggling at the border is more complex than it may appear.
Data obtained by the libertarian Cato Institute think tank via a Freedom of Information Act request shows that U.S. citizens comprised 80% of individuals caught with fentanyl during border crossings at ports of entry from 2019 to 2024.
U.S. citizens “are people who have the ability to cross but also are going to be able to slip under the radar,” said Tara McGrath, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, in a story by news outlet KPBS.
McGrath dismissed the idea that migrants and asylum seekers eeing violence are the ones primarily bringing fentanyl into the country.
Some may wonder: What about the possibility of smuggling drugs through places between o cial entry points?
Some portion of migrants enter the country illegally and are not detected by the Border Patrol, but the percentage of migrants who do so appears to have declined in recent decades amid both expansions of barriers on the border undertaken in the administrations of George W. Bush and Trump and improved surveillance tools deployed at the border, according to Washington Post reporting in 2022.
On top of that, many migrants want to be stopped by government o cials, in order to make an asylum claim that might allow them to remain in the country legally for some time, the Post wrote.
Months ago, President Joe Biden put forth a policy change at the southern border, a move to limit claims for asylum at the border.
What does it mean to have a bond measure on your ballot?
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When voters go to ll out their 2024 ballots, there’s a good chance they’ll be asked to decide on a bond measure, whether for parks, schools or libraries.
In an e ort to help inform voters, Colorado Community Media spoke with Byron Isaak — a bond broker and dealer at Lakewood-based Isaak Bond Investments who has worked in the industry for more than 40 years — about how bonds work.
Bonds are a way for municipalities or special districts, like school districts or library districts, to take on debt to fund infrastructure and capital investments, such as buildings, sidewalks, roads, parks and water and sewer lines.
A popular kind of bond used by municipalities and special districts is a general obligation bond, which Isaak said works similarly to a homeowner’s mortgage, where debt repayments can be spaced out over a long period of time with interest.
“ ey can issue a large amount of debt and put it in a ladder form, so there are bonds that will mature from one to 30 years and spread out the payment requirement,” Isaak said.
Municipalities and special districts rely on property taxes to repay their debt in a general obligation bond, and Colorado requires that voters approve that debt.
Sometimes a bond measure will require a tax increase to cover the debt, but not always. Isaak said a bond could be tax neutral if the municipality is getting enough revenue from existing taxes to cover the payments, which might happen when a municipality has paid o
SECURITY
ensure their voter lists are clean, something even the right wing Heritage Foundation agrees Colorado does a good job on; it ranked the state third in the nation
Saturday Nov 9, 2024 9 AM - 4 PM
Fieldhouse 18700 E. Plaza Dr Parker, CO 80134
older bonds, re nanced debt or grown its tax base.
“What I would look for is what the anticipated annual requirement for the debt service will be and their projected revenue,” Isaak said. “If those numbers match up, you don’t have a tax increase.”
Once a general obligation bond is issued, if the municipality or special district doesn’t receive the revenue needed
for accuracy of voter registration lists.
When it comes to preventing noncitizens in particular from voting, the veri cation process starts with two other pieces of information on that form – your drivers’ license number or, if you don’t have that, the last four of your Social Security number.
By double-checking those, “we will be able to know if it is a valid U.S. citizenissued Colorado ID or driver’s license or Social Security number,” Koppes said.
While Colorado is a state that allows non-citizens, including people without legal status, to get a driver’s license, there are guard rails in place for them.
“ ere’s a nice big old black bar that’s actually put onto those issued IDs that clearly states this is not used for federal identi cation or voting purposes,” she explained. “Because they’re already agged within the Department of Revenue system, if they do try to get used as a voter registration, when we hit that system, it’s going to go ‘nope’ and (that) stops it right there.”
Koppes said with all these di erent checks and veri cations, it’s exceedingly rare for a non-citizen to get onto a voter list. And if a non-citizen does actually manage to vote, the consequences can be severe: a ne, jail time and deportation.
“I’ve known people and I’ve grown up with some people who have not been U.S. citizens and the last thing that they want to do is put that ability to eventually become a U.S. citizen in jeopardy,” Koppes said.
It might not sound sexy, but voter list maintenance is a big part of the job of clerks and the Secretary of State’s o ce. e databases they turn to don’t just allow o cials to check for noncitizens and
to pay it back, it can raise taxes to make the payment. Isaak said that can happen if the municipality overestimated the growth in its tax base.
“ ey are required and obligated to levy a tax on all taxable property (in the district) in order to make the debt service,” Isaak said.
Another type of bond voters might see is a revenue bond, where a municipality
keep track of deaths, there are many, many more that help clerks, such as ensuring people aren’t voting in two locations and spotting when people move out of state.
is work does not just happen in the months leading up to an election, but year-round.
“We update our voter lists daily using information about driver’s license and address updates from the Colorado Department of Revenue. And (we get) incarceration updates from the Colorado Department of Corrections,” explained Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold (Colorado bans people from voting while they’re serving a felony sentence). e state also gets federal information from the SAVE database to see if someone previously issued a non-citizen driver’s license has obtained their citizenship and is now eligible to vote.
As for dead people voting, Griswold quipped, “a dead person is dead.”
“But in all seriousness,” she went on, “we get information when Coloradans pass away from two spots… the Department of Public Health and Environment and also the Social Security Administration.”
Clerk Koppes said the Social Security list is aptly named the Death List.
“When I worked in the elections department every day doing data entry, I would always make the joke, I see dead people,” she said, citing the lm “ e Sixth Sense.”
And like the movie, the issue of dead people voting comes with a bit of a twist: some of the ballots counted on Election Day may legitimately belong to people who’ve died.
“Under Colorado law, if a voter casts a ballot during the early voting period and
or special district is paying o debt with service fees instead of taxes. Isaak said this is a common bond for water and sewage providers.
In general, Isaak said bonds are a very secure way for entities to take on debt to nance infrastructure.
“Municipal bonds as a whole have a great deal of history of very low default ratios,” Isaak said.
then passes away before Election Day, that vote will count,” explained Koppes.
Here again there is a veri cation process — in this case, with the signature on the ballot envelope.
Every voter has to sign the envelope when they return their ballot and if you’ve been voting in Colorado for a while, your clerk’s o ce has all those signatures on le.
“It is extremely rare that somebody is going to be – even a family member – is going to able to duplicate your signature,” Koppes said. “Because even if you sat down right now and did your signature ve times in a row, you’re going to notice there’s ve di erent little nuances every single time.”
Elections judges have extensive training on signature veri cation. And here’s the thing, they’ve caught people who tried to cast another person’s ballot.
“We actually, in the 2016 election, did catch an ex-husband trying to vote his exwife’s ballot,” Koppes recalled.
In that case, the o ender, a former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, was sentenced to four years of probation.
Even if you don’t trust traditional media, election o cials urge you not to take your questions to Google or social media. Both Koppes and Griswold had the same advice: call your county clerk’s o ce.
“We’re the ones that do this and know and understand the responsibility that we have. It’s a huge responsibility,” said Koppes.
One they take extremely seriously. is article comes courtesy of the Colorado News Collaborative and the statewide project, “Voter Voices,” which Colorado Community Media is a part of.
Are unchecked opinions in Colorado’s local TABOR books misleading voters?
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As voters sit down to ll out their ballots, they often refer to their local TABOR book, commonly known as the “gray book,” for more information about local ballot initiatives. Whether it’s a school bond measure, like in Douglas and Arapahoe counties, or an elimination of a TABOR limit in Je erson County, the gray book provides voters with information to decide whether to vote for or against a proposal.
However, many may not realize that the public comments included in these guides are not fact-checked, according to the Colorado Legislative Council’s TABOR Blue Book guidelines. ese guidelines note that arguments for and against ballot measures are submitted by proponents and opponents and are not veri ed for accuracy.
According to reporting by Colorado Community Media two years ago, misinformation in Douglas County’s booklet regarding the school district had its administrators up in arms. e district’s Superintendent, Erin Kane, spoke out against comments opposing the district’s mill levy override and bond measures, calling them “untrue” and “misrepresentative.”
with said and very to a default
is year, a statement opposing proposition 1A in Je erson County claims a “yes” vote would eliminate the property tax cap from TABOR.
However, a “yes” vote would allow the county to keep its share of property tax funds “without increasing any tax rate or mill levy rate,” according to the ballot language. e mill levy rate, which varies by coun-
Local guidebooks explicitly state that comments aren’t verified.
ty, determines the amount taxpayers owe in property taxes.
According to state law, any registered voter within a local jurisdiction can submit comments for or against a ballot issue. However, the government entity is not responsible for fact-checking or verifying the accuracy of the submitted comments.
Local guidebooks explicitly state that comments aren’t veri ed, but readers may skip over this information as they ip to the issues.
“We include an explanation in the pack-
et that my o ce isn’t able to warrant the accuracy or truth of the contents of the notices, but we do provide the contact information for the designated election o cial,” said Je erson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez. “ is allows voters to reach out if they need more information about the content in their city, county or district booklet.” Gonzalez said it’s important to remember that the TABOR book is one of many good resources for learning more about what’s on your ballot.
Voters can also look to county election websites, local news reporting or nonpartisan organizations like the League of Women Voters, which produces voter guides without endorsements or political bias. In a time of heightened awareness of misinformation in our elections, sorting fact from opinion may seem more important than ever. State law makes it clear that the responsibility for evaluating the accuracy of the information ultimately falls on the voters themselves.
Parker mayor vetoes council-led resolution to publicly support Douglas County schools ballot measure
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Parker Mayor Je Toborg vetoed a Parker Town Council resolution that would support the Douglas County School District 5A bond initiative that is on the November ballot.
“ e process should be the citizens’ decision,” said Toborg. “Another government should not support nor come out against another group’s initiative.”
e school district’s $490 million bond initiative (ballot initiative 5A) has sparked discussion county-wide, as this will be the third year a school district bond has been on the ballot.
Superintendent Erin Kane says the purpose of the bond is to help update aging schools and facilities, build additional career and technical education pathways, construct and expand neighborhood schools to accommodate growth, and upgrade school safety and security.
Kane has also stated that the bond would not increase taxes on Douglas County residents. Additionally, this is the last year the school district can ask for a bond without increasing taxes.
According to town documents, the school district requested support for the initiative from municipalities within the district, including Parker.
A council-led resolution
Two weeks before the election, on Oct. 21, the council-led resolution to support
the bond was brought to the table by longtime councilmember Joshua Rivero, who is running against Toborg for mayor this election.
“I thought it was important for this council to discuss whether or not we put out the information (about) what 5A is, and what it would do to help our community,” said Rivero.
Rivero pointed to a couple of reasons why he believes the passing of the bond would be bene cial. e rst being that the bond would help the aging infrastructure in the community, such as Sierra Middle School, which was built decades ago.
Previously known to some as Parker Junior High, Rivero said the school is a “failing building” and that it has reached its useful life. Councilmember Brandi Wilks agreed that the building is outdated, as she was a student of the school and noted that the school still runs on well water.
Additionally, Rivero said the school could bene t from improvements made to its programs that serve students with special needs. e school could also use some security updates.
Sierra Middle School is just one example. According to the school district, if the bond passes, all of the schools in Parker could see improvements. Another example is Ponderosa High School, which would get a new generator, ooring and track, as well as security improvements and updated technology for sta and students.
To learn about speci c improvements that would be made to certain schools, visit the school district’s website at funding.dcsdk12.org/2024-bond/how-myschool-would-bene t.
Rivero added that the upgrades to schools would in turn be bene cial for the town’s economic development, as people looking to start a business or live in Parker look at the school district.
Wilks agreed.
“If our school district is seen as subpar or not the best, then people don’t choose this place to buy their houses,” said Wilks. “If people don’t live here, they’re not shopping here and if they’re not shopping here, we’re not getting our sales tax revenue. And if we’re not getting our sales tax revenue, we’re not paying for our parks and our recs and our open space and our public safety and our government.”
While appreciating the conversation between councilmembers, Diak and Hefta were against the resolution.
Councilmember Anne Barrington, who was in support of passing the resolution, said she respected the di erence of opinion.
“(Here’s) an example of where we don’t always agree on council,” said Councilmember Anne Barrington. e town council has been described by recent public commenters as being in “lock step” with one another and have been questioned whether they are a balanced council, as they have voted “yes” on more than 800 items in the past year.
“We do vote yes,” said Wilks. “It’s OK that we choose to get along and not scream at each other up here and we can listen to each other’s opinions.”
Describing himself as a “process person,” Diak said that with resolutions such as the one concerning the school bond, he believes his duty as a councilmember and a voter are separate – which is something he said he has learned from his time on regional boards.
He added that as a voter, he looks at whether it meets his interests or not, and as a councilmember, he looks at if there would be a nancial incentive or disincentive on the citizens.
“I didn’t have any direct oversight as a Town of Parker councilmember and I don’t feel this resolution is something we should consider,” said Diak. “Again, I’m saying that from a process standpoint.”
Councilmember Laura Hefta agreed with Diak and also respected that the resolution was brought forward.
“ e voters, I trust in their decision to vote on this issue without Parker having to pass a resolution,” said Hefta. e resolution passed with a 4-2 vote.
Following the vote and pursuant of the town’s Home Rule Charter, Toborg vetoed the resolution, stating he sided with Hefta and Diak in that “it should be a process moment, this shouldn’t be a ‘how we feel moment.’”
McKenna Harford contributed to this story.
Compare hospital costs for specific procedures, insurance plans
ColoradoHospitalPrices.com allows users to check out prices at di erent hospitals that at
BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN
If you have a medical procedure on the horizon in Colorado, there’s a new way to shop around for the best price.
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday announced a new website —ColoradoHospitalPrices.com— where people can look up various procedures performed at a hospital and see a list of prices based on insurance carrier. e tool, then, potentially allows people with upcoming medical care to shop around and see which hospitals available in their insurance network can o er the lowest price.
At a news conference, Polis said he hopes the website is the rst step in an effort to apply market pressure to hospitals to reduce their prices. With health insurance premium prices set to rise for many next year, lowering what patients — and insurers — pay for health care is vital to reducing overall health care spending
“One of the key failings of the market is the lack of pricing transparency that doesn’t allow for the competition to work as it does in any normal market, to bring down costs,” he said.
e website was launched in partnership with the national organization PatientRightsAdvocate.org. Colorado’s website is the rst of what the organization hopes will be a nationwide network of price transparency tools for patients.
e new website also adds to the list of local tools in Colorado that give patients the ability to search for hospital prices based on their insurance carrier — that last part is crucial because the prices that di erent insurers pay at the same hospital for the same procedure can vary widely, while not all hospitals will be covered under a speci c insurance plan.
Just last month, the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing launched its price-lookup site, which relies on the same data as the website announced Tuesday but o ers a di erent search experience. e data comes from prices that hospitals are required to report under state and federal law. Polis said the connection to a national network of price-transparency sites made it worthwhile to launch a second website.
“ e more ways to make it easier for people to access that information, the better,” he said.
e Center for Improving Value in Health Care, a nonpro t that administers a state database for insurance claims information in Colorado, also has a shopfor-care tool. Unlike the other two websites, the CIVHC tool allows users to see quality and patient-experience scores for particular hospitals.
But all of these tools — as well as various other e orts to get hospitals to reveal their prices — come with challenges that may limit their value to consumers.
Hospital prices are not a basic menu. ere are thousands of billing codes for various procedures, and some procedures could be billed under di erent codes, depending on the hospital’s operating standards. For instance, there are over 70 di erent billing codes for an X-ray, depending on the body part being scanned and the number of views need-
Insurance companies, too, o er multiple plans, which may have di erent negotiated prices. So it’s not enough to know your carrier — you have to know the speci c plan name, too.
And, on top of that, di erent hospitals may use di erent names for things. As a portion of an instructional video Polis showed Tuesday explaining how to use the new website put it: “Remember the descriptions may be di erent as you shop across hospitals, because descriptions vary according to the hospital. Now look for your payer from the list. Payer names can also vary according to the hospital.”
Even more confusing, the prices presented for a speci c procedure may not be the “all-in” cost. In other words, there may be other charges for scans, anesthesia, medications and services not included in the procedure price.
Depending on the hospital and how they sta their doctors, patients may also receive a separate bill for physician charges that are not included in the hospital’s posted procedure price.
Polis acknowledged the complexities but said it’s important to start somewhere in making health care prices more transparent.
“It starts with saying, ‘Hey, why is my lung X-ray $600 at this hospital and $1,500 at this other hospital? e plan I have is paying twice as much as another plan,’” Polis said. “ at’s the kind of pressure we need to bring down rates.”
Polis said insurance companies may also use the sites to see what their competitors are being charged and then use that as leverage in future negotiations with hospitals.
Cynthia Fisher, the founder of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, echoed Polis, saying the website is a rst step toward “the great reveal of the absurdity of price variation that’s going on across Colorado and across the country.”
“No one should have this level of price variation,” she said. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Weekly Carrier Routes Available
• Part-time hours •Adaptable route sizes
Adaptable
• No suit & tie required! Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but email us at:
ed.
A patient room in Lutheran Hospital, as showin during a July 20 open house.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Millions of aging Americans are facing dementia by themselves
BY JUDITH GRAHAM KFF HEALTH NEWS
Sociologist Elena Portacolone was taken aback. Many of the older adults in San Francisco she visited at home for a research project were confused when she came to the door. ey’d forgotten the appointment or couldn’t remember speaking to her.
It seemed clear they had some type of cognitive impairment. Yet they were living alone.
Portacolone, an associate professor at the University of California-San Francisco, wondered how common this was. Had anyone examined this group? How were they managing?
When she reviewed the research literature more than a decade ago, there was little there. “I realized this is a largely invisible population,” she said.
Portacolone got to work and now leads the Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment Project at UCSF. e project estimates that that at least 4.3 million people 55 or older who have cognitive impairment or dementia live alone in the United States.
About half have trouble with daily activities such as bathing, eating, cooking, shopping, taking medications, and managing money, according to their research. But only 1 in 3 received help with at least one such activity.
Compared with other older adults who live by themselves, people living alone with cognitive impairment are older, more likely to be women, and disproportionately Black or Latino, with lower levels of education, wealth, and homeownership. Yet only 21% qualify for publicly funded programs such as Medicaid that pay for aides to provide services in the home.
In a health care system that assumes older adults have family caregivers to help them, “we realized this population is destined to fall through the cracks,” Portacolone said.
Imagine what this means. As memory and thinking problems accelerate, these seniors can lose track of bills, have their electricity shut o , or be threatened with eviction. ey might stop shopping (it’s too overwhelming) or cooking (it’s too hard to follow recipes). Or they might be unable to communicate clearly or navigate automated phone systems.
A variety of other problems can ensue, including social isolation, malnutrition, self-neglect, and susceptibility to scams. Without someone to watch over them, older adults on their own may experience worsening health without anyone noticing or struggle with dementia without ever being diagnosed.
Should vulnerable seniors live this way?
For years, Portacolone and her collaborators nationwide have followed nearly 100 older adults with cognitive impairment who live alone. She listed some con-
cerns people told researchers they worried most about: “Who do I trust? When is the next time I’m going to forget? If I think I need more help, where do I nd it? How do I hide my forgetfulness?”
Jane Lowers, an assistant professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, has been studying “kinless” adults in the early stages of dementia — those without a livein partner or children nearby. eir top priority, she told me, is “remaining independent for as long as possible.”
Seeking to learn more about these seniors’ experiences, I contacted the National Council of Dementia Minds. e organization last year started a biweekly online group for people living alone with dementia. Its sta ers arranged a Zoom conversation with ve people, all with early-to-moderate dementia.
One was Kathleen Healy, 60, who has signi cant memory problems and lives alone in Fresno, California.
“One of the biggest challenges is that people don’t really see what’s going on with you,” she said. “Let’s say my house is a mess or I’m sick or I’m losing track of my bills. If I can get myself together, I can walk out the door and nobody knows what’s going on.”
An administrator with the city of Fresno for 28 years, Healy said she had to retire in 2019 “because my brain stopped working.” With her pension, she’s able to cover her expenses, but she doesn’t have signi cant
savings or assets.
Healy said she can’t rely on family members who have troubles of their own. (Her 83-year-old mother has dementia and lives with Healy’s sister.) e person who checks on her most frequently is an exboyfriend.
“I don’t really have anybody,” she said, choking up.
David West, 62, is a divorced former social worker with Lewy body dementia, which can impair thinking and concentration and cause hallucinations. He lives alone in an apartment in downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
“I will not survive this in the end — I know that — but I’m going to meet this with resilience,” he said when I spoke with him by phone in June.
Since his diagnosis nearly three years ago, West has lled his life with exercise and joined three dementia support groups. He spends up to 20 hours a week volunteering, at a restaurant, a food bank, a museum, and Dementia Friendly Fort Worth.
Still, West knows that his illness will progress and that this period of relative independence is limited. What will he do then? Although he has three adult children, he said, he can’t expect them to take him in and become dementia caregivers — an extraordinarily stressful, time-intensive, nancially draining commitment.
“I don’t know how it’s going to work out,” he said.
waters. In the week immediately after the storm, she lled water jugs every day at an old well near her house and brought them back in a wheelbarrow. ough her power was out, she had plenty of food and neighbors looked in on her.
“I’m absolutely ne,” she told me on the phone in early October after a member of Dementia Friendly Western North Carolina drove to Baker’s house to check in on her, upon my request. Baker is on the steering committee of that organization. Baker once found it hard to ask for assistance, but these days she relies routinely on friends and hired help. A few examples: Elaine takes her grocery shopping every Monday. Roberta comes once a month to help with her mail and nances. Jack mows her lawn. Helen o ers care management advice. Tom, a cab driver she connected with through Buncombe County’s transportation program for seniors, is her go-to guy for errands.
Denise Baker, 80, a former CIA analyst, lives in a 100-year-old house in Asheville, North Carolina, with her dog, Yolo. She has cognitive problems related to a stroke 28 years ago, Alzheimer’s disease, and serious vision impairment that prevents her from driving. Her adult daughters live in Massachusetts and Colorado.
“I’m a very independent person, and I nd that I want to do everything I possibly can for myself,” Baker told me, months before Asheville was ravaged by severe ooding. “It makes me feel better about myself.” She was lucky in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene: Baker lives on a hill in West Asheville that was untouched by ood-
Her daughter Karen in Boston has the authority to make legal and health care decisions when Baker can no longer do so. When that day comes — and Baker knows it will — she expects her long-term care insurance policy to pay for home aides or memory care. Until then, “I plan to do as much as I can in the state I’m in,” she said. Much can be done to better assist older adults with dementia who are on their own, said Elizabeth Gould, co-director of the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center at RTI International, a nonpro t research institute. “If health care providers would just ask ‘Who do you live with?’” she said, “that could open the door to identifying who might need more help.” We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit k healthnews.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF
independent source
— an
of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Denise Baker, a former CIA analyst, lives alone in a 100-year-old house in Asheville, North Carolina. She has cognitive problems related to a stroke 28 years ago, Alzheimer’s disease, and serious vision impairment. With help from a few artist friends, she throws ceramic pots about six days a week. “I’m a very independent person and I find that I want to do everything I possibly can for myself,” Baker says. “It makes me feel better about myself.”
LORENA RUSSELL FOR KFF
Colorado’s naloxone fund is drying up
Cash running out even as opioid settlement money rolls in
BY CLAIRE CLEVELAND KFF HEALTH NEWS
On a bustling street corner one recent afternoon outside the o ces of the Harm Reduction Action Center, employees of the education and advocacy nonpro t handed out free naloxone kits to passersby.
Distributing the opioid reversal medication is essential to the center’s work to reduce fatal overdoses in the community. But how long the group can continue doing so is in question. e center depends on Colorado’s Opioid Antagonist Bulk Purchase Fund, also known as the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund, which now lacks a recurring source of money — despite hundreds of millions of dollars in national opioid lawsuit settlement cash owing into the state.
“Our concern is that we won’t have access to naloxone, and that means that more people will die of a very preventable overdose,” said Lisa Raville, executive director of the center.
e bulk fund was created in 2019 to provide free naloxone to organizations like the Harm Reduction Action Center. e fund’s annual budget grew from just over $300,000 in scal year 2019 to more than $8.5 million in scal 2022, according to legislative reports by the state’s Overdose Prevention Unit.
e fund has boosted the availability of the medication throughout Colorado, which passed a law in 2013 that gives legal immunity to medical providers who prescribe the drug and to any person who administers it to someone su ering an overdose. e fund currently provides more than $550,000 worth of naloxone kits to various entities each month.
Despite the increased availability of naloxone, fatal opioid overdoses continued to rise. In 2023, 1,292 people in Colorado died of an opioid overdose, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. at was 132 more people than the year before.
And now, one of the fund’s major money sources, the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress in response to the covid-19 pandemic, is set to expire next year. As of September, the Colorado fund had $8.6 million left, according to Vanessa Bernal, a spokesperson for the state health department.
e fund got a boost in September when the state’s Behavioral Health Administration provided it with $3 million from a onetime Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant
and nearly $850,000 through a State Opioid Response Grant. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said his o ce will “ensure that the necessary budget remains in place for the next year.”
e amount of that funding and where it will come from has yet to be determined, and long-term solutions are still being weighed, as well. One option to shore up the fund beyond the next year is to use Colorado’s share of settlement funds from the national opioid lawsuits, said Mary Sylla, former director of overdose prevention policy and strategy at the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
“It’s just completely ironic that something that addresses the opioid overdose crisis is underfunded at the very same time that these settlement funds are owing,” Sylla said. “ ere couldn’t be a better use for them.”
As of July, Colorado had received and distributed more than $110 million in opioid settlement money to regions, local governments, state entities, and infrastructure projects, according to the Colorado attorney general’s o ce, and the total is expected to reach more than $750 million by 2038.
However, more than half of the settlement money Colorado has received thus far has already been disbursed to its 19 Regional Opioid Abatement Councils, which have created their own plans to distribute money to programs such as substance abuse treatment centers, public education campaigns, and training for emergency providers.
For example, Denver’s council, which has received more than $18 million since 2022, has disbursed money to organizations in two- and three-year contracts, the majority not including the purchase of naloxone.
“We thought we could all continue to get [naloxone] from the state health department and the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund,” Raville said.
e Denver council is working on a plan for the coming years, expected to come out in mid-2025, and is considering the bulk fund’s dwindling money, said Marie Curran, program coordinator for Denver’s opioid abatement funds.
Lawrence Pacheco, a spokesperson for the attorney general’s o ce, which manages 10% of the state’s opioid settlement dollars, said the o ce “is working on options to ensure that this lifesaving medication can continue to be part of the state’s e ort to abate the opioid crisis.” ose options have not yet been made public.
California, where Sylla works, has used settlement money for a distribution program that’s similar to Colorado’s. In Washington and Kentucky, as part of the states’ settlements with Teva Pharmaceuticals,
tens of thousands of free naloxone kits will be available to residents. Each state uses its opioid settlement funds di erently, and while many provide naloxone to residents in some manner, including via vending machines, there is no central tracking of naloxone distribution programs.
Over the past ve years, Colorado’s fund has distributed more than half a million doses of the opioid reversal drug to hundreds of organizations and schools across the state. Last year, the Harm Reduction Action Center received 7,284 doses from the fund, which Raville estimates helped save more than 4,500 lives.
Unless additional money is found, the bulk fund runs the risk of having to further limit distribution, leaving the hundreds of organizations that rely on it with little or no access to free naloxone. While the medication became available over the counter nationally last fall, the $45 price tag per twodose package means it can remain out of reach for some who need it most.
In May, the state announced a plan for prioritizing which groups get the medication from the bulk fund, with four categories, from “essential” to “low need,” based on how frequently an entity directly encounters people who are most at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose.
e Harm Reduction Action Center has been classi ed in the “essential” category. School districts, as well as colleges and universities, are in the next-highest category.
Another organization, e Naloxone Project, said it was misclassi ed by not being put at the highest priority level. As a result, it said, it received just 1,200 naloxone doses from the fund this year, instead of the 6,000 it requested.
“We would argue that we would fall under
‘essential’ because many of our programs are public-facing and consistently provide naloxone for people who use drugs and who are at the highest risk of experiencing overdose,” said Rachael Duncan, associate director of e Naloxone Project. e group, which has chapters in 12 states, provides nasal and injectable forms of naloxone to more than 90% of Colorado’s hospitals, to give to patients before they are discharged from the emergency department or from labor and delivery units. More than half of the 12,000 naloxone kits the project has distributed to Colorado medical entities have come from the bulk fund.
Another organization, UCHealth’s Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation, known as CeDAR, which offers residential, outpatient, and telehealth treatment, is no longer eligible to receive free naloxone, because its patients typically are insured or can pay out-of-pocket. Karli Yarnell, a CeDAR physician assistant, said that even when someone can pay for it, that doesn’t mean they can get to a pharmacy to pick up the medicine. And Duncan is concerned about what the loss of doses will mean for organizations like e Naloxone Project and CeDAR.
“What I fear will happen is a scarcity mindset of organizations competing for funding,” Duncan said. “But I also worry about places that are used to getting it so reliably running out.”
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Doses of the opioid reversal medication naloxone are displayed for distribution by the Harm Reduction Action Center in August outside the nonprofit’s Denver o ces. Last year, the center received 7,284 doses from Colorado’s Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund, which now lacks a recurring source of revenue.
PHOTO BY CLAIRE CLEVELAND FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS
Seniors’ Council explores holiday activities
Older adults and those who support them are invited to a Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) meeting on ursday, Nov. 7 from 10-11:30 a.m., which will include a panel presentation outlining fun Douglas County holiday activities with a special appeal to older adults.
e meeting is scheduled at the Douglas County Library in Parker, Event Hall, 20108 E. Mainstreet. We will start with announcements at 10 a.m., the panel discussion will begin at 10:15 a.m., and the meeting will conclude with community discussion from 11:1511:30 a.m. e meeting is free and open to the public.
The perfect imperfection of a 5-year-old’s playroom
In today’s world of fastidiousness and perfectionism, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea that every space, even a child’s playroom, should be pristine, everything in its place, every toy neatly stored. For many of us, there’s a sense of satisfaction in organization, a belief that tidy spaces promote tidy minds. But there’s a delicate balance to strike, especially regarding the space of a 5-year-old. Children are naturally chaotic in the best possible way, their creativity and curiosity spilling into their surroundings. As adults, we must ask ourselves: Should their playroom re ect the organized world we strive for, or should it be a canvas for their boundless imagination?
WINNING
My grandson’s playroom, which we share as part of our “o ce,” is a perfect example of this tension between order and the joy of childhood. Just the other day, as I walked through his side of the room to get to my desk, I noticed a few Hot Wheels cars scattered across the oor. His room wasn’t a mess, not by any stretch, but those minor signs of play, those tiny cars on the ground, warmed my heart. It reminded me of my childhood, the rooms I used to play in, and the way toys seemed to be a part of my world, rather than something to be stored away when I was done. My daughter came down shortly after, concerned by the stray toys, and tried to clean them up quickly. I stopped her. “Leave it,” I said. ere was something so comfort-
ing, so genuine about those scattered toys. ey reected his world, his creativity in action, and his freedom to just be a child. e room wasn’t chaotic; it was alive with the essence of a 5-year-old’s spirit. Of course, we want to instill good habits in children from a young age. We want them to learn the value of cleanliness and to understand that everything has a place. But as I stood in that playroom, looking at the handful of cars and blocks, I realized there is a difference between fostering good habits and enforcing perfectionism. Kids, especially at the tender age of ve, are just learning about the world around them. eir play is their work, their toys are their tools, and their spaces are an extension of their minds. By expecting rigid tidiness, we risk sti ing that creativity.
ere’s a certain magic in a 5-year-old’s playroom. It’s not meant to be a showroom but a space where they can dream, build, and imagine. Sure, they must learn to pick up after themselves, but that doesn’t mean their room must be perfect every moment. Sometimes, those scattered toys tell the story of an adventure in progress, one that will continue when school is over
when the day winds down, and when they return to their world of make-believe.
As I sit at my desk, writing this, I can still see those few cars spread out on the oor, waiting for my grandson to return from kindergarten. I know that later, when my workday is done, I’ll lie down on that oor with him, and together, we’ll push those cars around, maybe build a city with his blocks or race the cars along some imaginary track. If you can even call it that, the mess will be part of the joy we share in that moment.
Children need space to express themselves; sometimes, that expression comes in mid-play toys, waiting for the next spark of imagination. e perfectionist in us may want to tidy everything up to create an environment that feels controlled and orderly, but that’s not what childhood is. Childhood is messy, creative, and beautifully imperfect.
Embracing the balance is the key, and I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can remember what Dr. Maryann Rosenthal said, “Strive for excellence and not perfection,” 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.
LIVING & AGING WELL
According to Ti any Curtain, SCDC Education Chair and Adult Literacy Specialist with Douglas County Libraries, “Panelists will share ideas for activities and connections during the holiday season. Panelists from Douglas County Libraries, Aging Resources of Douglas County, and the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center (PACE) will discuss opportunities and ways to enjoy the wonder of the season that Douglas County o ers.”
Circle your calendar for the last of 2024 on ursday, Dec. 5 in Lone Tree when we will Celebrate 2024 and Look Ahead to 2025. Tasty treats and joyful music will be part of the meeting scheduled from 10-11:30 a.m. Check for details and updates on the SCDC website at www. douglas.co.us — search for Seniors’ Council.
is column was written by Jean Spahr, publicity chair for the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, which promotes Living Well/Aging Well. SCDC is dedicated to advocacy, education, and collaboration. SCDC consists of interested older adults and volunteers; it is supported by Douglas County Community Services. Details and updates are available at www.douglas. co.us — search for Seniors’ Council or call Douglas County Community Services at 303-660-7460.
Do yourself a favor and get a watch that counts your steps
As someone who admittedly hates going to the gym and needs my workouts to be fun, I highly recommend a watch that counts your steps. After my ance surprised me with one for my birthday in September, I’ve been hooked, and determined to get my daily average up since.
Take advantage of the beautiful Colorado weather and simply take more walks. Whether you step away from your desk for 10 minutes or take the dog out on a longer trek after work, you’ll soon nd chasing those step counts is infectious.
REPORTER COLUMN
the physical health e ects can’t be denied.
Personally, this bene t has been undeniable for
Not only will it boost your mental health (walking has been proven to boost mood by increasing blood ow and circulation to your brain and body), but
I don’t want to preach. Sometimes you just don’t want to do anything. I get it completely. But try taking a brief walk every day for just three days and see how you feel. Plus, get yourself a motivator, like a watch that counts your steps, mileage, calories and more. It’s addicting to try to get to that round number each day
5 tips for choosing your health benefits for 2025
As millions of Americans now evaluate their health plan options during this fall’s open enrollment season, a new survey nds that 3 in 5 Americans incorrectly de ned key health care terms. is knowledge gap may result in less-thanideal selections, which could cause you to miss out on plans that might better suit your needs and o er potential cost savings.
Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take e ect on Jan. 1, 2025. For people shopping for individual plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, open enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2024, and ends Jan. 15, 2025, in most states. Enroll by Dec. 15, for active coverage on Jan. 1, 2025.
GUEST COLUMN
tions will be covered next year by the plan you choose.And consider lling your prescriptions at an in-network pharmacy or with home delivery – more cost-e cient options.
Medicare members and caregivers: Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep medication costs in check.
Explore mental health coverage. Beyond in-person mental health care, you may have access to a virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists, along with advocates to help nd the right behavioral health care or resources.
Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and cost savings: Plan ahead. Take time to understand the bene ts, services and costs of plans available – including what might have changed with your current coverage. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium, also understanding what out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance you may be responsible for.
Medicare members and caregivers: As you weigh your options, assess the di erences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Visit MedicareEducation.com to nd answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, prescription coverage and more.
Help prevent unexpected costs. Check if your doctor is in your plan’s provider network, since visiting in-network providers can help reduce out-ofpocket costs. Make sure your medica-
RENFROW
and inch your daily average up. Use milestones like 2,000, 4,000 or 10,000 steps per day and you’ll surprise yourself with how much distance you’re tackling. Getting to 2,000 steps is equal to about a mile. So, 10,000 steps spread throughout the day in varying increments get you to about ve miles per day. You’ve probably heard the 10,000 steps thing before and with good reason. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day. But getting closer to 10,000 can help boost your overall physical health, including reducing your risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
But everyone’s goals shouldn’t be the same. It’s all about nding ways to be more active than you were before. Depending on your age, body type and a plethora of other factors, 10,000 steps might not make sense for you.
Try setting more achievable goals to
Medicare members and caregivers: Look for plans that o er virtual mental health care with a $0 copay. Look into specialty bene ts. Additional bene ts, such as dental, vision, hearing, or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.
Medicare members and caregivers: Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.
Consider wellness programs. Many health plans o er incentives for taking healthier actions, like completing a health survey or exercising. Others providepersonalized support to those living with common chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage plans o er gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.
Marc Neely is CEO of UnitedHealthcare in Colorado and Wyoming.
start and slowly build from there. Also, keep in mind you’ll need more water per day as you stack your steps.
To increase your step count, try these easy ways below:
• Take the stairs — skip the elevator and take the steps more often
• Give the dog a bonus walk — they’ll thank you for it
• Try standing as you work or taking more breaks to get brief walks in during the workday
• Save your favorite podcast, playlist or sports show - this will give you something to look forward to on your next walk
• Park farther away
• Take your phone calls or meetings on your walk if you can
• Schedule a weekly park day or hike
• Before you know it, you’ll be a walking machine.
Take my word for it: it’s so satisfying to get that daily average up and it’ll be as big of a mental boost as a physical bene t. John Renfrow covers sports for Colorado Community Media. Check out his
Call first: 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Mailing Address:
750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 303-566-4100
Web: ParkerChronicle.net
To subscribe call 303-566-4100
Scan this QR Code
LINDA SHAPLEY
Director of Editorial & Audience lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
CHRISTY STEADMAN
South Metro Editor csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
HALEY LENA Community Editor hlena@coloradocommunitymedia.com
For advertiser or vendor questions, please email our business department at accounting@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Chronicle.
We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Parker Chronicle
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Parker, Colorado, the Chronicle is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.
Send address change to: Parker Chronicle, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
ARTS
street or sidewalk visibility for pedestrians and can be functional such as turning a bike rack into a sculpture. Glassburn said it can even be music used to tell the history of Parker or a culture.
“It’s positive for mental health,” said Glassburn. “It makes it a place that’s more enjoyable and people want to come – and when you have that, businesses want to be here, people want to stay.”
Since 2010, Parker has had the Public Arts Committee, which resided under the Parker Cultural and Scienti c Commission. However, due to its increased responsibilities, continuous projects and time spent meeting, the committee has been elevated to a commission.
Compared to the other committees under the current Parker Cultural and Scienti c Commission, Glassburn said the public art members meet the most often and produce a lot more work.
“ ere are many projects that we have going on at any one time,” said Glassburn. “And the dollar amounts that are being spent on them, the visibility, (and) the impact that they have on the citizens on a whole is much more expansive than than other committees.”
Additionally, all eight people appointed to commissioner and an alternate have previously served on the Public Arts Committee for one or two years and were part of developing the Public Art Master Plan.
During previous study sessions with the town council, Councilmember Joshua Rivero brought up concerns about appointed commissioners without the usual interview process. Glassburn said that all of the commissioners were vetted before becoming
committee members.
“Because we have had a really high functioning Public Arts Committee since at least 2010, we have eight existing Public Arts Committee members who are all very dedicated to furthering public art in Parker,” said Glassburn. “And they are very interested in continuing to now serve as commissioners.”
Going forward, three commissioners will serve a one-year term and four will serve a two-year term. When those terms end or a spot opens up, the commission will call for a new commissioner and follow the interview process, asking for resumes as well as statements of interest.
e Public Art Master Plan outlines a longterm vision and strategies for implementing public art throughout Parker while improving creative placemaking within the town. e master plan will also guide the commission on what is considered art, where art should go and how to dispose of art if need be.
CORRECTIONS
Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.
Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.
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 letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.
• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.
• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.
• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.
• Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted letters to us recently.
As Parker has established its first public arts commission, the committee members turned commissioners stand with the town council and mayor. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Something wicked on Wadsworth
Westminster’s Frightmare Compound continues to scare people after 40 years
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Josh Holder doesn’t know exactly how many mutilated, decapitated and mentally diseased bodies are dangling or lurking inside the Frightmare Compound his family has run for the past 41 years.
His best guess is that about 20 or more poor, tortured souls inhabit the site’s wooden barn and other structures on the four-acre site that squats on 108th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
“ e bodies are all fake,” the 39-year-old Holder said.
“Mostly,” he added, with a quick smile.
An iconic Westminster landmark, the Frightmare Compound was started by his dad, Brad, a Halloween connoisseur and lover of horror movies, Holder said. He built Frightmare on old swamp land and began piecing together a haunted house for the metro area.
When his dad died in 1999, the family kept the compound and poured their creative energy into all things wicked to keep the compound and its terrifying attractions fresh and running.
“We always try and do something di erent than last year,” Holder said. “We want to keep things scary and memorable for everyone.”
e family attends Halloween conventions to keep up with the latest costumes and trends. ey also travel, sometimes to Europe, for ideas. e compound’s haunted church which includes a small portal to hell, is a small replica of a church the family inspected on the British Isles. e compound includes rusted pickups, mining equipment and – Holder’s favorite – old shovels that have done their fair share of digging. “I don’t know, I’ve just always liked shovels,” he said.
ere is even an old Cessna, dropped into the compound to simulate an airplane crash.
All have been collected over the years by the Holders to add authenticity to every scene at the compound.
“You can’t just rest on your laurels,” Holder said. “ ere is always something new we can bring in to keep people really scared.”
Highly rated terror
Newcomers often join long-time patrons to the Frightmare site which consistently draws top-notch reviews.
A list published by eScareFactor.com in 2023 highlighted the six great haunted houses around Colorado, which included e Frightmare Compound.
Rated 8.56 of 10 in e Scare Factor’s
2022 review of the attraction, e Frightmare Compound scored the highest in the ‘customer service’ category of criteria, with the sta described as friendly and helpful, according to the Colorado Gazette.
While customer service was a leading factor in the high rating received by e Frightmare Compound, the haunted house scored well across the board – from costuming to entertainment to immersiveness to value, according to the Gazette.
As many as 50 employees dress as ghouls, ax-wielding maniacs or zombies to harass customers, some of whom don’t even make into the compound, Holder said. “ ey get totally psyched out. But we welcome them back if they want to return.”
Frightmare workers, including high school
students and retirees, are schooled by an acting coach who teaches them how to be scary while also preserving their voices.
“If you are screaming at someone for more than three hours, that really puts a strain on your voice box,” Holder said. Holder, his mom and sisters, along with close friends, spend most of the year coming up with new ideas for the compound. ey also add to the site’s Monster Museum which features costumes and artifacts from classic horror movies, including Freddie Krueger and e Predator.
Holder admits he’s riding a popular wave around Halloween, with booming sales for costumes and scary movies. “I guess people just like that adrenaline rush of being scared,” Holder said. “It’s just something built inside our brains. It will be with us forever.”
‘Haunted Horses’ event brings family fun in Elbert County
A nity Ranch welcomes
neurodivergent and neurotypical visitors
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
A nity Ranch, located west of the Independence neighborhood in northwestern Elbert County, helped families celebrate the Halloween season with a delightfully spooky Haunted Horses event on Oct. 20. Families were invited to travel the Trick-OrTreat Trail and enjoy crafts, games and face painting.
Alicia Engebretson, A nity Ranch Board of Directors president, explained that A nity Ranch is “founded with the mission of enriching our community through connection and inclusion. Haunted Horses brings joy and passion of our sta , volunteers, animal partners and community members into a seasonal event where everyone is able to connect and know they are in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.” e organization is passionate about providing these opportunities for all people to enjoy, since other holiday events may not
be accessible for some populations. “We welcome neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. is allows for a very positive, inclusive environment to enjoy,” Engebretson shared.
“ ese events also help create a public awareness to what A nity Ranch provides
to the community and safely introduces the Ranch to those that are interested,” she added.
A nity Ranch was born out of a partnership between Promise Ranch and Praying Hands Ranch. Engebretson explained that the two organizations served the same pur-
pose for many years.
“When A nity Ranch was announced in 2024, the best of both organizations were able to shine and enhance the community of neurodivergent as well as neurotypical individuals through one safe, central location, to enhance individual development through ranch-based activities and therapies.”
Haunted Horses originated with Promise Ranch erapeutic Riding, located in Franktown. Prior to that, Promise Ranch o ered a fun fall event — “Ponies with a Purpose” — and other family-focused activities that helped raise awareness of the ranch itself and what they o ered to individuals who might be in need of ranchbased recreational therapy.
A nity Ranch is kicking o a Colorado Gives fundraiser on Nov. 1 to help cover daily operational costs, to continue providing individual client services and to continue hosting community events. A nity Ranch will also be part of the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade on Dec. 7.
A nity Ranch is located at 11892 Hilltop Road, southeast of Parker. To volunteer or to donate to A nity Ranch call 303-8414043 or email info@a nityranch.org. To sign up for the facility’s newsletter, visit a nityranch.org/news.
The Frightmare Compound has terrified people for more than 40 years. Here, a masked driver taunts kids during the 2023 Arvada Harvest Festival parade. FILE PHOTO
Alicia Engebretson, A nity Ranch board president and Maleficent, greeted and checked people into the Haunted Horses event. Everyone got a treat bag to fill up with candy. PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
Dress to e x p r e s s
Denver-area costume shops foster community of creativity
BY ELISABETH SLAY
Acolorful array of Denver-area costume shops intertwines creativity and camaraderie, with each shop revealing its own distinct charm. From elaborate corsetry to an immersive haunted house and engaging games and puzzles, these shops go beyond competition and collaborate to foster a community centered on self-expression and oneof-a-kind experiences.
The Wizard’s Chest: ‘An experience’ Kevin Pohle, co-owner of the Wizard’s Chest in Denver, describes his shop as “an experience.”
Pohle said the store at 451 Broadway, which is decked out from top to bottom with magical trinkets, towering skeletons
and quirky long-bearded wizards, is always changing and has something for everyone.
“It’s not supposed to be a retail store,” Pohle said. “It’s supposed to be a place to come and hang out and see cool things and pick up cool things and then feel the need to take something home that you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.”
For 20 years, Pohle and his partners David Boyce and Brad Brickley have owned and operated Wizard’s Chest, which originally opened in 1983.
Wizard’s Chest is divided into two oors. e rst oor contains costumes, accessories, decorations and more, while the bottom oor provides a plethora of puzzles and games for people of all ages.
Over the years, Pohle said, the store has leaned into providing clothing that people can wear in their regular wardrobe.
“So it’s not just a costume, it’s a piece
that has more than one use,” Pohle said. “It’s a piece that’s versatile.”
When comparing Wizard’s Chest to other local shops, Pohle said his store has its own unique aspects, as do others in the community.
“ e thing about costume stores in Denver is we’re all cooperatively competitive,” Pohle said. “We don’t really compete with each other. We try to send people to each other. Disguises in Lakewood does rentals, which we don’t do. Reinke Brothers in Littleton does a haunted house, which we don’t do.”
It’s their di erences that allow the shops to work together.
“So there’s no need for us to ght with each other,” Pohle said. “We keep it as a local community.”
For more information about the shop, visit wizardschest.com.
Crimson Rose Masquerade: ‘Out of a fairy tale’
Also on Broadway in Denver is Crimson Rose Masquerade, a “high-end costume boutique that treats dressing up as an expression of self-love,” said owner Kitty Krell.
e frocks that her clientele chooses to express themselves look as though they’ve “stepped out of a fairy tale” and include Renaissance dresses, pirate coats and more.
“It’s alternative chic, Ren faire chic … it’s for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t quite t in,” Krell said.
Also among the garments in the shop at 1456 S. Broadway are Krell’s own creations, including intricate corsets for many occasions. She began her craft at the age of 15 after needing a corset for her costume during her rst job at a Renaissance festival.
“So I went, ‘How hard can it be to make one?’” Krell said. “I had just recently started sewing, and I think because I didn’t know what I was trying to do was impossible, I did it, and since then, I’ve continued to make corsets.”
Krell said she also makes corsets for those with certain medical needs after starting to wear them for herself about eight years ago, to address a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
“It’s great for scoliosis, for EhlersDanlos, for anxiety, because it can act as a human thunder jacket,” Krell said. “I do a lot of work with people who have very physical jobs and are constantly lifting and messing up their backs.”
For Krell, one of the best aspects of her job is knowing that her pieces are making people happy.
“It’s one of my favorite feelings to know that I contributed something that makes someone’s quality of life better,” Krell said.
Krell said she enjoys being a part of the costume shop community in Denver because of its collaborative nature.
“It’s a bunch of weirdos who found this world, or found each other in this world that doesn’t really want us to,” Krell said. “Denver is especially great for that because Denver is very live-andlet-live.”
For more information about the shop, visit crimsonrosemasquerade.net.
Photo above: Denver resident Anthony Coularelli tries on a rabbit hat and sunglasses at Wizard’s Chest. Coularelli needed a quick costume for an Alice in Wonderland themed event and said Wizard’s Chest is a great local place for costumes.
PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
Reinke Brothers Store: A haunted house
From aliens greeting people at the door to skeletons serenading customers, Reinke Brothers Store sells experiences, said Greg Reinke, who co-owns the store with his brother Chris Reinke.
Located at 5663 S. Prince St. in Littleton, Reinke Brothers contains a long and immersive haunted house lled with di erent scenes and animatronics concocted by Greg Reinke and his sta .
Originally, Reinke said his haunted houses — which he and his brother began when they were young — were gory and quite scary for children, but as time went on, he realized that wasn’t the best way to intrigue them.
“People that get the living tar scared out of them when they’re little don’t enjoy my particular venue when they get older,” Reinke said. “So I said, ‘How can we correct this?’ And that’s when we stopped doing chainsaws and knives and blood and guts and torsos ripped in half and we made it more of an entertainment haunted house.”
e Reinke Brothers Store now o ers tours of the house with the lights on for children and others who have a hard time going through the attraction when it’s in full swing.
Along with the haunted house, Reinke’s shop is also jam-packed with wigs, masks, makeup, props, decorations and anything else one might need to create the perfect costume or their own spooky experiences.
While he has a plethora of items, Reinke said his shop also takes part in the camaraderie of similar establishments in the Denver area.
“If we’re out of something, I’ll call over at (Disguises), or I’ll call over at Wizard’s Chest and ask that, and then I send my customers there,” Reinke said. “And I think the customers appreciate that also. ese are local guys. So we protect each other.”
Going forward, Reinke hopes to continue making people happy with costumes and haunted houses for as long as possible.
“I plan to be dead back there someday, just draped over a gravestone or a prop or something,” the 65-yearold said. “A lot of people want to retire to enjoy the end or whatever. What would I retire to? I’d make monsters for a living and most people retire to do what I’m doing.”
For more information about the Reinke Brothers shop, visit reinkebrothers.com.
Disguises: ‘Three to four businesses under one roof’ Disguises in Lakewood is another costume shop in the area that o ers a multitude of costume options, including makeup, wigs and more.
“We also have the other side of our retail store, which is our Et Cetera boutique,” co-owner Todd Belanger said. “ is has formal wear, retro dresses, Renaissance dresses, stockings, sexy wear, corsets, shoes, goth clothing, steampunk, clothing, festival and rave wear. Many people in the community shop for everyday clothing here all year.”
Belanger said his store at 10500 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood also has one of the largest stocks of rental clothes in the nation.
Belanger owns the store with his wife, Michelle Belanger.
“ e store was started by another individual in the mid-’90s and it was successful and grew out of its original location and moved into a larger location,” Belanger said. “I actually was a nurse by training and so is my wife and we began buying small rental houses, but after owning a few of those, I quickly realized that I wanted to replace my income as a nurse.”
Belanger and his wife were able to purchase their business, which they love.
“We currently have over 200 active vendors that we purchase products from represented in the store. It does make the store very unique and it makes shopping here like a treasure hunt because you’re never quite sure what you’re going to nd,” Belanger said.
Belanger describes the “caddie shack community” in Denver as unique and varied and explained it’s important to have shops such as Disguises because they’re establishments that make “the world a richer and less boring place.”
Going forward, Belanger said he hopes people will continue to visit Disguises throughout the year.
For more information about Disguises, go online to disguisescostumes.com.
Business owner and seamstress Kitty Krell works on a corset in her high-end costuming boutique Crimson Rose Masquerade, which is located on Broadway in Denver.
PHOTOS BY ELISABETH SLAY
Co-owner of Reinke Brothers Store in Littleton Greg Reinke laughs with first-time customers as he shows them one of his favorite animatronics.
Women of steel o er glimpse into America’s transport history
Colorado Railroad Museum’s new exhibit highlights women’s contributions to the railroad industry
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLOROADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Just as the railroads built the nation as we know it today, so too did the nation build the railroads.
People from all walks of life helped plan, construct and operate the railroads from the early days of locomotives until now.
Although not every job was historically available to every person due to discrimination or other factors, the Colorado Railroad Museum is working to ensure the Mexican-American traqueros, the Black railroad workers and other communities are remembered.
Earlier this month, the Golden-area museum opened “Hidden from History: A Century of Women in Railroading,” highlighting women’s work in and for the railroad industry from the 1870s to the 1970s. e exhibit, which is in the sublevel of the main depot/ticket o ce building, will be open through August 2025.
Assistant curator Jasmine Robertson said she got the idea from a book she saw in the museum’s gift shop, “Iron Women: e Ladies Who Helped Build the Railroad” by Chris Enss.
Robertson started researching the topic in January, saying it was a challenging topic to study. Women faced prejudice throughout their history working for the
railroad and were often limited in what jobs they could work depending on the era and location, she and Executive Director Paul Hammond said.
Telegraphers were among the rst industry jobs that were open to women, Robertson explained. Many women who worked as telegraphers operated remote stations essentially based in their homes, and had to multitask alongside their responsibilities as wives and mothers.
During the World Wars, Robertson said, more jobs became available to women as millions of men left to serve in the military. However, once they returned, the women were expected to give up their jobs even if they didn’t want to, she continued.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the railroad industry’s hiring practices were challenged
and women’s right to work any job they were quali ed for was upheld. After the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act was passed in 1976, more women became locomotive engineers and conductors, Robertson described.
Among them was Edwina Justus, the rst Black woman engineer, who worked for Union Paci c in Nebraska.
Justus is among the women speci cally highlighted in the exhibit, along with Coloradans like Dr. Susan Anderson and Laura Brakamp.
Anderson graduated from medical school in 1897 and was one of the rst women to practice medicine in Colorado.
Nicknamed “Doc Susie,” she treated railroad workers in Fraser. She was made Grand County Coroner around the time
the Mo at Tunnel was being bored, and her duties included attending to the tunnel workers who were killed or injured in accidents.
Brakamp, a purchasing department employee who was based out of Rio Grande Railroad’s Denver o ce, designed the company’s iconic monogram in 1939-40. She initially submitted it as a design for headrest covers, but it won a companywide design contest and was used on all Rio Grande train cars, stationery and more.
Overall, Robertson and Hammond wanted museum visitors to know the exhibit highlights the facts while showcasing “how far we’ve come, but there’s still room to grow.”
While the exhibit only covers women’s work in the railroad industry through the 1970s, Robertson said she’s contemplated doing a follow-up exhibit that details their work over the last 50 years.
She and Hammond said the museum’s trying to expand its physical collection to facilitate more exhibits like this.
As Robertson was building the “Hidden from History” exhibit, someone coincidentally decided to donate his grandma’s collection of telegraph equipment. Robertson said it was pure luck, but she was grateful to be able to add that equipment to the exhibit and the museum’s general collection.
As the museum prepares to host its popular Polar Express train rides Nov. 8-Dec. 23, Robertson and Hammond hoped all its upcoming visitors would also stop by the exhibit to learn about the women who helped make the railroads possible.
For more information on the exhibit, visit coloradorailroadmuseum.org.
A crew of Black women work on a train in an Oakland, California yard during World War II. During World War II, women took on many railroading jobs typically reserved for men. COURTESY OF THE SHIRLEY BURMAN COLLECTION
Modern Swing Mondays 2024 @ 7pm / $16.51 Stampede, Aurora
Duster @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, Englewood
Dirty Art Club @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Tony Medina Music: The Open Mic Hosted by Tony Medina @ 6:30pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton
Wed 11/13
DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 8pm
Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan
Thu 11/14
Zikr Dance Ensemble presents "Secrets" at Highland Ranch's Southridge Recreation Center
November 14 @ 6:30pm / $15-$25
Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch. info@zikrdance.com
TRIVIA
1. MOVIES: Who was the only actor to receive an Oscar nomination for work in a “Star Wars” movie?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is a body of land with water on three sides called?
3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: In 1960, which two candidates participated in the rst televised presidential debate in 1960?
4. FOOD & DRINK: What type of ower produces vanilla bean pods?
5. MUSIC: What was the name of blues musician Stevie Ray Vaughn’s rst Fender Stratocaster?
6. SCIENCE: What type of gas is absorbed by plants?
7. LITERATURE: What is the name of the submarine in “Twenty ousand Leagues Under the Seas”?
8. TELEVISION: What is Clair Huxtable’s profession in “ e Cosby Show”?
9. ANATOMY: What is a more common name for the sternum?
10. ART: Which European city houses the Rijksmuseum?
Answers
1. Alec Guinness.
2. A peninsula.
3. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
4. Orchid.
5. Number One.
6. Carbon dioxide.
7. Nautilus.
8. Lawyer.
9. Breastbone.
10. Amsterdam
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
FLASHBACK
1. Which artist released an album titled “Tea for the Tillerman”?
2. Which artist was the rst to release “You’re No Good”? 3. e Swinging Blue Jeans only charted once. What was the song?
4. Which trio released “I’m So Glad at I’m a Woman”?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Strolling along country roads with my baby, It starts to rain, it begins to pour.”
Answers
1. Cat Stevens, in 1970. Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou, changing his name to Yusuf Islam in 1978. In 2006 he began using only Yusuf, and in 2014 began performing as Yusuf / Cat Stevens.
2. Dee Dee Warwick, in 1963. is was followed by several other artists, including Betty Everett and Linda Ronstadt.
3. “Don’t Make Me Over,” in 1966. e song was rst released in 1962 by Dionne Warwick. It was her version that put the
song in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
4. Love Unlimited on their “Love Is Back” album in 1979. Love Unlimited was the backup group for Barry White.
5. “Laughter in the Rain,” by Neil Sedaka, in 1974. e song charted in several places around the globe, including the Netherlands, the U.K., Yugoslavia, Canada, the U.S. and Australia.
WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!
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 Medical
Miscellaneous
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936
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
Miscellaneous
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833-308-1971
Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045
Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173
Lawn & Garden
Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777
Miscellaneous
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!
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855417-1306
Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-5439189
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! 1-844591-7951
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398
If
•
and/or
Ages 3 through 5 year-old concerns
Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools)
• Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo, Karval & Limon Schools)
• Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools)
Kit Carson County (Arriba-Flagler, Bethune, Burlington, Stratton, & Hi-Plains Schools)
• Arapahoe County (Byers, Deer Trail, Strasburg & Bennett Schools)
• Washington County (Arickaree & Woodlin Schools) Adams County (Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail Schools)
All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to the local school district administrator, special education teacher, East Central BOCES (719) 775-2342, ext. 101.
The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, Arriba-Flagler, Hi-Plains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Liberty, and Idalia.
References: IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) East Central BOCES Comprehensive Plan Section III Process of Identifying
Notice No. ECN 1562
Publication: October 24, 2024
Publication: October 31, 2024
dial 1-719-359-4580 or 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: (1)Meeting ID: 865-2910-5017 (2)Passcode: 182416
3. All interested persons shall attend such meeting and show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted. All protests and objections shall be deemed to be waived unless submitted in writing to the District (c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver, CO 80203) at or prior to the hearing or any continuance or postponement thereof in order to be considered.
ELORA COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By:/s/ PAULA J. WILLIAMS Attorney for the District
Legal Notice No. ECN 1568
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF HEARING CONCERNING INCLUSION OF REAL PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Elora Metropolitan District (“District”) located in Elbert County, Colorado, a petition requesting the Board adopt a resolution approving the inclusion of certain property into the boundaries of such District (“Petition”).
1. The name and address of the Petitioner and a general description of the property that is the subject of such Petition is as follows:
Petitioner: MU Elora LLC
6900 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Description: Approximately 188.254 acres of land, generally located southeast of the intersection of County Line Road and Delbert Road in Elbert County, Colorado.
2. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 32-1401(1)(b), C.R.S., notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District shall hold a public meeting to hear the Petition on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
(a) To attend via Zoom videoconference, use the following link, or e-mail csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com to have the link e-mailed to you: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86529105017?pwd=oyIQEbC4cM9Ju9FjA2fWSS7bnjx25g.1 (b)To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-359-4580 or 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: (1)Meeting ID: 865-2910-5017 (2)Passcode: 182416
3. All interested persons shall attend such meeting and show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted. All protests and objections shall be deemed to be waived unless submitted in writing to the District (c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver, CO 80203) at or prior to the hearing or any continuance or postponement thereof in order to be considered.
ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By:/s/ PAULA J. WILLIAMS Attorney for the District
Legal Notice No. ECN 1567
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF HEARING CONCERNING EXCLUSION OF REAL PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Elora Metropolitan District (“District”), located in Elbert County, Colorado, a petition requesting the Board adopt a resolution approving the exclusion of certain property from the boundaries of the District (“Petition”).
1. The name and address of the Petitioner and a general description of the property that is the subject of such Petition is as follows:
Petitioner: MU Elora LLC
6900 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
2.
following link, or e-mail csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com to have the link e-mailed to you:
-
(b) To attend via telephone,
Description: Approximately 167.677 acres of land, generally located southeast of the intersection of County Line Road and Delbert Road in Elbert County, Colorado.
2. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 32-1501(2), C.R.S., notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District shall hold a public meeting to hear the Petition on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
(a)To attend via Zoom videoconference, use the following link, or e-mail cso-
Elbert Legals
rensen@specialdistrictlaw.com to have the link e-mailed to you:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86529105017?pwd=oyIQEbC4cM9Ju9FjA2fWSS7bnjx25g.1 (b)To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-359-4580 or 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: (1)Meeting ID: 865-2910-5017
(2)Passcode: 182416
3. All interested persons shall attend such meeting and show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted. All protests and objections shall be deemed to be waived unless submitted in writing to the District (c/o McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver, CO 80203) at or prior to the hearing or any continuance or postponement thereof in order to be considered.
ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By:/s/ PAULA J. WILLIAMS Attorney for the District
Legal Notice No. ECN 1569
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Metro Districts
Budget Hearings
Public Notice NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 BUDGETS AND AMENDMENT OF 2024 BUDGETS
ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
ELORA COMMERCIAL
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that proposed budgets have been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Elora Metropolitan District and the Elora Commercial Metropolitan District (the “Districts”) for the ensuing year of 2025. The necessity may also arise for the amendment of the 2024 budgets of the Districts. Copies of the proposed 2025 budgets and 2024 amended budgets (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, Marchetti & Weaver, LLC, 245 Century Circle, Suite 103, Louisville, Colorado 80027, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2025 budgets and 2024 amended budgets will be considered at regular meetings of the Districts to be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
1. To attend via Zoom videoconference, use the following link, or e-mail csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com to have the link e-mailed to you: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86529105017?pwd=oyIQEbC4cM9Ju9FjA2fWSS7bnjx25g.1
2.To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-359-4580 or 1-253-215-8782 and enter the following additional information: (a)Meeting ID: 865 2910 5017 (b)Passcode: 182416
Any interested elector within the Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 budgets or the 2024 amended budgets, inspect the 2025 budgets and the 2024 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto.
ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
ELORA COMMERCIAL
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
/s/ Paula J. Williams
McGEADY BECHER CORTESE WILLIAMS P.C.
Attorneys for the Districts
Legal Notice No. ECN 1566
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO 2024 BUDGET, IF NEEDED, OF THE CLEARWATER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Clearwater Metropolitan District (the “District”) of the County of Elbert, State of Colorado for the fiscal year 2025; that a copy of the proposed 2025 budget has been filed and is available for public inspection at the office of District Counsel, Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C., located at 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104, where the
same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held in person at the Rattlesnake Fire Protection District, 46220 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, Colorado 80138 on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Any interested elector of the District may inspect the proposed budget and file any objections to such budget at any time prior to its final adoption by the Board.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that, if needed, an amended budget for the fiscal year 2024 will be made available for public inspection at office of District Counsel, Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C., located at 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104; and that the Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed amended budget, if needed, at the Rattlesnake Fire Protection District, 46220 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, Colorado 80138 on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Any interested elector of the District may inspect the proposed amended budget and file any objections to such budget at any time prior to its final adoption by the Board.
This meeting is open to the public and any member of the public may address the Board.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CLEARWATER METROPOLITAN
DISTRICT, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado /s/ Kathryn T. James
Kathryn T. James, District Counsel
Legal Notice No. ECN 1571
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO 2024 BUDGET, IF NEEDED, OF THE NORTH PINES METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the North Pines Metropolitan District (the “District”) of the County of Elbert, State of Colorado for the fiscal year 2025; that a copy of the proposed 2025 budget has been filed and is available for public inspection at the office of District Counsel, Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C., located at 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104, where the same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the District to be held in person at the Rattlesnake Fire Protection District, 46220 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, Colorado 80138 on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Any interested elector of the District may inspect the proposed budget and file any objections to such budget at any time prior to its final adoption by the Board.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that, if needed, an amended budget for the fiscal year 2024 will be made available for public inspection at office of District Counsel, Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C., located at 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104; and that the Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed amended budget, if needed, at the Rattlesnake Fire Protection District, 46220 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, Colorado 80138 on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00
p.m. Any interested elector of the District may inspect the proposed amended budget and file any objections to such budget at any time prior to its final adoption by the Board.
This meeting is open to the public and any member of the public may address the Board.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTH PINES METROPOLITAN
DISTRICT, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado /s/ Kathryn T. James Kathryn T. James, District Counsel
Legal Notice No. ECN 1570
First Publication: October 31, 2024
Last Publication: October 31, 2024 Publisher:
the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Elbert, State of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing
and
WHEREAS, the beneficial interest of the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment recorded on July 2, 2018 at Reception Number 578854 in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Elbert, State of Colorado.
WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Deed of Trust in that Paragraph 9 (a) (i) has been violated; and
WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent is $583,659.72 as of September 25, 2024; and
WHEREAS, by the virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable;
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in my be the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commission, recorded on August 27, 2024 at Reception No. 636983 in the Elbert County Clerk and Recorder's Office, notice is hereby given that on November 25, 2024 at 10:00 am local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at the public auction to the highest bidder.
LOT 1A, CHISHOLM AMENDED, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO Commonly known as 30093 Chisholm Trail, Elizabeth, CO 80107.
The sale will be held in front of the Elbert County Combined Courts at 751 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO 80117.
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid the lesser amount of the loan balance, or the appraised value obtained by the Secretary prior to sale.
There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorated share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.
When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling 10% of the Secretary's bid in the form of certified funds or a cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of 10% of the Secretary's bid must be presented before the bidding has closed. The deposit is nonrefundable.
The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence.
This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of certified funds or a cashier's check. If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.
The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of certified funds or a cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the higher bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.
If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit, or at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.
There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based
Mental health voters guide now available
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Colorado o ce seekers routinely make their stances known on issues like the economy, taxes, energy development and gun control.
But as more people struggle with teen suicides, depression and anxiety, the state’s politicians vying for votes on Nov. 5, also should let voters know how they stand on mental health policy, said Renata Hill, publisher of Moodfuel.
“ ere are just so many Coloradans suffering from unmet mental health needs, and there really hasn’t been a focus on mental health and it should be a focus on mental health in the election,” Hill said.
e on-line Moodfuel serves Coloradans with unmet mental health needs through inclusive, solutions-based articles, resources and diverse content, according to its website.
To let voters know how local candidates
lean on mental health issues, Moodfuel produced the state’s rst-ever Colorado Mental Health Voters’ Guide.
e guide presents fact-checked, nonpartisan information about state legislative candidates and ballot measures through the lens of mental health, according to a Moodfuel news release.
“Now, Colorado voters can better assess the people who will lead and legislate for them and the measures a ecting their ability to achieve mental wellness,” the news release states.
Hill said she sent out 219 emails asking for responses to a three-question survey to all state legislative candidates. She received 24 responses in all. “I actually thought that wasn’t too bad considering it was out rst time at this,” Hill said.
Responses were split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, she said, while third-party and una liated candidates also provided plenty of answers.
Moodfuel summarized the recurring
themes using symbols for easy skimming and highlighted signi cant comments, Hill said. Verbatim responses are included in additional web pages for state senate candidates and state house candidates.
“I appreciated those who took the time to respond in such thoughtful ways,” Hill said. “Some wrote signi cantly long responses, I really appreciate that,” she said.
George Mumma, retired chief of the Morrison Police Department, is a candidate for House District 25 and told Moodfuel, in part, that he was a founder of the Je erson County Juvenile Assessment Center that provides assessment and referrals to appropriate services to the families of teens struggling with mental health issues.
“As a law enforcement o cial, I know that it is di cult to nd mental health agencies and providers that meet the needs of the diverse populations in Colorado, this should be evaluated and we
must work to provide more options for care,” Mumma said.
Cathy Kipp, a Democrat who currently serves as the State House Representative for House District 52, wrote in the survey that she has supported “essentially all legislation to help those living with mental health challenges get the help they need.”
Kipp is seeking a seat in the Colorado Senate representing District 14.
“Mental health has impacted some of my close family members and the families of so many others who live in my community and throughout the state,” Kipp told Moodfuel. “I just know that mental health challenges are real and much more prevalent than I knew.”
Caryn Ann Harlos, the Libertarian Party candidate for Senate District 2, told the survey “ e government should let people try alternative therapies. I am a Libertarian anarchist. Other people’s health and choices are not my business,” Harlos wrote.
Elizabeth-area man charged with sex o enses
32-year-old accused of assault, exploitation
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office took 32-year-old Franklin Levi Camp II into custody after conducting a search warrant of his home on Sept. 27.
Nearly a month after the arrest, on Oct. 22, the sheriff’s office announced
An Elizabeth-area man has been arrested and charged with sexual assault and exploitation.
that Camp has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, which included a 10-year age difference, possession of a controlled substance and 16 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
According to Colorado law, sexual exploitation of a child is an invasion of the child’s right of privacy and results in emotional, social and developmen-
tal injury. The law and a description of offenses can be found at tinyurl. com/5zy42y2s.
Sheriff Darren Weekly recognized the work of the department’s special victims unit and IMPACT team in a statement.
“Protecting the most vulnerable in our community is our highest priority,” said Weekly.
NEWS BRIEFS
Local artist Courtney Cotton announces studio sale
Artist Courtney Cotton is pleased to announce big changes and a studio sale. Having grown up in North Carolina, Cotton will be moving from Englewood and transitioning back to North Carolina to live and create, expanding her art market to the Southeastern United States.
She will be clearing out inventory from her space at Blue Tile Gallery during the Color Pop show through November, culminating in her annual studio sale on Nov. 23 and 24. is is an opportunity to acquire her abstract paintings at a reduced price while the bulk of her pieces are available locally.
Cotton’s art is inspired by mindfulness and re ection, visually expressing these concepts through painting and collage.
As a professional artist for 27 years, she creates and exhibits artwork, curates shows, mentors artists, and runs Blue Tile Art Space. During her time in Colorado, she has collaborated with Denver Public Schools, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, the Chameleon Art Collective and the Colo-
rado Art Educators.
e Color Pop show was to run 4-8 p.m. Oct. 24 for the opening reception, then 12-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 24.
e moving sale runs 12-4 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24.
Both events take place at the Blue Tile Gallery at 3944 S. Broadway in Englewood.
Followers can nd her on Instagram @courtneycottonetal and on her website, www.courtneycotton.com.
CSU Global picks leader from Parker area Colorado State University Global has selected Dr. Audra Spicer of Parker to serve as provost and chief academic ofcer e ective Oct. 15.
CSU Global o ers career-relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for working adults and post-traditional learners. It is 100% online and is an institutionally accredited public university.
In her role, Spicer works to support the university’s academic credibility, program administration, and curriculum quality and innovation.
Spicer has served at CSU Global since
2012, stepping in as its provost in June 2023 and as interim chief academic ofcer since June 2024.
Among other accomplishments, since serving as provost, Spicer has overseen the development of 11 new industry programs spanning the elds of health care management, information technology, nance, operations and supply chain management, data analytics, and arti cial intelligence to prepare learners for growing and changing job opportunities.
She earned her Ph.D. and MA in English from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, her MA with distinction in professional writing from Northern Arizona University, and her MBA from Columbia Southern University.
Strikes for Kids to host seventh annual Orange and Blue Bowling Bash
Hosted by Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto, the event brings a night of bowling, arcade games and silent auction items.
Strikes for Kids is a national organization that has been making a positive impact since its inception in 2012. ey have worked with more than 125 top
athletes from various sports to partner with youth organizations in communities nationwide. ey have collaborated with esteemed organizations such as e Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way, Make-A-Wish, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other nonpro ts. e selected children from the bene ting organization will have unlimited access to arcade games, pizza, and soft drinks while you and your team are bowling. e children will also be gifted with brand new toys or bikes during the event. ese children have enjoyed these events at no cost. is organization has provided more than 15,000 backpacks, 2,500 toys and 350 bikes. Registration is open for $200 per lane, accommodating up to six bowlers. Your registration fee includes two hours of bowling, pizza, soft drinks, an unlimited arcade game card per participant, an event shirt, and a group photo with Bonitto, according to the event website. e event will take place 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Main Event Entertainment Center, located at 64 Centennial Blvd. in Highlands Ranch.
To register your team, please visit www.orangeandbluebowlingbash.
