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March 22, 2018
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
KEEPING OPERA ALIVE: Opera Colorado works to keep the art form thriving in the metro area, around the state. P19
‘He would want us to forgive’ An arrest was made more than seven years after the death of Kiowa teacher Randy Wilson BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
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iowa High School let out for the summer in May 2010, with popular science teacher Randy Wilson’s youngest son Dean among the 29 graduates. Wilson’s sons Cody and Weston had recently told their dad that they were both expecting children, who would be his second and third grandchildren. Not long after graduation, as the cottonwoods along Kiowa Creek leafed out in the warm spring sun, Wilson, 52, drove to Montana to visit relatives. On his drive back toward his Kiowa home on Sunday, June 13, Wilson stopped in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for dinner. At 10:45 p.m. he pulled off I-70 at exit 304 and stopped to gas up at a Conoco on the outskirts of Bennett, just north of Elbert County on Colo-
rado’s eastern plains. The late-spring brilliance of the week prior had ceded to a gloomy cold front over the weekend, and the wind whipped. One more exit down the interstate, opposite a rest area since torn down, was the junction with Kiowa-Bennett Road. Only 30 miles of dark prairie separated Wilson from home. He never arrived. ‘Why him?’ The next day, June 14, 2010, dawned gray and drizzling on the plains north of Kiowa. Tim Fry and his friend Greg were headed south along Kiowa-Bennett Road to get registration tags for Fry’s truck, according to a Denver Post article from the time. At the crossroads with County Line Road, a rare bend in the route, almost exactly halfway between Bennett and Kiowa, they spotted a parked white sedan, facing north in the gravel. Across the road, in the grass, lay a body. The two men had found the body of Randy Wilson, dead by asphyxiation with a bag over his head and a belt SEE WILSON, P6
The life and death of Randy Wilson: Part 2 High school teacher Randy Wilson was found dead at a lonely prairie crossroads in 2010. For more than seven years, those who knew him struggled with the mystery of his unsolved death. Then, in December 2017, came a surprise arrest in the case. Part one last week looked at the legacy of the father of five and well-respected educator. This week, part two of the two-part series looks at the shockwaves Wilson’s death sent through the rural town of Kiowa, as well as developments in the yearslong investigation.
Kiowa school counselor Liz Morrone stands behind a plaque remembering teacher Randy Wilson, who was found dead in 2010. DAVID GILBERT
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘It’s a very special, inviting community that I felt a strong connection with during the interview process.’ Matt Cohrs, new Elizabeth town administrator | Page 8 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 19 | CALENDAR: PAGE 15 | SPORTS: PAGE 5
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 8
2 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
Police use of social media to deliver news concerns some experts Law enforcement agencies say they are being more proactive BY KATHLEEN FOODY ASSOCIATED PRESS
It opens with a warning: This video contains footage from real police body cameras. Viewer discretion is advised. Then, an introduction: “I would like you to hear from me, what happened,’’ Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock says, facing the camera. The next eight minutes provide a carefully edited glimpse of the events that led to a 29-year-old deputy’s Dec. 31 death inside an apartment complex in Highlands Ranch. The video posted Jan. 8 on the department’s social media accounts is punctuated by gunshots and shouts of panic and pain, and undoubtedly illustrates the danger Deputy Zack Parrish and other officers met during that call. Open government advocates also consider it a dramatic example of law enforcement agencies’ expanding efforts to release their own accounts of events to the public and media. There’s nothing wrong with police communicating through social media, open government advocates said. But they worry it allows law enforcement to bypass questions from traditional media and warn that taking advantage of the tools requires agencies to be completely transparent, whatever the situation. Parrish was among three deputies in three counties shot to death while on duty in barely more than a month. The calls that preceded the killings varied — a mentally ill veteran, a reported fight and a stolen car investigation. But the departments took similar approaches, relying on their social media accounts to release information and giving news outlets limited opportunity to ask questions about what happened. Police have made use of social media for years, from viral videos of officers’ dance-offs with kids to the
Boston Police Department’s extensive use of Twitter following the 2013 marathon bombing. Agencies are eager to cut the middleman and tell their own stories, said Lauri Stevens, a former TV news reporter who founded an annual conference in 2010 that teaches departments about promoting themselves on social media. “It’s not any less valid than any media, in this day and age,’’ she said. Stevens said many agencies are getting better at connecting with residents on routine days, sharing updates and knocking down rumors during high-profile incidents. Sgt. William Hutchison, Palm Springs, California, police spokesman, presented at Stevens’ conference last year about his agency’s communications strategy after two officers were shot dead in 2016. Looking back, Hutchison said he would have posted even more information directly to Facebook and Twitter. Hutchison said he doesn’t view social accounts as a way to avoid traditional media, and complimented local coverage of the officers’ killings. “More people watch the news than the number of people who watch us, and you’ve got to maintain that relationship,’’ he said. “But law enforcement is becoming more skilled and has (our) own platform now that we didn’t have before.’’ But that takes a staff capable of providing regular updates as they balance other responsibilities, a challenge for smaller departments on any day. Sheriff Howard Sills leads rural Georgia’s Putnam County agency, which has no full-time communications staff. He became the primary spokesman during a June manhunt for two inmates accused of killing two prison guards on a transfer bus. Sills provided no social media updates and instead held regular press conferences on the case. He continued taking reporters’ calls on his personal cellphone through the day the inmates were arrested. Traditional media “get things right usually,’’ Sills said. “And if they don’t get things right, it’s usually our fault.’’
In Douglas County, the department cited an ongoing investigation to deny media requests for body camera footage from the call that led to Parrish’s death. Days later, the agency posted its video to Facebook and Twitter , which includes some of the material denied to media. The video omits the shooter’s face and voice. And it includes only audio of the moment Matthew Riehl fired through his bedroom door, fatally wounding Parrish and striking four other officers trying to take the shooter into custody on a mental health hold. In an interview with The Associated Press nine days after the shooting, Douglas County’s sheriff defended releasing the edited video after the department denied journalists’ openrecords requests for the complete footage. “I knew that if I went to the press, radio and television, I’m going to get 60 seconds, and the rest was going to hit the editor’s floor,’’ Spurlock said. “I’m not going to be able to tell the story in such a fashion that I thought was appropriate for the dignity of Zack Parrish and the other four officers that were shot — and what I believe the citizens of Douglas County deserve.’’ Spurlock’s office released roughly 50 hours of unedited body camera video the same day he spoke with the AP. It included Parrish’s shooting, the injured officers’ escape, and arriving officers taking cover as the shooter continued firing. No portion of the unedited footage suggests the office’s video posted on social media inaccurately portrayed the shooting. The files didn’t include Parrish’s body camera footage, and sheriff spokeswoman Lauren Lekander said it won’t be released “due to the sensitive nature of the material recorded on his camera.’’ Members of the SWAT unit that entered the shooter’s apartment and killed him don’t wear body cameras, she said. Social media’s widespread use makes it a tempting resource for law enforcement, but police must use it responsibly, said David Alan Sklansky, a Stanford criminal law professor
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who has studied law enforcement use of technology. “If a department wants its feed to be trusted, it needs to earn that trust partly by making sure it is candid and forthright in what is posted,’’ he said. Failing to uphold that standard can prove damaging, as in San Antonio where the Express News found that a promotional police department video claiming to feature “real 911 calls “ actually included a fake call and two real calls with modified details. The newspaper uncovered the issue by requesting the original 911 recordings. The agency admitted it was a mistake to include some of the calls but defended the video, which was intended to discourage the use of 911 except in emergencies. “This was a hugely successful social media campaign that amassed 122,870 views on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and even more through traditional media nationwide,’’ Jeff Coyle, director of government and public affairs, said in a statement provided to the newspaper. Law enforcement in the other Colorado counties that lost officers this winter, Adams and El Paso , also depended largely on social media to share updates about the shootings, repeatedly directing reporters seeking more detail to those feeds. Meanwhile, press conferences held within hours of the officers’ deaths allowed for no media questions after officials read statements. El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder considers Twitter and Facebook his agency’s best tool to keep the community informed — and to simultaneously provide updates to traditional media. The department posted a stream of updates after Deputy Micah Flick’s February death during a stolen car investigation. Residents inevitably take to social media when they see police swarming an area, and the department’s accounts should provide official updates before others weigh in, Elder said. “We have to be proactive,’’ he said. “Otherwise we’re following the story; we’re letting somebody else write the narrative.’’
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Elbert County News 3
4 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
Hilltop Social Club keeps little school thriving Roots of group that meets near Parker go back nearly a century BY TABATHA STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For nearly 100 years, the ladies of the Hilltop Social Club have gathered at the little schoolhouse located southeast of Parker at 5748 Flintwood Road, to socialize and plan activities within the community. What began as a social club in 1921 has evolved into a preservation society, and the group has lovingly maintained and restored the school that was once the hub of the vibrant country community. Susy Cushman, 76, joined the social club in 1965, and said back then it was the only place ladies of the community could gather. “We didn’t really socialize much back then, we all worked on the farm,” said Cushman. “When we finally had a place to come get together, it was a nice break for all of us and we discussed a lot of community activity here.” The school was finished in 1897, and replaced the original school, which was a log structure. The school received a historic designation in 2003, and is owned by the Douglas County School District, although the ladies of the social club maintain the building.
The Hilltop Social Club has spent more than 90 years protecting and preserving the Hilltop Schoolhouse and maintaining donations such as these books.
A photo of the class of 1931 hangs in the historic Hilltop Schoolhouse in Parker.
TABATHA STEWART
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HILLTOP SOCIAL CLUB
Eileen Enterline, 65, said they each help out where they can, much like women have always done in the community. “We have done most of the improvements ourselves. One member, Elaine Cain, does maintenance, we’ve made curtains, we’ve painted the interior,” said Enterline. “It’s really a labor of love for those of us who just love the history of the area.” Indoor plumbing was added to the schoolhouse in the 1970s, and rather
than tear down the existing outhouses on the back of the property, the social club decided to keep them and paint them to complement the schoolhouse. Handling donations of historic items, especially books, is also a task the club has undertaken, as community members often approach them with old books they don’t want to throw away. Books line shelves in the schoolhouse, as well as original student desks. The social club meets the second
Thursday of each month at noon, and dues, which originally cost 50 cents a year, are now $10 a year. The club hosts several events throughout the year, including the Hilltop Art Fair each May. Funds raised from the events are used to maintain the building. The Hilltop Schoolhouse is also available for rent for special events, including weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries or family gatherings. For more information or reservations contact Lorelei Linwood at 303-660-1616.
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Elbert County News 5
March 22, 2018
Cardinals win diamond opener Elizabeth launches baseball season with 5-3 victory over Cheyenne Mountain BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Elizabeth’s baseball team provided a sizable home crowd with a lot to cheer about March 8 as they opened the season with a 5-3 win over Cheyenne Mountain. The Cardinals led midway through the game but the Indians scored a run to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the fifth inning. Elizabeth retook the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth and added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as they won the game, 5-3. “We are basically a veteran team with 10 seniors on the roster this season,” Cardinals Coach Andrew Melton said. “Most of these guys have varsity experience so we just have to focus on knowing we can win games. We were two games under .500. last season but we are putting that behind us and focusing on winning games by playing good baseball in the field and at the plate.” Melton said pitching will be a team strength this year. “We have two guys who are both No. 1 starters. I call them our 1A and 1B start-
Elizabeth catcher Colt Tyler keeps his eye on a foul fly ball and the fence during the Cardinals March 8 season opener against Cheyenne Mountain. The foul ball sailed out of play but Tyler helped his team as he drilled triple to drive in a run as the Cardinals won the game, 5-3. TOM MUNDS ers, plus we also have two or three good arms in line behind them,” the firstyear head coach said after the game. “Chase Bauer pitched the complete
game for us today, and we will count on him a lot because our other No. 1 pitcher is sidelined for four weeks.” Bauer threw seven innings and gave
up 10 hits and two earned runs. He struck out two and walked two. “I love baseball and started pitching in middle school,” the Cardinal senior said. “My best pitch is my fastball and it is effective when I move it around in the strike zone. He said the game against Cheyenne Mountain was challenging because his off-speed and curve weren’t working well. So he said he focused on moving his fastball around in the strike zone. “I just tried to throw strikes because I knew if they hit it, I knew my defense would make the plays and get the outs,” he said. “I want to focus on making all my pitches effective this year because I want to have a winning record as a pitcher and I want to help our team win games.” The Cardinals banged out six hits by six different players. Four players, Chase Bauer, Garrett Hawkins, Kayne Weidenbacher and Colt Tyler each drove in a run for Elizabeth. Most of Elizabeth’s hits were singles, but Hawkins had a double and Tyler had an RBI triple. Weidenbacher also hit a pair of sacrifice flies. Sam Staroscik had a hit and a walk and scored two runs for the Cardinals. Elizabeth is at Falcon March 13 and they are at home March 17 against Alameda. Then the team makes a long road trip for four games against teams in the Glendale, Arizona area March 19-22.
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6 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
Gone too soon: Part 2 WILSON FROM PAGE 1
around his neck. The sedan, Wilson’s, was cold. A car jack sat beside it, though no tires were flat. A black glove lay near Wilson’s head. He lay face up, his hands bound behind his back. Wilson’s wallet was missing, though his credit cards were never used. “It just doesn’t seem like he fought,” Fry told a Denver Post reporter later. “I didn’t see any scuff marks. His (clothes) were clean, almost pressed.” In Kiowa, 16 miles to the south, news started to spread that a body had been found out on the prairie. “I figured some bum had overdosed out in a field,” said Sarah McFarland, a former student of Wilson’s who knew him well. She was working at the 4-H office in Kiowa for the summer, preparing for the county fair at the end of July. She got the news the next morning. “I had just pulled into the parking lot of the office when a friend texted me,” McFarland said. “I fell to my knees and sobbed. I couldn’t make any sense of it.” Kiowa’s longtime school counselor Liz Morrone got a call from the superintendent. She put down the phone in shock. “My fiancé, Joe, knew something was wrong,” Morrone said. “I sat there numb. The tears kept coming but I wasn’t moving. It had to be a different Randy Wilson.” Wilson’s death was big news, reported by every TV station in Denver. As days passed and details emerged, the community’s shock deepened. “Not just who did it, but why him?” asked McFarland. “Why the way it happened?” ‘Amazing Grace’ An online memorial page began filling with condolences and memories. “Mr. Wilson, you were the only person that has ever explained chemistry in ‘jock’ so I could understand,” wrote one former student. “He stayed seemingly every day after school with a group of us trying to beat concepts into our heads until all of us got it,” wrote another. “He was such a brilliant man that he could have attained anything in life, but chose to spend his days roaming the halls of Kiowa High School and looking after his sons.” Wilson’s funeral was held in the school gym the following Saturday, June 19. TV news cameras
Students remember Wilson as a man of quiet intelligence and confidence, with a subtle sensitive side and a dry wit. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH MCFARLAND
“I had just pulled into the parking lot of the office when a friend texted me, I fell to my knees and sobbed. I couldn’t make any sense of it.” Sarah McFarland, former student of Wilson’s
joined the dense crowd. “People came pouring out from different places,” Morrone recalled. “I didn’t want to be there, but I needed to be. I couldn’t believe the guy I used to make espresso and joke around with was really gone.” Cherie Wyatt, a fellow science teacher who worked closely with Wilson, remembered Wilson’s sister singing “Amazing Grace” at his funeral, and Wilson’s brother telling stories of growing up in Montana. After the funeral, the TV crews left town. ‘Going through the motions’ With Wilson’s death a mystery and no suspects named, Kiowa, a town of about 740 people in Elbert County, took on a more suspicious air, McFarland remembered. “People got less trusting,” Mc-
Farland said. “Before Randy died, I knew lots of folks who would’ve stopped by the side of the road to help a stranger. People stopped doing that. I knew people who hadn’t locked their house in 30 years, who started to after that. It changed the way people looked at the world.” Tidbits of information about the case trickled out in the months that followed. The Denver Post reported in August 2010 that the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office was awaiting test results on evidence sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and that investigators had “good leads.” Returning to school that fall was difficult, Wyatt recalled. “He was all over my room,” Wyatt said. “I would find papers with his name on them. I just couldn’t do anything without running into him.” Wilson’s death took some of the color out of the world. “The year of teaching afterwards was hard,” Morrone said. “We felt like we were going through the motions. A lot of the flair was gone.” Morrone said she hung on to tangible effects long after Wilson was gone. “The computers he set up for me, I wouldn’t let anyone touch them for the longest time,” she said. “They divvied up his belongings, and I got his little blue filing cabinet. It’s in my house now. It means a lot to me.” The loss was wrenching for Kiowa’s students. “It was terribly hard on the kids to have an influence, a father figure like that, and then for him to be ripped from them in such an awful manner,” Morrone said. The investigation The year Wilson died closed without major developments in
the case. Wilson’s son Weston told a 7 News reporter in April 2011 that the family hadn’t heard anything from investigators since December. Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap, who was the undersheriff at the time of Wilson’s death, held a news conference on the case on April 29, 2011, saying that investigators had collected DNA evidence in the case, but were unable to link it to anyone. Heap asked for the public’s help in the investigation, saying investigators had been unable to contact a young couple who were at the Conoco near Bennett around the same time as Wilson. A news reporter was able to contact the couple, who had been traveling to the Aspen Music Festival from Florida the night Wilson died. They were eventually cleared in the case. Heap told a 7 News reporter at the time that investigators were working other leads. “We’ve found multiple things that we haven’t shared with you, and we don’t intend to, that we’ll keep moving forward on,” Heap said. Heap declined to comment for this article. By June 14, 2011, a year had passed since Wilson died with no arrests in the case. Elbert County investigators had crisscrossed the country chasing clues, Sheriff ’s Lt. Michelle Nail told 7 News at the time. Nail said they followed leads in Florida, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington and Oregon, and had developed a “firm theory” for Wilson’s death. “Proving it is another thing,” Nail said. She declined to elaborate on the theory. In the absence of evidence, rumors and theories swirled. “If he recognized a car, he would’ve stopped to help,” McFarland said. “That’s my theory, that he stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have. I honestly thought it was probably someone he taught. They would have known if he caught them doing something wrong, his first stop would’ve been the sheriff.” Wilson’s son Weston posted on the online memorial page that he had spread his father’s ashes on the Grays Peak trail, southwest of Georgetown, on the one-year anniversary of his death. Weston added several photos of himself and his brothers climbing mountains with their dad. Wilson had climbed nearly every Colorado fourteener, Morrone remembered. At the high school, teachers hung a plaque, topped by a framed picture of Wilson, for the Wilson “Einstein” Award, a $200 SEE WILSON, P7
Elbert County News 7
March 22, 2018
Gone too soon: Part 2 WILSON FROM PAGE 6
scholarship given to a senior each year in Wilson’s honor. “Although Mr. Wilson will not be there to personally love and challenge Kiowa’s students, many will be blessed in the years to come in honor of him,” Wyatt wrote online at the time. In 2012, Morrone helped raise funds for Kiowa’s school to build an outdoor classroom dedicated to Wilson: a cluster of benches arranged facing a lectern, fronted by a boulder bearing a plaque, reading in part: “Father, Son, Brother, Teacher, Mentor, Friend.” At the crossroads A wooden cross memorializing Wilson stands at the crossroads where he was found dead. A stone’s throw away, along a barbed-wire fence, a smaller cross, shrouded in grass, marks the spot where his body lay. Heading south from Bennett at night, the crossroads stands out — it’s the first place a driver is forced to slow down, as the otherwise arrow-straight road jags a few hundred feet west around a tight curve. It’s also the first spot on the drive out of view of houses, and few lights are visible on the horizon. Over the hill to the west, about a mile distant, lies Third Bridge, a low bridge over Kiowa Creek that has long been a pilgrimage for Denver-area teens, a location that legend says is haunted by spirits of various tragedies. The site of Wilson’s death was eventually woven into the mystique of the bridge, with “ghost hunter” teens posting YouTube videos of themselves visiting the crossroads late at night. The crossroads is a dark place to those who knew Wilson. “My stomach gets tied up in knots when I drive past where he died,” McFarland said. “It messes with me. I try to keep driving and not focus on it.” The years passed, and Wilson’s death began to scar over. Then, just before Christmas 2017, 7 1/2 years after Wilson was found dead, came a startling announcement: Elbert County investigators had made an arrest in the case. The accused On Dec. 19, the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office announced it had arrested Daniel Pesch, 34, in Littleton. Pesch, who turned 27 only three days before Wilson died, was charged with first-degree murder, resisting arrest, obstructing an officer and attempting to escape. A judge sealed all records in
A small wooden cross marks the spot where Kiowa High School teacher Randy Wilson’s body was found in June 2010. PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT
Dan Pesch, who has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Randy Wilson, in a photo from a December Facebook post. Pesch sold many of his belongings online in the weeks before his arrest, including this mirror. the case almost immediately, and neither investigators, prosecutors, nor Pesch’s public defenders have shared any details in the case. The news opened old wounds for those who knew him. “Now we have to relive it all over again,” McFarland said. “We had
gotten to where we could live without this overwhelming sense of loss and now they’re bringing us back to 2010. I spent the first month after his arrest trying to figure out how I felt. I was relieved, confused, sad — every emotion I could feel.” In some ways, Pesch’s arrest only added to the enigma. “No news for seven years, then they arrest some guy nobody’s ever heard of,” McFarland said. “The way he died, I’m sure there was more than one person involved. Randy was 6 feet tall. He would’ve fought back. There’s no way one person could have subdued him to kill him in that way.” Pesch’s online footprints give some clues to his life. His LinkedIn profile says he earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, in 2006. The profile says he worked as an assistant property manager for Vail Resorts in Keystone from October 2007 to November 2010, which would include the time of Wilson’s death. After that, the profile says he held a handful of restaurant jobs in Breckenridge. The profile’s last entry says Pesch had moved to the Denver
area and started a job at a restaurant at Dry Creek Road and I-25 in May 2017. A search of Pesch’s criminal record reveals a handful more details. Pesch obtained a flurry of traffic tickets, all in either Idaho Springs, Summit County or Breckenridge, around the time of Wilson’s death. In November 2016, Breckenridge police charged him with felony possession of ID documents from multiple people, possession of an illegal weapon and speeding. All the charges were dismissed in February 2017. Breckenridge police were not immediately able to locate an affidavit in the case. More about Pesch comes from his Facebook profile, which he maintained since 2007. The earliest photos on the page show Pesch in his early 20s, goofing around with friends in the mountains, sledding and throwing snowballs. More recent photos show him embracing family members. Records show Pesch was evicted twice: once the winter after Wilson died, and again in September 2017, three months before his arrest. Pesch’s final online footprint comes from December 2017, the month he was arrested. He spent much of the weeks preceding his arrest selling numerous children’s toys and pieces of furniture on a Littleton community Facebook page, posting new items nearly every day. Moving boxes can be seen in the background. Pesch’s next court appearance is expected to be a preliminary hearing at the courthouse in Kiowa, where the prosecution will present some of the evidence against him. The hearing is scheduled for March 30. Until then, those who knew Wilson are left to wait and wonder. “I just want justice for him,” said Karen Carnahan, a former student of Wilson’s who now teaches at the same school. “But I know that no matter how upset we are, he would want us to forgive.” In the meantime, Morrone draws solace from an experience she had in a Denver restaurant the winter after Wilson died. “My wedding was scheduled for the same day as Randy’s birthday,” she said. “Before he died we were joking about how we’d have a great big party. He died in June, and I got married the following November. On the first Valentine’s Day after he died, my husband took me out to dinner. We didn’t tell anyone where we were going. When the waitress brought the bill, she said somebody already paid it for us. We asked who, and she said some guy who already left. We asked her to check, and she came back and said: ‘All I’ve got is Mr. Wilson.’ ”
8 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
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Trustees pick new town administrator in Elizabeth STAFF REPORT
Elizabeth has a new town administrator. The board of trustees selected Matt Cohrs — who has been the assistant to the city manager in Greenwood Village for the past six years — for the position. “I am very humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve Elizabeth as town administrator,” Cohrs said in a news release issued by the town March 14. “It’s a
very special, inviting community that I felt a strong connection with during the interview process and I am looking forward to being a part of it.” Cohrs worked in city government in both Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, before coming to Colorado in 2012. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration, with both degrees earned at Arizona State University. He was the pick from among more than 80
candidates for the job in Elizabeth, according to the town’s news release. “Mr. Cohrs’ skills and knowledge in municipal government are one of the many reasons why we found him to be the perfect selection for such an important position,” reads a statement attributed to the board of trustees. Cohrs, an Aurora resident, will be paid a base annual salary of $100,000. He begins work in Elizabeth on April 2.
Step up to help Cowboy Up continue growth STAFF REPORT
The Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo has expended exponentially in the last three years, and more help is needed to keep the 10-time award-winning rodeo growing. Join the committee and meet the leaders at a meeting from 6-9 p.m. March 28 at the Sawmill Bar & Grill in Elizabeth, at the intersection of Colo. 86 and County Road 13 in the
Safeway shopping center. Snacks and drinks will be served. Among the areas in which volunteers are needed include hospitality, ticketing, security, royalty, customer service, sponsorship, parking and rodeo production. The Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo is a four-time CPRA Super Purse Rodeo of the Year and the fastest growing event in Elbert County. This year’s event is June 22-23. Go to www.CowboyUpInKiowa.com.
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Elbert County News 9
March 22, 2018
Receptacle open for flags no longer suitable for display STAFF REPORT
A new receptacle has been set up by American Legion Post 82, so community members can retire U.S., state and military flags that are no longer in suitable condition for display.
The receptacle is at 228 S. Banner St., Elizabeth. All flags that are left in the receptacle will be properly retired by local Boy Scouts. Bender Menders in Elizabeth dressed up the receptacle, and Legionnaire Mike Hodges modified the barrel to accommodate the flags.
CLUBS Editor’s note: Send new listings or changes to hharden@coloradocommunitymedia. com. Deadline is noon Wednesday a week before publication. Therapeutic riding: Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com. VFW Post 10649: 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http://www.vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions. VFW Post 4266: 7 p.m. the third Monday of every month at the Pinery Fire Station, Community Room Lower Level, 8170 N. Hillcrest Way, Parker. Serving veterans of
foreign wars in Parker, Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas. Go to www.vfwpost4266. org. P.O. Box 4266, Parker, CO 80134. On Facebook at VFW Post 4266, Parker. Waste Not Wednesdays: 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays, at Simla Library. Kids craft and learn with repurposed stuff. Call 719-541-2573 or go to pplibraries.org. Widowed Men and Women of America, a nonprofit organization of the state based in Denver, has more than 5o0 members. The group sponsors social events for members to make new friends and have fun with people who have shared life experiences. Members live in the Denver metro area and surrounding communities. Members are encouraged to visit different links to find the best fit for their interests. Contact Dorothy at 303-794-7547 or Les at 303-797-1209, or go to www.widowedamerica.org. SEE CLUBS, P16
Light Rail Closure at County Line and Lincoln Stations Beginning 9 p.m. March 16 through 3 a.m. March 26 the RTD Lincoln and County Line light rail stations are closing train service due to construction. Limited shuttle service available. Visit rtd-denver.com for bus shuttle schedules during the closure.
Slash-mulch site opens April 7 The County’s main slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock opens April 7 and will remain open on Saturdays only from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 27. For directions and a list of acceptable items visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Slash Mulch.
Business Personal Property Tax Declarations due by April 15 2018 Business Personal Property Tax Declarations may be filed online at www.DouglasFilesOnline.org. Business owners who own or lease business personal property with a total market value greater than $7,400, must report the property to the County Assessor. For more information visit www.douglas.co.us/assessor
Are you a veteran? The Douglas County Office of Veterans Affairs is here to serve veterans and their families. Assistance is available for vocational training, disability compensation, and benefits. Visit www.douglasveterans.org for details.
What’s happening with your 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.
Online Engagement Tool of the Week
Property Tax Inquiry View your parcel details for current and prior year payment history, and obtain current year tax amounts. Visit www.douglas.co.us/ treasurer
Visit www.douglas.co.us
10 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
Ponderosa athlete is master of the mat Cohlton Schultz honored as wrestler of the year BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Ponderosa junior Cohlton Schultz is a modest wrestler who is on his way to becoming one of the best in Colorado. Schultz moved up to 285 pounds and wrapped up an undefeated season (50-0) by winning his third straight Colorado state championship. He has been named the 2017-18 Colorado Community Media South Metro Wrestler of the Year. “It has been a goal to be up among the best that Colorado has ever had,” said Schultz. “Every year is just trying to make one more step towards that. I know I’m a big target going into every match. I have to prepare myself very well. I’ve been working hard for a long time and it’s all paying off.” Schultz started a superlative season by winning the prestigious Dec. 8-9 Walsh Jesuit Ironman in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a tournament in which he was second the past two years. Then he won the Doc Buchannan, a highly Ponderosa junior Cohlton Schultz is the Colorado Community Media South Metro regarded in-season tourney, in early Wrestler of the Year. FILE PHOTO January. All this came after he became the first American to win the world chamGreece in early September. this season turned out to be one of the pionship since 1997, when he captured “He is incredibly confident but best Colorado has ever seen, yet few the Cadet Greco World title in Athens, equally modest about his skills, and have really noticed,” said Tim Yount,
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who publishes Colorado’s On the Mat rankings. “What makes Schultz even more amazing is that he loves being a high school kid who has aspirations to be a college student athlete in due time. “What he did this year won’t be matched again for many years. Not c only did he become the first person P from Colorado to win the Ironman, M he defeated one of the top kids (Seth R Nevills) in the world at the Doc Buh chanan.” j Schultz won the Austrian Junior Greco-Roman on March 3 and contin- b ues to impress in international compe-H tition, but Ponderosa wrestling coach d Tito Rinaldis isn’t worried about s Schultz competing for the Mustangs ass a senior. “He’s got a pretty level head on his a shoulders and understands that a lot g of young kids might be in a hurry to a jump to that next step, and he under- i stands there is an opportunity to build t relationships,” said Rinaldis. “I don’t r c think he wants to forgo any of that. “If you look at the average age of d most Olympic medalists, it is in the late 20s and early 30s. So if he wants to hit that 2020 cycle he might be a bit too young to be at that level. I don’t see him not competing as a senior in high school. I don’t think he wants to forgo the opportunity to be a four-time state champion and be considered one of the best Colorado wrestlers in history.”
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Elbert County News 11
March 22, 2018
Arson K-9 Riley joins state fire agency STAFF REPORT
A new investigator has joined the crew at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and director Mike Morgan has big plans for him. Riley, a 5-year-old black Labrador, and handler Jerry Means will officially join the division in April. Riley was born in Indianapolis, and began his career as a seeing-eye dog. He completed four quarters of guide dog training. However, due to his scent dominance he was designated to serve as an arson dog. Riley attended, along with Means, an intensive national training program, run by the Maine State Police, and graduated from Arson K-9 School in 2014. Riley has investigated more than 300 fires and plays an integral role in arson investigations, locating critical evidence. Means previously served as the division’s primary arson investigator.
Means started working for CBI in 1999 and has investigated more than 1,900 fires in Colorado. Means and Riley also serve as National Ambassadors to the American Humane Association. “Arson is a very serious problem as each year lives are lost and millions of dollars in property damage occur as a result,” Morgan said. “Jerry and Riley offer an extremely valuable service to the public safety community by providing investigative assistance at fire scenes, saving both time and resources for police and fire departments.” The Arson Dog program is funded by State Farm Insurance Companies. It’s available to public safety organizations, such as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, to aid in arson investigations across the United States and Canada. Since its beginning in 1993, State Farm has placed more than 325 dogs in 44 states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.
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12 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
Advocates, lawmakers back efforts to bolster funding House bill, ballot measure would work in tandem to tackle education issues
finance formula. “The last time the formula was updated was in 1994 through the Public School Finance Act of 1994. “If coupled with a separate initiative for ballot, we can increase the size of the pie,” Zenzinger explained. “They go hand in hand. Why have a conversation about changing the formula if we don’t have a commitment to fund it?” The Great Schools, Thriving Communities ballot initiative seeks to increase that pie by creating a quality public education fund financed through higher taxes on incomes above $150,000 and on “C” corporations. Organizers maintain that if passed, the initiative would providing sustainable support for schools by stabilizing property taxes. The ballot initiative is designed in a way to align with the House bill. “We are working together, learning together and coming up with a proposal that would meet everyone’s interest,” said Susan Meek, communication director for Great Education Colorado, the organization sponsoring the ballot initiative. “It wasn’t a good idea to just raise revenue when we could lose it to the Gallagher Amendment.” The Gallagher Amendment is just one factor that makes state education funding in Colorado complex. The Gallagher Amendment, passed in 1982, says the state must adjust the assessment rate of residential real property to ensure the percentage of the assessed value of taxable resi-
BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A state House bill and a ballot measure could increase education funding throughout Colorado. Colorado House Bill 1232, which is currently awaiting hearing by the House Education Committee, seeks to create a new public school funding distribution formula for preschool through secondary education. The modernized school finance formula, proposed by Colorado superintendents, aspires to provide all 178 Colorado school districts with an increased level of funding for all students, while at the same time establishing a more equitable distribution of funding for students who are underserved and/or face the greatest challenges to being ready for college or a career when they finish high school. “The bill making its way through Legislature would change how the pie gets sliced,” said state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, who sits on the Senate education committee and the Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance, which is charged with examining how to update the school
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dential real property relative to the assessed value of all taxable real property remains the same as in 1985. The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), passed in 1992, also causes problems by putting pressure on state resources by generally reducing local share and increasing state share. A third factor is Amendment 23, passed in 2000, which says that the statewide base per pupil funding must annually increase by at least inflation, putting pressure on state resources by increasing the amount of total program funding. In 2010, nationwide recession resulted in lower state revenues, and Gallagher, TABOR, and Amendment 23 combined resulted in a state share amount that was more than the state could pay and still meet other budgetary demands. Because of this, the General Assembly created the negative factor to reduce the state’s share of total program proportionately across school districts. The effect is that the negative factor reduces total program funding for most school districts because of reduced state share. “It’s a complicated set of factors,” said Dr. Jason Glass, superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. “I think the punchline on school funding each year is that the final numbers are determined by the state Legislature. They determine what money is for each school district through a compli-
cated set of factors.” One thing that Glass said makes state education finding even more difficult is that education is competing against other needs in the state. “Everything the state funds is underfunded,” Glass said. “Legislature is going through the process of balancing needs to determine right mixture. We don’t know if it’s a year they want to highlight transportation over education.” Issues in funding that the interim committee is looking at include whether the state is counting students correctly and whether it is adequately defining who is at-risk, cost-of-living adjustments and district sizes. But Zenzinger said even if all those problems are addressed, there is still the local share problem that the Gallagher Amendment, TABOR and Amendment 23 create. “We have to make sure that we are doing a better job of having the necessary resources to eliminate that negative factor that comes at the end of the process,” Zenzinger said. “The proposal the superintendents are putting forward will help modernize that formula, but it’s worthless if at the end of the day we end up carving up the same pie. “We need to have a really honest conversation about whether that base amount is adequate and equitable and whether that base amount is even close to what the national average is. And it’s not.”
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Directed by Wren T. Brown, founder of L.A.'s Ebony Repertory Theatre, August Wilson's Fences revolves around the life of garbage collector Troy Maxson. When his rise through the Negro baseball leagues hit the ceiling of racial prejudice, Maxson turned away from a world of unfulfilled promises and denied opportunities. But in 1957, his son Cory, an emerging football star, sees the world through very different eyes, and his wife Rose yearns for an outlet for her love. Featuring a stellar cast of stars of stage and screen, Fences is a sensational drama that will move you deeply, staying with you long after you leave the theater.
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Elbert County News 13
March 22, 2018
End of an era: Toys R Us is going the way of stickball Retailer to close or sell all of its stores in the United States BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO ASSOCIATED PRESS
For decades, children ran down the sprawling aisles of Toys R Us in awe of the Barbies, the bikes and other toys laid out in front of them. Parents lined up for the latest Christmas fad, even if it meant standing in the rain. And, of course, there was that jingle that bored into your brain: “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid ...’’ But all of that looks as if it’s coming to an end. Toys R Us is going out of business in the U.S., announcing plans recently to close or sell its 735 stores across the country, including its Babies R Us stores, in a move that jeopardizes more than 30,000 jobs. The superstore chain could no longer bear the weight of its heavy debt load and relentless trends that hurt its business, namely competition
from the likes of Amazon, discounters like Walmart, and mobile games. At shopping centers around the country, the news was met with sadness and nostalgia. “My first toy came from Toys R Us when I was young, and I had a Barbie Corvette that you could drive,’’ recalled Raven Cornell, 29, at a Toys R Us in Fayetteville, Georgia. Sidney Corum, 4, was with his grandfather at the same store when he heard the news. “Mad. I go so angry. I fight. I will fight them,’’ he said. Plenty of other toy chains have gone out of business over the past few years, among them KB Toys and Zany Brainy. But with the likely demise of Toys R Us, a piece of Americana is going away. (Toys R Us still has more than 700 stores outside the U.S., but those, too, are contracting fast.) Toys R Us traces its roots to 1948, when its founder, Charles Lazarus, opened Children’s Bargain Town, a baby furniture store in Washington. Lazarus opened the first Toys R Us in 1957, and in 1965 Geoffrey the giraffe became the company’s mascot.
“My first toy came from Toys R Us when I was young, and I had a Barbie Corvette that you could drive.’’ Raven Cornell, 29 He appeared in his first TV commercial in 1973. Toys R Us dominated the toy store business in the 1980s and early ‘90s, when it was one of the first of the category killers — big stores that are so totally devoted to one thing and have such impressive selection that they drive smaller competitors out of business. Lazarus, who remained at the helm until 1994, stacked the merchandise high to give shoppers the feeling it had an infinite number of toys. But it wasn’t just the stuff that Toys R Us sold; it was the feeling parents and children would get when they roamed the aisles. “You weren’t just buying
a toy. You were going into a magical experience. It was like going into Santa’s workshop,’’ said Jim Silver, a longtime New York-based toy expert. Over the decades, children used Toys R Us as a playground where they would meet others they wouldn’t see in the schoolyard. In the 1990s, when Pokemon was hot, children would bring shoeboxes filled with the cards, and they would trade them in the store. Toys R Us was also the launch pad for what became some of the industry’s hottest toys, such as Zhu Zhu pets in 2008. Other retailers like Walmart wouldn’t take such risks on new toys from
little-known brands. It will be a little sad,’’ said Serone Francis, a mother of two who was loading her car at the Toys R Us in Fayetteville. She said her kids ``like to just come and look around even if I don’t buy anything. They’re going to miss it. I’m going to miss it.’’ Erin Finney of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was at her local Toys R Us with her two of her three sons, ages 2 and 4. “This is the toy store,’’ she said, noting she comes with her boys because they love to play with and actually touch all the toys. “The look in their eyes is ooooh,’’ she said. But over the past decade, Toys R Us had been losing ground. Shoppers were increasingly using the stores as showrooms: They would check out the toys and then buy them cheaper online at places like Amazon. “I grew up at Toys R Us,’’ said Bryan Mann, a father of two who was at the Fayetteville store. “Things came out new. You go to the stores and grab them. Fight in line to get things. Kind of glad I won’t have to do that anymore. It’s nostalgic, but I understand why they struggle.’’
14 Elbert County News
LOCAL
March 22, 2018M
VOICES Remembering a woman who made a clean slate of cleaning
M
argaret Atwood which one it is. In the meantime, QUIET — remember the dog goes out of his mind. her? — said, “In I was looking for a good quote DESPERATION the spring, at the about spring, and that’s how I found Atwood. She’s Canadian. end of the day, you should If she were an American, she’d smell like dirt.” be on a stamp someday. Her life To be honest, I had never has been impressive. heard of Atwood, but I Of course, anyone can be on a liked the quote. The quote stamp these days. You can have led me to her. She is a stamps made with anything you novelist and a poet and an want on them, and they’re legal inventor. tender. I invented something Craig Marshall I don’t feel any differently that never got off the about spring than I do about ground. I am still looking Smith winter, unless we’ve had a good for an investor. sock of winter. And we haven’t. I invented a smoke alarm that Spring will be welcome neverthedoesn’t chirp you to death. It says, in less, even though I don’t have any dirt. a soothing voice, “My battery is low, I don’t plant anything, and I never Craig.” have. Maybe it was too much apart(You could program it to say, “My ment living when I was younger. Or battery is low, Otis,” if your name was maybe it is an ineptitude when it Otis, or even if it wasn’t.) comes to home-growing flowers and Every time one of my smoke alarms vegetables. fatigues and chirps, I spend 20 minThere are a few things that change utes or more trying to determine
around here when spring arrives. Russell shows up, for one thing. Russell will get the sprinkler system running and tell me a bad joke while he’s doing it. The yard will be aerated and fed. And finally the mower will come out and make too much racket. Spring cleaning? There will be none. Cleaning is year around, partly because of my mother, who at one time owned five vacuum cleaners. They weren’t all alike. Each one was designated for a different purpose and zone. The upright couldn’t go where the handheld could go. Our house was never a home. It was always too clean. I keep a clean house, but it is nothing like the houses I lived in when I was growing up. I felt like the Bubble Boy without the bubble. Crumbs were the enemy. The bad boy in me then, which holds true today, left crumbs for my mother to ferret.
It wasn’t entirely objectionable to her: It rewarded her, and gave her day a purpose. She’s gone, and I wish I could ask her what she did all day, home alone, while dad was at work, and while Cindy and I were in school. I think I know the answer: She cleaned things over and over, and cleaned things that didn’t need to be cleaned. I know she didn’t watch television or drink or take snoozes. She cleaned. Former Texas governor Ann Richards said she did not want her tombstone to read, “She kept a really clean house.” My mother, however, good old Shirley, would have loved a legacy exactly like that. Dirt at the end of the day, Margaret Atwood, was unthinkable. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.
Listen first, respond second, and do both with great care
O WINNING WORDS
Michael Norton
ver the past 10 years, many of you have asked me a similar question. You have asked me for one of the best lessons that I have learned over the course of my career and my life. Historically I have not called them out specifically, instead I have strived to pass along some of those lessons through insights shared in this weekly column. Today, however, I will share what I believe is one of the greatest life lessons I have ever learned. May it have the same impact on you as it did on me. In 2008, my boss, my mentor, and my friend Zig Ziglar was asked to speak at an executive retreat for about 400 people. The sponsoring corporation was a Fortune 50 company. The executive retreat was taking place over three days and they had several big-name celebrities, subject matter experts, and professional athletes who were going to speak to the group at different times over the three-day event. Mr. Ziglar was going to be the last speaker on the final day of the retreat. And for me, well I was the president of the company at the time and I was invited to the event as well. Mostly I was just Zig’s bag man and I was happy and proud to have that job for Zig at any time. Mr. Ziglar was scheduled to speak in the afternoon. The lunch that day was held
oceanside with white linen tablecloths and a fine dining experience set up on the beach. We were invited to sit with the CEO, the CFO, and the chairman of the board along with the other guest speakers and celebrities who were participating that week. At that point they had all given their talk and the only one left to speak was Zig Ziglar later that afternoon. As we enjoyed lunch, there were some very good discussions going on. Some very intriguing questions and stimulating conversation. I watched and observed Mr. Ziglar as he quietly and deliberately ate his lunch and took it all in. At a table with some very highly educated people, extremely business savvy folks, and celebrities who were not at a loss for opinions or words, it became obvious that Mr. Ziglar was not participating in the conversation. Not yet anyway. A question came up and before anyone else could answer the CEO stopped and asked Mr. Ziglar if he would like to share his thoughts. And Zig looked at me, winked, put down his fork and knife and said, “Thank you, I thought you would never ask, and why yes I do have a thought or two I would like to share.” The question was about character and integrity in a corporate environment. Zig summed it all up, confidently, quietly, with
conviction, and from a position of confidence based on his own fundamental belief system. I can’t include every single word Zig spoke that day, so I will give you the punch line, “Reputation is what you have done in this life, character and integrity is who you are.” In sharing one of life’s great lessons with you, you might be thinking it is Mr. Ziglar’s response that I quoted above. Although it certainly is another great life lesson, the lesson I want to pass along is how Mr. Ziglar, at a table with prominent and powerful business executives, celebrities, and professional athletes, did not get caught up in the “who’s who” of life. He sat quietly, listened, waited for his moment, and then provided a response that had every single person at the table hanging on the edge of their seat. How often do we just jump in and try and become part of a conversation, competing for air time, and wanting to prove our knowledge? How often do we think about what it is we want to say instead of listening, truly listening, and waiting for the appropriate time to respond? It’s one thing to read books, watch videos and take courses on best practices and business principles, and I strongly SEE NORTON, P15
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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.
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Elbert County News 15
March 22, 2018
THINGS TO DO Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 E. Parker Road, Parker. Fried fish, baked fish or nuggets served with cole slaw, fried or baked potato, mac and cheese and dinner rolls. Homemade desserts also sold. Uncharted Series: FACE: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. FACE is an internationally known a cappella rock group. Go to http:// parkerarts.org/ The Parker Players Present: Improv Duel: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at The Studio at Mainstreet, 19600 Mainstreet, Parker. Team vs. team improv comedy in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Family-friendly. Go to www.eventbrite.com and search Parker events. ABBA-MANIA: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Featuring authentic costumes, powerful vocals and extraordinary stage presence, the people behind ABBA-MANIA re-create the magic and excitement of the landmark Swedish power-pop group. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Watercolor Class: noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Hobby Lobby, 10901 S. Parker Road, Parker. For grades 8-12. Led by Parker Artist Guild member Kristine Orr. Registration required atwww.parkerartistsguild. com/classes/youth. Rocky Mountain Brassworks: Celtic Extravaganza: 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://www.rockymountainbrassworks.org. Lifetree Café Discussion Group: 5-6 p.m. Monday, March 26 (Do Good Dogs Go to Heaven? Questions About Animals and the Afterlife) at DAZBOG, 202 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Call 303-814-0142. Go to LifetreeCafe. com. Comedy & Cocktails: 8-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts. org/. Tchaikovsky in Florence: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1 at Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker. Chamber Music Series program features renowned cellist Matthew Zalkind and the DU Lamont School of Music
NORTON
FROM PAGE 14
advocate for all of those as we grow personally and professionally. But I was so very blessed to have watched it happen real-time, live, and right in yfront of my eyes. I still pinch myself whenever I think about my 12 years of working with Zig Ziglar, his family, and the many people who were part of the Ziglar corporation. The lesson: Humble quietness, active listening, and responding from a position of confidence and conviction when appropriate. No blustering to hear yourself speak.
string department. Go to http://parkerarts. org/ Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments; 24-hour notice appreciated. Call Kay Campbell, 719- 541-4275, or 800825-0208 for reservations. Go to www. eccog.com for reservations, information and each month’s schedule. April schedule: Monday, April 2, Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs; Tuesday, April 3, Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs; Tuesday, April 10, Elizabeth to Colorado Springs or Parker; Thursday, April 12, Good Samaritan Nursing Home residents; Monday, April 16, Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs; Tuesday, April 17, Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs; and Thursday, April 26, Simla and Matheson to Limon. The Power of Story: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Nanette Fimian Randall, of Memoirs by Design, presents program with topics including becoming a storyteller; sharing memories and making them last; remembering our special storytellers; and learning that life has something to teach us still. Go to parkerarts.org.
South Denver’s museum exhibits and galleries is included for all who attend. Go to bit.ly/MKDC2018SCF to register. Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at the Elizabeth Public Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Clinic is for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans’ issues, and civil protection orders. Walk-ins welcome; everyone helped on first-come, first-served basis. Additional 2018 dates are May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Emergency Preparedness Clinic: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa. The Preparing Your Horse for a Disaster Situation clinic will focus on prioritizing, making prior arrangements, identifying your horse, pre-
paring your facilities and more. Afterward, a trailer loading clinic will follow from 1-4 p.m. Space is limited. Call 303-688-0553 or email nccadams3@gmail.com to RSVP. Fermentation: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Hear Dr. Andrew Hawkins, a Ph.D. trained microbiologist, teach you about all the good stuff fermentation can do as well as how microbes help us live a happier, healthier, and fuller life. Go to parkerarts. org. 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 he Elizabeth Library. All donations from book sales benefit the Elizabeth Library.
Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. To place a calendar item, go to eventlink.coloradocommunitymedia.com.
Rhyolite Bike Park Dirt Crew: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at Philip S. Miller Library, 100 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Group helps maintain and improve the bike park at Rhyolite Regional Park. Go to http://crgov. com/2370/Trail-Maintenance-Groups. Wiley and the Hairy Man: 10-11:10 a.m. Saturday, April 7 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Best of PAG Spring Show: Sunday, April 8 to Saturday, May 5 at Deep Space Gallery, 11020 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker. Parker Artists Guild show includes an opening reception from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 8; a community open house from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18; and the First Friday Art Walk season opener from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, May 4. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Call 720-6757932. Contact Kay Galvan, galv56@gmail. com. Macaroni Kid Douglas County Summer Camp and Activities Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8 at CU South Denver, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker. Admission to the CU
So how about you? Do you make it a point to listen, truly listen, and then respond when appropriate or are you already thinking about what you want to say? Maybe you too have mastered the art of quiet humbleness and active listening. Either way, I would live to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we are blessed enough to capture one of life’s lesson and then apply it in our own life, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the president of the Zig Ziglar Corporate Training Solutions Team, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.
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16 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
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FROM PAGE 9
What’s up Wednesdays: 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Kiowa Library. Free STEAM activities for kids and parents. Call 303-648-3533 (Elbert) or 303-621-2111 (Kiowa) or go to pplibraries.org. Women’s Divorce Workshop: 8:30 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of each month at Southeast Christian Church, 9650 Jordan Road, Parker. Check in from 8-8:30 a.m. Register online at www.divorceworkshopdenver.com. Legal, financial and social issues of divorce. Volunteer presenters include an attorney, mediator, therapist and wealth manager. Discussion items include co-parenting, child support, family coping, tax consequences, property division, hostile spouses and more. Contact 303-210-2607 or info@divorceworkshopdenver.com. 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 in the Denver area every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. To find a meeting near you, call 303-322-4440, or go to www.daccaa.org. Affordable Colleges Online: guidebook 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 industry-specific scholarships and funding for special
Camping Singles: 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Membership ranges from 40s to 60-plus. Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others, and starry nights around the camp fire. We usually camp in designated forest service or state park campgrounds within 2 to 5 hours of Denver. Contact campingsingles@gmail. com Castle Rock Bridge Club: 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock. Friendly, ACBL-sanctioned duplicate games. 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. Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association: 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Mainstreet. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479. Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse: 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. Go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/
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posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456. Elizabeth American Legion, Post 82: a veteran’s association supporting veterans, their families and the community, meets the first Monday of every month (except when the first Monday is a holiday, in which case the meeting is the second Monday) at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. Social hour begins at 5:30 and the regular business meeting starts at 6:30. Friday Afternoon Club meets from 5-7 p.m. every Friday and Veterans Coffee Club meets every Wednesday from 8-11 a.m. for social time with other veterans. All Veterans are invited to all meetings, we’d like to see you. Website: aml82.org. Elizabeth Food Bank: 12:30-3 p.m. Friday and 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday at 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church); available to help anyone who needs food. Other times by appointment. Game Night: 4 p.m. Mondays at the Kiowa Library; call 303-621-2111. Also, 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; call 303-648-3533. Enjoy board, card, and video games for all ages. Go to pplibraries.org. Kiowa Creek Food Pantry: open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa. Distribution 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 at 303-621-2376. 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: 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney. 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 welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. LEGO Master Brickster: 3:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Kiowa Library. Build LEGO stuff together. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org. Mystery Book Club: 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.
Elbert County News 17
March 22, 2018
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18 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Editor’s note: Send new listings or changes to hharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Deadline is noon Wednesday a week before publication. 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. Arthritis Foundation, Colorado/Wyoming Chapter: Helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to care, advancements in sciences and community connections.
Need: Walk to Cure Arthritis committee members and general office volunteer support. Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute Walk to Cure Arthritis. We combat arthritis every day, so support from volunteers so that we can serve people is crucial. Contact: Amy Boulas, aboulas@arthritis.org, 720-409-3143. ASSE International Student Exchange Program: Organizes student exchange programs Need: Local host families to provide homes for boys and girls age 15-18 from a variety of coutries. Contact: Cathy Hintz, 406-488-8325 or 800-733-2773 AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program: Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world. Need: Host families for international high school students ages 15-18 studying in the Denver area. Requirements: To provide students with a safe home, meals and transportation for 5-10 months. All family types are considered. Must fill out onlilne application and pass background check. Contact: Adrienne Bivens, 720-467-6430 or abivens@ayusa.org. Go to www.ayusa.org. Castle Rock Senior Activity Center: Provides services to local seniors Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments, the grocery store, pharmacies and more. Contact: Steph Schroeder, 303-688-9498
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Douglas/Elbert Task Force: Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis. Need: Volunteers to assist in the food bank, client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street. Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, ext. 32 Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center: Cares for homeless horses and other equines. Need: Volunteers to work with horses and other opportunities. Requirements: Must be 16 years old, pass a background check, and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. Other Information: Two-hour orientation provides an overview of the services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers.
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: With proper training and clearances, volunteers help with patrol, fingerprinting, records keeping, community event security services, disaster response and management (wildfire, tornado, blizzard, flood, disaster relief, etc.). Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older; retired individuals are great. Must complete a employment application, pass a background check, and complete interviews. After being sworn in, in the first three months of membership, complete a minimum of 45 hours of orientation and training curriculum. After this 90-day probationary period, members must log a minimum of 10 hours of month and attend monthly training meetings. Persons ages 15-20, may join the Elbert County Sheriffs Explorer POST that is associated with the Posse. Contact: David Peontek at djp1911@msn.com or 303-646-5456. Go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html; print out and complete an employment application and turn it into the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in Kiowa, “Attn: David Peontek.” T Girl Scouts of Colorado: Youth organization f for girls Need: Troop leaders, office support, administrative help and more Age requirement: Men and women, 18 and older Contact: www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org, inquiry@gscolorado.org or 1-877-404-5708
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Elbert County News 19
March 22, 2018
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Tenor Nathan Ward and mezzo-soprano Katherine Beck in Opera Colorado Young Artist Program’s abridged, English-language, and family-friendly production of Rossini’s “Cinderella.” OPERA COLORADO/JAMIE KRAUS
Planting seeds for opera appreciation Organization reaches 40,000 students a year through its outreach program BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Even opera singers understand that their artform of choice can be easy to make fun of at times, even if the things people assume about opera are wrong. “People think operas are impossible to understand, or that they’re just people screaming on stage,” said Cherity Koepke, director of education and community programs and director of Opera Colorado’s Young Artist Program. “A lot of people think opera singers are all old, but they don’t understand the diversity of voices coming from the next generation of singers.” Nathan Ward, who initially studied cello and piano in high school, understands the hesitancy many people have towards the centuries-old musical form. “I was skeptical even while I was watching my first opera, right until the end, when I heard all these motifs woven together,” Ward, who is a member of the Young Artist Program, remembers. “Now, I get to be part of the first opera experience for students all over Colorado, and that means a lot.” Since its creation in 1983, Opera Colorado has been working to keep the form alive and thriving in the metro area and elsewhere in the state through performances at the Ellie
IF YOU GO WHAT: Family Day at the Opera WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1385 Curtis St., Denver WHEN: Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 24 COST: Free, but must register in advance INFORMATION: To register and for more information, visit www.operacolorado.org/ tickets/family-day/ WHAT: “Falstaff” WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1385 Curtis St., Denver WHEN: May 5, 8, and 11 — 7:30 p.m. May 13 — 2 p.m. COST: $25-$200 INFORMATION: www.operacolorado.org/ Caulkins Opera House, in classrooms, and theaters in towns like Telluride and Steamboat Springs. “We produce two large-scale, grand operas a year, and a contemporary, smaller chamber piece in the winter,” said Greg Carpenter, general and artistic director of Opera Colorado. “Some of our most significant work is our work with young people — by going into schools and touring with our young adults program, we reach about 40,000 students a year.” In May, Opera Colorado will be producing Giuseppe Verdi’s comic opera, “Falstaff,” but it has an equally exciting day coming on Saturday, March 24 — Family Day at the Opera. Created as a free way to introduce parents and children alike to opera, the event allows people to see members of the Young Artist Program perform shortened, English versions of the touring productions — in this case, “Cinder-
ella” and “The Elixir of Love.” There will also be activities, food, and other fun ways to experience the world of opera. Audiences literally sit on stage at the performers’ feet. “After being with the organization’s education department for years, I’ve found the best way to get children in opera is to show them the classics, instead of operas created specifically for children,” Koepke said. “What we do is abridge the opera, and translate it into English, but it’s still the classic. We’ve also found making connections to their lives helps kids relate to the opera.” The Young Artist Program is eight months long and provides the seven members with smaller mainstage roles, mentorship, coaching, and opportunities to do community outreach. As a member, Ward sees how open to opera children can be, especially without the preconceived notions so many adults are saddled with. “It’s great that kids be willing to try this art form, or at least listen to more of it, because of the performances we do,” he said. “This music has existed for centuries because it is good, and if we can get kids to have an open mind, that’s great.” Even if the children who watch the opera aren’t inspired to be a performer of any kind, there’s still a variety of careers available, from lights and tech to make up and sound design. “The themes of opera are as relevant today as when they were written,” Carpenter said. “Going to the opera a great chance to do something social with people, something you can go to dinner and discuss.”
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20 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
‘Sleeping Beauty’ comes to stage at Denver’s Mizel center “Sleeping Beauty,” as conceived by Denver Children’s Theatre, which is presenting its 21st annual professionally staged production for children, involves a feisty Briar Rose and her friend Gryff, the half-dragon, as well as two witches and Prince Owain. Plays through May 4 at the Elaine Wolf Theatre at Mizel Arts and Community Center SONYA’S (Jewish Community Center), 350 S. Dahlia SAMPLER St., Denver. Performances at 1 p.m. Sundays and for school groups weekdays at 10. Tickets $10, $12, 303-316-6360, www. jccdenver.org/event/ denver-childrenstheatre/.
offers an opportunity for participants with mild memory loss to enjoy handson garden-related projects at 10 a.m. to noon on April 3. Free, but registration required. 1007 York St., Denver, 720865-3500, botanicgardens.org. Rangers at library “Redwoods: Nature’s Tupperware for Carbon Storage,” “Legends of the Aurora Borealis” and “Spirit Trees” will be topics discussed by Red Rocks College Ranger Interpretation trainees at 7 p.m. April 10 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Free. 303-795-3961. Women’s history The Center for Colorado Women’s History opened March 21 at the Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St., Denver. The focus of the first state museum on the past, present and future accomplishments of Colorado women will be on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures, public school tours and exhibits. Jillian Allison is director. Byers-Evans open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Members free. Tickets: $6/$5/$4. 303-620-4933.
Marlea Taylor Sonya Ellingboe Englewood artist and former teacher Marlea Taylor will exhibit her latest mosaic creations, inspired by vacation trips, in the café at Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscayne Circle, Centennial during the month of April. Library hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Free community dinner The monthly free community dinner date for March is March 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1609 W. Littleton Blvd. March menu: Easter ham, baked potatoes, confetti
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SPARK at Chatfield Farms In partnership with the Colorado chapter of SPARK! Alzheimer’s Association, Denver Botanic Gardens
Princess Briar Rose, Prince Owain and Gryff from Denver Children’s Theatre’s new production at the Elaine Wolf Theatre, Mizel Community Center. RDG PHOTOGRAPHY.
corn, Waldorf salad, fresh fruit, handheld desserts. All are welcome. No reservations required. Information: 303-798-1389 or fpcl.org/ dinner. Rachel Applehans Fia NyXX, Rachel Applehans from Westminster, will perform on March 25 at the Clocktower in Denver. She grew up in Denver and graduated from Standley Lake High School. 303293-0075, clocktowercabaret.com. Band members sought The Castle Rock Band invites percussionists, brass and woodwind players to join this community band and
play under conductor Andy Goodiger for free community concerts. Rehearsals on alternate Monday evenings at Faith Lutheran Church, 303 Ridge Road, Castle Rock. Information: visit castlerockband.org or email CastleRockBand@aol.com.
Performance Now “The Producers” by Mel Brooks is presented March 23-April 1 by Performance Now Theatre Company at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Tickets start at $20, 303-987-7845, Lakewood.org/ LCCpresents.
Elbert County News 21
March 22, 2018
Volunteers preserve historic apple trees Trees thought to be 120 years old, still producing fruit BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A group of volunteers recently took to the small but resilient orchard of the Lucas Homestead, located on Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown, hunting for apple tree scions. Their mission: to preserve and expand the historic apple orchard on the site. Scions are cuttings of young shoots on trees taken for the purpose of creating new root stock, so more trees can be planted. The apple trees comprising the Lucas Homestead orchard are thought to be 120 years old. Despite their age, the trees still produce apples of at least three varieties. From the new plantings, volunteers also hope to identify precisely what varieties grow on the homestead. The original apple trees were likely planted by the Lucas family when they homesteaded the property in 1894, possibly with saplings from another historic site in Douglas County, the Lambert Orchard Company, established in 1896 near Sedalia. The Lucas Homestead orchard holds a special sentiment for Ron Claussen,
Volunteers dipped the scions in wax to seal the cut ends.
Volunteers stand in the apple orchard near what remains of the Lucas Homestead family home. COURTESY PHOTOS a volunteer naturalist with Castlewood Canyon State Park and former park employee who’s taken an interest in researching the orchard’s history. He explains the placement of the trees on the Lucas property, where they sit to the east of the family’s home on a slope, was strategic to ensure water drained to the orchard, the
trees would receive adequate sunlight and that they’d receive wind protection. “So, they would hopefully survive,” he said. Bases on his knowledge of the homesteaders’ lifestyles, he imagines how the Lucas family would have picked the apples for cooking pies, cobblers
or other recipes that were “a real treat for them.” Claussen said the effort to plant new trees comes at an important time. The orchard lost two trees this past year to blight issues, bringing the total trees down to seven. The volunteers hope to grow that number back to 10 or 11 trees once the grafting process is complete. “They all have been very stressed over 100 years,” he said. “When the experts come out, they talk about how amazing it is that they’re actually still alive.”
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Misc. Notices ALL MEN WELCOME Elbert County Men of Valor Monthly Meeting Saturday March 17 7:30AM At The American Legion Hall Post 82 228 S Banner Street, Elizabeth
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22 Elbert County News
Notices
March 22, 2018M
Public Notices Public Notice
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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:
Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.
WILLIAM ROY JOLLY 1331 N DIXIE DOWNS RD #1221 SAINT GEORGE, UT 84770 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:
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.
Legal Summary Section: 10 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 10 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 12 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 12 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 12 Township: 7 Range: 58 Section: 14 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 14 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 18 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 2 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 2 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 2 Township: 7 Range: 57 Section: 2 Township: 7 Range: 58 Section: 20 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 22 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 22 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 24 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 24 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 26 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 26 Township: 6 Range: 58 Section: 28 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 30 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 32 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 34 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 34 Township: 6 Range: 58 SEE CARDS FOR LEGALS & INTEREST Section: 4 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 4 Township: 7 Range: 57 Section: 6 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 8 Township: 6 Range: 57 Section: 8 Township: 6 Range: 58Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS Block: 000 Lot: 0001 THRU:Lot: 0007, Subdivision: SEVERED MINERALS LOT 2(NW4NE4) 71.11 A; S2NE4 80 A; LOT 3(NE4NW4) 71.07 A; LOT 4(NW4NW4) 71.03 A; S2NW4 80 A; SW4 160 A; W2SE4 80 A; 4-6-57 613.21 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 16.559 MRA SW4NE4 40 A; LOT 3(NE4NW4 71.25 A; LOT 5 (SW4NW4) 12.8 A; SE4NW4 40A; LOT 6(NW4SW4) 14.51 A; LOT 7(SW4SW4) 16.22 A; E2SW4 80 A; NW4SE4 40A; 6-657 314.78 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.250 MRA SW4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 2-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 8.641 MRA NE4 160 A; E2NW4 80 A; E2SE4 80 A; 8-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.320 MRA NE4NE4 40 A; S2NE4 80 A; S2NW4 80 A; NE4SW4 40 A; W2SE4 80 A; 10-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.320 MRA NE4 160 A; NW4 160 A 12-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.320 MRA SW4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 12-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 8.641 MRA NE4 160 A; NW4 160A; SW4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 14-6-57 640 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 17.282 MRA NE4 160 A; NE4NW4 40 A; LOT 1(NW4NW4) 17.54 A; LOT 2(SW4NW4) 17.6 A; LOT 3 (NW4SW4) 17.68 A; LOT 4(SW4SW4) 17.74 A; E2SW4 80 A; SE4 160 A; 18-6-57 430.56 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 5.1832 MRA W2NE4 80A; SE4NE4 40 A; S2SW4 80 A; N2SE4 80 A; SW4SE4 40 A; 20-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.320 MRA NE4 160 A; NW4 160 A; SW4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 22-6-57 640 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 17.283 MRA NE4 160 A; NW4 160 A; SW4 160 A; W2SE4 80 A; NE4SE4 40 A; 24-6-57 600 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 8.101 MRA NE4 160 A; 26-6-57 160 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 2.160 MRA NE4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 28-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 8.641 MRA NW4 160 A; SW4 160 A; 28-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/4 INT 4.320 MRA NE4 160 A; E2NW4 80 A; LOT 1(NW4NW4) 17.97 A; LOT 2(SW4NW4) 18.08 A; E2SW4 80 A; LOT 3 (NW4SW4) 18.18 A; LOT 4(SW4SW4) 18.29 A: SE4 160 A; 30-6-57 552.52 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 14.920 MRA SW4 160 A; SE4 160 A; 32-6-57 320 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 8.641 MRA NE4 160 A; NW4 160 A; SW4 160 A;SE4 160 A 34-6-57 640 A 5.40062% OF 1/2 INT 17.283 MRA LOT 1(NE4NE4) 69.64 A; SE4NE4 40 A; LOT 3 (NE4NW4) 69.4 A; E2SE4 80 A; 2-6-58 259.08 A 5.40062% OF 3/4 INT 10.493 MRA LOT 2(NW4NE4) 69.52 A; 2-6-58 69.52 A 5.40062% OF 3/4 INT 2.816 MRA
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Certificate Number: 2014-01886 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 2015; That said mineral rights was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of WILLIAM ROY JOLLY for said year 2015; 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 21st day of June 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 March 1, 2018, March 8, 2018 and March 15, 2018. Witness my hand this 20th day of February 2018 Richard Pettitt, Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado Legal Notice No.: 24015 First Publication: March 1, 2018 Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 29, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News
Mineral Rights total MINERAL ACRES 298.707
Elbert County * 2
Elbert County * 2
CECE YVONNE GARZA; A GRADE A MORTGAGE, INC., Delinquent June 1, 2009; SPECIALTY LENDING GROUP LLC, Colorado Authority Relinquished January 25, 2010; COMPASS BANK; DITECH FINANCIAL LLC fka GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC; RICK PETTITT, Elbert County Public Trustee
March 22, 2018
Elbert County News 23
Broncos will make their Case with new quarterback BY ARNIE STAPLETON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Case Keenum is joining his fifth team in five years and the Denver Broncos are turning to their fifth quarterback since Peyton Manning retired 24 months ago. General manager John Elway called Keenum “a great fit for us’’ after the sixth-year pro parlayed a breakout year in Minnesota into a two-year, $36 million deal with Denver on March 14. “Along with that experience,’’ Elway said, “his leadership and competitiveness are what you look for in a quarterback.’’ Elway, by the way, isn’t done looking at quarterbacks. Elway and coach Vance Joseph were in Norman, Oklahoma, checking out Baker Mayfield’s pro day when free
agency opened March 14. Then, the next day, they were headed for Los Angeles to watch Josh Rosen’s pro day at UCLA. The Broncos were busy when free agency opened, keeping linebacker Todd Davis (three years, $15 million); adding cornerback Tramaine Brock (one year, $4 million); finalizing Aqib Talib’s trade to the Los Angeles Rams; and moving quarterback Trevor Siemian to the Vikings. Besides Mayfield and Rosen, other potential, long-term fixes for franchises with quarterback quandaries include Wyoming’s Josh Allen, USC’s Sam Darnold, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph. Coming off a career-changing season, Keenum was widely considered the second-most attractive veteran QB on the market behind Cousins. And he is a
Attorneys for Plaintiff: Name: Alcock Law Group, PC Tammy M. Alcock, Esq. Address: 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 210 Parker, CO 80138 Phone No.: (303) 993-5400 interceptions. player the Broncos know Atty. Reg. #: well 39816 because Tammy@Alcocklawgroup.com His signature Gary Kubiak, now the Broncos’ senior Case No.: 2018 CV 30003
moment was that last-second 61-yard touchdown toss to personnel adviser, had him for two SUMMONS Stefon Diggs that stunned the Saints seasons while Kubiak was head coach TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: 29-24 in the playoffs. of the Houston Texans. SPECIALTY LENDING GROUP LLC, Color“Case is perfectado forAuthority our team, both as Relinquished January 25,The 2010 Broncos haven’t been back to the playoffs since Manning retired followa player and as a person,’’ said Joseph, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required filethe with Texans. the Clerk of “He’s this Court an answer or ing Denver’s 24-10 triumph over the who also worked to for other response to the attached Complaint. If serplaying the best football his career Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 two vice of the of Summons and Complaint was made you within the State of Colorado,years you are ago. right now and hasupon gotten better with required to file your answer or other response within days after such service upon you. If every opportunity he’s21had. They’ve cycled through Mark Sanservice of the Summons and Complaint was “Being around made himupon in Houston, chez, Siemian, Brock Osweiler and you outside ofCase the State of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or Paxton other re- Lynch, while going a combined is a tremendous person and teammate sponse within 35 days after such service upon with strong leadership a 14-18. you. Yourskills answer and or counterclaim must be accompanied withgreat the applicable filing fee. terrific work ethic. He’ll be in our The Broncos, coming off a 5-11 locker room.’’ If you fail to file your answer or other response season, were considered an early frontto the Complaint in writing within the applicable Keenum, who made $2 million runner time period, the Court last may enter judgment by to land Cousins. Minnesota, default against you for the relief demanded in year, went 11-3 in the place of an injured however, had a sparkling stadium, new Complaint without further notice. Sam Bradford, leading the Vikings to state-of-the-art training facility, stacked Dated: January 9, 2018 the NFC championship game. roster and coaching stability to offer Alcock Law Group, He threw for more than 3,500PC yards him, while the Broncos’ main magnet 19751 Mainstreet, Suite 210 with 22 touchdowns and seven was Von Miller. Parker, CO 80138
Public Notices Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL ELKHORN RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
Misc. Private Legals Public Notice District Court, Elbert County, Colorado Court Address: 751 Ute Avenue Kiowa, CO 80117 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: MANDI F. RODRIGUEZ and GARFIELD LOPEZ (name of person(s) seeking to adopt) FOR THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD - MATEO ANDREAS RODRIGUEZ Attorney (Name and Address): Sergei B. Thomas, Thomas Law Group, P.C. 1407 Larimer Street, Suite 206 Denver, CO 80202 Phone Number: 720-325-5109 E-mail: sergei.thomas@thomasfamilylawcounsel.com FAX Number: 720-634-1117 Atty. Reg. #: 20002 Case Number: 2018 JA 1 : Division 1 NOTICE OF HEARING To: JOHN DOE (Full Name of Parent). Pursuant to §19-5-208, C.R.S., you are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioner(s) has/have filed in this Court a verified Petition seeking to adopt a child. If applicable, an Affidavit of Abandonment has been filed alleging that you have abandoned the child for a period of one year or more and/or have failed without cause to provide reasonable support for the child for one year or more.
You are further notified that an Adoption hearing is set on APRIL 26, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the court location identified above.
You are further notified that if you fail to appear for said hearing, the Court may terminate your parental rights and grant the adoption as sought by the Petitioner(s). Legal Notice No.: 24026 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: April 19, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News
City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL ELKHORN RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1 §1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Elkhorn Ranch Metropolitan District No. 1, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled at the election, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in
§1-13.5-513, C.R.S. City and County
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Elkhorn Ranch Metropolitan District No. 1, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled at the election, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8, 2018 is hereby cancelled pursuant to §113.5-513, C.R.S. The following candidates for director are declared elected by acclamation: Robert A. Lembke: Four (4) Years, Until May, 2022 David Daum: Four (4) Years, Until May, 2022 Kurt C. Schlegel: Four (4) Years, Until May, 2022 Theodore Joshua Shipman: Two (2) Years, Until May, 2020 By: /s/ Michael E. Davis Designated Election Official Elkhorn Ranch Metropolitan District No. 1 Legal Notice No.: 24020 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 22, 2018 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE DEER CREEK WATER DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Deer Creek Water District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8, 2018, is hereby cancelled. The following candidates are declared elected: Tom Cornelius Four-Year Term to 2022 Gary McIntyre Four-Year Term to 2022 DEER CREEK WATER DISTRICT By: /s/ Lyle Penner Designated Election Official Legal Notice No.: 24021 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 22, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 751 Ute Ave. Kiowa, CO 80117 Plaintiff: SPRING VALLEY RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation Defendant: MARCUS ANTHONY GARZA; CECE YVONNE GARZA; A GRADE A MORTGAGE, INC., Delinquent June 1, 2009; SPECIALTY LENDING GROUP LLC, Colorado
DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 751 Ute Ave. Kiowa, CO 80117
Notices
City and County
Plaintiff: SPRING VALLEY RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation Defendant: MARCUS ANTHONY GARZA; CECE YVONNE GARZA; A GRADE A MORTGAGE, INC., Delinquent June 1, 2009; SPECIALTY LENDING GROUP LLC, Colorado Authority Relinquished January 25, 2010; COMPASS BANK; DITECH FINANCIAL LLC fka GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC; RICK PETTITT, Elbert County Public Trustee Attorneys for Plaintiff: Name: Alcock Law Group, PC Tammy M. Alcock, Esq. Address: 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 210 Parker, CO 80138 Phone No.: (303) 993-5400 Atty. Reg. #: 39816 Tammy@Alcocklawgroup.com Case No.: 2018 CV 30003 SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: SPECIALTY LENDING GROUP LLC, Colorado Authority Relinquished January 25, 2010 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to file with the Clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the attached Complaint. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you within the State of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or other response within 21 days after such service upon you. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you outside of the State of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after such service upon you. Your answer or counterclaim must be accompanied with the applicable filing fee. If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice. Dated: January 9, 2018 Alcock Law Group, PC 19751 Mainstreet, Suite 210 Parker, CO 80138 (303) 993-5400 Plaintiff’s Phone Number 1. This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4, C.R.C.P., as amended. A copy of the Complaint must be served with this Summons. This form should not be used where service by publication is desired. 2. WARNING: A valid summons may be issued by a lawyer and it need not contain a court case number, the signature of a court officer, or a court seal. The plaintiff has 14 days from the date this summons was served on you to file the case with the court. You are responsible for contacting the court to find out whether the case has been filed and obtain the case number. If the plaintiff files the case within this time, then you must respond as explained in this summons. If the plaintiff files more than 14 days after the date the summons was served on you, the case may be dismissed upon motion and you may be entitled to seek attorney’s fees from the plaintiff. Legal Notice No.: 24027 First Publication: March 22, 2018
(303) 993-5400 Plaintiff’s Phone Number
1. This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4, C.R.C.P., as amended. A copy of the Complaint must be served with this Summons. This form should not be used where service by publication is desired.
2. WARNING: A valid summons may be issued by a lawyer and it need not contain a court case Public Notice number, the signature of a court officer, or a court seal. The plaintiff has 14 days from the NOTICE OF CANCELLATION your public noticesSTATEMENT call 303-566-4100 date this summons was servedTo onadvertise you to file the and CERTIFIED OF RESULTS case with the court. You are responsible for con§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, tacting the court to find out whether the case 1-11-103(3) C.R.S. has been filed and obtain the case number. If the plaintiff files the case within this time, then NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the North Pines you must respond as explained in this sumMetropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colormons. If the plaintiff files more than 14 days ado, that at the close of business on the sixtyafter the date the summons was served on you, third day before the election, there were not the case may be dismissed upon motion and more candidates for director than offices to be you may be entitled to seek attorney’s fees from filled, including candidates filing affidavits of inthe plaintiff. tent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8th , 2018 is hereby Legal Notice No.: 24027 canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) First Publication: March 22, 2018 C.R.S. Last Publication: April 19, 2018 Publisher: Elbert County News The following candidates are hereby declared elected: Public Notice Ryan Gerome 4 year term until May, 2022 John Roberts 4 year term until, May 2022 NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION /s/ Heather Christman OFFICIAL FOR THE ELIZABETH PARK (Signature of the Designated Election Official) AND RECREATION DISTRICT
City and County
City and County
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixtythird (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8, 2018, is hereby cancelled.
Contact Person for the District: Brian Matise, General Counsel Telephone Number of the District: 303-792-5595 Address of the District: P.O. Box 630800, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163 District Facsimile Number: 303-708-0527 District Email: bmatise@burgsimpson.com
The following candidates are declared elected: Doug Severinsen Two-Year Term to 2020 Casey Holt Four-Year Term to 2022 Vacancy Four-Year Term to 2022 ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT By: /s/ Michael M. Barney Designated Election Official Legal Notice No.: 24022 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 22, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice Supplemental Appropriation to 2017 Budget Notice is hereby given pursuant to C.R.S. 29-1109 that a public hearing regarding supplemental appropriations for Elbert County Government will be held on April 11, 2018 at 9:00am in the Board of County Commissioners Hearing Room located at the Elbert County Administration Building, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, CO 80117. Legal Notice No.: 24023 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 29, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the North Pines Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixtythird day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8th , 2018 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6)
Legal Notice No.: 24024 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 22, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News
Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Clearwater Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixtythird day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 8th , 2018 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S. The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Michael Ranger Duran 4 year term until May, 2022 John Roberts 4 year term until, May 2022 /s/ Heather Christman (Signature of the Designated Election Official) Contact Person for the District: Brian Matise, General Counsel Telephone Number of the District: 303-792-5595 Address of the District: P.O. Box 630800, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163 District Facsimile Number: 303-708-0527 District Email: bmatise@burgsimpson.com Legal Notice No.: 24025 First Publication: March 22, 2018 Last Publication: March 22, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News
Elbert County * 1
24 Elbert County News
March 22, 2018M
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