Elbert County News 0803 by Colorado Community Media

HAPPY CATTLE: Open space grazing is a win-win solution P12

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August 3, 2017

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Agate man convicted of killing Parker resident BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Cassidy Lenhart, Ashley Rhinehart and Catherine Rose ride into the arena at the 2017 Elizabeth Stampede.

TY STOCKTON

Drill team does some fancy footwork Blazing Saddles squad began 11 years ago BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

For the 24 young riders of the Blazing Saddles drill team, having the opportunity to ride their horses and perform at rodeo events throughout the region means a commitment to once-a-week practices, riding in all weather conditions (except lightning), and learning to manage a half-ton animal in a variety of situations.

The riders practice steering their horses into formations and carrying large flags mounted on poles of wood or aluminum while riding their horses at high speed. The flags bear the logos of business sponsors and rodeos, along with military flags. The all-female drill team was started 11 years ago when coach Cindy Adams harnessed momentum from a grassroots drill team that had begun with the Little Britches Rodeo in Kiowa. “We got together and wanted to do an opening for the Tuesday night rodeos for a couple of years, and the kids that were doing it wanted to

start their own team,” said Adams, who lives in Elizabeth. Adams is assisted by Madeline Wagner, also from Elizabeth. “Being a member of the drill team is so much more than getting dressed up and showing everyone how fast and well you can ride a horse,” Wagner said. Wagner said she finds volunteering with the Blazing Saddles to be very rewarding. “I feel that I gain more from being involved with the girls than the girls get from me,” Wagner said. Wagner said she gains a sense of SEE EQUESTRIAN, P14

An Elbert County jury convicted Agate resident Shawn Geerdes, 48, of killing former Parker resident Jason Dosa, 44, whom authorities determined was Geerdes’ partner in a marijuana grow business. On July 19, the jury found Geerdes guilty on three counts: second-degree murder, a Class 2 felony; setting a wildfire, a Class 3 felony; and seconddegree arson, a Class 4 felony. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 96 years in prison if he is found to be a habitual offender during his Sept. 5 sentencing hearing. The case began Sept. 20, 2015, when Jefferson County Sheriff ’s deputies discovered a wildfire ignited by a burning car. Investigating officers found a body in the trunk, later identified as Dosa. He had been shot five times. “When reviewing a case, our office always evaluates the applicability of affirmative defenses, such as self-defense or defense of premises, commonly known as ‘Make My Day,’” Senior Deputy District Attorney Douglas Bechtel said. “However, the defendant’s actions in this case… (show) that the defendant knew this was not a justified shooting.” Investigators traced Dosa’s movements and found his last location at a marijuana greenhouse in Agate on land owned by Geerdes. Dosa and Geerdes were former partners in the grow operation. Authorities found bloodstains and spent shell casings at the grow house, indicating Dosa had been killed there and his body was later transported to Jefferson County.

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

‘I think about what makes people laugh, like, why are you going to a comedy club? Me, I don’t want a 15-minute speech about politics.’ Sam Adams, comedian | Page 16 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 2

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 27

2 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

THINGS TO DO Elizabeth Library Book Sale: gently used books for children and adults for sale in the book sale room at the Elizabeth Library. Stocked by Friends of the Elizabeth Library. All donations from book sales benefit the Elizabeth Library. Elizabeth Farmers Market: open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through September at 165 Main St., Elizabeth. No market Aug. 19. Market includes vendors selling produce and other mercantile items. Go to www.townofelizabeth.org/farmersmarket.html. Remembering Our Veterans: 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, in Panorama Hall

at the Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock. Presented by Lisette Clemons, a member of the Arlington Ladies, a group of volunteers who attend services at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that no soldier, sailor, airman or coast guardsman is buried alone. The ladies are an official part of the funeral service, representing the military services’ chief of staff. South of the Border Cooking: 6-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Learn techniques of Mexican cooking. Make homemade tortillas and other favorites. For ages 16 and

older. Call 303-805-6800 or go to www.parkerartscenter.com. Coffee and Coloring: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Parker Library, 20105 E. Mainstreet. Enjoy an evening of adult coloring, coffee and conversation. Adults. Registration is required at 303-791-7323 or DCL.org. `Rich People Behaving Badly’: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Dick Kreck leads a presentation about his book; learn about the notorious characters who came through Colorado and the legends that followed them. Refreshments will be served at 6:45

p.m. Go to www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Castle Rock Museum at 303-814-3164 or museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org. Admission is free. The Comedy and Magic of Harry Maurer: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12, at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Reservations required; call 303-660-6799 or go to http:// tickets.amazingshows.com. Show appropriate for all ages. How Magicians Have Changed History: 4-5:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Public lecture “The

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Perfection of Deception: Magicians Who Have Affected History.” Reservations required; call 303660-6799 or go to http://tickets. amazingshows.com. Kids Consignment Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock. Presented by Mothers of Multiples Society. Expecting moms and moms with babies under 6 months old may shop the new moms presale starting at 9 a.m. Go to www. mothersofmultiples.com. SEE CALENDAR, P5

Elbert County News 3

August 3, 2017

‘We wanted to protect our little place’ Franktown citizens celebrate as developers withdraw application BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A surprising finish ended a six-year fight between developers and a citizens’ group over a proposed development at the intersection of Colorado highways 86 and 83, as developers behind the Franktown Village project withdrew their application. The move came July 27, at the beginning of the second day of testimony before the Board of County Commissioners, as public comment by dozens of Franktown residents carried over from the first hearing at the Philip S. Miller building in Castle Rock on July 25. “We are thrilled,” said Diana Love, president of the Franktown Citizens Coalition II, a vocal group organized against the project. “If you look around at what’s happening with the growth, it’s scary… People are worried about congestion, density and water.” The rezoning application, first submitted in 2011, requested a change from rural residential and planned development to planned development to make way for the mixed-use proj-

Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Doyle talks with Franktown residents Ginny Plouff, center, Sara Scott, right, and Princess Buttercup, horse. Scott, Plouff and dozens of other residents arrived early outside the Philip S. Miller building to demonstrate against the proposed Franktown Village development. TOM SKELLEY ect, which would have included 286 single-family residential units and 180,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on 62.8 acres. “Upon reflection and a lot of conversation since Tuesday night at 10 (p.m.), my clients have determined that this is simply not the way to

proceed,” said attorney Jack Reutzel, representing developers Pat Carroll and Russ Berget, as he read a prepared statement. “There’s just too much stress, there’s too many hard feelings for a community like this,” he said, “regardless of the outcome.”

Members of the coalition presented evidence by geologists, water attorneys, local business owners and other residents to counter testimony from the developers’ experts concerning how the development would affect the area’s aquifers and rural feel. Commissioners Roger Partridge and Lora Thomas questioned Reutzel at the July 25 hearing concerning the developers’ outreach to residents and provisions for water and sewer services to the development. But the withdrawal on July 27 saves the board from making a decision on the project, for a while. “We will re-imagine our plan in a way that addresses the objective concerns of the residents we heard both at Planning Commission and here,” Reutzel said. “We will be back in front of the county soon with a new plan.” Love said she and other Franktown residents are willing to negotiate with Reutzel again, provided meetings are public to give citizens their say. For now, though, Love and other coalition members will enjoy the victory. “We wanted to protect our little place,” Love said. “We are absolutely willing to see what they come up with and meet with them. And when they think they have a plan that they want to present, then we’ ll have a huge Franktown public meeting and they can present it to the public.”

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4 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

CLUBS Ongoing Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Simla Library. All skill levels and ages welcome. Call 719-541-2573. Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479. Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456. Elbert Game Night: 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Elbert Library. Board and card games for all ages. Call 303-648-3533 or go to pplibraries.org.

Elizabeth American Legion Post 82, a veterans association supporting veterans, their families, their survivors and the community, meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., and the regular business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend these meetings to learn of their eligibility for membership in the National American Legion Organization. Elizabeth Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. Hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment. Game Night: 4 p.m. Mondays at the Kiowa Library; call 303-621-2111. 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; call 303-6483533. Enjoy board, card, and video games for all ages.

Kiowa Creek Food Pantry is a distribution site for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program. Food is distributed monthly to low income individuals/families that qualify. We also distribute low income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs. Call the food pantry for more information at 303-6212376, or come by from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; we are located in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa. Knitting Group: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kiowa Library. Knit and chat. All skill levels welcome. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org. Lawyers at the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the

LET’S SYNC OUR CALENDARS. IT’S A PERFECT TIME TO PLAY IN RIDGEGATE.

areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collec- F tions, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. LEGO Master Brickster: 3:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Kiowa Library. Build LEGO stuff together. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries. org. Mystery Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org. Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod. com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24hour advance reservations are appreciated.

SEE CLUBS, P6

Peck and Talk (P&T) A deaf retired soldier in Lone Tree needs $600,000 to complete the design of ‘Peck and Talk’, build a prototype, and sell it to people who cannot hear or speak. There are 40 million of us in North America. We hope to keep the one-time price of this electronic device to less than $90, sold through all the mail catalogs and online. There are only 3 of us handling this activity and none of us accepts a salary. All the money goes to travel (to find parts) and buying those parts to make P&T. Questions? Call me at (303)736-8604 or email rbraden007@gmail.com

Guided Nature Hikes:

Yoga in the Park:

Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from SSPRD, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Hikes are free to the public – register at ridgegate.com.

Join RidgeGate, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the Lone Tree Recreation Center for our final free Yoga in the Park class of the season in Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own yoga mat. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled. No registration – just drop in!

Thursday, August 3, 5:30-7pm — Insect and Spider Exploration Hike Wednesday, August 16, 6-7:30pm — Geocaching Basics Saturday, September 16, 9-11am — Family Fun Game & Trivia Hike Saturday, September 30, 9-10:30am — Autumn Glory Hike Saturday, October 21, 10-11:30am — “Build a Beaver” Family Fun Hike

Tuesday, August 29, 6:30-7:30pm

Hanger (For Kids)

Pecking Pencil

Peck and Talk Screen that displays a keyboard character or words (English) as soon as a key is depressed or a person speaks into the microphones.

On/ Off

Among RidgeGate’s cultural facilities is the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, located just east of the RidgeGate Parkway and I-25 interchange. The Ranch has been impeccably restored and gives us an important glimpse into the settlers’ lives in the late 1800s. Schweiger Ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org.

Photos by Sarah Neumann Photography

Receiver/ Transmitter/ Microphone

On/ Off Buzzer

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch:

Sunday, August 27, 1pm — Free Guided Tour Saturday, October 7, 10am-2pm — City of Lone Tree’s Annual Fall Festival Saturday, December 2, 1-5pm — Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas

Secondary microphone for a hearing person to ‘talk’ with the deaf person (6ft cord).

12/18 Point

Peanut Lights

Mini Rotary Switch C0 C1

A M O R E N AT U R A L A P P R O A C H T O U R B A N I S M.

r i d g e g a te . c o m

LO C3

Power Plug Channel ‘C0’ No Transmission Channels ‘C1’, ‘C2’, ‘C3’ Walkie-Talkie Xmission Lockout: Keeps data on screen until the user can copy it elsewhere. Next (or ‘Done’): User has completed his/her text on the screen. Buzzer On or Off: Buzzes (or does not buzz) when User touches ‘Next’. Both keyboard and screen are ‘backlit’.

Elbert County News 5

August 3, 2017

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 2

The Road to Character: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, presented by Castle Rock Unitarian Universalist Community and led by David Brooks. Meeting place is 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock. For information, call Marnie Buckley at 720-810-5457 or email Sue Fraley at suefraley@q.com. Go to www. cruuc.org.

Where to Start to Love Your Heart: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Center, Parker. Uncover some common heart care myths, and begin your journey toward heart health with three dietary strategies and three supplements. Call 303-805-6800 or go to www.parkerartscenter.com.

Car Seat Safety Event: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock. Meet with certified child passenger safety technicians to discuss proper use of a car seat, including installation, daily use, and proper car seat selection as the child grows. No appointment needed; just drop by. Go to www.mothersofmultiples.com.

and beer. A first aid station will be set up at the 3-block mark, with nurses or doctors with stethoscopes, because walkers will be exhausted by then. Parker Police officers will walk and hold doughnuts. Go to https:// www.classy.org/parker/events/1st-annualparker-1k-six-blocks-for-secor/e136710 Lifetree Café: 5-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 (Coping with Grief); Monday, Aug. 20 (They Hijacked my Life); and Monday, Aug. 27 (Cocussions: A Former NFL Player Speaks Out) at DAZBOG, 202 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Call 303-814-0142. Go to LifetreeCafe.com. Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments. To ensure a seat is available, 24-hour notice appreciated. Call Kay Campbell, 719- 541-4275, or 800-825-0208 for reservations. Go to http://outbackexpress. tripod.com. August schedule: Matheson and Simla to Colorado Springs, Monday, Aug. 7; Elizabeth to Parker or Colorado Springs Tuesday, Aug. 8; Good Samaritan Nursing Home residents bus ride, Thursday, Aug. 10; Elizabeth, Kiowa and Elbert to Parker, Thursday, Aug. 15; Matheson and Simla to Colorado Springs, Monday, Aug. 21; and Simla and Matheson to Limon, Thursday, Aug. 24.

Six Blocks for SECOR: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, starting at the Parker Fieldhouse and ending at Elk Mountain Brewery. The entire entry fee will go directly to SECOR (www. secorcares.com), which helps about 1,000 a month who are upside down. Start with doughnuts and pastries, and end with pizza

Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the Elizabeth Public Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Clinics are for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Walk-ins welcome. 2017 dates are Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. First come, first served.

Solar Eclipse Parties: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at the Elizabeth and Simla libraries. Pines & Plains Libraries received hundreds of free eclipse-viewing safety glasses from NASA and will give those to party-goers. Elizabeth Library has partnered with Viaero Wireless and Elizabeth Parks and Recreation to provide the community event at Casey Jones Park. Viaero Wireless has sponsored snacks, and the library will provide crafts for young, aspiring astronomers. The Simla party will take place in the library parking lot. Attendees will enjoy snacks, games, crafts, races, music, and a piñata competition before the eclipse.

Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

6 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

Tell us your breast cancer stories BY STAFF REPORT

What’s happening with my County government? Our committment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about all public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view agendas for various public meetings visit www.douglas.co.us and search for meetings and agendas.

Planning Commission vacancies Douglas County is seeking two regular members and one alternate member to serve on the Douglas County Planning Commission in Districts II and III. For more information about the open Planning Commission vacancies or to complete an application, please visit www.douglas. co.us and search for Planning Commission or contact Christy Gordon at 303.660.7401.

Visit prehistoric times August 12 More than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, mammoths roamed Douglas County. Learn more by taking a tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 12. For reservations or additional tour dates visit www.lambspring.org

Are you living with breast cancer, or serve as support to a loved one currently going through treatment? Do you worry about treatment options? Did you overcome a breast cancer diagnosis? We want to hear from you. Over the next month, Colorado Community Media will be collecting stories from women whose lives and experiences can help educate and inform others about breast cancer and other health issues fac-

CLUBS FROM PAGE 4

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock. Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth Paper Crafting Club is open to anyone interested in card making and scrapbooking. We meet regularly throughout the month on various weekday evenings and weekends. Club events take place at 7786 Prairie Lake Trail, Parker (in the Pinery). Contact Alison Collins at 720-212-4788 for information or find us online at http://www.meetup. com/Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth-PaperCrafting-Club/

ing women today. We are looking for stories from all ages. In honor of overall women’s health, we are also looking for stories from readers who have overcome health obstacles, or have worked with doctors and nurses who have gone above and beyond in care. If your story is selected, a member of the Colorado Community Media staff will contact you for an interview. Send your information to Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Seniors meet in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information. Simla Open Mic Night: 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Simla Library. Share poetry, music, dance, comedy or painting (inter alios), or just come and watch. Sky Cliff Center Caregiver Support Group: 10-11:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of each month at 4600 E. Highway 86, Castle Rock. Caregiving for adults can be challenging at times, and you’re not alone. For information, or to let the center know if you’re coming, call 303-814-2863 or email skycliffctr@ skycliff.org. Go to www.skycliff.org.

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Elbert County News 7

August 3, 2017

MILESTONES

Carrina Nieman, of Elbert, was named to one of the spring 2017 honor’s lists at Montana State University. Shaelyn Doyle, of Elizabeth, was named to one of the spring 2017 honor’s lists at Montana State University. Tyler Imel, of Elizabeth, was named to one of the spring 2017

honor’s lists at Montana State University. Jessica Gerczynski, of Kiowa, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Gustavus Adolphus College. Spencer Benjamin, of Franktown, was named to one of the spring 2017 honor’s lists at Montana State University.

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8 Elbert County News

CALM AFTER THE STORM

August 3, 2017A

A photo shows the raging waters released when the Castlewood Canyon Dam failed after heavy rains on Aug. 3, 1933. Two people were killed in the flood, which deposited an estimated 20,000 tons of silt in the Denver area. COURTESY PHOTO

The day the dam failed: Event commemorates devastating area flood STAFF REPORT

The Friends of Castlewood Canyon will host Dam Day, an event to commemorate a devastating flood, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at Castlewood Canyon State Park at 2989 S. Highway 83 in Franktown. On Aug. 3, 1933, heavy rains caused the Castlewood Dam to fail, sending 1.7 billion gallons of water to Denver. Two residents died in the flood, and crews repaired downed phone lines

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and other damage, as well as cleaned up more than 20,000 tons of silt deposited by the raging waters. Activities include a re-enactment and simulation of the events of that day, hikes to the dam, a lunch and historical interpreters telling stories of the day the dam failed. A valid Colorado State Parks pass is required. For more information, contact Ron Claussen at 303-663-9919 or rclaussen4612@comcast.net.

Elbert County News 9

August 3, 2017

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10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

August 3, 2017A

VOICES Coupons that offer discounts are more than a little bit off

QUIET DESPERATION

lip and save this column. It will be worth $500 off the purchase price of your favorite automobile, one day only, September 31, 2017. Take this column to any fast-food restaurant in the metro Denver area, and it will be good for one free askance. If it weren’t for coupons and inserts, my Sunday newspaper would look like a Sunday newspaper. Do you want my coupons? I don’t care for the thought behind them. I don’t like to be lured into buying something by a coupon or a sale. Just tell me how much it is.

Craig Marshall Smith

First of all, is it “koo” or “cue”? I vote for “koo.” Who originated coupons and when? Was it Coca-Cola in 1888? Procter & Gamble in 1900? Or Heidi Fleiss in 1987. Answer to follow. “Ten for $10s,” it says instead of $1 each. “Buy five and get one free.” “This is a limited-time-only sale. It will be followed by another limited-time-only sale. And then another one.” Automobiles are never, ever sold at face value. The “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price” is the punch line of every

automobile advertisement. Some things are never negotiated. Have you ever negotiated at Denny’s? Have you ever negotiated at Nordstrom? Some things are always negotiated. Art, for example. I am here to tell you that you can negotiate the price of a painting in a commercial gallery. It’s expected. Prices are above retail, to allow some negotiation room. The collector makes an offer, and if it’s accepted, leaves feeling like he accomplished something. Chances are, the collector paid retail or over. SEE SMITH, P11

Does it matter what other people hold as opinions?

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep in mind the following ground rules: • Limit your letter to 300 words or fewer. • Keep it polite: Do not resort to name calling or “mud slinging.” • Include a source for any information that is not common knowledge. We will not publish information that cannot easily be verified. • Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Friday in order for it to appear in the following week’s newspaper.

• Only submit ideas and opinions that are your own — and in your own words. Colorado Community Media will not publish any letter that is clearly part of a letter-writing campaign. • Include your full name, address and phone number. We will only publish your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are. • Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Thank you, and we look forward to your letters.

Be extra careful with summer food safety

EXTENSION UPDATE

Sheila G. Kelley

t’s that time of year again when we get together frequently with others for potlucks and barbecues to celebrate everything from birthdays and weddings to graduations and holidays. Potlucks are a great way to gather and socialize with friends, family and co-workers, but without proper food handling, they can also, unfortunately, result in people getting sick, cautions Laura Krause, Family & Consumer Science agent for Colorado State University Extension in Pueblo County. Below are

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a few easy tips to make sure you keep your friends and families safe while still enjoying the festivities! If potable water is not available where the event will be hosted, bring along a clean water source that will be dedicated to food prep and cleaning. And don’t forget to bring soap and paper towels! Before preparing, serving or eating food, wash your hands and encourage others to do so. Supply disposable hand sanitizing wipes if a SEE EXTENSION, P11

here is certainly no shortage of opinions out there today. As a matter of fact, some would argue that I give my own opinion about something every week through this column. The way I see it, I am WINNING simply sharing WORDS my observations each week. But then again, that’s just my opinion. One of my mentors in life once told me that the opinions of others should be respected, Michael Norton regardless if we agree or disagree. However, if we are going to base our future decisions or actions on the opinions of others, we should really trust and respect the source of where that opinion is coming from, take the time to understand the basis for such an opinion, and then make sure we are fully aware of the potential outcomes, positive or negative, of the action or decision we are about to make based on that opinion or point of influence. It was great advice. Now I do love hearing the different thoughts that people have when it comes to any number of topics. And again, I don’t necessarily have

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to agree with those opinions, but the entertainment value alone is sometimes worth the discussion. And then again, sometimes it’s not. The problem is the amount of opinions available to us at any given moment. The access to those opinions, and the velocity with which the opinions come at us and the frequency with which they change, can sometimes make it impossible to form our own opinion and stick to our belief system. So much so that we take the risk of compromising our beliefs and our own character because we bought into what someone else has said or based on someone else’s thoughts or personal agenda. And when that happens, we may even react too quickly and do or say something out of character. Would you agree that all too often we are swayed by the last person we met, the last thing we heard, or the last thing we read based on the opinion of the individual we are speaking with or the author who presented their views? We could say that all we really have to do is look for the facts, but sometimes the facts seem to be harder to find these days than unicorns and leprechauns. OK, so here it is, you knew it was coming, didn’t you? This is

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. 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 Fri. 5 p.m. for the following week’s paper.

SEE NORTON, P11

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DENVER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Elbert County News 11

7August 3, 2017

SMITH FROM PAGE 10

It’s an aspect of the art world that I won’t miss when I retire from it in about 18 months. As Ginger Rogers said, “You’ve got to know when to fold ‘em.” I shop for products that are well made and get good reviews. Then I compare prices. But I never clip coupons. The argument against this is the family trying to make it on low income. I appreciate that. I just get an uncomfortable feeling when a vendor tries to woo me with discounts. Sales? I am mindful of bargains online, but I will give you a new Schwinn if you ever see me waiting for the doors to open. If I want to save money, I don’t spend money None of this means I am good with money. Artists aren’t good with money. We spend money to make money, and

NORTON FROM PAGE 10

my opinion. Opinions make a terrific starting point for a conversation; however, they make for a horrible starting point to draw a line in the sand that could seriously damage or even destroy a relationship. I mean sometimes we react or defend an opinion of someone we don’t even know. Or we overreact to an opinion that we “think” someone else has of us or maybe we heard something that was said about us. And as my good friend Frank always says, “Other people’s opinions are none of your business.”

EXTENSION FROM PAGE 10

sink is not available. Cold foods should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower; use an ice-filled cooler to transfer and serve things such as salads, dips, relish platters and desserts. Keep desserts cold until ready to serve. Hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter; transfer and serve them using an insulated container, slow cooker, chafing dish or roaster oven. Bring clean serving utensils and keep utensils separate for each dish to lower the risk of cross-contamination. Leftovers are a big thing at my house with only two of us now and I HATE to see food being wasted, so plan ahead and monitor potluck and BBQ food items to keep them safe. Note the time that perishable foods are in the “Temperature Danger Zone” — between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit — and remember the “Two-Hour Rule”: If prepared foods are in the “Danger zone” for more

we don’t make money. The high point for coupons was 1992, although how would anyone know for sure? According to Time magazine, “7.9 billion discounts were granted via coupons.” When it’s time to check out, do you check out the shoppers ahead of you, to see if any of them are packing coupons? I do. If a homemaker has a sheaf of them, I get into a different line. Black Friday sales? Cyber Monday sales? Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day sales? As the Beatles said, “You won’t see me.” JC Penney had the right idea, remember? They abandoned sales and coupons and switched to everyday low prices in 2012. No one bought it. It took away the consumer’s “small feeling of achievement,” a shopper complained. JC Penney is still trying to recover. Coca-Cola introduced coupons in 1888. Burp. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

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This was just my opinion, and I am sure that the irony of that isn’t lost on you. And how about you? Have you figured out a way to escape the overwhelming noise of opinions and focus on what you know and believe to be true? If so, I would love to hear all about those ideas, and of course your opinion at gotonorton@gmail. com. And when we can appreciate the opinions of others while sticking to our own beliefs, trusted insights, and fact based truths, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

than two hours, they should be discarded! And in hot weather (above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), perishable foods should be eaten, refrigerated or discarded within one hour. If perishable foods are in the `danger zone’ for less than 2 hours (or one hour if above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), pack them in food storage bags or shallow containers, and refrigerate or keep cold in a cooler filled with ice until you get home. Reheat cooked leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating and discard all leftovers within three to four days. Enjoy the wonderful (if not super hot!) summer with your friends, neighbors and relatives — just be sure to keep your food safe! If you would like further information on food safety, please contact the Elbert County Master Food Safety Advisers at the Elbert County Extension Office at 303-621-3162. Elbert County Extension is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and Elbert County government. Sheila G. Kelley is the Colorado State University extension director for Elbert County. She can be reached at sheila. kelley@colostate.edu.

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August 3, 2017A

‘The cattle thrive, the land thrives’ — a win-win for all Rangeland grazing project restores grasslands the old-fashioned way BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Bob Welch gets his herd moving out of the pen at the Greenland Valley Open Space in Douglas County near Larkspur. Welch’s herds graze for two weeks over confined areas to mimic the intense grazing patterns of the herds of bison that used to roam throughout the area. PHOTOS BY TOM SKELLEY

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The cattle thrive, the land thrives, and it’s a win-win.” Now halfway through his 10-year lease with the county, Welch says the system he and McEldowney implemented is running smoothly. Maintenance is limited, consisting primarily of moving the solar-powered electric fence charger, cleaning filters at watering tanks and transferring cattle

between pastures on horseback with his wife Kristen and often with his son, Tate, 13, and daughter, Allie, 10. McEldowney said public feedback he has received is overwhelmingly positive, and people call his office just to ask where the herds are so they can see them. Welch enjoys public involvement as well, especially now that visitors know to close the gates behind them. “As far as the rangeland and the cattle go,” Welch said, “I really think we’ve found our groove.”

provide all-natural fertilizer. “The idea came from a need to find a better way to manage natural resources,” said Scott McEldowney, Douglas County’s assistant director of open space and natural resources. “The bottom line is to help ensure continued existence of high-quality wildlife habitat, thriving vegetation and healthy soil while reducing noxious weeds …

Kristen Welch relaxes while the herd hydrates in a pen at the Greenland Open Space on July 21. Welch, her husband Bob, their son Tate and daughter Allie all help move the cattle between grazing areas. TOM SKELLEY

Parks and recreation crews usually drive lawn mowers or pickups, but Bob Welch, charged with restoring the grassland at Greenland and Spruce Mountain open spaces south of Larkspur has a more leisurely ride — his horse, “44.” “Rather than a degradation or a loss of the resource, we’re going to restore and maintain that resource as it was originally created,” Welch said. Owner of Welch Brothers Cattle LLC in Franktown, Welch has been working with the Douglas County Open Space department since 2012 in its grazing rangeland restoration project. Welch’s two herds, totaling nearly 650 cows, each occupy one of 11 areas for a period of 14 or 15 days. Then they’re moved to the next 200-acre pasture. The high-intensity, shortduration grazing mimics the habits of herds of bison that roamed the area long ago. The cows eat noxious weeds and invasive plants, their cloven hoofs aerate the soil and their droppings

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Elbert County News 13

August 3, 2017

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter Provides care and support to 67,000-plus families dealing with all kinds of dementing illnesses. Need: Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee members. Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute. Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s attracts more than 10,000 people, so planning committee members are essential. Contact: Deb Wells, 303-813-1669 or dwells@alz.org. Animal Rescue of the Rockies Provides foster care for death-row shelter dogs and cats throughout Colorado Need: Foster families for animals on lists to be euthanized Contact: www.animalrescueoftherockies.org. ASSE International Student Exchange Program Organizes student exchange programs Need: Local host families to provide homes

for boys and girls age 15-18 from a variety of coutries. Contact: Cathy Hintz, 406-488-8325 or 800-733-2773 AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world. Need: Host families for international high school students ages 15-18 studying in the Denver area. Requirements: To provide students with a safe home, meals and transportation for 5-10 months. All family types are considered. Must fill out onlilne application and pass background check. Contact: Adrienne Bivens, 720-467-6430 or abivens@ayusa.org. Go to www.ayusa.org. Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Provides services to local seniors Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments, the grocery store, pharmacies and more. Contact: Steph Schroeder, 303-688-9498 SEE VOLUNTEERS, P19

Community Recycling Event Saturday, August 19 Recycle old electronics, shred documents, and donate gently used clothing and shoes Join us on Saturday, August 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chaparral High School, 15655 Brookstone Drive in Parker. Recycle these items for free. Donate gently used clothing and shoes.

Accepted items: • Three file boxes or kitchen-sized trash bags per person for paper shredding. • All household electronics that plug into a wall, including televisions.

Items NOT Accepted: • Large home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc. • Toys or books. This event is made possible by and with thanks to the following event partners:

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14 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

Equestrian

exciting than stressful. “It’s a great team work,” Hinds said, “you have remember the drill and what you’re going to do.”

FROM PAGE 1

satisfaction knowing “that my training tips and guidance is helping the girls to become better riders and build self-confidence and self-esteem.” Coaching is demanding task Coaching a horseback riding drill team doesn’t come without its challenges, Adams explained. “It’s mainly the horses,” Adams said, “to get the drills and the pinwheels (formations) to work properly.” “There are certain horses that don’t like to be next to each other. Some horses are faster than others so you have to be able to figure out where to start in the drill and figure out where they should be,” Adams said. Another challenge is dealing with the events — seen and unforeseen — of life. “A huge problem — one that we face every time — is if one person isn’t there and they’ve been practicing that way, then somebody else needs to move into that spot and it rearranges everybody,” she said. “Soccer games, sickness, horses getting hurt. I have a bunch of royalty on the team from a bunch of rodeos, so there’s royalty stuff — it seems like at almost every rodeo … we have to rearrange everything at the last second,” Adams said. Although the Blazing Saddles is Elizabeth-based, “we allow girls to join from however far they want want to drive,” Wagner said, noting they

From left to right, Nicole Hunt, Maddie Garner, Macie Bronson, and Brinlyn Brinkworth ride in formation at First Responder night at the 2017 Elizabeth Stampede. Brinlyn carries the flag for Douglas County in honor of her father’s role as a Douglas County sheriff. TY STOCKTON have members from Bennett, Kiowa, Aurora, and Parker, “but mostly Elizabeth.” The team has become popular to the point of having a wait list — two are currently hoping to ride with the Blazing Saddles in the near future. “The only reason we have 24 women is because of the number of costumes and chaps we have — each pair of chaps costs $200-$300 per girl,” Adams said. The girls’ costumes as well as outfitting for the horses are owned by the Blazing Saddles organization. Unlike most of the drill teams in

the area such as the Westerneers and the Rangerettes, the Blazing Saddles has no established age minimum or maximum, although typically the riders “age out” when they graduate high-school. “Our youngest is 12,” Wagner said, “and we’ve had girls join when they are 7.” Elizabeth High School senior Rachel Hinds has been on the Blazing Saddles for three years. “It gets the adrenaline going, performing,” she said. For Hinds, the challenges as a drill team rider seem to be more

Family ties High school freshman Macie Bronson is in her second year with the Blazing Saddles. She became involved through her cousins, who were also on the team. “I kind of like to learn how to keep calm when stuff happens,” said Bronson, who makes the commute from her home in Parker to practice in Kiowa. “Sometimes something will go wrong and a horse will freak out,” Bronson said, “or sometimes my horse won’t get along with another horse so I have to space out (distance) a little bit.” There are times, Bronson said, when the coaches have to move horses in the formations because “horses will literally kick each other.” From one parent’s perspective, the drill team is a means to foster growth and character. “The sense of responsibility is definitely there,” said Macie Bronson’s mother, Jennifer Bronson. “It does get stressful — plans change immediately, girls can take that stress and fix it. It’s like, `you signed up for this, you are out in the heat, it’s hot in those chaps, the black pants, you have to do it,’” Jennifer Bronson said. “I love being at rodeos and performing for people, I love pleasing them,” said Macie Bronson, “and I love the girls on the team.”

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Elbert County News 15

August 3, 2017

Water Blossom Festival invites deep dive into world of flowers

SCFD showcase Performances and hands-on activities from cultural organizations that are part of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District can be seen with half-price admission to Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 16. On Aug. 9: Denver Firefighters Museum, Alliance Francaise of Colorado, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Art as Action, Filipino-American Community of Colorado, Hanna Kahn Dance Company, Littleton Town Hall Arts Center and Aurora Singers will be at the Gardens. On Aug. 16, get acquainted with Molly Brown House Museum, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Control Group Productions, CMDance, Colorado Repertory Singers, Colo-

rado Wind Ensemble and Colorado Korean Chorus. Food is available for sale and, as above, readers are urged to see the Calder sculptures. Englewood Camera Club Joshua Hardin, photo editor of Colorado Life magazine, will speak to the Englewood Camera Club at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 about how to have photos published for editorial purposes, specifically in magazines (how to query, etc.). The club meets at 7 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 6400 S. University, Centennial (south entrance). Guests and new members are welcome to this longtime club that meets the second Tuesday of each month. History Camp date correction Registration is open for History Camp, which will be held at Red Rocks Community College on Oct. 7 (all day). A $39 ticket includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt and your choice of lectures. ($29 without shirt.) Visit historycamp.org for information and to register. Village Read Greenwood Village and Arapahoe Library District have teamed up for The Village Read, which started Aug. 2 with author Mark Stevens (“Lake of Fire”) at Koelbel Library and continues with author visits, writing workshops and related programs, plus a chance to discuss books with like-minded folks. Visit: arapahoelibraries.org/village-read for details and to reserve a spot at events. The book is one in Stevens’ series about hunting guide/sleuth Allison Coil. Books are available to borrow from the libraries or for sale at Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, or the Friends of the Library Bookstore at Koelbel Library. See arapahoelibraries.org for more details.

Answers

he annual Water Blossom Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens/York Street will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver. Water features, expertly cared for by Tamara SONYA’S Kilbane, include huge Victoria waterSAMPLER lilies and a collection of carnivorous plants, as well as the beautiful Monet Pool filled with a variety of lilies, lotuses and more. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be activities near the Hive Restaurant and Sonya Ellingboe free water plants will be available while supplies last. Information and brochures are available. Free with admission to the Gardens. (Take time to see the Calder sculptures while in the Gardens — they’re truly special!)

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16 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

Five questions: Sam Adams

From clerking to sports writing to stand-up comedy BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Parker residents may be surprised to learn one of their neighbors is a veteran Midwestern comedian who worked his way up from a clerical position to the world of entertainment. Sam Adams, 57, moved to the Stonegate Metropolitan District 11 years ago. He first moved to Denver from Ohio in 1986, working as a clerk for an insurance company, a job in ready supply at the time, before working his way into covering sports at The Denver Post, then at the Rocky Mountain News, covering everything from high school sports to the Denver Nuggets and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Not long after becoming a journalist, Adams tried his hand at standup comedy and got hooked on making audiences laugh. Now in his 16th year behind the mic, Adams recently opened for nationally known funnyman Sinbad and is a regular entertainer and emcee for events in Colorado, Nebraska and Utah.

How did you go from being a clerk at an insurance company to writing for The Denver Post? I started writing a sports newsletter on my own on lunch breaks. I made copies and just passed them around to my buddies at work. We were like sports geeks. One of my co-workers said “if you know so much, why don’t you work for a newspaper?” I went from working at the Tech Center to the 16th Street Mall, and one day I was going to Arby’s and saw The Denver Post building across the street, and I remembered what (he) said. I had kept a couple things I had written and just went in to see what would happen.

What came next? In 1990 there was an opening for the Nuggets beat. I didn’t have a journalism degree, but the guys were encouraging me to put in for it. Woody Paige was the deputy sports editor at the time. He said, “I like what you’re doing kid, but don’t quit your day job.” I told myself, “I’ll show him,” and I quit my day job. He started me out as a freelancer, and I started doing feature stories about local players with interesting backgrounds.

Parker comedian Sam Adams says if there were a list of the 20 funniest people in his family, he wouldn’t even make the list. Adams, who has been performing stand up comedy since 2001, says he still enjoys going to gigs that don’t pay just so he can meet with, and learn from, up-and-coming comedians. TOM SKELLEY

Eventually, Woody said “I’m just going to hire this guy because we’re paying him more for his freelancing than we would if he was a staff writer.”

if I could write my column at night in my hotel. I still didn’t think I would quit my day job, but then the Rocky closed, so my day job quit me.

3 4 Classiﬁeds Classiﬁeds How did you break into comedy? On May 15, 2001, I did an open mic night at the Comedy Works. I didn’t bomb, I didn’t dazzle them, but I got applause. Around 2006 I started doing more open mics, taking it more seriously. I was cutting my teeth from about 2006 to 2007 touring clubs whenever I had accrued enough time off, or

What’s your take on doing p olitical comedy these days? It’s amazing how one election has changed everything. I think about what makes people laugh, like, why are you going to a SEE ADAMS, P19

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Notices

Elbert County News 17

7August 3, 2017

Public Notices Public Notice

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Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Violet Jean Workman, Deceased Case Number: 17 PR 4

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before November 20, 2017 or the claims may be forever barred. Danny L. Workman Personal Representative 233 Pine Street Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 Legal Notice No: 23702 First Publication: July 20, 2017 Last Publication: August 3, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

City and County Public Notice CALL FOR NOMINATIONS § 1-13.5-501, C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the proposed Independence Overlay Metropolitan District (the “District”), County of Elbert, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an organizational election will be held on the 7th day of November, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M for the District. At that time three (3) directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms for the District and two (2) directors will be elected to serve 2-year terms for the District.

Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from Bradley Neiman, the Designated Election Official of the District (the “DEO”), at the offices of Miller & Associates Law Offices, LLC, 1641 California Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202, (303) 285-5320, business days between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms, or letters which meet the requirements of § 113.5501, C.R.S., are to be returned to the DEO not less than sixty-seven (67) days prior to the election, which date is Friday, September 1, 2017. If the DEO determines that a SelfNomination and Acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form once, at any time prior to 3:00 P.M. on Friday, September 1, 2017. Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing an insufficient form. A person who wishes to be a write-in candidate shall file an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate with the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on the sixty-fourth (64th) day before the election, which date is Monday, September 4, 2017.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for and return of absentee ballots may be filed with the DEO until the close of business on the Friday immediately preceding the election, which date is Friday, November 3, 2017. INDEPENDENCE OVERLAY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/Bradley Neiman, Designated Election Official Legal Notice No.: 23720 First Publication: August 3, 2017 Last Publication: August 3, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice CALL FOR NOMINATIONS § 1-13.5-501, C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the proposed Independence Water & Sanitation District (the “District”), County of Elbert, Colorado.

Continued to Next Page 23709 and 23710

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms, or letters which meet the requirements of § 113.5501, C.R.S., are to be returned to the DEO not

Elbert * 1

18 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

City and County

Elbert County Semi-Annual Report

Continued From Last Page : Page 2 of 2

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for and return of absentee ballots may be filed with the DEO until the close of business on the Friday immediately preceding the election, which date is Friday, November 3, 2017. INDEPENDENCE WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT By: /s/Bradley Neiman, Designated Election Official Legal Notice No.: 23721 First Publication: August 3, 2017 Last Publication: August 3, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice CALL FOR NOMINATIONS § 1-13.5-501, C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the proposed Independence Metropolitan District Nos. 1-4 (individually, a “District” and collectively, the “Districts”), County of Elbert, Colorado. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an organizational election will be held on the 7th day of November, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M for each of the Districts. At that time three (3) directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms for each District and two (2) directors will be elected to serve 2-year terms for each District.

Eligible electors of each District interested in serving on a respective board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from Bradley Neiman, the Designated Election Official of the District (the “DEO”), at the offices of Miller & Associates Law Offices, LLC, 1641 California Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80202, (303) 285-5320, business days between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms, or letters which meet the requirements of § 1-13.5501, C.R.S., are to be returned to the DEO not less than sixty-seven (67) days prior to the election, which date is Friday, September 1, 2017. If the DEO determines that a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form once, at any time prior to 3:00 P.M. on Friday, September 1, 2017. Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing an insufficient form. A person who wishes to be a write-in candidate shall file an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate with the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on the sixty-fourth (64th) day before the election, which date is Monday, September 4, 2017.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for and return of absentee ballots may be filed with the DEO until the close of business on the Friday immediately preceding the election, which date is Friday, November 3, 2017. INDEPENDENCE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-4 By: /s/ Bradley Neiman, Designated Election Official Legal Notice No.: 23722 First Publication: August 3, 2017 Last Publication: August 3, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

Legal Notice No.: 23709 and 23710

First Publication: August 3, 2017

Last Publication: August 3, 2017

Publisher: Elbert County News

Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else. Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Notices are meant to be noticed. Read your public notices and get involved! Elbert * 2

Elbert County News 19

7August 3, 2017

ADAMS

VOLUNTEERS

FROM PAGE 16

FROM PAGE 13

comedy club? Me, I don’t want a 15-minute speech about politics. You can’t please everybody, but you have to realize: “are people coming to get jokes about it or to get away from it?” I want people to feel comfortable. I never have been a political comedian, so why start now? I still have my political views, I just don’t bring them to work.

Colorado Humane Society Handles animal abuse and neglect cases Need: Volunteers to care for pregnant cats, dogs and their litters, as well as homes for cats and dogs that require socializing or that are recovering from surgery or injuries. Contact: Teresa Broaddus, 303-961-3925

What’s the toughest part of the job? For me it’s about coming up with and sharpening my material so that it isn’t just making people laugh, it’s making them laugh hard. I’ll jab you like Muhammad Ali, but I want my punchline to knock you out like Mike Tyson. Another thing is when people know you’re a comedian, they think you’re just “on” all the time. I always say “I am not funny in real life.” But for some reason, when the lights go on, and the crowd is there, the fear of not being funny just carries me through. For more information on Adams and a sample of his performances, visit his website: samadamscomedy.com.

Court Appointed Special Advocates Works with abused and neglected children in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties Need: Advocates for children, to get to know, speak up for and ensure their best interests in court Contact: 303-695-1882 or www.adv4children.org. Douglas/Elbert Task Force Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis. Need: Volunteers to assist in the food bank, client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street. Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-

1114, ext. 32 Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center Cares for homeless horses and other equines. Need: Volunteers to work with horses and other opportunities. Requirements: Must be 16 years old, pass a background check, and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. Contact: 303-751-5772. Other information: A volunteer open house is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the center in Franktown. During the two-hour orientation, prospective volunteers will get an overview of the services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers. In addition, the $25 volunteer application fee will be waived for anyone who applies to be a volunteer during the open house. Volunteers must be 16 years old, pass a background check and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. RSVP at www.ddfl.org. Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse Supports the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office

Tell us your breast cancer stories Are you living with breast cancer, or serve as support to a loved one currently going through treatment? Do you worry about treatment options? Did you overcome a breast cancer diagnosis? We want to hear from you. Over the next month, CCM will be collecting stories from women whose lives and experiences can help educate and inform others about breast cancer and other health issues facing women today. We are looking for stories from all ages. In honor of overall women’s health, we are also looking for stories from readers who have overcome health obstacles, or have worked with doctors and nurses who have gone above and beyond in care. If your story is selected, a member of the Colorado Community Media staff will contact you for an interview. Send your information to Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

and the Office of Emergency Management with detentions support, patrol, administrative duties, event security, emergency services support, and call-outs as need arises. Need: With proper training and clearances, volunteers help with patrol, fingerprinting, records keeping, community event security services, disaster response and management (wildfire, tornado, blizzard, flood, disaster relief, etc.). Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older; retired individuals are great. Must complete a employment application, pass a background check, and complete interviews. After being sworn in, in the first three months of membership, complete a minimum of 45 hours of orientation and training curriculum. After this 90-day probationary period, members must log a minimum of 10 hours of month and attend monthly training meetings. Persons ages 15-20, may join the Elbert County Sheriffs Explorer POST that is associated with the Posse. Contact: David Peontek at djp1911@msn. com or 303-646-5456. Go to http://www. elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html; print out and complete an employment application and turn it into the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in Kiowa, “Attn: David Peontek.”

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Elbert County Expenses Public Notice ElbErt CouNty GovErNmENt bi-ANNuAl SAlAry PubliCAtioN PEr C.r.S. 30-25-111. thE CouNtywidE AvErAGE PErCENtAGE of SAlAry thAt iS PAid iN AdditioN to rEGulAr SAlAry AS friNGE bENEfitS iS 19.96%. EmPloyEE titlE

GroSS moNthly SAlAry for JuNE, 2017

Commissioner, DistriCt 1 Commissioner, DistriCt 3 Commissioner, DistriCt 2 Human resourCes speCialist County manager/ publiC Works DireCtor it DireCtor FinanCe speCialist FinanCe speCialist motor VeHiCle speCialist asst. treasurer/ Deputy publiC trustee/ eleCtions Clerk motor VeHiCle speCialist motor VeHiCle speCialist Deputy Clerk/reCorDer motor VeHiCle speCialist motor VeHiCle speCialist Clerk anD reCorDer County attorney eleCtions manager Deputy treasurer/ Deputy to publiC trustee assistant treasurer/ Deputy to publiC trustee treasurer CHieF Data analyst gis speCialist/ag inspeCtor appraiser appraiser

$5,384.17 $5,384.17 $5,384.17 $4,000.00 $9,083.33 $6,250.00 $4,541.77 $4,541.77 $3,032.75 $2,512.82 $2,340.00 $3,032.75 $3,200.00 $951.00 $2,512.82 $4,141.67 $8,125.13 $3,032.75 $4,083.33 $3,333.33 $4,141.67 $6,041.66 $3,478.80 $3,166.67 $3,333.72

assessor Deputy assessor assessment teCHniCian inVestigator sergeant patrol Deputy patrol Deputy patrol Deputy Detentions sergeant ViCtim assistanCe CoorDinator Detentions lieutenant traFFiC lieutenant patrol Corporal exeCutiVe assistant to tHe sHeriFF aDministratiVe staFF inVestigator patrol Deputy Detentions sergeant Detentions Corporal ViCtim assistant proFessional stanDarDs Cook inVestigator lieutenant sHeriFF traFFiC Deputy patrol Deputy traFFiC Deputy Detentions Deputy patrol sergeant aDministratiVe staFF ViCtim assistant Detentions Deputy unDersHeriFF aDministratiVe staFF patrol lieutenant Detentions Deputy patrol Deputy inVestigations patrol Deputy Detentions Deputy

$4,141.67 $4,083.25 $2,916.67 $4,333.33 $643.20 $3,666.66 $3,333.33 $4,411.57 $4,200.58 $5,333.33 $5,000.00 $4,200.00 $4,166.67 $3,635.18 $3,666.67 $4,000.00 $4,333.33 $4,166.66 $406.65 $4,166.67 $1,260.00 $5,000.00 $5,550.00 $4,000.00 $1,716.00 $4,000.00 $3,333.00 $4,333.33 $3,250.00 $3,333.34 $4,399.93 $5,333.33 $3,250.00 $5,165.00 $1,805.16 $3,666.66 $3,333.33 $3,666.00 $3,333.33

Detentions speCialist patrol sergeant patrol Deputy patrol sergeant Deputy Coroner Coroner oem DireCtor CHieF builDing oFFiCial oFFiCe manager CDs CoorDinator CDs DireCtor FaCilities manager maintenanCe teCHniCian maintenanCe teCHniCian support staFF support staFF surVeyor DireCtor oF publiC HealtH enVironmental HealtH speCialist truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator truCk DriVer CreW leaD/roaD graDer roaD graDer/equipment operator CreW leaD/roaD graDer Foreman DriVeWay inspeCtor/signs truCk DriVer truCk DriVer truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator Foreman roaD graDer/equipment

$3,000.00 $4,333.00 $1,949.00 $4,333.33 $1,666.67 $1,841.67 $4,333.33 $4,833.33 $4,583.33 $2,574.00 $6,552.56 $4,000.00 $1,890.00 $3,744.00 $3,157.44 $3,157.44 $183.33 $5,114.74 $4,425.09 $3,066.96 $3,647.28 $1,307.52 $3,272.52 $3,689.99 $3,435.40 $3,258.34 $3,432.00 $4,349.99 $2,832.96 $2,832.96 $3,042.00 $2,832.96 $2,832.96 $4,336.80

operator roaD graDer/equipment operator truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator truCk DriVer truCk DriVer assistant roaD Foreman roaD graDer/equipment operator assistant roaD Foreman aDministratiVe assistant truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator roaD graDer/equipment operator truCk DriVer roaD graDer/equipment operator CreW leaD meCHaniC leaD meCHaniC leaD meCHaniC meCHaniC meCHaniC publiC trustee Detentions Deputy Detentions Deputy traFFiC Deputy

$3,141.03 $3,168.36 $3,192.17 $2,976.48 $2,832.96 $3,063.84 $3,325.11 $2,832.96 $3,065.40 $3,900.00 $3,545.19 $3,605.00 $3,583.33 $2,917.95 $3,071.64 $2,832.96 $2,976.48 $3,042.00 $3,683.75 $3,832.21 $3,432.00 $1,755.00 $3,432.00 $4,017.78 $3,520.49 $3,120.00 $3,125.00 $3,333.33 $3,333.33 $4,000.00

patrol Deputy $3,666.66 Detentions Deputy $3,333.33 Detentions Deputy $3,333.33 inCome maintenanCe taCH $3,211.50 CaseWorker $3,377.23 inCome maintenanCe programs speCialist/assistanCe programs manager $4,189.31 CaseWorker $1,691.28 aDministratiVe assistant $2,995.13 assistant County attorney $5,833.33 assistanCe programs manager $4,803.74 proteCtiVe serViCes aDministrator $5,939.70 aCCounts laison $3,402.62 CaseWorker $4,650.13 business aDministrations manager $4,650.13 CaseWorker $3,616.13 inCome maintenanCe programs speCialist/assistanCe programs speCialist $2,813.44 CaseWorker $3,257.80 CaseWorker $3,377.23 CHilD WelFare superVisor $4,803.74 inCome maintenanCe programs speCialist/assistanCe programs speCialist $2,713.92 CHilD support speCialist $3,620.23 DireCtor oF HealtH anD Human serViCes $7,919.40 CaseWorker $3,377.23

legal Notice No.: 23723 first Publication: August 3, 2017 last Publication: August 3, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

Elbert * 3

20 Elbert County News

August 3, 2017A

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