Elbert County News 0423

April 23, 2015 VOLU M E 1 2 0 | I S S UE 1 2 | 7 5 ¢

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NEWS IN A HURRY Tornado siren to be tested The Elizabeth Fire Department will conduct an annual test of the Elizabeth-area tornado siren at 8:30 a.m. May 1.

For more information on this or other emergency related topics visit www.elizabethfire.com or call the Elizabeth Fire Protection District at 303-646-3800.

Meet the new EHS principal Elizabeth High School will host a meet and greet for new Principal Bret McClendon from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 8.

Several members of school district administration and the board of education will also be there and available for informal discussions.

McClendon, who will start in July, comes to Elizabeth from the Wichita, Kansas, area.

Middle school principal leaving Elizabeth Middle School Principal Jodi Elkins has decided not to return next year, according to the school district. Elkins was an assistant principal at a middle school in Littleton before starting at Elizabeth Middle in August 2014. She will stay on through the end of the school year, the district said.

Janet Hatt, RN for the Douglas County School District, takes the blood pressure of Elizabeth resident Mary Nikkel at the 9Health Fair at Elizabeth Middle School on April 18. Photos by Rick Gustafson

Fair puts focus on health Area residents get opportunity for free or reduced-cost screenings

By Rick Gustafson

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OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.

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Special to Colorado Community Media For the second year, the Elizabeth Lions Club hosted the 9Health Fair at Elizabeth Middle School. Volunteers from as far away as Fort Carson, including doctors, registered nurses, EMTs and phlebotomists, provided health screenings free of charge or at a reduced cost to 287 people from around the region on April 18.

For five hours, experts were on hand to answer medical questions and perform tests for blood chemistry or blood count to skin and spine screenings. In addition, several local healthcare providers ranging from yoga instructors to practitioners of holistic medicines were available to discuss health options.

Terry Clayton, president of the Lions Club, said the toughest part about putting on the health fair is rounding up the volunteers and getting the word out.

“For metro sites, 9Health Fair pays for advertising, but they don’t do that for non-metro sites like us. We have to pay for that ourselves, so it can be tough to let people know about it.”

Businesses such as the Elizabeth Walmart and the Parker Costco helped defray some of the advertising costs by donating gift cards that paid for ink and poster paper. The Intermountain Rural Electric Association also provided a grant in support of the event.

“We had good support regionally, but unfortunately we didn’t have very good support locally,” Clayton said. “We’re hoping that’s better next year.”

Volunteer Sharon Wilson, who greeted and provided information to people seeking screenings, said she spoke to several people who had come from Parker to avoid longer lines at the health fair held at Parker Adventist Hospital.

“Blood draw stations tend have the longest lines. Last year, the line snaked through the whole gym and we had to push the other stations like the blood pressure table to the walls,” Clayton said.

At a few times during the morning, lines for the nine blood-draw stations set up in the middle school gym were nine or 10 deep, but most people had either a short or no wait at all for blood draws.

“This year they changed the fasting require-

American Legion Post 82 Commander Kathy Bartik and member Bo Anders prep lunch for the nearly 80 volunteers who worked the 9Health Fair at Elizabeth Middle School. ment. People don’t have to fast before their cholesterol and blood sugar tests, so we aren’t getting the rush of people early in the morning like we did last year. People can stay home, have a cup of coffee and come in later.”

David Peck, of Elizabeth, has been attending 9Health Fairs for years since suffering a massive heart attack.

“I died twice,” he said.

Peck likes that his insurance covers the lab tests offered by the fair, and he can send the results to his doctor to supplement his regular visits.

The American Legion Post 82 Elizabeth was also on hand to provide lunches for the volunteers.

The 9Health Fair was revived in Elbert County last year and served 302 people. The Lions club is hoping to it bring back for a third year in 2016.

“It takes a lot of people and donations to put this on,” said Cathy Clayton. “For us to continue this event we will need volunteers and donations.”

Marla Koupal of Virancy! runs a Low Energy Neurofeedback Session on Franktown resident Deb Plummer at the 9Health Fair at Elizabeth Middle School.

2 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015

An aerial map from 1939 shows where the unincorporated town of Hilltop once stood. Courtesy photo

From left, Susie Cushman, Louise West, Be Dent and Eileen Enterline stand in front of the Hilltop School in 2013. Photo by Chris Michlewicz

Old-school lessons teach new generation Every year, dozens of people discover the wonders of the Hilltop School for the first time.

Many who live in Douglas and Elbert counties aren’t even aware that a town once existed near the county line, where Hilltop Road meets Flintwood Road. But the Hilltop Art Fair, now in its third year, is drawing attention to the defunct railroad town and its last remaining building. A portion of the proceeds from the fair go toward maintaining the schoolhouse.

Eileen Enterline, a member of UCC Parker Hilltop, a church across the street from the school, created the fair along with the Hilltop Social Club, a group that has grown to 20 members. The club uses the school for its

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acquainted Smith with people he hasn’t seen in more than 30 years. He has also seen the newer people come through and learn about Hilltop.

“Lots of people didn’t even know there was town on top of there,” Smith said.

A slide show will display photos of students and teachers who once used the school, as well as businesses that operated in the town.

Hilltop existed for nearly 50 years and was a bustling hub of activity even before the railroad was built in the 1880s. Sheep and cattle ranchers lived in the area, which is near the Smoky Hill Trail, and the land that would become Hilltop was not far from Russellville, where gold was discovered in the late 1850s.

Lumber was sold, land was farmed, and a blacksmithing shop did a steady business.

A trucking company was the last to close up shop.

The school closed in the 1950s, but it is in remarkably good shape. Maintenance projects have been funded by both the social club and the Douglas County School District, which owns the building. The district painted the exterior last summer and the club has

CONVENIENCE!

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com

meetings and rents it out for special events.

On April 25, it will become a venue for a student art show and guided tours, complete with all of the lore from the time when Hilltop sat along the Denver & New Orleans Railroad.

“The people who come learn as much as we know at this time,” Enterline said. “The more people that come, the happier we are.

We have a strong desire to pass on the history.”

Nearly 30 vendors of all kinds will set up at the church and Hilltop School to sell a variety of craft-related items and food. A bee expert will bring a beehive, kids will have access to a “create your own masterpiece” station, and a choir from Singing Hills Elementary will make its third appearance.

A trailer towed by Flat Acres Farm owner Mike Smith, who once lived in the Hilltop area, will take people around the grounds. He remembers attending church in the building every Sunday and going to Saturday night dances there as a kid, when the school was transformed into a community center. His parents later sold their farm and moved to Strasburg.

Driving his tractor for the hayride has re-

SUCCESS AT YOUR

Hilltop Art Fair raises money, awareness about defunct town

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overseen upgrades both major and minor.

Boy Scouts also help out; they installed a large sign and created a front walkway last year.

The Hilltop Social Club, which includes several seniors, has been encouraged by the addition of younger members in recent years.

“We really started feeling like there wouldn’t be anybody left to keep the schoolhouse going and keep the spirit alive of what’s gone on before,” Enterline said.

The art fair brings life back to the small community, and although the financial help is important, the main goal is to raise awareness about the school and the town that built it in 1898.

“We hope that people in the future will have some knowledge that a railroad came through here and there was a little town,” Enterline said, adding “it makes us feel good that the schoolhouse is being used.”

More than 500 people are expected at the Hilltop Art Fair between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

April 25. Part of this year’s proceeds will benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. For more information, go to www.uccparkerhilltop.org.

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Elbert County News 3

April 23, 2015

State legislators approve $25 billion budget Plan includes $70 million for surplus tax refunds in 2016

includes funding increases for education, transportation, and money earmarked for surplus refunds for residents required under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. The document calls for money to be returned to taxpayers

By Ivan Moreno when the state’s revenue growth exceeds the Associated Press rate of population growth and inflation.

Most of the $25 billion includes federal A $25 billion Colorado budget with taxpayer refunds and more funding for edu- funds over which lawmakers have little concation was sent to the governor’s desk after trol. Included in the overall budget figure is state lawmakers gave final approval to the $9.6 billion general funding — tax revenue that lawmakers oversee. However, even spending plan last week.

“No one pretends that this year’s budget within that pot of money there’s little wiggle was perfect. But it was collaborative,’’ said room. Schools alone receive $3.5 billion in Republican Sen. Kevin Grantham, one of six general fund spending, an increase of $200 legislative members of the budget-writing million from last year.

“Not only are we working to restore past Joint Budget Committee. “We worked together. We didn’t get everything we wanted. cuts to K-12 (education), this year our budget again makes significant new investments in We didn’t get rid of everything we wanted.”

The GOP-led Senate approved the budget higher education to reverse past budget cuts April 17 on a 31-2 vote, with only Democrats and to do what we are able to do to mitigate dissenting. The budget previously cleared the tuition increases,’’ said Democratic Rep. Pat Democrat-controlled House on a 45-20 vote. Steadman, a member of the Joint Budget Republicans were the only no votes there.

Committee. acc50thAdbase10x4_ColoComMedia.pdf 3/30/15 11:18:55 AM The budget, which takes effect July 1, Public colleges are getting nearly $857

million in general fund dollars, about $100 million more from last year.

Health Care Policy and Financing, which oversees Medicaid, takes up $2.5 billion in general fund spending and nearly $8.9 billion in federal dollars.

For surplus tax refunds, lawmakers are budgeting about $70 million for next year when people file income taxes, and $117 million the following year. The first refunds will average between $15 and $47 for individuals, and between $30 and $94 for joint returns, depending on income.

The Senate Democrats who voted against the budget criticized the refunds at a time when they would like to see more money for schools and colleges to continue restoring cuts from the Great Recession.

Lawmakers approved the budget a day after Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper sent them a letter outlining a plan to try to resolve what he calls the state’s “fiscal thicket,” a series of conflicting constitutional and state legislative mandates that restrict taxing and spending.

Part of Hickenlooper’s plan calls for reclassifying what is known as the hospital provider fee, a charge enacted in 2009. The state then uses the money to get a federal match to help pay for more Medicaid patients.

Currently, the revenue collected from those fees does not go into the general fund, but they still create a refund liability that the general fund must pay for, potentially at the expense of other budget areas.

Hickenlooper’s administration says it wants to refund money to taxpayers the next two years. But by reclassifying the hospital provider fee, the state could avoid refunds in future years, making money available instead for transportation projects and schools.

The plan was has received a lukewarm response from lawmakers. Some say there’s little time in the session to do anything about the governor’s proposal; others support refunding money to taxpayers.

A more traditional way for the state to keep the money is to go to voters for permission — a politically risky move Democrats are reluctant to make.

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4 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015

Jobs for grads likely to grow, survey says Institute’s research shows a likely 16 percent rise in hiring across nation

By Paul Wiseman Associated Press

The consulting and accounting firm EY is aggressively recruiting on college campuses this spring. The company formerly known as Ernst & Young plans to hire 9,000 graduates from U.S. universities this year, up from 7,500 in 2014. But recruiting isn’t as easy as it used to be.

“I’m seeing a lot more competition” from rival employers, says Dan Black, EY’s Americas recruiting leader.

That’s good news for college seniors and graduate students preparing to accept diplomas this spring, and a sign that new graduates will fare better than they did in 2014. The Labor Department reported last week that the unemployment rate for Americans in their 20s who received a four-year or advanced degree last year

‘We can’t graduate enough engineers.’

Holly Proffitt,

Employer relations coordinator in the career services office at Arkansas State University rose to 12.4 percent from 10.9 percent in 2013.

“This is a real breakout year,” said Philip Gardner, director of Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute.

In a survey of employers last fall, the employment center found that hiring of graduates with four-year degrees will rise 16 percent this year.

“It’s led by the ones you would expect — engineering and business,’’ Gardner said. “But there seems to be a lot of room for everybody… Even arts and humanities are making a comeback.”

Employers have more openings to fill because Baby Boomers are retiring and more workers are feeling confident enough about the economy to switch jobs.

Overall, the United States generated 3.1 million jobs last year, the most since 1999.

The overall unemployment rate has fallen to 5.5 percent in March from 6.7 percent at the end of 2013.

Tyler Etten, 22, had a $54,000-a-year job in finance waiting for him when he graduated from Iowa State University in May 2014. Three months later, he bounced to an even better job with the investment firm Piper Jaffray in Minneapolis. His 3.5 grade point average helped. But Etten says he set himself apart by getting internships, participating in campus clubs and spending his spare time learning financial modeling and advanced Excel skills.

“A degree is not enough with record amounts of people graduating from college,” he said.

In particular, employer demand for so-called STEM graduates — in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — is high.

“We can’t graduate enough engineers,” said Holly Proffitt, employer relations coordinator in the career services office at Arkansas State University.

Still, many recent college grads are struggling and have yet to enjoy a full recovery from the dark days of the Great Recession.

In a report last year, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco found that wages for recent college graduates haven’t kept up with overall wages since the Great Recession. Between 2007

and 2014, median wages for all full-time workers rose 15 percent. For recent college grads, they rose just 6 percent. The same thing happened after the 2001 recession: College grads’ wages lagged behind everyone else’s as the economy recovered, the report said.

The Michigan State survey found that 62 percent of employers were planning to keep starting wages flat for college grads compared to last year; 37 percent planned to increase starting salaries. The increases tended to range from 3 percent to 5 percent.

Elizabeth Earl, 22, landed a job at a health care trade publication after graduating from Columbia College Chicago in December. The pay is low and the work tedious, but she’s relieved she has a job.

“By the time you get out, you assume you’ll be a barista,” she said. “It’s not idyllic nor at all what I want to do, but it is a job from which I can be getting paid while I consider career paths.”

Josh Kelly, 23, is hoping to break into radio or journalism after graduating from Rutgers University in January. In the meantime, he’s working at a record store and living with five people in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The job search has proven frustrating, even though he had an internship with a radio company and was president of a student-run radio station.

Kelly said he was disheartened to learn that many companies use algorithms to scan resumes for particular keywords. He thought human recruiters were reviewing his applications, “yet now the picture seems to be that most hiring agents don’t necessarily see my resume at all.”

Elbert County News 5

April 23, 2015

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There is mixed information regarding the efficacy of e-cigarettes to help a person quit smoking. Some studies point to e-cigarettes as a good method of smoking cessation, while others say there’s limited evidence to support those claims.

E-cigarettes typically contain liquid nicotine, which is inhaled as vapor. The vapor resembles smoke and can mimic the look and feel of smoking traditional cigarettes.

But e-cigarettes typically do not contain any of the additional chemicals, such as tar and other potentially toxic ingredients, found in traditional cigarettes.

Nicotine cartridges for e-cigarettes also come in various concentrations and flavors, and smokers can even purchase nicotine-free replacement cartridges. Much like users of nicotine patches or chewers of nicotine gum, e-cigarette smokers can gradually lower their nicotine doses over time.

The American Lung Association currently has not approved any e-cigarette as a safe or effective method to help smokers quit. They cite a study that estimates there are nearly 500 different e-cigarette brands today with varying levels of nicotine and the possible presence of other chemicals. These e-cigarettes are unregulated. The ALA says there is a great deal more to learn about these products before they can be recommended as a

uitting smoking and losing weight consistently top New Year’s resolutions lists. In an effort to stop smoking, a growing number of smokers are turning to electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, to help them quit once and for all.

Although e-cigarettes are not currently regulated, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is weighing regulations in a market that estimates suggest could be as big $5 billion in 2015. But are these devices safe? Or even effective?

safe and effective way for smokers to wean themselves off of smoking.

E-cigarettes may contain additional chemicals besides nicotine. Studies have found detectable levels of chemicals used in antifreeze in two leading brands of ecigarettes. Formaldehyde and benzene have been detected in some e-cigarette emissions. Other studies have found secondhand emissions from e-cigarettes can prove harmful to nonsmokers.

While some organizations do not endorse e-cigarettes, others state that they shouldn’t be ruled out just yet. A 2014 study by British researchers and published in the journal Addiction found people were 60 percent more likely to succeed in quitting smoking using e-cigarettes compared to would-be quitters who tried a nicotine patch or gum.

Background information in the report suggests that, since the e-cigarette vapor only contains nicotine and not tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Although some e-cigarettes may contain harmful byproducts, toxicity tests indicate they are safer than regular cigarettes. Some health experts believe the benefits of quitting traditional cigarettes outweigh the risks posed by e-cigarettes.

The American Heart Association agrees.

In a policy statement released in August 2014, the American Heart Association said physicians shouldn’t discourage e-cigarette use as a last resort to stop smoking.

“If people cannot quit at all and have tried everything in the field, we would not discourage them,” said Aruni Bhatnager, the statement’s lead writer. “It’s not something we would suggest.”

The AHA recommends e-cigarettes only if smokers refuse or are intolerant of other options.

People who desire to quit smoking may look to e-cigarettes to help their fight. Although the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes remains open to debate, cannot be proven, many former smokers feel e-cigarettes played a significant role in helping them to quit smoking once and for all.

6 Elbert County News

Y O U R S

OPINION

April 23, 2015

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O U R S

Invisibility may have some unseen benefits So this past Sunday before heading to church we decided to go out to breakfast.

And as we entered the restaurant the staff was happily greeting each guest who arrived and let them know they would be right with them. However, for whatever reason, when we walked in there was dead silence as they busied themselves with the work immediately in front of them.

Now I get that they were very busy, yet when the people behind us walked in they also received the warm and courteous greeting. I didn’t take it personally, as I am sure we were just caught in a moment of the staff being super busy. But I will share that for a moment it felt like we were invisible.

Have you ever felt that way? You know what I mean, right? That feeling when others around you may be receiving a little extra attention or being waited on or taken care of and you are left there wondering what you did and if you possibly offended anyone. Do I look different? Am I reeking of body odor? Or am I just invisible today?

There are times when we want to be invisible. There are situations or events happening around us where we just hope and pray no one calls on us or asks us a question, or God forbid, asks us to participate in some way. And we certainly want to be invisible when asked to volunteer for a project or opportunity that just doesn’t fit

in with who we are or creates a conflict in our social calendar.

“You want me to do what? When?” …

“I am very sorry, you see that was the day I was going to rearrange my sock drawer, paint my garbage cans, create a database for my soup recipes alphabetically, phonetically, numerically, and categorize each by ingredient. And, if I could squeeze it in, list all the people I know who have seen the movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ at least 10 times. So you see, I would love to help but I am just very busy.” We can make a million excuses and make ourselves invisible when and if we really want to, can’t we?

Let’s think about this in a slightly different way. How about when we give anonymously or do some kind of random act of kindness? Doing things for others when no one else knows that we did it, contributing to a great cause and not attaching our name to the message or posting. Are we invisible when we do those things? Yes we

are, and I have to share with you those are probably the times we feel the best.

It’s easy to feel offended or hurt when others are receiving special attention and we feel like we have been overlooked or forgotten, when we feel like maybe we are invisible in the eyes of people, companies, our friends, and sometimes even our own families. And even though the excuses come fairly easily, we probably feel some sense of guilt for not volunteering or making ourselves invisible when our friend calls and needs our help moving for the third time in two years.

And when we determine that we want to be invisible for a good cause, when we do something for the greater good, or for even one person or family and they had no idea that we did it, it’s in those moments of invisibility that we receive the greatest joy and satisfaction.

How about you? Are you conveniently invisible when you want to be or do you intentionally make yourself invisible for a good cause? Either way I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we choose to become visible for the right reasons, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

Got a little list of things that would be missed Don’t know much about history. Don’t know much biology. I know what a slide rule is for, but you can have it.

It’s looking like I am going to exit with some serious gaps. I am in the wading pool of scholarship.

I am still learning, mind you, but it’s mostly in bits and pieces without a serious effort.

I try to watch programs that are factbased, especially documentaries.

I don’t watch any dramas or situation comedies. I have never watched “CSI.” Doesn’t interest me.

I don’t want to escape. I want to stay right here, and know what is going on in the real world, as disturbing as it almost always is.

I woke to the news and the video of a South Carolina cop being charged with murder.

The whole wide world is watching (white) police officers right now, and he goes and guns down a (black) man — in the back.

Once a year I make a list. It’s my “What Makes Life Worth Living” list. I recommend one.

Mine hasn’t changed very much since October 13, 2011.

That’s the night I met Jennifer at the Curtis Arts & Humanities Center in Greenwood Village, where I was giving a painting demonstration.

Of course, I didn’t know that she would be on my list that night. It took a little over a month.

If you are a longtime reader of “Quiet

Desperation,” you can probably guess what is on my list.

(Please don’t bug me about the whereabouts of God. I keep it to myself.)

Jennifer and Smitty top it.

I have two best friends too.

Two may not sound like much, but they are more than enough. Constant and true.

I don’t get to see either one of them very often, but I always know that they are there.

Painting and writing. Writing and painting. They are neck and neck. I never would have guessed.

This little column is on my list. I never underestimate the opportunity, or my responsibility, as a journalist. Six hundred words a week, across topics that are generally unplanned, and just wander into my head.

I was thinking about Sam Cooke this morning. That’s how this one got started.

“Don’t know much about history.”

Cooke was great. Details about death remain unclear.

He was shot to death at a hotel on Figueroa in Los Angeles, by the hotel manager.

Cooke was only 33.

Cooke and Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding sang songs that I still listen to.

Have you ever heard Jeff Buckley sing Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah”?

Buckley died when he was only 30, and his father Tim died when he was only 28.

Both are nearly forgotten, but shouldn’t be.

I am listening to Mozart piano. Music will always be on my list. Films and nonfiction likewise.

“Over a dog,” Jack Nicholson’s character says in “As Good as It Gets.”

Dogs are as good as it gets.

The year is off to a bumpy start with terrorist videos, the university attack in Kenya and that sabotaged plane in the Alps.

The trials of the Boston Marathon bomber and the Aurora theater murderer bring back bad memories.

That’s when a dog comes in handy. I’m telling you.

Waking sober will always be on my list.

If you know, then you know, and good luck, my friend.

This time I am going to add the rabbits in the neighborhood.

They are all over the place before the sun comes up. I think they are looking to add to the population. Just by hopping around with each other, sitting in the street obliviously, they get my day off to a good start.

What’s on your list?

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net.

Plan could fix veterans’ health care system Want to know how the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital system is doing?

Colorado residents need only look to the VA hospital under construction in Aurora.

It is now years behind schedule, and the VA says it needs hundreds of millions of additional tax dollars to continue construction. Never mind that the hospital’s initial $328 million price tag has now ballooned to $1.73 billion.

This fiasco is just one of many problems that have plagued veterans’ care in the state of Colorado. Shortly after the Phoenix VA scandal erupted last year, we learned that VA staffers in Colorado were also guilty of falsifying data and keeping secret wait lists to make average patient wait times look better. And amazingly, VA officials knew staffers were cooking the books as far back as 2013, yet failed to address it, according to CNN. In response to these scandals, Congress

FORMER CONGRESSMAN JIM MARSHALL GUEST COLUMN passed and funded the Veterans Access, Accountability and Care Act of 2014, but as of this month, wait times in Colorado remain among the worst in the nation, according to VA data.

This isn’t surprising, since the Veterans Health Administration is a historic anomaly. It was created and vital when America’s civilian health care system lacked the competence and capacity to satisfy veterans’ health care entitlements. But now the VHA is utterly dwarfed by the convenience,

efficiency and competence of America’s civilian-sector health care system. And as a legacy bureaucracy, the VHA struggles with change and worries about survival and relevance.

Demographics alone assure these worries will not subside. VA projects that the sheer number of veterans will decline drastically during the next 20 years. And with the passing of Vietnam-era veterans like me, a much smaller percentage of veterans will seek and/or be entitled to care through the VA. Given these truths, VA health care must either be blended into America’s civilian sector, or it will inevitably become dramatically more expensive per patient, more incompetent, more inconvenient or, more likely, suffer a combination of these three ills.

Veterans continues on Page 7

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Elbert County News 7

April 23, 2015

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Events

Student Art on Display

TWO- AND three-dimensional work by kindergarten

through 12th grade students is on display now through the end of April at Elbert School, 24489 Main St., Elbert. K-2 art is on display in the lower west wing hallway; grades 3-5 is in the lower east wing hallway; grades 6-8 is in the upper east wing; and 9-12 grades is in the upper secondary west wing hallway.

Sporting Clay Challenge

THE ELIZABETH High School Track and Field Task Force plans its Cardinals’ Sporting Clay Challenge on Friday, May 15, at Quail Run Sports in Kiowa. Participants may sign up as teams of four ($500) or as individuals ($125).

Morning and afternoon flights are planned. For information, or to register, go to http://www.elizabeth.k12.co.us/ EHSTrackResurfacing.aspx. Contact Clay Terry at 303-5650335. The Clay Challenge also is looking for volunteers and donations of bottled water, soda, sports drinks and snacks.

A volunteer meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23; donations may be dropped off to Lori McCoin at Elizabeth High School. Proceeds from the Clay Challenge will go toward resurfacing of the school’s track, and to repairing conditions of the pole vault and jumps runway areas.

High School Performances Elizabeth High School presents its ninth annual gala at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23.

Middle School Theater

ELIZABETH MIDDLE School theater class earned the Page to Stage grant from Opera Colorado. Through this grant, the students will work with professionals in the industry to write and perform their own musical. The musical will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the school.

Deep Space Comedy

DEEP SPACE Theatre presents Comedy Night shows that feature improve, stand-up comedians, videos and more.

The next show is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at 11020 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker. For these shows, reserve a table for your party, and then you bring your own dinner (or order from a local restaurant). Water and soda will be available for purchase. Call 720-675-7932.

brary, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain processes and procedures for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Help offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinics are offered the second Tuesday of each month; future clinics are offered June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8.

Track Initiative Golf Tournament

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Elizabeth Fire Station.

THE ELIZABETH High School Track and Field Task Force plans a golf tournament on Friday, May 29, at Spring Valley Golf Club. The fee is $100 per player and includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch and prizes. Contests include longest drive, closest to pin, hole-in-one and longest putt. Proceeds will support the school’s track initiative, which is to resurface the track and repair the pole vault and jump areas. Go to http://www.elizabeth.k12.co.us/EHSTrackResurfacing.aspx or contact Lori McCoin at the school.

Pizza Day

ElizaBash Street Festival

BUZZARD’S PIZZA will donate 10 percent of sales on Tuesday, May 5, to the Elizabeth High School Track and Field Task Force, which is raising money to resurface the track and repair conditions of the pole vault area and jumps runway. Families can dine in, order take out or purchase gift cards. Mention the Citizen Impact Committee or Elizabeth Schools. Buzzard’s Pizza is at 344 E. Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth.

Go to http://www.elizabeth.k12.co.us/EHSTrackResurfacing. aspx for information.

MORE THAN 5,000 festival-goers attend the annual ElizaBash Street Festival, planned for Saturday, June 6, on Main Street in Elizabeth. The day begins with the Stampede Rodeo Parade, then the street is cleared for the festival including arts and crafts, food, live music and other fun activities.

Zumbathon

THE THIRD annual Zumbathon charity event is from

Free Legal Clinic

A FREE legal clinic for parties who have no attorney is open from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Elizabeth Li-

Street Fair, Car Show

VENDORS ARE needed for the seventh annual Kiowa Street Fair, planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27.

Live music featuring Billie Owens, vendors, games, informational booths and more are planned. In conjunction with the Street Fair will be a car show to benefit the Elizabeth

Veteran’s Memorial. Booth cost for the Kiowa Street Fair is $20 per 10-by-10 space, Contact Michelle at 303-621-2366, or moeser@townofkiowa.com.

Elbert Day Festival

HAVE FUN in the country at the Elbert Day Festival, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, on Elbert Road between Colorado 86 and 84. Features include country breakfast, beer garden with lunch, evening meal, pancake race, art booths, craft/food vendors, live music by Barry Ward, Jack O’Roses and more. A parade, old time games for all ages, antique cars, petting zoo, pony rides, roping, 5K run/walk and more. Call 303-648-3692 or email elberttowncommittee@gmail.com.

Chamber Annual Events

ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual events, including the golf tournament on Friday, July 31; the Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31; Olde Town Christmas on Friday, Dec. 4. Vendors and sponsors are needed; contact www.elizabethchamber.org for details about participating.

Prohibition Casino Night

ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce plans its first Prohibition Casino Night on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Spring Valley Golf Course. The event includes a poker tournament, casino games, dancing and a silent auction. A portion of proceeds will benefit Elbert County Coalition for Outreach, which provides assistance to families in need. Contact www. elizabethchamber.org.

AREA CLUBS Ongoing

DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome.

Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

THE ELBERT County Sheriff ’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

THE ELIZABETH Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.

LAWYERS AT the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, firstserved basis.

MYSTERY BOOK Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first

Veterans Continued from Page 6

VAACA, though well-intended, is an expensive and inefficient attempt to address only the wait time and inconvenience symptoms of VHA’s basic, legacy malaise.

What’s been needed for some time is fundamental VHA reform that both improves care for veterans and saves tax dollars. That’s where the Veterans Independence Act comes in. Proposed by Concerned Veterans for America and its partners in the Fixing Veterans Health Care Taskforce, this proposed law would effect real and permanent VHA reform.

First and foremost, the Veterans Independence Act would expand veterans’ health care choices. At present, veterans need the VA’s approval to use their health care benefits, and it rarely allows them to seek private treatment. The Veterans Independence Act allows veterans to use VA benefits at private practices wherever and whenever they want. It separates the VA’s payor and provider functions, greatly lessening VA’s bureaucratic tendency to protect its budget by finding more and more things to spend it on.

The Veterans Independence Act would

Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

THE OUTBACK Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http:// outbackexpress.tripod.com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets from 1011 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

SENIORS MEET in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information.

THERAPEUTIC RIDING. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide move the VA’s provider function (the hospitals, clinics, staff, equipment, etc.) into a not-for-profit, quasi-private entity that would compete for veterans’ health dollars and have the independence to make management decisions to increase efficiency, quality and customer service.

Basically, the Veterans Independence Act puts the veteran in the driver’s seat.

Either go to the VA or go elsewhere: It’s the vet’s call, not the bureaucrat’s.

For the Veterans Independence Act to become law, we need Colorado’s 390,000 veterans to join together to fight for it.

Concerned Veterans for America intends to lead that fight — and I hope you’ll join them.

We shared this important reform in Denver on April 17. CVA and others who share their concerns showed local veterans and military families how the Veterans Independence Act would help them secure the well-being they were promised.

Together, we can ensure that Colorado’s veterans get quality health care when and where they need it — not after years of delays and billions of wasted dollars.

Former Congressman Jim Marshall (DGeorgia, 2003-2011) is a past president of the United States Institute of Peace and a member of the United States Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com.

SKY CLIFF Adult Day Center Support Groups: Stoke Victors meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and last Wednesday of each month. Lunch is provided. Contact Sue Parson, 303-814-2863. Evening Stroke Victors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Cookies and coffee provided. Contact

Sue Parson, 303-814-2863. Caregivers Support Group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. All groups meet at Sky Cliff Adult Day Center in Castle Rock. Contact Sky Cliff at 303-814-2863. Visit www.skycliff.org.

VFW POST 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http://www.vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions.

OBITUARIES BERENDS

Leslie Berends Leslie Berends, 84, of Indianola, Nebraska formerly of Elizabeth, Colorado died Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Corpus Christi, Texas. Survivors include wife, Lois Berends of Indianola, NE; children, Bruce (Sue) Berends of Centennial, CO; Kent (Karen) Berends of Kiowa, CO, Lynn (Joe) Witte, of Cambridge, NE; sister, Irma Gonnerman of Littleton, CO; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; numerous family and friends. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook, Nebraska handling arrangements.

In Loving Memory

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8 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015

Rick Springfield to play Parker Days Festival ‘Jessie’s Girl’ singer set to hit stage June 11 Staff report The Parker Area Chamber of Commerce announced Rick Springfield as the headliner for opening night of the 2015 Parker Days Festival.

A few dozen people gathered at O’Brien Park on April 13 for the announcement, just less than two months before the June 11 show, while local favorite The Nacho Men played a few songs. Springfield, the pop-rock artist behind hits like “Jessie’s Girl” and “I’ve Done Everything For You,” will play with Face, a sixmember vocal rock band based in Boulder.

The concert is the first-ever ticketed music event at Parker Days and tickets will cost $35; VIP packages are $100 each.

Springfield has notched 17 Top 40 hits, has acted in several motion pictures and is a best-

selling author. It’s the type of high-caliber act the chamber has been seeking, said Dennis Houston, chief executive officer for the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes Parker Days.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the 2015 Parker Days Festival than with Rick Springfield. It’s going to be a great show, and it demonstrates that we’re taking Parker Days to the next level in 2015 with this fantastic signature event of the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce,” Houston said.

Springfield is continuing to put out new music.

“I put everything I’ve got into making records,” Springfield said in a statement. “Sometimes people think they have you pegged but I trust my music will show them otherwise.”

Houston also announced that the Food Network will film over the three-day festival and produce a half-hour-long show about Parker Days.

Eight-year-old Brooke Hudson tries to figure out who Rick Springfield is while opening an announcement with Debbie Hudson. Photo by Chris Michlewicz

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Elbert County News 9

April 23, 2015

Proof that ‘fries are a big deal when you are 9’ Girl’s campaign, petition sparks districtwide change Staff report

Reese McMillan, a third-grader at Legacy Point Elementary School, was recognized by Parker Town Council April 6 for her efforts in changing the school’s menu. She is pictured with her parents, Sean and Marni. Courtesy photo to taste-test options for a new fry, and they enthusiastically agreed.

In March, three representatives from the nutrition department brought in four kinds of new fries and cooked them in the school lunchroom. They had Reese’s class, along with some kids from other grades, taste the new fry options and fill out a survey. A new fry was selected (by overwhelming majority), and it will be the new fry for the entire Douglas County School District next fall.

“Reese has learned a lot from this experience and it has been very empowering for her,” the letter to town council said. “We are very proud of her and believe this experience is something that she will carry with her wherever her future takes her.”

The school awarded her and she was asked to make a presentation to the entire second grade to demonstrate one way to be a leader. Town council gave Reese a certificate of recognition during its meeting April 6.

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Mayor Mike Waid and Parker Town Council recognized a young resident for her campaign to change her school’s lunch menu.

Reese McMillan, a third-grader at Legacy Point Elementary School, eats school lunch most days. Last October, she came home and explained to her parents that the french fries that she and her friends loved had been replaced.

“They thought the new fries were awful and fries are a big deal when you are 9,” Reese’s parents said in a letter to town council.

“After a couple weeks of tolerating this injustice, she said she wondered if she could do anything about it.”

Legacy Point is a “Leader in Me” school, which means it teaches kids to be leaders by using the 7 Habits of Happy Kids platform, which resonated with Reese. She discussed ideas, came up with the plan to write a letter and have a petition signed by other classmates.

Reese wrote a letter to Brent Craig, the director of Nutrition Services at Douglas County Schools. She made a petition and asked for permission from her principal, Joanna Polsen, and her vice principal, Paul Whitaker, to take the petition around the lunchroom.

“They were extremely supportive and told her that they thought it was a great idea,” Reese’s parents said.

Reese received a response from Craig in January. He told her he appreciated that she brought this to his attention and would address it. He explained that changing the fries had been necessary to conform to new nutritional guidelines, but they obviously hadn’t found the right replacement.

He also explained that the district serves 30,000 servings of fries in a single day, so the change couldn’t happen overnight. He asked Reese if she and her class would like

10 Elbert County News

S O U T H

LIFE

April 23, 2015

M E T R O

The Colorado Potters Guild, a presence on the metro art scene since 1964, will hold its Annual Spring Show and Sale April 30-May 2 at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd. (at Hampden Ave.), Cherry Hills Village.

Potters will have mugs, casseroles, platters and other functional wares, as well as sculptural works. Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

April 30; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2. Group members work in an old creamery on South Pearl Street, but do not offer any classes. They hold two sales a year and participate in some community charity events.

Choral festival set

Willard Mounts bumps elbows with his nephew, Steve Crandall, of Loveland. Photos by Chris Michlewicz

Man reflects on 100 years of life Willard Mounts marks birthday with family, friends and stories

The Rocky Mountain Choristers Guild will host its 63rd Annual Choral Festival for Children and Youth on April 25 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. They will sing all day under the direction of Dr. John Yarrington from Houston. At 2 p.m. they will sing in a Festival Worship Service in the church sanctuary. Open to the public, the service is the final event in the season for the LUMC Fine Arts Series. Free.

ACC free concerts

By Chris Michlewicz

Arapahoe Community College Music Department announces three free concerts, all starting at 7 p.m. and held in the college’s Houstoun Waring Theatre (M2900). May 1, ACC String Orchestra, directed by Rene Knetsch; May 8, ACC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Cecil Lewis; May 11, ACC Choir, directed by Ron Kientz.

For information, contact Dr. Hidemi Matsushita, hidemi.matsushita@arapahoe. edu. 303-797-5867.

cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com Sunlight pours through a picture window, lending a brilliant gleam to Willard Mounts’ crystal-clear blue eyes.

They are the knowing eyes of someone who has seen it all, and they are intensely present while he recalls his youth, complete with dates and minute details. Willard pauses his storytelling as, one after another, visitors stop by his recliner to wish him a happy 100th birthday.

Willard greets them with a friendly elbow-bump — an effective way of avoiding germs — and confesses that he isn’t feeling too well. He is fighting the excruciating pain of shingles, which first arrived on his 100th birthday a few weeks earlier and caused him to postpone the party until April 12.

But in spite of not sleeping well the night before, Willard is jovial and sharp as ever, and he is surrounded by family and friends at his daughter’s rural home on Parker’s eastern flank. They are marking the occasion with style and plenty of good food.

Willard is eager to talk about his days growing up in coal-mining country on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky.

For those who want the long version, they can read the first part of his 67-page autobiography, which is being given to any guest who wants one. He has written three books, including a 400-year history of the families of Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln that’s in its third printing.

Willard is not just a writer; he is a devoted consumer of books.

“I still read every day now,” he says.

Incredibly, he does this without the aid of glasses. Cataract surgery saw to that.

Willard was a longtime presence at the local library after he retired as a comptroller in 1980, and now he calls employees on the phone when he wants some information. Most recently, he inquired about John Denver’s hometown and final resting place. Willard doesn’t know the helpful employees from Douglas County Libraries by name, but they know him, and a handful even attended his 100th birthday party.

At times, Willard seems surprised by his own longevity and ability to do everyday

Pottery show, sale to be held over three days

Young Voices

Willard Mounts, 100, signs his autobiography for a relative during his birthday party April 12.

Young Voices of Colorado holds its Spring Concert, “The Beauty of Life,” at 4 p.m. May 3 at the Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., University of Denver campus. Tickets: Newman Center box office: 303-871-7720. Young Voices is starting two new choral programs: New Voices, for children ages 3-5, and First Voices, for grades K-2. 303-797-7464.

New to birdwatching? tasks.

“Do you know any 100-year-olds that still write?” he asks while signing his autobiography for a relative.

When someone answers that they, in fact, don’t know any 100-year-olds at all, he responds: “I’m the only one I ever knew, too.”

Willard attributes his long life to several factors, and the first suggestion he has for people who want the same is “never worry about anything,” he says. He says healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and a constant thirst for knowledge are important. His daughter, Linda Williams, points out that “the Lord has a lot to do with it.”

Willard was driving up until three years ago, and a fall limited his ability to get around easily. But he still goes to church every Sunday, and rides an exercise bike and lifts weights regularly.

The man who was born just three years after the Titanic sank is no stranger to adventure. He served as a Boy Scout master for 32 years, and even arranged for a group of Scouts to travel to Russia shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

His outgoing and inquisitive personality has afforded him the chance to do some improbable things. Williams recalls the

WILLARD MOUNTS’ 7 KEYS TO LONGEVITY • Not worrying too much • Drinking lots of water • Staying away from alcohol (since 1942) • Not smoking • Regular physical activity • Eating healthy, including lots of vegetables • Continuous learning

time her dad was given permission to remove the glass from the top viewing deck of the Statue of Liberty so he could get better photos.

Another time, and one that Willard remembers well, he asked the captain of a cruise liner if he could pilot the boat for a few minutes. Soon after, Willard found himself navigating through Alaska’s famed Inside Passage.

While recounting stories during his party, Willard realizes something: he might have to update his autobiography, he says.

The Audubon Nature Center, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd., offers a Beginning Bird Watching Class, starting with a 7-9 p.m. classroom session on April 30 — followed by field trips through June. Registration required: $150 members; $175 non-members (includes membership.) Graduates of this class may drop in at $20 per field trip. Call 303-973-9530 or see denveraudubon.org.

Heritage Guild Art Show

Members of the Heritage Fine Arts Guild of Arapahoe County will hold their Annual Juried Art Show May 1 to 28 at Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Open during library hours in the lower level galleries, it will feature realistic, stylized and abstract styles in watercolor, pencil, oil and acrylics. Juror is Julie Williams, teacher and portrait artist. Free.

Parker Chorale

“Magical Mystery Tour” is the concert title for Parker Chorale’s May 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Tickets: ParkerArts.org Sampler continues on Page 11

Elbert County News 11

April 23, 2015

Review: ‘True Story’ handsomely made but misguided

By Jake Coyle

Associated Press Michael Finkel’s journalism career, torpedoed by a partly fabricated story, had just bottomed out when a phone call came asking why a man accused of murdering his wife and three children in Oregon was identifying himself “Mike Finkel, New York Times.”

That was the identification Christian Longo gave the FBI when they arrested him in Mexico in February 2002 for the four Oregon homicides. The timing was, in a strange way, fortuitous for Finkel. His string of New York Times Magazine covers had come to an abrupt and scandalous end when it was discovered that his piece on Ivory Coast cocoa plantations invented a composite character.

Finkel, nursing his wounds back at his Montana home, wrote to Longo in prison

Sampler Continued from Page 10

First Friday moves south The Downtown Littleton Arts District will initiate First Friday openings on May 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. — with 11 galleries coordinating in the event, scheduled

while he awaited trial: “At the same time that you were using my name, I lost my own.” Their resulting meetings quickly led to a 2005 book, partly about Longo, partly a mea culpa for Finkel. Now it’s a movie starring Jonah Hill as Finkel and James Franco as Longo.

It’s not the bromance you may have been expecting between the two, but it’s a bromance nevertheless.

“True Story” has its issues — neither Franco nor Hill, talented as they are, are suited to their parts — but its biggest problem is at its heart. In grafting Finkel’s self-serving story of career revival onto a grisly tragedy, “True Story,” though handsomely made, is entirely misguided.

When the final credits dramatically inform us that Finkel never again wrote for the Times, the movie has laughably overestimated our sympathies for the disgraced reporter’s resume.

through the summer: May 1, June 5, July 3 and August 7. More information at LittletonRocks.com. Included: Colorado Gallery of the Arts at ACC, Depot Art Gallery, Colorado Frame and Savvy Stuff, Curtice Street Art Co Op, Curtice Street Marketplace, Kaleidoscope Design Studio, Outnumbered, Pottery Studio Gallery, Steve Adams Gallery, Town Hall Arts Center, Willow—an Artisan’s Market.

“True Story,” the feature debut of the British theater director Rupert Goold, was clearly conceived as a way to play with truth versus fiction in storytelling (a favorite topic of Franco’s). The film is its own dramatization of real events, of course, too.

Finkel’s downfall is caused by a desire to use the techniques of fiction for nonfiction. Longo, a fan of the reporter, says he’ll meet with Finkel exclusively on the condition that he teaches him how to write.

So at the center of the film, which Goold co-wrote with David Kajganich, are the conversations between the two.

A friendship develops and there’s apparent chemistry between the two stars, but the kind of menacing tension the film needs is missing. A comedy routine between the smirking Franco and the alert, usually combustible Hill seems to always

be lurking just off camera.

As the two get closer, an underused Felicity Jones, as Finkel’s wife, looks on warily.

Oddly, their talks don’t lead to a deeper understanding of Longo’s evil, but a kind of mystery at the sudden wrong directions people can take. Longo insists he’s been “decent and regular 92.88 percent of the time.”

But any depth is prevented by the focus on Finkel’s redemption. When a tearful relative of Longo’s wife chastises Finkel outside the courtroom for telling the wrong person’s story, she’s half right.

“True Story,” a Fox Searchlight release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “language and some disturbing material.” Running time: 99 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.

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May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Joined by Legend H.S., the Chorale covers a variety of musical styles.

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May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Playing hit songs like “Can’t You See” and “Heard It In a Love Song.”

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A CELTIC FAMILY TRADITION

May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

World-class Celtic fiddling, dancing and singing.

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LATIN SPICE

May 15 at 7:30 p.m.

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12 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015

CURTAIN TIME Irish musical

“A Man of No Importance” by Terrence McNally, with music by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, appears in a regional premiere April 28 through May 17 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Irish folk band Colcannon will play live music. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Director is Rod A. Lansberry. Tickets: 720898-7200, arvadacenter. org.

At The Edge

Return visit

“Jerusalem” by British playwright Jez Butterworth plays April 24 to May 24 in a regional premiere at The Edge Theater, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Warren Sherrill directs. Performances: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 6 p.m. Sundays and Monday, May 11 (no show Sunday, May 10). Tickets: $26/$16 on industry night, May 11.

303-232-0363, theedgetheater.com.

“Motherhood Out Loud” by various writers returns to the Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave., Denver, April 24 to May 31. Directed by Dave Shirley, it offers numerous, mostly comedic, vignettes on parenthood by a panel of readers/ actors. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $26.50/$23.50, 303-3215925, avenuetheater. com.

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What ‘More than 100% Dead’ is about The 385-page crime thriller/mystery centers on the high-profile murder of a wealthy, notorious Denver oil and gas entrepreneur. Denver Police Department homicide detective Tom Montgomery calls on his friend, Cortlandt Scott, a petroleum geologist turned private investigator, to help him

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solve the crime. The investigation quickly turns up numerous suspects with murderous motives, including members of the victim’s highly dysfunctional family, business associates, employees, and even violent environmental activists. The story takes place in Denver, but takes Cort Scott as far as New York City as he digs into potential links to organized crime.

Mossel is married and lives south of Parker.

The author penned the Cortlandt Scott crime and mystery thriller series, with his first two books being “The Murder Prospect” and The Talus Slope.” The third installment in the self-published series, “More than 100% Dead,” was released last May. alization of “bigger than life” characters and “stranger than fiction” situations. Although originally conceived as a series, Mossel strives to create books that can be enjoyed as standalone volumes, but he wants to entice readers to seek out previous editions for a fuller understanding of the protagonist. will enjoy. I want them to be informed, surprised, entertained, and able to relate to the characters.”

On how he feels about his work once it’s complete…

“I’m always gratified at the end of a book because of the feeling of accomplishment.

After receiving good reviews from both professional reviewers and personal acquaintances for my first book, “The Murder Prospect,” I was highly motivated to continue writing and that feeling continues with each successive title. When I read, and re-read, my books during the editing process, I truly feel I was able to ‘write a better book than this,’ which was the original motivation.”

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April 23, 2015

SPORTS Yo u t h o n c a l l

Ponderosa girls golf team experiences growing pains

By Jim Benton

jbenton@colorado communitymedia.com It’s fortunate that Ponderosa girls golf coach Mark Murphy isn’t concerned about the Mustangs’ team scores.

Ponderosa has been playing this season with just three varsity golfers.

In high school tournaments, teams can play five golfers and count the best four scores. When teams like Ponderosa play just three golfers, 10 strokes are added to the highest recorded score in the tournament and added to the team total as the absent fourth golfer’s score.

In a Continental League meet on a chilly April 9 morning at South Suburban golf course, the Mustangs finished at 473. With a score of 143 added as the fourth golfer, Ponderosa finished 11th out of 11 teams and 161 strokes behind tournament winner Regis Jesuit.

Freshman Halle Holmes, juniors Makayla Kranig and Adeline Ekhoff are Pondo’s three varsity

golfers. The Mustangs do have four freshmen on the junior varsity team.

“We have five freshman and two juniors and the only freshman that is really ready is Halle,” said Murphy. “I’m hoping by the time we get to our tournament, which is the last tournament, we can call up a couple of these other girls.

“This game can test you mentally big-time. And, they are all pretty new to the game except for Halle. I don’t want to mess with them. I want to get them to where they are feeling confident.”

However, that means putting respectable team scores in jeopardy.

“I know I’m sacrificing team score by not having four golfers out there,” Murphy said. “That doesn’t matter right now. What matters is how we progress over the course of this year, and hopefully we can continue to develop. If I can get four or five freshman every year for the next four and these girls progress the way I think that are going to, then we are going to be pretty tough.”

Holmes, who has played golf since she was 5 years old but lacks tournament experience, could a leader of the Mustangs resurgence.

“She’s got all the tools right

now,” explained Murphy. “I feel like Halle will be one of the top five golfers in the state by the time she is a senior. She’s just that good. It’s just a matter of having some patience with herself and focusing on the little things that will help her game.”

Holmes shot a 105 at the South Suburban league meet, but says she is getting comfortable with tournament golf.

“It’s definitely different,” said Holmes. “You meet a lot of new people. It’s very fun, but it can be nerve-wracking not knowing who you are playing with. And if someone is better than you, it’s a little more intimidating.

“I’m definitely trying to improve and get better. Our team scores are not that frustrating because it is kind of dependent whether JV is ready to play on varsity. If they’re not, it could kill their confidence.

Once they feel comfortable doing it, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of them playing.”

Regis’ Sydney Gillespie took medalist honors at the April 9 tourney with a 2-over-par 74. Rock Canyon’s Amelia Lee fired a 75, Legend’s Anna Kennedy a 76 and the Jaguars’ Alexis Chan a 78.

Rock Canyon was second in the team standings with a 320 total.

Elbert County News 13

Freshman Halle Holmes is one of only three varsity golfers on the Ponderosa girls team that has had to suffer in the team standings until junior varsity golfers are ready to move up. Photo by Jim Benton

SPORTS ROUNDUP Girls Soccer

Elizabeth 6, Vista PEAK Prep 1 - Three goals in each half and a player of the match performance from sophomore defender Chandler Hills meant Elizabeth marched to its fourth-consecutive victory and remained undefeated in league play following a home win on April 14.

Elizabeth 10, Arvada 0 - Elizabeth scored 10 times in the first 40 minutes in a non-league home victory over Arvada on April 11.

Molly Grebenc, Tegan Alexander, and Meri Sandy each scored twice in the match.

Baseball

Elizabeth 14, Skyview 3 Elizabeth smashed 10 extra-base hits, including four home runs, in a five-inning league win at home over Skyview on April 14. Willie Weber hits his first two home runs of the season, scored three times, and drove in four runs, Sean Herr drove in four runs with a single and his first home run, and Evan Visocky used his first home run and a double to drive in two runs and score twice.

Elizabeth 13, Alameda 3 - The Cardinals bounced back from a loss two days previous to win a league contest over Alameda in five innings at home on April 13.

Weston Haber hit his first home run of the season and paired it with a double in a 2-for-2 game that saw him drive four runs in and score three times. Ryan Schaeffer reached base three times in the contest with two singles and a walk and came around to score each time he got

on base. Sean Herr earned the win striking out seven while allowing three runs on five hits in five innings.

Longmont 6, Elizabeth 3 - Elizabeth hosted non-league opponent Longmont on April 11 and snapped a four-game winning streak with a loss. The Cardinals were held to four hits with only one of those being for extra bases as Weston Haber doubled and later scored.

Tyler Hagerman reached base twice in four plate appearances with a single and a walk to drove a run in and score a run.

Elizabeth 20, Englewood 1 Willie Weber and Stuart Eurich led an offensive outburst combining for eight hits in a league win for Elizabeth over Englewood on April 10. Weber finished 4-for-5 with two doubles, six RBIs, and three runs scored and Eurich added a double, four RBIs, and two runs scored in a 4-for-5 day at the plate. Sean Herr struck out seven batters over four shutout innings on the mound.

Kiowa/Simla 13, Byers 0 Cody Norris tossed a five-inning no-hitter while striking out 11 and went 4-for-4 at the plate with a home run, double, two RBIs, and three runs scored to lead the Cubs to a third consecutive mercy-rule win on April 14. Mitchell Bates added his third home run in the last two games and drove in five more runs to push his season total to 22 through 10 games.

Kiowa/Simla 12, Ellicott 2 Game two of a league doubleheader on April 11 closely resembled game one as the Cubs pounded out 20 hits and held Ellicott to four in

a six-inning win. Mitchell Bates hit two home runs and drove in five runs, giving him eight RBIs for the day. Bates earned the win on the mound striking out 10 batters and giving up two runs on three hits in five innings.

Kiowa/Simla 11, Ellicott 1 - In game one of a April 11 league doubleheader with Ellicott, Maclain Smiley tossed a five-inning nohitter for the Cubs allowing only an unearned run due to five walks and five defensive errors. Smiley struck out eight on the mound. Kasey Nusbaum hit a three-run home run and Mitchell Bates drove three runs in, without recording a hit.

Elbert 17, Genoa-Hugo/Karval 2 - The Bulldogs got back into league play with a dominating five-inning win on April 13. Jacob Miller recorded two doubles in a three-hit day and drove in five runs for Elbert. Ross Millard and Shaw Graves each went 3-for-5 as Millard drove in three runs and scored twice and Graves drove in two and scored twice.

Community Christian 5, Elbert 0 - Elbert was shutout in a nonleague, road contest with CHSAANow.com’s Class 1A second-ranked Community Christian on April 11.

Wyatt Swenson and Ross Millard singled once each for the only two hits for Elbert.

three second-place finishes in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. Kiowa’s TJ Daughenbaugh grabbed a sixthplace finish in the high jump and both the 4 x 200m relay and 4 x 400m relay teams finished in fifth place.

John Tate Challenge Cup - Simla - 28th - Simla competed with 34 other track teams in Pueblo at the John Tate Challenge Cup on April 11 and managed two top-eight finishes. Marcus Stafford-Mazerall finished in fifth position in the long jump and Ryland Howard finished in seventh in the 1600m.

Weld Central’s 7th Annual Rebel RoundUp - Elizabeth (2nd), Kiowa (20th) - Elizabeth finished a distanced second-place behind meet winners Platte Valley at the 26-team Rebel RoundUp on April 10. The Cardinal notched three wins, including two from Jacob Morse, and seven top-three finishes. Morse won both hurdle events, the 110m and 300m, and Ryan Stucklik won the pole vault. LJ Robinson placed second in the 100m and Anthony Goetz finished in third-place in the 300m hurdles. The 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relay teams both finished in third place. Kiowa’s best finish came in the long jump where TJ Daughenbaugh finished in fourth place.

Boys Track and Field

Terry Amundson Invitational Elbert (7th), Kiowa (12th), Elizabeth (DNP) - Byers hosted 23 teams for the Terry Amundson Invitational on April 11 with Elbert winning an event and taking two other topthree finishes to finish in seventh

Terry Amundson Invitational - Elizabeth (10th), Kiowa (14th), Elbert (DNP) - The Terry Amundson Invitational welcomed 24 teams to Byers to compete on April 11.

Elizabeth’s LJ Robinson racked up

Girls Track and Field

in the team standings. Caya Bahr notched the lone win taking the crown in the 3200m. Hannah Maben finished as runner-up in the 100m and third in the 200m.

Kiowa’s relay teams did the most damage for the team with a runnerup finish from the 4 x 800m relay team and fourth in the 4 x 400m relay. Sunny Armijo finished in fifth place in the 1600m for the best individual finish for Kiowa.

John Tate Challenge Cup Simla - 22nd - The Simla track team travelled to Pueblo to compete in the 35-team John Tate Challenge Cup on April 11. Jerraldawn Rector finished in fifth place in the high jump and sixth place in the 100m and Kaitlyn Erickson finished in fifth place in the long jump.

Weld Central’s 7th Annual Rebel RoundUp - Elizabeth (3rd), Kiowa (19th) - Thirty-five teams competed in the Girls side of the Rebel RoundUp on April 10 with Elizabeth winning four events and grabbing five other top-three finishes to finish in third place. Tegan Alexander won both the 100m and 200m and Megan Wesley won the high jump for the Cardinals. The fourth win came in the 800 sprint medley. Chloe Peterson recorded two top-three finishes after a runner-up finish in the long jump and a third-place finish in the 100m and Kalloway Wood finished just behind Peterson in the long jump bringing in a third-place finish. Cori Small finished second in the 3200m and fourth in the 1600m. Kiowa’s best finish was in the 4 x 800m relay where it finished as runner-up.

Bruton aims to win a starting safety job for Broncos Veteran defensive back looks to stave off competition

By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press

David Bruton Jr. watched the Denver Broncos sign free agent Darian Stewart after Rahim Moore bolted to the Texans. He’s heard all the chatter about them moving Bradley Roby or Kayvon Webster over from cornerback.

All this offseason scheming and speculation has left the seventh-year pro and special

teams ace asking, “What about me?”

Bruton aims to earn a starting job in 2015 for the first time since his senior season at Notre Dame in 2008.

“That’s my goal,’’ Bruton said. “I feel as though I played extremely well when I had my opportunity last year.’’

Bruton capitalized on increased playing time down the stretch in 2014, when he collected all 24 of his tackles from scrimmage over the final month of the season and in the playoffs, including a career-best nine against the Bills.

“I feel confident,’’ Bruton said. “It’s tough to feel confident when you don’t have that opportunity throughout your last two or

three seasons. The fact that I was finally granted that opportunity and now had a chance to shine, I just feel like I’m going into these OTAs, training camp and the season with a huge amount of confidence.’’

Bruton isn’t bedeviled by all the talk of moving Roby over to safety to get his playmaking skills on the field more. Nor was he bothered by the signing of Stewart, whom new coach Gary Kubiak brought along with him from Baltimore.

Even if he wins the starting free safety job, he won’t give up his duties on special teams, which have always been his forte.

He said he knew he was on the outs in 2011 when the Broncos drafted Moore and

Carter. His special teams coach at the time told him he had to “make a splash’’ in the final preseason game just to make the roster.

“And that fueled me up. I go out and block two punts that game. That’s what solidified me staying here that year and then propelled me to continue my career here,’’ Bruton said.

“It’s definitely been very beneficial to play well on special teams and be consistent and be considered a difference-maker on special teams.’’

Now, he wants to be known as a difference-maker in the secondary, too.

“They haven’t come out and said anything, but you hear the best guy is going to play,’’ Bruton said. “I hope that’s true.’’

14 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015

Couple wades into fight against trafficking Coloradans took up cause after shocking event in China

By Mike DiFerdinando

mdiferdianndo@coloradocommunitymedia.com Castle Rock’s Gianni Vecchiarelli was on a business trip to China in 2011 when an evening of karaoke with a factory boss and handful of co-workers changed his life.

The karaoke nights, or KTV as they are called in China, were not an uncommon occurrence. They are typically nights of food, drinks and singing — a bonding experience for businessmen and friends.

This evening was different.

“We walked into a room and ordered a drink. We started ordering food and a parade of girls came in.

We were asked to order a girl. Any girl, anything you want,” Vecchiarelli said. “That was just the last straw at that point. That’s when we decided to start doing more.”

Gianni and his wife, Betsy, began donating to organizations that fought human trafficking in 2010, after the earthquake in Haiti.

Gianni’s experience in China inspired the couple to try and do more than just give.

“After he left that KTV night he called me in tears and said, ‘Bets, we’ve got to do something. This is wrong,’ ” Betsy said. “It clearly made an impact on him and you can see the emotion in my eyes today. It’s bigger than us.”

The couple wanted to get more involved and scoured the Internet for charities.

“There were a few awareness organizations around, but not many people were doing anything to actually fight it, boots on the ground, rescuing victims and putting them into safe houses,” Gianni said.

They found the International Justice Mission, which did the work they were hoping to support.

“What else can we do? We can’t finically give any more money than we already are, and I’m not a social worker, or an attorney, or Liam Neeson with his special set of

BY THE NUMBERS • There are 1.2 million children trafficked each year.

• Trafficking is a $32 billion-peryear industry.

• There are currently 27 million slaves worldwide (more than at any other time in human history).

• In the United States, 17,500 people are trafficked each year and the average age of those victims is 14 years old.

• There are an estimated 200,000 slaves working in America.

• It is estimated that 5,000 women are trafficked and raped for a profit every year in the city of Atlanta alone.

• Every minute of every day, two children are sold and forced into sex slavery.

Source: Set Them Free

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skills to go in there and knock down doors, but I saw my Jeep outside and my mind stated going a million miles an hour about this off-road event,” Gianni said.

The Vecchiarellis created their own nonprofit called Set Them Free, and in 2014 they hosted their first off-road event in Colorado to raise money to fight human trafficking.

Set Them Free Off Road 2014 raised more than $26,000 and funded a complex rescue operation in Mumbai, India.

The event funded the provision of local investigative personnel, a safe home for each girl and legal counsel for all six victims of sexual slavery. The rescue operation alone cost approximately $4,500. Each victim received the opportunity to return to her family (if it was a safe situation) as well as physical, emotional and psychological abuse counseling.

The 2014 event featured 200 participants, 100 vehicles and more than 30 corporate sponsors.

“We were able to give inside of our own means and make an impact, but it wasn’t matching our desire to make real lasting change and give beyond ourselves,” Gianni said.

“Set Them Free has really provided a vehicle for not only us to do that but for other people to as well.”

A second off-road event is scheduled for this year and will be held June 26 at the Arrowhead Point Camping Resort in Buena Vista.

Set Them Free has also recently launched an online boutique as part of its website. It is called rEACH and it sells hand-made jewelry.

“A lot of times what you see is that these girls will be

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Gianni and Betsy Vecchiarelli. The Castle Rock couple’s nonprofit Set Them Free fights human trafficking and sex slavery both in the United States and abroad.

Photo by Mike DiFerdinando

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rescued out of their brothel or away from their pimp but then not have any skills to then start a new life,” Betsy said.

“Every time a person purchases an item from rEACH, 50 percent of that money goes to the victim herself. The other 50 percent goes to Set Them Free’s fundraising.”

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Elbert County News 15

April 23, 2015

Tours explore old cabin, mammoth site Staff report A pair of free tours on May 2 will give area history buffs the opportunity to learn about some of Douglas County’s inhabitants from days gone by, from the mammoths of prehistoric times to the pioneering homesteaders of the 1860s.

The guided tours, which are sponsored by the Douglas County Historic Preservation Board, the Roxborough Area Historical Society and the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve Board, will pay a visit to the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve, as well as the Miksch-Helmer Cabin, the oldest-standing structure in the Chatfield area.

The cabin, made of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine, was built by Amos Miksch, a former corporal in the Colorado Volunteer Calvary who acquired a 160-acre plot through the Homestead Act of 1862. Miksch later sold the cabin to the Helmer family and was among those who testified against Col. John Chivington for his role in leading 700 Colorado Territory militiamen at the Sand Creek

Massacre.

After purchasing the small cabin along Willow Creek in the Rampart Range, the Helmers kept it in the family for generations, buying and developing approximately 3,800 acres in the surrounding area and turning it into a cattle and mining operation.

And while their stories are some of the older tales of the area, the history at nearby Lamb Spring dates back much further — to the end of the last Ice Age, to be precise. It is on this site where bones from more than 30 mammoths have been discovered over the course of multiple excavations by the Smithsonian Institution in the 1960s and 1980s.

The remains trace back between 11,000 and 13,000 years.

Registration is required for the two May 2 tours, which are marking National Historic Preservation Month. Those who are interested are encouraged to RSVP quickly before the tours fill up. Visit www.lambspring.org to sign up or call 303-660-7460 for more information. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m. May 2 at the Lamb Spring site, 9498 Titan Road.

A man works a field on the Helmer property, which is part of a tour May 2. Courtesy of Don Norman Collection, Douglas County History Research Center

SALOME’S STARS

crossword • sudoku

FOR RELEASE WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2015

GALLERY OF GAMES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Don’t be put off by a seemingly too-tangled situation. Sometimes a simple procedure will unsnarl all the knots and get you in the clear fast and easy, just the way the Lamb likes it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to go through your work space -- wherever it is -- and see what needs to be replaced and what can be tossed (or at least given away) without a second thought.

& weekly horoscope

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Someone who disagrees with your position might try to intimidate you.

But continue to present a fair argument, regardless of how petty someone else might be while trying to make a point.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might find yourself exceptionally sensitive to family matters this week. An issue could come to light that you had overlooked. Ask other kinfolk to discuss it with you.

crossword • sudoku & weekly horoscope

GALLERY OF GAMES

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You might have more questions about a project (or perhaps someone you’re dealing with on some level) than you feel comfortable with. If so, see which can be answered, which cannot, and why.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time to clean up and clear out what you don’t need before your tidy self is overwhelmed by “stuff.” Then go celebrate the Virgo victory over clutter with someone special.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might feel a mite confused about why something you were sure couldn’t go wrong didn’t go all right either. Be patient.

Things soon move into balance, exactly as you like it.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) At this decision point, you could be moving from side to side, just to say you’re in motion. Or you could be considering making a move straight up. What you choose is up to you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although your finances should be in an improved situation at this time, thrift is still the savvy Sagittarian’s smart move. Advice from a spouse or partner could be worth heeding.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking on a new challenge brings out the Goat’s skills in maneuvering over and around difficult spots. Best of all, the Goat does it one careful step after another. (Got the idea, Kid?) AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your wellknown patience might be wearing thin because of a disturbing (and seemingly unending) problem with someone close to you. This could be a time to ask for help. Good luck.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Be careful about a new venture that luresPUBLIC you intoNOTICE a “just-look-and-see” mode. Be sure that what you’re being given to see isn’t NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL hiding what you should be seeing instead.

ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND

PUBLIC NOTICE DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 751 Ute Street P.O. Box 232, Kiowa, CO 80117

OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE

BORN THIS WEEK: Aries and TaurusDEED give you the OF TREASURER’S gift of leadership and the blessings of care and concern TSC# 2011-01336 for all creatures.

Notices

ELBERT COMBINED COURT DOMESTIC CASES

To Every Person in Actual Possession or © of 2015 Features Synd., Inc. Occupancy theKing hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It may Concern, and more especially to:

CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Public Notices

Notice is hereby given that in the following proceedings filed in the Court August 25, 2014 under the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, the above Court has found that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service of process within the State of Colorado and that efforts to obtain same would be to no avail, C.R.S. 1410-107(4)(a) has ordered five publications of a Consolidated Notice of said proceedings:

Name Changes

Notice To Creditors

Misc. Private Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Betty Jean Albers, Deceased Case Number: 2015 PR 30006

DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 751 Ute Street P.O. Box 232, Kiowa, CO 80117

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before August 10, 2015 or the claims may be forever barred.

ELBERT COMBINED COURT DOMESTIC CASES

Public notice is given on March 26, 2015 that a Third Order For Publication For Change Of Name of a minor child has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of William Nathaniel Hill be changed to Nathaniel Joel Robison.

Case No.: 2014 C 030237 By: Palmer L. Boyette County Court Judge Legal Notice No: 23158 First Publication: April 9, 2015 Last Publication: April 23, 2015 Publisher: Elbert County News

Reid Allred, Esq. Chipman Glasser, LLC 2000 S. Colorado Blvd.

Tower One, Suite 7500 Denver, Colorado 80222 Attorney for the Personal Representative Timothy Larry Albers Legal Notice No: 23161 First Publication: April 9, 2015 Last Publication: April 23, 2015 Publisher: Elbert County News

CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Notice is hereby given that in the following proceedings filed in the Court August 25, 2014 under the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, the above Court has found that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service of process within the State of Colorado and that efforts to obtain same would be to no avail, C.R.S. 1410-107(4)(a) has ordered five publications of a Consolidated Notice of said proceedings: Case No.: 2014DR65 Name of Parties: Katarina Eva Buesking-Villanueva and Richard Anthony Villanueva Nature of Action: Dissolution of Marriage You are further notified that a copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained

Case No.: 2014DR65 Name of Parties: Katarina Eva Buesking-Villanueva and Richard Anthony Villanueva Nature of Action: Dissolution of Marriage

Misc. Private Legals

You are further notified that a copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the court during regular business hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and that default judgment may be entered against that party upon whom service is made by this notice if he or she fails to appear or file a response within thirty (30) days after the date of publication.

Dated this 1st day of April 2015.

Cheryl A. Layne Clerk of Combined Court 751 Ute Avenue, P.O. Box 232 Kiowa, Colorado 80117 By: Kathy Notary, Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No.: 23160 First Publication: April 9, 2015 Last Publication: May 7, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News

GERALD L BAIR You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 8th day of November A.D. 2011 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien To advertise your publicsale notices callC303-566-4100 to DANIEL JORDAN the following described real estate situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:

Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED TSC# 2011-01336 To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It may Concern, and more especially to: GERALD L BAIR You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 8th day of November A.D. 2011 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to DANIEL C JORDAN the following described real estate situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: Section: 35 Township: 9 Range: 65 Subdivision: KELLY AIR PARK AMENDMENT IV Lot: 55 (TOTAL 5.060 A) 24428 BEN KELLY RD and said County Treasurer issued a certi-

Government Legals

Section: 35 Township: 9 Range: 65 Subdivision: KELLY AIR PARK AMENDMENT IV Lot: 55 (TOTAL 5.060 A) 24428 BEN KELLY RD

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to DANIEL C JORDAN. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2010; That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of GERALD L BAIR for said year 2010.

That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said DANIEL C JORDAN at 3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 30th day of July, A.D.2015, unless the same has been redeemed.

Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 8th day of April, 2015 A. D. Richard Pettitt County Treasurer of Elbert County Legal Notice No.: 23168 First Publication: April 16, 2015 Last Publication: April 30, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News

16 Elbert County News

April 23, 2015 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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They wanted to replace both my knees, and I did not want both my knees replaced.”

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William La S.

Shirley S.

treatment, “It’s the best thing I ever did.

It’s just - now I can play golf, I can walk, I can climb stairs, I can do things I did many years ago.”

And then there is Shirley S. who could barely walk and was facing total knee replacement in both How It Works: Advanced medical technology has knees and after treat- now made it possible to safely relieve knee arthritis ment said, “I just pain for many. thank God for the When you have knee arthritis, the natural lubricating fluids in treatment... It made your knee “dry up.” This causes abnormal friction. Bones rub me feel like a new against each other, leading to stiffness, pain and eventually woman.” total joint destruction. This treatment works so well because Are These Result a special lubricating gel is put directly into the arthritis joint...

Instantly allowing the joint to glide more smoothly. Imagine Typical? putting oil on a rusty door hinge. Osteo Relief uses state-ofLet’s be very clear about this: this the-art digital imaging to see inside the knee joint to make sure the FDA-Approved lubricating gel medicine is placed is not a “miracle precisely where you need it to get the best possible results. cure” for arthritis.

This is a real medianyone) who gets this prom- ising treatment a cal treatment that has worked very well for treatment is going to get try.

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As with all medical obligation knee screenBut we are not suggesting that everyone (or treatments - the response ing designed specifically is individual. And no one to see if this treatment can say what your remight help you. sponse to treatment will But the biggest probbe. lem is keeping up with But we can say with the overwhelming de100% accuracy that mand. That’s why they countless people have have had to limit the lessened or even eliminumber of screenings per nated their pain - and month. The good news gotten their active lives is, if you call 719-323back after this treatment. 6612 within the next 2 And that is en- tirely days - you are guaranpossible for you, too. teed a screening.

And that’s why people from all over the area are “The treatment was wonflocking to Osteo Rederful” lief Institute to give this “Five years ago I had knee surgery, had a replacement, and I was not happy with it.

The therapy was painful and I’m still numb on one side and you can’t – you cannot kneel on your knee once you have that done.”

“I was not sleeping at night, my leg was pounding, I knew it was getting near the point where it was a knee replacement or find something new.”

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Karen R.

***While OsteoRelief cannot say results like this are typical, we can say they are possible. Every patient is individual and results vary. Last names witheld for privacy.

Non-Surgical Spine Pain, Neuropathy, And Joint Arthritis Treatment

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