Brighton Standard Blade 051222

STANDARD BLADE B R I G H T O N

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1903

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VOLUME 119

Issue 19

WEEK OF MAY 12, 2022

STOPPED SHORT

School Districts sound off on teacher shortage

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ravens’ shortstop Marcus Espinosa relays the throw to first for an attempted double play against Severance May 5. The PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH runner is Dillon Jost. See story on page 7.

It’s the water: Fort Lupton festival highlights how much it matters Amphibians, soil and weeds among many topics tackled at historical park

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Amphibians are nature’s health indicators but they are disappearing faster than any species on the face of the earth, the Denver Zoo’s James Garcia told students in Fort Lupton May 4.

Garcia was one of the featured

speakers at the Children’s Water Festival on May 4 at the Fort Lupton South Platte Valley Historical Park. The student met with more than 14 water professionals from around the state to learn about the importance of water to plants, humans, and animals while meeting the science academic standards and Common Core State Standards.

“We are excited to be here! During COVID we have not been on a field trip for two years, and now we have been on two field trips,” said Jennifer Engles, a teacher at Knowledge Quest Academy Charter School in Millikin.

Central Colorado Water Con-

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servancy District (CCWCD) and the South Platte Valley Historical Society joined forces to host its first annual Fort Lupton Children’s Festival. It’s modeled after the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District’s Children’s Water Festival, which started in 1991, making it the second oldest water festival in the country, according to officials.

More than 700 5th- and 6thgrade students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs from Fort Lupton, Brighton, Johnstown/Milliken, Denver,

LOCAL

2 •Sign of distinction: 3 Local business honored 7 8 • Page 3 16 18

SPORTS • Vaulting to new heights

• Page 7

The Public Education and Business Coalition hosted a panel of regional school district superintendents on May 4 to discuss the teacher shortage affecting Colorado.

The coalition promotes teamwork among the business community and the education community to solve problems.

In attendance for the panel was Deputy Superintendent for JeffCo Public Schools Kym LeBlanc-Esparza, Superintendent for Adams 12 Chris Gdowski, Superintendent of Fremont RE-2 School District Brenda Krage and Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn.

Prior to their discussion, remarks came from Cindy Marten, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Commissioner of Education Dr. Kathy Anthes, PEBC President and CEO Sue Sava and Lee Wheeler-Berliner, managing director of Colorado Workforce Development Council.

Wheeler-Berliner said Colorado had 6,910 teaching positions to fill in the 2020-2021 school year. That translates to 180,000 students without a teacher in their classroom.

He also said per-pupil funding in 20202021 was $9,014. That’s lower than the national average, which is $12,624.

Wheeler-Berliner also explained that median earnings among teachers in Colorado are $23.96 per hour and $49,800 per year – significantly below the national median earnings, which are $25.51 per hour and $53,100 per year.

According to Great Education Colorado, the state ranks 43rd in spending on education and 50th in teacher wage competitiveness.

Money talks “There’s not a single school district in the state of Colorado that pays their starting teachers at a cost-of-living wage,” said the Fremont district’s Krage.

Each superintendent agreed that teachers are not paid enough to retain them, and SEE SHORTAGE, P4

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2 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

Our Family Helping Your Family

24-Hour Phone Lines 303-654-0112 • 303-857-2290 Brighton: 75 S. 13th Avenue Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at

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FREEMAN

Loretta S. (Herrin) Freeman August 17, 1954 - May 2, 2022

Jetmore – Loretta S. Freeman, 67, passed away May 2, 2022 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS. She was born August 17, 1954 in Leadville, CO, the daughter of Cliff and Barbara Allen Hutchison Herrin. She was a longtime Colorado resident, where she owned her own cleaning business, than moved to Jetmore three and half years ago.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Kim (Shane) Woods, Jetmore, Donna (Rich) Albrandt, Brighton, CO; a brother, Jack (Debbie) Herrin, Broken Arrow, OK; two sisters, Rosa (Larry) King, Thornton, CO, Brenda Moretz, Northglenn, Colorado; three grandchildren, Alli Woods, Lacy Woods and Seth Woods.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Barbara Herrin.

She enjoyed crafting, sewing, baking, anything to do with Christmas, gambling Cremation has taken place and a memorial with the Buffalo slots and loved watching her service will be held at a later date. grandchildren growing up and attending their Memorials may be given to Relay for Life activities. in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663 On January 12, 1974, she married William Jetmore, KS 67854. Condolences may be left “Bill” Freeman in Brighton, CO. He survives. at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.

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Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at TheBrightonBlade.com

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May 12, 2022

Woman-owned business wins sign industry honors National sign makers group honors Brighton businesswoman

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Brighton-based entrepreneur Dawn Homa opened her sign-making franchise in 2006, she wasn’t seeking a pat on the back.

But that’s what she’s getting now, thanks to a national sign industry magazine and their award program.

Homa won the Spurred Innovation Award from the National Women in Signs contest. The contest is honoring five woman-led sign-making companies out of 150 nominees nationwide and in Canada, according to a news release. The contest is sponsored by Signs of the Times Magazine, a monthly publication covering the sign industry, news, and technology.

Judges for the “Spurred Innovation” award considered a sign company’s documented growth and how the business made a significant positive impact in a highly competitive field.

“It was extremely humbling. It’s nice to be nominated but it’s amazing to win,” Homa said. “Especially when I met the other women. They are amazing and have done so much in the industry. Sometimes you work so hard and build your team, and you don’t really think about recognition,” Homa said.

According to the magazine, Homa employed a novel marketing strategy that led to a 30 percent growth in each of the last three years.

Homa moved to Colorado in 1993, and she and her husband Jack moved to Brighton in 2000, then relocated her Signarama business to Brighton from Lakewood in 2010.

She volunteers her time with the Hobo Boxer Rescue.

Homa has always loved design, interior decorating, sales, and mar-

United Power helps students with scholarships STAFF REPORT

United Power will help 19 local high school students move on to college with scholarships, the company announced in a press release.

Annually, the United Power cooperative awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to students that exceed on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and a written essay. Students can submit applications for a scholarship each December.

The 2022 scholarship recipients: Kira Donahue, Legacy High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000 Michael Garcia, Eagle Ridge Academy, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000 Sophia Meza, Frederick High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500 Lauryn Daniel, Erie High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000 Bethany Parker, Frederick High School,

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Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000 Hayley Price, Mead High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000 Will Greiner, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 United Power awards another scholarship to each high school within its service territory, the Dedicated Book Scholarship 12 students were awarded for 2022.

The 2022 Dedicated Book scholarship recipients: Giana Rocha, Brighton High School; Adrien Ambrosio, Eagle Ridge Academy; Kaitlyn Fitzjohn, Erie High School; Elizabeth Schmidt, Frederick High School; Jennifer Silva Garcia, Fort Lupton High School; Elsa Burgess, Mead High School; Aubree Burris, Prairie View High School; Ximena Navarro, Riverdale Ridge High School; Cesar Calixto, Weld Central High School; Halle Yocom, Mountain Territory; Daniela Guadiana Huizar, atlarge selection; and Audrey Long, at-large selection.

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Eagle View Adult Center Update – May 11-18, 2022 Eagle View Adult Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 303-655-2075 for more information.

The May and June Newsletter is available.

Cards, Games and Pool If you like to play games like bridge, pinochle, dominos, scrabble and pool… Eagle View is the place to get connected.

Check out the newsletter for playing times.

VOA Lunch A hot, nutritious lunch is provided by Volunteers of America, Mondays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Please reserve your VOA meal in advance: For Mondays reserve the Thursday before, for Thursdays reserve the Monday before.! Call Eleanor at 303-655-2271 between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Mon. & Thurs. Daily meal donations are appreciated. $2.50 Donation per meal if age 60+. $8.50 Mandatory charge if under 60 Storytelling Julie and Kathy are coming back for another fun-filled storytelling event. Stories help us make sense of our world, impart a lesson, pass down history, and more. Free, but please register. 1:15 p.m. Wed. May 11. Deadline: Mon. May 9 Creating a Balanced Life A balanced life may be hard to establish but it’s vital for our mental and physical health and well-being. Come, hear about this important topic! Facilitated by Shelby Aronoff and Natalie Peppercorn from Pennock Center for Counseling 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Wed. May 11. $2. Deadline: Mon. May 9 Hollywood Scandals This hour-long presentation looks back at some of Hollywood’s biggest scandals – some true, some not-so true. Stories of Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Grahame, Lana Turner, and more. Presenter: Dan Hudak.

1:30 p.m. Thurs. May 12. $5. Deadline: Mon. May 9 iPhone Introduction Learn the basics of calling, texting, emailing, as well as working with the camera and photos on your iPhone. Each day you will learn new things. Lisa will tailor the class to features you want to know. Instructor: Lisa Asmussen.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Wed. & Thurs. May 11, 12, 18, 19. $21 (4 classes) Deadline: Mon. May 9 Taste of India: May Do you enjoy cooking and learning about other cultures? You will prepare this typical summer menu that includes Tandoori shrimp, vegetable pulao, cucumber raita, and lemon masala soda. Instructor Akila Arumugam.

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how to attach them together and to the wall, was a fun project for my team,” Homa said.

“When this happened, it made me realize that all that hard work and innovation, especially through these last two years, did not go unnoticed,” Homa said. “This award is such an honor not just for me, but for my amazing team who I could never have accomplished all we’ve done without them.”

“I want to thank Brighton and Adams County for all their support and for embracing our business.

We are a certified woman-owned company. We strive to support our community with all kinds of donations as well as volunteering. It’s been an incredible journey these last 16 years and I love being a part of the Brighton business community,” said Homa.

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keting. It inspired her to use her creative talents to start a sign and branding business.

“I left Corporate America in 2006 and bought my Signarama, which is a franchise and they have a proven business model, “ Homa said. “ I really love being on my own and building this business. It has been so rewarding both professionally and personally to help other businesses and people see their branding vision come to life.”

Not only does her team create artistic signs, but they also design history walls and employee recognition walls. Homa said schools, non-profits, and businesses want to share their history.

“Those are the really fun projects. We designed a menu board that looks like a beehive. Making those hexagons and figuring out

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4 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

SHORTAGE

“People are hitting the wall,” Gdowski said.

FROM PAGE 1

Adams District 12’s Gdowski says that’s a huge problem.

“I think money matters, and it matters a lot,” he said.

Competing with huge chains also comes into play. For internal support staff, he said the district increased pay from $12.5 per hour to $15 per hour in August, but that still might not be enough.

“I drive by each day and see McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Target, Chickfil-A paying $16 an hour,” he said.

“I sit here today and we have over 100 support staff positions that are unfilled.”

Three causes Aurora’s Munn said the educational workforce faces three issues that cause the shortage: over-regulation, disruption and resource depletion.

“What everybody in the business community knows is the more regulation you have, the fewer people you have in that workforce because it constrains the number of people who can be engaged,” Munn said.

For disruption, he pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the “rampant partisanship” around issues teachers face day today. He said inflation and supply chain issues also affect schools, which has helped lead to resource depletion.

As well, Munn noted that there is a fundamental shift in the workforce.

Employees are asking for more flexibility and more control over their workplace.

From left: Fremont RE-2 School Superintendent Brenda Krage, Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn, Adams 12 Superintendent Chris Gdowski and JeffCo Deputy PHOTO BY LUKE ZARZECKI Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza.

“If you have a room full of fiveyear-olds, you need an adult in that room,” he said. “Saying ‘I want to remote in today’ is not an option.”

To attempt to cover for the unfilled jobs, Munn’s district has administrative employees – including Munn himself – taking days in different positions. Jefferson County’s LeBlancEsparza echoed that sentiment.

“I know that I feel if I had a CDL license, I would have probably been driving the bus at some point in time this year,” she said.

Added stress The vacant positions shed more responsibilities on the staff, which increases stress. Gdowski said he thinks educators have been pushed to the edge in the last couple of years regarding workload and expecta-

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“There’s more and more that is expected on the federal level, the state level, the local level, from parents pushing on us, and then to add to it, this year has (had) really intense student behaviors and challenges,” Gdowski said.

Gdowski said elementary principals described at school board meetings that staff routinely evacuates kindergarten classrooms at least once a week due to students throwing chairs, books and other things around the classroom.

Krage said social media is impacting students and the social norm of how students are treating teachers.

“The new unfortunate social norm that comes with such a responsive social media climate is deteriorating (teachers),” she said. “Teachers have had enough, they really are not respected and spoken to (correctly) or even given the benefit of the doubt of why they have put something in their classroom or why they had a well-intentioned conversation with a student before the parent is flying off the handle over social media.”

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Crystal ball “I think you have to kind of look at that crystal ball on what education is going to look like if we don’t address some of the points that have been made this morning,” Krage said.

She explained if the districts can’t hire the vacant positions and address the workforce shortage, schools are headed to a permanent structure of remote teachers and Zoom lessons.

To stop that path, ballot initiatives, regulation and other factors driving people out of the workforce must be addressed, she said.

Some of that could also start with more apprentice programs and the recruitment of teachers.

“How do we go into our community? How do we recruit those moms that want a schedule that maybe matches their child? How close are they to a teaching license? Do we have parents in our buildings that we could train to get them into our pipeline?” she asked.

LeBlanc-Esparza suggested businesses give employees an opportunity to take a day and volunteer as substitute teachers.

Advice to businesses The coalition offered ways businesses can help stem the teacher shortage, some included creating and supporting scholarships for teacher apprenticeships, funding teachers in an innovative business model based on retention outcomes and creating or contributing to a living wage fund to make child care more available and affordable for teachers.

“In the end, until we have more resources that allow us to spread workload amongst more people, I fear that we’re going to continue to have the same challenges,” Gdowski said.

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May 12, 2022

City of Brighton announces SummerFest lineup for June 4 STAFF REPORT

The city of Brighton put together its lineup for Summerfest, which comes to town between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Carmichael Park, 650 E. Southern St. The FNBO Entertainment Stage includes performances by headliner The Petty Nicks Experience at 3:30 p.m. Before that, there will be live performances by Reid Tynan at 11 a.m., Distant Rivers at 12:15 p.m. and Red Baron at 1:45 p.m.

In addition to the entertainment, the festival includes kids’ activities, such as a petting zoo and pony rides and a beer garden. Food vendors interested in participating should email Susie O’Connor at soconnor@brightonco.gov . Local businesses will also be on hand to discuss their services.

Registration is not necessary to attend. The event is free, and food will be available for purchase.

Call 303-655-2146.

Brighton kids rides a ponies at the kids corner a previous Brighton Summerfest. The festival returns to the city June 4.

FILE PHOTO

Rep. Jason Crow talks veterans’ health care, Russia, economy Boosting manufacturing amid supply chain issues is a priority

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Issues both local and global weighed on U.S. Rep. Jason Crow’s mind when he held an online and telephone town hall event to answer questions from the public.

Those issues included his concerns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, an act Crow called “illegal and just atrocious.”

“One of the things we’ve seen with Putin’s (war) is how much we really rely on dictators and autocrats and strongmen around the world for our energy. It has to stop,” said Crow, who represents a large part of the south, east and north

Denver metro area in Congress.

He was proud to support a bill that prevents the United States from purchasing Russian oil, he said.

On April 8, President Joe Biden signed the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, a law that prohibits the importation of energy products from the Russian Federation, along with another law that suspends normal trade relations with the Russian Federation, according to a White House news release.

During Crow’s April 25 town hall, the House member also discussed efforts to bolster U.S. manufacturing, fill health-care staff shortages for veterans and address concerns about anti-Asian racism.

Crow represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, an area shaped like a backwards C, whose largest city is Aurora. The district also includes south metro suburbs such as Centennial, Littleton and Highlands Ranch, and to the north,

Rep. Jason Crow

Brighton and part of Thornton.

Here’s a look at what Crow, a Democrat of Centennial, said during the event and what bills he has been supporting.

FILE PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT

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6 Brighton Standard Blade

LOCAL

May 12, 2022

VOICES Listening for the voice of grace

S

o many of you enjoyed the quote I used last week, I thought I would begin this one with another of his quotes, “Graciousness is more than good manners. It is more than courtesy. It is the etiquette of the soul. True graciousness has such a divine quality we feel it is something that comes through us and not from us.” — Fred Smith Can you think of a time when you made a mistake, large or small, and where the error could have led to a bigger problem or conflict, yet the person on the receiving end of your mistake gave you grace?

Sometimes when we think we have failed someone or something the most or feel like we don’t deserve to receive grace or to be forgiven, we are forgetting the inherent goodness and graciousness found in most people.

As the quote above points out, grace is not something that comes from us, it is something that comes through us and is demonstrated by our actions. Saying the words “I forgive you,” or “Don’t worry,

it’s OK,” are a good start, but will be taken as insincere if the actions, body language, and tonality don’t support what is being said.

Have you ever withheld offering grace or forgiveness? When we Michael Norton withhold giving grace to someone, we are actually doing more harm to ourselves than to the person who offended us or who made a mistake that had an impact on our lives. Yet, when we are at fault, we hope that the person we wronged in some way will offer us grace and forgive us. Giving grace is so freeing as it takes a heavy burden of anger or resentment off our shoulders, and we can get back to living our best life as the best version of ourselves.

And when we can get comfortable with giving grace, we will be much more comfortable receiving grace,

WINNING WORDS

even when we feel like we deserve it the least. In this context, I am referring to giving and receiving grace as in forgiveness. When we think of the other definitions of grace such as simple elegance or refinement of movement, or courteous goodwill, and then couple those with offering someone grace, it emphasizes or punctuates our sincerity.

There are always more elegant ways and solutions to solve problems, correct mistakes and overcome conflict or adversity. Learning how to live, work and love with graciousness is a tremendously amazing way to do just that. When we can learn to apply elegant solutions during times of interpersonal conflict, it will have the greatest impact on all our relationships.

“Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.” - Max Lucado We all know the feeling of finding it within ourselves to offer grace in the moment we first find out that we have been wronged. We struggle because we want to be so mad and

we want to enjoy stewing in our anger for a while, it is our right to be mad, upset, hurt and angry. That is why I love this quote by Max Lucado and lean into the meaning. This quote has more than once been the words I cling to and repeat when something happens or the error made had a negative impact on myself, my family or my friends. I listen for the voice of grace in my head and in my heart.

How does grace show up for you?

Is it with a lot of effort or is it with refined movement and elegance?

Is there someone you need to offer a little grace to? Is there something you have done where you are expecting or hoping to receive a little grace yourself? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@ xinnix.com, and when we listen for the voice of grace, it really will be a better than good year.

Michael Norton is the grateful president of XINNIX, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

Saving energy costs in warm weather

W

e know customer bills and energy usage are topics of conversation in the communities we serve. A combination of factors — including the increased cost of the natural gas we purchase, recovery of costs associated with Storm Uri and costs to help cover system investments and improvements — have added to monthly costs.

The common thread is that each of these costs are necessary to provide the safe, reliable natural gas service that our customers depend on. We know changes to monthly bills can have an impact on the household budget and we’re here to help. As the weather warms, many families tackle home spring cleaning projects, like deep cleaning or organizing.

But did you know there are several spring cleaning actions you can take

that could help lower your natural gas bills? Here are five jobs to tackle to help reduce your energy usage and make your home — and appliances — more energy efficient: 1. Replace filters for your HVAC system. Check and replace your filters Amy Fiala every three months.

Dirty filters make your furnace work extra hard to push the air through, using more energy and increasing the wear and tear on your system.

2. Service your furnace. An annual furnace inspection will ensure your heating system is working safely and efficiently.

3. Deep clean your oven. When an

GUEST COLUMN

oven is deep cleaned, it will reach desired cooking temperatures more quickly which reduces energy usage. Heat is also better distributed, so your food is cooked more evenly.

Keep in mind that frequently using the self-cleaning feature on your oven can be expensive because it uses a lot of energy, so try to wipe up messes promptly using baking soda and water to keep your oven clean throughout the year.

4. Flush your hot water heater.

Doing this annually is not only good for your water heater, but you’ll also become familiar with how the appliance works and better equipped to spot potential issues. Plus, if your unit is in a spot that’s exposed to cold temperatures, consider insulating the unit to help reduce how much energy its using to heat water. See more hot water heater tips here.

5. Conduct a home safety check.

Lastly, remember to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Plus, test the units to make sure they’re still working properly.

Black Hills Energy is committed to keeping you safe, while empowering you to take control of your energy usage. There’s no better time to tackle home efficiency projects than during annual spring cleaning and these five actions can go a long way to helping keep your home running efficiently and energy costs down.

For more energy-saving tips, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/monitorenergy-usage.

to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The

Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

Amy Fiala is an energy efficiency coordinator for Black Hills Energy, a utility serving Colorado and seven other states.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE The Colorado Sun is a journalistowned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to

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a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers everything from politics and culture

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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LOCAL

May 12, 2022

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SPORTS

Brighton Standard Blade 7

Pole vault: One year’s work paying off for Riverdale Ridge’s Couron

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

LONGMONT – A year ago, Riverdale Ridge’s Lucas Couron pole-vaulted competitively for the first time and vaulted 9 feet.

A year later, Couron, a senior, had the top height in the state (15 feet 7 inches) through competition last week.

Couron won the Longs Peak League pole vault championship on May 7 at Longmont High School. His first meet was a year ago May 7, when he jumped 9 feet.

“I’d score my team a couple of points, and that felt good,” Couron said. “One day, I went from 9-6 to 11-4.

It was like, ‘OK, I think I can do this.’

Then I jumped 11-4 at state. I saw Becker Ell (a Thompson Valley pole vaulter who set the state record in the event last year and is competing at Colorado Mesa University) jump 16 feet. Ever since I’ve had the same mindset of ‘Let’s go there and jump higher than we did yesterday.’”

The secret is hard work.

“I get told a lot that what I’m doing right now, no one else does,” he said.

“That’s pretty cool. But knowing the work I’ve put in and that everything has come together. It’s not that surprising. This is where I should be at.”

There were some frustrations before this season began.

“With COVID and all that stuff, then to come back in my junior year

and know nothing about the vault,” he said. “I kept chipping away at it every single day. I would be sitting on the couch and be like, ‘How can I get better at this?” Then I looked it up on the internet and I tried it one day.

If it worked, it worked. If it didn’t, it didn’t.”

That led to a lot of offseason work with training and technique and an indoor season before the Ravens’ season began in March.

“Before you start vaulting, make sure you do speed. Speed is everything in the vault, and you have to be fast,” Couron said. ‘Make sure you speed train. If you don’t have the legs to bend these big poles, then you’re going to see a lot of plateaus. There’s a little bit of upper-body strength, too.”

Couron, who drew some interest from Colorado Mesa and Colorado State University, plans to attend Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, to continue his pole vaulting and to get a degree in business “until I know what I want to do.”

But before that, there’s the matter of sitting atop the heap in class 4A in an event that is brand new.

“I still experience new things. It’s not the same old thing, which I like a lot,” he said. “It’s fun. Every now and then, you get a pop from a pole.

You get a little higher in the air than you felt before, and you’re like, ‘Yeah, I want to do that again.’ It’s what I strive for every single weekend.”

Riverdale Ridge’s Lucas Couron, shown during a descent into the landing area during the Longs Peak League meet in Longmont May 7, won the league title in the pole vault PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH and is the top-rated pole vaulter in class 4A in the state.

Ravens’ catcher likes the view from behind the plate

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

His is the one position on a baseball team that can see the entire field.

Even though the job calls for such duties as being an extra manager on the field and an in-game counselor and psychologist, Riverdale Ridge catcher Corey Lopez is all for it.

“It makes me focus on the game more,” said Lopez, who is a senior.

“Not taking away from other positions, but you have to be more mentally sharp. You’re focused on what’s going on. It puts a little pressure on, in big-time situations. You just have to be prepared.”

Lopez can play first base and third base, too. But the coaching staff pressed him into service behind the plate May 5 against Severance with little advance warning because of advanced-placement testing.

“Our other catcher, Keagon Pitton, is a good catcher under pressure,” Lopez said. “He’s a very good catcher. We compete. We love each other. We find and grind together.

It’s a good dynamic.”

Normally, Pitton catches junior hurler Ty Thompson, and Lopez’s duties team him up with Ethan McCormick.

“You know how to talk to them.

You know how to present a pitch to them,” Lopez said. “You represent yourself to where the pitcher can throw the pitch to you and have a good presentation for it.”

Every so often, Lopez has to take a message to the mound.

“Calm down, take a breath,” Lopez laughed. “Relax and do your thing.

If someone gets a hit off Ty and he’s angry, we have to settle him down and take some steam off his head.

Usually, it’s a good response. The next pitch, especially Ty, he goes right back at them.”

As for the game, the Silver Knights erupted for five runs in the fifth inning and beat the Ravens 9-2. The win salvaged a split of the home-and-home series. RRHS won the game in Severance 12-2.

Tyler Hansen’s three-run home run was the big blow in the inning.

Winning pitcher Nolan Hertzke added a two-run triple. Marcus Espinosa singled home a run in the second inning. The other run scored on an infield error. Thompson finished with two hits.

RRHS put together seven hits ion the first five innings. But the Ravens also stranded 10 runners.

“We didn’t take advantage of some mistakes,” said RRHS assis-

Riverdale Ridge catcher Corey Lopez, right, prepares to roll the ball back to the mound PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH after an inning-ending strikeout by Severance’s Caden Panas May 5.

tant coach Anthony Mastroni. “We misplayed a couple of balls. They took advantage of our mistakes. We missed a pop fly down the first-base line, and the next pitch, they hit a home run. We just didn’t capitalize.”

Mastroni said the next order of business will be to step into the batting cage to face pitches of different speeds.

“They didn’t quit,” he said. “There was noise in the dugout. We need to spend some time in the cage. From

here on out, all we’re going to see is a lot of high-velocity stuff.”

As for Lopez, he’ll await his next chance to put on the tools and settle in behind the plate.

“Catchers are a very important aspect of baseball,” Lopez said.

“They are the captain on the field.

They control the pitcher, every other player. You’re in every play, physically and mentally. You never get a break, but it’s never boring. It’s fun.

There’s all this action.”

8 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

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Brighton Standard Blade 9

May 12, 2022

Prairie View’s Nelson takes first at EMAC major golf tourney

Brighton’s Kaylin Leydon sends this short toward the first green at the Eastern Metro Athletic conference all-school tournament at Murphy Creek Golf Course PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH May 5.

BY STEVE SMTIH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

AURORA -- Prairie View’s Lily Nelson fired a 1-under par 71 at the first all-school Eastern Metro Athletic Conference golf tournament at Murphy Creek Golf Course May 5.

She was the only golfer in the field to break par, and she was 19 shots ahead of her teammate, Maddie Klink. Peyton Trujkillo finished with a 134, Brighton’s Kaylin Leydon was

SPORTS BRIEFS PVHS football Prairie View’s football parent meeting starts at 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the school.

Coach Tim Cardenas will discuss the coming season and expectations. The school’s booster club will talk about its plans for the season, too. Call 303-6558816.

College basketball Brighton’s Sydney Rodriguez committed to play basketball and Salem (Mass.) State. The announcement was made on Twitter.

Riverdale Ridge’s Baylee Bushlack signed her college letter of intent to continue playing basketball at Arizona Christian University.

Prairie View’s Lily Nelson hits her approach to the first hole May 5 at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora, the site of the first of two All-Eastern Metro Athletic Conference schools’ golf tournaments.

her team’s medalist. She finished with a 21-over par total of 93, which put her in third place in the team standings. Linda Chavarria finished with a 96, and Raleigh Puzio carded an even 100.

BHS won the team title by six shots over the ThunderHawks.

The scores from this meet and the second, all-school meet (11 a.m.

Thursday, May 12, at Buffalo Run Golf Course in Commerce City) will determine the league championship and the all-conference rosters for the season.

ACTUAL SIZE: 4.73”x3.4”

CONGRATULATIONS!

Andrea Miller Your High School Class of 2022 You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Love, Mom, Dad, Penny and Oscar

City recreation leagues The registration deadline for the city’s adult, 4-on-4 sand volleyball league is Monday, May 30. The cost is $175 per team. League play begins Monday, June 13.

The city also offers a youth (5- to 16-year-olds) track-and-field team. Practices are Tulesdays and Thursdays.

Optional track meets are Saturdays.

The cost is $75. The program will take place at Brighton High School Visit brightonrecreation.com, call 303-655-2200 or contact Carleen Watts, recreation sports supervisor, at cwatts@brightonco.gov.

Baseball The 27J Education Foundation and the Colorado Rockies are teaming up to provide tickets to four games this season.

Prices start at $16, and a part of the purchase goes toward the foundation

and district schools. Visit rockies. com/27J. Prairie View’s football and baseball teams are taking part in the Rockiles’ voucher fundraiser program this season. Vouchers are $40 eacah and are valid for two tickets to a Rockies game this season. visit @rockies.com/hsbb.

Call 720-885-5627.

Girls basketball Former Brighton High School girls basketball coach Greg Wellesley is the new girls coach at Weld Central High School.

College softball Former Brighton High School softball player Sarah Tiffany earned a spot on the second-team, all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association team this spring. She led Fort Hays (Kan.) State in batting (.352) and in slugging percentage (.483). She finished the season with 10 doubles, three home runs and 25 RBIs.

Basketball The sixth annual M.A.H. camp returns to Brighton High School, 270 S. Eighth Ave., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 31 through June 2. The camp goes from 9 a.m. to noon each day.

Participants are incoming fifththrough ninth-graders. Sessions include work on offensive and defensive fundamentals, ball handling and footwork. Clinicians are area highschool basketball players.

The cost is $90. Funds raised above operational costs benefit the Kay Yow Fund for breast cancer research and development.

The early registration deadline is May 15. Call 720-203-5420.

ATTENTION...

Calling all Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles Honor your 2022 high school senior with an ad in the upcoming graduation sections of the Brighton Standard Blade, Fort Lupton Press, or Commerce City Sentinel Express. Only $25.

Contact Teresa at 303-566-4125 or talexis@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Don’t delay. Deadline one week in advance of Thursday edition.

Name of Graduate:__________________________School:_________________________________ Parents’ Name:____________________Phone:_____________Address:______________________ Message:__________________________________________________________________________ Email the above information to Teresa at talexis@coloradocommunitymedia.com Pre-payment is required: cash, check or credit card. Make sure to include a photo.

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10 Brighton Standard Blade

CROW FROM PAGE 5

inflation is a “workforce shortage,” but supply chain issues also play a role, Crow said.

Microchips — a part used in making many types of electronic devices — are a product that the U.S. relies on Asia to provide, and a slowdown in production has caused economic problems, Crow said.

Some lawmakers want to “bring back manufacturing to the United States” with a proposal called the America COMPETES Act of 2022, Crow said.

Referred to in full as the Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act, the proposal aims to make new investments to accelerate U.S. production of semiconductor chips and “strengthen the supply chain to make more goods in America,” according to a summary provided by a spokesperson for Crow.

The bill would “re-onshore that manufacturing,” Crow said.

While it wouldn’t literally remove manufacturing jobs from other countries and replace them with jobs in the U.S., it would encourage more job creation in American manufactur-

May 12, 2022

ing, according to Kaylin Dines, a spokesperson for Crow.

Taking care of veterans A member of the public asked Crow during the town hall about the health care system under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as the VA. “As a veteran myself, this is something that I take very personally,” Crow said. He added: “One of the biggest issues right now with the VA is the lack of staff within the VA health care system.”

In May 2021, Crow was one of the members of Congress who introduced bipartisan legislation — the Veterans Improved Access to Care Act — to address hiring shortages in the VA, according to a news release.

The bill “would create pilot programs around the country to cut the red tape and speed up the hiring and onboarding of medical professionals,” Crow said during the town hall.

Economic opportunities Another question centered on what a caller described as an economic gap experienced by minority-owned businesses.

Crow was among a bipartisan group of congressmembers in December 2020 who introduced the Next Generation Entrepreneur Corps Act, a proposal

to spur new business and job creation in “underserved communities,” according to a news release.

The bill aims to identify talented entrepreneurs through a national competition and directly support the creation of more than 320 new businesses each year, the release on Crow’s website said.

“There’s nothing that will make our economy healthier, frankly, than making sure we’re growing small businesses but doing it in an equitable way and making sure everyone in our community can access that,” Crow said during the town hall.

Hate against Asian Americans A caller told Crow about an instance of anti-Asian racism they experienced at a grocery store and how it affected them.

Crow pointed to an “anti-Asian hate surge” that the House member said stems from “irresponsible and hateful rhetoric” surrounding the origins of COVID-19.

Crow expressed support for a bill signed by Biden to attempt to address the issue of hate crimes.

“You can always count on me to stand up against hateful rhetoric,” Crow said.

Following overwhelming support from both chambers of Congress, Biden signed legisla-

tion in response to hate crimes that have occurred during the coronavirus pandemic — with emphasis on violence against Asian Americans, according to a National Public Radio story in May 2021.

The legislation — the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act — aims to make the reporting of hate crimes more accessible at the local and state levels by boosting public outreach and ensuring reporting resources are available online in multiple languages, according to NPR’s story.

The act also directs the Department of Justice to designate a person to expedite the review of hate crimes related to COVID-19 and authorizes grants to state and local governments to conduct crimereduction programs to prevent and respond to hate crimes, NPR reported.

An organization named Stop AAPI Hate has said it recorded 6,603 reports of hate incidents from March 2020 to March 2021, according to a summary report by the organization. “AAPI” is a term for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Of the selected couple dozen incidents for which Stop AAPI Hate included quotes in the summary report from people who experienced the incidents, several of them allegedly were related to mentions of COVID.

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Brighton Standard Blade 11

May 12, 2022

Career talk at Brighton High School

Bernie Kendall a volunteer with the Platte Valley Historical Society is teaching the children about the Voyageurs of the 18th and 19th century transporting trade in PHOTO BY BELEN WARD canoes.

WATER FROM PAGE 1

Keenesburg, Hudson, and Fort Morgan attended the festival.

Denver Zoo’s Laura Cooper, an educator joined outreach specialist Garcia discussed the concerns about amphibians disappearing.

One area of study now is a particularly deadly fungus.

“Biologists and scientists are scrambling trying to find out what the problem is and it’s the Chytrid fungus that affects animals around the world. That should be a danger for us too because amphibians need fresh clean water and for their skin,” Garcia said.

Noxious weeds Fourth graders from La Salle’s Pete Mirch Elementary visited with the Weld County Weed division.

Tina Booton, a supervisor, and Kathy Grifee, natural resources spray technician, educated the students about noxious weeds. These are usually non-native to Colorado and possibly the United States.

They can spread without human assistance and can be deadly to native vegetation. It could also be toxic to livestock and human if eaten. They can include Purple Loosestrife, knotweeds and Cypress and Myrtle Spurges.

“The noxious weeds steal our water,” Booton said. “There is a state law they need to be controlled or suppressed.”

Ground down Hudson Elementary 4th graders

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visited Colorado’s Mary Ellen Cannon soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services.

Cannon played a game with an inflatable globe by throwing it up in the air proving the student’s thumb always ends up on water.

“The idea of this game is to show the students there is a lot more water than land. On our land the polar ice caps are not growing our food, including the high mountains and the Sahara Desert,” Cannon said.

“We end up with a small slice of our world growing our food on it,” Cannon said. “It’s important to hang on to your farmland and be careful how you use land. You want to compact soil for a building but you also want to keep it uncompacted. You don’t want to drive all over it where you want to grow.”

Nathan Bolton Ranger Barr Lake State Park Ranger taught the 4th grade Columbine students from Fort Morgan about how algae develop.

“All sorts of fertilizer and rainwater runoff end up in the lake, so when it gets hotter in the summertime, the heat reacts that phosphorus and creates the algae blues,” Bolton said.

Natures Educator McKinsey Welch is a program specialist educating 4th-grade students from Milliken’s Knowledge Quest Academy about animals needing water.

Natures educator take in nonreleasable birds of prey and use the animals to educate the public. They brought in a Swainson Hawk, two amphibians, a tiger salamander, and wooded houses toads.

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Brighton High School graduate Matthew McLaren, a Navy recruiter based in Thornton, talks about life in the service with a group of Brighton High School students during a May 5 career fair.

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Representatives from emergency services, the military,

area hotels and restaurants and education spent the morning talking about potential careers with students from Brighton High School May 4.

McKinsey Welch with Natures Educator and Boreas the Swainson Hawk are teaching PHOTO BY BELEN WARD the students how important water is for the birds of prey.

they start their life in water. The hawk is at the top of the food chain and are not born in water, but if the water disappears (those problems go) up the food chain web,” McKinsey said.

Natures Educators is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, Fish and Wildlife, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The students had numerous learning booths to visit to gain

knowledge about the water footprint, how pumps and turbines operate, trees, recycling, all the water in the world, etc.

“It’s so awesome, and it’s a great learning experience,” said fourthgrade teacher Beth Dershem. “It’s outdoors and hands-on. We are grateful for the experience and the work to set this up for our kids.

They were excited on the way in.”

Dersham teaches at North East Elementary.

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12 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

Colorado has models for universal preschool Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Florida and Vermont may serve as examples

BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO

When Colorado launches free preschool for 4-year-olds in 2023, it will join four other states that already offer universal preschool.

All of them have encountered the same tricky task Colorado leaders now face as they try to knit together a disparate patchwork of public and private preschools into an equitable and high-quality statewide system. We’ll take a look at some of the lessons learned in four states: Florida, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Some, like Oklahoma, have offered the program for decades, while others, like Vermont — one of the few places to offer free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds — have joined the club more recently.

Wisconsin officials said they don’t consider their preschool program universal because school districts don’t have to offer the state-funded classes, though 99% do.

Colorado’s universal preschool program will offer 10 hours a week to all 4-year-olds, with children who have higher needs eligible for more.

Funding will come from Colorado’s existing state-funded preschool

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

program, which is for children from low-income families, or who have language delays, or other risk factors, and proceeds from a voterapproved nicotine tax.

Advocates in the four states cited ongoing challenges in everything from ensuring high-quality offerings to making part-day preschool work for families, but they also said the programs are generally popular. In all four states, at least 70% of 4-year-olds participated prior to the pandemic.

Sherry Carlson, chief program officer at the Vermont advocacy group, Let’s Grow Kids, said the state’s system is not perfect, but “usage is an indication that we’re on the right track.”

The half-day problem Colorado’s plan to offer 10 hours

of preschool a week to most children is similar to preschool programs in states like Florida, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The problem is that half-day programs don’t work for a lot of families.

Professor Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, studied Wisconsin parents’ preschool choices and found that many declined to enroll in the program because of the schedule.

“The half-day format is a nightmare for at least a third of all the parents we surveyed,” she said.

“It’s curious to me in today’s day and age that people imagine that a half day would work.“ When universal preschool originally launched in Florida, the vision was to offer both a 3-hour

and a 6-hour preschool day, but there was never enough funding for the longer day, said Madeleine Thakur, president of the advocacy group, The Children’s Movement of Florida. Some schools — those that receive federal funds for lowincome students — cover the extra cost of full-day preschool for some students, but the coveted spots are in short supply.

In Vermont, momentum had been growing to increase the number of state-funded preschool hours beyond the current 10 a week, but the pandemic derailed that discussion, said Carlson.

“There is a lot of agreement, particularly among working families and schools, that more time would be better,” she said.

Teacher qualification conundrum The four states profiled have various requirements for universal preschool teachers — Oklahoma and Wisconsin require them to have bachelor’s degrees, while Florida does not. Vermont is something of a hybrid — requiring bachelor’s degrees for universal preschool teachers in public school settings, but not for all teachers in private settings.

These differences reflect both ongoing national debate about whether teachers with four-year college degrees provide better preschool experiences than those without, SEE MODELS, P13

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Brighton Standard Blade 13

May 12, 2022

State balks on K-12 school funding Colorado lawmakers say maybe next year

BY ERICA MELTZER CHALKBEAT

Colorado lawmakers this year came closer to fully funding the state’s schools than at any time since the Great Recession. But rattled by rising inflation and the threat of a ballot measure that would slash anticipated growth in property tax revenue legislators stopped short of constitutionally

MODELS FROM PAGE 12

and the reality that such requirements pose a major financial barrier in light of the field’s low pay.

The National Institute for Early Education Research, which ranks states annually on preschool access and funding, includes bachelor’s degree requirements among 10 benchmarks showing whether states have key quality standards in place. Experts say preschool can produce short- and long-term benefits for kids, but only if it’s high quality.

Colorado’s existing preschool program doesn’t require bachelor’s degrees and meets only four of the institute’s 10 benchmarks.

Carlson, who estimated that 60% of Vermont’s universal preschoolers are served in private settings, said the more lenient degree requirements for those classrooms was one of the concessions made when the program began. The state has put money toward helping preschool teachers further their education, but more needs to be done, she said.

Carlson’s advice to Colorado: “Be willing to compromise with a plan [that says] this is where we’re starting and we’re going to keep working to get to … where the vision was.”

mandated K-12 spending.

Democrats say they’re proud of the $36.4 billion budget signed by Gov. Jared Polis recently. The budget dedicates more than $5 billion in state money to base K-12 spending, a 7.5% increase over this year.

Average per-student funding will go up 6% to $9,560. Lawmakers are also putting $80 million more into special education, getting closer to funding a formula established back in 2006.

But despite a reserve in the state education fund that tops $800 million, lawmakers still held back $321 million through a recurring

mechanism known as the budget stabilization factor.

Democrats, who control both chambers, said there’s too much uncertainty on the horizon.

Higher state spending is only sustainable, they said, if local property taxes rise enough to take over some of the burden in future years.

A few months ago that seemed almost guaranteed, thanks to rising property values and recent tax policy changes. But a combination of dramatic inflation and potential property tax limits would sharply increase the state’s school fund-

ing obligations, which lawmakers could struggle to meet in 2023.

The only thing worse than not giving schools enough money, Democratic lawmakers believe, would be giving them more money one year only to roll it back the following year.

“That is not predictable,” said state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, an Arvada Democrat and Joint Budget Committee member. “That does not help our districts.”

Thakur, of Florida, said many wonderful preschool teachers don’t have bachelor’s degrees currently so it shouldn’t be a requirement at the inception of a universal program. Plus, with teachers in private preschool settings often paid much less than public school counterparts, it’s not fair to require the degrees, she said.

staff shortages or a dearth of seats, but there are also some families who don’t see the value of preschool, he said.

“This has been one of our crown jewels,” he said. “It amazes me that people won’t take the time to look at the benefits and see the good that can come from it.”

Dorman said Colorado should educate parents about the free preschool program before children turn 4.

“Begin the promotional process early,” he said. “Ensure that families recognize this.”

ate, listen, and follow routines,” she said. “Those are the kinds of things that are a real down payment for the kindergarten teacher.”

Colorado’s existing preschool program is administered by school districts and 77% of students attend the program in public school classrooms, but planned changes could shake up public schools’ role in universal preschool.

Graue agreed that preschool should be developmentally appropriate, not narrowly focused on math and literacy, but also noted the downsides of divorcing preschool and K-12 policy.

During a statewide class size reduction effort in Wisconsin, for example, Graue said kindergarten classes went down to 15 children, but preschool classes in the same buildings were often much larger because they weren’t included in the state initiative.

In addition, although Wisconsin’s state-funded preschool classrooms in private settings must adhere to class size caps mandated by state child care regulations, public schools aren’t subject to those limits. Instead, each district establishes its own preschool class size rules.

“That’s the problem of the 4K (Wisconsin preschool) program working in this liminal space between K-12 and the child care system,” Graue said.

Who’s got access?

The idea behind universal preschool is to serve every child whose parents want a spot, but that can be hard to deliver on a consistent statewide basis.

Carlson said offering preschool in both public and private settings helps ensure access in Vermont, partly because private centers can often provide wraparound care that meshes with parents’ work schedules and locations. At the same time, some preschoolers with disabilities lose out on special education services if they attend preschool with private providers outside of their school districts, she said.

The goal should be to “put children and families at the center,” she said. “Then don’t let paperwork or artificial boundaries” get in the way.

Joe Dorman, CEO at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, said reaching rural children has been a struggle in his state. In some cases, it’s because of preschool

Preschool and K-12: separate or together?

In some universal preschool states, school districts are in charge of overseeing the program locally and offer many preschool seats in public school classrooms.

These factors make school districts a key player in the universal preschool discussion, but also raise questions about how close the association should be.

Experts from other states said it’s important that universal preschool be designed around the developmental needs of young children.

Thakur said Colorado leaders should be careful “not to bring the rigor of the K-12 system down into preschool.”

“You’ve really got to focus on relationships, making sure children learn how to communicate, cooper-

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat Colorado.

More at chalkbeat.org.

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14 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

Lawmakers abandon paid family, parental leave Democrats say money can be used elsewhere

BY JESSE PAUL AND SHANNON NAJMABADI THE COLORADO SUN

A Colorado Senate committee killed a measure that would have provided $57.5 million in fee relief related to the state’s new paid family and parental leave program in a surprising reversal of a benefit touted by Gov. Jared Polis.

The Senate Finance Committee unanimously rejected House Bill 1305 after the legislation’s sponsor, Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, requested its demise without explanation.

Democratic leadership in the legislature says the bill was rejected so lawmakers can use the $57.5 million set aside for the measure for other purposes. The money, which comes from hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time funding the legislature is distributing this year, won’t go toward one other specific program or initiative, according to Senate Majority

Leader Dominick Moreno, DCommerce City.

“Obviously there are a number of one-time (funding) requests from the governor’s office and I think the feeling was we were a bit out of balance with requests that were initiated by the governor’s office compared to one-time funding priorities from the General Assembly,” Moreno said.

In other words: The governor wanted the money spent on paid family and parental leave fee relief but the legislature disagreed.

State Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a Democrat and prime sponsor of the bill in the House, said her understanding was that senators and the Polis administration came to “some sort of agreement … to kill it.”

“I wasn’t part of the conversations,” she said.

Caraveo declined to say if she was disappointed by the bill’s fate. “I don’t know what the conversations were there, so I really don’t know,” she said.

House Bill 1305 would have, for six months, reduced the fee split between employers and employees that the state

will charge starting next year as part of Colorado’s new, voter-approved paid family and parental leave program.

The reduction would have dropped the fee rate to 0.81% of an employees’ wages from 0.9%, a decrease of 0.09 percentage points. For a worker making $4,000 a month, that would have dropped the fee to $32.40 from $36 a month.

Employers pay half the fee; employees pay the other half.

The $57.5 million would have gone toward backfilling the revenue lost because of the rate cut.

Business groups complained that the relief was a “pittance” and that if lawmakers really wanted to help businesses contend with rising costs they would have delayed implementation of the program.

Polis made paid family and parental leave fee relief a key part of his fiscal year 2022-23 budget, even discussing the proposal during a November news conference last year ahead of the 2022 legislative session.

“The governor and the legislature are making even more

progress on saving people money, including a $400 per person tax rebate and major property tax relief announced yesterday,” Conor Cahill, a spokesman for the governor, said in a written statement.

“We are not surprised to see this bill set aside to support even bigger accomplishments to save people money.”

Polis and Democrats, who are facing election-year pressure from Republicans over the rising cost of living, set aside more than $300 million in the fiscal year 2022-23 budget, which begins July 1, for government fee and tax relief. Of that, $44 million will go toward delaying for nine months the start of a new 2-cent-per-gallon gas fee enacted through a bill pushed last year by Democrats.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun. com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

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Brighton Standard Blade 15

May 12, 2022

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

TRIVIA 1. GEOGRAPHY: Dubai is the largest city of which country?

2. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What was President Richard Nixon’s Secret Service code name?

3. TELEVISION: In which year did the first episode of the animated comedy “South Park” air?

4. HISTORY: What was the former name of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River?

5. MUSIC: Which instrument is Pablo Cassals famous for playing?

6. LITERATURE: What are the names of Harry Potter’s deceased parents in the book series?

7. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin phrase “bona fide” mean?

8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby fish called?

9. ACRONYMS: What does BMW stand for?

10. MOVIES: What is the song playing in the famous twist

scene of “Pulp Fiction”?

Answers 1. United Arab Emirates 2. Searchlight 3. 1997 4. Boulder Dam, for a short time in the 1940s 5. The cello 6. James and Lily 7. In good faith 8. A fry or fingerling 9. Bavarian Motor Works 10. “You Never Can Tell,” Chuck Berry

(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

16 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

legals2@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Public Notices call 303-566-4123 Legals City and County Public Notice BRIGHTON HOUSING AUTHORITY PHA PLAN & MOVING TO WORK SUPPLEMENT NOTICE OF COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 1, 2022 3:00 P.M. The Brighton Housing Authority (BHA) is proposing revisions to its PHA Plan and/or 5-year Plan as deemed necessary to implement Moving to Work (MTW) activities. The draft plan will be available for review on BHA’s website at www.brightonhousing.org with a 45-day comment period beginning on April 29, 2022 and ending on June 13, 2022.

A copy of the draft plan will also be available for public inspection at BHA offices at 22 S. 4th Avenue, Suite 202, Brighton, CO 80601. Due to Covid-19, comments to may be emailed to info@ brightonhousing.org or mailed to 22 S. 4th Avenue, Suite 202, Brighton, CO 80601 Attn: Andrew Dall, Deputy Director.

A public hearing on the draft plan will be held virtually on June 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Join the meeting with the following: Virtual Public Hearing Access Details: www.zoom.us Meeting ID: 937 679 3756 If joining by phone, please call: 1-346-248-7799 Meeting ID: 937 679 3756 Immediately following the public hearing for the PHA Plan, there will be a public hearing to review the 2022 MTW Supplement and any proposed waivers proposed for implementation by that program If you are a person with disabilities and are in need of a reasonable accommodation to access this information or public hearing, please call BHA offices at 303-655-2160.

If you have limited English proficiency and are seeking language assistance to access this public hearing, please call the office at 303-655-2160.

Due to COVID-19, this will be a virtual event.

Legal Notice No. BSB1540 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: June 2, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLICATION REQUEST Case Name: Rocky Mountain Hydrostatics Case Number: RCU2021-00008 Planning Commission Hearing Date: May 12, 2022 Board of County Commissioners Hearing Date: June 14, 2022 Case Manager: Ella Gleason, Planner I, EGleason@adcogov.org, 720.523.6923 Request: Conditional Use Permit for a hydrostatic transmission equipment repair business.

Parcel Number (s): 0156717200002 Legal Description: SECT,TWN,RNG:17-1-65 DESC: PART OF SEC 17 DESC AS FOLS BEG AT THE N4 COR OF SD SEC 17 TH S 00D 16M 30S W 500 FT TH S 89D 17M 36S E 92/71 FT TH S 00D 17M 44S W 871/87 FT TH N 89D 34M 50S W 1368/67 FT TH N 00D 00M 25M W 1379/09 FT TH S 89D 16M 49S E 1283/10 FT TO THE POB (EXC PARC BK 4015 PG 935) AND EXC RD 40/1510A Applicant: Bradley and Therese Zuercher Public Hearings Location: 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton, CO 80601 Please visit http://www.adcogov.org/bocc for up to date information. The full text of the proposed request and additional colored maps can be obtained by accessing the Adams County Community and Economic Development Department website at www.adcogov.org/planning/currentcases.

Legal Notice No. BSB1524 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

City of Brighton Public Notice NOTICE OF VACANCIES The City of Brighton is now accepting applications to fill positions that will be open on the following Boards and Commissions. Applications may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, 500 South 4th Avenue, 4th Floor, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The application is also available on the City of Brighton website at www.brightonco.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the City Clerk’s Office. City Council requires each applicant to attend a meeting of the Board or Commission you are applying for prior to the interview.

PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission has an opening for one (1) Alternate member at this time. The Board meets at 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at Brighton City Hall.

BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals has openings at this time.

Members of this board are qualified by experience related to the construction industry and are trained to rule or review upon matters pertaining to building construction. The Board of Appeals meets at need to determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction, acts on appeals for the city’s construction codes (building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes) and for Property Maintenance Codes. Brighton staff representatives are present to facilitate, including the Chief Building Official and a permit technician acting as the Board Secretary. Meetings are held at Brighton City Hall.

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has an opening for one (1) Ward 4 member, one (1) Ward 2 member and two (2) Alternate members at this time. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Brighton Recreation Center.

BRIGHTON URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY The Urban Renewal Authority has an opening for one (1) member at this time. Members must be a resident of Brighton or a Brighton business owner. The Board meets at 4:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Brighton City Hall.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION The Historic Preservation Commission has an opening for one (1) Alternate member and one (1) Professional member at this time. At least 40% of commission members shall be professionals in preservation related discipline such as architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, archaeology, history, planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography or cultural anthropology. Recognizing that professionals may not be available in some communities, this requirement can be waived if the local government makes a good faith effort to recruit professionals and demonstrates that it is capable of carrying out commission responsibilities. The Board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Brighton City Hall.

BRIGHTON HOUSING AUTHORITY The Brighton Housing Authority has an opening for one (1) Member and one (1) Alternate member at this time. The Board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 p.m. at Historic City Hall. Applications will be accepted for The Brighton Housing Authority until April 15th, 2022.

LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has openings for one (1) Lodging provider members and two (2) Alternate members at this time. The Board meets on the third Wednesday every quarter at 11:30 a.m. at Brighton City Hall.

Any questions may be directed to Natalie Hoel in the Office of the City Clerk at 303-655-2056 between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or email questions to nhoel@brightonco.gov.

Legal Notice No. BSB1553 First Publication: May 5, 2022 Last Publication: May 26, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing before the City Council of Brighton, Colorado, at 6:00 p.m. of the 7th day of June, 2022, in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 500 South 4th Avenue, 1st Floor, Brighton, Colorado 80601, for the purpose of considering the adoption by reference of the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition, as the traffic ordinance of the City of Brighton, Colorado.

Copies of the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition are on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours. If enacted as an ordinance of this City the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition will not be published in full, but in accordance with state law, copies will be kept on file.

The Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition is published by the Colorado Department of Transportation, Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch, 4201 East Arkansas Avenue, EP 700, Denver, Colorado 80222. The subject matter of the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2020 Edition relates primarily to comprehensive traffic control regulations for the City. The purpose of the ordinance and the Code adopted therein is to provide a system of traffic regulations consistent with state law and generally conforming to similar regulations throughout the state and the nation.

Following the hearing on June 7, 2022, the City Council will consider passage of the adopting ordinance on second reading.

This notice given and published by the order of the City Council.

CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO /S/ Natalie Hoel, City Clerk Legal Notice No. BSB1542 First Publication: May 5, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Summons and Sheriff Sale Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Case Number: 2021CV030931 Plaintiff: FIRST CREEK FARM CONDOMINIUMS ASSOCIATION, a Colorado non-profit corporation, Defendants: SHAWN M. BAKER; PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, INC.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY; LISA CULPEPPER AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE AND TREASURER FOR ADAMS COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION. Attorneys for Plaintiff: WINZENBURG, LEFF, PURVIS & PAYNE, LLP Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Address: 8020 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80127 Phone Number: (303) 863-1870 SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM Under a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered on February 4, 2022 in the above- captioned action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as follows: Original Lienee Shawn M. Baker Original Lienor First Creek Farm Condominiums Association Current Holder of the evidence of debt First Creek Farm Condominiums Association Date of Lien being foreclosed March 29, 2021 Date of Recording of Lien being foreclosed March 30, 2021 County of Recording Adams Recording Information 2021000038483 Original Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness $2,253.74 Outstanding Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date hereof $10,938.46 Amount of Judgment entered February 4, 2022 $9,459.32 Description of property to be foreclosed: Condominium Unit R-5-204, First Creek Farm Condominiums Amendment No. 2 recorded on September 2, 2003 at Reception No. C1202343, and as defined and described in the Amended and Restated Declaration for First Creek Farm Condominiums recorded October 29, 2015 at Reception No. 2015000090905, and any and all Amendments and Supplements thereto, in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

Also known as: 5714 N. Gibralter Way, #5-204, Aurora, CO 80019.

THE PROPERTY TO BE FORECLOSED AND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN. THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The covenants of Plaintiff have been violated as follows: failure to make payments on said indebtedness when the same were due and owing.

NOTICE OF SALE THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I will, at 9:00 o’clock A.M., on June 16, 2022, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property described above, and all interest of said Grantor and the heirs and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the judgment amount entered herein, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

Bidders are required to have cash or certified funds to cover the highest bid by noon on the day of the sale. Certified funds are payable to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

First Publication: April 21, 2022 Last Publication: May 19. 2022 Name of Publication: Brighton Blade NOTICE OF RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED, OR HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES PURSUANT TO COLORADO LAW AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE A DEFAULT UNDER THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF THE STATUTES WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS ARE ATTACHED HERETO. A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE PURSUANT TO §38-38-104, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED SALE DATE OR ANY DATE TO WHICH THE SALE IS CONTINUED. IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED. A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REDEEM FILED PURSUANT TO §38-38-302, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER NO LATER THAN

EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.1 OR THE PROHIBITION ON DUAL TRACKING IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.2, THE BORROWER MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LAW, RALPH L. CARR JUDICIAL BUILDING, 1300 BROADWAY, 10TH FLOOR, DENVER, CO 80203, 720-508-6000; THE CFPB, HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERFINANCE.GOV/COMPLAINT/; CFPB, PO BOX 2900, CLINTON IA 52733-2900 (855) 411-2372 OR BOTH, BUT THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT WILL NOT STOP THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. The name, address and telephone number of each of the attorneys representing the holder of the evidence of the debt is as follows: Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Winzenburg, Leff, Purvis & Payne, LLP 8020 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 300 Littleton, CO 80127 303-863-1870 THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Date: March 18, 2022.

By: Richard A. Reigenborn Adams County Sheriff Adams County, Colorado Legal Notice No. BSB1513 First Publication: April 21, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Published In: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2021CV30891; DIVISION/ COURTROOM C SALE NO. 22-1532 Plaintiff: BRITTANY RIDGE AT METRO VIEW OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado nonprofit corporation v.

Defendants: ISAIAS MENDIOLA-ALMARAZ; IGNACIO ADRIAN MENDIOLA; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE CORPORATION; FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB; PUBLIC TRUSTEE FOR ADAMS COUNTY; and UNKNOWN PERSONS IN ACTUAL POSSESSION SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE Under an Order for Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered on December 22, 2021, in the above-captioned civil action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as described below.

All inquiries for information related to this sale must be directed to the office of the undersigned Sheriff at 1100 Judicial Center Drive Basement, Brighton, CO 80601 or by calling (303) 655-3228.

Commonly known address for the real property: 625 East 78th Avenue, Thornton, Colorado 80229 Legal description of the real property to be sold at public auctions: LOT 4, BLOCK 1, METRO VIEW PARK SUBDIVISION, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO Record owner(s) of real property: Isaias MendiolaAlmaraz Association/Foreclosing Entity/Holder of Debt Foreclosed: Brittany Ridge at Metro View Owners Association, Inc. Interest foreclosed: Statutory lien for unpaid assessments per C.R.S. § 38-33.3-316, as perfected by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Brittany Ridge at Metro View, recorded on September 20, 2000, at Reception No. C0712983 in the Clerk & Recorder’s Office for the County of Adams, Colorado (“Declaration”).

More accurately defined in the Order for Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure, issued by the Court on December 22, 2021, a certified copy of which was recorded on February 04, 2022, at Reception No. 2022000010921 in the Clerk & Recorder’s Office for the County of Adams, Colorado (“Order”).

Amount of judgment entered on December 22, 2021: $18,365.68 with post-judgment interest at 21% per annum. The amount of the foreclosed lien is not stagnant.

Amount of foreclosed lien as of March 04, 2022: $21,999.51 Attorneys for Association: Moeller Graf, P.C.; Associate Attorney Joshua Myers, Reg. No. 53309; jmyers@moellergraf.com; 385 Inverness Pkwy., Ste. 200, Englewood, CO 80112; Phone: (877) 279-4499.

THE PROPERTY TO BE SOLD AND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN DESCRIBED ABOVE. THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The covenants of said Declaration have been violated as follows: failure to pay assessments that have come due, more accurately described in the Order.

NOTICE OF SALE THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Office for the County of Adams, Colorado, will sell the real property described above and the improvements thereon at 9:00 AM, on the 7th day of July 2022, at basement of Courthouse, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, to the highest and best bidder. The Association and its attorney do not make any warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.

BIDDERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE CERTIFIED FUNDS AT THE TIME OF THE SALE. THE HIGHEST BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN BY NOON ON THE SAME DAY WITH FUNDS.

Date signed: 04/26/2022 Richard A. Reigenborn, Sheriff County of Adams, Colorado Legal Notice No. BSB1551 First Publication: May 5, 2022 Last Publication: June 9, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2021CV031164, Division/ Courtroom W COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY (Publication Notice)

OLD FARM TOWNHOMES ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, v.

HEIDI A PINKERTON; WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JUNE 1, 2004 MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-WMC4; BLUE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO COMMUNITY FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; and ADAMS COUNTY PUBLIC TRUSTEE, Defendant(s).

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS, Please take notice:

You and each of you are hereby notified that a Sheriff’s Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Department of Adams County, Colorado at 9:00 O’clock A.M., on the 23rd day of June, 2022, at 1000 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601 - Basement, phone number 303-655-3228. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.

BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THEIR HIGHEST BID AT THE TIME OF SALE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. Judgment is in the amount of $30,656.16.

First Publication: April 21, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Published In: Brighton Standard Blade

This is to advise you that a Sheriff’s sale proceeding has been commenced through the office of the undersigned Sheriff pursuant to Court Order dated February 22, 2022 and C.R.S. 38-38-101 et seq.

by Old Farm Townhomes Association, Inc. the holder and current owner of a lien recorded on May 20, 2019 at Reception No. 2019000037951 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The foreclosure is based on a default under the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Old Farm Townhomes Subdivision recorded on 12/17/2001 at Reception#C0901265 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The Declaration establishes a lien for the benefit of Old Farm Townhomes Association, Inc. against real property legal described as follows:

Lot 6, Old Farm Townhomes Subdivision, Amendment No. 1, according the Plat recorded November 28, 2001 at Reception No. C0891872, and as defined by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions recorded on December 17, 2001 at Reception No. C0901265, County of Adams, State of Colorado.;

And also known as: 13291 Holly St. #D, Thornton, CO 80241

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED.

The attorney representing the legal owner of the above described lien is: Kate M. Leason, Reg No. 41025, Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang Street, Suite 100, Lakewood, Colorado 802281011, 303.432.9999 Legal Notice No. BSB1501 First Publication: April 21, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice District Court, Adams County State of Colorado Case Number: 2021CV030853

Plaintiff: SAGE VALLEY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation,

Defendants: CHRISTYNA DOSUMU; GATEWAY MORTGAGE GROUP, LLC; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; LISA CULPEPPER AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE AND TREA-

Brighton Standard Blade May 12, 2022 * 1

Brighton Standard Blade 17

May 12, 2022

Public Notices SURER FOR ADAMS COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION. Attorneys for Plaintiff: WINZENBURG, LEFF, PURVIS & PAYNE, LLP Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Address: 8020 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80127 Phone Number: (303) 863-1870 SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM Under a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered on January 24, 2022 in the above- captioned action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as follows: Original Lienee Christyna Dosumu Original Lienor Sage Valley Homeowners Association, Inc. Current Holder of the evidence of debt Sage Valley Homeowners Association, Inc. Date of Lien being foreclosed Date of Recording of Lien being foreclosed June 18, 2020 County of Recording Adams Recording Information 2020000055428 Original Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness $3,623.18 Outstanding Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date hereof $17,211.41 Amount of Judgment entered January 24, 2022 $15,262.58 Description of property to be foreclosed: Unit 9D, Building 9, Sage Valley, according to the Condominium Map thereof, recorded April 26, 2007, under Reception No. 2007000041412 and according to Amendment Condominium Plat of Sage Valley recorded June 19, 2007 at Reception No. 2007000059384, and as defined and described in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Sage Valley Homeowners Association, Inc., recorded September 16, 2004, under Reception No. 20040916000908720, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

Also known as: 3155 E. 104th Avenue, #9D, Thornton, CO 80233.

THE PROPERTY TO BE FORECLOSED AND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN. THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The covenants of Plaintiff have been violated as follows: failure to make payments on said indebtedness when the same were due and owing.

NOTICE OF SALE THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I will, at 9:00 o’clock A.M., on June 16, 2022, at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601 sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property described above, and all interest of said Grantor and the heirs and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the judgment amount entered herein, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

Bidders are required to have cash or certified funds to cover the highest bid by noon on the day of the sale. Certified funds are payable to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

April 21, 2022 First Publication: Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Name of Publication: Brighton Blade NOTICE OF RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED, OR HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES PURSUANT TO COLORADO LAW AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE A DEFAULT UNDER THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF THE STATUTES WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS ARE ATTACHED HERETO. A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE PURSUANT TO §38-38-104, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED SALE DATE OR ANY DATE TO WHICH THE SALE IS CONTINUED.

Date: March 18, 2022 By: Richard A. Reigenborn Adams County Sheriff Adams County, Colorado Legal Notice No. BSB1512 First Publication: April 21, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Published In: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2021CV031313, Division/Courtroom C COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY (Publication Notice) BENNETT CROSSING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, v.

COLE CHOIN; COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; and ADAMS COUNTY PUBLIC TRUSTEE, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS, Please take notice: You and each of you are hereby notified that a Sheriff’s Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Department of Adams County, Colorado at 9:00 O’clock A.M., on the 14th day of July 2022, at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, phone number 303-655-3228. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.

BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THEIR HIGHEST BID AT THE TIME OF SALE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. Judgment is in the amount of $7,352.72.

First Publication: May 19, 2022 Last Publication: June 16, 2022 Published In: BRIGHTON STANDARD BLADE This is to advise you that a Sheriff’s sale proceeding has been commenced through the office of the undersigned Sheriff pursuant to Court Order dated March 3, 2022 and C.R.S. 38-38-101 et seq. by Bennett Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc. the holder and current owner of a lien recorded on May 5, 2020 at Reception No. 2020000040846 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The foreclosure is based on a default under the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and restrictions of Bennett Crossing Homeowners Association recorded on 04/03/2018 at Reception #2018000026990 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The Declaration establishes a lien for the benefit of Bennett Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc. against real property legal described as follows: Lot 30, Block 3, Bennett Crossing Filing No. 2, County of Adams, State of Colorado.; And also known as: 47359 Iris Avenue Bennett, CO 80102-8651 IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED. The attorney representing the legal owner of the above described lien is: Kate M. Leason, Reg No. 41025, Altitude Community Law P.C., 555 Zang Street, Suite 100, Lakewood, Colorado 802281011, 303.432.9999 Legal Notice No. BSB1563 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: June 16, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): Selam Bereket Neamn

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED.

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REDEEM FILED PURSUANT TO §38-38-302, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER NO LATER THAN EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SALE.

CASE NUMBER: 21D006757

IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.1 OR THE PROHIBITION ON DUAL TRACKING IN C.R.S. 38-38-103.2, THE BORROWER MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LAW, RALPH L. CARR JUDICIAL BUILDING, 1300 BROADWAY, 10TH FLOOR, DENVER, CO 80203, 720-508-6000; THE CFPB, HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERFINANCE.GOV/COMPLAINT/; CFPB, PO BOX 2900, CLINTON IA 52733-2900 (855) 411-2372 OR BOTH, BUT THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT WILL NOT STOP THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. The name, address and telephone number of each of the attorneys representing the holder of the evidence of the debt is as follows: Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Winzenburg, Leff, Purvis & Payne, LLP 8020 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 300 Littleton, CO 80127 303-863-1870 THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Petitioner’s name is: Tsigahans Yemane Haile

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately.

Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

1. The name and address of the court are: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 341 The City Drive

Orange, CA 92868 2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: David K. Tran, Esq. 15446 Brookhurst Street Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 839-4077 STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children; 3. transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party.

You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs.

NOTICE—ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance?

If so, you should apply for Covered California.

Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care.

For more information, visit www.coveredca.com.

Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.

WARNING—IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e., joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

Legal Notice No. BSB1561 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: June 2, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles Public Notice T&R AUTO REPAIR IS SELLING 303-659-6747 1988 JEEP WAGONEER VIN ENDING IN 226731 Legal Notice No. BSB1562 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice Abandoned Vehicle Sale Reliable Towing, LLC 303-654-0171 08 GMC Truck Vin 909249 Legal Notice No. BSB1564 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Notice to Creditors Public Notice The Estate of Leland Lockett, a/k/a Leland T. Lockett, a/k/a Leland Thomas Lockett, Deceased Case Number: 2022PR030330 All persons having claims against the abovenamed Estate are required to present them to Mark Ocker, Personal Representative, c/o Casey L. Williams, or to the District Court of Adams, County, Colorado, on or before September 5, 2022 or the claims may be forever barred.

Dated April 22, 2022.

Casey L. Williams, Esq., #39117 Attorney for Mark Ocker, Personal Representative /s/Duly signed original on file Casey L. Williams, Esq., #39117 203 Telluride Street, #400 Brighton, CO 80601 Legal Notice No. BSB1546 First Publication: May 5, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Harvey M. Hessler a/k/a

Harvey Murray Hessler a/k/a Harvey Hessler, Deceased Case Number 2022PR9 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 12, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kenneth D. Bollers Personal Representative 3017 CR 47 Hudson, CO 80642 Legal Notice No. BSB1559 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 26, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Gregory T. McCullock, a/k/a Gregory Thomas McCullock, a/k/a Greg McCullock, a/k/a Greg T McCullock, Deceased Case Number: 22PR30215

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 5, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Josephine “Jody” Allen Personal Representatives Eric D Wollard The Wollard Law Firm, PC Attorney for Personal Representatives 4251 Kipling St Ste 300 Wheat Ridge CO 80033 Legal Notice No. BSB1552 First Publication: May 5, 2022 Last Publication: May 19, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Estate of Joseph Matthew Weber, aka Joseph M. Weber, aka Joseph Weber, Deceased Case No. 2022PR030344

Children Services

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 12, 2022 or the claims may be forever barred.

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

Personal Representative: Anthony Richard Weber 2018 N. El Paso St. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 323-5600 Legal Ad No.: BSB1558 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 26, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JESSIE VIRGINIA MAESTAS aka JESUSITA VIRGINIA MAESTAS aka VIRGINIA J. MAESTAS, Deceased Case Number 2022 PR 30239 Div: PR Courtroom: All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before October 15, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jack LeProwse, Esq. 7390 Lowell Blvd.

Westminster, CO 80030 Legal Notice No. BSB1527 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Elizabeth Leona Stephenson, a/k/a Elizabeth L. Stephenson, a/k/a Elizabeth Stephenson, a/k/a Betty Stephenson, a/k/a Betty L. Stephenson, Deceased Case Number: 2022PR30206 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before August 29, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Harold Stephenson, Jr. Personal Representative 4934 Reamer Road Center Point, IA 52213

Public Notice STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS Division S No.: 21JV98

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF: Cristian Pacheco A Child, and Concerning Krispen Tanner, Jessica Pacheco, John Doe Respondents ORDER OF ADVISEMENT

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Krispen Tanner, John Doe You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named Court in which it is represented to the Court that said child are alleged to be dependent and neglected; for the reasons set forth more fully in said petition, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference for greater certainty.

You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for Termination Hearing on the 7th day of July, 2022 at the hour of 8:30. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this Court located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.

Witness my hand and seal of said Court this 29th day of April, 2022.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court Legal Notice No. BSB1557 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS Division D No.: 18JV427

Legal Notice No. BSB1544 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Vance Shewmaker Blalock, aka Vance S. Blalock, aka Vance Blalock Deceased Case Number: 2022 PR 30131 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of ADAMS, County, Colorado on or before September 2, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Christine Stearns Shopoff Personal Representative 706 E. 8th Street Houston, TX 77007 281-787-9373 Legal Notice No. BSB1539 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joel Leon Paul Azoulay, also known as Joel L. Azoulay, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR31123 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 12, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Aimee M. Wilkens, Personal Representatives 226 Moline Ct., Aurora, CO 80010 Legal Notice No. BSB1560 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 26, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF: Kaileena Ray Lewis, Josie Maine Williams, Monty Ahmir Ortiz Children, and Concerning

Kayla Ortiz, Keisean Lewis, Richard Williams Landon Wilson, John Doe, Everett Allen Respondents ORDER OF ADVISEMENT To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Richard Williams You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named Court in which it is represented to the Court that said child are alleged to be dependent and neglected; for the reasons set forth more fully in said petition, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference for greater certainty.

You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for a Termination Hearing on the 19th and 20th day of May, 2022 at the hour of 9:30 a.m. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this Court located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.

Witness my hand and seal of said Court this 5th day of May, 2022.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court Legal Notice No. BSB1565 First Publication: May 12, 2022 Last Publication: May 12, 2022 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of GREGORY MCCULLOCK, a/k/a

Brighton Standard Blade May 12, 2022 * 2

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20 Brighton Standard Blade

May 12, 2022

Federal government to hold back water in drought-stricken Lake Powell

BY MICHAEL ELIZABETH SAKAS COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced on May 3 emergency plans to protect Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border by holding back water releases to downstream states.

The reservoir has plummeted to its lowest level on record amid more than 20 years of record-breaking drought in the Colorado River Basin.

This is the first time the agency has moved to delay a release of water from Lake Powell that normally goes to Arizona, California and Nevada. Instead, the federal agency plans to keep more than 480,000 acre-feet of water in the reservoir to prop up supplies to protect hydropower production.

Lake Powell, the country’s second-largest reservoir, is fed by a Colorado River storage system that supplies water and hydroelectric power to millions of people across the West. Climate change is contributing to a steep and rapid decline in the available supply of water.

Water levels in the lake have dropped close to “dead pool,” the lowest point at which Glen Canyon Dam can generate hydropower. The Bureau of Reclamation is invoking its authority to change how the dam and the reservoir will operate

As drought conditions worsen, the federal government is taking unprecedented steps SHUTTERSTOCK to save Lake Powell.

this year to help ensure the dam’s turbines keep spinning.

In a separate action announced last month, upper-basin states worked with the Bureau of Reclamation on a plan to send another 500,000 acre-feet to Lake Powell from Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Utah-Wyoming border under their drought response agreement for the year. A similar action was taken last year when water from Flaming Gorge and Blue Mesa

Reservoir in Colorado was sent to Powell because of drought and dropping reservoir levels. There are no plans to release additional water from Blue Mesa to Lake Powell this year.

The combined nearly 1 million acre-feet added to Lake Powell will help protect the reservoir and its infrastructure over the next 12-months. Tanya Trujillo, Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, said the action gives the

agency more time to figure out how to operate Glen Canyon Dam at lower water levels.

Trujillo said the move to hold water in Lake Powell was an “extraordinary action.”

“We have never taken this step before in the Colorado River Basin, but the conditions we see today and the potential risks we see on the horizon demand that we take prompt action,” she said at a May 2 press conference.

Trujillo said the 30 Native American tribes in the basin were consulted, as were the states and partners in Mexico that also rely on the Colorado River. Trujillo said the agency received “consensus support” for these actions to protect Powell.

The federal government’s move to store more water in Lake Powell is a temporary solution. Trujillo said Colorado River water users need to “immediately engage” in developing additional conservation measures, including water recycling, innovative water storage ideas and repairing aging, inefficient pipes and other water infrastructure.

“We all have to find ways to maximize efficiency and use less water,” she said.

This story is from Colorado Public Radio, a nonprofit news source. Used by permission. For more, and to support CPR News, visit cpr.org.

Nonprofit gives $1.5M cash to formerly incarcerated Coloradans A first-of-its-kind cash assistance program gives people a second chance

BY MARGARET FLEMING THE COLORADO SUN

Heather Fitzsimmons was working on getting her life back together and staying clean while on probation in Aurora when she noticed what seemed to be an extra deposit in the account where she gets paid.

Fitzsimmons called to alert her employers at the Center for Employment Opportunities in Denver, part of a national organization providing immediate employment for formerly incarcerated people. They explained the nonprofit’s new pilot program — a first-of-its-kind cash assistance initiative giving $24 million to more than 10,000 former inmates across the country.

“It helped me get in a better mental spot to where I feel like it’s actually possible to stay off the street and to maintain a job,” Fitzsimmons said. “It gave me the boost that I needed to get out.”

Fitzsimmons used the cash to pay part of a deposit on an apartment and get a car to drive to her job. Before that, she was homeless for six years and without a car for eight years. Now she works to help other people who

are homeless and addicted to drugs or alcohol.

The cash assistance program delivered $1.5 million to 623 former inmates in and around Denver. More than 10,000 people in 28 cities received up to $2,750 nationwide. All funding from the program has already been distributed with the goal of helping formerly incarcerated people transition back to their communities.

The national stimulus program is privately funded by philanthropic interests including the Justice and Mobility Fund, Agnes Gund Foundation, Art For Justice Fund, George Kaiser Family Foundation and Robin Hood.

The Center for Employment Opportunities partners with the Second Chance Center reentry service in Aurora, where 246 people received cash through the stimulus funding, according to Khalil Halim, the executive director. The assistance will help ease socioeconomic pressures that contribute to crime, he said.

“With a program like this, it gives people some of that stability where they’re not stressed and they’re not anxious and they’re able to stabilize themselves,” Halim said. “And they’re not looking at committing crimes to stabilize themselves.”

“With a program like this, it gives people some of that stability where they’re not stressed and they’re not anxious and they’re able to stabilize themselves,” said Khalil Halim, execu-

tive director at Second Chance. “And they’re not looking at committing crimes to stabilize themselves.” (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America) People who received cash through the program have used the extra funds to pay for program fees at halfway houses, clothing, food, shelter and transportation. Some of Halim’s clients used the stimulus to start their own businesses.

Colorado lawmakers made efforts to support formerly incarcerated people this fall, starting a new reentry initiative to encourage hiring those recently released. The network will formally launch this summer with events to increase the number of fair chance employers, support them with training and connect them with employees.

The program is meant to complement broader policy changes in the justice system, said Pam Lachman, the organization’s senior director.

“But just from what we’ve seen from the interim evaluation and from the stories we’ve heard, it had a huge kind of stabilizing impact on people.”

Lachman said organization leaders noticed the financial crisis for their employees as the pandemic hit, because participants in the program are paid daily. Being unable to work as many hours in-person made it more difficult to get on firm ground after jail or prison.

Carmen Ortega is another stimulus

recipient who is now a full-time staffer running the work crew for the nonprofit’s location in Colorado Springs.

She was homeless for four straight years and faced 32 years in prison before making a drastic change.

“Those four times that I came out of jail, I came out to nothing,” Ortega said. “I came out with nothing at all.

Not even underwear, to be honest.”

After jail, Ortega didn’t have money for food, clothing or housing. She said getting involved with the organization and receiving funds was a new beginning. Last week was her third anniversary of being clean.

The stimulus money can provide a safety plan by getting people off the street and into a hotel room for the night, Ortega said. She said many people who are homeless in Colorado Springs come out of jail or prison with no money and have trouble securing necessities to rebuild their lives, from medication to a driver’s license.

“It will be a tremendous blessing,” Ortega said. “Because they will have something in hand, something to work with.”

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.