Brighton Standard Blade 062223

Brighton trucker o ers a message and sanctuary for indigenous women

Suncor pollutes into nearby neighborhoods more often than similar facilities

BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN

e Colorado regional o ce of the EPA vowed tougher enforcement action against Suncor in Commerce City, issuing a report showing the re nery releases air pollutants into nearby neighborhoods more often than many similar facilities around the U.S.  Suncor logged more excess releases of sulfur dioxide-laden tail gas than any of 11 comparable re neries from 2016 to 2020, according to the Region 8 EPA study. Sulfur in tail gas is meant to be recovered to cycle back into the re ning process to avoid potentially toxic emissions.

Elizabeth Johnson’s HoChunk Trucking spreads message about murdered, missing women

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

You might see Elizabeth Johnson’s semi-tractor trailer traveling the U.S. interstate highways — especially between Winnebago, Nebraska and

Brighton, Colorado.

And if you do see it, there’s no way you can miss her message. e entire trailer carries the simple direct message — Stop killing indigenous women.

Starting in 2017, Johnson — a member of the Ho-Chunk Tribal Nation of Nebraska — has spread that message.

“My message as a woman is, if any woman sees this semi-truck and needs help, me and my dog Delilah will help you to safety. Knock on my semi-truck door,” Johnson said.

Estimates say there are 506 cases

of missing or murdered indigenous women across the country. at’s likely an undercount due to bad data, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute. Of the 506, 128 of the women are considered missing while 280 were known murdered. Another 98 are cases of unknown status, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute.

A study from the group that surveyed 71 police stations and one state agency found that 5,712 missing and murdered Indigenous cases

Suncor’s Commerce City re nery also had the second-highest number of excess hydrogen sul de releases, or acid gas, among the same group of reneries, according to the EPA analysis, which was conducted with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment using federal recovery act funds.

Read an important message regarding Colorado Community Media’s print products on Page 21

Elizabeth Johnson with her son Bruno and grandchildren Bruno Jr. Ximena and her dog Delilah standing by her semi-truck.

Photo by Belen Ward

Brighton students on CU Dean’s list e University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Arts and Sciences released its Dean’s list for 2023, which included 15 students from Brighton. Students on the list are: Brenna Anders, Grace Brunstrom, Virginia Cominsky, Evelyn Esparza, Mya Garcia, So a Giannone, Kayla Kosmicke, Jordan Longley, Kaiya Martinez Lyle, Layla Middleton, Anthony Mignogna, Ethan Nguyen, Alex Robinson, Keanu Rose, Jacob Trujillo.

To be included on this list—which includes a notation on their transcript and a letter from the dean—students must complete at least 12 credit hours of CU Boulder coursework in a semester and earn a term GPA of 3.750 or better.

Tri-State’s wins motion for continuance

District Judge Roberto Ramírez issued an order on June 11 that continued the jury trial between United Power, Inc. and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

e trial was set to begin on June 26.

e case centers around whether Tri-State legally added three nonutility members and if Tri-State paid an exit fee in enough time. United Power is leaving the wholesale power supplier in 2024.

Butterfly Pavilion hosts pollinator extravaganza

e Butter y Pavilion’s Pollinator

Palooza Festival is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 25 to o er a spectacular celebration of pollinators of the vital role pollinators play in our world.

e Pollinator Palooza Festival provides entertainment and enjoyment for all ages. Families can participate in engaging activities like face painting, arts and crafts, and interactive games designed to highlight the importance of pollinators.

e festival showcases the beauty and signi cance of pollinators. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing these important creatures, such as habitat loss and pesticide use, and encourages individuals to take action to protect them.

Food vendors are often present, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.

Farm to Market tickets on sale

Tickets for Farm to Table, a fundraising event for the Platte Valley Medical Foundation scheduled for Aug. 17 or on sale now.

e Foundation’s biennial fundraising campaign will bene t women’s health services to help women connect with the care they need throughout their adult years and to support area women who do not always prioritize their own health needs. e foundation hopes to raise $500,000 in the campaign cycle. ey conduct multiple fundraising e orts annually with Farm to Table as the largest event.

Farm to Table will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 on the hospital campus. Platte Valley Medical Center’s Chef Mike Anderson uses produce donated by area farmers to create a gourmet meal for about 450 guests.

e event garners so much support that it often sells out long before the date. is year, Muñoz reserved a block of tickets that are available to the public for $75 each. ey are available at https://ftt2023.cbo.io.

A Stroll in the Garden for CASA

e Court Appointed Special Advocate program, or CASA, for the 11th Judicial District is promoting one of its major fundraisers now scheduled for September.

CASA is inviting supporters to come enjoy a Stroll in the Garden at this year’s Indulge for CASA Gala from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Denver’s Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 E 66th Ave. is Garden Party will be full of delicious food and drinks, fantastic auction prizes, exciting entertainment, and more! Indulge for CASA is presented by the Kenneth & Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation.

CASA’s mission is to provide courtappointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth from the child welfare system so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Annual Stars & Stripes Event to Feature Singer Thomas Mac

e annual pre-Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park is back! Mark your calendars for the third of July celebration. Ward Electric presents a free evening in the park with country singer, omas Mac, and a festive display of reworks.

Food and beverage vendors will begin serving at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music followed by the 9:30 p.m. reworks show.

For the safety and comfort of your pets and all event attendees, please keep your furry friends at home for the Stars & Stripes event. Visitors are kindly reminded that most reworks are illegal in Adams County; please leave reworks of any type to our professionals.

For more event information and Park Rules, visit riverdaleregionalpark. org or call 303 637-8000.

Tiny House Festival returns to Riverdale Park

e Colorado Tiny House Festival is returning for its sixth year at the Riverdale Regional Park June 24 and 25.

Guests will be able to step inside a large variety of small living structures, learn from tiny home builders and see the latest trends in tiny living and unique RVs.

e show blends the spirit of the tiny living movement with the most up-to-date information on going tiny, simplifying your life, minimalistic living, and living greener. Unique small living structures will be spread throughout the Colorado Tiny House Festival grounds and include an assortment of professional builds, DIY builds, and Camping Corner which speci cally showcases ways people can camp or “glamp” in style. Each structure features its own, one-of-akind oor plan, décor, and remarkable use of space.

Additionally, attendees will enjoy expert speaker presentations, a product and service marketplace, a tiny taste of Colorado food truck court, and more.

e festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily June 24 and 25. Ticket

prices range from $10 to $20 depending on when they are purchased and are good for both days of the event. Kids 12 and under are free-of-charge. For more information on the 2023 Colorado Tiny House Festival, visit coloradotinyhousefestival.com.

Work Options FREE Culinary Training Program

e Adams County Human Services Department is partnering with local nonpro t Work Options to provide a free culinary training program for residents.

Program participants train with professional chefs over a six-week course and earn certi cations and up to $400 per month. Work Options also o ers food truck internships. In addition to the training program, Work Options provides the Human Services Center 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, with a full menu of breakfast and lunch options including breakfast burritos, pastries, burgers, pizza, daily specials, and more in the Mountain View Café. e café is located on the third oor of HSC. Learn more about the program at workoptions.org.

City calls for artists for Eye 4 Art 2023 Summer Showcase

e City of Brighton Eye for Art program announces a call for artists for the 2023 Summer Showcase. is exhibit is a three-month showcase from July 17 - October 13 at Brighton City Hall, located at 500 S. 4th Avenue. e Summer Showcase is an opentheme show and a great time to display your art. Artwork may include, but is not limited to, oil, acrylic, watercolors, graphite drawings, photography, fused glass, pottery, computer painting, mixed media, jewelry, glass and sculptures.

e deadline to submit artwork for consideration is June 26. Please submit using this form.

To learn more about this show or the program, visit the Eye for Art page or contact David Gallegos, Arts and Culture Coordinator, at dgallegos@brightonco.gov or 303655-2176.

Road work will be the plan for Brighton’s summer

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

More work on Brighton’s roads is on the schedule for this summer, councilors agreed June 13.

City Councilors reviewed a $3.9 million contract to do smaller road reconstruction maintenance projects around the city.

Noe Martinez, Brighton Public Works engineering manager said the work will have three focus areas: xing and patching potholes and stealing small cracks to preserve the city’s road base, make roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians and to calm tra c in some areas.

Councilors were scheduled to approve a resolution approving the work at their June 20 meeting.

But Mayor Greg Mills said he wished it could be more.

“I feel like we spent more last year, and as a council, we want to spend even more,” Mills said. “We want to make a bigger impact on making our streets better. It’s the top complaint we all get.”

Mills pointed to the condition of 4th Avenue as it runs in front of City Hall, noting it was recently repaired but has cracked and eroding asphalt now.

“It’s in piss poor shape now, and I’m not even sure it’s going to make it through the winter,” Mills said. “Honestly, I would prefer us to move that work up.”

e city spent $4.1 million on road maintenance projects in 2022. City

Manager Michael Martinez said work on 4th Avenue is scheduled for 2024.

Mills said if it’s too late to expand projects this year, he’d want council to consider more road reconstruction in 2024.

“I think you have a council here that supports spending more money if there is money to be spent on making our roads better,” Mills said.

Councilor Peter Padilla pointed out that councilors approved another big road project last month.

“While this is road preservation, we are spending $20 million on Bridge Street,” Padilla said. “If you say we are spending less on roads this year, I actually think we are spending ve times as much.”

e Bridge Street project will use 35 million pounds of asphalt, and 13,000 feet of storm pipe. Plans call for adding four new tra c lights and one small bridge structure. It should take 590 working days.

Road repairs elsewhere will cover two miles around the city in various places while the city adds another mile-and-a-half of new bike lanes and more than four miles of new roadway striping, Martinez said.

Pot holes and speed tables

Martinez e orts to preserve the city’s road base rely on the same methods.

“In previous years we’ve taken different kinds of approaches, including crack sealing, full reconstruction, hot chip slurry and stone mastic asphalt,” Martinez said.

Crack selling involves lling small cracks with hot asphalt. A hot chip slurry involves lling a small hole with asphalt then rolling pea gravel on top while stone mastic asphalt involves ling larger holes with a mix of asphalt and gravel or small stone aggregate. For a reconstruction, crews remove part of the asphalt and rebuild a new road surface.

““ is year, we’ll take a similar approach, making sure we are using the right approach to address any situations,” Martinez said.

e work calls for using an estimated 51,000 pounds of crack-seal asphalt and 3.9 miles of slurry and stone chips to ll potholes and cracks. In all, crews will do maintenance work on some 1.7 miles of streets, with full reconstruction work planned on another thirdof-a-mile.

Martinez said work to make the roads safer for pedestrians and bike riders includes creating new bike lines for dedicated bike travel, new curb ramps for bicycles and wheelchairs and new crosswalks.

Project plans call for adding street tables along 42nd Avenue and near Southeast Elementary School to slow tra c there.

“We are doing sidewalks, speed tables and making sure the striping along the roads is consistent with safer tra c,” he said.

“I want to point out that two of the projects are near schools, and that’s especially where we want to implement the safety portions — the cross-

walks, the signs and tra c calming devices like speed tables,” he said.

Bridge Street widening.

Work widening a mile-and-a-half stretch of Bridge Street is scheduled to start soon this summer. Plans call for widening the road between 22nd and 42nd avenues, a project that will last at least two years. Councilors gave the project preliminary approval in April, allowing them to begin taking bids to do the work.

Councilors approved the nal bid from Brannon Sand and Gravel as general contractors for $19.5 million on June 6.

e council’s approval lets the city and contractors begin pre-construction meetings right away, Assistant Public Works Director Chris Montoya said.

“We can begin construction right after the Fourth of July holiday,” he said at the June 6 meeting. “We should see construction out there relatively soon.” e work includes a complete sidewalk along the southern side of the road but not along the northern side. e city does not have the rights-ofway from property owners along the way that would allow them to do that work.

Montoya said the work will require sta to close lanes during the work but that tra c will remain open during the construction.

e current plan calls for working on the south side lanes of Bridge Street rst.

Public Works center begins June 22

City o cials will kick o work on a new home for public works functions at 10 a.m June 22 with an eye towards an opening in late 2024.

e groundbreaking ceremony will celebrate the City of Brighton’s new municipal service center at 503 Madison St. e 67,668-square-foot facility will accommodate sta from several departments including eet, parks and open space, public works, and utilities, all of which currently operate in sepa-

rate aging facilities.

e Brighton Police Department will have a substation at the facility, as well.

“Completing this project has been a longstanding goal of the City Council,” said Deputy City Manager Marv Falconburg. “Our old facilities are very out of date and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents. is will be a state-of-the-art facility that we can be proud to have our employees work in and will serve our community well into the future.”

Construction Management and

Construction Firm FCI Constructors, Inc. won the $26.1 million contract to do the work.

e city began looking at alternatives for a new maintenance facility in 2019. Each function within public works currently operates its own maintenance facilities. Mayor Greg Mills said at the city’s rag-tag assembly of buildings was ine cient and wasteful.

“If anybody has a question as to why this facility is needed, we can take you on a tour of what they have now,” Mills said. “It’s embarrassing. It’s very em-

barrassing that a city of our size has the conditions that they are in now.” Councilors rst reviewed the designs at their Feb. 14 study session but approved the concept in March 2021. at allowed work on the design of the facility, which wrapped up this year. e facility will include a 67,668-square-foot building on a 244,000-square-foot site. e center will be built on 15.5 acres the city owns Northwest of Main and Denver streets, surrounding the Tractor Supply store. Work is expected to wrap up in 2024.

Financial-aid push doesn’t happen

Colorado advocates plan for future action

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Colorado made no legislative progress toward getting students more support to complete the federal nancial aid application despite a recommendation last year that the state do so.

A Colorado report last year called for the state to make lling out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA, a high school graduation requirement by 2025, with a goal to get 80% of students completing the form by 2026. Filling out the form increases the likelihood that students will attend college, studies show.

Despite the inaction this session, advocates of a Colorado requirement for high school students to complete the federal nancial aid application before graduation expect to make a push for future changes after taking a wait-and-see approach this year.

Many advocates believe requiring students to ll out the FAFSA would be an e ective strategy for Colorado to increase the number of students who go to college after high school.

Studies have shown that Louisiana, the rst to enact a FAFSA graduation requirement, increased college-going among students. E orts in other

In Colorado, legislators have hesitated to place one more burden on

Advocate Sarah Staron said lawmakers, along with school o cials, discussed how a graduation requirement might work but didn’t intro-

So advocates of mandating FAFSA completion focused on addressing

“I felt like we needed to step back,” said Staron, policy coordinator for Young Invincibles, which works toward giving students a voice in policy

Less than 50% of Colorado high school graduates go to college. Advocates have said increasing Colorado’s ranking near the bottom of FAFSA completion would open up more opportunities for students. e form unlocks nancial aid and scholare National College Attainment Network has recognized Colorado for seeking more transparency around which school districts help students complete the form. Advocates also

Advocates hope to push Colorado to make filling out the FAFSA a high school requirement. Colorado ranks near the bottom of the country in students filling out federal financial aid forms that open up college opportunities.

PHOTO BY EVAN SEMÓN FOR CHALKBEAT

MESSAGE

were reported in 2016. But of those, only 116 were logged in with the Department of Justice database.

According to the National Institute of Justice, as of May 2023, 84.3% more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaskan Native women experience violence in their lifetime. Victimization of American Indian and Native woman is 1.2 times higher than white women.

On a mission

Johnson and her family moved to Winnebago when she was ve and she was raised as a tribal member of the Nebraska Ho-Chunk tribe, and given the name Rainbow Woman. She left home when she was in her preteens and has kept moving.

“I don’t know if God would bless me to go further in my trucking industry or this is the end of my travels but when I see family I want to make an apple pie,” Johnson said.

Nebraska is always her home, she said, but Brighton, where her son and my grandchildren live, is her second home. She spends half her time with them.

Johnson started her mission because she was a victim of abuse herself. It was a two-way abusive situation, she said: He was abusive to her, but she fought back.

“He would put me on his lap with a knife at my throat. It was a toxic relationship; I left, and I was done. As soon that door closed, God, or wherever you want to believe, started to open other doors for me,” Johnson said.

She had worked as a construction driver in the summer and fall. She was laid o in the winter but guaranteed to return in the summer. Even so, she said she needed a more consistent job and she needed reliable transportation to do that. She found a pick-up truck she liked and approached a bank looking for a loan.

“ ey never wanted to give me a loan but I told them if you don’t give me a loan, I’m going to go somewhere else,” she said. “ is is income that comes to your bank and comes back out. ey gave me the loan and I purchased a brand-new Silverado. When I purchased the truck, that was when I left the man. I thought I was going to die leaving him and was heartbroken, but I left.”

Johnson said she drove the Silverado for a while and although it was nice to drive a cute truck, she was still broke.

“I went back to the bank and asked for a loan to trade o the Silverado for a used semi to make money,” she said.

“I told the banker it was a win-win; I could make money at the same cost Silverado,” she said. “ e woman sat across from me and said, ‘I’m going do it for you’. Usually, they didn’t give business loans.”

at opened a door for Johnson, and she started her trucking company, Ho-Chunk Trucking, in 2017. After a couple of years, she was able to upgrade and buy a new semi-truck. en, after a couple’s years of hauling other companies’ trailers, she took out another loan and purchased her own trailer in 2020.

“I wanted my own trailer because women in the industry are treated badly; it’s a whole other story,” Johnson said.

Traveling platform

Johnson said that once she had a trailer she started thinking about it as a platform for other Native American women.

“I went through hell and back. What is the message I wanted to say to the world?” she said.

Johnson decided to do a custom wrap on her trailer with a message about indigenous women missing and murdered. She also included pictures of her family dressed in regalia and a friend dancing pow-pow and included information about 500 gone missing or murdered women.

One photo, showing a woman with a red hand over her mouth, is her niece Jalisa Horn who was left for dead from abuse and had to crawl to get help. Horn agreed to add her photo to draw attention to the message, “Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women.”

State laws

Governor Jared Polis signed SB22150, a law requiring o cial reports of missing indigenous people within eight hours. Missing children must be reported to law enforcement within two, under the law.

e act also requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to work on investigating missing or murdered indigenous persons and also work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to e ectively investigate the cases.

In addition, an alert system and an agency called “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives” are responsible for reporting and improving the investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous women and addressing injustice in the criminal justice system.

Adams County program o ers path to new skillsets

Work Options o ers training, experience for food service newcomers

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Finding a job isn’t always easy, but an Adams County program seeks to help those looking for a new career nd one in food service.

e Work Options program, modeled after a Denver program, o ers skills, training and counseling to help young adults get started. It’s free and workers will receive a weekly stipend.

e Work Options program started in 20-years ago in the Denver Human Services Building, the program’s main training center for over two decades.

“Adams County Human Services approached us regarding their food service operations because we operate the cafeteria in the Denver Human Services Building, and we have for over 20 years now,” said Tessa Houston, Special Projects Manager

Houston said they wanted Adams County to replicate what they have been doing in Denver. Adams County Work Options program o ers a free culinary job training program.

“So we’re able to facilitate our culi-

nary training by operating the Adams County Human Services cafeteria for the employees, and open to the public who come to our cafeteria,” Houston said.

Houston said she had been the Special Project Manager and Marketing Development for “Work Options” for about ten years.

E AGLE VIEW A DULT C ENTER

1150

Eagle View Adult Center Update

June 21 - 28, 2023

Eagle View Adult Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 303-655-2075 for more information. e May & June Newsletter is available.

e Radical Sam Adams

Some historians contend Sam Adams is “the most essential” of the founding fathers. He was perhaps the rst leader to embrace the idea that the colonies needed to revolt against England. Presenter: Paul Flanders 1:30 p.m. urs. June 22 $4 Deadline: Wed. June 21

Canada to Mexico by Bicycle - Part 2

e Rocky Mountains and the Desert Southwest have some great scenery and unique history. Joe Wiggins will discuss his solo bicycle trip. Along the way you’ll learn about some of America’s greatest national parks and milestones. 1:00 p.m. Tues. June 27 $5 Deadline: urs. June 22

Low Vision Support Group

is month’s topic is about getting around with low vision. Facilitated by a Beyond Vision Skills Trainer from the Center for People With Disabilities. 1:00 p.m. Wed. June 28 Free Deadline: Mon. June 26

Spellbinders Storytelling

Julie and Jim are coming back for another fun- lled storytelling event. Free, but please register. 1:15 p.m. urs. June 29 Deadline: Tues. June 27

Ice Cream Social

It’s hot outside so ice cream sounds great! You’ll make your own ice cream sundae and then listen to some favorite tunes sung by Bobbie Bell. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Fri. June 30 $4 Deadline: urs. June 29

“I started as a chef instructor and have worn a lot of di erent hats over the years. So, eventually, there was a need in marketing and development,” Houston said.

Houston said potential students start every Monday, and on the rst day, they start with the required information session to see if it’s a good t,

since the program has a few requirements for students. ey complete a short application once that explanation is nished.

“ e application is only to collect information; we don’t rule people out based on the information they provide. Once these steps are completed, they can get started as soon as possible the following week with training and get employed soon after,” Houston said.

Bus stop advertising

Jessica Ballhagen has been in the Work Options program for three weeks and is in the internship program working at the Adams County Human Services cafeteria.

While waiting for the bus, she saw an advertisement and enrolled in the program to learn new job skillset. She used to be a fourth-grade school teacher but said she stepped back for personal reasons. New skills were welcome.

“My goal is to work in a position to teach and instruct students in the culinary program. In the future own a taco truck or a business,” Ballhagen said. e culinary training is from four to six weeks and is highly individualized. Since the training is free and unpaid, the students can earn up to a $125

Jessica Ballhagen and Jose Rodriguez are in the internship program working at the Adams County Human Services cafeteria.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

SEE SKILLSETS, P7

SKILLSETS

stipend weekly. e program calls that a cash incentive.

“A lot of our students are not in a position where they can wait six or eight weeks to become employed. So, we try to keep our programs on the shorter side, three, four weeks, get them the real basics, boot camp style,” Houston said.

Houston said that boot camp covers kitchen basics; how to read a recipe, understand basic commercial kitchen terminology and the safe handling of food.

“ en we work with them to nd the right job,” Houston said. “Just because you got a job o er that’s 40 miles away, it could take an hour on the bus to get there So that is probably not the best t. So we help you to keep looking for the right job that is actually a good t.” e program focuses heavily on employable skills as well as culinary. Its program includes a job readiness class the students take twice a week.

Getting past convictions

“We help them build a resume and practice interviewing skills. A lot of our students, in fact, over 70% of our students have some history of justice involvement. About 40 to 45% of our students have a felony on their record,” Houston said.

Houston said one topic they cover is how to discuss legal history in a job in-

terview. Trying to become employed with a felony on their record could be a huge impediment for them, she said, and they need to approach a potential employer thoughtfully.

“We make sure they’re comfortable talking about it and talking about the changes they’ve made in their life to make sure they’re not going to get in trouble again and could hold down a job. We are very interested in helping folks who are exiting incarceration,” Houston said.

“According to data people, exiting incarceration having a support system and a job prevent them from recidivism.”

Houston said the focus is on providing the skills they need to nd a job. en, they follow up with their students monthly for the next year after completing the program.

“We make sure they to let us know if you need anything, such as resources or having issues with your employer that we can help you navigate with that sort of thing. We give them a complete support system,” she said.

Houston said they get young people, folks who had a career their whole life and something happened or looking for something new. “We have had people with professional experience, but then went to prison and now out of prison, unable to work in the eld they were working in before. So now they’re looking to do something di erent,” Houston said.

Work Options also o ers a program if a student starts a job and has

di culty communicating with their employer,have to call in sick or has an emergency, car problems or a difcult situation. ey may be afraid or intimidated by their boss.

“We o er students a Mind Over Matter class. It’s a cognitive behavioral therapy class where they work with a licensed therapist or counselor to use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to learn how to communicate better in a professional environment, “ Houston said. “It is advocating for yourself and understanding that your boss is not somebody to be afraid of or intimidated. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure, or it’s the end of the world.”

Houston said a large percentage of their students are either unhoused or in an unstable housing situation and many have trouble nding childcare.

ose are situations that prevent them from being able to work, so the program helps them learn to navigate those issues as well as concerns about health care or drug and alcohol.

“We have 130 community partners that we work with and other nonprofits and agencies around the Denver Metro area, to help our students, “ Houston said.

Internships begin

After students nish the program, they could get hired by “Work Options” as temporary paid interns at the cafeteria. Also, they o er an apprenticeship that is part of the National Restaurant Association’s program.

“ is is a nine-month program,

where they end up with an accredited apprenticeship certi cate which is huge,” Houston said. “A lot of our folks, don’t have any educational credentials. So throughout our core program, our students have the opportunity to earn up to 10 industry-recognized certi cations.”

With the “Work Options” program, the goal is to make sure students are the most marketable candidate, to get a job in the restaurant industry with sustainable employment and long-term employment, or own a restaurant.

“ e food service industry is a viable career path,” she said. “You get into management positions without a college degree.  If you show up, work hard, have a good attitude and you do everything you’re supposed to do at work, you can get promoted fairly easily within the food service industry”, Houston said. “Unlike a lot of other industries, there isn’t that barrier so you can continue to grow your career in the industry.”

Houston said the food service industry has more women and people of color in management and ownership positions than any other industry.

“ ey can see examples of folks who look like them and have shared experiences with them in those management positions, and they can see themselves moving into those roles, Houston said.

For more information about the “Work Options,” call 720-944-3393 or visit: https://workoptions.org

Tribal voices part of Colorado River discussion

Voices of Native Americans, long shunted to the side room, if acknowledged at all, are being heard more clearly in Colorado River discussions, as re ected in two recent water conferences in Colorado.

At the rst, a drought summit held in Denver, a panel that was devoted to the worsening imbalance between water supplies and demands included Lorelei Cloud, the vice chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Her presence was an overt acknowledgement by conference organizers that the Ute tribe, if a part of Colorado, is also a sovereign. at’s something new.

e conference was sponsored by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the state’s preeminent water policy agency. Cloud recently became a board member, representing southwestern Colorado. She’s the rst Ute ever on the board.

Cloud lauded Colorado for being ahead of many other states in including native voices. “We’re making strides,” she said but added that work remains.

e next week, she was on a stage in Boulder, at the Getches-Wilkinson Center’s annual conference about the Colorado River. irteen of the 30 federally recognized tribes that hold water rights in the Colorado River Basin were present.

eir rights stem from a 1908 Supreme Court decision involving

PIVOTS

tribal lands in Montana. e high court agreed that when the U.S. government created reservations and expected tribes to live there, water su cient to the presumed agrarian ways was part of the deal.

e states were fully engaged.

“We need to be at the table, not just at a side table,” said one tribal representative at the Boulder conference.

south of Phoenix, pointed out that his tribe has undertaken the largest integration of solar panels over water canals in North American, a practice called aquavoltaics.

He worked hard for his whole career, climbed the ladder as he was taught to do, and nally landed in the role that he wanted most, the position he was born to have, he became the CEO of the company. Having experienced plenty of successes along the way, nothing compared to the surge of pride that Brian felt ll his head and heart the day the public announcement was made, Brian CEO.

Having nally reached what he

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Allen Best

is decision, called the Winters Doctrine, has enormous implications for the shrinking Colorado River. Tribes collectively hold 25% to even 30% of the water rights in basin. Not all claims have been adjudicated. Most tribal rights predate others. e Southern Ute rights, for example, date to 1868.

All predate the Colorado River Compact. Tribes were not invited to Santa Fe in 1922 to apportion the river’s waters among the seven basin states, though the compact does acknowledge federal obligations.

Now, with the Colorado River delivering an average 12.5 million acre-feet, far less than the 20-plus assumed by those who crafted the compact, with ows expected to decline further, we have hard decisions to make. Tribal voices are being integrated into the discussions. Not fast enough for some, but very di erent than just a few years ago, when the federal government merely “consulted” tribes in the 2019 drought plan.

Some tribes have been amenable to leasing their rights to cities and others. But will tribes with a few thousand members exert as much in uence as California with its giant farms and its huge cities? California maintains that its senior rights be respected in any agreements. Still unclear is what hewing to that principle means when it comes to tribes with their even more senior rights.

Also unclear is the practicality of fully integrating the 30 tribes, each with unique circumstances and perspectives, in discussions with the seven basin states and federal government about how to address the sharp limitations imposed by the river. What has changed is broad recognition that tribal voices must better be included. rough the Water and Tribes Initiative, the tribes themselves have insisted upon being heard.

Residual anger at being shunted aside remains. Also ample is a spirit of cooperation. Many representatives suggested their tribes o er creativity and innovations in the community of 40 million Colorado River water users that extends from the farms of northeastern Colorado to the metropolises of Southern California.

Stephen Roe Lewis, the governor of the Gila River Indian Community

Others suggested they o ered perspective. e Hopi have been in Arizona for more than 2,000 years. ey’ve experienced drought before, said tribal member Dale Sinquah. “Our ceremonies and prayers revolve around water,” he said. “ at is what Hopi can contribute, along with dialogue.”

Native Americans often talk of water as being sacred, but that does not mean roped-o , kept in closets. e Native understanding is di erent than the legalistic framework most of us use. ey see water as something to be used, yes, but not in the same lens as most of us, who view it more narrowly as a commodity. What that means in practice is hard to tease out. Peter Ortego, a non-native attorney representing the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado, said he found it odd the session had not started with a prayer. “Maybe we should ask, `What should we do day to day to respect the spirituality of water?’”

He’s got a point. I’ve never asked that question, but I am very curious about the answer.

At BigPivots.com, Allen Best analyzes and reports on the energy and water transitions underway in Colorado and beyond.

From success to significance to legacy

WINNING

believed was the pinnacle of his career, Brian found himself wondering, “What’s next?” As a 52-yearold CEO, he began to think about the impact he could have on the company he was now leading, the e ect he could have on the people who were now in his care. I remember our

conversation as we made our way around the golf course. With each passing hole, we dug deeper into his thoughts, and nally Brian asked me what I thought.

e real question he was trying to answer was whether or not he saw this as a huge opportunity to have a signi cant impact on the business and the people or was he already planning for what happens next. At 52, the wheels in his head were spinning fast, so much more to do and so much opportunity in front of him.

CEO today, chairman of the board tomorrow. Who knows what the world holds for Brian?

I asked Brian if I could share something I heard Zig Ziglar share with so many of us. Of course, he said yes. Zig, and now his son Tom, speak about the fact that we move through our careers and life in cycles. We rst have to be before we can do, and do before we can have. And once we become who we want to become,

SEE NORTON, P9

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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do all the things we want to do, and have all that we desire to have, we can then give more of who we are, what we do, and what we have. At that point we move from being successful to becoming signi cant, and then to leaving the legacy we want to leave.

Brian remained silent as we drove on to the next tee box and even through our drives on the next hole. I could tell he was processing. As we walked back to the cart, I reminded him that I was only the messenger

FINANCIAL-AID

have applauded the state for setting the 80% completion goal. e state has reported that every year Colorado students leave about $30 million in federal nancial aid unclaimed.

Colorado has sought to boost FAFSA completion in other ways.

Last year, the state created grants for districts to increase FAFSA completion, but only a handful of districts applied, Staron said. Despite o ering more nancial literacy for students,

of that message, but I wished I was the one who thought of the concept. He laughed and then said that it was the best insight and reality check he had heard in a long time. He shared that it made him stop thinking about how high he could climb, and instead start thinking about how high he could help others climb.

Last week my column was a tribute to a friend and colleague Jill. In the past 15 years of writing this column

I had never received the number of emails, texts, and comments on any previous column. And all of the messages had common themes, “I wish I would have known her,” “She must have been something really special,” “I hope people remember

training for teachers, and nancial aid planning for students, the state’s FAFSA completion rate remained at about 45%.

e state’s teacher union said there are reasons to be cautious about a push to mandate FAFSA completion.

e Colorado Education Association said it wants to discuss issues such as whetherthe requirement would burden teachers and students, raise privacy issues, and favor four-year colleges over other options, union President Amie Baca-Oehlert said.

In the upcoming FAFSA cycle, the federal government will launch an

me that way,” or “What a legacy she left behind.”

And now I share Brian’s story above because regardless of our role in life, we all don’t have to be a CEO, we can move from being to doing to having to giving and to leaving a legacy. And it starts with a very simple concept that David H. Sandler, the founder of Sandler Training, introduced us to, the idea of focusing on our attitude, our behaviors, and our techniques, in other words building the whole person, to set us on the path to one day moving from success to signi cance and signi cance to legacy.

Is it always about what’s next and how high you can climb? Or

application that’s intended to be easier for students to ll out. e new form, however, will be released in December instead of the previous schedule of October, narrowing the window to complete the form.

Financial aid experts expect the form will have unintended consequences, especially for students whose families own farms or small businesses, but eventually will lead to a better student experience and outcome.

“With the streamlined FAFSA form, our hope is that completion rates go up because it’s easier for students and families to navigate the pro-

is it about how you can help others climb higher faster, and helping them on their own journey of being, doing, giving, and leaving their legacy? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can remember to strive for success so we can move to signicance and then leave the legacy we would be proud of, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

cess. But I certainly think Colorado needs to do more,” said Jen Walmer, whose organization Democrats for Education Reform contributed to the report.

Amelia Federico, a Young Invincibles policy fellow who attends Metropolitan State University of Denver, said the FAFSA process is overly confusing and students often have little support to ll out the support despite there being some resources at schools.

Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

HOWLAND

Anthony M Howland

October 14, 1947 - November 3, 2021

Anthony M. Howland, 74, of Brighton, CO passed away on November 3, 2021. He was born on October 14, 1947. Anthony is survived by his son, Jarett Howland.

DOMINGUEZ

Leonard Dominguez

August 28, 1958 - June 9, 2023

Leonard Dominguez 64, passed away peacefully June 9th. Leonard was born to Manuel Pacheco Dominguez and Mary Reynaga on August 28th 1958. Leonard grew up in Fort Lupton, attended Fort Lupton high school and went on to learn several di erent trades.

In 1999 he married Grace Adams in New Zealand. Leonard enjoyed spending time reading the Bible and volunteering at several ministries with Mark Roggerman. Leonard

also enjoyed time he spent in New Zealand with Grace, Esther and her family. Leonard is survived by one daughter Esther (22) and grandson Israel (4) and one on the way, his brother Robert (Sharon) Dominguez and many nephews and nieces. Leonard is preceded in death by his wife Grace, mom and dad Mary and Manuel Dominguez, and brothers Manuel Dominguez, Jimmy Dominguez, John Dominguez and sister Rosalie Roggerman. Services will be determined at a later date.

January 25, 1933 - June 7, 2023

Masaru (Mack) Katayama was born in Salinas, California, the youngest of four children. His family had successful farm which was taken away from them with the Executive Order 9066.

e Katayama Family were interned at Poston Relocation Center in AZ. Upon their release they moved to the Tonville area in Colorado. Mack often told stories of how di cult this time was on their family and they really had nothing. ey eventually settled in Brighton, where he lived till his passing on June 7, 2023 at the age of 90.

Mack graduated from Brighton High School in 1951. (He enjoyed attending his class reunions). He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War with the 3rd Engineer Company C Battalion 24. He was very proud of his experience and got to meet some relatives in Japan.

Returning home Mack utilized the GI bill and was able to attend some higher education in Kansas City, but was cut short to come back to help his family’s struggling farm.

Mack later worked for Boise Cascade and Component and Construction Company. In the 70’s Bob Hill, Mack and Bill Stephen formed a development company, HKS. Mack built many houses and had his hand in several projects throughout Brighton and surrounding areas.

He helped many people out throughout his lifetime in a lot of di erent ways. He said he missed the days where you knew people around town and people would just help to help one another. To know Mack you were bound to hear a story or learn something. ( ere are so many life stories we could never include them all.)

His friends and family meant a lot to him. He had saved cards, holiday notes, graduation announcement, thank you notes and funeral programs

Mack was able to travel throughout the US, the only state he never made it to, Hawaii. For many years on Sundays and holidays he and friends could be found up at the “hill”. In his later years you could set your clock on his lunch and dinner routine.

Proceeded in death by his siblings Joe, Jane (Watanabe), Charlie, Yo (Miyoshi) and several friends. He leaves behind his sibling’s families, great neighbors and many friends. (You know who you are.)

We thank all those who cared for Mack during the last few years.

A special thanks to friends and family that were able to visit him over the recent years. He was his very independent self until the end.

We are sorry, per Mack’s request (in capital letters) he did not want any services.

KATAYAMA

Masaru “Mack” Katayama

Therapists

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When people think of horses, they might associate them with ranch living, horse racing or recreational riding, but horses can be therapeutic, too.  erapy takes many forms, from physical to mental. Some people travel to a ranch to work with horses as part of the therapeutic process.

Equine-assisted therapy was something Arvada native Kelsey Petitt discovered while studying occupational therapy at Pima Medical Institute in Denver. Having grown up riding horses, it immediately caught her attention.

“I just, kind of, was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the coolest thing ever. I can combine my true passion of horses and really being able to help and assist participants and patients with doing therapy and reaching their functional goals while also having fun with horses and having that relationship,’” Petitt said.

Although she knew immediately that equine-assisted therapy was something she wanted to pursue, she did not do so immediately. Following her schooling and clinical internships, she quickly began working and then had her daughter.

However, in 2021 Petitt, who now lives in Brighton, decided to establish the Brighton-based Prestige erapeutic Equestrian Center, o ering an occupational therapy program that brings the four-legged companions into the practice.

“Now, I’m going on 11 years of being a therapist and so it’s taken me a little bit of time to get back to, really, what I wanted to do,” said Petitt, who also works as an occupational therapy assistant for a company called erapeutic and Rehabilitative Associates.

Her purpose, like many other therapists incorporating horses into their practice, is clear: “Transforming lives through the therapeutic power of horses.”

Bringing horses into occupational therapy

Occupational therapists help people develop skills so that they can perform day-to-day tasks such as bathing, dressing and eating, as well as techniques to aid in memory and concentration, according to the American Occupational erapy Association.

For example, occupational therapists may work on a person’s ne motor skills, such as being able to button a jacket or holding a fork, Petitt said.

ey also work on sensory integration, which she said usually comes up when working with someone who is on the autism spectrum.

Another example of work they do is helping someone with their feeding skills, such as for patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience a lot of tremors. Improving core strength may also be a focus for patients, such as for someone who struggles to put their shirt on due to a lack of strength.

“ ere’s an array of di erent settings that you can get into in the occupational therapy eld, but I think for me, the equine-assisted movement is just something that I’ve always loved,” she said. “Horses are just so therapeutic in general, for anybody.”

e term “hippotherapy” refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use equine movement as a therapy tool, according to the American Hippotherapy Association.

To use hippotherapy in treatment, a person must be a licensed therapist who has completed continuing education in the inclusion of horses and equine movement, per the association. Petitt has gotten her rst level of training with the association, and she plans to continue with her training this fall.

However, Petitt explained that she does not refer to herself as a hippotherapist because hippotherapy is not its own therapy.

“We’re not hippotherapists,” she said. “Hippotherapy is utilizing the horse. All of our treatments are either occupational therapy, speech therapy or physical therapy, and we’re just using the horse as a treatment tool, basically.”

With her clients, she said she is working on all of the same therapy interventions that she would be in a therapy gym or in an outpatient program, but instead she’s now doing it by having her clients get onto a horse and incorporating the horse’s movement into the treatment.

“We work o the horse’s pelvis, so their pelvis is very similar to ours,” she said.  ere are di erent planes for the horse in the way that their pelvis moves — the sagittal plane, frontal plane and transverse plane, she said.

“We’re working on that constantly, so when we have our riders on the horse, they’re also working on that. And it’s one of the most multi-dimensional movement(s) that’s rhythmic and repetitive,” she said.

For someone experiencing conditions such as limited mobility, limited core strength, cognitive delays, or sensory processing disorders, “it can really just kind of help bene t and improve all of those elements,” she said of equine-assisted therapy.

According to a study published in the international journal, Physiotherapy eory and Practice, there are “signicant positive e ects” of equine-assisted therapy on exercise tolerance, mobility, interpersonal interactions and quality of life of people with disabilities.

Another study focused on the ef-

fects of equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals on the autism spectrum and concluded that these programs “substantially improve” the social and behavioral functions of people who are on the autism spectrum.

“Communication is pretty key, too … because horses mirror us, so a lot of our participants can learn a lot more speech and communication successfully with the horses, which is really great,” she said.

Petitt has three horses she works with. e horse a client is paired with is dependent on their individual needs, she explained.

“Part of what’s so cool is because we can kind of tailor it to that participant, that patient, and kind of really work on what we need to work on with them,” she said. “ eir postural control, sensory systems, motor planning.”

In a typical therapy gym for occupational therapy, Petitt said there are tools such as a swing, a ball and a mat to use for the session. However, these do not provide the same level of sensory input and rhythmic, consistent movement that equine-assisted therapy can, which she said is great at building overall strength, control and balance.

“We can work in the therapy gym all day but the bene ts and the outcomes that we’re seeing while doing therapy

A young girl works on her skills at the Prestige Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

describe how they incorporate horses into their practice

Sage is one of the horses at the Prestige Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESTIGE THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER

HEALING

on the horses are just so much more transformative and more meaningful than we can get in the gym,” she said.

Looking ahead, Petitt said she hopes to soon expand her team to include a physical therapist.

“And then I’m really hoping to hire a speech therapist as well, because riding the horses … there’s so much to do with our respiration rate when we’re riding them,” she said. “What that can do for speech language pathologists is really help with that physiological system of how we talk.”

At the Prestige erapeutic Equestrian Center, Petitt also o ers “therapeutic horseback riding,” which she explained is not a professional therapy service but is rather like a recreational sport where individuals learn riding skills. is experience can, in turn, lead to other bene ts such as helping deal with anxiety.

However, when it comes to getting professional therapy treatment for mental health conditions like coping with trauma, grief, abuse, or other challenging experiences, community members have an equinebased option — the therapists with Rocky Mountain Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LLC.

Horses and psychotherapy

Carina Kellenberger and Dana Schultz, both licensed clinical social workers who grew up loving horses, established Rocky Mountain Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in 2013.

Schultz, who lives near Superior, and Kellenberger, who lives in Longmont, primarily practice at the Happy Dog Ranch in the Littleton area and at Medicine Horse in Boulder.

“We are licensed clinical social workers that have a trauma-specialty focus in … equine therapy,” Schultz said, explaining they do formal intakes and development clinical-based treatment plans.

ere is a di erence between equine-assisted therapy and equine-facilitated therapy, Kellenberger noted.

“When we rst started our business back in 2013, the word ‘equine-facilitated learning and psychotherapy’ did not exist, but that is the work we are doing,” Kellenberger said. “Equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning means that the horse — the relationship with the horse is the vehicle for change.”

Under the practice of equine-facilitated psychotherapy, it is the client’s relationship and connection with the animal that is moving the sessions forward, she said.

“ e di erence between the learning and the psychotherapy are, like, a lot of the group work is mainly more learning because we’re not really diving into personal issues and we’re keeping it a little more surface level,” Kellenberger said. “But (in) the psychotherapy … we go as deep just like any o ce therapist would.”

Equine-assisted therapy is di erent because while horses are incorporated into the practice, the client’s relationship with them is not the driving force, she said. Rather, the horses are more of a tool component of the therapy.

“ ey might be being used more as a metaphor or as a way to help move through an activity, but they’re not — the relationship with the animal isn’t the central piece,” she added. “In the facilitated work that we do with our clients, it’s the relationship as the primary drive and the connection with the horse.”

Kellenberger and Schultz may use an equinefacilitated or an equine-assisted therapy approach when treating a client, as it depends on what the client is seeking, Schultz said. Kellenberger added that equine-assisted therapy is bene cial as an assessment tool.

Both Schultz and Kellenberger received certi cation in animal-assisted social work from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, as

well as completed training through the organization Natural Lifemanship in trauma-focused equineassisted psychotherapy.

“A lot of our clients, they’re coming to us because they’ve experienced trauma, and so we’re making sure that everything that we’re doing is through that lens as well,” Kellenberger said.

Schultz noted their approach is always using a clinical, evidence-based lens and horses are a part of the team. She works with clients to identify their primary goals and the horse becomes their partner in that journey.

“We know that therapy is hard and incredibly personal, and it’s a di cult journey for people to admit, like, ‘Hey, I need help.’ And so one of the things that we always do is provide our potential clients with a free meet-and-greet,” Schultz said, explaining the person can visit the ranch to meet her and hear the elevator pitch.

“Part of that elevator pitch is recognizing how difcult the therapeutic process and journey can be for some, and that the relationship that you have with the therapist is as important as the relationship that you are going to form with your horse,” she added.

Most of the work during therapy sessions is unmounted, Kellenberger said, explaining the clients may do things like grooming the horse, leading the horse or doing other things that help them feel connected to the horse.

Once sessions begin, Schultz said herself and Kellenberger are skilled at identifying patterns in people’s behaviors.

“We basically say, ‘I’m noticing this pattern. Is it helpful or not?’” Schultz said, explaining they use the identi cation of patterns to build rapport and trust with clients before then delving deeper into working through their trauma.

e trauma a lot of their clients experience is a ecting the way they show up in their human relationships, Kellenberger said.

“Working with the horses — who are prey animals and are highly sensitive and attuned to our intentions, our emotions — they make excellent partners in this work, because they are able to kind of mirror or … show the patterns that people have in the same way that a human would,” Kellenberger said.

Schultz noted that the work being done during these therapy sessions happens in the moment, providing an opportunity for real-time change.

“Our horses … they are not magical unicorn creatures. ey are going to ignore our clients. ey are going to resist,” Schultz said. “And the client is going to, you know, respond or react.

“And that’s kind of what we’re observing and saying, ‘Hey, is this pattern helpful for you? Because it’s happening right here, right now. So, right now, in this moment, you’re feeling frustrated, you’re feeling abandoned, you’re feeling unheard, (or) you’re feeling whatever. What can we do right now in this moment to help shift the way that you’re feeling to a more balanced thought?’” she continued.

ese therapy sessions provide a way for clients to, in a safe space, start

to make changes to those patterns and feel more comfortable not only in their relationship to the horse but in their relationships with people, explained Kellenberger.

“ e actual brain starts to change while they’re working with the animal,” Kellenberger said. “And horses are really great at this, also, because they are prey animals. ey are looking for vulnerability and congruence from us because that’s how they keep themselves safe in the wild.”

“If a client is really holding back an emotion, they’re being incongruent, you’ll see the reaction from the horse in that way,” she continued. “As soon as … our clients are able to start to be more congruent in their own bodies, that feels very safe for the horse and that’s where the connections really start to form.”

It is through this real-time therapy work with the horse that the clients can begin to learn how to transfer the shifts in their approach into their everyday lives, Schultz explained.

“Having done this for 10 years, I can tell you, we have seen so many clients who come in and they’re like, ‘I’ve tried everything else. Nothing else works,’” Schultz said. “We see clients, I think, for a shorter period of time, I think, on average, than maybe what a traditional talk therapist in an o ce setting would see because it isn’t so retroactive or future-oriented.”

Kellenberger added, “It’s kind of just eye-opening, and it can unlock patterns that people didn’t know that they had that they’ve been working on for years in the o ce. So I would say that the horses are amazing partners because they are so sensitive and they can show us a lot about ourselves pretty quickly.”

Spreading the word

All three therapists expressed a desire to raise awareness of the existence of their practices and how it can help people.

“It’s as good as … any other therapy, and you don’t need horse experience to do it,” Schultz said. “It’s not just for any speci c type of person.”

Schultz said when she and Kellenberger entered into the industry, it was small and many people did not really understand it.

“ ere were so many people, especially when we were rst getting started, that were just kind of doing backyard therapy that were not therapists,” Kellenberger said, explaining that she and Schultz wanted to put their mental health degrees at the forefront of their work and help the eld gain notoriety.

“Because we were seeing the really great work that can be done when you’re doing it correctly,” she added, advising people to do their research and look for licensed therapists.    Schultz highlighted that this type of therapy is for everyone, saying they have clients ranging from the ages of 7 to 78.

“It’s inspiring. I’m inspired by my clients to, you know, for me to keep my training up, to be the best I can be because they’re showing up to do the hard work,” Schultz said.

In her work in occupational therapy, Petitt shared how powerful it is to see clients transform throughout equineassisted therapy sessions.

“It’s just so cool to see them being able to accomplish the things that they weren’t able to accomplish before,” she said. “Raising awareness of what we do is so important and amazing to help our riders grow.”  “It’s just amazing what horses do for us,” Petitt said. “ ey’re so inspiring.”

Suncor layo s impact in Commerce City unknown

BY TEDDY JACOBSEN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Canadian oil re nery company Suncor Energy is poised to eliminate 1,500 positions but in the nearly two weeks since the announcement, there are no indications if the company’s Commerce City location will be impacted.

Suncor’s new chief executive ofcer, Rich Kruger, noti ed sta about impending cuts on June 1. In an email, he said the company needs to reduce sta ng costs related to competitors, according to Canadian Broadcasting Corp. News. Kruger said the layo s will impact both employees and contractors across the entire company, but did not o er speci cs like locations that would be a ected.

POLLUTION

In another tracked category, hydrocarbon aring, Suncor was in the middle of incidents recorded from the 12 total re neries, the EPA said.  e analysis by a third-party engineer said Suncor’s Commerce City facility may be producing more air

“Sta ng reductions will occur at all levels of the organization and will be based on both performance and business need,” Kruger told sta in the email. “As we do this, we will eliminate work, critically looking at what we do, why we do it, how we do it and the value it adds.”

Kruger said the goal is to cut costs by $400 million by the end of the year.

Suncor Energy named Kruger as president and CEO in February. Kruger was previously CEO of Imperial Oil Ltd. from 2013 through 2019.

Suncor Director of Corporate Communications Sneh Seetal told the Commerce City Sentinel Express that the company is not providing any additional details at this time. She also said there is no timeline in place for

quality incidents because of faulty electrical equipment, lack of preventative maintenance, and not testing or inspecting other control systems adequately.

“We will use this information and other targeting tools to focus our e orts for future inspections and enforcement,” said Region 8 EPA Administrator KC Becker, a former Democratic Speaker of the House at the Colorado legislature.

any announcements on the topic.

“Suncor is always looking for opportunities to drive value and improve performance in our business,” Seetal said. “Cost reduction is one of those opportunities.”

As of June 12, there were also no formal lings indicating any Suncor layo s in Colorado, according to state records.

e state requires that employers provide warning notices of mass layo s under the Worker Readjustment and Retraining Noti cation Act (WARN). Under WARN, employers must provide details 60 days in advance on how many employees will be laid o . e notices are meant to protect workers, their families and communities from the impacts of layo s.

e state health department, which reached a large settlement with Suncor over past emissions incidents and failures, also said the new study would result in stepped-up enforcement for the facility under increasing pressure from neighbors and local elected o cials.

“We anticipate the ndings will result in direct actions for Suncor to make improvements,” said Trisha Oeth, the CDPHE’s director of environmental health and protection.

Suncor did not respond to messages seeking comment this week.

Clean air advocates said state and federal o cials have plenty of information, and now must toughen their responses to Suncor’s ongoing air pollution incidents and applications for permit renewals.

“We have known Suncor has been a bad actor for years,” said Ean Tafoya, Colorado director of GreenLatinos. “It’s time to plan the just transition, including the retirement and remediation of Suncor. Our leaders have had the data. Now they have more. Will they act?”

e EPA has said it will change policies and permitting to pursue environmental justice for the neighbors of frequent polluters. Commerce City and north Denver neighborhoods surrounding Suncor have lower income, larger minority populations and higher rates of asthma and other health problems related to pollution than other Denver communities.

Suncor is the only petroleum re nery in Colorado, producing gasoline for cars and aviation fuel for Denver International Airport. e re nery released potentially dangerous sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sul de into the surrounding neighborhood in late April, the second incident that month, and state health o cials warned the emissions could exceed permitted levels throughout that day.

In March 2020, Suncor agreed to pay $9 million to settle air quality violations at Commerce City dating to 2017, including one in 2019 that blanketed adjacent neighborhoods in

Suncor reported pro ts of $1.8 billion in the rst quarter of 2023, a 34% decrease from last year’s $2.7 billion.

Suncor’s Commerce City re nery location produces around 98,000 barrels of gasoline, diesel fuel and paving-grade asphalt each day.

e company’s website says it sells nearly 95% of its products within the state and employs over 500 regional residents.

e re nery has recently made headlines over the past few months. It was shut down for maintenance for around three months at the beginning of the year. It has also made the news for multiple issues, including a settlement over past emissions violations and criticisms from the community about communications about health concerns.

an ashy substance. It was the largest penalty Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment had ever levied from a single facility to resolve air pollution violations.

Water quality advocates also monitor leaks of PFAS “forever chemicals” and benzene into waters around Suncor.

Discharges of toxic “forever chemical” PFAS into Sand Creek and the South Platte River by Suncor’s Commerce City re nery spiked to thousands of times the EPA’s revised drinking water guidelines for three months starting in November, according to lings with state regulators.

e elevated discharges came as state clean water o cials are struggling to complete revisions to Suncor’s water out ow pollution permits that were rst opened to public comments more than 18 months ago.

Colorado o cials noted then that they had included PFAS limits for the rst time in a draft of the revised permit. PFAS is an abbreviation for per uoroalkyl and poly uoroalkyl substances, a group of potentially harmful chemicals used as waterproo ng in thousands of goods from stain resistant carpet to rain gear to re ghting foam.

e state health department’s water quality divisions have acted quickly recently to address potential pollution in runo from Suncor’s operations, Tafoya said. e air pollution division should use the study and other information to increase enforcement as well, he said. Various health divisions at the state should consider Suncor’s cumulative violations across all agencies.

“At the end of the day, we need CDPHE to take the lead,” Tafoya said.

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

Thu 6/22

Mountain Warriors

@ 2pm

Jun 22nd - Jun 23rd

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Crafty Corner: Punch Art (6/22) @ 4pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Sat 6/24

AH. 6/26 Growing Naturally

Nature Play

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers @ 6:40pm / $12-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver

Thu 6/29

R.T.D N-Line to Union Station (6/29) @ 4pm

Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Yoga at the Acres @ 10:30am

Salt & Acres, 9490 County Road 25, Fort Lupton

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Angels @ 7:10pm / $18-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver

@ 9am / Free

Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-6594348 ext. 53

Lunch Bunch Week 5

@ 6pm

Jun 26th - Jun 29th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Dinner Out Slim Jim's (6/26) @ 10pm Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Tue 6/27

Keith Hicks @ 7pm

Thornton Twist and Shout Concert Series, Thornton

BR Ballet and Tap Begin-Performage 5-6 (Thu) @ 11:30pm

Jun 22nd - Nov 16th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Fri 6/23

Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles Galaxy @ 7:30pm / $25-$999

DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City

Sun 6/25

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers @ 6:40pm / $12-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Den‐ver

Wed 6/28

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Angels

@ 6:40pm / $16-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Den‐ver

Bingo & Ice Cream Social

@ 8pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

John King @ 10am

Butter�y Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster

Mon 6/26

Teens : WaterWorld : June 26 @ 2pm Fort Lupton Community / Recreation Cen‐ter, 203 S. Harrison Avenue, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

Engard! Swashbuckling with Arvada Center @ 2pm

Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 East 120th Avenue, Thornton. mhibben @anythinklibraries.org, 303-4053200

Eric Golden @ 6pm

Odde's Music Grill, 9975 Wadsworth Pkwy, Westminster

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers @ 6:40pm / $12-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver

Jacob Larson Band Funk & Soul: Jacob Larson Band LIVE - Twist & Shout Concert Series @ 7pm Harley Brown Amphitheater, Thornton

Greeley Stampede Rodeo @ 11:30pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

powered by

CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS

Fans who braved crowds for Nuggets victory parade not disappointed

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Hatch family from Northglenn never misses a Denver Nuggets game, if they can help it. ey’ve been dedicated fans since moving to Colorado in 2011 and when the team won its rst NBA championship this week, they knew they’d be at the parade on ursday.

“We never really expected to actually win the championship, but we were hopeful for one,” Ariel Hatch said. “It’s amazing!”

e family of ve were among the estimated 700,000 to one million fans to descend on downtown on June 15 to bask in the glory of the a Nuggets NBA title that was more than 50 years in the making.

ere, they had the chance to see Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who famously said he wanted to go home to Serbia following the title-clinching victory on June 12.

Instead, he was in a white Denver re truck with No. 15 in gold letters and his name, the missing Finals MVP trophy nearby. When he nally found his way through the crowd to a podium, the crowd erupted.

“You know that I told you I didn’t want to stay for parade,” Jokic addressed the crowd. “But I [expletive] want to stay for parade. is is the best. We love you, Denver. is is for you.”

He was one of many Nuggets players at the parade. Also there was Head Coach Mike Malone, sta ers, cheerleaders and Rocky the mascot – showered with love, beer, and cheers from the masses as they passed on a procession of re trucks.

David Zuckerman brought his two kids down from the Boulder area to see the spectacle. He said he is thrilled Denver can o cially be called “Champion City” after seeing both the Avalanche hockey team and Nuggets

win titles in back-to-back years.

He said the Nuggets are more than a Denver team. ey’re a Colorado team.

“It’s exciting for everyone to be moving in the same direction for something positive, especially considering the Avalanche won last year (also),” Zuckerman said.

Taylor Wright has lived in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood for eight years after moving from Kentucky.  ough he’s watched lots of great

basketball from the Nuggets, and has become a self-proclaimed diehard fan, he wasn’t sure if they could really win a championship until recently.

“After the performance in the NBA bubble in 2020, it seemed more realistic,” he said. “It’s unreal to witness a franchise winning its rst championship, though.”

Ashley Guss of Adams County said her family has been strong Nuggets

Nuggets player Bruce Brown shows some love to the crowd at the beginning of the parade.

PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW

SEE CHAMPIONS, P17

Hard winter for wild herds now limits hunting

State slashed licenses, but towns that rely on hunters hurting

BY TRACY ROSS THE COLORADO SUN

When the storms bearing more snow than people had seen in years came to northwestern Colorado last winter, they were full of promise.

Of creeks and rivers bursting at their seams. Of reservoirs nally full again. Of ground so saturated, res like the ones that had burned the previous summers might not be able to take hold.

But the slow-moving fronts that dropped snow in four-foot increments brought no help for the deer, elk, moose and pronghorn that forage near the towns of Maybell, Meeker, Rangely, Dinosaur and Craig. For them, the precipitation that fell, the winds that blew and the temperatures that hovered below zero for weeks on end meant death in numbers not seen in decades.

Rachael Gonzales, the northwest region public information o cer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, wrote as much in a post on the agency’s website dated March 28:

“It has been a tough winter for wildlife. … Since the start of the season the National Weather Service’s Maybell weather station has recorded over 80 inches of snow for the area. Prolonged snow combined with strong gusty winds have made an already hard time of year for wildlife even more di cult. Food has been extremely di cult for big game to nd as much of it is covered by deep, hard-packed snow. is has forced thousands of animals to migrate farther west than they typically

do, burning much-needed fat and calories they likely won’t replenish.”

She then relayed a story of a bull elk she saw while on a ride-along with District Wildlife Manager Je rey Goncalves in the region:

“…we noticed a mature bull elk that was unable to get up after several attempts. After watching and evaluating the elk for several minutes, the decision was made to euthanize the bull so it would no longer su er from starvation.”

And she said that in addition to death from malnutrition, o cials had seen more animals injured or killed from vehicle collisions.

With normal migration routes di cult for wildlife to navigate, they had resorted to using roadways as they searched for food. Sometimes that food was located on a narrow shoulder along a windy section of road, Gonzales wrote. On Jan. 14, a semi traveling eastbound from Utah on U.S. 40 hit 35 pronghorn on the road, and on Jan. 19, another driver hit a group of 18 near Craig. Over the course of the winter, district wildlife managers in the northwest region responded to four incidents involving vehicle collisions with groups of 10 or more of the animals.

On April 5, the Rio Blanco Herald Times, a newspaper serving the northwest region, quoted now-retired CPW wildlife manager Bill deVergie as saying deer fawn survival was in the 30% range and heading toward 20%; elk calf survival was 35% to 40% of normal; and only 10% of pronghorn fawns, the hardest hit, were surviving.

CPW said it was one of the worst winters for wildlife it had ever seen, despite massive e orts to help the animals. Area managers had dropped tons of hay for them to eat, and local ranchers had left barn doors open, welcoming them in. But in the end a

catastrophic number of Colorado’s healthiest ungulate herds died.

As bad as the winter of 2023 was for wildlife in northwestern Colorado, it could also be bad for thousands of people who live in the same region and rely on the big-game hunting seasons that start in mid-August and run through November.

Emails from CPW started going out to hunters who put in for the draw the rst week of June. Once hunters know they’ve scored a tag, many start planning their trips. But Cody Nelson, who owns Moosehead Lodge in Rangely, 13 miles east of the Utah border, in the White River Valley, said she can “already see a dramatic decrease in bookings from previous years.”

Even over-the-counter tags, which are set by the Colorado state legislature and available in August to any hunter for a certain price after the limited draw is over, were a ected. While CPW didn’t reduce the number, it did shorten two seasons in which hunters could use over-thecounter tags for elk in the severe-winter zone — downsizing one season to ve days from nine and another to ve days from seven.

Rooms at Nelson’s lodge range from $85 to $105 per night and she says she books up during hunting season. With nine lodge rooms and seven cabins booked seven days a week at an average of $95 per night, Nelson could lose more than $100,000 between the start of the deer, elk, and pronghorn hunting seasons, in mid-August, and the end, in December.

Hunters also need to eat, buy lastminute supplies and maybe treat themselves to a few shots of whiskey after their hunts, so that’s more money they spend and more tax revenue for the town of 2,200.

Dylan LeBleu, a dispatcher for the

Rangely Police Department, says that while Rangely isn’t a “hunting town,” he’s part of a community of hunters who rely on game meat to ll their freezers. “We have a market here, but not anything big, and it’s a little expensive,” he says, “and the nearest Walmart is an hour away.”

A pound of “all natural” 97% lean ground beef at Walmart currently costs around $7. is multiplied b the estimated 160 pounds of meat a hunter can typically harvest from an average-size 500-pound elk equates to $1,120. Add the cost of gas to drive 100 miles round trip to the Walmart in Vernal, Utah, and back, and subtract the $63 cost of an over-thecounter license to hunt for an elk, and no matter how you look at it, it’s more a ordable for a local to hunt than it is to buy their meat from a grocery store.

Debbie Fitch and her family own several businesses associated with their Fitch Ranch in Parshall, so they likely won’t be as impacted as some due to the size and diversity of their enterprise. “But a lot of people’s livelihoods in this part of the country rely on hunting revenue and I think it’s going to be a tough year for a lot of them,” she said.

“For restaurants, out tters, processors, taxidermists. ey’ll be impacted in multiple ways. And then there’s just … the wildlife out here. It’s so sad,” she added. “It was hard to look at. We had one elk that just laid down in our yard next to our hay bales and that was it.”

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

CHAMPIONS

fans since the J.R. Smith days, and to see a championship come to fruition is surreal.

“I knew as soon as we went up in the nals series that we were coming out here for the parade to celebrate,” Guss said. “It’s been a long time coming for this team, and you can see that in the amount of people who came out today.”

Stan Jacobsen from Evergreen agrees.

“Watching these guys this whole season really shows how much they deserve to win it. It’s great to see them get what they’ve worked so hard for. e fans here have really embraced the entire team,” Jacobsen said.

Festivities kicked o with a pre-rally at Civic Center Park at 9 a.m., fol-

lowed by the parade at 10 a.m. that traveled from Union Station to Civic Center Park.

During the parade, players and coaches signed merchandise. ey even hopped o the oats to interact with the crowd. Several players and coaches addressed the massive congregation at Civic Center Park.

“Life’s about moments,” Coach Malone said. “We have people that have been supporting this team for 47 years … We’re some greedy [expletive], baby. We’re getting another one. It’s hitting me right now. For me, to share it with our fans, that means the world to me. is is an amazing experience. Something that I believed in. I had no doubt that we’d get to this point.”

Fans from all the corners of Colorado came. ey hailed from Fort Collins in the north to Pueblo in the south to Grand Junction in the west. ey might as well rename the team the Colorado Nuggets.

Let’s talk steaks. Steaks that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfectly aged, hand-trimmed, one-of-a-kind steaks that are GUARANTEED to be perfect, every single time. These aren’t just steaks. These are Omaha Steaks.

From left: Reece, Ariel, Callie, Lillie and Crystal Hatch pose for a photo after the Denver Nuggets championship parade. The family made the trip from Northglenn. JOHN RENFROW

TRIVIA

1. MOVIES: Which movie features the line, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads”?

2. HISTORY: Which serious disease was declared eradicated in 1980?

3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What color is the “black box” that is used to record data on airplanes?

4. GAMES: How much does getting out of jail cost in the board game Monopoly?

5. LITERATURE: What kind of animal is the novel “Black Beauty” about?

6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the youngest president?

7. TELEVISION: Who played the Penguin in the original “Batman” TV series?

8. GEOGRAPHY: What is the northernmost point of the United States?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which is the

Solution

only planet in our solar system that spins clockwise?

10. FOOD & DRINK: Which fast-food restaurant chain claims that “We have the meats”?

Answers

1. “Back to the Future.”

2. Smallpox.

3. Orange.

4. $50.

5. A horse.

6. eodore Roosevelt (42).

7. Burgess Meredith.

8. Point Barrow, Alaska.

9. Venus.

10. Arby’s.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

* Use the measuring cups when adding detergent to the washer. It avoids using too much, which can get costly. And it will avoid residual soap left in the fabric.

* If you use air-conditioning, use a programmable thermostat. You can set it to a higher temperature overnight, when it’s naturally cooler, and have it cool down the house right about the time you’ll get home, so there’s no wasted energy cooling a house with no one in it.

* When putting woody-stem flowers, such as roses, in a vase, cut the stem diagonally and whack with a small mallet. It will absorb water much better this way. -- A.R. in Mississippi

* Save small milk cartons and wash well. Fill with

water and freeze. You can use these in your picnic basket for an easy cold pack to keep foods chilled. * Too many suds in the sink? Try sprinkling them with salt. The foam will settle down quickly!

* Shower rings (the hooks that hold your shower curtain to the curtain bar) can be used for lots of things: I keep one in my sewing basket to hold safety pins. It’s terrific, and the pins are orderly and easy to find. -- E.L. in Utah

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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A LETTER TO OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS

To our supporters:

At Colorado Community Media, we’re proud to be your go-to source of local news and advertising in the rich tapestry of growing communities in the Denver metro area and beyond. In recent weeks, we’ve brought you the news of spring ooding and its a ermath, the growing number of property valuation appeals and celebrations surrounding the Nuggets’ historic win.

We know our subscribers appreciate getting their news in many ways, from digital newsletters to timely updates on our website to printed newspapers delivered to your door. We’re committed to ensuring that continues, even as the media industry evolves and faces challenges.

We recently learned the facility that prints all of CCM’s newspapers, located in Pueblo, will be closing in August. In recent years, as newspaper circulation has declined, the costs associated with printing and distributing newspapers have increased dramatically, forcing press facilities across the country to close or consolidate.

is press closure presents a challenge for us, to be sure, but our commitment to continuing to print the newspapers you depend on remains unwavering. We have not yet identi ed a solution to ful ll the demand starting in August, but we are determined to nd innovative ways to solve it.

And we aren’t alone: We’re working toward a long-term approach by collaborating with partners throughout Colorado. By joining forces, we believe we can identify solutions that not only address this immediate challenge but also provide for future viability.

What does this mean for our subscribers and advertisers? Our goal is to nd a solution that ensures a seamless transition for your reader experience. We are evaluating every available option, and we are committed to keeping you informed as we go through this process.

We’re proud to be part of your community, and we know news plays an essential role in informing, engaging and empowering us. Please consider joining our mailing list, sharing articles, or donating to to help us continue this tradition.

ank you, as always, for your support of local news. We welcome questions and comments, and we’ll be sure to keep you informed in the weeks ahead as we identify a new printer.

Linda Shapley

Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro Publisher, Colorado Community Media CEO, e National Trust for Local News

Public Notices call

Legals

Metropolitan Districts

Jaiden Makai Fletcher, Josiah Fletcher-Phelps, Amela Marie Fletcher Children, and Concerning

Khyerra Marie Fletcher, Pierre Lamire Jones, Darrell Lee Phelps, Jamie Singleton, John Doe S

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Jamie Singleton and 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 hearing on the 20th day of July, 2023, at the hour of 8:30 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 9th day of June, 2023.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court

Legal Notice No. BSB2498

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District of Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment at the offices of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 111 S. Tejon Street, Suite 705, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, on or after July 10, 2023, to JHL Enterprises, Inc d/b/a JHL Constructors, Inc., 9100 E. Panorama Dr., Suite 300, Englewood, CO 80112, in connection with payment for all services rendered, materials furnished, and for all labor performed pursuant to AIA Document A141, Design-Build Amendment #2 – Task Order #6 dated July 21, 2022 entered into between JHL Constructors, Inc. and Rail Land Company LLC, for the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Project, all being within or adjacent to the boundaries of the District and in Adams County, Colorado. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, provisions, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or his subcontractor in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work whose claim therefore has not been paid by the contractor or the subcontractor, may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim. Said verified statement must be filed with the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District c/o Carrie Bartow, District Accountant, at the above address and at or before the time and date hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release said Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

303-566-4123

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAIL PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By:/s/ Russell Dykstra

Legal Counsel to the District

Legal Notice No. BSB2508

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: June 29, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Summons and Sheriff Sale

Public Notice District Court Adams County, Colorado Court Address: Adams County Justice Center 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO, 80601 (303) 659-1161

Plaintiff: SHAUN BERGMAN

v. Defendants: SUNBELT PORTFOLIOS, LLC; KNOX COURT TRUST; and TENANT(S)/ OCCUPANT(S) OF 9260 KNOX COURT TRUST

Case Number: 2023CV30099 Division/Courtroom C

Attorney for Plaintiff:

ROCKY MOUNTAIN LITIGATOR, LTD.

Charles S. Chapman, Jr., Reg. No. 40939 P.O. Box 5311, Greenwood Village, CO 80155

Phone Number: (303) 859-6515

E-mail: Steve@RockyMtnLtg.com

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: SUNBELT PORTFOLIOS, LLC; KNOX COURT TRUST; and TENANT(S)/OCCUPANT(S) of 9260 KNOX COURT TRUST

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint [petition] filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within thirty-five (35) days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint [petition] in writing within thirty-five (35) days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint [petition] without further notice.

This is an in rem judicial foreclosure action, involving the Plaintiff, Shaun Bergman’s foreclosure of his judgment lien interest claimed under that Transcript of Judgment recorded under reception number 2022000037107 with the Adams County Clerk and Recorder on April 26, 2022 made against the real property and improvements legally described as SUBDIVISION: SUNSET RIDGE, FIRST FILING, BLOCK 7, LOT 5, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO and commonly known by street name and number as 9260 Knox Court, Westminster, Adams County, Colorado, and which foreclosure and sale may affect your interest(s) to or any right to enjoyment or the possession, use, sale, transfer, ownership, proceeds of or other benefit or claim to the property.

Dated: June 5th, 2023

S/ Charles S. Chapman, Jr. Charles S. Chapman, Jr., Reg. No. 40939

Legal Notice No. BSB2383

First Publication: June 15, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

District Court, Adams County, Colorado 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601

Phone Number: (303) 659-1161

ANDREW HAZLET, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Monte Jo Hazlet, a/k/a Monte J. Hazlet, Plaintiff v. Eastern Plains Grasslands LLC, The Cuba E. Hazlet Trust, The Estate of James W. Hazlet, The Estate of Ida Roberts, Jeanetta Stout, The Estate of Venice Boxer, The Estate of Maryann Healy, The Estate of Robert Hazlet, Virginia Hazlet, Andrew Hazlet, Renee Hazlet, Shayne Ankoviak, Janeal Doctolero, Meredy Dockery, Lisette Roberts, Kevin Roberts, Renee Roberts, Darcy Lacy, Andrea Cline, Chris Danley, Scott

Danley, Paul Danley, Dale Healy, Charles A. Healy, Doris Healy, all unknown heirs of any deceased party and all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action, Defendants

Attorney for Plaintiff Estate of Monte Jo Hazlet: Coan, Payton & Payne, LLC

William F. Garcia, #28641 1711 61st Avenue, Suite 100 Greeley, CO 80634 Phone: 970-339-3500

/Email: wgarcia@cp2law.com

Summons by Publication

the People of the State of Colorado

ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

To the

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action to quiet title of the parties, along with other relief, related in and to the real property situate in Adams County, Colorado, to wit:

THAT PORTION OF THE NE ¼ OF SECTION 20, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 64 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NE1/4 OF SAID SECTION 20; THENCE S 0°37’44” E ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 2652.87 FEET TO THE SE CORNER THEREOF; THENCE N 89° 09’57” W ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1314.72 FEET; THENCE N 0°37’44” W PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 2650.09 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4; THENCE S 89°17’12” E ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1314.65 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO. CONTAINING 80.00 ACRES MORE OR LESS (“Parcel 1”)

THAT PORTION OF THE NE ¼ OF SECTION 20, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 64 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4, BEING N89°17’12” W A DISTANCE OF 1314.65 FEET FROM THE NE CORNER OF SAID NE1/4; THENCE S 00°37’44”E PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1333.48 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S 00°37’44” E PARALLEL TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1316.61 FEET TO A POINT ON SOUTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4; THENCE N 89°09’57”W ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1337.49 FEET TO THE SW CORNER OF SAID NE1/4; THENCE N 00°33’05” W ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1316.57 FEET; THENCE S 89°09’57” E PARALLEL TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NE1/4 A DISTANCE OF 1335.71 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO (“Parcel 2”)

THE SE1/4 OF SECTION 20, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 64 WEST OF THE 6th P.M., COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO (“Parcel 3”).

Legal Notice No. BSB2448

First Publication: May 25, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

vs. Juan Vargas Jr Respondent NO. DM 2023001435

NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION

STATE OF NEW MEXICO to the above-named Respondent (s), Greetings:

You are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioner has filed a civil action against you in the above entitled Court and cause, the general object thereof being: Disolution of Marriage

Unless you enter your appearance in said cause on of before the 31st day of July, 2023, a judgement by default will be entered against you.

Name and Address of Petitioner

Brenda I Torres I 429 Espanola St. SE Apt 2 Albuquerque, NM 87108

WITNESS the Honorable JANE C. LEVY, District Judge of the Second Judicial District Court of the State of New Mexico, and the seal of the District Court of Bernalillo County, this 9th day of June, 2023

KATINA WATSON CLERK OF THE DITRICT COURT

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. BSB2500

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, Colorado 80601

Plaintiffs: ANDERS LINDGREN and MARET LINDGREN.

v.

Defendant: WADE S. DURBEN.

Case Number: 2023-CV-30620

Division A

Attorney

Robert W. Smith, attorney for Plaintiffs 1777 South Harrison Street, Suite 1250 Denver, CO 80210

Phone Number: (720) 506-9218

Email: BobSmith@rwsmithlaw.com

FAX Number: (303) 355-6036

Atty. Reg. #: 9513

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: Wade S. Durben.

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.

This is an action to correct a special warranty deed transferring title to 13001 County Road A, Fort Morgan, CO 80701, where that deed has an error in the legal description and in one place misspells the grantor’s name.

Dated: June 5, 2023.

Legal Notice No. BSB2491

First Publication: June 15, 2023

Last Publication: July 13, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice BEFORE

RENEGADE OIL & GAS COMPANY, LLC FOR A RULE 502.A

VARIANCE FROM RULE 903.D.(3) AND (5) TO PERMIT COMBUSTION OF NATURAL GAS FOR CERTAIN WELLS, WATTENBERG FIELD, ADAMS, ARAPAHOE, AND ELBERT COUNTIES, COLORADO

CAUSE NO. 1

DOCKET NO. 230500177

TYPE: VARIANCE

NOTICE OF HEARING

Renegade Oil & Gas Company, LLC (Operator No. 74165) (“Applicant”), filed an Application for a Rule 502.a Variance from Rule 903.d.(3) and (5) to permit combustion of natural gas for certain wells located in the below-described lands (the “Application Lands”). This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may be an interested party in the Application Lands.

APPLICATION LANDS

Township 2 South, Range 62 West, 6th P.M. Section 25: NW¼SE¼, SE¼NW¼, SE¼SE¼, SE¼SW¼, NW¼SW¼, NW¼NW¼, SW¼SE¼,

Township 4 South, Range 62 West, 6th P.M. Section 24:SW¼SW¼

Township 5 South, Range 62 West, 6th P.M. Section 5:SW¼SE¼, NE¼SE¼, SW¼NE¼, NE¼NE¼, SW¼SW¼, Section 29:NE¼NW¼

Township 6 South, Range 62 West, 6th P.M. Section 4:NE¼SW¼

Township 2 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M. Section 16:NE¼NE¼

Township 5 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M. Section 28:NE¼SW¼, SE¼SW¼

Township 1 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 36: NW¼SW¼, SE¼NW¼, SE¼NE¼

Township 5 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 24:NE¼NE¼, NE¼SW¼, SW¼NE¼ Section 25:NE¼SW¼, SW¼SE¼, SW¼NE¼, NE¼NE¼

DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

The Commission will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:

Date: August 9, 2023

Time:9:00 a.m.

Place:Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203

PETITIONS

DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED

PERSONS: July 10, 2023

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https:// cogcc.state.co.us, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https:// oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/ Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidebook” at https://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/reg/Hearings/External_Efiling_System_Handbook_December_2021_Final.pdf for more information. Under Commission Rule 508, if no petition is filed, the Application may be approved administratively without a formal hearing.

Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of July 10, 2023, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommoda-

tions as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc. Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

By:

Mimi C. Larsen, Secretary

Dated: June 2, 2023

Renegade Oil & Gas Company, LLC

c/o Scott M. Campbell

Robert A. Willis

Poulson, Odell & Peterson LLC

1660 Lincoln St., Suite 1500 Denver, CO 80264 303-861-4400 scampbell@popllc.com rwillis@popllc.com

Legal Notice No. BSB2505

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

NOTICE OF LOST WATER CERTIFICATE

After first being duly sworn, pursuant to Title 7-42114 Colorado Revised Statutes, Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority (ACWWA) does hereby give notice to Fulton Irrigating Ditch Company that Certificate No. 3915 for fifty (50) shares of capital stock of the Fulton Irrigating Ditch Company has been lost, mislaid, or destroyed and such certificate(s) is the property of Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority; and such certificate has not been transferred or hypothecated by Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority. Demand is hereby made for a duplicate certificate in accordance with Sections 7-42-113 to 7-42-117, Colorado Revised Statutes.

Fulton Irrigating Ditch Company will issue on or after August 11, 2023 a duplicate certificate to the registered owner, the registered owner’s legal representative or assignee, or any lienholder named in the books of the corporation as a lienholder on the lost certificate unless a contrary claim is filed with the Fulton Irrigating Ditch Company prior to the date stated above.

Legal Notice No. BSB2467

First Publication: May 25, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

Holcim - WCR, Inc., 1687 Cole Blvd, Suite 300, Golden, 80401, 303-980-8300, has filed an application for a Regular (112) Construction Materials

Operation Reclamation Permit (Amendment) with the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board under provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The proposed mine is known as Wattenberg Lakes, and is located at or near Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 67 West, 6th Principal Meridian.

The proposed date of commencement is September 1, 2023, and the proposed date of completion is February 28, 2025. The proposed future use of the land is water storage. Additional information and tentative decision date may be obtained from the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567, or at the Weld County Clerk to the Board’s office; 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO 80631, or the above-named applicant. Comments must be in writing and must be received by the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety by 4:00 p.m. on August 2, 2023.

Please note that under the provisions of C.R.S. 3432.5-101 et seq. Comments related to noise, truck traffic, hours of operation, visual impacts, effects on property values and other social or economic concerns are issues not subject to this Office’s jurisdiction. These subjects, and similar ones, are typically addressed by your local governments, rather than the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety or the Mined Land Reclamation Board.

Legal Notice No. BSB2509 First

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles

Adams County, Colorado on or before October 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tanya Ruybal

Representative 23602 E. 157th Ave. Brighton, CO 80603

James A. Rable Personal Representative

2341 Newark Street Aurora, Colorado 80010

Legal Notice No. BSB2477

First Publication: June 8, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO Sec. 15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2023PR30336

Estate of Barbara M. White, Deceased.

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 8, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Erin M. Matis

Atty Reg # 44275 1801 Wewatta St., Ste. 1000 Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-573-4797

Legal Notice No. BSB2487

First Publication: June 8, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of MAX RUSSELL MCILRATH, a/k/a MAX R. MCILRATH, a/k/a MAX MCILRATH, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 30453

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 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Craig Allen Mcllrath

Personal Representative 38 Mill Park Lane Marlton, NJ 08053

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 9, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kerri Long

Personal Representative 3060 E Bridge St. #316 Brighton, CO 80601

Legal Notice No. BSB2485

First Publication: June 8, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of BARBARA M. DUNN, a/k/a BARBARA MARIE DUNN, a/k/a BARBARA DUNN, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 30373

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 9, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Robin M. Vander Zanden

Personal Representative 3725 S. Ocean Dr. 1223 Hollywood, FL 33019

Legal Notice No. BSB2475

First Publication: June 8, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Roderick Dee Baker

a/k/a Roderick D. Baker

a/k/a Roderick Baker a/k/a Rod Baker, Deceased

Case Number: 2023 PR 30464

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 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Brady, McFarland, & Lord, LLC 6870 W. 52nd Ave., Suite #103

Arvada, CO 80002

Legal Notice No. BSB2506

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Mary Louise Jokinen, aka Mary L. Jokinen and Mary Jokinen, Deceased

Case Number: 2023 PR 30414

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 9, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Legal Notice No. BSB2502

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Lisa Dawn Heinz, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 194

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 30, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Brian M Heinz

Personal Representative

718 S 2nd Ave Brighton, CO 80601

Legal Notice No. BSB2503

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Name Changes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on June 2, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Adams County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Michael Brandon Hurtado be changed to Michael Brandon Cardonne

Case No.: 23 C 0589

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. BSB2511

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on May 19, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a minor child has been filed with the Adams County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Yariel Xaiden Hernandez Gonzalez be changed to Yariel Pascual Gonzalez

Case No.: 23 C 300

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. BSB2501

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Children Services

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

Public Notice STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS

Division S No. 22JV30065

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF:

Ricky James, Hailey James-Vasquez, Elijah James-Vasquez, Isaac James-Torres Children, and Concerning

Tiffany Lynn James, Joe B. Vasquez, John DoeRespondents

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: 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 hearing on the 13th day of July, 2023 at the hour of 3:30 p.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 9th day of June, 2023.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court

Legal Notice No. BSB2499

First Publication: June 22, 2023

Last Publication: June 22, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice

District Court Colorado County: ADAMS COUNTY Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601

Petitioner: Gladis Rodriguez

Respondent: Arturo Armando Nuñez Cano

Child: Arturo Angel Nuñez Cano

Case No. 2023 DR 30384

Division: K

SUMMONS - CUSTODY CASE

NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPON

DENT: Arturo Armando Nuñez Cano

You are hereby notified that a verified Petition has been filed in the above named Court regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities concerning the above-named minor child.

You are further notified that you must file a written response to that Petition.

You are further notified that if you do not file a Response, the Court may decide the case without your input. You may not receive further notice about court filings and events. You are still required to obey any orders the Court issues.

AUTOMATIC COURT ORDERS (Temporary Injunction)

As soon as you receive this Summons, you must obey these orders:

1) Do not disturb the peace of the other parent or parties in this case.

2) Do not take the children in this case out of the state without permission from the Court and/or the other parent (or party).

3) Do not stop paying, cancel, or make any chang es to health, homeowner’s, renter’s, automobile, or life insurance policies that cover the children or a party in this case or that name a child or a party as a beneficiary.

Exception: You may make changes to insurance coverage if you have written permission from the other parent or party or a court order, and you give at least 14 days’ Notice to the other party. C.R.S. §§ 14-10-107, 108.

You must obey these orders until this case is finalized, dismissed, or the Court changes these orders.

Note on Genetic Testing

You can request genetic testing. The Court will

not hold this request against you when deciding the outcome of the case.

You must do testing and submit the results before the Court establishes who the parents are (parentage) and issues final orders. After that time, it may be too late to submit genetic testing evidence. The law that directs this process is C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5).

So Summoned.

Samuel T. Townsend, Petitioner’s Attorney

Date: May 4, 2023

Legal Notice No. BSB2484

First Publication: June 8, 2023

Last Publication: July 6, 2023 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade ###

Have you seen how Classifieds can work for you?

Multiple factors blamed for 2021’s Marshall fire

BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

Embers buried for six days on a residential property reignited and together with sparks from an “unmoored” Xcel Energy power line started the 2021 Marshall re in Boulder County, the sheri said.

A residential re Dec. 24 to burn scrap wood and tree branches resurfaced because of the winds Dec. 30, Boulder County Sheri Curtis Johnson said. e sheri said the re was put out “responsibly” Dec. 24 when it was buried. But around 11 a.m. Dec. 30 high winds, pushing 100 mph, resurfaced embers and started a shed on re at 5325 Eldorado Springs Rd.

A second re was started that day by Xcel power lines and also quickly spread, and at some point the two res combined, Johnson said on June 8.

e sheri , who lost his house in the re, said the underground coal res also cannot be ruled out.

e district attorney’s o ce determined there was “insu cient or no evidence of a crime” and no reason to le charges, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.

“If we were to tell you today that we were ling charges it would be

wrong and unethical,” Dougherty said. “We can only le charges if there’s evidence of a crime being committed.”

Dougherty said investigators found no evidence of negligence or recklessness by Xcel. Rather, high wind caused a power line to disconnect and contact other lines, leading to electrical arcing and hot particles showering onto dry grass.  ere were no known problems with the power line prior to the re, Dougherty said.

“ is is a di erent discussion and a di erent decision, if that wire was worn or shoddy or they had maintenance issues in the past. ere was no such record of that, no indication of that.”

Xcel denied its power lines sparked the second of two res that combined to become the Marshall re, disputing that part of authorities’ ndings.

“We strongly disagree with any suggestion that Xcel Energy’s powerlines caused the second ignition, which according to the report started 80 to 110 feet away from Xcel Energy’s powerlines in an area with underground coal re activity,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “Xcel Energy did not have the opportunity to review and comment on the analyses relied on

by the Sheri ’s O ce and believes those analyses are awed and their conclusions are incorrect.”

New details on the investigation come nearly 18 months after the re exploded in late December 2021 and raced across 6,000 acres, as galeforce winds pushed embers across parched grassland into subdivisions bordering open space. Two people died in the re and more than 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in Louisville, Superior and unincorporated Boulder County.

In addressing the disastrous toll of the re, Curtis choked up and thanked the community for its patience as the investigation played out.

“I know personally the last 18 months have been hard and not having answers creates stress and challenges that we don’t need,” he said in a quavering voice. “And I hope that now we can focus on rebuilding our lives and getting back to our homes and our community.”

e Boulder County Sheri ’s Ofce said the re likely started near Marshall Road and Colorado 93, but federal agencies aided in its investigation to try to pinpoint the cause of the re.

Evidence included hundreds of body camera recordings and photos that were captured by rst respond-

ers during the initial response of the re, along with 49 physical items and 137 pieces of digital evidence, such as drone footage and video recording by witnesses, the sheri ’s o ce said.

e re also raised questions about Boulder’s emergency noti cation system, designed to send re warnings and evacuation alerts to people signed up to receive them. Records show that the rst phone alert was sent 42 minutes after the re started and only to 215 people. By then, at least one structure had burned and the re was well on its way toward consuming more than 1,000 homes and businesses.

e sheri ’s o ce said it has improved the county-wide noti cation system and now uses Amber Alert-style warnings sent directly to the cellphones based on their GPS coordinates. Updates have also been made Everbridge, the other phone alert program that sends alerts via landlines, cellphones, emails and text messages to those who register. is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.