VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 16 WEEK OF APRIL 17, 2025
Colorado businesses seek tari certainty
Leaders at local companies say they just want some accurate information
BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
As yet another round of higher tari s began and then were paused on Wednesday, Sandi Moilanen over at the World Trade Center was certain about one thing.
“Right now, the biggest need is accurate information, not speculative information,” Moilanen said. “Our role is to disseminate information … and help them cut through the noise.”
e local World Trade Center’s client base tends to be small-to-midsize companies trying to navigate the world of global trade. Building a manufacturing plant in the United States isn’t a nancial possibility. Many already searched for a closer manufacturer but due to the high cost to make goods here or the specialized nature of their products, the search sent them to other countries where they found a way to build on their business.
World Trade Center sta found themselves responding to the same questions for the past several days — were the new tari s in addition to existing ones (yes, in most cases), what countries added retaliatory tari s (sta can pull that up for clients) and what are ways to minimize fees (foreign trade zones might be an option).
But nding answers in an everevolving trade war has been challenging with the abrupt policy switcharoos. Reciprocal tari s of up to 50% started April 9, before President Donald Trump changed course and said around noon that day that he was lowering reciprocal tari s to 10% on all countries for 90 days except for China.
makes Weld County strong and special.” e fair will be from July 19 through
tion that serves a diverse audience. e county is accepting applications for and events visit https://www.weldcountyfair.com/Get-Involved/Vendors.
Brighton unveils AI asssistant
Bot to handle routine questions via web, text
City of Brighton launched Brightly, a 24/7 multilingual AI assistant on April 7 in an e ort to enhance customer service. e new, fully integrated virtual assistant, Brightly, was developed in partnership with Citibot, a leader in AI-powered chat solutions for local government.
Residents can access Brightly in two ways: Visit www.brightonco.gov on desktop or mobile and click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. ey can also text “Hello” to (855) 62-BRGHT (74485) to start a conversation. Brighton is one of the rst municipalities in Colorado to implement Citibot’s AI-powered customer service platform. Brighton’s virtual assistant is fully funded by a threeyear grant from the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority. is automated assistant is available 24/7 on the city’s website and via text message,
enables residents to get fast answers, submit requests and connect with city sta . Brightly, powered by the latest generative AI technology, is designed to handle routine inquiries and support residents with ease. With the ability to communicate in 75 languages, Brightly makes government resources more accessible and provides a seamless, inclusive experience for all users.
“Brightly is an innovative feature that transforms the way in which we serve our residents and provide the community access to city information and services,” said Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky. “By partnering with Citibot, we’re able to o er a 24/7, user-friendly virtual assistant that answers questions in real-time, ensuring that our community can quickly obtain the resources they need. is AI tool is part of our ongoing commitment to customer service and making Brighton an even
more connected city.”
“Municipal websites contain a wealth of information, which can sometimes make it hard for residents to locate what they need quickly,” said Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot. “We’re thrilled to launch Brightly with the City of Brighton, providing an enhanced web and mobile experience while improving e ciency and customer service.” Learn more about Brightly at www. brightonco.gov or by texting “Hello” to (855) 62-BRGHT (74485).
Weld County is accepting applications for food trucks and vendors for its 2025 county fair. COURTESY OF WELD COUNTY
STAFF REPORT
A smiling dog is the logo for Brighton’s new AI ass COURTESY CITY OF BRIGHTON
Southwest Airlines opens new training hub
Center near Denver International Airport to train airline support sta
BY BELEN WARD BWARED@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Southwest Airlines held a ribboncutting ceremony with o cials from Colorado Aerotropolis, Adams County, the City and County of Denver, Jag Logistics, and Denver International Airport to inaugurate Southwest Airlines University on April 2.
“Equipping our employees to do their jobs safely while delivering world-class hospitality is our top priority,” said Bobby Loeb, Vice President, Southwest Airlines University at Southwest Airlines. “We appreciate this partnership and our new training center, which allows us to invest in our people by o ering the latest tools, enhanced training environments, and functional spaces to maintain a focus on safety as we continue growing and serving the Denver community.”
e ribbon cutting was held at 23,000 square-foot new learning centers at 6611 N. Powhatan Rd. in Aurora within the JAG Logistics Center adjoining Denver International Airport.
According to o cials, there is addi-
tional room to expand 12,000 square feet.
It’s part of the expansion around Denver International Aiport.
e Colorado Aerotropolis was developed as a vision in collaboration with industry leaders between Adams County; the cities of Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, and ornton; the City and County of Denver; and Denver International Airport (DEN), according to o cials.
Denver International Airport, North America’s third-busiest airport, brings economic growth to the region, according to Adams County o cials.
“ e Colorado Aerotropolis was born from the philosophy that when partners come together to collaborate, we are greater than the sum of our parts. When we work together, we can accomplish great things for the future of our region,” said Commissioner Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners and Airport Coordinating Committee. “Celebrat-
ing Southwest Airlines’ training facility in Adams County is a commitment to regional collaboration to drive and sustain economic growth in the region.”
e Corporate Campus training facility in Dallas will still remain as a training center for airline pilots, according to o cials. e new Southwest Airlines University is designed to be a hub to train employees in other types of airport jobs.
According to o cials, JAG Logistics is a privately owned industrial expansion close to Denver International Airport. Its 260 acres are still under development under Industrial Zoned, Opportunity Zoned, and Enterprises Zoned with opportunities to expand into a commercial economic mecca.
With the partnership of JAG, DEN, and the City of Aurora, the plans of development in this area would stimulate the communities, tenants, and businesses and create jobs within the neighborhoods that surround it.
Weld battles Bishop oil well fire
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Multiple re department agencies in Weld County continued to battle an oil well re that began April 7 near Galeton, northeast of Greeley.
In a written statement, Weld County Emergency Management o cials said their priority is the safety of neighbors, workers and the environment.
“As a precaution, residents within a half-mile of the well pad have been temporarily relocated,” the statement reads. “Galeton Elementary is expected to remain closed at least through end of day ursday.”
e evacuation included a half-mile radius around Weld County Roads 72 and 51.
Multiple agencies arrived at the scene, including Galeton Fire, Weld County Emergency Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA and Chevron.
A community meeting for Galeton residents was scheduled April 10. Representatives from the Galeton Fire Department, Weld County O ce of Emergency Management, Chevron, and others shared updates directly with residents.
On April 7, o cials reported that the team immediately worked on air
County convenes discussion on EV charging stations
County, cities launch survey, plan gathering
Adams County drivers are being asked for their opinions regarding electronic vehicle charging stations and where they should be located.
“More and more people are turning to electric vehicles for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, nancial viability, and more,” said Commissioner Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners.
As part of Adams County’s Sustainability program, the county has partnered with the cities of Brighton, Commerce City, ornton, Northglenn, and Westminster to form a regional cohort to hear from the community about where newchargers would best serve residents. e group, led by the county, has established a short community survey along with an interactive map where residents can drop pins in locations where they would like to see future EV charging stations with an explanation why those spots would be useful.
With this data and information from the community, Adams County and partner cities will work together to better understand where residents want to see expanded EV infrastructure to help inform grant applications, future partnerships, and next steps to make their requests a reality.
“It’s our responsibility as their county government to make sure we are planning and then building the infrastructure, like additional EV chargers, needed to serve this growing trend,” Baca said. “I’m very grateful Adams County has forward-thinking sta and partners like our municipalities thinking about how best to expand our EV charging network to accommodate future demand.”
monitoring conducted at and around the well site, as well as in the evacuation zone. e results were below levels of concern for public health. Work was completed to recover and remove liquids from the site.
e experts focused on securing the site using equipment to stop the oil release from the well, according to an April 8 update, according to o cials.
Air quality monitoring is in place to continue assessing air quality, and the results remain below concerning levels, so the containment and removal of liquids are ongoing.
Certi ed wildlife biologists are onsite to monitor the safety of the Bald Eagle nest located 1.6 miles southeast of the well pad. According to o cials, the biologists are surveying the area within a mile radius of the pad for any additional raptor nests.
e county continues to monitor air quality.
“Several response goals were met yesterday the equipment located at the well site was safely removed,” the statement said. “ e Air monitoring continued in and around the well pad and evacuation zone. Results remain below levels of concern for public health.
“Goals included further equipment removal from the site to allow for the next stage of the response and pre-
Fire
pare the site for tomorrow’s e orts to halt the release.”
Neighbors with livestock are encouraged to contact their veterinarian to evaluate and monitor their animals. Questions or calls for assistance with boarding or relocating livestock should be directed to 970-342-0135.
Joint Information Center has established a Community Information Line at 970-400-4264. Public information updates can also be found on the Weld County website.
e ve-question survey and the interactive map work together to let residents and businesses submit their opinions on making EV infrastructure more accessible in Adams County. e survey is available on the county’s website at https://adcogov.org/news/electric-vehiclecharging-station-survey
“We would love to hear from EV owners about what already works well for them and what gaps we still need to ll to make charging stations more accessible,” said Baca. “And if you don’t yet own an EV but are considering one in the future, we’d love to hear from you to see what we can do to help you make an informed decision on your next vehicle.”
In addition to the survey and map, Adams County has established a page on adcogov.org called Electric Vehicle Charging 101, which offers information and tips for people who own, lease, or are considering an EV. is resource includes information on charging, permitting, nancial resources, and a listing of current EV charging stations o ered by Adams County.
Earth Day celebration
e coalition of local governments will also be holding an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Ave. in Commerce City.
In addition to music, food, kids’ activities, and exhibitors, there will be an Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive station where those interested in buying or leasing an electric vehicle can test drive one during the event. For more information about the Earth Day Celebration, visit adcogov. org/earthday.
o cials in the northeastern Weld County town of Galeton are battle a blaze in an oil well. COURTESY
STAFF REPORT
Southwest Airlines held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with o cials from Colorado Aerotropolis, Adams County, the City and County of Denver, Jag Logistics, and Denver International Airport. COURTESY OF ADAMS COUNTY
Drop in
Consumer Confidence & Concerns About
Trade
War Are Not Yet Reflected in Real Estate Statistics
Last Friday, CNN reported on a survey by the University of Michigan about consumer confidence, which showed a significant decline — 30% since December 2024.
“This decline was, like the last month’s, pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region and political affiliation,” Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, said in a release.
According to CNN, “the Federal Reserve and Wall Street are watching closely how souring sentiment translates into consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of the US economy, and whether Americans lose faith that inflation will return to normal in the coming years.”
Sales are continuing to rise, and an increasing number of sellers are putting their homes on the MLS. Here are statistics for the previous seven days (as of last Friday):
can vary significantly. Here’s that chart:
measure of both seller hopes versus what the market will bear.
New listings — 1,425
That decline is consumer sentiment is not yet reflected in real estate statistics which I researched on REcolorado, Denver’s MLS. The charts shown in this report are for the 13 months from March 2024 through March 2025, so that you can see both year-over-year and month-over-month changes.
Coming soon — 90
Price reductions — 1,466
Under contract — 932
Withdrawn from MLS — 95
Back on Market — 198
Expired without selling — 153
Closed — 589
This is not an easy time to list and sell a home, and I would describe it as a “buyer’s market.” Even in a buyer’s market, however, keep in mind that a home which is priced correctly and has appealing qualities can sell quickly and even be in a bidding war.
How fast? Here’s the change in months of inventory and median days on the MLS:
The blue line is the asking price per square foot, and the green line is the sold price per square foot. In December, that price was bid up, but since then it has fallen, which is a
April statistics will be available in time for my column on May 8th. Since the greatest political and economic disruption is happening this month, it will be interesting to see how this month’s real estate activity is affected by current “externalities.” If you’re interested in my thoughts about those, you’ll want to check out my political blog, which is at http://TalkingTurkey.substack.com
Redfin Report Highlights Increasing Cost of Buying vs. Renting
The financial gap between purchasing a home and renting a home or apartment has grown significantly, making the dream of homeownership more distant, according to a report released by Redfin last Thursday.
According to the report, the typical American now needs to earn over $116,600 annually to afford a median-priced home in the U.S., compared to just $64,160 needed to afford an average apartment. That’s an 81.1 percent income gap — the widest it has been in recent years.
Homes are still being put on the MLS and are still selling. I limited my analysis to an 18-mile radius of downtown Denver, as shown in the map at right, not the “metro area” defined by county boundaries, as preferred by the Market Trends Committee of REcolorado.
First I looked at the count of active versus closed listing by month:
At the current rate of sales, it would take 3 months to sell the number of currently active listings, but the median days on market fell from over 40 in January to 17 in March.
Meanwhile, the average and median sold prices have remained steady. Average is always higher because of the number of million dollar homes sold.
I like to look at the change in price per finished square foot, since the size of homes
Those are national statistics, however. Here in the Denver metro area, the differential is much higher — 131.7 percent — according to Redfin. It takes an income of $155,717 to afford a median-priced home ($580,719) and $67,200 to afford a medianpriced apartment ($1,680 per month). That’s a year-over-year income increase of 4% for buying and a 1.1% decrease for renting. That reflects the national pattern of increased differential between the affordability of buying versus the affordability of renting.
The income needed to afford the typical home is calculated using the prevailing median home sale price and average mortgageinterest rate over rolling three-month periods, and assumes a 15% down payment. The typical housing payments noted in Redfin’s report include the mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and mortgage insurance.
The income needed to afford the typical apartment is calculated using the prevailing median asking rent over rolling three-month periods. Median asking rent figures cover newly listed units in apartment buildings with five or more units. Asking rents reflect the current costs of new leases during each time period. In other words, the amount shown as the median asking rent is not the median of what all renters are paying, but the median asking price of apartments that were available for new renters during the report period.
Redfin considers a home affordable if a buyer spends no more than 30% of their income on their housing payment. They use the same threshold for rental affordability.
The San Francisco Bay Area had the highest income differentials in the Redfin study. In San Jose, someone needs an annual income of $408,557 to afford the typical home for sale. That’s 218% more than they need to afford the typical apartment for rent—the biggest premium among the metro areas which Redfin analyzed. Next came San Francisco (176%), Seattle (145%), Austin (143%) and Los Angeles (141%).
Cincinnati saw the biggest drop in the homebuying premium. There someone needs an annual income of $80,752 to afford the typical home for sale. That’s 38.9% more than they need to afford the typical rental. A year ago they would have needed to earn 47.7% more to buy versus rent.
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 about $1,500 in donations. If you’d like to contribute, visit www.BringItBack.info. Thanks!
Aims comedy shows focus on addiction, recovery
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Recovering from addiction may not be a laughing matter but Aims Community College students hope they can give their peers a reason to smile.
e college is hosting a one-night special event, the Second Chance Comedy Show, a group of stand-up comedians focusing on addiction, recovery, and resilience.
It’s a free show from 6:30-8 p.m. April 18, in the Welcome Center Auditorium on the Greeley Campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Charleen McCasland and Ana Monsivais are Aims students and peer facilitators in Arty’s Recovery Connection, a program designed to help Aims students in recovery and their allies, meet, connect, and enjoy a fun environment.
ey said they wanted to bring the Second Chance Comedy Show with the intention of breaking the stigmas surrounding addiction, emphasizing that recovery isn’t a “one size ts all” experience.
“It feels really good to bring something like this to Aims,” McCasland said. “We care about students’ mental health, their sense of belonging, and helping people feel like they’re not alone — and this show does all of that in such a fun way.”
“We’re excited to bring something different to campus — something that’s fun and still meaningful,” Monsivais said. “Comedy is such a cool way to talk about recovery without it feeling heavy.”
e comedy show comes in collaboration with the Student Life and Counseling Services.
e program is for adults and may be unsuitable for children under 18. Viewer
discretion is advised. Call 970-339-6388 to request accommodations for this event.
Lightbulb moments
Joe Huisman who is also in the show, founded Second Chance Comedy.
“I was a major drug addict until about 24 years ago. A few years ago, I got into stand-up comedy, and my jokes about his past addiction struck a chord with audiences,” Huisman said.
“People would come up to me after shows and start telling me about their own recovery stories. ere was this light bulb moment—maybe we could build something that’s not only funny but healing.”
Huisman said he auditions small groups of Denver area-based comedians who also had lived experience with addiction and recovery and performed their rst show last year.
Since then, Second Chance Comedy has done shows from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs to bring authentic, relatable, and healing comedy to colleges and theaters across the region. For the Aims Community College show he’s headlining Von Sprecken, Dominic Syracuse, Donna Shannon, and Tara Check.
“Each of these comedians brings a unique perspective to the stage, sharing their personal experiences with addiction and recovery in a funny and deeply relatable way,” Huisman said.
“Von Sprecken is hilarious. He’s one of the most talented comedians I’ve worked with, and he’s also in recovery, which adds another layer to his performance,” Huisman said. “He gets it — and the audience really connects with that.”
Huisman said he believes this comedy is for everyone, not just those in recovery.
“ is show is for anyone who’s been through something — addiction, mental health challenges, trauma — or knows someone who has. We’ve all had challenges. e stories we share on stage are funny, but they’re real — and that’s what makes them powerful.”
For information about Aims events visit events.aims.edu to learn more about this event and other happenings on Aims Community College campuses.
Introducing the brand-new Farmlore community. Here, beautiful ranch, two-story and paired homes are designed to blend seamlessly with the area’s rich agricultural roots, creating a friendly, small-town vibe all its own.
Farmlore is located in Brighton, just west of Prairie Center, on 144th Ave.
New homes from $400s
The Second Chance Comedy Show is being held April 18 at Aims Community College.
PHOTOS COURTESY AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Joe Huisman, who founded Second Chance Comedy Show.
Dominic Syracuse with Second Chance Comedy.
Tara Check with Second Chance Comedy.
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
New homes are going up in Firestone
Landsea Homes will build a new community with 132 two-story paired homes from 1,384 to 2,445 square feet in the northwest corner of Firestone Blvd and County Road 15, according to a news release on April 2.
“Weld County is a very important Denver submarket for Landsea Homes, and the addition of these new homesites at Cordovan expands our presence in an area where our homes are already in high demand,” said Lisa Wiebelhaus, Colorado Division President, Landsea Homes. “We look forward to bringing more opportunities for homebuyers to own one of our High-Performance Homes while expanding our footprint as we work to become a leading homebuilder in Denver.”
e homes, part of the development called Cordova, are being built in a community that will be low maintenance and secure, o cials call it a lock-and-leave lifestyle. e sales of the home will be advertised in late Summer 2025, and the pricing
of the homes will be publicized later.
e Cordova homes are located directly across the street from the Firestone Regional Sports Complex where there are several events with softball, and baseball games elds, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
In addition, it’s near Interstate 25 and 15 minutes from Longmont’s historic downtown, with breweries, cideries, and distilleries with nationally recognized restaurants, unique boutique shops, and varied public art and galleries.
According to o cials, the homes will be built with smart home automated technology designed by Apple Home environment and energy savings with the goal of a healthier and more comfortable environment.
e smart home automation features include an Apple® HomePod mini™, wireless network Internet throughout the home, entry door locks, thermostat control, garage door opener control, light dimmer switches, ecobee smart video doorbell, and smart home activation service via Best Buy’s Geek Squad, according
to o cials.
e homes are built within the St. Vrain Valley School District, with 12 schools for students to attend from grades Pre-K through 12.
Firestone is located about 30 miles north of Denver. Landsea Homes are also selling new homes at Pintail Commons at Johnstown Village in Johnstown, Parkway at Prairie Center Village in Brighton, Spring Valley in Longmont, Highlands Preserve in Mead, and coming soon, Cherry Meadows in Brighton.
Middle Schoolers look in on city workings
Youth in Government students go behind the scenes in City Hall
BY BELEN WARD
Fort Lupton Middle School students got a glimpse of what goes on at City Hall April 1, from participating in government during an actual council meeting to passing policy.
“It made me feel good to have the opportunity to experience how our city council shapes our community and passes policies,” said Fort Lupton Middle School student Sahibpreet Singh.
e day began with a Jeopardy game about the judicial system City Clerk Mari Pena said. at was followed by a museum tour, learning about Public Works, and exploring the pipeline wastewater line to Denver Metro before the City Council got down to business.
e council meeting started with May-
or Zo Hubbard reading a 2025 Proclamation on Sexual Awareness Month.
Middle School student Samantha Chavez played a role as Mayor, reading the 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Proclamation.
Chavez read “ e victims’ rights movement has resulted in the passage of laws at the local, state, and federal levels that crime victims’ rights acts passed here in Colorado and at the Federal level have provided victims with ways to participate meaningfully throughout the criminal justice process.”
Middle School student Sahibpreet Singh read the 2025 National Library Week Proclamation.
All seven students, along with Mayor Zo Hubbard and City Council members, voted unanimously to approve the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant of $140,000 for the Parks and Recreation Parks and Trails master plan, reducing the city’s net cost for the parks capital improvement to $160,000 for the updated parks and trails master plan.
A model of the homes going up in Firestone. COURTESY BY LANDSEA HOMES
Even man’s best friend understands value of friendship
We have two dogs that are best friends. ree-year-old Skye and one-year-old Bear are Coltrievers, part Golden Retriever and part Border Collie. Technically, they are aunt and nephew; Bear’s mother was born in the same litter as Skye.
As soon as 9-week-old Bear joined our family, Skye started trying to get him to play with her; so incredibly happy to have a playmate. What began as a full-grown dog trying to coax a timid weeks-old puppy into doing a little bit of running around has evolved into full-on races inside and outside of the house where you will often hear Beth or I exclaim, “Hey, now that’s too rough.”
e games of these two best friends are a joy to watch. ey might start with Skye squeaking a toy four or ve times or Bear patting the ground and pretending to jump forward.
e language of these two is amazing to watch in action. e invitation to playtime is followed by a mix of wagging tails, pant-
Protect
Wing tongues, playful growling, lots of running and un ltered joy.
eir rumpus room friendship has this dear, quiet side, too. Last week, I was sitting at the table doing some work, and these two best friends lay on top of my feet with their heads touching each other. As I watched that sweet, tender moment, I could not help but think about the role friends play in our lives.
e collective power of friendship is astounding. In the history of humankind friendship has altered the course of entire nations, been the foundation for business empires, and the impetus for life-changing discoveries and inventions. Friendships make our individual days richer and provide us with avenues for
laughter and lifetime memories. ey present us opportunities to share our deepest secrets and a shoulder to cry on in times of greatest need. Friendships are one of our world’s most precious resources. Nurturing a friendship reaps amazing rewards for each of us.
When a friend faces challenging life events, it can leave us searching for the perfect way to help. We know how much that friendship adds to our lives, and we want to be that same type of support for our friend. We see their pain and their need, and we want to be the di erence makers. Most of us will, at some point, face questions about how to support our friends in their moment of need.
Here is what I have learned so far about those moments when you want to help but don’t know how:
• Be consistent, a force of positivity they can trust will be present.
• Listen so you understand the needs of the person struggling.
• Give help on the timeline of the person
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Coloradans’ health care
e are facing a reality where health coverage for 1 in 5 Coloradans is in jeopardy. Congressional discussions are underway to signi cantly defund Medicaid, which is a lifeline to many Coloradans. Making $880 billion in rushed cuts to healthcare programs covering seniors, children and other vulnerable groups would have dramatic consequences:
– More people will be uninsured and won’t access healthcare until an emergency, leading to increased healthcare costs for everyone.
– Providers will be forced to do layo s, cut services, or close, reducing access to care.
– Our communities will lose jobs and valuable tax revenue, harming our economy during a state budget crisis.
As the CEO of Colorado Access — a Colorado nonpro t and the state’s largest Medicaid plan — and a former Medicaid member myself, I am deeply invested in the value of Medicaid. And I am not alone. Two-thirds of U.S. adults say someone close to them has received help from the Medicaid program. Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents are opposed to Medicaid cuts, and this opinion is consistent across both urban and rural areas. Most people think funding should either increase (42%) or be kept about the same (40%). Looking around at our communities, it’s readily apparent how critical Medicaid is to us and our friends and families: Medicaid covers 63% of nursing home residents, 44% of people with disabilities, and 80% of children living in poverty.
governments jointly fund Medicaid, and funding expands as needs or costs increase. If Congress were to cut federal Medicaid funding, our local legislators know that our state budget situation, including the current shortfall and impacts of TABOR, would not enable state funds to back ll federal cuts and continue Medicaid as we need it.
Republicans in Congress have also proposed work requirements for Medicaid members, disregarding the fact that most adult Medicaid members work (and make less than $30,000 per year). Two-thirds of adult Medicaid members in Colorado—65%—are employed. e remaining 35% are largely not working due to caregiving responsibilities, being students, or having a disability. Work requirements create administrative waste and jeopardize healthcare for low-income, working Coloradans by adding unnecessary red tape, putting 542,000 Coloradans at risk of losing coverage (47% of the adult Medicaid population).
Yet Medicaid is on the chopping block. Republicans in the U.S. House have o ered reassurances that the only cuts would be around fraud, waste, and abuse, but getting to billions in cuts would require creative revisions to the de nition of fraud. Medicaid is the most e cient coverage available, and fraud is limited. Costs per Medicaid member are substantially lower than private insurance. Regardless of how terms are rede ned, reducing Medicaid funding translates to cutting essential health services for people we know and love. We are fortunate in Colorado, where both Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly largely support Medicaid. Our legislators understand that Medicaid makes people healthier, creates jobs, and ensures funding for vital roles at local health centers and hospitals. State and federal
We just saw a similar situation with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, which allowed people to stay enrolled in Medicaid for the duration of the pandemic. Many eligible Coloradans lost coverage due to administrative barriers. We cannot force another situation where people in our state unnecessarily get sicker — and our providers are faced with more care for which they will not be paid. We must work together to ensure Congress understands the impact that cutting Medicaid would have on Coloradans’ health and our economy. Limited or no a ordable options exist for alternative health coverage for these individuals, especially as the enhanced premium tax credits that help people a ord insurance are also at risk, and no alternative opportunity exists for providers to get paid for delivering their care. For members of Congress who support cuts to Medicaid, we should hold them accountable for how their constituents will access health care.
is guest column was written by Annie Lee, CEO of Colorado Access, Colorado’s largest public-sector health plan, which has provided a ordable health care for three decades.
needing help.
• Be authentically yourself, lean into your strengths when you are trying to gure out how to help.
• Distance, being 5 minutes or 5,000 miles apart, is not a barrier friends feel. Act when your friend needs it. is week I hope you will celebrate the friends you have. ey are incredible encouragers, some of your greatest treasures and they deserve your best.
I would love to hear about the friendships that have made a di erence in your life.
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.
Home heating tax credits worth saving
My family recently replaced our aging furnace and air conditioner with a cold-weather heat pump system because we wanted an e cient HVAC solution that performs well in any temperature. We’re thrilled with the results. Our heat pump keeps our home comfortable yearround and has improved our indoor air quality, which is especially important in a neighborhood surrounded by industrial operations and during wild re season. e system evenly regulates temperatures throughout the house—our basement used to be freezing!—and it runs much quieter than our old equipment. We also like that we’re reducing our reliance on combustion machines, which can leak gas into the home and pose re risks.
We were able to make this important upgrade thanks to the 25C Energy E cient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which provided $2,000 in tax relief. Without this incentive, we wouldn’t have been able to a ord the switch—one that will pay o through lower energy bills, especially when we add solar.
tractor, Mountain West Heat Pumps, has built an entire business around installing heat pumps, creating a dozen good jobs in our community. But now, Congress may put this tax credit on the chopping block. at would be a big mistake. More and more Republicans recognize that energy tax credits are not about politics—they’re about helping small businesses and keeping energy a ordable. I appreciate Congressman Evans for signing the recent letter defending these credits and hope his leadership extends to protecting 25C.
Many families are struggling to a ord rising energy costs. ey should know that 25C helps homeowners a ordably upgrade insulation, doors, windows, water heaters, and HVAC equipment—making homes more e cient and cutting utility bills.
Let’s not turn a popular, commonsense policy into another political football.
Stacy Lambright, ornton
Libraries are crucial
ese incentives also strengthen local businesses by driving demand for skilled trades and high-e ciency installations. My HVAC con-
When I was a child, our local library was my favorite place to be. We did not have a lot of money and only a few books at home, but every time I went to the library, I felt like I had all the riches I needed. To this day I remain an avid reader and visit my local library 2-3 times a month. Libraries are a vital source of knowledge for readers of every age. Toddler storybook groups, teen engagement programs, job search assistance, ESL programs, adult book clubs and programs for seniors are all programs that I have been a part of through my local library. ese critical services enrich our lives and are the glue that builds and strengthens our communities. If we do not support our libraries, we will all be poorer for it in the end.
Deborah Katz, Erie
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Jim Roome
Reflection of passion
Have you ever found yourself searching for that spark, the passion that once fueled your daily efforts? At some point, we may all realize that our zeal has faded, whether it’s in personal pursuits, professional goals, continuous learning, or relationships. Sometimes, if we’re fortunate enough to recognize it early, we can quickly nd ways to reignite our energy and get back on track. But suppose we allow ourselves to drift too long. In that case, the ame of passion can begin to dim, eventually snu ng out completely, leaving only a faint whisper of smoke that vanishes into nothingness.
WINNING
Recently, I spoke with a few leaders, and our conversation turned to the relentless pace of technological change. ey shared how, just as they and their teams had become comfortable with a new system, their company would invest in the next big technology. e cycle of learning, leading, and implementing would begin all over again. is pattern has been repeating itself for the past few years, an ongoing wave of advancements crashing ashore, only to be followed by another, bigger, faster, more powerful wave right behind it. Wave after wave, pounding us before we can even catch our breath, leaving us worn out from the constant e ort to keep up.
ey called it initiative fatigue, a state that erodes passion for a business and an industry they once loved. at’s the challenge we all face: how do we navigate this constant change without allowing our passion to burn out?
Some of you may remember the musi-
cian Yanni. Others may not, but you can always explore his music. As I was writing this column, his song Re ections of Passion played in the background, bringing back memories of my own past excitement. I found myself re ecting on moments lled with purpose and passion: the nervous anticipation of taking on a new role, the thrill of setting ambitious goals, the courage of asking for that rst kiss, and yes, even the enthusiasm for the newest technology promising to make me more e ective and e cient at work. ese memories ooded back, rekindling the ambition and joy that once drove me.
Looking back, even the clumsy technologies of the past, made clumsier by my own mistakes, seem almost quaint compared to today’s sophisticated innovations. Despite all the advancements, one truth remains: AI may be getting better, faster, and more intelligent, but it still lacks one crucial element, feeling. e human experience of passion, purpose, and the exhilaration of pursuing a dream cannot be replicated by algorithms or automation.
too long to mention everyone, but a few truly captured the balance of AI, technology, and human emotion: Dave Mattson, Krish Dhanam, Jody Williamson, John Rosso, Jordan Ledwein, Troy Kanter, Mike Crandall, Carlos Garrido, and many others. ey reminded us not only of what we do and how we do it but, most importantly, why we do it: passion and purpose. Re ecting on those moments, I nd myself even more inspired by what lies ahead. Will it bring change? Absolutely. Will it be challenging? Most likely. Will the changes keep coming? Guaranteed. But we have the power to leverage change, innovation, and transformation as the spark that reignites our passion and purpose. Personally, professionally, romantically,
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As I wrap up this re ection, I encourage you to listen to another Yanni song: Dare to Dream. Let his music and the words in the song’s title inspire you to embrace your passions and pursue your biggest dreams. I would love to hear your stories of passion and purpose at gotonorton@ gmail.com. And as we continue to ride the wave of technological change, let’s keep our spark alive, our passion strong, and embrace a better-than-good life.
• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.
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is was especially evident during the recent Sandler Summit in Orlando, Florida, which I had the privilege of attending recently. Over a thousand people gathered, most in person, some virtually, to engage with speakers who delivered fresh, thought-provoking insights. It would take
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
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Discover tips for a fresh start from local experts
BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG
As the days grow longer and da odils bloom, the arrival of spring brings more than just warmer weather. Pollen levels rise and dust bunnies hop around long after Easter.
Consequently, people emerge from winter hibernation to declutter closets and scrub oorboards with the start of the new season, marking the start of spring cleaning season.
While it is currently spring only in the northern hemisphere, multiple cultures across the globe are linked to spring cleaning.
One of the earliest references of the practice is generally acknowledged in the Jewish observance of Passover, which typically occurs in March or April, and lasts for about a week.
During this time, homes are cleaned to remove chametz — leavened grains like wheat or barley — symbolizing their swift departure from Egypt, when they couldn’t wait for the bread to nish baking.
In preparation for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Catholic churches undergo thorough cleanings on Maundy ursday, exhibiting puri cation and readiness for the sacred days ahead.
Celebrated in March, Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, includes kh ne-tak n or “shaking the house,” where families deep-clean their homes to
sweep away the past and welcome new beginnings.
In ailand, Songkran, which is a two-day festival in April, marks the ai New Year with the cleaning of homes and public spaces. Water plays a central role as people splash it on each other and Buddha statues to cleanse bad luck and invite blessings.
Known as “death cleaning,” Sweden’s philosophy, Döstädning, involves decluttering possessions to simplify life and ease burdens — a practical approach that conveys letting go of things that are no longer needed. Döstädning isn’t limited to a certain time of the year, but is rather instilled as a lifestyle.
Spring cleaning has remained a tradition for many, and local experts around the Denver metro area are weighing in with tips and tricks to tidy a home inside and out.
Health benefits
Spring cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics — it also o ers tangible health bene ts:
• Reduces allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites.
• Eliminates bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
• Improves indoor air quality by removing pollutants.
• Decreases stress by creating a clean, organized environment.
• Enhances safety by reducing clutter that could cause trips or falls.
Tree pollen is a signi cant allergen during Colorado’s springtime, with elm, cottonwood, oak and maple trees being common culprits, according to Wyndly, an allergy-based healthcare company.
Pollen counts tend to be highest midday and evening, leaving the morning as the only time when outdoor allergens are at their lowest counts and the best time to ventilate homes, said Ryan Buckley, a doctor at Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers.
For the indoors, Buckley recommends cleaning with products that are free of dyes and fragrances and using the minimum amount possible.
“Some over-the-counter cleaning products can irritate the airways,” he said. “If you are particularly sensitive to cleaning products, ventilate the area while cleaning.”
Buckley warned that making at-home cleaning solutions should be done cautiously, and advised against mixing vinegar and bleach as it can produce a hazardous chlorine gas.
Buckley also emphasized the importance of installing the correct air lter grade in central HVAC systems to trap allergens e ectively.
“If appropriate, consider running the system on ventilation mode periodically — for example, 15 minutes every one hour — to help move air through the lter and facilitate allergen removal, (and) replace lters as recommended by the manufacturer,” he said.
SPRING CLEANING
Buckley recommends placing a dehumidi er in bathrooms or basements that tend to be high in humidity levels, which can contribute to mold growth. He said indoor humidity levels should ideally be 40 to 50%, and added that anything lower can be too drying and aggravate allergy symptoms.
“If despite e ective cleaning e orts, you continue to have allergy symptoms, it is a good idea to undergo an allergy evaluation by a board-certi ed allergist,” Buckley said. “ ere are a variety of treatment options from over-the-counter medications to prescription therapies, including allergen immunotherapy. If needed, allergy testing can help identify potential triggers and better guide therapy to help you remain symptom-free.”
Organization strategies
Dedicating a whole day to this season’s deep cleaning is how some decide to tackle the tasks, while others prefer to break it up over multiple days.
MaidPro, a cleaning company that has locally owned and operated businesses around Denver’s metro area, says on its website that breaking it up “is perfect for homeowners with busy schedules who can’t commit to an entire day of cleaning” but adds that “you must stay committed and ensure you don’t slack o toward the end of your spring cleaning.”
Many say that organization is key to e cient spring cleaning. ey include Cody Galloway, co-
founder of TULA, a service that helps “create more balance in life.”
By completing clients’ to-do lists — such as laundry, grocery shopping, meal planning and home organization — TULA came out of necessity to help clients who are inundated by life’s tasks, Galloway said.
“You stare at your endless to-do list while being stretched very thin at both work and at home and think, ‘there has to be a better way,’” she said. “So, we made one.”
TULA was founded in 2020 in Denver and has since spread its services to Boulder and Aspen, in addition to out-of-state locations, including Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Montana and North Carolina.
Galloway said TULA has a clientele that consists of busy parents and professionals, and anyone who just needs an extra set of hands.
Prioritizing deep-cleaning and decluttering tasks can be di cult, so Galloway recommends starting with the most overwhelming areas rst.
“If looking at your closet makes you break out in a cold sweat, that’s the place to start,” she said. “Tackle one category at a time — clothes, then shoes, then accessories — so you don’t end up sitting on the oor reminiscing over an old concert T-shirt or your painting overalls for two hours.”
Galloway recommends that spring cleaners invest in label makers and clear bins to organize the home.
“If you can’t see what’s inside, you’ll forget it exists,” she said.
While organizing, Galloway said implementing the “one-year rule” mindset is essential: “If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to part ways,” she said.
“ONE-YEAR RULE. IF YOU HAVEN’T
USED IT IN A YEAR, IT’S TIME TO PART WAYS.”
Cody Galloway, co-founder of TULA
Clothing donations
Clothing, accessories and other donations can be made to local Goodwills and Arc rift Stores, and family-owned stores such as 2nd Time Around rift in Aurora. e thrift store opened in 2020 and continues to be family-operated, focusing on providing high-quality items for low costs.
Local H&M stores collect unwanted garments and sort them for rewear as secondhand clothing, reused to make other products such as a cleaning cloth, or recycled and shredded to be remade into other materials. ose who donate clothes or textiles to the store also receive a coupon to use on their next H&M purchase, according to its website, hm.com. e success of a spring cleaning project is “when you walk into your space and breathe easier,” Galloway said. “When you can nd your favorite sweater in under 10 seconds. When your kitchen counter isn’t a dumping ground for mail and mystery items. And, most importantly, when you don’t immediately start adding things back to your to-do list because for once, it’s already handled. And if you can actually park in your garage again? at’s a big win.”
TULA takes on the tasks that their clients need to cross o their to-do lists. TAMARA MCTAVISH PHOTOGRAPHY
Maintaining a clean and organized environment can reduce stress. TAMARA MCTAVISH PHOTOGRAPHY
CCM journalists earn 9 awards in regional contest
Journalists from Colorado Community Media won nine awards in the regional Top of the Rockies journalism competition for their work in 2024.
CCM competed not among other weekly community papers but in the “Large Newsroom” category that included daily newspapers such as the Boulder Daily Camera, Longmont Times-Call, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Durango Herald, e (Fort Collins) Coloradoan, and the St. George (Utah) News, as well as the magazine 5280 and broadcast outlets Rocky Mountain PBS and KUER out of the University of Utah.
Sports editor John Renfrow won rst place for his work on the weekly Sportsland newsletter, with the judges saying, “ ere is truly a sense of sharing in this community newsletter.”
ree journalists received four secondplace honors, including:
- Elisabeth Slay’s coverage of the city of Englewood’s water billing problems in the business enterprise reporting category, - former Littleton reporter Nina Joss scored two wins: one in beat reporting for her coverage of the alleged abuse of nonverbal children by a Littleton Public Schools paraprofessional and one in obit writing for an article on the death of a homeless man in Centennial, and - freelancer Lillian Fuglei’s photo from the opening of the Arvada Aquatics Center.
Journalist Monte Whaley won third place in beat reporting on a state decision to house convicted sex o enders at two group homes in Northglenn, coverage which ultimately led to o cials nixing the
decision after residents voiced their opposition. Other third-place awards went to Slay in political reporting for documenting how the city of Englewood used taxpayer money to purchase signs advocating for a parks question; to former La Ciudad reporter Jackie Ramirez for humor/personal column writing for her articles on helping her mother get the documents she need-
ed to visit family in Mexico after 17 years and on what people should expect if they are approached by a reporter, and to Leah Neu in page design for her “No time like the present” presentation on a professional Christmas gift wrapper.
e awards were announced April 5 at the conclusion of the regional Colorado SPJ conference in Denver. More than
1,800 entries from four states were judged by members of the Los Angeles Press Club.
“While what we do isn’t about awards, they exemplify that we are doing right by the communities we cover,” said Linda Shapley, director of editorial and audience for CCM. “I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team.”
This photo by Lillian Fuglei of the grand opening of the Arvada Aquatics Center received second place in the regional Society for Professional Journalists annual competition.
Price tag for women’s soccer project: $70M
Denver proposes a two-part spending package for land and improvements
BY PAOLO ZIALCITA AND ANDREW KENNEY DENVERITE
e city of Denver could spend $70 million to buy land for a women’s soccer stadium and make improvements near the site in the Baker neighborhood, according to a newly released city document.
e unnamed new National Women’s Soccer League team had already unveiled its plan to build a stadium as part of a mixed-used development adjacent to the Broadway Station light rail stop — but details on the nances have been short.
Now, the city is proposing a two-part public spending package to support the project.
e city could spend up to $50 million to buy land for the stadium and make improvements on the site, which is near Interstate 25 and Broadway.
Another $20 million could go to parks, trails, a bridge and other improvements in the surrounding area. Improved infrastructure around the stadium could “increase its bene t and enjoyment by neighbors and visitors.”
e city would own the stadium land permanently, allowing it to repurpose the property if the team ever leaves. e stadium is set to anchor a larger 41-acre development known as Santa Fe Yards, which could include a mix of residential and other uses by 2028.
Mayor Mike Johnston previously said the city’s commitment to the project would be limited to land acquisition and infrastructure costs. He said the construction of the stadium itself would be fully funded by the team’s ownership.
e stadium is planned to be tightly integrated with nearby public park space and more, according to the presentation. A rendering shows a stadium with one end opening toward a green lawn and pavilion. e spending could “at long last” reconnect the “adjacent neighborhoods via investment in the public infrastructure necessary to provide public access and services to the stadium and park site.”
e I-25 and Broadway area is divided by the highway, Broadway, rail tracks and the South Platte River.
Where will the money come from?
e city would pay for its stake in the projects by shu ing around its budget. It would free up money in its capital budget by changing the funding source for other projects. ose other projects would instead be funded by interest the city has accrued on money it borrowed as part of the Elevate Denver bond package.
e Denver City Council would have to approve the spending and also would have to approve a rezoning of the land.
e city also has promised a community outreach process.
City Council will vote on a conditional funding approval, but funds will not be dispersed until after the community process, the council vote on the rezoning and an additional budget appropriation ordinance. at process is expected to take the rest of the year.
Team ownership will present the proposal to Denver City Council’s South Platte River Committee on Wednesday afternoon. e team is expected to emphasize the economic impact of building a mixed-use development in the Baker
Worship: 9:30am Breakfast: 10:30am -
neighborhood, pointing to similar examples both within the city and at other NWSL stadiums across the nation.
e city also will consider whether taxincrement nancing could cover some of the $20 million of surrounding improvements. TIF allows the city to redirect some of the increased tax revenue from new development to pay for improvements in an area.
Another major investment for the NWSL team
Denver’s $70 million commitment is just a portion of the hefty nancing being planned to help bring professional women’s soccer to Denver.
To secure the NWSL team’s existence, team owners shelled out a record-breaking $110 million franchise fee, according to the city presentation. e owners also may need to come up with tens of millions to build the stadium itself.
e team also has partnered with the Cherry Creek School District and the city of Centennial to build its permanent headquarters, training grounds and a
temporary stadium. e cost of that project is expected to be north of $35 million, with the team contributing more than a third. e temporary stadium could revert to the school district once the team moves to its permanent home in Denver. e rst purpose-built stadium for NWSL opened in Kansas City last year, according to the city presentation.
Council members questioned team ownership
After hearing the team’s presentation, several council members expressed concern about the use of taxpayer dollars.
Many pointed to the instability of thenancial market, which has seen ups and downs as President Donald Trump has rolled out his highly controversial tari plans. While the president has paused some tari s for 90 days, the likelihood of a trade war is still relatively high.
At-large councilmember Sarah Parady said the money could be better used for essential city services.
Renderings of the planned National Women’s Soccer League Stadium in Denver’s Baker neighborhood. COURTESY OF POPULOUS
DENVER NWSL
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BRIEFS
Brighton hosts tree planting activity May 3 at Elmwood Cemetery
In honor of Arbor Day, the City of Brighton invites residents, community organizations, and tree enthusiasts to make a meaningful environmental impact at Elmwood Cemetery.
Join our Open Space, Forestry, and Cemetery teams by participating in a tree planting initiative at the cemetery May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon, at 14800 Old Brighton Road. is volunteer event o ers a unique opportunity to give back to the community while supporting the creation of a sustainable tree canopy at Elmwood Cemetery. Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, providing habitat and shelter for wildlife, and enhancing the aesthetic beauty of city properties year-round. As a token of appreciation, all attendees will be entered into a ra e to win free trees.
Participants should wear long-sleeved tops and pants, sturdy shoes, work gloves and bring a water bottle. e city will provide tools, equipment, trees, training, drinking water and snacks.
To register for the event, or for additional information, please contact City Forester Adam Rhodebeck at 303-655-2048 or via email at ajrhodebeck@brightonco.gov.
Art in the Park announces call for artists e City of Brighton will host its annual Art in the Park festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Carmichael Park, 650 Southern St.
learning with teamwork, communications, research design, and leadership.
Students would get to work with an astronaut, Captain Wendy Lawerence, and work on an experiment design project during the event, learning, growing, and developing skills to succeed throughout their lives. e student teams will present their project to a panel of judges who work in the Space and STEM elds. ey will choose a winner from each Go for Launch event. e winning experiment will be launched to board the International Space Station or a suborbital ight. Michelle Lucas is the founder and CEO of Higher Orbits.
For more information about the Higher Orbits event, visit www.higherorbits.org. To sponsor the event, go to sponsors@higherobits.org. To call for information at 281-4515343.
ose artists interested in showcasing and selling their artwork can visit www.brightonartinthepark.com for more information and to apply. e deadline for booth applications is Aug. 15. is one-day festival brings together talented artists, live performances, interactive activities, and a vibrant artist market.
For more information, contact Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky at 303-655-2146 or kchernosky@ brightonco.gov.
Artists invited to transform tra c boxes into public art in Brighton
Brighton will continue to transform tra c signal boxes into vibrant public art installations across the community this year, selecting six new locations for public art.
Garden In A Box kits on sale
e Brighton Utilities Department has once again partnered with conservation nonpro t Resource Central to o er to Brighton residents the Garden In A Box Program. City of Brighton utility customers can receive a $25 discount o each individual purchase of the program’s water-wise garden kits, while supplies last. Purchase your garden before they sell out.
Sales are now open to the public. Residents can choose from 13 Garden In A Box kits with the $25 discount. Box kits include anywhere from nine to as many as 30 starter plants, with selections ranging from vibrant hardy xeric (low-water) perennials to a pollinator-friendly vegetable garden. Gift certicates are also available for purchase.
Building on last year’s success, this project invites artists to create imaginative designs that enhance neighborhood identity, turn everyday spaces into creative landmarks and encourage engaging conversations within our community.
Six pieces of art will be selected and placed on weather-resistant vinyl printing. Each artist or artist team will receive a $500 honorarium. All artists must reside or work in the Denver metro area.
e tra c signal boxes have been strategically selected for this project. Artwork will be on display for at least two years.
e call is open to individual artists, artist teams, or community groups with a designated lead artist. e submisison deadline is April 6.
Submissions will be divided into categories for 18 and older (adult) and 17 and under (youth). At least one tra c box will be exclusive to the youth category; however, the judging committee may select more.
School District 27J accepting open-enrollment applications
Adams County School District 27J announced that Choice of Schools applications are now being accepted for the 20252026 school year. 27J Schools allows any student to apply to attend any 27J school or program on space/program availability and the applications are being accepted for the district’s 14 elementary schools, six middle schools and ve high schools — including the district’s online academy.
For the full list of available schools, an application and a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://www.sd27j.org/enrollment/accepting-applications online.
e Brighton-based school district operates schools in Brighton, Henderson, Commerce City and ornton.
ese pre-designed kits are tailored to Colorado soil, and the simple plant by number maps take the guesswork out of buying and planting. Plus, the garden kits can help you save around 7,300 gallons of water over the garden’s lifetime compared to a traditional lawn.
Kit pickup will be in the spring — details will be released when they become available.
For more information, visit brightonco. gov/gardeninabox, email gardeninfo@resourcecentral.org or call 303-999-3820 ext. 222.
Adams County o ers O ce of Strategic Partnerships
Adams County’s O ce of Strategic Partnerships & Resilient Communities is meant to serve the community more e ectively and enhance the way the county builds and sustains partnerships, both internally and with external organizations.
Details on how to submit your original artwork, as well as the design guidelines and the selection process can be found on at www.brightonco.gov/tra cboxmurals or by contacting Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky at kchernosky@brightonco.gov.
Go For Launch
Benedict Park renovations ongoing
Renovations at Benedict Park at 1855 Southern St. are underway, resulting in limited public access to sections of the park through June 2025.
e construction project will add a variety of amenities and upgrades, including two new playgrounds, a new irrigation system, a skate park expansion, new shelters, new lighting, supplemental landscaping, and a walking trail on the east end of the park.
e parking lot along Southern Street will be closed but access to drive through it is permitted. Portions of the parking lot adjacent to the splash pad at the northwest corner of the park will be closed. School access will be allowed.
e path along the east side of the park will be closed in sections and the skate park, Disc golf course, playground and all shelters will be closed. Sports programming will be relocated to other parks during the work.
e team is led by Adminstrator Daniela Garcia, who played a key role in establishing SPARC for Adams County. She leads e orts to secure diverse funding, promote equitable resource distribution, and empower communities to foster resilience and prosperity.
e team will collaborate with partners to foster ongoing engagement with programming and organizations in the community, and remain a reliable place where anyone can turn when challenges arise and resources are needed.
Learn more at sparc.adcogov.org.
Historical Society tea tickets on sale
e Adams County Historical Society & Museum is hosting its annual – and popular – Spring Tea from 1-3 p.m. Saturday May 17 at Ho man Hall, located on the Riverdale Regional Park campus.
Internships available with Adams County
Are you interested in learning more about working for local government? Adams County currently has paid internships available.
Opportunities include a cook ($16.48/ hour) and classroom aide ($15.62/hour) for Head Start, an IT intern ($17/hour) for the Sheri ’s O ce, and a Healthy Farmers Market intern ($17/hour).
ese opportunities are available through the Workforce & Business Center. ose interested should work with their Business Center case manager or call 720.523.6898 to get established with a case manager.
Water audit program
e city of Brighton and Resource Central teamed up to provide a free water audit for businesses and homeowner associations. e program aims to help residents and cities increase water use e ciencies and reach conservation goals.
Call 303-999-3824 or visit https://www. brightonco.gov/589/Water-Audit-Program
Brighton Police o er online reporting
Brighton Police Department has launched an online reporting system at its newly updated website at www.brightonco.gov/police.
Colorado Air & Space Port is hosting a Higher Orbits for students from 8th and 12th grades to expand their STEM skill sets
Tickets for the tea are on sale now and going quickly. Volunteers can accept credit cards to reserve tickets. For more information or to buy tickets, call 303-659-7103 and visit https://www.adamscountymuseum. com/events online for more information.
e online reporting system allows community members to submit a report directly to the police department from their smartphone or computer. It can be used to report criminal tampering, identity theft, lost property, theft, vandalism, and other matters. All cases led using the online reporting system will be reviewed by a police sergeant. is tool can only be used when the incident is not an emergency; no one was injured, no known suspects, and no physical evidence. All incidents that do not meet this criteria should be reported by calling our non-emergency line at 303-288-1535. Emergencies should always be reported by calling 911.
Lawmakers slam Early Intervention program
Growing caseload for child therapy program creates $4 million funding shortfall
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT
In late winter, Je Bridges got word that state-funded therapy for his 1-yearold son, who was born prematurely, would be slashed by half starting in July. Bridges was upset. But he had a better reason than most parents to be caught o guard.
at’s because the Arapahoe County Democrat is the head of a powerful legislative committee that makes key decisions about state spending. Members of that committee had repeatedly promised to protect funding for Colorado’s $87 million Early Intervention program. e program provides therapy and related services to babies and toddlers with developmental delays — including Bridges’ son.
Bridges shared the story in a recent Joint Budget Committee hearing where he and other members, both Democrats and Republicans, slammed the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which administers the program, for poor communication and planning.
“ is is one of those places where, if we could punish the department without hurting kids, man oh man, would I be on board with that,” he said. e committee members’ sharp words that March day raised questions about the early childhood department’s leadership and capacity, with lawmakers expressing concern that the state’s youngest and most vulnerable residents could su er because of internal problems at the department.
For now, no signi cant cuts to Early Intervention are planned, either this spring or for the new scal year, which starts in July. at’s sure to be a relief to the tens of thousands of Colorado families whose children get free therapies through the program. In addition, Joint
Budget Committee members have demanded better communication from the department, and department o cials have signaled they’ll comply.
O cials from the Department of Early Childhood, which was created in 2022 and is headed by Lisa Roy, declined an interview request from Chalkbeat. ey sent a statement on April 3, saying, in part, “ e Department is set to present an update to the [Joint Budget Committee] in the rst weeks of June with recommendations for the nancial sustainability of the program, incorporating feedback from families and providers. Current early intervention services will continue unchanged as a result of the JBC’s action to identify additional funding for the program.”
Families surprised by planned service cuts e uproar over Early Intervention began in late February when the Department of Early Childhood made an abrupt announcement. Starting in March, a $4 million funding shortfall meant therapies would be capped at four hours a month, a fraction of what many children were receiving.
State o cials said the shortfall was partly caused by a growing caseload in Early Intervention, which serves about 11,000 children a month. e expiration of federal COVID stimulus funds and the fact that fewer children are eligible for Medicaid, a federal health insurance program that helps pay for the therapies, also contributed to budget problems. Department o cials, in the statement sent April 3, said they had di culty accurately projecting Early Intervention caseload increases because eligibility rules for the program changed in 2020 and 2023, and because far more children have been screened for delays in the last two years.
After the late February announcement about impending cuts, parents and Early Intervention providers were outraged and tearful, with many contacting lawmakers and the media to describe the damage the cuts would do.
e Joint Budget Committee acted quickly to stave o the cuts this spring.
At the same time, committee members chastised department o cials for not letting them know about the potential shortfall sooner.
“Why didn’t somebody come over here and say, ‘We got a perfect storm. We need your help?‘” Republican Rep. Rick Taggart asked a department o cial at a Feb. 27 committee meeting.
“Nothing, crickets. And yet, we’ve got to nd out about it through the press and through our constituents and providers that could be devastated,” he said. “ is is just unbelievable to me.”
e committee meeting ended on a calmer note, with Bridges urging department o cials to keep committee members in the loop.
“We are six human beings that folks can talk to, and we desire information, and want to make sure that things like this don’t happen when we can avoid it,” he said.
Even bigger problems emerge
A couple weeks after the February budget committee meeting, the Early Intervention issue blew up again — this time, prompting even more wrath from committee members.
On March 14, the committee heard from a legislative analyst that the program would need more than $16 million to prevent cuts for the 2025-26 scal year.
“Awesome,” said Bridges sarcastically. Ten minutes later, he recounted learning about potential Early Intervention cuts planned for July from his son’s physical therapist.
During that meeting, committee members unanimously approved more than $16 million to plug the program’s looming funding hole for 2025-26. ey also thanked the legislative analyst for trying to forecast how the Early Intervention caseload would grow in the coming year, but expressed irritation that early childhood department sta hadn’t done it themselves.
Democratic Rep. Emily Sirota, who called the Early Intervention saga “this whole disaster,” noted that worried families were still contacting her, fearful their
kids would lose important therapies.
“Hopefully today, we can make people feel a little bit more at ease that their littlest ones will continue to get the services that they need,” she said. “But the communication and the lack of work and transparency with us has been disappointing, to say the least.”
Bridges noted he’d spoken to Roy, the department’s director, that day.
He said, “I do feel … the department recognizes the massive failures” that prompted the last-minute xes by the budget committee.
In recent weeks, the department has held feedback sessions with parents and Early Intervention providers and promised to improve its caseload forecasting with help from other state agencies.
In June, the department is scheduled to report back to the Joint Budget Committee.
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.
Colorado lawmakers indicated they’ll find the money to prevent some planned cuts to the state’s Early Intervention program. SHUTTERSTOCK
Schools fear retaliation for inclusion program
Hundreds of millions for schools at risk amid Trump DEI threats
BY MELANIE ASMAR CHALKBEAT
About $800 million dollars in federal funding, or roughly 10% of Colorado’s K-12 education budget this year, could be at risk related to the latest demand from the Trump administration.
e U.S. Department of Education on April 3 gave state education agencies 10 days to certify that their schools do not engage in practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. ose that don’t, the department said, will not receive any federal funding.
At issue is Title VI, a provision of federal civil rights law that bars discrimination on the basis of race or shared ancestry. e Trump administration’s interpretation is controversial. Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement that “too many schools” use “DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI.”
Schools must also certify that they comply with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which banned the use of race in college admissions decisions but which the Trump administration has interpreted more broadly.
Colorado Department of Education Commissioner Susana Córdova sent a brief letter to the state’s school district
superintendents ursday that said the department is “conferring with our legal counsel” to understand the new federal requirement.
“We will let you know the next steps; please do not take any actions until we provide you with further guidance,” Córdova wrote in the letter, which the state education department provided to Chalkbeat. “We understand that you may be receiving questions about the impact of this; as soon as we have more information, we will reach out to you all.”
All federal funding appears to be at risk if states don’t comply, though the Trump administration’s letter speci cally names Title I funding that supports high-poverty schools.
Colorado received about $168 million in federal Title I funding this year that it then distributed to school districts, according to the state education department.
One other Democrat-controlled state has already responded to the Trump administration’s demands. On April 4, the New York State Education Department said it will not comply.
Denver Public Schools, Colorado’s largest school district, received the most Title I funding in the state: about $35 million, according to state data. In total, Denver Public Schools expects to receive $96 million in federal funding this school year, according to district budget documents. Federal funding makes up about 6.7% of the Denver district’s budget.
Denver Public Schools has already found itself in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. In January, the U.S. Department of Education O ce for Civil Rights announced it was investigating
DPS for converting a girls’ restroom at East High School into an all-gender restroom.
In February, Denver Public Schools sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in an e ort to keep immigration enforcement away from schools. A federal judge sided with the Trump administration in March, rejecting the district’s attempt to reinstate a federal policy that treated schools as “sensitive locations” for the purposes of immigration enforcement.
Denver Public Schools is a diverse district. About three-quarters of its 90,000 students are students of color. About 38% of Denver students are English language learners, and 63% qualify for subsidized lunches, a measure of poverty. Nearly 15% are students with disabilities.
Equity is one of the Denver district’s core values, and its school board and superintendent have passed policies and created internal departments that aim to close academic gaps between white students and Black and Latino students.
Other e orts include advisory groups for families and community members, such as a Latine Education Advisory Committee and a Black Family Advisory Committee. e webpage for the Black Family Advisory Committee says, “You do not need to be Black to participate, just need to be focused on the needs of Black students and their families in DPS.”
It’s unclear whether the education department’s edict would a ect such programs.
Denver Public Schools spokesperson Scott Pribble said in a statement that, “We are assessing the situation, but DPS is already in compliance with Title VI.”
“It is too early to determine the exact impacts this could have on Denver Public Schools,” Pribble said. But he noted that the $96 million in federal funding that the district expects to receive this school year “are funds that support students and teachers.”
“Without these funds, we would need to reduce services or look for other local funding sources,” he said.
Reporter Jason Gonzales contributed to this story.
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.
Colorado received about $800 million in federal funding this school year that could be at risk. PHOTO BY JIMENA PECK FOR CHALKBEAT
Naloxone bill makes gains in State Legislature
Legislation would allow anyone to administer Naloxone at schools
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A bill that would make drugs that treat opioid overdoses easier to access in Colorado’s schools is gaining strong support in the State Legislature.
e measure - SB25-164 - would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonists, such as Naloxone, to someone experiencing an overdose at a Colorado public school.
SB25-164 passed the House Health & Human Services committee by a vote of 12-1 this week. While training is still en-
couraged to administer Naloxone, the bill would remove cumbersome training requirements to administer Naloxone so anyone could help reverse an overdose, according to a news release.
To increase access to Naloxone during an emergency, this bill would allow it to be placed inside AED de brillator cabinets located in schools and on school buses.
e bill also streamlines the Naloxone Bulk Fund to make it more accessible and e cient for schools by allowing sta of the statewide program to focus on overdose prevention outreach, education and training in rural and underserved areas, ac-
cording to the news release.
A 2024 study revealed that Colorado ranked second in the nation for fatal youth overdoses.
“Our students are losing friends and peers to preventable overdoses – we need to do more to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, in the news release. “During an overdose, time is of the essence, and this bill makes Naloxone more accessible in schools. Additionally, our bill would remove the unnecessary training requirements to administer opioid-antagonists, so anyone can act quickly to save a life.”
“When compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the top for fatal youth overdoses,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-
Northglenn, in the news release. “Fatal overdoses are preventable and we should be doing everything we can to save a life. Our bill works to make opioid-antagonists more accessible in Colorado public schools and school buses by allowing them to be placed in AED de brillator cabinets.” Colorado lawmakers have worked to combat the youth overdose crisis in Colorado, according to the news release. HB251293, also sponsored by Rep. Jackson, would require public high schools to adopt education standards focused on drug overdose identi cation, risks, prevention, and response. SB25-164 builds upon previous legislation allowing school districts to maintain a supply of Naloxone to be used on buses and at school sponsored events.
Justice Necessary seeks volunteers for PeriodPalooza
BY MONTE WHALEY
MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Justice Necessary is calling on volunteers to help the group’s PeriodPalooza!, with a goal of packing over one million menstrual products to be given to students in need. Period packing parties are scheduled in May for several communities across the state, including Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction and Pueblo.
Volunteers will be asked to ll twohour shifts.
e PeriodPalooza! will be hosted at ve di erent locations, beginning May 2 at the Colorado Springs Hilton Garden Inn North. It continues May 5 at the Fort Collins Hilton Garden Inn, May 7 at the Pueblo Convention Center and May 10 at Grand Junction Holiday Inn & Suites.
After a two week break, it returns a two day event, May 24 and 24 at the Greenwood Village DTC Sheraton.
Justice Necessary was formed to address hygiene and period poverty and diaper needs across the state, according to the group’s website.
e legislation is aimed at ensuring that no student must miss class due to lack of access to essential menstrual products, Justice Necessary states.
e Colorado nonpro t is also introducing a grant program for the state’s schools to provide free period products to students. e one time-grant would
supply pads, tampons and dispensers to help schools meet the requirements of Colorado HB-1164, according to Justice Necessary. It would also provide one-month bags of period products to support students over the summer of 2025 as well as the 2025-2026 school year. e grant will help schools reach the rst HB24-1164 milestone of having 25% of female and gender-neutral restrooms stocked with period products.
Importers of goods made in China now face an even higher tari of 125% after China retaliated and matched every increase Trump put on Chinese imports. And it’s not how tari s were rolled out in the past. Countries typically target an industry or product, such as earlier U.S. tari s on solar panels or China’s tari s on soybeans.
“ is is a new approach, the blanket approach,” she said.
To help all businesses keep track of what may be happening, the organization set up a special tari page on its website. e chart doesn’t spell out exact tari s by country; rather, it points to the source and original documents so people can read it for themselves to determine the impact on their business.
Importing from China: Plan A to Plan F
“ e biggest thing we can be doing is pointing to the resources that are the accurate implementation of what this all means,” Moilanen said.
When outdoor clothing company Krimson Klover set its prices on its Fall 2025 line of sweaters in October, the tari on imports from China was 7.5%. e Trump administration added another 10% in February (“Plan A,” Chief Operating Ofcer Gail Ross said), then another 10% in March (“Plan B”) and since then, several more iterations due to a tit-for-tat trade war with China have ensued.
“So now we’re at 27.5% (in March), so that’s Plan C. en we got an additional 34%, that was Plan D and well, yesterday, we were up to 104%, so now that’s Plan E,” said Ross on Wednesday. “And now it’s 125%. We have not gured out Plan F yet.”
In other words, imported goods from China that are valued at $1 million now face a tari at U.S. Customs of $1.25 million. e company has put trade shows, marketing and travel on hold.
She wishes the sweaters could be made in America, but she said there’s no “highend Merino sweater production in the U.S.” or at least a manufacturer willing to take the order of the 13-employee Boulder company.
“Our option is not to bring us back to the States. It could be if the U.S. government would work with factories, make small business loans and help them really get, not just seamstresses because it’s not that kind of machine, but knitters,” Ross said. “ en you still need people who link the panels together. e point is if we want
sweaters back in the States, that’s a ve- to 10-year plan. at is not an overnight plan because it doesn’t exist here.”
Fixing a trade imbalance
Trump’s policies are an attempt to reduce the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt and address a trade imbalance. It’s causing all sorts of business chaos but what if it mends what’s wrong with global trade, asked Dan Caruso, managing director of investment rm Caruso Ventures who has long supported and invested in local companies.
“Why do you go to Europe and not see any cars that were produced in the U.S.? Is it that the U.S. doesn’t know how to produce cars (or) because if you want to sell a U.S. car in Europe, good luck. e VAT taxes are way too high and the prices are way too inappropriate,” Caruso said. “We’re not starting with a level playing eld. … People produce goods here in the U.S. and they’ve had to deal with unfair trade practices. We’ve been kind of complacent. ey might be overdoing it now but we’re tackling it now.”
But he also understands that CEOs can’t run a business with so much uncertainty.
ey’re facing di cult decisions, such as whether to raise prices, lay o sta or slow down investments.
“ ese are very real issues that a ect people’s lives,” he said. “But I’m trying to put that in perspective with if we just let the status quo continue, which is what happened whether it’s been a Republican
or Democrat administration for the last 20 years, this unfair trade practice. Now we’ve got people trying to do something about it. Should we at least try to understand it better before we throw a bunch of mud at it?”
Whether or not company leaders are aligned with one political side or others, the uncertainty makes running a business di cult. Even top business leaders have complained about the economic disruption, including Republicans and Trump supporters, Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal.
Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Je Hurd, a Republican from Grand Junction, signed on to a bipartisan bill that seeks to place the role of setting and approving U.S. trade policy in the hands of Congress, not the executive branch.
“As a constitutional conservative, I am proud to co-lead the Trade Review Act of 2025, reasserting our congressional responsibility in imposing tari s,” Hurd said in a written statement. “ is isn’t a political issue for me. I believe Congress must reclaim its constitutionally mandated authority, and I would support this measure regardless of who is in the White House.”
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, RLouisiana, has all but stopped the measure in its tracks using parliamentary maneuvers. It was always unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Congress.
Colorado’s economy has bene ted from imports and exports. e value of imports
grew in the pandemic as many consumers cut down on travel, gas and other expenses and put their money into home renovation and online shopping. While it’s declined since peaking in 2022, Colorado’s import value is still above where it was before the pandemic, up 28% since 2019 to $16.8 billion last year, according to U.S. Census trade data.
Colin McIntosh, founder of sustainable bedding company Sheets & Giggles, has been concerned about the tari s since the new administration began.
His company started in Denver in 2017 and found a niche in the bedding industry with sheets made from lyocell fabric, or eucalyptus pulp. While he tried to nd a U.S. manufacturer early on, only one manufacturer in India was willing to work with the startup.
Ever since, he’s paid a 11.4% duty to import the Indian-made fabric to the U.S. As the business has grown, he’s invested in pillow assembly in Denver by using Mile High Workshop, a nonpro t that provides assembly and some manufacturing services and hires Coloradans who are rebuilding their lives after being homeless or incarcerated.
He buys the fabric from an Indian manufacturer, but also uses a manufacturer in Bahrain so he’s not relying on just one source. He decided to shift all manufacturing to Bahrain, which will cost him 10% in import tari s. at just gets him back to what he budgeted for. Before Trump’s pause, the added tari on products from India was 26%, which would be stacked on top of the existing 11.4%.
“ is is a tari I’ve paid for seven years, 11.4%. I have paid, I think it’s close to a million dollars at this point since I started the business,” McIntosh said. “I’ve said OK, I’ll budget this in. en I built mynancial model around this. If I sell 100,000 units in a year, 11% of my cost goes to Uncle Sam and I can budget around that and price around that. … What Donald Trump and the GOP have done is with six days’ notice, any inbound goods that I have, which I do have 5,000 units on the water right now, if I made them in India, I will have to pay 26% of that to U.S. Customs before I’m able to pick those goods up with my trucks.”
e uncertainty is the issue, he said. Even with the temporary reprieve, the uncertainty is still there so for now, he’s not reversing his decision to leave India, he said, “not when this stu can change on a dime.”
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.
Colin McIntosh, founder of sustainable bedding company Sheets & Giggles, in a photo taken in 2024 at Mile High Workshop, a Denver organization that provides assembly and manufacturing services.
COURTESY OF COLIN MCINTOSH
Rules for private equity funded child care dead
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT
Child care chains backed by private equity investment rms won’t be subject to new limits intended to protect parents or workers, after a Colorado bill died in the state Senate April 8.
Senators initially passed House Bill 251011 on April 7, after rejecting a major change made last week in a legislative committee. But by the next day, some lawmakers had defected and the bill failed in an 18-16 vote.
Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Democrat from northern Colorado and one of the bill’s sponsors, said, “We were just unable to convince people between second and third reading that they should stick with us.”
e two readings are the initial andnal votes on legislation in the full House or Senate.
e legislation represented the rst time Colorado lawmakers have considered potential problems posed by private equity rms that buy or invest in child care centers. Experts say private equity backing can hurt child care quality, raise prices for families, and send public dollars meant for classrooms into the pockets of wealthy investors. But leaders of large chains backed by private equity rms say they provide many desperately needed child care seats and that new guardrails would chill investment in Colorado’s child care industry.
About 15% of child care seats for young children in Colorado are housed in cen-
ters with private equity backing or ownership, according to a Chalkbeat analysis. ese include well-known chains like KinderCare, Primrose Schools, Goddard Schools, e Learning Experience, and brands owned by the Learning Care Group.
Other states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey, have passed laws aimed at such chains in recent years.
Kipp said she’ll meet with the other sponsors after the legislative session to “see if there is potentially a path forward, whether that be next year or the year after.”
e legislation would have required child care chains owned or backed by private equity or venture capital investors to post their tuition and fees online. It also would have required such chains
to give families and employees 60 days notice after purchasing a child care center before laying o sta or making enrollment changes.
e original version of the bill also would have prevented a common real estate practice in the private equity world, but that provision on “sale-leasebacks” was stripped out in the House. Experts say sale-leasebacks, which force acquired companies to sell their property and then lease it back from the new owner, can harm companies nancially by forcing them to shoulder a new expense.
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.
600 pounds of pot stolen from evidence storage lot
ieves made o with roughly 600 pounds of con scated marijuana from a Colorado State Patrol evidence storage lot in Arapahoe County, prompting the agency to bolster security at the facility as it works to probe the brazen burglary, the state patrol announced Wednesday.
e break-in was discovered April 4, after a Colorado State Patrol evidence technician found damage to a locked gate at a secure parking lot used for evidence storage in Arapahoe County.
A trailer on the grounds had also been broken into, and a large cache of marijuana stolen.
“It has been determined that the suspects rst came to the site after dark on the evening of April 1 and used a power tool to remove a lock on the gate and a lock on the secured trailer,” the state patrol said in a news release.
e pot was in storage after it had been seized as part of a “highway drug interdiction investigation” and was scheduled to be destroyed, the state patrol said. ere was no active court case involving the stolen marijuana, and no other criminal investigations were a ected. No other details about the drug seizure were released.
e agency reported the burglary to Englewood police, and is also conducting its own investigation.
A preliminary review identi ed security
gaps at the facility, prompting the agency to step up the frequency of security camera checks and property walkthroughs to identify problems more quickly and ensure the integrity of evidence, the agency said.
e state patrol is conducting what it calls a comprehensive internal investigation to determine if any policies or protocols were violated.
e agency declined to disclose the address of the storage lot, saying that information could a ect the investigation and further expose the agency’s evidence and personnel.
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.
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1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What do you call a person who has lived to the age of 100 years?
2. HISTORY: When were cigarette commercials banned from American television?
3. MOVIES: Whose life is depicted in the movie “Raging Bull”?
4. U.S. STATES: In which state are the Catskill Mountains located?
5. TELEVISION: Which long-running TV drama was set in Cabot Cove, Maine?
6. MEASUREMENTS: How long is the ancient measurement called a cubit?
7. FOOD & DRINK: What is a dish called Cullen Skink?
8. CHEMISTRY: A diamond is composed of which single element?
9. GEOGRAPHY: What country is home to the Ba n, Victoria and Ellesmere islands?
TrIVIa
10. ANATOMY: What is another name for the condition called “piloerection”?
Answers
1. A centenarian.
2. Jan. 2, 1971.
3. Jake LaMotta (played by Robert De Niro).
4. New York.
5. “Murder, She Wrote.”
6. 1.5 feet.
7. Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.
8. Carbon.
9. Canada.
10. Goosebumps.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Weld County Road 37, Lochbuie Colorado 80603, with a remote attendance option at the above date and time. Information to attend the meeting via remote teleconferencing technology platform will be posted on the Town web site at www. lochbuie.org at least 24 hours before the start of the meeting. Further information concerning these matters may be obtained by calling the Town of Lochbuie Community Development Department at 303-655-9308.
Heather Bowen, Town Clerk
Legal Notice No. BSB3815
First Publication: April 17, 2025 Last Publication: April 17, 2025 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the Unincorporated Areas of Adams County, Colorado and Case No. 24-08-0369P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema. gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
Fred Brown to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
Christie Peterson to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
George Andrews to a 2-year term (2025-2027)
Contact Person for the District: Dani Kaiser, Esq. District Address: c/o Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203
District Telephone Number: 303.839.3800
TODD CREEK VILLAGE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT
By: /s/Courtney Linney, Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. BSB3807
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL EAGLE SHADOW METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 1-13.5-513(6) and 32-1-104(1), C.R.S., by the Eagle Shadow Metropolitan District No. 1 (the “District”) of Adams County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the regular election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled and the following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Darrell Jennings to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
Fred Brown to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
Christie Peterson to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
Jonathan Karsten to a 2-year term (2025-2027)
Contact Person for the District:
Dani Kaiser, Esq. District Address:
c/o Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203
District Telephone Number: 303.839.3800
EAGLE SHADOW
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
By: /s/Courtney Linney, Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. BSB3806
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE SILVER PEAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Silver Peaks Metropolitan District No. 6, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby cancelled.
The following candidates are declared elected:
Bryan Reid Four-Year Term to 2029
Robbie Higgins Four-Year Term to 2029
Kimberly Herman Four-Year Term to 2029
Jennifer Simmons
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 1-13.5-513(6) and 32-1-104(1), C.R.S., by
director than offices to be filled including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the regular election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby canceled and the following candidates are hereby declared elected: Darrell Jennings to a 4-year term (2025-2029)
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE SILVER PEAKS EAST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Silver Peaks East Metropolitan District, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be writein candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby cancelled.
The following candidates are declared elected:
Kimberly Herman Four-Year Term to 2029
Vacancy Four-Year Term to 2029
Robbie Higgins
Two-Year Term to 2027
Jennifer Simmons
Two-Year Term to 2027
Vacancy Two-Year Term to 2027
SILVER PEAKS EAST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
By:/s/ Sarah H. Luetjen Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. BSB3809
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
GREATER BRIGHTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly, to the eligible electors of the Greater Brighton Fire Protection District:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the regular District election to be held on May 6, 2025 (“Election”) to fill director positions that have become vacant through expiration of the term of office or otherwise, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled at the Election, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be a write-in candidate. There are no other District matters before the electors at the Election. The Election is hereby cancelled pursuant to C.R.S. § 1-13.5-513 and the following candidates are hereby declared elected by acclamation:
R. Scott Bellomy
4-Year Term until May 2029
Arlin Riggi 4-Year Term until May 2029
GREATER BRIGHTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
/s/ LaRae Szafraniec, Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. BSB3812
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE PRAIRIE CORNER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Prairie Corner Metropolitan District, Adams County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be writein candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby cancelled.
The following candidates are declared elected:
By:/s/ Sarah H. Luetjen
Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. BSB3804
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Summons and Sheriff Sale
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
Plaintiff: GREENS AT BUFFALO RUN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation
Defendants: DEBORAH A. SANDERS; U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN
ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CBl; THE VILLAGES AT BUFFALO RUN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; ALEX VILLAGRAN AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE AND TREASURER FOR ADAMS COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION
Attorneys for Plaintiff: WINZENBURG, LEFF, PURVIS & PAYNE, LLP
Wendy E. Weigler, # 28419
Address: 350 Indiana Street, Suite 450 Golden, CO 80401
Phone Number: 303-863-1870
wweigler@wlpplaw.com
Case Number: 2024CV030530
SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM
Under a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered on December 30, 2024, in the abovecaptioned action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as follows:
Original Lienee
Deborah A. Sanders
Original Lienor
The Greens at Buffalo Run
Homeowners Association, Inc.
Current Holder of the evidence of debt
The Greens at Buffalo Run Homeowners Association, Inc.
Date of Lien being foreclosed June 23, 2022
Date of Recording of Lien being foreclosed June 23, 2022
County of Recording Adams Recording Information 2022000055175
Original Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness
$6,097.00
Outstanding Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date hereof $29,743.97
Amount of Judgment entered December 30, 2024
$27,466.11
Description of property to be foreclosed:
Unit E, Building 28, The Greens at Buffalo Run according to the Condominium Map recorded on June 15, 2006 at Reception No. 20060615000609950, in the records of the Office of the Clerk and Recorder of Adams County, Colorado, and as defined and described in the Amended and Restated Condominium Declaration for The Greens at Buffalo Run recorded on September 16, 2004 at Reception No. 20040916000908710 and November 23, 2004 at Reception No. 20041123001187980, and Supplement recorded June 15, 2006 at Reception No. 20060615000609960 in said records, County of Adams, State of Colorado.
Also known as: 15501 E. 112th Avenue, #28E, Commerce City, CO 80022.
THE PROPERTY TO BE FORECLOSED AND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN.
THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
The covenants of Plaintiff have been violated as follows: failure to make payments on said indebtedness when the same were due and owing.
NOTICE OF SALE
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025 Name of Publication: Brighton Standard Blade NOTICE OF RIGHTS
YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED, OR HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES PURSUANT TO COLORADO LAW AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE A DEFAULT UNDER THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF THE STATUTES WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS ARE ATTACHED HERETO.
A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE PURSUANT TO §38-38-104, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED SALE DATE OR ANY DATE TO WHICH THE SALE IS CONTINUED.
IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED.
A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REDEEM FILED PURSUANT TO §38-38-302, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER NO LATER THAN EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SALE, EXCEPT THAT, IF THE PERSON IS DEEMED AN ALTERNATE LIENOR PURSUANT TO §38-38-305.5, C.R.S. AND THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IS A UNIT ASSOCIATION LIEN, THE ALTERNATE LIENOR HAS THIRTY (30) DAYS TO FILE THE NOTICE WITH THE OFFICER OF THE ALTERNATE LIENOR’S INTENT TO REDEEM.
IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.1 OR THE PROHIBITION ON DUAL TRACKING IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.2, THE BORROWER MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LAW, RALPH L. CARR JUDICIAL BUILDING, 1300 BROADWAY, 10TH FLOOR, DENVER, CO 80203, 720-508-6000; THE CFPB, HTTP://WWW. CONSUMERFINANCE.GOV/COMPLAINT/; CFPB, PO BOX 2900, CLINTON IA 527332900 (855) 411-2372 OR BOTH, BUT THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT WILL NOT STOP THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS.
The name, address, and telephone number of each of the attorneys representing the holder of the evidence of the debt is as follows: Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Winzenburg, Leff, Purvis & Payne, LLP 350 Indiana Street, Suite 450 Golden, CO 80401 303-863-1870
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Date: March 13, 2025.
By: Gene R. Claps Adams County Sheriff Adams County, Colorado
Statutes attached: §§38-37-108, 38-38-103, 38-38-104, 38-38-301, 38-38-302, 38-38304, 38-38-305, and 38-38-306, C.R.S., as amended.
Legal Notice No. BSB3805
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO Civil Action No. 24CV30092
Plaintiff, NORTH HILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. v. Defendants, AUDYN ARTURO QUINTANA, et al.
Two-Year Term to 2027
Vacancy Two-Year Term to 2027
SILVER PEAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6
By:/s/ Sarah H. Luetjen Designated
Denise Connor Four-Year Term to 2029
Zach Connor Four-Year Term to 2029
Vacancy Two-Year Term to 2027
Vacancy
Two-Year Term to 2027
PRAIRIE CORNER
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I will, at 9:00 o’clock A.M., on June 12, 2025, at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property described above, and all interest of said Grantor and the heirs and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the judgment amount entered herein, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. Bidders are required to have cash or certified funds to cover the highest bid by noon on the day of the sale. Certified funds are payable to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
On December 26, 2024, the Adams County District Court issued its Decree of Foreclosure. Original Grantor(s) AUDYN Arturo Quintana
NOTICE
THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will, at public auction, at 9:00 A.M. on May,29 2025, at the Offices of the Adams County Sheriff, located at 1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, Co 80601, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Assessment Lien, plus attorney fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
**BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THEIR HIGHEST BID AT TIME OF SALE**
NOTICE OF RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED OR HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES PURSUANT TO COLORADO STATUTES AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE A DEFAULT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF SAID STATUTES, AS SUCH STATUTES ARE PRESENTLY CONSTITUTED, WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS, IS ATTACHED TO ALL MAILED COPIES OF THIS NOTICE. HOWEVER, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE DETERMINED BY PREVIOUS STATUTES. A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 38-38-104 SHALL BE
CITY, CO 80022-3321
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST TO BE FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
YOU ARE NOTIFIED AS FOLLOWS: YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED.YOU MAY HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE PURSUANT TO COLORADO STATUTES. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE ANY DEFAULT UNDER THE INSTRUMENT BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF THE STATUTES, AS SUCH STATUTES ARE PRESENTLY CONSTITUTED, IS ATTACHED HERETO. HOWEVER, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE DETERMINED BY PREVIOUS STATUTES.
The Holder of the debt secured by the Deed of Trust declares a violation of the covenants of said Deed of Trust for reasons including, but not limited to, the failure to make payments as provided for in the Deed of Trust and Negotiable Instrument.
A notice of Intent to Cure filed pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 38-38-104 shall be filed with the undersigned at least 15 calendar days prior to the first scheduled sale date or any date to which the sale is continued. A notice of Intent to Redeem pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 38-38-302 shall be filed with the undersigned no later than 8 business days after the sale. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a Notice of Intent to Cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended. IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE
/s/ Randall M. Chin
Randall M. Chin, Esq. Reg. No. 31149
Barrett Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 Denver, Colorado 80204 (303) 350-3711
NOTICE OF SALE
The undersigned will on May 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at 1100 JUDICIAL CENTER DR , BRIGHTON, CO 80601-8217 sell the Property at public auction to the highest bidder who has submitted bid funds to the undersigned as specified by C.R.S. 38-38-106(7) to pay the Debt and certain other sums, all as provided by applicable law and the Deed of Trust.
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
DATED: February 27,2025. Sarah Tedesco Sheriff of ADAMS County, Colorado
Legal Notice No. BSB3700
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 24, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
SUMMONS
SERVICE BY PUBLICATION IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF ADAMS AND STATE OF COLORADO
Civil Action No. 24CV30433, DIV. C
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Plaintiff,
vs. UNKNOWN PERSON and TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY, Defendant.
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT, GREETINGS:
You are hereby summoned and required to file with the Clerk an answer to the Complaint, which has been filed with the Court within thirty days after service of this Summons upon you. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
If service upon you is made outside the State of Colorado, or by publication or if a copy of the Complaint is not served upon you with this Summons, you are required to file your Answer to the Complaint within thirty-five days after service of this Summons upon you.
This is an action for forfeiture pursuant to C.R.S. §16-13-307 of the currency that was seized in Adams County, Colorado by officers of the North Metro Task Force on January 13, 2024, as being derived from activity constituting a class one public nuisance.
A copy of the Summons, Complaint and Temporary Restraining Order may be obtained at the Adams County District Attorney’s Office, 1000 Judicial Center Drive, Suite 100, Brighton, Colorado 80601.
DATED: March 19, 2025
/s/ Cameron Munier
Senior Deputy District Attorney 1000 Judicial Center Drive Suite 100 Brighton, CO 80601 (303) 659-7720
Legal Notice No. BSB3747
First Publication: March 27, 2025
Last Publication: April 24, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Misc. Private Legals
Public Notice
Estray #1644: One Charolais Cross Heifer; One Black Heifer;and One BWF Heifer,No Brands. Livestock must be claimed by legal owner within 10 days or will be sold by Colorado Brand Board. For information call 720-237-9698 or 303-869-9160.
Legal Notice No. BSB3798
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice BEFORE THE ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
IN THE MATTER OF THE PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS FROM THE PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS AS ESTABLISHED BY SECTION 34-60-118.5, C.R.S., NIOBRARA AND CODELL FORMATIONS, WATTENBERG FIELD, ADAMS AND BROOMFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
CAUSE NO. 1 DOCKET NO. 250200021 TYPE: PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS
NOTICE OF HEARING
C.R.S. § 34-60-118.5, for an order awarding payment of proceeds and interest due to Payees for production attributable to the below-described Wells, which are operated by Extraction Oil & Gas Inc. (Operator No. 10459) (“Extraction”) and located in Adams and Broomfield Counties, Colorado. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own oil or gas (“mineral”) interests in the Wells identified below and or are responsible for making payments to the owners of mineral interests.
WELLS
Interchange A S22-30-3N
(API No. 05-014-20767)
Interchange A S22-30-5N
(API No. 05-014-20763)
Interchange A S22-30 7C
(API No. 05-014-20768)
Interchange A S22-30-8N
(API No. 05-014-20766)
Interchange A S22-30-9N
(API No. 05-014-20771)
Interchange A S22-30-10C
(API No. 05-014-20760)
Interchange A S22-30-12N
(API No. 05-014-20765)
Interchange B S22-30-14N
(API No. 05-014-20779)
Interchange B S22-30-15N
(API No. 05-014-20780)
Interchange B S22-30-16C
(API No. 05-014-20783)
Interchange B S22-30-18N
(API No. 05-014-20781)
Interchange B S22-30-19C
(API No. 05-014-20778)
Interchange B S22-30-20N
(API No. 05-014-20851)
DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)
The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above-referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:
Date:June 4, 2025
Time:9:00 a.m.
Location:Virtual Hearing with Remote Access via Zoom
To participate virtually navigate to https:// ecmc.state.co.us/#/home and locate the Zoom meeting link on the left side of the webpage. Energy and Carbon Management Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203
PETITIONS
DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED PERSONS: May 5, 2025
Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https://ecmc.state.co.us/#/home, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidebook” at https://ecmc. state.co.us/documents/reg/Hearings/External_EfilingSystemGuidebook_2023_FINAL. pdf for more information. Under Commission Rule 508, if no petition is filed, the Application may be approved administratively without a formal hearing.
Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a virtual prehearing conference during the week of May 5, 2025, if a virtual prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Dnr_ECMC_Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.
ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
By: Elias Thomas, Commission Secretary Dated: March 25, 2025
Blackwell
sandra@S2P2law.com
Legal Notice No. BSB 3151
First Publication: April 3, 2025
Last Publication: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of RODERICK MCDONALD BROWN, aka RODERICK M. BROWN, aka RODERICK BROWN, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30249
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 17, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kendra S. Mandarich, Personal Representative c/o Baker Law Group, PLLC 8301 E. Prentice Ave., Suite 405 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. BSB 3157
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Elizabeth Stine, a/k/a Elizabeth I. Stine, a/k/a Elizabeth Irene Stine, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30203
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 18, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
/s/ Casey L. Williams, #39117
Attorney for Debra L. Bustos
Personal Representative 203 Telluride St., Suite 400 Brighton, CO 80601
Legal Notice No. BSB3814
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of JAMES W. HOUG, AKA JAMES WADE HOUG, AKA JAMES HOUG, AKA WADE HOUG, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30190
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 4, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Mary G. Houg
Personal Representative 14287 Downing St. Brighton, CO 80602
Legal Notice No. BSB3758
First Publication: April 3, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of James Carl Horan, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 118
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 18, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Dana Mason
Personal Representative 15850 Colorado Blvd Brighton, CO 80602
Legal Notice No. BSB3813
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Janet L. Huett, a/k/a Janet Louise Huett, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30227
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 11, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Casey L. Williams, #39117
Attorney for Donald L. Huett
Personal Representative 203 Telluride Street, #400 Brighton, CO 80601
Legal Notice No. BSB3780
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 24, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before Monday August 4, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Patricia Rankin, Esq. Atty. Reg. #27546 Attorney to the Personal Representative 77 Erie Village Square Erie, CO 80516
Legal Notice No. BSB 3150
First Publication: April 3, 2025
Last Publication: April 17, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of PHYLLIS WALTEMATH, a/k/a PHYLLIS KALLSEN, a/k/a PHYLLIS BERGER, a/k/a PHYLLIS DESSIE BERGER, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30171
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 4, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Ellen Toomey-Hale Attorney for Allan Lloyd Waltemath, Personal Representative PO Box 1008 Platteville, CO 80651
Legal Notice No. BSB3748
First Publication: April 3, 2025
Last Publication: April 17,
LLC
All
All persons having claims against the above-
are required to present them
the
Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 11, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Dalla Hammond, P.C. for Personal Representative 15016 Elizabeth Street Thornton, Colorado 80602
Legal Notice No. BSB3788 First Publication: April 10, 2025 Last Publication:
Denver urged to cut Salvation Army ties
BY KYLE HARRIS DENVERITE
An understa ed hotline, two murders at a shelter hotel, and accusations of abuse at shelters have already cost e Salvation Army funding.
Now, Denver homelessness advocates say the city needs to cut ties with e Salvation Army altogether.
e charitable religious group, they argue, is failing people experiencing homelessness. e city, advocates say, needs to quit giving millions of dollars to an organization they claim is not keeping up its end of contracts with the city and is endangering people using its services.
e advocacy group Housekeys Action Network Denver held a protest outside Salvation Army headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, with a few dozen people attending.
“ ey are not t to be a provider,” said Terese Howard, a member of HAND. “ eir actions do not line up to meeting the community’s needs.”
e Salvation Army, a church-based service group, is a major player in Denver’s homelessness strategy. e organization has received more than $13 million in city contracts since 2024 to operate shelters and provide services for unhoused people. And the city is standing by the organization and ring back at homeless advocates.
“We are a better city today for the efforts of e Salvation Army,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a statement. “ e Salva-
tion Army performs a di cult job at an extremely high level, and I know they are as committed to accountability and im-
provement as they are to our shared mission of ending unsheltered homelessness in Denver.”
An email from the mayor’s o ce to local press also criticized advocates for their tactics, saying that unnamed people had called e Salvation Army’s hotline hundreds of times a day to falsely create a sense that it was overloaded — a charge advocates strongly rejected.
“ at is called lying in order to de ect the reality,” Howard said. “And it is a serious dismissal of houseless families who are in [expletive] crisis calling hundreds of times. at is insane.”
A Denverite investigation demonstrated that the hotline has been overloaded, that it explicitly asked people to hang up and call back, and that only one person is tasked with returning calls. Sometimes as many as 40 calls come in within one hour. ( e hotline’s voicemail message was updated in March, asking people to leave a message instead of calling repeat-
During cold weather emergencies, some families could not get inside an emergency shelter, as nobody answered their calls. e Salvation Army’s hotline, known as the Connection Center, is the sole path into emergency shelter for families in the city of Denver.
At its peak, the Connection Center had 410 households on a waitlist for homeless shelters. Bringing those people inside takes around six weeks.
HAND accusations e advocates’ accusations range from security failures to poor maintenance and hiring practices.
HAND alleges e Salvation Army has: • Failed to prevent two murders in a shelter at a former DoubleTree hotel.
511
Avenue Fort Lupton, CO 80621 303-857-4500
Stacie Rodabaugh 19628 CR 4 Brighton, CO 80603
Cimmaron Engine Repair
Vigil 1001 Mountview #307 Ft Lupton, CO 80621
Gayle Keeney 1010 Platte Drive Ft Lupton, CO 80621
Marla Deuel 3417 Watada Street Brighton, CO 80601
Wanda Sena 310 Aspen Drive Brighton, CO 80601
Legal Notice No. FLP1273 First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: April 24, 2025 Publisher: Fort Lupton
Colorado 80621
Legal Notice No. FLP 6320
First Publication: April 17, 2025
Last Publication: May 1, 2025
Publisher: Fort Lupton Press Public Notice District Court Weld County, Colorado Court Address: 901 9th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 P.O. Box 2038 Greeley, CO 80632
In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both and of Interests in Property of:
WALTER J. BOCKIUS, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30189
Attorneys for Petitioner: COAN, PAYTON & PAYNE, LLC John M. Seebohm, #15746 999 18th Street, Suite S3100 Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone: (303) 861-8888
Email: jseebohm@cp2law.com
NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO INTERESTED PERSONS AND OWNERS BY INHERITANCE PURSUANT TO §15-12-1303, C.R.S.
To All Interested Persons and Owners by Inheritance: Kevin Randell Bockius, Kelly Brian Bockius, Walter J. Bockius Family Trust, and all unknown parties who may claim an interest in the property.
A Petition has been filed alleging that the above Decedent died leaving the following property interests, and concerning the descent or succession of the same to the Bockius Family Trust established under the Will of Walter J. Bockius: 100% membership interest in Memphis Court I, LLC
The hearing on the Petition will be held at the following time and location:
Date: June 6, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. Address: 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631
Note: If you object to the descent and succession of Decedent’s property proposed in the Petition, you must appear and object to the Petition on or before the hearing date and time specified above.
All objections to the Petition must be in writing and filed with the Court,
upon the Petitioner.
The hearing shall be limited to the Petition, the objections timely filed and served, and, if no objections are timely filed and served, the court may enter a
A protest outside The Salvation Army’s Denver o ce organized by Housekeys Action Network Denver on April 8, 2025. PHOTO BY KYLE HARRIS FOR DENVERITE
PROTESTS
• Failed to provide running water at multiple shelters.
• Arbitrarily kicked families and individuals out of shelters.
• Hired a worker with an extensive criminal history who sexually assaulted a shelter guest.
• Mismanaged the Connection Center.
• Allowed rodent and bedbug infestations to go unchecked at the Crossroads shelter.
When people experiencing homelessness recently led a class-action discrimination case against the city of Denver, they also accused e Salvation Army of failing to provide legally mandated, accessible services at city-funded shelters. ( e Salvation Army is not a defendant in that lawsuit, however.)
Billy Johnson, a Salvation Army employee with a long criminal history, was also arrested in March for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at one of the organization’s shelters. A spokesperson
SOCCER
“We’re going to need those things for a wave of homelessness. We’re going to need those things for hunger,” she said.
Parady also said she’s worried a nancial downturn would leave team ownership unable to complete the stadium’s construction.
District 6 Councilmember Paul Kashmann likened the situation to an opti-
told 9News the organization had conducted a background check that did not show he had committed crimes within a seven-year limit.
A spokesperson for the Mayor’s O ce told Denverite some of the concerns are valid. Various city departments will be conducting regular unannounced checks to ensure the shelters are operating up to the city’s standards.
e Salvation Army has stressed that it has only limited resources and that it was trying to improve safety at its facilities.
“ e Salvation Army has served Denver for more than 150 years, and we look forward to serving for 150 more,” said Division Commander Major Nesan Kistan, the organization’s top local o cial, in a written statement. “ e safety and wellbeing of those in our care will always be our top priority as we continue to work with the City and County of Denver to better lives, protect families, and ensure no one has to sleep on the street.”
ere have been times the water has been turned o for maintenance, but bottled water and shower trucks were provided, spokesperson Jennifer Forker said.
mistic period of growth prior to the 2008 nancial crisis.
“Before 2008 hit, there were going to be thousands of housing units, hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial.,”
Kashmann said.
Kashmann and others asked if the city should instead pursue a ballot initiative that would temporarily raise the sales tax to fund the city’s commitment to the soccer stadium.
Rob Cohen, the primary owner of the NWSL team, said he has not explored options to bring in organizations like the
Nobody is kicked out “arbitrarily,” she added. When individuals are ejected from the shelter, there have been violations of the rules that guests agreed to before coming inside. Guests have multiple opportunities to correct their behavior unless there is violence or another egregious circumstance.
“Agreements are written, signed and when necessary verbally read aloud and issued in Spanish,” Forker said.
All the shelters have exterminators addressing rodents and bedbugs. At Crossroads, one of the largest shelters the Salvation Army operates, exterminators come in weekly.
e problems with the Connection Center have nothing to do with mismanagement, she said. e Connection Center does not have enough resources and the sta are overwhelmed. ose who do work the hotline are passionate about their work and care deeply about the families they support.
“It is so easy to stand on the sidelines and criticize,” Forker said. “It is so hard to do this work. Our frontline people are disheartened. ey work so hard caring for families, caring for people.”
Gates Foundation or the Anschutz Family Foundation to help ease the cost.
Flor Alvidrez, who represents the district the stadium will be built in, said she disagreed with pushback from other council members, arguing District 7 needs investment in public space.
“ is is, to me, a small investment in an area that has historic redlining right there, that has a lack of public spaces,” she said.
Councilmember Amanda Sawyer had another concern: “I will just say, for $70 million, ‘Denver’ had better be in the
Lawmakers, advocates and people experiencing homelessness have been raising concerns for years.
Councilmember Shontel Lewis has critiqued e Salvation Army for months, asking her fellow council members not to renew the group’s contracts. Among her concerns: e group denied her entry to inspect a shelter in her district.
Her criticism is having an e ect. Last month, Denver City Council rejected a $3 million contract to pay for “rapid rehousing” to 50 families experiencing homelessness on a 10-1 vote.
“ ere’s no reason to approve additional dollars when they have shown that they are not able to keep our communities safe and that they’re not willing to be accountable to the safety of our communities,” Lewis said.
At the time, e Salvation Army defended its work and said it was not concerned about the state of its relationship with the city.
is story is from Denverite, a Denver news site. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite. com.
name of this team,” she said. Cohen attempted to assuage concerns about the stadium’s cost by reminding the council that part of the bid to secure the team included a promise that a stadium would be built. In other words, if the stadium isn’t built, the NWSL will take the team away from the city. City council did not vote on any actionable item at the April 9 meeting. is story is from Denverite, a Denver news site. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite. com.
