Commerce City driver takes national trash truck honors
driving prize
A Commerce City resident has been recognized as one of the top drivers in North America after winning a national driving skills competition hosted by waste management company Republic Services.
Ron Torrez, who works as a trash collection truck driver, took rst place in the Small Container category at the 2025 ROAD-EO National Championship.
is isn’t your typical driver’s license test. e competition, held every two years in Phoenix, brings together Republic Services’ best drivers, equipment operators and tech-
nicians from across the United States and Canada. One hundred and seven nalists from 36 states and Ontario competed in this year’s event, putting their skills to the test in 10 di erent categories. Drivers navigated obstacle courses and completed skill-based challenges designed to test their precision and expertise.
“Safety is our top priority at Republic Services,” said Gregg Brummer, the company’s chief operating o cer, in a press release. “ e ROAD-EO National Championship is a celebration of our frontline drivers, operators and technicians. eir expertise and commitment to safety are what make Republic an industry leader, and we are extremely proud to recognize the best of the best.”
In the competition, Torrez was required to complete a timed course that included parallel parking, alley backing and a “serpentine section,” which is a fancy way of saying tra c cone
Federal public safety funding remains frozen
Governor Polis promises to find ways to ‘bridge the gap’
BY LINDSEY TOOMER COLORADO NEWSLINE
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on March 3 urged the Trump administration to comply with a court order prohibiting the federal government from freezing funding, highlighting $69.5 million in public safety grants promised to the state.
At the end of January, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping freeze on federal spending, which a federal judge soon temporarily blocked. State o cials said more than $570 million that Congress approved for Colorado remained inaccessible in early February.
A news release from Polis, a Democrat, said the administration has stopped paying for Homeland Security grants allocated to the state in de ance of a court order mandating funding be disbursed. e release said the state will do “everything it can to bridge the gap in funding.”
weaving, designed to test the driver’s skills.
To qualify for the national championship, competitors had to rst win local and regional contests and maintain a perfect safety record. Winners received cash prizes, extra paid time o , and, of course, bragging rights as the best in their eld.
Winners also received an all-inclusive trip for two to Phoenix with a luxury hotel suite, special hosted dinners and activities to recognize the dedication of Republic Services employees.
Several of this year’s champions were repeat nalists, including competitors who had previously placed in the 2023 ROAD-EO National Championship.
Republic Services, one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the United States, hosts the event each year. e company employs drivers, technicians and equipment operators.
“In Colorado, we are focused on improving public safety and this delay and uncertainty makes us less safe,” Polis said in a statement. “Common sense support to improve safety for Boys and Girls Clubs, places of worship, stopping school violence, and disaster assistance
SEE HEALEY, P10
Collection trucks navigated a timed course with challenges including serpentine and alley backing. COURTESY REPUBLIC SERVICES
Ron Torrez claims Republic Services
City hosting ‘Brighter Brighton’ open house March 25
BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Brighton will host an open house to discuss a host of possible changes to downtown March 25, from creating a development authority to changing downtown’s ow of tra c.
“ e City has been working on several projects related to our downtown area, most of which require some sort of public engagement,” Senior Planner Emma Lane wrote in an email. “We thought it would be a good idea to combine some of these projects so that residents can come share their thoughts in one place.”
e open house, which is being called “Visions of a Brighter Downtown,” is scheduled from 3-7 p.m March 25 in the Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St.
e open house will o er an opportunity to learn about the projects currently underway for downtown Brighton, including grant programs and changes to local bus routes.
Attendees can o er their opinions about future projects, such as potential updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, potential changes to downtown roadways and the formation of a new Downtown Development Authority. e open house will be open to the City as a whole, but will be focusing on feedback from downtown residents and business owners, Lane said.
Light refreshments will be served, Lane said.
One way streets on the agenda
One item being discussed is potential road changes in the downtown’s core area designed to make the area more walkable by removing some on-street parking and widening sidewalks.
Councilors discussed three options in February.
e rst would keep two-way tra c along the road, one lane in either direction, but would e ectively double the
sidewalk space on both sides, replacing the on-street parking there. at would remove 16 spaces on the street north of
Stephen King, C.J. Box and Nancy Drew are top reads for prisoners
e collective works of C.J Box and Tom Clancy are all popular among inmates at the Adams County Jail. So are books by Stephen King and Jodi Picoult. Westerns are also coveted by those doing time at the Detention Center in Brighton as well as self-help tomes, GED guides and religious works, say jail o cials. ere are even some Nancy Drew whodunits among the well-worn paperbacks occupying the mystery section of the no frills jail library.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that books are coveted among the county’s incarcerated population, said Lindsey Reuber, program supervisor at the jail. Reuber is also the uno cial head librarian at the jail. She and a core group of jail employees bind, tape and otherwise repair worn books to be re-shelved. Pages are also checked for messages and contraband.
Most of the inmates are nishing up
is hosting March 25 at the Armory Performing Arts Center.
the Bridge Street intersection. e second would convert Main Street to one-way tra c headed towards Bridge Street from the north and the south — northbound between Bush and Bridge and southbound from N. Cabbage to Bridge. at plan would preserve one side of on-street parking in line with the ow of tra c and widen sidewalks slightly. e third option would make Main Street a southbound one-way for its entire path through the downtown, with on-street parking on the west side of the street and slightly wider sidewalks. N. Cabbage Street would become a dedicated one-way road between Egbert and its intersection with Main Street. and would get a new tra c signal.
County Jail seeks to boost book donations
their sentences or awaiting transfer to another facility, and reading helps ll the days for them, Reuber said.
“Especially during lockdown, they really
have nothing else to do,” she said. Reading is also seen as a way for inmates to improve themselves, said Adams County Sgt. Adam Sherman.
“ e sheri (Gene Claps) is always looking at way to provide inmates to get a leg up on their lives, and reading is one of those avenues,” Sherman said.
Inmates are not allowed inside the library to pick out a book. When carts and trays stu ed with books are brought into the inmate areas, they are quickly surrounded by inmates who can take ve books at a time for a two-week period, Reuber said. “ ey get there pretty quickly, it’s like candy to some,” Rueber said. e wear-and-tear on the books caused by all that reading takes a toll, however. Jail o cials are always in need of new and slightly used books to replenish the library’s shelves. Jail o cials are renewing their pleas for donated books this month, asking especially for books written in Spanish and with oversized print.
e jail is also asking for newer magazines not put together by staples. Staples can be used to puncture skin. Hardback books are also rejected, since the covers could be used as a weapon
Individuals, groups and churches are all welcome to donate books, Reuber said. “If someone or a group could donate a couple of boxes of books, that would be ideal,” she said.
To arrange a book drop o at the Detention Center – located at 150 N. 19th Ave.,call 303-654-1850.
Bus route changes, a new development authority and potential tra c changes on Main Street will be among the several topics at an open house the city
PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR
Residents and downtown business owners can get more information about potential plans to make Main Street more pedestrian friendly. COURTESY CITY OF BRIGHTON
Kendall Roberts, program assistant, repairs books to be re-shelved at the Adams County Jail library. MONTE WHALEY
While the White House Reverses ‘Green’ Policies, Will Colorado Be Able to Hold Its Course?
For many years, Colorado, like California, has pursued its own “green new deal,” with its Democratic Governor and General Assembly passing one law after another that promotes everything that is now anathema to the current national administration.
Colorado sends a lot of tax dollars to the federal government and gets lots of tax dollars in return, especially for road projects such as the rebuilding of Interstate 70 through Denver. The current administration is using the leverage of withholding funds to pressure localities to fall in line with its immigration policies. It could just as easily withhold funds unless the state reverses its own green initiatives, such as incentivizing the purchase of new or used electric vehicles with bigger tax credits than any other state.
structed under laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.
The CEO’s website describes several laws it is implementing that address the issue of building efficiency, both residential and commercial. Primarily, it is requiring all jurisdictions in the state of Colorado that create or amend building codes to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which was adopted by the International Code Council, Inc., a non-governmental organization. It also requires all jurisdictions to adopt the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code upon updating any other building code.
“Cities and counties with building codes must adopt the 2021 IECC along with the model electric ready and solar ready code when adopting or updating any building code between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026.”
This isn’t a political column. Coloradans need to know whether its movement toward a “green” economy will be halted or reversed by the new administration. My intent in this column is merely to describe the programs and policies that may be in jeopardy.
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is the arm of state government which develops and implements “green policies,” including in the real estate domain, as authorized and in-
According to the CEO, jurisdictions are encouraged to amend their building codes every three years and to incrementally move in the direction of the model codes, and they are prohibited from making amendments to their code which “decrease the effectiveness or efficiency” of the code.
The more liberal jurisdictions, such as Aspen, Denver and Jefferson County, have moved quickly to adopt those model codes, which include requiring new construction to include conduits and pre-wiring to facilitate future installation of EV charging stations and solar panels. According to the CEO website,
Also being developed, according to the website, is The Model Low Energy and Carbon Code, consisting of the 2024 IECC, as amended by Colorado’s Energy Code Board. To the White House and DOGE, the names alone suggest they’ll be targeted by the new administration. Let’s just say they’re “woke.”
A Model Green Code, currently in draft form at the CEO, “will address building attributes such as energy and water use efficiency, electrification, low carbon building materials, and other strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. Local governments may voluntarily adopt this code in addition to the required energy code,” according to the website.
The state of Colorado has no statewide building code, but it does require any jurisdiction (i.e., counties or home-rule cities) which
Some Eager Sellers Cut Out Potential Buyers by Accepting a Quick Good Offer
Yes, the seller’s market of the Covid years is over, but there are still listings which sell right away, and too many sellers accept a fullprice or better offer on the first or second day, when they might get a better price if they just waited a few days.
This January, the average days on the MLS for listings within 25 miles of downtown Denver peaked at 60, compared to 22 days in January 2022. The median days on the MLS peaked at 44 this January compared to only 5 days in January 2022.
However, of the 2,396 listings in that area which closed this January, 63 went under contract the first day they were on the MLS and another 44 listings sold without even being entered on the MLS so that other buyers could know about them. 47 more went under contract the second day they were on the market, and 57 went under contract on the third day. I tell my sellers that if someone makes an
offer that quickly, and there are lots of showings, there are probably other buyers who might have paid more. It is my job as a listing agent to help my sellers get the highest price for their home, and I’m not doing that if I don’t convince them not to go under contract in less than four days.
This topic was inspired by a broker associate who said that twice in the past couple of months his buyer had lost out on a new listing that he showed the first or second day it was on the market because the seller had accepted a quick offer that our buyer would have beaten, given the chance.
In conclusion, just because the market has
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slowed down, sellers who price their home wisely and get a quick full-price offer should at least look at how many showings have been set, inform those other agents about the offer, and give them a chance to submit.
has a building code to follow state laws regarding building codes, and it’s common to adopt one of the codes created every few years by the International Code Council, amended as appropriate to their local needs.
The above map from the CEO website, shows the extent to which each county has adopted the IECC codes by year. The lightest colors are counties which have adopted (likely with amendments) the 2021 IECC, and the darkest counties have no building codes. The other colors have building codes based on IECC years 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2018. It’s a interactive map, and can be changed to display home-rule cities and their codes, or you can search a county or city and it will display the details of its code requirements and IECC year.
As usual, I have the links for all this at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
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Mr. Cosby goes to Washington, D.C.
Brighton Navy veteran selected by Honor Flight for April trip
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Navy veteran Ken Cosby has big plans for April. He’ll be joining Honor Flight on a trip to the nation’s capital.
“My rst reaction was one of being stunned and excited, as I didn’t expect to be heading out so soon,” Cosby, a Brighton resident said. “We had only applied a year ago, on December 7, 2023. We knew it would probably take a while before I made it onto the list. I feel honored to be on this ight.”
Ken’s wife, Martha Cosby, saw the news about the Honor Flight, prompting her to apply for her husband’s participation in it.
“I wish I had known about this for my
Dad, but I can now do this for my husband. So, I visited the ‘Honor Flight’ website, where I found information about the application. I submitted it for him, but I had to ask him some questions, “ Martha said.
Martha said the Honor Flight was working on sending veterans from the Korean War and Vietnam to Washington in the next round of trips.
“I thought, well, we might have to wait, but Ken got a call at the beginning of this year and told us he was on the next Honor Flight,” Martha said.
“I was so excited when I saw Ken’s text on my phone. I was subbing at Southeast Elementary that week. My rst reaction was to cry, and I couldn’t believe it was happening. en I realized the full weight of what I was reading, and I wanted to jump up and down to tell everyone around me.”
Martha said their daughter, Kim Velotta, will accompany her Dad on the trip. Spouses are not allowed to accompany because it’s not a vacation; it’s a
sightseeing tour.
“I asked him who he would like to go with because we have ve children and are a blended family,” Martha said. “We thought of Kim, who was moved to tears go with her Dad.”
Kim will also help assist with another veteran on the trip should be assigned to help along with another veteran — and that’s ne with her.
“I am truly honored to accompany Dad and assist another Veteran. Seeing the Wall isn’t on my bucket list, but I feel privileged to be with Dad as he ful lls something on his own list,” Velotta said.
Ken is a native of San Antonio, Texas, who has lived in Colorado since he was 11. He is now 75. He joined the Navy at about 17, serving from 1967 to 1976 as a Boatswain — taking care of deck work, driving security, and driving the boat. He took on several jobs after his discharge and worked for the 27J school district.
It’s not his rst brush with patriotic memorabilia. Ken also got the opportunity to escort the replica of the Veter-
ans’ War Memorial in August 2021 from to Brighton and Mead. Having seen the portable version, he’s excited to see the real thing in person.
Itinerary
Cosby and Velotta will check in at Loveland for their itinerary, and then will be bused to Denver International Airport.
“From what I understand, there’s a banquet in our honor in D.C. that night, followed by a one-day excursion to all the monuments in Washington, D.C. And then, on the 28th, I return home,” Ken said.
Martha said, “ ere will be a ceremony in Loveland that morning before they bus them to DIA around 8:30 a.m.”
“We’re incredibly excited, and I’m so proud of my husband and grateful for this opportunity. I want to ensure our kids and grandkids feel proud of this moment for their dad and grandpa. We are truly thrilled for him about this journey,” said Martha.
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Ken Cosby at the Adams County Veteran’s Memorial next to the Navy memorial. PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD
Ken Cosby at the Adams County Veteran’s Memorial next to the Navy memorial.
A strong voice in the fight for immigrant rights
BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER ROSSANA@COTLIN.ORG
Jennifer Piper is a well-known advocate for immigrant rights and an organizer with the American Friends Service Committee. For years, she has worked tirelessly in Colorado to support immigrant communities, providing resources, guidance and direct assistance in critical moments. From leading campaigns to protecting civil rights and playing a key role in the ght against deportations, Piper has been a steadfast and committed voice in the defense of human dignity.
In this interview, we discuss the current state of immigrant rights in Colorado, the impact of immigration policies on the community, and the ongoing work to ensure protection and justice for all. is article has been edited for length and clarity.
Colorado Community Media
My rst memory of you, Jennifer, was at a church where a woman sought sanctuary back in 2019. I was struck by how quickly and accurately you interpreted her story. Would you like to share a bit about that moment?
Jennifer Piper: Yes, of course. at was my fellow advocate, Jeanette Vizguerra. She was instrumental in initiating conversations with di erent churches about o ering sanctuary. For me, interpreting and translating isn’t just a technical act — it’s a way to amplify the voice of the Spanishspeaking community and ensure it reaches beyond. e ght for immigrant rights is, at its core, a ght for human dignity, regardless of race or nationality. No one understands power structures better than immigrants, and no one is more resilient in navigating them. I have learned so much from the community and continue to do so every day.
Call first: 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton, CO 80601
CCM: Historically, Colorado has moved from having anti-immigrant laws to becoming a more inclusive state, thanks to the community’s e orts. However, with immigration being so politicized right now, we are at risk of losing those hard-fought rights. Recently, an anti-immigrant bill (was introduced, and) because of the community’s strong presence at the Colorado Capitol, it was stopped. What are your thoughts on this?
Jennifer Piper: Colorado’s recent history re ects what has happened across the country. In the 1990s, the mass arrival of immigrants from Mexico and other countries was a direct result of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which displaced many people from their land and jobs. e U.S. didn’t respond with support but rather with punishment and exclusion.
Under the Clinton administration, the idea was pushed that making the border crossing more dangerous would deter migration. We now know that is false. People will come no matter how many walls, patrols or deserts they face, because staying is sim-
ply not an option.
Colorado, with bipartisan support at the time, passed some of the most anti-immigrant laws in the country. But thanks to community organizing, an immigrant rights coalition was formed, and after years of advocacy, those laws were reversed.
In the last 12 years, we have passed dozens of laws that include the immigrant community, regardless of immigration status. But each year, a small group of xenophobic legislators tries to bring back anti-immigrant policies, as we saw last week. However, Colorado’s community — both immigrant and citizen — has proven to be stronger. Hundreds of people showed up at the Capitol to reject this bill, sending a clear message: we will not allow setbacks.
Colorado remains one of the most inclusive states in the country, although there is always more work to be done. e federal government remains a challenge, with constant policy changes and divisive rhetoric, but the community has learned that unity is our greatest strength.
CCM: One of the biggest challenges for journalists and advocates is obtaining accurate data on how many people have been detained by ICE and where they are. How can we access this information?
Jennifer Piper: Tracking this information is di cult, but some tools are available. If someone is looking for a detained loved one, they can use the ICE Locator, a government website where, by entering the person’s full name, date of birth, and country of origin, they can nd out which de-
tention center they are in.
For those researching broader trends, TRAC (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse) compiles the data (that) ICE makes public. When ICE refuses to release data, TRAC les lawsuits to force transparency.
In recent years, ICE has stopped publicly announcing its arrest numbers because our community has learned how to exercise its rights. Before, ICE proudly reported on large-scale raids, but thanks to community resistance, they have been unable to conduct mass arrests as they once did.
CCM: I want to discuss young immigrants in legal limbo. Many arrived alone, were separated from their families, or were waiting for their cases to be resolved with no transparent support system. What can you tell us about this?
Jennifer Piper: It’s one of the harshest realities. ese young people face immense pressure, paying o smuggling debts, nding work, adjusting to a new country without their parents, and navigating a hostile legal system.
Some have relatives in the U.S., but they don’t know them well. Many have had little access to a stable education and now must attend school in English in a country where everything is unfamiliar. Making matters worse, the immigration system forces them to defend themselves legally without providing an attorney. If they’re lucky, they might apply for asylum and, after months, receive a work permit. But that’s only temporary. Meanwhile, they’re under constant govern-
ment supervision and must attend court hearings to avoid deportation.
ese young people are invisible to many. ey fear trusting others because, to sponsor them, family members must provide their personal information, which creates anxiety in undocumented communities.
CCM: What can we do to support these young people as a community?
Jennifer Piper: e most important thing is to recognize them and o er support. O er guidance if you see a young person alone at school or work. Small acts of kindness can make a di erence. We must also continue advocating at the Capitol — not just to block harmful laws but to protect and expand community rights. Colorado is a model for inclusion, but that’s only because immigrants have raised their voices and refused to live in the shadows.
CCM: Jennifer, how can people connect with organizations working on these issues?
Jennifer Piper: In Northern Colorado, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition has a fantastic organizer named Kelly Leon, who hosts monthly meetings and Know Your Rights workshops. ere are family safety planning sessions, which are crucial in these uncertain times.
e American Friends Service Committee has social media platforms and a website with key information. We also have an initiative called Ni Una Más Deportación, a community-led network that directly supports those facing detention or deportation.
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Jennifer Piper, Program Director of the Colorado o ce of the American Friends Service Committee, holds a sign reading “Build a longer table, not a higher wall,” alongside two advocates supporting immigrant rights. COURTESY PHOTO
Brighton community gardens still available
City still has plots for residential vegetable gardens
Local gardeners looking to claim a small plot of their own have until April to enroll in the city’s community garden program.
“In April, we’ll start releasing the keys and turning on the water,” Brighton Rental Specialist Lance Vigil said. “It usually runs through September and we’ll begin
collecting the keys. e water is turned o in October.”
e gardens are open to residents and non-residents. Would-be gardeners can register at the Brighton Recreation Center. Call 303 655-2200 for more information.
e city charges $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Gardeners must provide their own tools, plants, seeds and mulch. e city provides the water for irrigation and the space and usually rototills the plots each March.
Brighton has six community gardens spread around the city, on the BromleyHishinuma farm, at 781 S. 5th Ave., at 1119 E. Denver St., at 4801 Mt. Evans St., 395 S. 14th St. and at 889 Kinglet Court.
Returning a gardeners are able to pick their plots in January. All residents can join the program beginning in February and the city begins accepting non-residents in mid-February.
e gardens range in size from 500 to 800 square feet with room for six to 18 plots, depending on the garden. e garden at the Ken Mitchell Recreation area, for example, has room for 10 plots while the Zion Garden, on S. 14th St., has room for 18 plots.
Vigil said the Adventist Community
Garden, on S. 5th Ave. has 10 plots, but all are currently reserved.
ere is room in the Denver Street Garden, the Zion Garden, the Northgate Garden on Mt. Evans St. and the BromleyHishinuma farm. ere is plenty of room at the Ken Mitchell farm, which as 10 full sized plots and six wheelchair-accessible raised beds.
Vigil said he’s seen people grow everything from cilantro and jalapenos to pumpkins, squash and canteloupe in the gardens.
“Mostly, they are people that live in the neighborhoods but some people do it because they live in apartments and don’t have room for gardens of their own,” Vigil said.
Brighton is currently taking applications for plots for the six Community Gardens around the city. The gardens, including the Northgate Community Garden on Mt. Evans Street, are expected to open for planting in April.
PHOTOS BY SCOTT TAYLOR
A pair of rusted clippers from last summer sit at the entrance of the Northgate Community Garden on Mt. Evans Street. The garden is one of six around Brighton that are expected to open for planting in April.
Court
Man gets 20 years for human tra cking
finds Tidwell used coercion to force victims into sexual servitude
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A 52-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections after his conviction on multiple felony charges, including human tra cking for sexual servitude, sexual exploitation of a child and sexual assault.
In addition to his prison sentence, William Tidwell is required to register as a sex o ender for life and will be under strict supervision upon release, according to an Adams County District Attorney news
release. Tidwell was sentenced by Adams County District Court Judge Je rey Ru .
Two separate cases were brought against Tidwell – who committed his crimes in Adams County between July 2020 and July 2023, according to the news release.
In all, Tidwell pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on a child, assault in the second degree, causing serious bodily injury, human tra cking for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child – possession of exploitive material that depicts child under 12.
Tidwell was the subject of an extensive investigation by local and federal law enforcement, which uncovered evidence that he manipulated and coerced vulnerable individuals into exploitative situations through psychological abuse, threats, and physical violence, according to the news release. Authorities re-
vealed that he lured young women under the guise of providing them stability and support, only to control them through coercion and force, ultimately subjecting them to sexual servitude.
Tidwell maintained a structured environment of fear and submission, where victims were forced to follow strict rules and endure physical and sexual abuse, the news release states. Some were isolated from family and friends, with Tidwell controlling their nances, movements, and personal lives. Investigators found that he targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly young women in di cult life situations, grooming them through emotional manipulation before escalating to outright exploitation, the news release states.
Authorities also discovered thousands of illicit images and videos on Tidwell’s electronic devices, including child sexual
STEM launch kidnapper gets eight years
Victim kidnapped outside STEM Launch in Thornton in 2022
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A 30-year-old man who kidnapped a 10-year-old girl outside STEM Launch in ornton has been sentenced to eight years in prison, Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason said Tuesday.
Diego Gettler pleaded guilty to seconddegree kidnapping, as originally charged, for the 2022 attac. He also pleaded guilty to second-degree assault of a police o cer in an unrelated case from April 2022, according to an Adams County District Attorney o ce news release.
Adams County District Court Judge Stephen Howard sentenced Gettler to eight years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
e kidnapping dates back to the morning of Sept. 23, 2022. Gettler, dressed in all black and wearing a mask, approached the young victim shortly after she was dropped o at school, according to testimony. He forcibly grabbed the girl and attempted to restrain her in what appeared to be an attempted abduction.
e child fought back, pulling the mask he was wearing down. at startled Gettler and caused him to ee the scene on foot. e victim ran to the school doors for help, and sta quickly responded, the news release states.
Surveillance footage from the school and surrounding areas captured critical moments before, during, and after the attack.
e footage showed Gettler’s vehicle—a 2008 Saturn Aura—circling the area before parking nearby. He was then seen approaching the school, walking toward the girl, and ultimately committing the attack. He ed the scene after the victim resisted, stumbling as he ran back to his vehicle, according to the news release.
Following an extensive investigation by the ornton Police Department, authorities identi ed Gettler as the suspect after someone who knew him came forward to police, recognizing both him and his vehicle from news reports. Investigators later tracked his car using GPS data, leading to his arrest in Parker three days later, on Sept. 26, according to the news release.
Gettler was already on bond for four criminal matters in Je erson and Adams Counties when the kidnapping occured. Gettler’s only criminal convictions at that time were for misdemeanor criminal mischief and leaving the scene of an accident Involving injury. e defendant now has three misdemeanor convictions for 3rd degree assault, and convictions for harassment and second-degree assault on a peace o cer - heat of passion.
District Attorney Mason credited the young victim for ghting o Gettler and quickly going to get help.
“ e defendant’s actions here were truly unspeakable and outrageous,” Mason said in the news release. “We can only imagine the evil intent this man had were he to have fully succeeded in completing his plan.”
“ ankfully, this young girl’s courage and quick thinking won the day,” Mason said. “Her strength, along with relentless dedication of law enforcement, helped secure accountability for this defendant’s dangerous crime.”
abuse material. He not only exploited women under his control but also actively sought out minors online, engaging in predatory conversations and attempting to recruit additional victims. Evidence showed that he directed and pro ted from sex work involving multiple victims, further solidifying his role as a tra cker, the news release states.
“ is was a calculated predator who built a system of control designed to exploit and abuse young women,” said Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason in the news release. “He preyed on vulnerable individuals, using lies, intimidation, and violence to manipulate his victims into submission.”
“His actions were outrageous, and he richly deserves the prison sentence he received today,” Mason added. “Human tra cking is real – it happens here in Adams County and throughout Colorado.”
Billboard used to ask for help in
solving
Police seeking information on the deaths of Paul and Sarah Skiba and Lorenzo Chivers
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Westminster Police are hoping a new billboard and investigative DNA technology can help solve a 26-yearold triple homicide in the city. e billboard is near Interstate 70 and Harlan Street and focuses on the unsolved murder of Paul Skiba, his 9-year-old daughter Sarah, and Paul’s business associate, Lorenzo Chivers. All were killed in 1999.
Police say that on Feb. 7 of that year, Skiba, Sarah, and Chivers disappeared after returning to Skip’s mov-
ing company, Tu Movers. e company was located o Raleigh Street near 71st Avenue in Westminster. e victims had just nished a job and arrived back at the truck yard around 7 p.m., police said. Police said the trio were killed shortly after arriving. eir bodies were never found.
Westminster Police told KDVR that new DNA technology has given detectives hope of possibly bringing the investigation to a close. e billboard is “urging anyone with information about the murders of Paul, Sarah and Lorenzo to come forward,” Westminster Police said on X. “Help us bring closure to the families of these victims.”
Up to $10,000 is o ered as a reward in the case. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 720-9137867.
A billboard at I-70 and Harlan St urges information about a 1999 triple homicide case. COURTESY WESTMINSTER POLICE.
Should Colorado fear measles outbreaks?
Health leaders say vaccination is the best prevention
BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN
e ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is edging closer to Colorado, at least geographically.
Four cases — and possibly a fth — have been reported in the Texas Panhandle county of Dallam, which sits about 35 miles south of Colorado’s southern border, separated by the Oklahoma Panhandle.
is doesn’t mean an outbreak is imminent in Colorado, of course. But state health o cials have been getting ready in case one is.
“Right now we are ensuring that we are prepared,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We know that measles cases can occur at any time. But we know the risk is going to be greater when there are large outbreaks occurring in other parts of the country.”
So what should you be doing now and how worried should you be? e Sun talked to Herlihy and to Dr. Michelle Barron, an infectious disease expert at UCHealth. Here are some answers.
What’s going on with this measles outbreak?
At least 155 cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico as of March 4, with
sles have been reported so far in 2025, including the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Of those infected, 20% have been hospitalized.
“I want people to fully appreciate that this is a huge outbreak, and we have not seen anything like this in a very long time,” Barron said.
Have there been any infections in Colorado?
As of March 4, there have been no measles infections in Colorado from the current outbreak.
e last measles case in a Colorado resident was in 2023. e patient was an adolescent who had traveled abroad.
Travel is a common source of exposure, Barron said, and Colorado often sees a case of measles every year or so related to travel. But you have to go all the way back to the mid-1990s to nd the last time there was a locally transmitted case of measles in Colorado, Herlihy said.
Back up, what is measles? Why is it bad?
People often associate measles with its telltale red rash, but the disease can be much more aggressive than that — attacking the brain and the respiratory system.
146 of those reported in Texas. e cases in Texas have been concentrated in children, with 40 occurring in kids under the age of 5, and 70 more in kids ages 5 through 17. One child has died, the rst measles death in the United States since 2015.
Of the 146 cases in Texas, ve have been in people who were inoculated with at
least one dose of a measles vaccine. Of the remaining cases, 79 are in people who are unvaccinated and 62 in people with unknown vaccination status.
e outbreak was initially concentrated in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas, but it has since spread outward.
Nationwide, a total of 164 cases of mea-
People often associate measles with its telltale red rash. But the disease can be much more aggressive than that — attacking the brain and the respiratory system. Barron said the rash is typically at and not itchy. Another common symptom are white dots in the mouth called Koplik spots. e disease can also cause ear infection and diarrhea. Worse, the disease can cause pneumonia or swelling of the brain, which is what can lead to hospitalization and death. Severe complications and deaths are most common in children under 5.
SHUTTERSTOCK
MEASLES
at’s bad enough, but measles also has a superpower: its contagiousness. e measles virus is among the most contagious ever documented, with one infected person able to pass the disease to as many as 18 other people. e virus is airborne and can linger in the air for as long as two hours after being exhaled by an infected person.
What can people do to prevent measles?
As with all viruses, good hygiene is helpful — wash hands thoroughly, avoid touching your face, wear a tight- tting mask in settings where you think you could be exposed, etc. But because the virus is so contagious, it can be di cult to avoid it if you are susceptible to infection. So the key, Herlihy said, is to make yourself not susceptible.
“We certainly want to make sure that Coloradans that are working on spring break plans are thinking about vaccine plans ahead of time,” she said.
A two-dose series of the MMR vaccine, which also covers the diseases mumps and rubella, is 97% e ective at protecting against measles.
e rst dose of MMR vaccine is typically given to kids around their rst birthday, but it can be given to kids as young as 6 months old if they will be traveling, especially internationally. ( ose kids will still need two doses after they turn 1.) e best
advice, Barron and Herlihy said, is to talk to your pediatrician for guidance.
I’ve already had measles or a measles vaccine. Do I need a booster? e measles vaccine has gone through various formulas and dosing schedules over the years, creating an immunization hodgepodge, depending on when you were born (assuming you got your typical childhood vaccines as a kid).
Here’s what the state advises:
- For people born before 1957, you were likely exposed to measles as a kid. Prior infection is believed to create lifelong immunity for most, so no additional vaccination is recommended.
- For people born before 1968, you may have received an ine ective vaccine, especially if you were born from 1963 through 1967. You should receive a booster dose of the MMR vaccine unless you happen to know that the vaccine you received was a live measles vaccine, and not an inactivated measles vaccine. If you’re unsure, the recommendation is to get the booster.
- For people born from 1968 to 1989, you likely received only one dose of MMR. ere is no overall recommendation for these folks to get a booster dose, since one dose of MMR is 93% e ective. But Barron said people in this group who didn’t get a second dose later in life may want to get a booster, especially if you live or work around young children.
Herlihy and Barron said there is no known harm in getting a booster if you are unsure of your vaccination status. Again,
Police warn of ‘Assassins’ game trending with teens
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Fort Lupton High School o cials are warning that a nationally trending “Assassins” game has come to Colorado, with a dangerous twist.
School Resource O cer Sergeant Paul Grossman, with the Fort Lupton Police Department, issued a safety statement regarding the game “Assassins”, in a news release on March 5.
It’s modern game of tag, with players assigned targets they “assassinate” while dodging assassins targeting them.
Grossman said that high school students play the game using water guns and wear oaties to distinguish safe players. e game is harmless and does not lead to injuries when played with water guns, he said.
“Instead of traditional water guns, our students have been using Orbeez guns, which shoot gel pellets at high velocity,,”
Grossman said. “While these gel projectiles may seem harmless, they can cause serious injury.
“Even more troubling is that I witnessed high school students today hanging out of moving car windows and shooting other students on public roadways. is behavior is not only dangerous but also reckless, and it will not be tolerated,” he added.
Grossman said that the School Resource O cer Unit is responsible for ensuring the safety of all students within the school district.
“ is kind of activity poses numerous risks, including the risk of injury from both the Orbeez guns and the dangerous act of hanging out of a moving vehicle,” Grossman said. “For the well-being of all
though, talking it through with your doctor is the best policy.
Does Colorado have a high measles vaccination rate?
Colorado is among the states with the lowest measles vaccination rates in the country for school-age children. at has long been true, but the COVID pandemic — both the lack of access to health care that many families experienced during the pandemic, as well as the rising levels of vaccine skepticism — made it worse. e percentage of kids in kindergarten through 12th grade who were fully vaccinated against measles in Colorado hit its lowest level last year in at least six years. In the 2023-24 school year, 93.7% of students had received a full course of the MMR vaccine. at may sound like a lot, but it is below the target level for achieving herd immunity. Because measles is so contagious, health experts say 95% vaccination coverage is needed to ensure the disease can’t spread within a community.
While many districts do hit that mark, there are pockets with measles vaccina-
tion coverage below 80%. e state’s immunization dashboard has data by district and by school.
Is it time to worry yet?
Barron said she isn’t trying to cause alarm, but she has been losing sleep as she worries about what could come from the growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. at’s why she said it is important for people to know their vaccination status.
“I don’t want to scare people, but I think people should truly be aware,” she said.
While measles has crept closest to Colorado’s southeastern border, Herlihy said she doesn’t see any one area or community more at-risk than another. Measles can just as easily be spread by someone on a plane or driving to the mountains for spring break.
“Really, it’s statewide,” she said of the area she’s watching. “It’s really di cult to predict.”
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.
An Orbeez handgun kit available for purchase on Orbeezguns.com. The toy gun, modeled after a Glock, fires plastic beads filled with water.
COURTESY MAYA TOYS
students, the district is taking immediate action to prevent this behavior on school grounds.”
Grossman said that the SROs will promptly take action within the district to enforce laws pertaining to any violation that jeopardizes the safety and wellbeing of students.
“If your student is caught engaging in such activities, you will receive a call from my team to address the situation directly,” said Grossman. “ ank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your support in keeping our school environment safe for all students.”
ASHES AND FRESH AIR
Rev. Alice Bradley of Northglenn’s Church of the Beloved applies ashes and a blessing to the forehead of Rikka Derue on Feb. 5 in Northglenn’s E.B.Rains Jr. Memorial Park for Ash Wednesday while Leo watches. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent for Christians. This is the tenth year the Church of the Beloved has administered Lenten ashes in Northglenn parks or bus stations. “We go where the people are, rather than make them come to us,” Bradley said.
FUNDING
is illegally being cut o by the Trump administration. is wrecking ball approach from the federal government puts communities throughout Colorado at risk.” Funding promised to Colorado that the state has not received includes:
• $18.66 million from state homeland security grants
• $6.36 million from emergency management performance grants
• $9.79 million from state and local cybersecurity grants
• $2.45 million in emergency operations center grants
• $9.87 million from nonpro t security grants
SCOTT TAYLOR
• $775,720 from targeted violence and terrorism prevention grants
• $15.2 million from urban area security initiative grants
Summit County Sheri Jaime FitzSimons said the ongoing funding freeze is “deeply concerning” for his county.
“As home to the most visited national forest in the nation — the White River National Forest — a critical stretch of Interstate 70, and dam infrastructure vital to the Colorado River Basin, Summit County relies on federal funding to support public safety across private, public, and federal lands,” FitzSimons, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Public safety must remain a priority, and restoring these funds is essential.” is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
BRIEFS
Reunion developer o ers survey
Oakwood Homes, the master developer of Reunion, has launched a community engagement and visioning process titled “What’s Next, Reunion?” to nd out what the community wants for the future of Reunion.
ose who live, work or play in Reunion are encouraged to visit whatsnextreunion.com online to complete the community survey.
Oakwood Homes will gather input and create actionable plans for Reunion that re ect the shared goals of residents, local partners and Commerce City. e survey is the rst step in a long-term plan to provide additional programming and cultural activities to improve quality of life for Reunion residents.
e survey will close Friday, March 7.
Go For Launch
Colorado Air & Space Port is hosting a Higher Orbits for students from 8th and 12th grades to expand their STEM skill sets learning with teamwork, communications, research design, and leadership.
Students would get to work with an astronaut, Captain Wendy Lawerence, and work on an experiment design project during the event, learning, growing, and developing skills to succeed throughout their lives.
e student teams will present their project to a panel of judges who work in the Space and STEM elds. ey will choose a winner from each Go for Launch event. e winning experiment will be launched to board the International Space Station or a suborbital ight. Michelle Lucas is the founder and CEO of Higher Orbits.
For more information about the Higher Orbits event, visit www.higherorbits.org. To sponsor the event, go to sponsors@higherobits.org. To call for information at 281-4515343.
Adams County Launches O ce of Strategic Partnerships & Resil-
ient
Communities
Adams County’s Executive Leadership Team is excited to announce the creation of the O ce of Strategic Partnerships & Resilient Communities to serve the community more effectively. e goal of SPARC is to enhance the way the county builds and sustains partnerships, both internally and with external organizations.
e team is led by Adminstrator Daniela Garcia, who played a key role in establishing SPARC for Adams County. She leads e orts to secure diverse funding, promote equitable resource distribution, and empower communities to foster resilience and prosperity.
e team will collaborate with partners to foster ongoing engagement with programming and organizations in the community, and remain a reliable place where anyone can turn when challenges arise and resources are needed.
Learn more at sparc.adcogov.org.
2024 Healthy Farmers Markets Survey
e Adams County Health Department is hoping that anyone who attended one of the Healthy Farmers Markets they hosted hosted in 2024 will o er feedback on how to improve these events for 2025.
e survey is available on the Health Department’s Website and at at bit.ly/4jBvrh5.
Thu 3/13
CHSAA Basketball Parking 3/13
@ 6am
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street, Denver
Denver Mob Tour
@ 10am
Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Global Sips and Savories (3/13)
@ 10am
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Music and Movement
@ 10:45am
Phat Daddy @ 8:30pm Hoffbrau, 9110 Wadsworth Pkwy, Westminster
Sat 3/15
Sun 3/16
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars @ 1:30pm / $69-$999 Ball Arena, Denver
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron Street, Thornton. swhitelonis@anythin klibraries.org, 303-452-7534
All Levels Bird Walk @ 8am
Gallery on the Go - Paint Party
@ 5:30pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
ZTag: Tag! You're it
@ 6pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Fri 3/14
Crafty Corner (3/14)
@ 10am
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Pre Gymnastics-age 4-5 (Fri)
@ 11:30am
Mar 14th - Apr 25th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Nate Hixson: St. Patrick's Day Party
2025 @ 1pm Talnua Distillery, United States
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
@ 7:30pm / $142-$6555 Ball Arena, Denver
Standley Lake Regional Park, 8600 Simms Street, Westminster. standley lake@westminsterco.gov, 303-4251097
Pure Luck Pickleball Tournament @ 9am Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Teens: Loveland Laser Tag @ 12pm Fort Lupton Community / Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Avenue, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards @ 7pm / $40-$3270 Ball Arena, Denver
Dancing with the Stars: Live! - 2025 Tour @ 4pm Buell Theatre, Denver
Mon 3/17
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration @ 12pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Tue 3/18
Q4 GARDEN CLUB (pre-registration) @ 4pm / $75 Mar 18th - May 13th Gardens Outside, 12500 Washington Street, Thornton. 303-452-0967
The Stillery | Tanner Laws solo/duo @ 6pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Wed 3/19
School Breaks- Spring: Warrior Challenge Arena @ 9am
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Brighton Networking Professionals Happy Hour @ 5:30pm
Copper Rail Bar & Grill, 174 South Main Street, Brighton. info@brightoncham ber.com, 303-659-0223
Thu 3/20
2025 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament All-Session @ 8am Ball Arena, Denver
School Break-Spring: Mad Science @ 8am Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
School Break - Spring "Teen" Archery Dodgeball @ 9am Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
AARP Smart Driving Class @ 1pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
3/20 Monthly Birthday Celebration! @ 1pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Youth Soccer:1st-2nd Grade CO-ED @ 5:30pm Mar 20th - Apr 24th Fort Lupton Community Center Park, 203 S Har‐rison Ave, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200
CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ
1. TELEVISION: Which 1960s sitcom was about a TV comedy writer, his job and his family?
2. AD SLOGANS: Which candy slogan urges consumers to “Taste the rainbow”?
3. COMICS: Which superhero gets his power from a ring?
4. GEOGRAPHY: Which country has the most islands?
5. MEASUREMENTS: How many cups are in a pint?
6. MOVIES: Which scary 1980 movie contained the phrase “red rum” and what does it mean?
7. ANATOMY: What is the outermost layer of human skin called?
8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the rst president to ride in a car to his inauguration?
9. HISTORY: When did India gain its independence from Great Britain?
TrIVIa
10. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Who lives at 32 Windsor Gardens?
Answers
1. “ e Dick Van Dyke Show.”
2. Skittles.
3. e Green Lantern.
4. Sweden.
5. Two.
6. “ e Shining.” It’s the word “murder” spelled backward.
7. Epidermis.
8. Warren Harding (1921).
9. 1947.
10. Paddington Bear and the Brown family.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Notice is hereby given that the following subdivision(s) will be considered for approval by the City of Commerce City Community Development Director on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
S24-0014: Revesco Properties is requesting approval of the Turnberry Filing 2, Amendment 1 final plat to create 1 lot and 3 tracts from approximately 22.17 acres. The property is generally located east of Highway 2 and south of East 104th Avenue (12450 East 104th Avenue and 10390 Highway 2), currently zoned PUD (Planned-Unit Development)
S-762-20-21-24: Oakwood Homes is requesting approval of the Reunion Center Filing No. 1 Amendment No. 1 final plat to create: 84 residential lots; five commercial lots; and 16 tracts for open space, utilities, drainage, and private right-of-way; and two tracts for future development. The subject property is approximately 35.55 acres, generally located between East 104th Avenue and Homestead Trail and between Walden Street and Tower Road, zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development)
S-762-20-21-24-24: Oakwood Homes is requesting approval of the Reunion Center Filing No. 1 Amendment No. 2 final plat to create: 106 residential lots; five commercial lots; and 11 tracts for open space, utilities, drainage, and private right-of-way. The subject property is approximately 15.25 acres, generally located between East 104th Avenue and Homestead Trail and between Walden Street and Yampa Street, zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development)
The case file(s) and a copy of the Land Development Code of the City together with the subdivision plat are on file for review by emailing the Community Development Department at cdplanner@ c3gov.com. Any owner of property located within 300 feet of the subject property may invoke the public hearing process by submitting said objections in writing to the Director of Community Development in accordance with Sec. 21-3241 by no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Director of Community Development
Para más información, contacta 303227-8818
Legal Notice No. CCX1597
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Bids and Settlements
Public Notice INVITATION TO BID
Date: March 13, 2025
Sealed Bids will be received by the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District acting by and through its South Adams County Water and Sanitation District Activity Enterprise (Owner); Attn: Dawn Fredette at 6595 East 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado 80022 until 2:00 p.m., local time, Thursday March 27, 2025, for the project entitled “2025 SACWSD Water System Removal and Replacements.” At said place and time, and promptly thereafter, all Bids that have been duly received will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The project generally consists of replacing existing 4-inch and 6-inch water lines with new 8-inch and 16-inch water mains and replacing existing water service lines with new services and appurtenances,
with service line sizes ranging from new 5/8-inch to 2-inch. The project area is located on several streets in the same general area. The project is comprised of a Base Bid and two Bid Alternates. The Base Bid project area is bound by Highway 2 to the north, E. 75th Avenue to the south, Quebec Street to the east, and Oneida Street/Highway 2 to the west. This project area will also include a new water line installation to be completed across SACWSD property on the east side of Quebec Street to connect into an existing water line at the Klein Water Treatment Facility. Specifically, the Base Bid consists of installing approximately 3,920 linear feet of 8-inch water line, 620 linear feet of 16-inch water line, and transferring a total of 86 service lines, installing new fire hydrants, and associated asphalt removal and replacement.
The Alternate No. 1 work area is located on the Oneida Drive loop bound by E. 74th Avenue to the north and consists of installing approximately 640 linear feet of 8-inch water line, transferring a total of 10 water service lines, and removing and replacing the existing street asphalt. The Alternate No. 2 work area is located on E. 71st Place bound by Highway 2 to the west and Monaco Street to the east and consists of installing approximately 1,010 linear feet of 8-inch water line and replacing, transferring a total of 11 water service lines, and removing and replacing the existing street asphalt. It is the Owner’s desire to award a Contract for the Base Bid. If pricing and available budget allows, the Owner may choose to add any individual Alternate or both Alternates at their discretion.
All Bids must be in accordance with the Contract Documents on file with the Owner, South Adams County Water and Sanitation District, 6595 East 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado 80022, and at the office of Muller Engineering Company, Inc., 7245 West Alaska Drive, Suite 300, Lakewood, Colorado 80226.
Electronic files of the Bidding Documents for use in preparing Bids may be obtained
from Muller Engineering Company. Bid Documents will be available on Friday, March 7, 2025, at no charge. Please contact Shelby Berke, sberke@mullereng. com, for questions and to obtain electronic copies of the Bidding Documents. No printed copies will be provided unless a specific request is made for a hard copy of the plans.
Bids will be received on a unit price basis. Bid Security in the amount of 5 percent of the total Bid must accompany each Bid. It is anticipated that the Contract Agreement will be signed and the Notice to Proceed will be issued in late April 2025. Construction of the Base Bid shall be completed and ready for final payment within one hundred fifty (150) calendar days. If Alternate No. 1 and No. 2 are added the construction shall be completed and ready for final payment within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days.
The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Construction Performance Bond and a Construction Payment Bond as security for the faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the contract.
The Bid and Bid Security will remain subject to acceptance for 77 calendar days after the Bid opening, or for such longer period of time that Bidder may agree to in writing upon request of Owner.
The District reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive informalities, and to reject non-conforming, non-responsive, or conditional Bids.
By: Vicki Ennis Secretary
South Adams County Water and Sanitation District acting by and through its South Adams County Water and Sanitation District Activity Enterprise
Legal Notice No. CCX1596
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express ###
