Canyon Courier 041323

The rising sun and risen Son

Red Rocks Amphitheatre the perfect backdrop for Easter Sunrise Service

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It’s not often that a band provides a soundtrack for a spectacular Colorado sunrise.

But that’s what the Conifer-based band Blood Brothers did on April 9 when they performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for Easter Sunrise Service. It was standing-room-only as thousands of people packed into

the amphitheater for the 76thannual nondenominational service.

is is the second year that Blood Brothers, led by Lance Swearengin, pastor at Conifer Community Church, provided music for the service. ey played traditional hymns like “Amazing Grace” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” along with some original material.

Hosted by the Colorado Council of Churches, the Christian Sunrise Service draws people from across the state and metro area to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Gates opened at 4:30 a.m., and worshippers arrived early to nab seats with a view of the eastern horizon. As it got closer to 6:32 a.m., some moved out

to the stairway to grab sel es and photos of the sunrise.

The band

Blood Brothers began forming in 2015 when Swearengin, vocalist and guitarist, and his friend Josh Harwood, also a guitarist, began playing together. Drummer Taylor Mead joined next, and then Troy Steinbach on keyboards, Jay Genender on the ddle and Bob Brown on bass guitar. en vocalists Suzy Nelson and Sarah Bauer, who also has her own band, the Sarah Bauer Band, joined in.

Performing on the Red Rocks

Elk Creek Fire candidates talk consolidation, budgets, volunteerism

Election is May 2

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Candidates for the Elk Creek Fire Protection District board of directors provided insight into their stances on some of the issues a ecting the district at a candidates forum on April 6.

In 90 minutes, ve of the six candidates answered six questions focusing on whether Elk Creek should consolidate with the North Fork and Inter-Canyon re departments, strategic plans, department resources and budgets.

e forum was hosted by the Canyon Courier and My Mountain Town. Questions came from Canyon Courier editors and members of the public, who submitted questions in advance.

Participating were incumbents Chuck Newby and Sharon Woods, and newcomers Dominique Devaney, Debra MacPhee and Todd Wagner. Shannon Peterson, also a candidate for a seat on the board, was unable to attend.

SEE FORUM, P3

OWSERVING EVERGREEN, CONIFER, BAILEYAND PINE $2.00

The sun came up up over a packed Red Rocks Amphitheatre during the 76th annual Easter Sunrise Service on April 9.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

SEE EASTER, P2

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EASTER

Amphitheatre stage is a dream come true for the musicians.

“It’s on the bucket list for most musicians,” Steinbach added.

Bauer said when she went to a concert at Red Rocks when she was 7, she knew she wanted to perform on that stage.

Swearengin said playing this Easter gig has been a huge blessing for both his calling as a pastor and his lifelong enjoyment of music.

is year, three of the band members’ daughters joined on stage: Conifer High School freshmen Mattie Brown and Lily Harwood, and West Je erson Middle School eighthgrader Megan Swearengin. Megan explained that the three got to perform thanks to a pinky promise. Dad Lance promised the girls could sing with Blood Brothers if they played the Sunrise Service a second time.

While attending Sunrise Service is pretty special, performing at Red Rocks is even more special, according to the girls.

“You can see the sun rise every day, but performing at Red Rocks is amazing,” Lily said.

e band got its name when Harwood sent Swearengin a song called “Blood Brothers,” and Swearengin thought it would be a great name for a band. In 2022, when the Colorado Council of Churches asked for videos of bands interested in providing music for Sunrise Service, Swearengin took a chance and sent one in. e band was selected and has

returned for its encore performance.

The attendees

Young and old attended Sunrise Service, all agreeing that Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a special place with beautiful views. Couple that with the picture-perfect sunrise and the 40-degree weather, and the service was a superb event.

Kevin and Rebecca Moots traveled from Parker to Morrison to attend the service with their children for the rst time.

“We are very blessed to be here,” Rebecca said. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Kristen and Matt Maloney of Idaho Springs brought their sons Luke, 7, and Gram, 3, who were wide awake as they waited for the service to begin. is was also their rst time attending the service.

Don and Sarah, who live in Morrison, attend Sunrise Service occasionally, and this year the early service close to home was helping since they were hosting Easter dinner for family.

“ is is unique,” Don said. “ is is a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Sarah added: “We are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the joy of the day.”

Hugh Morgan of Windsor and Stacey Banks of Golden also attended for the rst time.

“ is is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate Christ’s resurrection,” Banks said.

Morgan added that the turnout was impressive.

Lance Swearengin, pastor at Conifer Community Church, sings with his band Blood Brothers during Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

FROM PAGE 1

e candidates also will be available to talk with constituents before and after the Conifer Area Council Town Hall meeting from 7-8 p.m. April 19 at West Je erson Middle School.

e election will be in-person from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Elk Creek Fire Station 1. e top three vote-getters will serve four-year terms on the board.

Anyone who wants to vote by absentee ballot must request the ballot in writing by April 25 to the re district’s designated election o cer by using the form available at elkcreekfpd.colorado.gov/transparency/elections. Directions for getting the ballot and returning it are on the form.

The candidates

Devaney, the administrative manager for the Evergreen Metro District, said she brings experience with special-district operations to the Elk Creek Fire Protection District. Her husband has been an Elk Creek volunteer re ghter for 14 years, so she understands how the district functions from that perspective.

MacPhee has law and accounting degrees, and while she has no connection to the re department, she says she would provide homeowners’ perspectives to the board. She said she has nancial acumen and knowledge of the area to help her in decision making.

Newby, who has served on the Elk Creek board for a year, said he brings more than 40 years of managing technical teams, including understanding how to read, generate and stick to a budget. His experience includes managing complex situations and measuring performance.

Wagner, a former Elk Creek volunteer re ghter, owns his own business and said he understands nancials. He said the district needs to make sure it is not spending more than it needs to while making sure the district runs well.

Woods, who has a master’s degree in nance, has been serving on the Elk Creek Fire board since 2019 and is its treasurer. In 2018, Woods collaborated with the Elk Creek Fire board president on a presentation to the Je co Planning Commission on extreme wild re risk.

Peterson, who was unable to attend the candidates forum, grew up in Evergreen and now lives in Conifer. According to his Facebook page, Peterson “understands the unique challenges we face when it comes to re safety. He is passionate about making sure that we have the resources and infrastructure in place to protect our homes, families and natural beauty.” He says he has strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the importance of community involvement.

Proposed consolidation

e Elk Creek Fire Protection District is considering whether to consolidate with the North Fork and Inter-Canyon re departments, and the departments’ boards of directors will decide by Sept. 8 whether to put the issue to a vote in November.

e consolidated department would encompass about 400 square miles, and voters in all three re dis-

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Watch the Elk Creek Fire candidates forum here: https://youtu. be/3BL2eW3QR7E

tricts must agree to consolidate and to pay additional property taxes that will balance the rates for all property owners in the new district.

Two candidates generally support consolidation, while three aren’t convinced it’s the right move for the Elk Creek Fire Protection District.

Woods, who serves on Elk Creek’s consolidation committee, said she supports consolidation, saying it would improve emergency response times for everyone in the large district.

“A consolidated department would pool its resources, and there would be no competition for volunteers,” Woods said. “ e assets will come from all parts of the district.”

Devaney said on the surface, she supported moving forward with consolidation.

“I have my concerns, but right now my positives outweigh the negatives,” she said. “When we look at consolidating revenue streams, that enables the whole organization to fund necessary capital improvements in a streamlined capacity.”

Wagner said he wasn’t sure about consolidation yet because the information the three re districts are providing wasn’t complete, adding it was all about cost and bene t for Elk Creek.

Newby said while he wasn’t against consolidation, he did not have enough information to make an informed decision.

“What I am asking for is the real on-the-ground truth of the needs assessment in terms of a budgetary plan, so we can make a decision,” Newby said. “Right now, community members and voters are not getting that information, and we won’t get that information … because the information is not available.”

MacPhee agreed: “ is is a government entity, so we must balance taxpayer resources with the needs of community. When we talk about consolidation, there will be the same assets but with the bigger entity. I’m open to being convinced that consolidation is the right thing to do, but right now, I’m not convinced.”

Shadow Mountain Bike Park

e application for the proposed Shadow Mountain Bike Park recently was submitted to Je co Planning & Zoning, and if approved, Elk Creek would be responsible for emergency medical services in addition to those provided by bike park sta .

e candidates agreed that more calls would tax Elk Creek’s emergency medical services since more calls would cause more EMS personnel to be at multiple calls at once. e bike park proposal is symptomatic of any large development proposed along the U.S. 285 Corridor since it would add more stress to emergency services.

MacPhee suggested that Elk Creek charge fees to the bike park to o set its EMS costs, while Newby added that taxpayers should not have to pay for services that the re department provides to one business or development.

Wagner did not have an opinion

Kristen Fiore, editor of the Canyon Courier, center, moderates a forum for Elk Creek Fire Protection District candidates, from left, Dominique Devaney, Debra MacPhee, Chuck Newby, Todd Wagner and Sharon Woods. Shannon Peterson, who also is running for a position, was unable to attend. PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Chuck Newby, center, answers a question at the Elk Creek Fire Protection District candidates forum on April 6 as Dominique Devaney, left, Debra MacPhee and moderator Kristen Fiore, Canyon Courier editor, listen.

O cials discuss local and county issues at Evergreen forum

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Local, county and state o cials reminded residents at a town hall meeting on wild re risk that it will take everyone working together to help curb the threat of wild re in the foothills.

“If there’s one thing I hope you will take away, and many of you are already aware of this: ere is no one strategy to address preparing for wild re,” Je erson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper told about 150 people at the meeting on April 8.

Jess Moore, Evergreen Fire/Rescue’s wildland project coordinator, reminded the group that preparing for a wild re is like a three-legged stool, requiring all three legs to become e ective: fuel-break halos, which slow wild res; defensible space around homes, which creates a bu er between homes and vegetation; and home hardening, which means making homes ignitionresistant by clearing gutters, using less- ammable materials on homes and more.

Speakers at the forum at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building discussed topics ranging

Preparing for wildfire

from homeowners’ insurance concerns to what local re departments are doing to help homeowners with mitigation to issues on public lands. e forum topic was even more important because of the Hogback Fire that started March 31 near Morrison. While it only burned 44 acres, it was a reminder that wild re danger is always close to home.

Insurance concerns

Carole Walker with Rocky Mountain Insurance Information told attendees that if they lose their homeowners insurance over that company’s wild re risk concerns, they need to shop to nd new insurance carriers.

“Insurance companies don’t like uncertainty in terms of catastrophe risk and paying claims,” she said, especially since the foothills are at the top of the list in the country for the threat of catastrophic wild re. She said Colorado was looking at creating a last-resort insurance option, so homeowners can get insurance to keep their mortgages. A bill has just been introduced to the Colorado legislature, and she said state o cials want to make sure they create an e ective program.

Fire department o erings

Evergreen Fire/Rescue along with Inter-Canyon and Elk Creek re departments o er free defensible space inspections and more in-depth wild re-prepared assessments for a fee. All three depart-

ments have chipping programs, plus Je erson County o ers a slash-collection program.

Moore suggested that neighbors should tap into their volunteer community ambassadors. Community ambassadors serve plan units that were identi ed in the three departments’ Community Wild re Protection Plans. From the CWPPs come the Community Wild re Protection Implementation Plans or CWPIPs.

“Every plan unit has unique demographics and issues,” Moore said. “Everyone needs to work with their ambassadors to get the work done. e ambassadors also are a means for us to motivate the communities. We are in this together. We have to get our neighbors involved.”

Moore likened preparing for wildres to hurricanes.

“ ere is science behind changing re behavior as it moves into neighborhoods,” Moore said. “It’s like we can’t change a Category 5 hurricane into a Category 2 hurricane, but we can build our homes to mitigate the damage.”

County issues

Tom Hoby, director of Je erson County Open Space, said Je co Open Space is not clearcutting vast areas of public lands and not cutting what is considered old growth: trees that are 200 years old or older.

“Some forests such as in Elk Meadow have 200 or more trees per acre,” Hoby said. “Ideally, we’d like to see in 40 to 50 per acre, and that is a dramatic di erence. In areas close to (buildings), we are down to the 20-trees-per-acre level. When we remove those trees, it allows vegetation to come up in areas that creates healthy forests.”

e tree cutting that’s been done leaves behind trees that are healthier, and there’s less fuel so a wild re doesn’t burn as hot, he noted.

He said saw crews have removed some trees that are 125 years old, but they are not considered “old growth.”

In addition, Je erson County is updating both its development and transportation plans, setting expectations of what development is right for Je co’s communities and what transportation patterns should look like in both the atlands and moun-

tain communities, according to Abel Montoya, Je co’s director of development and transportation.

Once the plans are updated, then the county will work on creating regulations that follow the plans, he said.

Montoya said his o ce also was looking at the CWPPs for individual re departments and the county to make sure they were aligned.

Evacuation routes, parking on roads

A resident asked about whether the county could prevent vehicles from parking along Bu alo Park Road near Alderfer/3 Sisters Open Space Park, so residents would have better evacuation routes if needed. Currently, vehicles park on Bu alo Park Road when the park’s parking lot is full.

Hoby said Je co Open Space was improving parking at both Alderfer/3 Sisters and at Elk Meadow, and would tow vehicles on the road if they were in the way in case of an evacuation. Park rangers are tapped into Je com911, which is the county’s emergency call management system, so they know when pre-evacuation orders have been issued.

“If there’s a pre-evacuation, rangers get people out (of the parks), so there won’t be disruption to your evacuation e orts,” Hoby said. “ ere’s a lot of cooperation between law enforcement and Je erson County Open Space.”

In addition, Montoya said it would be expensive to mitigate road rightsof-ways to facilitate evacuations because the land would need to be surveyed to make sure the county was not disrupting vegetation on private property. He estimated it would cost $50,000 to $100,000 to survey Bu alo Park Road alone, plus hiring a company to do any mitigation.

Attendees also were concerned about short-term rentals, especially those with absentee owners because no one was there to ensure renters were being responsible when it comes to wild re.

Montoya said the county was looking at revising its short-term rental requirements.

on the EMS services but said he wasn’t in favor of the bike park.

Woods suggested that consolidation would make it easier for a larger district to cover EMS call increases, while Devaney said the big issue for Elk Creek would be transporting patients down the hill to the hospital, which is time consuming.

Budget and strategic plan

e candidates agreed that tracking the department’s budget was crucial and creating a district strategic plan was important. ey agreed that replacing re equipment such as trucks and ambulances was expensive, plus re ghter gear constantly needed upgrading to improve safety, and the re district needs to plan for those expenditures.

Devaney said her experience with special districts could help improve the district’s investment portfolio, noting that the $5 million the district has in reserves won’t go far when it costs more than $1 million to buy a new re engine.

MacPhee said she wants to ensure that the re district is adequately funded to respond to emergencies but without wasteful spending.

Wagner said a strategic plan would keep the district from being short on resources, and citizens needed to be represented in the discussion.

Newby said he would push for a strict budgetary plan that balances the department’s needs.

Woods said a strategic plan should not just include equipment and vehicles but also personnel to meet

the district’s needs.

Recruiting volunteer firefighters

Recruiting volunteer re ghters has been an issue for re departments nationwide, and Elk Creek is no exception.

e candidates agreed that while paid re ghters, known as career re ghters, can be important, some want to get their training with departments like Elk Creek, then move on to larger re departments where pay is better.

Newby and MacPhee agreed that reaching out to business owners within the district, especially tradespeople, might be a good way to increase the volunteer re ghter ranks. ose people could more easily leave their jobs in the middle of the day to answer calls.

Wagner suggested creating training programs where volunteers specialized in one area of re ghting that interests them rather than going through the training for all areas such as hazardous materials,

wildland and structure res.

“I know people enjoy helping their community and like helping each other,” Wagner said. “We need to tap into that to increase volunteerism.”

Devaney said she believed Chief Jacob Ware has done a good job of nding ways to meet volunteers where they are, while Woods said she didn’t have any rm answers on how to nd more volunteers, noting that the population in Conifer is aging, making it more di cult to nd volunteers.

Moderator Kristen Fiore, Canyon Courier editor, left, asks a question at a candidates forum for the Elk Creek Fire Protection District as candidates Todd Wagner and Sharon Woods listen. PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

An evening of talent

Conifer’s Got Talent provides entertainment, 2 winners to perform at summer concerts

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Conifer’s Got Talent is a tting name for the show on March 31 that showcased the talents of 15 youth acts.

ey danced, sang and played instruments in front of an appreciative audience and three judges, who selected singer/pianist Bryce Merrill and dancer Ikki Shimada to perform as the opening acts at two Evergreen Concert Series concerts this summer. e concerts are sponsored by the Evergreen Park & Recreation District.

Merrill, a Conifer High School senior, won Conifer’s Got Talent last year. Shimada is a foreign exchange student from Japan, and he plans to return to the area this summer to perform at a concert.

In addition, Alaithia Rooke, who sang an original song called “Cages,” was awarded a scholarship to the University of Denver’s Newman Center’s Music Creators camp this summer.

e judges were Jax Jordening, who won the sister talent show, Evergreen’s Got Talent, last year, Betsy Hays from the Evergreen Park & Recreation District board, and Lance Swearengin, pastor at Conifer Community Church and member of the band Blood Brothers.

Before the show began, Jordening said he expected the competition to be erce and the young performers to bring something special to the table.

Hays said she was looking for an act that would entertain and highlight the skills of the foothills’ high school students, noting she was looking forward to judging the performances.

Swearengin knew exactly what he was looking for: originality, technical skill and enthusiasm.

is is the ninth year for the talent shows, which were started by Schaunon Winter Gilman. Evergreen’s Got Talent, whose judges will also select

WANT TO GO?

The Evergreen’s Got Talent show will be from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Center for the Arts Evergreen. The show is free, and the two winners will perform this summer at the Evergreen Summer Concerts.

two winners to perform at concerts this summer, will be on April 29.

Performing at Conifer’s Got Talent e performers had a variety of backgrounds, some veterans to being on stage while others were novices.

Fiona Matschullat, a Conifer High School sophomore, decided to perform at Conifer’s Got Talent because she likes to sing, and at the talent show, she sang “Light of Love” originally performed by Florence + the Machine.

“I like performing and I gure I would have fun more than anything,” she said.

Dylan Panarello, a Conifer High School sophomore, performed as part of the band Slanted with bandmates Alex Tijerina, Evan Haynes and Brayden Josephs. e band formed two months ago, and Conifer’s Got Talent was its rst time performing in public.

“We’re really excited,” Dylan said before the show.

Rooke, a Conifer High School sophomore, said this was the rst time she has sung on stage, though she has been dancing for years and accompanying others on the piano. She’s been writing music for less than two years.

“I wasn’t going to (perform), but I decided to do it anyway,” she said. “No regrets.”

Kailani sings at Conifer’s Got Talent, a talent show for those under 18 who want to perform as the opening act at one of the Evergreen Summer Concerts.

Joshua Clark performs on the piano at Conifer’s Got Talent. PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Rotary club helps finance new school program

e Rotary Club of Conifer supported the educational needs at Deer Creek Elementary School in Bailey by donating $1,400 to help nance its new spelling program.

is program is based on a wordstudy approach designed to build word knowledge that is applicable to reading and writing. e objective is to develop stronger phonetic skills, word recognition and vocabulary while incorporating the reading and writing process.

e club provided $500 for the West Je erson Middle School

PTA Educator Grant program that provides funding for teachers to o er enriching and dynamic opportunities for students and their classrooms. e intent of this grant

is to support teachers by providing supplies, equipment and projects that are not typically supported by the school’s budget.

e club provided $1,220 to Elk Creek Elementary School to purchase robots for its kindergarten through second grade students.

e BeeBot robots will allow classes to have a set of robots to use to supplement their curriculum especially in the STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — areas.

Elk Run Assisted Living receives award

Elk Run Assisted Living has received the 2023 Pinnacle Customer Experience Award in the communication category.

Elk Run scored in the top 15 percent of the nation across a 12-month average. roughout 2022, Elk Run residents and their

families participated in monthly telephone interviews where they answered open-ended questions and rated Elk Run in multiple categories.

Elk Run’s Housing Director Kristen Fite said Elk Run sta prioritizes building relationships with residents and their families.

“We are so proud to have received the customer experience award,” Fite said. “We have heart at Elk Run, and we focus on relationshipbased care with residents, families and sta . Communication is key in everything we do every single day. Residents feel informed, included and a part of the journey as Elk Run grows. Going the extra mile is important to the culture of Elk Run. We love our residents, and it shows.”

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Vivian Levine from Evergreen was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s dean’s list for the 2023 winter quarter. Levine is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering. Students who have a 3.20 or higher GPA are named to the dean’s list.

Kia Clark of Evergreen was named to the university honor roll for the fall 2022 semester at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. To qualify for the honor roll, students must have a 3.8 GPA.

Sloan Phillips of Evergreen was named to the dean’s list at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, for the fall 2022 semester. is is a distinction earned by students whose GPA is 3.92 or higher. Sloan, the daughter of Frank S. Phillips and Meghan H. Phillips, is a sophomore majoring in biological chemistry. She is a graduate of Evergreen High School.

Foothills Fire Protection

District Board Candidate Forum

Come

Co-sponsored and moderated by the Canyon Courier and the Golden Transcript

When: 6:30 p.m. April 20

Where: Aspen Room at Mount Vernon Canyon Club in Genesee

Foothills Fire also has a Zoom link for the candidate forum at foothills re.colorado.gov/ news-article/notice-of-community-forum.

If you have a question or topic you’d like the editors to consider, send it along with your name and address for veri cation purposes only to West Metro Editor Kristen Fiore at k ore@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Include “Foothills Fire candidate forum” in the subject line. We will accept questions until April 19.

Election is May 2

A dancing bird finally gets some protection

What I remember most about that dark early morning of crouching on the prairie is the rhythmic sound of pounding. It was so loud I wondered if someone had put a microphone near the skinny legs of the dozen birds dancing on the turf. As the sun rose above the horizon in southeastern New Mexico, the male lesser prairie chickens continued their ritual performance, each hoping to entice a female.

ey strutted, leaped in the air with feathers spread, and bowed, but the greatest thrill was watching them pu up the garish, red-orange air sacs on either side of their necks.

Concealed in a blind, we watched late into the morning that spring of 1999, until the last birds — members of a rapidly vanishing species —  ew o .

I recalled that wonderful day recently, because in late March, after countless lawsuits and scienti c opinions, the lesser prairie chicken in New Mexico, Colorado and eastwards nally got what it so desperately needs — federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.  e designation, however, comes 25 long years after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  rst determined that this magical dancing bird could go the way of the passenger pigeon.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WRITERS ON THE RANGE

dangered Species Act protection for the lesser prairie chicken has mainly been about oil and gas development. Meaningful protection of this bird, whose habitat covers millions of acres across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma, would mean restraint from the oil and gas and agricultural industries. Pump jacks and plows are the greatest threats to prairie chicken survival.

John Horning

In June 1988, the Service did something seemingly mundane, though it had profound consequences. It relegated the lesser prairie chicken to what might be called endangered species purgatory — making its protection status “warranted but precluded” under the Endangered Species Act. Precluded apparently meant, “We should list the birds but nd it impossible to do that.”

For decades, the Fish and Wildlife Service, under pressure from opponents in Congress and powerful industries, has used this designation to delay Endangered Species Act protections for hundreds of species that need an ecological safety net, including the lesser prairie chicken.  e result since 1998 has been predictable: e bird’s numbers have plummeted. In many parts of the West, it has disappeared entirely. Lesser prairie chickens now number about 30,000, less than 2% of what they were in the 19th century when the birds ourished in the hundreds of thousands.

Controversy around granting En-

Kansas Republicans, namely Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracy Mann, have already pressured the Fish and Wildlife Service to delay the date that the listing takes e ect. Texas has also led a lawsuit to block the listing, and Kansas and Oklahoma are threatening to sue. e long struggle to keep the birds alive is far from over.

Fifty years ago, Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act to recognize the importance of endangered and threatened species, citing their “esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scienti c value to the Nation and its people.” e Act’s vision was remarkable, and Americans are fortunate that the law fought for a half-century ago continues to be fought for today.

I am proud that our nation passed this powerful law to protect the diversity of life. But for our nation’s

laws to really mean something, they must be enforced, even when — especially when — opponents are among the most economically and politically powerful industries.

You’d think that identifying a species as “endangered” meant that there was still time to save it. But the prairie chicken, along with its high-pro le distant cousin, the sage grouse, is running out of time. e birds need lots of open space, and the new designation only puts some constraints on existing oil and gas operations, while limiting new development.

Later this spring, I intend to return to the prairies near the town of Milnesand, New Mexico, this time with my nine-year-old twins in tow. I can only hope that the birds are still dancing. I also hope that my boys have the opportunity to watch and wonder about why these birds return to woo females at the same place each spring, and what we, as a society, must do to ensure that the dance continues.

John Horning is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonpro t dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is the executive director of WildEarth Guardians and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The May 2 election is crucial e special district election on May 2 has both consequences and bene ts for our community. ese boards oversee re protection and emergency medical services, our water and wastewater as well as the rec center.

In other words our lives depend on them. So it is crucial people start paying attention to who is running for these boards and what their agendas are. Many have hidden agendas. ese agendas are often quite expensive and have some kind of grudge or personal bene t behind them like an indoor sports facility and ice rink or perhaps not standing up to a liquor store owner when we need to build a new re station.

For the residents of the Foothills Fire Protection District, you have an opportunity to not just gain a new state-of-the-art re station at no cost, you also have an opportunity to conduct a national search for a re service leader to serve as chief, but the current board members and candidates seem to be working overtime on keeping the district in the dark ages, so to speak.

e re station at Rainbow Hills is basically a glori ed Tu Shed and double wide trailer. In its place, the developer of the Evergreen Gateway

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

project has o ered to donate a new station that will o er a much better facility. is could also allow the current facility to be deconstructed instead of torn down and moved to another parcel of land in the Lookout Mountain or Mount Vernon area to replace the other aging outdated facility well you know besides Idledale and Grapevine (below exit 256 near Riva Chase) Tu Shed.

Foothills also seems to want to go in house to hire an unquali ed person to be chief because they don’t want a culture shock. Foothills has needed a culture shock since I left in 2002 to be the county re chief in Las Cruces, New Mexico. With that culture shock and a new facility, they could attract top talent, but the board members in charge now seem to prefer a dictatorship and efdom.

I encourage the residents of all special districts to participate by attending the forums and reading the information that will be in the next few issues of the Courier. Find time to ask the hard questions and press for answers. It is not just the tax dollars at work but your life and property at risk.

Nate Marshall, Evergreen

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Spring is coming - join us as a community scientist

After the cold and wet winter we’ve been experiencing in Denver, I know everyone is looking forward to spring. As the days grow longer and warmer, we all start looking for the telltale signs that spring is arriving — birds chirping, trees lea ng out, lilac buds, bulbs emerging out of the damp soil. As you observe nature around you, why not start taking pictures, recording your observations and contributing to large projects as a community scientist? April is the perfect month to join community science e orts across the globe.

At the Denver Botanic Gardens, we seek to connect people with plants. Our scientists are particularly interested in studying patterns and processes of biodiversity. One way we do this is through community science (also known as citizen science) initiatives such as the Denver EcoFlora project. ese initiatives allow participants to connect with plants by making observations of biodiversity patterns in their environment. EcoFlora is based on the traditional ora concept, a list or inventory of plants in a given area or period of time. e eco in EcoFlora represents going beyond a traditional ora and encompassing the study of urban ecosystems. We run the Denver EcoFlora project on the iNaturalist platform where we engage the community in documenting plants living in the Denver metro area. Our goal is to document all plants living in the seven county metro area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broom eld, Denver, Douglas and Je erson counties) using the iNaturalist app. Why? You may ask. Well, understanding the ora of an area is the best way to protect it.

As part of the EcoFlora project, we send out monthly challenges called EcoQuests to engage participants in documenting a speci c species,

OBITUARIES

BUNCH Anita Louise (Williams) Bunch

June 30, 1940 - March 23, 2023

Anita Louise Williams Bunch was born in a motel on Route 66, on the road with her parents Billy and Helen and her big sister Marcia, and that was just the extraordinary start of an extraordinary life. For nearly 83 years, she threw herself headlong and headstrong into good works, idealism, fun, love, spiritual seeking, friendship, fellowship, sports, her family, and a deep, passionate compassion for the whole world. As her beloved daughter Amy put it, “She lived her whole life truly larger than life & rode it til the wheels fell o .” It was her good fortune that the wheels fell o quickly over the course of a few short weeks, when several health problems came together in a rapid storm that gave her enough time to tell those dearest to her “I love you OUT LOUD,” before she slipped into peace and nal rest in the comforting arms of her daughter and grandsons.

Everyone who knew her says they were lucky to know her: her Central Missouri State College sorority sisters and her fellow travelers from the People to People Student Ambassador Program in college, her Kansas City students from when she taught PE there in the 1960s, her vast Evergreen community, her Friendship Bridge colleagues raising funds for microloans to support female

group of plants or theme.

COLUMN

entrepreneurs in Guatemala, her fellow sta at Pepsi Center/Ball Arena and Broncos Stadium and all the fans (of the teams AND Anita!), and her family—oh, how her family will always love her and be blessed by her love for them! We are so lucky!

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, William “Binky” Williams and Helen Nibarger, and her daughter Molly. She is survived by her daughter Amy and grandsons Marcus, Draecyn, and DJ, her sister Marcia, her nephew Greg (Eileen) and great nephews Dylan (Molly) and Madison (Ady), and greatgreat niece and nephews Myia, True, and Sterling. We were so lucky to be loved by her, and we will miss her forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 on ursday, April 20 in the Club Level at Empower Field at Mile High (aka Broncos Stadium).

In lieu of owers, memorial donations can be made either online at: https://www. friendshipbridge.org/donate/ or mailed to Friendship Bridge, 405 Urban St, Suite 140, Lakewood CO 80228. Anita was a team member, volunteer, friend, guiding light, and loved one of Friendship Bridge for over 25 years. Please be sure to include Anita’s name with your donation.

Jennifer Neale

April’s EcoQuest has two parts: the rst is focused on some of the rst owers to emerge in spring, the pasque owers (Pulsatilla nutalliana). en, starting April 28, a global competition begins with the start of the City Nature Challenge - a challenge to document the most biodiversity within cities. Using the iNaturalist app, you can make observations of any wild organism: plant, bird, insect, fungi. Observations made between April 28 and May 1 count towards the competition. Last year, we had nearly 400 participants observe more than 600 species. Our goal is to surpass those numbers this year. And, if the wet winter unfolds into a sunny spring, we just might be able to do it. Many local partners are organizing hikes or bioblitzes during the City Nature Challenge. Check our website (botanicgardens.org/ science-research/citizen-scienceprograms/city-nature-challenge) for details on events and how to register.

You can contribute to scienti c studies by downloading the iNaturalist app and using it to take photos of the nature around you. We encourage you to get outside, feel the sun on your face and contribute to science while you’re out there.

Denver Botanic Gardens Citizen Science projects: botanicgardens. org/science-research/citizen-science-programs

Denver EcoFlora project: inaturalist.org/projects/denver-eco oraproject

Denver Botanic Gardens City Nature Challenge information: Denver-Boulder Metro City Nature Challenge: https://www.inaturalist. org/projects/city-nature-challenge2023-denver-boulder-metro

Jennifer Neale is the director of research and conservation for the Denver Botanic Gardens

Samuel Douglas Smith (Sam) was born in Greenville, Alabama to Mary Brunson Smith and Maxwell Romaine Smith. e family moved to the Atlanta area and Sam grew up in Decatur, and attended Druid Hills High School where he was elected President of the Student Body. On to Georgia Tech and a Ramblin’ Wreck for life, Sam was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Tech and two Masters Degrees in Business Administration from Georgia State University. September of 1967 brought graduation, commissioning as an Ensign in USNR and a wedding all in the same week. He served aboard the USS Shelton (DD-790) stationed in San Diego during the Viet Nam con ict.

After being discharged from the Navy, the family returned to Atlanta and Sam began a 36 year career with the Federal Reserve Bank System - 12 years in Atlanta and 24 years with the Cleveland bank. Residing in Hudson, Ohio, Sam served in numerous capacities at e First Congregational Church of Hudson and at the Country Club of Hudson where he pursued his passion for golf. He also chaired the board of Beech Brook, an organization in Cleveland helping children and families thrive by promoting healthy child development.

Retiring in 2007, the family moved to Evergreen, Colorado where Sam enjoyed

mountain living at it’s best! Sam held leadership positions in Art for the Mountain Community (now Sculpture Evergreen), Evergreen Rotary and Rockland Community Church. A move to Longmont in 2018 meant no longer living in the mountains, but enjoying panoramic views of the front range and involvement in Longmont Rotary and Boy Scout committees.

Sam is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Settle Smith, Daughter and delight of his life, Jennifer Asbury, son-in-law Scott Asbury and adored grandaughter Audrey Asbury of Niwot, Colorado, brother George Smith and sister-in-law, Leslie Ireland of Vienna, Virginia, brother-in-law Gary Settle and sister-in-law Connie Settle, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, nieces, nephew, great nieces and nephews, cousins and his English Setter, Sigma. Sam leaves a legacy of service and leadership, courage and enduring love for family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Longmont Rotary, P.O. Box 272, Longmont, CO 80502 or Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31800 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen,CO 80439 .

Services will be held at Grace Commons Church, Boulder, Colorado On SaturdayApril 15th at 1;00 in the afternoon.

Free parking on 15th and Canyon Blvd in the Parking Garage.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is encouraging everyone to become a community scientist for the City Nature Challenge.

PHOTO BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN

SMITH

Samuel Douglas Smith

Eight long weeks

CONIFER – Parked and pristine in the evening, by morning Jennie Jeep’s jalopy sported four 6-inch scratches on the left rear panel and a nasty 2-foot gouge on the tailgate. Since the vehicle hadn’t ventured outside of the garage between sundown and sunup, Jennie suspected an inside job, and the only person inside besides her was her no-good roommate, Max. Max has always been a jerk, she told deputies, but last night he’d been particularly “loud and disruptive” and, she assumed, destructive. Max denied everything, of course, and was quick to remind nobody in particular that he still had two months left on his lease and he intended to use both of them. Unable to prove it was Max who marred her machine, Jennie could only settle for an o cial report and comfort in the knowledge that Max didn’t have three months left on his lease.

Air-abica

BERGEN PARK – e complainant was cruising the supermarket

HAPPENINGS

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.canyoncourier.com/ calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email dbrobst@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the print version of the paper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

THURSDAY

All In Ensemble performance: All In Ensemble, a new theater company launching in Evergreen, will o er its premier performance at 7 p.m. ursday, April 13, at Congregation Beth Evergreen, 2981 Bergen Peak Drive, Evergreen. e performance is free and open to the public. It will feature a showcase from two acting classes: dramatic improvisation and American Jewish playwrights.

Evergreen chamber mixer: e Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer will be from 5-7 p.m. April 13 at Flow eory, CoWorks & Best Custom Homes, 3540 Evergreen Parkway. For more information and to register, visit evergreenchamber.org.

parking lanes looking for an empty berth. e Nissan pickup truck was anchored mid-strait, in no apparent hurry to get back underway.

According to Complainant’s statement of March 16, after a polite and generous interval he got out of his car and approached the motionless hulk, cordially suggesting to Nissan should either park or move along. Nissan did neither, instead “yelling and screaming” in decidedly salty fashion and pitching “a glass co ee bottle at my head.” Located a few miles to the south, Nissan remembered the encounter quite di erently, telling o cers that he’d simply been waiting for a space to open up when Complainant suddenly loomed in his window breathing re and spitting bullets. “I threw my co ee cup on the ground and drove away,” he shrugged. Informed of Nissan’s competing narrative, and admitting that “it would be hard to prove” that Nissan was aiming “at my head,” Complainant concluded that a few words of counsel would su ce. Deputies told Nissan to cool his jets. Nissan promised to keep his

TUESDAY

Fire department consolidation community meetings: e three 285 Corridor re departments — Elk Creek, Inter-Canyon and North Fork — deciding whether to consolidate will host community meetings for the public. e meetings will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Elk Creek Station 1, 11993 Blackfoot Road, Conifer; 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Inter-Canyon Station 3, 8445 U.S. 285, Morrison; 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at North Fork Station 1, 19384 County Road 126, Bu alo Creek; 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Elk Creek Station 1, 11993 Blackfoot Road, Conifer; and 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Inter-Canyon Station 3, 8445 U.S. 285, Morrison.

Meeting on Highway 73 improvements: Je erson County will host a meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 18 on the planned improvements to Highway 73 between Bu alo Park Road and Plettner Lane just south of downtown Evergreen. e meeting will be in the Evergreen High School library. For more information and a link to watch the meeting virtually, visit Je erson County Roadway Projects at www.arcgis.com.

MEET RONA!

Rona came to us very pregnant. She gave birth a day later to 8 babies - all survived and have been adopted. Little Rona was estimated to be about 1yo when she gave birth. She is a nice, dilute calico, but she can play really hard. And she doesn’t love the other cats, she sticks to herself (tho she will play with other playful cats!). She has been with us for 18 months! Check this pretty girl out.

temper under control and his co ee in the cab.

Un-friended

EVERGREEN – e property’s caretaker called JCSO on the afternoon of March 17, asking deputies to remove an unwanted party from one of the residences under his care. e unwanted party didn’t want to leave, however, taking a hostile stance against the o cers and insisting that he and the absent homeowner are great friends, and that he often does “odd jobs” around his buddy’s bungalow. O cers were certainly willing to entertain those assertions, although most people would give a trusted handyman a key to the door and wouldn’t make a great friend climb in through an unlocked window. In any case, deputies left the interloper’s ultimate disposition to the homeowner who, contacted by telephone, said Unwanted was de nitely unwelcome. O cers gave Unwanted a free ride to a Golden light rail station and closed the case.

Once upon a Date Night

WEDNESDAY

Conifer Area Council Town Hall Meeting: e Conifer Area Council will host a town hall meeting from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at West Je erson Middle School. Candidates for the Elk Creek Fire board will be available to talk to voters before and after the presentations. Get updates from area o cials, plus hear about wild re preparedness and post-wild re impact.

Co ee with Cory: Cory Vander Veen, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s executive director, will host Co ee with Cory from 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays in April: April 19 at Wulf Recreation Center and April 26 at the EPRD Administration Building.

EVERGREEN – It was a great evening until it wasn’t. Justin and Jessica headed into downtown Evergreen, dining and drinking and dancing for hours. But what goes up must come down, and the couple’s high ol’ time hit rock bottom about ten minutes after they got home at about 1:30 a.m. Justin called Jessica a “cheater.” Jessica called Justin an “(ascetic).” Justin slapped Jessica in the face. Jessica broke an “empty champagne bottle” over Justin’s head. Deputies called to the scene found a drunken Justin sobbing alone on the front porch. “I don’t know what happened,” he wailed. “I’m sure I (ticked) her o , but I’m not going to rat her out!” Jessica didn’t mind ratting Justin out, and deputies arrested him for domestic violence assault.

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

UPCOMING

Conifer chamber awards banquet: e Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce will host its awards banquet from 5-8 p.m. ursday, April 20, at Beaver Ranch. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit goconifer.com.

Foothills Fire candidate forum: e Canyon Courier and Foothills Fire & Rescue are hosting a forum for the eight candidates running for the Foothills board from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ursday, April 20, at Mount Vernon Canyon Club in Genesee. Questions from the community that the Courier will consider asking should be emailed by April 19 to Courier editor Kristen Fiore at k ore@coloradocommunitymedia. com.

Sips for Scholarships: Bootstraps Inc. will host Sips for Scholarships from 6:30-9 p.m. ursday, April 20, at Twin Forks Tavern, 19423 N. Turkey Creek Road. Tickets are $75 and available at bootstrapsinc.org.

CAE Originals Concert: Center

SEE HAPPENINGS, P14

Wilmot third graders make doughnut public art

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Who doesn’t like a doughnut with icing and sprinkles? So imagine how much better a 40-inchwide sprinkle-covered doughnut would be.

Third graders at Wilmot Elementary School have created five gigantic doughnuts, not out of baking ingredients, but out of inner tubes. The realistic-looking doughnuts are public art hanging in Wilmot’s main hall, now affectionately known as Doughnut Hall.

On March 30, students watched as art teacher Elisabeth Marcus and custodian Zach Bryars hung the appetizing creations from the ceiling. They helped decide which doughnut would hang in various locations.

“We’ve been studying public art and the effect it has on the community,” Marcus explained. “We talked about how much power art has to create feelings for people in a community and how awesome it is that it’s accessible to everyone. It’s a gift to the community.”

Students learned about artist Claes Oldenburg, who is known for public art installations of giant everyday objects, so the Wilmot doughnuts fit right in.

Good enough to eat

Before moving to the hallway to hang the public art tasty treats, Marcus told the class that when artists finish a project, they take a moment to reflect.

“I want you to reflect on the gift you have given to the community,” she said. “Others will feel joy when they are at school because school is hard work, and they need joy to balance the hard work. Do you know how powerful you are to bring this to the entire community?”

Third grader Calvin Peters explained the process to create the gigantic doughnuts: The students used paper towels and glue to cover the inner tubes, adding several layers to make them look more doughnut-like.

Then students painted the doughnuts light brown and the icings pink, green and brown. The sprinkles are made of wet toilet paper squeezed tightly and painted in bright colors, Calvin said.

The students were proud of their work, and they hung around the hallway to see how others would respond, enjoying their looks of awe and smiles.

Third grader Grey Gillenwater said he felt happy the students were able to express themselves and to share it with others at the school.

Third grader Annika Owen added: “I’ll feel joyful when I pass by (the doughnuts).”

Foothills Professional Park is the ‘BusinessFriendly’ Place For O ce and Storage Space

By Jo Ann M. Colton Foothills

Professional Park (FPP) at 26055 Columbine Trail in Kittredge, near the corner of Bear Creek and Meyers Gulch Road, is fast becoming the business-friendly place for contractors & small business owners who require an o ce, a secured garage, and/or outdoor storage facilities for vehicles, equipment & materials.

“In July 2022 we bought the former Babcock’s Garden & Feed, Inc. property and updated the premises to become a fully amenitized for-rent location for the community,” said FPP owner Frank Compagnino, a nancier and construction trade professional who owns other local commercial property along with his full-service investment company, Evergreen Equity Management, LLC (“EEM”). EEM is a vertically integrated real estate investment company specializing in construction, management, and leasing administration.

FPP, a spacious and safe mixed-use property, features security-gate access and secured perimeter fencing. O ering all-inclusive amenities, FPP showcases onsite o ce spaces (with windows), climate-controlled garage units, and/ or outdoor storage for trucks, trailers, machinery/materials, all with electrical power and video surveillance. Security cameras overlook the entire property enabling the management company and tenants to keep an eye over the property at all times. e facility’s CCTV soware can be linked to tenants’ mobile devices as part of the rental package.

Tenants can get on the building’s WiFi that projects all the way out to the outdoor space. Tenants can give their employees/customers property-entry access codes and they would receive text messages whenever their codes are used.

“Because the business success of our clients is also our success, Foothills Professional Park is designed to provide tenants with full transparency over their business operation as if they actually owned the property,” said Frank Compagnino.

“We take pride in providing our customers with onsite safety/security, utilities (plumbing/electricity/heat), bathroom facilities, conference room, printer use (clients supply their paper), and high-speed internet,” stated Compagnino who personally meets with interested parties before they become tenants.

All-inclusive rental prices include 24/7 building entry-access and all onsite amenities. Small o ces (about 140-square feet or roughly a 10’x11’ size room) rent for $350/month and outdoor storage spaces with electric and cameras (20’x60’) rent for $450 a month.

Explore the advantages of being part of the FPP business community and taking your business operation to its next level of success. For o ce, garage, and/or storage space at the “business-friendly place,” Foothills Professional Park; contact Leasing Director, Marla Stevens at (720) 776-8667 or email admin@foothillspropark.com.

Third grader Madelyn Courington holds an inner-tube doughnut that has what appears to be a bite taken out of it. That doughnut was placed outside the hallway to the cafeteria.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Wilmot Elementary art teacher Elisabeth Marcus puts her arms around a 40-inch doughnut as she hangs it in the main hallway of the school. Her third graders created the doughnut public art out of inner tubes.

Warm Hearts Warm Babies serves hospitals, agencies across Colorado

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Surrounded by colorful fabric patterns, handmade baby items and frequent laughter, volunteers of the Warm Hearts Warm Babies nonpro t went to work on a Friday morning to put together layettes for organizations who need them.

e nonpro t has a list of roughly 40 agencies it delivers items to throughout Colorado, said Kathleen Williams, the nonpro t’s grant coordinator. e list includes the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Platte Valley Medical Center and Denver Medical Center.

“Warm Hearts is totally made up of volunteers,” said Sandi Powis, president of the board of directors. “Everyone’s volunteering with their heart and skills to make things for newborn (babies), preemies to help them get a good start in this world.”

Volunteers sew, knit, crochet and quilt items such as bibs, burp pads, jackets, hats and blankets. e items are assembled into a layette, which is a collection of clothing and accessories for newborn infants.

Each layette contains a quilt, two receiving blankets, bibs, burp pads, clothing and a goodie bag containing items such as a bottle, some diapers and a small toy. ese items are delivered in a handmade tote bag.

“All these items are made with love,” Powis said. “We don’t connect to the individuals personally. We deliver the layettes to hospitals, birthing centers, food banks — anyone that can help us help the newborn.”

A number of the mothers who receive these items are experiencing homelessness, sometimes living in shelters or in their cars, Williams said.

e nonpro t also o ers items for the neonatal intensive care units at hospitals in Colorado, such as positioning roles that are used to help support the infants.

“We also provide clothing for babies that don’t survive, from tiny little babies to full-term babies,” Williams said. “We have clothing for them that we hand out at the hospitals.”

Included in those burial layettes is a cloth-made envelope intended for the parents to hold important items and memories, Powis said.

“It’s sad, but it’s so important,” Powis said. “And to know that a mom wouldn’t have to go out, or send her mom or her sister to go out and nd things for her precious one that has passed — that it can be given to them and that’s not a worry for them.”

How it began

e nonpro t’s origin dates back to 1996, when a woman named Victoria Swain gave birth to a stillborn infant, according to the nonpro t’s website. e hospital she was at could not provide a blanket or clothes for her infant, prompt-

ing Swain to look into how she could help donate these types of items.

After recruiting some volunteers and spending a few years working through a di erent organization called Newborns in Need, in 2000, Swain and the other board members decided to create their own nonpro t: Warm Hearts Warm Babies.

Powis estimated the nonpro t currently has about 200 volunteers and 12 work groups throughout the state including in Arvada, Brighton, Littleton and ornton.

Powis is part of the work group in Conifer, where she lives. She joined the organization roughly six years ago.

“I’ve been doing things for babies for many years, donating to other groups, but they were all missing something. ere was no social connection with anyone else making things,” Powis said. “I found that they had a local organization up here in Conifer and it was like, that’s it — that’s one I can link up with. I can meet people right here in our community.”

Williams learned about the nonpro t through a quilt show, as representatives of the organization had a table at the event. Living in Aurora at the time, she initially joined the Aurora group. Since then, she has moved to Colorado Springs

SEE IN NEED, P13

CIRCLE PHOTO: Eleanor Morris, left, smiles alongside her grandmother, Glenda Bredeson, on March 17 at The Baby House in Arvada.

TOP RIGHT: Signs hanging in the Warm Hearts Warm Babies’ building, called The Baby House, in Arvada on March 17.

Information pamphlets within Warm Hearts Warm Babies’ building in Arvada on March 17.

PHOTOS BY TAYLER SHAW

Sandi Powis, president of the board of directors

IN NEED

FROM PAGE 12

and joined the local work group there.  e importance of the nonpro t’s work resonated with Williams after an interaction she had with a stranger a number of years ago, she said.

“I was still up in Aurora, out buying onesies and things for our (goodie) bags so that we could deliver onesies and diapers and things, and a lady was standing behind me at the cash register,” Williams said.  e woman asked her what she was buying the materials for, to which Williams began to explain Warm Hearts Warm Babies.

“And she stopped me and she said, ‘ en, I need to thank you, because my daughter just had a baby at the hospital and it was wintertime and … we had nothing to bring that baby home in. And I told the nurses and they brought us one of your bags,’” Williams said.

“And so that keeps me going,” she continued. “I think about that and that keeps me going and seeing how important it is, the work we do.”

Fostering community

Materials for making items and assembling the layettes are stored in the nonpro t’s building, based in Arvada, which is nicknamed “ e Baby House.”

Among the volunteers who gathered at the building that Friday was Glenda Bredeson, an Arvada resident who has been a part of the organization since 1999.

Over time, the nonpro t has gradually grown and expanded in di erent areas of Colorado, said Bredeson, vice president of the nonpro t’s board.

Volunteering for the nonpro t has become a family a air, as Bredeson’s 18-year-old granddaughter, Eleanor Morris, worked alongside Bredeson in e Baby House.

“I remember volunteering here when I was a little girl,” Morris said, explaining she and her cousins would help assemble goodie bags. “I’ve always loved it.”

Since then, she began crocheting and knitting items to donate.

“She was thrilled when she made her rst two baby hats and brought them in,” Bredeson said.

Although Morris lives in Virginia, she visits when she can and also plans to still create items to donate and ship them to the nonpro t.

“I was so excited just to be here and volunteer because I grew up always coming here. Every time I visited, I would be here, and it was just amazing,” she said.

One of Bredeson’s favorite parts of the nonpro t is the people. Vickie Lutz, an Arvada resident who began volunteering for the organization in 2020, agreed and said that’s true for most of the volunteers.

Lutz said the nonpro t has incredibly talented volunteers. She showed o intricate blankets, toys and clothing items in e Baby House that volunteers spent hours creating.

Challenges and goals

e talent of the volunteers isn’t just for making impressive items, though

— it can also be applied toward teaching younger people the craft.

“Eleanor came to us. She didn’t know how to knit or crochet, and now she’s phenomenal at it. ere are so many people here that are willing to teach,” Lutz said.

e need for more younger volunteers is a challenge the nonpro t faces.

“We’re all older, and it’s just not going to be sustainable if we don’t get young people,” Lutz said.

Powis said the organization also needs more volunteers who will sew.

“ e last couple of months, unfortunately, we’ve had to cut back. We’ve had to cut back on the clothes,” Powis said. “We were sending out two out ts. Now it’s down to one.”

Before COVID-19, the nonpro t was able to have a backup supply of clothing, she said. Now, the organization is scraping by, month by month, due to losing a lot of active members.

On top of the need for volunteers, there are also nancial pressures.

“Our donations have gone down drastically over the last couple of years,” Powis said. “And again, our volunteers and the items coming in have really gone down — but the need is still the same — more, more.”

To help raise funds to pay for costs such as rent, volunteers will create items to sell at various craft shows. e nonpro t is also one of the charities that people can select as part of the King Soopers Community Rewards program.

As the grant coordinator, Williams plans to work this year on nding new areas to get donations and support, she said. She noted that Sue Lee, cofounder of the nonpro t Sock It To ‘Em Sock Campaign, has helped by not only donating socks to Warm Hearts Warm Babies but also in providing connections to other people.  e nonpro t creates 125 to 150 layettes every month, Powis said.

e main goal she has for this year is getting enough donations of money and items to continue the nonpro t’s work.

“ ere are other organizations out there that would love to have us help them, but at this point, we can’t go out and look for more agencies. But I know they’re there — I know there’s more mamas that could use the help,” she said. “I would (like) not only to be able to help who we have, but also for it to grow and help more.”

ere are a variety of ways that community members can support Warm Hearts Warm Babies, Williams explained.

“Even if people don’t sew or … they don’t crochet, but they can help in, you know, at e Baby House or they can help in collecting donations for us — do a donation drive for us in their schools or their churches — to help us so that we can continue to help these mothers and babies and give them a good start in life,” Williams said.

Powis encouraged people to reach out to the nonpro t and come visit them. ose interested in learning more about Warm Hearts Warm Babies can visit warmheartswarmbabies. org.  “We’re a world that needs to be more interactive with each other,” Powis said, emphasizing the importance of volunteering. “It’s so good for your soul.”

Handmade toys are one of the accessories included in layettes that Warm Hearts Warm Babies volunteers create.

PHOTOS BY TAYLER SHAW

Colorful fabric patterns in The Baby House on March 17 in Arvada.

Completed layettes in The Baby House in Arvada on March 17.

HAPPENINGS

for the Arts Evergreen will host a CAE Originals Concert from 6-9 p.m. April 20 at the gallery, 31880 Rocky Village Drive. For more information and tickets, visit evergreenarts.org.

Wild Game, 1204 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. e Jersey Boys and Pat Travis & Friends will perform. Proceeds bene t Resilience1220. For more information and tickets, visit www.boogieatthebarn.com.

World Tai Chi Day: World Tai Chi Day will be celebrated at 10 a.m. April 29 at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center pool.

questions, help ll out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Preregistration for individual 15-minute appointments is available by calling 303-235-5275.

Very Vivaldi: Evergreen Chorale presents Very Vivaldi at 7:30 p.m. April 21 at Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 Highway 73, and at 4:30 p.m. April 23 at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 62 and older, and $18 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ovationwest.org.

Bash and Bene t for Evergreen Nature Center: Evergreen Audubon’s Bash and Bene t for the Evergreen Nature Center will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Evergreen Lake House.  is evening will include silent and live auctions, and a program highlighting Nature Center programs. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit www.EvergreenAudubon.org.

Springtime Boogie: e Boogie Trust presents the Springtime Boogie from 5-10 p.m. April 28 at e

Rockies Springtime art show: Shadow Mountain Gallery will display artists’ renditions of springtime in a wide range of media through April 29. One-of-a-kind artwork will be priced for every budget. Shadow Mountain Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Evergreen between Java Groove and Beau Jo’s.

Osteoporosis: ere Is Something You Can Do About It!: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice will o er a free education program called Osteoporosis: ere Is Something You Can Do About It! From 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. Registration is required at www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0d44adab2ca6fbcf8-osteoporosis3#/.

Resilience1220 celebration: Resilience1220 will celebrate four years of elevating youth mental health from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at Mount Vernon Canyon Club. Cost is $50 per person. Visit r1220.org to purchase tickets.

Free legal clinic: A free legal clinic for people with no attorney will be from 2 to 5 p.m. ursday, May 4. Volunteer attorneys will answer

Women in Business luncheon: e Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business luncheon will start at 11 a.m. May 4 at Mount Vernon Canyon Club. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit evergreenchamber.org.

Purely Patsy: Purely Patsy, an intimate tribute to Patsy Cline by Kelley Zinge, will be performed as part of the Shining Stars series at Center Stage. Performances will at 7:30 p.m. May 6 and at 2:30 p.m. May 7. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 62 and older, and $18 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ovationwest.org.

Puppies and Pizza: Puppies and Pizza will be from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, May 26, at Vertical Skills Academy, 32156 Castle Court, No. 201. e school will work with the Evergreen Animal Protective League to adopt puppies while raising funds for VSA.

ONGOING

Evergreen Audubon Explore More: Registration is open for Evergreen Audubon’s Explore More after-school programs at Marshdale and Wilmot elementary schools and Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen. ese programs are for kids who love being outdoors and learning about nature and science. For more information and to register, visit www.EvergreenAudubon.

Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet the fourth Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. through April at United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email MountainAreaDems@gmail. com.

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering a LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 o ce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. e group’s rst book is “Hell Followed With Us.” For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

Hiwan Museum winter hours: Hiwan Museum has shortened winter hours for tours, open ursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m. Private tours of large groups may be accommodated when the museum is closed by calling Erica Duvic at Hiwan Museum at 720-4977653.

Community Bible Study: Several community Bible study groups are available — women (in person and online), co-ed young adults, school age, preschool & babies. is year’s study covers six books of the Bible: Philemon 1, 2, 3, John, Jude and Revelation. In-person classes are ursday morning at Rockland Community Church in Genesee, Tuesday night at Bergan Park Church in Evergreen and Wednesday morning at Conifer

SEE HAPPENINGS, P15

equity in your home, you can fell good about the possibilities that await you

retirement. Eligible borrowers can pay o an existing mortgage and have no monthly mortgage payments* while receiving proceeds on a monthly or as-needed basis. Contact me

Community Church in Conifer. More information is available at cbsclass. org/evergreengolden.

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available).  e Re ll Station is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. It is located upstairs in the Habitat Restore in Bergen Park, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

Support After Suicide Loss: Heartbeat and Resilience1220 o er Support After Suicide Loss from 5:30-7 p.m. the fourth ursday of

the month for ages 14 and older. Join in-person or online. Suggest donation is $15. For location, visit R1220. org.

History Happy Hour: e Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society will host a History Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at Hiwan Museum. Join us in a round table discussion on any and all aspects of history with topics driven by the attendees.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 o ers a monthly workshop for highly sensitive people to help them live healthy and empowered lives from 3:30-4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month via Zoom. Visit R1220.org for more information.

Caregiver support groups: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers two monthly groups to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets every third Monday from 4-6 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen, and a virtual support group meets every rst Tuesday from 10 a.m.-noon via Zoom. Call 303-674-6400 to learn how to connect to the group virtual call. For more information visit mtevans.org/ services/emotional-support/.

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

Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club at 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81389224272, meeting ID 813 8922 4272, phone 346-248-7799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet from 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ child. To RSVP, contact Lior Alon at lior@wisetreewellness.com.

Nominations for the 2022 Officer and Citizen of the Year for the Lyle Wohlers’ Law Enforcement Award

Organizers of the annual Lyle Wohlers’ Law Enforcement Luncheon and Awards Ceremony are soliciting nominations for the 2022 Officer and Citizen of the Year. The annual event will be hosted by the Empire and Georgetown Police Departments. Law Enforcement included in this luncheon are Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Department, Colorado State Patrol, Empire Police, Georgetown Police, and Idaho Springs Police which commemorates Colorado State Trooper Lyle Wohlers who was killed in the line of duty near Georgetown in 1992.

An interdepartmental awards committee seeks to identify those officers who serve the citizens and visitors within greater Clear Creek County, and particularly that member of the law enforcement community who has shown exemplary service during 2022. The committee will also select the 2022 Citizen of the Year who supports area law enforcement and public safety or has engaged in an extraordinary feat to safeguard another.

Nominations must be received by 5:00 PM, Monday April 24, 2023. Nomination forms may be found at the following locations: Idaho Springs Police Department, Idaho Springs City Hall, Empire Town Hall, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Department, Georgetown Town Hall. To request nomination forms, please email nominations@empirecolorado.us or call EPD at 303-569-2281.

Women+Film Festival brings small stories to big screen

BY CLARKE READER

ere are many features that make lm festivals special events for attendees, but one that keeps me returning every year is the opportunity to catch lms on the big screen you might not be able to any other time. And providing that very experience to audiences is one of the top priorities of the 2023 Women+Film Festival.

“So many lms, including a lot of independent lms, just don’t have the same budgets as major studio projects. So, we’re excited to bring smaller lms to local audiences so they can be seen,” said Ambriehl Turrentine, Denver Film programming manager. “ is year we’re looking to connect with viewers who may not be as familiar with the lm world and work we do at Denver Film.”

is year’s festival runs from April 13 through April 16 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. e festival will screen 11 full-length movies, as well as short lms, and Denver Film ensured that special events aimed at drawing in more of a crowd are included as part of the lineup.

One of the most exciting events is a marketplace, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on April 15 in the Sie lobby. According to provided information, shoppers will be able to peruse “gifts, artwork,

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

crafts and novelties from local, womanowned businesses.”

ere will also be live question and answer sessions with lmmakers following showings of “ e Disappearance of Shere Hite” on April 15 at and “Girl Talk” on April 16.

“We’ll also have a discussion after ‘Plan C’ on Friday, which will feature the director and representatives from Planned Parenthood,” Turrentine said. “We always look for was to tap into the local lm community, and this lm is a great opportunity to do so.”

As far as lms to get excited about, there’s also festival opener “Judy Blume Forever,” which will be shown before its streaming debut. With a lm version of Blume’s immortal, “Are You ere God? It’s Me, Margaret” coming later in the month, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the wonderful author.

No matter what audiences see, Turrentine hopes people come away with something new to explore.

“I don’t want people to be intimidated by any of the lms or the festival. At the end of the day, it’s another form of entertainment,” she said. “ ey provide the chance to connect — with a story, someone in the audience or a lmmaker.”

Full festival details and tickets can

be found at www.denver lm.org.

Take a trip to world of the beyond with Paranormal Cirque

Most of us probably have a pretty good idea of what a circus performance will look like. at’s not how Cirque Italia does things, and “Paranormal Cirque,” its latest production, proves that and then some. Described in provided information as an “innovative horror story” for a mature audience, the show aims to take audiences on a thrilling and sexy ride that combines theatre, circus and cabaret.

e show will be staged under a big top tent at the Denver Premium Outlets parking lot, 13801 Grant St. in ornton, from April 20 through April 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday and Friday, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

All the information and tickets van be found at http://www.paranormalcirque.com/tickets.

Samantha Bee, Your Favorite Woman, comes to Denver

Canada’s Samantha Bee is, quiet simply, one of the funniest people on the planet. It’s a total bummer her talk show, “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” was cancelled last year, as the world could really use her whip-smart take on the day’s events right now.

Fortunately, Bee is doing a national tour and she’ll be bringing “Your Favorite Woman” to the Paramount

eatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver at 7 p.m. April 15. I’m not even a little doubtful that it will be one of the year’s funniest and most thought-provoking evenings, so secure tickets by visiting https://www. ticketmaster.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Dawes at the Ogden Theatre ere’s not a lot of folk rock bands making the rounds on the music scene anymore, which is too bad. e genre was at its peak at the same time some of the century’s best music was being written. ankfully, there are still a few laborers working in the eld of this particular genre, and one of the best is Dawes. e Los Angeles based group not only excel in the kind of music pioneered by e Byrds and CSNY, but over their career they’ve added alt-rock elements, which keeps the sound from growing stale. Last year’s “Misadventures of a Doomscroller,” is their most experimental and farranging release to date.   Dawes will be performing at e Ogden eatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. April 19. I saw them perform at the Arvada Center last summer and can personally attest to the quality of live performance attendees are in for. Get tickets at https://www.ticketmaster. com.

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

Clarke Reader

Screen exposure raises concern

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

e pandemic forced many Americans to work and learn from home, and health experts are increasingly concerned about the potentially harmful impact of blue light that comes from screens in telephones, tablets and televisions.

Amanda Melendez is an optometrist with the Monfort Family Clinic in Evans. She said patients who spend hours in front of screens should be on the lookout for symptoms of digital eye strain.

“Which can sometimes be alarming,” said Melendez. “Blurred vision is one of the more common ones. But even if you’re getting things like a little bit of dizziness, dryness and even neck pain, those could all be indicators of digital eye strain. Something that might prompt you to come see us. We might want to do something about that.”

Blue light, a short-wavelength high-energy light similar to ultraviolet light on the visible spectrum, is still being studied to determine safe exposure levels. Ultraviolet light has been shown to harm eye health over time.

A recent report found that since the onset of COVID-19, the average American spends 13 hours a day

looking at some kind of blue lightemitting screen.

Dr. Scott Edmonds — chief eye care o cer for UnitedHealthcare Vision — said exposure to blue-light is of particular concern because of how close the user’s eyes typically are to screens, and for how long.

“ e photoreceptors can certainly process blue light, but it puts a lot of strain on them,” said Edmonds. “And we’re concerned that over time, the retina will become damaged, and we’ll start to see age-related macular degeneration from this, like we did with UV light.”

Using blue light lters, which are available for most types and sizes of screens, can help reduce exposure. Eyeglasses with an anti-re ective coating may also help.

And Melendez said if you’re working and really can’t get away from the computer, use the 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain.

“So every 20 minutes, taking a 20 second break, to look at something 20 feet away,” said Melendez. “And so it really just allows your eyes a break from that blue light. And it allows your focusing muscle to take a break as well, because that’s active as well when we’re on the screen.”

Public News Story via e Associated Press’ Storyshare, which Colorado Community Media participates in.

LOCAL

Health o cials are sounding the alarm about health risks associated with the blue light that emanates from computer and smart phone screens. SHUTTERSTOCK

EASTER

Regis Jesuit High School students

Rosary Tambunan and Katie Nelson brought exchange student Ruby Hascka of Switzerland to see the sun rise at Red Rocks, not realizing that thousands would be joining them to witness the sight at the service.

“ is is a gift from God,” Tambunan said. “It’s a blessing in disguise.”

Jessica Gray of Littleton stopped on a stairway to admire the view, noting that the last time she went to

Sunrise Service was about 25 years ago.

“It’s great to be here with the community and take in the beauty of God’s creation,” Gray said.

Easter is one of Gray’s favorite holidays because it’s about love and forgiveness, noting that the high attendance at the service showed people’s belief in God and the meaning of Easter.

The service Adrian Miller, who welcomed attendees to the service, told the crowd that it was easy to see that they loved the Lord because they

came out even with a chill in the air.

He was impressed that by applause, many said this was their rst time at Sunrise Service.

e Colorado Council of Churches, which sponsors the service, is comprised of 13 Christian denominations representing 800 churches.

e Rev. Tamara Boynton said she had a beautiful view from the stage as she looked at all the faces in the crowd.

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here,” she told them, calling Red Rocks Amphitheatre an apt location for the service. She told

them to breathe in the area’s beauty and breathe out the distractions in their hearts; to breathe in unconditional love and breathe out others who sway them from that love; to breathe in the wonders of the risen Christ and breathe out the darkness of the tomb.

Blood Brothers sang an original song, which Swearengin told the crowd talked about the tension between the trouble in people’s lives and the celebration of Easter.

“We need to embrace (both) the hurt and the hope from our faith in Christ’s resurrection,” he said.

The glow of the sun peeks over the stage and onto the crowd gathered at Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Josh Harwood does a sound check before Blood Brothers plays the 76th annual Red Rocks Easter Sunday Service.

From left, Lily Harwood, Megan Swearengin, Mattie Brown and Sarah Bauer sing during the 76th annual Red Rocks Easter Sunday Service. PHOTOS BY SARA HERTWIG

Josh Harwood plays the guitar on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Conifer band Blood Brothers during the annual Easter Sunrise Service.

Shelly Bowman with Aphrodites Doves holds one of the doves released at the end of Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Je com 911 launches app for non-emergency services

Je com 911, the county’s emergency communications agency, has launched a free phone app to provide residents and visitors access to non-emergency public safety resources.

It also allows users to sign up for LookoutAlert emergency noti cations and report illegal reworks activity with the push of a button.

e Je com 911 app is now available on Apple and Google Play stores.

Executive Director Je Street stated that his agency wants to provide citizens “the best and most e cient response to requests,” and believed the app and the Je com911.org website would accomplish those goals.

e agency currently averages about 2,000 emergency and nonemergency calls a day, totaling about 800,000 annually.

In an April 3 press release, Streeter described how the app allows users to report non-emergency incidents, such as reporting code violations or inquiring about welfare check requests, without calling a traditional phone line or speaking to a dispatcher.

Instead, users can ll out a form on the app with their name, contact information, date and time of the incident, and brief description. Google Maps provides the location through the Je com 911 app. Once submitted, users will receive con rmation that the message has been received and appropriate public safety resources have been assigned.

Other features include:

Immediate updates through push noti cations; A “ reworks” button to report illegal reworks activity closer to Independence Day; and A sign-up for LookoutAlert emergency noti cations.

Je com 911, which is based in Lakewood, is celebrating its fth anniversary this month. It started as a consolidation of eight separate law, re and EMS dispatch agencies, and now provides communication services for 24 agencies and more than 600,000 residents.

For more information, visit jeffcom911.org.

CDOT begins six-month project along Highway 93 is month, the Colorado Department of Transportation kicks o a six-month project along Highway 93 between Golden and the west Arvada area.

Crews will repave the highway and make safety improvements along a 3.1-mile stretch between U.S. Highway 6 and 58th Avenue, CDOT and the City of Golden con rmed in a recent press release.

e rst stage of the project will be daytime work to complete erosion control, widening and ADA curb ramps. e second stage kicks o in June with nighttime milling and paving operations along with guardrail updates. Finally, the third stage in late summer will switch back to daytime work to complete signage, striping and rumble strips.

e entire project is expected to be complete by October.

Daytime working hours will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and nighttime working hours will be 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Sunday through ursday.

Starting in April, motorists should expect northbound and southbound single-lane closures during normal working hours, potential tra c shifts during guardrail operations, rough pavement in the project area, and reduced speed limits during widening operations.

In total, the project will: Repave Highway 93;Replace the signal at 58th Avenue;Widen the road between Washington Avenue and Mesa Drive;Add ADA-compliant curb ramps and guardrail upgrades;Update signage and striping;Add rumble strips;Lengthen the northbound acceleration lane from westbound Washington Avenue;Add a second northbound lane between Washington Avenue and Golden Gate Canyon Road; andAdd a median on the east and west sides of Pine Ridge Road to reinforce existing turning restrictions onto the highway.

For more information, call the project hotline 303-495-3030, email CO93Repaving@gmail.com, or visit

COTrip.org.

CASA, Je co mark Child Abuse Prevention Month

Both Je erson County and the local chapter of CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

CASA of Je erson & Gilpin Counties, which is one of ve chapters in the Denver area and one of 17 statewide, is hosting a special new volunteer training and a community event this month.

e organization’s volunteers advocate for children who’ve experienced neglect and abuse by being constants in their lives amid ongoing court cases.

CASA of Je erson & Gilpin Counties has served more than 4,600 children since 2001, including more than 400 in 2022.

For anyone who’s interested in becoming a volunteer or wants to learn more about the organization,

visit casaje cogilpin.com. roughout April, Je erson County typically has a month of activities and fundraisers for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, such as the iconic blue pinwheels near the county building in Golden. e pinwheel is an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve, as the county has described.

Residents are encouraged to wear blue during April to raise awareness toward preventing child abuse. According to Je co, one in ve Colorado parents doesn’t feel like they have anyone they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. Everyone plays a role in strengthening families. Anyone concerned about a child’s safety or well-being should call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS. Calls are accepted 24/7 and remain condential. More information is available at CO4KIDS.org.

This month, the Colorado Department of Transportation kicks o a six-month project to improve driving conditions and safety along Highway 93 between U.S. Highway 6 and 58th Avenue. COURTESY GRAPHIC

Study: 1 in 4 Colorado teens have quick access to guns

Community still reeling after Denver school shooting incident

BY MARKIAN HAWRYLUK KAISER HEALTH NEWS

One in 4 Colorado teens reported they could get access to a loaded gun within 24 hours, according to survey results published late last month. Nearly half of those teens said it would take them less than 10 minutes.

“ at’s a lot of access and those are short periods of time,” said Virginia McCarthy, a doctoral candidate at the Colorado School of Public Health and the lead author of the research letter describing the ndings in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics.

e results come as Coloradans are reeling from yet another school shooting. On March 22, a 17-yearold student shot and wounded two school administrators at East High School in Denver. Police later found his body in the mountains west of Denver in Park County and con rmed he had died from a selfin icted gunshot wound. Another East High student was fatally shot in February while sitting in his car outside the school.

e time it takes to access a gun matters, McCarthy said, particularly for suicide attempts, which are often impulsive decisions for teens.

In research studying people who have attempted suicide, nearly half said the time between ideation and action was less than 10 minutes. Creating barriers to easy access, such as locking up guns and storing them unloaded, extends the time before someone can act on an impulse, and increases the likelihood that they will change their mind or that someone will intervene.

“ e hope is to understand access in such a way that we can increase that time and keep kids as safe as possible,” McCarthy said.

e data McCarthy used comes from the Healthy Kids Colorado Study, a survey conducted every two years with a random sampling of 41,000 students in middle and high school. e 2021 survey asked, “How long would it take you to get and be ready to re a loaded gun without a parent’s permission?”

American Indian students in Colorado reported the greatest access to a loaded gun, at 39%, including 18% saying they could get one within 10 minutes, compared with 12% of everybody surveyed. American Indian and Native Alaskan youths also have the highest rates of suicide.

Nearly 40% of students in rural areas reported having access to rearms, compared with 29% of city residents.

e ndings were released at a particularly tense moment in youth gun violence in Colorado. Earlier this month, hundreds of students left their classrooms and walked

nearly 2 miles to the state Capitol to advocate for gun legislation and safer schools. e students returned to confront lawmakers again last week in the aftermath of the March 22 high school shooting.

e state legislature is considering a handful of bills to prevent gun violence, including raising the minimum age to purchase or possess a gun to 21; establishing a three-day waiting period for gun purchases; limiting legal protections for gun manufacturers and sellers; and expanding the pool of who can le for extreme risk protection orders to have guns removed from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rearms became the leading cause of death among those ages 19 or younger in 2020, supplanting motor vehicle deaths. And rearm deaths among children increased during the pandemic, with an average of seven children a day dying because of a rearm incident in 2021.

Colorado has endured a string of school shootings over the past 25 years, including at Columbine High School in 1999, Platte Canyon High School in 2006, Arapahoe High School in 2013, and the STEM School Highlands Ranch in 2019.

Although school shootings receive more attention, the majority of teen gun deaths are suicides.

“Youth suicide is starting to become a bigger problem than it ever has been,” said Dr. Paul Nestadt,

a researcher at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

“Part of that has to do with the fact that there’s more and more guns that are accessible to youth.”

While gun ownership poses a higher risk of suicide among all age groups, teens are particularly vulnerable, because their brains typically are still developing impulse control.

“A teen may be bright and know how to properly handle a rearm, but that same teen in a moment of desperation may act impulsively without thinking through the consequences,” said Dr. Shayla Sullivant, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. “ e decision-making centers of the brain are not fully online until adulthood.”

Previous research has shown a disconnect between parents and their children about access to guns in their homes. A 2021 study found that 70% of parents who own rearms said their children could not get their hands on the guns kept at home. But 41% of kids from those same families said they could get to those guns within two hours.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonpro t organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Colorado snowpack tops 140% in good year

Reservoirs remain low

BY JERD SMITH FRESH WATER NEWS

Colorado is awash in white this spring, with statewide snowpack topping 140% of average this week, well above the reading a year ago, when it stood at just 97% of normal.

“Conditions in the American West are way better than they were last year at this time,” state climatologist Russ Schumacher said at a recent joint meeting of the Water Availability Task Force and the Governor’s Flood Task Force. “In Colorado we went from drought covering most of the state to most of the state being out of drought.”

Like other Western states, mountain snowpacks in Colorado are closely monitored because as they melt in the spring and summer, their runo delivers much of the state’s water.

A drought considered to be the worst in at least 1,200 years has devastated water supplies across the West. While no one is suggesting the dry spell is over, Colorado water ofcials said 2023 will likely allow for a signi cant recovery in reservoirs and soil moisture.

e snow is deepest in the southwestern part of the state, where the San Juan/Dolores river basin is seeing a snowpack of 179% of average.

e Yampa Basin, in the northwest corner of Colorado, is also nearing historic highs, with snowpack registering 145% of average, according to the Natural Resources Conservation

Service Snow Survey.

ere is considerably less white stu east of the Continental Divide in the Arkansas River Basin, where snowpack remains slightly below average and in the South Platte Basin, where snowpack is just above average.

e outlook for the seven-state

Colorado River Basin has improved dramatically as well, with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in its March 15 report, showing that Lake Powell is likely to see some 10.44 million acre-feet of new water supply by the end of September, or in ows at 109% average.

e Colorado River Basin includes seven states, with Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming comprising the Upper Basin and Arizona, California and Nevada making up the lower basin. And it is in the mountains of the Upper Basin, especially in Colorado, where most of the water for the entire system is generated.

at Colorado is seeing such spectacular snow levels this spring, bodes well for everyone. “ is is good news for the Colorado River Basin, no doubt about that,” Schumacher said.

Still the drought-strapped Colorado River system will see little storage recovery this year, according to Reclamation, which is forecasting that Lake Powell will see storage at just 32% of capacity by the end of the year. It had dropped to just 23% of capacity last year, prompting ongoing emergency releases from Utah’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir to help

keep the system from crashing.

Within Colorado, statewide reservoir storage this month stands at 80% of average, up slightly from this time last year when it registered 75% of average.

Reservoirs within Colorado are expected to see a signi cant boost in storage levels. Colorado’s largest reservoir, Blue Mesa, was just 36% full earlier this month, but is projected to receive enough new water this year that it will be 71% full by the end of the year, according to Reclamation.

Flood task force o cials said the deep snows, particularly in the southwestern and northwestern corners of the state, could cause ooding this spring and summer, especially if there is a series of hot, dry,

windy days or major rain storms.

“We are blessed in large part because our snowpack tends to run o in a well-behaved manner,” said Kevin Houck, section chief of watershed and ood protection at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. “But I will say that I am watching things more closely this year. It’s not just the presence of snow that creates our problems. It needs to have a trigger as well. e classic trigger is the late spring warmup. And what can cause even more damage is when we get rain on snow as well.”

Fresh Water News is an independent, nonpartisan news initiative of Water Education Colorado. WEco is funded by multiple donors. Its editorial policy and donor list can be viewed at wateredco.org

A 2022 view of hikers at Colorado’s St. Mary’s Glacier. Statewide snowpack is 140% of average, well above the reading a year ago. FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW FRAIELI

Colorado wool harvest draws foreign workers

State is top 5 producer

BY WILLIAM WOODY SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO SUN

It’s that time of year when the best sheep shearers from around the world travel from ranch to ranch in Colorado shearing thousands of sheep during the annual wool harvest. Colorado is consistently one of the Top 5 wool producing states, producing more than 2 million pounds of ber each year that is used in a wide variety of products, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Shearing a sheep using mechanical shears to carefully cut the wool from the animal usually takes a couple of minutes and yields 11 to 13 pounds of wool per animal. e wool then is sorted for quality and bailed to be shipped and sold to wholesalers.

Colorado wool growers say they take great pride in the care they provide their animals. Sheep must be shorn regularly to prevent excess wool from interfering with their ability to thermo-regulate. Excessive wool coats also make the sheep more vulnerable to becoming immobilized by physical obstacles in the environment and more susceptible to predator and parasite attacks.

Shearing generally takes place before the lambing season each spring in order to aid in lamb health and survival.

Shearing companies usually hire

professionals from South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many other countries who are trained speci cally to remove the wool from the animals.

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.

Fresh-shorn sheep co-mingle in a pen with those about to have their winter coats removed at a Western Slope ranch in March 2023.

PHOTO BY WILLIAM WOODY / SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO SUN

A professional sheep shearer from South America works to harvest wool.

Legal paraprofessionals will be able to represent some clients

Goes into e ect July 1

BY PAOLO ZIALCITA COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

e Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that licensed legal paraprofessionals without law degrees will be able to represent clients in certain cases.

Starting July 1, licensed legal paraprofessionals may le court documents and represent their clients in mediation during domestic cases involving divorce proceedings and child custody hearings. LLPs will also be able to accompany clients to court and answer a judge’s questions, but will be unable to present oral arguments or question witnesses.

e state Supreme Court’s decision was done in the hopes of making legal representation more widely available and more a ordable.

“Making it easier for people to secure legal representation in these often di cult matters has been a long-term goal of our commitment to ensuring access to justice for all Coloradans,” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright said in a statement. “Allowing non-lawyers to provide limited legal representation for people who otherwise couldn’t a ord it will not only help those litigants, but it will help the courts e ciently and e ectively handle their cases.”

According to Colorado’s Judicial Branch, 74 percent of parties in-

volved in domestic-related cases between July 2021 and June 2022 represented themselves.

Prospective legal paraprofessionals will be subject to similar educational requirements as lawyers before they’re able to represent clients, as outlined by the new Rule 207 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

First, applicants must either work the equivalent of three full-time years in family law, or obtain certi cation, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, or a paralegal certi cate while completing a four-year degree program. ose who pursue their license through obtaining a degree must also work 1,500 hours in “law-related practical experience,” including 500 hours of experience in Colorado family law.

Applicants also have to pass several courses, including ones on ethics and professional conduct.

After those requirements are met, applicants have to pass a written exam administered by the O ce of Attorney Regulation Counsel. e rst LLPs could receive their licenses in July 2024.

Colorado will be one of ve states who allow non-lawyers to practice limited law, joining Arizona, Minnesota, Oregon, and Utah.

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

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ASCENT CHURCH

“Real people pursuing a real God”

All are Welcome Sundays at 10am

In-person or Online www.ascentchurch.co

29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Evergreen

BERGEN PARK CHURCH

Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other.

On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:30AM or 11:00AM Sunday service.

Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:30am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School 10am

Wednesday Evening 7:30pm, Zoom options available

Contact: clerk@christianscienceevergreen.com for ZOOM link Reading Room 4602 Pletner Lane, Unit 2E, Evergreen

OPEN TUE-SAT 12PM - 3PM

CHURCH OF THE CROSS

Please join us for Sunday worship at 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen or visit www.churchotc.com

8:30am Traditional Service

10:30am Contemporary Service

Communion is served every Sunday at both services. All are welcome! Visit our website at www.churchotc.com for info on church activities. 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen • 303-674-4130 • o ce@churchotc.com

CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen

Worship 10:00 a.m.

Reverend Richard Aylor

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

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL

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

In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

--June through September—

27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org

CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)

Reconstructionist Synagogue

Rabbi Jamie Arnold

www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294

2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)

CONIFER CHURCH OF CHRIST

“Doing Bible Things in Bible Ways”

11825 U.S. Hwy. 285, Conifer, CO 80433

Sun: 9:00a.m. Bible Study-10:00a.m. Worship; Wed: Bible Study 7:00p.m.

EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen - 303-674-3413

www.EvergreenChristianChurch.org - eccdoc01@gmail.com

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday

We are an inclusive faith community and welcome you to join us in our new ministry journey.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Joyce Snapp, Sunday Worship 10 AM

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

All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev. Terry Schjang

Join us for Virtual Worship on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch

Sunday Worship uploaded by 10am.

www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

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

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

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

MOUNTAIN REVIVAL CHURCH

“Baptizing the Mountains in Jesus Name”

Sundays 11:00 am & Wednesdays 7:00 pm

Location: Aspen Park Community Center 26215 Sutton Road, Conifer, CO 80433

(Additional parking at the Park & Ride next to Big O Tires) 720-770-0380 Call, Text, or Just Drop In www.mountainrevival.org

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am

Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh

Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS,

Paraprofessionals will be able to represent some clients starting July 1. SHUTTERSTOCK

CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ

TRIVIA

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the president in the drama “West Wing”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which U.S. state shares the same name as one of the Great Lakes?

3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What are the ZIP codes assigned to the president and rst lady?

4. LANGUAGE: What is cryptophasia?

5. MOVIES: What is the number on top of the bus in the movie “Speed”?

6. LITERATURE: What is the setting for Dashiell Hammett’s novel “ e Maltese Falcon”?

7. ANATOMY: Which two parts of the human body contain the most bones?

8. U.S. STATES: In which state would you nd the Grand Teton National Park?

Solution

9. AD SLOGANS: Which popular product uses the slogan, “Is it in you?”?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What is the primary ingredient of baba ganoush?

Answers

1. Josiah “Jed” Bartlet.

2. Michigan.

3. 20500-0001 and 20500-0002.

4. A language developed by twins that only the two children can understand.

5. 2525.

6. San Francisco.

7. More than half the bones are in the hands and feet, 27 in each hand and 26 in each foot.

8. Wyoming.

9. Gatorade.

10. Eggplant.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

* Rub hands with lemon slices to get rid of onion or sh smells. Afterward, you can put the lemon slices down your garbage disposal unit with a few ice cubes to get rid of smells there, too.

* Here’s a great way to get a longer life out of a bar of soap: Press the plastic top of a pop bottle into the side of a wet bar of soap. When you set the bar down in your soap dish, put it plastic side down. is way, the bar doesn’t sit in any residual water and turn into a goopy mush. e plastic top comes out easily if you need to remove it. -- Y.P. in Illinois

* Nylon stocking strips are great and work really well in the garden. If you have a pair that has a run, chop them up into pieces. You can use them to tie up staked plants, as they are strong but gentle enough to not cause any harm. -- E.S. in Wisconsin

* Reduce your energy costs of drying clothes by hanging heavy items (think towels, throw blankets, jeans, sweats)

for a few hours to air dry before popping them in the dryer. You can cut the drying time by as much as two-thirds, and still get that tumble-dried softness. -- M.N. in Missouri

* Keep a kitchen timer near your phone so you can limit the length of long-distance calls. ey can add up quickly if you don’t watch it!

* Renew your paintbrushes with this trick: Heat vinegar to boiling. Pour into a tall, narrow container that won’t melt. Add hardened brushes, bristle side down. Stick a pencil through the hole in the paintbrush handle and balance it across the top of the container. It keeps the bristles from bending in the bottom of the container. Let brushes soak until vinegar is cooled. Use a wire brush to clean. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Career Opportunites

Are

The Town of Georgetown wants to bring to your attention 4 positions that we currently have open here in Georgetown.

GEORGETOWN - UTILITY WORKER

Seasonal summer position (mid. May thru August, possible extension). Skills and knowledge desired in equipment operation and maintenance, excavation, water/ wastewater plant, line and manhole maintenance, and general repair. With a focus on Hydrant Flushing and Sewer Line Jetting. Wage rate is $20.00 per hour to start.

GEORGETOWN – MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Full-Time Town Employee position. $45,000 + bene ts, after 3 months’ probation period possible salary increase.

GEORGETOWN – Part time SUMMER SEASONAL PARKS TECHNICIAN for Town of Georgetown . Works outdoors for up to 25 hours per week at $18.50 per hour, including some weekend hours doing all facets of parks, grounds, and ower maintenance.

ROAD AND BRIDGE OPERATOR:

Incudes some weekends, under the supervision of the Road and Bridge Supervisor and Public Works Director by performing all facets of Road and Bridge work including snow plowing, building maintenance, support to Water Wastewater when needed. Rate of pay DOE .

Full job description and application form are available at Town Hall, 404 6th Street, Georgetown and online at www.townofgeorgetown.us/employment.htm.

For more information call 303-569-2555 extension 3. Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Friday April 21, 2023

Market Place

Merchandise

Health & Beauty

DENTAL INSURANCEPhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurancenot a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Career Opportunites

Careers

Help Wanted

Bookkeeper/Accounting Position

$20 to $25/hr. depending on experience. A/R and A/P, payroll etc. Hiring at our Conifer location. Duties include retail sales and online advertising. Please contact us at 303-838-1000 or pick up an application at either store

$17.73

Miscellaneous

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insur-ance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow. com/ads

Unlimited wireless 4G LTE or 5G internet. Only $50/month. 15-day trial. No contract. Includes hardware. Fast & reliable. 888-996-6799. https://broadbandq.com

Miscellaneous

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

1-877-592-3616

DISH TV $64.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice remote. Some Restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516.

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888489-3936

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time!

Financing available. 1-855-4171306

Clear Creek County is hiring with new higher pay rates! Apply at: 403 Argentine Street in Georgetown.

4 by 6 foot digital sign from Daktronics.

Digital Sign Perfect for Church, Restaurant or any business that needs to change messages frequently.

Comes with 3 year labor warranty. Asking $7,500. Installation will be about $2500 and permits is $450

Sign is 3 years old and original price was $44,500. Call Alan 303-378-7537

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-6101936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

HughesNet– Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

Legals City and County

PUBLIC NOTICE

REAL PROPERTY PROTEST DEADLINE

Clear Creek County Assessor’s Office PO Box 2000 405 Argentine Street Georgetown, CO 80444

Colorado law requires the County Assessor to hear objections to real property classifications and valuations beginning no later than May 1, 2023. Objections to the valuation or classification of real property must be postmarked, delivered, or presented in person to the County Assessor’s Office no later than June 9, 2023. For additional information, contact the County Assessor’s Office at (303)679-2322.

Legal Notice No. CC1226

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 20, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

NOTICE OF REGULAR ELECTION

TO BE CONDUCTED BY MAIL BALLOT KEN-CARYL RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District of the County of Jefferson, Colorado:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a regular election of the Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District shall be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The election is being conducted as a mail ballot election. Mail ballots are required to be mailed to eligible electors between April 10, 2023 and April 17, 2023.

At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for three (3) Directors to serve four (4) year-terms of office on the Board of Directors of the District:

Joe Levy

Rilla Reinsma

Timothy Berg

John Eric Ostrom

Mike Miro

Eligible electors may apply for new or replacement mail ballots and return voted mail ballots to the offices of the Designated Election Official, which is also the ballot drop-off/walk-in voting location, c/o Community Resource Services of Colorado, 7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The offices of Community Resource Services of Colorado are open Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 10, 2023, through May 1, 2023, and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 2, 2023 (Election Day). In addition, ballots can be dropped off at Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District, Ranch House, 7676 Continental Divide Road, Littleton, CO 80127, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

KEN-CARYL RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/ Sue Blair, Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CC 1223

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice

NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FOR KEN CARYL WEST RANCH WATER DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Ken Caryl West Ranch Water District (“District”) of Jefferson County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election of the District shall be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The election is being conducted as a mail ballot election. The ballots will be mailed to the eligible electors of the District no earlier than 22 days prior to the election (April 10, 2023) and no later than 15 days prior to the election (April 17,

2023). The drop off location for the delivery of mail ballots and receipt of absentee or replacement ballots shall be located at 1 West Ranch Trail, Morrison, Colorado, and shall be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. beginning at least 22 days prior to the election day and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day.

At such election, the electors of the District shall vote for Directors to serve the following terms of office on the Board of Directors of the District:

Two (2) Directors for Four-Year Terms

The names of persons nominated and terms of office for which nominated are as follows: Spencer Timon for Four-Year Term Todd Wang for Four-Year Term Ballot Issue Certified by the District: WITHOUT INCREASING TAX RATES, SHALL THE KEN CARYL WEST RANCH WATER DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL REVENUES AND OTHER FUNDS COLLECTED FROM AD VOLOREM PROPERTY TAXES USING ITS EXISTING MILL LEVY OF 28.088 MILLS AND ANY OTHER REVENUE SOURCES, EFFECTIVE BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2023, AND CONTINUING THEREAFTER AS PROVIDED BY LAW; PROVIDED THAT THE DISTRICT’S GENERAL OPERATING PROPERTY TAX MILL LEVY RATE SHALL NOT BE INCREASED WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL; AND SHALL THE REVENUES FROM ALL REVENUE SOURCES BE SPENT FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS PURPOSES AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE LIMITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE APPLY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, AND SECTION 29-1-301, C.R.S.?

Ballot Question Certified by the District:

SHALL ELECTED DIRECTORS OF THE KEN CARYL WEST RANCH WATER DISTRICT BE ALLOWED TO SERVE MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS OF OFFICE, ELIMINATING THE LIMITATION OF TERMS OF OFFICE AS IMPOSED BY ARTICLE XVII, SECTION 11 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?

KEN CARYL WEST RANCH WATER DISTRICT

By /s/ Renee Lewis Designated Election Official

Notice No. CC 1227 First Publication: April 13, 2023 Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Canyon Courier Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE PINECREST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Pinecrest Metropolitan District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Holly Roberts: Four-Year Term to 2027

Kim Brown: Four-Year Term to 2027

Tanner Brown: Four-Year Term to 2027

PINECREST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By:/s/ Sarah H. Luetjen

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CC 1228

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023 Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Saddleback Metropolitan District of Clear Creek County,

Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the regular election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby canceled pursuant to Sections 1-13.5-513(6),

C.R.S. The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Vacancy 4-year term (2023-2027) Vacancy 4-year term (2023-2027)

Contact Person for the District:

Thomas N. George, Esq

District Address: 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000, Denver, CO 80203

District Telephone Number: 303/839-3800

SADDLEBACK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/Robin A. Navant, Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CC1224

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE WEST JEFFERSON COUNTY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the West Jefferson County Metropolitan District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

K. Patrick Temple: Four year term to 2027

DISTRICT By:/s/ Dominique Devaney

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CC 1230

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Evergreen Metropolitan District, Jefferson County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Mark Davidson: Four year term to 2027

Jack Wolfe: Four year term to 2027

DISTRICT By:/s/ Dominique Devaney

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CC 1231

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO

Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of April 2023 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to:

GOODLAND CONSTRUCTION INC.

760 NILE ST. GOLDEN, CO 80401

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Traffic Signal Improvement (S Kipling Pwky at W. Roxbury Ave., W. Meadows Dr., & W. Fair Ave). project in Jefferson County, CO.

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

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

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

County of Jefferson, State of Colorado Andy Kerr, Chairman Board of County Commissioners

Legal Notice No. CC 1219

First Publication: April 6, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO

Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of April 2023 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to:

HOLCIM WCR INC. 6211 ANN ARBOR RD. DUNDEE, MI 48131

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for Asphalt Overlay Services project in Jefferson County, CO.

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

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

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

County of Jefferson, State of Colorado

Andy Kerr, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Legal Notice No. CC 1220

First

been filed in a County that utilizes electronic filing. You are directed to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for general rules and information on electronic filing. (https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile). Please also review Chapter 16 Division VI (https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile) regarding the protection of personal information in court filings. Therefore, unless the attached signature page contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless you obtain an exemption from the Court, you must file your motion or answer electronically within twenty (20) days after service of this Original Notice upon you, or judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

You must register through the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile/ and obtain a log in and password for the purposes of filing and viewing documents on your case and receiving service and notices from the court.

CLERK OF STORY COUNTY

Story County Courthouse

1315 South B Ave Nevada, IA 50201

IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS

NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call you district ADA coordinator at 641-421-0990. (If you are hearing impaired call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942

Iowa Judicial Branch Case No.: CVCV053004 County: Story

Case Title: DARWIN BARR VS DENISE SEEMAN & CONNIE SMITH

You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302).

Register for the eFile System at www.iowacourts. state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf.

Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts. gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/protectpersonal-information/.

If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at 641) 421-0990. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1800-735-2942). For more information, seewww. iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Date Issued 01/04/2023 12:43:04 PM

District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk's Designee of Story County /s/ Dorian Myhre

Legal Notice No. CC 1196

First Publication: March 30, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Canyon Courier Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles

Public Notice

Unit number 67 at U- Stor-It, 13583 Glen Drive, Pine CO 80470 to be sold or otherwise disposed

DEFENDANTS:

You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed, in the office of the Clerk of the above Court, in the above-entitled action naming you as the Defendants. A copy of which Petition is attached hereto. The attorney for Plaintiff is Robb D. Goedicke, whose address is 2600 Vine Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, telephone no. (515) 225-1499, facsimile no. (515) 650-9320.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED this case has

Benefiting the W.E.B. Angel Fund

8AM - 11AM | Saturday, May 13

Evergreen High School Parking Lot

Drop off your items for on-site paper shredding and electronics recycling and help community members in need! All proceeds benefit the W.E.B. Angel Fund. Full list of accepted items and pricing available at www.womenofevergreenbusinesses.org or text Angela Konigsbauer at 303-378-1113.

Women of Evergreen Businesses (W.E.B.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion and success of local women business leaders through community support and outreach. W.E.B. raises and donates funds, supplies and service efforts to individuals, families and charitable organizations in Evergreen and surrounding mountain communities.