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August 19, 2021
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 27
Elbert County COVID cases rise
Elbert County housing prices soar Median home value +17.8% since 2020 • Median sales price 2021: $638,832
Public health director stresses effectiveness of vaccines in disease fight Source: Zillow
BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
ing market to a car cruising down the interstate. Before the pandemic in 2019, all signs were stable and cruise control was set at 65 mph. In 2020, it slowed down to about 25 mph. In 2021, the market spun out of control, hitting 95 mph.
With the rise of the COVID-19 delta variant, Elbert County is seeing an increase in cases among residents. A “Public Health COVID-19 Situation Update” was released on Aug. 9 by Elbert County Public Health Director Dwayne Smith. In the update, Smith outlined the standing of COVID-19 in the county since July 29. During that span, there were 40 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the majority occurring in the 80107, 80138 and 80117 ZIP codes. The 80107 zone includes Elizabeth, 80138 is
SEE HOUSING, P14
SEE COVID, P9
Graphic by Kayla Cornett/Colorado Community Media
Families being priced out of local housing market ‘California problem’ is impacting inventory and prices BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
It is no surprise that local families are feeling frustrated and burned out in the current hous-
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 13
ing market, as national economist Elliot Eisenberg says Colorado is going through a “California problem.” In January, Eisenberg, of econ70. com, compared the Colorado hous-
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FAIR ENDS ON HIGH NOTE
Elbert County livestock sale brings in record amount for young sellers P4
2 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
Anxiety over new school year higher during pandemic Health experts advise routine and structure for back-to-school BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When starting a new school year in a new grade with a new teacher, it is common to face first-day jitters. However, experts say back-to-school anxiety in 2021 is elevated due to continuously changing rules and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kristin Orlowski, a psychologist with UCHealth, said elementary students and teenagers thrive on structure and consistency. In 2020, consistency and structure became unstable with online schooling, mandates, and procedures creating confusion and stress as federal, state and local health officials grappled with how to keep children safe. The bottom line, Orlowski said, is that online schooling is not an effective alternative to in-person learning. Students fell behind in academics and social development, she said. When students are out of sorts, stressed and depressed, Orlowski said studies show they do not retain or learn new things as well. Like other hospitals along the Front Range, UCHealth facilities have seen an uptick in cases involving young people dealing with
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depression, substance abuse and mental illness. UCHealth has locations in Parker, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Lone Tree and Denver, As school is slated to start in Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams and Jefferson counties this month, the debate over mask mandates is revving up. Orlowski said as school administrators debate whether to require masks, parent anger and frustrations are spilling over, and students are hearing it.
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Dr. Anat Geva, clinician supervisor for HealthOne Behavioral Health Centers, said the biggest problem for students in the pandemic is the “unknown.” “The other part of that is the unknown can change quickly during a pandemic,” she said. “You might have a student already stressed about a new teacher and new classroom, but there is also concern classes will get canceled or mask restrictions are suddenly put in place again. Really, everything can flip 180 degrees from one day to the next. The unknown is always a problem.” Geva said this has led students to be more apathetic and avoid issues altogether. Adults and children alike are ignoring news and updates because they figure the situation will just change tomorrow, she said. According to studies provided by HealthOne, which serves patients in Centennial, Aurora and Ken Caryl, self-harm claims among teenagers in 2020 increased by more than 300%. Earlier this summer, Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHC) declared a crisis in treating young people for mental health conditions. Experts and doctors say the primary reason for the increase in cases is the continued disruption to their daily lives the pandemic has caused. CHC treats young patients in Highlands Ranch, Wheat Ridge, Parker, Aurora, Denver, Centennial, Broomfield and Colorado Springs. As medical professionals remained concerned with how young people are handling the added stressors posed by COVID-19 at the start of a new school year, Orlowski and Geva agree that parents and students can take steps to decrease and limit anxiety. As the first days of school draw closer, steps to prepare for a new school year during a pandemic include: Get back to set bedtimes — A regular bedtime helps establish routine and help students get enough sleep. Stay on schedule — From dinner to athletics and activities, Orlowski said a set schedule and routine can help students adjust to a new school year faster.
Stop the stressful chatter — Constant discussion about the pandemic, rules and frustrations with mandates can cause anxiety in children. Just talking to students about what they need to do without opinions and anger can help alleviate anxiety. Teach students to be accepting — Orlowski said schools, parents and society are already teaching students to be accepting of everyone to avoid bullying. With the pandemic, acceptance also means masks. If a student attends a school where masks are optional, students not wearing masks should accept those choosing to wear them. Be positive — Geva said it is important that parents and adults work to make the best of any situation. Being as positive as possible can make a difference, she said. Students should be assured they are not alone, Geva stressed. Others are going through the same thing. Always communicate — Geva said talking frankly with children can help a lot. Answering their questions, speaking honestly and asking them how they are feeling can keep the lines of communication open. Get help if needed — Orlowski said it is important to get acquainted with help outside the home. If a student is struggling with anxiety due to more serious issues, it may be time to seek help from school counselors or a qualified clinician. Geva said HealthOne has behavioral health centers throughout the region, and if symptoms of depression and anxiety continue to increase, parents should consider professional help outside the home and school. Watch for signs of anxiety in children — Indications of anxiety include appearing more clingy than normal, being restless and fidgety, complaining of stomachaches or headaches, changes in eating and sleeping habits, expressing negative thoughts and worries, getting upset quickly, becoming more emotional than usual, struggling to concentrate, picking at their skin and being too compliant in trying to please without addressing their own anxiety.
Elbert County News 3
August 19, 2021
ANCIENT MYSTERIES AND MODERN DISCOVERIES
Learn the truth behind the legend at Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries, open now at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Visit DMNS.org for tickets.
This exhibition is produced by MuseumsPartner in Austria in collaboration with English Heritage.
4 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
Elbert County Fair ends on high note Livestock sale brings in record amount for young sellers BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The 2021 Elbert County Fair set a record during its closing weekend of Aug. 7-8, as the Saturday-afternoon Elbert County Junior Livestock Market Sale brought in more than three-quarters of a million dollars. The Junior Market Sale consists of animals raised by children and teens aged 8-18 and who are in good standing with either 4-H or Future Farmers of America. Throughout the course of the Elbert County Fair, the kids and teens participate in livestock market shows, competing for grand champion and reserve grand champion in the given category. At the market shows, animals are divided into weight categories and judged based on animal-specific established criteria. The participants are allowed to show multiple animals in the showmanship competition, but are
only allowed to sell one in the Junior Livestock Market Sale. Each animal category’s grand champion and reserve grand champion must be sold. The sale takes the form of an auction in which 10 animals are displayed at a time in groupings known as “flights.” Potential buyers are supplied with a sale bill which indicates the animal and child order of presentation. Of the several hundred animals at the sale, 174 were sold, bringing in a recordbreaking $763,624.70. The majority of the earnings go directly to the kids, while a small portion is reserved for plaque and transportation fees. “It was our highest sale ever, breaking over 700,000 (dollars) this year,” exclaimed Debbie Ollum, treasurer for the Elbert County Fair organizational committee. “I think it was our most well-attended sale for many years. We greatly appreciate our buyers.” Below are the 2021 Elbert County Junior Livestock Market Sale champions and reserve grand champions, presenters and buyers: Grand Champion Market Rabbit — Cade Tervort, $1,000 — High Plains Food
Grand Champion Market Swine - Brant Volosin, $6,942.00 - Integrity Auto Repair
Store Reserve Grand Champion Market Rabbit — Dayton Tervort, $1,000 — High Plains Food Store Grand Champion Market Swine — Brant Volosin, $6,942 — Integrity Auto Repair Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine — Sadie McWhorter, $9,180 — Potestio Brothers Grand Champion Market Poultry — Jamie Schafer, $2,100 — High Plains Food Store
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Reserve Champion Market Poultry — Landon Offutt, $3,400 — Kellogg Contracting and Douglas County Septic Grand Champion Market Lamb — Addison McWhorter, $5,216 — High Plains Food Store Reserve Champion Market Lamb — Bernice Summers, $5,800 — Four Rivers Equipment and Powel Restoration Inc. Grand Champion Market Goat — Soren Freund, $4,831.60 — Colorado Animal
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Health Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat — McCrae Lown, $4,087.20 — Farm Bureau Insurance (Mike Mosher) Grand Champion Market Beef — Kelli Kerchal, $13,500 — Patty Ann’s Cafe Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef — Troy McWhorter, $9,149 — Trehal Family and Chris and Andrea Richardson For more fair updates, including 4-H show results, visit elbertcountyfair.com/
Elbert County News 5
August 19, 2021
Census Bureau: Elbert County grew by 12.9% over decade The county has gained nearly 3,000 people since 2010 BY MARK HARDEN MHARDEN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The population of Elbert County grew by 12.9% between 2010 and 2020, making it the 10th-fastest-growing county in Colorado. That’s according to redistricting data released Aug. 12 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Elbert County’s population rose to 26,062 last year, up from 23,086 a decade earlier, adding 2,976 residents, the Census Bureau said. The county’s 10-year growth rate was lower than the 14.8% growth rate of Colorado as a whole. The new census data also showed that Elbert County in 2020 had a housing unit vacancy rate of 4.4%, among the lowest in the state. Only Jefferson, Adams and Douglas counties had a
lower vacancy reat, tied with 4.3%. The statewide rate was 9.4%. Statewide, the fastest-growing county between 2010 and 2020 was Broomfield, with a 32.6% growth rate, the new numbers show. Broomfield ranked No. 30 among the nation’s fastest growing counties. That was followed by Weld County (30.1%), Douglas County (25.4%), lightly-populated Mineral County (21.5%), Larimer County (19.8%), Denver County (19.2%), Adams County (17.7%), El Paso County (17.4%), Arapahoe County (14.5%) and Elbert County (12.9%). Meanwhile, 15 of Colorado’s 64 counties lost population over the 10-year period, led by Kit Carson County, with a loss rate of 14.3%. The Census Bureau released the first local-level results from its 2020 census to give Colorado and other states the data they need to redraw the boundaries of congressional and legislative election districts. In Colorado, that process is under way by twin newlyestablished independent commissions.
The Census Bureau on Aug. 12 released the first local-level results from its 2020 census to give Colorado and other states the data they need to redraw the boundaries of congressional and legislative election districts. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
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6 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
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Douglas County hopes it can revive the memory of a once-bustling Greenland town site when it finishes restoring the Greenland post office this fall. In late June, the county started its bottom-to-top refurbishing of the post office, one of two remnants from Greenland’s former life as a railroad hub. Not only does the post office retain qualities of its 19thcentury self, but it was a symbol of community togetherness, and the county would like to preserve that spirit. “From the history of the post office and what it served for the Greenland town site, it was kind of a central gathering point for that community,” said Kati Rider, the county’s assistant director of planning resources. “So, it’s always served as that symbol for the Greenland town site.” Greenland was most active from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. It was located right next to the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, which transported 24 passenger trains and 20 freight trains a day, according to the county’s virtual
Douglas County is restoring the historic Greenland post office by rebuilding its foundation. The county received a $156,000 grant from the state to commission the restoration. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
history museum. The goods most commonly transported on the trains were lumber, grain, clay, potatoes, milk, cheese and cattle. With the commerce, Greenland became home to two general stores, two saloons, blacksmith and wagon making shops, and the post office. “When the town site was active, the post office is where people came to get their news, it’s where the people came to connect,” said Rider. The post office operated from 1873 until 1959. Along with the post office, the rest of the town site dissolved into inactivity. Douglas County designated what it calls Greenland Townsite as a historic property in 2011. The school and post office are the only two buildings still around.
However, the school has changed over time and was once modified as a home, meaning it has lost some of its historical integrity, said county curator Brittany Cassell. The county has known for a while that it wanted to restore the post office and preserve it for years to come. In 2019, the State Historic Fund awarded the county a $156,000 grant, which required a 25% cash match from the county, or about $52,000. The county has commissioned more minor, aesthetic restoration projects at the post office in recent years. However, the current project, which is specifically what the county received the state grant for, is rebuilding the foundation. Rider said erosion over the years has significantly weakened the foundation. Another goal of the current project is to stabilize the walls, although it’s unclear if they will be restored to the original condition. The siding is made of asphalt, which “is pretty unique to this structure,” Rider said. “During that time, people who lived in the area used materials that they could find to build buildings, to restore them, to keep them up.” The county doesn’t know yet if the same asphalt siding can be replicated. The county needs to complete the current restoration by October. It doesn’t know when or how it will open the post office to the public yet. Rider said, “the primary focus right now is stabilization of the structure.”
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Elbert County News 7
August 19, 2021
Labor Day holiday closure Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Visit DoItOnlineDouglas.com for a list of online services.
Voting open for Art Encounters outdoor sculptures 23 sculptures are showcased throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough. You’re invited to visit the sculptures and nominate your favorite for a People’s Choice Award by Jan. 31, 2022. For art locations, voting online and more visit artencounters.douglas.co.us People hike at The Bluffs near Lone Tree, a popular metro area trail and park. PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS
Bluffs Regional Park keeps gaining popularity County says park is seeing more traffic, with big bump during pandemic BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Steve Shoultz, Douglas County’s assistant director of parks, trails and building grounds, watched in 2020 as people flocked to parks. Parks and trails throughout the county saw a rise in traffic amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, as they offered safer areas to go and socialize. And one of the more popular spots proved The Bluffs Regional Park, located adjacent to the City of Lone Tree and providing connections to Highlands Ranch trails. Its proximity to the Denver metro area combined with sweeping views of the Front Range make it a popular recreational area in the county, Shoultz said, and one that’s been steadily increasing in usage before and during the pandemic. Traffic counts at The Bluffs reached 168,785 in 2018, 169,644 in 2019, and jumped to 215,261 in 2020. The annual traffic count in 2021 is projected to reach 172,953. When the county began recording traffic counts in 2014, annual traffic was 152,141. “This year’s data is showing that we’re going to trend back down from that spike that we saw last year, but not by much,” Shoultz said. Shoultz noted the county’s rank as second healthiest county in the nation, according to lists prepared by U.S. News and World Report. Many residents value fitness and the outdoors, he said, which Shoultz believes contributes to parks’ popularity each year. With more use comes some obstacles. The county occasionally sees
visitors mistreat the parks, he said. At The Bluffs, people make carvings in a rock monument along the trail. The county replaced plaques on its benches with iron plates that are “a little less defaceable,” Shoultz said. “Social trails” have also popped up, he said, or paths that form from people taking shortcuts off the official trail. The county tries to prevent social trails through education and signage, which doesn’t always work. “They will break them off and throw them off in the weeds,” he said. Still, weather affects maintenance issues more than trail users do, Shoultz said. Staff try to manage the flow of water from rain, which can erode the park and especially one with steep grades like those at The Bluffs. “The Bluffs is a specifically challenging site because what makes it great makes it hard to maintain,” he said. Shoultz said it’s up to everyone to help keep parks beautiful so more people can enjoy them. On Aug. 4, Wendy Loyd and Lasinda Crane trekked up a hill at The Bluffs to catch up after Loyd returned from a trip out of town. The two have frequented the park for several years. “The Bluffs is our place,” Crane said. They enjoy the wildlife, like deer that stroll through the area, and they have noticed an increase in traffic, the women said. “I like it and don’t like it because you know, it’s nice coming out early and having it to yourself,” Loyd said. Crane nodded as Loyd reflected on the rise in traffic, but said she understands why the area is growing in use. “It’s such a beautiful spot,” Crane said. “You see everywhere, 360.”
Facing a utility shut-off due to COVID-19 impacts? Funds are available to assist Douglas County residents who rent an apartment or house and are impacted by COVID-19 and struggling to pay their utility bills or rent. See if you qualify and apply today at douglas.co.us/ rent-assistance
Live Town Hall meetings Did you know Douglas County offers Live Town Hall meetings, inviting you to engage in the local issues of importance to you and your neighbors? Register at douglas.co.us/townhall to ensure you are contacted about all future Live Town Halls – it’s always your choice whether or not to participate. Registering will also allow you to receive online surveys so that you may share what topics YOU want to hear more about.
Funds available to veterans Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veterans assistance funds visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200.
Clean up and reduce wildfire risk Now is the time to clean up tree limbs, shrubs and brush from your property and reduce your wildfire risk. Dispose of them at the County’s slash-mulch site, 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Open Saturdays-only from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through October. For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for Slash.
What’s happening with your County government? Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings via live stream visit douglas.co.us and search for Meetings and @douglascountyco Agendas.
Visit douglas.co.us
8 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
More Colorado health leaders urge mask, vaccine rules Children’s, SCL are latest Colo. hospital groups to require shots for their workers BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN
Some of the state’s largest and most influential health care organizations have issued a joint statement supporting mandates for health care workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The Colorado Hospital Association, the Colorado Nurses Association and the Colorado Medical Society, which represents doctors, signed onto the statement, along with 16 other organizations. The Aug. 12 statement says all health care workers should be vaccinated; expresses support for organizations that have imposed vaccination mandates; and urges everyone age 2 and older to wear masks indoors in public places, including schools. “Colorado’s health care workers have heroically cared for their communities throughout the pandemic,” the statement says, “but we must all come together to protect the most vulnerable among us.” The statement comes as pressure mounts on state and local governments to do more to quell the new surge in cases caused by the highly
infectious delta variant of the virus and to get more people vaccinated faster. Also on Aug. 12, Children’s Hospital Colorado and SCL Health became the latest health systems in the state to require employees to be vaccinated. Children’s, whose main hospital is in Aurora and with smaller facilities across the metro area, said workers must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1 as a condition of employment, meaning people could be fired if they don’t comply. SCL Health -- parent of Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge and Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton -- is giving workers until Nov. 1 and won’t allow them to return to work if they remain unvaccinated beyond then. UCHealth, Denver Health and Banner Health, as well as Kaiser Permanente, have previously announced vaccine mandates for employees. The city of Denver has mandated that all health care workers at facilities in the city, including nursing homes, be vaccinated. “Vaccines are essential in the fight against COVID-19,” Jena Hausmann, Children’s Hospital Colorado’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “With safe and effective vaccines widely available, this decision affirms our commitment to the safety and care for our team members and for those we serve.” On Aug. 10, the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediat-
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rics sent a letter to Gov. Jared Polis and state and local health officials urging orders requiring universal mask wearing in Colorado schools and child care centers, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. The Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce, a group of political and health leaders at dozens of organizations across the state, urged the same. “Colorado students need access to safe, uninterrupted learning this school year,” Dr. Edward Maynard, the AAP Colorado chapter president, said in a statement. “The current patchwork of school policies across the state will result in more COVID-19 cases, more transmission of the virus, more quarantines and repeated school closures.” But at a news conference on Aug. 12, Polis showed no inclination to issue new mask orders or vaccination requirements for health care workers. Polis noted that, while more than 500 people are currently hospitalized in Colorado with COVID-19, including 17 children, the state is nowhere close to exceeding hospital capacity. Polis has said many times that ensuring the state stays
within its hospital capacity is his “North Star” in making decisions about statewide protective measures. The state has issued guidance to school districts urging mask usage, in keeping with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But Polis has left it up to school districts to determine whether to mandate mask-wearing — something that has led to a patchwork of rules across Colorado as kids return to classrooms. On Au. 12, Polis reiterated the benefits of mask-wearing, while also downplaying the lack of a mandate. “There is no silver bullet,” he said. Speaking about masks, he added, “We believe they are part of a layered protection system that can keep kids safe.”
This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.
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Elbert County News 9
August 19, 2021
COVID FROM PAGE 1
the area east of Parker and 80117 includes Kiowa. According to the report, “ages for the cases range from 12 to 73 years; a majority of those infected are in their 40s and 50s. A total of 475 tests have been added since the last update. There are six new hospitalizations to report, including three males in their 60s, two females in their 50s, and a male in his 30s. There is one new fatality to report, a male in his 60s.” The Aug. 9 update continued: “Elbert County’s twoweek cumulative incidence rate has been steadily rising, and is currently 164.88 cases per 100,000 population, or 44
cases in the past two weeks. Our one-week cumulative incidence rate is now 63.70, or 17 cases in the past week. “Since the inception of the pandemic, 1,975 residents have been identified with a confirmed infection from COVID-19. Our twoweek average positivity is 8.81%, while our one-week average positivity is 7.98%. As of (the morning of Aug. 9), 46.9% of eligible county residents have been immunized with one or more doses of any COVID-19 vaccine.” Smith encourages all eligible residents to get vaccinated, especially to reduce the spread of the delta variant in schools. The Aug. 9 report noted data showing that the delta variant is about twice as contagious as the initial CO-
VID-19 strain, with a significantly greater viral load and still-to-be-determined effect on children. “As COVID-19 cases rise across the state, pediatric cases are rising alongside adult cases,” the Aug. 9 report said. “As students return to in-person learning, the goal is to keep students safe and present in school.” The report cited data indicating that COVID vaccines are highly effective in protecting fully vaccinated people from both the initial strain and the delta variant. It also noted data showing that a small number of vaccinated people can catch and possibly spread the delta variant, but said “these cases represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country.”
Elizabeth High School, one of many schools throughout the county that will have to adapt to the spreading COVID-19 delta variant. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
The report emphasized this passage with bold type: “The best way to reduce the spread of the delta variant in schools and communities is for all eligible adolescents and adults to get vaccinated, while following COVID-19 prevention and mitigation
strategies informed by local trends.” For more information on the Elbert County Public Health Department’s COVID-19 efforts including information on nearby vaccination sites, visit tinyurl. com/ElbertCovid.
Customer service goes beyond your doors. Customer service doesn’t stop with your customers. Whether you are in the restaurant business, a retail outlet or a local service provider, your actions can serve to protect our waterways. Being conscious of good housekeeping practices, such as washing mats indoors, keeping lids closed on garbage cans and disposing of oils, detergents and grease properly, helps keep harmful contaminants out of our waterways. Local stormwater agencies are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail. One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.
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10 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
LOCAL
VOICES
Our brand is more than just the logo on our shirt
T
he other day a teenager was approaching me wearing a black concert T-shirt with an image of Led Zeppelin on the front, and the year 1977. He happened to stop right in front WINNING of me to wait for traffic to stop so WORDS he could cross the street. So, I made a comment letting him know I liked the T-shirt and shared that I had seen Led Zeppelin perform in 1977 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Michael Norton The young man’s face lit up as he told me that it was his dad’s favorite band and how his dad had seen the concert in New York City as well. He also shared that he and his dad bonded over music and how much appreciation he had for classic rock. Suddenly, I was noticing the words, logos and images on the people I saw walking through the streets, airports
and shops. As I was waiting to pay for a parking space, the woman in front of me turned around and she had the word “Empowered” on her shirt. I took the leap and asked her what the shirt was about. She shared that she was at a conference recently for her company and that the word “Empowered” was the theme for their event. And that it was one of her very favorite words. It’s one of mine too. Many years ago, I happened to be traveling back from an event in Las Vegas. I was representing Zig Ziglar at that conference and I was wearing the Ziglar logo on my dress shirt. There was a glitch somewhere in the system that created a problem for many travelers, me included. The line began to get agitated, and frustration boiled over. At this point in my career, I had traveled more than a million miles. And I just occupied my time reading and checking my phone knowing that there was nothing I could do other than patiently wait it out. A few groups around me were fanning
the flames of frustration and looking for sympathizers for the misery loves company club. One woman looked at me and said something about how awful the situation was and wondered why I wasn’t upset. Then she looked at the Zig Ziglar logo on my shirt. Then in a slightly condescending tone said, “Well you have to act calm and be positive, it’s what your company is all about.” My reply was straightforward and sincere as I shared with her that it was not just about the logo, it was about the message behind the logo. I also shared that I was frustrated too, but at that point all I could do was decide how I wanted to respond and how I could best use my time. Complaining was simply counterproductive. Although she somewhat dismissed my reply, I noticed others around us begin to pick up their book, open their laptop, or take out a magazine to occupy their time. One gentleman walked up to me and said something that was so meaningful to me. He told me that Mr. Ziglar would be proud that I rep-
resented his brand so well. Honestly, I had not thought about it that way when I made my comments. Until the woman called the logo into question, I had forgotten I was even wearing it. Whether we are wearing any type of clothing with a message or logo on it or not, our actions and words speak volumes about who we are and what our brand is as a person. Our actions and words could also very easily characterize the type of company we work for and the corporate culture we represent. What do people see when they see you? How do you handle yourself when challenges arise? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@ tramazing.com, and when we can remember that our brand is more than just the message or logo on our clothing, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.
Court lambastes Colorado attorneys engaged in election lies
T
wo Colorado attorneys are about to feel the full effect of espousing election conspiracy theories in federal court. Denver-based U.S. District Court GUEST Magistrate Judge N. COLUMN Reid Neureiter has sanctioned Gary D. Fielder and Ernest J. Walker for their lawsuit against Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg and a host of public Mario Nicolais officials from across the country. The two attorneys will now be personally liable for the fees defendants racked up to have the lawsuit dismissed. The decision is another victory against attorneys who spread malicious lies in the wake of last November’s presidential election. Last month, Rudy Giuliani had his law license suspended, and faces potential disbarment, for making “demonstrably false and misleading statements” while spearheading former President Donald Trump’s baseless attempts to overturn the election. The appellate court suspending Giuliani linked his statements to the civil unrest across the county,
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including the Jan. 6 insurrection. Neureiter followed suit in his opinion. The judge blasted the complaint for attempting to “sow doubt over the legitimacy of the Biden presidency and the mechanisms of American democracy.” He summarized that the lawsuit was “scatter-shot,” “disorganized and fantastical,” it comprised the “stuff of which violent insurrections are made.” And that was just the beginning. Neureiter rightly ripped the two attorneys for a farcical monetary demand ($160 billion), attempting to bring a case against state governments in a wholly separate jurisdiction, a complete failure to analyze threshold matters such as legal standing, copy-and-paste allegations that had been disproved in other courts and an attempt to mislead the court. In fact, it is hard to find a single page across any of the 68 comprising the opinion without Neureiter raging against Fielder, Walker and the attorneys who so unethically engaged in sham legal challenges across the country. For example, Neureiter laid waste to the assertion that the personal affidavits attached to the complaint somehow provided a factual basis for the complaint. The judge found that
the affidavits where “notable only in demonstrating no firsthand knowledge by a Plaintiff of any election fraud, misconduct, or malfeasance” and were “replete with conclusory statements” and ‘beliefs’ that the election was corrupted, presumably based on rumors, innuendo, and unverified questionable media reports.” His words channeled the catharsis every reasonable person following the election challenges has needed. The judge seemed apoplectic that, faced with a “‘veritable tsunami’ of adverse precedent,” the attorneys made arguments that had already been rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in prior complaints. Neureiter caustically asserted that “Plaintiffs’ counsel’s process for formulating the factual allegations in this lawsuit was to compile all the allegations from all the lawsuits and media reports relating to the alleged fraud (and only the ones asserting fraud, not the ones refuting fraud), put it in one massive complaint, and then file it and ‘see what happens.’” He clearly had no patience for such tactics. In two stellar passages, the judge pointed out that MyPillow owner Mike Lindell is not a “serious person” and that including inflammatory allegations “merely because the
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out-going President had said it, was reckless.” The opinion concluded that “sanctions are required to deter the filing of frivolous, politically motivated lawsuits such as this in the future.” That is precisely what should have happened in every case filed so wantonly over the past year. Before our U.S. Capitol building came under attack in January, our democracy suffered an insurrection in courts across the country. Simply dismissing the cases did not quell the rising tide of disinformation and culminated in the violence we saw in January. Instead, it is up to courts to follow the lead set by Judge Neureiter and hold bad-faith actors accountable. Otherwise, they will surely continue to be a “part of an immense feedback loop, echoing and repeating election-rigging conspiracy theories from the internet and from other failed lawsuits.” That is a threat no court should condone. Mario Nicolais is an attorney and columnist who writes on law enforcement, the legal system, health care and public policy. Follow him on Twitter: @MarioNicolaiEsq. This column first appeared in The Colorado Sun, co-owner of this newspaper.
Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.
ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Elbert County News, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
Elbert County News 11
August 19, 2021
e
Pandemic, low birth rates change kindergarten Experts fear learning gaps for young Colorado students BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT
A musical phone alarm went off in Sharon Gray’s classroom — a cue that it was time for students to switch to a new activity station. “Boys and girls, remember how we’re learning about rotating?” she said to the soon-to-be kindergartners at her table. “Where do you guys get to go?” A little boy answered immediately. “The park!” he said. The correct answer was actually the block table at the other end of the orange-carpeted room, but such trial and error was part of the weeklong Jump Start program at Peiffer Elementary in the Jefferson County school district. Paid for with federal stimulus dollars, the summer transition program is among a host of initiatives school districts are launching this year as they prepare to welcome a new crop of children to classrooms after more than a year of disrupted schooling — and in some cases, no formal schooling at all. District leaders also plan to reduce class sizes, add coaches and intervention teachers, and provide tutoring. Many experts fear the youngest students could face the most substantial social and academic gaps, both because pandemic upheaval came during a critical time in their development and because thousands of children didn’t attend preschool and kindergarten last year as they normally would have. In Colorado, the biggest K-12 enrollment drops last year occurred in kindergarten, with a statewide decline of 7,000 students, or 9%. That matches national trends, including findings from a new Stanford University and New York Times analysis of 70,000 schools in 33 states. The size of last year’s kindergarten decrease varied among Colorado districts, with some areas harder hit because of the state’s declining birth rate. The rapidly growing Brighton-based District 27J saw a slight dip of 3%; Denver, the state’s largest district, saw an 8% decline; and the Pueblo 60 district saw a 17% drop. The absence of so many kindergartners from last year’s public school rolls raises many questions that educators will begin to answer as the 2021-2022 school year starts: Who stayed in preschool an extra year? Who attended kindergarten in a private program or another district? And who missed out completely? Bill Jaeger, vice president of early childhood and policy initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, said students who have historically been marginalized in the U.S. education system, including children of color, dual language learners, and students with disabilities, were more likely to lose access to early education during the pandemic, worsening existing inequities. “My guess is that teachers are go-
ing to be challenged by the fact that children have had such a wide array of experiences in the year prior to this fall,” he said. Enrollment rebounds — to a point Kindergarten enrollment is poised to rebound this year, though not generally to the level it was prior to the pandemic, according to a Chalkbeat survey of 12 districts, including the state’s six largest. Only one-third of the districts polled, including Mapleton, Westminster, Cherry Creek and Jefferson County, expect to surpass their kindergarten enrollment numbers from the 2019-20 school year. The other eight districts predicted lower kindergarten enrollment this fall than in 2019, with double-digit drops possible in the Greeley-Evans, Aurora and Pueblo 60 districts. District officials cautioned that projections are preliminary and could change if there’s a late rush in enrollment or other developments. Christina Weiland, an associate professor of education at the University of Michigan, said many experts expected kindergarten enrollment to exceed pre-COVID levels this year. “We know we have a lot of kids who sat out kindergarten last year,” she said But she also acknowledged the growing number of factors in play, from the surging Delta variant to changing policies on masks and quarantines. “There are so many pushes and pulls right now,” she said. “It is a very local and heterogenous story everywhere.” Weiland, the lead author of a recent University of Michigan and Urban Institute report on early childhood pandemic effects, said it will be more important than ever for educators to use their in-person instructional time wisely this year, especially if quarantines or school shutdowns persist. The report recommends a variety of ways schools can use stimulus money to accelerate learning for young children, including tutoring as early as kindergarten, hiring assistant teachers, adding mental health support, and replacing ineffective curriculum with high-quality options. Lower birth rates mean fewer students Tangled up with COVID-related enrollment changes are declines associated with Colorado’s shrinking child population, particularly in school districts with aging populations or pricey housing. State Demographer Elizabeth Garner said births in Colorado began slowing in 2007 and have dropped every year since. “Absolutely hands down we are seeing fewer kids,” she said. “That is going to be part of your impact [on enrollment] and I’m sure COVID is your other part.” Most metro Denver counties — though not Denver itself — have lost children in the kindergarten and first grade age range over the last decade. The decline is steepest in Douglas County, where the population of 5- to 7-year-olds has dropped SEE BIRTH RATE, P12
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12 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
BIRTH RATE FROM PAGE 11
28% since 2010. Boulder, Jefferson and Adams counties have experienced smaller declines. Before the coronavirus hit, officials in the 37,000-student Adams 12 district north of Denver expected a 2% decline in kindergarten numbers in 2020-21 because of birth rate trends. Instead they got a pandemicfueled 14% drop. Matt Schaefer, the district’s planning manager, said it’s hard to know where all those missing students ended up in part because kindergarten isn’t mandatory in Colorado so there’s less data available than for students in other grades. Even as the first day of school approached, Schaefer said enrollment numbers were still in flux. Some parents were getting cold feet about in-person school because of the Delta variant and recently switched their children to the district’s online learning program, he said. Meanwhile, with the availability of the vaccine, other parents have had the opposite change of heart, switching their kids back to in-person school. “There’s a lot of movement in each direction right now,” Schaefer said. “We are just drowning in it all and just waiting for the moment when the dust settles.” Teachers plan to take it slow Chris Christoff, a teacher at Centennial Elementary in Denver, doesn’t expect a wider range of skills among his 27 incoming kindergarten and first-grade students
Students return from recess during a weeklong summer transition program at Peiffer Elementary School in the Jeffco district. PHOTO BY ANN SCHIMKE / CHALKBEAT
than in a typical year. His multi-age classroom has always included some children who didn’t attend preschool and others who are reading chapter books. What may be different this year, he said, is the distribution of students along that range. Christoff, who taught remotely all of last year, said the stimulation of a busy classroom will likely be the biggest change for him and many of his students once school starts.
There’s no place like hope.
“We’re going to take the social acclimation a little bit slower,” he said, with more focus on helping kids regulate their emotions and communicate their needs. He’s heard some teachers who taught in person at the end of last year say that some returning students acted like they still had their mute button on — making comments and having side conversations as if others couldn’t hear them. On the plus side, Christoff expects his students will easily adapt to any computer-based activities this year. At Peiffer Elementary, the 90 preschool through fifth grade students who attended the Jump Start summer program represented a cross section of pandemic experiences. About half attended in person last year, a quarter attended remotely, and the remaining students are new to the school. Principal Molly Touher said she hoped the summer program would ease first-day jitters, build stamina for a full in-person school day, and help students, especially the youngest ones, with school rhythms and procedures.
“What we focused on was trying to connect the social-emotional learning with some of the academic skills,” she said. One such lesson played out for preschoolers gathered in the school kitchen on the fourth day of Jump Start. They were preparing to make homemade Play-Doh by following the steps of a recipe, which their teacher reminded them is “another word for a routine.” Down the hall, in the first and second grade room, where children played with Legos, blocks and squishy water beads, the word of the day was “perseverance,” the ability to see a task through despite difficulties and obstacles. A first-grader at the water bead table took a run at defining it and got close. “Keep doing it till it’s hard,” she said. This story is from Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Used by permission. For more, and to support Chalkbeat, visit co.chalkbeat. org.
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Elbert County News 13
August 19, 2021
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14 Elbert County News
August 19, 2021
HOUSING
H
FROM PAGE 1
There are several factors contributing to the current market conditions, but mostly, it is the “California problem,” Eisenberg said. “For a long time, the California problem stayed in California,” Eisenberg said. “But now it is coming to Colorado as people in California are saying ‘hell with it.’ The housing prices are too high, taxes are too high, the cost of living is ridiculous. They are jumping ship and heading to Denver.” The problem, Eisenberg said, is that Colorado was already falling behind in building enough homes. Add in a continually growing population and the market becomes a problem, he said. According to the Denver Metro Real Estate Market Trends Report for July, Colorado’s population increased by about 50,000 people between July 2019 and July 2020. From 2010 to 2020, the state grew by about 760,000 people, the eighthhighest growth rate in the U.S. Jill Schafer, a member of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) and agent for Kentwood Real Estate, said there is an incredible lack of inventory across the Denver metro area’s 11-county market, which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park counties. Schafer said with population increases, local families are being forced to “drive until they find
As the population grows, housing inventory has decreased and some homes have sold well above asking prices.
something they can afford.” Schafer explained a ripple effect, using her son as an example. He and his family could no longer afford the increased cost of homes in Denver, which meant driving south. He was lucky to land in Castle Rock,
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Schafer said, but by the time he moved in, his home value had already increased by tens of thousands of dollars. Shawn D., who requested that his last name not be used for workrelated reasons, said his family of five are currently living in a rental home in Highlands Ranch. Shawn said the “insane” housing market along the Front Range has him and his wife questioning their move to Colorado from Florida two years ago. Shawn said they sold their Florida home for $280,000, making him feel like they had a good down payment and would be fine in moving to Colorado. Instead, they have been met with one letdown after another. Shawn described a market where they get on waiting lists for new housing developments that only become a lost cause. Shawn, who works in downtown
SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
Denver when he is not working remotely, wanted to buy in Highlands Ranch. When that became too difficult, they started driving all over. Shawn said they have put offers on homes in Castle Rock, Evergreen, and anywhere else they could in the Denver metro area. They even considered homes in Bailey, which were also overpriced, he said. Adrian Espinoza, a Coldwell Banker real estate agent in Lakewood, said inventory is the biggest issue for clients looking for a first home, or families and couples looking to upgrade. Espinoza said on any given day across Front Range, there are 5,000 homes up for sale. In a normal market, he said there should be between 20,000 and 30,000 listings. The lack of inventory cuts options for clients and drives prices higher. SEE HOUSING, P15
Elbert County News 15
August 19, 2021
HOUSING FROM PAGE 14
In January, DMAR estimated there were more than 24,000 active listings along the Front Range. In July, there were just over 3,000 homes up for sale. A Zillow report estimates home values along the Front Range have increased by an average of 20% from the same time last year. In Douglas County, the median home price is $656,281, a 20.1% increase from 2020. In Jefferson County, the median home price is $584,544, a 21.8% increase. Arapahoe County has the lowest increase, with the median home price of $490,501, a 16.3% increase. Espinoza said the problem with the reports listing median home prices that seem reasonable is that there is not enough inventory to sustain those numbers. Espinoza said in Castle Rock alone, homes are being scooped up so quickly and above asking, that there are few choices in the $600,000 range. Espinoza represents Courtnee Lamb in Castle Rock. Trying to sell her current family home to move into a bigger home with extra property has been a nightmare, Lamb said. “We put our home up for sale and it is at two weeks on the market,” she said. “No one expected that, which means when we are putting contingency offers for homes we want to buy. Sellers do not want to because a bigger cash offer will likely come later.” Lamb described a market where
she and her husband submit an offer $40,000 above asking price one night, only to be outbid by someone offering $80,000 above asking the next morning. Lamb said they like Castle Rock and want to make sure their children remain in the same school, but the housing market is driving them to look in Elizabeth, Franktown and Colorado Springs. Espinoza said he advises his clients to wait if they can, hoping something will become available in the area where families want to live. But he admitted the current market is creating a lot of stress and frustration. Shawn said one of the most frustrating parts of trying to find a home is that it feels like families like his are no longer welcome in the Denver metro area. Eisenberg said Shawn is not wrong. As Californians make a lot of money selling their homes and move to Colorado, they have the funds to spend. “You have really rich people coming to a market where prices are great and spending an extra $80,000 above asking price is no big deal. It means nothing to them,” he said. As Californians keep moving to Colorado and other states, the housing market is changing, Eisenberg said. That means the drive to affordability for current families means shifting to housing searches farther south in Pueblo or heading out of state to Kansas or Idaho, he said. Shawn said he signed another one-year lease on his rental home, noting that it came with a 3%
increase. In the next year, Shawn said if his family cannot find a suitable home along the Front Range, they will leave the state. “I definitely feel like I have been priced out of my ability to grow and make this a longtime home,” he said. “If this market stays this way, people are going to leave. It is unhealthy, unstable growth.” Eisenberg said there are other factors driving prices and inventory. Eisenberg said citizens fight growth. They want to preserve open space and push for less housing developments. However, that means not enough homes are going up to stabilize the market, he said. “The Denver housing market has become one of the most expensive markets in the country,” Eisenberg said. “Politicians want to keep their jobs, so they don’t push for more housing. But the only solution is to build more homes.” Schafer said another factor is people are staying in the homes they have. Families see the market and decide to stay put. Older couples who would normally downsize are staying put because they cannot afford the rising cost of a townhome or condo. Eisenberg said when the average cost of a townhome or condo goes above $350,000 older couples cannot scale down and single young professionals and couples cannot move into the buyer’s market. In the end, Eisenberg said the reality is current Coloradans will start relocating to places like Boise because it is considered the new Denver.
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August 19, 2021
C R O S S W O R D Sculptures celebrate Castle Rocks arts P U Z Z L E STAFF REPORT
Public art can help brighten a community, and new sculptures at several public places throughout Castle Rock are helping the area shine. The new art on display is thanks to a partnership between the town and the Douglas County Art Encounters program. Art Encounters provides one-year exhibits of sculptures in retail and civic areas within Douglas County to promote public interest in art, develop community pride and draw visitors to the areas where the sculptures are displayed. The seven sculptures that were recently installed in Castle Rock include: “American Gold,” for sale at $17,000 by artist Dimitry Domani Spiridon, is at the intersection of Third and Perry streets. “Convergence,” for sale at $14,000 by artist Stephen Shachtman, is at The Miller Activity Complex, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway. “Ego,” for sale at $4,500 by artist Jacob Novinger, is at Festival Park, 300 Second St. “Meridian,” for sale at $7,000 by artist Pavia Justinian, is at the intersection of Plum Creek Parkway and Gilbert Street. “SOAR,” for sale at $8,600 by artist Scott Froschauer, is at the East Plum Creek Trail near Plum Creek Parkway.
“Solace,” for sale at $14,000 by artist Reno Carollo, is at Triangle Park, 804 Sixth St. “Splice,” for sale at $15,000 by artist Kyle Ocean, is at Bison Park, 1390 Clear Sky Way. To borrow the pieces for the year, the town gives each artist an $800 stipend, which is funded through the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund. No taxpayer money is used to purchase public art in Castle Rock. If sold while on display, a portion of the sculpture purchase goes back to the town’s public art fund. Artists also have a chance to win the People’s Choice Award. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite piece at douglas.co.us/artencounters. A second opportunity to win an award is through the Judge’s Choice Award. Each year, the Public Art Advisory Committee selects a judge well-versed in public art to review each sculpture and select a winner. New to public art? Take a selfguided tour through the mobile app Otocast. Download the free app from iTunes or Google Play and hear commentary from the artists themselves. The audio guide encourages people to explore and discover art in a new way. Learn more about the entire Art Encounters program and view photos of the sculptures in Castle Rock at CRgov.com/ArtEncounters.
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August 19, 2021 Help Wanted PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN Reports to: Production & Fulfillment Manager Department: Production & Fulfillment Position Overview: Are you a motivated, fun-loving, and dedicated person looking for an opportunity to grow in a fastpaced environment? If that’s you, we need to talk because you may be the perfect fit as a manufacturing technician in our CBD production facilities in Evergreen, CO. In addition to working in the cutting-edge and high-growth CBD industry, you will have the opportunity for cross training and advancement in other parts of the production process. At EVG Extracts, we specialize in CBD-infused products including tinctures, gummies, topicals, and a selection of other high demand products. This position will be responsible for mixing, processing, and packaging of CBD product while following a strict procedure to produce the highest quality product possible while maintaining a clean and safe working environment. We offer competitive pay, as well as benefits including medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off and holidays. We even sweeten the deal with free monthly product for use to try out the efficacy! We are looking for someone that is comfortable with a flexible work schedule. Shift rotations vary between a four- and five-day workweek and may vary from eight to ten hours per day. Job Functions • Performing production activities related to the mixing, blending, and packaging of CBD infused products including • Follow HACCP Plan and ensure quality and safety standards • Maintain a safe work environment, actively contributing to continuous improvements. • Document all manufacturing activities consistent with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). • Maintain manufacturing and facility spaces in a clean state. • Communicate frequently and effectively with the Manufacturing Manager, Supervisor and Operator peer group. • Maintain personal training status and records consistent with company policies and procedures. Core Competencies & Skills • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities during a shift • Prior high-volume food production/ preparation experience preferred • Must be able to lift up to and including 35 lbs. repeatedly throughout a shift • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time • Must be able to bend and squat repeatedly throughout a shift Must Meet the Following Minimum Requirements • 18 years of age • Have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, relevant professional, technical experience. • Regular and on-time attendance is mandated and is an essential function of this position. • Attention to detail in all aspects of job responsibilities, including but not limited to good documentation practices, strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedure and Manufacturing Batch Record instructions, equipment and area hygiene and safety, and cGMP adherence. • Comprehend written procedures in English language If this sounds like your perfect job, then apply today by sending your resume: jobs@evgextracts.com
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Elbert County News 19
August 19, 2021
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees shall hold public hearings concerning a minor development application for the project known as Main Street Station generally located east of Main Street, south of Spruce Street, and north of Walnut Street, pursuant to the Town of Elizabeth Land Development Ordinance. The public hearings are to be held before the Planning Commission on September 7, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. and Board of Trustees on September 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter. The public hearings shall be held in the Town Hall, 151 South Banner Street, Elizabeth, Colorado, or at such other time or place in the event this hearing is adjourned. Further information is available through the Town Community Development Department at (303) 646-4166. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND. EXHIBIT A (legal description) A PARCEL OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 64 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M, TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COUNTY OF ELBERT, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF BLOCK 14 OF PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 37, AND CONSIDERING THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 14 TO BEAR N80°48'59"E, WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO; THENCE N80°48'59"E, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF 99.62 FEET; THENCE N81°10'24"E, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY DESCRIBED IN REC. NO. 360818, A DISTANCE OF 109.11 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE FORMER COLORADO AND SOUTHERN RAILROAD AS DESCRIBED IN BOOK 22, AT PAGE 123 OF THE ELBERT COUNTY RECORDS; THENCE S04°39'26"E, ALONG SAID FORMER EAST R.O.W. LINE, A DISTANCE OF 118.10 FEET; THENCE S09°02'02"E, CONTINUING ALONG SAID FORMER EAST R.O.W. LINE, A DISTANCE OF 342.22 FEET TO THE INTERSECTION OF SAID FORMER EAST R.O.W. LINE AND THE EASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH LINE OF BLOCK 15, PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BK. 2, PG. 37 IN THE OFFICE OF THE ELBERT COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER; THENCE S80°51'46"W, A DISTANCE OF 99.84 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 15; THENCE S80°51'46"W, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 15, A DISTANCE OF 99.95 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 15; THENCE N09°01'29"W, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF BLOCKS 15 AND 14 OF SAID PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, A DISTANCE OF 460.47 FEET TO THE NORTWEST CORNER OF BLOCK 14 OF PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 2.12 ACRES MORE OR LESS, TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. Legal Notice No. 24686 First Publication: August 19, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees shall hold public hearings concerning the vacation of a portion of Chestnut Street right-of-way generally located east of Main Street pursuant to the Town of Elizabeth Land Development Ordinance. The public hearings are to be held before the Planning Commission on September 7, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. and Board of Trustees on September 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter. The public hearings shall be held in the Town Hall, 151 South Banner Street, Elizabeth, Colorado, or at such other time or place in the event this hearing is adjourned. Further information is available through the Town Community Development Department at (303) 646-4166. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND. EXHIBIT A (legal description) A PARCEL OF LAND BEING THAT PORTION OF CHESTNUT STREET, LYING BETWEEN BLOCKS 14 AND 15, PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, LYING WITHIN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 64 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE BEARINGS FOR THIS DESCRIPTION ARE BASED ON THE WEST LINE OF BLOCKS 14 AND 15, PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, BEING ASSUMED TO BEAR S 09°27'27" E, FROM THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 14, BEING MONUMENTED BY
A REBAR WITH A RED PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED "PLS 6935" TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 15, BEING MONUMENTED BY A REBAR WITH A YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED "PLS 31027", WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO. COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 14, THENCE S 09°27'27" E, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID BLOCK 14, A DISTANCE OF 201.61 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 14 AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE N 80°30'28" E, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 14, A DISTANCE OF 99.79 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 14; THENCE S 09°30'24" E, A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 15; THENCE S 80°30'28" E, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 15, A DISTANCE OF 99.84 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 15; THENCE N 09°27'27" W, A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING AN AREA OF 5,989 SQUARE FEET OR 0.137 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Legal Notice No. 24685 First Publication: August 19, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News
Legal Notice No. 24684 First Publication: August 19, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JULY 2021 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION
Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JULY 2021 for each County affected.
Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JULY 2021 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JULY 2021 for each County affected. 21CW3132 MICHELLE MARION-LAYTON AND PATRICK LAYTON, 40273 County Road 13, Elizabeth, CO 80107. James J. Petrock, Eric K. Trout, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 1999 Broadway, Suite 3200, Denver 80202. APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT NON-TRIBUTARY SOURCES IN THE NONTRIBUTARY LOWER DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NON-NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER. ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: 37 acres generally located in the SE1/4, SW1/4, Section 12, Township 7 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., also known as 40273 County Road 13, Elizabeth, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A (“Subject Property”). Applicants are the sole owners of the Subject Property. Well Permits: There is one existing domestic well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 182973. This well will continue to operate under its existing permit. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells. Source of Water Rights: The Upper Dawson Aquifer is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the Lower Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and LaramieFox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicants estimate the following annual amounts may be available for withdrawal:
Upper Dawson (NNT) Lower Dawson (NT) Denver (NT) Arapahoe (NT) Laramie-Fox Hills (NT)
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of SEPTEMBER 2021 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office) and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.
TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1
Water Court
Aquifer Amount
legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Annual (acre-feet) 7.27* 2.98 18.49 18.45 9.73
*The total estimated amount of Upper Dawson Aquifer water is 11.27 acre-feet annually. 4 acrefeet is being withheld from this adjudication for use by existing exempt Well Permit Number 182973, and any future exempt purposes. Proposed Use: Domestic, commercial, irrigation, livestock watering, fire protection, and augmentation purposes, including storage, both on and off the Subject Property. Jurisdiction: The Water Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92-302(2). Remarks: Applicants claim the right to withdraw more than the average annual amounts estimated in Paragraph 5 above pursuant to Rule 8A of the Statewide Rules, 2 C.C.R. 402-7. Applicants request the right to revise the estimates upward or downward, based on better or revised data, without the necessity of amending this application or republishing the same. Applicants request the court approve the above underground water right, find that Applicants have complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or person entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant other and further relief as is appropriate. 2 Pages. WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.
21CW16 MIKE DIESS, PO Box 812, Elizabeth, CO 80107, 720-427-7954, mike.diess@gmail.com; APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS IN THE DENVER BASIN AQUIFERS IN ELBERT COUNTY. Name of Structure: Diess Well located NE 1/4, SE 1/4, S13, T8S, R65W of the 6th PM One well located on property; Parcel of land consists of 3 acres of land; Well Permit 317019 UTM 4356022.0 Northing 533819.0 Easting, Zone 13, 33391 Pine Ridge St in Subdivision JJS Estates, Lot 3 Plat Book 9 Elbert, County; Depth to bottom of well 200 ft; pumping Rate 15 gpm; amount claimed in acre-fee annually 1, single family dwelling; lawn and garden irrigation on 2 acres; watering domestic animals WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of SEPTEMBER 2021 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office) and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk. Legal Notice No. 24682 First Publication: August 12, 2021 Last Publication: August 12, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JULY 2021 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JULY 2021 for each County affected. 21CW3128 MICHELLE MARION-LAYTON AND PATRICK LAYTON, 40273 County Road 13, Elizabeth, CO 80107. James J. Petrock, Eric K. Trout, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 1999 Broadway, Suite 3200, Denver 80202. APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT NON-TRIBUTARY SOURCES AND APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR AUGMENTATION, IN THE NONTRIBUTARY LOWER DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NON-NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER. ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: 35 acres generally located in the SW1/4, SE1/4, Section 12, Township 7 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., also known as 40255 County Road 13, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A (“Subject Property”). Applicants are the sole owners of the Subject Property. Well Permits: There is one existing Upper Dawson Aquifer domestic well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 182972. This well will be re-permitted under the plan for augmentation requested in this application. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells. Source of Water Rights: The Upper Dawson aquifer is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the
Lower Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and LaramieFox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicants estimate the following annual amounts may be available for withdrawal:
named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert, County, Colorado on or before December 6, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.
Aquifer Amount
Christa Grover, Personal Representative c/o Doriana R. Fontanella, Esq. Doriana Rosaria Fontanella LLC 3003 East Third Avenue, Suite B110-G Denver, Colorado 80206
Annual (acre-feet)
Upper Dawson (NNT) Lower Dawson (NT) Denver (NT) Arapahoe (NT) Laramie-Fox Hills (NT)
10.36 2.82 16.73 17.81 9.15
Proposed Uses: Domestic, commercial, irrigation, stockwatering, fire protection, and augmentation purposes, including storage, both on and off the Subject Property. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92-302(2). Summary of Plan for Augmentation: Groundwater to be Augmented: 2.225 acre-feet per year of Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater. Water Rights to be Used for Augmentation: Return flows from the use of not nontributary and nontributary groundwater and direct discharge of nontributary groundwater. Statement of Plan for Augmentation: The Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used for domestic purposes, including in-house use, irrigation, commercial, stockwatering, and fire protection, including storage, through one or more wells, both on and off the Subject Property. Applicants reserve the right to amend the amount and uses without amending the application or republishing the same. Sewage treatment for in-house use will be provided by non-evaporative septic systems. Return flow from in-house use will be approximately 90% of that use, and return flow from irrigation use will be approximately 15% of that use. During pumping Applicants will replace actual depletions pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90137(9)(c.5). Depletions occur to the Running Creek stream system and return flows accrue to that creek system and are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicants will reserve an equal amount of nontributary groundwater underlying the Subject Property to meet post pumping augmentation requirements. Applicants request the Court approve the above underground water rights and augmentation plan, find that Applicants have complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 2 pages. WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.
Legal Notice No. 24671 First Publication: August 5, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Richard L. Marlar, also known as Richard Lee Marlar, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30032 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 December 5, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred. Allison Yanniello, Personal Representative c/o Breeze Trusts & Estates, LLC 10465 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 108 Lone Tree, CO 80124 Legal Notice No. 24672 First Publication: August 5, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News
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Have you seen how Classifieds can work for you?
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of SEPTEMBER 2021 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office) and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk. Legal Notice No. 24683 First Publication: August 19, 2021 Last Publication: August 19, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LAWRENCE KARL BATTERSBY, II, aka LAWRENCE K. BATTERSBY, II, aka LAWRENCE K. BATTERSBY, aka LARRY BATTERSBY, Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 30033 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 December 13, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred. Mulvihill & Fruhwirth, P. C. Cheryl Mulvihill Attorney to the Personal Representative 9751 East Mainstreet #330 Parker, CO 80138 Phone Number: 303-841-2752 Legal Notice No. 24679 First Publication: August 12, 2021 Last Publication: August 26, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Kenneth Grover, also known as Kenny Grover, Deceased Case Number 21 PR 30024 All persons having claims against the above
Elbert County Legals 8.19.21 * 1
20 Elbert County News
FREE ADMISSION!! Holiday Craft Show & Mini-Market
August 19, 2021
Third Annual
Saturday Dec. 11 8am - 4pm
Sunday Dec. 12
8am - 2pm
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Douglas County Fairgrounds 500 Fairgrounds Dv. Castle Rock, CO.
Come shop for unique gifts and special items during the annual Colorado Community Media Holiday Craft Show and MiniMarket; With more than 100 exhibitors filling the Douglas County Fairgrounds, this is the best place to find that special, personal gift for friends and family. The show will feature handmade crafts in all areas from metal and leather, to flowers, baskets, ceramics, and so much more.
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