Elbert County News 1207 by Colorado Community Media

75 CENTS

December 7, 2017

LIGHTING UP THE SEASON: Light displays bring joy to many during holidays P16

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Open house chance to help shape zoning, subdivision rules Four-hour drop-in event slated in Kiowa on Dec. 14 BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A scrimmage is a competitive practice. Play is officiated and fouls are called but scores aren’t kept. The Nov. 25 scrimmage was a round-robin format. Teams rotated time on the court, where they played two eight-minute running-clock periods. During the morning-long scrimmage each team played each of the other three teams. Schmalz said the Elizabeth team is young but has good veteran leadership.

The Board of County Commissioners is co-sponsoring an open house for citizens to meet with county commissioners, staff and planners and hear the ideas for rewriting Elbert County zoning and subdivision regulations. The open house will take place from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa. Baseline Engineering, Planning & Surveying, located in Golden, is the other co-sponsor of the event. The county has retained Baseline to draft the regulations. “It isn’t a glamorous subject, but it’s rules of the road related to land development in Elbert,” said Baseline planning director Vince Harris. “This is an open house to allow citizens to drop in at any time,” said Kyle Fenner, Elbert County’s director of community and development services. “Planners and county leadership will be available to meet with visitors, and this is also an opportunity for people to share their ideas with them.” “This is an opportunity for the citizens to have a positive impact of the county,” said County Commissioner Grant Thayer, who has 14 years’ experience serving on previous planning commissions for the county and is providing his assistance on the project.

SEE HOOPS, P7

SEE ZONING, P7

Megan Wesley, 15, drives to the hoop against a defender during the Nov. 25 scrimmage at Englewood High School. A scrimmage is a competitive practice session. The game was officiated but no score kept. Four teams took part in the scrimmage and the schedule enabled Cardinals to play each of the three teams.

TOM MUNDS

Elizabeth girls put hoops skills to test Cardinals join three other teams in preseason scrimmage at Englewood BY BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Members of the Elizabeth girls basketball team matched their skills against opponents for the first time this season as they took part in a Nov. 25 scrimmage at Englewood High School.

“The scrimmage is important to our team,” Cardinals coach Jaime Schmalz said. “It is the first time we get to play against an opponent. It is a chance to try different combinations of players on the court to see what works best for us. It is also an opportunity to see if our style of play is effective against another team.” Four teams — Elizabeth, Englewood, Colorado Academy and Collegiate Academy — took part in the scrimmage with separate games for the varsity and junior varsity teams.

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

‘Instead of finding an escape route into next year to quickly move away from our trouble spots, what if we looked to build upon our brightest moments and use this past year as our launching pad into next year?’ Michael Norton | columnist, Page 10 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 15 | CALENDAR: PAGE 8

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 45

2 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Sex-crime victims have allies in SANE nurses Littleton Adventist among hospitals with program that helps provide healing, justice

SAFE SPACES

SANE/SAFE programs can be found around the state, from Durango to Fort Morgan, and at nine locations in the metro area, with Parker Adventist Hospital to be added in January: • Littleton Adventist Hospital • St. Anthony Hospital, Lakewood • St. Anthony Hospital, North Health, Westminster • St. Anthony Hospital, 84th Avenue location, Westminster • Denver Health Medical Center • Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver • Medical Center of Aurora • UCHealth Aurora • Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jennifer Bishara often meets people on the worst day of their lives. Bishara, a nurse, is the director of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program — or SANE/SAFE — for Littleton Adventist Hospital. She’s liable to be paged any time of day or night to meet with sex-assault victims, and to conduct a thorough evidence-gathering examination that could spell the difference between locking up sexual predators or watching them walk free. In an era in which politicians, entertainers and business leaders are facing waves of accusations of sexual misconduct, Bishara and her colleagues want to get the word out that victims of sex assault can expect skilled and loving help from experienced professionals. “When a patient comes in this room, they’ve had something taken from them,” Bishara said, sitting in a small examination room. “We give them their dignity and control back.” The program also cares for victims of domestic violence and strangulation, and is beginning to branch out into elder abuse and child abuse. The program has its origins in the 1970s, as forensic evidence collection commenced a sea change in how sex crimes were prosecuted. Today the program, overseen by the International Association of

Nurse Jennifer Bishara, left, performs a strangling action on a mannequin head — named “Liz” — that she and nurse Stacy Hobson, right, use to ask strangulation victims to demonstrate how their attacker assaulted them. Bishara and Hobson are trained SANE/SAFE nurses, who work with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. DAVID GILBERT Forensic Nurses, is present in nearly 30 hospitals statewide — and soon expanding to Parker Adventist Hospital. Treatment and options When victims arrive at the hospital, staff page a SANE/ SAFE nurse, who arrives within 45 minutes, regardless of the time, 365 days a year. Nurses must obtain explicit, informed consent from victims, who then provide a detailed account of the assault, Bishara said. They are then given a meticulous physical exam, in which nurses take swabs of physical evidence on the victims’ body, and use a device called a colposcope — essentially an oversized microscope — to examine and photograph injuries. The examination also provides treatment for infection

and pregnancy prevention. Victims are also connected with The Blue Bench, a Denver-based sex assault victims advocacy group, as well as other resources. Nurses ensure that each victim has a safe place to go after the examination. Victims are not required to report the assault to law enforcement, though Bishara encourages it. Regardless, the forensic evidence and statement of the victim are collected and assigned a serial number and maintained under strict security, so that if the victim decides to pursue charges at a later date, the evidence remains intact and admissible in court. SANE/ SAFE nurses routinely testify in criminal cases. Victims can come in up to five days after an assault,

though Bishara said the sooner the better, as evidence degrades with every passing hour. Catching offenders Evidence collected in a SANE/SAFE examination can be crucial to convicting sexual predators, said Chris Gallo, chief deputy district attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, which covers Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln and Elbert counties. “Robberies can be caught on camera,” said Gallo, who heads the district’s Special Victims’ Unit, which prosecutes sex crimes and crimes against children. “Homicides have bullets and guns and people willing to testify. With sex assault, however, we have a crime that occurs often between two people behind closed doors. The victim often

COLORADO’S LARGEST NETWORK OF VEIN CLINICS

Call for a Free Vein Consult Have any of these leg symptoms? • Achy legs • Varicose veins • Leg swelling • Minimally invasive treatments • Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid • Superior patient experience

Arlington, TX Cañon City, CO Colorado Springs, CO Littleton, CO 720.279.1240 Parker, CO 720.457.9307 Pueblo, CO Vail Valley / Edwards, CO

americanvein.com

feels shame and embarrassment. The fact that there’s a trained professional who can collect whatever small amount of evidence could exist to prosecute a sexual assault is fantastic. Without that, we’re back to circumstantial evidence and the credibility of witnesses.” Sex crimes occupy a dark niche in the world of criminal prosecution, Gallo said, because society has long held a distrust of accusers — a distrust Gallo said he sees waning. “It’s gratifying to see the support for people who disclose they’ve been abused, and I say it’s about freakin’ time,” Gallo said. “Supporting programs like SAFE/SANE goes a long way toward furthering that goal.” Doctors, too, rely on the expertise of SANE/SAFE nurses to address an otherwise difficult scenario. “Sexual assault examinations are very time-dependent, and very time-consuming,” said Dr. Matt Brougham, an emergency physician at Littleton Adventist and the medical director for the South Metro SANE/SAFE Program. SEE SANE, P9

Elbert County News 3

7December 7, 2017

European Design

Colorado Living

Artfully Functional

TAMI FRANCESCO

Uniquely Different

European Quality

MATIERA

Exclusively at ZOLi Contemporary Living www.modernfurnituredenver.com Colorado@ZOLicl.com ZOLi Contemporary Living 303-721-1616 8330 S Colorado Blvd.

LAGOS

4 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Trees’ history, meaning taking shape Douglas County called among the top spots for viewing Ute Indian Prayer Trees BY JULIE A. TAYLOR SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

An odd pair of trees lean unlike the others in the grove near Castle Rock. The ponderosa pines rise from the ground at a crooked angle, then straighten. An untrained eye could walk past without realizing the depth of history those Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space trees carry. A growing number of researchers say that centuries ago, Native Americans chose certain trees to become markers, pointing their descendants to water and trails. Today they are known as culturally modified trees. “Bottom line, in my opinion, Douglas County is one of the top five counties across Colorado for viewing culturally modified trees ...,” Colorado historian and author John Wesley Anderson said. Sometimes called Ute Indian Prayer Trees, indigenous tribes would hack off a section of bark up to 8 feet, or bend the trees to point in certain directions, or even create a spiral in the trunk. But because of insects, wildfires and lack of awareness, these living artifacts

are disappearing. Researchers began to understand the historical significance and protect the trees across North America in the 1980s, but more are being discovered. And with further studies, more information is presenting itself. Five years ago, Anderson — an El Paso County resident who served as sheriff there from 1995-2003 — started to compile a book on modified trees in the Pike’s Peak region. As he talked with leading researchers, and met with Ute elders, he became more invested in the legacy the tribes left behind. After he published his book, he delved deeper into the topic, and now, along with others, believes the Comanche also had a hand in shaping trees found around Douglas County. As a child, Anderson often found arrowheads, and even a tomahawk head once. “It was fascinating to me as a kid, and I would wonder: how long has this been here?” Anderson said. “To me, it’s that holding, and feeling and touching that object that connected me to that person 3 or 400 years ago.” His El Paso County school never taught him that they were located near a former Indian reservation, and he only realized this somewhat recently while looking at an 1886 map. The twisted trees helped Anderson appreciate the people who created the shapes and scarring, and as he continues his research, he now fo-

Attention: South Metro Area Businesses!

TRAINING

Business Plan Basics

Steps to writing a successful business plan Mon. | January 8th | 6:30 PM—8:30 PM | Free Highlands Ranch Library | 9292 Ridgeline Blvd.

————————–——————————————————————————

Business Start-Up Basics

Learn the steps to starting a business Wed. | February 21st | 6:30 PM—8:30 PM | Free Castle Pines Library | 360 Village Square Lane

Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training | (303) 326-8686 The complete 2018 workshop schedule will be online soon. Start-ups: Please take two workshops prior to consulting.

BUSINESS

The Aurora-South Metro SBDC helps existing and new businesses grow and prosper through workshops and consulting.

This pair of trail marker trees, bent by indigenous people believed to be Utes, grows on the back side of Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail, near Castle Rock. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM NETWAL cuses on how the natives viewed the entire ecosystem. “The indigenous people in Colorado were more advanced culturally than ever given credit for,” Anderson said, and notes that the Utes are the only remaining tribe on the two reservations left in Colorado. Most tree modifications are estimated to have happened in the 1800s, during the time when trappers, then gold miners and eventually farmers pushed the Utes from their land. The normal lifespan of a ponderosa pine is 300 to 600 years, meaning that if the trees don’t succumb to plague, fires or other influences, they will die out in the next few hundred years. A high concentration of the trees can be found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting the artifacts.

Other than that, conservation efforts aren’t as high as Anderson and his research peers would like. “I think we’re behind the curve here. Part of that is that there’s so little that’s known about culturally modified trees in Colorado,” said Anderson. “There’s even some pushback from people on and off the conservation about whether prayer trees actually exist.” The Douglas Land Conservatory echos the need for better care of the trees in the county. “To the best of my knowledge, there is no conservation plan in place to identify and conserve those culturally modified trees,” said Executive Director Patti Hostetler.“Hopefully those trees won’t be taken down through forest management processes and can be studied later on.”

Time is a gift and one short hour can provide priceless moments for others. This holiday season, give the gift of your time to Bonfils Blood Center and we’ll transform it into the gift of life for patients in need. GIVE BLOOD. Parker Community Donor Center 10259 S. Parker Rd., Ste. #104 Open six days a week from 7 am - 7 pm, closed on Wednesdays.

Walk-ins are welcome! A nationally accredited program Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Visit bonfils.org for more information.

Elbert County News 5

7December 7, 2017

Acres of protection. Mile High views. With GPS fencing from Invisible FenceÂŽ Brand, your pets are protected wirelessly whether you have 5 acres or 500. So you can enjoy the view, and they can enjoy the land. Schedule your free, no obligation in-home estimate.

6 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Christmas Douglas County offices will close at noon Dec. 22 through Dec. 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Many county services are available online at www.douglas.co.us

Help Yourself. Skip the line at the DMV in Castle Rock Douglas County residents can now renew their vehicle registration at a self-service kiosk at the County’s Motor Vehicle Office in Castle Rock. To learn more about the self-serve kiosk visit www.douglas.co.us/mv-kiosk/

Need help with heating costs? Eligible low income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, or to download the application, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

What’s happening with my County government? Our commitment 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.

Do you ever have snow removal questions? Visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Snow to view information on snow and ice removal in unincorporated Douglas County.

Online Engagement Tool of the Week

DOUGLAS COUNTY NEEDS YOU!

Is “volunteer in my community” one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Share your talent and expertise on one of our many Citizen Advisory Boards, Committees or Commissions.

www.douglas.co.us search: Boards and Commissions

Visit www.douglas.co.us

5 things to know about NASH liver disease Englewood medical office one of few places to get non-invasive screening BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fatty liver is a condition that’s misunderstood too often, one doctor in Englewood says — and that’s a deadly misunderstanding to make. Marcelo Kugelmas, a doctor with an office at Englewood’s Swedish Medical Center, helps detect problems before it’s too late. His office, a South Denver Gastroenterology location, is one of the only places where patients can get a fibroscan — a non-invasive procedure that can help detect NASH, a kind of liver disease that’s estimated to affect 3 percent to 5 percent of the United States population. Here are a few things to know about the disease. What is the disease? NASH is a term for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe form of fatty liver disease, which stems from a buildup of fat in the liver that causes inflammation. (“Steato” means fat, and hepatitis is liver inflammation, Kugelmas said.) It usually doesn’t cause symptoms until a person has experienced advanced liver damage — the disease can progress for years without a person knowing they have it. Left unchecked, it can lead to liver scarring, liver failure, cancer or death. And a similar condition to NASH is also rampant in the country. “There’s a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” Kugelmas said. “It results from accumulation of fat in the liver in people who don’t drink enough alcohol to cause that problem (just) from the alcohol drinking.” Known as NAFLD, it’s the more general form of the disease — NASH is its more aggressive form, and about one in four NAFLD sufferers may have it, Kugelmas said. Is this new? No, but it has become more common over the years. It wasn’t recognized 50 years ago, Kugelmas said. “Most people think you only get liver disease from drinking too much or

Caring for our community by using sustainable

printing practices *See our website for details

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

from having (viruses) that cause hepatitis, but there are many other reasons for chronic liver disease,” Kugelmas said. “NAFLD and NASH will become, over the next decade or two, the most common cause for liver disease for liver cirrhosis (or scarring), for liver cancer, for patients undergoing liver transplantation and from people dying from liver disease.”

o c

fl r c

s m s

c i s a What are the risk factors? r Major risk factors for NASH are Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. NASH affects Hispanics and men more than other ethnic and gender groups. Fatty liver disease and NASH can also affect kids, and people who develop it early are likely to end up with more aggressive diseases at a younger age, Kugelmas said. Treatment plans can include lifestyle modifications or the possibility of participating in clinical trials, which help researchers determine if certain treatments are effective. “You can cure fatty liver — you can get rid of all fat and inflammation, and the scarring depends on each particular individual,” Kugelmas said. Younger livers respond better than old ones, and there is a “point of no return” beyond which doctors can’t make it better, he added. To do that, they need to check you out. How does the machine work? The imaging test, called a fibroscan, is a painless test that’s done with very little preparation — you just need to show up after fasting for three hours. “There’s no risk,” Kugelmas said. It assesses the degree of fatty infiltration in the liver and the degree of scarring a person might have. It’s seen by many as equal to a biopsy, which, on the other hand, is invasive, carries some risk and is much more expensive, Kugelmas said. The fibroscan machine his office uses regularly is one it’s only had for a few months, Kugelmas said. The machines are usually only found at academic institutions, and very few private practices — and only those in urban areas — offer it, Kugelmas said. Aside from the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Denver, Kugelmas’ office at 499 E. Hampden Ave. is the only place in the Denver metro area that offers the scan technology, based on website information from Echosens, the company that provides the machines. A location in Colorado Springs is the only other place in Colorado at which to get the scan. How can I prevent liver disease? Cut out excess calories and processed carbohydrates, Kugelmas said — extra calories get stored as fat. Exercise is key, too, and one hour per day six days a week is recommended, but it varies person-to-person. “If today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow is better than today, you’re in the right direction,” Kugelmas said.

Elbert County News 7

7December 7, 2017

ZONING FROM PAGE 1

“The current regulations are outof-date and inconsistent, and often at conflict internally,” he said. According to an informational flyer about the Dec. 14 meeting, these regulations have not been updated in a comprehensive way in decades. “It’s time now, considering the stronger economy, that we have implementable, viable regulations,” Thayer said. Thayer explained that the county’s comprehensive master plan, which is also being rewritten through a separate process, is “more of the heart and soul of regulations, but are not regulatory.”

“Regulations are enforceable, and it’s time for them to be updated and consistent, and to reflect current reality,” he said. Attendees of the open house “will have an opportunity to influence the outcome. This will give them an opportunity to influence the outcome of the regulations that will affect the county for the next decade or so,” Thayer said. “The county commissioners today are very involved in strategic planning and trying to manage the finances so the future will continue to get better for the county,” he added. The planning commission and county commissioners will review the regulations before adopting them sometime in mid-April. For information, call 303-621-3185 or email Kyle. Fenner@ElbertCounty-CO.Gov.

CALM AFTER THE STORM

Ashten Loeks, 13, fires an in-bounds pass to a teammate during the Elizabeth girls basketball team’s scrimmage against Colorado Academy. The Cardinals were one of four teams that took part in the Nov. 25 scrimmage at Englewood High School. The scrimmage was a tune-up as the Elizabeth boys and girls teams opened the season Dec. 1 in a tournament in Alamosa. TOM MUNDS

www.JKRoofing.com Serving the greater Denver Metro area and the foothills.

Best of the Best!

Thank you for voting us C ol

“We have three seniors who played varsity last season who will help anchor our team,” the coach said. “We plan to play an up-tempo style of basketball because we have very good quickness and speed this season. I think one of our strengths will be the way we push the tempo and run the floor.” She said she has cross country, softball, volleyball and soccer players on the team this season. “Our players work well together,” the coach said. “They are enthusiastic, ready to play and they are all go-getters.” There are 22 players on the roster. The coach said all the girls will see plenty of playing time because she is going to manage the participation rules so the Cardinals can field varsity, junior varsity and c-level teams. Last year’s Cardinals qualified for the playoffs but lost a close game in the opening round. Schmalz said she feels this team will be strong, so she anticipates making the playoffs and winning some tournament games.

INSURANCE PREFERRED CLAIM EXPERTS MANUFACTURER PREFERRED

Call for a FREE INSPECTION!

303-425-7531

FROM PAGE 1

HOOPS

Senior Rachel Rucker was a starter last season and was the team’s leading scorer. She scored 300 points in 24 games, an average of 12.9 points a game. She also was the team’s second leading rebounder. “I guess basketball is my favorite sport,” she said. “I also play softball and soccer but basketball is my favorite because it is more of a team sport and the action is non-stop. Sometimes in softball or soccer you are just standing around. You don’t stand around much playing basketball.” She said her strength is her offensive play at forward. “I can take outside shots,” Rucker said. “But I score more points when I drive the lane for the inside shot.” The senior said she thinks the team will be strong this season. “We are working together well as a team. We have good team speed so our fast breaks should be really good this season,” she said. “My goal this season is to do all I can to help my team win games and get to the playoffs.” The Cardinals opened the season Dec. 1 as they traveled to Alamosa for a three-day tournament. The team remains on the road for most of the month as the only Cardinal home game is Dec. 15 against Kennedy.

C o m m u nit

8 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Colorado slaps Uber with fine over drivers’ backgrounds Company has option to pay half within 10 days to settle case BY TATIANA FLOWERS ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colorado regulators issued an $8.9 million fine against Uber’s parent company on Nov. 20 for allowing employees with serious criminal or motor vehicle offenses to work for the company as drivers. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission said it launched an investigation into the ride-hailing service in March after an Uber passenger said his driver assaulted him in the mountain resort town of Vail.

Within the last year and a half, the commission said it found that nearly 60 Uber drivers were allowed to work in Colorado despite having previous felony convictions. The drivers included a habitual offender, a former prison escapee and others with major traffic violations including drunk driving. Colorado state law prevents people with felony convictions, alcohol or drug-related driving offenses, unlawful sexual offenses and major traffic violations from working for rideshare companies. “We have determined that Uber had background check information that should have disqualified these drivers under the law, but they were allowed to drive anyway,” Public Utilities Commission Director Doug Dean said. “These actions put the safety of

passengers in extreme jeopardy.” In a statement, the commission said it also found felony convictions that Uber didn’t catch, and “in other cases, we could not confirm criminal background checks were even conducted by Uber.” Uber said in a statement that it recently discovered a “process error” that was inconsistent with Colorado’s ridesharing regulations and affected what the company called a small number of drivers. It said it notified the state and fixed the problem but did not elaborate. “Per Uber safety policies and Colorado state regulations, drivers with access to the Uber app must undergo a nationally accredited third party background screening. We will continue to work closely with the CPUC to enable access to safe, reliable

transportation options for all Coloradans,” it said. The Colorado PUC said the $8.9 million penalty was calculated based on a $2,500 fine for each day an employee was illegally behind the wheel. The commission said Uber can pay half of that amount within 10 days to resolve the case or it can schedule a hearing and contest the allegations in before a judge. Uber’s image has been tarnished by findings of sexual harassment of employees and multiple reports of drivers assaulting passengers. Two women who said they were sexually assaulted by Uber drivers recently filed a federal lawsuit in San Francisco alleging that inadequate background checks and monitoring left them and thousands of others vulnerable.

Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain processes and procedures for all areas of litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders. Offered the second Tuesday of each month. First come, first served.

Christmas for Kids: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, Ag Building, 75 Ute, Kiowa. Shopping open to families in need in Elbert County. Must submit application by 4 p.m. Dec. 8 to shop for toys; applications available at the Elizabeth Fire Station, the ECCO Thrift Store in Kiowa; and at the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. To donation new toys, drop boxes provided by EC Riders are available around the county.

Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments; 24-hour notice appreciated. Call Kay Campbell, 719- 5414275, or 800-825-0208 for reservations. Go to http://outbackexpress.tripod.com. December schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 12: Elizabeth to Colorado Springs or Parker; Thursday, Dec. 14: Good Samaritan Nursing Home residents; Monday, Dec. 18, Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs; Tuesday, Dec. 19: Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs; Thursday, Dec. 28: Simla and Matheson to Limon.

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.

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. Wilson Phillips: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Castle Rock Chorale Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at Christ’s Episcopal Church, 615 Fourth St., Castle Rock; and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, 19491 E. Smoky Hill Road, Centennial. Tickets available at the door; $1 discount for those who bring canned food for the food bank.

Tanya Tucker: 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Lifetree Café: 5-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 (Children with No Place to Call Home: Helping Kids in Crisis); Monday, Dec. 18 (Mental Illness: Breaking the Silence, Overcoming the Shame) at DAZBOG, 202 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Call 303-814-0142. Go to LifetreeCafe.com. Cookie Decorating: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at the Simla Library; 4:305:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 (with Creekside 4-H) at the Elbert Library; 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Elizabeth Library; and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the Kiowa Library. Go to pplibraries.org.

Parker Christmas Carriage Parade: noon Saturday, Dec. 9 on Mainstreet in downtown Parker. Holiday farmers’ market, petting zoo, pony rides, ice sculpting and visits with Santa. Go to http://www.parkeronline. org/826/Christmas-Carriage-Parade.

Coffee and Coloring: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Parker Library, 20105 E. Mainstreet. Coloring-related gift exchange and potluck. For adults. Register at 303-791-7323 or DCL.org.

Cherry Creek Dental Implant Now Open in Parker Call Today For A No-Obligation One-On-One Diagnostic Appointment & Free Exam With 3D X-Ray

Parker’s very own Full-Line Hobby Store!

$1,900

for a single implant, abutment, and crown

RC Cars - Planes - Trains - Models - Games - and Toys 16524 Ketstone Blvd unit A Parker CO. 80134 (303)996-7560 (on the corner of Lincoln and Jordan) https://www.hobbytown.com/parker-co

*Yes, we accept your dental insurance

Full Arch teeth replacements starting as low as $14,000

10841 S. CrossroadsDr. Dr. #9, #9 Parker 10841 S. Crossroads 1573 S. Broadway, Denver www.cc-dentalimplants.com www.cc-dentalimplants.com 303.333.1844 | 303.333.1844

Elbert County News 9

7December 7, 2017

IREA to refund customers $8.4 million in power costs Amounts given back will vary depending on usage BY STAFF REPORT

Many Intermountain Rural Electric Association customers will see a credit on their December electricity bills thanks to a rate refund totaling $8.4 million approved by the associa-

SANE FROM PAGE 2

“It can take two to three hours to do it right, and that’s very hard for emergency practitioners. Also, it’s vital that the evidence be handled properly, because a good defense attorney can find ways to get evidence thrown out. This way, there are no mistakes.” In hospitals without SANE/SAFE care, sexual-assault victims may wait for hours to be treated, Brougham said. “These are very emotionally charged situations, and people may walk if they can’t get this care,” Brougham said. “This is a great benefit to the community, and it’s hard to practice in a community where this isn’t available.” Impact on practitioners Seeing sexual predators thrown in prison based on the testimony of

tion’s board of directors. The board’s action passes through to customers a wholesale rate refund received by the cooperative this year. The average residential customer will see a credit of about $41, though the amount will vary depending on the energy used by customers during the first 10 months of this year. Customers who used little energy during that time or who were not on the system then will see less or no

credit; those who used more energy than average during that time will see larger credits. Commercial and industrial customers will receive credits on the same basis as residential customers. IREA CEO Patrick Mooney said the company is on track to meet its 2017 financial targets without the wholesale rate refund, so the board of directors agreed that the cooperative’s customers should receive the immedi-

ate benefit of the refund. The one-time, $8.4 million power cost refund is separate from, and in addition to, the capital credits IREA typically refunds its customers each spring. IREA plans to issue capital credit refunds again in March 2018. The association also announced that its customers will not see a rate increase in 2018. IREA’s last general rate increase was in February 2013.

SANE/SAFE nurses is rewarding, said nurse Stacy Hobson, who has worked in the program for 10 years. “It’s greatly gratifying,” said Hobson, who has testified in more than 30 cases. “Sometimes our evidence is so impeccable they just take a plea deal.” Hobson has the distinction of being among the longer-lasting nurses in the program, which can take an emotional toll on its practitioners. “I have healthy boundaries,” Hobson said. “I’m good about not taking on vicarious trauma.” The nurses in the program look out for one another, and help keep each other from getting overwhelmed, said Bishara, the program director. “Detailed accounts of assaults can be traumatizing for nurses,” Bishara said. “If I have a particularly bad case, I dream about it all night. I have five kids. When I started doing this, I started feeling like everyone was a

rapist. We see the worst of society — the absolute worst. It’s a sisterhood, and we help each other stay resilient.”

are not,” Bishara said. “I see more outward devastation from men.” Regardless of identity, victims can expect a safe place and a wealth of resources and options in a SANE/ SAFE facility, Hobson said. “We start by believing you,” Hobson said. “I won’t force you to report. I just want you to come in.” Bishara takes issue with elements of sexual assault nomenclature. “I hate the word ‘victim,’” Bishara said. “I prefer the word ‘survivor.’ They’re being victimized out there, but here, they leave as survivors.” Bishara’s survivors often leave her exam room on a path to healing, she said. “We’re told not to hug them, but a lot of times, they hug us,” Bishara said. “It seems very cathartic to them. We tell them that this happened and it’s terrible, but it doesn’t have to define you. You can be more and you can be better. ”

Bigger picture Bishara said that while she’s grateful to be able to help victims, she’d like to see society do a better job of addressing the causes of sexual assault rather than just treating the symptoms. “Sex assault starts with the culture,” Bishara said. “It’s about teaching sons about inappropriate touching and violence. I’ve got four sons — I tell them if a girl’s been drinking, hands off.” Sexual assault is less about sexual gratification and more about power, dominance and humiliation, Bishara said, adding that she’s beginning to see more men report assaults, too. Their suffering can be acute. “Women are trained and conditioned to avoid sex assault, but men

Suburban, meet Urban.

COOL, CONTEMPORARY SIDE YARD LIVING SPACE FROM BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL

OPEN, LIVABLE AND CHARACTER-FILLED PLANS FROM WONDERLAND HOMES

SURBAN (sir-BIN) / adj. / characteristic of a peaceful setting, with great schools,

C-470 I-25

TA FE

TITAN RD.

R D .

It’s the finest of both suburban tranquilities and big-city spirit. And you’ll find it in Sterling Ranch – a master-planned community featuring treasured natural surroundings with a commitment to sustainable resources, forward-thinking technologies, and new homes with an urban attitude. Finally, the best of both.

Chatfield State Park

plenty of open space, and architectural styles with an urban verve.

N Map is not to scale. QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES AVAILABLE NOW • 8 BUILDERS • 17 MODELS • FROM THE LOW $500S • STERLINGRANCHCOLORADO.COM

All pricing, product specifications, amenities and landscaping is subject to change without prior notice. Homes pictured may be representative of available plans, but not actual model homes at Sterling Ranch.

10 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

LOCAL

VOICES These days, a press conference is more like a guess conference

QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

he story goes that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. In Rosedale, Mississippi. In exchange for musical genius. (Tommy Johnson’s character in the film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” is an allusion to that contract.) What would you ask for in exchange for your soul? Fame, fancy cars, and big cigars? To be forever young? A significant weight loss? Or maybe six figures and a national spotlight for four years? Would you be willing to stand in front of a hundred people, and a national television audience, and say with conviction, “All men are created equal’ has been widely misinterpreted”? That blue is red and night is day and denial is a river in Egypt?

The ability to contour a fact into a new fact is something to behold. In fiction it’s called “believable lies.” I am a big believer in believable lies, but only the harmless kind. Humor is based in rearranging commonly held beliefs. Steven Wright said, “A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths.” I once told a class that Monet and Manet were the same man. Some of them believed me. It was a reminder that people in a position of authority can convince some people of almost anything. When I attended umpire school, I was told over and over to “sell” the call, even if I wasn’t certain. Never, ever say, “Out?”

I had to say “Out” with the belief that I was right, no matter what. I was never told, however, to choose sides, and influence the outcome on behalf of the team I had chosen. It’s possible to believe in someone who is wrong most of the time, whose allegations are refutable, who does far more harm than good, and convert all of it, every speck, into a convincing defense. And to do it in the moment, extemporaneously, and to make doubters and those who question you seem like nincompoops. It’s a sight to behold. “Yesterday he said a 6 was a 9, and now you’re telling me that I listened to his statement when I was upside down?” “That’s right.” SEE SMITH, P11

What tax reform could mean for our country and for you

A Instead of putting down last year, try building up next year WINNING WORDS

Michael Norton

t is usually at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, that we hear someone we know say something like, “I am so glad this year is coming to an end.” Or, “I can’t wait for the year to be over so I can start fresh again next year.” I actually overheard someone say that on last New Year’s Eve they had a really bad feeling about 2017 and then sure enough it had been. And in their words, “It has been the year from hell.” Oh my goodness, there is no doubt that we can look back on these past 11 months, or any prior year for that matter and find war, violence, political unrest, unhealthy rivalries, divorce, death, heartache, disease, natural disasters, tragedies and more horrific events and situations than we know what to do with.

owner myself, I understand the merica has not overhauled hurdles small businesses face and its tax code system since 1986. Changing the tax code the challenges many go through just to keep their doors open. One is challenging due to the of the biggest challenges facing complex impacts it can have on them is the onerously high both our personal finances income tax rates small and businesses. While GUEST business owners pay when tax reform is not easy, the COLUMN they become successful. House last month took on Under the current tax systhis challenge and passed tem, most small business H.R. 1, the “Tax Cuts and owners “pass through” the Jobs Act.” HR 1 will reform, profits of their business as simplify and modernize personal taxable income. If our current tax system. I the business is successful, believe such tax reform is a must to grow our economy, those small business profits create more jobs and raise can be taxed at the highest wages. individual marginal tax For me, the process rate, which is 39.6 percent. Mike Coffman started with two simple Capping these small busiquestions: What would tax reform ness rates at 25 percent (the lowest mean for Colorado and for our since 1931) will give small business families? What effect would it have owners an incentive to continue to on our country? The answer is twogrow their businesses. fold. I strongly believe that any tax For the hard-working middle reform must first provide incenclass, the bill that cleared the tives for small businesses, which House calls for the doubling of the are the engine that drives economic standard deduction to $12,000 per growth in the United States, and individual and to $24,000 per marsecond, it must provide tax relief ried couple. This means far fewer for hard-working Americans and people will need to itemize to file their families. As a former small business SEE COFFMAN, P11

SEE NORTON, P11

A publication of

9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ElbertCountyNews.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

JERRY HEALEY President

ANN-MARIE MEYN Marketing Consultant

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ameyn@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ANN MACARI HEALEY Executive Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

ahealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRIS ROTAR Editor

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager

crotar@coloradocommunitymedia.com

efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Majors/Classified Manager

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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.

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

7December 7, 2017

COFFMAN FROM PAGE 10

their taxes, saving them both time and money. It also includes an additional $600 in child care tax credit, bringing the total to $1,600 per child. This increase in the credit will help relieve some of the financial pressure on working parents. The legislation will also help middle-class families by bringing back the jobs lost to other countries when U.S. corporations have moved overseas due to our nation’s corporate tax system. Our corporate tax code pushes business overseas through a combination of two factors. The first is that, at 35 percent, our corporate rate is now the highest in the industrialized world, and secondly, we are unique among our international competitors who don’t tax overseas profits when they re-enter their country. U.S.-based companies today pay taxes to both the host country and to the IRS when bringing their profits back to invest in our economy — at a 35 percent rate. The net result is that U.S. corporations not only have been incorporating in other countries, but those that are still U.S.-based are keeping their profits overseas. In both cases these businesses reinvest their profits overseas instead of bringing profits back to help build a stronger

NORTON FROM PAGE 10

And it’s no wonder that at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, many people are looking for an escape route into next year. But here’s the thing, if we go looking for the bad in life, we will certainly find bad things. If we look for the good, we will also find the good. We should never put our blinders on when it comes to reality. Now that works both ways, doesn’t it? I mean when people use that expression, they are usually referring to putting blinders on so we ignore the bad things happening around us or uncomfortable situations we are trying to avoid. So, the other side then is this, that we also shouldn’t put blinders on to ignore all the good and positive that is happening all around us as well. Instead of finding an escape route into next year to quickly move away from our trouble spots, what if we looked to build upon our brightest moments and use this past year as our launching pad into next year? Even if we had only one bright spot, and I would bet that we could find more if we really tried. Success begets success, good is a force multiplier, a positive attitude fans the flames of inspiration. The only thing that negativity does or that looking for the bad accomplishes is

U.S. economy. Corporate profits aren’t just about benefiting the wealthy; middle-class families rely on these publicly traded corporations for their tax-deferred retirement savings (i.e., 401K) as well as defined benefit pension funds like PERA. No doubt, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this legislation, without factoring in any economic growth, is projected to add $1.5 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. However, the same CBO has stated that each 0.4 percent in economic growth will generate $1 trillion in tax revenues to the federal government over that same time period. The economy has already moved from 2 percent to over 3 percent growth due to a reduction in regulatory burdens and in anticipation of tax reform. With tax reform, I believe we can have sustained economic growth that will not only help pay down the debt but provide increased opportunities for American small businesses, workers and their families in Colorado and in communities all across America. The time to strengthen our community and its economy with a fair and simpler tax code is now. U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Aurora, Centennial, Littleton and Highlands Ranch, among other areas.

that they bring the fire extinguisher to the party of opportunity. If we proclaimed last year, before the New Year even started, that it was going to be a bad year, then of course that is what we would have strived to prove out. We placed our stake of negativity in the ground and by God, come hell or high water, we are going to make sure it’s bad for us and everyone else. Let’s turn that around and proclaim that the New Year will be filled with abundance, overflowing with opportunity, abundant in hope and encouragement, and topped off with a year full of loving relationships. And, should we use 2017 as our launching pad and make that proclamation, will we not stand up and strive to prove that out as well? I bet we would. And I bet you, you reading this column right now, you would too. So how about you? Have you gotten caught up in the bad things that happened last year and are 100 percent focused on those? Or are you looking at what you did accomplish in the past 12 months and have a plan to build upon each success? Either way I would love to hear all of your stories at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we can forget the escape route and start building our launching pad, 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.

SMITH FROM PAGE 10

I am not sure what it would take to get me to say something that was disingenuous, that I knew was wrong-minded, might be hurtful, was intellectually broken, and make it sound like fair goods. Someone up there wouldn’t like it. My father. My father never misled me. He never promised me that he was going to have someone else build and pay for a swimming pool. He never told me that he knew American history when he didn’t. He never chased skirts. He never turned his errors into triumphs, and, most

OBITUARIES John W. Steck

STECK

John W. Steck, 73, of Pueblo West, CO, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2017. Husband of the late Marilyn Riley Steck. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ramah Cemetery. See ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

Private 303-566-4100

Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

Caring for our Community by

Using Sustainable Printing Practices. ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

of all, he was never boastful. His kind of clarity is AWOL in America right now. I have no plans, however, to walk the streets with a lamp during the day, looking for an honest man. I guess I am too old for that, and resigned, and exasperated. The silver lining is this: I appreciate some people far more than I did before last November, and I appreciate some things — like good music, good art, and good literature — far more than I did before last November. What would you ask for in exchange for your soul? Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

12 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service. Need: Volunteers to to help older, lowerincome taxpayers prepare their tax returns. Requirement: All levels of experience are welcome; training and support provided. Contact: 1-888-OUR-AARP (687-2277) or www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide 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

Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute Walk to Cure Arthritis. Contact: Amy Boulas, aboulas@arthritis.org, 720-409-3143. 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 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 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, x32

Arthritis Foundation, Colorado/Wyoming Chapter: Helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to care, advancements in Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine sciences and community connections. LTAC17005_CCM_12.1.17.pdf 1 11/30/2017 9:22:54 AMCenter: Cares for homeless horses and Need: Walk to Cure Arthritis committee other equines. members and general office support.

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. Other: Two-hour orientation provides overview of services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers. Contact: 303-751-5772 or go to www.ddfl.org Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse: Supports the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management with detentions support, patrol, administrative duties, event security, emergency services support, and call-outs as need arises. Need: 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 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. After 90-day probationary period, members must log a minimum of 10 hours of month and attend monthly trainings. 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.” Hospice at Home Need: Volunteers help patients and their families with respite care, videotaping, massage and other tasks. Training is available. Contact 303-698-6404 Hospice of Covenant Care: Nonprofit, faithbased hospice Need: Support patients and families Contact: 303-731-8039

2017

Home for the Holidays 2017

A Kantorei Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:30pm

Thursday, Dec. 7 — Sunday, Dec. 17

Michael Martin Murphey A Cowboy Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 23 at 1:30pm

Viva Las Vegas: Elvis Night Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7pm

The Good Humor Men Friday, Dec. 29 at 8pm

720.509.1000

LoneTreeArtsCenter.org 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, CO 80124

Back by popular demand! Holidays are about traditions, so continue your tradition with hometown favorite Home for the Holidays. There’s something for everyone in this family-friendly holiday spectacular: dancers, singers, drummers, holiday songs, and of course, a celebrity appearance from you know who!

2017–2018 SEASON SPONSOR

Neighbor Network: Nonprofit that helps older adults stay independent. Serves all of Douglas County

Need: Volunteers who can provide transportation, light housekeeping, handyman and companion services to seniors. Requirements: Must be at least 21 and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. Contact: 303-814-4300, neighbornetwork@ douglas.co.us or dcneighbornetwork.org Parker Senior Center: Provides services to local seniors. Need: Drivers to take seniors to the center for a hot meal, to appointments, to the grocery store, and more. Contact: Louise West at 303-841-5370. PeopleFirst Hospice: Denver hospice Need: Volunteers to provide companionship to hospice patients and their families. Contact: Rachel Wang at 303-546-7921 Red Cross: Supports the elderly, international causes and social services Need: Volunteers to provide support Contact: 303-607-4768 or 303-266-7855 Sunset Hospice: Provides end-of-life support Need: Volunteer training is from 6-10 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays; they also meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every first and third Saturday Contact: Jami Martin at 303-693-2105 The Right Step Inc.: Therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities. Based in Littleton. Need: Volunteers to help with horses before, during and after lessons, as well as to walk alongside clients as they ride to help keep them securely on their horses. Volunteers also needed to help with administrative tasks and fundraising. Requirements: Volunteers who help with lessons must be at least 14 years old and attend a three-hour training session. Contact: volunteercoordinator@therightstepinc.org or go to www.therightstepinc.org Volunteers of America, Foster Grandparent Program: Foster grandparents volunteer in early childhood centers and public schools focusing on literacy and numeracy for at-risk children and youth. Need: Seniors on a low, fixed income who enjoy working with children. Volunteers work 15-40 hours a week. Contact: 303-297-0408 or voacolorado.org.

CARRIER of the MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS Steve Foreman WE APPRECIATE ALL YOUR HARD WORK & DEDICATION ENJOY YOUR $50 GIFT CARD COURTESY OF

Elbert County News 13

7December 7, 2017

NEWS FROM AROUND COLORADO Lebsock says he’s going nowhere A Democratic lawmaker who’s been accused of pressuring a fellow lawmaker to have sex says he wants to tell his side of the story and won’t step down or abandon his campaign for Colorado state treasurer. State Rep. Steve Lebsock of Thornton said in a statement Nov. 28 he hasn’t been contacted by investigators about the complaint. On Nov. 10, House Speaker Crisanta Duran removed Lebsock as chair of the Local Government Committee and urged him to resign after fellow Democratic state Rep. Faith Winter of Westminster said that he had harassed her. Winter later filed a complaint about an alleged 2016 incident in which she says Lebsock suggested they engage in sexual acts during an end-of-session party. Lebsock says he’s been notified of two formal complaints against him. He denies wrongdoing. Chipotle seeking new CEO Denver-based Chipotle says it is looking for a new CEO, with its founder transitioning to executive chairman once someone new is in place at the top post. Steve Ells, who currently serves as chairman and CEO, started the casual dining chain with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993. Chipotle said Nov. 29 that the CEO search committee, which includes Ells, is looking for someone with

turnaround expertise in part to help address the challenges facing the company, build customer trust and improve sales. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is still struggling to turn its business around after a series of food safety scares. The burrito chain reported disappointing third-quarter results in October. Tribal members shape park plan Rocky Mountain National Park is expanding its representation of American Indians with the help of indigenous-focused University of Colorado groups and tribal representatives. The Boulder Daily Camera reports that meetings began in the fall to devise a plan to expand representation of indigenous people’s lives. Tribal members from Wyoming and Oklahoma were able to attend, while members from Utah, Colorado and Montana tribes have upcoming meetings with park officials. Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche and other tribes lived in and traveled through the land that is now Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants at the meetings agreed it’s crucial for American Indians to have control over how their history is shared. Air Force Academy debacle detailed An internal investigation says an Air Force Academy office that was supposed to help sexual assault vic-

tims was crippled by infighting, poor management, rumors and shoddy record-keeping. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that the investigation concluded the director of the office should be fired, but she resigned. The Gazette obtained a copy of the report under open records laws. The report says former director Teresa Beasley spread rumors about personnel and failed to manage the office in Colorado Springs effectively. It says under Beasley’s leadership, the office wasn’t competent to advocate for victims. No working phone number could be found for Beasley. She didn’t immediately respond to a message left by The Associated Press through social media. The Air Force report says Beasley told investigators that for years she did not lead or manage the office well. National park fees draw scrutiny Business leaders in Estes Park say they’re worried about a proposal to significantly increase entrance fees at national parks such as nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Federal officials propose increasing the entrance fee from $25 or $30 to $70 per vehicle at certain national parks. Estes Park Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jon Nicholas says he’s concerned the proposal hasn’t been thought out. He tells the Fort Collins Coloradoan there’s concern tourists might decide

to go elsewhere. The increase would also mean significantly higher costs for commercial tour operators. Estes Park Mayor Todd Jirsa warns the rate hikes would cover just a fraction of the $227 million maintenance backlog at national parks in Colorado. The National Park Service is taking public comment on the increases through Dec. 22. Pot divides governor, county leader A Colorado county commissioner has publicly accused Gov. John Hickenlooper of ignoring the negative effects of legalized marijuana amid upcoming efforts against illegal grows and a rise in marijuana-related car crashes. The Colorado Springs Gazette reports El Paso County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. argues that legalized marijuana has contributed to an increase in homelessness and the number of underage residents using the drug. Hickenlooper called Gonzalez’s accusation “absolute nonsense” during a Nov. 28 conference. He told Gonzalez that he believes some trends could be associated with legalized marijuana, but some aren’t. Legalized marijuana supporters say the rise in marijuana-related car crashes is the result of law enforcement agencies starting to test drivers at fault in collisions for pot.

Care So Good You’ll Want to Take the Stairs Joint Replacement Program at Parker Adventist Hospital   

Expert and board-certified orthopedic surgeons Nationally-certified joint replacement program Comprehensive surgery team providing the best care

Parker Adventist Hospital’s Joint Commission-certified Orthopedics & Joint Replacement program is dedicated to providing innovative, high quality treatment for your orthopedic conditions. Our boardcertified orthopedic surgeons as well as our specialized orthopedic teams within our Joint and Spine Unit can help you get back to the lifestyle you lived before joint issues got in the way.

Learn more and call our team at 303-269-4974, or visit ParkerHospital.org/Joint Located at E470 & Parker Rd. 9395 Crown Crest Blvd. We are a part of the Centura Health Orthopedics Network, the region’s leading provider of orthopedic care.

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health¡¦s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright c Centura Health, 2017. ATENCION: Si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHU Y: N.u b.n noiTi.ng Vi.t, co cac d.ch v. h. tr. ngon ng. mi.n phi danh cho b.n. G.i s. 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).

17-CUSD-02143-D_Newspapers_9.625x12.25_FNL.pdf 14 Elbert County News

10/2/17

10:05 AM

December 7, 2017D

The upside-down ketchup bottle earned its inventor $13 million.

Thomas Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents in his lifetime. Lucille Ballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drama school teachers said she would not be successful.

At CU South Denver, we celebrate

the ambitious souls like you. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our range

of leading-edge programs are designed to propel your career to new heights.

Start climbing at CULearnForward.com.

Elbert County News 15

7December 7, 2017

Paintings named for states hang in Englewood atrium

ichigan” is one of seven paintings named for states by artist Craig Marshall Smith, a Highlands Ranch resident and a Colorado Community Media columnist. They will hang in the handsome Museum Outdoor SONYA’S Arts Atrium Gallery through March SAMPLER 30 at the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway, second floor. They serve as a prelude to “Intersecting Formations,” a collection of collaborative and individual works by 12 artists Sonya Ellingboe with whom Smith has a history: as mentor, student or “artist he admires.” Smith has been Artist in Residence at MOA since midAugust, painting and organizing the 2018 exhibit. The Atrium is open whenever the building is open and there is no admission fee. Advent Evensong The Chancel Choir at Littleton United Methodist Church will be joined by other church choirs and violinist Alexander Raab at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, in a Christmas concert of music by Gjello, Todd, Knecht, Huish and others in the church sanctuary, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Donations will support the community meal, Break Bread. Fielder at castle Colorado photographer John Fielder will offer a musical presentation of images from his new book, “A Colorado Winter” on Dec. 14 at the beautifully decorated Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, where his handsome books and calendars will be for sale, with a percentage going to the foundation. His presentation will be at 7 p.m., with tours scheduled at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. A reception with Fielder begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments, cash bar, book and calendar sales. Tickets for the event cost $35 per person, available online: cherokeeranch.tunestub.com/event. cfm?cart&id+271565. Bells at Bemis The mellow Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble will appear at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, playing traditional and holiday favorites. Free. Denver Art Museum The Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week, while the North (Ponti) Building is closed for renovation — and is a nice destination for holiday excursions with family and friends. “Her Paris: Women Artists of the

Age of Impressionism” is on view until Jan. 14 (special ticketing.) New exhibits include “Linking Asia: Art, Trade and Devotion” and “Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie.” The latter two are included in general admission, free for 18 and younger. Also of interest: “Stampede: Animals in Art,” showcasing over 300 objects from the DAM collection. The museum is at 13th Avenue and Broadway in downtown Denver. Denverartmuseum.org. Fine Art Market and more … The annual Fine Art Market Show and Sale at the Arvada Center offers a fine location to find special gifts through Dec. 17. Also: the Aces Show and Sale of works by ceramics students and instructors is open. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; noon to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursdays. Free admission, open to the public, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, Arvadacenter.org. Stories on Stage “Making Merry,” the annual holiday program by Stories on Stage, will feature actor Jamie Horton reading from “Wind in the Willows.” Geree Hinshaw and Anthony Adu will also read, with music by Gary Grundei, at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the King Center, Auraria Campus, 855 Lawrence Way, Denver. Tickets: thedairy.org, 303444-7328; storiesonstage.org, 303-4940523. Photography by Andy Marquez Local photographer Andy Marquez will appear from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Remax Edge, in Roxborough, 8351 N. Rampart Range Road, Unit 111, Littleton. He will have mounted 8-by-10 copies of his photographs and introduce his new coffee-table book, which is also available at Tattered Cover, Outnumbered Gallery and School of Mines Bookstore in Golden. Arapahoe Philharmonic Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” in concert will be performed by the Arapahoe Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Fisher Auditorium at Englewood High School Campus, 3800 S. Logan St., Englewood. At 7:10 p.m., the Classic Children’s Corner will feature two costumed young dancers from the Colorado Ballet. A new ticket package for young adults, 18 to 35, “Pay Your Age,” offers four tickets to be used at any concert, priced at the buyer’s age. See Arapahoe-Phil.org for concert tickets and information, or call 303781-1892.

Sunday March 25 12 - 4 p.m. Presented by

8199 Southpark Circle Littleton, CO

Enter o

Cutest ory ment St Engage test Con age ck prize pa t valued a

$10,000

EXPLORE THE ENTIRE WORLD OF WEDDINGS! Presenting professionals from all areas to help plan your big day in one day Special Groom’s Room - It’s not just about the brides! Get info on tuxedos, cigars, enjoy a cash bar, a game of pool and even video games Get your tickets online now at www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/weddingexpo/ Get your event tickets now $8 per person | $12 per couple

We are looking for Sponsors and Vendors! Want to sponsor the contest? Contact Ann-Marie Meyn

303.566.4100

ameyn@coloradocommunitymedia.com

16 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Shining a light on the season Zoo, botanic gardens, downtown Denver offer holiday beauty BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Even though Grace Ramírez is a Denver native and works for the City of Denver, it’s still a thrill to see downtown and the Denver City and County Building all lit up for the season. “It’s been part of our family tradition for years,” said Ramírez, senior adviser for community affairs. “It’s a touchstone for a lot of families, and even though the lights are different every year, we have decorations we use every time. People have their favorites, which they are on the lookout for.” During the holiday season, Denver and surrounding cities have for years lit up the night with flashing and twinkling lights, music and family fun. All visitors need is a coat. The holiday lights at the Denver City and County Building have been a feature of the holidays since 1932, though its roots go back to 1919. The Denver Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights is entering its 27th year, and the Denver Botanic Gardens has hosted Blossoms of Light at its York Street Garden for 29 years, while the facility’s Chatfield Farms location has played host to lights for nine years — first as Trail of Lights,

For the first time, Chatfield Farms near Littleton will be home to Santa’s Village, featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus, plus live reindeer. PHOTOS BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN/COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

and this year as Santa’s Village. Because of this, each has become part of the season for families all over the metro area.

“We’re the Rocky Mountain region’s largest lighting event, with most of our 60 acres lit up, as well as 130 animated animal sculptures,” said Sean Anderson-Vie, public relations manager with the zoo. “People really take in all the different animals, which is great, because a lot of detail goes into the sculptures.” Beyond providing terrific holiday atmosphere, there are some unique activities available for visitors: Pop the question in a winter wonderland The lights at places like the zoo and the Blossoms of Lights top most home displays, which makes them the perfect places to get engaged. The zoo sees plenty of engagements, Anderson-Vie said, and Blossoms was the site of so many that it started an engagement package. “For people who want to propose, they can buy one of these, which provides them an hour to set up on the

PACE CENTER FAMILY 4-PACK SPECIAL

Buy 4 Tickets and Get 20% Off Adult Tickets

BUY TICKETS AT WWW.PARKERARTS WWW.PARKERARTS.ORG PARKER PARKERARTS .ORG OR CALL 303.805.6800

The Botanic Gardens’ York Street location features thousands of lights, and is a popular spot for families, as well as for couples to get engaged. Green Roof, on top of our Offshoots Café,” said Erin Bird, communications manager at the Denver Botanic Gardens. “They can bring champagne up there and up to three guests to celebrate with them.” SEE LIGHTS, P20

Elbert County News 17

7December 7, 2017

CLUBS AA If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. More than 1,000 AA meetings are offered every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. To find a meeting, call 303-322-4440, or go to www.daccaa.org.

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.

Affordable Colleges Online has created a guidebook to help women find and secure financial aid. The guide includes a collection of scholarships for women, including due dates and award amounts; insight into the financial aid application process; and other funding opportunities, such as industryspecific scholarships and funding for special groups. The guide is available online at http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/ womens-guide-paying-for-college/.

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 303-6465456.

Camping Singles is a group of Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others. We usually camp in designated forest service or state park campgrounds within 2 to 5 hours of Denver. All single adults welcome; members range from the 40s to 60-plus. We usually meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. For specific meeting information, contact campingsingles@gmail.com Castle Rock Bridge Club plays a friendly, ACBL-sanctioned duplicate game at 1 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock. For assistance in finding a bridge partner, call Georgiana Butler at 303-8108504. Go to www.castlerockbridge.com. Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Simla Library. All skill levels and ages welcome. Call 719-541-2573.

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 areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. LEGO Master Brickster: 3:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Kiowa Library, 331 Comanche St, Kiowa. Build LEGO stuff together. Call 303621-2111 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, 504 Washington Ave. The group talks about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author. Registration is not required. Call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@ elbertcountylibrary.org. 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. 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/ParkerFranktown-Elizabeth-Paper-Crafting-Club/ 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.

Classiﬁeds

Advertise: 303-566-4100

CAREERS Help Wanted IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR SCHOOL BUS ROUTE DRIVER Elbert SD #200 has a part-time school bus route driver position available. Tues. through Friday 6:00 am to 8:00 am and 3:30 pm to 5:30pm. Drivers need to be 21 with a valid driver’s license, and pass a driver physical and the CDL Driver’s test or have current available licensing. Interested individuals please contact the main Office 303-648-3030 or apply at 24489 Main St., Elbert CO 80106. Application available for download at www.elbertschool.org. EOE

SERVICES Carpet/Flooring

Concrete/Paving

Drywall

TLLC Concrete

PAUL TIMM

Ty Barrett

303-646-2355 Specialize in barn floors, Driveways, Remove and replacement Any job over 400 SF give us a call!

Construction/Repair Drywall Serving Your Area Since 1974

303-841-3087 303-898-9868 Advertise your business here Contact Karen at 303-566-4091

Local Focus. More News. 17 newspapers. 20 websites. Connecting YOU to your LOCAL community.

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Tile

h s i E L I sT

te, References ani available r g ur eds o y e for ic n* Bathrooms any ceram * Kitchens p om d * Backsplashes le c ne an b * Entry Ways a o d t r s * Patios, Decks ffo rble, a * Other Services an ma as required

Mark * 720-938-2415

18 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

Pointers for postal package preparation Good box, strong tape, clear address will help gifts arrive safely STAFF REPORT

The U.S. Postal Service has been busy making sure every sleigh is ready to go this holiday season. Postal workers are ready to deliver special gifts, and the postal service has some tips on how to box a package to help ensure the holidays come off without a snag. First, select a sturdy box that is strong enough to protect the contents. If you are reusing a box, totally remove or obliterate all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker. The post office provides free Priority Mail boxes in a variety of sizes. Make sure heavy items are in a sturdy box with heavy packing tape, and that no contents are shifting. Place cushioning all around your item until you cannot hear it move inside when you shake it. Use newspaper to stuff glass and fragile, hollow items such as vases to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately. Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. Keep new batteries in the original packaging. In addition to packaging the items correctly, labeling is important when shipping a package. Make sure to use the proper address. Don’t guess. For correct spelling of city names and state abbreviations, or to find a zip code, go to www.usps.com.

Make sure to use strong tape when sealing boxes. COURTESY PHOTO Make sure addresses are clearly printed and that all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex: 123 S. Main St. Apt. 2B), are included and clear. Include both “to” and “from” information on packages, and only on one side. Place a card inside the package that contains the delivery and return address. This ensures the package can be delivered or returned should the mailing label become damaged or fall off. Mark packages “Fragile” if the contents are breakable, and mark packages with food items as “Perishable.” Finally, don’t use twine around your box. Use high quality 2-inch packaging tape. You can pay for and print your postage at home using Click N Ship at usps.com, or you can stop by the post office. The postal service has created a video on package preparation. To watch it, go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=b4xGpzn2s5k.

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

Solution

above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

7December 7, 2017

Within 40 days after November 23, 2017 you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is 311 N. Main Street, Shawano, WI 54166-2145 and to Gray & Associates, L.L.P., plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 16345 West Glendale Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151-2841. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

Public Notices Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name P Public notice is given on August 25, 2017, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has P been filed with the Elbert County Court. b T Petition requests that the name of The Amen Nathanael Fratzl be changed to A Amen Nathanael Walker A Case No.: 17 C 59 C C Cheryl A. Layne, Clerk of Court By: Jafeen Jenkins, Deputy Clerk B L Legal Notice No: 23858 First Publication: November 30, 2017 F Last Publication: December 14, 2017 L Publisher: Elbert County News P

Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joseph Tyler Dohrmann, Deceased Case Number: 2017 PR 30046 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 March 30, 2018, or the claims may be forever barred. Meryl Dohrmann Personal Representative Michael S. Hanchett Attorney at Law | Robinson & Henry, P.C. michael.hanchett@robinsonandhenry.com 1975 Research Pkwy, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Legal Notice No: 23865 First Publication: November 30, 2017 Last Publication: December 14, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT SHAWANO COUNTY James B. Nutter & Company 4153 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64171-9936 Plaintiff, vs. Barbara Ann Pagryzinski a/k/a Barbara Anne Pagryzinski a/k/a Barbara Pagryzinski 6828 Quail Run Cir Kiowa, CO 80117-9028 John Doe Pagryzinski 6828 Quail Run Cir Kiowa, CO 80117-9028 Defendants. PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 17-CV-000188 The Honorable William F. Kussel Jr. Case Code 30404 (Foreclosure of Mortgage) The amount claimed exceeds $10,000.00 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as a defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. Dated this _____ day of November, 2017.

Misc. Private Legals

Dated this _____ day of November, 2017. Gray & Associates, L.L.P. Attorneys for Plaintiff By: Ian J. Thomson State Bar No. 1076280 Case No. 17-CV-000188 16345 West Glendale Drive New Berlin, WI 53151-2841 (414) 224-1987 Gray & Associates, L.L.P. is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you have previously received a discharge in a chapter 7 bankruptcy case, this communication should not be construed as an attempt to hold you personally liable for the debt. Legal Notice No.: 23855 First Publication: November 23, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to: Pollie Carrithers 1009 Pawnee Dr Ulysses, KS 67880 You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 5th day of September 2013, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to Elbert County the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit: Section: 11 Township: 10 Range: 61 NW$: 11 10 61 160 A 1/32 INTEREST 5 MRA Section: 2 Township: 10 Range: 61 E2NE4; S2NW4; E2SW4; 2 10 61 240 A 1/256 INTEREST .9375 MRA SE4: 2 10 61 160 A 1/256 INTEREST 625 MRA Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Certificate Number: 2010-12345

Public Notice

Notices

NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED

To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to:

Misc. Private Legals

JACK WELLS CLARKE % CHUCK FARISH PO BOX 027 PEBBLE BEACH, CA 93953-0027 You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November 2014, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to BRIAN MCCULLISS the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit: Section: 26 Township: 9 Range: 63 SW4 (160 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .32 MRA) Section: 27 Township: 9 Range: 63 SE4 (160 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .31 MRA) Section: 34 Township: 9 Range: 63 N2NE4(80 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .16 MRA) Section: 35 Township: 9 Range: 63 W2 (320 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .63 MRA) Section: 14 Township: 10 Range: 63 SE4SW4 (40 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .08 MRA) Section: 15 Township: 10 Range: 63 SW4, S2SE4 (240 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .47 MRA) Section: 22 Township: 10 Range: 63 ALL (640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 MRA) Section: 23 Township: 10 Range: 63 SW4, E2NW4, E2 (560 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.09 MRA) Section: 24 Township: 10 Range: 63 ALL(640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25) Section: 19 Township: 10 Range: 62 E2W2 (160 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .31 NET ACRES MINERAL RIGHTS)Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Certificate Number: 2014-01881 and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to BRIAN MCCULLISS. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent mineral rights (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said mineral rights for the year 2013; That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of JACK WELLS CLARKE for said year 2013; That said BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 23rd day of August 2017, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights; That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 28th day of February 2018, unless the same has been redeemed;

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to Elbert County.

Said mineral rights may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer's Deed.

That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent mineral rights (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said mineral rights for the year 2010;

This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on November 23, 2017, November 30, 2017 and December 7, 2017.

That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of Pollie Carrithers for said year 2010;

Witness my hand this 9th day of November 2017 Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado

That on the 13th day of September 2017, said Elbert County assigned said certificate of purchase to HAI Consulting Inc.;

Legal Notice No: 23850 First Publication : November 23, 2017 First Publication : December 7, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

That said HAI Consulting Inc. on the , the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights; That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to HAI Consulting Inc. on the 22nd day of March 2018, unless the same has been redeemed; Said mineral rights may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer's Deed. This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on December 7, 2017, December 14, 2017 and December 21, 2017. Witness my hand this 20th day of November 2017 Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado Legal Notice No.: 23861 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 21, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to:

Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to: JACK WELLS CLARKE %CHUCK FARISH PO BOX 27 PEBBLE BEACH, CA 93953-0027 You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November 2014, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to HARMONY LAND AND CATTLE, LLC the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit: Section: 25 Township: 10 Range: 63 SE4NW4 25 10 63 320 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .62 NET ACRES ALL 27 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 NET ACRES ALL 26 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 NET ACRES E2-E2NW4-S2SW4 28 10 63 480 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .94 NET ACRES S2NE4SE4-10 A. IN E2SE4SE4 32 10 63 30 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .06 NET ACRES S2-N2NW4-SE4NW4-NE4: 33-10-63 600 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.17 NET ACRES ALL 34 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 NET ACRES ALL 35 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST (EX COAL IN SE4SW4-

%CHUCK FARISH PO BOX 27 PEBBLE BEACH, CA 93953-0027

That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of JACK WELLS CLARKE for said year 2013;

You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November 2014, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to HARMONY LAND AND CATTLE, LLC the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit:

That said BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 23rd day of August 2017, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights;

Elbert County News 19

That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 28th day of February 2018, unless the same has been redeemed;

Section: 25 Township: 10 Range: 63 SE4NW4 25 10 63 320 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .62 NET ACRES ALL 27 10 63 640 ACRES mineral rights may redeemed from said advertise yourSaid public notices callbe 303-566-4100 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 NETTo ACRES ALL 26 sale at any time prior to the actual execution of 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.25 NET said Treasurer's Deed. ACRES E2-E2NW4-S2SW4 28 10 63 480 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .94 NET ACRES This Notice of Purchase has also been pubS2NE4SE4-10 A. IN E2SE4SE4 32 10 63 30 lished in Colorado Community Media on NovemACRES 3/1536 INTEREST .06 NET ACRES ber 23, 2017, November 30, 2017 and DecemS2-N2NW4-SE4NW4-NE4: 33-10-63 600 ber 7, 2017. ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST 1.17 NET ACRES ALL 34 10 63 640 ACRES 3/1536 INTEREST Witness my hand this 7th day of November 1.25 NET ACRES ALL 35 10 63 640 ACRES 2017 3/1536 INTEREST (EX COAL IN SE4SW4Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado S2SE4-NE4SE4) 1.25 NET ACRES MINERAL RIGHTS Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Legal Notice No: 23852 First Publication : November 23, 2017 Certificate Number: TSC#2014-01856 First Publication : December 7, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to HARMONY LAND AND Public Notice CATTLE, LLC.

Misc. Private Legals

That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent mineral rights (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said mineral rights for the year 2013;

NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED

That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of JACK WELLS CLARKE for said year 2013;

That said HARMONY LAND AND CATTLE, LLC on the 21st day of August 2017, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights; That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to HARMONY LAND AND CATTLE, LLC on the 28th day of February 2018, unless the same has been redeemed; Said mineral rights may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer's Deed. This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on November 23, 2017, November 30, 2017 and December 7, 2017. Witness my hand this 9th day of November 2017 Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado Legal Notice No: 23851 First Publication : November 23, 2017 First Publication : December 7, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF MINERAL RIGHTS AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER'S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to: JACK WELLS CLARKE %CHUCK FARISH PO BOX 27 PEBBLE BEACH, CA 93953-0027 You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November 2014, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to BRIAN MCCULLISS the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit: Section: 6 Township: 6 Range: 60 ALL 3/3072 INTEREST 0.69 NET ACRES Section: 8 Township: 6 Range: 60 ALL 3/3072 INTEREST 0.63 NET ACRES Section: 18 Township: 6 Range: 60 E2-E2W2 3/3072 INTEREST 0.47 NET ACRES Section: 12 Township: 6 Range: 61 ALL 3/3072 INTEREST 0.62 NET ACRES MINERAL RIGHTS Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Certificate Number: 2014-01882 and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to BRIAN MCCULLISS. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent mineral rights (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said mineral rights for the year 2013; That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of JACK WELLS CLARKE for said year 2013; That said BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 23rd day of August 2017, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights; That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to BRIAN MCCULLISS on the 28th day of February 2018, unless the same has been redeemed; Said mineral rights may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer's Deed. This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on November 23, 2017, November 30, 2017 and December 7, 2017. Witness my hand this 7th day of November 2017

Jack Wells Clarke %Chuck Farish P.O. Box 027 Pebble Beach, CA 93953-0027

You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 18th day of November 2014, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority the following described mineral rights situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit:

Section: 2 Township: 6 Range: 61 N2-N2S2SE4SE4 3/3072 INTEREST 0.60 NET ACRES MINERAL RIGHTS Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Certificate Number: 2014-01858

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent mineral rights (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said mineral rights for the year 2013;

That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of Jack Wells Clarke for said year 2013; That said Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority on the 28th day of August 2017, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said mineral rights;

That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for said mineral rights to Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority on the 28th day of February 2018, unless the same has been redeemed;

Said mineral rights may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer's Deed. This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on November 23, 2017, November 30, 2017 and December 7, 2017. Witness my hand this 9th day of November 2017 Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado

“Trust Us!”

Legal Notice No: 23853 First Publication : November 23, 2017 First Publication : December 7, 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 * 1

20 Elbert County News

December 7, 2017D

LIGHTS FROM PAGE 16

The Denver Zoo’s 60 acres are full of lights and animated animal sculptures during Zoo Lights, which runs through Dec. 31. PHOTO COURTESY

OF THE DENVER ZOO

HCG WEIGHT LOSS DIET! FAST RESULTS - REAL FOOD - NO SURGERY

NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL (EXPIRES 1/31/18)

$140 OFF 43 DAY DIET

CALL TODAY (720) 482-4068 $75 OFF 26 DAY DIET

5350 South Roslyn Street, Suite #450 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 NaturalBioHealth.com

Interacting with the light The challenge with traditional activities is bringing people back with something new, and this year visitors will get to interact with the lights in different ways. The lights at the Denver City and County Building are synced to a music show, which begins at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. Those looking to get even more hands-on can volunteer to actually switch the lights on. At Blossoms of Light, there’s an interactive light display set up in the theater that features a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights. As Bird explains, the lights react to the tones of voice and of drums. But the biggest change is at Chatfield Farms, where the Trail of Lights and its country approach has been replaced with a North Pole theme. “Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and we’ll even have live reindeer,” Bird said. “Tickets also get you hayride, and we have a Christmas cinema set up as well.” No matter where one looks, a chance for holiday traditions old and new.

LIGHT DISPLAYS AROUND AREA Blossoms of Light Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver Lights on display through Jan. 1 5 to 9 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www.botanicgardens.org Denver City and County Building 1437 Bannock St., Denver Lights on display until Jan. 21 5:45 to 10:45 p.m. Holiday’s Evening on the Littleton Museum Farms 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO 80120 Dec. 10 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 10 Will feature candlelight and bonfires as visitors stroll through the historic farms. Music, snacks and Santa. Tickets in advance at Littleton Museum and Bemis Library. A Hudson Christmas Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 10 and nightly Dec. 15 to 31

The model train will be decorated, a giant Christmas tree will dazzle, as will countless evergreen trees. Walk through a lighted tunnel, enjoy reflections in the pond and shining snowflakes. Hot drinks, sweet treats and gift items are available and, of course, Santa is on hand to greet visitors. Tickets available at hudsongardens.org or at the door. Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton Lights on display Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry www.botanicgardens.org Zoo Lights Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver Lights on display through Dec. 31 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 to 31 Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www.denverzoo.org

Hope. Help. Healing. The Cancer Center at Parker Adventist Hospital    

Part of Centura Health Cancer Network: Colorado’s first and only accredited cancer network Nationally-accredited Radiation Oncology, Breast Care Center Comprehensive center with expert doctors and specialists Nurse Navigator, assisting throughout cancer care process

A diagnosis of cancer is never the ‘end’ At Parker Adventist Hospital. In fact, it’s the beginning of a determined new chapter that includes expert oncological specialists and highly-trained cancer care teams who are consistently ranked among the finest in the state. It means high-quality, patient-centered care backed by the latest, most advanced cancer fighting treatments, therapies and technologies — like state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical robotics.

Learn more and call our team at 303-269-4975, or visit ParkerHospital.org/CancerCare Located at E470 & Parker Rd. 9395 Crown Crest Blvd. We are part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering integrated, advanced cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas. Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health¡¦s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright c Centura Health, 2017. ATENCION: Si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHU Y: N.u b.n noiTi.ng Vi.t, co cac d.ch v. h. tr. ngon ng. mi.n phi danh cho b.n. G.i s. 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).