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Week of November 10, 2022
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 39
Apple dumpling season returns Elbert Woman’s Club cranks out goodies for Christmas Bazaar BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Verification and counting rooms are under video surveillance and require keycard access to open. In the fall 2022 election, the bipartisan team responsible for the full ballot process consisted of 25 election judges appointed by their respective political parties. There were 12 Democrats and 13 Republicans on the team. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures and ensure that the election process is administered fairly and in accordance with the
Each year, members of the Elbert Woman’s Club whip up their famous apple dumplings for the Elbert Christmas Bazaar. Hard at work over the course of four days, the ladies of the club prepared 1,125 apple dumplings to serve at the 56th annual event. The dumpling-making process involves making dough, peeling and coring the apples, and filling the apples with cinnamon, sugar and butter. Each prepared apple is then wrapped in the dough, baked and packaged for the event. Each apple dumpling is served with a cup of homemade caramel sauce to drizzle on top. “We used to use Jonathan apples for years and years, but they became so hard to get. We decided to go against tradition about four years ago and started using Gala apples,” said Diane Daugherty, Elbert Woman’s Club assistant treasurer. “They work out fine. They’re actually much nicer than the Jonathan apples. The downside of having fewer bad apples is that we don’t get to make as many pies!” The Elbert Woman’s Club purchased 1,200 apples for this year’s bazaar. They plan to use 1,125 of the apples for dumplings, while the remaining 75 will be put into “Santa
SEE VOTING, P2
SEE APPLES, P6
Batches of ballots from Elbert County voters are ready for scanning at the county elections office on Oct. 31. The Elbert County News toured the facility to see how procedures ensure a reliable vote count. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
The life of an Elbert County ballot Multiple steps are followed carefully to ensure accuracy in voting BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Throughout the history of voting in the United States, there has been shifting concern about the accuracy of the voting process. Often voters are unfamiliar with the life of a ballot and the process it goes through once it
leaves their hands, leaving some questioning whether their vote is properly counted. On Oct. 31, with the 2022 fall election approaching, the Elbert County News spent the morning at the Elbert County Elections Office, part of the Elbert County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, learning the ins and outs of the county’s voting system and the life of a ballot. Going through a nine-step process, each voter’s ballot is handled by a bipartisan team following procedures to ensure the validity of the voting system.
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14
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2 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
VOTING FROM PAGE 1
law. Each election judge participates in online training and must pass a course. They also go through in-person training held by Elbert County Elections. “Our goal is perfection, balance, and to be exact. Every election we achieve that goal. We also work well together as a bipartisan team,” said Tracy duCharme, lead election judge for the Democratic Party. “We try to keep an eye on the flow of the process. We will move judges around where we need them if we see a bottleneck somewhere.” “You’ve got judges from both parties and every one of us in here is looking out for the same thing. To count the ballots, make sure the signatures are correct, to open them appropriately, everything. Everybody is focused on the same thing,” said Danny Willcox, lead election judge for the Republican Party. “People in this county should trust this process.” Here is the step-by-step life cycle of an Elbert County ballot:
Once ballots are scanned, they are placed in large, secure containers where they are retained for 25 months, post-election. PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
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2. The voter makes their selections and drops their ballot off at the ballot drop box For votes to be counted, ballots must be dropped off no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 12TH | 10:00 AM—5:00PM Available at both locations Election Judge Margie White signs into her shift at the Elbert County Elections Office on Oct. 31.
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1. Preparing ballots for voting Each eligible voter in Elbert County receives a ballot based on their address. The elections and issues on the ballot are determined by the address on file, taking into account special districts for which the voter pays taxes (e.g., park and rec district, school district, etc.). There were 21 different ballot types for Elbert County in this election. “We try to make our best guess as to how many outgoing envelopes we’ll need, how many return envelopes we’ll need, etc. There’s a lot of preliminary work that takes place. Everybody has to have the correct ballot,” said Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Dallas Schroeder. “So, what you pay taxes on is what you should be able to vote on. If you’re in a park and rec district or a certain school district that’s having an issue on the ballot, or whatever the case may be, we make sure that you get the right ballot with the right information on it.”
An election judge works as part of a bipartisan pair that analyzes each ballot for errors, damage or unnecessary markings that could impact the digital scanner’s reading of the ballot.
3. Removing ballots from an Elbert County ballot drop box Each morning, election judges in bipartisan teams go to each ballot drop box throughout the county to pick up ballots from the day before. Ballots are placed in an official, secured, locked bag for transport back to the Elbert County Elections Office in Kiowa. Each bag has a tamper-proof seal and an accompanying log that is signed by both election judges. 4. Receiving room and signature verification As ballots are brought into the Elbert County Elections Office by the election judges, they are taken to the receiving room, where voters’ signatures on their ballot envelopes are verified. Before verification, the SEE VOTING, P3
Elbert County News 3
November 10, 2022
County Offices Closed Nov. 11 Douglas County offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Many county services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com
2022 State of the County Nov. 16 Watch Live The Board of Douglas County Commissioners invites you to join them virtually on Nov. 16 at noon to recognize all that has been achieved this year through remarkable partnerships. The Board will also announce and recognize recipients of the County’s $68.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Watch at douglas.co.us/state-of-the-county
Drive US 85? Head election judges, one from each political party: Republican Danny Willcox, left, and Democrat Tracy duCharme. PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
VOTING FROM PAGE 2
secure transport bags are logged in. Before the bag is opened, it is logged again that the seal has not been tampered with. The ballots are counted into batches of 25. The ballots are then scanned to capture the envelope signature. This process logs which voters have returned their ballots. At this point, voters receive a notification that their ballot was received (typically through email). During this process, judges are also looking for any signature discrepancy. If a ballot is returned without a signature, the voter receives a letter from the Elbert County Elections Office reporting the issue. The voter then has up to eight days after the election to “cure” the issue. Ballots are then moved from the receiving room to the counting room.
Construction to widen the road between Highlands Ranch Parkway and C-470 is underway. Please expect delays and watch for crews. Sign up for updates so you know what to expect. Visit douglas.co.us and search for Subscribe Now and choose US 85 construction.
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A secure box holds original ballots that were duplicated due to physical damage or readability issues.
5. Ballot envelopes are opened with a special ballot opener This measure is taken to ensure that no ballots are torn. “We’ve in the past had issues where ballots have been torn or the SEE VOTING, P4
Douglas County residents may dispose of unwanted electronics free of charge at Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St. in Aurora, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and occasional Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of residency is required. For a list of acceptable items, Saturday drop-off dates and more, visit douglas.co.us and search Electronics Recycling.
Need a flu shot? The Castle Pines Vaccine Center, located in the old Safeway building near I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome however appointments are recommended. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for Vaccines.
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 Business Meetings / Public Hearings. Douglas County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Many county services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com Elbert County voters’ ballots are put into numbered batches for scanning. This helps with cataloging and future audits.
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November 10, 2022
VOTING FROM PAGE 3
corners of ballots have been sliced off,” said Schroeder. “If the timing marks are taken off, then the ballot has to be duplicated.” When a ballot has to be duplicated because of missing timing marks or unreadability, the judges use a machine that creates another ballot with the same answers. They then send the duplicate ballot forward in the process, while the original ballot is locked in a secure box. The Elbert County Voter Service Center at 440 Comanche St. in Kiowa.
Elbert County Elections Manager Rhonda Braun, left, talks with an elections official on Oct. 31, nearing the final week of the fall election. Braun ran unopposed as a Republican for the position of county clerk and recorder.
PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Election judges pick up ballots from drop boxes located around Elbert County. The ballots are then placed in official, sealed cases for transport to the county elections office.
6. Judges visually examine each ballot for readability issues One judge will take the ballot out of the envelope and hand the ballot to the judge across the table, who will then take the ballot out of the secrecy sleeve. The election judge will then visually examine the ballot, looking for problems that could cause issues with the digital vote counter. “Judges examine the ballot, see if someone spilled coffee on it, if there is something on it that will make it hard to read, if they put any identifying marks, etc,” said Schroeder. “These ballots will be duplicated so they can be properly read. We stamp the ballot to indicate that it’s been duplicated and labeled to coincide with the original ballot. The original ballot then gets put into a secure, locked container.
We do this because every ballot is important, and we want to honor the voter.” After the ballots are examined for issues, they are then shuffled, numbered, and put into batches of 50 in preparation for digital counting. This organizational method is used to audit ballots post-election. The ballots are then ready to go through the digital scanner and be counted. 7. Digital and hand count Ballots are then digitally scanned and counted. Elbert County Elections uses a special ballot counter that each ballot passes through before the ballot is securely stored. After ballots are digitally scanned, they are then hand-counted to confirm the digital count. “We hand-count to verify the results of the machine count. We’ve done that since 2020. In 2020, people started questioning whether the tabulation machines are reading correctly, so we wanted to make sure that they were,” said Elbert County Elections Manager Rhonda Braun. “We go above and beyond. We have never found that the machines were reading incorrectly. We have found some judge errors, but we’ve never found where the machines were reading incorrectly.” 8. Retention Ballots and envelopes are retained for a minimum of SEE VOTING, P5
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Elbert County News 5
November 10, 2022
VOTING FROM PAGE 4
25 months. They are kept in large blue plastic containers and secured with bright yellow zip ties. Elbert County holds occasional shredding events where ballots and their envelopes are shredded after the 25-month period. 9. Audit The ballots are audited post-election. The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will require Elbert County Elections to retrieve specific ballots from storage for verification. “The Secretary of State Office will ask us to find a specific ballot for audit. We can tell them the specific tabulator that was used, the specific batch, down to the specific ballot,” said Schroeder. “We have to be able to get back into the bins, find that ballot, pull it out, and be able to verify with tools provided by the Secretary of State Office that that ballot was scanned and tabulated correctly.” The Elbert County Elections Office wants to reassure voters that the election process in Elbert County is secure, safe and accurate. “Because of all the checks that we have, once the ballots become under our control and we actually have the ballot in hand, we have good processes,
we have good things that are going on all the way through. Everything that we can do within our power, we verify it,” said Schroeder. “Voters should feel very confident that in Elbert County their ballot is counted.” How to be an election watcher Residents of Elbert County can become election watchers if they have concerns about the ballot process. An election watcher can sit and view the process at the Elbert County Elections Office in Kiowa. “We welcome people to come in and ask questions,” said Braun. “If people have concerns about the ballot process, they can come in and be watchers to observe the process. We work very hard to make sure that we are transparent.” “Voters should have faith in this process. If they have questions or concerns, they can sign up to be a watcher and witness the process,” said duCharme. “Every time we have a new watcher, they tell us that they’re amazed at the checks and balances that go on and they understand the process and they go away with a better faith in the process.” More information You can track your ballot at elbert.ballottrax.net For more information on Elbert County Elections, visit elbertcounty-co.gov/290/ Elections
Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Dallas Schroeder, right, works with a fellow employee as elections are underway on Oct. 31. Schroeder is winding up his service as clerk and ran unopposed as PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON a Republican for the District 2 county commissioner seat.
Large mail storage boxes are used to keep ballots organized at the Elbert County Elections Office.
This scanner at the Elbert County Elections Office scans each ballot and collects the appropriate data.
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6 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
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Ladies organize the apples and chat as the Elbert Woman’s Club PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON creates 1,125 apple dumplings.
A member of the Elbert Woman’s Club prepares a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to go inside each apple dumpling.
Members of the Elbert Woman’s Club prepare the kitchen for dumpling making.
This year, the Elbert Woman’s Club purchased 12 cases of apples, each with 100 apples inside.
bags” given to children at the yearly Town of Elbert Tree Lighting event. The annual Elbert Christmas Bazaar is the year’s biggest event for the Town of Elbert, drawing in vendors from around the Denver metro area and attendees from Elbert County and other nearby communities. “We’re getting vendors from all over because we can now reach people through Facebook,” said Margie Ashura, head organizer for the bazaar. “We have one person coming this year from Golden. It’s good to see new vendors and new things for sale.” Leaders of the Elbert Woman’s Club anticipate the 2022 Christmas Bazaar could be the biggest in years. The 2020 bazaar was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and when the bazaar returned in 2021, there were fewer vendors than in prior years. Elbert Woman’s Club leaders anticipate this was due to concerns surrounding COVID. “Last year I think people were a little scared because of COVID, so they didn’t show up,” said Ashura. “Last year, we had to spread vendors out. This year, SEE APPLES, P7
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Elbert County News 7
November 10, 2022
Elbert Woman’s Club members measure ingredients for apple dumpling dough.
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we’re all filled up.” There will be 72 vendors at the bazaar spread throughout the Russell
Gates Mercantile Co. Building and the Elbert High School gym. The bazaar’s vendors sell handmade crafts, photography, art, pottery, textile/fiber arts and much more. There is currently a vendor waitlist due to the growing interest
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in the event. In addition to the famous apple dumplings that will be served at both locations, the Elbert Woman’s Club will be serving potato soup, vegetable beef soup, hot dogs and sloppy joes at the Russell Gates Mercantile
Elbert Woman’s Club members bring cases of apples into the Russell Gates Mercantile Co. Building for processing.
Co. Building on the day of the bazaar. Concessions will be available at the Elbert School. All proceeds from the event go toward helping to restore parts of the Russell Gates Mercantile Co. building. Most recently,
the building received a new roof with help from the funds raised during Elbert Woman’s Club events. For more information about the Elbert Christmas Bazaar and the Elbert Woman’s Club, visit elbertwomansclub.com
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November 10, 2022
Online enrollment grows in Colorado BY YESENIA ROBLES AND KAE PETRIN CHALKBEAT COLORADO
When the pandemic first sent Colorado students home from school, Rachael Sheetz worried about the chaos of remote learning, but as the caretaker for her elderly grandmother, she also worried about COVID. In her search for options for her two teenagers, she landed on Colorado Connections Academy, an online school. She figured they’d been doing online learning for a while and would be better prepared than traditional schools had been. Today, 2 1/2 years later, her son has returned to brick-and-mortar schooling at a popular local charter with high vaccination rates. But her daughter has stayed online, where she’s getting lots of teacher support and doing work that to Sheetz seems several grade levels ahead. “I found that kids excel better when they can achieve academics at a pace that is comfortable for them,” Sheetz said. “My daughter has always been a decent student, but giving her more flexibility has helped her excel even more.” Enrollment in online schools in Colorado grew steadily before the pandemic, then surged as schools shut down in spring 2020, despite overall enrollment in public schools dropping. In fall 2021, the most recent complete data available, Colorado enrolled 30,803 students in online
schools, 50% more than the 20,603 enrolled in fall 2018. Online students now represent about 3.5% of public school enrollment. Although online enrollment declined slightly from 2020-21 to 2021-22, officials expect more steady growth over time. School districts, aware of families’ interest, are opening their own new online schools to meet the demand. Yet much remains unknown about how online schools perform and how they’re managed. One small district, Byers 32J, has increased its enrollment tenfold in the last decade by opening online charters. It now runs eight of them. That has increased its budget because the district keeps a portion of the state’s per student funds. Some of Byers’ schools posted the state’s biggest surges in enrollment and are the least transparent in data. Statewide, seven in 10 online schools did not have enough data for the state to issue them a 2022 performance rating. “It absolutely should be a concern,” said Van Schoales, senior policy director for the Keystone Policy Center. “The unfortunate irony is that online schools claim to be more connected to folks and yet a measure of connectedness is test participation and so it would suggest and reinforce a lot of the national research that online schools aren’t living up to advertising around personalizing instruction for kids.”
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Schools meeting the demand This fall, online school leaders say preliminary enrollment figures seem to show a slight dip again, but numbers still will be well above prepandemic levels. Jeffco set up an online program last school year for families who weren’t ready to return to in-person classrooms, creating flexibility so that students could switch back and forth between remote learning during the year. This year, that program has converted into its own online school, here to stay. Unlike the district’s Jeffco Virtual Academy, which has long existed, the new Jeffco Remote Learning Program school serves elementary age students too, and requires students to log in to receive live, real-time instruction from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At its peak last school year, the remote school had more than 1,300 students. This year, Principal Kala Munguia expects to have around 700 students. She said last year approximately 60% of students were enrolled because of pandemic health concerns, but this year students are more likely to prefer the learning model. Students who choose her school still want the live interactions every day. “Our students tend to need or want that collaboration amongst other students,” Munguia said. She thinks more families will be interested in the model, once they learn it’s an option.
Adams 12 also set up a districtw wide online program during the o pandemic that now has turned s into a new school, Five Star Online Academy. a Principal Adria Moersen said w that the school was started in real S time, or what’s called synchronous, s but has since shifted to have more c flexibility. Students can choose to o be fully synchronous just for the mornings, or for certain days of the s week, and now have more in-person i opportunities for tutoring and other s b activities. The school has about 520 students in grades 2 to 12, down from about o l 700 last year. o “This year these are students who are choosing online because it o a works for them,” Moersen said. The district’s other online option c is through Pathways, an alternative education school for older students s o off track to graduate. Before the pandemic, Pathways was a blended d h learning program that required most students to attend a few hours t t in person. During the pandemic, the school t tried allowing all students to be fullyb online, but found that it didn’t work e p for most students. w “Ours are students who really need that extra support,” said o Principal Matt Schmidt. Still, this h year, about 15% of students have been allowed to choose to stay fully G a online. The school’s model of sixi SEE SCHOOLS, P9 r
Elbert County News 9
November 10, 2022
SCHOOLS FROM PAGE 8
week courses allows the students to opt to be online or in person for each six-week period. District staff tout that flexibility as they try to reengage students who have left school. Moersen and Schmidt said that for some of their students, having to work or take care of family members means the online options work best. When Sheetz chose an online school for her kids, she wasn’t sure it was going to work, but being a stay-at-home mom, she knew she’d be around to help them. Sheetz was thrilled at the flexibility of being able to let her kids wake up later or take a break in the middle of the day to spend time together or run an errand. Still, she encouraged them to participate in some live classes at least once a week. These are some of the same reasons families for years have chosen online learning. Bernie Zercher’s daughter’s social anxiety made it hard for her to participate in even the limited in-person programming that her siblings used as part of their home-schooling course. The biggest draw from GOAL Academy was more flexibility for her to participate live only as much as she wanted to, and that counselors and other available services could help her through her anxiety. In four years in high school at GOAL, she’s become more comfortable with in-person activities and interactions, and now takes concurrent college classes in person, has
an internship at the school’s multimedia department, and participates in a school music group. “The GOAL setting was just so much more accommodating for her,” Zercher said. “I don’t know that that’s typical of online schools. I think it’s kind of unique to GOAL. They really were meant as a safety net for a lot of kids that had experienced childhood traumas or other issues.” Growth makes accountability more important National data shows that online schools in general have lower student outcomes, including test scores and graduation rates, than do traditional in-person models. Studies of online learning during the pandemic also show students falling behind when they were learning virtually. Of Colorado schools that tested enough students to report composite SAT scores publicly this year, online schools tested on average 25 points lower than brick-and-mortar schools, out of a 1,600-point maximum. Of schools that tested enough students to report state CMAS scores publicly this year, online schools tested on average 5 points lower than brick-and-mortar schools on English and 21 points lower on mathematics, out of a 850-point maximum. Advocates for online schools say that many students who seek an online education weren’t doing well in traditional settings, and may already be starting behind or facing other challenges. But there also have been questions about the quality of education and
how engaged online students are. Back in 2016, an Education Week investigation of GOAL Academy, which at the time was the largest online school in the state, cited internal school data that nearly half of students didn’t log in at all during a typical week. Zercher isn’t just a parent. As a local business owner, he was tapped to serve on the board of GOAL as the school made much-needed reforms. He agrees with the need for more oversight. “The whole charter school world is the wild, Wild West of education,” Zercher said. “I have seen some crazy stuff, and crazy disregard for regulations.” Renee Martinez, supervisor for the state Education Department’s office of online and blended learning, says the state does its best to provide oversight, but has been limited by multiple changes in the law. Some issues are just relayed back to authorizers. As it does for all schools, the Education Department audits student course loads and credits to ensure districts receive the right amount of money for students, and to ensure that students aren’t being counted as enrolled in more than one school. There’s never been reason to believe that any school is falsely inflating their enrollment counts, she said. But, “of course we operate on best intentions, thinking they wouldn’t do that,” she said. Martinez said her department was also disappointed in how little data on performance there was for online schools this year. This year, online schools were more likely than brick-
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and-mortar schools to have insufficient data to earn a state performance rating — a growing problem among online schools. Zercher agrees schools can do something about this and should be held accountable for it. For example, he thinks that test participation reflects on the relationship of the school with its students. In his daughter’s case, he said, she was willing to be at the state fairgrounds at 7:30 a.m. for testing because of the relationship with her counselor. “She loves her counselor and doesn’t want to disappoint them,” Zercher said. The elementary school affiliated with Colorado Preparatory Academy, an online school run by K12, a for-profit national provider, this year fell to the state’s lowest rating, known as turnaround status. Before the pandemic it had received the highest rating. But the principal cautioned that this year’s rating was based on 18% of students testing. “This was the lowest participation I’ve seen,” said Nicole Tiley, executive director for Colorado Preparatory Academy. She surveyed families who opted out and found the main reason families cited for not testing was concern about health and safety. “We are very proactively thinking about how to improve that,” 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.
10 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
Colorado to follow Q3 national growth The politics of inflation BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
Feeling more productive lately? You aren’t alone. The nation had an increase in production of goods and services over the summer that offset declines from earlier in the year. It swung into positive economic territory, according to the federal agency that measures the nation’s economic growth. Gross domestic product grew 0.6% in the third quarter or an annualized 2.6%, according to the estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. That’s thanks to the U.S. upping trade by increasing oil exports while consumers spent more on health care and other services though at a slower pace than before. The federal government raised defense spending. Wages were up. But you may not have even noticed that growth, which was adjusted for inflation. Economic sentiment was mixed because not everything grew. Residential investment fell 26.4%, with investment in nonresidential buildings declining 15.3%. The Associated Builders and Contractors calls it “the calm before the storm.” While there is still plenty of uncertainty, Colorado is likely to see a similar growth in GDP, said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado. They’ve been tracking Colorado’s GDP since 2005, and Colorado’s economic change has been very similar to the nation’s. “Colorado directionally moved with the U.S. 86% of the quarters (up or down),” Lewandowski said in an email. “I do expect Colorado’s GDP to be up in Q3, and I expected the growth to exceed the nation.” He also charted 17 years of GDP data for The Colorado Sun, comparing quarterly changes by the state and U.S.: “Our job growth and income growth has been outperforming,” he added. As What’s Working readers may recall from last week’s report,
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Colorado continues to add jobs, even if it’s at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Historically, the state’s labor force is one of the largest it has ever been. Income continues to rise, according to monthly estimates from the U.S. Census Business Establishment Survey and state labor department. Colorado’s average hourly pay has increased 10.9% since January 2021 to $34.43 in September. In the same period, U.S. wages have grown 8.4% to $32.46. Area economists however have already said job growth will continue to slow in Colorado. “The annual employment totals for 2022 will be deceptively stellar,” said Gary Horvath, a Denver-based economist at Cbre.co in his monthly economic update. “During Q1, Colorado employment was strong and broad-based. By Q4, minimal growth or job losses will be more common as the country moves into a recession. The slowdown will carry into 2023.” Colorado is not without job losses In the past two months, three companies have filed notices with the state warning that layoffs are on the way, as part of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification. Starry Inc., an internet provider, began laying off 41 workers on Oct. 21 due to “changes in its business,” according to the notice sent to Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The company said the cuts are at its Centennial office on Arapahoe Street. Starry earlier told shareholders it would cut half of its workforce “to conserve capital,” or 508 jobs, reported FierceWireless. • Chord Energy, the result of Denver’s Whiting Petroleum Corp and Houston’s Oasis Petroleum merger in July, will lay off 104 workers in December due to its decision to close the office at 1700 Lincoln St. in Denver. • Planterra, a plant-protein food maker owned by JBS, is closing its corporate office in Lafayette and manufacturing plant it opened in Denver less than a year ago, The Denver Business Journal reported. Approximately 121 employees will
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‘The annual employment totals for 2022 will be deceptively stellar.’ Gary Horvath, Denver-based economist at Cbre.co
lose their jobs after meatpacker JBS decided to end its foray into plant protein. The layoffs are expected to be completed in December, according to its WARN letter. Colorado inflation gets political Inflation has become a political issue, which I tackled in a story earlier this week. It investigated the data behind one candidate’s claim that Colorado has the nation’s highest inflation rate, at 16%. The number came from a Republican committee report that looked at the 21 months since President Joe Biden took office. It also put Colorado in an eight-way tie with Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming for the highest inflation over that period. But the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks inflation via the consumer price index, does not track the rate by each state. It doesn’t have the budget to be that detailed, apparently. Instead, BLS tracks inflation by subregion — and that includes splitting up the U.S. into nine census divisions or by 23 metro areas. The Republican report used the nine census divisions. In checking with area economists on how they calculate the Colorado rate, they lean toward the DenverAurora-Lakewood rate, which is one of the 23 metro areas where more detail is provided. “In Colorado we can rely on the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood CPI, but for states like Utah and Wyoming they may have to defer to regional or census division CPI,” said Ryan Gedney, senior economist with the state Department of Labor and Employment. “To the best of my knowledge, there are no real substitutes for state-level measures of inflation.” By using the Denver inflation
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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Personal inflation Colorado State University economist Phyllis Resnick said everyone has a unique inflation rate because we buy different things. Some people traveled less this year because of higher gas prices, but others may not have driven anyway. Some stopped eating meat to save money at the grocery store, but vegetarians didn’t. The New York Times built a personal inflation calculator last spring. While it hasn’t been updated, it provides users a sense of how your inflation rate differs from a neighbor’s.
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rates since January 2021 and calculating the index change through September 2022, area inflation came in at 13.25%. That put the region near the middle of the pack of 23. It was also slightly higher than the U.S. inflation rate of 13.18%. Ultimately, though, prices are higher now than a year ago. The BLS calculated that the Denver area’s inflation rate had slowed to 7.7% in September, which is still up from a year ago. Nabbing that statewide rate will always prove to be tricky. Lewandowski, with CU’s Leeds Business School, said he, too, uses the Denver rate for projections. However, he added, “What is difficult, though, is (that) many of our mountain resort communities are likely experiencing higher prices and price changes, but they aren’t reflected in the Denver estimates.”
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12 Elbert County News
I
LOCAL
Thankful for news
n September, I attended the Colorado Press Association annual awards ceremony, where we watched some of our own reporters and staff members be honored for excellent work along with others throughout the state who work day and night to bring the public the news. EDITOR’S Bringing the public the news has not COLUMN been an easy task — especially in the last four or five years. One of my favorite parts of the annual newspapers awards is the advertising design category. While not in my area of expertise, I absolutely respect what newspaper designers can do for companies and programs. These ads are always creative, beautiful and informative. This year, in the “House Ad” category, Thelma Grimes I noticed a common theme. A house ad is one that a newspaper creates to promote our work and abilities. These ads might talk about circulation, staff, programs, etc. However, a theme this year is what would likely happen without them, creating these amazing designs with the term “News Desert.” A news desert is essentially a community where residents have significantly diminished access to important local news and information that feeds a local democracy. I understand that major news stations are not going anywhere. We need our information on Congress and current administration. We need to know about major news events on a national level. I get that publications and digital outlets such as People magazine give the endless updates on what is happening with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry today. I understand those clicks are going to continue and, while I do not care, those headlines will continue fill my news feeds. However, what I worry about is losing my local news coverage, and not because I collect a paycheck from them. No other media outlets cover the nuts and bolts of your community. It is the local newspaper telling you what is happening with the local school districts. It is reporters like those working with Colorado Community Media who will tell you that your local town council has now adopted an increased fee schedule for water rates. It is organizations like Colorado Community Media who will ask the questions on why one county, such as Douglas County, will continue chasing a suspect in a stolen car while the City of Littleton or Arapahoe County likely won’t. We are the ones who can truly answer whether or not teachers in Douglas County are underpaid to help you make a decisions on the current election ballot. We are the ones who will take the time to talk to the candidates running in the less flashy races like treasurer and coroner to help in making an Election Day decision. I am thankful for the work my reporters did on local candidates because I was definitely able to fill out my ballot with knowledge because of it. I am happy to read about a new business opening that no one else outside of my area will care about. I am thankful to have that local news that, as I got older, I realized truly provides the information that affects my everyday life. Taxes, schools, retailers, restaurants. I would not know a thing about them if it was not for local news outlets. However, as newsrooms and fundings continue to decrease – the local, community newspapers pay a price. Pay a price that, I fear, will not be absolutely missed until it is gone. Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.
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VOICES
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Are actions louder than words?
here is no doubt that almost universally we have all heard the statement, “Our actions speak louder than our words.” It’s almost as if it is a given, a truth that canWINNING not be debated. The supporting statementis , “What we WORDS do speaks so loudly that others can’t hear what we are saying.” Again, for the past many centuries, it would be hard to dispute this as something other than fact. If we were to take a contrarian view in the world we live in today, I would suggest Michael Norton that maybe the enormity of words has finally usurped the actions of the people. What do I mean by this? In today’s world it is so much easier to hide behind our words when we can simply post, tweet, text or email, and although we may be challenged or trolled, we are not really held accountable. We can go on the attack, and then we can pretty much hide. Standing up for our beliefs is an action, but it doesn’t have to be a violent or argumentative act. Instead, sometimes we find ourselves getting into a verbal arm-wrestling match through back-and-forth rhetoric that only fans the flame of discord. Even with all the information shared with families, through the news and through social media, we still have more verbal bullying taking place, written and spoken, that unfortunately can lead to tragic consequences. What if we truly got back to where our ac-
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November 10, 2022
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tions really did our speaking? What if more of us stood up to the bullies where others find themselves defenseless or unable to? What if our actions spoke so loudly that the goodness in our hearts triumphed over the pervasive evil that seems to be growing in our communities? An evil that doesn’t have to exist. An evil driven by polarization of belief systems whether they be social, political or theological. We are facing crisis and words coming at us from every angle. Yet instead of finding the solution by coming together, we become further separated because we would rather fight and fight dirty than listen and try to understand, working toward a solution. We have a border crisis, fentanyl crisis, inflation crisis, violent crime crisis, education crisis, police crisis, teacher crisis, nursing crisis, physician crisis, first responder crisis, recession crisis, energy crisis, society crisis, divisive crisis, faith crisis, employment crisis, and yet instead of us all stepping up to try and take action to bring us closer, the words we choose and socialize with only drive us further apart. So, which is speaking louder today, our actions or our words? Those words we hide behind via texts, posts and emails? Those words we hide behind that deface public property? Or is it our action or inaction to do what is right, even in the face of conflict and adversity? Look, I have family and friends who are on all sides of the spectrum around these
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.
SEE NORTON, P13 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 13
November 10, 2022
Fifty years of Joy
Joy Lutheran Church celebrates decades of service in Parker area
Joy Lutheran Church members serve the Parker community. BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
On Sept. 11, 2001, Gwen Wilhelm and her son visited her husband’s grave in Parker. On the way home, her son noticed many cars parked outside of Joy Lutheran Church and asked if they could stop to attend service. Wilhelm was raised Lutheran, but said she lost touch from her religion as a teenager and young adult. On that day, Wilhelm says Joy brought her back to her roots. “The minute I walked in the church on 9/11… everyone welcomed me and it brought me back to my Lutheranism,” she said. “I felt that, coming into that church, no one cared if I was white or Black or what I was. That it’s a place where people can come and be consoled and feel that they’re being heard and listened to.” This year, Joy Lutheran Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Officially established in 1972, the church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Rocky Mountain Synod and has slightly over 1,000 members, according to Senior Pastor Rodney Hank. According to its website, the church seeks to be an active, open, caring church that honors God while strengthening each other and its community. Within its walls, there are weekly
NORTON FROM PAGE 12
problems. Some are on very extreme sides and others are centrists. And for me, I may even be accused of having my words speaking louder than my actions as I write this column each week. Yet, my action is actually writing this column with the intent of urging us all to find common ground and a middle that makes us better together. There will be no victory where one side completely convinces the other side that their way is right, this will never happen. However, we can get closer and simply agree to disagree more often. What can happen is that our actions of love, kindness, justice, mercy, gentleness, generosity, understanding, cooperation, unity and
services, ministry groups for youth and adults and a preschool. The church also offers its space for other community groups to use, including the Boy Scouts of America and Alcoholics Anonymous, according to a press release. A large part of the church’s work also takes place in the greater Parker and metro-Denver community. In partnership with the Parker Task Force, which was co-founded by an early member of Joy and is directed by a current congregation member, the church helps provide food and other support to community members with the goal of homelessness prevention, Hank said. Through the Winter Shelter Network, Hank said Joy offers meals and a temporary place to stay for mothers and children experiencing homelessness. In addition, Joy maintains a room at Joshua Station in Denver that families can use as transitional housing, Hank said. “Joy has always seemed to be a church that has jumped right into the Parker community,” Director of Music Ministry Linda Holcombe said. “It is not a church that just sits up there on the hill and just kind of looks out and doesn’t get involved. We get involved.” In addition to its service to the community, Hank said the people at Joy are what make it a special place. “They’re honest, loving, kind,
togetherness prove that we are still the United States of America, and that we stand better together than we do when we stand apart. How about you? Are your words or actions speaking louder these days? Knowing that this column will absolutely rub some the wrong way, at least initially, my hope is that my intended actions and my words lead us all to a better place. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@ gmail.com, and when our actions and words speak so loudly that they call us all together, it really will be a better than good life. Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
COURTESY OF JOY LUTHERAN CHURCH
hardworking people. And really easy to love,” he said. “They’re committed, not only to the community, but also to being faithful people and doing the work of Christ in those communities -- which means, to them, loving, serving, welcoming and reaching out.” Wilhelm wants the Parker community to know that, as it was for her
on the day she first stepped inside, Joy is a place of acceptance. “Everyone is welcome,” she said. “We always welcome anyone who walks in the door.” At 9:30am on Sunday, Oct. 30, Joy celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special service featuring guest sermons, a variety of music and a lunch following the service.
Memory In Loving
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14 Elbert County News
LOCAL
LIFE
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
On Sept. 4, Chileans across the world anxiously checked their social media feeds and Whatsapp group chats, wondering about the future of their country. Would Chile adopt a new constitution? The answer flashed across their phone screens that evening. In an overwhelming referendum result, about 62% of the population of Chile voted to reject what would have been one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. In Santiago, supporters of the new constitution comforted each other in sadness while those who opposed it waved celebratory flags in the streets. Meanwhile, Chileans in Colorado mourned and celebrated from over 5,000 miles away. Pame Bradford, who works in Fort Collins Public Schools, was happy voters rejected the draft. An Aurora-based artist named Adolfo Romero, on the other hand, said the result felt like a deep blow to his heart. Considering their opposing views on one of the most pivotal referendums in Chile’s democratic history, it may come as a surprise that Romero and Bradford are siblings. Although they grew up under the same roof, the two Colorado-based Chileans have different opinions on what will cure their country’s ailments going forward. From Chile to Colorado When Romero was in high school and Bradford had recently finished, their family moved from Arica, a city in northern Chile, to the capital of Santiago. Attending high school in Santiago among politically active peers was
‘It’ sa
November 10, 2022
ba ttl et ha tw as los t, b ut the pe op le
a formative experience for Romero. Although he does not identify with a particular party, he said his political beliefs are left-leaning. Bradford, on the other hand, was less interested in politics. She said she focused on “things with discipline” growing up, such as sports and martial arts. When she was 25 years old, Bradford moved to the U.S. “It might be kind of cheesy, but I moved because I felt that I was going to find love here,” she said. “I actually did find it.” After traveling for a few years, she met her husband and settled down in his home state of Colorado. In 2008, her parents moved to the U.S. Romero followed suit in 2014 to be near his family.
ar eg oin gt oc on tin ue fig hti ng .’
The social explosion On Oct. 18, 2019, an increase in the metro fare sparked massive demonstrations in Santiago. Both Bradford and Romero watched from afar. This was the beginning of a nationwide sociopolitical movement referred to as the “estallido social” or the “social explosion.” For months, protesters demanded changes in economic and social policies that had been in place since the country’s military dictatorship, which ended in 1990. The estallido was a frightening time for some Chileans. Bradford said she was concerned as protesters burned metro stations and destroyed private property. “I was really distraught… I mean, we are really connected to the country and when you see bad things happening, it affects you here,” she said. “I know we could have come up with better ways to do it… the reasons might be good, but not the way it was SEE REFORM, P15
CUT OUT: Adolfo Romero with his sisters Pame Bradford, right, and Leslie Romero, left.
Protesters climb a statue in Santiago’s central plaza under the PHOTO BY NINA JOSS watchful eye of a military helicopter.
COURTESY OF ADOLFO ROMERO
Elbert County News 15
November 10, 2022
REFORM FROM PAGE 14
presented.” Romero, unlike his sister, said he was hopeful when the demonstrations began. After being involved in community movements for most of his life, it felt like his country was finally awakening to its problems. “One of the conversations that I used to have with my friends was, ‘Damn, when are the people gonna be awake? When are the people gonna react to these conditions in this country?’” he said. “Finally, it happened in 2019.” Although he wishes political change were achievable through “just talking,” Romero said it’s sometimes necessary for people to take to the streets. But Chileans who went to the streets were met with excessive force from police, according to the Human Rights Watch. From Oct. 18 to Nov. 20, in 2019 almost 9,000 protesters and bystanders were injured and 26 people died, according to the organization. For Romero, the police response to the protests was the most tragic part of the situation. “It was very sad… to see how many people got injured… by the police,” he said. “I felt very powerless.” The road to referendum The demonstrations during the social movement of 2019-2020 covered a wide range of issues, including wages, social security, water rights, education, healthcare, environmental concerns, gender inequality, indigenous rights and more. As the movement continued, protesters started turning their attention toward a document that could address all of these problems at once: the constitution. “That was the core of everything. That is the core that supports the model, that holds the entire system,” Romero said. “So when (the protestors) chose that point, it to me was finally the right pathway to get a change.” Chile’s current constitution was written in 1980 under military dictator Augusto Pinochet, who held power from 1973 until 1990. After ousting socialist President Salvador Allende in a U.S.-supported coup d’etat, Pinochet implemented vast neoliberal economic reforms. Under Pinochet, the availability and affordability of health care, social security, education and even water were largely driven by the free market. The 1980 constitution, despite modern amendments, maintains a role for private sectors for these services. These neoliberal decisions bolstered Chile’s economy but did so at the expense of extensive human rights abuses during the dictatorship. More than 3,000 people were killed or “disappeared” under Pinochet’s regime and over 27,000 more were victims of torture, according to Chilean commission reports. Still, some applaud the dictator for the economic growth during his reign. Others condemn his human rights abuses and point to his economic policies as the root of Chile’s devastating inequality. About a month after the protests began, then-President Sebastián Piñera agreed to hold a nationwide referendum to vote on the possibility of rewriting the dictatorship-era constitution. On Oct. 25, 2020, 78% of voting Chileans approved the decision to rewrite a new charter. SEE REFORM, P16
On Oct. 18, 2019, an increase in the metro fare sparked a nationwide socio-political movement in Chile. Here, PHOTOS BY NINA JOSS protesters in Santiago hit pots and pans in a common form of protest called “cacerolazo.”
Protestors in Santiago filled the central plaza to call for change. Formerly known as Plaza Italia, the space was renamed “Plaza de la dignidad” or “Dignity Plaza” during the social movement of 2019.
A protester on a lamp post waves the Chilean flag (top) and the Mapuche flag (bottom). The Mapuche are a group of Indigenous people in present-day Chile and Argentina.
A woman protests with a sign reading “No more abuse.”
16 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
REFORM FROM PAGE 15
PRESENTS
Voters also determined that a convention of elected citizens would draft the new document. In a global first, the constitutional body was required to have gender parity. In addition, 17 seats were reserved for indigenous populations, according to the National Library of Congress of Chile. In May 2021, voters elected a constitutional convention made up of 67% independent candidates, many of them part of leftleaning movements, according to Universidad de Chile professor Claudia Heiss. The nontraditional makeup of the body gave some Chileans hope when the process began, but polls showed a decrease in voter confidence in the convention as time went on. After one year of the convention’s work, the draft faced its fate in a referendum in which all Chileans were required to vote. The earlier votes in the constitutional process had been voluntary. According to the Chilean Electoral Service, Chileans abroad voted to approve the draft but the overall population overwhelmingly rejected it. Both Bradford and Romero would have had to travel to another state to vote, so neither was able to cast a ballot due to logistics.
The draft “Chile is a social and democratic state of law,” started the new constitutional draft. “It is ‘plurinacional,’ intercultural, regional and ecological.” The 388-article charter included universal health care and rights to education, housing, pensions and water. Along with vast environmental protections, it implemented gender parity rules for governing bodies. It also restructured the country’s legislative model and established parallel justice systems for indigenous groups. Supporters of the document praised its progressive character while opponents stressed the far-reaching and unachievable nature of the constitution’s goals. Some opponents wanted to keep the 1980 version. Others said they desired a new constitution, just not this one. In Bradford’s opinion, the members of the convention tried to take on too many topics. “I do agree with some changes for the environment and things like that. But I think this proposal was covering way too many things and it became unreliable — people realized that,” she said. But Bradford’s biggest concern about the new constitution was that it did not address what she sees as Chile’s main issues. Specifically, Bradford said she was concerned about danger and crime in Chile, which she attributed to a lack of control over immigration. “I still have all my extended family members (in Chile) and I
hear every day what they’re suffering. And those real issues are not getting addressed,” she said. She also opposed the idea of making the state “plurinacional,” which means recognizing the coexistence of multiple national groups within a country. “We are a united country there. I don’t believe that we should start calling each other something different,” she said. For Romero, identifying the country as such was one of the biggest strengths of the draft. He said it was important to recognize indigenous nations. “When we talk about ‘plurinacionalidad,’ we are talking about the recognition of their territory and their cultural autonomy, and that they are asking for the right to organize themselves in some way,” he said. “For me, that’s good. It’s the minimum that can be offered after years of colonization — the minimum.” Romero also applauded the draft’s inclusion of rights to healthcare and education. “The right to health care exists in various countries, and it works well,” Romero said. “It’s the same with the right to education… The people ignore it because they simply haven’t lived (that) reality.” Romero added that he thinks many people who voted against the new draft were influenced by misinformation campaigns about its contents. Bradford said she knew people who read the draft itself and still rejected it. Delightful differences For Bradford, the new constitution was not the right move for Chile. But in Romero’s eyes,
there is still hope for a new constitution in the future. “The process isn’t over in Chile,” he said. “It’s a battle that was lost, but the people are going to continue fighting.” Despite their differences, Romero and Bradford say they are close. Adding their parents, younger sister and extended family into the mix, they are surrounded by a wide range of political opinions. “We tease each other, we laugh, but we know we’re not gonna change our views — and we don’t want to change our views,” Bradford said. “We accept each other how we are and we love each other regardless.” She compared their political differences to other differences she and her siblings have, such as the ways they like to relax and their tastes in music. “You put priorities in life and family’s the first priority. Love — love for your family,” she said. According to Romero, his family’s differences represent the diversity that should exist in a healthy society. “If I expect that all my friends think exactly the same as me, it will be me (who is) the problem,” he said. Even when an entire new constitution is on the line, he says differences are valuable. “This is the base of a society, what society should be,” he said. “It’s a plus when you have a difference.” Editor’s note: Some sections of this story have been translated from Spanish. Parts that remain in Spanish are designated with italics.
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18 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
How to cover the state with super-fast internet
$1B in federal funds is key
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BY TAMARA CHUNG THE COLORADO SUN
An ambitious new plan by the state of Colorado seeks to end the state’s digital divide once and for all — and to do so using fiber, the gold standard for the fastest internet connections. Just ask Brandy Reitter, who became the executive director of the Colorado Broadband Office in February. She took the gig because she wanted to do impactful work “that was well funded” so she could actually fix the problem. Now she’s leading the state’s plan to use $1 billion in federal money to improve internet service, not just to help those with no internet access, but those with subpar service. Unless Colorado households have a fiber connection, they are underserved or not served. The Federal Communication Commission defines adequate speeds as 25 megabits per second down and 3 mbps up? That’s not good enough, Reitter says. “So 25/3 is what we’re classifying as not served. And anything that’s under 100/20 is underserved,” Reitter said. “Do people feel like 25/3 is being served? It depends on your situation but I’ve heard from a lot of people that that’s not the case.” She’s in the slow boat herself, though it sped up after a publicprivate effort to run fiber connecting Western Slope communities brought faster service closer to her home in Eagle. But not completely. She’s now on fixed wireless technology, which means an antenna on a facility miles away beams internet wirelessly to the antenna at her house. Distance, bad weather and other potential interference degrades speed. If she had a fiber-optic cable connecting her house to the internet source, data speeds would reach 1 gigabit per second in either direction, or 1,000 megabits. “I probably now get maybe 50 (megabits) down and 18 up, which is still what we would classify as underserved,” said Reitter, previously the town manager of Eagle. “But before that, I was getting 12 down and like 1 up.” Her office inside the Governor’s Office of Information Technology recently released the Colorado Broadband Roadmap report, which aims to get 99% of the state covered by 2027. This includes building training programs, providing tools for distance learning, and adding gigabit broadband to
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Colorado has a plan to extend high-speed internet availability to nearly every corner of the state.
state parks, prisons and libraries. The roadmap was done because of what appears to be the largest infusion of federal dollars for broadband ever. At minimum, there’s about $500 million available to Colorado. If targets are met, it could reach $900 million over five years. Include other federal grants, like the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program, and the state’s share is more than $1 billion. “There’s trends in every small town and one of those trends has always been connectivity,” Reitter said. “It has been crippling at times from, from a quality of life perspective and public safety and just from pure economics and economic prosperity. When we don’t have good connectivity, it’s hard to attract people to towns. It’s just hard to function. I’ve been in situations where the internet will go down for a whole day in the middle of the summer. And I know people are losing money.” Reitter sat down with The Colorado Sun to explain what’s next
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and talk about the state’s roadmap. Q: The state wants 99% broadband coverage by 2027. Urban areas are already at or near that rate. Rural coverage was estimated to be at 93% last year. Where are we exactly? A: Those numbers are from the old way the state collected data. That included asking internet service providers about their coverage. But not all would volunteer to share for competitive reasons resulting in incomplete data. The state also used federal broadband maps, which relied on census data. But the flawed method counted an entire census block as being served even if only one household had service. And that makes the numbers hard to nail down, Reitter said. “We’ve been using census block data and self-reported data for a number of years and it’s hard to capture everybody on a map.” The current belief is that 166,000 Colorado households lack internet access of speeds of up to 100 down and 20 up. About 14% of the state’s urban and rural areas are considered unserved or underserved. The office is following the FCC’s
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lead by using a vendor that develops deeper location-level data by analyzing “hundreds of data sources,” according to the FCC. That includes “address records, tax assessment records, imagery and building footprints, census data, land use records, parcel boundaries, and geo-spatial road and street data.” “What’s the number? I can tell you the number today because it’s in the report,” she said. “But six to nine months from now, it’ll be different because we’ll have better insight into location level mapping.” The FCC, by the way, has been working to update how it tracks broadband coverage and plans to release the first draft of its new map in November. Q: What funding did Colorado get and what’s the plan for getting to 99%? A: In the past two years, Congress passed spending plans to provide up to $900 million in funding to Colorado to improve broadband access. These include: • $400 million to $700 million — SEE INTERNET, P19
FREEDOM. TO BE YOU. Call 1-844-823-0293 for a free consultation.
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Elbert County News 19
November 10, 2022
INTERNET FROM PAGE 18
The Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program (funded by the U.S. Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA) • $21 million — Digital Equity Act (funding by IIJA) • $5 million to $100 million — Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, (funded by IIJA) • $171 million — Capital Projects Fund (funded by American Rescue Plan Act) • $75 million — State and Local Fiscal Recovery (via ARPA) It’s those last rural households that are the most expensive to connect. The Broadband Office calls them “negative business” cases, because no for-profit company was ever tempted to cut through rocky, mountainous terrain or to lay miles of cables just to add a new customer. The state estimated that 20% of the most expensive areas to build will use up 67% of the capital investment — up to an estimated average cost of $134,000 for one location. And the way to attract companies to build out fiber is to provide more financial incentive. “When we say targeting, it’s more about adjusting our subsidies and our grant programs to support different areas with different business cases so investment does happen,” she said. “In the negative business case, the subsidies will be a little bit higher and the (local) grant matches might be lower.”
This is similar to how the state’s broadband subsidies work today. For-profit internet providers can apply for grants from the Colorado Broadband Fund but also must provide some funding themselves. In September, $22.8 million was awarded to 15 projects, including a $1.3 million project from PC Telecorp to get gigabit internet to 55 households in a Yuma County farming community. About a quarter of the amount is coming from PC Telecorp. The roadmap doesn’t spell out how the money will be split up to provide household access or digital literacy programs or infrastructure. But the report provides a timeline for the grant programs to be set up and awards made. The money must be pretty much used by 2026, according to the state. Federal funding would help the Department of Local Affairs invest in “middle mile” infrastructure. Without it, local internet providers cannot connect to the internet backbones running nationwide. Additional access creates redundancy if the internet is cut off on one end. There are also plans to equip anchor institutions, such as libraries, state parks and state prisons, with gigabit internet service. The idea is that better internet will help those communities connect to services like telemedicine, or work and educational opportunities. Q: What about the digital divide within urban areas where gigabit service is available, but not affordable? A: Many internet companies now offer lower-priced plans because
of the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program that started in January and provides $30 a month to low-income households for broadband service. In order for any internet company to get funding from the state, they must offer ACP, Reitter said. “The state funding it or setting up a separate program outside the federal government, we’re not doing that. We’re supporting the efforts to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program,” she said. “And our numbers are on the rise.” According to the latest federal data, about 167,220 Colorado households are enrolled in ACP. Based on a possible 761,000 households in the state that fall within income guidelines, that’s about 22% of eligible households, as of Oct. 24. “Right now, it’s about physical access,” she said. “It’s really challenging for the government to get into the business of price control or market control.” Q: Is there enough money to get Colorado to 99%? Who gets left out? Who is that 1%? A: “Do we have enough funds? I believe so. We’re estimating it as anywhere from $400 million to $700 million as a state, but also in addition to what the state is receiving, there are so many other broadband programs out there, like ReConnect and (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund) awards, the Tribal connectivity grants.” Fiber may not work in all cases and federal grants allow for alternatives, like fixed wireless service. But what Reitter’s not consider-
ing in the financial investment is satellite internet service, like Starlink from SpaceX. While available to the farthest reaches of the state, it’s pricey, at $110 a month, plus a one-time hardware cost of $599. It’s also not that fast. Speedtest site Ookla clocked Starlink’s speeds at up to 110 megabits but concluded the median U.S. speed was a mere 62 megabits. “I think Starlink is absolutely a solution for those that are so remote that the reality of them getting any kind of internet anytime soon from another carrier is going to be a challenge,” Reitter said. “(But) satellite doesn’t really come into the decision making process because our cost thresholds are really based on the cost to construct the fiber.”She’s not counting on Starlink to get Colorado to 99%. But the federal funding should help build enough fiber access to help the state end the digital divide. At least for those who want it. “The intent is universal coverage,” she said. “There’s always going to be that 1% that’s like, ‘I don’t need internet’ or ‘I don’t want internet’ or ‘I’m not connecting to the internet.’ But the folks that need it and want it, we’re covering all of you.” 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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20 Elbert County News
November 10, 2022
C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E
Mural will honor Chinese history, heritage in downtown Denver BY KYLE COOKE AND JULIO SANDOVAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS
When she was a child, Nalye Lor’s parents pleaded with her not to draw on the walls. “But here I am about to paint on a wall, so they’re super excited to see that,” said the Hmong American artist who was born and raised in Colorado. On Oct. 31, Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU) announced it had selected Lor to paint a mural on the side of Denver Fire Station 4, located at 1890 Lawrence St. in downtown Denver. The mural will honor and celebrate the Chinese immigrant community in Colorado. CAPU made the announcement on Oct. 31 for a reason — it marked 142 years since the anti-Chinese race riot of 1880 in which a white mob killed a Chinese man, Look Young, and ruined the city’s Chinatown. For a long time, the only acknowledgement of the race riot in Denver was a plaque located on the outside of a building at the intersection of 20th and Blake. But the plaque was inaccurate and offensive — it called the attack a “Chinese Riot,” didn’t name the victims and praised the heroism of white people — and historians and community members criticized it for years. It was finally removed earlier this year. After the plaque was removed, CAPU announced its intention to add new historical markers, as well as murals, throughout LoDo that will more accurately describe the history and contributions of Chinese immigrants to Denver. “While present-day Denver may not have an official Chinatown,” CAPU said in a statement, “it’s home to generations of Chinese families and entrepreneurs that contributed to tremendous growth and diversity.” Lor’s mural will be an homage to the past and a celebration of the future. The vibrant artwork will depict an “endless noodle” that traces the history of Chinese immigrants in America. It starts with railroad workers and ends in the modern day. “As an Asian American, as a Hmong American, there’s a lot of history that goes unwritten or goes invisible and
‘They are showing life before, life now, and what life can be in the future as we move into 2023.’ Nalye Lor, artist
it just gets walked over, passed by, and it’s really important to bring that to light to show what we have built upon — to show why there are people here today and where they came from,” Lor said. The noodle is a long-life noodle, or longevity noodle, that many people from China eat with the hopes of having a long life, Lor explained. The mural also has silhouettes representative of people from the past — railroad workers and laundry workers — as well as people from the present. “They are showing life before, life now, and what life can be in the future as we move into 2023,” Lor said. Lor will start on the mural this month, pending permit approval from the city and hopes to finish it in less than a month. She also hopes that the public passing by the mural will take time to reflect on what it means. “I hope they really take a minute to think about history and can see what they can learn from it but also what they can change to really make a difference today based on what’s happened in the past, and learn about different cultures and learn about different stories that are part of us and part of Denver as it is today,” Lor said. This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online. Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs.org.
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Social Worker Maternity leave coverage School Social Worker position starting November 30, 2022, and ending February 22, 2023. Will be off from December 19, 2022 through January 3, 2023, for Winter Break. 40 hours a week providing services to students PreK-12th grade in Bennett, Byers, and Deer Trail School Districts. Training will be provided. Competitive pay based on highest earned degree and experience-$32.42 per hour - $37.13 per hour. Mileage reimbursement provided. Questions contact Tracy 719-775-2342 ext. 101. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Special Education Paraprofessional Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional needed for our West Area Center-Based Learning Programs located in Strasburg. Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $15-$18 per hour depending on experience. Questions contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
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U.S. Census Bureau
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Survey Interviewers Needed!
As a Field Representative of U.S. Census Bureau, collect data for your community: • People Person Job! • Flexible Schedule, about 20 hours per week (day, evening, weekend) • Work from your home base driving to housing units to interview • No experience needed, training and laptop provided • $17.04 hourly in Denver + 62.5 cents per mile driven
Email Name, Phone, Address, County to: DENVER.RECRUIT@CENSUS.GOV
Must be a U.S. Citizen, live in greater Denver, have a driver’s license and reliable vehicle. The U.S. Dept of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities and will assist with application process.
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Elbert County News 23
November 10, 2022
Couple from Ukraine finds support in Castle Rock Community welcomes Olena and Kostya Plangeu BY MADDIE BROWNING SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the country has suffered devastating destruction with 6.6 million people displaced inside Ukraine, and more than 6.3 million people fleeing to neighboring countries. The war has also taken more than 6,000 Ukrainian civilian lives. Olena and Kostya Plangeu recently moved to the Castle Rock area after leaving their home in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. They first moved to Germany about seven months ago to stay with friends and relocated to the U.S. three months later with help from United for Ukraine. United for Ukraine — an international non-government organization working to provide emergency relief and help rebuild the country — provided the resources they needed to reestablish their lives in the U.S. The couple’s 17-year-old daughter, Jenifer, is still in Germany studying violin at The Hanover University of Music, Drama. Olena said it has been difficult not seeing her in person, but they still call each other every day. “She’s OK. We think it is good decision that stays there because we didn’t know how it will be in United States,” said Olena. Olena and Kostya owned an auto body repair shop in Kyiv until it closed for three months after the war began. It has since reopened, but the family decided to leave Ukraine, concerned about their safety. Their family members and friends are still living in the country, but
many did not survive the attacks. “Not all our friends alive now because of war. It was a lot of death,” said Olena. Kostya does not speak English yet, but he is studying the language six times a week. He is currently working at a local auto body repair shop. Olena has been taking English classes in Denver and is still waiting on her employment authorization. Olena said everyone in the Castle Rock community has been very kind to her and her husband, eager to assist in any way they can. The couple recently started renting a home with help from the community. “A lot of people want to help you, very helpful and friendly and all understand situation, and everyone’s supporting us,” said Olena. She said the best part of living in Colorado is feeling safe. The couple’s program with United for Ukraine lasts two years, and Olena said they feel an overwhelming sense of not knowing what comes next. “We can’t plan anything because we didn’t plan on coming to United States before,” said Olena. She said their future residence will depend on where she and her husband can find good jobs and whether it becomes safe to return to Ukraine. Olena said she is very proud of Ukraine’s soldiers as well as their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but the toll of war weighs heavy on her. “It’s the death of children. It must not be. It’s terrorism, I think,” she said. The war continues to hurt people every day, and she said people around the world need to understand what is happening to her people. Olena said, “People must know.”
Kostya, left, and Olena Plangeu recently moved from the Ukrainian capital city, Kyiv, COURTESY PHOTO to Castle Rock.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Metro Districts Budget Hearings Public Notice SPRING VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-6 NOTICE CONCERNING 2022 BUDGET AMENDMENT AND PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the necessity has arisen to amend the Spring Valley Metropolitan District Nos. 1-6 (“Districts”) 2022 Budgets and that proposed 2023 Budgets have been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Districts; and that copies of the proposed Amended 2022 Budgets and 2023 Budgets have been filed at the District's offices, 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that adoption of Resolutions Amending the 2022 Budgets and Adopting the 2023 Budgets will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the Districts to be held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 4:00 P.M. via Zoom Meeting and can be joined through the directions below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88156448212?pwd=K 2ttaUhnamxSenB2azFMdk1DRjg4QT09
Phone Number: (719) 359-4580 Meeting ID: 881 5644 8212 Passcode: 688731 Any elector within the Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the Resolutions to Amend the 2022 Budgets and Adopt the 2023 Budgets, inspect and file or register any objections thereto. SPRING VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-6 By /s/ James Ruthven, Secretary Legal Notice No. 24907 First Publication: November 10, 2022 Last Publication: November 10, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice to Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Sherrill Jackson, deceased Case Number: 2022PR30044 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before March 10, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.
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Richard E. Schmittel, Jr., Attorney for Personal Representative 7555 E. Hampden Ave., 600 Denver, Colorado 80231 Legal Notice No. 24908 First publication: November 10, 2022 Last publication: November 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of James Dale Garrison, Deceased Case Number: 2022PR30037 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before March 3, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred. Person Giving Notice: Debra Boltz, Personal Representative 15788 SE Mahany Ct Milwaukie, OR 97267 Legal Notice No. 24904 First Publication: November 3, 2022 Last Publication: November 17, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Juanita W. Nacelli, a.k.a. Juanita Helen Weaver Nacelli, a.k.a. Juanita Helen Nacelli, Deceased Case Number: 2022PR30042 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 17, 2022 or the claims may be forever barred. Juanita G. Nacelli, Personal Representative 7205 S Dexter Street Littleton, CO 80122 Legal Notice No. 24906 First Publication: November 10, 2022 Last Publication: November 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News
Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public Notice is given on October 06, 2022, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court. The Petition requests that the name of
Juvie Guilleno Dayap be changed to Juvie Dayap Geiger Case No.: 2022C60 By: Dallas Schroeder Clerk of the Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 24899 First publication: October 27, 2022 Last publication: November 10, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public Notice is given on October 26, 2022, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Elbert County Court. The Petition requests that the name of Sawyer Lynn Glass be changed to Sawyer Tyler Bakos Case No.: 2022CV30080 By: Gina L. Parker Clerk of the Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 24909 First publication: November 10 2022 Last publication: November 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News
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Elbert County Legals November 10, 2022 * 1
24 Elbert County News
FREE ADMISSION!!
November 10, 2022
4th Annual
Holiday Craft Show & Mini-Market Saturday November 26 10am - 6pm
at the a t n a S t i s Vi ay, d r u t a S n show o 26 November 1pm-4pm
Sunday November 27
Hourly will be raffles held! Sign u
p chance for your cash to to win sp the sho end at w!
10am - 2pm
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 Mini-Market; 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.
Vendor applications being accepted now. Apply Today Contact Event Producer Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com All applications must be approved to participate