Method and Muse Spirits opens Arvada tasting room
BY RYLEE DUNN
When Method and Muse Spirits got started a little over a year ago, it was a way for a group of scientist friends to create a di erent kind of alchemy.
Now, on the heels of a slew of awards and a growing following, the company has opened a tasting room in Olde Town Arvada where folks can sample their spirits or try a craft cocktail.
Founded by Aubrey Wigner, a professor at Colorado School of Mines; James McCall, an energy analyst at NREL; Rudy Sosa, who has been working in chemical synthesis; Ethan Tsai, a chemist and former professor and Sharlissa Moore, a former professor who works at the Paci c Northwest National Laboratory, the company doesn’t necessarily have traditional distillery roots — though Tsai formerly ran Tivoli Brewing in Denver.
Wigner said the idea for a gin and amaro company came from the friend group’s shared love of food from around the world.
“We used to do all these food nights, where we would pick a culture or a location in the world, and we would make food from that place,” Wigner said. “And that’s kind of how we celebrated and got together. So years later, we started doing the same thing with spirits, and we said to ourselves, ‘How could we make a bittersweet or liqueur that captures the essence of Caribbean food or ai food or Japanese food?’
“ at’s kind of how we just got into this; we’re all just big avor hounds and foodies,” Wigner continued. “And we just started playing a lot with avors, and realized along the way that people were really excited about it.”
Now, Method and Muse o ers four gin varieties: Persepolis, a Persian spiced gin; Izakaya, a Japanese sipping gin; Floral Alchemy, a French style gin and Bergamot
Dreams, an elevated cocktail gin. e distillery also makes amari, an Italian bittersweet liqueur. Amaro is historically used for medicinal purposes, and while Method and Muse’s don’t necessarily have healing powers, they’re designed to play o of that history.
“We realized that every culture on the planet had, at some point, grabbed herbs, alcohol and sugar, and mixed those things to make a drink, to make you feel better,” Wigner said. “For us, amaro is like (an homage to) the history of it is like cultures taking herbs, putting it in alcohol to preserve it and extract avors.”
Method and Muse has four amaro varieties, including a Caribbean Amaro, an Akajiso Ginger Amaro, a ai Amaro and e Bartender’s Salute, which Wigner says combines ingredients that service industry workers hold near and dear.
June 17 Arvada City Council briefs
Residents will see 3.5% rate increase for trash hauling, opt-out fee to stay the same
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Arvada had a busy city council meeting on June 17, as the council passed an anticipated 3.5% rate increase for trash hauling, approved a new intergovernmental agreement with the Je erson County Public School District relating to school resource o cers, and presented members of the Jefferson County Public Library with a proclamation for Juneteenth. e trash hauling increase was rst discussed at the June 3 meeting, when the city council directed the city team to clarify language about roll-o events and other terms of the contract amendment with Republic Services, which has been Arvada’s trash hauler since 2020.
At the June 17 meeting, City Councilmember Shawna Ambrose thanked the city team for addressing her concerns about the language in the contract and introduced a motion in support of the resolution, which passed 6-0. Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moorman was absent from the meeting.
Jacqueline Rhoades, Arvada’s infrastructure director, laid out the terms of the contract amendment before the council vote and stated that the opt-out fee for residents who utilize a hauler other than Republic will stay the same through 2028.
“ is resolution allows for the contract to extend to July 2028 to allow the minimum service opt-out fee charged by Republic to be held at the current amount of $4.55 per month through that date,” Rhoades said. “ e solid waste services fee schedule is being updated to re ect a price increase from our public services in accordance with our contract. “ e increase in fees is 3.5% as demonstrated by Republic Services with the National Water, Sewer and Trash Index,” Rhoades continued. “Bills increase from 59 cents to 90 cents (depending on service level).”
25th Annual Kids Fishing Contest sees some reel big fi shes
Over 200 children aged 3 to 14 angle for the best catch
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Arvada Kids Fishing Contest has become a staple of many local youngsters’ summer festivities, and the 25th iteration of the event was sure to bring in novice anglers and experienced casters alike. is year’s contest, held on June 14 at the Arvada-Blunn Reservoir, saw 216 children aged 3 to 14 compete to see who could bring in the biggest sh. In total, 69
Green Mountain’s Lunsford wins 2025 Steinmark
Green Mountain High School’s Simon Lunsford has some extra hardware in his home, and this is perhaps the most prestigious award yet.
e Colorado High School Coaches Association named Lunsford as the recipient of this year’s Freddie Steinmark Award. A statement from CHSCA said the award is presented to those high school seniors who exemplify “excellence in athletics, academics and community service, an embodiment of the legacy left by Freddie Steinmark himself.”
Steinmark was a three-sport athlete at Wheat Ridge High School almost 60 years ago. He led the University of Texas to a national college football title in 1969 but died of cancer two years later.
According to CHSCA, Lunsford was a three-sport athlete who won nine varsity letters. He earned rst-team, All-State honors in football, basketball and base-
sh were caught, the largest of which was a smallmouth bass weighing 2.5 pounds and measuring 17.5 inches, which was caught by Cody Kerns.
In addition to the sh, over 400 hot dogs were served to participants and their families as part of the free lunch provided with the festivities.
Sean Star, Arvada’s communications director for Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods, thanked the volunteers and Reservoir Rangers who helped make the event possible.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 25th year of the Arvada Kids Fishing Tournament with such a great turnout,” Star said. “Seeing hundreds of kids out at the
ball. e Rams nished second in this year’s state basketball tournament.
Lunsford also pitched a no-hitter to lead Green Mountain into the state baseball playo s. Lunsford is the Je erson County 4A Athlete of the Year and a four-time recipient of the school’s 3-Sport Athlete Award.
His football season ended early because of an ankle injury. Lunsford returned to the basketball court a month early and scored 41 points against a top-10 opponent.
“Simon embodies the perseverance, courage, and humility that de ne Freddie Steinmark’s legacy,” said Mike Puccio, Green Mountain’s basketball coach. “ e grueling work it took to come back from that injury, and then to perform at the highest level, speaks volumes. He leads with humility, competes with heart, and serves with purpose.”
Away from the playing eld, Lunsford is a ve-time recipient of Green Mountain’s Honor Roll Gold Distinguished student for maintaining a GPA above 4.0. He also made the school’s honor roll eight times, and he received the school’s citizenship award this spring.
Lunsford is also a volunteer at the Denver Rescue Mission and Christ on the Mountain Church. He’s been a youth camp counselor in both football and basketball. During the summers, Lunsford started his own lawnmower blade-sharpening business.
reservoir making memories with their families is exactly what this event is all about. It wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers, the Reservoir Rangers, and our many sponsors, who help make this a highlight of the summer every year.”
Aspen Popejoy won the 12-15 year old category and caught the largest trout of the day with a 17 inch, 26.5 ounce rainbow trout; Aedyn Cole won the 9-11 year old category with a 15.75 inch, 20 ounce catch; Juniper Hancock won the 6-8 year old category with a 16.5 inch, 26.5 ounce catch and Clay Diedel won the 3-5 year old category with a 16 inch, 22.5 ounce catch.
“Simon is a distinguished athlete, a mentor to young children, and a model of resilience and integrity,” said community member Cara Friedman in the statement.
“He has shown my son that challenges can be overcome, and that kindness and humility are just as important as talent. His actions have left an indelible mark on our community.”
Lunsford called the award “deeply personal.”
“Competing against Wheat Ridge throughout my life, I had the chance to walk the halls of their school and see the Freddie Steinmark display rsthand,” Lunsford said. “It left a lasting impression on me, not just because of what it stood for, but because of the stories my grandfather shared with me. He attended Lakewood High School and had the honor of competing against the rst-ever Steinmark Award winner, Dave Logan.”
Next year, Lunsford will attend Colorado Mesa University and will play baseball for the Mavericks.
e other nalists were Shane Curry, omas Je erson High School; Anderson Filla, Akron High School; Samuel Meisner, Wray High School; Marcus Mozer, Fossil Ridge High School; Matthew Napiekowski, Holy Family High School; Joseph Probst, West Grand High School; and Benjamin Simon, Coal Ridge High School.
On the girls’ side, Strasburg High School’s Peighton Marrero was this year’s Freddie Steinmark Award winner.
The free event drew youngsters aged 3 to 14 and saw prizes handed out for di erent age groups.
PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA
This year’s Arvada Kids Fishing contest marked the 25th anniversary of the event.
Over 200 kids participated in the festivities this year. COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA
BY STEVE SMITH
SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO TRUST FOR LOCAL NEWS
Green Mountain’s Simon Lunsford was awarded the 2025 Freddie Steinmark Award from the Colorado High School Coaches Association. Lunsford was a decorated multi-sport star for the Rams. COURTESY PHOTO
More Buyers Are Choosing ARMs — Here’s Why It Might Be a Smart Strategy
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (or ARMs) were commonly used by purchasers from 2004 to 2006. Roughly 35% of mortgages originated during those years were “adjustable.” After the 2008 housing/ fiscal crisis, caused in part by risky mortgage loan products including ARMs, the number of ARM transactions made in the U.S. plummeted. But now we are seeing a resurgence of them.
As in the past, Jaxzann Riggs, owner of The Mortgage Network, helped me with the current situation so I could share it with you.
What Exactly Is an ARM?
Until recently there was not much incentive for borrowers to consider an ARM because (unlike the ARMs offered 2004-2008) there was virtually no disparity between rates offered on ARMs, and those offered on a 30-year fixed rate loan. In the past 30 days that has changed. As of June 15th, Mortgage Daily News reported an average rate of 6.88% and 6.90% for a 30-year fixed rate loan versus 6.625% and 6.45% being offered on a 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
An ideal ARM borrower often:
Plans to live in the home for fewer than 5, 7 or 10 years;
Ultimately, the risks of an ARM are manageable, providing you understand and plan for them.
An ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time. Historically, you start with a lower, fixed interest rate for a set period — typically 5, 7, or 10 years — and then the rate adjusts at regular intervals based on market conditions.
For example, a 7/1 ARM locks in your rate for seven years, then adjusts annually. A 10/6 ARM is at a fixed rate for 10 years, then adjusts every six months. These loans are structured with caps to limit how much your rate (and payment) can increase at each adjustment or over the life of the loan.
With
Why More Buyers Are Taking a Second Look at ARMs
Many purchasers anticipate rate cuts ahead. By using an ARM now, they will enjoy a slightly lower rate during the initial fixed period. Some have the hope that, instead of increasing on the adjustment date, the rate will remain the same or possibly come down. Experts say that the current flatter yield curve supports that theory.
While ARMs aren’t one-size-fits-all, they make a lot of sense for certain buyers, especially those with short- to mid-term homeownership plans or who are financially stable enough to absorb a future rate increase if needed.
Has a stable income and good credit or anticipates increases in income that would allow them to keep up with increases, in case their bet on the direction of rates turns out to be wrong;
Has a financial safety net in case payments rise; and
Understands how interest rate adjustments work.
This isn’t about gambling on the market, it’s about strategic planning. That’s where an experienced mortgage loan officer becomes invaluable. They can help you compare options, understand caps and margins, and decide whether an ARM aligns with your financial goals.
ARMs today are far more borrowerfriendly than they were in decades past. Most no longer carry prepayment penalties, and most feature rate caps that protect against sharp increases. And if rates go down, you may even benefit from lower payments and, of course, borrowers always have the option to refinance at a fixed rate when the time is right.
The Bottom Line
In a high-cost housing market like Denver’s, flexibility matters. An adjustable-rate mortgage could be a smart, strategic choice; especially when guided by the right mortgage professional. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, or simply exploring ways to maximize your budget, it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted loan officer.
Jaxzann Riggs and her team at The Mortgage Network have helped thousands of Colorado homebuyers find the right loan for their life plans—whether that’s an ARM or something else entirely. To explore your options and see if an ARM could work for you, call Jaxzann on her cell, (303) 990-2992 or visit www.TheMortgageNetworkOnline.com
Temperatures Rising, Homeowners Without Air Conditioning Are Asking What’s the Best Way to Add It
I have a listing coming up later this summer in the Beverly Heights section of Golden. It has hot water baseboard heating, which is wonderful, but that means there are no ducts to distribute air from an A/C compressor.
Homes with forced air heating systems have it easy. A “chiller” connected to an outdoor A/C compressor can be mounted above the firebox for a few thousand dollars. It uses the same ducts as the furnace, and the forced air unit becomes an “air handler” for delivering the cooled air.
I have previously promoted the idea of using a heat pump to drive that “chiller” unit. Not only does it provide needed cooling, but the heat pump can also provide efficient heating in the winter, leaving the gas furnace idle or used only when it’s colder than the heat pump can handle (below 0º F with today’s cold climate heat pumps).
But what if there are no ducts, as in my listing in Beverly Heights?
The answer depends partly on the style of the house. Is it one-story, two-story, or splitlevel? The one-story home is easiest to accommodate with a ductless solution. An A/C compressor can be mounted on the roof, with an air handler in the attic below it. From there, flexible round ducts (not rectangular metal ducts) can direct that air to ceiling vents in the living area and the separate bedrooms, with a return air vent somewhere in between, such as in the ceiling of a hallway.
Alternatively (my preference), a groundmounted heat pump compressor can be positioned on an unobtrusive side of the house, with two hoses going to each of the wallmounted “mini splits” in those same rooms. The hoses are hidden in square conduits, usually white, measuring 3 or 4 inches square, running around the house at ground level and
then up the exterior walls to where the inside mini-split units are located.
I was fortunate to have a flat roof on my former office building, and I was able to put the compressor on the roof and run the two homes to three different mini-splits entirely on the roof, eliminating those visible conduits.
The conduits don’t have to be run outside, and the mini-splits don’t have to be on an exterior wall. If you visit the Golden Diner at 11th & Jackson in downtown Golden, notice the mini-split on the wall between the kitchen and the serving area.
In a two-story or split-level home, a roofmount compressor with an air handler in the attic becomes less optimal. However, it can still work. Cold air pumped into the top level can settle downward, cooling lower levels. An evaporative cooler (aka “swam cooler”) can work even better, because you can control where the cold air goes by which windows
New Energy Colorado Honors Former Gov. Bill Ritter
At its annual Summer Solstice Party at the Retreat at Solterra, New Energy Colorado presented former Governor Bill Ritter with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” citing him for “Leading Colorado Towards a Clean Energy Economy.” Left to right, NEC board member Nancy Kellogg and VP Rebecca Cantwell are shown making the presentation. Ritter gave a keynote speech thanking NEC for its advocacy over the years and emphasized the importance of groups like NEC remaining vocal, “especially in these times.” As governor, he embraced and presided over the evolution toward green energy, and he has advocated for it ever since leaving office in 2011.
The event, held annually on the longest day of the year, is NEC’s primary fundraiser, supporting its Metro Denver and Arkansas Valley Green Homes Tours. The Denver tour is held on the first Saturday in October.
you open. That’s because there is no “return air” with a swamp cooler. It pumps outside air into the house, and you have to provide ways for that air to escape after doing its job of cooling the interior.
If you’re new to Colorado and came here from a locale with high summer humidity (Brooklyn, in my case), you may not be familiar with evaporative cooling. It works in the same way that a rain shower works. As the rain falls, it evaporates, thereby cooling the outside air. In a swamp cooler, a pump circulates a reservoir of water through membranes on the sides of the unit. A squirrel fan draws outside air through those water-soaked membranes, cooling the air by 10 or more degrees and pumps that cooled air into the home. The lower the outdoor humidity and the faster the fan, the more cooling you get.
But that air has to escape and it will travel through your home based on where there’s an open window. Four inches is the prescribed size of windows openings, and you can secure your window so an intruder cannot open it further and perhaps install an alarm.
The downside of the swamp cooler is that it requires occasional service, and if the unit is on the roof, that can be difficult or dangerous. The water in the reservoir, which is replenished constantly by a 1/4-inch supply pipe from inside your home, becomes dirty over time because of the soot that is being removed from the outside air by the water-
soaked membranes through which the air is being pumped. At the end of each cooling season and a couple times during the season, that water needs to be drained, and the membranes rinsed clean or replaced and the reservoir cleaned. At the end of the season, the reservoir and the supply pipe need to be drained to avoid freezing.
A heat-pump system with up to five minsplit wall units can work fine on a 2-story or split-level home. The conduits from the compressor to the wall units just have to run further up the outside of the house. At left is a picture of such a compressor with four wall units, each with its own thermostat. That’s the best thing about such a system. You could have the mini-split in your bedroom set at 70 degrees overnight and the other wall units off or set higher. This is far more efficient than cooling your entire house when you go to bed, whatever system you are using.
Trump Can Replace Fed Chair Next Year — What That Could Mean for Real Estate On my blog, I have a link to an interesting article from Brad at “Briefcase: Real Estate News” about Trump’s pressure on Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell to drastically reduce interest rates or resign. Powell says he won’t resign, but his term is up in 2026, and Trump is sure to replace him with someone like Treasury Secretary Bessent who would do his bidding. See http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
A 5-BR Golden Home With a True Chef’s Kitchen
$1,495,000
Homes in this late ’90s subdivision backing to the foothills come on the market rarely and sell quickly. This one at 165 Washington Street is especially sweet, with the most awesome chef’s kitchen you’ve likely ever seen. Beautiful maple hardwood floors grace the main level, with newer carpeting upstairs and in the walk-out basement. The Table Mountain views from every level, but especially from the primary suite, will take your breath away. If you’re a soccer fan, the posters and awards in the main-floor study will leave you wishing for autographs! A narrated video walk-through with drone footage can be viewed online at www.GRElistings.com. Or call your agent or Jim Smith at 303-525-1851 to schedule a private showing.
A single heat pump can drive up to 5 mini-splits, each with its own wireless thermostat.
Thousands protest Trump in Arvada
Over 3,000 attendees join in demonstration to push back against Trump administration
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ousands of people lined the streets around Wadsworth Boulevard and Ralston Road to protest President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a nationwide movement called “No Kings” held on June 14, which coincided with Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Arvada has been no stranger to protests in the early goings of the second Trump administration, with the “Hands O ” rally in April drawing hundreds of attendees.
However, the No Kings protest saw an uptick in attendance from previous demonstrations, which organizers say was caused by growing frustration with this presidential administration.
“I think the main motivator was people getting fed up and guring out that protests do make a di erence, and then nding out that there’s one in our town,” said Harriet Hall, a member of Arvadans for Progressive Action, a group that helped organize the local protest.
Protests were held across the country on June 14. Denver was the site of a large protest, and other suburban communities in the area, including Lakewood, also saw demonstrations.
PJ Travin, the founder of Arvadans for Social Justice, said the protests were needed in today’s political climate.
“No Kings day spawned from the unfortunate need for collective reckoning,” Travin said. “What we see happening is authoritarianism. Period. is is not what even the majority of Trump supporters voted for, and everyone needs to make clear that Americans will not tolerate a dictatorship.
“In all the darkness surrounding us right now, it is uplifting to see the Arvada
community unite in such signi cant fashion, with thousands of families joining together to defend the idea of democracy where we live,” Travin continued.
Hall said that for many Arvadans — especially those who have mobility challenges or are elderly — the fact that the protest was held locally made it easier for them to come out.
“I can’t walk very far, and was disabled
for a while, and my husband’s fairly disabled,” Hall said. “And so having it locally allows people like that to attend. I think it’s easier for families with kids to come with their kids, older people and disabled people and people who just don’t want to brave the crowds getting downtown either.” Hall added that other people at the protest made their way down to Denver and other rallies throughout the day.
Arvadans for Social Justice and Arvadans for Progressive Action helped organize the demonstration.
The Arvada No Kings protest drew over 3,000 people. PHOTOS BY PAT MALONE
County proposes new short-term rental regulations
Changes would ease process, lower fees for operators
BY JANE REUTER JANE@COTLN.ORG
Je erson County estimates that its unincorporated areas include more than 700 short-term rentals, fewer than 50 of which have the needed permits to legally operate.
It’s a compliance rate so out of whack that county o cials don’t blame property owners, but their own regulations. is year, they’re trying to x that.
“If you’ve got a regulation in place that has a complicated rate of 5% or under, I don’t think it’s fair to say it’s a problem of compliance,” said Russell Clark, Je erson County planning supervisor. “ ere’s probably a problem with the regulations as well.”
Clark said that’s in part because Jefferson County adopted its regulations on short-term rentals early, when they weren’t a permitted use and before their popularity became widespread.
“We were probably one of the earlier counties to have rules on short-term rentals, when the only way you could do it was to rezone your property,” he said. “ ere was never a thought then that people down in the plains and suburban areas would have short-term rentals. But clearly if you see a map of where
they’re advertised in Je erson County, you see a large number on the plains.”
With an aim toward making compliance easier, faster and less expensive for short-term rental owners, the county is proposing a new set of regulations. It recently issued a draft of them, and wants the public’s feedback.
e proposed regulations would remove the requirement for a public hearing before obtaining new and renewal STR permits and eliminate limitations on lot size and zone districts, replacing them with clear, objective criteria for administrative approvals. It would also lower the fee schedule to re ect the reduced demand on sta time.
e proposed regulations would also allow STRs in Accessory Dwelling Units, Duplexes, and Townhomes and de ne two types of STRs: Primary Residence STR and Investment Property STR, with speci c caps and separation requirements.
High fees, low compliance
Under current regulations, a shortterm rental owner has to submit an application for approval to the board of adjustment. It typically takes at least three months from submittal to approval from the board. en, if it’s approved by the board of adjustments, the owner needs to apply for a short-term rental permit. Both require the payment of fees.
SEE RENTALS, P19
TASTING ROOM
e company’s spirits have won honors at the Denver International Spirit Competition and the Tokyo International Whisky and Spirits Competition, taking home a total of ve gold medals and three bronze medals for both their gin and amaro. While the accolades validate the work the Method and Muse team have put in to get to this point, the magic really comes from the intersection of science and art that produces their spirits.
“For gin and amaro, I think what drew the group to it is that we could express emotions, memories, places, all with these recipes,” Wigner said. “We all consider ourselves kind of artists and scientists, and thus the Method and Muse. For us, food is a way to make memories and share visions of what could be.”
e opening of the Arvada tasting room comes from a desire to share that ideal with others, Wigner said. e tasting room and cocktail lounge held its grand opening on June 21 in the former Bale re space at 7513 Grandview Avenue in Olde Town. Wigner said the company picked Olde Town for its brick-and-mortar location (their spirits are manufactured in Golden) because of the revitalized nightlife scene in town.
“We did (a) trip to Olde Town Arvada, to go to a couple bars out here,” Wigner said. “I thought it was just adorable; it connected really well for me. And my friends who live in Arvada love it too.”
e team began looking at properties in the area, and, upon checking out the old Bale re space, knew they’d found their spot.
“Unlike a lot of distilleries, it’s not dark,” It’s walkable. It’s like people can feel comfortable here having a couple drinks and walking around, there’s tons of cool events all the time.’”
Olde Town Business Improvement District Director Joe Hengstler said the tasting room will be a welcome addition to the historic district.
“We are thrilled to welcome Method and Muse to Olde Town,” Hengstler said. “ eir team has done a fantastic job of remaking the space, and we are lucky to have a business bringing such a great product to the District. Above all, Aubrey and the rest of the folks at Method and Muse have already proven to be great community partners, and we look forward to watching them thrive in their new space.”
For now, the tasting room will focus on
craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, but Wigner said the company plans to bring in food at some point, whether that be in the form of charcuterie boards or something else. He added that for now, folks can bring outside food in. Method and Muse is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3 to 10 p.m. on ursdays, noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. e tasting room is closed on Mondays.
A full menu of craft cocktails will be served at the Arvada location.
Method and Muse was founded by a team of scientists who share a love of food and flavors. PHOTOS COURTESY METHOD AND MUSE
Peter McNeilly named U.S. attorney
Appointee for Colorado has fought cartels, focused on fentanyl prosecutions
BY DYLAN LOTTS DLOTTS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Peter McNeilly to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. McNeilly was sworn in by United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico on June 16.
Before his appointment, McNeilly served as an assistant United States attorney in Colorado since 2014. As a federal prosecutor, McNeilly focused on pursu-
COUNCIL
BRIEFS
e rate increase will begin to show up on residents’ bills starting Tuesday, July 1.
Councilmember John Marriott voted yes on the resolution because it means folks who opt out of trash hauling provided by Republic won’t have to pay more to essentially not receive services.
“I’ll be voting yes, and there’s one reason I’m voting yes, and that’s because the opt-out fee is not going up,” Marriott said. “I would vote no on this quickly if there was an increase to the optout fee.
But because it’s not, I have no problem with the rest of the fees going up — obviously it costs more to do business these days — and I think residents understand they can expect the fee to go up every year, but as long as the optout fee does not go up or stays the same or goes down, I will be voting yes,” Marriott continued.
New SRO agreement
A new intergovernmental agreement between the City of Arvada and the Je erson County Public School District will keep the years-long practice of placing Arvada Police O cers in local schools as school resource o cers in place, but will change the payment structure for those o cers.
ing members of Mexican drug cartels, reducing violent crime and combating the increase in fentanyl-related deaths, which has made him one of the leading fentanyl prosecutors in the state.
As a supervisor within the U.S. Attorney’s O ce, McNeilly oversaw the creation of federal task forces focused on transnational organized and violent crime.
In addition to his previous roles, McNeilly served as deputy United States attorney, chief of the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section, the District of Colorado’s opioid coordinator, and the lead strike force attorney for the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force.
McNeilly is also a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Before joining the U.S.
Attorney’s O ce, he was a Marine judge advocate. While he was on active duty, he prosecuted cases throughout the Marine Corps’ western region, which included sexual assaults, child exploitation, nancial crimes and crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the reserves, he serves as a prosecutor, legal advisor on the sta for a three-star commanding general and is currently in his second tour as a military judge.
In his new role, McNeilly will oversee all federal criminal prosecutions, as well as all civil litigation on behalf of the United States government in Colorado. He will lead a team of more than 160 attorneys, sta and government contractors.
McNeilly’s senior leadership team consists of J. Bishop Grewell, who is the rst assistant United States attorney and chief of the appellate division, and Marcy Cook, the deputy United States attorney.
Arvada press A legal newspaper of general circulation in Je erson County, Colorado, the Arvada Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439.
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to our students and the schools,”
Juneteenth proclamation
Now, Je co Schools will cover 50% of the o cers’ salaries, which had previously been entirely covered by the city of Arvada. Arvada Police Chief Ed Brady said there are currently nine SRO positions for APD o cers, eight of which are lled. He added that increases to sta ng might be possible, but did not provide speci cs.
City Councilmember Brad Rupert, a former member of the Jefferson County Board of Education, spoke to the importance of SROs in schools.
“During my time on the Jeffco Board of Education, I can tell you how important the SROs are
Rupert said. “ ey develop relationships with (students). It’s not just a matter of providing security for the school; they work with our students and quite often they’re instrumental in getting some of our high school students to graduation… I am very proud to be supportive of this.”
Councilmember Sharon Davis echoed Rupert’s sentiments.
“I’ve met some of the SROs; they’re wonderful,” Davis said.
“I’ve watched them in the hallways of schools and it’s amazing how the students come up, give them rst bumps, even hugs, and it’s an amazing program that I’m glad that we are being a part of it.”
e IGA passed with a 6-0 vote.
Finally, Arvada City Councilmember Bob Fifer presented sta members of the Je erson County Public Library with a proclamation honoring their work to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday observed on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Cynthia Kiyotake, JCPL’s chief libraries and inclusion o cer, accepted the proclamation and spoke about the programming the library has scheduled to celebrate Juneteenth.
“I’m proud of our ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and support racial equity,” Kiyotake said. “ rough programs and resources, our libraries enhance
community understanding and historical context for Juneteenth.
“Some highlights of the library’s Juneteenth celebrations include An Afternoon of Jazz Music at Columbine Library, along with a program about the signi cance and relevance of jazz,” Kiyotake continued. “Partnering with the city of Edgewater to o er programming on the Civil Rights Act, and an Arvada Library and Arvada Center collaboration to o er mud painting in honor of Juneteenth at our Art Around the World bilingual camp in June.
We are pleased to connect our patrons and community to the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing celebration of Black history and joy.”
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CORRECTIONS
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City council presents members of the Je erson County Public Library with a proclamation for Juneteenth. COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA
McNeilly
Irst met Wendy when I was 14 years old, entering Holy Family High School as a ninth grader. Wendy’s outgoing personality, seemingly endless ability to nd joy in every situation, and her “but we won’t know for sure if we don’t try it” attitude made her very popular in our small class of 90-plus students. roughout our high school years, Wendy demonstrated her compassion for others in many ways. She was always there to help when someone needed it. For me and my family, when my father was laid up following surgery to remove an eye that was lled with cancer, Wendy stepped in and helped me deliver the Rocky Mountain Newspapers that Dad and I would deliver each morning. at help would be amazing in itself; however, Wendy helped in the aftermath of a blizzard. We would get up at 4:30 a.m., go to the drop-o spot for the papers, fold them, and then try to navigate down the
TVOICES
Lessons to remember in times of struggle
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
side streets in North Denver that were covered with 20 inches of snow. After completing the task, we would get ready for school, go to school all day, and prepare to do it again. For three days, this sel ess teenager helped my family as we navigated an incredibly di cult time.
After graduation, we went our separate ways. I headed to Colorado College; Wendy went to Creighton University in Nebraska. We saw each other on rare occasions. I saw her just a few days after the birth of her rst child, and we would catch up at reunions. However, aside from brief visits, we spoke to each other very little.
Each time I saw her, our conversation
reinforced the idea that Wendy was still the person I knew in high school: energetic, enthusiastic, and caring. She became a triathlete, a teacher, and a mother to a gaggle of children. About thirteen years ago, she was running home after a workout, and her body failed her. She simply could not make it up the hill to her house. A few days later, on Halloween night, Wendy was sitting in a chair and fell out of it for no apparent reason.
e next day at the doctor’s o ce, the reason became very apparent. She had brain cancer and was given two weeks to two months to live. A short time ago, a group of us from the Holy Family Class of 1984 gathered with Wendy at a restaurant in North Denver.
Con ned to a wheelchair, limited in her motion, and knowing that travelling from Omaha to Denver is becoming more challenging for her, we were all excited together and talk with this miracle.
Evergreen Mountain Art Celebration returns
here are few better ways to spend a summer day in Colorado than in the mountains, and if you can pair this with some wonderful cultural activities, how can you go wrong?
at’s what makes the Evergreen Mountain Art Celebration such a great event, and it’s even bigger and better in its eighth year. e event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Evergreen North Shopping Complex, 3719 Evergreen Parkway.
As the nine of us reminisced, laughing and talking about our experiences in school and sharing about our lives since that time, I was utterly struck by the profound lessons I learned from this dear friend of 45 years in a short four-hour conversation.
e lessons learned that evening are great for all of us to consider, especially during times of struggle, and include:
• Just because someone has said it does not mean that it needs to be true.
— It is very clear that Wendy takes great pride in proving the experts wrong. 13 years is a lot longer than two months.
• We must not underestimate the incredible in uence that we have on other people.
— Wendy came back to Denver for the wedding of one of her nieces. Wendy is known in the family as the “favorite aunt,” not as the “aunt in the wheelchair” or the “aunt with brain cancer.” Wendy is the fa-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To President Steve Strickbine and Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski,
COMING ATTRACTIONS
e juried ne art and ne craft show highlights 75 professional artists from Colorado and beyond. All of them use a range of mediums, including painting, jewelry, ceramics and more, to create works that honor mountain living and Western, Southwestern and rustic themes.
In addition to the art, visitors can enjoy live music. Colorado Roots Rock Unplugged, a duo that specializes in acoustic versions of classic rock, will be performing on Saturday and Link&Chain, a band of brothers performing reggae, will be on hand on Sunday. ere will also be a drawing for a $1,000 Art Festival Shopping Spree at noon on Sunday.
We interviewed Amber Calanni with Colorado Art Weekend about the event and what visitors should know. Interview edited for brevity and clarity.
What were you looking for in artists this year?
We want to feature art that ts into the “Mountain Modern” avor. “Mountain Modern” is a style that blends contemporary aesthetics with rustic, nature-inspired elements, but feels personal and connected to nature and elevated in presentation. If someone has never attended the Celebration, what should they know?
ey should know this festival is more than an art show, it’s a true celebration of Colorado mountain culture and “Mountain Modern” art. It’s free to attend, easy to access and full of authentic charm. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking to explore some-
thing new. Evergreen is a relaxed setting where you can enjoy art, meet the artists and connect with a creative community. Why is it important to celebrate the arts at a time like
In a time when so much feels uncertain, the arts remind us of what grounds us; hope, beauty, self-expression and connection. Art gives us a chance to slow down, re ect and engage with something meaningful. is festival also gives families and individuals a reason to get outdoors, support artists and feel part of something positive and inspiring.
What do you hope people come away with?
We want visitors to leave feeling uplifted, like they’ve spent their weekend immersed in something special. Whether it’s a new piece of art, a meaningful conversation with an artist, hearing a great musical performance or simply the peaceful experience of walking the festival grounds, we want guests to take away memories that last well beyond the weekend. For more information, visit www.EvergreenArtShow.com.
Learn About the Life of a Colorado Hat Maker
e Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., is looking at the history of a renowned hat maker in its new exhibit, Kate Ferretti: e Life of a Colorado Hat Maker
e exhibit opens on Friday, June 27, and focuses on Ferretti, a nationally recognized hat maker. She entered the workforce at 13 and went on to build a family business that spanned nearly ve decades. According to the provided information, “this exhibition explores sources from Ferretti’s family, as well as oral histories from the collections of the Littleton Museum and History Colorado, to help tell the full story of this fascinating local maker’s life.”
For more information, visit https:// visitlittleton.org/event/kate-ferrettiexhibit/.
Big Belmar Bash Brings Party to Lakewood e City of Lakewood is celebrating Independence Day a little early, but with no less pomp and circumstance, with its Big Belmar Bash from 5 to 10 p.m. on ursday, July 3, at Downtown Belmar, 7337 W. Alaska Drive. e evening will feature something for all ages, including live music and children’s activities. ere will also be a range of local vendors selling unique items and plenty of food and drink options.
Of course, the highlight of the night is a drone light show, which will begin at around 9:15 p.m. It will feature a eet “of 250 cutting-edge drones with state-of-the-art LED lights” illuminating the night and “MIX 100 will provide a curated soundtrack for the drone light show,” according to provided information.
More information is available at www.Lakewood.org/BBB.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Elvis Costello & The Imposters at Bellco Theatre
Elvis Costello is one of the greatest living songwriters we have and has been proving that repeatedly since his classic debut album was released in 1977. In the ensuing decades, he’s released several bulletproof records and worked with some absolutely amazing songwriters. In celebration of his stellar career, he’s bringing his band, e Imposters, and guitarist Charlie Sexton on the Radio Soul!: e Early Songs of Elvis Costello tour. e tour is coming to Bellco eatre, 1100 Stout St., at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. e music of Costello’s early career is some of his best, so this will be a performance not to be missed. Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.
As the community leaders of Arvada, Colorado, we’d like to extend a hearty welcome to the Times Media Group from our community!
Arvada is a very special place.
Beyond our mountain vistas, historic Olde Town entertainment district, and nationally recognized public arts, we’re fundamentally a place where people just like to be. Our city enjoys incredibly high rates of civic engagement and volunteerism across all age groups, re ecting the deep sense of pride and service we have here. Our growth is strong, and recent events promise an even more dynamic and exciting future. Once a quieter suburb of Denver, today Arvada is a charming city very much on the rise.
One of the many things that makes Arvada so special is the quality and commitment of the Arvada Press. For decades, it has been a treasured institution in our city. At a time when newspapers nd themselves increasingly vulnerable to shifting consumer behaviors, the Press - currently under the leadership of editor Rylee Dunn - has been a steadfast cornerstone of not just local news but local connection. ousands of residents rely upon it weekly for news about our city government, our schools, our service clubs, our gathering places and so much more. With a nonpartisan lens trusted by folks from all backgrounds and beliefs, the Press remains the No. 1 source for local events, elections, candidate information, business news, and human interest. It’s more than just a newspaper — it’s part of the very fabric of our home.
We are so excited to welcome you. Indeed, we hope that your leadership of the Press is the beginning of a new era — one with even more dynamic and exciting coverage of our great city.
We’d love to invite you to come visit and get to know this amazing community even better. You’re one of us now, and we’ll be honored to make you feel right at home.
Welcome to Arvada!
Sincerely,
• Mayor Lauren Simpson
• Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moormon
• City Councilmember Shawna Ambrose
• City Councilmember Sharon Davis
• City Councilmember Bob Fifer
• City Councilmember John Marriott
• City Councilmember Brad Rupert
• County Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger
• State Senator Lindsey Daugherty
• State Representative Lisa Feret
• State Representative Brianna Titone
• Congressman Ed Perlmutter (retired)
• Former Mayor Ken Fellman
Jim Roome
Clarke Reader
LETTERS
• Former Mayor Bob Frie
• Former Mayor Marc Williams
• School Board Representative Danielle Varda
• Former School Board Representative Jill Fellman
• e Arvada Chamber of Commerce
• e Olde Town Arvada Business Im provement District
• e Arvada Urban Renewal Authority
My name is Lisa Feret and I am your state representative for most of Arvada. I recently wrapped up my rst year as a Colorado legislator after serving you on Arvada City Council. Each year, the legislative session runs from January to May, and legislators only have ve bills to run. ere are a lot of issues that we need to solve, and ve bills
ROOME
vorite because she is absolutely present in the moment, excited about life, and dedicated to the idea of making a di erence whenever she can.
• We have this moment, this opportunity, this chance to make a di erence. It is our responsibility to understand that and take advantage of it.
— Wendy has done that for 13 years. Our lives will be better if we live by that rule for even 13 minutes.
• Wisdom comes in increments. Wendy mentioned to us her seven Fs for surviving 13 years with brain cancer. ese seven things are pieces of wisdom she has gained as she has navigated her struggles. ey are hers to share, but it is my sincere hope that she will begin to write
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
Sunday Worship 10:00AM
Green Mountain Presbyterian Church 12900 W Alameda Pkwy Lakewood, CO 80228
303-985-8733
www.gmpc.net
are not nearly enough, so we need to prioritize which policies to run with our ve bills. When legislators are not in session at the Capitol, they go back to the community to connect and listen. is is often where they pull together ideas for bills and do their research on the various issues at hand. I am interested in hearing ideas from you about what policies or topics you think I should focus on for my ve bills. ey can be new ideas or suggestions on changing old laws. ey can be small, speci c ideas or broad policy areas. It is very important that I hear from you all as I start working on my bills because I am representing you all at the Capitol. e more I hear from you, the better I can echo your voice and concerns when we are passing policy. Please reach out to me to share your ideas. e best way to contact me is through email: Lisa.Feret. House@coleg.gov. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Lisa Feret, Arvada
about those insights, allowing others to learn from her experience.
I will never forget this simple and wonderful evening. It was inspiring for all of us who could be there. e crazy part of the night lay in the fact that the insights were simply the product of a willingness to share and a determination to listen.
It is my sincere hope that as you navigate your struggle, you will seek both the opportunity to share insights and the chance to learn from others.
When you do those two simple things, the results will be transformative.
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. You can reach me at jim. roome@gmail.com.
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
Livingwaterunity.org
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 eadams@coloradocommunitymedia.com
KICK UP SOME DIRT AT THE COUNTY FAIRS AND RODEOS
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Since their beginning, county fairs and rodeos have served as a place for members of the community to showcase their projects — animals, crafts, homegoods and culinary skills — celebrating agricultural and Western heritage. ey have included an element of fun, and today’s fairs and rodeos have evolved into a vibrant summertime event with live entertainment, music, carnival games and rides. And something they all have in common: mutton bustin’ and 4-H showcases.
Mutton bustin’ is a popular rodeo event in which children, typically between the ages of 4 and 7, ride sheep. e goal is to hold on as long as possible.
4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health. It is a national youth development program for children 5 through 18. Whether it’s agriculture, science, civic engagement or health, the program provides real-life experiences.
Arapahoe County
Date: July 24 to July 27
Location: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds at 25690 E. Quincy Ave. Aurora Website: arapahoecountyfair.com
First held in 1906, the Arapahoe County fair is one of the county’s longest-standing community traditions. ere’s plenty to explore with the mix of classic rodeo-style events and more modern activities, like silent discos and trampoline shows.
In addition to some new carnival rides, there will be a handful of shows and attractions available each day of the fair. ese include axe throwing, Canine Stars Stunt Dogs and the Perfection on Wheels BMX show. e Raptor Event Avian Show and Yucca Braiding take place July 25-27.
If some of the carnival rides are too intense for the younger children, the Kid’s Corral and Petting Farm will be open everyday as well.
Other performances include martial arts, a foot archery performer, Polynesian re dancers, e XO Dance Band,
hobby horse races, tractor pulls, the CPRA Rodeo and reworks. ere will also be a variety of contests, such as the livestock costume contest, knitting and crochet contests, jigsaw puzzle contests and the longest potato peel contests.
An admission ticket includes unlimited carnival rides, free parking, reworks, stage entertainment and access to all the shows and attractions. However, some attractions — such as Midway Arcade Games, the Pours on the Plains event and Boots Not Suits Fair Kick-O Dinner — require separate tickets.
Also, the tickets are only valid for one day. People will have to purchase a separate ticket if wanting to attend additional days.
Adams County
Date: July 30 to Aug. 3
Location: Riverdale Regional Park at 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton
Website: adamscountyfair.com
e rst fair in Adams County was held in 1904, but it wasn’t called the Adams County Fair. e opening day was actually known as Tomato Day because two teams representing Democratic and Republican opponents faced one another and on command, threw tomatoes at the opposing team.
But, according to the county, the fair dates back even further: 1888. Back then, monthly market days featured horse-and-plow races, as well as cattle being auctioned o .
Today, much of that can still be experienced — minus the tomato throwing. is year’s fair will o er various 4-H livestock shows that include poultry, swine, sheep, rabbits, goats and other large animals. ere will also be racing pigs and amazing dog acts.
Friends and families will also have the chance to meet Paz the Sports Guy, sit down for a caricature, watch demolition derbies, play games and ride carnival rides.
As for music, the county has some big names coming to town. ey include Tyler Braden, Bayker Blankenship, Adrien Nunez and e Band Perry. en, on Aug. 3, Adams County is bringing back Dia de la Familia to celebrate community and culture, with performances by La Kumbre con K, Banda Arkangel, Charreada and more.
Admission to the fair is free. However, carnival wristbands range from $25 to $35 throughout the week.
Guests will also need a parking pass, which is $20. ose who pre-pay get $5
with a frisbee during a dog show at a previous year’s Arapahoe County Fair.
o . Get the pass at tinyurl.com/adamscounty-fair-parking.
ere will be a free shuttle to take guests from local schools to the fair.
Douglas County
Date: July 25 to Aug. 3
Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds at 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock Website: douglascountyfairandrodeo. com
According to the Douglas County Library Archives, the county held a parade back in the 1950s as a way to promote the fair and encourage the community’s participation. It’s safe to say that plan worked — Douglas County now boasts a fair that is a 10-day event.
e carnival, fair, marketplace, kid’s corral, Discovery Ranch and the Kodiak Ranch petting zoo will be open everyday except for July 28-29. e times for these attractions vary by day.
Filled with homemade quilts, jams, jewelry, paintings and more, the marketplace — located inside the James R. Sullivan Events Center — is home to the creative arts, agriculture and oriculture exhibits, and the 4-H projects.
If you are interested in seeing animals, there will be some free animal shows including the Junior Division Dog Show, Farm Bureau Goat Roping, the Miniature Equine Show and swine and rabbit shows.
Other free events throughout the week include a parade on July 26 in downtown Castle Rock, a vintage car show, bake sale, fashion show, Captain Tall Tale and a pie eating contest.
A variety of free concerts will feature Jared Rogerson and the Rodeo Wreck, Kenya Reese, Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts, Wirewood Station, Je rey Alan Band and more.
And, to ensure accessibility to all, the fairgrounds has partnered with Developmental Pathways to host an accessible rodeo and fair experience called Unbridled Rodeo. e event, which will include roping, barrel racing and a mechanical bull, is designed for individuals with disabilities, lower mobility and/or with sensory sensitivity.
A child holds onto a sheep during the mutton bustin’ event at a previous year’s Arapahoe County Fair. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY
COUNTY FAIRS
Some events that require additional tickets are: Dustin Lynch concert; FarmTo-Table Brunch; ProRodeo Bares, Broncos & Bulls Roughstock at the Rock Rodeo; mutton bustin’; ProRodeo Patriot Night; ProRodeo Sponsoship Appreciation Night; and ProRodeo Cowboys for Cops. All rodeo ticket purchases include grounds admission. Grounds admission provides access to the marketplace, kid’s corral, food vendors, Midway stage entertainment, Hometown Rodeo and more special events.
Je erson County
Date: July 26 to Aug. 3
Location: 15200 W. 6th Ave., in Golden
Website: tinyurl.com/je erson-county4-H-fair.
Je erson County will be hosting a 4-H fair featuring some of the youths’ best work and projects.
e fair is free and open to the public and will take place in Exhibit Halls 1-3, the event center, silver spur arena, rodeo arena and horse stalls.
e Westernaires, a mounted precision drill organization, will also be performing from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on July 23 at the Je erson County Fairgrounds. Some of the Westernaires Red and White division horseback drill teams will bring an exciting and interactive performance. ere will also be activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, face painting and interactive learning opportunities.
While the performance is free to attend, it is encouraged to RSVP, which
can be found at westernaires.org/events.
Elbert County
Date: July 26 to Aug. 3
Location: 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Website: elbertcountyfair.com
While the Elbert County fair doesn’t feature a traditional carnival, in the sense of large and exciting rides, there is still much to enjoy for families and people of all ages.
e fair has a free Kiddie Corral area that includes small rides, bouncy houses and face painting. Additionally, the rst day will include a dog show, cattle show and end the night with reworks.
is year’s fair will also begin with a performance by e Walker Williams Band. Other music performances throughout the week will include High Plains Fiddle Fest, WMW Band and BlackHawk.
Although the fair became an o cial annual event in 1904, it was in 1934 that the fair moved to Kiowa and became recognized to focus on 4-H events, which continues to be a main focus. roughout the week, the youngest generation of animal enthusiasts will be showcasing their livestock, featuring dogs, hogs, horses, goats, rabbits, lambs, poultry, beef and dairy animals.
In addition to the team roping events and parade, one of the most exciting events will be the Young Gun Rodeo on July 26. is involves mini bronc, mini bulls, youth barrel racing and mutton busting.
While parking and admission to the fair is free, there are a few events that require the purchase of a ticket. ese include the 4-H Fashion Revue Showcase, mutton bustin’ and the BlackHawk concert.
The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo includes opportunities to view the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association in action. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
Families can play a variety of carnival games at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and win small prizes. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
A young girl stands with a horse at a previous year’s Elbert County Fair. COURTESY OF ELBERT COUNTY
The Elbert County Fair marketplace includes a selection of homemade goods. COURTESY OF ELBERT COUNTY
Wings Over The Rockies exhibit explores math
2theXtreme o ers interactive learning experience for kids
BY MICHAEL GILES SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum launched its brand-new 2theXtreme exhibit on June 1, o ering an exciting new learning experience for kids and families seeking fun and educational activities this summer.
is innovative exhibit, developed by Evergreen Exhibits, highlights the vital role math plays in our everyday lives, providing an interactive experience where children can discover just how much math shapes the world around them.
“ e whole idea is to show how math is a part of your life,” said Stewart Bailey, the exhibit’s curator. “ e exhibit uses all sorts of fun, interactive activities to get this across. ere are di erent themed areas, including sports, robotics, the environment, computer-related games, music, fashion and architecture.”
Children can expect to learn tons of
exciting information, like how to make skateboards or snowboards perform faster using math, the mathematics behind Mars Rovers, and even the math behind predicting weather patterns to create their own reports.
Bailey also mentioned that there is a part of the exhibit called Style Revolution, which takes a 360-degree photo of you, which you can email to yourself as a free souvenir. According to the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan, where this exhibit was last seen, the 360-degree photo was a big hit for their visitors.
ere’s another area called Pedaling to the Peak that is all about bicycling, showing you a graph of your performance.
However, if sports or things that have to do with the outdoors aren’t within your interest, rest assured, as this exhibit also highlights how math is involved with the arts. Bailey mentioned that visitors can expect to see a gigantic interactive musical instrument structure that demonstrates how math interacts with music.
With such a wide variety of themes, every child will have an opportunity to see how math in uences the things they already love. e exhibit features over 40
interactive, real-world math elements to explore, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of their interest in math, will nd something to spark their curiosity.
e 2theXtreme exhibit is included with general admission to the museum and will be open until Sept. 7. Buy tickets online at www.wingsmuseum.org.
Movies Around Town brings family-favorite films to Arvada
Parks across Arvada to host slate of Friday night screenings
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Arvada’s free summer movie series is returning to a local park, with free screenings of family-friendly lms starting on Friday, June 27.
Each installation in the series will kick o with a musical performance before the lm begins at dusk.
Arvada’s Special Events Coordinator Adelle Burton said she was looking forward to this year’s lineup of lms.
“What makes this event special is its rotating locations — each movie is shown in a di erent Arvada park, giving every
neighborhood a chance to join in the fun,” Burton said. “Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to their local park, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in for an evening under the stars. Live music kicks o the night, followed by a family-friendly movie at dusk.”
Here is this year’s Movies Around Town lineup:
• June 27 — “ e Goonies” at Memorial Park, 8151 W. 59th Avenue
• July 18 — “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” at Michael Northey Park, 11364 W. 84th Avenue
• August 8 — “Happy Gilmore” at Bridgeside Park, 11570 W. 59th Place
• August 29 — People’s Choice Vote Winner at Clear Creek Valley Park, 5900 Tennyson Street e Aug. 29 edition of Movies Around Town will feature a lm decided by a
vote by residents through the city’s website. e movies up for consideration are “Moana 2,” “Minecraft,” “ e Parent Trap,” “Shrek,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,”
Don’t go it alone.
and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” Pets, barbecues, res, smoking, vaping and alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Movies Around Town.
The newest exhibit at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum allows youth to discover how math shapes the world around them. COURTESY
Arvada’s free summer movie series is coming to a park near you. COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA
Thu 7/03
Teague Starbuck @ 5pm
Morrison Inn, 301 Bear Creek Ave,, Morrison
Planning for Burial
@ 7pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Patience
@ 7pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Twisted Escape
@ 8pm
Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver
$5 Thursdays!
@ 8pm La Rumba, Denver
Fri 7/04
SKELLYTN
@ 3pm
Civic Center Park, Broadway and Col‐fax Ave., Denver
Dear Cincinnati: FINDING EMO TOUR
@ 7:30pm
Goosetown Station, 514 9th St, Golden
Wes Watkins @ 8pm
Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver
Peazy @ 9pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Takenobu @ 5pm
Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Den‐ver
WILL CLARKE @ 10pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver
Sat 7/05
Tangerine Sky Market ARVADA
Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration @ 7pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Mon 7/07
Denver Jazz Orchestra @ 7pm
Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
The Prize�ghters @ 7pm Bar 404, 404 Broadway, Denver
Blank Slate @ 8pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Film on The Rocks: Legally Blonde @ 8:30pm
Russ "Into The W!LD Tour" with Big Sean & Sabrina Claudio @ 7pm Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
Wed 7/09
Moses Jones Quartet: Jazz & Wine Wednesdays at VR Social With Moses Jones Trio @ 7pm
Virtual Reality Social, 5505 W 20th Ave suite 200, Edgewater
Tonguebyte @ 7pm Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Digable Planets @ 7:30pm Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada
@ 10am / Free 7490 W 52nd Ave, 7490 West 52nd Av‐enue, Arvada. events@coloradomar kets.com, 303-505-1856
Summer Bedhead @ 4pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Carolyn Shulman @ 6pm Roxy on Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver
Steezify @ 7pm Tree House, 2719 Larimer St, Denver
BOLO THE DJ @ 10pm The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver
Sun 7/06
Lost Penny at Buffalo Rose @ 10am
Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave, Golden
Kidneythieves @ 5pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Tue 7/08
CIX @ 6pm
Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver
Fruition and Tophouse @ 6:30pm
The Soul Rebels @ 7:30pm Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada
PRIMUS - Onward & Upward Summer Tour 2025 @ 8pm
UMB Bank Amphitheater at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver
Propolis @ 7pm
Seventh Circle Music Collective, 2935 W 7th Ave, Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Kelsey Waldon w/ Mariel Buckley @ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ
1. TELEVISION: “ e Simpsons” rst appeared as a short on which TV show?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the distance between mainland Russia (Siberia) and mainland United States (Alaska)?
3. GAMES: What is the highest score you can achieve in one frame of bowling?
4. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Roman god of the sea called?
5. SCIENCE: What are the only letters that don’t currently appear in the Periodic Table?
6. MOVIES: Which animated movie’s tagline is “Escape or die frying”?
7. LITERATURE: e Republic of Gilead appears in which 1980s novel?
8. FOOD & DRINK: Which spice is often praised for its anti-in ammatory properties?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In which country did Cirque du Soleil originate?
TrIVIa
10. LANGUAGE: What is glossolalia?
Answers
1. “ e Tracey Ullman Show.”
2. About 55 miles.
3. 30.
4. Neptune.
5. J and Q.
6. “Chicken Run.”
7. “ e Handmaid’s Tale.”
8. Turmeric.
9. Canada.
10. e ability to speak in a previously unknown language, also known as speaking in tongues.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
MARKETPLACE
Cyclist cruises by on coast-to-coast journey
Teddy Bloom rides for free speech, rights
BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
In a time when the country is so divided and many feel the democratic way of life is being threatened in one way or another, 37-year-old Teddy Bloom is going for a bike ride.
But not just any bike ride. He’s dubbed it the Ride4Rights, a California-to-Washington, D.C., expedition to raise awareness of and support for four issues he says are vital to the American way of life: freedom of speech, justice, education and unity.
e Santa Fe, New Mexico, native
RENTALS
“If you look at the costs to operate a short-term rental to get it permitted right now, that rst year is a couple thousand total in permit fees,” Clark said. “And it’s only good for six months on your rst application; after that, it’s a year at a time.
“So we have a very low compliance rate.”
In addition to making the process easier for those with a short-term rental, the proposal suggests ways to better enforce rules that apply to them. at includes a new county ordinance to give Je erson County more authority to regulate STRs and increase nes for non-compliance.
It would also add the use of a third party, Host Compliance, to help the county identify short-term rentals and compliance rates, and provide a 24/7 complaint hotline service. Host Compliance is a software company aimed at helping governments with just such issues.
started at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on April 20 and arrived in Denver on June 7. He plans to reach his nal destination, the Washington Monument, on Aug. 14.
He will have covered roughly 3,000 miles on his Kona Libre gravel bike and made 100 or so stops by the time it’s all said and done.
is isn’t a left or right issue, the New Mexico Department of Transportation employee said. It’s simply for “people who like living in America and being in a democracy.”
“I do have more left supporters because they’re more against what the current administration is doing, but I do have a fair number of conservative supporters who like the conservative ideas of small government and states’ rights and whatnot,” Bloom said.
Russell said the draft regulations attempt to balance “a lot of competing interests.”
“People can get very passionate about this,” he said. “Folks who have been negatively impacted by a short-term rental are very passionate about not wanting to have them operate in a bad way, or not have them operate at all. People who want to operate one are frustrated with trying to do it the right way.
“We’ve also adopted our 15-year housing plan that talks about the importance of a ordable housing. We’re trying to balance all of them as best we can.”
e county used Host Compliance to come up with its estimate of 700 STRs in its unincorporated areas. But a quick search on Airbnb, absent parameters for speci c dates or number of guests, shows 260 in the Conifer area and 584 in the Evergreen area alone.
Major concern
People in both communities say shortterm rentals have become a huge issue.
“People are very, very concerned about
On freedom of speech and justice, Bloom said, “You need free speech to really be able to assess the needs of the people in the country, to know the problems around the country, or what people need for their jobs and work. at’s how lawmakers can make good decisions. Justice, everybody should have due process. at way it’s as fair as possible.”
Bloom said he picked education as one of his riding themes because he believes it’s important for people to understand why certain federal agencies exist and what exactly those workers do.
Lastly, speaking about unity, he said, “It’s the idea that you shouldn’t be doing something just to screw over other people. When you’re trying to make a law or implement a process or something, it should be either because it’s to your bene t or the bene t of other people. In
people renting these places who have no idea we’re on well and septic, and that we have a horrendous re danger,” said Shirley Johnson, president of the Conifer Area Council. “I do know that is an absolutely major concern of people up here.”
Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce president Nancy Judge is all for commonsense regulations.
“Neighbors are fearful for their homes because of people who rent (a short-term rental), go out on the porches and smoke, and ip their cigarette onto the ground below,” she said. ”We’ve also had residences supposedly rented for 4-6 people with party buses that show up.
“ ey don’t live with re danger every single day as we do. We can’t fault them for not knowing about the issues in our community,” she said. ”But it’s incumbent upon the property owner to ensure they’re aware and pass that information on. Having these regulations and encouraging the owners of the short-term rental properties to get licensed and adhere to them with their renters is going to bene t everyone.”
looking at the internet at least, people seem to have lost some interest in that.”
To amplify his work, Bloom created a website, posts regularly on several social media platforms and shares a daily vlog on YouTube.
When he enters a city or town, he also encourages others to ride along with him, if only for a few miles.
And while he’s run into some obstacles along the way — a tweaked hamstring early on, sloppy dirt roads, a hailstorm in Limon — he doesn’t plan on stopping until he reaches the marble obelisk in the nation’s capital.
“I wanted to do something a lot of people could get behind,” Bloom said. “ ese are very basic things for a democracy to function.”
Follow Bloom’s journey at ride4rights. com.
e public comment period on the draft regulations is open until July 20. Comments may be sent to str@je co.us.
While hearing dates aren’t set, Clark expects the regulations could go before the planning commission and county commissioners late this year.
14, 2025, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. to Edge Contracting, Inc. (“Contractor”) for all work done by Contractor in construction work performed within the District.
Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by Contractor or its subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by Contractor or its subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid and an account of such claim to the District, Attn. Joseph Norris, District’s General Counsel, whose address is 44 Cook Street, Suite 620, Denver CO 80206, on or before July 13, 2025. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement date will release the District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim pursuant to §38-26-107, C.R.S.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST POINT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By: /s/ Erik Velapoldi, Secretary
Legal Notice No. 6107
First Publication: June 26, 2025
Last Publication: July 3, 2025
Publisher: Arvada Press
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Arvada Housing Authority (the “AHA”) in agreement with the priorities identified by the Arvada Housing Advisory Committee (the “HAC”) has allocated funds to be awarded from the Arvada Affordable Housing Fund (the “AAHF”) to a qualified housing initiative in the City of Arvada in 2025.
For the Year 2025 up to $1,000,000.00 in funds may be competitively awarded as a subordinate gap financing loan to a project or projects that further the City’s housing goals for 2025. Awards will be made following an impartial and competitive application process where application will be evaluated based on the identified Threshold
