Elbert County News 0219

1

February 19, 2015 VOLU M E 1 2 0 | I S S UE 3 | 7 5 ¢

ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

A publication of

County updated on well monitoring

THE COWBOY WAY

Geological Survey project still seeking participants

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media

$10 million for the next five years.

“I see this bill as one that has the potential of saving a great deal of general fund dollars,” said Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose. “I think it will certainly be beneficial to the state in the long run.”

If the bill makes it through the House and Senate, the system could go online as soon as the spring of 2016.

“These Colorado-developed technologies provide Colorado with the unique opportunity to take the lead in putting these systems to work across the state to save lives and property,” said William Mahoney, deputy director of the research applications laboratory at NCAR. The disaster prediction technology will change the way firefighters think on how to fight fires, said Gary Briese, executive director of the nonprofit Colorado State Fire Chiefs group.

He added that the decision process by officers in command centers will be sped up significantly and will provide them with resources never seen before.

A representative from the U.S. Geological Survey was in Elbert County to update the Board of County Commissioners on an ongoing well monitoring project currently underway in the county. At the Feb. 9 work session, Rhett R. Everett, a groundwater research expert for the USGS, provided a study update as well as a summary of the current water situation.

The four-phase groundwater-measuring network is the first of two projects initiated by the BOCC and brought to fruition by the county’s all-volunteer Water Advisory Board. Both water-research projects are primarily funded by grants from the USGS, Colorado Water Conservation Board and area water roundtables.

Phase one of the monitoring project establishes target areas and began last July.

In October, Everett began phase two, work on field visits and site surveys. The surveys will be ongoing as wells are added to the study. Phase three, the actual water level measuring, will begin this month and continue through June 2017. The project will conclude with phase four, Everett’s report in the spring of 2018.

The majority of Elbert County overlies several Front Range aquifers that are part of the formation collectively known as the Denver Basin, which extend from Colorado Springs to Greeley. The well monitoring network will track water levels in at least 30 wells drawing from the five aquifers throughout the county at two-month intervals. Six wells will be fitted with pressure transducers and data loggers that will record hourly levels.

“All of the data from the study is published to the web. Anyone can access it at any time. The nice thing about it is that you can search several wells simultaneously,” said Everett, who expects the data from the study to be available in August along with interactive maps, which will be accessible through the USGS webpage.

According to Everett, the author of multiple studies for the USGS, only 5,000 of the 9,311 known wells drawing water in Elbert County are suitable for the survey. The program is strictly voluntary, and Everett, who hopes to recruit as many as 47 residents to participate, is still looking for volunteers in some target areas.

The second project is an assessment of the data collected from the well monitoring network to assess changing water levels and their effect on available water supplies.

Once Everett’s report is completed, the BOCC hopes to engage an engineering firm to assess the data and incorporate it into a longer-term water-supply strategy to handle development throughout the county.

The final funding for the engineering study has not been secured, but the county hopes to have an answer by mid-March.

Everett’s update to the BOCC also included a summary of a 2010 water report prepared by Ivahneko, Tamara & Flynn JL in cooperation with the Colorado Water Conservation Board. According to the report, Elbert County wells draw 29.5 million gallons of groundwater each day, which constitutes 4 percent of total water demand on the Denver Basin.

The majority of Elbert County’s groundwater, 71 percent, is pumped by

Wildfire continues on Page 8

Wells continues on Page 4

Pastor Kevin Weatherby holds a Save the Cowboy service at the Elbert County Fairgrounds on Feb. 15. Cowboy church is held at 10 a.m. Sunday mornings at the facility in Kiowa. To learn more, go to www.savethecowboy.org. Photo by Rick Gustafson

Emergency system to undergo test Notifications are sent in variety of ways POSTAL ADDRESS

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: Thurs. 11 a.m.

Legal: Thurs. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 10 a.m.

GE T SO CIAL WITH US

P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S CO PY

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management has scheduled an all-call test of its emergency notification system. The test will consist of an automated call at or shortly after 2 p.m. on March 5 to every Elbert County number registered with the Code Red service.

“The purpose of the all-call will be to validate phone numbers currently in the Code Red database and to validate that the system is working properly,” said Brandon Lenderink, director of Elbert County Emergency Management. “This process allows us to verify registered numbers and clean up phone numbers which were once registered but may have been disconnected.”

According to Lenderink, removing numbers no

longer in service will improve the speed and efficiency of the system during an actual emergency.

“The recorded message will explain that it is a test of the Code Red Emergency notification system and that no action is required,” he said. “In a real emergency, the message will include specific details describing what residents should do.”

Lenderink asks recipients of any Code Red call to listen to the entire message before calling 911.

During an emergency, dispatchers are especially busy and have less time to field nonemergency calls, and Code Red messages communicate critical information.

Code Red is a privately owned, dedicated network infrastructure owned and operated by Emergency Communication Network, which contracts with local municipalities to provide the notification service. Residents may sign up to receive alerts via their telephones, mobile phones, social media and email.

Code Red continues on Page 8

House bill targets disaster prediction Technology offers better grip on fire, flood patterns

By Amy Woodward

awoodward@coloradocommunitymedia.com A revolutionary new disaster prediction system could be integrated as a tool for first responders statewide.

State Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp has championed the technology developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder through a House bill, which passed its first committee hearing in a 10-3 vote Feb. 9.

Using advanced computer modeling and data sampling, the fire and flood predictor would give first responders 18 hours’ warning of where and when fires and floods are likely to start, what areas they will affect and when it will reach the affected area.

The bill requires an appropriation from the general fund for the implementation of the system at

2

2 Elbert County News

February 19, 2015

Construction-defects bill introduced Staff and wire report A simmering dispute over liability in home construction is heating up at the Colorado General Assembly.

On Feb. 10, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 177, which addresses the construction-defects law.

The law governs how homeowners can sue builders for shoddy construction.

“Currently, there is a defect in state law preventing Coloradans from access to affordable housing such as condominiums,” Senate Majority Leader Mark Scheffel, RParker, said in an emailed statement. “Colo-

EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week.

Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

HIGH SCHOOL THEATER SHOW DOUGLAS COUNTY High School presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 26-28, with special matinee performances at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 28. At 1 p.m. before the matinees, the theater students will host a princess tea party. Tickets are available at www.SeatYourSelf.biz/dchs.

The classic, magical musical is great for all ages.

LENTEN FISH FRY THE KNIGHTS of Columbus will have a fish fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday in Lent, starting Friday, Feb. 20, in Brownstein Hall at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker. Fried fish, baked fish, nuggets, cole slaw, fried or baked potato, mac and chees, and dinner rolls are available. Iced tea, lemonade and coffee are free. Cost is $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. A family rate of $29 is offered. Homemade desserts are available. Take out and drive through are also available by calling 303-522-5602.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS THE SECOND High Plains Battle of the Bands is Satur-

day, Feb. 21, at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute

radans need more affordable housing, and this bipartisan legislation is an important step toward achieving that goal. It’s vital that we reach across the aisle and work together on the issues facing Colorado, and I’m proud to join Sen. Jessie Ulibarri (DWestminster) in sponsoring and advocating for this important legislation.”

Developers say Colorado’s law, passed in 2005, has created a litigious environment and makes it expensive to get insurance, chilling development and contributing to a housing shortage. Consumer advocates fear that reform efforts would push the needle too far in favor of developers.

THINGS TO DO

Ave., Kiowa. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 6 p.m. Cost is $5; children younger than 10 admitted free. Go to http://peakperformancegroup.co/hpbob.

co.us/PerformingArtsDepartment.aspx for details and to keep up-to-date on the program’s events, announcements and photos.

HISTORIC 17 MILE FARM OPEN HOUSE

`A LITTLE PRINCESS’ MUSICAL

TAKE A tour of the house and big red barn at the historic

THE PONDEROSA Theatre Company will perform “A Little Princess,” a musical based on the classic novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays from Feb. 26 to March 7 at Ponderosa High School, 7007 E. Bayou Gulch Road, Parker. A matinee performance is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Tickets available at http://phstheatrealittleprincess.bpt.me.

1860s 17 Mile House Farm Park at an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, March 14. The park is at 8181 S. Parker Road, just north of Cottonwood. Tour is free. Call Arapahoe County Open Spaces at 720-874-6540 for information.

STORY PIRATES PIRATES HAVE smuggled their way onto the shores of the PACE Center. These are not your usual swashbucklers; they are Story Pirates, a crew of professional actors who travel far ad wise to perform stories by kids for kids in a musical sketch comedy show. Showtimes are 10 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Before the show begins, the Story Pirates make port a local elementary schools to do a writing residency workshop. Kids learn how to put their imagination on paper and get to see their stories brought to life on stage. For tickets, go to www.ParkerArts.org or call the PACE Center Box Office at 303-805-6800. `ONCE UPON A MATTRESS’ ELIZABETH HIGH School presents “Once Upon A Mat-

tress” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, to Saturday, Feb. 28, at the high school. Tickets cost $6 in advance and $10 at the door. Go to http://www.elizabeth.k12.

WHAT THE HAIL! - The Preferred Local Roofing Company for Many Insurance Companies, Hundreds of Agents, and Thousands of Coloradans - No Creepy Door Knockers - Free Inspections

Condos represent just 3 percent of new housing starts in Colorado, compared to 23 percent in 2007, according to the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance, a coalition of Colorado businesses groups and community leaders.

That leaves a lack of alternatives to either buying a single-family home or renting an apartment.

“We would obviously like to see more diverse housing, having more opportunities for buyers and not having folks forced into the rental market,” said Loren Furman, senior vice president of state and federal affairs for the Colorado Chamber of Com-

FESTIVE CELEBRATION PARKER SYMPHONY Orchestra presents its Festive Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. The featured soloist for the performance is Nicolo Spera, professor of guitar at the University of Colorado at Boulder. For tickets, go to www.ParkerArts.org or call the PACE Center Box Office at 303-805-6800.

NO KID HUNGRY DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT THE FCCLA third annual No Kid Hungry dodge ball tournament is at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Elizabeth High School. Email Natasha at nbreakall@gmail.com to sign up a team to play dodge ball.

merce and Industry.

Some metro-area cities are tackling the issue on their own. Lakewood passed an ordinance in October. Parker and Lone Tree also have moved toward doing so and Castle Rock is considering it if legislation isn’t passed at the state level.

In addition to Scheffel and Ulibarri, SB 177 is sponsored by state Reps. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, and Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont.

— Colorado Community Media reporter Amy Woodward and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

FREE LEGAL CLINIC A FREE legal clinic for parties who have no attorney is open from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain processes and procedures for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders.

Walk-ins are welcome. Help offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinics are offered the second Tuesday of each month; future clinics are offered April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8. `HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR.’ ELIZABETH MIDDLE School’s Cardinal Players presents “High School Musical Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, to Saturday, March 14 at the middle school. Tickets cost $6.

ESTATE PLANNING LAW CHANGES A NUMBER of free public workshops are planned to discuss on changes to estate planning laws in 2015, including changes to VA qualification for pension, loss of protection on inherited IRAs, changes in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax changes, new laws affecting same-sex marriages and more.

Reservations required; call 720-440-2774. Space is limited.

Schedule of workshops: Thursday, March 12, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock; Wednesday, March 18, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock.

SM

CALM AFTER THE STORM SM

Thank You For Voting Us Best of

ARVADA, GOLDEN, CENTENNIAL, ENGLEWOOD, BRIGHTON, LONETREE

303-425-7531 www.jkroofing.com

pen h will es and law, tenant ers. served h; Aug.

“High to cost

uss anges ited

re. d.

0-3 e Rock; S.

3

February 19, 2015

Elbert County News 3

4

4 Elbert County News

February 19, 2015

Coffee shop to open in east Parker Second Fika Coffee House to open in Idyllwilde

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com The first neighborhood coffee shop in Parker will be based in a former home sales office in Idyllwilde.

Josh and Anna Rivero, the owners of Fika Coffee House in downtown Parker, have had their eyes on the charming, cabin-like structure since moving to the eastern Parker subdivision eight years ago.

Village Homes, which developed Idyllwilde over the last decade, always planned to turn the sales office into a business that would be useful to nearby homeowners. A general store was considered, but in today’s on-the-go society, a coffee shop seemed like a logical choice.

“This is the first time a commercial aspect has been outside of the commercial core. Village Homes thought ahead and they looked at the Denver model with urban cores in the center of neighborhoods,” said Josh Rivero, who cited the South Gaylord and Pearl Street districts as successful examples.

The Riveros repeatedly inquired about the availability of the 1,350-square-foot building, and once the neighborhood was built out, Village Homes decided to sell. The new owners closed in December and renovations are underway. The second Fika Coffee House in Parker is tentatively scheduled to open in April on the northwest corner of Canterberry Parkway and East Idyllwilde

WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM Fika (pronounced fee-KAH) Coffee House opened on Mainstreet in April 2008 and was named after the Swedish custom of “fika,” a verb which, loosely translated, means “to meet over coffee.” Fika serves “organic, fair trade” Kaladi Coffee and a variety of organic and herbal teas from Two Leaves Tea Company.

Drive.

It is expected to capture morning and evening commuters from Spirit Ridge, Canterberry Crossing, Buffaloberry and Idyllwilde, who file down Canterberry Parkway. Fika will also attract students who might need a study getaway and retirees who can take a leisurely stroll down the street for a cup of coffee.

Wyatt Hornsby, who moved to Idyllwilde more than four years ago, said he is eager to have a coffee shop so close by.

“What’s most exciting is it’s a place where neighbors can gather and connect and really feel like a part of the community,” said Hornsby, who is a regular at Fika Coffee House’s original location.

Hornsby’s father-in-law, who often visits from the Pittsburgh area, has become such a fan of the downtown location that Fika is part of his vacation itinerary. He even has walked the seven miles roundtrip that it takes to get there and back.

With good java and an expanded menu to include lunch options, it’s easy to see why the adults might be excited. But the kids have much to look forward to. The old sales office happens to be next to the community

Wells Continued from Page 1

municipalities in support of public infrastructure.

The remaining 29 percent of groundwater is drawn for

Idyllwilde residents Josh and Anna Rivero are preparing to turn the subdivision’s original sales center into a coffee shop, the first of its kind in a Parker neighborhood. The second Fika Coffeehouse in town will serve ice cream in the summer. Photo by Chris Michlewicz pool, and ice cream is one of Fika’s add-ons.

“That’s the icing on the cake. My son is very excited,” Hornsby said. “We always go to the pool in the summer.”

Although Hornsby doesn’t know the Riveros personally, he is glad that the coffee shop will be owned and operated by someone who lives in the neighborhood. Josh

agriculture, livestock, domestic and household use.

Based on data collected in 2005, the report estimates an average two-foot annual drop in regional aquifer levels over 50 years in northwestern Elbert County. Though the area includes the highest concentrations of development, those users may not be the largest contributors to declining water levels in underlying aquifers.

Since county lines were drawn without regard to

Rivero, a member of Parker Town Council, said he plans on being a good neighbor and a steward of the prime location. He will leave the 1.2 acres as it is, preserving a spectacular view of the mountains.

“We’re not here to do business and go home at night,” Rivero said. “This is home for us.”

aquifers, competition for groundwater also comes from other counties along the Front Range, specifically Douglas County, identified in the report as the largest user of Denver Basin water, at 24 percent in 2005.

The BOCC hopes that by assessing available water resources and their rate of use, the county can better plan for the long-term growth expected during the coming years.

Newer roof.

Lower rate.

EDUCATION GRANTS

Allstate House & Home Insurance

Each year, IREA awards twenty-one graduating high school seniors grants of

to High School Seniors $1,000 each toward higher education expenses.

Applications must be turned in by June 30, 2015. In order to be eligible, the applicant (or applicant’s parent or guardian) must be an IREA customer and: • Be a graduating high school senior; • Submit an acceptance letter from a college, university or vocational/trade school, and; • Return a completed entry form by 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2015.

Your roof could help reduce your rate.

When your new roof goes up, your premium could go down. If you recently purchased a new home or replaced the roof on your current home, with Allstate House & Home Insurance you may qualify for a lower rate. Call me today for a free quote.

Applications are available at www.irea.coop/educationgrants, or you can have one mailed to you by calling (720) 733-5478.

Sedalia - 303-688-3100 Conifer - 303-674-6879 Strasburg - 303-622-9231 Woodland Park - 719-687-9277

www.irea.coop

Tom's Insurance and Financial Services Tom Wohrley 303-841-9000

Facebook: IntermountainREA Twitter: @IREAcolorado

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. Northbrook, IL. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.

116943

19541 E. Parker Sq. Parker agents.allstate.com/tom-wohrley-par

r

5

February 19, 2015

Elbert County News 5

AREA CLUBS

Ongoing

contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teach-

ers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

THE ELBERT County Sheriff’s Posse is a

nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information orVoHS-10.25x4.pdf a membership application,1 go to2/9/15 http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or

THE ELIZABETH Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.

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 Eliza8:52 AM 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys beth Library, will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain

the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

MYSTERY BOOK Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email

farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

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. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

SENIORS MEET in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information.

Grand Opening February 21

Your littlest learners can explore Sugar Bugs Plaza, Brush Together Cottage and the Tooth Fairy’s Workshop in Village of Healthy Smiles, designed specifically for children newborn through age 3.

MADE POSSIBLE BY:

uncil, hbor e will spec-

mychildsmuseum.org 303-433-7444

d go ome

Online Business Personal Property Tool Improves Calendar of Events For a complete list of South Metro Denver Efficiency – Reduces Costs of Compliance Chamber events visit our website New this year from the Assessor’s Office – business personal property tax declaration notices will arrive in the form of a postcard, driving recipients to a special online tool that will allow them to view, download and print an asset listing, as well as file their full Declaration online at www.DouglasFilesOnline.org Business owners in Douglas County

who own, lease, or borrow business personal property with a total market value greater than $7,300, must report the property to the County Assessor no later than April 15, 2015.

“This year’s Declaration Notices reflect what is now possible to achieve electronically on behalf of our customers – making the process of personal property

declarations less costly and more efficient for everyone involved,” said Lisa Frizell, Douglas County Assessor.

For assistance with questions or for additional information, including the types of business personal property that is taxable, please visit the Assessor’s website, www.douglas.co.us/assessor or phone the office at (303) 660-7448.

BE INVOLVED GIVE – The B.I.G. Day 2015

Area nonprofits and hundreds of Chamber volunteers working together or joining forces makes for a good mix…. and that’s the goal for the 5th Annual B.I.G Day, set for Saturday, April 25th from 8:30 – 12:00.

B.I.G stands for “Be Involved, Give.”

The motivation for this event, sponsored

by the South Metro Denver Chamber’s Nonprofit & Business Partnership Committee, is to provide assistance to member nonprofits by introducing them to the people and businesses that live and work in their communities.

Last year’s B.I.G. Day volunteers did everything from planting the community garden at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, to trail clean-up with the South Suburban Park Foundation to sorting and loading medical supplies with Project CURE. Many projects allow young children to help when accompanied by an adult - a great way to teach community involvement.

Slots for non-profits to take part in this year’s event are filling up fast. Those

interested in participating, please contact Laurian Horowitz, Laurian@ColoradoLiveLessons.com.

Who can volunteer? Companies & businesses, their staff, friends, family, and kids! Everyone can participate. In addition, community organizations (schools, churches, sports teams) and individuals are all encouraged.

What type of volunteer activities will be offered? There are many options to choose from, including office/administration work, painting, light repairs/ improvements Volunteers will be able to select projects they want to work on.

For more information about The B.I.G. Day visit South Metro Denver Chamber event page at www.bestchamber.com

Member Spotlight - Holistic Health Holistic Health and a motley crew of motivated women, known as the MissFits®, held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 29th. Priscilla Friedlander, owner and founder, welcomed a crowd of 50 swinging back-n-forth across the built-in monkey bars.

Doug Tisdale, EVP of Economic Development with South Metro Denver Chamber, welcomed Priscilla and Robert Friedlander and the MissFits® to the Chamber. “The innovative program at Holistic Health encourages our mothers, wives, and friends – all the women in our lives – to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Tisdale. “Priscilla is offering a unique facility and health initiative to our com-

munity and we are thrilled to have them as members.”

Priscilla addressed the crowd, reflecting on her long-time goal to bring Holistic Health to a physical location.

Many of the attendees are current In 2006, Priscilla founded Holistic Health Corp, a whole-life coaching company whose mission is to radically change a woman’s mindset in order to transform her body. Based in Littleton, Colorado, her company offers a number of local and virtual nutrition, fitness, and life coaching programs dedicated to changing women’s lives. Priscilla is also the creator and director of Camp MissFits®, an award-winning fitness training pro-

gram which brings together a top-notch coaching team with a Motley Crew of Motivated Women™. Priscilla’s education and coaching experience in mindset, body image, fitness, and nutrition is the reason her holistic coaching programs help women achieve lifelong success.

For more information about Holistic Health, please visit http://blog.fitlivingempowered.com/fitness-challenges-2/ or call 720.951.0101 Fore more information regarding the South Metro Denver Chamber’s events and membership opportunities, please visit www.bestchamber.com or call 303795-0142.

www.bestchamber.com or call 303-795-0142.

Monday, February 16 Save Lives, Sort Medical Supplies with Project C.U.R.E 7:00 pm – Project C.U.R.E 10337 East Geddes Ave., Centennial, CO Tuesday, February 17 Roundtable Discussion “Challenges for Nonprofit Leaders” 11:30 – 1:00 pm – Iliff School of Theology 2201 South University Boulevard, Denver Thursday, February 19 2015 FirstBank Community Leaders Forum 7:00 – 9:00 am – Arapahoe Community College 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO RSVP: 303.763.1865 Thursday, February 19 “Myth-Busters” present by A.R.E.A & Mark Shaefer 12:00 – 1:00 pm – SMDC WhippleWood CPAs Conference Center 2154 E. Commons Ave. Suite 342, Centennial, CO Tuesday, February 24 Privacy and Publicity in the Social Media Age 7:00 – 8:30 pm – Gates Concert Hall, University of Denver 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO

Holistic Health owners, Priscilla Friedlander.

6-Opinion

6 Elbert County News

Y O U R S

OPINION

Bad news, sad news, not a lot of glad news “We are Charlie” seems like a long time ago now.

Ferguson seems like a long time ago now.

So do the marches and protests over the death of Eric Garner.

Four hundred schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram. What’s become of them? I am guessing that some of them are pregnant.

Boko Haram continues to terrorize and slaughter. But they have been bumped in the Most Despicable category by ISIS. I have a good friend who has a cure for all of these headlines. She doesn’t read them.

Instead she travels, visits her mother, spends time with her children, goes to art exhibitions, and breathes deep without anxieties over current events.

Why can’t I do that?

If I did, I wouldn’t understand a word that Bill Maher or Bill O’Reilly were saying.

Maybe that’s it, or at least part of it.

There is a price to be paid for staying informed.

I don’t plan to build a cabin, like Henry David Thoreau did, but it has crossed my mind. I don’t have his spirit, certainly. I couldn’t make it without my Mac. I spilled coffee on the keyboard one day, and went hours without being on the Internet.

I think Smitty would be able to make it, as long as there was a tree nearby.

Thoreau spent two years, two months, and two days in his cabin, built on land owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Thoreau didn’t have the distractions of the Internet, or television, or any of the kaboodle that we do.

I do have one thing in common with Thoreau: I spend most of my time alone. I wouldn’t know anything different. Thoughts occupy my time all of the time, not just late at night when the workday is done.

Because there is no workday.

“Walden: Life in the Woods” compresses two years, two months, and two days into one year.

Here’s something I didn’t know until I started to shop for cabins and lighthouses: Thoreau’s cabin wasn’t way out in the middle of nowhere.

It was on the edge of town.

He could have walked to the Piggly Wiggly. Maybe he did.

And another thing: He didn’t live in solitary. He kept three chairs handy for visitors, and said that he had more visitors than when he was living at home.

Home was just two miles away.

Finding this out was a little shattering. I thought he had really dropped out. That he

February 19, 2015

&

LITTON LEAVES COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Drew Litton has decided to pursue other opportunities.

His cartoon will no longer appear in Colorado Community Media publications.

A publication of

was unavailable. Inaccessible. A neighbor said she was sure he sneaked home at night to do his laundry.

On the other hand, if you were holed up in a huge, vacant hotel, you could designate each room as a metaphor for the rooms of life and the journeys of existence, and save one just for copies of Playboy. I don’t know.

A century later, John Steinbeck did just about the same thing, but he did it on the move, in a camper truck. He crossed America with his poodle, Charley.

In every photograph I have seen of Thoreau, he looks like an elderly man. He looks older than I do.

He died when he was 10 years younger than John Elway is.

Thoreau said, and I agree: “Writing your name can lead to writing sentences. And the next thing you’ll be doing is writing paragraphs and then books. And then you’ll be in as much trouble as I am!”

The cabin — cottage — was 10 feet by 15 feet. That’s about the size of my living room, and smaller than my studio. No thanks.

A space that size would really leave you with an uncompromised atmosphere of personal introspection.

“Nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide.”

I think I will just stay put, and put up with the headlines.

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

Maybe the answer is all in the question Have you ever found yourself so distracted during a conversation where you had to ask the other person, “What did you say?”

And maybe it’s not even the fact that you were distracted — maybe the other person was just talking too slow or too fast for you to comprehend what they had said, so again you ask, “What did you say?”

Or the discussion could just be very confusing or shocking and just so you make sure that you are abundantly clear on what was being said you ask the same question, “What did you say?”

Many people want clarity, and some not only want clarity, they need clarity. For these folks things need to be very clear, black and white, no gray areas at all, no mystification.

So they will certainly ask for someone to repeat themselves when they need more information. Then there are others who would just rather not know, they are just not that interested so they may never ask for clarity. Or they are so absorbed in what they are planning on saying or how they can talk

about themselves in some way, they couldn’t care less what the other person actually said.

As I spoke with some folks about writing this column I asked for opinions around listening skills, the art of conversation, and basic human interactions. The opinions were almost unanimous, “People just don’t listen anymore.” Some shared their thoughts around the fact that texting and email have done away with the need for actually speaking with someone unless you absolutely had to. Another opinion was that because

technology plays such a huge role in our lives, we are just out of practice and that no one is actually intentionally avoiding a one-on-one or group discussion, we are all just out of practice.

One person I spoke with didn’t focus or point the finger of blame on texting and technology, instead they felt like we are all so busy, running a million miles an hour, and caught up in what we “have” to do that we have forgotten how to slow down and take the time to talk with others. Not talking “at” others, but talking “with” others. And when this happens, our personal agendas are so important to us that we just don’t listen anymore.

How are you doing at the whole listening thing? If you are struggling with it, let me give you a few things that I have used to help me become a better listener.

• Ask questions instead of making statements: The more you ask others about themselves and their jobs, hobbies, or families, the more interesting they will become. So instead Norton continues on Page 7

Investment returns expected to decline Most seasoned investors are used to volatility. In fact, in recent years that is all we have ever known — that the stock market is a roller coaster. No matter what the catalyst is, whether it is foreign or domestic, economic or political, interest rates or earnings, we get constant ups and downs.

The next thing analysts are predicting is lower returns. Advisors are to set the expectation for the future to be substantially lower than returns have been in the past. This includes equities and fixed income. Therefore, be careful using historical averages in your long-term planning. You may be disappointed when it does not pan out.

The equity market average returns have been coming down gradually from a 12 percent return in 1926 to just 7.8 percent return average in the last 20 years. Let’s take a look at why: 1. Technology has increased efficiencies in market trading with super computers and instantaneous block trading. This has increased the volume but destabilized the price.

2. More investors are involved in the

markets than ever before. Much of this is inspired by 401(k) plans, but a lot of instant access to markets via the internet has created opportunity for small investors as well. Often uninformed investors may buy and sell at the wrong times to gain the optimum return and this increases declines and pushes up artificial highs.

3. The economy has evolved over time.

Stocks that are considered valuable today, such as Apple, would have had no value in the first eight decades of the stock market.

Much of this is attributed to our economy moving away from manufacturing and more

O U R S

toward services, which are intangible and difficult to value.

4. Inflation has remained low for long periods of time. Inflation can be a byproduct of high growth (as measured by GDP), and full employment which can push up wages and increase prices. With very low, slow growth, we have not experienced a reason to have high returns on our stocks. Earnings have been the driver, which have increased due to better technology and fewer workers.

However this may not be as sustainable as growing output has been in prior decades.

5. We are now on a global economy. Prior to 2008, we were not overly concerned about what happened in Greece or any part of the Eurozone. Japan being in recession for long periods of time did not impact us significantly and Emerging Markets was a neat concept but not heavily invested in yet. Now we are indefinitely tied to what happens in other countries to the point where it affects our multinational companies’ stock price as well Kummer continues on Page 7

9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-566-4100 Fax: 303-566-4098 On the Web: ElbertCountyNews.net Get Social with us

GERARD HEALEY President and Publisher CHRIS ROTAR Editor THERESE DOMBROWSKI Marketing Consultant ERIN ADDENBROOKE Major Accounts and Classified Manager AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager SCOTT ANDREWS Production Manager SHARI MARTINEZ Circulation Manager

We welcome event listings and other submissions.

News and Business Press Releases Please visit ElbertCountyNews.net, click on the Submit Your News tab and choose a category from the drop down menu.

Calendar calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com Military Notes militarynotes@coloradocommunitymedia.com School Accomplishments schoolnotes@coloradocommunitymedia.com Sports sports@coloradocommunitymedia.com Obituaries obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com To Subscribe call 303-566-4100

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 letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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@coloradocommunitymedia.com, and we will take it from there.

After all, the News is your paper.

7

Elbert County News 7

February 19, 2015

Drug incidents rise in Colorado schools Uneven state data doesn’t specify substances behind numbers

By Katie Kuntz

Drug incidents in some Denver metro-area school districts 2012-2013

2013-2014

Percent change

ADAMS 12 FIVE STAR

377

448

+19 percent

AURORA

334

368

+10 percent

CHERRY CREEK

339

375

+11 percent

DENVER

452

482

+7 percent

DOUGLAS COUNTY

210

196

-7 percent

ELIZABETH

21

19

-10 percent

ENGLEWOOD

31

21

-32 percent

JEFFERSON COUNTY

477

482

+1 percent

LITTLETON

84

74

-12 percent

Rocky Mountain PBS I-News The first months of legal recreational marijuana in Colorado saw a jump in drug policy violations in the state’s public schools, a Rocky Mountain PBS I-News analysis of Department of Education data has found.

The biggest spike in violations came in the state’s middle schools, according to the analysis. The first months of legal recreational marijuana coincided with the winter and spring of the 2013-14 school year.

“Middle-schoolers are most vulnerable to being confused about marijuana,” said Dr. Christian Thurstone, attending physician for the Denver Health Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment program. “They think, `Well, it’s legal so it must not be a problem.’”

In many cases, marijuana is simply more available to younger teens, officials say.

“We have seen parents come in and say, `Oh that’s mine, they just took it out of my room,’ and that sort of thing,” said school resource officer Judy Lutkin of the Aurora Police Department. “Parents have it in their houses more often, and the kids just can take it from home.”

The hike in drug violations came as overall suspensions, expulsions and referrals to police for other transgressions decreased between the year of legalization and the previous academic year, 2012-13.

The I-News analysis found: • Middle schools had the highest percentage increase in drug violations, rising 24 percent in the school year ending last spring. This led to a decade high of 951 drug incidents in middle schools.

• Drug incidents reported by all public schools hit a decade high last school year, rising 7.4 percent to 5,377 incidents. There are more drug violations in high schools, but those numbers stayed flat during the first year of legalization.

• Statewide, since medical marijuana stores opened widely in 2010, drug incidents are the only major category of conduct violations that rose in Colorado school districts, according to the data.

Norton Continued from Page 6

of trying to jump in with your own stories, just replace what you had wanted to say with another question • Write things down: The more we write down, the more people will talk. This is usually suggested in a business conversation like a sales call, team meeting, or a job interview.

However, in social settings when someone gives me a good idea or recommends something I ask if it would be okay if I made a note to myself. The other person is generally gracious and feels a sense of pride that they can be of help.

• Repeating a question or statement: If you are really struggling with listening, this tip should help you the most. When you are engaged in a conversation, try repeating back

Kummer Continued from Page 6

as bond prices.

Fixed income and bond earnings may also deteriorate due to the global effect and long periods of low interest rates. The United States’ bond is considered very high quality compared to many countries that may be close to defaulting due to struggling economies. Yet with such low interest rates, there is a very narrow margin of return. The higher the quality of the bond, the lower the return.

Therefore, if a bond issued in Spain is paying say 3 percent, by comparison, a much higher quality bond in the U.S. must only yield about half that.

This brings us back to the original comment that investors should plan on lower returns for the foreseeable future. I doubt that technology and high volume trading will end anytime soon. The global economy is

Prescription drugs abused

Source: I-News research

Details hard to come by Still, it’s hard to discern the specific types of drugs involved in the increased number of reports, as statewide policies to measure and extrapolate teen use of marijuana and other drugs are often inconsistent and unreliable.

In fact, the data collected by the Colorado Department of Education does not identify any specific drugs. Instead, this data lumps prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine and marijuana all into the same category of disciplinary cases.

“I would say that at any given time, any day of the week, there are probably about 10 percent of kids in the high school that are under the influence of something,” said school resource officer Susan Condreay, of the Aurora Police Department.

Marijuana is second only to alcohol in teen substance abuse, according to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, an annual survey from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment.

“Alcohol is by far and away the most used substance by middle-schoolers, then it goes down for marijuana and tobacco is just below that,” said Dr. Thurstone. “Prescription drug use is number four, and it’s increasing, so that’s been an alarming increase, as well, that we need to pay attention to.”

what the other person had said or turn it into a question like, “Excuse me, but what I think I heard you say was that you are a respiratory therapist, is that correct?”

The point of all three tips is that you become an intentional listener and not just a casual listener. This places the focus squarely on the other person and their interests and you will minimize and maybe even eliminate the need to ask, “What did you say?”

So again, how about you? Are you an intentional listener already? Do you have listening tips of your own? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we take the time to become a better listener, who knows, we may just learn something along the way too. So listen up and let’s make this a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

here to stay as well. Interest rates are subject to economic growth and that remains slow worldwide for the time being.

The best-case scenario is to lower your expectations and plan your long-term goals accordingly. That is the only thing you really have control over — your standard of living and level of saving. The best recipe for success is to plan on lower returns and compensate in other ways such as reduced spending, working longer, and investing prudently.

Otherwise you are likely to come up short and it will be too late to make adjustments.

Patricia Kummer has been an independent Certified Financial Planner for 28 years and is president of Kummer Financial Strategies Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in Highlands Ranch. She welcomes your questions at www. kummerfinancial.com, or call the economic hotline at 303-683-5800. Any material discussed is meant for informational purposes only and not a substitute for individual advice.

The Department of Education wants to address the lack of specificity in its drug reporting, according to Rep. Polly Lawrence, RRoxborough. She said she was asked to carry a bill that would require schools to be more transparent with their drug reporting, particularly about marijuana.

“We are still continuing with stakeholder meetings, but I am hoping to have a bill drafted and ready to go (this month),” Lawrence said. “If we don’t start now, we are not going to have a baseline to compare to in the future.”

She hopes that potential new requirements will not only show how legal marijuana is impacting students, but also provide more data on other potentially harmful drugs.

“Colorado ranks I think second in prescription drug abuse in the country and that is something we need to keep a constant eye on,” Lawrence said. “And I think starting to monitor the marijuana use is very important so we need to make sure that we are collecting the best data we can.”

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health ranked Colorado as the second worst state in the country for prescription drug abuse in 2013. That year, 598 people of all ages in the state died from unintentional drug poisoning, according to the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health. That’s nearly four times the number of deaths that were caused by drunk driving during the same period.

Still, marijuana remains a top priority for school resource officers and treatment providers, especially in middle schools.

Denver Public Schools hired a district substance abuse treatment coordinator this school year, who will focus greater attention on middle schools.

“According to our data, middle schools are where most people begin to experiment,” said John Simmons, DPS executive director of student services. “It’s much easier to stop someone from using in the first place than it is to stop it once it’s started.”

The Denver district saw a 7 percent increase in drug incidents, from 452 in 2012-13 to 482 in the 2013-14 year. Simmons says that marijuana accounts for almost every drug incident.

But legalization supporters point out that kids aren’t coming in and buying from stores, and packages that leave the stores do not market to children.

“We have gone above and beyond to make sure that we are not marketing to children,” said Meg Sanders, owner of MiNDFUL, a cannabis company that operates in several cities in Colorado. “We feel it’s our responsibility as a responsible business to card not just once but twice for any recreational customer, and medical patients have to show several documents before they can purchase marijuana.”

Some say that legalization might help provide resources for addressing underage consumption of marijuana, using tax revenue generated through legal sales.

“The fact is that we had a significant number using marijuana then and now (before and after legalization),” Simmons said of public schools in Denver. “We are hopeful that these changes will provide more resources.”

Drug use continues on Page 15

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

8

8 Elbert County News

February 19, 2015

Lawmakers seek punishments for cyberbullying Bill calls for fines, possible jail time

By Ivan Moreno Associated Press

A high school student who was the victim of repeated bullying on social media looked on from her wheelchair Feb. 13 as the Colorado House advanced legislation that would create new criminal penalties for online harassment.

The sponsor of House Bill 1072, Aurora Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields, is naming her proposal after Kiana Arellano, a high school cheerleader from Highlands Ranch who tried to hang herself in 2013. Her father

Code Red Continued from Page 1

The system is capable of sending over a million messages in an hour to either specific groups or to geographic areas. It automatically calls numbers in affected areas whenever the National Weather Service issues any type of warning, such as a winter storm or tornado warning.

The Elbert County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents who have not registered to sign up and those who have registered to re-register prior to the March 5 exercise to ensure their contact information is up to date.

“In the rural environment of Elbert County, the Code Red system is a way for the sheriff’s office to spread the word quickly through-

Wildfire Continued from Page 1

“An accurate, predictive weather forecast can mean life or death to citizens and firefighters,” he said. “This is not just about the technology, it’s about how we think and how we utilize the technology to make those better command decisions.”

The most expensive wildfire in Colorado

found her in their garage and tried to resuscitate her while waiting for emergency responders who eventually saved her.

But the oxygen deprivation resulted in a severe brain injury that has left her a paraplegic and unable to talk. As lawmakers debated the Fields’ proposal, she watched from a side of the House chambers.

“We need to break the cycle of hate on the Internet,” said Fields, who recounted Arellano’s story and the hateful messages she received from classmates goading her into committing suicide.

Fields’ bill would make cyberbullying a misdemeanor harassment charge punishable by as much as $750 in fines and up to six months in county jail.

Lawmakers gave initial approval to the bill

out the county,” Lenderink said. “We are also encouraging residents to sign up for the email notifications, which is another tool used by our office to send out informational messages.”

The informational emails can pertain to weather watches, provide preparedness tips, or warn of criminal activity. Most recently, an email alert was sent to residents in western Elbert County warning of a rash of burglaries occurring in the area.

While Lenderink sees the email feature as an effective tool, he is also cognizant that it is not something the department should use every day.

“It (the informational email) is a very good tool to get out critical information but not emergency notifications. We don’t want to dilute the effectiveness of the system by sending too many.”

history was the June 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs with insured losses totaling $453.7 million, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.

“We do know that Colorado’s dense forest, our irregular terrain, our growing wildlife urban interface and our periodic droughts leave our state susceptible to damaging wildfires and floods,” Kraft-Tharp said. “The cost and the risk from flooding and fire will only increase with rising population and development.”

on an unrecorded voice vote despite concerns about how the proposal could affect freespeech protections. A final vote as soon as this week would send the bill to the Senate.

Since 2006, nearly three dozen states have enacted legislation to address cyberbullying in various ways, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Colorado tried last year with a proposal also carried by Fields, but it was changed into a study in the Senate after getting approval in the House.

The concerns with the bill last year mirror those raised this year, mainly that the proposal can be interpreted broadly and over-criminalize youth while also potentially infringing on free speech rights.

Rep. Tim Dore, a Republican from Elizabeth, said he doesn’t want to “unintentionally

chill speech” “And while we don’t want anybody bullying or harassing or causing harm to another, we also have to make sure that we protect speech,” Dore said.

Fields noted there are limitations on free speech.

“Having a right of freedom of speech doesn’t give you the right to harass someone,” she said.

Kristy Arellano, Kiana’s mother, told lawmakers in her testimony supporting the bill that “laws have not kept up with the technology.”

“Even though I had proof that this bullying had gone on for about a week, we could not pursue criminal charges against the person who did these posts,” she said.

State moves closer to immigrant license showdown Republicans support measure that blocks funds for agency

By Kristen Wyatt Associated Press

The state Legislature moved closer Feb. 12 to a partisan showdown over granting driver’s licenses to immigrants in the country illegally.

The GOP Senate gave preliminary approval last week to a bill blocking funds for the state agency that oversees driver’s licenses.

The state Department of Revenue has asked budget writers for permission to spend about $166,000 that they’ve already collected from immigrants who have paid for licenses, driving permits, and identification cards.

The program receives no state funding and is operated through user fees. Republicans have blocked the spending of the fees to sustain the program, despite Democratic complaints that the money has already been paid by the immigrants.

“It is fundamentally unfair for people who have followed the rules” and paid fees

for licenses, said Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, DWestminster.

Republicans insisted that they should use their new majority in the Senate to block a policy they oppose.

When the Legislature voted in 2013 to allow driver’s licenses for immigrants without permission to be in the country, Republicans didn’t have the votes to stop it. This year Republicans control the state Senate by a single seat, their first Senate majority in a decade.

Republicans called it wrong to reduce backlogs for issuing licenses to the immigrants.

“When they came here, they did not come here legally. That’s what we’re talking about,” said Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud.

One of the Republican budget-writers said the GOP isn’t obligated to help implement policies passed under Democrats.

“I for one did not come here to rubberstamp,” said Sen. Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City.

Without the funds, the department has said it may need to reduce the offices that process the licenses from five statewide to one.

g

9

February 19, 2015

Elbert County News 9

SUNSET ON THE PRAIRIE

bullyother, otect

n free

eech one,�

lawe bill hnol-

lying d not erson

The sun sets over Kiowa the evening of Feb. 13. Photo by Rick Gustafson

Celebrating

5 YEARS of serving our clients in Parker Josh Martin, Kevin Hausmann and Kyle Mediger are the founders of Insurance Advisors. We are independent insurance agents, specializing in home and auto insurance. Starting from scratch in 2010, we are now advising over a 1,000 families across the metro area. We seek to save our clients money, get them better coverages or, in most cases, both.

Allow us to provide a complete no obligation home and auto insurance quote and you will receive a $25 gift card! *New clients only. Call for details

GIFT CARD COURTESY OF

25

$

720-210-9898 theinsuranceadvisors.net 19751 E Mainstreet, Suite 380 (Parker Station Building) Parker, CO 80138 To better serve our current and future clients, Insurance Advisors has partnered with Michele F. Boyer. Michele will be specializing in Advanced Planning Strategies & Risk Management including Life Insurance, Long-Term Care, Disability Insurance, and Annuities for Individuals and Groups. With Michele's expertise, we can provide a complete suite of insurance and investment products, reinforcing that we provide comprehensive risk management solutions for you.

Securities products offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Concorde Asset Management (CAM), an SEC registered investment advisor. Insurance products offered through Concorde Insurance Agency (CIA). Insurance Advisors is independent of CIS, CAM and CIA.

t s 1 2 . b e F y a d r Satu IN-STORE

& ONLINE!

20 % 10 %

*

OFF OOTWEAR

CLOTHING AND F

*

OFF M O S T E V E R Y T H IN G ELSE Clearance clothing & take an additional footwear, 20% off.

*Savings on regular-priced, in-stock merchandise only. For items already on sale, you’ll get whichever price is lower, but offers cannot be combined.

Exclusions include: CanAm ATVs and UTVs, gift cards, live bees, and online Honda products. Offer valid on Saturday, February 21, 2015 only.

Parker, CO | 9853 S. Parker Road | 720.956.6868 | murdochs.com

10-Life

10 Elbert County News

S O U T H

LIFE

February 19, 2015

M E T R O

Family Dog days come to life at gallery

Joy Lutheran Church members Sydney Waltz, left, and Hannah Tracy repackage toilet paper for families in need. They were among a group of teens who put together 600 bags of partially-used rolls from Denver International Airport for Metro CareRing. Courtesy photos

Teens and TP team up for good Service project involves teen church group

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com Pulling together for a good cause is a pastime that never gets old.

Forty teens from Joy Lutheran Church took on an intriguing service project in February that involved more than 4,000 rolls of toilet paper. Usually teens and TP are a mischievous mix, but in this case, they are being used for good.

Jeanne Maloney, a church volunteer who coordinates community projects, said a representative from Metro CareRing solicited the group’s help on the unique project after the teens repackaged hundreds of pounds of beans and rice for the nonprofit food bank.

As part of Denver International Airport’s daily maintenance, partially used toilet paper rolls are collected from all of the bathrooms and replaced with full rolls. The leftovers are donated to food banks in the Denver area because paper products cannot be purchased with food stamps.

Dozens of trash bags were stacked up in the church before the group repackaged them into seven-roll bags. Roughly 600 bags were then given to Metro CareRing.

Seventh-grader Ashlee Lewis said realizing that there are less-fortunate people who need a lift and having the ability to provide it is rewarding.

“I like knowing that I have helped make their lives just a tiny bit better,” she said.

The Joy Lutheran youth have also deco-

Eye of the Camera

Trash bags full of partially-used toilet paper rolls collected from Denver International Airport were repackaged by teens from Joy Lutheran Church to be redistributed to low-income families in the Denver area by CareRing. rating bags for Project Angel Heart, which distributes groceries to those with life-threatening illnesses. They also sang holiday songs for seniors at Lincoln Meadows Senior Living center around Christmas and volunteered to serve meals at Joshua Station, a motel that was turned into transitional housing for struggling families.

“They are people that are down on their luck and our church youth group was able to give them a helping hand, even for just one night,” Lewis said. “It made me feel really good about volunteering and what a difference we can make in someone’s life.”

Jeff Kelty, the youth and family ministry leader for Joy Lutheran, said the teens are asked to serve the community as part of their confirmation, and the toilet paper assignment “seemed to be a fun and helpful project

our middle-schoolers could get into.”

The next project will create a partnership between the Parker church and the Colfax Community Network. During spring break, local teens will become mentors to kids who live in motels and attend an after-school program.

“We try to do as many projects interacting with people as we can instead of just doing donation drives,” Maloney said. “Those are important, but it’s a lot more impactful when kids have that personal experience.”

Those involved enjoy the chance to give back and are gaining lessons in social fellowship, making those around them proud.

“What I’ve come to realize is that parents appreciate it because they want their kids involved in this, but don’t know where the opportunities are,” Maloney said.

Guitarist Spera to play in Parker Symphony show set for PACE Center

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com Featured soloist with the Parker Symphony on Feb. 27 will be guitarist Nicolo Spera, performing “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Joaquin Rodrigo. The title of the concert is “Festive Celebrations” and in addition to the Rodrigo work, the orchestra, conducted by Rene Knetsch, will perform Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture” and Jean Sibelius’ “Second Symphony.

Brahms wrote his piece in thanks for being awarded an honorary degree, and it includes themes from student drinking songs.

Additional cause for celebration — 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Sibelius’ birth, making his popular Second Symphony a fine choice.

Nicolo Spera, assistant professor of classical guitar at the University of ColoradoBoulder, holds degrees from the Claudio

In 1967, San Francisco’s Family Dog hippie collective opened a concert venue in Denver, where concerts by the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead and Van Morrison were among those seen and heard.

The address was 1601 E. Evans Ave. An exhibit of psychedelic rock posters and materials about music, by famous artists, will be exhibited through May 10 at the Byers-Evans House Gallery, 1310 Bannock St., Denver.

The exhibit is shown in conjunction with a 1968 exhibition at the Colorado History Center. Loaned by longtime collector and dealer Mike Storiem, it is curated by University of Denver professor Scott B. Montgomery, who will give a gallery talk at 6:30 p.m. March 6, First Friday. Also exhibited: photos of the bands by Lisa Law. Gallery admission is free. (There is a charge to tour the house/ museum.) Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Free First Friday receptions also on April 3 and May 1, 5 to 9 p.m.

For more information: historycolorado.org/ museums/family-dog-denver.

Monteverde Conservatory in Bolzano, and the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, as well as an artist diploma in guitar performance from the University of Denver and a doctor of musical arts from CU-Boulder, where he was appointed to the faculty in 2011.

He is also on the faculty of the International Studies Institute at Palazzo Rucellai in Florence, Italy.

In 2013 he founded the University of Colorado International Guitar Festival and Competition, which attracts international guests, performers and students.

Spera performs on both six- and ten-string guitars, as well as on the theorbo, an instrument in the lute family.

His repertoire includes the music of Franco-Andalusian composer Maurice Ohana, which he has recorded and lectured about, and he is passionate about contemporary music.

The Parker Symphony was founded in 1994 as the South Suburban Community Orchestra and moved to Parker when the PACE Center was built and the community welcomed its own orchestra — now in its third season.

Italian Guitar master Nicolo Spera will solo with the Parker Symphony on Feb. 27. He is a faculty member of the CU Boulder Music Department.

Courtesy photo

The Littleton Fine Arts Board presents its 49th Annual Eye of the Camera Exhibit through March 29 at the Littleton Historical Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. John Sunderland was juror. Admission is free.

Open during museum 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. 303-7953950.

Call for artists Spark Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, will participate in Denver’s Month of Photography with a show from March 19 to April 12, juried by Mark Sink, called “Focus.” Open to all area photographers. Submissions: youjudgeit.org/sparkgallery. Opening reception 6 to 9 p.m. March 20.

Passport to Culture event Wonderbound ballet dancers will appear at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, at 3 p.m. March 1 to share the world of dance with children and families in a Passport to Culture program. Tickets: 720509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org.

Author to speak at library Centennial author Nancy Peterson will appear at 2-30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, to discuss her novel “Not to be Forgotten,” a story about the home front in World War II. Set in rural Colorado, it especially focuses on the lives and feelings of schoolchildren and families at that time. Books will be available for sale and signing. 303-795-3961.

Arapahoe Community College art Students in the interior design and architecture departments at Arapahoe Community College are exhibiting their work in the Colorado Gallery of the Arts through March 11. A reception will be open to the public from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20. Gallery hours: noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Tuesdays until 7 p.m. The gallery is on the campus at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.

Admission is free.

Summer program slated

IF YOU GO “Festive Celebrations” with the Parker Symphony Orchestra and soloist Nicolo Spera will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Tickets cost $25/$20, 303-805-6800, parkeronline.org.

Denver Ballet Theatre announces auditions for its Summer Intensive program, to be held June 8 to July 3. Auditions will be at the DBT Academy, 99 Inverness Drive East #250A, in the Inverness area east of Interstate 25 off Dry Creek Road, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 and March 21. Audition fee: $20.

303-799-6609, denverballettheatreacademy. com.

o y

11

Elbert County News 11

February 19, 2015

`Seventh Son’ wears out its welcome Movie doesn’t have to be so tiresome

nver, otogil 12, n to ution

pear ns the es in 720-

ill rary, er ut ral es ies ale

chimuthe rch c s: s; he on.

dito e at ast state p.m.

20. emy.

“Seventh Son,” a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for “intense fantasy violence and action throughout, frightening images and brief strong language.” Running time: 102 minutes. One star out of four.

By Lindsey Bahr Associated Press

There’s a fine line between charm and cheese in fantasy epics, and movies as silly and overwrought as “Seventh Son” only help to illustrate just how hard it is to hit the right tone when balancing action, romance, (attempted) wit, and the creation of the world.

For every “Princess Bride” or “Lord of the Rings,” there are 10 “Jack the Giant Slayers,” and as studios cram more and more computer-generated spectacle into each final product, it seems that storytelling and character are the consistent casualties. “Seventh Son,” directed by Sergei Bodrov, is no exception.

Based on Joseph Delaney’s novel “The e in Spook’s Apprentice” (the first in a series), f“Seventh Son” tells the story of Master Van Gregory ( Jeff Bridges), a skilled witch eard. hunter (or, “spook”) who must train a new apprentice after the evil witch Mothma- er Malkin ( Julianne Moore) escapes her ill be imprisonment. vans He takes on Tom Ward (Ben Barnes) r. because Tom, you see, is the seventh son h a of the seventh son, which makes him esCen- pecially suited to the job of killing superaler natural beings.

Bridges is as marble-mouthed as ever of who and barely comprehensible as the hard6, boiled spook. He’s trying something here that is not quite working and actually e makes it difficult to become emotionally invested in his relationship with the ap/ days prentice.

It’s entirely possible that he and epm. Barnes have some sharp exchanges and org/ witty banter, but when you’re not straining to decipher exactly what nonsense exposition was mumbled, they’re doling out such sitcom-level gems as “I’m starting to wish I was the sixth son.” s Moore, who is riding high on her stelit lar, Oscar-nominated “Still Alice” perforical mance, doesn’t fare much better as the hn scorned, shape-shifting witch, who aims

p.m. .m.

MOVIE DETAILS

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ben Barnes in a scene from “Seventh Son.” Associated Press to unleash vengeance on humanity because of one betrayal.

Mother Malkin teams up with her sister (Antje Traue) and “half witch” niece Alice (Alicia Vikander) to carry out her

NOW OPEN! Parker Weight Loss

uses a proven method of weight loss and weight management.

We offer a comprehensive program with many choices to ensure your success. If you prefer to prepare your own meals or would you like a well-researched plan you can follow.

We offer prescription appetite suppressants and lipotropic injections.

303-330-1026 10158 S. Parker Rd., Ste. D Parker CO 80138

Twice as large as any other show in Colorado!

The Denver Mart

February 28th - March 1st Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 4pm $10 Admission for all Denver shows • $7 for Military

$1 OFF COUPON www.tannergunshow.com

wishes.

At first it seems like there might be an epic battle of the sexes brewing. For Mas-

ter Gregory, death is the only option for a witch. You almost start to feel bad for Mother Malkin and her kind, wishing for a final showdown between the two warring forces. But “Seventh Son” swerves into something much more conventional and expected in that there’s no real subversion happening at all: The craziest characters are the women with the broken hearts.

All of this could be forgiven if “Seventh Son” was at least entertaining. Nearly every piece of dialogue sounds like a parody of the genre and the attempt to alternate between humor and action falls flat on all fronts. As painstakingly designed and choreographed as the fight sequences are, they just never manage to excite or thrill and the actors couldn’t seem more disconnected from one another.

The promise of seeing Bridges and Moore reunited on screen (they were in “The Big Lebowski” together) was another possible highlight, but their interactions are fleeting and full of plot-heavy ceremony.

As it finally hits theaters, it is just under two years since “Seventh Son” wasoriginally intended for release, and perhaps it should have stayed on the shelf.

It’s not evil that this film exists in the world. With three screenwriters, a formidable cast and two extra years to tinker, it’s just more of a mystery as to how all the elements fail to coalesce into something enjoyable.

Far stranger fantasy movies have inexplicably worked their way into the culture’s goodwill. “Seventh Son” tried to play it too safe, when it should have made the choice to either be camp or sincere.

12

12 Elbert County News

February 19, 2015

Ballet at heart of extravaganza Opera house hosts three works through March 1

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com

Artists of the Colorado Ballet will perform in “Fancy Free,” choreographed by Jerome Robbins, as part of the Ballet Masterworks program Feb. 20 to March 1. Courtesy photo

Three works will fill the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House from Feb. 20 through March 1, accompanied by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Artistic Director Gil Boggs said: “The first time we performed a Ballet Masterworks production in 2013, we really pushed our dancers to demonstrate their artistry, athleticism and raw talent …”

They demonstrated what they were capable of outside of storybook ballets.

The program includes: “Concerto Barocco” by choreographer George Balanchine, with music by Johann Sebastian Bach; “Fancy Free” by choreographer Jerome Robbins, with original score composed by Leonard Bernstein; and “In Pieces,” choreographed by Val Caniparoli with music by Poul Ruders.

Russian neo-classical ballet choreographer Balanchine (1904-1983) has been credited with the fusion of contemporary concepts with the language of classical ballet. He was invited to the U.S. in 1933 by arts supporter/philanthropist Lincoln Kirstein and they founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet, which he headed until his death.

He said the ballerinas in “Concerto Barocco” personify the violins in “Bach’s Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins,” ac-

IF YOU GO Performances of “Ballet Masterworks” are in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex at Champa and 14th streets in downtown Denver. Times: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28; 2 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, March 1. Tickets: $25 to $155, 303-837-8888, ext. 2, or ColoradoBallet.org.

cording to Boggs.

American choreographer/Broadway producer Jerome Robbins (1918-1998) choreographed more than 60 ballets and created dance for theater, movies and television. The comical “Fancy Free” is set in wartime New York, where three sailors on leave seek out drinks and female companionship. It premiered in 1944.

Colorado Ballet premiered “In Pieces” in 2013. American choreographer Val Canaiparoli began choreographing works while a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet and has works in the repertories of more than 35 dance companies. He is known for unique choices in music and “In Pieces” is set to Ruder’s “Concerto in Pieces.”

Good news: The company had a record-breaking attendance for its production of “The Nutcracker” in 2014, as well as continued success with its capital campaign for its new home, Armstrong Center for Dance in the Santa Fe Arts District.

13

Elbert County News 13

February 19, 2015

a `Vampire Academy’ author to visit Mead will speak to fans at library about final book in series

By Mike DiFerdinando

mdiferdinando @coloradocommunitymedia.com

One of the country’s most popular fantasy authors is coming to Castle Rock to discuss the final volume of her bestselling series.

Richelle Mead, the author of the popular “Vampire Academy” and “Bloodlines” book dway series, will be at the Philip S. Miller Library 998)on Feb. 20 to promote her latest book, “The andRuby Circle.” and The event will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. s setBooks will be sold at the event courtesy of ilorsthe Tattered Cover Book Store. com- “The Ruby Circle” is the last book of the series. eces” With more than 10 million copies in l Ca-print, Mead’s books have hit the No.1 spot orkson the New York Times and Wall Street Jourcisconal bestseller lists simultaneously, spendoriesing a total of 79 weeks on the New York He isTimes bestseller list. and In February 2014, “Vampire Academy” to inwas adapted into a film directed by Mark Waters. The film received two Teen Choice a repro4, as pital rong Dis-

Author Richelle Mead will speak about her new book, “The Ruby Circle,” at the Philip S. Miller Library Feb. 20 in Castle Rock. Courtesy photo Award nominations, for Choice Comedy and Choice Movie Actress for Zoey Deutch.

“This closes everything,” Mead said.

“Obviously, everyone is wondering how everything will end, but I think the fans will be

will be satisfied with the ending. So far, the response has been positive.”

The protagonist, Sydney Sage, is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the

worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets — and human lives.

In the last “Bloodlines” book, “Silver Shadows,” Sydney and Moroi Adrian struggled to keep their feelings for one another hidden and to reunite in the aftermath of a catastrophic event that ripped their worlds apart.

In “The Ruby Circle,” Sydney and Adrian’s secret romance is exposed and they find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic that could shake the entire Moroi world.

During the event in Castle Rock, Mead will not only talk about and sign copies of the book, but she will also answer fan questions about the series.

“For the fans of the series, I tried to throw in a lot of extra stuff in this one and answer some of the questions people had from the earlier books,” Mead said. “I wanted to give people closure.”

Mead said that while she is wrapping things up with her most beloved work, she will still be writing more in the coming years and already has a new science fiction book planned for 2016.

Castle Rock Band seeks participants Old-fashioned approach pays off in good times

By Sonya Ellingboe sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com When the Castle Rock Band assembles on March 2 for its first rehearsal of the season, the 25 or so members

hope to welcome additional folks to their ranks.

The band is an old-fashioned “town band” modeled after the one that existed in the early 1900s.

Led by Andy Goodger, who teaches K-12 music in the Elbert County Schools, it plays a mix of traditional music, especially from the era between the Civil War and World War I — waltzes, polkas, marches and patriotic songs.

Band members play at high school level, rehearse on

Castle Rock Band performed at Movie Night in summer 2014. Director Andy Goodger is at the far right. Courtesy photo

OurColoradoClassifieds.com

Help Wanted

Advertise: 303-566-4100 REAL ESTATE Commercial Property/ Rent

Office Warehouse

Join our team in Elbert, Colorado

UPS Shipping Specialist Starting wage is $11 per hour • We offer a Monday - Friday work week • We offer benefits including health/dental/vision insurance; health and educational reimbursements; 401(k); paid holidays Apply at magnetsource.com/jobs

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

Drywall

PAUL TIMM Construction/Repair Drywall Serving Your Area Since 1974

303-841-3087 303-898-9868 Painting

Call 303-688-2497 SERVICES

Concrete/Paving

Quality Painting for Every Budget • Exteriors • Interiors • Decks • Insured • Free Estimates No Money Down

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

303-901-0947 www.lovablepainters.com

alternate Monday evenings at Faith Lutheran Church, 303 N. Ridge Road in Castle Rock, and perform free community concerts in the town’s gazebo and at events such as Starlighting and the Ducky Derby.

Members are sought in all sections: brass, woodwinds and percussion, and the group includes some violinists and a string bass — everyone is welcome and no auditions are required.

The Castle Rock Band was started in 1999 by Kent Brandebery, retired Douglas County High School music instructor and local historian.

There is no cost to join. Members supply their own instruments and music stands and range in age from teens to seniors.

For information, email CastleRockBand@aol.com or see the website, castlerockband.org.

14

14 Elbert County News

Notices February 19, 2015

Public Notices

To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100

Elbert County

Notice To Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Marvin Dean Brasch, aka Marvin D. Brasch, aka Marvin Brasch, Deceased Case Number: 2015 PR 30002

PUBLIC NOTICE

Elbert County Schedule of Receipts and Disbursement: July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Combined Court of Elbert County County, Colorado on or before June 12, 2015 or the claims may be forever barred.

J. Kevin Hyatt Personal Representative 2581 Westview Court Prosper, Texas 75078 Legal Notice No: 23145 First Publication: February 12, 2015 Last Publication: February 26, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE Elbert County District C-2 – Kiowa Schools Notice of Intent to Destroy Special Education Records Special Education records for students who have not received services in Elbert County District C-2, Kiowa Schools, for five or more years are scheduled to be destroyed May 2015. In order to maintain confidentiality, these records will be shredded. If you believe you or your child may have such records and wish to claim them please contact the school district at 303867-8431 for middle and high schools and 303-867-8466 for elementary. The deadline for claiming records is May 14th, 2015.

Legal Notice No.: 23139 First Publication: February 5, 2015 Last Publication: February 19, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 9 o’clock am, or as soon as possible thereafter, in the Hearing Room of the Elbert County Commissioners at Kiowa, Colorado, or at such time and place as these hearings may be adjourned. The public hearing will be held for a proposed amendment to the Elbert County Zoning Regulations. The text of the proposed amendment shall be available to be examined at the office of Elbert County Community & Development Services, 215 Comanche Street in Kiowa, Colorado, Telephone (303) 621-3136.

Legal Notice No.: 23150 First Publication: February 19, 2015 Last Publication: February 26, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Have you seen how Classifieds can work for you?

Continued to Next Page 23148 and 23149

Read the legal notices.

15

Elbert County News 15

February 19, 2015

SPORTS ROUNDUP Girls Basketball Elizabeth 81, Fort Lupton 21: Sophomore Oliva Whitworth missed only three shots and finished with 22 points in the Cardinals 4A Colorado 7 game on Feb. 3. Kaylyn Radtke added 18 points and Courtney Bonine scored 11.

Elizabeth 51, Skyview 26: The Cardinals saw their record swell to 9-1 in the 4A Colorado 7 league and 11-7 overall with a victory on Feb. 6.

Byers 36, Kiowa 32: With the scored tied going into the fourth quarter, the Indians couldn’t pace with the Bulldogs in a Feb. 3 non-league loss.

Kiowa 40, Colorado Springs School 23: Melanie Deering scored 12 points and Helen James had 11 in the Indians 2A Blake Forest League win on Feb. 6.

Boys Basketball Elizabeth 77, Skyview 48: Jake Gavitt scored 29 points and Aaron Stone 23 in a Colorado 4A 7 league victory on Feb. 6.

Byers 52, Kiowa 46: Jake Gaberiel scored 13 points in a Feb. 4 loss.

Kiowa 46, Colorado Springs School 38: Mitchell Bates led a big first half surge as the Indians notched a Feb. 6 2A Black Forest League.

Drug use Continued from Page 7

Some data not tracked

The Colorado General Assembly set aside $2.5 million in grants for schools from marijuana tax revenue. As of November 2014, the Department of Education had awarded $975,000 to 11 districts to hire more health professionals to help address student behavior regarding marijuana, sometimes as an alternative to traditional punishments like expulsion or suspension.

But alternative or non-punitive methods currently dealing with drug incidents by districts or individual schools are not tracked by state data.

“We have a lot of different things that we will do for kids who have gotten involved in drug incidents in school,” said Kenlyn Newman, the student engagement initiatives director for Adams 12 Five Star School District. She says that different behaviors require different responses, and schools will try to intervene and work with parents to address inappropriate behaviors.

Adams 12 schools are in five different municipalities, and each of those schools has different agreements with

the local government. This means that police involvement can vary from school to school, with similar incidents being reported differently to the state. But the Department of Education has no means to measure these differences in reporting.

“There is no manpower to audit the data; we can’t go back to the districts to check what they say,” said Annette Severson from the Colorado Department of Education.

“We just have to trust that what they report to us is accurate and then they have to sign off and say that it is accurate.”

Even as Colorado has been launched into the national spotlight as the first state to legalize and commercialize the sale of marijuana for adult use, the state has yet to begin collecting comprehensive and consistent data to describe how it is impacting Colorado’s teens.

“I was against legalization,” said Doris Cooper, while waiting to pick up her seventh-grade granddaughter from North Middle School in Aurora. “If you legalize it, you know it’s just going to make them want to use it that much more, that’s what I figure.”

Colorado Community Media brings you this report in partnership with Rocky Mountain PBS I-News. Learn more at rmpbs.org/news. Contact Katie Kuntz at katiekuntz@rmpbs. org. I-News reporter Burt Hubbard contributed to this story.

SALOME’S STARS

crossword • sudoku

FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 16, 2015

GALLERY OF GAMES

ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) All that flattery and fawning shouldn’t affect any decision you have to make. Keep your focus on the facts and ignore all the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.

TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about that “favor” you’re being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation -- which you would check out first, of course.

& weekly horoscope

GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) A somewhat unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters you might have had to let slide.

CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.

crossword • sudoku & weekly horoscope

GALLERY OF GAMES

LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.

VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) Travel is favored this week, whether you’ll be globe-trotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by who wants to be your traveling companion.

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea, but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references that you can check out before you make any decisions.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Getting a boost in your self-esteem is one benefit that comes with a job well done. There are other plusses as well, including being noticed by all the right people. Good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) Getting a project started can often be difficult. But the good news is that you won’t want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) A lot of work-related issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along. Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.

PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) What might appear to be a very much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all.

Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You exercise your strong leadership qualities well, which is why people believe in you and feel reassured by you. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Elbert County Continued From Last Page

Scan here to like Colorado Community Media on Facebook

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Legal Notice No.: 23148 and 23149 *

First Publication: February 19, 2105 *

Last Publication: February 19, 2105

*

Publisher: Elbert County News

16

16 Elbert County News

February 19, 2015

CastleRock.HomesInColorado.com 719 Wilcox Street Castle Rock CO 80104 303-688-2202

WE HAVE BUYERS FOR YOUR HOME! The right choice...

The right time...

The right brokers...

We help more families buy & sell homes than any other firm*

Chances are a RE/MAX agent will sell your home anyway, why not call RE/MAX Alliance first?

$

99 9,9 17 $

00 0,0 25

• Beautiful piece of land!

• Paved street and utilities at property lines • Great views for your dream home! • 6265256

$

00 4,6 52

00 5,0 34

CASTLE ROCK • Great Mountain Views!

• Fabulous Sunsets!

• Ranch w/ finished walkout basement! • Easy to entertain! • Almost 3 Acres! • 4819010

00

0,0

00 9,0 96

85

• Stunning True Colorado Custom Home! •4bd/5ba, 4,123 Fin Sqft • Views from every window • Craftsmanship Throughout • 1,440 Sqft Detached Workshop! • 7026080

$

$

CASTLE ROCK

LIZ WILLOUGHBY 303-921-0655 $

$

00

0,0

62

00

9,0

55

Extensive hardwoods. Chef’s kitchen with dual cook tops, ovens and refrigerators. Granite, stainless, phenomenal cabinetry. Distinctive tile work in all of the baths. Main floor bedroom and full bath perfect for guests or live-in family. Loft. Every room is spacious yet warm and inviting.

LIN MIKLAS 720-301-0274

FRANKTOWN

TOM JOHNSON 720-471-4581

00 7,5 52

CASTLE ROCK

00 5,0 77

$

CASTLE ROCK • Beautiful home backs to open space! • Kitchen offers granite counter tops, island, & upgraded cabinets! • 3bd/3ba, 2,400 Total Sqft! • 7187157

CALHAN

• Over $150,000 in upgrades • Short stroll to Ridgeline Open Space trailhead • 5 beds, 4 baths, 3 car garage • Thoughtfully priced at $559,000 • 3029530

SIMLA

• 640 Acres w/ Creek Bottom!

• Fully Fenced And Cross Fenced!

• Water Rights! • Windmills!

• Hay Crops! • 1079753 MITCH BEVANS 303-906-1010

KELLY FRYE 720-220-5200

• Beautifully built home! • 3 bd/5ba, 3.500 Fin Sq Ft • Horse property on 60 fenced acres! • Water rights to 3 different aquifers! • 7135017 AMY MUSTEEN 720-951-4350

FAYE KENNISH 303-550-3090

$

• Updated 4 bd Ranch Style Home! • Up & Coming Neighborhood!

• Fully Finished, Large & Updated Basement!

• 4381629

$

• 2,800 Sqft home!

• 4bd/3ba tri-level w/ basement! • Beautiful 5 acres! • Detached 950 Sqft garage/shop w/ electricity & bath • 3029778

00 0,0 45

DENVER

00 4,9 23

00 9,9 28

SEDALIA

SEDALIA

• 5bd/4ba. 3,683 Total Sqft!

• Fabulous close in acreage with horse property! • Updated home with custom tile floors! • 8446617 TOM CALHOUN 303-667-4322

JEREMIAH TURCO 303-888-0647

DEBBIE HELMS 720-951-2679

TOM CALHOUN 303-667-4322

00 5,0 28

$

CASTLE ROCK

• Learn to Invest in Real Estate!

• We do Property Management!

• 100% Occupancy is our Goal!

• Good Communication!

HERB ROSE 303-681-4250 $

$

• 3bd/3ba, 1,494 Total Sqft! • Adjacent to Open Space! • Deck, Fence, Garden Area, Professional Landscaping! • 7630420

SEDALIA

• Absolutely Breathtaking 10 Acres!

• 50 Year Old Pine Trees • Open Meadow • No Covenants • No HOA Fees • 8921217 LIZ WILLOUGHBY 303-921-0655

• Former Model Home • Tile Floors!

• Great Views • Penthouse Location!

• 2bd/2ba, 1,231 Total Sqft! • 4126913

ROB MEISSNER 720-366-5887

CASTLE ROCK

00 3,0 25

00 4,9 38

CASTLE ROCK

• Class A Office Space!

• 1,026 Sqft • Great location to start your Business!

HERB ROSE 303-681-4250

$

$

$

00 0,0 21

LORI KINNEY 303-981-1331

CASTLE ROCK

• No Covenant Community - Bring Your Boat and RV! • View of Devil’s Head! 4bd/2ba! • Great Gas Log Fire Place w/ Built-Ins! • Coming Soon!

NADINE KIRK 303-941-4221

CASTLE ROCK

O /M 00 2,0

$

• End Unit! 2 car attached garage! • Brand new carpet! Ranch style w/ full basement! • 3bd/3ba, 2,770 Total Sqft!

• 9221094

CASTLE ROCK

• Finished Garden Level Basement!

• Large .26 Acre Lot! 4bd/ 3ba!

• Oversized 2 1/2 Car Garage w/BuiltIn Storage! • Coming Soon!

NADINE KIRK 303-941-4221

$

0 ,00 75 4,2

0 ,00 00 1,1

AURORA

00 0,0 23

00 0,0 34

LONE TREE

• 2bd/3ba, 1,620 Sqft!

• 2 masters + loft! • 2 car garage!

• New carpet/paint - 2 decks!

• 5075956 FAYE KENNISH 303-550-3090

$

$

ELIZABETH

• 1560 Total Acres! Water rights are included! • Total of 3 homes-main house plus 2 more for ranch hands!

• Won’t believe until you see! •1177493 MITCH BEVANS 303-906-1010

DURANGO

• 20 Acres!

• Beautiful mountain property!

• Perfect place for your dream home!

• 9555167 DIANA HUTTON 303-981-1994

$

00 5,0 33

00 5,0 29

DURANGO

• 155 Acres + additional 20 for $230K! • Great investment!

• Mtn views & Trees! • Adjacent to Edgemont Ranch! • 1101878 DIANA HUTTON 303-981-1994

CASTLE ROCK

• 2bd/3ba w/ Finished Basement!

• 1 Car Detached Garage!

• Newer Carpet!

• 8154300 NADINE KIRK 303-941-4221

$

$

CASTLE ROCK

• Priced to sell quick!

• 4bd/3ba, 3,859 Total Sqft!

• Close to parks, schools, and shopping! • 4881614 AMY MUSTEEN 720-951-4350

$

KIOWA

• Commercial Lot • Ready for your business • Great price, call today!

• 5508058 MITCH BEVANS 303-906-1010

00 9,9 22

00 5,0 17

0 ,00 59

LITTLETON

• Large Ranch Style Home!

• Updated 5bd/3ba, 2,336 Total Sqft!

• Close to Parks, Trails & Lakes! Must See! • 8921926 ROB MEISSNER 720-366-5887

$

$

$

LARKSPUR

• Great for future build!

• Golf course area - Perry Park!

• Mtn Views, Red Rocks, Great Location! • 1230793 DIANA HUTTON 303-981-1994

CASTLE ROCK

• 4bd/4ba, 5,623 Total Sqft • Ranch w/ full walk out basement, backs to open space!

• Builder upgrades, theater room, dry sauna, & hot tub! Must see!

TRENT GARY 720-979-4093