Elbert County News 111722

Election Day in Elbert County

ballots

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The 2022 midterm elections have come and gone, leaving Elbert County with a new commissioner-elect, a new county clerk and recorder-elect,

and decisions on several school district ballot issues. The Elbert County News spent Election Night at the Election Services Center in Kiowa to stay on top of the results as they came in.

The center was flooded with election judges working diligently to get all the incoming and remaining votes counted. Some of the judges were new to the process, while some have decades

of experience, such as Republican Margie White, who has been serving as an election judge in Elbert County since 1983.

Newer Election Judge Ashley Pennington was excited to be a part of the process this year, sharing that she has always been interested in how the election process works.

“I started doing this

Dodge4Life event held at EHS

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Elizabeth High School chapter of the student group FCCLA — Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America — hosted their yearly Dodge for Life dodgeball tournament on Oct. 27. The event raised $2,700 with the funds going toward Camp Wapiyapi, a free summer camp for children facing pediatric cancer.

The EHS gym was crammed with spectators and participants as 14 teams competed in a double-elimination dodgeball tournament. Teams were selforganized, mostly consisting of Elizabeth High School students. However, anyone could participate in the tournament, drawing in community members, parents, teachers and even Elizabeth Police Offi cer Craig Myers.

“Once again our community has come together to support a cause that is connected to our local families who have had children with severe medical needs,” said Melanie Darter, faculty advisor for the FCCLA club. “Without our teams, volunteers, and donations, we would not have been able to make this event such a huge success.”

Of the 14 teams that competed, three were made up of students from the EHS automotive program. Also competing was automotive teacher Derek

Election judges look over digital images of ballots while performing the adjudication process at the Elbert County Elections O ce in Kiowa on Election Night 2022.

PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

O cials, citizens work together to tally

from local residents

Students and spectators were encouraged to dress up in the spirit of Halloween at the Dodge4Life tournament.

HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE.

Life’s setbacks can be hard for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. That’s why Catholic Charities Castle Rock offers programs, services, and community partnerships to help people regain stability and thrive.

Help prevent homelessness. Visit CCharitiesCC.org.

DODGEBALL

FROM PAGE 1

Spohn. The class was also responsible for making many of the silent auction items: soldered metal artwork. Other donations that the FCCLA club received for the event were a $100 gift card from the Elizabeth Walmart and a $25 gift card from the Elizabeth Safeway. Camp Wapiyapi caters to children with cancer ages 6 to 17 years old. Along with the patients, their siblings also join them in experiencing the camp experience. The camp takes place every year at Quaker Ridge Camp in Woodland Park, and is held in several weeklong sessions. There is also a virtual option for kids unable to participate in person.

SEE DODGEBALL, P4

A dodgeball team cheers for another team.

The Dodge4Life tournament took place at the Elizabeth High School Gym.

PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

A team makes their way to the floor to compete in the Dodge4Life tournament.

A tournament referee.

DODGEBALL

FROM

“Camp Wapiyapi was highly recommended by two families who have both attended the camp with their children who were battling cancer,” said Darter. “FCCLA is a student leadership organization that works hard to address the needs of our family. Our chapter membership worked hard to put on the event under the leadership of our Dodge4Life committee chairs, Ava Davies and Lailah Ortiz.”

For more information on Camp Wapiyapi, visit campwapiyapi.org.

To keep up with events and fundraisers organized by the Elizabeth High School FCCLA, follow them on Instagram: @fcclacardinals.

Elizabeth School Board Secretary Craig Blackham served as the announcer for the Dodge4Life tournament.

Automotive teacher Derek Spohn prepares to play dodgeball during the PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

Several competing dodgeball teams sit in the Elizabeth High School gym stands. Organizers prepare the bracket ahead of the tournament start.

FCCLA faculty adviser Melanie Darter points to a student-made poster about Camp Wapiyapi.

Elbert County local election results

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Voters in Elbert County received ballots in which all candidates for county-level races on Nov. 8 were Republicans running unopposed, but three school-funding questions offered choices to the electorate.

Voters turned down a request by the Kiowa School District — officially Elbert County School District C-2 — which was seeking a property-tax hike to cover a $10.6 million bond with a repayment cost of up to $19.3 million. The school district planned to combine the bond with a state BEST Grant to pay for new buildings and amenities estimated to cost $62 million. In the round of returns

released the evening of Nov. 10, district voters rejected the measure 56-44.

Calhan School District RJ1, which lies in both Elbert and El Paso counties, lost in Elbert but won overall regarding its request for a property-tax increase to cover a $7.5 million bond with a repayment cost of nearly $14 million, which will pay for new career and technical education facilities. Voters in the Elbert County portion of the district rejected the request 60-40, while residents in the far more populous El Paso County portion supported the request 54-46, giving the request a 53-47 win.

BY SCOTT GILBERT SGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Denver District Court judge on Nov. 3 denied a preliminary-injunction request by Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Dallas Schroeder, leaving in place the election supervisor assigned to Schroeder’s office by Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

Schroeder’s injunction request was filed Oct. 25, six days after Griswold appointed

Christi Coburn from the Secretary of State’s Office to supervise the conduct of the fall election in Elbert County. Schroeder’s court request sought to overturn Griswold’s order.

Griswold cited Schroeder’s 2021 collaboration with unauthorized people to create copies of voting-machine hard drives that made their way to three lawyers, a failure to count 37 misplaced mail ballots in the June 2022 primary election, and Schroeder’s perceived lack of appreciation of the seriousness of those security issues, as shown in his press releases, press conferences and community

$775 million

the Elbert County por-

Douglas County School District RE-1, which covers all of Douglas County and the northwestern corner of Elbert County, was seeking property-tax hikes to cover a $450 million bond with a repayment cost of more than $775 million and a $60 million mill-levy override to pay for capital improvements, new buildings, safety upgrades and increases in employee compensation. Voters in the Elbert County portion of the district overwhelmingly rejected the mill-levy override 70-30 and the bond 71-29, while district voters overall rejected the mill-levy override 51-49 and the bond 54-46.

Elbert County elected o ces

The ballot included seven countylevel races. Six featured Republican candidates running unopposed, while no one declared a candidacy for surveyor, which featured a write-in line on the ballot.

In the returns released Nov. 10, the vote totals were:

County commissioner District 2, Dallas Schroeder — 12,273 Clerk and recorder, Rhonda Braun — 12,565

Treasurer, Sheryl (Sherry) Hewlett — 12,757

Assessor, Susan Murphy — 12,602 Sheriff, Timothy D. Norton — 12,951 Coroner, Sandra Graeff — 12,691 Surveyor (write-in), Samuel L. Gallucci III — 432

Schroeder loses bid to block election monitor

presentations in August and October 2022.

Schroeder’s request for a preliminary injunction argued that Griswold exceeded her authority to supervise elections when she appointed Coburn, that Griswold’s order violated Schroeder’s due-process rights, and that Griswold’s order was retaliation against Schroeder for exercising his free-speech rights in challenging Griswold on issues of election security.

Denver District Court Judge Alex C. Myers ruled against Schroeder across the board. Myers cited the

Colorado Election Code in finding that Griswold has broad authority to supervise elections, cited the state’s Administrative Procedures Act and Schroeder’s right to court review in finding that Schroeder’s due-process rights were not violated, and found that Schroeder had failed to establish his claim of retaliation in the court record.

Schroeder won a seat on the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners in the fall election, after running unopposed as a Republican.

The Denver District Court case number is 2022CV33085.

Schroeder

assigned State Jena Griswold.

Planet gets a break at Parker store

BY RACHEL LORENZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The owner of a new store featuring planet-friendly goods admits she’s not a perfect eco-warrior, and she doesn’t think you have to be either.

Adrienne Grolbert said she’s notorious for forgetting her reusable shopping bags and either juggling an armful of groceries back to her car or taking a single-use plastic bag. But the 37-year-old Parker resident who describes herself as “crunchy-lite” has a passion for helping people minimize what goes into landfills.

Grolbert opened Refillary at the corner of Parker Road and Parker Square Drive five months ago. The shop sells household and personal care goods from bulk containers as well as reusable items that support a low-waste lifestyle.

When customers visit Refillary, they pump lotions, body washes and cleaning solutions from 5-gallon buckets and 55-gallon drums into containers they’ve brought from home. People can decrease waste by reusing a shampoo bottle or detergent jug, Grolbert said.

“Why not save it and bring it into a place where you can refill it

said.

In addition to running Refillary, Grolbert works full time in the health care industry. Both jobs allow her to make others’ lives a little better, which just feels good, she said.

“I can help people this way too,” Grolbert said of her new venture.

SEE REFILLARY, P7

Refillary sells household and personal care goods from bulk containers as well as reusable items like dryer balls and makeup remover pads.

IF YOU GO

Refillary is at 19501 E. Parker Square Drive in Parker. It’s open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Adrienne Grolbert owns Refillary, a low-waste refill store, in Parker.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REFILLARY

Refillary minimizes waste as it sells household, personal-care products

While shopping at Refillary is not as cheap as shopping at Walmart or Costco, Grolbert said she strives to keep the price of her goods comparable to those of brands like Method and Seventh Generation. Product ingredients, which are listed in the store and on the website, are people and planet friendly. Plus everything in the store is manufactured in the United States.

Grolbert started her business with items that have broad appeal like shampoo and multi-surface cleaner. Now she’s getting to know customers and homing in on the particular products that people in Douglas County are looking for. Two of her best sellers are package-free bar

soap and toothpaste tablets. Recent additions to the store, based on customer requests, include rose water, witch hazel and refillable candles.

“It is truly an experiment because most refill shops, if you look around the country, are in more urban areas,” Grolbert said.

Yet she thinks refilling works for suburbanites too. Especially if it’s accessible.

For Grolbert, accessible means a lot of things. It means a store that’s airy, bright and appealing. Somewhere that doesn’t require a drive into Denver is nice. But most of all, it means a place where everyone understands that life is busy, complicated and imperfect.

“There’s this idea that if you’re not like 100% gung-ho — everything low waste, zero waste, eco-friendly, whatever — then why bother? That’s the mentality I want to get away from,” Grolbert said. “If all you can do is come in and refill your hand soap sometimes, that’s awesome.”

Donations not accepted.

It is shocking to see what people dump into our streams and open space. Not only is this unattractive along our natural stream corridors, this is a direct threat to fish, wildlife, recreation and our drinking water supplies. If you have something that you no longer want, consider donating it! Many charitable organizations rely on donations of unwanted items. Otherwise, please coordinate with your trash collector to dispose of unwanted items properly.

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.

Make the right choice. Drop your unwanted items at a charitable organization, not along the stream bank.

PHOTO COURTESY OF

Our mission is to lower energy costs and provide the healthiest quality air possible. For anyone, business or residential, we will increase e ciency of your system by using the very latest techniques, the latest technologies and top of the line products.

We will provide the highest quality of work possible. Our professional sta will assure a high level of professionalism that cannot be matched in our industry. We guarantee our products and services.

turn into a lifestyle change

Movement has grown after influential book

BY DANA KNOWLES ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Sydney Golden battled various unknown health issues for 20 years; everything from allergies, headaches, bloating, joint pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Visits to medical specialists didn’t give her any concrete answers and she was repeatedly told nothing was wrong with her.

“I would walk around as a healthylooking person, but I felt horrible,” Golden said.

Even though Golden was never a heavy drinker, she decided to make a lifestyle change and stop consuming alcohol four years ago, and the results were surprising. Golden emphasizes that even when she would have only one or two drinks, her body always felt it the next day, but not anymore.

“When I don’t drink, there’s no brain fog, there’s no lethargy, there’s no fatigue. There’s a totally different feeling,” she added, saying that her mood immediately improved. “I have motivation, I have no aches, I have no pains in my body. I have no more bloating, no more stomach issues. It’s just better for me.”

Caitlin Opland is a licensed clinical social worker who works for Thriveworks, a mental health company. Opland says over the last few months, she has been working with more and more clients who are on a similar journey of wanting to cut out alcohol, not because of a problem, but because they want explore a different way of living.

“I’ve had many clients come to me and say, ‘I don’t think it’s a problem, but …,’” she explained, adding that she typically asks clients what’s influencing their curiosity about sobriety and the possibility of no longer drinking. “Many people hesitate because they don’t want to have to label themselves as an alcoholic, but they still want to make a lifestyle change.”

The “Sober Curious” movement has grown in recent years after author Ruby Warrington published the book called “Sober Curious” in late 2018. A CivicScience survey published last month, shows a

greater percentage of people report they are curious about living a sober lifestyle, from 12% in 2020 to 19% this year.

Opland feels that educating her clients about what’s considered too much alcohol according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, helps people make more informed decisions. “The guide for healthy drinking limitsfor women is eight drinks a week and for men it is 15,” she added, saying that most people are surprised when she tells them. “That educational piece actually tips them over from being curious to actually taking that first step.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, also says that even minimal amounts of alcohol of any kind increase a person’s risk for several types of cancer.

“The benefits [of being alcohol-free] are it’s better for your kidneys, your liver, your skin. You’ll feel better, but you’ll also sleep better and eat better,” said Opland.

Opland added that one of the biggest barriers to people exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle is peer pressure from society itself.

“The media influences us, families influence us, holidays coming up influence us, work influences us,” Opland said.

Both Golden and Opland say the best advice they can give anyone who might be sober-curious is to start by setting boundaries.

“You can have a mocktail or a club soda,” said Golden. “It looks like a drink, in case you’re not ready to tell people you don’t want to drink anymore.”

“Is it a last family gathering? Is it Grandpa’s last visit? Do you actually want to go? Is it a champagne toast at a wedding where you can just put Sprite in the glass?” Opland added, explaining that she encourages her clients to ask themselves these types of questions. “Are there alterations to drinks so you can still participate? Sometimes the temptation is too big, and that’s okay.”

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.

Draft beer

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPS N DROPS

Colorado is second state to legalize ‘magic mushrooms’

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

Ten years after legalizing the use and sale of marijuana, Colorado became only the second state in the U.S. to legalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms.

The ballot measure, Proposition 122, squeaked across the finish line as ballots were tallied the day after Election Day, receiving 51% of the vote.

Proponents called it a “truly historic moment.”

“Colorado voters saw the benefit of regulated access to natural medicines, including psilocybin, so people with PTSD, terminal illness, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can heal,” co-proponents, Kevin Matthews and Veronica Lightening Horse Perez said in emailed statement Wednesday evening.

Natural Medicine Colorado, which got Proposition 122 on the ballot, spent nearly $4.5 million to promote the measure. In contrast, the primary opposition, Protect Colorado’s Kids, raised about $51,000.

The measure will allow people 21 and older to grow and share psychedelic mushrooms, as well as create state-regulated centers where people could make appointments to consume psilocybin, the hallucinationinducing compound derived from psychedelic mushrooms. It calls for licensed “healing centers” to give clients mushrooms in a supervised setting, but — unlike marijuana — does not include an option for retail sales.

Once again, Colorado passed a drug measure that’s illegal under federal law. Psychedelic mushrooms became illegal in the U.S. in 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act. Even with Proposition 122’s passage, psilocybin remains federally classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, like heroin, for which there is no current medical use.

Colorado became the first to legalize marijuana a decade ago, and is second only to Oregon in legalizing psilocybin.

Luke Niforatos, chairman of Protect Colorado’s Kids, said he was concerned as a parent and for Colorado’s public health.

“We now need to have a very frank and public conversation about who is in charge of medicine,” he said. “This is now the second time our state has rejected the FDA process.”

Niforatos, who is also executive vice president of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, said Colorado has allowed “billionaires, startups and entrepreneurs” to take control of medicine in this state instead of “scientists, medical doctors and the

FDA.”

Niforatos said that if opponents of the measure had been able to raise enough money to educate the public about the dangers of allowing the use of drugs with no regulated dosage amounts or prescriptions, Proposition 122 would have failed.

“We can’t compete with $4 million from out of state,” he said, adding that proponents of the measure and the psilocybin industry will benefit from its passage while his side had no payoff to entice big-money donors.

He’s also concerned that the opening of psychedelic healing centers and advertising of the drugs in cities across Colorado will normalize drug use among young people, leading to more teens using psilocybin. There is no opt-out provision in Prop 122 for cities and counties that do not want psychedelic healing centers, although cities and counties could enact rules about where the centers could open and their hours of operation.

Proposition 122 also will allow facilities to expand to three plantbased psychedelics in 2026. Those are ibogaine, from the root bark of an iboga tree; mescaline, which is from cacti; and dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, a natural compound found in plants and animals. Mental health centers and substance abuse treatment clinics also could seek licenses to offer psychedelic treatment.

The natural medicines, used to treat anxiety and depression, are obtained now through friends who grow them or from underground “trip guides” who sit with clients during a psychedelic experience, then help them process afterward.

Three years ago, Denver residents voted to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, making possession a low priority for law enforcement.

With the passage of Proposition 122, Gov. Jared Polis has until Jan. 31 to appoint 15 members to the National Medicine Advisory Board, which will report to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

The board’s first recommendations are due by Sept. 30, and regulated access to psilocybin would become available in late 2024. Then by June 2026, the state Department of Regulatory Agencies could expand access to the three other plant-based psychedelics.

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.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers everything from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and

education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

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

Need help with home heating costs?

Eligible low-income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) now through April 30. For more information or an application, please visit douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. Visit douglas.co.us and search for Flood Plain Information. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490 or visiting Public Works Engineering, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock

Whether you’re a young person looking for career guidance, have recently been separated from a job or are considering a new career path, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! provides a variety of no-cost employment assistance services. For more information and to get started visit, adworks.org

Watch the 2022 State of the County

The State of the County was held on Nov. 16 and recognized this year’s achievements through remarkable partnerships. Also announced and recognized were the recipients of the County’s $68.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Watch at douglas.co.us/state-of-the-county

Learn more at douglas.co.us and search for Citizen Snow Removal Responsibilities.

Voters approve free school meals program

Plan will reduce tax breaks for wealthy

BY ERICA BREUNLIN THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado public school students will have access to free school meals after voters approved Proposition FF on Nov. 8, slashing tax breaks for households that earn more than $300,000 in federal adjusted gross income starting in tax year 2023 to help pay for a new school meals program.

The measure passed with more than 55% of voters approving it.

The success of the measure means that all kids in public schools, no matter their family’s income, will be able to eat free school breakfasts and lunches, reflecting the critical role schools play in helping students facing food insecurity. The state’s new school meals program — the Healthy School Meals for All program — will take the place of a federal initiative that provided free meals to all kids through the first two years of the pandemic.

“This is a win for our fight against childhood hunger,” said Ashley Wheeland, director of public policy for Hunger Free Colorado, a nonprofit that helps people struggling with hunger. “Many more children that need food will now have access to it with their

learning, and this is something that we’ve needed for a long time.”

The demand for food assistance swelled during the pandemic, with 68,000 more Colorado kids participating in school lunch programs supported by federal funds, said Wheeland, whose organization has supported the ballot measure since it was first referred by Democrats in the Colorado legislature this year through the passage of House Bill 1414. This school year, with the federal initiative no longer in place, school meals are reaching fewer students, she said.

Proposition FF will limit the amount that households earning more than $300,000 can claim in state income tax deductions to cover many of the costs of the new school meals program. It will also require school meal providers to take advantage of federal reimbursements to help ease program costs for the state.

The restriction will impact a taxpayer’s standard deduction or itemized deductions, which include charitable contributions, state and local taxes and mortgage interest.

Taxpayers who make more than $300,000 will be able to deduct no more than $12,000 for single filers and no more than $16,000 for joint filers. Currently, taxpayers who earn more than $400,000 can claim a maximum of $60,000 in state income tax deductions for a joint filer and a maximum of $30,000 for

a single filer, caps that were passed under House Bill 1311. Taxpayers whose income is between $300,000 and $400,000 are not limited in how much they can deduct from their state taxable income.

Proposition FF will increase income tax revenue in the state by an estimated $100.7 million during the first full year of the tax change,

Students in Colorado will have access to free meals at school following the election.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Thu 11/24

Sun 11/27

18th Annual Turkey ROCK Trot

@ 7:30am / $40

Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock. jason@runtochange lives.org, 303-907-5410

Twenty Hands High: Black Friday Blowout

@ 7pm

Pindustry, 7939 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial

Polo Urias - Los Norteños de Ojinaga - Del Rancho Al Norte @ 9pm / $50

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Sat

Parker Parks and Recreation

Turkey Day 5K FUN Run/Walk

@ 8am / $30

17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

11/26

Gobble Wobble Run

@ 8:30am / $30

7306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton

Immersive Monet & The Impressionists - Denver @ 11am

Lighthouse Denver, 3900 Elati Street, Den‐ver

Andrew Callaghan

@ 7pm

Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Fri 11/25

The Black Friday Showcase

Hosted By Sly Tha Deuce - 16 AND UP

@ 7pm / $15

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Chase Bryant @ 8pm / $22

Grizzly Rose, 5450 North Valley Highway, Denver

Santa Clause and the Colorado Community Media Craft Show @ 10am

Nov 26th - Nov 27th

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock. tgrimes@coloradocommunity media.com, 520-909-4882

Collabratory Holiday Qoncert - 16 AND UP

@ 7pm / $15

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Firehouse Theater Company's "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley"

@ 7:30pm / $12.50

John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver

Hype 90s & 2000s Dance Party @ 9pm / $24-$28

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Denver

The Immersive NutcrackerDenver

Mon 11/28

Ryan

Friends of Chamber Music Denver: Friends of Chamber Music presents Junction (JCT) Trio @ 7:30pm Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver

"Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza"

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver

Alice 105.9's Alice In Winterland with OneRepublic @ 6:30pm / $59.50-$89.50

Fillmore Auditorium (Denver), 1510 Clark‐son, Denver

OneRepublic @ 6:30pm

Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver

Trash., Mr. Atomic, Scuffed @ 8pm / $15

The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, 1624 Market St, Denver

VOICES

Thank a veteran

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Each year we celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11, but the appreciation we should be showing service men and women goes so far beyond one day. These men and women did not just serve our country in a military compacity. Many of these men and women also work hard to make communities nationwide better.

These men and women can often be found participating in volunteer opportunities and clubs to donate time and skills and to raise funds for a variety of community improvements such as scholarships and betterment.

Every year, as I meet more veterans in my personal and professional life, I am always proud of the dedication these men and women show to the towns they live and the country they love.

Veterans are some of the country’s most dedicated citizens. They carry a heavy burden, especially those who have been in war, and they oftentimes still want to help others.

One of the veterans I often pay tribute to this time of year is my own dad. I have written in this space before that while I am in my 40s and he is in his 70s, it is only recently that I have gotten to know and understand him a lot better.

He served in Vietnam, serving aboard a helicopter with the sole purpose of landing and picking up wounded American soldiers. Serving as a gunner on that aircraft could not have been easy. The things he must have seen. One can only imagine.

It was only last year that he told me that is what he did in the war. In a more recent conversation, I asked him what it was like coming home. He talked about the anger of a nation toward a controversial war and the soldiers who had fought in it.

He talked about the stress of not always being supported for one of the toughest things he would ever do in his life. When I asked how he dealt with it emotionally, he looked me straight in the eyes and said, “You didn’t. You just learned to bury it inside and move on with life.”

The sadness I felt in the moment was strong — knowing that when my dad was a young adult, he saw things no one should have to see, and then was told by society to bury it and forget about it.

I respect that my dad buried it. He and my mom raised me and my brothers. He worked hard. My work ethic definitely comes from him.

But what might have happened if he talked about the experience, got it out in the open and dealt with it? Would he have been different as we grew up?

Did we take something from him and other soldiers by not helping them focus and address it?

As a journalist, I have sat down with many veterans and active military over the years. I have interviewed a general, young soldiers and older. I am always honored when they are willing to open up to me about what they gained and lost in service.

During the Iraq War, I will never forget a young soldier in his 20s telling me that he lost more friends in his young adult life than he had fingers. I told his story and to this day think about the strength it took for him to sit and talk to me that hour that day.

Our veterans are honored members of our community and I hope we can thank them more than just one day a year.

LINDA

Outnumbered

WINNING

but never out of the

They were a new and small startup consulting company. Having barely opened the doors of the business, they identified an opportunity where their specialized expertise could help find and deliver the solutions that a very large corporate prospect was looking for. Although they were new and small, their reputation in the industry was solid, and they were invited to compete for the business.

Three other organizations were also invited in to vie for the opportunity to possibly provide services to the prospective client. All three were wellestablished consulting companies and were coming to the table with decades of experience and proven track records of success. There was not much risk in choosing any of these three companies.

As the vetting process went on, the founders of the tiny startup still believed that they could absolutely provide the highest levels of service for the prospective client and were already starting to assemble a bench of potential independent contractors they would need should they be awarded the business. They discussed the competition every week as the process went on, and they knew they were outnumbered and maybe even seen as outmatched because of the strong reputations of the three competitors. Outnumbered and maybe outmatched, yet

LINDSAY

ERIN

AUDREY

ERIN

game

they were never out of the game.

When the prospect had made the announcement that they had narrowed the field down to two, the small startup was not shocked to find themselves in the final two. They truly believed that they could provide the client with exceptional service and work with them to deliver the desired results. Their final competitor was shocked that the prospect had selected the startup, and they became overconfident that they would win. This was a mistake.

In the final discovery, due diligence and sales presentations, the team from the startup showed up better prepared and presented comprehensive performance solutions that included a practical and tactical plan that made sense. The larger, more established, and well-known and respected consulting company came in with overengineered and complicated plans, and plans that included very little in the way of tactical execution.

At the end of the process the prospective client awarded the business to the new and small startup because they felt like they had demonstrated that they had the client’s best interest at heart. Although they were new and small, they trusted them enough to assemble a team that could meet all expectations and deliverables. Outnumbered, perceived to be outmatched, but never out of the game.

When the executive team of this startup shared their reasons from why and how they won, I was so fired up and happy for them.

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 o ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Elbert County News, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Thelma Grimes

Choosing benefits — planning for 2023

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

November is open enrollment season. This could be for your employer, Medicare or the Affordable Care Act Exchange. But it is not just health insurance you need to consider. Employees may also have options for life and disability insurance as well as retirement plan contributions.

There is a lot to consider when planning for the next full year. It helps to have your fi nancial plan in order so you know how to budget for the premium costs, what types of insurance you need and how you are tracking on your retirement goals.

Health insurance is usually the fi rst thing we tackle in signing up for benefi ts. Your employer may also offer a health savings account or HSA. You will want to learn about using pre-tax dollars to help fund future medical costs. This is always associated with a high-deductible insurance plan. Consider what you expect your out-of-pocket medical costs to be for the year to determine if this is better than a lower-deductible major medical plan.

Major medical plans may also be offered in certain networks of providers. You should determine how many spe-

NORTON

FROM PAGE 12

I mean who doesn’t love a great underdog victory story? It had me reflecting on some of the situations where I found myself in the underdog’s seat, and where I may have lost a little bit of confidence myself.

In life, there are times where we all get to feeling a bit outnumbered and outmatched, so much so that we become uninspired or demotivated, believing we may have already lost. When this happens it can set us back or even completely derail us from completing something or competing for something that we were once very passionate about. What we should always remember is that it doesn’t matter if they seem bigger, better, faster or stronger than we are. No, what matters is how we show up and the size of our heart, passion and desire to win.

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified

cialists you may need and if you will be using services that are considered out of network. In this case, the coinsurance is smaller, and the deductible may be higher.

Disability insurance premiums may be offered as pre-tax or post-tax. It is nice to get the premium paid with pretax dollars but keep in mind the benefi ts then will be taxable.

Life insurance usually comes with a basic plan, perhaps $15,000 may be included with your medical coverage. Then you may have the option to pay extra for additional life insurance on yourself, your spouse and your children. Consider that this insurance stays with the employer when you leave but also may not require underwriting or insurability. It is usually less expensive because it is group insurance rather than individual. Refer to your fi nancial plan to determine how much permanent insurance you need and get your own policy for that amount. Consider using the employer plan for the short-term needs.

Retirement savings is also crucial in planning for 2023. Limits will be increasing in 2023 to $22,500 for most employer-

sponsored qualifi ed plans such as a 401(k). The catch-up provision for those over age 50 will be $7,500. Therefore you may want to increase your 401(k) contribution to get the maximum allowed. The annual limit on IRA plans increased to $6,500, but the catch-up remains at $1,000.

The income phase-out range for taxpayers making IRA contributions to either a deductible IRA or a Roth also increased. Check with your advisor or IRS.gov to plan for your 2023 tax strategies. Couples earning less than $73,000 may be eligible for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit.

Anyone changing jobs or planning to retire next year may benefi t from a Roth Conversion. This type of preplanning could substantially improve your retirement income in the future. It is important to take the time to learn about your options to make sure you enroll for what is best for you and your family.

Patricia Kummer has been a Certifi ed Financial Planner professional and a fi duciary for over 35 years and is Managing Director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

The small consulting company beat the Goliaths they faced because they were better prepared, brought specific expertise and were never intimidated by their competition. They never let themselves feel like they were out of the game.

How about you? Are there times where you feel overwhelmed, outnumbered and outmatched? Do you keep yourself in the right head space when it comes to staying in the game? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can show up prepared to win, expecting to win, and with the passion and desire to win, 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.

negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.

• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.

• Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted letters to us recently.

• Submit your letter in a Word document or in the body of an email. No PDFs or Google Docs, please.

• Include your full name, address and phone number. We will publish only your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are.

BY ELICIA HESSELGRAVE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Denver area today is a hub for Native Americans.

It was approximately between 1945 and 1965 when Native Americans found Denver to be a desirable place to find work, said Cheryl Crazy Bull, president of the Denver-based American Indian College Fund. This time period is known as the Relocation and Termination period, when Native Americans were removed from reservations and relocated to urban areas, Crazy Bull said.

Awareness of the plight of Native American communities rose in the 1960s and `70s, and this included concern for the lack of representation and visibility of tribal members in every corner of American life, Crazy Bull said.

“We saw a desire in Native American communities to create pathways for more people in public to see us,” Crazy Bull said. “Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day emerged out of a desire for that kind of visibility.”

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush established Native American Indian Heritage Month, which is celebrated every November.

“Native American Indian Heritage Month is a focused educational time,” Crazy Bull said.

‘Our own way of knowing the world’ Crazy Bull grew up in South Dakota and takes pride in being a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota nation, part of the Seven Council Fires. Each of the Council Fires is made up of individual tribal bands, based on kinship, dialect and geographic proximity.

“Indigenous people have our own way of knowing the world and our own knowledge system focusing on kinship and relationships,” Crazy Bull said. “We believe in generosity and industriousness, and being responsible in our actions and the gifts that people bring to us in their talent.”

How to celebrate Native American Heritage Month

The American Indian College Fund offers a number of ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. It begins with Indige-Bration, an exclusive virtual concert. The celebration continues with a month-long Facebook challenge that includes a Walk and Learn event, an instructional social dance video, book clubs, watch parties and panels. Crazy Bull will cap the celebration month with a live discussion.

Recognizing Native Americans during Thanksgiving

A Native American dancer performs during the American Indian College Fund’s Indigenous culinary event on June 15.

PHOTO BY CHRISTY STEADMAN

“A lot of people have come to learn that the history behind Thanksgiving dinner (and) the stories we learned in school, are

Celebrating Native American Indian Heritage Month in November is a pathway to honoring Indigenous people year-round

not exactly correct,” said NancyJo Houk, chief marketing and development officer for the American Indian College Fund. “I think it’s wonderful that people are starting to hear and understand that the truth behind the story of Thanksgiving isn’t what we all thought that it was.”

Houk said there are ways to celebrate the holiday while also honoring Native Americans. She suggests reciting a land recognition or incorporating a traditional native dish to the meal. The college fund also provides resources of accurate history to share and discuss during the meal.

Beyond Native American Heritage Month

The idea is that Indigenous people will be honored beyond the month of November. That starts with research and self-education, Crazy Bull said. Her suggestions include taking advantage of opportunities to meet people of different cultures at social gatherings, work or club meetings. She said to also pay close attention to how Native American people are represented in schools, and take note of historical references in coursework to ensure there is representation of Indigenous peoples, Crazy Bull said.

Additionally, the Front Range boasts many nonprofits that serve Indigenous communities across the U.S. that people can learn more about. For example, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society on the University of Colorado-Denver campus and the American Indian Academy of Denver. And, there’s the Native American Rights Fund based in Boulder and Longmont’s First Nations Development Institute.

There’s also the American Indian Academy of Denver, a free charter school focused on student-driven STEAM curriculum that was established to support Native American and Latinx students.

It provides a “learning in an environment where children get a lot of opportunity to honor their Indigenious community,” Crazy Bull said.

Also in Denver, the city and county’s Commission of Indian Affairs “strives to support visibility of Native people in Denver, and also legislation,” Crazy Bull said, adding that “Colorado itself has passed some laws that were really important, like banning mascots, (and) legislation supporting tuition support of mem-

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

bers of tribes.”

For the arts, Crazy Bull points to the North American Indian Cultures exhibition hall at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Arts of North America gallery. Both offer opportunities to experience Native American culture any time of the year.

Another resource is the NativeLands app, which helps people discover what lands were the traditional homes of specific Indengous peoples.

Other suggestions to celebrate and honor Native Americans include learning how to cook traditional native foods and supporting Native American-owned businesses, such as Denver’s own Tocabe, an American Indian eatery. There are also volunteer opportunities with organizations

such as the Denver Indian Resource Center, the Denver Indian Center or Spirit of the Sun.

“In the U.S., there’s this practice of trying to celebrate diversity in framed ways, so Native American Heritage Month is an example of that social practice of drawing attention to groups of people by setting aside time for them to be recognized,” Crazy Bull said. “But we are here everyday. And we view Native American Heritage Month as just an opportunity to showcase the different accomplishments and different challenges Native Americans face.”

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.

• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.

• Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted

letters to us recently.

• Submit your letter in a Word document or in the body of an email. No PDFs or Google Docs, please.

• Include your full name, address and phone number. We will publish only your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are.

• Letters will be considered only from people living in Colorado Community Media’s circulation area in Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Je erson and Weld counties.

• Do not use all caps, italics or bold text.

• Keep it polite: No name calling or “mudslinging.”

Cheryl Crazy Bull is a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota nation and serves as the president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. COURTESY PHOTO

To learn more about the American Indian College Fund, visit collegefund.org.

FROM PAGE 1

because I wanted to see how the process works. Being involved is how you learn,” said Pennington. “Everybody here is very knowledgeable. I think the process in Elbert County is running very well.”

Dallas Schroeder, the current Elbert County clerk and recorder, ran in an uncontested race for District 2 commissioner, an area that encompasses the towns of Elizabeth, Kiowa, Simla, and Elbert. He will begin his role as commissioner in January.

The ballot drop box located outside the Singing Hills Fire Station was busy on the morning of Election Day. PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

A voter drops o a ballot at the box outside the Singing Hills Fire Station early on Election Day.

Election Judge Margie White announcing that the polls are o cially closed at 7 p.m. on Election Night.

“I’m ready for the next challenge and I’m looking forward to being commissioner,” said Schroeder on Election Night. “I know I’ll have a good working relationship with Commissioners Thayer and Richardson. There are some vacancies that need to be taken care of and I’m happy to be a part of that and getting the county fully staffed. That is a priority we need to have.”

When asked if he’ll miss being Elbert County clerk and recorder, Schroeder responded by saying, “I’m proud of everything that’s happened here at the clerk’s office. I will miss

Elections Manager Rhonda Braun runs the tabulation for uno cial election results around 7:10 p.m. on Election Night.

Election judges working as a bipartisan team get ballots from the ballot box at the voter services center in Kiowa after polls closed on Election Night.

Republican Lead Election Judge Danny Willcox heads out to pick up ballots and close the ballot box outside the Singing Hills Fire Station as 7 p.m. approaches on Election Night. “We’re going to shut down the box at Singing Hills,” Willcox said. “Usually we have some people come running up at the very last minute. But if they’re in line to drop their ballots in we’ll let them on through. It’s been a good day. A busy day.”

PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

Election judges are busy on Election Night at the Elbert County Elections O ce in Kiowa.

Election Judge Ashley Pennington organizes in-person voter ballots at the Elbert County Elections O ce in Kiowa.

FROM

it here because every day is different and that’s exciting. You never know what the day brings. I’ll also miss all the ladies I work with.”

Current Elbert County Elections Manager Rhonda Braun won her uncontested race for Elbert County clerk and recorder. When asked her thoughts on her win she said, “I’m excited. It’ll be cool and really different.”

Several Elbert County leaders will retain their positions in the government for another term. These include Treasurer Sherry Hewlett, Assessor Susan Murphy, Sheriff

An Elbert County resident signs in and discusses her ballot issue with a representative of the county elections o ce.

PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

Elbert County Elections Manager Rhonda Braun holds up her thumb as she announces that Clerk and Recorder Dallas Schroeder, standing at right, won the District 2 county commissioner election, in which he was unopposed. Braun also won elective o ce, running unopposed to succeed Schroeder as clerk.

Christi Coburn, with the Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce, was assigned to oversee the election process in Elbert County.

Election judges Ashley Pennington, left, and Patty Lampman confirm serial numbers on voting machines.

Republican Election Judge Ashley Pennington leads a voter to the ballot box at the Kiowa-based Election Services Center.

Tim Norton and Coroner Sandra Graeff.

Elbert County voters also weighed in on three school district funding questions seeking to raise property taxes. Both the Elbert County School District C-2 (Kiowa Schools) and Douglas County School District RE-1 funding requests were turned down by voters.

The Calhan School District RJ1 ballot question lost

60-40 in Elbert County, but support among voters in the El Paso County portion of the district resulted in the request being approved 53-47.

Elbert County residents voted overwhelmingly Republican for statewide races including governor, U.S. senator, secretary of state, state treasurer and attorney general.

For Elbert County election results, visit

Election judges organize in-person voting ballots.

An Elbert County voter fills out his paper ballot at the county elections o ce on Election Day.

Election judges working as a bipartisan pair scan ballots for electronic counting. PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

MEALS

fiscal year 2023-24, which begins on July 1, 2023.

School meal providers will be reimbursed for providing meals to all kids, and any school meal provider can benefit, whether they serve one or more school districts or charter schools. Currently, 183 school meal providers serve kids throughout the state and cover the costs of providing free and reduced-price lunches with state and federal funds and by charging families whose income exceeds federal poverty levels. Students might qualify for free or reducedprice meals, depending on their household income, but Colo rado students who are eligible for reduced-price meals get free meals instead because the state funds their portion of the meal cost.

Denver resident Noah Hayden, 25, voted in favor of Proposition FF so that all students have enough to eat while trying to learn.

Hayden, an unaffiliated voter, teaches social studies at a charter school in Broomfield, and while most of his students come from families who can afford meals, he knows not all kids have the same

resources.

“I just think it’s better that every kid is always ensured a lunch throughout the day,” Hayden said after voting at ReelWorks Denver Tuesday evening.

Joey Chester, 30, an unaffiliated voter from Westminster, came to the polls with at least one thing in mind: school lunches.

Chester, who grew up in Aurora, voted “yes” on Proposition FF. He said he sees hope in the proposi tion.

“When I grew up, my mom gave us 40 bucks a month for school lunches, and I got lazy and would just burn it out and then have to make my own lunch finally for the rest of the year. I knew kids that didn’t always get meals, and I know things have gotten worse,” Chester said.

He added: “I hope it’s going to pass and the people that it’s going to tax are not going to be whiny about it.”

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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PUBLIC NOTICES

Legals

City and County

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE BANDERA EAST AND BANDERA WEST PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS, KNOWN AS THE INDEPENDENCE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (CASE NUMBER PA-22-0036)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD 158 AND DELBERT ROAD SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE BANDERA EAST AND BANDERA WEST PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS, KNOWN AS THE INDEPENDENCE PLANNED UNIT DEVEL OPMENT, PURSUANT TO ELBERT COUNTY REGULATIONS.

THE HEARING IS TO BE HELD BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THE 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2022, IN THE ELBERT COUNTY BUILDING, COMMISSIONERS’ BOARD ROOM, 215 COMANCHE STREET, KIOWA, COLORADO, AT 7:00 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

- AND -

THE HEARING IS TO BE HELD BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2023, IN THE ELBERT COUNTY BUILDING, COMMISSIONERS’ BOARD ROOM, 215 CO MANCHE STREET, KIOWA, COLORADO, AT 1:00 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

A SEPARATE NOTICE FOR THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING ON JANUARY 25 CONCERNING SERVICE PLANS FOR INDEPENDENCE METROPOLITAN DIS TRICTS NOS. 2-6 AND INDEPENDENCE COM MERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT WILL BE PUBLISHED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 26. NOTICE OF THE SERVICE PLAN HEAR INGS WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED ON THE DISTRICTS’ WEBSITE: HTTPS://INDEPENDENCEMD1-4.COLORADO. GOV/

CONTACT ELBERT COUNTY COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION: 303-621-3185

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE WEST HALF AND THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, AND SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 65 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO, ALSO BEING A PORTION OF INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 572446, AND ALSO A PORTION OF INDEPENDENCE SUB DIVISION FILING NO.1, AMENDMENT NO. 1, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 592778, AND A PORTION OF INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO.1, AMENDMENT NO. 2, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 613155, AND ALL OF INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 2, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 617537, AND ALL OF INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 3, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 617538, ALL RECORDS OF THE COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

TRACTS C THROUGH M, INCLUSIVE, TRACTS P THROUGH S, INCLUSIVE, TRACT V, AND ALL DEDICATED PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF SAID INDEPEN DENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1; TOGETHER WITH, TRACT N-1 TRACT O-1

AS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF SAID INDEPEN DENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, AMEND MENT NO. 1;

TOGETHER WITH, TRACT A-2, TRACT B-1, TRACT T-2, TRACT T-3, TRACT U-2, AND ALL DEDICATED PUBLIC RIGHTSOF-WAYS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF SAID INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, AMENDMENT NO. 2;

TOGETHER WITH, ALL OF SAID INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 2;

TOGETHER WITH, ALL OF SAID INDEPENDENCE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 3; SAID PARCEL CONTAINS A TOTAL OF 40,997,322 SQUARE FEET (941.169 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

Legal Notice No. 24912 First Publication: November 17, 2022 Last Publication: November 17, 2022

Publisher: Elbert County News

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE AMENDED 2022 BUDGET AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Elbert & Highway 86 Metropolitan District (the “District”), will hold a meeting at the Legacy Academy, 1975 Legacy Cir cle, Elizabeth, CO 80107 and via teleconference on December 6, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., for the purpose of conducting such business as may come before the Board including a public hearing on the 2022 amended budget (the “Amended Budget”) and 2023 proposed budget (the “Proposed Budget”). This meeting can be joined using the following teleconference information:

From computer, tablet, or smartphone - https:// global.gotomeeting.com/join/222939405 By phone. +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 222939-405

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Amended Budget and Proposed Budget have been submit ted to the Districts. A copy of the Amended Budget and the Proposed Budget are on file in the office of Walker Schooler District Managers, 614 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, where the same are open for public inspection.

Any interested elector of the Districts may file any objections to the Amended Budgets and Proposed Budgets at any time prior to final adoption of the Amended Budgets and Proposed Budgets by the Boards. This meeting is open to the public and the agenda for any meeting may be obtained by calling (719) 447-1777.

BY ORDER OF

OF

& HIGHWAY 86

DIVISION 1, COLORADO

OCTOBER 2022 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 OCTOBER 2022 for each County affected.

**AMENDED** 2022CW3138 OLSON FAMILY TRUST, 1290 Buttercup Road, Elizabeth, CO 80107. James J. Petrock, Eric K. Trout, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 700 17th Street, Suite 1800, Denver, CO 80202. AMENDED APPLICA TION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT-NONTRIB UTARY SOURCES AND APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR AUGMENTATION IN THE NONTRIBUTARY LOWER DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE, AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS, AND THE NOT-NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER IN ELBERT COUNTY. Summary: The original application in this case was filed on September 29, 2022. Subsequent to that date, Applicant acquired the contiguous parcel east of the original property, described below. This amended application is being filed to include that property into the proposed augmentation plan. These parcels are not being subdivided and will remain as separate properties. Subject Property: 2 contiguous parcels described as follows. Both properties are referred to as the Subject Proper ties: Parcel 1: 1.96 acres generally located in the NW1/4 of the NW1/4 of Section 23, Township 7 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Lot 5, Hilltop Landing, also known as 38891 Kittridge Pl, Elizabeth, CO 80107, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A. The Applicant is the sole owner of Parcel 1, and no other party has a mortgage or lien interest, therefore no notice was required under C.R.S. 37-92-302(2)(b). Parcel 2: 1.93 acres generally located in the NW1/4 of the NW1/4 of Section 23, Township 7 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., Lot 6, Hilltop Landing, also known as 38863 Kittridge Pl, Elizabeth, CO 80107, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A. The Applicant is the sole owner of Parcel 2, and no other party has a mortgage or lien inter est, therefore no notice was required under C.R.S. 37-92-302(2)(b). Well Permits: There is currently one Lower Dawson Aquifer well under Well Permit No. 153444 located on Parcel 2. Well Permit No. 153444 is permitted to serve Parcel 1 and Parcel 2. There are currently no wells on Parcel 1. New well permits will be applied for prior to construction of any 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 Daw son, Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicant estimates the following annual amounts may be available for withdrawal based on a 100-year withdrawal period:

Parcel 1:

Aquifer Annual Amount (acre-feet) Upper Dawson (NNT) 0.72 Lower Dawson (NT) 0.19 Denver (NT) 0.85 Arapahoe (NT) 0.81 Laramie-Fox Hills (NT) 0.54

Parcel 2:

Aquifer Annual Amount (acre-feet) Upper Dawson (NNT) 0.69 Lower Dawson (NT) 0.19 Denver (NT) 0.82 Arapahoe (NT) 0.78 Laramie-Fox Hills (NT) 0.52

Proposed Uses: Use, reuse, and successive use for domestic, including in-house use, com mercial, irrigation, stockwatering, fire protection, recreation, and augmentation purposes, including storage, both on and off the Subject Properties. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92302(2). Summary of Plan for Augmentation: Groundwater to be Augmented: Parcel 1: Ap

proximately 0.70 acre-feet per year for 100 years of not-nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer ground water. Parcel 2: Approximately 0.65 acre-feet per year for 100 years of not-nontributary 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: Parcel 1: The Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used in one well, for in-house use in one (1) singlefamily home (0.3 acre-feet per year), irrigation, including home lawn, garden, and trees, of up to 8,000 square-feet (0.4 acre-feet per year), and fire protection, on Parcel 1. Applicant reserves 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. Re turn 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 Applicant will replace actual depletions pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9)(c.5). Deple tions occur to the Cherry Creek stream system and return flows accrue to that stream system and are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicant will reserve an equal amount of nontributary groundwater underlying the Subject Property to meet post-pumping augmentation requirements.

Parcel 2: The Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used in one well, for in-house use in one (1) single-family home (0.3 acre-feet per year), irrigation, including home lawn, garden, and trees, of up to 7,000 square-feet (0.35 acre-feet per year), and fire protection, on Parcel 2. Ap plicant reserves 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 Applicant will replace actual depletions pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9)(c.5). Depletions occur to the Cherry Creek stream system and return flows accrue to that stream system and are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicant will reserve an equal amount of nontributary groundwater underlying the Subject Property to meet post-pumping aug mentation requirements. Applicant requests the Court approve the above underground water rights and augmentation plan, find that Applicant has 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. 4 pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE AP PLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST AP PEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVID ED 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 State ment 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 con ditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of DECEMBER 2022 (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. 24913

First Publication: November 17, 2022 Last Publication: November 17, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors

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 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.

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 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Legal Notice No. 24909

First publication: November 10 2022

Last publication: November 24, 2022

Publisher: Elbert County News