Down Syndrome by Matt Stensland

SUNDAY S TEAMBOAT P ILOT & TODAY

March 17, 2013 • VOLUME 126, NUMBER 32 • STEAMBOATTODAY.COM

An unexpected

DETAILS EMERGE IN WOMAN’S DEATH

While devastated by the diagnosis, families grow to love and celebrate their children with Down syndrome

Police on Saturday arrest 2 in connection with Yampa woman’s death page 8A

SPORTS North Routt Nordic race Glide the Divide still a big hit page 1B

READERS WEIGH IN Do you support prenatal tests that can determine whether a fetus might have Down syndrome? Find the results from past reader polls with this question on page 12A

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TAKE ME APART

BUSINESS REAL ES

TATE &

New m obile h West Acr es owner ome s und

park pla nned on Stea mboat Sunday, Marc

SNorth PORTS Routt race still a big hit STEAMBOA T PILOT

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Tom Ross

& TODAY

STEAMBO

’s west side

➤

Routt County Road 129

TODAY P ILO T &

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ST BUY S

DEATH WOMAN’S TIGATED BEING INVES

arrest Saturday Yampa Police on on with 2 in connecti page 8A death woman’s

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BUSINESS REAL ESTATE &

Sunday, March 17, 2013

New mobile home park planned West Acres owners under contract to purchase land on Steamboat’s west side STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

SteamboatHomefinder.com

Sunday,

17, 2013

Planned mobile home park N

Routt County

March

hit PORTS still a big SNorth Routt race

➤

Tom Ross

Road 129

The Williams Family Partner- he can get approval for the zone ship, which owns the West Acres change and the mobile home Mobile Home Park, has entered park. Copper Ridge Circle the city planning process with Williams said he’s hopeful that the intent of developing a sec- the partnership can develop a ond, smaller park on Steamboat minimum of 29 lots for mobile Springs’ far west side. homes on the site. West Acres, less The partnership has submitted than two miles to the west, has 92 an application for a zone change homes. Williams is optimistic that Downhill Drive on the 5.5-acre property, from lot rents at the new park would low-density residential to high- be similar to those at West Acres, Jacob Circle density residential, to include where the average is about $560. mobile homes as a permitted use. “We want this to be a place TOM ROSS/STAFF The partnership has a contract to that’s going to attract young coupurchase the property fromGlide Star- ples with kids,” Williams said. “I Charlie Williams and the Williams Family Partnership, who own and manage the For more Dance LLC. from Saturday’s definitely want it to be a family West Acres Mobile Home Park, are pursuing development of a new mobile home park today Joel Reichenberger 8b. Therace siteresults is just of Copper place. That’s what we really push east of Elk River Road. Pictured are the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, left, and Find Pilot & pagenorth on Steamboat Pioneer Materials West Slope. SpringS Ridge the divide Circle and to thetoeast tuckofin for at West Acres.” Steamboat able racbuildings that front Routt got a Steamboat’s stock of work- acquired the Fish Creek Mobile submitted by the Williams Fam- US Highway day of the existing but I was said. “I the 40 a gap, Road he including a great County him,”129, at the end force housing in mobile homes Home Park, with 68 mobile ily Partnership points out its new It was standard. Both effectKingdom behind Witnesses’ Jehovah’s any was reduced by 39 homes in 2006- homes, after Westland was park would have the potential to To Steamboat ➤ slingshot ing by and 100-kilometer mon-Hall little and Pioneer him.” Materials West huffing 07 when most of the units in demolished in 2007 because of a “correct the existing disconnect Routt’s 55-kilometer to get around was still of NorthDivide, former-Slope. Planned 5.5-acre mobile home park Westland Mobile Home Park concern that that could become between the city’s vision of retainversions The pair accepting congratthe came “whatwere torn down to make way for the norm for riverfront mobile ing mobile home residents and no application has des Bois, elite Although puffing, strous Glide sto-a new mixed-use development, home parks in Steamboat. The the current lack of vacant land to NICOLE MILLER/STAFF andforswapping beenand submitted a developfinishes, finwhen” ly the Coureur when COM thinking other to sprint toward the of .Riverwalk, mentulations permit, spokes-ODAY that did not go for- group wanted to provide security support that vision.” nership observes that a nearby youpartnership down Tracers eachsaid this collection man were Charlie Williams ward. Several of those mobile for the mobile home owners, PeaWilliams said the park would industrial park could provide jobs between skiers charging youngest TEAMBOAT as a small day’s line. homes were moved to the Pine sley said. • Sisfinish week ries that of thetheintent to move include some open space on a for some mobile home park resiish line cheered. was 32the two his older forward if Nthe zoning change Ridge Indian Reservation in “The park is mostly full hillside that extends into one cor- dents who would not have to true successthrillonlookers UMBER 6, and can come approached The event’s just those be obtained. 126, Jason Heid, 9, didn’t South Dakota and another was late this winter,” he said, partly ner of the property. He also antic- commute to those jobs. Williams beyond Justin, as Swank OLUME “I’d rather start (construction) relocated by the owner. evident because the lot rents of $400 to ipates creating a children’s area, said he hoped the park’s develophowever.of the • V100K brother, the speed as they end2013 this summer but if Inear can gethad, it through ing finishes, the 17, Jason Peasley, executive direc- $465 monthly are “pretty much in the park but doesn’t have spe- ment, together with West Acres, in with course Consider Beaufils that fast,” Williams said. tor of Yampa Valley Housing below market.” cific plans. could stimulate an extension of a March 15-kilometer and Fabi- and well as race Joel reichenberger/Staff race. said his organization they as Authority, He added thatthe he’s confident The application from the55-kilometer part- city The zone-change application bus route to the area. Swank to the finfinished Adam what once wide smiles, in the men’s 56.8 seconds. fought and near Colum- with symbolized County’s Matt Rossman en Beaufils this year Peak rather anyone made Routt Burgler and in 2 hours, 40 minutes no need. a favorish line, Hahn’s with Jonas race skithere was race such finish, at again lead pack off, winning the bine behind Turns out, sailing, greatdidn’t from the pack the traditional on the most difficult fast you pull away hold the chase That not far than at Peak Roadhouse was smooth to tries to ite.Sure, it matters how as it and ends Routt It on fast snow.hurdles. Justin Barbier Hahn’s of the village.couple of He managed as much ing feathe North Benjamin of the course. which begins course outskirts last 5K has a and we go, but not nearlygo. family’s he was up for eliminate all end year’s. you finish near the to rearranged from his “The year, than last way of climbing to see matters that — just to as the wanted said the the wom- home. This more hillsthey found a kilometers cat and mouse and Jason That draw bills itself tops in as lar scenery.” finishwere both plan tured all racers, She was skate field, of sec- it again did some stronger. We drop the the race that difficult — why Like in. Becky however. a contingencymuch, ahead in at join who wasso neither could Duluth, nation’s most explains able en’s 55K very proud,” “We hadIf it was too at the to manage, Lovett, strong, said Swank, the the final much as anythingagain was the ing in 3:09:15.7, “I was Emily Kenttala, for him. him picked up Becky other,” skier who got to win, the Glide once from around page 2b ond-place and Essi mother her we’d have See Race, Minn. of momentum skate to draw racers Jus- aide station,” said alongside fun 3:27:17.7, family, in 3:40:03.0. change the men’s 100K who raced Glide 16.4 sec- country. race is always Amy third the Heid Back in first to get thethat he Heid, finishing 56 minutes, “This up for,” said in Boulderite tin was the a year ago race, sons. in 4 hours, to come Colin the onds. was secondSpill- Caldwell, a former back to Ver- bug, insisting to partake the trip in Beaufils and Johnny wanted third at who made her home spectacufrom 4:56:21.5 far back, in “It’s just Timber Run Now is the Time toorado Build! 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and never March 11 a.m. is Springs The Sailors League game, March 30: p.m. at battle mountain team Mountain Steamboat the program 4 at Golden mountain April 3: around If the boys lacrosse 7:30 p.m. it should the buzz has high. April 5: p.m. at Cheyenne Springs High Schoolbigger — Class 4A at an all-time Hiester 2 April 6: 4 p.m. vs. Glenwood much as Christian is thinkingfirst year of SaturBut as his team, he admitted April 12: 3 p.m. vs. Valor too not be be in the — games like April 13: p.m. vs. Summit Junction Mountain cautioned players to Grand Green lacrosse May 2: 4 p.m. vs. its on the day’s against May 4: 12:30 a long way.by no means overconfident. physicality so good. Eagle Valley to were could go size andout of their So far, the Rams The Sailors found a using their After blasting allowing three quarters. SteamboatMountain to take the Sailors did sharp, for Friday, rhythm. goal made Green Steamboat the on hang around Lichty a offensive from the end, game against A Kyle halftime. McCannon out to But in to come away win. jumped on goals the third on Saturday. at enough it 3-1 another in with a 7-3 with this lead The Sailors close battle the thing sure 3-0, first-quarter Ramirez, Ben added “I thinkagain to make page 3b McCanis from Christian and Mitch See Lacrosse, group not overconfident,” Bob Hiester Wharton started they’re coach the Rams Steamboat deadly.” that non. From there, said. “That’s be expected way. It would might be that Steamboat Steamboat

SteamboatHomefinder.com zone for the approvalmobile home can get the Partner- he Family Acres change and that West hopeful The Williams said he’s develop a owns the has entered park. Williams can ship, which with Home Park, for mobile Mobile planning process a sec- the partnership of 29 lots Acres, less West minimum the city of developing has 92 Steamboat homes on the site. to the west, that the intent park on the two miles is optimistic side. ond, smaller and manage park far west has submitted than Williams new park would who own Springs’ change homes. at the mobile home West Acres, The partnership Family Partnership, of a new Witnesses, left, and for a zone from lot rents to those at $560. Williams property, high- be similar average is about a place and the are pursuing development an application Hall of Jehovah’s to 5.5-acre the Williams US Highway 40 ➤ to be on the Charlie Mobile Home Park, are the Kingdom residentialto include where want this FamTo Steamboat young couAcres “We low-density use. Road. Pictured to attract said. “I West residential, its new by the Williams park a permitted to that’s goingkids,” Williams a family east of Elk River West Slope. density to points out submitted mobile home Materials homes as has a contract with 5.5-acre to be mobile the potential Planned Star- ples want it we really push Pioneer Creek Mobile ily Partnership from Glide disconnect mobile park would have definitely the Fish The partnership what the property retainacquiredPark, with 68 the existing Saturday’s was nearby place. That’sAcres.” purchase vision of workfrom more that aa nearby LLC. of a “correct the city’s residents and 8b. of Copper in for at West stock of homes Home after Westland For race results observes thatprovide jobs Dance because between just north home land to nership tuckof a nership observes site is on page to thetoeast Steamboat’s in mobile in 2006- homes, in 2007 park could park resiFind Thedivide got and ablefront“IRoutt could become ing mobile lack of vacant housing 39 homes industrial mobile home have to the Circle wasthat end mobile the current in demolished that that Ridge Reichenberger not I said. at thethe forcereduced by of the units buildings The that vision.” would Joel park woulda for some for riverfront he including Williams was Park concern rac- existing but 129, support on said the dents whoto those jobs. developeffectKingdom 07 when most the norm Home of the a gap, Road in Steamboat. Williams open space corCounty him,” huffing Mobile West way for home parks to provide security day Witnesses’ commute one the park’s him.” Both behindslingshot still congrat-Westland down to make Materials Jehovah’s wanted home owners, Pea- include someextends into antic- said he hoped with West Acres, a great of a development, little around was that and Pioneer “whatwere torn He also for- group mon- Hall 100-kilometer It wasany standard. property.children’s area, ment, together an extension to get pair application for the mobile full hillside accepting has sto-a new mixed-usedid not go and Routt’sformer-Slope. that The no swapping mobile a mostly ner of the by spe- could stimulateto the area. said. developwhen” puffing, ing race of those the Pine sley park ishe said, partly ipates creating doesn’t have Riverwalk, route andfor a other when Divide, came Although “The Several of North to city bus racers submitted thinking spokes55-kilometer park but in the des Bois, elitebeenand $400 to partnership this winter,” parteach said this ward. were moved ulations rents of much in theplans. you the55-kilometer seconds. versionsGlide permit, homes Indian Reservation was late from the lot finishes,the finline. older ment Williamsisyoungest cific 56.8 of were the men’s to move are “pretty because between strous Coureur and day’s finish and another Ridge his come sprint toward The applicationin no need. intent man Charlie can ries of thethe come Dakota owner. thechange ly the to $465 monthly Rossman was great skicollection week that South 6, and 40 minutes application Matt by the executive direc- below market.” didn’t Swank was twoif the zoning there down charging and 2 hours, 9, didn’t Heid, 9, a small as relocated as Swank out, sailing,That didn’t in forwardapproached they skiersline as cheered. successthrillThe zone-change Burgler Justin as as they Jason Justin, speed Jason Peasley, Valley Housing speed Justin, Turnssmoothsnow. (construction) Jonas the race true those be obtained. feabut but course the theit through start ish course with of Yampa his organization as tor as near had, brother, brother, far It was fast the hurdles. “I’d rather said pack off, winning can gethad, event’s just courseyear’s. onlookers well if Inear 100K on all with not as as well The beyond said. Authority, in in with last way once once the lead pack 15-kilometer 15-kilometer Beaufils Beaufils of the this summer ends Routt ing they however. theywhat Williams chase from the thanfound a the confident rearranged end what and and North up for eliminate evident that Fabi-fast,”and away hold the smiles, that he’s smiles, finishes, the County’s County’s to said themore hillsthey to finished finished begins ing wide and the finfavorwidesymbolized He added to pull Becky aa favorhe was symbolized Routt Consider Routt with with tries He managed wanted tured all racers, which his family’s such such year, however. Swank to Columproud,” Columyou made race you anyone race anyone made Jason from This Barbiercourse. race. plan Like fought near ratherat near rather fast fast as it manage, very Adam and at again 2b again difficult of the difficult year year Peak how Peak how wom- home. much, to “I was Benjamin page Beaufils again finish, finish, the most much this this Hahn’s the end most too at the en line, a contingency Hahn’s in. in the finish- it matters as on Race, near line, itit matters ite. ite. had it was up Becky See sec- join ish ish behind nearlygo. behind traditional traditional Sure, Sure, not to finish scenery.” tops field, of “We If of not picked her the Roadhouse bine bine at in at as theas lar She was skate ahead but at the but that you— just mother him. him we go, go, for have said alongside than a couple than Peak the village. 55K Lovett, and see matters draw bills itself — why Kenttala, 3:09:15.7, we’d station,”raced en’s Hahn’s Hahn’s of 5K has to Emily Essi That that difficult able ing in Jus- aide who outskirts last of climbing explains race most mouse both was the ond-place and “The Condo W/Private and We were the the family,Glide Heid, again cat drop 5BR Luxury he sons. Heidget the nation’sas anything kilometers in 3:40:03.0. once from around fun 3:27:17.7, some could Duluth, Patio! in the to ago thatrace, did was stronger. third final muchGlide the Back the firsta year in the racers the www. SkiMountainViews.com so neither Amy who Swank, got to win, the draw is always was said strong, said who skate to at the Lodge race for,” Boulderite tin insisting to partake Just Listed other,” skier momentum 100K sec- country. to Col- bug, “This up former Amenities 16.4 Minn. of men’s back in Ver- wanted w/Trailhead in to come a trip First Tracks change the56 minutes, the home Run Caldwell, her just spectacufinishing secondSpillSpill-at Timber hours, at who made from Transformed “It’s in 4 was Johnny Johnny third onds. Build! to race. in in third toorado and Time Beaufils and the mont back, back, Now is the the WAS $1,175,000 far far over over get get 4:56:21.5 4:56:21.5 $995,000 not not and NOW schedule Grand try and ane ane “sprinted “sprinted to to try WAS $1,095,000 at aspen at hill hill 5:01:40.4. 5:01:40.4. last $945,000 Lacrosse 4 p.m.vs. durango last Beaufils Beaufils at NOW the of of the Tuesday:3 p.m. AT $279,000 top top vs. telluride Friday: LISTED 11 a.m. PRICE $275,000 JUST LACROSSE4A poll,3. Junction STARTING vs. tba Canyon Saturday: PREP Junction $245,000 Class at No. a at Rock NOW28: 4 p.m. Grand mountain a.m. in lost WAS $259,000 March 30: 11 at battleGolden and inaugural have mountain slotted $229,000 the NOW is March3: 4 p.m.p.m. at Springs never game, Graham $439,000 In a Green April 5: 7:30 at Cheyenne past Steamboat Luke WAS Sailors Leaguethe program Christian April 6: 2 p.m. vs. Glenwood $199,000 to get has The NOW April 12: 4 p.m. vs. Valor tries Springs around Junction high. Hiester Scott team Mountain April 13: 3 p.m.vs. Summit Grand buzz as Tyler the all-time he admitted April 2: 4 p.m. p.m. vs. be too lacrosseshould Steamboat player7-3. physicality 4A at an as muchteam,to not May 4: 12:30 the boys — it of their his and But If won, May out lacrosse size School bigger of Class Saturplayers Sailors year like cautioned their Sailors the High made Valleya Springs The first using the goal its on is thinking Saturday. the — games Mountain so good. Eagle found player to take rhythm. Green third Steamboat be in Lichty McCannon meansto overconfident. So far, blasting the Mountain lacrosseagainstlong way.by no Steamboat Mountain a offensive in A Kyle After at halftime. Green to werethe Rams day’s go a 3-1 another 3b out quarters. did on Friday, could Sailors against goals it page three The allowing jumped on Ben added the game for lead from Lacrosse, Sailors on Saturday. sharp, aroundend, Steamboat See Ramirez, McCanThe win. this hang in the come away first-quarter to with a 7-3 with sure 3-0, Christian Mitch But started and from make enoughbattle the thing Rams the close thinkagain to Hiester Wharton there, “I is overconfident,” non. Bob From not that group coach they’re deadly.” expected way. Steamboat “That’s be be that said. would might It

race PORTS SNorth Routt

boys lacrosse

PREP LACROSSE

3. Luke Graham today WAS WAS $259,000 in at No. a Pilot & $439,000 In the inaugural slotted NOW $199,000 NOW $229,000 have lost SpringS Steamboat

Steamboat

syndrome? Do you determine reader can have Down past might from on the results question Find with this polls 12A page

WAS $1,175,000 NOW $995,000

970.879.8100 800.430.4121

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DEATH WOMAN’S INVESTIGATED BEING

00 $199,0

Steamboat SpringS 00

If the Steamboat Springs High School boys lacrosse team is thinking bigger — it should be in the first year of Class 4A lacrosse — games like Saturday’s against Green Mountain could go a long way. The Sailors were by no means sharp, allowing the Rams to hang around for three quarters. But in the end, Steamboat did enough to come away from the close battle with a 7-3 win. “I think the thing with this group is again to make sure they’re not overconfident,” Steamboat coach Bob Hiester said. “That’s deadly.” It would be expected that Steamboat might be that way.

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In the inaugural Class 4A poll, WAS $259,0 Steamboat slotted in at 00No. 3. NOW $229,0 The Sailors never have 00lost a Mountain League game, and the buzz around the program is at an all-time high. But as much as Hiester has cautioned his team, he admitted its on the players to not be too overconfident. So far, so good. After blasting Eagle Valley on Friday, Steamboat found a game against Green Mountain on Saturday. The Sailors jumped out to a 3-0, first-quarter lead on goals from Christian Ramirez, Ben Wharton and Mitch McCannon. From there, the Rams started

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using their size and physicality to take the Sailors out of their offensive rhythm. A Kyle Lichty goal made it 3-1 at halftime. McCannon added another in the third See Lacrosse, page 3b

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support a fetus Do you e whether e? can determinDown syndrom might have past reader results from Find the this question on polls with page 12A

STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

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Steamboat boys lacrosse rallies for 7-3 win

WEIGH IN READERS prenatal tests that

P ILOT

Copper Ridge Drive

BO AT

South Copper Frontage Road

SUNDAY oy S TE AM

The William AT ship, which s Family SPRINGS Steambo Partner owns the atHomefi Mobile nder.com West the city Home Park, has Acres he can get approva the intentplanning processentered change and l for the mobilethe zone with park. ond, smallerof develop ing a sechome Sunday, March 17, 2013 park William Springs s ’ far west on Steamb Planned oat the partner said he’s hopefu side. mobile home The partner ship can l that minimu ship has an applica m of develop park N submitt on the tion for a zone ed homes on the 29 lots for mobilea low-den 5.5-acre propert change than two milessite. West Acres, density sity residential y, from homes. Williamto the west, hasless mobile residential, to to high- lot rents at the s is optimistic 92 homes that new The partner as a permittinclude be similar to Copper Ridge those park would ed use. where the purchase ship has a Joel Reichenberger Circle average at West Acres, the propert contract to Steamboat Pilot & today “We want is about Dance For more y from LLC. this that’s Starto be a$560. going Find from Saturday’s Glide Therace Steamboat SpringS siteresults place ples with to attract young is just 8b. the divide on It was a great day of rac- Ridge Circle pagenorth couof Copper definite kids,” William Downhill Drive ly want ing by any standard. Both the existing buildinand to the east it to be s said. “I Charlie a gap, but I was able to tuckofin place. That’s gs that William a 55-kilometer and 100-kilometer County family front what West Acres s behindRoad he includin said. “IRoutt got a for at West Acres.” we really 129, Mobile and the Williams versions of North Routt’s mon- Jehova h’s him,” push east of Jacob Circle Witnesses’ Steamb Family g the little effect at the end Elk River Home Park, are oat’s stock strous Glide the Divide, former-Hall andslingshot Kingdo Road. Pictured pursuing Partnership, who force housing TOM ROSS/STAF Pioneer Materials Pioneer him.” to get around m developm of workMateria ly the Coureur des Bois, cameSlope. West Slope. are the Kingdom ent of a own and manage F The pair was stillls West huffing was reduced by in mobile homes acquire new mobile the down to sprint finishes, elite Althou Hall of Jehovah’s d the 39 gh no accepting congrat-07 when home park puffing, beenand application Witnesse most ofhomes in 2006- Home Park, Fish Creek skiers charging toward the finsubmitt s, left, and andforswapping “whatWestland Mobile the units homes, mentulations has with 68 Mobile submitt ish line as a small collection of permit, ed a develop in after mobile Home youpartner thinking when” sto-were torn down ed by the man were onlookers cheered. Charlie ship spokes-- a new ily Park demolished in Westland William between each other when 2007 because was parkPartnership points week ries mixed-u to make way for concern s FamThe event’s true success was .COM that the Williams said TTODAYRiverw would two of the day’s racers out its of a US Highw the normthat that could forward alk, that se development, intent TEAMBOAthis evident beyond just those thrillSyoungest if the 32the• is to move become “correct the have the potenti new for ay 40 approached finish line. ward. Several did not go zoning home be obtaine NUMBER ing finishes, however. al to existing 126,Jason for- group parks in riverfront mobile between the homes of those d. OLUME Heid, change 6, and can his older • V100K Consider the end2013 of the “I’d rather ing mobile city’s visiondisconnect wanted Steamboat. Ridge were moved to mobile for brother, Justin, 9, didn’t come The to provide start of retainthis summe Indian March 17, race. home residen To Steambo (constr South Dakota Reservathe Pine sley the mobile home security the current lack r if Inear uction) in with the speed as Swank at ➤ that fast,” Planned can get Adam Swank and Fabition in said. owners, support of vacant ts and 5.5-acre relocate it through William and Beaufils had, but as they Peamobile home that d by the and another was en Beaufils fought to the fin“The land to s said. He added William vision.” owner. park park is Jason Peasley 15-kilometer course late thatthe s ish line, this year near Colum- finished said this mostly he’s confide include torasof the park winter,” , executiv NICOLE theynt as well some open full MILLER/ST bine behind Hahn’s Peak rather with wide smiles, he said, would nership observe e direc- because the Author Yampa AFF partly hillside that extends industrial space on s that $465 monthllot rents than at the traditional finish, at anyone symbolized what once ity, said Valley Housin ner of the a nearby of $400 park a his organiz g y to ipates propert into one cor- for some mobilecould provide Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse on the again made Routt County’s ation below market.” are “pretty much dents who creating y. He also anticmost difficult race such a favorhome park jobs outskirts of the village. The zone-ch in the park a children would commu ange applica “The last 5K has a couple of ite. not haveresite to cific plans. but doesn’t ’s area, said Sure, it matters how fast you tion have spekilometers of climbing and we he hopedthose jobs. Williamto The applica the park’s ment, togethe s did some cat and mouse to see go, but not nearly as much as it tion from Joel reichenberger/Staff r with Westdevelopwho was stronger. We were both matters that you go. the part- could race stimulate Acres, That draw — just to finish Benjamin Barbier tries to pull away from the lead pack with Jonas Burgler and Matt Rossman in the men’s 55-kilometercity an strong, so neither could drop the near the end of the course. He managed to hold the chase pack off, winning the race in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 56.8 seconds. bus route to extension of the area. a other,” said Swank, the Duluth, the race that bills itself as the which begins and ends not far Turns out, there was no need. Minn. skier who got the final nation’s most difficult — as lar scenery.” change of momentum to win, much as anything explains why She was tops in the wom- from his family’s North Routt It was smooth sailing, great skifinishing the men’s 100K skate the Glide once again was able en’s 55K skate field, finish- home. This year, he was up for ing on fast snow. That didn’t in 4 hours, 56 minutes, 16.4 sec- to draw racers from around the ing in 3:09:15.7, ahead of sec- it again and Jason wanted to eliminate all the hurdles. Justin country. said the rearranged course feaonds. ond-place Emily Lovett, in at join in. “This race is always fun 3:27:17.7, and Essi Kenttala, “We had a contingency plan tured more hills than last year’s. Beaufils was second in for him. If it was too much, Like all racers, they found a way 4:56:21.5 and Johnny Spill- to come up for,” said Amy third in 3:40:03.0. ane not far back, in third at Caldwell, a former Boulderite Back in the Heid family, Jus- we’d have him picked up at the to manage, however. who made the trip back to Col- tin was the first to get the Glide aide station,” said mother Becky “I was very proud,” Becky 5:01:40.4. Now is the Time Beaufils “sprinted over the toorado #128203 Build! from her home in Ver- bug, insisting a year ago that he Heid, who raced alongside her “It’s just spectacu- wanted to partake in the race, sons. See Race, page 2b top of the last hill to try and get mont to race.Transfor

Shannon lukenS/courteSy

Steamboat Springs lacrosse player Tyler Scott tries to get past a Green Mountain player Saturday. The Sailors won, 7-3.

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Andrew, left, and Jenna Kleckler, right, read to their little brother, Lewis.

After the Klecklers were told their son Lewis had Down syndrome, the next step was finding how the news would fit into their lives.

evin Kleckler remembers well the doctor’s telephone call about his newborn son. The news being delivered on the other end of the line was not easy to hear because it confirmed his suspicions. Lewis has Down syndrome. “You hold it together on the telephone when you hear the news, just like anyone who gets told that they have cancer or they have something that’s terminal,” Kleckler said recently, recalling that August 2009 day. “You hold it together while you’re on the phone, and then quite

Stories and photos by Matt Stensland ■ Design by Vicky Ho honestly, you just fall apart afterward.” Kevin and his wife, Carrie, were devastated. But their feelings gradually turned to joy as they began to experience the unique opportunity of raising a child with Down syndrome. “I think it totally changes your outlook on life when you have a child with a disability because it changes your values,” Carrie said. “The things you thought were really important before are not so much.” Today, an increasing number of parents-to-be are faced with a tough, soul-

searching decision. Prenatal screening for Down syndrome has evolved beyond ultrasounds, and it isn’t without controversy. Some estimates suggest that after expectant parents learn their unborn child might have Down syndrome, 50 to 96 percent of those pregnancies are terminated. For the Klecklers, knowing that Lewis had a higher risk of Down syndrome wasn’t an issue. “I don’t believe that having that extra chromosome is grounds for terminating a pregnancy,” said Carrie, who along with Kevin is anti-abortion. “It makes

me sad not only for the child that is never born, but for the families that are missing out on that experience.” That experience helped lead Steamboat Springs residents Kristin and Elijah Stevenson to continue with their second pregnancy even after learning their unborn son might have Down syndrome. “Every family we talked to felt like they were blessed to have a child with Down syndrome,” Kristin Stevenson said. “You really don’t understand it until you have a kid with Down syndrome, too.” 20946921

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was the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome three decades ago

Sunday, March 17, 2013

is the approximate life expectancy of someone with Down syndrome today

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Lewis Kleckler works on a puzzle during occupational therapy.

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The Klecklers are living what many would describe as the American dream. They have three children and a dog named Daisy. They take family trips every summer and think it’s important for their children to see more than their hometown of Hayden. Most recently, they went to San Diego and visited SeaWorld and Legoland. There might not be a white picket fence enclosing the backyard of their half-acre lot on the southern edge of Hayden, but Kevin has put his skills to use in other ways around the home. From the deck railings to a wooden and wrought-iron fence around the yard to a steel sculpture inspired by Carrie carrying their first child, Kevin continues to add personal touches to the home they built themselves. Kevin, a skilled tradesman who runs the Babson-Carpenter Career and Technical Education Center in Hayden, also built the home next door, where his parents live. The family is active in the Mission of Grace Baptist Church, where Carrie teaches Sunday school and runs the nursery while Kevin serves as a church elder. “Our faith is central to who we are,” Carrie said. “We made it our goal this year to read the New Testament together. We’re into the Book of Mark now.” Carrie used to be a special-education teacher at Hayden Valley Elementary School. During the school year, Kevin works 60-plus-hour weeks, which allows Carrie to stay home with the kids. For Kevin, the weekends are for relaxing, recharging for the coming week and spending time with family. On a recent Saturday, Kevin made grilled-cheese sandwiches while Lewis shouted out the names of animals in a book with his sister, Jenna, 6, and brother, Andrew, 9. Early into the pregnancies, all three Kleckler children were tested and found to be at a higher risk for Down syndrome. But all of Lewis’ ultrasounds were normal, offering no indication that anything was wrong. “It didn’t matter for us,” Kevin said. “God blessed us with a child and whatever.” Carrie chose not to travel to Denver for an amniocentesis, a procedure in which a needle collects fluid from the amniotic sac. Tests then

By the numbers Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality and is caused by an extra copy of Chromosome 21. The condition results in delayed development and below-normal IQs. Other medical problems often accompany

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The Kleckler family has lunch at its Hayden home. Clockwise from right are Kevin, Andrew, Jenna, Carrie and Lewis.

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Down syndrome. For example, 40 to 60 percent ter at about 3 p.m., and Lewis wanted out. He of infants with Down syndrome have a heart was born at 6:18 p.m. There was no time for an defect, according to the Down Syndrome Asso- epidural, and hospital staffers gathered to witciation. ness the rare delivery. He came out face up and chin first, which doctors said was the most diffiPeople with Down syndrome have a distinct cult way to deliver a baby. look often characterized by small ears, a round “It was quite exciting, actually,” Carrie said. face, a small mouth with a large tongue and almond-shaped eyes. They have trouble developDr. Ron Famiglietti first mentioned his susing muscle tone, and they are at greater risk for picion the day after Lewis was born. Lewis had leukemia, sleep apnea, celiac disease and diabetes. low muscle tone, a hallmark of Down syndrome. “They call them floppy Since the characterisbecause they don’t hold tics of Down syndrome themselves stiff like a norwere first described by mal baby,” Carrie said. Dr. John Langdon Down ou’re grieving the “That was the first thing in 1866, the choices parsomeone noticed that ents face have evolved treloss of a child that wasn’t quite right with mendously. In the beginyou thought you were him.” ning of the 20th century, close to 100,000 children Chromosomal testing going to have. You’re with Down syndrome were was recommended, and institutionalized. MacsoLewis’ blood was drawn grieving that you don’t vits said some parents were the following morning. told their children had died “That was when the have this perfect child at birth when in fact they reality of the situation hit that you had imagined. were taken to institutions. us, and we had a pretty somber trip home with “The popular philosoLewis that afternoon,” phy was there were speCarrie said. cial places for these special people ... and these places were deplorable,” Kevin received the test results five days after Macsovits said. Lewis was born. The conditions in which children with Down “It was definitely a shock,” Carrie said. “It’s syndrome lived led to a life expectancy of just nine not easy news to hear. Obviously, no one wants years. As recently as 1983, the average lifespan of a to hear something is wrong with their child, person with Down syndrome was 25 years. especially something that is going to be disabling their whole life.” Today, more than 400,000 people in the UnitKevin’s immediate concern was for Lewis’ ed States have Down syndrome, and the life long-term health. expectancy is about 60. One out of 691 babies has the condition. “What’s his life expectancy?” Kevin asked himself. “Who’s going to take care of him after we’re gone?” Getting the news Carrie had a different initial reaction. Lewis’ arrival into the world was quick and “My concern was more whether people would dramatic. accept him and love him for just the way he was,” she said. That day, the Kleckler family had been moving Andrew into his newly finished basement It took her about a week to absorb the news. bedroom to make room for Lewis. Kevin was She couldn’t help but feel like Lewis had been supposed to officiate a wedding that day but had cheated out of his potential because of an extra to pass off the script to someone else at the last chromosome. minute. “You’re grieving the loss of a child that you Carrie arrived at Yampa Valley Medical Centhought you were going to have,” Carrie said.

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40-60%

of children born with Down syndrome will have a congenital heart defect

Sunday, March 17, 2013

>50%

of those with Down syndrome will experience the early onset of Alzheimer’s

Occupational therapist Carrie Thompson works with Lewis Kleckler on developing his core strength.

“You’re grieving that you don’t have this perfect child that you had imagined.” But the support came quickly, beginning with Carrie’s parents. “They reassured me right away that of course they were going to love him,” Carrie said. “They already did.” The family went to church the next week and shared the news with the congregation. “Everybody just rallied around us,” Carrie said. “It’s not only amazing how people have accepted him, but they love him. They adore him.” The Klecklers then reached out to the Down Syndrome Association, and Carrie received counseling from a Denver parent who also had a child with Down syndrome. Lewis, now 3 1/2, has been an otherwise healthy boy. He has a small hole in his heart that is monitored by a cardiologist who comes to Steamboat monthly, but Carrie said surgery likely won’t be necessary. “We’re really fortunate that he’s very healthy,” Carrie said.

Celebrating the little things It’s difficult and stressful for many parents to keep up with a child going through the terrible twos. For Lewis, who didn’t start walking until he was 2, the terrible twos only now are under way. “He’s pushing buttons on the TV,

on the printer, flipping light switches and taking his shoes and socks off all the time,” Carrie said. “That’s all good. That’s all normal development. It’s just delayed, and every stage kind of lasts longer with him.” Every one of Lewis’ accomplishments has been a big deal, and they’re celebrated by the whole family. The occasions range from his first tooth to the first time he could be given a sandwich and not end up throwing it. “Now, when he puts two words together, we get really excited,” said Carrie. Moments later, Lewis asked for “music, please.” Lewis can vocalize many of his favorite things, like his favorite book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” He recently recited the entire book while riding in the car. Lewis also likes visiting Grandpa next door. When Lewis wants to go, he says “Pappy house.” Lewis’ speech development has been helped by working with speech therapists. Starting the day he was born, resources were made available to help Lewis through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Until Lewis turned 3, the Klecklers took advantage of the $436 million federal program administered by states that aims to make sure children are ready for preschool and kindergarten. When Lewis was just 3 months old, for example, an occupational therapist with Horizons Specialized Services started coming to

Down syndrome facts ■ Down syndrome is named after the British doctor John Langdon Down, who was the first to describe characteristics of people with Down syndrome in 1866. ■ Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a condition whereby there are three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of two. ■ It is one of the leading clinical causes of cognitive delay in the world — it is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. ■ Its probability increases with advanced age in mothers; however, 80 percent of those with Down syndrome are born to mothers younger than 35. ■ Despite its frequency, Down syndrome is the least funded of the conditions serviced by the National Institutes of Health receiving about $17 million out of a total $28 billion budget. ■ Children with Down syndrome can read and are gifted visual learners. They have a predisposition to specific learning strengths and challenges that are not currently addressed in practice in special education. ■ It is extremely rare for a person with Down syndrome to develop a hard tumor cancer, to have a heart attack or to suffer a stroke. Source: Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

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Sunday, March 17, 2013

IQ point increase in the past 15 years for those with Down syndrome is attributable to improvements in care

Steamboat Pilot & Today

6,000

in Colorado are estimated to have Down syndrome

Carrie Kleckler picks up Lewis from preschool.

Rocky Mountain resources for parents The Denver-based Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association offers support, information and referral services to more than 3,000 callers each year. It was founded in 1981 by a group of parents in Boulder who came to realize there were no services, programs or support available for parents of children with Down syndrome. After her son Lewis Kleckler was diagnosed, Hayden resident Carrie Kleckler reached out to the association, which put her in contact with a Denver mother. “She called to just talk to us and answer any questions, and that was reassuring to just talk to someone else that had been through what we were going through,” Kleckler said. Officials at the association realized they lacked a support group in Northwest Colorado, and Kleckler volunteered to be the facilitator in the area. Families involved in the support group from Hayden, Craig, Steamboat Springs and Kremmling have gotten together for the past three summers for a barbecue. An expert has come up for a daylong clinic, and Kleckler worked with Horizons Specialized Services to organize a training on the use of iPads for people with disabilities. She now is helping to organize a workshop that will focus on financial planning for people with disabilities. Kleckler, who has become more involved with the association, was trained to be one of the parents who calls other parents who are just learning about their child’s diagnosis. Kleckler counseled a parent 1 1/2 years ago and met them in person in February. “I was really glad to be able to do that,” she said. For more information about the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association, visit www.rmdsa.org.

Paraprofessional Becca Remington helps Lewis Kleckler during preschool.

the Kleckler home once per week to work with Lewis is in the midst of a phase where he likes him. to throw things at his older brother. In September, Lewis started attending pre“He does not like the word ‘no,’” Andrew school for free. He goes two mornings each said. week and spends much of his time in a normal The Klecklers said their experience of havclassroom, but he also gets specialized attening a child with Down syndrome has been overtion from occupational and speech therapists whelmingly positive, and it has made them a working for the Northwest Colorado Board of better family. Carrie points to studies that have Cooperative Educational Services. shown that siblings of children with disabilities “He’s progressed quicker than I anticipatare more compassionate. ed,” said Tami Hotchkiss, “I think it’s already the Lewis’ teacher. case,” Carrie said while In addition to the therlooking at Andrew. e’re hoping that apy services, Hotchkiss For the Klecklers, intelsaid Lewis benefits from ligence and achievement he’ll be able to the social environment of have different meanings being around other chilnow. work, have a job, have dren, and Lewis is learn“It’s more important ing from his peers. that they are kind to peorelationships and be “They’re really enjoyple,” she said. “That they as independent as he ing having him in the can be compassionate.” classroom,” Hotchkiss She thinks parents who possibly can. It’s just said. “They really enjoy choose to terminate Down spending time with him syndrome pregnancies are things we can’t know and making sure he’s a missing out. part of the classroom.” “It’s sad to me that peountil we get there. Carrie thinks Lewis’ ple make that choice.” speech will continue to Kevin said having Lewis improve, and he will be has exposed them to a difplaced in a normal elementary school classferent community of people, including other area room, potentially with a paraprofessional to families who have children with Down syndrome. offer some individual help. “Our lives are so much richer,” Kevin said. “Our goal is for him to be as independent and fully functional as possible,” Carrie said. Looking to the future Long term, the Klecklers wonder what Efforts are under way by scientists to treat Lewis’ life will be like. people with Down syndrome in order to increase “We’re hoping that he’ll be able to work, their cognitive abilities. In November, scientists have a job, have relationships and be as indeat the University of Washington announced they pendent as he possibly can,” Carrie said “It’s had removed the extra copy of Chromosome 21 just things we can’t know until we get there.” in cell cultures derived from a person with Down syndrome. The discovery could lead to treatA unique opportunity ments for many of the medical conditions people When it came time to explain Lewis’ condiwith Down syndrome face. Cutting-edge research tion to their other children, the Klecklers kept also is taking place at the Linda Crnic Institute it simple and said it was going to be harder for at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz MediLewis to learn things. cal Campus in Denver. Andrew has been busy being the big brother. While the Klecklers are open to the poten“It’s just different,” Andrew said. “It’s more tial medical benefits, they cannot imagine Lewis fun. I don’t really know how to explain it.” any other way. Andrew likes to read to Lewis and teach him “He wouldn’t be who he is without Down new things. And there’s plenty of horseplay. syndrome,” Carrie said. “That’s who he is.” ■

“

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Steamboat Pilot & Today

>400,000

people in the United States have Down syndrome

Sunday, March 17, 2013

5 million

worldwide are estimated to have Down syndrome

Sources: Down Syndrome Association and Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

Above: Elijah Stevenson plays with his sons, Connor, left, and Emmett, who has Down syndrome. Top right: Emmett has been learning to ski at Howelsen Hill. Center right: Kristin and Elijah Stevenson chose to permanently move to Steamboat Springs because they thought it would be a good place to raise their sons. Bottom right: Connor and Emmett show off their dance moves.

Navigating a private and difficult decision For the Stevenson family, having a child with Down syndrome meant ‘a lot of soul searching’

ith studies showing an increasing number of expectant parents deciding to abort after learning their unborn child has Down syndrome, Kristin and Elijah Stevenson figured they better weigh their options 22 weeks into their second pregnancy. The Stevensons have been living off and on in Steamboat Springs for 11 years. At that particular time, however, they were living in San Diego and raising their son Connor, now 6. After an ultrasound, the couple learned there was a 25 percent chance their unborn child had Down syndrome. Kristin was shocked by what the perinatologist told her next. “This puts you at a 1 in 4 chance, so this is probably about the time you might want to think about aborting,” she recalled the doctor saying. “The thing with Down syndrome is they probably won’t amount to anything at all. Are you ready for that? Is your marriage strong enough to handle that?” She felt she was being encouraged to terminate her pregnancy based on state-

ments she later learned weren’t accurate. As executive director of the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association, Mac Macsovits has heard many similar stories. He said there is a lack of education about Down syndrome, even among some medical professionals. “They’re not Down syndrome specialists,” Macsovits said. Dr. Mary Bowman, with Yampa Valley OB/GYN, was shocked and saddened to hear about Kristin’s bad experience in San Diego. Such experiences do not happen in her office, Bowman said, and she questioned how common they are among medical professionals. “It’s a very personal decision, and the mothers need to be supported in that,” Bowman said. The Stevensons took seriously the gravity of their decision. “A lot of soul searching and a lot of research,” Kristin, who co-owns Steamboat Pilates, Yoga & Fitness, said about the process. She called the Down Syndrome Association, which put her in contact with families who have children with Down

syndrome. The couple also talked to friends, one of whom had a 2-year-old son with the condition. “He looked at us and said, ‘Don’t you even think about aborting; this has been the most amazing experience of our life,’” Kristin recalled. The Stevensons later met the couple and their son, Jacob, at a playground. “I just remembered I have never seen that much love in a parent’s eyes like that,” Kristin said. Elijah said he felt like there was a lack of support available for making the decision. “That’s where I struggled,” said Elijah, who is transitioning out of the U.S. Marines, where he has been a helicopter pilot. He recently returned from a sixmonth tour in Afghanistan. The Down Syndrome Association makes it a policy not to steer a family in either decision. “That is a very private decision,” Macsovits said. After weighing their choices for four of five days, the Stevensons decided to keep their “chromosomally enhanced” child,

whom they named Emmett. He’s now 3, and his parents acknowledge it has been hard at times. Emmett had to have multiple surgeries to address a problem with his colon. He had three small holes in his heart, and he has undergone extensive speech therapy. Kristin is concerned about Emmett’s progression through school. But the Stevensons have no regrets. Kristin said people often ask them what the experience has been like. “The word that always comes up is ‘magical,’” she said. “It’s the only word I can think of that really resonates.” Emmett, like many children with Down syndrome, has specks in his eyes called Brushfield spots that look like tiny diamonds. “When you’re getting all uptight and upset, he will have a way of looking at me so calmly and so lovingly that it just cuts through,” Kristin said. “He has a way with one glance, and it’s magical.” Kristin described Emmett as genuinely and deeply content, and he rarely cries. “They have to work for it a little harder,” Kristin said. “It does build a certain characteristic in a person.” ■