Rock throwing murder trial begins with opening statements, witness testimony
Defense
argues friend threw the rock that killed
Seven candidates vying for three board seats; election day is May 6
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Apex Park and Recreation District will hold an election on May 6 to determine three seats of its ve-person board of directors.
Directors will be elected to four-year terms expiring in May 2029. Ballots can be dropped o at the Apex Center, the Apex Community Recreation Center, Arvada Fire Protection District Headquarters, Arvada Fire Protection District Station 60 and the O ce of the Designated Election O cial.
Any resident of the special district is eligible to vote. Requests for absentee ballots can be sent to info@ccrider.us or by calling 303-482-1002. Absentee ballots must be returned by April 29.
Of the ve-person Apex Board, three incumbent candidates will seek re-election: Abby McNeal, Jo Burns and Liz Tomsula. Apex Board Directors Vicki Pyne and Rich Garrimone have two years left on their terms, at which time Pyne will be term-limited.
Six of the seven candidates for the Apex Board returned candidate questionnaires to the Ar-
Apex Park and Recreation District Board of Directors candidate questionnaires
vada Press, with Ken Harrell not responding to multiple requests for comment by press time.
Jo Burns
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board?
I’m running for re-election because parks and recreation are more than just “fun and games”—they’re essential to a thriving community. Apex PRD enhances social, emotional, and physical well-being by bringing people together through activities and programs for all ages and abilities. I’m passionate about continuing this mission, ensuring our parks, programs and events remain a trusted resource that strengthens connections and improves quality of life.
What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
As a therapeutic recreation professional, I’ve been utilizing recreation, leisure and parks as a means towards optimal wellness with communities for over 30 years. Not only do I have the program and people experience, but I have high-level leadership and administration skills from operating multi-million dollar collaborative recreation and camp programs.
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Editor’s note: e case of Colorado vs. Joseph Koenig is ongoing and will likely have further developments in the time between this print edition of the Arvada Press being sent to print and its publication date. Please visit Arvadapress.com for the most recent updates on this case.
e defense for the man accused of killing 20-year-old Arvada resident Alexa Bartell with a landscaping rock on April 19, 2023 is positing that it was one of his friends who threw the rock that fatally struck Bartell.
Opening statements in Joseph Koenig’s rst-degree murder trial for the death of Bartell saw his attorney, Martin Stuart, state that Koenig did not commit rst degree murder, and that the rock that killed Bartell was actually thrown by Zachary Kwak.
Kwak — who is set to testify against Koenig as part of a plea deal he took to lessen his own sentence — has admitted to being with Koenig and their other friend, Nicholas Karol-Chik, the night of the rock throwing incidents, which saw nine drivers get struck by landscaping rocks before the 10th collision caused the death of Bartell.
Stuart said Kwak received a “sweetheart deal” from prosecutors in exchange for his testimony against Koenig. Karol-Chik is also set to testify against Koenig and took a plea deal similar to Kwak’s.
“Mr. Kwak is going to take the witness stand and tell the same story, and you will also hear that in exchange for telling that story,” Stuart said. “Zach Kwak is getting a sweetheart deal from these prosecutors, and instead of facing most of the same charges that Mr. Koenig is sitting here facing today, he pled guilty to reduce charges.
“He will receive a sentence that is drastically reduced from what he was looking at,” Stuart continued.
Kwak is currently facing 20 to 32 years in jail, as opposed to the possible life sentence that could be handed down to Koenig if he is found guilty.
Apex Board Candidate Abby McNeal COURTESY PHOTO
Apex Board Candidate Jo Burns
Apex Board Candidate Bob Loveridge. COURTESY PHOTO
Apex Board Candidate Liz Tomsula.
Apex Board Candidate Lynn Emrick.
Apex Board Candidate Robert Zimmerer. COURTESY PHOTO
Alexa Bartell
New Arvada plant shop Sage and Spade shows that black thumbs can turn green
Long running popup moves into brick-and-mortar shop on Ralston Road
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Melanie Adams hasn’t always been good with plants, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her love for them.
About 15 years ago, Adams was “a selfproclaimed plant killer… I couldn’t keep anything alive.” One day, she came across a street vendor who was selling cacti and bought one on a lark.
“How hard could it be?” Adams remembers thinking at the time. at cactus was the start of Adams’
plant journey, and over the past few years she’s helped others turn their thumbs from black to green at Sage and Spade, a plant shop that started as a popup and now has a permanent location at 8295 Ralston Road, Unit 101 in Arvada.
“I want to help people feel more comfortable growing plants and having plants in their home and just learning about plants,” Adams said. “Because the reality is that, you know, it’s not that you’re bad with plants; it’s that you haven’t learned about them yet. And so, I tried to pick varieties that are easy to learn and give peo-
ple the con dence to build their skills and build their green thumb over time.”
Sage and Spade features locally sourced plants, mostly from Calabrese Greenhouse in Arvada. Adams said everything in the store is sourced in Colorado, from the plants to the art to the pots available.
In addition to plants, the shop also offers workshops so that folks can be a part of the local horticulturalist community and learn some of the tools of the trade. Some of the workshops are plant-focused while others are on di erent topics, like
Je co residents impacted by crime
find
candle making and glassblowing.
“(We hold workshops) as a way to build community, educate people and create a space for people to be able to do that in an a ordable way,” Adams said. “And so our goal is really to have these plant workshops as a resource for the community and to continue to promote that love of plants and creating something really beautiful with your hands as a creative outlet.”
support, sense of peace at annual Courage Walk
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Anyone who visits the Courage Garden on the south side of the Jefferson County Government Center complex will see people’s names among the owers and trees. And every April, their loved ones and other Je co community members gather to ensure that the names and stories of those in the Courage Garden are never forgotten.
On April 12, local organizations hosted the 32nd annual Courage Walk to honor Je co residents who have been impacted by crime — survivors, victims’ family members and friends, and their communities. e event always coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
As both organizers and participants have explained previously, the event helps remind people of “the resilience of the human spirit,”
and that there are other people who share their experiences. is year’s theme was “Connecting, Kinship, and Healing for crime survivors” to mark “the progress made by those before us as we look to the future of Crime Victim Services that is even more inclusive, accessible and trauma informed,” it stated on its website.
at morning, dozens of people assembled in front of the courthouse’s main entrance and then made a short pilgrimage together around the building to the Courage Garden, where the names of Je co residents who have been lost to crime are found.
After reaching the Courage Garden, the group gathered in an area nearby for prayer, speeches and a ceremonial dove release.
For more information about the annual event or the Courage Garden, visit je co.us/4912/CourageWalk.
Sage and Spade founder Melanie Adams said she started the shop because of her own journey with plants. PHOTOS COURTESY
Sage and Spade o ers lots of low maintenance plants for folks just starting their horticultural journey.
Family members take part in the Courage Walk wearing shirts with Baby Samantha’s name and photo on them. PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG
Next Week Colorado Homeowners Will Receive Updated Property Valuations From Their County Assessors
During the first week of May in every odd numbered year, Colorado’s county assessors are required to notify every property owner of the full valuation which the assessor has assigned to their property. Unless revised downward through the statemandated appeal process, that valuation will be the basis of the property tax charged for that year and the following year.
The system actually depends on your participation in correcting the assessor’s valuation which was the result of a computer-driven “mass appraisal” system, because there’s no way that the assessor’s staff of human appraisers could create a valuation for every home in the county. Those appraisers will, however, read or listen to your appeal of the valuation which their system generated for your home.
in Jefferson County, on the assessor’s website, http://assessor.jeffco.us, first find your home by clicking on this green bar:
of each year because of, for instance, it was burned to the ground or had an addition in place on January 1st.
This Ad Will Appear Bi-Weekly Instead of Weekly, Starting This Week
Bottom line, therefore, is that you owe it to yourself and to the county to help the assessor come up with the proper valuation for your home.
So how do you do that? For commercial properties, which pay roughly four times the property tax per $100,000, a whole industry has arisen to help property owners (for a fee) get their valuations reduced. Residential taxes are so much lower that those professionals don’t solicit residential property owners to assist them in arguing for lower valuations.
County assessors are expected to make it easy for property owners to determine whether the assessor correctly estimated their home’s value on June 30th of last year. Here
That will take you to the page where you can click on “Address” at left and enter your home’s address. (The address number and street name should suffice.) Click on your home when it appears, which will take you to the page where you can click on “View Notice.” Then click on the tab “Sales” and scroll down to see all the “qualified sales” that you can cite in your appeal. Note that you can click on any column heading for it to sort on that column, which can make it easier to find suitable comps for your appeal.
If you’re not in Jefferson County, Google your own county assessor’s website.
Only homes that sold during the 24 months prior to June 30, 2024, can be cited in your protest, and they have to be “time adjusted” to reflect what they would have sold for on June 30, 2024. However, the Jeffco assessor told me that property values increased by only 2% during the 24 months from which qualified comps are drawn, so you needn’t bother.
Remember above all, the intention is to determine what your home was worth on June 30, 2024, not what it is worth today! Your taxes for both 2025 and 2026 will only be based on what your home was worth back then! The only adjustment would be if your home is physically different on January 1st
Celebrate Earth Day With Free Film Screenings This Saturday
The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF), which I wrote about and co-sponsored in February, returns to the Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus this Saturday, April 26th, 1 to 3 pm, for a screening of two environmental films. Admission is free, although a contribution of $12 or more is encouraged.
The first film is Peaks to Prairie and is described as follows: “In Boulder County, an ambitious initiative harnesses the power of nature to combat climate challenges in the peaks and prairie ecosystem. As megafires rage across the Western U.S., millions of acres of nearby agricultural prairies remain degraded, stripped of the nutrients vital for a thriving landscape. To address these challenges, three ecological partners—Boulder Watershed Collective, Grama Grass & Livestock, and Boulder Mushroom—have come together in a pioneering effort to restore the land.”
The second film is Common Ground (43 minutes). It’s described as follows: “From the creators of Kiss the Ground (CEFF’s 2021 Best of the Fest), this eye-opening film explores the regenerative farming movement and its potential to heal the soil, reverse climate change, and restore human health. Featuring passionate farmers, activists, and thought leaders, Common Ground offers a hopeful vision for the future of our planet— and the role we all play in shaping it.”
This nicely updated and well-maintained condo at 10259 W. 55th Drive is in the Skyline Estates subdivision east of Kipling between the campus of Red Rocks Community College’s Arvada campus and the athletic fields on 58th Avenue. When you look out the bedroom window or from the enclosed patio between mature evergreen trees, all you see in greenbelt, a children’s playground and those athletic fields. No traffic noise, just the sounds of birds enjoying our spring weather! This condo is in great condition, as you’ll see when you come to my open house this
The screenings are followed by an audience chat “to dive deeper into the stories, themes, and action steps from each film.”
The Green Center is located at 924 16th Street in downtown Golden. Street and lot parking is free on weekends. I put a link for ordering tickets for as little as $0 on our blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com. There are trailers you can click on for each film.
Lennar to Build 1,500 Denver Area Homes Using Geothermal Energy
Lennar, one of the nation’s biggest home builders, announced recently that it is going to build 1,500 homes in the Denver area using geothermal energy to heat and cool them. It’s likely that these will be all-electric homes, although that was not mentioned, since gas will not be needed for space or water heating.
Dandelion Energy is the builder’s partner in the project, using heat pumps to extract heat from the ground in the winter and to extract heat from the homes in the summer. Each home will have its own individually drilled geothermal wells, which surprised me. If the homes are close together, a community geothermal system might make more economic sense.
The goal is to complete the 1,500 homes by the end of 2026, making it the largest residential deployment using geothermal so far.
April
Note: If, by chance, you bought your home on or close to June 30, 2024, don’t assume that your purchase price will be the assessor’s valuation of your home, because, regardless of what you paid for your home on June 30, 2024, its valuation is based on what eligible comps indicate it should have sold for.
Using the procedure described above, it’s possible that your home was valued correctly, but if it was overvalued, you need to appeal using a form that is page two on the file you saw when you clicked on “View Notice.”
Your form is due in the assessor’s office by June 8, 2025, so you’ll want to mail it by June 1st if you can’t deliver it in person to the assessor’s office on the 2nd floor of the “Taj Mahal.” My recommendation is always to request an in-person meeting with the assessor’s office. You can make an appointment or just show up and wait in line.
A couple months ago, I reported that I had traded in my Tesla Model Y (which I loved) for the Ford Mustang Mach E after testdriving multiple other brands, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan. Now that I’ve put 1,000 miles on my Mustang, and knowing that many readers may be thinking of trading in their Teslas, I thought it time to play automotive critic and write a review of the Mustang.
A few years ago, I spent 2 weeks driving an F-150 Lightning, which I liked, so I knew I would like the Mustang. Its “BlueCruise” hands-free driving, which only works on divided highways, is quite nice, but not worth (to me) the $50/month subscription fee after my three months’ free trial. It’s nowhere near as nice as Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” which I reviewed favorably in my Nov. 21, 2024, column and which costs twice times as much ($99 per month or $8,000 purchase).
Without “BlueCruise,” there is lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control which can be used on city streets and arterials. The lanekeeping is not as effective as in the Tesla, wandering to the very edges of lanes instead of keeping strictly to the center, and it gives out on sharper curves, which Tesla is great at. But what I prefer about Ford’s lane-keeping is that it’s automatic. When I break the lanekeeping to change lanes, it locks into the new lane without me having to set it again.
The adaptive cruise control is much better than Tesla’s, because when the posted speed limit changes, it automatically resets the set speed. Since I set it for 10 mph over the speed
Writing the articles for this full-page “advertorial” has been my privilege and passion for over two decades, but I have decided to give myself a break and publish every other week instead of weekly so I can devote more time to my thriving real estate practice and family life. All 26 newspapers in which it appears have graciously allowed me to make this change, and I look forward to having next week “off”! Look for me to return every other week starting now. On those “off” weeks, including May 1st, I’ll be publishing half-page ads on related topics. In next week’s ad, I start a series on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Look for it on this page.
Spend some time surfing around the assessor’s website to learn about the appeal process, including further appeals if the assessor’s office doesn’t respond favorably to your appeal.
limit, when it resets, it sets the new speed control accordingly. Not true on the Tesla.
My favorite feature is the “1-Pedal” setting for driving. This uses regenerative braking to slow down the car at a good rate when you release the accelerator pedal. And when it comes to a stop, it holds the car whether on an incline or not. The best thing about it is that once I have set it to “1-Pedal” driving, it is already set every time I drive. (It’s not the factory default setting, which is with minimal regenerative braking and unwanted “creep” as if you were driving a conventional car.)
The “frunk” is not as big as in any Tesla, but it’s bigger than other brands of EV, some of which have no front storage at all.
Like the newer Teslas, there is no need for a key fob (although they give you two), because your phone is your key. Instead of door handles, you touch a button above each door, which pops the door open enough to pull on it. There’s a smartphone app. It’s useful, but not as complete as Tesla’s.
There’s an EV round-up happening in the Arvada United Methodist Church’s lot at 68th and Carr St. this Sunday, April 27, from 9 to noon. I’ll have my car there if you’d like to get a closer look. Also, I wrote more about it at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
Charities Which Used Our Free Box Truck Miss It. Our GoFundMe Campaign Is Off to a Good Start.
Back in February, I announced that our truck needed a new engine and other repairs and that we decided to retire it instead. This was a big loss to such non-profits as Operation Feed the Troops, Family Promise, BGoldN, Christian Action Guild, Buffalo Bill Days, and the International Rescue Committee, among others, which used the truck more often than our clients!
The truck is off the road but still available to be repaired. So far, we’ve received over $2,000 in donations. If you’d like to contribute, visit www.BringItBack.info. Thanks!
Review: My Mustang EV Is a Fine Replacement for My Tesla
Arvada Kite Festival sees record attendance on 20th anniversary
12,000 people attended annual kite celebration
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, a rainbow dragon and countless sharks were ying high over Arvada, but the occasion wasn’t an animator’s fever dream — rather, it was the 20th Annual Arvada Kite Festival. is year’s festivities saw a recordsetting number of people come out to Stenger Sports Complex on April 13, as 12,000 kite yers attended the free event, topping the previous attendance high of 10,000 that was set last year.
One hundred vendors and 13 food trucks made sure that attendees were well-fed and hydrated, and demos by the Rocky Mountain Kite Association were a highlight of the day. New this year was a
Nerf zone, so kids had an outlet besides kite ying if they wanted a change of pace.
Layla Diaz, Arvada’s events assistant, said that while the event has changed a lot over the years, she’s glad to see it still going strong.
“It’s grown from a very small idea to a very large event,” Diaz said. “We’ve had a lot of (Arvada Festival) Commission members come in and out as their term expires, and they’ve just been trying to get more ideas into the event, try to include a lot of family friendly activities.
“We’ve also kind of shifted the map a little, so there’s more kite ying on the east side of the eld, and then the west side is where our vendors are moving,” Diaz said.
The all-ages event was a hit for kite flyers young and old.
A dragon kite was flown by the Rocky Mountain Kite Association.
Kites could be seen all over the sky.
PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN
The Arvada Kite Festival saw 12,000 people attend.
DPS school becomes first to grant degrees
Emily Gri th Technical College can award associate degrees, not just certificates
BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT
Denver Public Schools now has a school able to grant students an associate of applied science degree.
House Bill 1221, signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis last week, will allow Emily Gri th Technical College, which is a DPS area technical college, to grant students the associate degree, which is geared toward occupational work. Previously, the postsecondary Emily Gri th school could only o er certi cates in elds such as in accounting, cosmetology, and dental assisting.
Although Colorado students already have the ability to gain a college degree while in high school through dual enrollment or early college programs, districts don’t grant those associate degrees and the DPS school hasn’t had the authority to
GREEN THUMB
Adams said she was drawn to Arvada because of the tight-knit feel of the community there. Her popup previously operated at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market. “I’ve always really enjoyed the commu-
grant an associate degree. Instead, other colleges and universities must award students credentials.
“ is is a transformative moment not just for DPS, but for public education across the country,” said Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero in a Monday news release. “By removing barriers between high school, college, and career, we’re reimagining what it means to truly prepare students for the future.”
Associate of applied science degrees typically help students enter into the workforce or gain skills in speci c trades, such as in information technology, early childhood education, or nursing.
e new law requires the district’s technical college to gain approval for the new degree program from the state board for community colleges and occupational education. e program must also include an apprenticeship program, general education courses, and align with certain occupations.
In recent years, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has pushed to increase K-12 and college connections in the hopes of making higher education more a ordable. at means the state has created more
nity in Arvada,” Adams said. “ ere’s a lot of people there that really love supporting small businesses and supporting their community, and that’s really what attracted me to the area. I love the feeling of Olde Town. I love how they have made it so pedestrian friendly, especially in the wake of COVID.
“And it just really felt like a good place for us to start to put down roots and help to build this already blossoming commu-
opportunities for students to get college experience, such as through the dual or concurrent enrollment and early college programs o ered in high schools.
While DPS is the rst district to have a school with the authority to grant a college degree, the state has already expanded the traditional roles of community colleges and universities.
Some Colorado community colleges are allowed to grant bachelor’s degrees and high school diplomas to adult education students. And universities have the authority to grant associate degrees to certain students.
“ is is how we build equity, open doors of opportunity, and lead with bold vision and unwavering purpose to serve our students,” DPS Board of Education President Carrie Olson said in the news release. It’s unclear how many district-run technical colleges nationwide have associate degree-granting authority, said Josh Wyner, the founder and executive director of the College Excellence Program at the Aspen Institute. e nonpartisan nonpro t’s program aims to improve access to higher education, graduation rates, and students’ ability to get jobs after college.
nity that’s been growing more and more each year,” Adams continued. Sage and Spade opened its doors in February, and is operating with its winter hours for now, though Adams said that the shop will expand its hours when it gets warmer out.
South Dakota does have technical colleges that report to the state’s K-12 education commissioner and can issue degrees, he said. But there are few state examples, he said.
Colorado’s new law shows progress toward the state’s goal to connect more students to employment opportunities post high school, he said. Applied science degrees have high job placement rates.
“It makes sense that the legislature would want more of those conferred,” he said.
ere are possible challenges, he said. Community colleges are built to respond to labor market needs and typically have robust partnerships with employers that aren’t necessarily in place in K-12 districts. Recent studies also show that employers highly value bachelor’s degrees.
“ ese credentials have good value in the labor market,” he said. “But when legislatures are considering the alignment of higher education to the labor market, I’d like to see them to include bachelor’s attainment.”
Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
e shop is currently open from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and ursdays; noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. ey are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
A grand opening party is set for noon to 8 p.m. May 10 from , and Adams said the shop will host makers markets on the second Sunday of the month throughout the summer featuring popups and artisan vendors. More information on workshops and Second Sunday events can be found at sageandspade.com.
Airport parking rates rising in May
Hourly rates increase but premium spots drop by $5
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Denver International Airport is hiking parking fees at some of the airport’s parking lots while cutting the price of Premium Reserve parking starting May 14.
e changes have come as parking management and shuttle costs at DEN have increased by an average of 44.5% over the past three years, according to a Denver International Airport news release. Airport o cials looked at parking rates at airports in other major cities as well as the rates of nearby oairport parking facilities before arriving at the new gures.
e last time DEN increased parking rates was July 15, 2022, the news release states.
“Increasing parking fees will allow DEN to continue investing in its parking facilities and further enhance the customer experience,”
DEN Senior Vice President of Parking and Commercial Transportation Mark Nagel said in the news release. “Our investments include improved lighting, accessibility upgrades and enhanced security features.”
Increased parking fees will also allow DEN to continue to maintain competitive rates for its airlines, so they continue to add ights, bene ting local communities, the news release states. e rate increase is expected to generate more than $3 million in additional revenue per month.
A publication of
DEN o cials say they are committed to offering a diversity of transportation options to and from the airport. RTD buses and trains provide regular service at DEN. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang Outrider service provides transit between DEN and communities on Colorado’s Eastern Plains.
For more information on DEN Parking, including parking facility locations and realtime availability, visit https://www. ydenver. com/parking-and-transportation/parkinglots/.
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The parking rates in this table are e ective starting May 14, 2025.
State’s fight against ozone turns to long term
Colorado asks EPA to downgrade status to ‘severe’
BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado is giving up on meeting mandates for controlling toxic ozone in the next few years, while doubling down on plans that recently passed rules will start to make an impact by 2032.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment o cials say they are asking the federal EPA to preemptively downgrade the Front Range ozone nonattainment zone to “severe” from the current “serious” violation standard, when judged by the 2015 ozone cap of 70 parts per billion.
Recent updated computer modeling of Front Range air shows continuing violations closer to 80 parts per billion, according to Regional Air Quality Council Executive Director Mike Silverstein. e RAQC is an advisory board and not a policy-making agency, but was briefed by the state about the downgrade request.
at means Colorado isn’t projected to meet even the more lax 2008 standard of 75 parts per billion before 2027, Silverstein added.
Yes, it’s confusing: e nine northern counties included in the nonattainment area are on parallel but di erent schedules to cut lung-damaging ozone, one schedule whose clock started with the 2008 regulations and another schedule launched with the tighter 2015 standards.
e bottom line is Colorado is failing on both tracks.
For the 2008 track, Colorado has submitted to the EPA for approval an improvement plan aimed at getting closer to the 75 ppb standard by 2027. On that 2008 track, Colorado has already been downgraded to “severe” violations.
e rst year of monitoring actual ozone for that plan was 2024, “and we didn’t start o well in our rst year,” Silverstein said.
“So we need to have much better summertime air quality these next two years,” he added.
Is that likely?
No. New modeling run by the state “doesn’t predict we’re going to make it to 75” in 2025 or 2026, Silverstein said. “Our emission trends are at,” he said.
e state asking for a “severe” reset on the 2015 track buys time and moves the deadline for achieving 70 ppb to August 2032.
e state’s action, detailed in a letter to the advisory Regional Air Quality Council in late
March, also helps Colorado avoid some of the additional EPA sanctions that would have come from leaving nonattainment in the “serious” category and then o cially exceeding those caps. By moving to “severe,” Colorado avoids having to submit a new improvement plan on the 2015 standards during 2025, and skirts these new sanctions:
SEE OZONE, P15
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Passengers fill the Great Hall at Denver International Airport as they wait to pass through the south security checkpoint on Oct. 22. PHOTO BY HART VAN DENBURG/CPR NEWS
Of love and murder at Arvada Center
Spring is the time for love to be in the air, and nothing quite says romance like a little, well, murder.
e Tony Award-winning musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” has taken to the Arvada Center stage, bringing a healthy dose of dark humor, beautiful music and a unique twist of a love story.
“ e show is a story about a man who goes into a new chapter of his life, but the things he wants for himself might be separate from the relationship he’s in,” said Katie Jackson, who plays Phoebe D’Ysquith in the production. “It’s such a fun show, you can come into it knowing something about it, everything or nothing, and still really enjoy it and pick up the story.”
Directed by Geo rey Kent, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” runs at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Sunday, May 11. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
e musical centers on Monty Navarro (Marco Alberto Robinson), who discovers he’s eighth in line for an earldom in the aristocratic D’Ysquith family. His love interest, Sibella (Adriane Leigh Robinson) is on her way out due to Monty’s poverty, but if he can knock out the eight people ahead of him in the line of succession (all hilariously played by Shabazz Green), then perhaps he has a chance. As he “works” through the family, he meets Phoebe and starts to form a new connec-
ICOMING ATTRACTIONS
tion that might change things.
“ e two women in Monty’s life are really di erent, but they have some interesting similarities as well,” Jackson said. “I’ve played this role before, so it’s fun to revisit and change some of the things I did the last time with Phoebe.”
e music that goes along with the story is an intricate and eclectic blend, running the gamut from more operatic songs to sultry numbers, and even a patter song or two. It requires talented vocalists to pull it o , Jackson said, and noted the cast and ensemble has done a fantastic job bringing the music to life.
In addition to the vocal mastery on display, the show is an impressive display of the way tech can add to a show. It features elaborate projections to give a thrilling visual aspect to the storytelling.
“I’ve never been part of a show where projections and illustrations were utilized so heavily,” Jackson said. “It connects all the pieces in a really fun, light way, and almost feels like a mixed-media piece.”
With so much going on in the world, Jackson hopes the show will prove a delightful and much-needed reprieve for audiences looking for a little fun.
“ is show takes something dark and heavy like murder and love and turns it into an enjoyable evening,” she said.
“You’re going to laugh harder than you think you should and get to have a nice mental break for an evening.”
Information and tickets are available at https://arvadacenter.org/events/a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-and-murder.
See the Journey from Sketch to Canvas at FAC
Longtime Foothills Arts Center educator Janet Nunn has taught countless students about the art of sketching with her quick and rewarding techniques. She’s shown that this kind of illustrative journaling can be a great way to capture moments and scenes while people travel, and now her work is being celebrated at Foothills.
Waypoint: From Sketch to Canvas runs through July 6 at the Arts Center, 1133 Arapahoe St. in Golden. According to provided information, the exhibit features actual sketchbooks, interviews and larger works inspired by the sketches. As part of the show, Foothills partnered with Red Rocks Community College to feature a video element to allow the whole books to be enjoyed contact-free.
More information is available at https:// foothillsartcenter.org/exhibits/waypointfrom-sketch-to-canvas/.
Fishing Season Begins in Greenwood Village
One of the best parts of spring is that shing season is here, and Greenwood Village is celebrating this quintessential pastime with a Fishing Derby, held from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April
Resistance and grit, in the service of others
want to take a moment to tell you about a hero few know.
Virginia Hall was born into a wellto-do family in 1909. She desperately wanted to be a part of the Foreign Service, so she left the comfort of her Baltimore home to study in Europe. Eventually, in the early 1930s, she took a clerical job in the U.S. Embassy in Poland. After relocating to a similar role in Turkey, Hall lost her left leg below the knee in a hunting accident and received a wooden prosthetic leg. She named her prosthesis “Cuthbert,” explaining that something that was going to be with her forever needed “a name”, and after a short convalescence, she continued to pursue her Foreign Service dream.
After being blocked multiple times from entering the U.S. diplomatic service, she eventually became an ambulance driver for the French at the start of World War II. She was later recruited by British Intelligence and served for two years as a British agent in France.
As the rst Allied spy in German-controlled territory, her success in the role was unparalleled. During a 15-month period behind enemy lines, she was often the only Allied source of information on German troop movements and forti cations. With heroic e ort, she was able to establish networks of resistance that operated even after she ed France.
In November of 1942, with German forces close to capturing her, she crossed the Pyrenees on foot, with snow falling and “Cuthbert’s” rivets cutting her stump with every step.
Barely a year after her escape, she was
26 at Tommy Davis Park, 9200 E. Orchard Road.
e family-friendly shing adventure allows anglers of all skill levels to start the season at a stocked pond. e event also features a duck race and pancake breakfast.
Ticket registration is required, so visit https://www.greenwoodvillage. com/1060/Activities-Events to sign up.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — clipping. at the Larimer Lounge Rap music, like any genre, contains multitudes. While most of what gets airplay is often pop-adjacent or party music, there’s a whole scene of underground and experimental performers who are pushing the genre’s boundaries. One of the most well-known is clipping., the trio of rapper Daveed Diggs (of “Hamilton” fame) and producers William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes. ey make some of the most challenging and dense music in any genre, with lyrics full of righteous rage and calls for change.
In support of “Dead Channel Sky,” their latest album, clipping. is coming to the Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. ey’ll be joined by Counterfeit Madison for a night of rewarding music. Information and tickets are available at https://larimerlounge.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
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back in France working for the U.S. precursor to the CIA. In her second 15 months of service, Hall’s work as a wireless operator and resistance organizer was identi ed by General Eisenhower as critical to the success of the D-Day invasion.
Hall was eventually honored, with some of the highest awards of distinction given in France, Britain and the United States. Additionally, the Germans acknowledged her as the most dangerous foreign operative in France, putting up posters and allocating signi cant resources to nding her. eir name for her was “ e Limping Lady.” Virginia Hall was identi ed by friend and foe as a di erence maker.
Even with all these accolades, Virginia Hall has faded from our collective memory. e one group of people who never forgot Hall were those who worked directly with her in France. e resistance hubs she created continued, for decades, after the war, to gather yearly to reminisce. ose who attended the get-togethers said their conversations would always turn to their appreciation for the woman who did so much to help them and France. Even those who argued with her during the war about her initiatives came to appreciate her in re ection.
Virginia Hall wanted, with every ber of her being, to help free France and to make a di erence. In that work, she found in her
very core an ability to persevere. She refused to allow Cuthbert, the dripping misogyny of the time, the loss of dear friends, the German military, criticism of her actions, or any list of hardships to sway her from her work supporting the Allies. In the end, her e orts were spectacularly successful.
I share Hall’s story with you in hopes that when you are in the midst of a struggle you will remember that sometimes we need to set aside the focus on self and turn it toward others. When I am focused on helping others, I do not see the struggles of moving my body, I see the di erence I have made for someone. More importantly, I realize that my heart, not my limp, is what makes a lasting di erence. e same will be true for each of us.
I hope my words encourage you, and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.
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Clarke Reader
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Jim Roome
Watch out for explosives (and rattlesnakes) on Green Mountain in Lakewood
A biker rides onto the trail at William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park. FILE PHOTO
Steer clear of pipes and other possible relics of the area’s military history
BY KYLE HARRIS DENVERITE
As hiking season ramps up, the city of Lakewood is warning residents to steer clear of potential artillery shells in William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain, which looms just west of Denver and its suburbs.
e popular outdoor spot was once the site of the Camp George West Artil-
lery Range, where pre-World War II military training rained artillery shells. e training took part on the north and east side of the park.
“While no new munitions have been discovered recently, it’s important to stay alert,” the city recently cautioned on social media.
If you stay on the trails, as rules require, you’ll probably be ne. But step o for a pee could be riskier.
Authorities are looking for a fix e state’s health department has been working with the National Guard to clean up the park.
SEE MOUNTAIN, P23
Proclaiming Christ from the Mountains to the Plains
www.StJoanArvada.org
12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232
Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat
Confessions: 8am Tue-Fri; 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm
Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am, 5:30pm
“Find Connection…Discover Faith” All Are Welcome
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Green Mountain Presbyterian Church 12900 W Alameda Pkwy Lakewood, CO 80228
303-985-8733
www.gmpc.net
Advertise Your Place of Worship HERE
Join us in person: 1st & 3rd Sundays
7401 W. 59 Ave, Arvada
Other Sundays on Zoom 10:30 am Live Music
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Livingwaterspiritualcommunity@gmail.com 720-576-9193
All Are Welcome
To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From hand painted cross stitch patterns to intricate knitted designs to textile complex quilts, artists and hobbyists alike are drawn to the array of ber arts shops and organizations strewn across the Denver metro.
Owners and employees of these establishments say the Denver ber arts scene is lively and inclusive.
“We all have di erent vibes,” said Marsha Corn, owner of the Tangled Ball. “We all carry some of the same, some di erent, we all specialize. (But) we’re in it for the same reason because we all love ber and we all want to succeed and maybe make our customers love bers as much as we do.”
The Tangled Ball: ‘A community’ e Tangled Ball, located at 5505 W. 20th Ave. in Edgewater, is not just a yarn shop – it’s a vibrant community hub for individuals of all ages and skill levels to come together and engage in the ber arts.
“We have classes here, we have work-
shops here, we have events here,” Corn said. “It’s a safe place for people to come and just hang out and create.”
Corn said her mother inspired her passion for the ber arts, and she was inspired to open the Tangled Ball after sitting in a shop with some friends and wishing there was one similar near where she lived.
“So my mom taught me how to knit and crochet (and) do all that kind of stu ,” Corn said. “I’ve always wanted to open my own business, so I proposed the idea to my husband about (opening) a yarn store, and it was one of the few that he was like, ‘yeah, we could do that.”’
e location Corn chose was ideal because it’s within a marketplace that o ers food, drink and ample parking — creating a perfect environment for a community-centered store.
e Tangled Ball opened its doors in July 2020, after delays caused by the pandemic, and it has since grown into a space that serves many.
For Corn, the best aspect of the Tangled ball is the way it provides support to people.
“We solve each other’s world prob-
lems. We get people through divorces. We get people through breakups. We get people through what to make for dinner. It’s just such a great community,” Corn said.
As a lover of the ber arts, Corn feels di erent forms — such as needlepoint, knitting, crocheting and more — are both for those searching for a hobby and those skilled in the art of all of it.
For Corn, something like a hand-knitted article is a work of art.
“It’s the yarn. e color of the yarn. e texture of the yarn. e composition of the yarn. (It) has linens and silks and rolls blended into it, and it’s just beautiful,” Corn said. “It’s an art form of design patterns. I do say we don’t knit or crochet now out of necessity, we knit out of joy or hobby.”
Corn believes people especially enjoy the ber arts because it allows them to focus on something other than the stresses and challenges of day-to-day life.
“I’m not thinking about all the junk going on up here in the world,” Corn said. “I’m focused on what I’m doing, even if it’s just 10 minutes. I’m not thinking about what to make for dinner. I’m not thinking about politics. I’m not
thinking about religion. I’m just concentrating on what’s in front of me.”
Diversions Needlepoint: ‘Keeping needlepoint alive’
Similar to Corn, Colorado native and co-owner of Diversions Needlepoint, Cari Davis, was inspired by her late mother to practice the art of needlepoint. It was her passion for the art that eventually led her to pursue it as a career.
“I saw her doing it and wanted to do it,” Davis said. “(I love) the color, the people, the challenge, the creativity, and I love the tactile. I enjoy the kinesthetic.”
Davis and her mother, Mary Lou Kidder, initially opened Diversions in Vail. It is now located at 410 W. Hampden Ave., and for over 50 years, the store has brought ber arts supplies and knowledge to people throughout Colorado. Davis now runs the shop with her own daughter, Mandy Adams, who grew up in the ber business – even making her rst project, a belt, at the age of 4.
One of hundreds of quilts on display throughout the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum in Golden. This quilt was created by David Taylor. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
FIBER ARTS
Adams brought her own artistic talents to the shop, o ering custom design services such as hand-painted canvases for needlepoint projects. Her ability to turn a customer’s vision into a unique work of art quickly became a hallmark of the store.
“I was just born artistic,” Adams said. “I always drew and painted and played with color from the time I was just a little one. (I am) awful at math and everything else, but I can kind of draw.”
e sta at Diversions, a mix of paid employees and volunteers, is knowledgeable and passionate about needlepoint. Many of the sta members have been with the shop for years, ensuring that customers always receive expert guidance and support.
“We’ve got a great group of women and wonderful people that volunteer here to help people,” Davis said. “Every day is di erent. You never know what’s going to happen or who’s going to walk in the door, and that makes it fun.”
Adams said she enjoys the challenge and the creative aspect of her art.
“You’re making heirlooms,” Adams said.
As the shop celebrates over ve decades of business, it remains committed to providing a welcoming space where people can explore their creativity, build connections and nd inspiration.
For Davis and Adams, it’s not just about selling products — it’s about building a community of makers.
“We hope to keep making people happy and inspire future generations and to keep needlework alive,” Davis said.
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: ‘All about stories’
Another institution that works to educate and foster a community of ber arts enthusiasts is the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum in Golden.
Located at 200 Violet St. Suite 140, this museum is dedicated entirely to the history, teaching and fundamentals of quilting.
“It’s a place where people really nd an opportunity to experience what quilts are all about,” said Holly Bailey, the museum’s education manager. “And quilts are all about stories — stories of the people who made the quilts, stories of people who owned the quilts and got to experience the quilts. Even brand new quilts, the makers, almost always have a story of why they made the quilt or things that happened along the way while they were making it.”
e museum has over 850 quilts in its permanent collection and about 150 quilts in its educational collections.
“(With) the permanent collection, preservation is kind of the primary thing that we’re concerned with, and then exhibiting so that people can see those quilts,” Bailey said.
e education collection contains quilts that don’t make it into the permanent collection.
“ ey’re still really valuable for education purposes,” Bailey said. “So we use those quilts to be able to bring them out. We take them out in trunk shows around the community and (country). e audience can touch
them. So the education collection has the ones that you can get up close and personal with.”
For Bailey, quilting began not as a lifelong passion, but as a deeply personal project.
“I started doing it for kind of a strange reason,” Bailey said. “My sister was a quilter and she was the major caretaker for my parents and lived very close to them. I lived 1,500 miles away.”
Bailey said her mother had Alzheimer’s. So as a way to help her stay engaged in the story of her life, Bailey and her sister decided to make a quilt of their mother’s memories.
“She could talk about it and it didn’t really matter whether she was right or wrong or anything, but it was conversational and it would be something that she would get to enjoy,” Bailey said.
Based on her experience, Bailey believes many people begin quilting due to sentimental purposes and then just fall in love with the storytelling element of the art.
“I think a lot of people get involved because of friends or family or somebody else,” Bailey said. “Maybe they learn it from their relatives or people they’re around. But it’s very creative. Most of the time it’s very relaxing. Touching fabric has a value in and of itself. It’s almost like giving somebody a hug when you give them a quilt because it’s something that’s going to wrap around them and they’re going to nd comfort in it.”
Bailey said many di erent people — from children to seniors — visit and enjoy all the services the museum has to o er, including its extensive library and classes.
Classes range from beginner quilting to advanced textile arts, with topics like hand-stitching, machine quilting and even digital-to-fabric design. One recent class explored how to turn a photograph into a quilt, using technology to manipulate and print images on fabric.
Another key highlight is the museum’s summer kids’ camp. Running for four weeks in June, the camp o ers young artists, ages 8 to 16, the opportunity to design and complete their own quilts.
“ ey do everything,” Bailey said. “From the design of it through all of the sewing, all of the quilting, the binding.”
e museum also o ers free community groups, including hand-stitching circles, study groups and technique-focused clubs.
Despite the richness of the ber arts scene in the Denver metro area, Bailey feels there’s room for deeper collaboration.
“ ere’s a lot of variety, but we don’t come together very often and really trade ideas and crossover in our teaching,” Bailey said. “It would be nice if we could maybe be a little more intentional about that.”
One step toward greater unity is an upcoming partnership with the Embroidery Guild of America. e two groups will share knowledge through workshops, such as one on crazy quilts, which often incorporate intricate embroidery.
e team has recently expanded into a third unit of their building, with hopes to eventually occupy the entire space. e overall goal is to create a full- edged quilting and ber arts complex and a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Owner of the Tangled Ball Marsha Corn spins yarn for a customer on a wheel at her shop located in the Edgewater Public Market. The market address is 5505 W. 20th Ave. in Edgewater.
Co-owners of Diversions Needlepoint and mother and daughter Cari Davis and Mandy Adams stand among the thousands of skeins of thread available at their shop located at 410 W. Hampden Ave. in Englewood. PHOTOS
ELISABETH SLAY
Sand Creek memorial coming to Capitol steps
Statue replacing Civil War soldier that was removed in 2020
BY LUCAS BRADY WOODS KUNC
In front of descendants of Sand Creek Massacre survivors, Colorado lawmakers unanimously greenlighted a memorial sculpture to commemorate the 1864 atrocity at the State Capitol.
“Our hope is that this memorial will be a turning point when Colorado says, ‘We are not afraid to confront our past because we believe in a just and honest future,’” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, a ornton Democrat and sponsor of the memorial resolution.
Both chambers unanimously approved the proposal for the project that will be built in front of the west steps of the building, overlooking Civic Center Park and downtown Denver.
e bipartisan resolution was co-sponsored in the Senate by Cheyenne Wells’ Republican Rod Pelton. In the House, it was sponsored by Democratic Rep. Tammy Story and Republican Rep. Ty Winter.
e memorial will comprise of a massive, 24-foot-tall sculpture of an Arapaho chief, a Cheyenne chief and a Native American woman holding a child.
e current plan is for the sculpture replace a Civil War statue that was pulled down by protestors in 2020. e location, right in front of the iconic Capitol building, has been boarded o since.
e 1864 Sand Creek Massacre is pos-
sibly the worst atrocity in Colorado history. About 250 Arapaho and Cheyenne civilians, mostly women, children and the elderly, were killed by U.S. troops along Colorado’s eastern plains, near the modern day town of Eads.
Otto Braided Hair is a representative for the Northern Cheyenne and a descendant of Sand Creek Massacre victims. He was on the Senate oor during Monday’s vote on the resolution.
“ ere’s got to be some kind of acknowledgement. at’s a beginning of the healing,” said Braided Hair. “When we rst went to go set up the work on the massacre site, they were unfriendly. Today, the Cheyenne and Arapaho nations are recognized, acknowledged, both unanimous support from the House side and Senate side. And I’m just beside myself.”
Braided Hair and other Sand Creek victims’ descendants have been working for decades to memorialize the massacre at the Capitol. Coming more than a century and a half after the initial event, they say this is just one step in the healing process.
“Restorative justice. is is a good step towards that. We’re not there yet. We still got a long way, but this is a good step,” said Chris Tall Bear, also a descendant of the massacre’s victims and a member of both the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes.
About a dozen other Cheyenne and Arapaho community members joined Tall Bear and Braided Hair to witness the resolution’s passage.
e artist, Gerald Anthony Shippen, said he wants the piece to invoke heroism.
“I’m a conduit, you know, to carry this forth,” said Shippen, who is from Wyoming. “ is is a statue that represents the people who have survived. e gures
will be seven feet tall. So that makes them heroic. e tepee, at about 23 feet tall. at’s pretty much life size, you know, for a tepee.”
e memorial will be installed in 2026.
is story was produced by the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between
KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and e Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Tivoli taphouse closes for good on Auraria Campus
BY ANDREW KENNEY DENVERITE
Tivoli Brewing Company is ending its 10-year run on the Auraria Campus in Denver.
e taphouse has been closed since Dec. 16, but the campus and the beer company said they were working on a new lease.
e Tivoli name has a long history on the campus.
e “Colorado Brewery” was the rst brewery in the state when it opened in Auraria in 1864, according to the Colorado Encyclopedia. It was later renamed as the “Tivoli” brewery, housed in a “one-ofa-kind” structure with “a unique combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo in uences,” according to the encyclopedia.
at never happened, and the closure of the taphouse became o cial with a joint announcement on April 15.
e historic brewery building later became a shopping center and then, in the 1990s, it was transformed into the Tivoli Student Union, serving students of the Auraria Campus.
“We appreciate Tivoli Brewing Company’s contributions over the years and extend our best wishes for their future endeavors,” read a statement from the Auraria Campus, which is home to CU Denver, Community College of Denver and MSU Denver.
Tivoli’s location posed challenges
Ari Opsahl, the CEO of Tivoli Brewing Co., previously said it could be di cult to operate a bar on a college campus.
“Parking can be a challenge. Most of our business is driven by either students on campus, obviously above 21, or events at Ball Arena,” Opsahl told Denverite earlier this year. “When those two things are not there, it is extremely di cult to pull consumers and customers into the taphouse.”
e taphouse was a popular spot for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche fans on their way to Ball Arena.
More recently, Tivoli Brewing Company was resurrected by local entrepreneurs in 2012 and opened a taphouse in the Tivoli Student Union building in 2015.
Tivoli Brewing made beer on-site for several years after opening the taphouse, but moved production to La Junta in 2023.
“ e Tivoli Student Union and the Tivoli Quad names will remain the same,” campus spokesperson Devra Ashby wrote in an email. “ e Auraria Campus is in talks with a potential partner about the space. We will release more information when we are able.”
e building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
is story is from Denverite, a Denver news site. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite. com.
Otto Braided Hair of the Northern Cheyenne and Chris Tall Bear of the Cheyenne and Arapaho stand in the Colorado Capitol rotunda on April 14. Both are descendants of Sand Creek Massacre victims and were at the statehouse to witness a resolution to build a memorial for the atrocity on Capitol grounds. PHOTO BY LUCAS BRADY WOODS/KUNC
Thu 4/24
Young Jesus @ 7pm
Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver
Dante Must Die: Lost Lake Presents Cheerleader Roadkill @ 7pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Level Up @ 10pm
The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver
Fri 4/25
Pinkowitz @ 7pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Steve Hofstetter (18+ Event) @ 8pm
Plain Faraday: Larimer Square
Spring Fling @ 2pm Larimer Square, 1430 Larimer St, Den‐ver
Denco @ 5pm The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, 1881 Curtis Street, Denver
Tommy Fleece @ 5:30pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Crokomoko @ 4pm
The Karma House - Kava Bar, 608 Gar‐rison St e, Lakewood
Tue 4/29
SPY @ 6pm
Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver
Glare @ 7pm
Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver
Dorothy @ 8pm
Oriental Theatre-CO, Denver
Wed 4/30
Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Ave, Denver
HURTBOX @ 7pm
Social Animals Solo - Denver, COGoosetown Tavern @ 8pm Goosetown Tavern, 3242 East Colfax Ave, Den‐ver
Sat 4/26
Learn at Mrs. Browns: Derby Hat Workshop @ 12pm / $50
Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver
Paramount Theatre Club Seating: Chris D'Elia @ 7pm Paramount Theatre, Denver
Chris D'Elia Parking @ 7:01pm
Paramount Theatre Denver, 1621 Glenarm, Den‐
ver
Chrispy @ 9pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania, Denver. asalutz@historic denver.org Sun 4/27
Eric Martinez Band @ 5pm Lot 46 Music Bar, 5302 W 25th Ave, Edgewater
Little Dragon @ 8pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
MC4D @ 7pm
US Air Guitar @ 8pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver
Mon 4/28
Godspeed You! Black Emperor @ 7pm Ogden Theatre, Denver
David Sedaris @ 7:30pm
Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver
Nada Surf @ 8pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave, Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Fozzy (16+ Event) @ 7pm
Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Ave, Denver
Foxy Shazam @ 7:30pm Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 1st Street, Denver
High Street Joggers Club @ 8pm
Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Jon Wiilde @ 8pm
Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver
CANDIDATES
My experience includes time in municipal, higher education, and non-pro t recreation settings as well as owning my own business that serves professionals in parks, recreation, public health, libraries and non-pro t organizations. I bring a unique combination of industry knowledge, professional relationships, business acumen and community service.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
My family and I have grown up with Apex PRD! From my kids crawling through the Apex Center tree house to swimming lessons, gymnastics, summer camps, and sports at various facilities, we’ve done it all. My husband and I play in the cornhole league, and we love attending special events hosted by the CRC and Apex Foundation. Whether it’s birthday parties, walking the track in winter, or training for the Komen 3-Day, Apex has been our go-to for fun, tness, and community for nearly two decades. If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement?
If re-elected, I’d focus on expanding inclusive programs—meeting the needs for all types of families, people with disabilities, older adults, and more—while strengthening partnerships with libraries, local organizations and the City of Arvada. I’d prioritize clear and open communication between the board and Apex PRD leadership, ensure top-notch care of facilities, and support highquality camps and childcare as sta ng allows. I’m eager to hear community input on the Cooper property, complete the archery range, and plan wisely for growth in northwest Arvada—all while keeping Apex nancially strong and community-focused.
Abby McNeal
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board?
I’m running for re-election to the Apex Board because I’m passionate about creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve everyone in our community. As a dedicated parks and recreation professional and collaborative leader, I bring experience, vision, and a deep commitment to advancing Apex’s mission. I’m focused on completing key projects, planning thoughtfully for future needs, and ensuring every decision we make re ects our community’s values, interests, and accessibility goals. It’s been an honor to serve, and I’m excited about the opportunity to continue shaping the parks,
programs, and facilities that make Apex a cornerstone of connection, wellness, and opportunity.
What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
Abby McNeal brings over 30 years of experience in Parks and Recreation, specializing in sustainable operations for trails, parks, golf, athletic elds, and facilities. Her career includes leadership roles with organizations such as the Denver Broncos, Denver Parks and Recreation, Wake Forest University, and Louisville Parks. She has managed numerous capital projects, including tennis courts, playgrounds, trail improvements, and strategic planning initiatives.
Abby holds a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture from CSU and has served in national and local leadership roles, including as SFMA President. Her service on the Apex Board and Arvada Parks Advisory Board re ects her deep commitment to the community.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
Over the past three years on the Apex Board, I’ve been proud to help lead efforts that have made a real di erence in our community. From opening the Arvada Aquatics Center to expanding summer camps and launching a new archery range, we’ve prioritized access, inclusion, and fun. We partnered with the library, enhanced Indian Tree Golf Course, supported LGBTQ+ youth through Pride Night, and helped over 600 kids get in the game through youth sports. We’ve also stayed connected with key community groups, ensuring Apex remains a vibrant hub for recreation and connection in Arvada.
If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement?
As I seek continued service on the Apex Board, my focus remains on building a stronger, more inclusive and accessible parks and recreation district. With over 30 years of professional experience in sustainable parks and facility operations, I bring a proven ability to guide impactful projects and shape forwardthinking policies. I’m committed to completing current initiatives, expanding equitable access to programs and spaces, and implementing policies that re ect our community’s evolving needs. By listening, collaborating, and leading with purpose, I’ll continue to support Apex in delivering high-quality parks, programs, and facilities that enrich lives and keep our district thriving.
Lynn Emrick
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board?
I’m running for the Apex Park and Rec-
reation District Board because I believe deeply in the value of being an active, engaged member of our community. As a mom to young children, my family regularly enjoys the incredible programs and facilities Apex o ers, and I see rsthand how vital they are to families like mine. I’m excited to bring both my prior board experience and a strong, practical parental perspective to the table—ensuring that our parks and rec services continue to meet the needs of all ages. I want to help shape a community where all families, seniors, and adults feel supported, included, and inspired to thrive. What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
I bring a strong and diverse background from serving on several boards, where I’ve gained valuable experience in strategic planning, budget oversight, and long- and short-term decision-making. rough this work, I’ve developed a solid understanding of scal responsibility, sta development, and community engagement—all of which I believe are essential to supporting and growing the impact of Apex Parks and Rec.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
As a mom of three young kids, it often feels like we live at Apex! From skateboarding camps to 30 for 30 basketball, our family has participated in a wide range of sports and programs. We’ve hosted and attended birthday parties, splashed through the various swimming facilities, and taken part in countless community events and art classes. Apex plays such an important role in our everyday lives and truly serves families in so many meaningful ways. It’s more than just a rec district—it’s a hub for connection, growth, and fun in our community.
If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement?
As a regular user of Apex Park and Rec, I’ve always appreciated how clean, accessible, and welcoming the facilities are. I’m continually impressed by the number of people it serves each day— and the consistently high quality of programs and experiences it provides. My goal is to help ensure Apex remains accessible and inclusive for families of all sizes, so that both kids and adults can continue to explore a wide variety of interests, activities, and hobbies.
Robert Zimmerer
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board?
Arvada is growing and we need to make sure our community continues to have healthy and innovative options to keep pace with demand for recreation. I’ve got a lot of energy and ideas for how to contribute to ongoing Apex success. I want to make sure all the activities I’ve enjoyed growing up in Colorado are available to my kids and grandkids. What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
I’m a creative problem solver with decades of experience in business with customer support and advanced communication applications. I’m trained to identify root causes and foster team collaboration to nd a solution.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
We purchased our home in Arvada two years ago and our experience with Apex has been limited so far, however all our involvement with Apex has been impressive so far. I’m a Colorado native and can appreciate the unique setup Apex o ers Arvada - we don’t want to take it for granted.
If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement?
My rst day I will approach this as any other business situation. I make no assumptions about what is possible until I have a rm understanding of resource utilization, prioritized issues, and existing plans/budget of the Executive Director and sta that can only be gleaned once in the role.
Bob Loveridge
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board? As an Arvada Native, I have enjoyed being involved most of my adult life in the community working to make this a better place to live. My wife and I have two great boys, and I have had a local business since shortly after graduating from Arvada West High School of which I am a proud Hall of Fame member.
What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
Served on many Boards and Commissions. A few are, Arvada Fire Board, Apex Park & Recreation Board, Je erson County Building Code Board, Arvada Board of Adjustments, and taught the blind to ski in the blind skier program. Being a business owner I understand budget’s and how a business should run. With my extensive Board service I have an understanding of how to solve problems, develop plans forward and look toward future projects and then carrying out those plans. At Apex I helped shape the District into what it is today. Likewise Arvada Fire is now ranked in the top 100 Fire Departments in the Nation and one of the most respected agencies. Brought Fairmont Fire into Arvada Fire so they are both stronger and better. Constructed two new Fire Stations. And I even create some fun with the Fireghters Car Fest.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
While serving on the Apex Board I have been involved with many projects and development of programs. A few things that I accomplished are the Apex Center, Indian Tree Golf Club, Simms Street Center, Apex Field House, Pickleball Courts. Developed many of the Ball Fields that are enjoyed today. If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement?
With e School District closing many schools and disposing of the schools we are losing facilities to use for Youth Sports. We need to nd ways to meet the large need for our youth.
Make Apex Sustainable for many years to come. Continuing to have Apex be a Recreation District that is loved, used and a ordable.
Liz Tomsula
Why are you running for a seat on the Apex Park and Recreation District Board?
I am passionate about our park and recreation district and hope to earn your vote for my 3rd term. I was rst elected in 2018 and have seen the district through COVID, strategic planning initiatives, and successful growth and commitment to our community.
I enjoy working and learning alongside Apex sta and advocating for the needs of the district. I see rsthand the immediate value the facilities and programming o er to those in our community, all while o ering a destination unlike many around us for those outside of the district.
CANDIDATES
What experiences in your background do you feel make you quali ed to serve on the Apex Board?
I have dedicated my professional career to the nonpro t sector in Colorado and abroad. I have a Master’s in Nonpro t Management, experience writing grants, and working together to build e ective programs. I worked in youth sports for nearly 10 years and currently work for a scienti c research nonpro t organization.
Speci cally on the Apex board, I have served as board member, secretary-treasurer, and currently serve as vice-president. I’m proud of where we are as a district and am incredibly proud of the new Arvada Aquatics Center, an amazing example of JeffCo Schools, City of Arvada, and Apex working together to bring a state of the art new facility to the district. I plan to continue to work with our community and help the district grow and develop alongside our thriving Arvada community. Responsibility, community, and accountability are at the forefront of every decision I make.
What has your involvement with Apex over the years looked like?
I’m an Arvada native and along with my husband we are raising our two young daughters in this beautiful community. I grew up going to the Apex Center, playing soccer, swimming, and dedicating many hours to my mediocre golf game at Indian Tree Golf Course.
I love the facilities we have in our community and love the diversity of programming they o er, there is truly something for everyone.
If elected, what are some immediate policies, projects or initiatives you would like to address or implement? As a part of Apex’s strategic initiative community survey it was very evident that our community is not interested in more, rather the focus should be on improving what we already have. is feedback has driven so many of the decisions we have already made. I want to continue to support the programming we have, react to the needs in our community (ex: more summer camp options and after-school care), and continue to foster a district that exceeds the needs of all users. I hold being a good steward of taxpayers dollars at the forefront of every decision and am incredibly proud of the district’s strong scal accountability.
TRIAL
Je erson County Deputy District Attorney Katharine Decker painted a di erent picture with her opening statement, arguing that it was, in fact, Koenig who threw the fatal rock and that Koenig celebrated when the rock made impact.
“ e defendant reaches across his body, grabs this landscaping rock with his left dominant hand and throws it outside the driver’s side window as she passes like a shot put,” Decker said. “It makes a huge sound, and as the forensic pathologist who did the autopsy will tell you, this rock blew through her head like a cannon as the defendant literally blows
OZONE
• A requirement that proposed pollutants from new or modi ed large-source facilities be o set 2-to-1 by emissions cuts elsewhere in the nine-county area before projects could move forward.
• Federal highway funding sanctions that could hold back money for important Colorado transportation projects.
Colorado’s request does involve, though, adding some new territory into the nonattainment area. Far northern Weld County will now be included, along with the remainder of Weld, part of Larimer, and all of Boulder, Je erson, Denver, Broom eld, Adams, Douglas and Arapahoe counties. e change means new oil and gas developments in northern Weld will be subject to more state scrutiny in permitting.
Does Colorado have any chance of making big improvements in those outlying years, even with the bonus time from seeking the second “severe” downgrade?
Colorado and RAQC o cials cite these recent laws or policies as examples of potentially e ective ozone-cutting practices that could start changing the results on monitors by 2030 to 2032:
• Ongoing state subsidies for purchasing clean electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, attacking ozone in the stubborn area of transportation.
her brains out.
“He whoops as … this rock crashes through her back windshield,” Decker continued. “He says, ‘Holy shit,’ as this rock deposits part of her brain tissue on the side of the road before it lands in the grass covered in her DNA. e defendant is excited. You will hear that from his co-defendants. e defendant is the one who threw this rock.”
Decker said Koenig then turned around, drove up to where Bartell’s car had careened o the road, and did not check on her, nor did he or any of his friends call 911.
“ e evidence will show you he didn’t do those things for Alexa Bartell, but he did do something for himself, which was tell his friends, ‘Take this secret to the grave,’” Decker said. “’We’re blood brothers.’ Now the defendant doesn’t want anyone to ever know he’s the one who threw this rock that
killed Alexa Bartell.”
Koenig unsuccessfully attempted to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, but was found capable of standing trial.
Later in the proceedings, Bartell’s mother and girlfriend of two years gave their testimony. Bartell’s girlfriend, Jenna Griggs, was on the phone with Bartell, who was traveling north on Indiana Street to see her the night of her death.
When the call dropped, Griggs called Bartell’s mother and tracked her location to the eld her car had come to a stop in. Griggs was the rst to discover Bartell’s body, and waited at the scene until rst responders arrived. Bartell was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Testimonies are expected to continue throughout the afternoon and into the coming days.
• A series of new rules meant to cut ozone and greenhouse gas-causing emissions from the oil and gas industry, including “midstream” controls at oil and gas gathering and pipeline operations, and sharp cuts to allowed nitrogen oxide produced in upstream oil and gas.
• Rebates to buy clean lawn and garden equipment and restrictions on when large institutional users of gas-powered
equipment can use the highly polluting engines in high ozone summer months.
• Advanced clean trucks rules requiring makers of heavy-duty commercial vehicles to start selling an increasing percentage of electric or otherwise clean-fuel models beginning in the 2027 model year.
Colorado’s request for a downgrade, said RAQC spokesman David Sabados, “in no way reduces our sense of urgency.” is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Downtown Denver under hazy air seen on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY/THE COLORADO SUN
SPORTS
Sideline diagnosis: Trainer spots a rare condition
Standley Lake standout Graham grateful for eagle-eyed team trainer
BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Every year, adversity hits high school athletes like “Good Riddance” by Green Day during a graduation ceremony. But not many have faced the challenges Liam Graham has in his high school career.
For the past three years, the Standley Lake High School senior struggled to identify the cause of the sharp pains in his legs and body.
Still, he didn’t stop playing football or running track, battling through the pain to try to live like an average student athlete. However, Graham’s athletic trainer would play a pivotal role in providing not just relief but also mental and medical support, as she knew what he was going through better than most.
Spotting the red flags
“It was a lot of stabbing pains, like when I was running,” Graham said. “It felt like I’d get stabbed in the leg, and it would just ache all day throughout the entire shin. It just wouldn’t go away all day, even after running.”
No stranger to the wear and tear that being a two-sport athlete can bring, it was his sophomore year when Graham realized something more signi cant was wrong.
“We were doing a workout, and at the end of it, my legs were wobbling as I walked, and I think that’s probably the moment I remember being like, ‘Oh, that’s bad,’” Graham said.
Several doctors thought they knew the cause: shin splints, as some of Graham’s symptoms were consistent with those. So, treatment was implemented. Graham would miss practices to let his body heal before playing in the games, spending every day with the trainers to try and nd some relief to get ready to play. Adrenaline and pain meds would carry him through the games but bring him some rough nights full of discomfort, to say the least.
“Sleeping was very painful after the ibuprofen and adrenaline wore o ,” he said. “ e adrenaline helped a lot, so once that was gone, it was very rough nights most of the time.”
To make matters worse, the treatments weren’t working, and Graham and his family scrambled for answers.
Some answers at last
It wasn’t until Mercedes Steidley, Graham’s athletic
trainer at Standley Lake and with the Children’s Hospital Colorado Orthopedics Institute, posed a question: Could it be compartment syndrome?
“As soon as he said the treatment for shin splints wasn’t getting any better, and that his foot starts to op as he was walking, I knew right away that was a red ag for me,” Steidley said, who has battled compartment syndrome herself for over a decade.
“And so we referred him to Children’s Hospital Colorado with one of our providers, who then did the diagnosis for compartment syndrome.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a “compartment” is the medical term for a group of muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Compartments are covered by a fascia — a thin, rm membrane.
Compartment syndrome occurs when additional pressure builds up inside a compartment, and as a result, muscles press against the fascia more than they should. It’s a very rare condition, with fewer than 10 in 100,000 people experiencing it yearly.
Steidley said she was relieved when they found out the diagnosis in Graham but felt daunted for him about the potential difculties to come. Her own battle has been a struggle for years, including 16 total surgeries.
“My journey was a little bit different because mine was trauma-based,” she said. “Liam had mentioned he could lose his leg if he fractured it, and we didn’t catch the compartment syndrome. at was my journey. I
painful days, he would just come in almost defeated, not knowing if he was going to be able to practice or if he was going to be able to play on Friday nights,” Steidley said. “And that was tough, really tough to see. ... He’s a really strong kid. It’s been a pleasure working with him. He comes in every day, just in so much pain, but wants nothing more than to be out on the eld pain-free.”
Another scary — and even rarer — diagnosis
His parents, Brent and Amy Graham, are relieved to nally understand what their son has been dealing with for most of his high school journey. Unfortunately, the compartment syndrome diagnosis, while shedding clarity on Graham’s turmoil, led to the discovery of another, even scarier condition.
drome experience, Steidley said doctors were trying to save muscle that had already been damaged due to a leg injury she su ered.
Not being able to save as much muscle as they hoped, Steidley said she is left with 30% function in her leg. So, early intervention is everything, she explained.
“De nitely having the intervention and the knowledge right o the bat saved, I think, both of us a heartache,” she said. “Because if he was out there with that increased pressure in that
compartment, and then he fractured his leg, now that’s an overload of blood ow, which can then cut o blood ow to the muscle, and then the muscle actually dies. ... So, the sooner we can catch it to prevent that from
Now, having an idea of what they’re dealing with, paired with Steidley’s experience and wisdom on the subject, they’ve been able to make progress in nding him relief.
On top of ibuprofen being his MVP, Graham said they’ll often do cupping or needling, which helps. But it’s still a struggle, and he’s working tirelessly to get back to where he was before this condition plagued him, Steidley said.
“It was tough. Liam’s a talkative, goofy kid, and on those
“It’s incredible to have answers because for three years, he experienced debilitating leg pain, and it got dismissed time and time again by various orthopedic doctors as shin splints,” Amy said. “And thank goodness for Mercedes. Given her personal experience and her skills, she was able to notice things, and it brought him to the doctor that said, ‘Absolutely, I think he has compartment syndrome,’ and got treatment for it. But it’s just really unfortunate because he also has this incredibly rare artery condition as well.”
Graham was diagnosed with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), which only a ects between 0.17% and 3.5% of the general population, according to the National Library of Medicine.
PAES is a rare vascular condition that results in a person’s calf muscle pressing on the popliteal artery (the main artery behind the knee), stopping or trapping it, making blood ow di cult or impossible to the lower leg and foot.
“When they did pulse checks, he actually didn’t have a pulse in his foot,” Amy said. Since learning of his two new conditions, Graham has endured four surgeries: two for compartment syndrome and two for PAES.
“During the two surgeries that he just (most recently) endured the last couple of months in the operating room, they actually checked his pulse, and he had a pulse for the rst time (in his foot),” Amy said. “And his foot was warm because he actually had blood ow for the rst time. And we don’t know how long that (had been).” ey could only operate on one leg at a time, which resulted in weeks of Graham being bedridden.
Standley Lake senior Liam Graham and athletic trainer Mercedes Steidley pose for a photo at the Gators’ football field. Graham is a multi-sport athlete in football and track, and is back on the field after several years of health issues Steidley helped discover. PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW
Liam Graham smiles for a photo after one of four surgeries he endured for both compartment syndrome and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). COURTESY PHOTO
Real ballpark figures
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Colorado School of Mines baseball and softball teams’ graduating seniors are a bit like Golden’s weather in the spring: Never underestimate them, because whatever they do, they will make a statement doing it.
With only a few games left in the 2025 regular season, each team was celebrating ve departing seniors during their nal home series.
On April 17, the Mines baseball team split its Senior Day doubleheader with UCCS, winning the rst game 8-0 but los-
ing the second 6-4.
After the second game, the team recognized its ve departing seniors: catcher Ryan Vermeer, right-hand pitcher Matthew Dobberthien, shortstop Canon Humphreys, and out elders Mason Andrews and Wayne Moeck.
e ve Orediggers had a strong Senior Day showing.
Humphreys was one of three Mines players who hit .500 for the day, nishing the doubleheader with three runs and four RBIs, thanks to a double and a homer. His home run was his third of the season and sixth at Mines.
Dobberthien and Andrews also had
Colorado School of Mines redshirt junior Taylor Wayne pitches during an April 13 home game against Adams State. Mines won all four April 12-13 games against Adams State, advancing to 17-29 for the season ahead of its April 18-19 games at CSU Pueblo.
strong pitching and hitting stats, respectively.
After April 17, Mines was 12-31 overall and 7-19 in conference play. Due to snowy conditions April 18, the second doubleheader against UCCS was pushed to April 19.
e baseball team was scheduled to close out its 2025 regular season April 2527 at Colorado Christian.
Meanwhile, the Mines softball team was scheduled to play at CSU Pueblo April 1819. Going into the weekend, the Orediggers were 17-29 overall and 16-19 in conference play.
After CSU Pueblo, Mines was set to host
New Mexico Highlands April 25-26 for the nal series of the regular season. Weather permitting, the team were planning to recognize graduating seniors Allison Westbrook, Lexie Semeyn, Hannah Roberts, Kailey Morales and Cassidy Chvatal after the April 26 doubleheader. Chvatal recently made headlines after breaking the program’s single-season home run record of 15. Going into the April 18-19 games at CSU Pueblo, she had recorded 19 home runs for the 2025 season, which ranks among the top three in NCAA Division II, according to Mines Athletics.
Normally an active teenager, it was tough to be stuck to his bed, watching TV and simply waiting to get his legs back, he said.
“It was overwhelming,” said Graham, who said it was di cult not to feel defeated or wallow in his reality. “Sometimes, you just had to sit at practice and watch them run, and it’s kind of draining a little bit.”
A grateful and hopeful future
Fast forward to the present day: Graham is stretching and getting ready for track and eld practice in his nal year as a Standley Lake Gator. e next day, he will compete in four track events. He is 10 weeks out from his most recent surgery. Steidley is there, going through some treatment with him before he takes o .
As of now, the pain is still there, but it’s much more manageable. And spirits are up.
Fortunately, he was able to delay his surgeries until after the season ended last year and was able to run at state. He’s eager to get back to the big stage in 2025 and spoke about his goals in his nal season.
“Last year, we broke two school records in the relays, and the other two would be cool to break,” he said. “And then rebreak those and then just go to state for all the relays again.”
March is National Athletic Training Month.
Steidley’s athletic trainer helped her through her rehab at her small Division
II college in New Mexico. She saw the impact it had on her mental and physical recovery and knew this was the career for her as well.
“ at’s what got me into it,” said Steidley, who has been a trainer in Colorado for close to six years. “It allows you to spend time with athletes. I really struggled with not having the athlete title, but I still feel like I’m an athlete, so that is kind of my way of staying in the athlete world. I get to see kids at their worst, and then we spend every single day together to get them into their favorite spot to see them at their best. So that is the most rewarding part of this whole thing.”
Amy wants parents to recognize how important athletic trainers are to their child’s sports journey.
“Most parents, I would bet, don’t even know her name, which is crazy because they play such an integral role in an athlete’s health,” Amy said. “She had a hunch, and from that moment, we were communicating sometimes multiple times a week. So I’m just very grateful for that. I think that the mental toll that this has taken would have been far worse had he not had somebody like Mercedes to support him and motivate him and give him hope.”
What’s next for Graham? He’s still holding out hope to play college sports, perhaps as a walk-on, but he now wants to become an athletic trainer to help others like Steidley helped him.
“Listen to your athletic trainers,” Graham said. “ ey normally know more than you do. Also, listen to your body. If you know something’s wrong, trust yourself, but don’t think everything’s wrong. But trust yourself to ask questions about it.”
We will discuss:
Join us from 11 AM – 1 PM for a free lunch and to hear directly from Dr. Lakatosh, from PCM Impairments, about the additional benefits you could be eligible for.
H Ways to receive up to an additional $250,000 in compensation.
H How to use your EEOICPA benefits for your respiratory health concerns, cancers, and other common illnesses.
H When you are next eligible for your FREE Impairment Evaluation and begin the process of scheduling an appointment.
H Resources for beryllium sensitivity testing, adding consequentialillness, and other medical testing.
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, May 6 th
IMPORTANT MEETING FOR ROCKY FLATS & COORS PORCELAIN WORKERS
Alex Honeyman, a junior left-handed pitcher, pitches for Colorado School of Mines during the April 13 home game against Regis. Honeyman is one of five departing seniors the team will celebrate during its April 17-19 Senior Day weekend. PHOTOS BY VICTORIA KOWALCZYK/MINES ATHLETICS
CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ
1. MOVIES: Which animated movie was the rst to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award?
2. GEOGRAPHY: Interior and exterior lm shots of Alnwick Castle in England are featured in the rst two movies of which lm series?
3. TELEVISION: What was the last name of the family in the sitcom “Married ... With Children”?
4. LITERATURE: For which category is the Caldecott Medal awarded?
5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Also known as a double eagle, what is the golf term for scoring three under par on a hole?
6. ANATOMY: What is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood?
7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the rst to name a woman as a Cabinet member?
TrIVIa
8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby toad called?
9. FOOD & DRINK: Which fast-food chain’s secret ingredient is 11 herbs and spices?
10. ASTRONOMY: How many moons does Mars have?
Answers
1. “Beauty and the Beast.”
2. “Harry Potter.”
3. Bundy.
4. Outstanding children’s picture books.
5. Albatross.
6. Hemoglobin.
7. Franklin D. Roosevelt named Frances Perkins as Labor Secretary.
8. Tadpole.
9. Kentucky Fried Chicken.
10. Two: Phobos and Deimos.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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and Bernedoodles
MOUNTAIN
Historic Camp George West was used as an Army training ground between 1903 and 1939. e Hayden family leased the land to the military for training in small arms and artillery. Soldiers in training would shoot 75 mm shrapnel shells and high explosive projectiles at the mountain. It’s not clear exactly where the guns were red from. City employees and members of the public have discovered leftover munitions in recent decades. Back in 2010, a resident found a 75 mm projectile on the park’s north side, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In the years since the National Guard conducted a cleanup and found ve more shells. Even after the cleanup, a city worker found another shell o trail.
The Army’s cleanup has begun.
e Army National Guard agreed to clean up a 466-acre area of William F. Hayden Park, digging up munitions. e project started in 2020 and is ongoing.
e state health department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are involved in the cleanup.
Despite the likely presence of munitions, the park remains open for recreation, except for closures when necessary.
It’s not just exploding munitions the Army needs to worry about: Coyotes and mountain
lions also make claim to the park, and Green Mountain is lousy with rattlesnakes.
Lakewood spelled out the three Rs of munitions safety: recognize, retreat and report.
Keep an eye out for anything that looks like a pipe or metal objects. If you see something, don’t go playing with it.
“Assume it could be dangerous,” the city wrote.
Don’t touch it.
Don’t move it.
Don’t disturb it.
“Carefully leave the area the way you came,” the city said.
Once you’ve retreated, call 911 immediately. e same rules apply to Lakewood residents near Green Mountain who have also found munitions in their lawns.
BALLPARK
Chvatal also has a shot at breaking the program’s single-season RBI record, as the record is 64, and she had 58 going into the road games at CSU Pueblo.
She and Semeyn are also the rst teammates since 2012 with 10-plus home runs in the same season.
e Orediggers have a small chance of advancing to the RMAC playo s, Mines Athletics sta said, but it’s been a very tough season overall.
e Orediggers played one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation, as ve of their rst nine opponents were either nationally ranked or were receiving votes.
Once it kicked o conference play, Mines remained competitive, winning four series, including sweeping Adams State April 12-13. Meanwhile, the team also had to replace three in eld starters, navigate a few season-ending injuries, and gure out some position changes.
For more information on the Mines baseball and softball teams’ nal games, visit MinesAthletics.com.
