Elbert county news 0711

News

Elbert 7.11.13

Elbert County

Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 24

July 11, 2013

75 cents

A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourelbertcountynews.com

Clerk, election official resign Diana Hartsough says she’s ‘done with it all’

By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com

Bull rider Dallas Rohrig catches a little air during his ride at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo, held June 28 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Bull riders from across the state compete for cash prizes — and bragging rights — at the annual community event.

Cowboy up Photos by Deborah GriGsby

Ropers, racers and riders gathered at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa for the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The annual summertime favorite is a partnership between the rodeo, the Town of Kiowa and the Kiowa Fire Department offering local fun for rodeo lovers of all ages and skill levels. Cowboy Up is a small nonprofit — the organization runs on donations and volunteer time. The event is sanctioned by the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association.

Refusing to let go, Ben Hicks hangs on to an anxious sheep as Elbert County Fair Queen Ashley Gerczynski cheers him on during the mutton bustin’ event at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The light-hearted childrens’ event has become a rodeo favorite.

After tossing a rider, this irritated bull takes out its frustration on a barrel that contains rodeo protection athlete J.D. Schulze. Also called rodeo clowns, protection athletes play a vital part in rodeo safety by distracting and confusing the animal long enough for riders to get out of harm’s way.

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team get the opening night ceremonies underway at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The group makes its home in Elizabeth and is made up of middle school and high school girls. The girls provide their own horses and equipment, and take on countless hours of practice to ride with the team.

As if scrambling to find a new emergen­ cy manager wasn’t enough to keep Elbert County busy, county commissioners now must find a new clerk and recorder, as well a certified election manager.

In a June 26 letter to District 1 Com­ missioner Robert Rowland, Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Diana Hartsough ten­ dered her resignation, effective July 5.

Her letter said the county’s only cer­ tified election manager, Blake Hepburn, tendered his resignation to her, saying he would not return from medical leave.

District 2 Commissioner Kurt Schlegel said Hartsough’s resignation was tendered to the commissioners at 4:15 p.m. June 26 and came without warning.

“There’s been always been a constant source of discourse with her since her election in 2011 and that seems to have carried over to the current Board of Coun­ ty Commissioners,” Schlegel stated.

He acknowledged Hartsough’s resigna­ tion causes a pinch, but said “it’s probably the best thing that could have happened and now we can get in there and fix what’s wrong and deliver the best customer ser­ vice possible to our taxpayers.”

Schlegel said Hartsough had violated county policy by closing the county’s De­ partment of Motor Vehicles on days the office should have been open.

The county does have a deputy clerk and recorder, Mandy Taylor, but in Hart­ sough’s resignation letter, she indicates she approved vacation time for Taylor commencing June 27. Until Taylor returns from her 30­day vacation, Schlegel said Hartsough appointed Sheryl Caldwell as acting deputy clerk and recorder.

Schlegel went on to explain the BOCC has slated the issue for an upcoming study session and the goal now is to look at ap­ pointing a qualified candidate to fill Hart­ sough’s term, which ends Jan. 1, 2015.

Hartsough’s position will be up for grabs during the November 2014 election.

“We’ve already reached out to Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who has already of­ fered his help,” Schlegel said. “We are for­ tunate this is an off year for elections — al­ though every election is important — we want to make sure we conduct them cor­ rectly and accurately.”

Diana Hartsough had agreed to meet with Colorado Community Media July 3 to discuss her resignation, but left a voice­ mail stating she would “have to cancel” and that she “was done with it all” and wanted “to get on with my life.”

A second offer by CCM for Hartsough to respond went unanswered.

POSTAL ADDRESS

Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.

J.D. Schulze, rodeo protection athlete and all-around cowboy funnyman, gives mutton buster Ben Hicks a pat on the back after the youngster completed a successful ride during the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo.

2-Color

2 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013

Love planted here sprouts in Africa On an unseasonably cold April day three years ago, snow broke from the sky and chilled business for a Castle Rock garage sale. But high school student Hanna Tenerowicz and her friends in the French Honor Society slapped high fives in jubilation.

They had raised $150, enough to pay for two Congolese girls to stay in school another year and lessen their risk of being married at 13 or 14 in exchange for money to feed their families.

“They were just so excited that we raised enough to sponsor a girl,” said Anne Damanti, Hanna’s French teacher at Castle View High School.

But Hanna, 19, a wisp of a young woman who just completed her freshman year at Wellesley College near Boston, wants to do more.

Two weeks ago she left for the Democratic Republic of Congo to document the lives of schoolgirls, bring back their hopes and ideas for community transformation, and establish connections to help those dreams come true.

“Gender equality makes a difference,” Hanna, whose soft voice conveys conviction with quiet, deep passion, said before leaving. “It’s a domino effect on all kinds of things.”

The story of how this came to be — that a girl so shy Anne often couldn’t hear her speak in class has grown into a young woman daring to change lives — converges on a shared connection to the French language and a motivation to help.

It is a story of compassion, determination and, quite simply, courage. Because it takes bravery to stretch beyond the familiar, to push cultural boundaries, to try to make a difference in a world so big and complicated we sometimes wonder whether what we do matters.

Finally, perhaps most importantly, it is a story of empowerment.

And it begins with Sandra Bea, who emigrated to Colorado in 2001 from the French-speaking D.R. Congo to continue her studies in education. A French teacher, she graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver and today is dean

of students at Global Village Academy, a language immersion school in Denver.

The daughter of an engineer of a local mining company in Mbuji-Mayi, the country’s third largest city, Sandra grew up without worries: “I was eating three times a day; I went to school with a car. I grew up really easily. It was not hard like the other girls are facing right now. We never had any conversation about `You are going to get married in two days because we don’t have the money.’”

It wasn’t until she was 22 and student teaching in her former high school that she understood the reality. Every two weeks, it seemed, another student would leave. They were, she learned, getting married.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because, Madam, we are not like you,” they told her. “You can afford it. We cannot afford it.”

“That,” Sandra said, “broke my heart.”

So, four years ago, she founded the nonprofit Muanjadi Organization, a women’s empowerment project that helps girls complete their high school education and avoid early arranged marriages.

“For many parents in the Congo, marrying off their daughters constitutes a source of revenue in a country where people live with less than $1 a day with a GDP per capita of $300,” Sandra writes on the organization’s website.

Through fundraising and donations, the organization — whose name means Brave Woman — provides tuition and supplies for girls in seventh through 12th grades at the same school Sandra attended.

Cost for one girl for one year of high school: $75.

Cost for one year of college: $350.

Anne, originally from Belgium, met Sandra and learned about Muanjadi at a state world language conference three years ago. She brought the idea back to her French Honor Society, which was looking for a community service project.

Students learned how most girls eat just one meal a day and how the school has no water or electricity. They compared the cost of one year of high school to what teens here might spend on fancy jeans or a Starbucks coffee habit. “That’s not a lot to have the freedom to actually go to school and try to be something,” Anne said.

That, Hanna said, coupled with the specter of forced marriage, “was a pretty powerful thing to learn about.”

Last school year, Muanjadi sponsored 100 girls, 11 of them thanks to Castle View.

The honor society, which has corresponded with the girls through letters, phone and Skype, also is sponsoring a student in college — one of the girls it began sponsoring in high school three years ago.

Other organization sponsors include Kent Denver Academy, Metro State, Colorado State University, a lawyers’ organization and many individuals and families.

But Hanna hopes to take the program one step further.

Her new project is Portrait of a Brave Woman. Accompanied by Sandra, she has spent the past two weeks interviewing — in French — and filming girls at the school about their lives, but also about their ideas to implement change in their communities.

She plans to share the mini-documentaries with artists who will be encouraged to create paintings about a particular girl whose story connects with them. Proceeds from the sale of those paintings will go toward the girls’ personal and community goals, such as becoming a nurse or training midwives to decrease the high infant mortality rate.

The objectives are several: to empower Congolese girls, improve their communi-

ties and create meaningful cross-cultural connections with Western artists and buyers.

“I hope community improvement brought about by women’s ideas will help to create more positive and respectful attitudes towards women in Mbuji-Mayi,” Hanna, also an artist, said. And “I hope the project empowers the girls themselves by helping them to personally make a difference.”

Her dream is unquestionably big.

But, Anne said, “There is nothing, anymore, that she can’t do.”

Hanna’s visit, Sandra said, is the concrete realization of what dreams and hard work can accomplish. And having someone their age talk to them and share ideas with them is inspirational: “You don’t know me, but you came to give me a chance to become someone.”

Which is exactly what Hanna wanted to do after reading “Half the Sky,” a book about the oppression of women and girls in the developing world.

“It really changed my outlook on the world,” she said. “I was really interested in doing whatever I could to make a difference.”

Hanna returns this week with her videos and interviews and dream.

“I’m definitely prepared for this to change my life,” she said before leaving.

Without a doubt, it will. But, in a school half a world away, girls are surely changed, too, because a stranger from a different life cared enough to learn about theirs.

That’s empowerment. The kind that makes a difference.

To learn more about Hanna Tenerowicz and Portrait of a Brave Woman, go to www. muanjadi.blogspot.com. For information about the Muanjadi Organization, go to www.muanjadi.org.

Ann Macari Healey’s column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week. She can be reached at ahealey@ourcoloradonews.com or 303-566-4110.

Affordable Fun for Everyone!

Open Now thru August 4 Weekends Only ~ 10:00am- 6:30pm

This nd e Week

Wine Revelry!

Ju 13 & ly 14

Free Wine Tasting & The Legendary Grape Stomp

Medieval Amusement Park • Music & Comedy NEW Endangered Cat Show Jousting, Delicious Food & Drink, Games, Rides and More! Over 200 Master Artisans

Open Rain or Shine • No Pets Please • FREE Parking & Shuttle • Larkspur, CO Discount Tickets Available At:

PEPSI_H1_4C

www.ColoradoRenaissance.com Information 303-688-6010

Did you know...

Colorado Community Media was created to connect you to 23 community papers with boundless opportunity and rewards.

We publish: Adams County Sentinel, Arvada Press, Castle Rock News Press, Centennial Citizen, Douglas County News Press, Elbert County News, Englewood Herald, Foothills Transcript, Golden Transcript, Highlands Ranch Herald, Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Lone Tree Voice, North JeffCo Westsider, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Pikes Peak Courier View, South Platte Independent, Teller County Extra, Tribune Extra, Tri-Lakes Tribune, Westminster Window, and Wheat Ridge Transcript.

‘Th

3

Elbert County News 3

July 11, 2013

Fires’ link to beetles not cut-and-dried Conventional wisdom comes under scrutiny

By Kevin Vaughan and Burt Hubbard I-News at Rocky Mountain PBS

Colorado’s 4.3 million acres of beetle-decimated forests represent a catastrophe in the making during another devastating wildfire season.

Or do they?

That is the conventional wisdom as another summer unfolds with destructive blazes that have left skies along the Front Range choked with smoke, but the reality is not so simple.

“The issue is not will beetle-kill forests burn — they certainly will,” said Monica Turner, a University of Wisconsin professor who has done extensive research of wildfires in the West. “The question is, are they burning worse — more severely — than if the forest was green?”

And the answer to that question is a matter of ongoing scientific debate, wrapped in factors that include the amount of time that has passed since the beetles did their damage, the number of trees that survived the infestation, other species of plants in the area and weather patterns.

“This is a field of study that we just don’t have all the answers for,” said Matt Jolly, a researcher at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Montana whose work has looked extensively at the way plants burn in wildfires.

Millions of acres affected

Anyone who has spent any time in the Colorado high country has seen the damage done by mountain pine beetles — vast swaths of formerly green forested hills painted red, or gray, by dying and dead trees.

The most recent count by the Colorado State Forest Service showed 3.35 million acres affected by the mountain pine beetle and 924,000 acres attacked by a different bug, the spruce beetle.

An I-News examination of state maps found that hundreds of thousands of those acres are in the socalled “red zones” — the high-fire danger areas primarily along Colorado’s Front Range and up the Interstate 70 corridor.

State officials use a number of factors to determine what constitutes a red zone, including development (primarily homes), the type of vegetation in the area and the slope of the land.

So as the West Fork Complex fires continue to burn in the beetle-damaged forests of southwest Colorado, and as the state reels from blazes like the ones that destroyed 511 homes in the Black Forest, it’s tempting

Fire rolls through a heavily forested area of Black Forest on June 11, the first day of the fire. The wildfire north of Colorado Springs killed two and destroyed more than 500 homes. Photo by Rob Carrigan to look at all the dying, dead and decaying trees attacked by beetles and conclude that massive wildfires pose a real threat to all affected areas sooner or later.

Not so fast, according to some of those who have dedicated years to studying the ways that trees and other vegetation burn in wildfires.

Man has changed forests

Today’s forests are vastly different than those of previous centuries.

A century of aggressive firefighting efforts have left many areas overgrown and choked with downed and dead trees. Added to that, development has left many forested areas peppered with homes, and parts of the West are experiencing prolonged, even historic drought.

So the propensity for big, destructive fires is a near constant. Those conditions fuel blazes known as “crown fires,” which burn through the tops of the trees as if they were torches, spreading rapidly and generating tremendous heat.

Those massive, fastmoving fires — like the Black Forest blaze last month north of Colorado Springs, where some beetle-kill trees were present — make for mesmerizing television and are the subject of extensive research.

Turner and researcher Jesse Logan, a former U.S. Forest Service scientist and college professor, are among those who believe that beetle-kill forests go through a predictable cycle — one in which they are

‘This is a field of study that we just don’t have all the answers for.’

Fire researcher Matt Jolly

at times much less volatile than green forests. It starts with a beetle infestation, and it will take three or four years for the bugs to inflict all the damage they will on a section of forest. The trees in that stage turn red — and there’s little dispute those needles are highly combustible. But over the next couple years, the needles fall to the ground and begin to decompose.

“The overall trend would be that immediately after trees are killed and they still have all those fine fuels, needles in particular, on the tree, then it’s highly flammable, probably more flammable than a green forest,” Logan said. “But after those needles fall and that can be, like in lodgepole, a couple years after the tree is killed, then the standing forest is actually less likely to lead to a crown fire than a green forest.”

The reason? Green needles contain oils that are highly flammable.

But that strange juxtaposition — that green, seemingly healthy forests might burn with more fury than dead ones — is difficult for many people to comprehend.

“I think that one of the reasons that this seems counter-intuitive to people in terms of its affect on fire is that when we burn a fire in our fireplace, we put dead logs in there — we don’t put green branches,” Turner said. “But in a forest fire it’s those green needles that are extremely flammable, and that’s what gives you the amounts of fuel up in the canopy in the forest and its conductivity.”

One of the difficulties in getting answers is that it has been difficult to build realistic fire models to examine the effect of beetle-kill trees.

At the same time, studies that have looked at actual fires in beetle-kill areas are

still in the review process, and the results have not been made public.

Researcher raises questions

Still, Jolly, the Montana researcher, cautioned against assuming that a forest will be less burnable six years after being hit by beetles because the trees no longer have their needles.

His research has shown that dead, red needles burn faster and hotter than green ones — but that’s only part of the reason for being circumspect.

“It’s just not that simple,” he said. “A standing gray tree, particularly one like a spruce … will have a lot of really, really fine dead branches. It may not have needles, but it will have those fine branches that will also burn and support a crown fire.”

In addition, even areas with heavy beetle-kill have some trees that survive, and many have other kinds of trees mixed in among those that die.

And then there’s another huge factor: the combination of weather and climate.

Logan pointed to the massive Yellowstone fires of 1988, which took down every kind of forest — beetlekill and green alike.

“It all burned, just because conditions were so volatile,” he said. “In any situation, what’s driving it is fuel — you’ve got to have fuel. And the fuel can be green, red, gray, or gray on the ground, and if the weather conditions are right, and you get a lightning strike or some idiot with a match, it’s going to go. And if the weather conditions are like they’ve been in Colorado these past few years, or like they were in ‘88, it’s going to go big, regardless of what anybody can do.

“As humans, we have this idea that we can control na-

ture, and we often can — we turn on the air conditioner and things like that. But these are forces of nature you’re not going to control.”

I-News

is

the

public

service journalism arm of Rocky Mountain PBS. For more information: inewsnetwork.org. Contact Kevin Vaughan at 303-446-4936 or kvaughan@inewsnetwork. org.

4

4 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013

Rally calls for immigration reform Activists lean on GOP to back bill that passed Senate

By Vic Vela

vvela@ourcoloradonews.com A group of immigration activists rallied in Denver on July 2 to call on Colorado’s Republican U.S. representatives to support an immigration-reform bill that recently passed the Senate.

“We are calling on our Republican congressional delegation leaders to step up, to exercise leadership, to show bipartisan willingness, to follow the will of the people of Colorado,” said Julien Ross of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, during a rally that was held outside of Denver’s Republican Party headquarters.

The group waved Americans flags and held signs that signaled its desire for immigration reform at the federal level.

Immigration reform is high on President Obama’s second-term priority list, but it’s an effort that faces an unknown future in the Republican-controlled House.

The bill — which passed the Democratic-controlled Senate by a 68-32 vote on June 27 — overhauls immigration laws by allowing a pathway to citizenship for about 11 million undocumented workers.

It also puts provisions in place that strengthen border security.

Many House Republicans have expressed concern over security issues in the bill, and some party members are opposed to a bill that they believe grants amnesty for those living here illegally.

Immigration activists rally outside Denver’s Republican Party headquarters on July 2 in support of an immigration reform bill that is making its way through Congress. Photo by Vic Vela House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has said through national media outlets that he will not bring the bill up for a vote if the majority Republicans in his caucus do not support it.

The purpose of the Denver rally, which was organized by Coloradans for Citizenship Now, was to put pressure on Colorado’s four House Republicans — Reps. Mike Coffman, Doug Lamborn, Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton — to support the Senate bill.

ElBErt county nEws in a hurry Music and art fest scheduled

Come celebrate all that’s creative at the 2013 Elizabeth Music and Art Festival, set for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 17 at Casey Jones Park, 4189 Highway 86 in Elizabeth.

Enjoy some of the area’s finest musicians and bands, as well as fine artists and crafters.

There’s still plenty of room for additional vendors and sponsors.

For more information, visit www.elizabethfestival. com or email at info@elizabethfestival.com.

Simla health office closes

The Elbert County Department of Health and Human Services has announced the permanent closing of its Simla office, effective June 30.

County residents needing assistance are asked to contact the department’s main office in Kiowa, located at 75 Ute Ave. For questions or appointments, call 1-866-6163149 or the main front desk phone number at 303-6213149.

elbert county news

(USPS 171-100) Office: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PhOne: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday

by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTeR: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DeADLineS:

Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m.

Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.

Military golf tounament set

The third annual Homes for Our Troops Mulligans for Military Golf Tournament is set for Aug. 26 at Spring Valley Golf Club, 42350 CR 17-21 in Elizabeth.

The 8 a.m. shotgun start event has room for 12 more teams. All proceeds generated from the tournament benefit the Homes for Our Troops Foundation, a nonprofit organization that builds specially adapted homes for disabled veterans.

The fee for a foursome is $400. Sponsorships are available and donations are always welcome.

For more information or to register, call Spring Valley PGA General Manager Justin Cirbo at 303-646-4240, ext. 18.

Kiowa hosts campdraft event

The U.S. National Campdraft Association will host the first-ever national campdraft clinic and competition at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, beginning Aug. 22 with a judges’ clinic, and continuing Aug. 23-24 with a competitors’ workshop.

Campdrafting is an Australian sport involving a horse, rider and cattle.

The riding style is similar to that of Western events such as cutting, team penning and ranch sorting.

The event wraps up Aug. 25 with the open campdraft competition. For more information about campdrafting, visit www. campdraft.us.

For information about the clinics and event, contact Mary Harris at Kiowacountryc@earthlink.net or call 303-621-5836.

Through a statement issued after the rally, Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter joined rally organizers in calling on House Republicans to pass immigration reform, saying that by allowing undocumented persons a pathway to citizenship it would “lead to increased job growth and a stronger economy.”

“I hope House Republican leadership will work with Democrats in a bipartisan way to protect our borders and ensure those who are working hard, paying taxes,

getting an education, learning English and not committing crimes are able to achieve their American Dream as a citizen of our country,” Perlmutter said.

Colorado House Republicans are concerned that the Senate bill doesn’t go far enough in strengthening border security.

Coffman said in a statement that in 1986, when Congress passed a major immigration reform bill, the promises made “on enforcement and border security were not promises kept.”

“I will look for solutions in the House that will provide for the reforms necessary to not only secure our borders but to verify that they remain secure,” Coffman said in the statement.

Coffman spokesman Dustin Zvonek did not wish to comment beyond what was in the statement.

Rally speakers brought up Coffman’s upcoming re-election race, a contest that surely will receive national attention.

“Latinos came out in record numbers in the last election,” said Olivia Mendoza of the Colorado Latino Forum. “This is just the beginning.”

Ezequiel Ramirez, 19, of Highlands Ranch, voted for the first time last year, and is one of Coffman’s constituents. Though he was born in the U.S., his parents were not.

“The message we want to get across is that this is potentially going to help out a lot of people,” Ramirez said.

“It’s going to help us become a better country. There’s a lot of people counting on (Coffman) and it’s really important for him to put his vote into this.

Asked by reporters how he’d characterize Coffman’s re-election chances if he does not support the bill, Ramirez said, “Best of luck.”

Disaster relief team lends hand to victims of Black Forest Fire Volunteers will remain in area through month

By Danny Summers Volunteer teams representing Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief will remain in the Black Forest area until at least the end of July.

That word came from Fritz Wilson, national executive director for disaster relief, who has been in the area overseeing teams and projects.

“Things are going really well,” Wilson said. “We’ve had volunteers in from California, Arizona, Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma and Washington.

People from all around the country are coming here to help and lend a hand.

“Many of our volunteers came from Moore, Oklahoma, where they were helping clean up after the violent tornado.”

The relief workers are doing everything from operating heavy equipment and cutting down charred trees, to cleaning up ash to helping homeowners sift through soot trying to find valuables.

Chaplains are also brought in to help residents deal with the emotional

and spiritual trauma in their lives.

“Every disaster is unique,” Wilson said. “Whether its fire, flood hurricane or tornado. For the people in Black Forest, this is their Katina.

“I try not to make too many comparisons, but this is a big event.”

The volunteers first arrived shortly after the fire erupted on June 11. As many as 125 folks are on location each week.

Most of them are being housed at the First Baptist Church of Black Forest (10865 Black Forest Road). The over flow are staying at Vista Grande Baptist Church (5680 Stetson Hills Blvd.).

“This is just another opportunity for us to do something,” said Wes Johnson, who came from Oklahoma and was the team’s incident commander from June 27 through July 5.

The Black Forest Fire was the most destructive in Colorado history, consuming 511 homes and killing two people. More than 14,000 acres were burned in the heavily wooded area in the northeast part of Colorado Springs.

“These folks have been phenomenal,” said John Wells, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Black Forest.

“God has used them to reach out and help people. Disaster Relief is the arm that has done it.”

Dennis Velz, director of the Colorado disaster relief team, first arrived on site within 24 hours after the fire started. He put together an incident command team. Velz also worked the massive Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 that destroyed nearly 350 homes and killed two people, while burning more than 18,000 acres. More than 32,000 residents were evacuated.

The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief was formed in 1967 after Hurricane Beulah struck the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas Coast.

Today, the organization has about 90,000 volunteers.

All Southern Baptist Convention workers go through rigorous background checks and extensive disaster training.

The organization has opened up partnerships with relief agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

“Hopefully, come the end of July we’ll be on the back end of this and not the front end,” Wilson said.

For more information or to donate, go to http://www.namb.net/dr/.

Public’s help sought in burglary probe Two women suspected in crimes in two counties Staff report The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in identifying two women believed to be linked to a series of burglaries in Douglas and Elbert counties.

The sheriff’s office said burglaries occurred in Kiowa, unincorporated Elbert County, Franktown and Castle Pines between late March and late

June of this year.

One victim told a local news station the burglars emptied drawers and took credit cards. DCSO reports the suspect and vehicle descriptions in the cases are identical.

The suspects are described as a white heavyset female with blond hair, accompanied by another female slightly less heavyset and with brunette or dark hair, possibly Hispanic.

The two vehicles associated with burglaries are a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima or similar vehicle, with dark, tinted windows and a

spoiler, and a dark-colored truck, possibly a Ford F-Series.

Both suspects and vehicles have been captured on video.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for any information leading to an arrest, and the reporting person can remain anonymous.

Tips can be called into 720-913-7867 or texted to: 274637 (CRIMES).

Anonymous tips also can be reported online at www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com or by contacting the call the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 303-660-7579.

5

Elbert County News 5

July 11, 2013

m Officials monitor deer shot with arrow Wildlife officers hesitate to tranquilize animal

and hieve f our

conBy Chris Michlewicz o far cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com urity.

1986, Wildlife officers are monitoring the conigradition of a deer seen wandering a Parker “on neighborhood with an arrow in its back. e not The young buck has been spotted by concerned residents in the Robinson ouse Ranch subdivision several times since late ssary June, and a Colorado Division of Parks and erify Wildlife officer responded to the area June id in 28 and caught a glimpse of the wounded animal. k did Jennifer Churchill, spokeswoman for the as in state division, said officers are reluctant to intervene unless the deer suffered a lifeman’s threatening injury. that The animal has not been slowed by the arrow, which appears to have punctured mbers the deer’s hide. doza Tranquilization can be stressful and s just

even lead to death, and is a last resort in this case, Churchill said.

“We’re not sure if it’s going to break off, but we will keep eye on it,” she said. “If it starts to fail in health, then it may be appropriate to step in.”

The Parker Police Department, which has received numerous phone calls about the deer, said the animal is “very mobile.”

The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife is asking residents to call 303-2917227 if the buck begins limping or looks to be in bad health.

People are being asked not to approach or attempt to capture the deer.

The police department is hoping the public can provide tips that will lead to the apprehension of the person who shot the deer with the arrow.

That person could face a long list of poaching-related charges, Churchill said.

Animal cruelty charges generally don’t apply in wildlife cases.

Tips can be submitted to the Parker Police Department Animal Services Officer at 303-805-6631 or bdeyoe@parkeronline.org.

A young buck has been seen roaming the Robinson Ranch neighborhood with an arrow in its back since late June.

Wildlife officers are reluctant to intervene because the deer does not appear to have suffered a life-threatening injury.

Courtesy photo

Prosecutors get names from Gessler voter shakeout

ands , and gh he not. oss is 155 out a

suspected non-citizens on roster; few are Republicans

etter ng onBy Ivan Moreno himAssociated Press

cter- Democrats make up more than half of doesthe 155 suspected non-citizen voters that est ofSecretary of State Scott Gessler is referring to prosecutors, according to figures released by his office July 5.

The party affiliation breakdown shows that 88 of the voters are Democrats, 49 are unaffiliated, and 13 are Republicans.

Five others are from minor parties, according to numbers provided by Gessler’s office to The Associated Press.

No charges have been filed yet against the voters, who Gessler said July 1 are being referred to prosecutors.

It’s the latest chapter in a heated debate that Gessler, a Republican, has helped

drive since taking office in 2011, repeatedly saying non-citizens on voter rolls are vulnerability in the system. He said this week that officials “can no longer turn a blind eye” to it.

But Democrats and voting rights groups have questioned Gessler’s findings and have argued that the data does not back up his claims.

“I think that he has chased this boogeyman for so long, he can’t let go of it,” said Ellen Dumm, a communications consultant for voter advocacy groups that have been critical of Gessler’s push.

The voters sent to prosecutors are among 4,201 people who have received letters from Gessler since last August, asking them to affirm their citizenship or voluntarily remove themselves from the voting rolls.

More than 500 have responded affirming their citizenship, and at least 1,000 had moved with no forwarding address. An-

Website to ease inmates’ re-entry Technology, housing, jobs can be daunting after prison

By Ivan Moreno Associated Press

Former inmates will learn how to find jobs, housing, and even how to use a computer after years of being locked up, under a new educational website Colorado Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia promoted July 2 as a reintegration tool.

Garcia said an estimated 900 inmates are released monthly from Colorado prisons, and many don’t have the help they need to succeed.

“For many of these men and women who’ve been away for a number of years, they’ve never used a cell phone. Perhaps they’ve never used a computer or the Internet,” said Garcia, who is also the state’s executive director of the Department of Higher Education. “And yet we want them to be successful, to find work, to get bank accounts, to sign leases. Some just don’t have any experience doing that.”

The website, “Own Your Future,” was developed during 18 months with advice from current and former inmates, educators and corrections officials. The website is free and also includes guidance on how to use a computer.

On the website, recently released offenders will be able to find programs that are available in their communities to help them with life after prison. The site will show housing options, how to complete high school if they need to, and give information on financial aid for furthering their education. They’ll also receive guidance on

how to manage their finances and use public transportation.

The site was created by College In Colorado, an initiative under Garcia’s department that provides information for students and family about planning for college. Grant money was used for the effort.

Seth Lee, 40, who was released from prison three years ago, said former inmates want to feel independent when they return to society. Convicted of second-degree murder in 1998, Lee said he knows what it’s like to be released to a new world after years away. Lee had never used a cell phone.

“I had no idea, and the idea of approaching a computer and trying to navigate my way through this mythological Internet that I had heard about for years and years and years was scary,” he said July 2 at the news conference.

Lee is now working as a welder and living with his family. Although he benefited from a separate integration program, he said he believes the website can help people like him who want to rebuild their lives.

“For so many of us, we feel very daunted by the task ahead of us.”

The website has been around since April, but developers have been ironing out kinks.

Outreach efforts to promote the website started July 2. Posters will be distributed to workforce centers, libraries, churches, and to probation and parole officers.

The website has been dedicated to former Department of Corrections Director Tom Clements, who was known for his efforts to help inmates succeed and reduce recidivism. Clements was fatally shot at his home in March. A former inmate, Evan Ebel, later killed in Texas, is the lone suspect in his death.

have a story idea?

Email your ideas to Elbert County Reporter Virginia Grantier at vgrantier@ourcoloradonews.com or call her at 303-566-4087.

other 70 responded asking to have their registrations canceled because they weren’t citizens.

The 155 voters under scrutiny did not respond to the letters, and have voted in one or more elections, Gessler’s office said.

Like the latest party-affiliation breakdown, most who have received letters are Democrats or unaffiliated voters.

According to a breakdown from August, when the letter tally was at 3,903, registered Democrats received 1,566 letters and 1,794 went to unaffiliated voters.

Another 486 letters were sent to registered Republicans, and the remaining voters who were questioned belonged to minor parties.

Gessler’s office has said they don’t use party registration as an identifier when searching for suspected non-citizen voters.

“Any implication of a partisan motive is reckless and factually incorrect,” said Rich Coolidge, a Gessler spokesman.

The letters have been sent to people who once showed proof of non-citizenship, such as a green card, when getting a driver’s license and then later appeared on voter rolls.

Gessler is also using a federal immigration database, which has historically been used to track who is a legal resident eligible to receive government benefits. Critics have argued it’s not error-free and doesn’t immediately update when someone becomes naturalized.

Denver District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough said that as of mid-week last week, her office had not received any names from Gessler.

She said once they get the names, they’ll review and determine, “based on the evidence submitted, whether sufficient credible evidence is present to pursue the case for criminal investigation.”

Coolidge said prosecutors were expected to get referral packets July 5 and 6.

6

6 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013

ACC police chief leaves for new job Goodwin leads state’s child-protection office

By Jennifer Smith

jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com Dennis Goodwin won the Arapahoe Community College’s 2012-2013 Administrator of the Year award in the nick of time, as it was his last year there.

Goodwin served as the campus police chief for seven years, but three weeks ago started his new position as the state of Colorado’s child protection ombudsman.

His office investigates complaints about the child-welfare system and reviews cases to make sure they were conducted properly.

It was somewhat controversial when it was established two years ago, but he feels that corner has been turned. Now he wants to focus on making it more independent and effective.

“Having subpoena power and a little more teeth would be helpful,” he said.

While his new job helps protect kids from monsters who would hurt them, Goodwin has encountered myriad others in his 33-year career in law enforcement. He was the chief investigator with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office at the time of the Columbine shootings, and victim Matthew Kechter was the grandson of one of his employees.

Another case that sticks with him from that time is the brutal 1997 murder of

21-year-old Anita Paley at the hands of Robert Riggan Jr. Goodwin traveled to the Midwest to interview Riggan’s family.

“I learned that he was a monster,” he said.

“He was a bad guy, very abusive physically and in every way you can be abusive.”

Goodwin is featured in a book about Paley’s murder, “Rough Trade” by Steve Jackson. However, Riggan is not the most notorious criminal Goodwin has encountered.

As a student at Florida State University in 1979, Goodwin interned at the Leon County Sheriff’s Department — during Ted Bundy’s third and final death-penalty trial.

“Ted Bundy was spooky,” he said. “Very charming, very smart. … You could watch him and catch the darkness in his eyes and know there’s nothing there. That was part of Ted’s game, and I don’t think he ever realized that was really the end. I don’t think he cared.”

Goodwin was assigned to escort Bundy’s surviving victims in the elevator to the courtroom to testify.

“You don’t know what to say, and you don’t want to say the wrong thing. You want to tell them how brave they are, but you don’t know if that’s the right thing to say,” he said. “I’d probably do something different if I could go back.”

There was even a potential monster at ACC’s Littleton campus last year; student Austin Sigg stands accused of murdering 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway.

There was a bomb threat the same semester that shut down the campus.

“We were tested, but we also handled it well,” he said.

Somewhere is a monster Goodwin never could catch. Little Anthony Moya, 2, went missing from his home in Lakewood in 1989. Goodwin suspected a family member had committed foul play, but he could never prove it.

“We did all that searching. We worked that case for years, and never could get anyone to get past, `He must have just walked out the door,’” he said. “It’s been 20 years.

How do you put something like that aside for so long?”

Sometimes what is thought to be a monster is really just a big misunderstanding, like the case of one mother who called police to report her toddler missing.

“As I’m talking to mom, I’m facing the back yard and I see some little legs sticking out of the doghouse. The child had curled up and gone to sleep with the dog,” he said.

“You can get the helicopter up, but look in the cupboards first. Look in places kids would go. Don’t discount the bad things, but look in the obvious places and the notso-obvious places first.”

Though he’s now retired from law enforcement, he’s come full circle from his days heading up the Lakewood Police Department’s crimes against children unit.

He says he’s proud of his career and has no regrets.

“My motto is, `Do the right thing the right way for the right reasons.’ So I can look back and say I did that, and I will keep doing that.”

Dennis Goodwin, former chief of police at Arapahoe Community College, recently left to become Colorado’s child protection ombudsman. Photo by Jennifer Smith

Western governors considering fire fleet Idea came up at gathering in Utah

By Ivan Moreno Associated Press

Gov. John Hickenlooper toured the Black Forest burn area last month. File photo

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said July 2 there are initial talks with Western governors about sharing a regional aerial fleet to fight fires, although the idea is far from reality at the moment.

The Democratic governor spoke briefly about the discussions during a news conference where he advised homeowners living in high-risk areas to work on mitigation around their properties.

“I want to encourage everybody to create defensible space if you’re living in the wildlands,” he said. “Make sure you don’t have mulch around your house, clear the brush back away from your house, make sure you don’t have trees right up against your house.”

Hickenlooper said residents should check with their local governments to know what burning restrictions are in place, and follow any fire bans posted at campgrounds.

Currently, there’s no statewide ban in place.

Hickenlooper emphasized that the idea of a regional aerial fleet is preliminary. It came up during the recent Western Governors’ Association meeting in Utah.

Colorado lawmakers this year passed a bill for a state firefighting fleet but didn’t

budget funds for it.

The governor said a standing fleet would be shared by Western states during the summer where they’re needed most.

“We can do this more cheaply by working with other states,” he said of having a state fleet separate from the federal resources.

Last month, Colorado was one of the most active states for wildfires in the country, but the fire danger has eased a bit thanks to some rainfall, increased humidity and cloud cover.

As a result, all four of the military air tankers mobilized to fight fires in the state, including the Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs and the West Fork fire complex, are being moved to Arizona to fight wildfires.

All four C-130s will be based at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to fight fires in Arizona, the National Interagency Fire Center announced.

The move leaves Colorado without any large air tankers to fight blazes, but fire managers are hoping to get one soon that can be stationed in western Colorado, where the fire danger is higher.

There are still seven smaller air tankers stationed in Colorado, including two statecontracted planes in Canon City and Fort Collins, along with around 40 helicopters, according to the Rocky Mountain Coordination Center, which manages firefighting assets for Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska. Some counties have also hired their own helicopters.

Milestones Education

720-974-7210 : www.20mileurgentcare.com Taking New Patients!

Alan E. Beebe, of Elizabeth, graduated with a master of business administration degree in management information systems from Park University. Beebe attended Milford (N.H.) High School.

Monica Case, of Elizabeth, was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at Pepperdine University.

Kaylee Campbell and Amanda Short,

of Elizabeth, were named to the spring 2013 dean’s honor roll at the University of Northern Colorado.

Chelsea Kueht, of Elizabeth, was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list of distinction at the University of Northern Colorado.

Danielle Wilson, of Simla, graduated summa cum laude in May with a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Ouachita Baptist University.

flu shots Sports and School Physicals

Botox/Juvederm Open MOn-fri 8aM-10pM, sat & sun 8aM-6pM

11355 S. Parker Road, Suite 103, Parker in the Office DepOt shOpping ing center at the intersectiOn Of 20 Mile rD & parker rD

Let us ceLebrate with you Have a wedding, anniversary, engagement, birth or special occasion coming up? Share it!

Colorado Community Media invites you to place an announcement to share your news. Go to ourcoloradonews.com/celebrations for package and pricing information. Deadline is 10 a.m.

Tuesdays the week preceding the announcement.

7-Color

Elbert County News 7

July 11, 2013

b Fatal overdoses strike middle-aged women Toll spurs questions about painkiller use

‘These are dangerous medications and they should be reserved for situations like severe cancer pain.’

By Mike Stobbe

Dr. Thomas Frieden

Associated Press

Overdose deaths in the U.S. are rising fastest among middle-aged women, and their drug of choice is usually prescription painkillers, the government reported July 2.

“Mothers, wives, sisters and daughters are dying at rates that we have never seen before,” said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which compiled the data.

The problem is one of the few health issues the CDC is working on that are clearly getting worse, he added.

For many decades, the overwhelming majority of U.S. overdose deaths were men killed by heroin or cocaine. But by 2010, 40 percent were women — most of them middle-aged women who took prescription painkillers.

Skyrocketing female overdose death rates are closely tied to a boom in the overall use of prescribed painkillers. The new report is the CDC’s first to spotlight how the death trend has been more dramatic among women.

The CDC found that the number and rate of prescription painkiller overdose deaths among females increased about fivefold

ould the

rking state es. f the ouna bit idity

y air state, Colocomfight

1999 to 2010. Among men, such deaths rose about 3½ times.

Overall, more men still die from overdoses of painkillers and other drugs; there were about 23,000 such deaths in 2010, compared with about 15,300 for women.

Men tend to take more risks with drugs than women, and often are more prone to the kind of workplace injuries that lead to their being prescribed painkillers in the first place, experts say.

But the gap has been narrowing dramatically. Studies suggest that women are more likely to have chronic pain, to be prescribed higher doses, and to use pain drugs longer than men. Some research suggests women may be more likely than men to “doctor shop” and get pain pills from several physicians, CDC officials said.

But many doctors may not recognize these facts about women, said John Eadie, director of a Brandeis University program that tracks prescription-drug monitoring efforts across the United States.

The report highlights the need for “a

The Market at Tagawa Gardens!

What’s on the horizon.

Fridays, 10 AM to 2 PM, June 28 through Sept. 27

Fresh produce, local foods & artisans--over 30 vendors!

Visit The Market page at TagawaGardens.com for info

mindset change” by doctors, who have traditionally thought of drug abuse as a men’s problem, he said. That means doctors should consider the possibility of addiction in female patients, think of alternative treatments for chronic pain, and consult state drug monitoring programs to find out if a patient has a worrisome history with painkillers.

The CDC report focuses on prescription opioids like Vicodin and OxyContin and their generic forms, methadone, and a powerful newer drug called Opana, or oxymorphone.

“These are dangerous medications and they should be reserved for situations like severe cancer pain,” Frieden said. He added that there has not been a comparable increase in documented pain conditions in the U.S. public that would explain the boom in painkiller prescriptions in the last 10 or 15 years.

Some experts said the increase in prescriptions can be traced to pharmaceutical marketing campaigns.

CDC researchers reviewed death certificates, which are sometimes incomplete.

Specific drugs were not identified in every death. In others, a combination of drugs was involved, such as painkillers taken with tranquilizers.

CDC officials think more than 70 percent of the overdose deaths were unintentional.

One striking finding: The greatest increases in drug overdose deaths were in women ages 45 through 54, and 55 through 64. The rate for each of those groups more than tripled between 1999 and 2010.

In 2010, overdose deaths in those two groups of middle-aged women added up to about 7,400 — or nearly half the female total, according to CDC statistics.

It’s an age group in which more women are dealing with chronic pain and seeking help for it, some experts suggested.

Many of these women probably were introduced to painkillers through a doctor’s prescriptions for real pain, such as persistent aches in the lower back or other parts of the body. Then some no doubt became addicted, said Dr. Andrew Kolodny, a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction at Maimonides Medical Center in New York City.

There aren’t “two distinct populations of people being helped by opioid painkillers and addicts being harmed. There’s overlap,” said Kolodny, president of a 700-member organization Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing.

Lone Tree, Colorado

5.00 OFF

$

one purchase of $15 or more of fresh produce at our Friday Market or daily! (excludes other $ OFF offers, limit one coupon, expires 7/31/13) #9378

Fresh produce available daily at Lone Tree, Colorado

7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial 303.690.4722 TagawaGardens.com

Put us on your summer calendar.

The RidgeGate community is thriving this season, with many fun, free events that will inspire you and your family to reconnect with nature, move your body, and hear great music. Plan now to join us.

Thursday, July 18, 6:30 –8pm

RidgeGate’s historical Schweiger Ranch. This month,

Free Nature Hike Series: Nature Journaling

hear amazing true wilderness stories from Jeff Rucks,

hoees in Cen-

Location: Register online to receive meeting location details

retired education manager with Colorado Parks &

Discover new ways of perceiving the outdoors. We’ll

Wildlife. Visit www.thewildlifeexperience.org for

hike with a trained naturalist from South Suburban

more information and to register.

any fire that rado,

Parks and Recreation, then practice journaling techniques

nkers tateFort pters, ordihting Danties

while sitting quietly and observing nature during the

Tuesday, July 30, 6:30 –7:30pm

sunset. Register at ridgegate.com for this free,

Free Sunset Yoga in the Park

family-friendly hike. (Age 8 and up)

Location: Belvedere Park (between RidgeGate Parkway and RidgeGate Circle on Belvedere Lane)

RidgeGate Presents Tunes on the Terrace: Sons and Brothers - Saturday, July 27 Allan Harris - Friday, August 2 Location: Lone Tree Arts Center

Enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting at the state-of-the-art Lone Tree Arts Center. Coming up, see Sons and Brothers’ upbeat Rockabilly and bluegrass stylings, or enjoy a romantic date night out listening

Join RidgeGate, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the Lone Tree Recreation Center for a free yoga class in Belvedere Park. Bring your own yoga mat, or one will be provided for you. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled. No yoga experience is necessary. No need to register - just drop in!

Wednesday, August 7, 11:30am –1pm

to romantic jazz vocalist Allan Harris. $15 lawn, $20

The RidgeGate Walk Concerts: Martini Shot

reserved seats. Tickets at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Location: Outside the Lone Tree Rec Center

Saturday, July 27, 7– 8:30pm

The Wildlife Experience: Nature Nights Campfire Series

Enjoy a summertime lunch break with live music in beautiful Prairie Sky Park, courtesy of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. This month, enjoy Martini Shot, a high energy, six-piece rock band

Location: Schweiger Ranch

from southern Colorado. Take a walk on the paved path

Come gather around a fire for an evening of s’mores,

around the park, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the music.

stories and activities with The Wildlife Experience at

8-Opinion-Color

8 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013

opinions/yours and ours

Not only a time to vote, consider serving OK, it sounds hokey, but we believe it.

The city council and school board elections coming up this fall — always on the uneven years — feature democracy at its best.

These nonpartisan races basically involve folks who want to make a difference, and the fact that most of these positions involve little or no compensation is evidence enough.

We admire the people in this group of roughly 1,500 elected officials in Colorado because public service is one of the highest callings. And as this annual event shapes up, we like to see candidates in all races.

Uncontested races simply don’t provide the choices voters should have or the valuable discourse that comes from competition.

We encourage citizens who observe vacant races in their districts and cities to

our view take a look in the mirror, think about stepping up, or think about asking someone else to step up. Some of the best elected officials are the ones who were recognized by others for their skills, energy and insights and then urged to run. When three or four people think a neighbor has a lot to offer, it’s time to make a phone call or knock on a door. Be bold.

For those who run, we have a few friendly reminders. The odd years are the nonpartisan years. By state law, city coun-

cil, school board and special districts are nonpartisan. Although it is handy to team with their parties, we urge candidates to honor the nonpartisan framework, and we urge voters to assess candidates by looking at their character, skills and drive — not party affiliation.

The late statesman Ted Strickland of Adams County once told us that the most important asset of an elected official is an open mind. To that point we do like candidates who work hard to keep learning and stay close to the pulse of a community — continually checking in with constituents and not making assumptions.

And to the voters, remember to look for balance, look at your boards and council and think about what is missing. What is needed — an attorney, an engineer, a shop owner? And — not to discriminate but to

diversify — if all the members of the board have the same first digit in their ages, maybe older or younger representatives would improve the representative mix.

Sam Mamet, longtime executive director of the Colorado Municipal League, which interacts with 60-70 cities around the state, often emphasizes how rewarding public service is and tells those who serve that they will look back and feel good about at least one thing they had a hand in — perhaps nobody will remember what you did, but “you’ll know” he says. And of course the act of simply contributing — recognized or not — is reward for the soul.

For the most part, candidates in school board and city council races simply want to do something to better their communities. That’s good stuff. Be part of it one way or the other.

Claims backlog for Flesh is weak, and spirit veterans inexcusable isn’t all that far behind The Department of Veterans Affairs needs a watchdog. This is the single most important thing I have learned since joining the House Veterans Affairs Committee in January. The Committee must stay vigilant because, if not, the VA will not perform up to the level the Congress expects and veterans deserve.

As the chairman of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee, I have been shocked at the level of bureaucratic incompetence the VA has shown in their ability to reduce the disability claims backlog.

Although their reported goal is to have average wait times of 125 days per claim by 2015, the current reality is that many veterans wait an average of 270-plus days before their claim is processed.

I have little hope that this department will reach its 2015 goal of reducing the average wait time to 125 days because the VA has not laid out intermediate metrics between now and 2015 that show how it will reach its goals.

A recent Government Accountability Office report, in response to the VA’s 2015 goal, concluded that “this plan lacks any metrics or deadlines to ensure these goals are met.”

In a May letter to the president, I, along with over 160 members of the House, expressed our dismay with the lack of progress in the backlog. We wrote, “This country must be grateful for the safe homecoming of every single man and woman who has served in harm’s way. Our joy in their return must be reflected in our commitment to helping all who have served.”

I lay the responsibility of the likely failure of the VA’s backlog plan at the feet of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.

Although Congress has allocated a huge 40 percent increase in the VA’s budget at a time when other agency budgets are being slashed, the backlog is growing rather than shrinking. The VA lacks effective leadership, not inadequate resources. The secretary must be more forceful in shaking up the status quo.

The issues with the claims backlog, as with Gulf War illness research, hospital construction and cyber security, are not funding-related; rather it is a cultural problem within the department that must be fixed.

I know firsthand that the VA does not

answer my inquiries in a timely manner and too often I hear from veteran service organizations and individual veterans that the VA is not responsive to their questions as well.

Often times, my Oversight hearings become embattled stalemates between my subcommittee and representatives from the VA until witnesses are forced to answer questions from members.

Unfortunately, the answers usually confirm my pre-existing belief that the VA has acted wrongly either intentionally or incompetently.

Either way, a disappointing pattern has emerged that we must change.

For this reason, I have supported strong actions like suspending bonuses for VA employees, and I have joined Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California in legislation that would create a commission to implement recommendations from the Government Accountability Office that will help reduce the claims processing time. Further, I have instituted a post-traumatic stress working group with Sen. Mark Udall to look for ways the VA can help treat veterans with PTSD and whether the VA can alter its claims process to better fit the needs of these disability claims.

It is our absolute moral duty to help the VA overcome its problems so it can finally make progress against the disability claims backlog. As a Marine Corps combat veteran myself, I have a personal stake in the success of the VA and I will continue to press them to improve so our veterans are getting the care and service they have earned.

Mike Coffman is the U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 6th District. He is a Marine Corps combat veteran and has a combined 21 years of military experience between the Army, the Army Reserve, the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve.

Ninety-year old Constance Rolon cried when Denver police officers welcomed her back into her home. Constance had been taken to a motel by the officers two weeks earlier because they determined that her house was uninhabitable.

I have seen this before. My good friend Ruth Todd lost her husband and most of her five senses, and housework didn’t get done.

Constance’s daughter died, and her son Paul vanished 13 years ago. A 2001 Westword article, “Home Alone,” details Paul’s mysterious disappearance when he was vacationing in Crete. Constance’s caregiver was gone.

Little by little, her home went undone.

Ruth’s home went that way too.

Ruth was 96 when she died in a hospice, and thinking we were married. Relatives were anxious for her money, but not to help out with her estate.

Ruth’s brilliant paintings went to the Kirkland Museum. Her furniture was sold or donated. The rest, including an empty bowling ball bag, went into one of the two dumpsters that I filled.

Ruth spent a lot of time in ambulances near the end of her life. She always took her resume with her.

She was a beautiful New York model in the 1920s and 30s, and by the time she turned 87, when I met her, she was an invisible woman.

When police officers made a welfare check on Constance they couldn’t get in the front door. “Trash and tangled possessions” blocked them. There were cats.

Aren’t there always cats?

Ruth had a cat named Sweet Pea. Sweet

Elbert County News 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

gerard healey President and Publisher Chris rotar Editor sCott gilBert Assistant Editor erin addenBrooke Advertising Director audrey Brooks Business Manager sCott andrews Creative Services Manager sandra arellano Circulation Director ron ‘MitCh’ MitChell Sales Executive

Pea was attached to Ruth and to no one else.

Ruth had one cat after another. In succession, they showed up at her back door. Ruth let one in, and it stayed with her for the rest of its life. Then another one showed up.

“How terribly strange to be 70.” Simon and Garfunkel wrote that. I am a handful of years away from being strange. The truth is that I have been strange all along.

No one wants to get older. We lose things and forget things. The crisp young woman who walked the high school halls is long gone. We can no longer talk like we once did. Words become wickets. No one pays attention to us. No one flirts.

Ruth and I went grocery shopping. It took two hours. She held up the grapes.

She looked at vegetables like she might be seeing them for the last time.

“At roll call, I told the guys what I needed and they all volunteered and took a chore,” said Sgt. Kim Lovato of the District 1 station.” The officers replaced carpet and painted Constance’s walls. They took care of the cats.

Ruth bent over to pick up a piece of paSmith continues on Page 9

Colorado Community Media Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098

Columnists and guest commentaries The Elbert County News features a limited number of regular columnists, found on these pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

Want your own chance to bring an issue to our readers’ attention, to highlight something great in our community, or just to make people laugh? Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer. Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

email your letter to letters@ourcoloradonews.com

Letters PoLicy We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit letters to 300 words. Letters may be edited for legality, clarity, civility and space availability. Only letters submitted with name, address and a telephone number will run. Telephone numbers and specific street addresses will not be published, but will be used to verify the letter before publication. Email letters to letters@ourcoloradonews.com.

We welcome event listings and other submissions. news and Business Press releases Please visit ourcoloradonews.com, click on the Press releases tab and follow easy instructions to make submissions.

Calendar calendar@ourcoloradonews.com Military notes militarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com school accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s list schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews.com sports sports@ourcoloradonews.com obituaries obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com to subscribe call 303-566-4100

we’re in this together Our team of professional reporters, photographers and editors are out in the community to bring you the news each week, but we can’t do it alone.

Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information, letters, commentaries...

If it happens, it’s news to us. Please share by contacting us at news@ourcoloradonews.com, and we will take it from there.

After all, the News is your paper.

per o and d Sh hom pictu wher It and R held If want fade in a M

9-Color

Many young people balk at health insurance

g Federal overhaul relies

oard

s

on balance to work

By Kelli Kennedy

ec- Associated Press

Dan Lopez rarely gets sick and hasn’t d d- been to a doctor in 10 years, so buying health insurance feels like a waste of money. o Even after the federal health overhaul good d takes full effect next year, the 24-year-old what said he will probably decide to pay the d of $100 penalty for those who skirt the law’s requirement that all Americans purchase — oul. coverage.

“I don’t feel I should pay for something ool nt I don’t use,” said the Milwaukee resident, uni- who makes about $48,000 a year working way two part-time jobs.

Because he makes too much to qualify for government subsidies, Lopez would pay a premium of about $3,000 a year if he chose to buy health insurance.

“I shouldn’t be penalized for having good health,” he said.

Persuading young, healthy adults such as Lopez to buy insurance under the Affordable Care Act is becoming a major concern for insurance companies as they scramble to comply with the law, which prohibits them from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and limits what they can charge to older policy holders.

e

k h one

Elbert County News 9

July 11, 2013

Insurers depend on young

Experts warn that a lot of these so-called “young invincibles” could opt to pay the fine instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars each year on insurance premiums. If enough young adults avoid the new insurance marketplace, it could throw off the entire equilibrium of the Affordable Care Act. Insurers are betting on the business of that group to offset the higher costs they will incur for older, sicker people.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 6 million people

of various ages will pay the tax penalty for not having insurance in 2014, the first year the law championed by President Obama will be fully implemented.

It’s hard to estimate how many of those will be the young and healthy adults insurers are trying to reach. Even though they are a small portion of the market, experts say it could be enough to throw the system’s financing off-kilter.

About 3 million 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. purchase their own insurance.

Many pay high prices for scant benefits, with high deductibles and co-pays because they make too much to qualify for Medicaid and have no coverage options from their employers or parents. The Urban Institute estimates that the majority of adults in their 20s will qualify for government subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Premium hikes could be a disincentive for young people weighing their options.

Premiums for people aged 21 to 29 with single coverage who are not eligible for government subsidies would increase by 42 percent under the law, according to an analysis by actuaries at the consulting firm Oliver Wyman. By comparison, an adult in his or her early 60s would see about a 1 percent average increase in premiums under new federal health rules.

Insurers including America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association recently wrote to federal health officials, warning that they feared low enrollment by young adults and proposing beefed-up penalties for opting out.

Insurers worry the $100 penalty might not be a strong enough deterrent. The penalties jump to $695 or 2.5 percent of taxable income — whichever is more — by 2016.

Young people are key

“The key to keeping health care affordable is you really want to balance the pool, where you have enough young and healthy people to balance off the care of the older, sicker people who are likely to utilize much more health care services,” said Justine

Castle Rock gives initial OK to retail deal

on ul of th is Proposed

development stirs concern for Outlets

ng alls By Virginia Grantier we vgrantier@ourcoloradonews.com ne Not everyone is sure they’re happy It about a proposed 200-acre Castle Rock re. tail project that would be located next to t be the Outlets at Castle Rock. At up to 900,000 square feet, it would be twice as large as the outlet mall. ook a Alison Towe, the Outlets’ general manrict ager, told Castle Rock Town Council July 2 and that while the mall generally applauds and are supports more development, “We do have some concerns. pa“It would not be prudent to place two regional outlet centers side by side,” she said.

A legal representative for the outlets’ owner, California-based Craig Realty Group, told the council that it’s rare for outlet malls to be within 50 miles of each other.

“We’re very concerned,” the representative said.

The town council later voted 7-0 to give initial approval to a proposed private/ public partnership with the developer of the proposed project, Greenwood Villagebased Alberta Development Partners LLC. Don Provost, Alberta’s founder, said in

Smith Continued from Page 8

per on her front porch. She broke her hip, and didn’t come home for 40 days.

She didn’t think she would ever come home. So I went to her house and took pictures. Sweet Pea showed up, out of nowhere, and she let me take a picture of her.

I took the pictures to the nursing home and Ruth couldn’t stop crying. Then she held me.

If 70 is strange, what is 90? I’m not sure I want to find out. Beautiful lives sometimes fade without grace. I looked at my father in a Michigan hospital and wanted him

an interview he isn’t planning at this time for the development to be an outlet center, but doesn’t rule it out.

“I’m not restricting my property,” he said. As an example, he said that just because someone builds a grocery store somewhere, it doesn’t mean someone else can’t build another grocery store nearby.

“It’s a baseless argument.”

He said he thinks Craig’s founder, president and CEO, Steven Craig, has done a “great job” with the outlets and wants him to be successful.

“I think this is a tremendous opportunity,” Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donahue said before the vote about the proposed project, called “Promenade at Castle Rock.”

In addition to the retail space, 350 forrent apartments are also planned.

Donahue said he has high regard for Don Provost, Alberta’s founder, and what Provost’s company has done elsewhere.

The council’s July 2 vote approved the conceptual financial structure and preparation of financial agreements that the council will consider for final approval at a special meeting Aug. 27.

If approved in August, Alberta is expected to close on the 200 acres, located just north and west of the current outlet center, and now owned by Jack Vickers, developer of Castle Pines.

to come back and play catch with me. But he couldn’t do anything on his own. He couldn’t even talk with me.

We see each other with quiet familiarity. But some of us are floating away while we’re still here, and go unnoticed.

Ruth used to say, “Take me to Dr. Kevorkian.” There were days, when nothing on her worked, that I wish I could have.

“Bless your hearts, thank you, thank you,” Constance said to the officers.

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” — The Tempest, Act 4, scene 1.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net

Handelman, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s vice president for legislative and regulatory policy.

She said younger people use about a fifth of the services that older beneficiaries do.

Jonathan Gruber, an economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who helped craft that state’s law, said he thinks the first-year federal penalty should be higher.

The penalty under the Massachusetts law, which served as the model for Obama’s overhaul, was $218 the first year in 2007.

Gruber said that amount proved effective.

“People hate paying money and getting nothing for it,” he said.

Many young adults have chosen relatively bare-bones health plans before the Affordable Care Act, but the new law requires all plans to offer a minimum set of benefits, thus raising the price for coverage.

The cost of health coverage is difficult to estimate because it includes so many factors, but a 27-year-old making $30,000 a year in 2014 will have a $3,400 premium and will be eligible for subsidies that cover about 26 percent of the bill. That person would end up paying $2,509, or about $209 a month. That does not include deductibles, co-pays and other variables, which can vary widely.

The estimates come from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation’s online Health Reform Subsidy Calculator.

Francois Louis, a 20-year-old college student in South Florida who works parttime, can’t remember the last time he went to the doctor and gets by on over-the-counter medication whenever he’s sick. He’d love to get a check-up, but says it’s too expensive on his income of less than $15,000 a year.

“I probably would do the $100 fine because it’s just cheaper and you don’t have to worry about paying off monthly costs,” said Louis, a student at Broward Community College near Fort Lauderdale.

Louis would get a $2,718 tax credit and have to pay $300 toward his premium, according to the calculator.

Subsidies available

Health advocates note that many people who have difficulty affording health insurance now will qualify for federal subsidies.

The financial assistance will go to those making less than $48,000 a year who cannot get affordable coverage through their job.

That includes 27-year-old Emily Nicoll of Dallas, who makes $20,000 a year working in customer service for a sports team.

She said she pays a lot of money for basic health benefits, including $80 a month for two prescriptions and a $100 co-pay for each doctor’s visit.

But the memory of being in a car accident in high school lingers, so she will continue to pay for health insurance once the new law takes effect.

“That’s the fear that makes me pay out that $151 a month,” said Nicoll, who says most of her friends do not have insurance.

She would receive a $2,100 tax credit under the Affordable Care Act and pay about $83 a month for her premium.

While Nicoll stands to save money on health insurance under the new law, many young people who make more money would not.

The potential for skyrocketing prices caught the attention of a Democratic state lawmaker in New Jersey, Assemblywoman Celeste Riley.

She is so worried about the cost for young people that she helped pass legislation to remove a requirement that students at two-year colleges have health insurance to attend class. But Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the bill recently.

Riley said the low-cost, limited plans currently offered to students cost about $600 a year, but prices could rise up to $2,000. The Affordable Care Act allows people to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26, but many parents also lack insurance.

“In this one small situation, I have students that really are going to be hit so hard financially,” she said. “I think that really some of them will decide not to go to school.”

OBITUARIES

Private Party

Contact: Viola Ortega 303-566-4089 obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com

Funeral Homes

Visit: www.memoriams.com

10-Color

10 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013

Sky Ridge kicks off massive expansion Project will add beds, women’s center, more

By Jane Reuter

jreuter@ourcoloradonews.com Two months shy of its 10th birthday, Sky Ridge Medical Center is undergoing its fourth expansion.

This one — a $117 million project that will add 90 beds, a women’s center, medical office building, four operating suites and a parking garage by late 2014 — is by far its largest.

Sky Ridge kicked off the massive expansion during a June 26 morning ceremony in a hospital parking lot that soon will be part of the construction site.

Officials from Lone Tree and Douglas County, including state Rep. Frank McNulty — who brought his Sky Ridge-born daughter, Victoria — watched as dozens of colorful balloons soared into the air past a construction crane to mark the project’s official start. Several of the officials and key medical staff also spoke during the event, many crediting the hospital for much of south suburban Denver’s robust economic health.

“When we sold the land, it was in fact the key piece to launch RidgeGate from cows to people,” said Keith Simon, RidgeGate’s director of development. “There’s no doubt RidgeGate is really the key catalyst to development.”

Balloons released during SkyRidge Medical Center’s groundbreaking ceremony for its $117 million expansion float past a construction crane on the site. Photo by Jane Reuter “It has been and will continue to be the foundation of the economic engine here in Lone Tree,” Mayor Jim Gunning said, noting the subsequent addition of Lone Tree’s Kaiser Permanente and the University of Colorado medical facilities. “With that of course

comes jobs, very stable jobs.”

Sky Ridge CEO Maureen Tarrant verified Gunning’s contention, noting that Sky Ridge jobs pay an average of $33 an hour.

Sky Ridge’s reputation extends far beyond Lone Tree, however, said chief of car-

July 11

diology Dr. Barry Molk.

“It’s nationally recognized. It’s nationally envied,” he said, with high-quality physicians and equipment that “have allowed us to work at the highest level of sophistication.”

Dr. Will Choi recently visited a 3,000-bed hospital in Korea and said the 185-bed Sky Ridge performs more spine surgeries.

“We’re definitely on a global scale in terms of spine care at Sky Ridge,” he said.

More than 28,000 babies have been born at Sky Ridge since its August 2003 opening.

To help meet that continuing demand, the project will expand the center’s neonatal intensive care unit, add labor and delivery and post-partum rooms and advance its level of care to include infants as young as 24 weeks.

Sky Ridge recently earned an “A” from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that measures and reports hospital performance.

It also is ranked in the 94th percentile nationally for quality and service based on an assessment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Sky Ridge also has a reputation for aesthetics, landing in 2012 on a list of the nation’s 20 most beautiful hospitals.

The expansion will expand the current footprint by about one-third, adding more than 350 new jobs at completion, and about 400 jobs during construction. Sky Ridge now employs more than 1,100 people, with 1,300 physicians on staff.

things to do

Summer programS. Elbert County Library District presents weekly summer reading programs. A program about Fossils is July 9 and 11. Learn what fossils are, who studies them and where they can be found. Kids will see what a fossil looks like by making one to take home. Underground critters will be the topic of the next programs July 16 and July 18. Read about prairie dogs, badgers and bears. The craft will be a puppet of one of the animals. Local musican Roann Keene, aka Ms.Ro, presents her interactive Dig Into Music performance July 23 and July 25. Programs are offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Simla Library, at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Elizabeth Library; and at noon Thursdays at the Kiowa Library. For a complete list, to register or for information, visit www.elbertcountylibrary.org or call 303-646-3792.

July 11 Softball camp. Elizabeth High School presents the Lady Cards softball camp for players ages 6-18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon July 9 and July 11. Camp will focus on the fundamentals of hitting, throwing, fielding, base running and defense. Bring tennis shoes (cleats recommended), glove and water. Bats, helmets, sliding gear, catching equipment, etc., are also allowed.

The camp is at Elizabeth High School, on the varsity softball field, 34500 CR 13. Cost is $25 per player if registered by July 5, and $30 for camp-day registration. Call Coach Steve Biller at 720-480-2680 for information.

July 17

to create a great weekend of fun for the entire family. www. elizabethcelticfestival.com.

aug. 17 muSic feStival. The Elizabeth Music & Arts Festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 17 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. Enjoy a day of live music, arts and crafts vendors, food and more.

Activities all day long. Visit www.elizabethfestival.com aug. 23-25 campdraft event. A campdrafting clinic and competition is Aug. 23-25 at Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa. Be sure to be in Elbert County for the first ever in the United States Campdrafting event. Learn how to do this Australian sport at the clinic (champions coming from Australia to show you how it is done) and then test your skills at the first competition in the US. Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Contact Mary Harris at kiowacountryc@earthlink.net or 303-621-5836. Visit http:// campdraft.us.

Sept. 13 golf tournament. The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce presents the chamber golf tournament on Sept. 13 at Spring Valley Golf Club. Enjoy a morning of golf, fun, and meeting other business people. Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. with lunch and awards following all the fun. Visit www.elizabethchamber.org. oct. 26

July 19

HarveSt feStival. The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Harvest Festival from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 on Main Street in Elizabeth. Food, music, games and more.

Spend an afternoon in Elizabeth for a safe Halloween by coming for trick-or-treat street throughout the town and enjoying games, vendors, food, and more on Main Street. Visit www. elizabethchamber.org.

legal clinic. A free clinic for parties who have no attorney and who are going through divorce, legal separation, custody, post-decree cases or protection order cases is offered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. All walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be assisted on a first-come, firstserved basis. Upcoming dates are March 15; April 19; May 17; June 21; July 19; Aug. 16; Sept. 20; Oct. 18; Nov. 15; Dec. 20.

tHe outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com.

July 19-20

divorce and Post-Decree Clinic. Elbert and Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is offered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. For information, call 303-520-6088 or email morgan@hayday.org. The clinic is free for parties who have no attorney and who are going through dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or post-decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome, and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

blood drive. Walmart community blood drive is from 2-6

p.m. Wednesday, July 17, inside Bonfils’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303363-2300 or visit www.bonfils.org.

Quilt entrieS. Firehouse Quilts is looking for quilt entries for its eighth annual quilt show to support its mission of helping children in crisis in Colorado. Early bird entries submitted by May 17 are taken at a discounted entry fee ($15). Otherwise, the fee is $18 per item, and the final deadline is June 21. This year’s show has a special theme, Patriotic, along with 13 other categories. The show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19-20 at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. All forms and instructions are available at www.firehousequilts.org; click on the Quilt Show link at the top.

July 20-21 celtic feStival. The Elizabeth Celtic Festival is July 20-21 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. Take yourself back in time and enjoy traditional Scottish Highland Games with a Medieval and Renaissance Fest, a British Dog Show, and a community fair

tHe elbert County Sheriffs Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriffs Office.

As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriffs Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large.

Membership is open to anyone without a criminal record.

It meets the last Monday of the month at the Elbert County Sheriffs Office at 7 p.m. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse. html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

South Metrolife 11-Life

n

Elbert County News 11 July 11, 2013

nally hysied us tica-

-bed d Sky

le in id. born ning. , the natal ivery e its ng as

‘Nest’ finds new home

from profit rfor-

ntile d on icare

aese na-

rrent more bout Ridge with

Men hoist some of the 100 poles required to support the big top tent for Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, “Amaluna.” Workers raised the tent July 2 on the Pepsi Center grounds as media and others looked on. The tent will seat 2,600 people and requires 550 pegs to hold it firmly in the ground.

Raise da roof

Photos by Deborah GriGsby

With room for 2,600 people, the Cirque du Soleil big top takes shape on the grounds of the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. The colorful tent will be the home to the Canadian entertainment company’s newest production, “Amaluna,” July 18 to Aug. 25. The production travels with 65 trailers carrying close to 2,000 tons of equipment.

Cirque du Soleil returns to Denver with its newest production, “Amaluna.” The first visible signs of the popular Canadian entertainment group’s arrival came July 2 as more than 60 men and women worked to erect the familiar blue and yellow big top on the Pepsi Center grounds. Traveling with 65 trailers carrying more than 2,000 tons of equipment, workers will spend eight days assembling the colorful big top, the entrance, box office, additional rehearsal tents, administrative offices and a kitchen. Once complete, the big top will seat 2,600 people for the show, which opens July 18 and runs through Aug. 25.

Show takes cartoons to art realm ‘Rollin With the Homies’ brings ‘Peanuts’ influence to Denver

if you Go “Rollin With the Homies” will be exhibited July 11 to August 19 at Fascination Street Fine Art, 2727 East Third Ave., Denver. Everhart will appear from 6 to 9 pm. July 19 and 1 to 5 pm. July 20.

(RSVP requested on those dates.) 303333-1592, fascinationstart.com.

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@ourcolorado news.com Artist Tom Everhart enjoyed a long friendship with cartoonist Charles Schulz and was educated in new ways to use his fine art training as he worked in the studio with the “Peanuts” cartoonist. Everhart was encouraged to carry forward Schulz’s comic strip creations into the fine art realm and has exhibited the resulting paintings throughout the world, including at the Louvre in Paris.

He will bring a new show, “Rollin With the Homies,” to Denver’s Fascination Street Fine Art from July 11 through August 19, appearing at the gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. July 19 during an opening reception and from 1 to 5 p.m. July 20. Everhart said it is a retrospective of his work as it evolved under Schulz’s influence and will only appear in Denver.

In a phone interview, he described early meetings with Schulz. “He took me to his studio and we drew lines: three straight, three fat, three wiggly.

He taught me more about lines.

When you looked at the same thing, you could see a differ-

“Big Poppa” by Tom Everhart plays with the Snoopy image. Courtesy image ence, see things in a new way …”

He observed that “happy may be somewhat deceiving — the work may be more easily explained by what it doesn’t have.” He thinks Schulz’s line work bordered on abstract expressionism at times and talks about how the beloved cartoonist continually referred to Picasso’s multiple-view images, where you see front and side at the same time.

“He took you inside the strip — made you walk around,” Everhart said. Early Peanuts strips used perspective and backgrounds, but after 1960, he took it out and made you stay in the foreground, as did abstract painters of the 1960s.

Characters are two and a half heads tall, abstracted from the

art school formula for drawing people at seven and a half heads tall. “He was always afraid to use the word `abstraction,’ thinking people wouldn’t understand.

“What Sparky (Schulz) did — he got me an agreement that I could respond to his paintings for life.”

Although the paintings are recognizable imagery, they have associated meanings, Everhart explains. “Does This Make Me Look Fat?” shows Snoopy blanketed with little flying Woodstocks. It actually speaks to overpopulation, the painter said.

“I try to approach his work with different kinds of marks.

First, brush strokes. Then dots, circles … It had to evolve and grow, although the subject matter is the same. It feels like he’s

alive for me …”

The original inspiration for the Schulz-related paintings came to Everhart when he was hospitalized, undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. He had a handful of Peanuts comic strips Schulz had sent him in his hands, illuminated by bright light from the window, which almost projected them onto the wall.

Schulz stressed that his paintings — and titles — must be different from the cartoons, involving Everhart’s insights and feelings.

Each image can be recognized, but is very different.

Lithographs of the paintings followed, at Schulz’s suggestion — as a way to get more work out for public view.

After Schulz’s death in 2000, Everhart remained in touch with his family and continued to paint in his patterns of dots.

Everhart is also consulting on a 3-D “Peanuts” movie that will be coming out soon. He lectures around the world about Schulz and exhibits his own related work.

After a number of months installed in a busy downtown Denver location, sculptor Erick Johnson’s “The Nest” has been moved next to a peaceful pond at Westlands Park, 5701 S. Quebec St. in Greenwood Village.

The installation is a collaboration of the Museum Outdoor Arts, Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Council and Demiurge Design. Johnson said: “Throughout our natural world and among many different species of birds, fish, insects and mammals, a nest is an amazing, instinctively created environment for raising a family. It not only serves as a shield from the elements, but as a fortress against other threatening natural predators.”

Wildlife Experience is topic

“The Wildlife Experience: More than a Museum” is director Gary Debus’ topic on July 15 when he speaks to the Highlands Ranch Historical Society at 7 p.m. at Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch. In addition, club members can tour the museum on July 19 at 11 a.m. at a group rate of $9. hrhistoricalsociety@comcast.net.

Hundreds of bands scheduled

The annual Underground Music Showcase is scheduled in the South Broadway Arts District July 19-22. We are told that more than 400 bands are scheduled to perform in a number of venues, starting at 8 pm. each night. A bracelet, good for all four days at $35, is available at the box office, near the Goodwill Mainstage at First Avenue and Broadway. Information and schedule: theums.com/lineup. NPR radio Open Air, 1340 AM, will broadcast from the UMS.

The buzz about bees

“Meet the Beekeeper” at Hudson Gardens from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 20. Watch the beekeepers working at the apiary and learn about management techniques and the process of starting a hive if interested.

Free and open to the public.

Dr. Colorado’s in town

“Coloroddities” is the title of Dr. Tom Noel’s program at 7 p.m. July 16 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. He will give a slide presentation on strange things about our state. Free. 303-795-3961.

Sazon gets jazzy

Local jazz ensemble Sazon will perform at its first Sunday Jazz Concert from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 14 at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 5050 S. Syracuse St. in DTC. Ensemble members are Bobby Trujillo, Joe Lopez, Norma Tell and guest Ron Jolly. Tickets: $15 advance; $18 door, BrownPaperTickets. com, 1-800-838-3006.

Littleton Jazz Festival

Sazon will also play at the Littleton Jazz Festival on Aug. 16 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street in Downtown Littleton.

Also on the program: Highlands Ranchbased After Midnight with Benny Goodman arrangements and pianist Neil Bridge. Tickets: $25, on sale July 15 at townhallartscenter.com, 303-794-2787 ext 5.

Palmer Lake Historical Society

“The Western Museum of Mining and Industry: Past, Present and Future” will be presented at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent, Palmer Lake. Richard Sauers will talk about programs and plans at the 27-acre Colorado Springs museum. Free. Palmerdividehistory.org.

12

12 Elbert County News

Museum displays quilt retrospective Marie Agnes Conway had Littleton business

if you go

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Marie Conway began sewing early — creating ensembles for her self and her two sisters. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Denver.

She married David Conway and they lived in Littleton, where they raised seven children: David (deceased), Daniel, Martin, John, Stephen, Paul and Jenise. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary before she passed away in July, 2012.

For a time in the 1960s, she had a dressmaking business on Littleton’s Main Street, called Marie’s, where she designed and sewed ensembles and costumes for customers.

When she retired from that business, she turned to her real love — quilting — and created many innovative wall hangings as well as functional quilts and in later years, smaller quilted pieces, such as totes and lap quilts.

“A Quilter’s Craft: Marie Agnes Conway Retrospective” is on exhibit at the Littleton Museum July 12 to March 16, 2013.

Her daughter, Jenise Conway, said there are about 50-60 works in the show.

While Conway used some traditional block patterns, usually her quilts were of her own design, each unique. She enjoyed the textures of fabrics as they passed between her fingers

“A Quilter’s Craft: Marie Agnes Conway Retrospective” will be exhibited through March 16, 2014, at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton.

Admission is free. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 303-795-3950.

The City of Littleton owns two Conway quilts in its art collection: “David’s Hometown” was designed and made for Littleton’s Centennial and dedicated to her oldest son as a memorial. It shows various recognizable scenes around town and has been displayed at the Littleton Center at times. She worked on it from 1985 to 1989, finishing in time for Littleton’s 1990 Centennial celebration.

There is also a mauve shantung silk spider quilt, her first art quilt, created in 1983 and purchased by the Littleton Fine Arts Board for the city collection.

She made several quilts of silk, but most are crafted from cotton fabrics, Jenise said.

“Flora” is an example of her original designs — a rosebud with little ladybugs and ants.

Some pieces are a collaboration — with Jenise or, in the case of a pillow, with her granddaughter for a 4-H project.

Her quilts were exhibited in several local shows: the Littleton Fine Art Board’s “Own an Original”; the Littleton Fine Arts Guild Depot Art Center’s “Great Frame Up” show; and the annual Western Welcome Week Arts and Crafts show.

July 11, 2013

curtain tiMe Getting around

“17 Border Crossings” brings artist Thaddeus Phillips back to Denver for a three-week run of his latest production, a stage voyage to Bosnia, Morocco, Cuba, Brazil, Serbia, Colombia, Bali, Holland, Czech Republic, Israel, Croatia, Jordan and Mexico.

Performances will be at Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St., July 11 to 27: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets: $15, 2-for-1 on Thursdays. Buntport.com/reservations.

Foothills theater

“Hairspray” by Mark Shaiman, Scott Whitman, Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the film written

by John Waters, plays July 12 to Aug. 14 at Evergreen Players’ Center/Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Tickets: $15$25, 303-674-4934, evergreenplayers.org.

Theater tradition

“Fiddler on the Roof” by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein, based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories, is presented

by Phamaly Theatre Company from July 18 to August 11 at the Space Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex. Performances: July 18 to Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; Thursday, July 18; Monday, July 29; 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets: $30-$34 ($17 previews July 18, 19 and industry night, July 29.) 303-893-4100, phamaly.org. Audio-described and ASL-signed performance on Sunday, July 28, with free backstage sensory tour at 11 (reservations needed, 303-5750005.)

On Edge

“House of Blue Leaves” by John Guare plays July 19 to Aug. 11 at the Edge Theatre’s new venue, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Performances: 8 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Theedgetheatre.com

Up Greeley way

“Escanaba in da Moonlight”

by Jeff Daniels plays at 7:30 p.m. July 13, 14, 24, 25, 26 and 2 p.m. July 14 at Little Theatre of the Rockies’ Norton Theatre in Gray Hall, University of Northern Colorado central campus in Greeley.

Tickets: 970-351-2200, www. unco.edu/tickets. (See the website for other summer productions.)

It’s a wonder

“Wonder of the World” by David Lindsay-Abair plays July 26 to Sept. 1 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden.

Performances: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays: 6 p.m.

Sundays, except 2 p.m. Sept. 1.

Tickets: $19-$29.50, 303-9353044.

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing Military briefs and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifymilitarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com ing and evaluating all children, birth to 21 General press releasesyears, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports unSubmit through our website der Part C or special education services Letters to the editor under Part B of IDEA.

Send uS your newS Colorado Community Media welcomes event listings and other submissions.

Please note our new submissions emails. events and club listings calendar@ourcoloradonews.com School notes, such as honor roll and dean’s list schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews.com

Ages 0 letters@ourcoloradonews.com

through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to the following: • Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and

Fax information to 303-566-4098 Kit Carson Schools) • Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School) Mail to 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd.,County Ste. 210, • Yuma (IdaliaHighlands & Liberty Schools) • Kit Carson County (Bethune, Stratton, Ranch, CO 80129 Arriba-Flagler & Hi-Plains Schools) • Arapahoe County (Byers, Deer Trail, Strasburg & Bennett Schools) • Washington County (Arickaree & Woodlin Schools) • Adams County (Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail Schools) • Lincoln County (Limon & Karval Schools) • Elbert County (Agate & Kiowa Schools) • Kit Carson County (Burlington Schools) • Elbert C-1 (Elizabeth Schools)

SUMMONS The People of the State of Colorado To: Heirs and Assigns of William Combs; deceased; and All Unknown Persons, Heirs and Assigns Who Claim Any Interest in the Subject matter of This Action.

Name Changes

Misc. Private Legals

Misc. Private Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Notice of Sale

DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO Court Address: 751 Ute St., Kiowa CO 80117 Case No.: 2012CV260

Public notice is given on June 18, 2013 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Jill Nicole Wonderly be changed to Nichole Shea Kirkelie.

Case No.: 2013 C 28 Cheryl A. Layne Clerk of Court By: Jafeen Jenkins Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No: 927688 First Publication: July 4, 2013 Last Publication: July 18, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on June 26, 2013 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Christine Karen Hoang be changed to Christine Karen Quist.

Case No.: 2013 C 29 Cheryl A. Layne Clerk of Court By: Jafeen Jenkins Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No: 927699 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: July 25, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News

Contents unknown belonging to Josh Bearor whose last known address is: 4458 Lariat Trail Elizabeth CO, 80107 and stored in unit #14 STORAGE ONE/Elizabeth, 5229 Hwy 86, Elizabeth, CO. 80107, will be sold at auction or otherwise disposed of at this location after 7/12/2013.

Legal Notice No.: 927689 First Publication: July 4, 2013 Last Publication: July 11, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice ESTRAY - One bay gelding, no brand, small star, 1100 - 1200 lbs. Livestock must be claimed by legal owner within 10 days or will be sold by Colorado Brand Board. For information call 303-648-3469 or 303-294-0895.

Legal Notice No.: 927697 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: July 11, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice Superior Court County of Trinity State of California Case # 06JU053A CITATION TO APPEAR To Phillip Barbian and to all persons claiming to be the father or mother of the child, Jasmine Barbian, you are hereby cited to appear on 8/30/13 at 9:00 am in Dept. 1 of the Superior Court of Trinity County, located at 11 Court St. Weaverville, California. Your appearance is required pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 294(f)(7).

Legal Notice No.: 927698 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: August 1, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Plaintiff: JP Morgan Chase Bank National Bank, successor by merger to Chase Home Finance LLC v.

Defendants: Donald W. Combs; Brenda K. Combs; Elsie Combs, and Phil Ashburn, Heirs and Assigns of William Combs; deceased, The Public Trustee For The County of Elbert, State of Colorado; LVNV Funding LLC; and All Unknown Persons, Heirs and Assigns Who Claim Any Interest in the Subject matter of This Action

Plaintiff brings its claims by way of a Deed of Trust, dated January 2, 2002, recorded on March 18, 2002 at Book 626, Page 351, at Reception No. 415983, Elbert County, Colorado, and (the Deed of Trust”). You are summoned and required to file with the clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the Complaint seeking a complete adjudication of the rights of all parties to this action with respect to the property referenced in the Deed of Trust which is located in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, commonly known as 41028 Thunder Hill Road, Parker, CO 80138, and legally described as follows: LOT 30, THUNDER HILL, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. (the "Property").

Misc. Private Legals

And For a decree that the Deed of Trust, is a valid, first priority mortgage encumbering 100% of the interest in the Property; For a decree that pursuant to the doctrine of equitable subrogation, that the Deed of Trust is a valid Deed of Trust with priority relating back to the date the prior and paid-off deed of trust was recorded; A decree that the Deed of Trust be reformed to include William Combs as a grantor under the Deed of Trust; and For such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.

Such answer or other response to the Complaint must be filed within thirty five (35) days after this Summons is served on you by publication.

Attorneys for Plaintiffs: FRANKE GREENHOUSE LLP Charles Greenhouse, #10506 KITTREDGE BUILDING 511 – 16th Street, Suite 610 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 623-4500 cgreenhouse@frankegreenhouse.com

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within the applicable time period, judgment by default may be entered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint, without any further notice to you.

SUMMONS The People of the State of Colorado

FRANKE GREENHOUSE LLP Charles Greenhouse, #10506 KITTREDGE BUILDING 511 – 16th Street, Suite 610 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 623-4500

To: Heirs and Assigns of William Combs; deceased; and All Unknown Persons, Heirs and Assigns Who Claim Any Interest in the Subject matter of This Action.

Plaintiff brings its claims by way of a Deed of Trust, dated January 2, 2002, recorded on March 18, 2002 at Book 626, Page 351, at Reception No. 415983, Elbert County, Colorado, and (the Deed of Trust”). You are summoned and required to file with the clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the Complaint seeking a complete adjudication of the rights of all parties to this action with respect to the property referenced in the Deed of Trust which is located in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, commonly known as 41028 Thunder Hill Road, Parker, CO 80138, and legally described as follows: LOT 30, THUNDER HILL, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. (the "Property").

Dated this 2nd day of July, 2013

Legal Notice No.: 927700 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: August 8, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE CHILD FIND East Central BOCES and/or its member districts would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, birth to 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports under Part C or special education services under Part B of IDEA.

Please contact: Stacey Schillig, Child Find Coordinator - (719) 775-2342, ext.

133 All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to the local school district administrator, special education teacher, East Central BOCES (719) 775-2342, ext.

101 or Elizabeth Elbert C-1 Special Services Office (303)646-1844.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHILD FIND East Central BOCES and/or its member districts would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

Government Legals

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, birth to 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports under Part C or special education services under Part B of IDEA. Ages 0 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to the following: • Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools) • Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School) • Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools) • Kit Carson County (Bethune, Stratton, Arriba-Flagler & Hi-Plains Schools) • Arapahoe County (Byers, Deer Trail, Strasburg & Bennett Schools) • Washington County (Arickaree & Woodlin Schools) • Adams County (Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail Schools) • Lincoln County (Limon & Karval Schools) • Elbert County (Agate & Kiowa Schools) • Kit Carson County (Burlington Schools) • Elbert C-1 (Elizabeth Schools) Please contact: Stacey Schillig, Child Find Coordinator - (719) 775-2342, ext.

133 All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to the local school district administrator, special education teacher, East Central BOCES (719) 775-2342, ext.

101 or Elizabeth Elbert C-1 Special Services Office (303)646-1844.

Services for infants and toddlers are voluntary.

The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, Arriba-Flagler, HiPlains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Liberty, Idalia and Elizabeth.

Services for infants and toddlers are voluntary.

The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, Arriba-Flagler, HiPlains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Liberty, Idalia and Elizabeth.

Government Legals

References: IDEA, Part C, Section 303.320-323 IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) East Central BOCES Comprehensive Plan Section III Process of Identifying Legal Notice No.: 927695 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: July 11, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BID The United Water & Sanitation District (“United”) is requesting sealed Bids for the “Glassey Recharge Facility” project. All sealed Bids are to be delivered to the office of Civil Resources, LLC (front desk) at 323 Fifth Street, Frederick, CO 80530 by 10:00 a.m. local time on July 24, 2013; and clearly labeled “Glassey Recharge Facility - Sealed Bid.” Bids received after that date and time will not be considered. Plan sets will be available on or after 9:00 a.m. on July 8, 2013 and can be obtained at United’s office at 8301 East Prentice Ave, Suite 100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or at Civil Resources office for $100 per set (non-refundable) with a $50 fee for local mailing.

A full set of construction documents can also be viewed at either office. The Project consists of: 1) 19,000 cubic yards of general cut/fill; 2) concrete flume structure; 3) concrete outlet control structures; 4) 100 linear feet of RCP; and 5) riprap placement. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 17, 2013 at the project site (Approximately 2,500 feet east of the intersection of Morgan County Road 22.5 and SH 34 on the south side of the road in Fort Morgan, Colorado). Requests for information are to be directed to Mr. Adam Smith, P.E. at Civil Resources, LLC (303-833-1416 ext. 206).

United Water & Sanitation District By: Drew Damiano Legal Notice No.: 927696 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: July 11, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News

When government takes action, it uses local newspapers to notify you. Reading your public notices is the best way to find out what is happening in your community and how it affects you. If you don’t read public notices, you never know what you might miss.

And For a decree that the Deed of Trust, is a valid, first priority mortgage encumbering 100% of the interest in the Property; For a decree that pursuant to the doctrine of equitable subrogation, that the Deed of Trust is a valid Deed of Trust with priority relating back to the date the prior and paid-off deed of trust was recorded; A decree that the Deed of Trust be reformed to include William Combs as a grantor under the Deed of Trust; and For such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.

References: IDEA, Part C, Section 303.320-323 IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) East Central BOCES Comprehensive Plan Section III Process of Identifying Legal Notice No.: 927695 First Publication: July 11, 2013 Last Publication: July 11, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Notices are meant to be noticed.

Such answer or other response to the Complaint must be filed within thirty five (35) days after this Summons is served on you by publication.

If you fail to file your answer or other re-

Ages 0 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to the following:

• Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools) • Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School) • Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools)

13

‘Hairspray’ a dream show for local actress Evergreen company stages colorful play

IF YOU GO

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@ourcoloradonews. com Twenty-year-old Bailey Walton plays Tracy Turnblad in what she describes as her dream show, ”Hairspray,” which runs from July 12 to Aug. 4 at the Evergreen Players’ Center/Stage.

She plays the pleasingly plump Baltimore teen who rushes home after school daily to watch the Corny Collins dance show on television, wishing she could be on it.

She says she worked in “Magic Moments” recently with percussionist Tad Worley, who told her about Evergreen’s auditions for “Hairspray.” She landed the part and rehearsals started May 19.

The year is 1962. Tracy lives with her large, shy mother and supportive father in a small apartment where her mother takes in ironing.

When she does get a place on the show, she determines to integrate it, replacing the once a month “Negro Night.”

Complications arise and Tracy becomes a leader, dethroning the reigning teen queen and capturing the affections

Castle Rock

“Hairspray” plays July 12 to Aug. 14 at Evergreen Players’ Center/Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no show July 13); 2 p.m. Sundays; extra show at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 14. Tickets: $15 to $25, 303-6744934, evergreenplayers.org. of heartthrob Link Larkin — as well as being an accomplished dancer.

The colorful show has a good story line and many big production numbers. It opened on Broadway in August 2002 and played until January 2009, plus expanding to national tours and a London run. Music is by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. It’s based on the film written and directed by John Waters.

Brenda Billings is director of “Hairspray” and Alane Worley, who worked at Country Dinner Playhouse for many years, is choreographer.

The company first rehearsed dance numbers at ATA, the local dance studio Worley and Paul Dwyer operate.

Bailey and her brother and father have performed often over the years at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center. Her first show was “Annie” in 2004.

Highlands Ranch

‘Minimum Wage’ pays off for audience

She attended Cherry Creek High School for a year then completed an online high school course because she was working at the Arvada Center.

She became a nanny for Elizabeth and Tim Welch’s daughter and lived in New York with them for six months. (Town Hall fans will remember the couple with operatic voices.

Elizabeth landed a job with the touring company of “Phantom of the Opera” and is now working in the show New York, where Tim has opened a voice studio.)

At present, Walton teaches at a child development center during the day and has been teaching dance and acting for Christian Youth Theater, which she plans to resume.

In the fall, she will begin online classes at CU Denver in English, writing and child development, while continuing to teach.

And, of course, she’ll watch the audition notices in case another dream opportunity comes along.

Complicated theater schedules are a given in her family’s Centennial home. She mentioned that her dad will perform in Parker’s upcoming summer production of “Oklahoma” and brother Burke is cast in Boulder Dinner Theatre’s “The Full Monty.”

Littleton

A cappella musical comedy on stage at Avenue Theater

IF YOU GO “Minimum Wage” plays through Aug. 3. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave., Denver. Tickets: $26. (For an additional $7.38, you can buy a ticket from the theater for a deluxe burger and fries at Park and Company, a few doors east.)

303-321-5925, avenuetheater.com.

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@ourcoloradonews. com When “Minimum Wage “ played Off-Broadway in 2007, Denverbased co-writers/brothers Jeff and Charlie La Greca were in the cast of this kooky and wonderful a cappella musical comedy. (Sean Altman cowrote the songs).

One has to see this one to believe it!

The actors don’t need a band — they supply their own music with their voices as they carry the audience at Denver’s Avenue Theater through training sessions at Happy Hamburger University, where “Minimum Wage” is what they’ll earn.

Under the sure hand of director Nick Sugar, Michael Bouchard (Hux), Keegan C. Flaugh (Titus), Damon Guerasio (Orwell), Abby McInerney (Piercy) and Carter Edward Smith (Bradbury) sing rocking a cappella music almost non-stop for 90 minutes. There are a few minutes out to watch grainy, bad training videos and announcements from the company headquarters and a few more for bits of goony action.

Numbers of new shops keep being announced. References to another major hamburger chain are

Parker

continual and clever.

Music director Mark Middlebrooks, a teacher and performer familiar to fans at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, has, in conjunction with Sugar’s good-humored direction and choreography, delivered an all-together chorus of singers, each with a different role in the a cappella format and each individually outstanding.

Strong harmonies, beatboxing and fine comic timing prevail.

Happy Hamburger University training includes segments on fryers, grills and spatulas, dangers and the theme song about what they’ll earn as they work their way toward the middle — “Minimum Wa-yayage.”

Different songs offer each performer a chance to shine.

Keegan C. Flaugh, the booming bass, is the hypochondriac chain clown, Kooky, and Abby McInerney “Shakes her Booty With Danger.”

Damon Guerasio’s take on “GR-I-Double-L” is a show-stopper in this most entertaining evening — it’s not to be missed.

Parker

Parker

First United Methodist Church 1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org

Services:

Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8am, 9:15am, 10:30am Sunday School 9:15am Little Blessings Day Care www.littleblessingspdo.com

Open and Welcoming

Sunday Worship 8:00 am Chapel Service 9:00 & 10:30 am

Sunday School 9:00 & 10:30 am

www.st-andrew-umc.com

Welcome Home!

Weaving Truth and Relevance into Relationships and Life

worship Time 10:30AM sundays

Affiliated with United Church of Religious Science

303-794-2683 Preschool: 303-794-0510

Castle Rock Recreation Center 2301 Woodlands Blvd, Castle Rock

9203 S. University Blvd.

Highlands Ranch, 80126

303 798 6387

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Sunday Services 10 a.m.

www.OurCenterforSpiritualLiving.org 720-851-0265

4391 E Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134 Church Office – (303) 841-3836

www.parkerbiblechurch.org

303-791-3315

pastor@awlc.org www.awlc.org

A place for you

Lutheran Church & School

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN Alongside One Another On Life’s Journey

You are invited to worship with us:

Sundays at 10:00 am

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Grace is on the NE Corner of Santa Fe Dr. & Highlands Ranch Pkwy.

(Across from Murdochs)

Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)

303-798-8485

 303-841-4660 www.tlcas.org 

8:45 am & 10:30 am

Sunday

8:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

1609 W. Littleton Blvd.

(303) 798-1389 • www.fpcl.org

Sunday 9:30am

Joyful Mission Preschool 303-841-3770 7051 East Parker Hills Ct. • Parker, CO 303-841-3739 www.joylutheran-parker.org

Parker

Parker, CO 10am Worship Service www.hilltopucc.org 303-841-2808

Sunday services held in the historic Ruth Memorial Chapel at the Parker Mainstreet Center

...19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker 80138

Fellowship & Worship: 9:00 am Sunday School: 10:45 am 5755 Valley Hi Drive Parker, CO 303-941-0668

www.SpiritofHopeLCMC.org

New Thought...Ancient Wisdom Sunday Service

& Children’s Church 10:00 a.m.

Visit our website for details of classes & upcoming events.

303.805.9890

www.P a r k er C C R S.org P.O. Box 2945—Parker CO 80134-2945

www.gracecolorado.com

Trinity

Sunday Worship

Community Church of Religious Science Hilltop United Church Of Christ 10926 E. Democrat Rd.



  

Connect – Grow – Serve

SErviCES:

Saturday 5:30pm

Pastor David Fisher

of Littleton

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00am

“Loving God - Making A Difference”

Franktown

Parker evangelical Presbyterian church

9030 Miller road Parker, Co 80138 303-841-2125 www.pepc.org

www.gracepointcc.us





LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

Abiding Word Lutheran Church First Presbyterian Church 8391 S. Burnley Ct., Highlands Ranch

Sunday Worship 10:30  4825 North Crowfoot Valley Rd. Castle Rock • canyonscc.org  303-663-5751



Sunday Worship: 10:45AM & 6PM Bible Study: 9:30AM Children, Young People & Adults

(Next to RTD lot @470 & University)

An Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Joy

Where people are excited about God’s Word.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

9:00am Spiritual Formation Classes for all Ages 90 east orchard road littleton, co





Elbert County News 13

July 11, 2013

Greewood Village Saint Peter Lutheran Church and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

Day Camp 2013 August 5 – 8 9300 E. Belleview Ave. Greenwood Village Colorado 80111 303-770-9301 or www.stplc.org

*ages 3 yrs to those entering 6th grade

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call 303-566-4091 or email kearhart@ourcoloradonews.com.

ElbertSPORTS 14-Sports

14 Elbert County News July 11, 2013

Golfers gear up for Solheim Cup Match-play format has unique twist

By Jim Benton

jbenton@ourcoloradonews.com Some captains and potential players of the European Solheim Cup team recently visited and played the Colorado Golf Club during a week off in the LPGA and European Tour schedules.

The Solheim Cup, the women’s version of the Ryder Cup, pits 12 golfers from the United States against 12 European golfers and is scheduled Aug. 13-18 at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker.

Coaches and players met with the media July 2, and almost everyone delivered the same message that anything can happen in match play.

“In match play, anything can happen,” said assistant captain Annika Sorenstam.

“Some players feel they are representing their country and continent. They just soak it up and find another gear they might not find in other tournaments.

“It’s a putt here, it’s a shot here, it’s a match turned around.”

The Solheim Cup has a unique match play format.

Players will play fourball, in which each player plays their own ball throughout the round. Each hole is won by the two-women team whose player had the lowest score on the hole and the team is awarded a point. If the teams tie, a half-point is given to each team.

Foursomes pit two-player teams and the golfers hit alternate shots. A point is awarded each hole to the team with the lowest score.

In the 12 singles matches, all 24 players square off and golfers gain points or halves for each hole.

There will be 28 matches played over the three days of the tournament.

Four foursomes matches will be held Aug. 16 starting at 7:30 a.m., with four fourball matches set to begin at 1 p.m. On Aug. 17, foursome and fourball matches are scheduled for the same times.

The 12 singles matches begin at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18.

There are 28 points up for grabs in the team standings over the three days, with a point awarded for each match won and half point garnered for each match that is tied.

Europe needs 14 points to retain the cup, which it won in 2011 in Meath, Ireland. The Americans would need 14.5 points to earn theirs seventh straight victory on U.S. soil.

Many purists argue that match play is boring because when a team or individual

Ladies Professional Golf Association legend Annika Sorenstam, right, high-fives Dewi Claire Schreefel during a chipping contest at the Colorado Golf Club. Sorenstam is co-captain of the Solheim Cup’s European team. Photo by Chris Michlewicz gets a commanding lead, their play tends to be cautious and conservative. However, the format often leads to more aggressive play, especially since each hole is a separate competition.

“It’s (Colorado Golf Club) a great course for match play, especially the back nine from 14 on could be fun holes,” said European captain Liselotte Neumann. “A lot of things could happen on those holes, there are short par 4s and par 5s that you can get on in two shots.

“There are some great holes, especially when it comes to playing maybe the best ball matches. You have 16 when someone

might want to go for it. In match play, you can have someone be more aggressive.”

Carlota Ciganda, a former Arizona State golfer from Pamplona, Spain, who turned pro two years ago, played on two European Junior Solheim Cup teams and enjoys match play.

“The whole format is fun, being a team member,” said Ciganda.

“Match play is different and this course suits it well because you can take some risks and play it as a match play course. It’s going to be fun.”

Neumann, Sorenstam and assistant captain Carin Koch will have the difficult task

of matching partners for the fourball and foursomes matches.

“It’s about finding the right partners you are playing with,” said Sorenstam. “There are times you play with players and you try so hard but it always doesn’t fit.

“I can mention Suzann Pettersen. She’s a top player as an individual. She’s now No. 3 in the world. In the Solheim Cup she really rises to the top and she’s had some opportunities to make some winning putts. She was my partner a few times and together she elevated my game and I elevated her game. That the challenge of the captains, to find the right combinations.”

French driver sets record in Hill Climb Frenchman gets to the top in 8 minutes, 13 seconds

By Danny Summers The buzz surrounding Sebastien Loeb only seemed to grow for the two weeks leading up to the 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Fellow drivers knew the Frenchman was capable of something special, but nobody anticipated the impossible.

Loeb, driving a 2013 Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak, raced up the mountain on June 30 in blazing fashion that still has many folks wondering “How did he do it?”

His time of 8 minutes, 13.878 seconds was more than a minute and a half faster

France’s Sebastien Loeb celebrates after shattering the all-time Hill Climb record. He drove to the top of the summit in 8 minutes, 13.878 seconds on June 30 during the 91st running of the famed event. Courtesy photo by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

than the previous record time.

“I felt really good in the car, and I pushed it hard from the start to the finish,” said an elated Loeb, after reaching the top of the 14,110-foot summit.

“I made no mistakes, and I felt the race was really good. To drive a car like this and race up here (to the top) is what makes this special. It’s amazing.

“I’m really happy with the time I achieved. We’ll see in the future if we come back.”

Loeb maneuvered the mountain in relative ease, taking each of the 156 turns along the 12.42 mile course and making the pavement his own personal playground. He reached top speeds of over 150 mph, while averaging a mind-boggling 87 mph.

“So many tears to break the 10-minute mark, and Sebastien just blows through this in less than nine minutes like it was nothing,” said longtime Hill Climb racer Layne Schranz, who finished second in the Pikes Peak Open division behind his father, RanLoeb continues on Page 15

15-Color

Elbert County News 15

July 11, 2013

Loeb

p

‘I know all of Europe was watching Sebastien blow that record, so congratulations to all

Continued from Page 14

dy. “What a machine. What a driver.

“I know all of Europe was watching Sebastien blow that record, so congratulations to all everybody.”

Loeb’s incredible run was one of those moments that will forever be etched in Hill Climb lore. It was just two years ago that the elusive 10-minite barrier was finally cracked

by Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima — arguably the most popular and greatest racer in the Hill Climb history.

Tajima’s time of 9:51 was mindblowing because it occurred when the final 2½ miles of road was still gravel.

Competitors and fans alike understand the full significance of what Tajima accomplished on one of the most dangerous race courses in the world.

With the road fully paved for the first time last year, two more drivers — also from foreign lands — joined the 9-minute club; Romain Dumas of France (9:46.181) and Rhys Millen of Australia (9:46.164).

Dumas and Millin went head-tohead with Loeb this year, but with mixed results.

Dumas’s engine blew up shortly after he left the start line. Millin ran an impressive time of 9:02.192.

Dumas gave Loeb an assist by loaning him his face video from last year’s Hill Climb.

“He didn’t need it,” Dumas said with a smile. “He’s good enough.”

In any other year, Millin’s fast run would have left fans in awe. But his run came after Dumas not only the conquered the mountain, but brought it to its knees.

“When you saw what he was doing in practice you knew he might be get into the low 8s,” said Woodland Park’s Clint Vahsholtz, who won the Open Wheel division with a time of 11:07.

Loeb, 39, came to Pikes Peak with already impressive credentials. In

everybody.’

Layne Schranz, longtime Hill Climb racer 2012, he won his ninth consecutive World Rally Championship. He finished second at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006.

Peugeot was looking to make a statement at Pikes Peak. That’s why they dumped — by some reports — as much as $6 million into this race alone.

They famous French car company said this was probably just a one-time venture, but many are wondering if they will make a return to “America’s Mountain” in 2014.

June 30 marked the first time Peugeot had competed at Pikes Peak since back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989

by Ari Vatanen and Robby Unser.

Twitter went crazy on Sunday afternoon after Loeb’s record run.

French men and women (the Hill Climb is more popular in Europe and Japan than in America) tweeted their praises to their beloved countryman.

The conditions were nearly perfect for Loeb, who took off up the mountain around 11:30 a.m. Temperatures were in the mid 60s and the moisture (rain and snow) was not to come for at least an hour.

As expected, numerous records fell at the historic race — the second oldest auto race in America behind the Indianapolis 500.

Tajima, 63, a nine-time Unlimited division champion, switched from his traditional gasoline-powered past to the Electric Auto Division last year.

His first attempt failed when he had to shut down because of an onboard fire.

But not so on June 30.

Tajima piloted his electric 2013 ERunner Pikes Peak Special to victory with a new Electric record clocking of 9:46.530.

Veteran driver Paul Dallenbach of Basalt won the Time Attack division with a time of 9:46.001, driving the Hyundai Genesis Coupe that Rhys Millen drove last year.

Carlin Dunne of Santa Barbara, Calif. — who owns the race’s overall record for the motorcycles at 9:52.819 — again was the fastest motorcycle, clocking a time of 10:00.694 on his 2013 Lightning Electric SuperBike in the Exhibition Powersports class.

France’s Bruno Langlois set a record on his 2013 Ducati Multistrada in winning the Pikes Peak 1205 class with time of 10:21.323, while Jeffrey Tigert’s 10:32.964 mark on his 2013 Honda CRF450 established a new Pikes Peak 450 class record.

Michael Coburn’s 11:05.874 time on his 2013 Walsh 450R was a Quad Modified class record, and Woodland Park’s Codie Vahsholtz set a Pikes Peak 250 record with a time of 11:24.792 on his 1996 Kawasaki KX 250.

The race was delayed twice in the morning wave after a pair of motorcycle riders were injured after crashing off the course. Michael Applehns of Denver, racing in the Pikes Peak Superbike 750 class, went off the course in his 2006 Suzuki GSXR, and Alex Moreno of Dublin, Ohio, also crashed his 2008 Honda CBR1000RR off the course.

Both riders were airlifted to Colorado Springs-area hospitals for treatment.

By Danny Summers The 2013 Pikes Peak Bicycle Hill Climb is set for July 21.

Presented by The Broadmoor, the Pikes Peak Bicycle Hill Climb is a challenge cycling event for all comers. It includes a USA Cycling sanctioned bicycle race and an open “Fun Ride” that ascends to the summit of “America’s Mountain.”

The course is 12.4 miles - the same distance the automobiles use for the world renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The race and ride is a fully supported cycling event that provides a limited number of cyclists (maximum of 1,500) the chance to tackle one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Riders negotiate over 150 turns and climb over 4,700 feet on their way to the summit of Pikes Peak.

The race is now part of the Rocky Mountain State Games, which is held over the last two weekends of July.

This Bicycle Hill Climb takes place the day after the Mount Evans Hill Climb. Evans and Pikes Peak are the two highest paved roads in the United States, and for those cyclists that attempt to climb both of these 14,000 feet mountains on the same weekend it will take courage, heart and a great amount of endurance.

Pactimo, the Official Clothing Supplier of both Bicycle Hill Climbs, will be creating a special cap awarded to those that brave and accomplish the summit of these two great Colorado peaks.

This is the third year of the Pikes Peak event. The record is owned by LeRoy Popowski of Colorado Springs, who ascended the mountain in one hour, eight minutes, 36.818 seconds. The women’s record is held by Katie Compton of Colorado Springs (1:30:46.157).

The first 500 Fun Ride registrants will receive a commemorative event T-Shirt. The Fun Ride will begin at 6 a.m. (one hour prior to the racers) and utilize the same course.

All Fun Ride participants who finish by 9:30 a.m. will receive a summiteer medal. Fun Ride will be hand timed.

Preregistration is $70 for the Hill Climb and $50 for the Fun Ride before July 15.

For more information, go to http://www.coscycling. com/home.html.

CLASSIFIEDS

and

he’s a No. 3 eally pporShe ether d her ns, to

Riders will be on the same course as famous auto event

ourcolorado

ain of

s you here u try

Bicyclists will hold July 21 race on Pikes Peak

TO ADVERTISE, CALL 303-566-4100

Join Us for the 17th Annual Biergarten Festival Celebrating German Traditions and Culture!

Friday, July 12 4PM-10PM Saturday, July 13th 11AM-10PM Sunday, July 14th 10AM-2PM th

Car Pool and Rides

Concrete/Paving

Elbert County resident looking for ride to lifetime fitness.

Will pay for gas

Family Owned and Operated We are a full service design, installation and maintenance company.

Estate Sales

Call Don

Drywall

PAUL TIMM Construction/Repair Drywall Serving Your Area Since 1974

Commercial Property/ Rent

303-841-3087 303-898-9868

www.biergartenfest.com

Office Warehouse

Handyman

For Lease in Elizabeth 2,907 Sq.Ft. Large O/H Door 3 Phase Electric Cheap!

Call 303-688-2497

race and s this

at

303-915-6973

donlease@mtnhighlandscaping.com

Authentic German Food, Drink, and Live Music Kids’ Games • Bratwurst Eating Contest

shed d an f the

Landscaping/Nurseries Mountain HigH Landscape, irrigation, and Lawncare

Jaynie 720-635-0501

Estate Sale Franktown 11515 E Caribou Dr off Russeville Rd & 83 Fri & Sat July 12th & 13th 9am-4pm Contents of home including Curtis snow plow 3000, large tractor vintage 1951 (TO 20), Craftmans riding lawnmower and snowblower attachment, car port frames, and more!

.com

Spring Cleanup – Sprinkler Start-up aeration/power rake – Sprinkler DeSign inStallation anD repairS – lawnCare tree anD Shrub Care – weeDControl

Tile

Home & Ranch Remodel & Repairs

Electric, Plumbing, Sprinklers, Sewer, Septic, Snake, Tile, Automatic Horse Waterers, Fence, Trenching, Drywall, Texture, Handyman, Small Jobs Welcome

(303)919-0923

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

me I ome

relaalong pave. He while

nute h this nothayne Pikes Ran-

Admission:

Friday & Saturday--$8/person Sunday--Frühschoppen! (FREE entry and $15 all-you-can-eat brunch buffet) Kids 12 and under are FREE

Edelweiss Pavilion, Hwy 8. Morrison (just north of the Fort Restaurant and south of Red Rocks)

For Local News Anytime of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

16-Color

16 Elbert County News

July 11, 2013