Canyon Courier March 27, 2025

Great Outdoors Colorado awards $650,000 grant for Buchanan Park renovation

venture playground, skatepark, multi-use courts, pond recreation access, eld and trail improvements and restrooms.

e planned Buchanan Park renovation got a huge boost March 14 when the Great Outdoors Colorado board awarded

a $650,000 grant to the Evergreen Park & Recreation District.

EPRD starts this year on a $5 million, multi-phase plan to revitalize the 42-acre park. e project includes a pavilion, ad-

BY JANE REUTER

During a March 13 meeting of the new Conifer Fire board, a union representative said she fears re ghters will leave Elk Creek Fire if non-uni cation candidates are elected to the board in May.

“Some re ghters have told me they will most likely leave,” said Bethany Urban, president of Elk Creek Fire ghters Local 4710.

“Some of the candidates have aligned themselves with anti-unication.

“Every single career sta re ghter has made it

e GOCO grant is a signicant drop in EPRD’s parknancing bucket.

“We’re so excited to have the support of GOCO,” said EPRD board president Betsy Hays.

“ e grant is really going to enable us to make immense prog-

ress on the Buchanan park improvements. We look forward to pushing every dollar of that grant to the outdoor free amenities that will be at Buchanan Park.

“We have a very limited budget, and we could not do this work for our community without grant and the supports of

This rendering shows parts of the Buchanan Park Improvement Master Plan. The Evergreen Park and Recreation Department Board of Directors adopted the Buchanan Park Improvement Master Plan in November 2024.

Six candidates, including two incumbents, led to run for three open seats on the Evergreen Fire/Rescue board in the upcoming May 6 election.

Incumbents Stacey Ballinger, Julie Ann Courim and Ryan Stack are running as a slate, as are candidates Kelly Guthner, Byrne McKenna and Ed Mills.

EFR is in the midst of signi cant changes as it implements recommendations in a master plan adopted in 2024, which started with the October 2024 hiring of the department’s rst six paid re ghters. It also plans changes to its re stations, starting with a recently approved $3.75 million contract to remodel Station 2 on Bergen Parkway. e expansion will add living quarters and o ces, allowing emergency responders to live there and respond to calls from the building.

Plans also call for combining two existing stations — 1 in downtown Evergreen and 4 on Highway 73 south of town. at project includes demolishing Station 1 and building a new combined station on the site of the former Evergreen Mountain Market.

Members of both slates spoke with the Canyon Courier about their background, desire to serve on the board and any issues they see in EFR.

Stacey Ballinger

• Current EFR board president, joined board in May 2022

• Owner of Raven Print and Marketing

• Former Evergreen Fire and Je com dispatcher, City of Lakewood victims’ advocate

Board vice president John Putt approached me initially about running for

Evergreen Fire board candidates share their reasons for running

di erent.

the board. I had some history with Evergreen Fire, and he thought the board needed stronger leadership. I thought so highly of the organization, to be part of it again was exciting.

I am running again because I want to see the progress that was made in the last three years continue. I believe there are a lot more challenges and progress to come.

We need to continue implementing the master plan, especially the parts that outside sources have proven are necessary for the community. And we need to dial it down into the strategic plan, and get a ner point on some of that.

We also need to meet our National Fire Protection Association standards. We still have a lot of work to do with mitigation, and ISO ratings. We continue to work on all of those aspects. But we also have an aging population that is changing things. We have such a good sta in place. We’ve got highly quali ed people in the organization with good vision. I don’t think it should be side railed.

Julie Ann Courim

·Current EFR secretary, joined board in May 2022

·Background in IT/project management, network integration

·Former Foothills Fire board member ere were things we really wanted to look at and strengthen that prompted the decision to run in 2022. I’m a very big advocate of volunteers and nance, making sure we are being good stewards of our taxpayer funds. I thought I could add value with my experience, nance background and Foothills service.

We looked at the dept as a whole — the volunteer issue, wildland, nance, where we are headed as a department. What we thought were big issues turned out to be

I think we’ve done a lot of really positive work. We’ve increased our volunteer numbers. Finance has all been adjusted accordingly. We set ourselves up to be successful for the future and I want to continue those e orts; to support the organization so it can adapt to our community’s changing needs.

Everything I think we’ve tried to do has been thoughtful and strategic. It’s too easy to get mired down in emotion and that’s not what this is about. It’s about what the community needs as a whole.

I know how critical it is to keep us going in the right direction — a very positive direction. You need continuity.

At the end of the day, I still represent the taxpayer. at is my duciary responsibility — to make sure we can commit and support our mission well into the future.

Ryan Stack

·Retired former restauranteur

My father Pete Martinez and stepmother Bonnie Vivian were very involved in the Evergreen community. My wife sits on the rodeo board. I’ve been looking for a way to continue the work they’ve done in the community that’s meaningful to me, and this seems like a great way for me to do that.

I see the need for a set of new eyes that can think objectively and not be burdened by things that have gone on in the past. My opinion of what the re board should be is a steering wheel for the re department. We allow the re department to do the job they need to do to best protect the community. e board should be there to help them achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves in a completely neutral and pro-active way, and make sure they have the tools needed to be successful.

To do all the things that are expected, I think you need to have people who are fulltime, that are operating the station houses e ectively. I do think the volunteer side is essential. But don’t think the

department should be so heavily weighted in that way.

I don’t have any preconceived notions. I will help me make decisions that are in the best interests of the re dept and community.

Kelly Guthner

·Chief innovation o cer, Connect for Health Colorado

·Former EFR volunteer

·Associates degree in re technology I’ve gone through the Evergreen Fire district academy twice, and was a reghter, lieutenant, and captain. It really changed my life.

I have loved Evergreen since I moved here. And I would like to give back to the re ghting community that has been so important to me.

I was a proponent the last election for the folks that got in. ey made a lot of promises about leadership, restoring morale. I didn’t see the change. I think it’s time to put people in place that execute upon what they say they’re going to do.

As a board member, we have duciary responsibility, but we also have to take precautions and make sure the right leadership is in place, to make sure we’ve done everything we can to protect our community.

I think leadership needs to be evaluated. We have a retention problem, and I know folks that would come back to the dept if leadership changes. Leadership has stayed consistent, yet the underlying problems didn’t change.

On the scal side, I want to make sure we’ve done the right thing with Station 2 and Station 1.

I would love to be part of the board as a representative of the community, to help the community prepare, educate, be transparent, and be part of their voice.

Ryan Stack

Edgar Mills COURTESY PHOTOS

Kelly Guthner COURTESY PHOTOS

Stacey Ballinger

Julie Ann Courim

One Large Brokerage Takes the Lead in Promoting Off-MLS ‘Private Exclusive’ Listing Networks

A few years ago, the National Association of Realtors promulgated the “Clear Cooperation Rule” making it harder for individual listing agents to have “pocket listings.”

of clients.” This, they say, allows you to:

Showcase before being market-ready

Generate early demand

Test your price and gain insights

Attract competitive offers

Those are listings which are withheld from the MLS so that the agent could sell it without having to share his or her commission with an agent representing the buyer. Doing so is a disservice to the seller, because the universe of potential buyers is substantially reduced when a listing isn’t posted where every other real estate agent and buyer can see it — that is, on the MLS.

Some brokerages with hundreds of agents are taking advantage of that rule’s one big loophole called the “Office Exclusive” listing. The bigger the brokerage, the more successful that approach can be. It allows all their broker associates to see the listing, but no agents outside that brokerage can see it. By keeping both ends of the transaction within the brokerage, that brokerage makes twice as much money.

One such large brokerage, which I’ll call Gotcha, has a page on its website promoting its “Private Exclusives.” At right is a screenshot from the top of that web page. Scrolling down, it explains Private Exclusives this way:

“Gotcha Private Exclusives are properties that are only accessible to Gotcha agents and their serious buyers. This means you can get a head start marketing your home, without accumulating any public days on market or price drops that could negatively impact its value. When you work with a Gotcha agent, listing as a Private Exclusive is the first stage of our 3-Phased Marketing Strategy designed to maximize demand and fine-tune your positioning for the best possible sale outcome.”

It describes the process as “pre-marketing,” although the company’s expectation is that the seller will sell to one of their own agents before getting to second base — listing it publicly on the MLS where over 20,000 others agents with prospective buyers can see it.

They call is a “soft launch to an exclusive audience,” exposing your listing to “a network of thousands of agents and their millions

Maintain your privacy

This approach is not only self-serving by Gotcha while preventing agents from other brokerages, including ours, from knowing about homes that our buyers might want to bid on, it also has serious Fair Housing implications, keeping less desirable populations from coming to your open houses and their agents from setting showings.

“Preserve Your Privacy,” boasts the web page: “Buying a Gotcha Private Exclusive helps safeguard your privacy by keeping your home’s photos off third-party sites — unlike publicly marketed properties, where images can stay online for years.”

This ignores the fact that a buyer can request that the agent or the MLS remove all pictures, videos and public remarks from the listing when it changes to “Closed.” I had exactly that request made of me after I sold a home in Golden to a privacy-minded buyer. A simple call to Support at REcolorado had all those pictures and videos removed immediately, and I deleted the website I had created for the home when I listed it. Just now, I Googled that address, and not a single website has anything more than the Google street view and one picture of the front porch. Even the public remarks paragraph was deleted.

What is not explained by Gotcha in the way they promote their “private exclusive” program is that those listings are indeed posted on the MLS as “office exclusives” which

means that only other Gotcha agents can see that MLS listing until it is sold, at which point it becomes a publicly visible closed listing with all its pictures unless the agent removes them before changing the listing to “Closed.”

Looking at the closed listings for the Denver office of Gotcha on REcolorado, I found that only half of the listings had the pictures removed, so those pictures are on Zillow, Redfin and every other public website that displays sold listings. So much for Gotcha’s privacy promise!

The strategy is paying off for Gotcha, which benefits when both sides of a listing are sold in-house. A study for the 1,252 closings by the Denver office of Gotcha in the last 180 days shows that 64 listings were only entered as “closed” with zero days on the MLS, a sign that they were “office exclusives,” and roughly half of those were sold to agents within the same office, and 15 of them were double-ended by the listing agent. Among all MLS listings, the average percentage of listings that are double-ended is about 5%. It goes without saying that Gotcha agents are really excited that their brokerage facilitates and encourages agents to promote their off-MLS “private exclusive” process.

One of our Golden Real Estate agents lives on Lookout Mountain and showed me a flyer that he received soliciting him to list his home as a Gotcha Private Exclusive with all the selling points listed above.

Although it’s impossible to say whether sellers who fell for Gotcha’s pitch about being a “Gotcha Private Exclusive” left money on the table by not exposing their listing to at least 20 times as many buyers by going to traditional route and abiding by the intention

of the Clear Cooperation Rule, but I still feel that they are being duped into doing something that feathers the nest of Gotcha and its agents and doesn’t serve the interests of their clients, as the Realtor Code of Ethics requires. Certainly, I don’t see any warning, to prospective sellers regarding the limitations of staying off the MLS, something the Colorado Real Estate Commission encourages in Position Statement #27:

“During the negotiation of the Listing Contract, and as part of the Broker’s duty to exercise reasonable skill and care, a Broker is responsible for advising the seller or landlord “of any material benefits or risks of a transaction which are actually known by the Broker.” This includes benefits or risks of limiting a property’s market exposure…. Are the intended marketing limitations for the benefit of the Consumer or the Broker? What are the advantages and disadvantages for the Consumer? These types of marketing limitations that reduce the seller or landlord’s buyer/tenant pool... for the benefit of the Broker could be a violation of the license law because the Broker is not exercising reasonable skill and care…. [T]he Broker may be viewed by the Commission as also violating their fiduciary duties. Finally, a Broker who places the importance of receiving a commission or other Broker benefits above their duties, responsibilities, or obligations to the seller or landlord... is endangering the interest of the public.”

Not satisfied with exploiting the “Office Exclusive” loophole on the MLS, the national president of Gotcha is the loudest voice for eliminating the Clear Cooperation Rule.

Here’s How Money Is Handled at Real Estate Closings

As closing day approaches, both buyers and sellers have questions about how money is going to be handled. Let me explain.

Sellers ask:

Q. Should I bring money to the closing?

A. No. It is the title company’s job to receive and disperse all funds related to the closing. They collect the money from the buyer and the buyer’s lender and disperse funds as needed, including what’s left to the seller.

So, let’s say you have a mortgage to pay off. The closer gets a payoff figure from the lender and withholds that amount from the seller’s proceeds, plus a few extra days’ interest to cover the time between when they send the payoff and the lender receives it.

The seller will also owe commissions to one or both agents, plus property taxes pro-rated to the date of closing. There will also be a final water & sewer bill for which the closer will escrow some of your proceeds. There’s the cost of title insurance (the “owner’s policy”) and the closing fee charged by the Notary. If a loan is being paid off, there will be a small charge for obtaining and recording the release of the lender’s lien with the county clerk and recorder. Maybe the seller agreed to a concession to cover needed repairs or to buy down the interest rate on their loan.

Those and any other fees for which the seller is responsible will simply be deducted from the seller’s proceeds. The seller will not have to write any checks at closing.

Q. What about the funds which my lender has escrowed for paying property taxes and the renewal of my homeowner’s insurance?

A. Those funds can’t be brought to the closing table. You will get a check from your lender within 30 days of closing refunding the funds

that had been escrowed.

Remember to call your insurance company on the day of closing to let them know you have sold the home and to cancel your policy. You will receive a return premium check from them within 30 days of closing.

You will also receive a check from the title company refunding any escrowed funds for those extras days of interest and the money left after paying your final water bill.

Buyers ask:

Q. Can I bring a check for my down payment?

A. Typically, no. Your closer may accept a certified check if the amount is small, but expect to wire the funds not covered by your lender. Get those wiring instructions in person or over the phone, not by email or any other means. There are scammers who may send you an email with “new” wiring instructions, but immediately call the title company to get them verbally. And don’t call the phone number provided by the scammer! If you don’t already know the phone number to call, get it from your real estate agent or search online for it.

The funds should be wired the day before closing by both you and your lender, especially if it’s a morning closing. Wired funds can take as much as 3 hours to navigate the Federal Reserve system, which needs to verify that funds are not laundered from some illicit source.

All you and the seller should bring to closing are your government issued photo IDs, which are needed to Notarize your documents. You might bring your checkbook in case there are any incidentals expenses which arise or if you’ve agreed to purchase any of the seller’s furniture, etc., “outside of closing.”

Gotcha

State board of education wades into immigration debate

BY YESENIA ROBLES CHALKBEAT

Colorado State Board of Education members on March 12 unanimously approved a resolution signaling their support for students to feel safe in schools. e board rarely votes on resolutions making a statement but the chair wanted to give members a chance to speak out. e resolution comes as school districts around the country are grappling with how to respond to the Trump administration crackdown on immigration and its impact on students.

First discussed in February, the resolution was amended multiple times by both Democratic and Republican board members in an attempt to nd language that

CANDIDATES

Byrne McKenna

• Real estate investor

• Former EFR volunteer

I was a volunteer re ghter for 14 years, and left EFR in June 2024.

My personal interest in wild re. I deployed around the country with di erent departments on wild res, and bring that experience back to Evergreen. I am passionate about community service. I do believe the re responders are the most intimate with the community’s wants and needs. e board is oversight and scal accountability.

I have concerns about retention of

everyone agreed on.

As the board debated the language of the resolution, members argued about getting into political statements and the merits of immigration policies or actions. At one point, two Republican board members discussed the usage of illegal immigrant as opposed to the term illegal alien in a piece of language that failed.

e nal approved resolution states that the board is “committed to supporting public schools to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in schools” and is “aware that Colorado schools serve diverse communities who may feel worried or uncertain about the safety of their students.”

“We should be advocating across the political spectrum to ensure that our

paid sta and volunteer re ghters.

I think scally we have huge challenges.

Station 1 has been in the works for more than 10 years. ere are all kinds of issues with the funding.

We also have extreme wild re risk. And we’re all su ering nancially from insurance risk. e re department has a huge role to play here.

We’re o track, and the rst step is the right leadership. So I am running with two other retired re ghters. e board has no re ghter experience or volunteer re ghter experience on it at all, which is historically new. We are the best for this job.

We hired paid re ghters. e issue is we don’t have a funding mechanism in place for it. We’re going to need a fund-

schools are safe places where learning is not disrupted,” the resolution states.

State Board Chair Rebecca McClellan, who represents Aurora, one of the targets of federal immigration raids last month, introduced the resolution, saying she wanted to give the board an opportunity to speak in a uni ed voice “to a rm the right of every Colorado student to receive a free public education.”

e resolution also made a point of tying that a rmation to the state’s recent goals of improving attendance and reducing the number of students who are chronically absent as a way to help student achievement rise.

Some district leaders, including in Denver and Je co, have discussed attendance rates dropping in certain schools as they

ing mechanism. i.e. tax. ey have put the community in a position where it’s unavoidable.

Edgar Mills

·Director of Customer Service, ESChat

·Former EFR volunteer

I joined the department in 2011 and served as a lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. got into the medical side, and later started teaching at Red Rocks Community College in emergency medical services.

I’ve always believed Evergreen Fire/ Rescue was one of the agship organizations in our country. I want to make sure the district has the resources they need to make sure it stays a leader.   I also have a heart for the servants who serve us — the paid and volunteer re-

see some immigrant families afraid to leave their homes because of fears of encountering immigration enforcement agents. Local school districts have also passed resolutions in support of immigrant students, often with more direct language, but also with more authority to enact local policies on how schools will respond if immigration agents show up at a school.

e state board does not have much authority over such decisions, and so its resolution is more of a symbolic gesture. McClellan thanked the board for having a professional discussion despite disagreements.

One amendment that was successful

ghters — to make sure they and their families are taken care of.

I’m concerned that re ghters have a high incidence of cancer, and would like to understand any exposure that may have caused that. I think we need to take care emotionally of people who respond.

We also need to make sure we work effectively with the chief, to ensure he has the money and resources he needs to keep our community safe.

And we’ve got to do something about response times. We are challenged because of the diverse communities we have and how far they are.

I want to make sure as a board member, operations and the chief have what we need to be e ective and e cient in saving life and property.

HAPPENINGS

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visitwww.canyoncourier.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a spaceavailable basis.

UPCOMING

Savvy Seniors: e Power of Probiotics: 11:40 a.m. March 27, Buchanan Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. seniors4wellness.org

Lincoln Portrait,” presented by Evergreen Chorale and Evergreen Chamber Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. March 28 and 4:30 p.m. March 29, Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver. Tickets range from $22 to $32 at ovationwest.org or at the door.

Evergreen Audubon Morning Birds & Brews: 8:30 a.m. March 28, Evergreen Nature Center, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free. evergreenaudubon.org

Bergen Park Art Walk: 5 p.m. March 28, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen. Walk from CAE and Catalyst to Bergen Village Center. evergreenarts.org

A Night with our Stars: 6 to 9:30 p.m. April 4, Evergreen Lake House. 29612 Upper Bear Creek, Evergreen. Annual Evergreen Chamber business awards. Assigned seating, catered dinner, black tie encouraged. Tickets, $75. evergreenchamber.org.

Evergreen’s 150th Sacred Spaces: Noon, April 5, Evergreen Gallery, 28195 Hwy. 74, Evergreen. Featuring local historian and Hiwan House administrator John Steinle. Walking tour from Evergreen Gallery to Highland Haven. Free. evergreenchamber.org

Evergreen Animal Protective League fundraiser: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5, Buchanan Park Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Featuring 90 minutes of restorative harmonic vibrations from traditional Himalayan gongs and singing bowls. Silent auction, door prizes. Meet rescue dogs. $20 donation. More info at EAPL.com

Father Daughter Dance: 6 p.m. March 28, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. For girls ages 3-12 and their guardians. evergreenrecreation.com

Morning Birds & Brews: 8:30 a.m. March 28 and April 25. Evergreen Nature Center, 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. We will spend some time chatting indoors before heading to the meadow to see birds. Free, no registration required. evergreenaudubon.org.

Evergreen Audubon April Chapter meeting: 6 to 8 p.m. April 1, Church of the Trans guration, 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. “Hawk Migration Along e Rocky Mountain Flyway” presentation. evergreenaudubon.org

18th annual Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13, Evergreen High School, 29300 Buffalo Park Road, Evergreen. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Evergreen and Conifer. foothillshomeshow.com

e Terrible Toll Road: 1 p.m. April 13, 26951 Barkley Road, Conifer. e Bradford Toll Road was once the most direct route to the mining camps in the mountains. Learn more with Journalist Jamie Siebrase. Tickets at coniferhistoricalsociety.org

Foothills Conversations: 4 p.m. April 15, Mount Evans Home Healthcare and Hospice, 3081 Bergen Peak Drive in Evergreen.Review critical documents, talk about end-of-life care. FoothillsConversations@MtEvans.org

Conifer Area Council: 7 p.m. April 16, West Je erson Middle School, 9449 Barnes Ave., Conifer.

forts. Wine, appetizers, art by Colorado artists, sculptors, and photographers. wildaware.org

A Taste of Peace: 5 p.m. May 31, Evergreen Elks Lodge, 27972 Iris Dr, Evergreen. Fundraiser for PeaceWorks. Tickets and more information at peaceworksinc.co/communitywellness

ONGOING

Evergreen Ice Melt tickets available through March 17: $3 each with discounts for multiple purchases. Purchase tickets or nd local businesses selling tickets at evergreenicemelt. com. Proceeds bene t local organizations and nonpro ts.

Evergreen Chamber OrchestraSpring Concert: 3 p.m. April 5, Rockland Community Church, 17 S Mt Vernon Country Club Road, Golden. Immerse yourself in the radiant world of Mozart, featuring Steinway artist Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng. Tickets at evergreenchamberorch.org

Painting in Peace, free for veterans: 12:30 p.m. April 2, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. seniorsforwellness.org

Friends on Foot senior walks: 9 a.m. April 3, starting from Buchanan Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. seniors4wellness.org.

Diane Gansauer Reading, Discussion and Signing: 4 p.m. April 9, Mountain Area Land Trust, 908 Nob Hill Road, Evergreen.Free. Evergreen resident, former MALT board member and author Gansauer wrote “ e Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles.” RSVP requested at savetheland. org.

Mountain Mixer@ 5: 5 p.m. April 10, Echo Mountain tubing hill, 19285 Hwy 103, Idaho Springs. evergreenchamber. org.

Creativity, Co ee and Conversation: 1:30 p.m. April 11, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. seniors4wellness.org

Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors Food Drive: 10 to 2 p.m. April 12.. Donation drop-o at Church of the Cross or at the Evergreen Safeway. Food Drive for EChO Food Pantry. For more information:: evergreenchristianoutreach.org/

Our Shared Habitat: Coexisting with Wildlife program: 6 p.m. April 17, Evergreen Library community meeting room, 5000 County Hwy 73, Evergreen. Join Colorado Parks and Wildlife District O cer Jacob Sonberg for info on protecting wildlife, your home, pets, and yourself. Register at oursharedhabitat.cheddarup.com. Free.

Floyd Hill Meadow Earth Day Celebration: 10 a.m. April 22, Floyd Hill Meadow, o I70, adjacent to Clear Creek High school. Mountain Area Land Trust hosts a community ribbon cutting & clean up. RSVP requested at savetheland.org.

Evergreen Chamber Orchestra - Series Finale Recital: 3 p.m. May 4, St. Laurence Episcopal Church, 26812 Barkley Rd, Conifer. ECO’s Tickets at evergreenchamberorch.org

Public ice skating and lessons: Evergreen Lake, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. Season and punch passes available. evergreenrecreation. com.

Mountain Women Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 9 a.m. every Saturday in person and on Zoom, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 CR-73, Evergreen. Mountain Women also meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon. evergreenaa. com/

Resilience1220 6th anniversary: 5:30 p.m. May 7, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen. Celebrating youth creativity. Entertainment, exhibits, silent auction. resilience1220.org.

Art Gone Wild Bene t Returns – An Evening of Art, Wine, and Wildlife Conservation: 5 p.m. May 16, Mountain Home, 27965 Meadow Drive, Evergreen. Wild Aware’s second annual bene t celebrating wildlife through art, while supporting local conservation ef-

Wild Aware is actively recruiting volunteers for their Last Friday Co ee. e monthly event is at 9 a.m., the last Friday morning of every month. Evergreen Bread and Cocktail Lounge, 1260 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.

Conifer Chamber of Commerce member meeting: 7:30 a.m. on second ursdays, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 9444 Eagle Cli Road, Conifer. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.

Evergreen Nature Center Weekly Preschool Adventures Program: 9 a.m. every ursday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free & no registration required. Programs designed for children ages 2-5 years old. All children must have an adult in attendance. Dress to explore the outdoors. evergreenaudubon.org

Evergreen Nature Center Monthly Family Program: 11 a.m. every last Saturday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. evergreenaudubon.org

was introduced by Republican State Board member Kristi Burton Brown, who wanted to add a line that also signaled support for law enforcement.

“We support the actions of law enforcement to remove violent criminals from Colorado and, in so doing, making our school children safer when they walk to school and back home,” the nal language of that amendment reads.

“ e arrests we have seen happen in Colorado are of violent criminals, the arrests we have seen across the nation are of violent criminals who are endangering our children on their way to and from school,” Burton Brown said. “Violent criminals should be taken o of our streets if they are here illegally and so I think that my suggested amendment is coming from a bipartisan standpoint that’s saying if we want our kids to be safe in school we should want them to also be safe on their way to and from school.”

Some board members opposed the language saying that violent criminals exist in any group, and some of the immigration enforcement actions have instead been blanket doorto-door raids. Nationally, the raids have swept

HAPPENINGS

e American Legion Evergreen Post 2001: Meets 4 p.m. Feb. 19, then monthly (March - October) on the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m., Evergreen Church of the Trans guration, Douglas Hall, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Serving all military Veterans in the foothills. Email evergreenpost2001@gmail.com.

Evergreen Camera Club: Meets every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Fire/ Rescue auditorium, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Club is for people who share a passion for all photography, from beginners to professionals. Attend in person or via ZOOM.

Evergreen Area Republican Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the rst Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway. Information atevergreenarearepublicanclub.org

Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet at 9 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. For more information, e-mail mtnareademocrats@gmail. com

Evergreen Nature Center: Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Trans guration. Admission is free. For more information, visitwww.EvergreenAudubon. org.

up many people with no criminal record.

e amendment passed with three board members opposed, but was not an obstacle for board members approving the nal resolution.

State Board member Kathy Plomer, who represents areas of ornton that were also targeted last month when federal immigration raids were conducted in Denver and Aurora, also introduced an amendment that would have acknowledged the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a decades-long policy that treated schools as sensitive or protected locations where immigration enforcement could only take place if there was an immediate danger to the public.

Her amendment would have read: “We’re aware that Colorado schools serve diverse communities who feel worried or uncertain about the safety of their students based on the removal of schools as protected spaces and recent neighborhood immigration enforcement activities.”

But Republican board members said they would not support the resolution with that language because it felt overly political.

State Board member Burton Brown said she felt the removal of any protected spaces where federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, was blocked from entering to remove “someone including those who are violent criminals” was a good thing that made

creekcemetery@gmail.com

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@ bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. Many volunteer options available. For more information, call Mary at 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach. org.

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering an LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 o ce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available). e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

Support After Suicide Loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register atresilience1220. org/groups.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives

students safer.

State Board member Steve Durham said that if the board was going to open the door to be political by introducing such resolutions, he had in mind several more political resolutions he could introduce soon.

Plomer said her amendment was intended to add clarity so school districts knew that the State Board understood what had changed to make them deal with this issue now.

But, in the end, she said having a bipartisan statement was more important and revoked the amendment.

“I don’t want to just create chaos that’s not doing anything, and getting in the way of something that I hope could be productive, and a statement from this board, that we want kids to come to school and feel safe,” Plomer said.

State Board member Yazmin Navarro, also a Republican, thanked Plomer.

“I think it’s amazing that you want to work with everyone on the board and that you’re willing to do that. at’s hard,” Navarro said.

“It goes back to the idea that everyone’s sentiment has been across the board that we’re all here for students.”

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.

to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register atresilience1220.org/ groups.

Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets every third Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visitmtevans.org/services/ emotional-support/.

Grieving the Death of a Spouse/Partner Support Group: 3 to 4 p.m. every second ursday. is group explores issues unique to those who have lost a life partner. O ered in-person and virtually. Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice, 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visitmtevans.org/services/emotional-support/.

Parkinson’s disease support group: A Parkinson’s disease support group meets the rst Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email esears@ parkinsonrockies.org.

Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Information at 346-2487799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 offers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet the second Tuesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is a group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ+ child. For group location and to RSVP, email heather@resilience1220.org.

A publication of

Call first: 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreeen, CO, 80439

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: CanyonCourier.com

To subscribe call 303-566-4100 or Scan this QR Code

BROOKE WARNER Executive Director brooke@ntln.org

LINDA SHAPLEY Director of Editorial & Audience lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIC HEINZ West Metro Editor eric@cotln.org

JANE REUTER Community Editor jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com

DONNA REARDON Marketing Consultant dreardon@coloradocommunitymedia.com

RUTH DANIELS Classified Sales rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com

BUSINESS INQUIRIES For advertiser or vendor questions, please email our business department at accounting@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Courier. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.

Canyon Courier (USPS 88940)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Evergreen, Colorado, Canyon Courier is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439.

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Evergreen and additional mailing o ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Canyon Courier, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

CORRECTIONS

Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.

Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

After the struggle comes the story

“Making the climb worth the view

Climbing the mountain, whether in summer or winter, is a test of endurance, perseverance, and growth. e climb is always worth the view, but the journey itself teaches us invaluable lessons. And just as the ascent requires strength and determination, the descent can present unique challenges depending on the trail’s steepness.

In the winter, di erent climbers take di erent approaches. Some choose to snowshoe up and back down, embracing the challenge of both the climb and the return. Others prefer to snowshoe to the top and take the lift down, opting for a mix of e ort and ease. en there are the extreme athletes who “skin” up the mountain, placing tear-away skins on their skis to gain traction as they ascend and then remove the skins to ski down. ese individuals always amaze me. Personally? I prefer to take the lift up and enjoy using gravity to help me glide back to the base.

WINNING WORDS

“afterwards” is not at the end of our life or even at the end of our struggle it is at the moment when we decide we will be the author of our story and that circumstances will no longer write the narrative.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

When you are in the middle of a story it isn’t a story at all, but only a confusion; a dark roaring, a blindness, a wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood; like a house in a whirlwind, or else a boat crushed by the icebergs or swept over the rapids, and all aboard powerless to stop it.” Margaret Atwood, “Alias Grace”

A hike up the mountain is invigorating and gorgeous during the summer. e climb is worth it in both seasons, whether we’re rewarded with a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks or an expanse of aspen trees and wild owers. Regardless of the method, the journey to the top mirrors the personal and professional growth we experience in life.

I came across this Atwood quotation from her novel this week while listening to Daniel Pink’s book, “When.” It was no more than the introductory quotation for a chapter on midpoints in work, life, and projects but the words resonated for me.

Although not the intent of either author, Atwood’s words perfectly capture what happens when we let our struggles control us. Following my MS diagnosis in 2009, I could not have described more accurately the chaotic helplessness I felt. I believe all who have faced a signi cant struggle understand this. e feeling is dark, confusing and overwhelming, and the direction up is not clear in the midst of the turmoil.

After reading those words and pondering the ideas she so perfectly framed for me, I discovered there was more to the quotation. Atwood, in her novel, goes on to say… “It’s only afterwards that it becomes anything like a story at all. When you are telling it, to yourself or to someone else. “

I was mesmerized by the beauty of Atwood’s word choice. As I dove into her words and moved beyond the de nition of chaos into the resolution she describes, it sparked a realization about my struggles.

I recognized that the road out of “the wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood” comes with the empowerment of understanding that the

Let me explain a little bit more about what I mean. While we will never control the circumstances of our struggle, when we understand that the events that weaken our bodies, tragedies that rupture our families, or happenings that change our circumstances are not the author of our story we begin to change. Moreover, when we realize that our mindset is the author of our story then we have accomplished something truly transformative.

When we are the author, we have taken what is rightfully ours and can begin to write with a clarity that only comes from ownership. In that moment, we move from “I can’t.” to “Can I, this way?” is change removes the walls of limitation crushing into us, replacing them with the boundless possibilities of hope and enthusiasm.

Easier said than done? Yes.

Worth the e ort? Undoubtedly. is week I hope that you will take on the challenge of seeing yourself and not your circumstances as the author of your story and that you will begin to act in a way that re ects the beauty of the tale you have to tell.

You have got this.

I hope my words encourage you, and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you.

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.

When hiking or skinning, people exert and push themselves. ey learn valuable lessons about pacing, endurance, and adaptability. Each climb builds muscle, experience, and knowledge. ey gure out where to step and where not to step, how to navigate the snow or the rocky terrain. Some areas are steeper, demanding greater strength and tenacity, while other parts provide small plateaus where we can catch our breath. With each climb, they get stronger, better, and more knowledgeable.

However we get there, reaching the summit brings a sense of victory. We see, feel, and even taste the crisp mountain air at the top. e view is spectacular, and the reward for our e ort is undeniable. e same is true in our personal and professional journeys.

We live in an era of immense learning opportunities, where AI and advanced technology enable us to reach new heights if we develop a mindset of con-

Michael Norton

tinuous learning. at rst hike or “skin” up the mountain is tough for new salespeople. However, the climb becomes more manageable with each practiced role-play, prospect interaction, and one-on-one coaching session. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but they become stronger, more skilled, and more prepared for the next ascent. Newly promoted managers face a similar challenge. eir rst climbs are steep as they learn to coach, mentor, and have di cult conversations. With experience, they gain con dence in their decisionmaking, making the climb less daunting. e peaks and valleys initially seem almost insurmountable for entrepreneurs who take the bold step of starting a new business. But as they gain traction, nd their footing, and take each step as it comes, they, too, will one day enjoy the breathtaking view from the top.

I may prefer the lift in winter, but that doesn’t mean I stop observing and learning. As I ride up, I look down at the skiers and identify the beginners, the intermediates, and the experts, even those who have mastered their craft beyond expert levels. It gives me perspective. In di erent areas of life, I have been, and still am, at all these stages, a beginner in some things, an intermediate in others, and occasionally an expert.

e mountains, the climbs, and the descents serve as metaphors for our journey through life and career. No matter where we are in our climb, we have the opportunity to grow, to get stronger, and to reach new heights. And when we do, the view will always be worth it.

I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can put in the work, the climb will be worth the view.

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.

Jim Roome

Spring o erings for the blossoming season

We’re on the cusp of one of the best times of the year in Colorado — spring. We cannally come out of our winter hibernations and start enjoying more outdoor time, gather with friends for activities and make plans for the summer ahead. ere’s more color in the world, more music (thank you birds), and more to do.

holiday with its Ostara to Easter: Natural Pigment Egg Dyeing event, held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at theHistory Colorado Center, 1200 North Broadway in Denver.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Now that the daylight is increasing, I thought I’d shed some light on some great ways to welcome the season of rebirth and renewal. ere should be a little something for everyone here — get out there and enjoy it.

Selena Honored at CHAC Gallery in Lakewood e Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla Perez was murdered 30 years ago and the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC) is honoring Selena’s massive impact with an exhibit that runs through Friday, April 11. e Selena Como La Flor Art Show: “Still Dreaming of You” is on display at the CHAC Gallery at 40 West, 7060 W. 16th Ave. in Lakewood.

e show features artists like Grace Monge, Angela Ramirez, Ken Marley and Ambra Martinez and was curated by Tammy and Rob Yancey. As part of the April 4 First Friday event, visitors can participate in a Selena lookalike contest, see Aztec dancers and more. More information is available athttps://www.chacgallery.org/.

See Artworks in New Ways Through ‘Prisms’

A prism bends light and provides different perspectives and that’s what “Prisms,” the new exhibit at Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., No. A, in Denver, does with its displayed works. Running through Saturday, May 3, the show features Atticus Adams, Angela Beloian, Bryan Leister, Chris Richter and Allison Svoboda, all of whom transform their mediums to engage the senses and challenge perception, according to provided information. e works play with light and its ability to re ect and redene - you never know quite what you’ll see.

Find more information at www.walker neart.com.

Explore the History of Ostara/Easter with History Colorado e Colorado History Center is o ering an opportunity for people to go back to the cultural roots of the biggest spring

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to

According to provided information, participants will dye eggs using natural pigments sourced from plants and fruits, as well as techniques reminiscent of those practiced for centuries. While engaging in this time-honored tradition, attendees will also learn about the signi cance of Ostara/Easter and how different societies have marked the changing of the seasons.

It is sure to be a fascinating event for everyone, whether they love history, nature or simply being creative with their hands.

Sign up at https://www.historycolorado.org/events.

Dragons and Mystical Beasts Take Over the PACE Center

Fantasy has never been more popular than it is these days, with stories and worlds for every age and interest. For those with families, the Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., is hosting Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live at 2 and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. e show was nominated for 2022 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment, according to provided information, and features a cast of mythical characters from all over the world, including the massive stone troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku, and a majestic Gri n. It’s a family-friendly production that will transport audiences to another world.

For more information and tickets, visit https://parkerarts.org/event/dragonsand-mythical-beasts-live/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Kelsea Ballerini at Ball Arena

Country music is home to some truly superb songwriters and Tennessee’s Kelsea Ballerini has become one of the genre’s best over the last decade. Her albums get stronger with every release and last year’s “Patterns” featured some of her best songs yet. It’s exciting to imagine what she will give listeners next.

In support of the album, Ballerini will be coming to Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. She’ll be joined by indie rock favorites e Japanese House and upand-comer MaRynn Taylor. It will be a great night of music so get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

• 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.

Clarke Reader

BUCHANAN PARK

groups such as GOCO.”

The work planned in 2025 is the foundation for the larger elements the community asked for. Work on those is expected to begin in 2026, with more improvements made by 2029.

“This summer we’re focusing on bathrooms, infrastructure, roadways, trails in the park,” Hays said. “We need to put those in before the bigger things like the stage, playground and skate park.”

CONIFER FIRE

known that we feel uni cation is absolutely the best way to move forward in allowing us to care for this community in a way we’re sworn to do,” she continued. Urban is also the public information o cer for Conifer Fire and Elk Creek Fire.

e union supports Al Leo and Kathleen Noonan in the May 5 election. Both support the uni cation of Conifer Fire with Elk Creek. Candidate Michael Bartlett said he does not support the idea. Candidate Tom Seymour said he’s not sure it’s the right solution. Candidate Todd Wagner said he doesn’t “know all the ins and outs of it,” but noted residents voted against consolidation in 2023. All ve candidates shared their views on Elk Creek issues in a recent Canyon

EPRD also plans to add a natatorium and fieldhouse to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center.

The grant is part of GOCO’s Community Impact program, which develops and revitalizes parks, trails, school yards, fairgrounds, environmental education facilities, and other outdoor projects that enhance a community’s quality of life and outdoor access.

GOCO pointed to “strong community partnerships and grassroots support (that) underpin the elevation of this project as the community’s top priority.”

It credited the Evergreen Skatepark Coalition for helping to envision and

Courier article.

Because two seats are available on the ve-member board — and board member Chuck Newby is against uni cation — the election of two candidates who may not support that process could alter the idea’s path.

“If they ip the board, they could revisit what we’ve done with uni cation,” said Conifer Fire board member Ginny Riley.

“At this point, the election is important.”

Conifer Fire Chief Curt Rogers agreed. He said uni cation would allow the Conifer district to add six paid re ghters, among other improvements.

“We’re all going to struggle if we don’t stay on this path,” he said. “We are facing a decline in volunteers. at problem is not going away. We have to change how we do business in order to provide services.”

Elk Creek Fire board member Sharon Woods, who was in the audience, also spoke out, noting she was not doing so

Vote

fundraise for the new skatepark. Jaxon Statzell, a pro skater and skatepark designer who grew up in Evergreen, donated a conceptual design of the skatepark. Twelve- and 8-year-old brothers Cameron Cornacchia and Calvin Cornacchia sold their rocks and fossil collection at the Evergreen Rodeo to raise $100 for the skatepark project.

Blue Spruce Kiwanis will donate funds for the adventure playground and organize three community groups that serve persons with disabilities — the Aktion Club, INSPIRE, and Activity Options — to help envision accessible features of the project.

Evergreen Music Festival is partner-

as an elected o cial.

“As an individual, I am very, very concerned about this vocal minority we have in the Elk Creek re district,” she said. “I am concerned about the same things Bethany just talked about. If this board ips, all bets are o in terms of the continuation of uni cation and the existence of a re district that can handle what’s going on.”

Uni cation was proposed late last year, after consolidation failed. e uni cation process outlined under state statute does not include a mill levy increase or require an election.

All three boards passed motions in favor of uni cation, but in Elk Creek, board member Chuck Newby and district resident Neil Whitehead III led an appeal, saying the uni cation process that Elk Creek used violates state statute, subverts the voters’ wishes and could result in higher taxes without voter approval. e appeal will be heard by Je erson

ing with EPRD to promote and raise funds for the park’s new pavilion and stage. Along with GOCO funding, EPRD plans to invest $1.35 million in the first phase of park development, and anticipates another $500,000 provided by additional organizational partners and grants.

GOCO invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds in the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. Created by a 1992 voter-approved constitutional amendment, GOCO has funded more than 5,800 projects across the state without tax dollar support.

County Commissioners, but a date has not been set.

Meanwhile, North Fork and Inter-Canyon merged in late 2024 as the Conifer Fire Protection District.

Rogers said he’s not worried about the upcoming county hearing.

“ e only thing they’re reviewing at Je erson County is did Elk Creek follow the process correctly under Title 32,” he said, referring to the state statute. “We believe we did since we already did it with Inter-Canyon.

“ is inclusion/exclusion process is not a new thing for re departments. It’s been done at other agencies, including South Metro. So I think we’re on pretty good legal footing.”

Regardless of the county decision, the case could be appealed to Je erson County District Court. But again, Rogers is con dent.

““I’m not anticipating problems with district court,” he said.

Bold

Charles T. Van Dusen

June 23, 1923 - July 19, 2024

“Chuck” Van Dusen passed away on July 19th, 2024 at the age of 101 years old. He was born on June 23nd, 1923 in Elizabeth New Jersey. Soon after Chuck’s birth, his family moved to Birmingham Michigan where he attended school at Cranbrook Academy. His uncle Jim taught Chuck to y and at age 14 he piloted his rst solo ight in a small aircraft. After graduation from Cranbrook Academy, Chuck enrolled at Purdue University where he was a member of the swim team and began his studies in mechanical engineering. His college career was cut short when he was called up from the reserves to serve in the Air Force in World War II. After completing ight training at the age of 19, Chuck captained a B-17 bomber for the US Air Force and was sent to Italy to ght. Stationed in Fogia Italy, Chuck completed 35 successful missions as a B-17 bomber pilot and captain, beginning in December 1944, until April 1945. Chuck was responsible for a crew of nine men, all of whom survived the war.

Chuck married Jane Erb, his high school sweet heart, in March of 1944 and had ve children: Janie, Fred, Steve, Cathy and Marjorie. Chuck returned back to college at the University of

OBITUARIES

Michigan to continue his studies. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1949 and soon after moved to Media Pennsylvania where he worked for Piasecki Corp., designing helicopters. His career took him to New York, back to Michigan and nally to Connecticut where he established a small airport known as Simsbury Air Service. Chuck was a ght instructor, taught aerobatics and also ran a crop dusting operation. After Chuck retired in 1985, he pursued a variety of interests including a remodeling business, yoga and hiking. He hiked the entirity of both the Appalachian Trail and the Paci c Crest Trail as a solo “through-hiker.” In 1995, Chuck relocated to Colorado. He took up dancing with the Ridge Runners dance club. As the oldest member of the club, he loved both the music and camaraderie of dancing. He was a life long conservative and followed politics closely. Chuck continued to drive and live independently until the age of 99 when he moved to Elk Run Assisted Living in Evergreen Colorado, where he passed away peacefully. Chuck was buried on August 3rd, 2024 at the Evergreen Memorial Park. He leaves behind four children, twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Chuck will be greatly missed.

John M Klitzke

January 4, 1954 - March 14, 2025

John M. Klitzke of Evergreen, CO passed peacefully while surrounded by his family on Friday, March 14th of a glioblastoma. John was born in Hutchinson, MN on January 4th, 1954. After graduating from high school, John proceeded to make his way out west through various adventures in skiing, rodeo and in the oil elds. He ultimately settled in Evergreen after cultivating a successful career as a nancial planner, which he continued to build for 38 years. John’s strength in his faith and family provided the foundation for his leadership at church, in his community, and his neighborhood. John and his loving wife of 30 years, Laura, enjoyed hiking, spending time with family, marathon training, and traveling together, always expanding their ever-growing friend circle throughout the world.

John was also an active y sherman, enjoying as much time as possible on the river, lake or ocean, often with his son, Johnny, and many great friends. John and his daughter, Jesse, shared a love of music and faith, often harmonizing on the guitar while belting out their favorite tunes. John is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Edith Klitzke, and two “good boys” Chance and Bodacious. John is survived by his wife, Laura, son Johnny (Avi), and daughter Jesse (Elijah), sister Janah, brothers-in-law Mark and Jason (Joan). A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday April 1st at 1pm at Flatirons Community Church West Campus in Genesee Colorado. Donations can be made to: Kitchen One for One, Flatirons Community Church, and Denver Rescue

Steve Haig was born in Newburgh New York on 11 November 1955. He lived in Cornwall New York and graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 1973. Steve moved to Salt Lake City in 1974 to enjoy the wonderful powder snow in the Wasatch Mountains. Steve was an avid and skilled downhill and telemark skier who enjoyed many back country expeditions in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. In 1984 he married Cynthia Shay while living in Salt Lake City. e had two sons, Dan and Nick. Steve and Cynthia loved the mountain life and enjoyed many years living in Park City, Leadville, Fort Collins and ultimately Evergreen Colorado, where they settled in to bring up their two boys in 1997. Dan and Nick went to primary and high school in Evergreen. Dan now living in Washington DC and Nick living in Kittridge. Steve worked in Denver for a big retirement fund company before transitioning into a less hectic lifestyle as a bus driver for the Je erson County School District. Based out of the Bus Barn, Steve drove local children around the many twisty tourney roads of Je erson County for many years and was dearly loved by those children. He managed to make the rather mundane activity of a school bus drive fun with his playful antics, including monkey quizzes where everyone got the question right and earned a piece of candy. ere was never a wrong answer. When the school season was in summer session, Steve would work for Open Space building and repairing hiking trails with high school students. For many years, Steve worked as a crew chief, instructing a team of teenagers on the nuances of grade, drainage and compaction. For the last two years he worked as co-supervisor with good friend Clark.

e Steve I Knew; Although we have been apart for many years upon diverging pathways, I have many cherished memories of Steve and the times we had together. With his passing, I wanted to convey who Steve was to me.

I met Steve through his brother Trevor shortly after moving to Salt Lake City in the fall of 1980. e three of us were in the prime of our youth and quickly became best friends centered around outdoor activities skiing, hiking, and bagging peaks. Steve was full of life and always fun to be around. My goodness could we laugh! Steve had a huge and very positive impact on my life through our friendship and the adventures we endured together. To list a few:

Steve passed away quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, February 25 2025. At that time, he was still an avid hiker and enjoyed many of the beautiful rails in the Je erson County area. He is proceeded in death by his wife Cynthia, two sons Dan and Nick, and brother Trevor. Steve was cremated on Monday March 3, 2025 at a lovely, rustic-fancy facility in Evergreen surrounded by the elds and mountains he loved. It was an apt setting for the end of his life journey. ere are plans to spread his ashes along one of his favourite hiking trails during the summer or Autumn of 2025. Steve, may you nally rest in peace after your varied and active life with all of the worldly struggles along the way. You will be truly missed by family and friends. Your loving brother, Trevor.

e following is a letter sent by Steve’s good Friend Jack Howell after hearing of Steve’s death

He patiently taught me how to ski both Nordic and Alpine. He was a master of the telemark turn and joyfully coached me and others in the technique. We got good. For example, bagging Pfeiferhorn peek in the winter and crossing Little Cottonwood Creek on a snow bridge as the sun was going down after a long day in the high country. Steve and I survived together through one of the scariest situations I have ever been in. We got stuck going up a mountain canyon, miles from any kind of settlement in Nevada. We wore ourselves out trying to dig out to no avail. e next morning, we set out on foot with one bottle of water between us. It was a very hot summer day, and dehydration soon set in. Fortunately, after many miles of hiking, we found a spring in the valley below. It was like the movies where we ran and dived into the spring and gulped down the lifesaving water. Eventually, we made it to the highway and got picked up by a local truckdriver. Steve and I also survived the 100 mile per hour trip on dirt roads across the desert as the truck driver drove us back to our stuck vehicle and pulled it out. Facing this crisis only strengthened the bond of friendship between us.

Steve was there a few years later when I proposed to Ginger, my wife of 39 years now. We were on a ski trip together. He also volunteered to be the photographer at our wedding and hosted us at his cabin in Colorado after the honeymoon. Steve, a lifelong best friend of the family. ese are a few examples of the life I shared with Steve and who he was to me. I will miss him deeply. Rest in Peace my brother.

Forever your Friend,

Jack (LBD)

January 12, 1955 - December 11, 2024

Bruce Riley, 69, beloved by his children, friends and family, passed away peacefully December 11, 2024, at home in Evergreen, Colorado. He was surrounded by love after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Bruce was a happy person who was comfortable in his own skin, which was such a gift to everyone who loved him. He was a faithful friend, the best dad, and the most loving husband. Bruce will be missed deeply.

Bruce was born January 12, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Robert Murry Riley and Bobbye Moore Riley, and raised in Longview, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Cindy McCool Riley, his daughter Skye Riley Lawson and her husband Ted, his son Zachary Noah Riley and his wife Madeline Ivy Riley, his sister Barbara Riley Clayton and her husband Pete, and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in glory by his mom and dad, Bob and Bobbye Riley and his beloved grandparents.

Bruce never met a stranger and excelled in his career path of business development and sales. He served as a re ghter and rst responder with Elk Creek Fire Protection District and Indian Hills Fire and Rescue.

Bruce loved shing, hiking, and the glorious outdoors of Colorado. Bruce lived on a mountain with the love of his life, where sightings of deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes and golden eagles occurred frequently. Bruce was a kind soul who was always thankful for his blessings and his family and friends. Bruce never met a party he didn’t like.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 30 at 1:30 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Trans guration, 27640 Highway 74, Evergreen, Colorado. A catered reception will follow the service in Douglas Hall.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that donations be made either to Church of the Trans guration or e American Cancer Society.

RILEY

Bruce Riley

DUSEN

KLITZKE

HAIG

Stephen Gregory Bruce “Steve” Haig November 11, 1955 - February 25, 2025

YOUR OTE A Strategic A Steady

Candidates for Evergreen Fire Protection District Board of Directors - May 6th Election

STACEY BALLINGER Board President

Attracting & keeping dedicated volunteers

• Listened to our volunteers’ needs and concerns, made targeted changes, and brought in top-notch, dynamic leadership — increasing our volunteer core by 8.33%, and increasing retention by 33.3% from 2022 to 2024

• Encouraged volunteer participation at all levels —boosting morale and giving them a voice in shaping the department’s future.

• Improved teamwork between volunteers, paid firefighters, and staff —easing strain on volunteers and enhancing community safety through more efficient emergency responses, stronger collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting lives and property.

Protecting our community from wildfire risks

• Attracted top Wildland fire experts to join the fire department —improving ability to respond to wildfires, enhancing community preparedness and provide wildland training for volunteers and paid firefighters.

• Activated fire department mitigation efforts to improve community safety —securing over $1 million in grant funding and workforce projects to remove hazardous fuels from public and private lands, mitigated critical evacuation routes like highway 73, highway 103, Witter Gulch and this season High Dr, with ramped up efforts over the next 5 years.

• Updated the Community Wildland Protection Plan —implementing community mitigation programs, including free home assessments, chipping services, as well as enhancing the Neighborhood Ambassador program to educate residents on wildfire preparedness.

Strengthening our fire department to protect our community

• Optimized resources to support higher emergency call volume —significantly improving fire emergency response times from our main station by an average of almost 5 minutes, from an average of 8.20 minutes in 2022, to just 3.44 minutes the beginning of 2025.

• Created a community-focused fire department —completing a Master Plan and currently developing a Strategic Plan which are long -term roadmaps to direct growth, operations and resources.

• Diligently managed budget —ensuring community funds are allocated wisely to maximize service and support, delivering essential resources and programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the benefit of all residents.

We’ve listened to everyone’s concerns, tackled challenges with smart solutions, and tightened financial and management oversight to make our fire department stronger —because your safety depends on it.

We’re committed to continuing positive momentum with the current direction, maintaining operational stability, supporting our essential volunteers and staff, and ensuring we build a safer Evergreen, together.

Gun shows could face more regulations

BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE

e Colorado House of Representatives approved a bill on Friday that would set new safety regulations and requirements for gun shows that operate in the state.

House Bill 25-1238 passed on a 34-30 vote, with eight Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

“Just as we expect other large-scale events to have security measures in place, gun shows should also take responsibility for the safety of their patrons and the surrounding community,” Rep. Sean Camacho, a Denver Democrat, said during debate on the bill last week.

Camacho ran the bill with Rep. Junie Joseph, a Boulder Democrat. It is sponsored

“ is bill is about enforcing Colorado state law — laws that we have already passed. e intent of this is to make sure when you are going to a gun show, that it is safe for you and your family and your friends,” Camacho said. “Many people are already doing this. is bill is about those who are not.”

A 2022 analysis found that there were 417 advertised gun shows in Colorado between 2011 and 2019.

e bill would require gun show promoters to create and submit a security plan to local law enforcement two

by Democratic Sens. Cathy Kipp of Fort Collins and Jessie Danielson of Wheat Ridge in the Senate.

Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) 2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is a network of tuition-free public charter schools, providing Colorado families with accessible, flexible, and individualized learning and a direct path to debt-free college degrees and other industry credentials.

Since the doors of our first high school campus opened in 2007 in Colorado Springs, Colorado Early Colleges and our accredited college partners have been committed to creating a community of lifetime learners and building a culture throughout our network of schools that fosters academic, career, and personal success for every student, and do so at zero tuition-cost to them and their families.

CEC now has campus locations all across

Colorado, including local high school campuses in Aurora, Castle Rock, and Douglas County North. CEC Online Campus is also our online learning option, open to families anywhere in Colorado, also at zero-cost.

Our schools work in partnership with local community colleges and universities, offering students the chance to take college-level courses, both on and off campus. The goal is to create a pathway that allows students to graduate high school with a competitive edge and ready to enter the workforce upon graduation. Through CEC, students can earn college degrees, industry certifications, and 60 or more college course credits while simultaneously earning their high school diploma.

Why choose Colorado Early Colleges?

Flexible Learning Options: CEC offers accessible, flexible and individualized learning, recognizing that each student has unique academic needs and personal goals. Students work with their advisors on an academic plan that is right for them and aligns with their career aspirations. This

flexibility enables students to work at their own pace, challenging themselves with advanced coursework when ready, while also receiving the support they need to succeed.

Career Pathways and Technical Education: CEC offers career pathways and technical education in a variety of industries. These programs incorporate curriculum that aligns with industry standards that leads to an industry recognized credential so that students may be prepared to enter the workforce after high school. Career Pathways in health science, engineering, construction, IT, aviation, multimedia and more are available at CEC (may vary by campus location).

Free Tutoring: CEC offers free tutoring at its campuses to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed academically. This support is very valuable for students balancing high school and college work, as it ensures they never have to face academic struggles alone and can receive the help they need to excel.

Money Saved: By earning college credits while in high school, students can save a considerable amount of money upon graduation. Students graduate from high school with a head start on their college education, potentially reducing the time spent in college and the associated tuition costs. For many students, this is a crucial financial benefit, and takes the pressure off students and families when it comes to higher education.

Since 2007, alumni of CEC enter the workforce with valuable skills and experience gained through their time here, and have gone on to have exceptional careers.

“I think the most impactful thing CEC offered to me was the flexibility. I from the start knew I didn’t want to follow the traditional route. I didn’t want to go to college and spend a bunch of money. CEC offers a head start on college, but also offers a head start on other career options. I always was interested in construction but knew nothing about it. Being able to attend trade school at such an early age got my foot in the door, and helped me get my first job in construction as a deck builder. At this point, I was 16 working full-time for a construction company and attending night classes at Red Rocks Community College. No other school offers that kind of freedom and flexibility, and so that was by far the most impactful thing CEC was able to offer me.” – Mason R., CEC Castle Rock graduate

CEC is open to all students, regardless of background or skill-level. Our schools are now enrolling for the upcoming school year, so visit our website for upcoming informational meetings and school tours so you can see for yourself how CEC can be the right fit for you and your family.

2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

Aims Community College Combines

Affordability, Innovation and

Throughout Northern Colorado, you can see Aims Community College billboards boasting a surprising statistic that has received much attention: “91% of Aims students graduate without debt.”

One reason many learners are not burdened with student loans is that tuition at Aims averages 50% less than nearby two-year schools and 80% less than area four-year institutions. Additionally, the new Aims Tuition Promise initiative makes higher education tuition-free for many Coloradoans. Aims factors in a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships to pay tuition. After those programs are applied, Aims makes up the difference.

Affordability is just one aspect of the Aims story. The College emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, student-focused learning, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes.

Since 1967, the College has established its presence in Northern Colorado with locations in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Windsor, and Loveland. Aims empowers learners to achieve their academic and career goals by offering more than 200 degree and certificate programs to help students prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school. Aims equips students to excel in numerous fields, including healthcare, skilled trades, business, education, public safety, agriculture, aviation, arts, sciences and more.

The College has recently seen a notable increase in enrollment in the Fall 2024 semester, with numbers indicating a more than 20% rise compared to last year’s figures. This is the most significant enrollment jump that Aims has seen in a post-COVID world.

“We’re excited that so many students are choosing Aims to begin or continue their education,” said Dr. Larry Pakowski, Vice President of Student Engagement, Inclusion & Success. “More and more people are discovering the hidden gem that is Aims.”

“Not Your Mom and Dad’s Community College”

Aims invests in the holistic student experience, from connecting through activities to using state-of-the-art technology to foster advanced education and hands-on learning on equipment used in the work world.

Pakowski believes when people come to campus and see the facilities and technology available, they change their perceptions about community colleges and Aims. He had recently heard a parent at orientation say, “It’s not your mom and dad’s community college.”

Aims offers a wide array of co-curricular activities, campus events and student resources to provide an enriching college experience. Traditional service and honor society organizations are on campus. There are also groups focused on career interests, identity groups, or shared interests, like video games.

The Aims Welcome Center and Student Commons are the beating heart of student engagement outside the classroom. These vibrant spaces are designed to help students acclimate to college life and make lifelong connections. These spaces host college and community events to bring people together.

Aims invests in state-of-the-art equipment and learning tools to provide hands-on experience for students in career and technical education courses. Below are a few examples of technology in action.

•An Anatomage Table is a technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education.

•Automotive, welding and nurse aid students learn using virtual reality training equipment.

•Future truck drivers will practice on a CDL simulator, and tomorrow’s pilots and air traffic controllers train on aviation simulator technology before flying.

•In the newly expanded Windsor Campus, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) students can access a drone fabrication and design lab, while public safety students can replicate real-world scenarios at the Sim City.

•Ed Beaty Hall is home to experiential learning with a theater, radio station, TV studio, green-screen room, surround sound studio and videoediting booths.

•The greenhouse on the Fort Lupton Campus offers Aims agriculture students an indoor space for yearround, hands-on learning.

•The Community Lab is a maker space open to all Aims students and the community. Students use the lab to work on assignments for their classes, such as building a model for a diorama, printing large-scale posters, and producing elements of a multimedia art project. Technology includes 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering equipment and much more.

•Alquist 3D, an innovative 3D printing construction company, is partnering with Aims to incorporate its technology into the curriculum and train the workforce. An online non-credit online certificate program is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the industry. This online course is the first step in formalizing workforce development and training in 3D construction and infrastructure printing. Future plans include hands-on classes with this technology.

Student-First Focus

Management Dana Kohler attributes part of the surge in enrollments at Aims to the College’s faculty, staff and administrators. “There are a lot of really, really good people at Aims who are trying to support students and help them do the right thing. When we all do that together, the students are the ones that benefit from that.”

Aims 2024 graduate Ixel Macias believes the education she receives at Aims boosts intellectual rigor. “My professors challenged my way of thinking. I’m challenged much more than I was at previous schools, in the best way possible,” she said. Ixel feels like her instructors keep pushing her to climb to something bigger and better. Even though they encourage her to take it to the next level, she still feels comfortable asking questions and gaining further understanding of her learning.

This level of support is also evident outside of the classroom. Aims offers many services to foster success as a college student and beyond. This includes advising, disability access services, counseling services and more. Aims was among the first higher education institutions to receive the Hunger-Free Campus designation by the State of Colorado. By helping our students manage the critical issue of food insecurity, they can succeed and meet their individual goals with muchreduced stress.

The Learning Commons is another resources dedicated to student success. It includes academic support such as library services, tutoring, online learning support and technology assistance. Aims students can check out laptops, hotspots, and tablets to help them with their studies.

All of this builds a culture of success at Aims. This leads learners to thrive in moving into their next steps, whether it be going into the workforce or continuing in their education.

After graduation, 54% of Aims students continue their education by transferring to four-year institutions. Those looking to attend the University of Northern Colorado can streamline this journey with the Aims2UNC program. Other programs, like an articulation agreement with the Colorado School of Mines, create a formalized pathway for student transfer.

The Transfer Services team on campus is here to prepare students for their next destination.

Aims also get many of our learners into high-demand fields like healthcare, trades and technology. Nine months after graduating from Aims, 80 percent of students are employed, contributing to the workforce. Career Services at Aims offers programs to help students find jobs to start their careers.

Innovation and Expansion on the Horizon

“We’re continuing to do things to improve the student experience. There are greater things to come down the road,” Pakowski said.

The 2024-2027 Strategic & Tactical Plan, recently approved by the Aims Board of Trustees, outlines the direction for the College’s future growth. Among the planned projects is the opening of the Student Health and Wellness Center in 2026.

Planning for the new Workforce Innovation Center is also in progress. The project creates a supportive environment to help new businesses, ideas or projects flourish. It will provide production space for technology, manufacturing, and more. Aims students will benefit from hands-on experience with leading-edge technology and business development processes.

Additionally, Aims Community College plans to open a new Aircraft Maintenance Training Center along with the launch of an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic degree program in January 2026 in Loveland.

Efforts are also underway to improve veteran education services and achieve recognition as a Military Friendly School. Several years ago, Aims was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is intentionally furthering programs to support this population.

“The plan shows all the things that we are doing to improve the student experience and student success. That’s why students are choosing to come here,” Pakowski added. “Those things have created much buzz and excitement for us.”

To learn more about Aims Community College, please visit aims.edu.

REGULATIONS

weeks before the event that includes the anticipated vendors, estimated number of attendees, number of security personnel who will be at the show and a floor plan of the venue. Gun show promoters would also need to have liability insurance for the event.

Vendors would need to have a federal firearms license and the state firearms dealer permit created by the Legislature last year. They would need to attest that they will comply with state laws around background checks, waiting periods, high-capacity magazines and

ghost guns. Various notices of those state laws would need to be displayed around the venue. Vendors would also need to keep ammunition out of easy reach to attendees to comply with a bill expected to pass into law this year about ammunition sales.

Additionally, the bill would set standards for video surveillance of the parking lot, entrances and exits in order to deter theft and record any instances of crime. The promoter would need to retain that video footage for six months.

“I have veterans that have gun shows that aren’t going to be able to put cameras in parking lots in southeastern Colorado. Hell, they don’t even have a paved parking lot in southeastern Col -

orado,” said Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, a Trinidad Republican.

Republicans argued that the requirements in the bill would limit gun show operations in Colorado and push the vendors to sell at shows in other states.

Camacho countered that there are companies that rent portable security cameras for parking lots at an affordable price.

The bill would also prohibit minors from attending gun shows unless they are with a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. The minimum age to buy a gun in Colorado is 21.

“Gun shows, in order to be able to continue selling guns, are likely going to say ‘We’re not admitting anyone 18 or younger,’” said Rep. Stephanie Luck,

2025 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

MackintoshAcademy

a Penrose Republican who questioned how a promoter could verify a familial relationship. “It will switch from being a family-friendly event and a community-building event with food and quilts and all of the things we heard before, into just selling weaponry.”

First violations of the bill would be a Class 2 misdemeanor, and subsequent violations would result in a Class 1 misdemeanor and a five-year ban from holding gun shows for promoters.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats hold a 23-12 majority.

This story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

Renaissance Secondary School

Renaissance Secondary is a small, deeper learning school serving students in Grades 6-12, and expanding to serve Grades PK-5 beginning in 2027.

Renaissance utilizes authentic, integrated learning experiences to empower students to become modern learners who are critical thinkers and problem solvers, communicators, collaborators, and creative innovators who contribute to the world around them.

At Renaissance, students experience top-notch academic opportunities within a tight-knit small school community, and:

• Rigorous, integrated, real-world learning experiences through learning expeditions and fieldwork

• Emphasis on Design Thinking and STEM opportunities

• Adventure Education program (all students participate in a multi-night outdoor education trip each year)

• Unique building design emphasizing natural light and ample opportunities for students to be outdoors

• Late start time (9:00 a.m.)

• Emphasis on character and an ethic of service

• Arts integration and rich performing and visual arts opportunities

Mackintosh Academy stands out as a leader in innovation and excellence In a world where gifted education is often an afterthought. Founded in 1977, Mackintosh is Colorado’s first school dedicated exclusively to gifted students, offering one of the Denver metro area’s only private International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For over forty years, Mackintosh has redefined how gifted and creative learners are educated.

At Mackintosh, gifted education is not just an add-on or a pull-out program; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our full-time program meets the unique intellectual, emotional, and social needs of gifted children. Unlike traditional schools, where gifted students may feel isolated or underchallenged, Mackintosh fosters a nurturing, holistic environment. Here, students are surrounded by peers who share their curiosity and passion for learning, creating a rare sense of community and belonging.

Keen Minds: A Curriculum That Inspires

social and emotional challenges, such as heightened sensitivity or feelings of being misunderstood. At Mackintosh, we emphasize social-emotional learning, helping students develop collaboration, communication, resilience, and empathy. Strong relationships between students and faculty create the optimal conditions for growth, both academically and personally.

Global Action: Preparing for the Future Mackintosh’s IB curriculum goes beyond academics, incorporating design thinking, innovation, and service projects. Students engage in real-world problem-solving, developing the skills and mindset to tackle global challenges with creativity and confidence. This focus on global awareness ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped to make a positive impact.

Mackintosh’s learning environment is rooted in the globally respected International Baccalaureate program. Our inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum challenges students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and explore their interests in depth. Teachers are skilled at recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique potential, ensuring students not only learn but thrive.

Compassionate Hearts: SocialEmotional Growth

Gifted children often face unique

A School Where Bright Kids Thrive Mackintosh Academy is more than a school—it’s a community where gifted children flourish intellectually, emotionally, and socially. If you’re seeking an educational experience that celebrates the unique nature of gifted learners, discover Mackintosh.

To learn more, email info@mackintoshacademy.com or call (303) 794-6222 to schedule a tour or conversation.

EVERGREEN AREA Chamber Of Commerce

The Stone House • 1524 Belford Court • Evergreen, CO (303)674-3412 | EvergreenChamber.org

Welcome New Member!

Ben Behmer Media LLC

Ben Behmer

Evergreen, CO 80439 bbehmermedia.com

Bhojanic Social Club at The Yellow House

Archna Becker 5120 County Rd 73 Evergreen, CO 80439 www.bhojanic.com

Brain & Body Recovery Lab

Hana Wadsworth 3042 Evergreen Pkwy, Suite 200 Evergreen, CO 80439 evergreenrecoverylab.com

BW Mortgage, LLC

Joe Po t Evergreen, CO 80439 www.bwm.llc/joseph

Evergreen Attorneys, PLLC

Zachary Newland 32186 Castle Court, Suite 300 Evergreen, CO 80439 www.evergreenattorneys.com

Evergreen Pickleball Club

Julie Ann Courim Evergreen, CO 80439 www.evergreenpickleball.club

Michele Lewis, Realtor, Keller Williams

Foothills Realty LLC

Michele Lewis 32214 Ellingwood Trail Evergreen, CO 80439 www.ElevateYourRealEstateJourney.kw.com

Old Growth Tree Service

Todd Rader 9044 US Hwy 285 Morrison, CO 80465 oldgrowth-tree.com/

Restoration Guild

Greg Tenney 2932 Evergreen Parkway Evergreen, CO 80439

A Walk Through History

The monthly historic segments to celebrate Evergreen’s 150th Anniversary continue April 5th, with a walking tour of downtown Evergreen from noon to 2pm. Join us for a walk viewing pictures of the past while you stand in the same spot in the present and hear from John Steinle and John Ellis how changes over time have a ected the buildings and the entirety of the area. This walking tour will start at The Evergreen Gallery and continue to Highland Haven. We will be at the main parking lot entrance to provide a parking code so you can park free for this session. We look forward to seeing you there.

We support living locally — Shop Local, Live Local, Evergreen! EvergreenChamber.org

Nancy Judge, President/CEO, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce

GRAND JUNCTION — County Road 46 meanders around the northern edge of Rangely, curving next to the White River before bending toward the oil and gas infrastructure that’s a major part of the town’s identity.

One piece of industrial equipment — a decadesold, 75-foot-tall water tank — looks right at home on CR 46. But e Tank Center for Sonic Arts isn’t part of the oil and gas industry. It’s a renowned recording space for music and other performing arts with a oneof-a-kind reverb and echo that signer Cameron Beauchamp describes as the space collaborating with you.

“If I’m singing a long tone that would last 20 seconds, I can take a breath in the middle and you won’t notice it at all in the room, because the room carries your voice for so long,’’ he said.

His vocal ensemble, Roomful of Teeth, has recorded two projects at e Tank, and rely on thousands of dollars of National Endowment for the Arts money to create their art, year in and year out.

Artists and small endeavors like e Tank are concerned about the future, as many of their projects depend on NEA grants directly. e NEA was one of the many programs thrown into chaos during the Trump administration’s short-lived federal funding pause earlier this year. Future funding is uncertain.

President Donald Trump previously called to eliminate federal arts funding, and the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025, has called NEA endowments “wasteful.”

e Tank also receives money from Colorado Creative Industries, the state arts and culture o ce. at o ce has a total budget of $4.2 million for 2025. e

NEA contributed $948,000 to the budget, according to the Colorado O ce of Economic Development, of which CCI is a part.

Governor Polis and the state legislature increased funding for CCI last year, possibly making Colorado eligible for more federal money, but it’s too early to know what NEA funding will look like next year.

NEA and CCI also provide funding to organizations like the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance company in Denver, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia and a program that develops new American plays at the Creede Repertory eatre, located in the town of less than 300 people tucked in Colorado’s San Juan mountains.

It’s not just the former Rio Grande railroad equipment that makes e Tank special -- it’s rural Colorado.

“ e Tank couldn’t be anywhere else. It’s a very sensitive instrument for sound, if it were next to the freeway, no one would ever go in there. It’d be a howling mess,” said James Paul, executive director of e Tank.

Paul is counting on continued funding from NEA

for a residency program at e Tank during which CU Boulder students will use the space to record their work before performing at the university’s Black Box Experimental Studio.

For a few days in January, when the Trump administration froze federal grants and loans, the check for that residency program wasn’t going to be paid. e freeze was rescinded in late January, and the graduate students have gotten underway on their recording.

Paul and Beauchamp both said arts funding is always in a state of uncertainty, regardless of the administration, but said there’s so much to lose if the creative ecosystem created by these grants is severely reduced or taken away altogether.

Su Teatro, the performing arts center focusing on Latino culture on Santa Fe Drive in Denver, is part of that larger creative community, receiving funding to put on a play from Knoxville artist Linda Parris-Bailey. at funding, an NEA grant, was $15,000. SEE ARTS FUNDING, P19

Cameron Beauchamp, signer

Zeena Parkins and Scott Amendola play in The Tank in Rangely. COURTESY JAMES PAUL

BY JOSHUA VORSE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

ARTS FUNDING

“In the end the biggest loss is to the country, as so much of the texture and beauty that makes us interesting and inspiring will disappear. Some people think they are silencing the ‘others,’ but inevitably in silencing the NEA we will silence ourselves,” wrote Tony Garcia, executive artistic director at Su Teatro, in a statement to Rocky Mountain PBS.

Garcia says that funding hasn’t been cut. ere’s a chance it could be, as NEA now requires grant applicants to abide by an executive order that targets anyone

promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Hundreds of artists signed a protest letter against the new rules in February. Last week, the ACLU led suit against the federal arts agency about a similar rule that says grant applicants can’t promote “gender identity” in their art.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has a long history with the National Endowment for the Arts; Robinson was on the National Arts Council in the 90s and early 2000s. is scal year, the dance company received a $25,000 grant for their 55th anniversary season.

“So much of who we are and the notoriety and what allows us to do our arts and education work is really because of the quality of dancers that we have and the type of projects that we’re able to do with support from the

NEA,” said Malik Robinson, CEO of CPRD.

In Rangely “a multi-level chandelier of microphones” hung 30 feet above Beauchamp and company as they recorded in e Tank last year, for an album where each song is sung in the tuning frequency of a di erent planet in the solar system.

“Governments on our planet that support the arts in a meaningful way have a great respect for humanity, and for kindness, and for beauty,” said Beauchamp. “Some countries really succeed at this and some don’t at all.”

Rocky Mountain PBS multimedia journalist Carly Rose contributed to this report.

Printed with permission from Rocky Mountain PBS. For information about supporting the organization, go to rmpbs.org.

From left, Thann Scoggin, Steven Bradshaw, and Cameron Beauchamp, recording in The Tank in 2024. COURTESY HALEY FREEDLUND

Once property of the Rio Grande railroad, this 75-foot-tall water tank

Dancers with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble perform in an open rehearsal in 2023. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN

Evergreen girls soccer begins quest to repeat as state champs

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Last spring, Evergreen High School’s girls soccer team won the 4A state championship with a 2-0 shutout over Lutheran. It was the Cougars’ rst state championship since 1997, signaling a new era for the program.

e Cougars nished 14-5-1 overall and 7-1 in the in the 4A Je co League (tied for best with Golden and D’Evelyn). Now, expectations are higher, and the pressure is on to repeat.

But not to Head Coach Peter Jeans.

“I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know that I approached this season the same way I would have any other season,” Jeans said. “As a coach, I think mentality is really important to kind of move on from a championship.”

It’s all about stringing together a pattern for success that focuses on continued improvement, he said.

ere were reasons last year’s team was able to gel and nd success, and that had to do with hard work and an ability to listen and work on things that we didn’t do well enough.

“So as long as they are approaching the season ready to improve, we should have pretty high expectations for ourselves,” Jeans said.

Evergreen has two strong pillars of last year’s championship team returning: Jeans, the 2024 4A Coach of the Year, and junior forward Nadia Leunig, the reigning

4A Player of the Year.

e Cougars also return senior defender Nuala Hart and junior mid elder Gianna Weiner — both rst-time, all-state selections — and junior defender Taylin Gimbel, a second-team, all-state selection.

Seniors Lucia Spungin and Abby Atlas were named team captains alongside Hart.

“We have very strong leadership, so that’s been great,” Jeans said. “I also think on even ground with them is Taylin Gimbel. She had been a sophomore a year ago, but she’s graduating a year early, so she’s considered a senior this year. I feel like we have very solid returning players.”

So there’s some depth still, despite losing six key seniors to graduation.

“I don’t know that we visually look a lot di erent (from last year’s team). I’d say we look like an Evergreen team,” Jeans said, having already seen this year’s squad in action against Windsor and North eld.

“I saw togetherness. I saw tenacity on defense. I saw a team approach to defending, and we got a shutout against a really top rival and opponent in Windsor.”

e Cougars secured a 1-0 win over Windsor on March 11 before a quick turnaround against North eld on March 13.

Evergreen and North eld tied for a draw.

Evergreen is about to dive head rst into league play, which Jeans said is always a good measuring stick for how good a team is early, and a tough slate that helps sharpen the team for the postseason. But will it be as tough as usual?

For updated records and stats, or to follow the Evergreen girls’ soccer season, visit the team on MaxPreps.com.

Editor’s note: is story went to print before Evergreen’s rst league game against Green Mountain on March 26.

“It already is proving to be so,” Jeans said. “I think Green Mountain right now is undefeated. Golden is undefeated, and they play good schedules. So, we feel like it’s a premier conference in the state, with Golden, D’Evelyn, Green Mountain, Standley Lake. ere’s quality, there’s depth to the league and it’s going to prepare us. Win or lose, it’ll prepare us for the playo s.”

Evergreen girls soccer poses for a team photo ahead of the 2025 spring season. The Cougars are reigning 4A state champions and hope to repeat for another trophy. COURTESY PHOTO

A sports medicine strategy for her

First-of-its-kind program launches at Children’s Hospital Colorado

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ree years ago, Nevaeh Zamora was running cross country as a high school freshman at Pinnacle Charter School in ornton when her body gave out. Malnourished and overtrained, she tore her hip exor, an injury that sidelined her and forced her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about fueling her body.

“I went to eating only one meal a day because I thought, ‘Oh, the smaller runners are the ttest and the fastest, and that’s going to get me to that next point.’ And it ended up just running me to injury,” Zamora said. at injury ultimately led her to the Female Athlete Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she worked with sports medicine specialists, a nutritionist and a physical therapist to heal physically and mentally.

“Without the Female Athlete Clinic, I would not be where I am today,” Zamora said. “ ey de nitely took the naarrative that food was bad and shifted that completely. Without them, I don’t think I’d be graduating this year.”

Now, the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado is home to a rst-of-its-kind resource for young female athletes. Launched last fall, the Female Athlete Program takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to athlete health, one that goes beyond injury treatment to address nutrition, menstrual health, and long-term wellness.

Aubrey Armento, a pediatric sports medicine doctor, marathon runner and advocate for young female athletes, leads the program.

Armento said she battled with underfueling and missed periods during high school and college, giving her rsthand insight into how these challenges a ect performance and long-term health. As a result, she created a specialized program that not only treats female athletes but also helps prevent these issues before they start.

“We bring together a sports dietitian and an adolescent gynecologist, which many programs don’t have because we know female athlete health isn’t just about one issue,” Armento said.

According to her, one of the most signicant risks for female athletes is low energy availability, which refers to a mismatch between how much energy an athlete burns and how much she consumes.

“If an athlete doesn’t have enough energy to support normal body functioning, it can lead to what’s called the female athlete triad, “ Armento said. “So in response to that, we can see an athlete lose their period, have infrequent periods or delayed starts of their period.”

Armento emphasized the long-term risks of these issues, particularly for bone health.

“So we know that if somebody is not optimizing their bone health during adolescence in particular, which is when a large proportion of the bone mass that we have

into our adult life is gained, we’re basically setting these athletes up for increased risk for osteoporosis,” she said.

She explained that warning signs can range from frequent injuries and slow recovery times to more subtle cues like avoiding team meals or engaging in restrictive eating patterns.

One challenge Armento sees regularly is the impact of social media on young athletes’ eating habits.

“Unfortunately, we see a lot of young people who may start to engage in bad diets that they see on TikTok, for example.”

Restrictive eating habits can worsen energy imbalances, leading to more injuries and long-term health consequences, which is why the program includes a nutrition consultation with a registered sports dietician and individualized nutrition goals.

Shifting the narrative around female athlete health

Dr. Aubrey Armento treats a patient at the Sports Medicine Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Beyond patient care, Armento said the Female Athlete Program aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with the female athlete triad.

“Our big goal is to be a resource in the Colorado area,” Armento said. “So for these young female athletes who may be struggling with body image, proper fueling or slow recovery, they know they can come to the Female Athlete Program at Children’s and get high quality, comprehensive care.” Armento has found encouragement in the increased visibility of elite athletes discussing these issues.

“I’ve been really happy to see high-prole athletes that have a platform use their platform in a positive way to try to promote healthy relationships with food and di erent body types and exercise,” she said. Zamora is now using her experience to help other athletes. For her senior cap-

SEE MEDICINE, P22

Feeling the heat CONIFER – When an old ame started getting too hot to handle, she wanted JCSO to cool his jets. According to her statement, it was shortly after her husband got locked up on hard-time charges that a long-ago beau started texting her like mad, his favored themes swinging between running down her incarcerated spouse and pledging his undying devotion to her. It was his single-minded intention, he crooned, to “win you back.” e fact is, she explained to deputies, she doesn’t really mind hearing about what a cockroach her husband is, or how her once-and-present admirer would deliver the moon and stars to her on a silk pillow if only she would pro er her delicate porcelain hand. But when he recently texted a rather confused and creatively-punctuated rant o ering to burn down her house – an extreme action apparently meant to dismay her husband, who was rmly installed in government housing, and not the complainant, who actually inhabited the targeted structure along with all of her worldly possessions – that she decided to let bygone romance stay gone. Dep-

uties asked if she’d ever actually told the ardent fellow to back o . No, she admitted. She’d been hoping a harassment citation would say what her lips could not. O cers advised her to shut him down directly and call back if he doesn’t take the hint.

Mounting evidence

EVERGREEN – Strolling the grounds one morning, he was perplexed to see somebody else’s ladder propped up against his home. He was even more perplexed to discover that somebody else’s ladder was secured to the house. Since he didn’t tie the ladder to his house, and since none of the neighbors he asked said they tied the ladder to his house, he asked JCSO to nd out who tied the ladder to his house. After determining that nothing appeared to be damaged or missing, deputies asked if he’d had any work done on the place recently. Sure enough, he’d had a new roof installed last December. O cers guessed that the new roof and the mysterious ladder might be related, but since neither the roo ng company nor the county inspector’s o ce was open for business they couldn’t follow up on

that theory until morning. ey told him they’d keep him posted, and he told them he’d keep the ladder in his garage until somebody showed up asking for it.

OPEC o’ trouble

EVERGREEN – It sounded like a matter for the State Department, but a JCSO deputy got the call instead and, on the afternoon of Feb. 1, located the caller hiding under a tree on Hilltop Drive. e caller said he’d been “forcibly removed” from his residence “at gunpoint” by “three armed men” from “the cartel.” e gunmen turned out to be unarmed construction workers, and the cartel was actually the dilapidated structure’s new owner, also unarmed. New Owner told deputies Caller has been “squatting” at the abandoned property for an unknown length of time, and that he’d boosted the unofcial tenant so his crew could get to work on it. Deputies formally trespassed Caller from his borrowed bungalow, and advised that he’d need to call for an o cial stand-by in order to retrieve his stu therefrom.

MEDICINE

stone project, she created a workshop for freshmen at her school about food positivity and the impact of diet culture on young athletes.

“I told them, ‘If you ever need an excuse to eat ice cream, I’m your excuse. Eat the ice cream because life’s too

BERGEN PARK CHURCH

short,’” Zamora said. “It’s not that I run so I get to eat. I eat so I get to run.”

Armento urged athletes to reach out early if they are struggling.

“My biggest piece of advice is not to be scared to speak up and let somebody know that you’re having a hard time because there (are) many resources in place to help provide support. And I think the sooner the better,” she said. She also reminds athletes that they

Hot tub crime machine

EVERGREEN – Returning home on the evening of Jan. 30, he was a little surprised to see the back door slightly ajar, but only a little. He never locks it, after all, and it’d been windy. Returning home not long after, wife was a little surprised to nd the cover of their outdoor hot tub peeled about halfway back, and decided to nd it ominous. After all, the cover has two “clasps” that are supposed to prevent unintentional peel-age. e couple called the cops on suspicion that a person or persons unknown had been wrongfully relaxing in their jacuzzi. Finding no evidence of forced entry on the door, no evidence of surreptitious soaking on the tub, and no footprints in the snow anywhere near either, deputies didn’t think so, and said so.

are not alone in this.

“There are sports dietitians that work virtually and can see patients all over the country,” she said.

Zamora, now preparing for college, said the program helped her build a healthy relationship with food that will serve her for years to come.

“I can say with full confidence that I trust that I’m going to eat, and my mom trusts that I’m going to eat,” she said. “Without that program, I

Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

wouldn’t be able to move in this direction.”

Armento hopes the program will become a key resource for young female athletes across the region.

“Ultimately, our goal is to help athletes build healthy relationships with food, their body and exercise that will carry them into their adult lives, so they can continue to be active and participate in the sports they love for many, many years,” she said.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other. On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service. Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Wednesday evening: 7p.m: (Zoom only Nov.1st-Mar. 31st.)

Visit: www.christianscienceevergreen.com for more information and ZOOM link

Reading Room: 4602 Plettner Lane 303-674-5296

OPEN: TUES-SAT 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.

Reverend Richard Aylor

O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL

In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569

In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. --June through September— 27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org

CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)

Reconstructionist Synagogue

Rabbi Jamie Arnold www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294 2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Reverend Dr. Knut Heim, pastor, Sunday Worship 10 AM

Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759 deerparkumc.org

All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev. Terry Schjang

Join us for worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC

1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287 www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday “Real Church In An UnReal World”

A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey.

O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am

Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick

Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh

Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Connecting all generations to Jesus”

Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668

SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor John Graham Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org 3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”

CROWSSUPDRO

1. GEOGRAPHY: Mount Everest is part of which mountain range?

2. MOVIES: Which color lm was the rst to win an Academy Award for Best Picture?

3. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system is believed to be the windiest?

4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is the U.S. Constitution stored?

5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of lemurs called?

6. TELEVISION: Which city is the setting for the dramatic series “ e Wire”?

7. GEOLOGY: Which country has the most active volcanos?

8. LITERATURE: Which character in a Charles Dickens novel famously said, “Please, sir, I want some more”?

9. ART: Which Dutch artist is considered a master of light and shadow, creating dramatic e ects in paintings?

TrIVIa

10. SCIENCE: What is an ectothermic animal?

Answers

1. e Himalayas.

2. “Gone With the Wind.”

3. Neptune.

4. e National Archives.

5. A conspiracy.

6. Baltimore, Maryland.

7. Indonesia.

8. Title character in “Oliver Twist.”

9. Rembrandt.

10. Cold-blooded.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

CAREERS REAL ESTATE & RENTAL

Miscellaneous

We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-8775833

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-9554930

Become a published author We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ ads

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866859-0405 Pets Dogs

Doodle Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised

Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com

STANDARD POODLES

12 week old Standard Poodles for sale. Home raised with lots of love. Mom and Dad are on site. Training has begun. There are 5 males and 3 females. Some are chocolate in color and some black. Very lovable and socialized. Call 720-280-9117

Wanted

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Dogs

up to and including the 12-inch gate valve, excavation for the pre-cast concrete vault, and pavement restoration. This project also includes the replacement of three (3) 20-inch butterfly valves, two (2) 8” gate valves, and installation of a fire hydrant. Plans, Project Manual, and Proposal Forms may be examined and obtained at www.questcdn.com under Login for a $22.00 charge. The user will be directed to enter a project code of 9598350. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading this digital project information. A 10 percent bid bond or certified check payable to Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District shall be submitted with each bid.

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO

Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 8th day of April 2025 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to:

RAPID FIRE PROTECTION INC. 1530 SAMCO RD RAPID CITY, SD 57702

the amended 2024 budget. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT:

and publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the same location. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 A.M on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the District Office with a site visit to follow.

Project Location: The project is located in West Marlowe Avenue between South Eldridge Street and Sout Devinney Court in Jefferson County, Colorado. Scope of Work: Work includes installation of an emergency interconnect between the 16-inch Lakehurst water line and the 12-inch Willowbrook water line. A meter vault with gate valves for isolation and a check valve for one-way flow from Willowbrook to Lakehurst will be placed between the two water lines in West Marlowe Avenue. Work includes a wet tap into the existing 12-inch Willowbrook water line, removal and replacement of approximately 55 LF of 16-inch Lakehurst AC pipe with 16-inch DIP

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to accept that proposal or combination of proposals, if any, which in its sole and absolute judgment, will under all circumstances best serve the District’s interest. No proposal will be accepted from any firm, person, or corporation, who is a defaulter as to surety or otherwise, or is deemed incompetent, irresponsible, or unreliable by the District Board of Directors.

No bids will be considered which are received after the time mentioned, and any bids so received after the scheduled closing time shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

For technical information contact: Lisa Schwien, P.E. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants (720) 744-2215

Legal Notice No. CAN 1894

First Publication: March 27, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Canyon Courier

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Installation of Nitrogen Inerting System for the CAB Fire Suppression System project in Jefferson County, CO.

1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

2.All such claims shall be filed with Heather Frizzell, Director of Finance Jefferson County Colorado, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden CO 80419-4560.

3.Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado, from any and all liability for such claim. County of Jefferson, State of Colorado Andy Kerr, Chairman Board of County Commissioners

Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 8th day of April 2025 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to: FRPHI HYDRONICS LLC. 2406 W 11TH ST PUEBLO, CO 81003

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Installation of Refurbish AHU 2 and Replace Heat Exchanger. Replacement project in Jefferson County, CO.

1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing

2.All