October 29, 2015
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Voluntary Contribution PROGR A M
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Look for the special insert inside this week’s paper ArvadaPress.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
TASTE OF ARVADA DELICIOUSLY ENTERTAINING
Strength in survival Arvada resident gives to her community while fighting breast cancer By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Fuzzy’s Tacos crew Jennifer Albayati, Jaidy Widdifield and Jessie Valdez put style into their attitude and their food. The 2015 Taste of Arvada, held inside the Apex Center on Oct. 23, featured many of the city’s eateries and businesses. More photos of the tasty fun are on PAGE 7. Photo by Crystal Anderson
Over the past year and a half, Arvada’s Kelly Fochtman has found strength in survival — battling breast cancer both physically, and by sharing her story, verbally and electronically, with the community around her. “It seemed like a bad dream that I could go to work and forget about it,” she said. “But then I realized, ‘Yeah, this is me.’” In February 2014, Fochtman was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer, or cancer found within the glands that produce milk in the breast. Doctors told Fochtman, who hadn’t experienced any symptoms, she needed a mastectomy and gave her options for reconstructive surgery. She soon decided to remain positive and knew her journey was something she wanted to share with others. “So many funny things were said, and I thought it may just give others who were in the same boat a laugh,” she said and began journaling about the process in a blog, http://theotherside2014.blogspot. com/. Survival continues on Page 2
Candidates backed by recall organizers outraise incumbents High cost of election ‘disheartening,’ one candidate says
By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com The recall organizer-backed, fivemember ‘clean slate’ has raised almost $200,000 in the Jeffco school board race, compared to two of the three incumbents’ approximate $6,500, according to the most recent Colorado Secretary of State campaign finance report. “We have been at this for a long time and have been working very hard,” said slate member Ali Lasell, candidate for District 3 who has the largest contribu-
ONLINE: Go to the Arvada Press website arvadapress.com for election results the night of Nov. 3. tions. “It is a reflection of the tremendous amount of supporters I have, and the people who have confidence in me as a candidate.” Candidates running for the recall election were required to file campaign finance reports Oct. 20 with the secretary of state’s office. The candidates for the two open seats in districts 3 and 4
“It makes me sad. I don’t feel good about the amount of money that we’re spending on this election … I wish we could take this money ... and build a playground in a schoolyard or something.” Ron Mitchell, Jeffco school board candidate
Kelly and her husband Dave Fochtman stand on Mount McKinley during a trip to Alaska last June. Courtesy photo
Recall continues on Page 5
Substance abuse suspected in Kmart crash, driver charged
By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com The driver that plowed a Toyota Sienna into the back of an Arvada Kmart retail store has been charged with two counts of vehicular assault and reckless driving while under the influence. On the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 20, Edward Walton, 41 drove straight into the Kmart retail store located at 58th Street and Kipling. He was driving at around 45 miles per hour when he crashed through
the store’s cinderblock wall, driving into the children’s department. The vehicle hit two employees who were working. Both employees were transferred to area hospitals with serious injuries. Walton was later transferred to area hospitals to be treated for injuries but was released Oct. 22. into police custody. As of Monday, he was still in custody, with a $25,000 bond. The Jefferson County DA’s office reports Walton has four previous DUI convictions.
Arvada Police and Fire Protection District crews pull the minivan out of Arvada’s Kmart store, located at 58th Avenue and Kipling Parkway.Courtesy photo