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December 26, 2013 Elbert County, Colorado | Volume 118, Issue 48 A publication of
elbertcountynews.net
Hearing addresses complaint Commissioners, attorneys attend Dec. 13 administrative hearing By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia. com
times over the years, will be torn down in late May or early June to make room for a larger school parking lot. With 21 preschool through 12th-grade classrooms as well as a cafeteria, library, gymnasium and auxiliary gym, the new facility should provide more than enough room for the 200 students currently enrolled in the town of Elbert school district. Construction of the new school was
An administrative hearing was held Dec. 13 after a complaint was filed with the state alleging county funds were spent illegally to support passage of November’s proposed mill levy increase. The complaint, filed by county resident and former BOCC candidate Jill Duvall, accused the board of county commissioners of improperly spending money to hire local consultant Tim Buchanan to help promote passage of the mill levy — which was voted down by county residents by an 8-to-1 margin. In a contract executed Sept. 4 between the BOCC and Buchanan, the BOCC agreed to pay the Elbert-based consultant $15,000 for a range of services that included: “Coaching and training for BOCC in organizational leadership and effective team strategies; Assistance in formulating BOCC communications strategies in relation to the town hall meetings in regards to the state of the county
School continues on Page 11
Complaint continues on Page 11
Elbert School District business manager Bev McGuire dons a hard hat Dec. 17 at the construction site of the new $20.6 million Elbert school. McGuire said the project remains on track to open in the fall of 2014. Photo by George Lurie
New school construction speeds ahead Facility remains on track to open for 2014-15 school year By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia.com Construction crews recently topped off the superstructure of the town of Elbert’s new $20.6 million school and the project remains on track to welcome students in the fall of 2014.
“It’s really going up quickly,” said Bev McGuire, the district’s business manager. “Architecturally, it’s going to be one of the most attractive and innovative schools around.” The new Elbert school, which has been under construction for six months, will encompass about 73,000 square feet and also will include a separate 3,000-square-foot maintenance building and bus garage. McGuire said the old school, which was built in the 1930s and added on to seven
The top 13 of 2013 A look back at the biggest stories in the south metro area Staff report The south metro Denver area saw no shortage of news — or controversy — in 2013, making it a tough task to come up with our stories-of-the-year package. Some of the stories on our list had a farreaching impact across a particular county or even the entire region. Others, in one way or another, had such a strong impact on a particular community that they couldn’t be ignored. The story of the year came late in 2013 and it horrified us all. The newsroom staff of Colorado Community Media has whittled the list down to a baker’s dozen. The stories are listed in no particular order, aside from our No. 1 pick, the Dec. 13 shootings at Arapahoe High School in Centennial. We’ll let you decide how the other 12 should be ranked.
School shooting at Arapahoe High An 18-year-old student entered Arapahoe High School around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13, shot a fellow student in the head, then killed himself. Authorities believe the gunman, Arapahoe senior Karl Pierson, was tarPOSTAL ADDRESS
geting a faculty member, but was prepared to cause mass casualties. Claire Davis, a senior at the school, was left in critical condition, in a coma at Littleton Adventist Hospital. In the days following the shooting, community support poured in for Davis in the form of prayers, vigils and a tribute outside a fence at the school that included gifts, flowers and cards from people from around the area. Since the shooting, classes have been canceled at Arapahoe High School, home of the Warriors, but it was clear the students have remained close. “Warriors always take care of one another,” was a motto seen on signs and painted on cars. The investigation into why Pierson did what he did continues and this is a story that will cross over into 2014. — Chris Rotar
C-470 project around the bend Following two years of outreach and research, this February, the C-470 Corridor Coalition Steering Committee — made up of representatives from Douglas, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, the Highlands Ranch Metro District and cities of Littleton, Lone Tree and Centennial — unanimously approved funding a $230 million widening project of C-470 through the construction
A girl is comforted by a friend outside Shepherd of the Hills Church, after the shootings at Arapahoe High School on Dec. 13. Tearful reunions were a common sight at the church, where parents were instructed to pick up their kids. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
of 13.1 miles worth of managed toll lanes in both directions between Kipling and I-25. While construction on the C-470 project — which was awarded $100 million in RAMP funding on behalf of the Colorado Department of Transportation this fall — won’t get underway until 2015, road work dotted the south metro landscape in 2013. Two major projects wound to a close in the latter months of the year, including the widening of US 85 between HighPrinted on recycled lands Ranch and Louviers, as well as the newsprint. Please Broadway/C-470 intersection project, recycle this copy. which took over a year to complete. Douglas County spent almost as much money on road maintenance in Highlands Ranch in 2013, $18.3 million, as it did in the previous seven years combined, $21.6 million. A similar amount of work, mostly con-
crete maintenance, is slated for 2014. The C-470 widening project is expected to be 100 percent complete by January 2018. — Ryan Boldrey
The first civil unions In a year that saw the Defense of Marriage Act deemed unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court, Colorado became the sixth state in the union to approve civil unions for same-sex couples this March, joining 10 other states where gay marriage is legal. Receiving unanimous support from Senate and House Democrats, SB-11 also picked up three Republican votes along the way, including one from Carole Murray Top 13 continues on Page 4
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December 26, 2013
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Elbert County News 3
December 26, 2013
Warriors, fiercely kind, come together As Anna Sutterer crowded with 25 other students in the darkened corner of her AP Lit class, the words of the hymn she sings every Sunday at church — “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” — tumbled through her mind. Shots had just echoed through her Arapahoe High School halls. So she prayed. For strength in the moment. For the shooter, knowing he was one of God’s children, but was lost. For the aftermath, of peace in everyone’s hearts. “I thought this couldn’t happen to any of our Warriors,” she said later. “I prayed we would end up being more powerful than the actual event.” That’s exactly what’s happening. But perhaps that’s not so surprising, considering every school day for four years students hear the same seven words at the end of morning announcements: “Warriors Always Take Care of Each Other.” “Maybe you don’t feel it every single day, but it really is ingrained in us,” Anna, 17, said. “It’s part of the tradition of the Arapahoe tribe. …” In the days since an 18-year-old gunman — one of their own — killed himself after seriously injuring a 17-year-old girl, also one of their own, Arapahoe’s
students, numbering about the size of a small town, have led a remarkable healing campaign with wisdom and compassion far beyond their years. They have supported each other in small and big ways, seeking comfort in numbers and solace in shared experience. “It seems,” Anna’s father said, “the whole community of students is determined to take care of each other.” A chain of “fierce kindness,” as one observer described, started almost immediately. The day after the violence, 200 students gathered at noon at a nearby youth center to share stories and pray. A few hours later, another student opened her home until midnight for whoever wanted to stop by. Throughout the night, teens came and went, grabbing a bite to eat or talking or even dancing a little. “Nobody has wanted to be alone or without any of their friends,” Anna said. “We have to be in a big group. I think, for me, when I’m alone it kind of gives way to all those thoughts …
the rushing of it.” That Saturday evening, Maggie Hurlbut, 17, the school newspaper editor who had crouched in the classroom with Anna, helped organize a candlelight vigil for Claire Davis, the senior who remains in critical condition from a shot to her head. “It was to pay our respects to Claire,” Maggie said. “Part of it was also a selfish need. I needed to be doing something. It gave me a purpose. … I wanted to be around people … and I felt that sentiment from other people.” More than 500 students, parents and community members formed a circle several layers deep at a Centennial park. As candles flickered in the night, students vowed the tragedy would not define them; then they melted into hugs, many with people they did not know. “There definitely is a certain trauma we endured,” Maggie said. “It’s definitely not something we can handle alone. But being with others in the same situation can help us move past it.” That urge to gather as one — whether in celebration or sorrow — is an inextricable component of human nature, said Kim Gorgens, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Denver.
“It’s every rally, every church potluck, every workplace meal delivery,” she said. “For as long as people have been tracking human behavior, that’s what people do in good times and in bad times.” Connection is essential to surviving the bad times. “The worst possible thing that undermines mental health is really that sense of powerlessness after any kind of tragedy … especially events like these, the catastrophic loss of a sense of safety,” Gorgens said. “But kids who find a sense of being or reason to be in action are the ones who really fare best.” Students’ desire to reclaim control has spread beyond Arapahoe walls. Teens from other schools are sending banners of support, selling T-shirts to support Claire and collecting donations to help cover medical expenses. A Twitter petition to bring Claire’s favorite band, One Direction, exploded to more than 40,000 tweets in just 48 hours. “It’s really touching,” Maggie said. “We’re (school) rivals every other time, but now it’s bigger than that. I hope that relationship will be changed a little bit.” What is sure to endure is the Arapahoe spirit: Warriors Always Take Care of Each Other. “We buy it,” Maggie said.
Gresham retires as Elbert fire chief Harrower tabbed to take over all-volunteer department By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia. com Fire Chief John Gresham has retired from the Elbert Fire Department. Gresham’s retirement was announced Dec. 10 at the Elbert Fire Protection District’s monthly board meeting and is effective immediately. Mike Harrower has replaced Gresham as chief of the all-volunteer department. Brandon Homer will serve as the assistant chief.
Neither Gresham nor Harrower was available for comment as this issue of the Elbert County News went to press but the change in the department’s leadership was confirmed by Homer. The Elbert Fire Protection District covers 183 square miles and serves about 1,000 people. From the town of Elbert, the district’s boundaries extend four miles west, 13 miles east, five miles north and eight miles south of the town. The district also includes about two miles of northern El Paso County. During Gresham’s tenure as chief, the department was rocked when one of its volunteers admitted to starting a wildfire in the summer of 2012.
Alex Averett, then a 19-year-old Elbert resident and volunteer fire fighter, pleaded guilty earlier this year to starting the blaze, which scorched more than 600 acres and took 18 days to control. The wildfire, which started alongside County Road 102 and was first reported by Averett, forced the evacuation of the entire town of Elbert. After Averett was found to have started the June 2012 wildfire, Gresham told a local television station he hadn’t fully processed the news. “We work very hard to get people to volunteer,” Gresham said. “So when you finally get somebody who will, it’s hard when it turns out like this.”
things to do Jan. 15 Blood drivE : Walmart community blood drive is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 inside Bonfils’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303-3632300 or visit www.bonfils.org. 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.
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.
Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.
douGlas-ElBErT counTy Music TEachErs’ associaTion meets at 9
ElizaBETh GuiTar Group. Elizabeth guitar circle will meet on the first and second Wednesday of each month at the Elizabeth Library. Traditional protocol/courtesy. Country, pop, bluegrass, cowboy, Beatles, 50s, 60s, 70s, blues, jazz and more. We who play for pleasure would love to meet more of same. Acoustic or power down. Come prepared to share a few songs, perform, play along, sing along with others. Enjoy new guitar friends to jam with. Gerry Vinson hosts on the first Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m., and Laurie Smith hosts on the second Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Uncertain? Drop by and observe. Banjo, ukelele, mandolin welcome. Call Laurie at 720-363-3531.
a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303814-3479.
ThE ElBErT counTy shEriffs possE is a nonprofit volunteer organiza-
tion 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.
ThE ElizaBETh food Bank, 381 S.
laWyErs aT ThE liBrary, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer
attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlordtenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.
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:
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“… everything falls away in times when we need each other. And we’ve been very vocal right now that we really do need each other.” The daily repetition of this particular school motto is inspirational, said Gorgens, who calls it a smart way to bring kids into adulthood. “There’s something about clinging to an identity that’s prescribed to you,” she said. And this one “is fierce kindness … This is the outcome of what it looks like in a crisis. It’s a thing of beauty that these kids would be so present for each other.” Maggie and Anna expect some bumps as they navigate the road ahead. Neither is sleeping well. Loud noises startle Maggie. Anna can’t bring herself to watch or listen to the news much. “I think just because of all the things we’ve been doing, I will be more resilient than I expect,” Anna
said. At the same time, “I’m trying to give myself grace for not immediately being OK.” Both are looking forward to returning to school. “There’s something about taking it back and redeeming that space,” Anna said. “Even being in that place where those memories are going to be, the fact is we really banded together because of that place.” They believe they will, eventually, leave behind what happened that terrible day, but, said Maggie, not “without some remembrance, respect and courage.” Like true — fiercely kind — warriors. Ann Macari Healey’s column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week. She can be reached at ahealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com or 303-566-4110.
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December 26, 2013
stories of the year
Top 3 Continued from Page 1
(HD-45) of Castle Rock. Murray said it is not for her to judge others; that should be left to God. Neither Douglas nor Arapahoe County celebrated with midnight unions May 1, the first day couples were allowed to form a legal union, but there were couples in line when both county buildings opened for business that morning. “I didn’t ever think I would see this day,” said Jan Friedlander, who became legally bound to her partner of 26 years, Cynthia Kristensen in Castle Rock. —Ryan Boldrey
Englewood’s Depot dilemma
The future of the Englewood Depot was in the news a lot in 2013, particularly the objections raised over the city’s decision to sell the building to a Denver resident. Railroad officials closed the depot in the 1950s and it sat empty until the 1990s when residents rallied to save it from demolition. The result was it was moved to its current location at Galapago Street and Dartmouth Avenue. The initial plans were to restore it and make it into a museum. While some restoration work was done, the museum idea never got off the ground. The city eventually took possession of the building and, earlier this year, sought a buyer. There were two proposals, one from the Englewood Historical Preservation Society and one from letterpress printers Tom and Patti Parsons. A selection committee unanimously supported Parson’s proposal and the council approved the sale for $30,000 despite the objections of a number of residents and the historical preservation society. Since the sale was final in October, Tom Parsons said he has been working on clearing a number of hurdles in order to move forward with letterpress museum plans. — Tom Munds
Elbert County’s ‘dysfunction’
Teetering on the brink of financial insolvency, Elbert County jolted from crisis to crisis during 2013. Governed by a controversial Board of County Commissioners that included two self-proclaimed Tea Party loyalists — Robert Rowland and Kurt Schlegel — during the course of the year, the county struggled to adopt new regulations for oil and gas exploration in the county. A tug-of-war between the conservative BOCC and liberal planning commission resulted in the resignation of planning commission chair Grant Thayer in July and the firing of his successor, Paul Crisan, by the BOCC in November. Meanwhile, former finance director Stan Wilmer was also fired in November when the county missed a set of deadlines to submit a final 2012 budget audit, a circumstance that prompted the state to freeze disbursement of property tax revenues. As 2013 came to a close, the audit had still not been submitted to the state. And to add insult to injury, a scathing postelection report by a local consultant blamed the BOCC for the defeat of several key bond measures proposed to shore up the county’s ailing finances. The report also blasted the BOCC for “infighting” and escalating “dysfunction” in the county’s leadership. — George Lurie
Apartments on rise in Littleton
After a long dry spell, developers went wild in Littleton, and city council approved four multifamily projects that will add about 1,200 units to the city. All the activity stirred up a hornet’s nest. Consequences included one failed bid for council, one eight-hour public hearing, one grassroots campaign, two successful citizens’ initiatives and some name-calling. But city officials are thrilled, even changing the city’s motto to “Littleton: Anything but Little.” After City Manager Michael Penny took over in 2011, he went to work changing processes and regulations. About 39 percent of Littleton’s housing is multifamily, compared to 16 percent in Douglas County and 32 percent in Denver. Council rejected a controversial propos-
At a Board of County Commissioners meeting held in November, Commissioner Kurt Schlegel (right) responds to a comment made by Commissioner Larry Ross (left). BOCC Chairman Robert Rowland (center) closes his eyes in reflection — or frustration. File photo al to build 225 units east of Littleton Courthouse and has yet to review a plan for 250 more on the southwest corner of Belleview and Federal. There are 774 more planned for a mixed-use development at Santa Fe and Mineral that council approved in the 1980s, but has never developed. — Jennifer Smith
Statue out, God in
Some may argue that God has always been there, and always will be — but in summer 2013, unlike ever before, the Higher Power became visibly higher, newly affixed in words on an overhang in the Castle Rock Town Council’s Chambers. And while the words “In God We Trust,” now are now an indelible part of the town hall’s ambience, a bronze sculpture affixed to a town hall stairway, was determined to be welcome no more and removed. These changes happened after Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donahue brought up at a meeting his thoughts about wanting “In God We Trust” installed in council chambers. He also wanted removal of a sculpture he noticed — an about 8-inch-high piece that looks like a melting earth, accompanied by a plaque with the words “Global Warming.” It was one of several small bronze pieces the town’s public arts commission had bought and placed around town. Donahue thought it could be politically contentious. After a council consensus, the sculpture left, but didn’t leave town. The sculpture was donated to a nonprofit that funds school art programs and auctioned off. The new owner: Former Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed. — Virginia Grantier
Area is open for business
Several big-name businesses either opened in the area or announced plans to do so in 2013. Perhaps the most notable addition was Cabela’s, a specialty retailer of outdoor recreation merchandise that hired 150-200 employees when it opened in August to much fanfare. Hundreds of die-hard supporters camped out ahead of the grand opening, demonstrating the level of anticipation for the store’s arrival in the south metro area. It not only filled a niche and created jobs, but was expected to generate significant sales tax revenue and secondary economic benefits. Douglas County even funded a study that showed the store’s impact to the local economy will be around $24 million a year. Cabela’s wasn’t the only arrival. Charles Schwab’s 1,800 Denver-area employees will soon move into three buildings in Lone Tree. The $230 million project is still taking shape on a 57-acre lot near Sky Ridge Medical Center. The Schwab buildings were designed, in part, to attract future employees. — Chris Michlewicz
Pot plans up in smoke
South-metro smokers will have to commute to buy legal marijuana when sales
start on Jan. 1, as every community south of Denver to Colorado Springs has either banned retail pot stores for good or put off a decision until the big-city experiment has a chance to play out. Not all of those governmental decisions were unanimous. Several representatives believed allowing them would more accurately represent what the voters wanted and expected, and some felt like turning away a potential source of sales-tax revenue would be foolhardy. But many worried about things like crime, access by kids and their community’s image. “You never want to bring in revenue that’s going to negatively impact your community,” said Castle Pines Mayor Mark Towne before his council voted to ban sales. — Jennifer Smith
Parker’s prairie dog mystery
Questions swirled after a prairie dog colony on the northeast corner of Mainstreet and Twenty Mile Road in Parker was wiped out in mid-September, upsetting residents who drive and walk by the site every day. Tiny white crosses, with messages saying “RIP Prairie Dogs,” appeared on the empty burrows about a week later, with no one claiming responsibility. A spokeswoman for the Town of Parker said the community development department does not regulate the elimination of prairie dogs on private property, and that no violations were committed because the species is not protected. One of the many property owners on the corner confirmed that there were no pending development applications, leading residents to question the need for such action. The property owner said he did not know who ordered the extermination of the colony. Several witnesses claimed they had either seen or talked to the men who were spraying a chemical gas into the burrows. Weeks later, employees of businesses adjacent to the barren colony became attached to a lone survivor. — Chris Michlewicz
School issues divide Douglas
The Douglas County School Board elections divided the county for months leading up to the Nov. 5 decision. Four candidates endorsed by the Douglas County Republicans and supportive of the district’s controversial education reforms — two of them incumbents — ultimately won the contentious race. They defeated four challengers seeking to change the way the district is being run. Parents and teachers campaigned by painting car windows with the names of preferred candidates and waving signs at busy intersections throughout the county. Supporters on both sides ran advertisements, hired canvassers and distributed a variety of campaign material. As the year closes, school board members attempt to move forward and resolve to increase community input, even as some express continued discontent with recently enacted policy changes.
— Jane Reuter
Tackling a mountain
Labeling it a “top priority” for 2013, South Metro Denver Chamber President John Brackney led the charge locally to promote the “Fix the Debt” campaign — a national, bipartisan, grassroots effort to resolve “the nation’s ongoing debt crisis.” Brackney spent a great deal of time speaking about the issue and visiting communities across the state to lobby commissioners, mayors and other local leaders to get behind the movement. “Decisions in Washington affect businesses outside the beltway,” Brackney said. “Congress and the president must act now … to create greater market certainty” and “put our country back on a track of fiscal sanity.” Across the state, backing for the campaign grew during the year, bolstered by support from Congressmen Mike Coffman and Ed Pearlmutter and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett as well as former Colorado Gov. Dick Lamm. “I believe this is the most important issue facing the United States right now,” said Rick Whipple, a Littleton CPA and chairman of the South Metro chamber, who along with Brackney and other business leaders, made multiple trips to Washington during 2013 to urge lawmakers to come together to achieve a major debt-reform plan. — George Lurie
Sterling Ranch approved, again
For the second time in three years, the Sterling Ranch planned development in northwest Douglas County was unanimously approved by the Douglas County commissioners. The project — which calls for a 12,050-home community located on 3,400 acres northeast of Roxborough State Park — was approved July 10 and hopes to break ground in the next couple of months. After successfully halting the Sterling Ranch development once already over issues of sufficient water, the neighbors to the north, the Chatfield Community Association, filed another legal challenge this August against the development, asking the 18th Judicial District court to once again review the commissioners’ decision to approve. While Sterling Ranch reached contractual agreements to obtain the necessary water through its provider, Dominion Water and Sanitation District, and signed on to the WISE (Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency) Partnership agreement to obtain renewable water from Aurora and Denver, early in 2013, opponents state that the commissioners demonstrated an “abuse of discretion” and “acted outside their jurisdiction and authority” by approving the development a second time. Despite the pending legal tie-up, Sterling Ranch managing director Harold Smethills said they are ready to finally move forward and build homes. The developers selected Richmond American Homes of Colorado as their primary builder in August. — Ryan Boldrey
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December 26, 2013
Sex offender found guilty With Parker case pending, jury convicts 20-year-old By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @ourcoloradonews.com A registered sex offender arrested for assaulting two boys in the locker room of the Parker Recreation Center in November 2012 has been found guilty in a separate sex assault case. The crimes, involving an 8-yearold boy from Arapahoe County, were brought to the attention of authorities after Corrin Cleveland, 20, was arrested for the alleged incident in Parker. He is facing separate charges in Douglas County for that incident. After a five-day trial at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, Cleveland was found guilty Dec. 16 of three counts of sexual assault on a child as part of a pattern of abuse. Prosecutors said Cleveland was living with his aunt when he befriended the victim, who lived nearby. The boy reported being sexually assaulted on at least five occa-
sions, including one that involved being bound with rope and tape. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office secured a conviction from the 12-person jury, despite a Cleveland lack of DNA evidence or a confession. The victim “bravely testified” for more than three hours, which chief deputy district attorney Leora Joseph believes convinced the jurors of Cleveland’s guilt. A statement from the DA’s office characterized his testimony as “detailed and credible.” Cleveland, who now faces eight years to life in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. March 6 in front of Arapahoe County District Court Judge Elizabeth Volz. Arthur Perlman, Cleveland’s attorney, suggested during the trial that a special victims’ expert who first interviewed the victim asked leading questions and used anatomical drawings that he says increase the risk of erroneous claims.
Officials with the DA’s office said Cleveland used “innocent childhood games” to perpetrate the abuse from May 2011 through August 2012. Roger Landeis, lead investigator for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, testified that the victim didn’t tell anyone about the sexual abuse because “he didn’t want to get in trouble.” He acknowledged the crimes after being asked by his parents about his contact with Cleveland. Landeis said he received the report Nov. 7, 2012, one day after Cleveland was arrested for the alleged crime in Parker. In the recreation center incident, the boys ran to the front desk and reported that Cleveland had touched one of them in the locker room while committing a lewd act on himself. A rec center employee wrote down Cleveland’s license plate number when he left the parking lot, a move that investigators say was crucial in his arrest. Cleveland was already on probation for a third offense that led to his classification as a registered sex offender in Arapahoe County.
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Economic Forecast Breakfast Sees Light at the End of a Long Tunnel With 2013 coming to an end and 2014 on the horizon, the economy is steadily improving at a slow pace with the amount and pace of that improvement varying widely determined by where you live and how you make a living. This was one take-away listening to economic experts at last week’s 27th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast held at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. Over 750 South Metro Denver business leaders gathered to build on existing or create new business relationships, share their visions of the future and hear the latest on our local, regional, and national economy. Presenters included Dr. Rich Wobbekind, Executive Director of the Business Research Division and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs at the University of Colorado - Boulder; Dr. Martin Shields, Professor of Economics and Director of the Regional Economics Institute at Colorado State University; and Michael Wolf, economist for Wells Fargo Securities. Ken Lund, Executive Director for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade was also on hand to report on the state’s efforts on growing the current economy. Lund highlighted Governor Hickenlooper’s Colorado Innovation Network (COIN) - the governor’s vision of branding Colorado for innovation and entrepreneurship. A video from the COIN Summit held last August included excerpts from presentations by Salman Khan, Founder of Khan Academy; Mary Grove, Director of Google Global Entrepreneurship Outreach; Hikmet Ersek, President and CEO of Western Union; and Mayor Michael Hancock on the importance of innovation and creativity in building an economy. Colorado’s envious business climate and talent pool was also noted. Colorado was hailed as the 2nd best state to start a business by CNBC, 2nd best state for entrepreneurship and innovation by Ali Recek of Goodwill Industries, Melanie Worley Developmental Pathways and Jerry Healey of Inc. Magazine, and of Colorado Community Media connecting after the the 2nd best state presentations. for high tech business according to TechAmerica. Forbes named Colorado the best state for labor supply last year, has the 2nd highest population with bachelors degree or higher, and is 3rd in high-tech employment by TechAmerica. This all boils down to Colorado being a great place to build a career, and the way that is done is through growing business according to Lund. “We have 2.4 million employees in the state of Colorado. If we can get that grown by 10% - that’s 240,000 - it will blow Rich’s [Wobbekind] numbers out of the water for 2014. So let’s go get it done.” Dr. Wobbekind presented the state’s economic outlook for 2014 with an optimistic flair. Starting with an image of a beautiful Colorado scene and the title “Looking good...” the economist shared the facts that Colorado is among the top states for population growth and continues to bring in an impressive talent pool. Job growth continues to be broadbased with technical, construction and retail/wholesale trade showing the biggest gains. He noted that we have passed the pre-recession employment peak, and the wage peak is at an all-time high. Wobbekind stated that Colorado has consistently been above the national average economically and will continue to be a role model for much of the country looking into the future. He saw no reason that the upward trend shouldn’t continue at a slow rate up until late in the decade when changing demographics will create a shortage in the workforce. Dr. Shields agreed that we have recovered from the economic downturn, but rejected continuing to use the term “recovery”. “Recovery is an interesting word. The recession ended in 2009 and we are still talking recovery 4½ years later... the use of ‘recovery’ suggests that this is going to be some kind of a rapid growth and we are not at that phase... this is as good as it’s going to get for a while. This is what it is.” His regional report echoed much of Dr. Wobbekind’s analysis, but emphasized that unemployment is still relatively high at 6.4% and real household income is at its lowest level in 17 years despite a growth in overall wages.
303-756-3467
Calendar of Events
For a complete calendar of South Metro Denver Chamber events or more information, visit our web site at www.bestchamber.com or call 303-795-0142.
Wednesday & Thursday, December 25th & 26th: Chamber offices closed for Christmas Holiday
Friday, December, 27th: President’s Leadership Forum
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial
Chamber Holiday Unplugged hosted by Brickyard BBQ & the Chamber
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Over 750 business leaders listened to the economic experts on what to expect in the coming year at the 27th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast Shields went on to explain that the leading employment sectors along the front range include administration and support services and food and beverage workers which are on the low end of the wage scale. Temporary employment agencies are at a high in placement as companies are still not ready to put full-time workers in place. He believes this disconnect between economic growth and individual prosperity is creating a negative effect which will continue to be a drag on the regional economy. The economist did predict that another 26,000 to 30,000 jobs will be created in 2014 and the unemployment rate will drop to 5.9% - still well above the pre-recession rate. The macroeconomic view was presented by Michael Wolf showing that the nation’s GDP continues to grow modestly and consumers are slowly gaining more confidence. And while Colorado’s housing market is fairly stable at 9% negative equity, the national average is still at 14% with some states like Florida and Nevada still above 30%. Household debt is beginning to decline, but much too slow to help those in the bottom of the economic scale and income is increasing, but again very slowly. Wolf also sees the government’s debt and spending continuing to slow economic growth with the deficit shrinking too slowly to offset interest rates and international economic concerns. Director of the South Metro Denver Economic Development Group, Jeff Holwell saw optimism through the slow growth. “We are enthusiastic about the year ahead. While we would love to see huge gains in job creation and growth, we will take slow and turn it to our advantage. We will work toward building our local and state economies through a conscious and deliberate effort which will keep us at Colorado State University economist Dr. the forefront of the counMartin Shields makes a point during his try’s continuing growth.” presentation at the Economic Forecast The event was sponBreakfast. sored by Wells Fargo and WhippleWood CPAs, both leaders in our community and representative of the exceptional businesses the South Metro Chamber is proud to call partners. More information on the South Metro Denver Economic Development Group can be found at www.bestchamber.com or call 303795-0142.
Monday, December 30th:
Women in Leadership Board Meeting
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial
Tuesday, December 31st: Business Bible Study
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial
Thursday, January 2nd:
Healthcare Policy Taskforce Meeting
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial
FastTracks New Investor Orientation
The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial
6-Opinion-Color
6 Elbert County News
December 26, 2013
opinions / yours and ours
Becoming motivated by the sadness We will never be the same again. Grief changes us, and the shooting at Arapahoe High School puts us all in grief again. Numerous times every day I think and pray for the innocent girl who was ruthlessly shot by a boy who was mad at someone else. My daughter is just a year older than she is. I know how much a dad loves his daughter and cannot imagine what her family is going through and how much they wish they could have protected her from this catastrophic event. The shooter’s family began Dec. 13 with very different expectations for their future. Being parents of the perpetrator of the crime complicates their grief and demolishes the platform for them to grieve openly. It is times like this that remind all of us how connected we are and our connectedness reveals the importance of each life. My Clinical Pastoral Education instructor, Foy Richey, impressed this point on me with a diagram on the white board. “If your life is a circle,” he said while drawing a circle, “your loved one is another circle that overlaps your life. Some connect, like the Olympic rings and other times it is almost like an eclipse.” Then he said as he erased the portion of
the circles that overlapped, “And when that person is gone, that part of your life is missing.” For family, friends and Arapahoe students the “part missing” is definitely larger than those of us a few more miles away, but our connectedness is revealed in the grief we all feel. It is not unusual to try and pass through that sadness quickly, as if we can somehow get past it and return to the same place — the way things were. But that is not healthy and it is impossible to be the same again. Grief looks like a dark and bottomless pit that lies in front of us. We fear we will never come out of it if we allow ourselves to go into the sadness, confusion and anger that comes with life-changing grief. But it is in that place where we face the reality and begin to
question of the week
What is your new year’s resolution? We asked people at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch what new year’s resolution they had in mind.
“Time management, work-life balance with kids.” — Dawn Schilling, Highlands Ranch
“Find a home. (I’m condo shopping.)” — Yvette Jackson, Greenwood Village
“It’s silly, in my opinion, to make a resolution at one point in the year, when I already make resolutions all year long.” — Lindsey Lauer, Highlands Ranch
“I’m going to try to keep my grade point average at 4.0.” — Morgan Moen, Parker
The middle of the week holiday It’s always a little awkward or confusing for some companies and for many people when Christmas and New Year’s fall in the middle of the week like they will this year. For some of us we just assume that the whole week is a holiday and just can’t get our head around the work-related stuff. And for others, we still try and squeeze in every last minute of work or shopping that we possibly can right up until Christmas Eve and even New Year’s Eve. People take personal time off of work; some companies plan for the slowdown or even shutdown, and in some cases productivity, both personally and professionally, takes a holiday too. And that is okay. For many, this is a time of year to recharge the personal batteries and get excited about the coming New Year. The awkward or confusing part comes in those in-between days. As both holidays fall on a Wednesday, what happens on that Thursday, Dec. 26th through that following Friday, Jan. 3rd? For some people it is not a question or an issue. People who provide us with exceptional service in the retail, restaurant and tourism industries know that their days will be filled with opportunities to serve customers, solve problems and create loyal fans. And, of course, there are other companies, businesses and services that need to be open during this time as well, and we are especially grateful for those doctors, nurses, police officers, fire fighters and other state government and local workers who make sure we are safe and that we have power and energy to heat
understand how to live life in a different way and how to live with a piece of us missing. It is also a place where God meets us. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Jesus was called, “A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” “There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve -- even in pain -- the authentic relationship. “Furthermore, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.” Dietrich Bonheoffer, hanged by order of Hitler in a concentration camp gave us those
My painting of a dog doesn’t look very much like a dog, unless there is a new rectilinear breed. Even so, the collector wrote from northern California to tell me that his granddaughter pointed at it and said, “Poppy, I wish that was a real doggie that I could have.” Some artists rarely abstract their references at all. Dürer and da Vinci are good examples. Van Gogh didn’t really abstract his subjects very much. His abstractions can be found in his unusual technique. He compounded individual daubs of paint, and each stroke stood out. He didn’t blend paint the way Dürer did. Think about Picasso’s portraits. Both eyes might be on the same side of the head, like a flounder’s eyes. That is considered an extreme abstraction. When I was painting and drawing images, I was closer to Picasso on an abstraction scale. I enjoyed reinventing eyes and noses and mouths. Then there is this “Blue Mustang” out at the airport. You can’t miss it. Its abstractions consist of its color. Horses aren’t blue. And its eyes, horses don’t have red light bulbs in them. Maybe night mares look like this. A night mare is not the same thing as a nightmare. A night mare would be a female horse who stayed out late. By definition, the word `nightmare’ derives from the Old English `mare,’ a mythological demon or goblin who torments human beings with frightening dreams. The mustang is not exactly a goodwill
9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Norton continues on Page 7
Dan Hettinger is author of “Welcome to the Big Leagues” and founder of the Jakin Group, a ministry of encouragement. You can email him at dan@welcometothebigleagues.org and follow him on Facebook and Twitter (@Welcome2theBigs).
Seabiscuit’s bad blue brother
Elbert County News
and light our homes. I think as I have talked to people about this topic, some are still undecided as to how they will use their personal or business time. You see it’s easy when the holidays fall on a weekend or close to the weekend as we just turn those into what has become known as the long weekend. But boy, that whole middle-of-the-week thing causes quite a conundrum for some people. It feels like we should be on vacation or we just lack the motivation to get beyond anything other than the festivities and parties. For me, I generally take off the time between Christmas and New Year’s regardless of what day it falls on. I do use the time to get recharged, plan for next year, and make sure I am in alignment with my family, my faith, my fitness and my friends. I re-evaluate my goals, near-term and long-term, to make sure that I am always stretching myself and balancing my life goals with my business goals. And I use this time to connect intimately and socially with those that matter most in my life.
powerful words for people who suffer immeasurable and unjust loss. The measure of our grief is proportional to the part of us that is missing so our responses will be different. I am tempted to blame and get angry, but I feel it is more productive if I accept responsibility. What can I do to help our world be a better place? Can I encourage a disturbed young person, even as I pass them during the day? The sadness motivates me to find an answer and live in a way that values life and notices need around me. “Your life matters” is the message of my book about a baseball player. I hope that message redirects someone who is about to cause harm and gives a grieving soul the reason to continue. There will be other things for others and me to do, so let us go deep into our pit of grief, experience reality and find a healthy way to make a difference, because we will never be the same again.
gerard healey President and Publisher Chris rotar Editor ryaN Boldrey Assistant Editor eriN addeNBrooke Advertising Director audrey Brooks Business Manager sCott aNdrews Production Manager saNdra arellaNo Circulation Director roN ‘MitCh’ MitChell Sales Executive
ambassador. Well, maybe it is, if you like to see the Headless Horseman’s horse before you fly to Cleveland. I would rather not do either. Sculptor Luis Jimenez was an exceptional artist. I wish I knew why he proposed a horse for the airport commission. Give me anything else, a genuflecting penguin, instead of another horse around here. W. C. Fields would have said, “Pardon my redundancy.” Everyone doesn’t have a degree in art, but everyone has a degree in art criticism. The horse has been embraced and the horse has been denounced. I think we are stuck with it, since the five-year probationary period passed without an organized attempt to have it relocated. For Denver’s Commission on Cultural Affairs to take action to remove it, a petitioner would have to demonstrate `extreme adverse public reaction’ over an extended period of time.
Smith continues on Page 7
Colorado Community Media Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098 Visit us on the Web at elbertcountynews.net
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 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.
7-Color
Elbert County News 7
December 26, 2013
Smith
A miniature horse pulls a miniature carriage down Mainstreet during the Christmas Carriage Parade Dec. 14.
Continued from Page 6
CARRIAGED AWAY Families lined the streets of downtown Parker for the annual Christmas Carriage Parade Dec. 14. Equestrians decorated carriages and horses, and decked themselves in flamboyant and funny costumes for the occasion. The holiday celebration included ice sculptures, a petting zoo and carolers in period dress.
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That didn’t happen by the time the horse’s window closed on Feb. 11, 2013. There is a big difference between choosing to see a work of art in a museum, and having one in your face. That’s what public art is. Sometimes it is a moment of unexpected wonderment, and sometimes it can be disturbing. Both can be enlightening. If you plan to see an Edward Hopper at the Art Institute, you know exactly what to expect. But public art can sneak up on you, and it can feel like a prank. Seabiscuit’s bad blue brother is neither very literal, nor very inventive. Be one or the other. Then-Denver Post art critic, Kyle MacMillan, thought that the horse was “nothing short of a masterpiece, a monumental public work in which Denver, and indeed the entire region, can be justifiably proud.” MacMillan and I didn’t always agree. In a review (March 9, 2008) he wrote, “Jimenez’s depiction is highly realistic and anatomically correct, with the musculature and even some blood vessels clearly outlined on the horse’s body.” If it were highly realistic, good. But it’s not. If it were as creative as Franz Marc’s “Large Blue Horses,” good. It’s not. I see a horse that ran away from a carousel and Hulked. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net
Norton Continued from Page 6
What will you be doing between the holidays? Whether you are working or not, relaxing or keeping busy, or serving others as a volunteer or other way, I hope that you find a little extra “you” time as you close out 2013 and enter 2014. I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@ gmail.com and I wish you all a better than Merry Christmas and joyous New Year!
LFET: A woman waves from atop a horse dressed as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Equestrians who entered the Parker Christmas Carriage Parade dressed themselves and the horses for the occasion. RIGHT: Leah Mounier, 21 months, of Aurora, pets a goat at a petting zoo at O’Brien Park.
Michael Norton is a resident of Highlands Ranch, the former President of the Zig Ziglar Corporation and the CEO/Founder of www.candogo.com.
OBITUARIES
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8-Color
8 Elbert County News
December 26, 2013
KNOWLEDGE IS THE ULTIMATE
PREVENTATIVE
MEDICINE. University of Colorado Hospital is excited to bring you a helpful and informative seminar series at the Lone Tree Health Center. Get your questions answered and learn more about your health from the University of Colorado School of Medicine physicians, right here in your neighborhood. UPCOMING SEMINARS INCLUDE: WHY ARE MY HANDS NUMB? A discussion on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
LOL WITH CONFIDENCE: Learn what’s available for Female Bladder control
Presented by: John Froelich, MD Assistant Professor, Orthopedics University of Colorado School of Medicine
Presented by: Kathleen Connell, MD and Tyler Muffly, MD Visiting Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, Women’s Pelvic Health and Surgery University of Colorado School of Medicine
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 6:00 – 7:00pm Why do I drop things and my hands go numb? Learn the answers to these and many other questions related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Cost: Free CLASSES OFFERED AT: Lone Tree Health Center 9548 Park Meadows Drive Lone Tree, CO 80124 TO REGISTER GO TO: WWW.UCH.EDU/LONETREE Or call Amy Hurley at 720-553-1127 or 720-848-2200
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 6:00 – 7:30pm Learn why it’s NEVER normal to have bladder control issues. Find out what options are available if more advanced treatment is needed. Cost: Free
9
Elbert County News 9
December 26, 2013
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK? Want to know what clubs, art exhibits, meetings and cultural events are happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/calendar/.
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Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Jerold D. Jackson, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 34 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before April 21, 2014 or the claims may be forever barred. John S. Smith Personal Representative P.O. Box 63, Kiowa, Colorado 80117 Legal Notice No: 927847 First Publication: December 19, 2013 Last Publication: January 2, 2014 Publisher: Elbert County News
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Castle Rock
“Trust Us!” Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.
Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.
Noticesaremeanttobenoticed. Readyourpublicnoticesandgetinvolved!
Highlands Ranch
1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org
Services:
Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8am, 9:30am, 11am Sunday School 9:15am Little Blessings Day Care www.littleblessingspdo.com
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
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 303-794-2683 Preschool: 303-794-0510
An Evangelical Presbyterian Church
A place for you
Franktown
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN Alongside One Another On Life’s Journey
www.gracecolorado.com
You are invited to worship with us:
Sundays at 10:00 am
Grace is on the NE Corner of Santa Fe Dr. & Highlands Ranch Pkwy. (Across from Murdochs)
303-798-8485
Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)
303-841-4660 www.tlcas.org To advertise your place of worship in this section, call 303-566-4091 or email
Drywall
Tile
PAUL TIMM Construction/Repair Drywall Serving Your Area Since 1974
303-841-3087 303-898-9868
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Colorado Community Media was created to connect you to 23 community papers with boundless opportunity and rewards. We now publish: Adams County Sentinel, Arvada Press, Castle Rock
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Highlands Ranch
8391 S. Burnley Ct., Highlands Ranch
(Next to RTD lot @470 & University)
Worship Services Sundays at 9:00am
303-791-3315
pastor@awlc.org www.awlc.org
Littleton
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-LakesTribune, Westminster Window, & Wheat Ridge Transcript.
Lone Tree
Parker
Lone Tree
Joy
Church of Christ Sunday Worship - 10:00am Bible Study immediately following Wednesday Bible Study - 7:30pm Currently meeting at: 9220 Kimmer Drive, Suite 200 Lone Tree 80124 303-688-9506 www.LoneTreeCoC.com
Parker
LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
SErviCES:
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:00 & 10:30am
Education Hour: Sunday 9:15am Joyful Mission Preschool 303-841-3770 7051 East Parker Hills Ct. • Parker, CO 303-841-3739 www.joylutheran-parker.org
kearhart@ourcoloradonews.com.
Congregation Beth Shalom Join us at Sheraton Denver Tech Center 7007 S Clinton Street in Greenwood Village (nearby I-25 and Arapahoe Rd.)
www.cbsdenver.org
303-794-6643
Parker Where people are excited about God’s Word.
Sunday Worship: 10:45AM & 6PM Bible Study: 9:30AM Children, Young People & Adults
Welcome Home!
303-663-5751
“Loving God - Making A Difference”
Centennial Mental Health Center has an opening for a full time Administrative Coordinator in our Elizabeth Office who will offer support to the Clinical Management team. Three years experience in a business office setting. Mastery of complex administrative and secretarial skills, including MS Office and Adobe. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. High School Diploma or equivalent. College level coursework in business administration and secretarial functions preferred. 11.54/hr. DOE, full benefit package offered. Visit our website for a full job description and online application at www.centennialmhc.org or email resume to jobs@CentennialMHC.org
Concrete/Paving
9203 S. University Blvd. Highlands Ranch, 80126
Sunday Worship 10:30 4825 North Crowfoot Valley Rd. Castle Rock • canyonscc.org
Help Wanted
Abiding Word Lutheran Church
First United Methodist Church
Advertise: 303-566-4100
OurColoradoClassifieds.com
Weaving Truth and Relevance into Relationships and Life
worship Time 10:30AM sundays 9:00am Spiritual Formation Classes for all Ages 90 east orchard road littleton, co
303 798 6387 www.gracepointcc.us
Parker evangelical Presbyterian church Connect – Grow – Serve
Sunday Worship
8:45 am & 10:30 am 9030 Miller road Parker, Co 80138 303-841-2125 www.pepc.org
First Presbyterian Church Hilltop United of Littleton Church of Christ Christmas Eve Services 4:30, 7:00 and 9:00pm Sunday
8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
1609 W. Littleton Blvd. (303) 798-1389 • www.fpcl.org
Parker
Community Church of Religious Science Sunday services held in the historic Ruth Memorial Chapel at the Parker Mainstreet Center
...19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker 80138
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
4391 E Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134 Church Office – (303) 841-3836
www.parkerbiblechurch.org United Church Of Christ Parker Hilltop 10926 E. Democrat Rd. Parker, CO • 10am Worship www.uccparkerhilltop.org 303-841-2808
Denver Tech Center
Meets at the Marriott DTC 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237
10 am every Sunday Free parking December Study:
10926 E. Democrat Rd in Parker
The Cast of Christmas
303-841-2808
Pastor Mark Brewer
10
10 Elbert County News
December 26, 2013
Reaching
higher
to create career connections
“I chose UCCS for the combination of academics and student life. The Engineering program is one the best in the country and you can’t beat the location with views of Pikes Peak from every building. The University reaches out to every student by holding fun events for all different interests, so it’s easy to make friends. As soon as I stepped onto campus I was completely immersed in the community and felt right at home.” — Kaleen, Junior, Electrical Engineering
crossword • sudoku
GALLERY OF GAMES & weekly horoscope
To Reach Higher: www.uccs.edu | 800-990-UCCS (8227)
SALOME’S STARS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 25, 2013
ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) The arts are a strong part of the Arian aspect, with music becoming more dominant. An important decision looms as a longtime relationship takes an unexpected turn. TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) Surrounding yourself with beautiful things helps restore the Taurean soul. Enjoy an art exhibit, for example. Or redecorate your personal space with something truly splendid. GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) Some colleagues might try to talk you out of what they insist is a risk, but which you consider an opportunity. As usual, follow your own good sense when making your decision.
crossword • sudoku & weekly horoscope
GALLERY OF GAMES
CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) A workplace change you might have worried about soon proves to be highly favorable for the clever Crab who is ready to take advantage of new opportunities opening up. LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) Congratulations. Your Leonine pride is polished to a dazzling new brilliance thanks to your success in winning support for your new project from even the most doubtful of detractors. VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) An unsettling rumor about a colleague’s apparently regrettable behavior is soon proved groundless, allowing you to enjoy the upcoming end-of-year festivities in a happy mood. LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) Your success in helping to create a harmonious environment out of a chaotic situation earns you the admiration of someone who could become an important new presence in your life. SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Your Scorpion’s sense of loyalty could find you leading a passionate defense of a loved one you feel is being unfairly treated. The week’s end brings long-awaited family news. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) Your keen instincts are once more on high alert as you find yourself being pressured to make a quick decision about a certain matter. More facts come to light by week’s end. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) An unexpected workplace development could disrupt some family plans. A full explanation, however, averts domestic discord. A financial matter continues to need attention. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) Spend time away from distractions to reassess some recent moves that might not have worked out as you had hoped. What you learn could be invaluable for future decisionmaking. PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) A recent act of kindness is a reminder of how important your friends are to you. You might want to show your appreciation by hosting a special pre-New Year’s party just for them. BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do your best, which sometimes causes you to be critical of those who don’t live up to your standards. © 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.
11-Color
Elbert County News 11
December 26, 2013
Complaint Continued from Page 1
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financed, in part, by a $17.3 million state BEST grant. In 2012, Elbert was one of 14 districts across the state to pass local funding mechanisms to qualify for a Building Excellent Schools Today grant, offered through the Colorado Department
of Education. The school district qualified for the grant when voters approved a $2.8 million bond issue, which passed in 2012 by a 52 percent to 48 percent margin. Two earlier attempts to pass a school bond in Elbert were unsuccessful. Elbert’s new school will be the county’s second new public school to open in the past two years: the Big Sandy Schools, a new preschool-through-12th grade facility in Simla, opened at the beginning of the 2013 school year.
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financially, the data behind the decision to place the mill levy increase on the ballot, and the discussed adjustments in services for the upcoming fiscal year; Assistance in moderating the public town hall meetings to ensure that all citizens present are allowed to speak, to be sure that all questions are answered, and all of this to be done in an orderly and professional manner.” Duvall’s complaint alleges that Buchanan, both during four town hall meetings prior to the election and in an editorial also published prior to the election, acted as a proxy for the BOCC to convince county voters to support the tax hike. State election laws expressly prohibit county commissioners or their official representatives from lobbying for or against a ballot initiative prior to an election. The administrative hearing, which lasted approximately two hours, was held before Judge Robert N. Spencer at Office of Administrative Courts, located at 1525 Sherman St. in downtown Denver. All three commissioners — Kurt Schlegel, Larry Ross and Robert Rowland — attended the hearing but only Rowland spoke. County attorney Alex Beltz argued the county was within its rights in hiring Buchanan and directing him to conduct the
town hall meetings. Following the hearing, Buchanan did not respond to requests for comment. Duvall was represented at the hearing by Elizabeth attorney Lark Fogel, who also was a candidate in the 2012 BOCC election. She lost to Ross while Duvall was defeated by Rowland. “It’s not personal at all,” said Duvall, who began regularly attending BOCC meetings several years before running. “Someone’s got to stand up and protect the people out here from the misuse of county funds,” Duvall said. “With the way the BOCC has been operating in recent years, Elbert County has become a laughing stock around the state. “The paper trail speaks for itself,” said Duvall. “My hope would be that the BOCC will be more judicious with county money and not use public funds illegally.” “I think it could go either way,” said Beltz. “I thought Lark presented a good case and now we’ll just have to see how the judge rules. ... I’m glad to see that we have watchdogs in the county to make sure that the county’s operating within its boundaries.” Judge Spencer is expected to announce a decision by the end of the year. Beltz said the judge’s ruling will be mailed to both parties and that the decision will be made public “as soon as we receive it.” If found to have improperly spent county funds for political purposes, the judge could impose a fine on the BOCC, which, Beltz said would be paid with county funds.
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12-Color
12 Elbert County News
December 26, 2013
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