Clear Creek Courant 112422

Clear Creek County appoints new Undersheri

Former Empire Police Chief joins Clear Creek County Sheri ’s O ce

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Department has appointed a new undersheriff, former Empire Police Chief John W. Stein.

Undersheriff Stein was appointed on Nov. 14 by Sheriff Rick Albers. This comes after the death of former Undersheriff Bruce Snelling in September.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Popcorn, pretzels, toast and jelly beans might not seem like a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but after watching “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” you might be craving it too.

Stein comes from the Empire, Colorado Police Department. Previously, he was the undersheriff in Grand County. Stein has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and will oversee the Sheriff’s Office’s daily operations, detention, and administrative functions according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Stein said he has “big shoes to fill” for this new position, and is ready to take on the responsibilities of undersheriff that he has had before.

When asked about the co-responder program getting started in Clear Creek County, Stein was enthusiastic.

“That’s one of the many projects with the community that I’m excited to be working on,” he said.

Stein said he worked on crisis

One

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

The group sits around the table and creates Thanksgiving centerpieces.

Winter driving in Clear Creek County

maximum allowed hours.

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With staffing numbers still low in the public works department, Clear Creek County wants residents to be prepared for driving in winter conditions as the cold weather rolls in. Check out these tips on being ready for winter driving in the county.

The Road and Bridge Department will clear the school bus routes first, and then the primary classified roads for peak traffic. After these have been cleared, then the local roads can be plowed by the county.

The county cannot plow between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., and during continuous snow storms, the primary roads will be the first priority, with operators working the

Roads with less traffic are less likely to get attention from snow removal operators during big snowstorms, according to the county website. To prepare for hazardous road conditions, the county recommends this list of items to keep in each vehicle.

• Adequate tire tread/snow tires

• Flashlight with batteries

• First aid kit

• Tire chains or snow traction socks

• Sand or cat litter

• Shovel and tool kit

• Tow strap or chain

• Jumper cables

• Warning triangles

• Food/water

• Cell phone

• Gloves/warm gear

To report a “road concern” to the Road and Bridge Department, call 303-679-2334, option #2, leave a message and your call will be directed to the proper Supervisor for your area.

Roads in Clear Creek can become hazardous when snow flies.

FILE PHOTO BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

Tips from the county to keep safe on the roads this winter

THANKSGIVING

Project Support Senior Center teamed up with Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District for their monthly collaborative event; this month was “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”

A few months ago, Director of Project Support Senior Center Tamara Orndoff started teaming up with CCMRD to bring two generations of Clear Creek County residents together to break stereotypes each may have of the other.

“This is a program where we are getting the younger and older generations together to share experiences,” she said.

Orndoff has heard from older adults in the community that the younger generations “don’t understand them,” and she’s heard from the younger generations that the older adults are too slow. She hopes this monthly program can help both age groups meet in the middle and get to know each other.

Each month, the group does a different activity with kids from CCMRD and the residents from the senior center. Sometimes the older adults living at the center are hesi-

tant to join, but Orndoff said she sees more coming each time.

Mary Valdez doesn’t live at the senior center, but she’s helping to bridge the gap between generations and lead the way for the program. Valdez lives in Dumont, and her grandchild is now 19. Coming to teach crafts at these monthly events lets her interact with younger kids.

“It’s amazing to see how much talent they have,” Valdez said.

Valdez helped the kids work on Thanksgiving centerpieces; she was wielding a glue gun and helping them put the final touches on their displays. Watching the satisfaction everyone got from working

together on the project, it was clear that the kids were forming relationships with the older adults in the room.

In honor of Thanksgiving, the kids were served the Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving meal of toast, popcorn, jellybeans and pretzels. Some were satisfied with a meal fit for Woodstock, but others said they couldn’t wait for turkey and other family traditions to come.

The group remembered the true message of the movie though, which was that Thanksgiving is a time to come together, no matter what is on the plate or which chairs are around the table.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day January 9

St. Michael St. Florian

Mary Valdez finishes up a decoration.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE The menu for dinner delights some kids at the table.

El Rancho restaurant to reopen

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

El Rancho restaurant is reopening. Denver restaurateurs Frank and Jacqueline Bonanno, who own 10 restaurants in the Denver area, will operate the historic restaurant that closed abruptly last summer. The couple, who own Bonanno Concepts, are excited to open as soon as they can hire a staff, Frank Bonanno said on Nov. 15, hopefully in the next few weeks.

“I’m confident we can bring new life to El Rancho while preserving the nostalgia,” he said. “We’ve been in there, and there’s so much potential to recapture the spirit of a place that’s been part of so many memories and stories over the years.”

Bonanno intends Colorado-style fare on the menu, happy hours, brunch and the return of live music.

He is leaning toward serving meals such as burritos, tacos, smoked brisket and smoked pork plus a salad bar. He wants to hire a brewmaster, so the site will return to brewing beer in a few months.

Bonanno said the first priority was to focus on the food and the service for the main-floor restaurant, “letting people see who we are.”

Bonanno Concepts charges a 22% service fee on checks rather than customers tipping, so workers throughout the restaurant make a living wage, according to the Bonanno Concepts website. The company also has a full-time psychologist on staff because employees’ mental wellness is important, Bonanno said.

They have put restaurants in other historic buildings, saying they love Colorado history and preserving it.

The Bonannos also operate restaurants down the hill: Mizuna, Luca, Osteria Marco, Green Russell, Russell’s Smokehouse, Salt & Grinder, Vesper Lounge, French 75, Lou’s Food Bar and Denver Milk Market. Learn more about the company at

www.bonannoconcepts.com.

“We look forward to doing what we do and bringing it up (to Evergreen),” he said. “We hope folks will like it.”

History

The El Rancho restaurant opened in a log cabin in 1947. In 1953, a banquet room and gift shop were added, plus it became designated as a post office. When Interstate 70 was being built in the mid-1960s, the owners convinced the Colorado highway department to name the exit “El Rancho.”

According to Golden History Park and Museum, El Rancho is said to have the most photographed view of

the Continental Divide in America.

El Rancho has had several owners over the last few decades, and the owners who bought the property in 2015 abruptly closed the restaurant this past summer after a nasty battle over the restaurant’s management.

Last week, Jack and Sherry Buchanan of Evergreen with Northstar Ventures and Travis McAfoos bought the El Rancho property for $2.7 million, and they signed a lease and operating agreement with Bonanno Concepts.

Northstar Ventures will not be involved in the restaurant’s operation. Instead, it will focus on working to develop the parcel across the street from El Rancho.

New operators have been found for El Rancho restaurant, and they hope to open in the next few weeks.

COURTESY PHOTO

Denver restaurateurs to operate the historic restaurant

FROM

1 STEIN

intervention programs in his previous positions, and is ready to grow the training and programs in Clear Creek.

“That one (co-responder program) is going to be a necessary integration into our community,” he said.

In the press release from the Sheriff’s Office, Albers voiced his support for Stein stepping into the at-will post that is chosen by the sheriff.

Sheri Rick Albers appoints Undersheri John W. Stein on Nov. 14.

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACEBOOK

Mount Evans means healing

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In honor of Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s 125th anniversary this year, the Clear Creek Courant and the Canyon Courier will have a monthly photo page celebrating the state’s amazing wildlife and parks. Each page will celebrate a different local animal or group of animals, including fun facts provided by CPW. For November, the mountain newspapers are celebrating bobcats, pikas and any Colorado wildlife that hasn’t been previously featured.

ANIMAL FUN FACTS:

• Bison, unfortunately, are no longer naturally occurring wildlife in Colorado, as all current populations are captive and considered livestock. Bison once lived nearly statewide, but were most abundant on the plains, in the mountain parks and western basins. They also visited forests and above timberline, as they were migratory and moved in huge herds around the state. Colorado’s last wild bison were killed in South Park in 1897.

A pair of bobcats rest near Trinidad Lake. COURTESY OF VICTOR SCHENDEL AND COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

SEE WILDLIFE, P9

5-9PM:

5:30:

Discover More at Your Clear Creek County Library

SPECIAL EVENTS

Georgetown Christmas tree lighting

Find Miss Honeybun at the tree lighting to get a yummy cookie treat! Many thanks to the Idaho Springs Safeway for their generous cookie donation — what a scrumptious holiday gift!

Strousse Park

Intersection of Rose and Sixth Street

Nov. 26 — for more information, please check https://georgetowncolorado.org/events/ Christmas market craft workshops

Children are invited to create a holiday craft at our special weekend workshops during the Georgetown Christmas Market.

John Tomay Memorial Library

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 4

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11

Free gift wrapping stations

Wrap your holiday gifts at the library! We’ll have gift-wrapping supplies and space for you to work on your holiday wrapping.

Starting Nov. 28 through the holiday season

Idaho Springs Public Library

John Tomay Memorial Library

Storytimes

Share stories, play games, and get creative with us!

11:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Idaho Springs Public Library

11:15 a.m. Thursdays at John Tomay Memorial Library

Free compass Fridays at the libraries

Calling Clear Creek kids: join us for FREE fun on Fridays! We’ll offer scheduled afternoon activities at Idaho Springs Public Library and John Tomay Memorial Library, plus a range of activities kids can independently pursue at their own pace throughout the day (puzzles, games, computer time, quiet reading, etc). Please visit our website at www.cccld.org for a detailed calendar.

Children under the age of eight will need adult supervision. While the Libraries provide programs for young patrons, please note that we are not a childcare provider and are not responsible for supervising children visiting our branches.

12:30 p.m. - Snack

1 p.m. - Guided activity

2:30 p.m. - Snack

3 p.m. - Independent activity

Library branches close at 5 pm on Fridays. Please pick up your children by 4:30 p.m.

Compass Friday virtual reality sessions

Explore new worlds at our virtual reality sessions for tweens

and teens (ages 12 years and older). Registration is required. Please email heather@cccld.org to learn more and save your spot.

3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Idaho Springs Public Library

3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at John Tomay Memorial Library Book groups

Connect with other Clear Creek County readers at our book groups. Email libby@cccld.org for information.

4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Idaho Springs Library

Open discussion of favorite books and the selection of 2023 titles.

No discussion in December for John Tomay Memorial Library Book Group.

Adult crafts

Create a beautiful holiday wreath with us! Supplies will be provided, but registration is required. To reserve your spot, please email chris@cccld.org

The Old School

809 Taos Street, Georgetown 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

OMEGA (Open Minds Encouraging General Acceptance) A collaboration between Resilience 1220 and Clear Creek County Library District.

Join us for games, fun, and snacks the second Saturday of each month! While everyone aged 12 - 20 years is welcome, this program is designed to be a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. Please email joe@ cccld.org for more information.

Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 10 at Idaho Springs Public Library

DECEMBER STAFF BOOK PICK

TEAM MEMBER: Rita

RECOMMENDATION: “The Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan, narrated by Eilidh Beaton GENRE: fiction (audiobook)

RITA SAYS: Estranged sisters Carmen and Sofia have the Christmas season to prove that a charming but floundering Edinburgh bookshop is a viable business. A diverse cast of supporting characters keeps this story lively: between the snooty au pair, the world-famous author, the dendrologist (tree scientist), and assorted shopkeepers, there’s never a dull moment. Will Carmen and Sofia reconcile? Will Carmen choose romance with the author or the dendrologist? Listen and find out! The narrator, Eilidh Beaton, has a wonderful accent and gives voices to the many characters.

“The Christmas Bookshop” is available to check out both in print

and audiobook format at your Clear Creek County Library!

LIBRARY SERVICES COVID Supplies

FREE masks and take-home COVID tests are available for pickup at your Clear Creek County Library branches.

Collection

Check out books, movies, laptops, hotspots, tablets, and more. Our Library of Things includes nontraditional items like cookware, kids’ science kits, a therapy lamp, and even an Oculus Quest!

Explore our book and movie collection at www.cccld.org View our Library of Things at https:// cccld.org/library-of-things/ Or, call your Clear Creek County library to learn more and request items.

Do you have the Libby App? Download the Libby App by Overdrive to your smart device to access thousands of e-books and audiobooks, available for checkout with your library card. Visit https://cccld.org/libraryresources/ and click on the Overdrive/Libby icon to get started.

Visiting and curbside pickup hours

All Clear Creek County Libraries will be closed: Nov. 24, Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 in observance of Thanksgiving Dec. 24 in observance of Christmas Eve Dec. 31 in observance of New Year’s Eve Idaho Springs Public Library Hours

Monday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

John Tomay Memorial Library Hours

Monday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Local History Archives (in the Georgetown Heritage Center) — visitors are welcome with appointment.

Curbside pickup services — available by appointment; please contact your library branch to schedule your pickup.

Home delivery

Do you need library materials, but are unable to leave your home? Let us bring the library to you! Call us for details.

Idaho Springs Public Library: 303-567-2020

John Tomay Memorial Library: 303-569-2620

Local History Archives: 303-5692403

Tech access & study spaces

Enjoy access to computers, WiFi, and study spaces at your Clear Creek County Library.

Book our conference room at Idaho Springs Public Library for a quiet space to meet or work. Please call 303-567-2020 to make your reservation.

Technical assistance

Did you know that you can book a librarian for technical assistance? Our library staff can assist you with a variety of tasks –– using a tablet or smartphone, navigating the internet, setting up an email account, posting a resume online, accessing information, and more. Contact your Clear Creek County Library branch or email heather@ cccld.org for more information.

Prints, copies, faxes

Email printcccld@gmail.com or call your Clear Creek County Library branch to request prints, copies, and faxes — or, just come in and use our equipment during our hours of operation!

Notary services

Notary services are FREE! Please contact your Clear Creek County Library branch to book your appointment.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

Help yourself to free, gentlyloved books from our Little Free Libraries at these Clear Creek County locations:

Idaho Springs

Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District

Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center

Edelweiss Pastry Shop

Georgetown Georgetown Market Georgetown Visitors Center

Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Valley Base Lodge

Loveland Basin Base Lodge Ptarmigan Roost Cafe St. Mary’s Glacier Alice Schoolhouse

DONATIONS

Are you seeking a new home for your gently-used books? Please consider donating them to Clear Creek County Library District for use in our programs, book sales, and Little Free Libraries. Email kate@cccld.org or call 303-567-2020 for more information. Please do not drop off book donations without pre-approval.

Idaho Springs Public Library: 303-567-2020

John Tomay Memorial Library (Georgetown): 303-569-2620 hello@cccld.org Visit us at www.cccld.org

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Courant.

Clear Creek Courant (USPS 52610)

KRISTEN

We welcome letters to the editor. Please Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Idaho Springs, Colorado, the Clear Creek Courant is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 1630 Miner St., Idaho Springs, CO 80452.

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Idaho Springs and additional mailing o ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Clear Creek Courant, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

WILDLIFE

FROM

• Bobcats are well-known but secretive and seldom seen in Colorado. They’re most abundant in the foothills, canyons, mesas and plateaus, where brush and woodland provide suitable habitat. Bobcats tend to avoid open prairies, tundra, heavy sub-alpine timber and wetlands. They mainly eat rabbits, hunting by stealth rather than engaging in long chases. When rabbits are scarce, they will eat mice, voles and birds.

• Coyotes are about the size and shape of a small shepherd dog, and weigh 30-40 pounds. They can live up to 20 years, but 10 is the average. They live throughout Colorado, where they thrive despite attempts to control or eradicate them. Coyotes eat plants and meat, foraging for birds, eggs, rabbits, carrion, insects, fruit, and items found in garbage cans and dumpsters. They’re active any time of day or night, but mostly at dawn and dusk.

• Black-footed ferrets have probably never been abundant in Colorado. However, the animal widely considered to be the most endangered mammal in North America is making a comeback. It was rescued from the brink of extinct in the 1980s, and local wildlife officials have done controlled releases in northwest and eastern Colorado. For more information on these efforts, visit cpw.state.co.us.

• Pikas, despite their similarities to members of the squirrel fam-

ily, are actually close relatives of rabbits and hares. Thanks to their rock-gray color, they’re seldom seen until their shrill call reveals their presence. They’re about the size and shape of a guinea pig, and live in rockpiles near and above timberline.

• Pumas or mountain lions have many names: cougars, catamounts, panthers and lions. They have the largest geographic range of any native mammal (other than humans), ranging from western Canada to Argentina. They also once inhabited the entire continental United States, but their eastern populations are extinct or endangered. Colorado’s population is most abundant in the foothills, canyons and mesa country. Pumas are more at home in brushy areas and woodlands than in forests or open prairies.

• Turkeys have 5,000-6,000 feathers when they’re adults. Wild turkeys are able to fly and sometimes sleep in trees. They see three times better than humans, as they can distinguish colors and have 270-degree vision. Benjamin Franklin preferred turkeys to bald eagles as the National Bird, describing the turkey as “a bird of courage.”

GOT PARKS PHOTOS?

The final photo page in December will celebrate Colorado’s state parks. To contribute to the Dec. 29 page, email photos to cwesteman@coloradocommunitymedia.com before Dec. 19. Include the photographer’s name, and the date and location the photo was taken. The photo can be of any state park in Colorado and doesn’t have to be recent.

•

•

•

•

A pair of wild turkeys accost a motorist along Two Brothers Road above Idaho Springs ahead of the historic March 2021 snowstorm.

FILE PHOTO

A mountain lion shows his teeth after he was captured just west of Idaho Springs in January 2015.

FILE PHOTO BY FORREST CZARNECKI

A pika gathers food on Aug. 18, 2022 atop Mount Evans. COURTESY OF ANN ZIMMERMAN

a sensational musical celebration of the season and the promises it holds.

Early-season snow o to good start in high country

BY CHRIS OUTCALT THE COLORADO SUN

Snowpack on the Western Slope is off to a good start, but experts caution it’s difficult to draw many meaningful conclusions from snowcovered, high-country peaks this early in the season.

“It’s kind of like leading a football game by a field goal halfway through the first quarter,” Jeff Lukas, an independent climate researcher, wrote in an email.

As of early November, the statewide snowpack was 140% of the median from 1991 to 2020, and 142% in the Colorado River headwaters area specifically, according to SNOTEL data compiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The averages were slightly higher elsewhere on the Western Slope. Still, there’s a long way to go. Typically, on Nov. 9, Colorado is about 8% of the way to achieving statewide median snowpack, Lukas said. Right now, the state is about 12% of the way there, he said. But, Lukas cautioned that there’s very little correlation between mountain precipitation in October and early November and the final totals across an entire snow season.

In about a third of the past 35 years, early-season snow totals looked something like they do so far this year, Lukas said. The seasonending snowpack across those 12

years, however, runs the gamut, from a handful of average years to a very good 1995 and a dismal 2012. Nevertheless, it’s better to have snow on the ground than not, he

said.

“Every little bit helps. Just like a field goal early in the first quarter,”

A fox ventures through the snow on Conifer’s Shadow Mountain.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE FORD

Too soon to get excited, but snowpack is 140% of average

Careers

Help Wanted

SITE MANAGER Storage Facility, P/T position, flex schedule, Computer work and some exterior maintenance. Start at $15.00/hr. Apply Evergreen Self Storage; 303674-9911 or 303-888-0699

Clear Creek County is hiring with new higher pay rates! Apply at: 403 Argentine Street in Georgetown. Now Hiring LAM Tree Service Apply www.lamtree.com 303-674-8733

Colorado Community Media is hiring an events – sponsorship- digitalnative sales professional seeking to build their career with the largest local media company in Colorado. We continue to invest in innovation and people, developing new businesses and state-of-the art tools that support new products that produce superior ROIs for clients. We believe that a creative, learning environment staffed with talented people who want to grow and utilize the newest and best tools will result in a dynamic and successful culture that has a positive impact on our clients business and our community. Our brand is one of the most trusted in our community. We’ve built this reputation by providing award-winning news coverage and by being engaged in our community at all levels. As a true marketer, we want you to bring your experience and expertise to develop the best advertising and audience programs for local advertisers needing to engage with the community to grow their business. We value teamwork. We embrace opinions, perspectives, cultures and backgrounds that energizes the company and fuels our passion to do what’s right for our readers, our advertisers and our employees. If you’ve got the drive and the passion, together we can take your career farther than you’ve ever imagined. We are building a sales team that will be the face of the changing media landscape. We are looking for people who are excited to represent our emerging brands and our trusted, traditional ones too. Join our team, working a mix in our Englewood, Evergreen or Brighton offices and remote. If you’re as passionate as we are about our mission to grow and engage our community, please apply. CCM offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision and paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal time. As an added bonus, you’ll office less than 90 minutes from the best Colorado has to offer in outdoor recreation.

Market Place

Merchandise

Arts & Crafts

29th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair Bear Creek High School, 9800 W. Dartmouth Place, Lakewood Sat. Dec. 3rd, 9am - 4pm, Admission $3 per person 150+ Vendors, Free Parking, “Spin to Win”, Concessions, and a Food Truck!

Lawn & Garden

FREE MULCH

LAM TREE SERVICE

30476 Bryant Drive 303.674.8733

Health & Beauty

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

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

DENTAL INSURANCE - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

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

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

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

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844394-9278

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/ unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

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

FREE $10 Cash App Everyone! Yes It’s Real. Very Limited supply until we run out! Text “Real Cash” to 706761-1745

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

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

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 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516.

Vivint Smart security Professionally installed. 1 connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! 4 free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-8410737

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-7677031

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. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-6101936

Wanted to Buy

I BUY OLD/VINTAGE

CHRISTMAS DECOR! 1970’s and older. If you are purging I am buying. Happy to dig in closets, sheds, basements Call or text Lisa B. 720-838-4549

Colorado Statewide Network

SAFE STEP - WALK-IN TUB

0897

Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call Today! Financing available! Call Safe Step: 1-877-596-2899

CO PRESS ASSOCIATION NETWORK

Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network. To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net

he wrote. “But it needs to be fol lowed up with a lot more scoring.”

Given the challenges facing the Colorado River, water managers across the region will be watching the snowpack especially closely this year. More than 40 million people rely on the snow that accu mulates high up in the mountains in the Colorado River Basin and then flows into the river and its tributaries. The water is also used to irrigate millions of acres of farmland. However, a series of sub par snow years and dry soil condi tions paired with sustained water use has drained the country’s two largest reservoirs — Lake Powell

and Lake Mead — and strained the entire Colorado River system.

So far this year, the biggest in-state beneficiary of the earlyseason snow has been southwest ern Colorado and the San Juan Mountains, a region that has been hard-hit by drought and dry soil conditions the past few years. The southwestern part of the state reg istered 217% of the median snow pack as of Nov. 10.

“We’re in the best shape we’ve seen for about five years — it’s a good start for sure,” said Ken Cur tis, general manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, which manages the Dolores Project.

In addition to the early snow, a steady pattern of monsoonal rains throughout the summer helped southwestern Colorado quite a bit, Curtis said.

“Depending on how you feel about trends or odds or statistics, we are looking better, and you might say we’re due,” Curtis said.

In 2021, farmers and ranchers who rely on water from the Dolores Project received a 10% supply. This year, the project operated on a 35% supply.

Becky Bollinger, the assistant state climatologist, said it’s good to get a head start on snowpack now so that the state is less reliant on big storm after big storm during the heart of the winter.

“For me, seeing these storms kick off and that we’re a little ahead on snowpack is good,” said Bollinger, who is part of Colorado State Uni versity’s Colorado Climate Center. “In general, I feel pretty positive about this.”

The snow in the high country this

week was especially nice, she said, because the next week or so looks like it’s going to be drier across the state. However, temperatures are likely to remain cooler, which is good, Bollinger said. “What that means is that while the snowpack isn’t going to accumulate, it’s probably not going to melt in those mid-to-high elevations,” she said. “When you have those cold temper atures, that will help support the snowpack that’s already there.”

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

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 202, BUILDING A, CLEAR CREEK CONDOMINIUMS, IN ACCOR DANCE WITH THE AMENDED DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM OF CLEAR CREEK CON DOMINIUMS RECORDED ON OCTOBER25, 1977, IN BOOK 371 AT PAGE71, AND THE CON DOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON JANUARY24, 1977, IN BOOK 365 AT PAGE255 OF THE CLEAR CREEK COUNTY RECORDS, COUNTY OF CLEAR CREEK, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 1890 ARGENTINE STREET #A202, GEORGE TOWN, CO 80444.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUM BERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as pro vided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, 12/22/2022, at The Clear Creek County Public Trustee’s Office, 405 Argentine Street, George town, Colorado, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication10/27/2022

Last Publication11/24/2022

Name of Publication: The Clear Creek Courant

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 08/24/2022

Carol Lee, Public Trustee in and for the County of Clear Creek, State of Colorado

Carol Lee

By: Carol Lee, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Anna Johnston, Esq. #51978 Barrett Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711

Attorney File # 00000009519653

The Attorney above is acting

been submitted to the Board of County Commis sioners, Clear Creek County, State of Colorado:

Request: To subdivide a 17.38 acre parcel into a total of 3 separate parcels to provide for additional building sites.

Existing Zoning: Mountain Residential – Single Family Units (MR-1)

Location: 1460 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Section 11, Township 5S, Range 72, West of the 6th PM, Clear Creek County, Colorado.

Hearing Dates: The Clear Creek County Plan ning Commission will hold a public hearing on December 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm to consider the minor subdivision exemption application before recommending approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the Board of County Commissioners. The location of the public hearing is the Com missioners’ Hearing Room in the Clear Creek County Court¬house, Sixth and Argentine Streets, Georgetown CO, 80444 (you can also access this meeting virtually via Zoom), where and when all parties may appear and be heard.

Prior to final action, the Board of County Com missioners will hold a public hearing on Feb ruary 7, 2023 at 9:00 AM, to consider the minor subdivision exemption application. The location of the public hearing is the Commissioners’ Hearing Room in the Clear Creek County Court¬house, Sixth and Argentine Streets, Georgetown CO, 80444 (you can also access this meeting virtually via Zoom), where and when all parties may appear and be heard.

All Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner meetings are subject to change, without further notification. Please contact the Planning Department for remote access links if you plan to attend the meetings virtually, or to determine if this public hearings have been continued or if the meeting dates and/or times have been changed.

Written testimony may be submitted to Adam Springer, Clear Creek County Planning Depart ment, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, Colorado, 80444, faxed to (303) 569-1103, Attn: Planning Department, or e-mailed to: aspringer@clear creekcounty.us . For more information call the Planning Department at (303) 679-2361.

Randall Wheelock, Chairman Board of County Commissioners

Legal Notice No. CCC493

First Publication: November 24, 2022

Last Publication: November 24, 2022

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a proposed combined budget has been submitted to the Clear Creek

County Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year of 2023 for all County Funds, Public Trustee, Emergency Services General Improve ment District, and the Housing Authority. The proposed budget is available to view on the Clear Creek County webpage at

2023 Proposed Budget

The proposed combined budget will be consid ered at a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to be held at the Clear Creek County Courthouse, 6th and Argentine Streets, Georgetown, CO on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 after 8:30 a.m.

Any interested person within Clear Creek County may inspect the proposed combined budget and file or register any comments thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.

November 1, 2022

Sean C Wood, Chairman Board of County Commissoners Clear Creek County, CO

Legal Notice No. CCC484

First Publication: November 17, 2022

Last Publication: November 24, 2022

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Metro Districts

Budget Hearings

Public Notice

CLEAR CREEK FIRE AUTHORITY

NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED BUDGET

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a proposed Budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Clear Creek Fire Authority for the ensuing year of 2023. A copy of such proposed Budget has been filed in the office of the Clear Creek Fire Authority where same is open for public inspection. The proposed Budget will be considered at a meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at Station 1, 681 County Rd. 308 Dumont, CO on Wednesday, December 14,2022 at 6:30p.m.

Any interested person may inspect the proposed budget during regular business hours at the Fire Authority office and file or register any comments thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.

Board of Directors

Clear Creek Fire Authority, Colorado

Legal Notice No. CCC494

First Publication: November 24, 2022

Last Publication: December 8, 2022

Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Public Notice

CHICAGO CREEK SANITATION DISTRICT NOTICE OF BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that: a proposed budget has been submitted to the CHICAGO CREEK SANITATION DISTRICT for the ensuing year of 2023; Clear Creek County, Colorado. The pro posed 2023 budget is available for public inspec tion at the 3 posting locations within the Chicago Creek Sanitation District near (1) the Buckskin Trail bridge, (2) 1096 Hwy 103, (3) 839 Hwy 103.

Such proposed budget will be considered for adop tion at a public hearing of the CHICAGO CREEK

SANITATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS to be held downstairs at the ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1921VIRGINIA ST, IDAHO SPRINGS, CO on November 21, 2022, at 7:00 P.M.

Any interested elector of said CHICAGO CREEK SANITATION DISTRICT may inspect the proposed budget and file any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget. Written comments would be addressed to the Chicago Creek Sanitation District, P.O. Box 634, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 or contact the District at (303) 567-2855.

By Jason Harris of Foothills Kitchen & Bath

During the holidays, our customers are so involved with planning next year’s makeover, they often forget about the stocking stuffers. I always think hubby should go big and earn a decade of hall passes by giving his lovely bride the kitchen she’s always dreamed about, but we all know men don’t know how to wrap presents, so I think most men just rely on their natural romanticism instead.

There is one gift, however, that tucks nicely under the tree and would be worth at least a week of taking out the garbage; just be prepared for constant decla rations of, “No, I swear it’s not a toy — it’s a tool!”

Sonos.

You know you’ve hit the big time when one word says it all. Sonos was founded in 2002 with the sole purpose of creating a family of crystal clear speakers that utilize WiFi to access a virtually limitless musi cal library. Twenty years later, in the world of wireless speakers there is Sonos and then there is everyone else. A recent survey of custom integrators — professionals who design and install automation systems — found they use Sonos in 76% of their wireless audio installations, more than four times as often as the next closest brand.

Were you among those who once saw their Super Bowl commercial and thought, “I don’t get it. You walk from room to room and the lights change colors??” Close. You walk from room to room and the music changes.

And it couldn’t be any simpler. Unpack a speaker and plug in its power cord. Download the Sonos Control ler for your tablet or smartphone. Press a couple of buttons and, voila!, the speaker is now part of the

Sonos ecosystem. After a few minutes placing speak ers in more rooms, take out your iPhone or Android, and within seconds you could be listening to any song on your phone. Or maybe you’ll want to play internet radio, or local stations, or your LP collec tion, or Pandora or SiriusXM or Apple Music or….

Okay, let’s see who was paying attention. What did I forget to say during all that fine print? That’s right, I never mentioned the words “speaker wire,” because you don’t need any with Sonos; all you need is access to an electrical outlet and WiFi.

I had a friend who spent a full weekend working on what he called ‘wire hygiene’ for his Corvette. After that, I was scared straight and knew I couldn’t get away with tucking wires under a rug, so I hoisted myself into my 100º attic to try to atone for my sins. Maybe it was the contact high, because after twenty minutes of breathing spray foam insulation, I found myself hoping my wife knew where the life insurance paperwork was. But all that effort is so passé wen it comes to Sonos, because it can accomplish the wireless feat right out of the box!

Not all wireless is created equally, though, because Sonos is the super highway of wireless. You’re proba bly aware of Bluetooth. It’s particularly useful in the car, because once you hop in, your phone automati cally connects to your stereo, allowing you to hear calls via your car’s speakers.

The same thing happens in your home. Walk into the house and the song on your phone echoes through your bookshelf units. The problem is Bluetooth is limited by distance and the number of connections a device can make, so if you were to continue walking, you’d quickly be out of range and the music would

stop. Or maybe you drop the needle on your 500th bootleg of the Dead just as the phone rings. With Bluetooth, the music would go away, so you have to pay attention to your mother’s complaint that your father left all the wrapping for her to do; with Sonos, you can still absorb the essence of Jerry’s solos, while pretending to be listening to Mom.

What Sonos does is use your router to create its own SonosNet, which offers many benefits. The more speakers there are on this mesh network, the stron ger the signal becomes. WiFi sends between 10 to 75 times as many bits of data as Bluetooth, leading to a more robust sound. Most importantly, the Sonos network allows 32 hookups versus just one at a time.

Are you with me so far that Sonos allows you to play any song from any source in any room at any volume? Well, better yet, it can play multiple songs from multiple sources in multiple rooms at multiple volumes....at the same time!

Uh oh, I just ran out of room. We might have to survive this cliffhanger until we get back together in two weeks....

Imagine walking into a store where you’ll find every product for your remodeling project….and….people who actually know what they’re talking about. Now imagine no more!

One trip to our beautiful showroom and you’ll see why we’re unlike any other store. From cabinets to flooring, windows or more, you’ll find hundreds of samples to match your colors in one place. Even better, our prices are affordable — apples to apples, we’re usually less than the Big Boxes on higher qualities — and you’ll always be greeted by the same friendly experts.