Elbert County News 032323

Elizabeth School Board members resign

e resigning board members were President Cary Karcher, Vice President Kim Frumveller and Secretary Craig Blackham. e three attended the regular meeting virtually.

on March 14.

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A meeting that took only six minutes on March 13 will have a lasting impact on the Elizabeth School District for the next month to a year.

As expected, three board members resigned, e ective March 14. With the resignations, only two members remain on the board in what is being called an “unprecedented” set of circumstances.

Remaining on the board are Rhonda Olsen and Heather Booth — the two board members who attended the meeting in person.

On the evening of March 13, Karcher called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. e board approved the regular agenda items, including the consent agenda and nal approval of the contract for the new superintendent.

Starting amid controversy, the district’s new superintendent, Dan Snowberger, o cially took the helm

“It is always disappointing when adult issues impact a school district and keep it from focusing on the most important work — ensuring our students receive the best education possible,” Snowberger said in a prepared statement. “After working with board members, I am condent that we will overcome this situation and refocus on our mission.

I am excited to join the Elizabeth School District team.”

No public comment was allowed and the board held no discussion on any agenda items. Immediately after the board o cially recognized the three resignations, Karcher

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Serving as the last o cial item of business for the Elizabeth School Board before three members resigned, a contract was approved for the district’s new superintendent, Dan Snowberger.

During the March 13 meeting, the $180,000 contract, plus bene ts and perks, was approved in a 5-0 vote. e amount is $20,000 more annually than his predecessor.

Following the o cial vote, three board members resigned: President Cary Karcher, Vice President Kim Frumveller and Secretary Craig Blackham.

Snowberger will take over the district’s leadership with the remaining two board members — Rhonda Olsen and Heather Booth — serving as sole directors until the vacant three seats are lled through community applicants.

After being introduced to the dozens in attendance on March 13, Snowberger said he is excited while noting that his rst o cial day at work was March 14, with plans to meet with teachers and sta over the next week.

According to the approved contract, Snowberger will receive an annual salary of $180,000 to oversee

Remaining Elizabeth School Board members Rhonda Olsen, left, and Heather Booth will move forward with filling three vacant seats after several board members resigned amid controversy last week.

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

3 step down, 2 remain as board works to fill vacant seats

Contract approved for new superintendent Snowberger’s base salary is set at $180K

SEE SNOWBERGER, P10 SEE SCHOOL BOARD, P2

adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m.

After Karcher, Frumveller and Blackham logged o , Olsen made an announcement to the nearly 50 persons in attendance that applications to ll the open seats would now be accepted.

Now, work has to be done to bring the board to a quorum.

Elizabeth School District Communications Manager Jason Hackett said the district is working to legally maneuver through “unprecedented” times.

To assist in what the board can do without a quorum, the district has sought legal guidance from the Boulder-based law rm of Caplan & Earnest, which has advised that the two remaining board members can declare an “extraordinary circumstance,” allowing the board to continue to operate.

e next steps will include reorganizing board leadership, declaring vacancies and lling the open seats over the next 30 days.

According to a news release from the district, “Any business that must be conducted during the period of time that a quorum may not exist will be brought back to formal authorization once at least three board members are in place of constituting a quorum.”

e remaining board members were to hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. on March 16 to ensure the o cer roles of president and vice president are lled, then accept the resignations of board members who

chose to formally resign.

To ll vacant seats, the district will begin accepting letters of interest over the next several weeks. e remaining board members will interview prospective candidates to ll declared vacancies. Upon appointment, the new board members will serve up to the next election, which is slated for this November.

To continue to serve, the appointed board members will have to le the necessary paperwork and run in the o cial election.

Ahead of the March 13 regular meeting, the resignation letters were made public.

Karcher said personal issues and “other board member agendas” are his two primary reasons for ending his service on the board.

“Board member personal agendas created an environment where the

board spent more time discussing personnel issues and the presence or prevention of radical left-wing ideologies such as CRT (critical race theory), SEL (social emotional learning) and restorative justice, that do not exist in our district,” Karcher said in the letter dated March 7.

Karcher said board meetings have become “chaotic and have brought behavior unbecoming of the community.”

Frumveller said in the March 7 letter that when she was rst elected in 2019, “I loved it.”

“Since the election of 2021, the dynamics of our board changed greatly, and not for the better,” she said. “For my rst two years, we never had a complaint that pertained to personality issues. Nothing. And now it seems that my days are consumed with constant issues and lies, the lies never seem to stop.”

All three resigning members said they continue to support right-wing values and have fought against critical race theory and other programs in the schools. However, constant harassment and emails accuse them of “caving to pressure” of local Democratic activists.

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Frumveller said there was never pressure from activists as was rumored and no intention of manipulating the selection process for a new superintendent.

“I recognize that there are members of our community concerned about some of the national issues playing out in classrooms across our country,” Snowberger said as the incoming superintendent. “ is appears to have led to con ict among members of the current board. It is incumbent upon the district leadership to operate with great transparency and recognize that we serve our local community by upholding their values within our schools.”

In his March 7 letter, Blackham said he has given more than 30 years to trying to make the Elizabeth School District “the very best it can be.”

“We’ve endured mismanagement, economic downturns and a pandemic, but by far, the worst experience I have ever gone through occurred during the last nine months,” he said. “I have witnessed a total disregard for board policy, board core values, board ethics, con dentiality agreements and violations of Colorado Revised Statutes. I can’t be a part of a group that disrespects order so casually.”

Blackham goes on to describe an atmosphere of misconception and chaos, saying he receives constant emails and personal attacks starting at 6 a.m. and not ending until 9 p.m. at night.

In prepared statements before accepting the resignations, remaining board members Olsen and Booth said they are excited for the future. “ e con ict that existed among the previous board was unfortunate,” Booth said via the news release. “I look forward to working with new members of the board, once they are appointed, and strengthening our board leadership.” Olsen said she is con dent the new superintendent will help solidify the district’s mission and vision moving forward.

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‘We’ve endured mismanagement, economic downturns and a pandemic, but by far, the worst experience I have ever gone through occurred during the last nine months.’

Elizabeth School Board member Craig Blackham

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Good game

Students with special needs rock the court

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

The Second Annual Unied Basketball Game on Feb. 22 at Elizabeth Middle School featured 12 students with unique physical and intellectual disabilities who hit the court after months of practice.

ey were accompanied by player mentors, most from

#1 — Austin Reynolds

#2 — Kelvin Kaufman #4 — Crew Diede #6 — Aaron Webster

Unified Team Roster

#8 — Cole Martens #9 — Damian Malsam

— Jon Iwin

— Skiler Brewer

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#2 Kelvin Kaufman high-fives the referee as he enters the court.

An attendee at the unified basketball game attempts a half-court shot in a bid to win $25 at halftime.

SEE BASKETBALL, P5

#10

#11

#12 — Corin Kaumeyer #13 — Zac Celeste #16 — Aidan Skidmore #21 — David Savage

BASKETBALL

Countless audience members engaged in the “one-dollar-popshot” game during halftime.

Players paid $1 to attempt a free throw. If successful, they won a soda “pop.” Some others paid $5 to attempt a half-court shot. All proceeds from the halftime games went to the Uni ed Basketball Program.

“We are very excited that this is our second year for the Uni ed Basketball game here at Elizabeth Middle School,” said Melanie Barrett, teacher in the EMS Signicant Support Needs program. “We are inspired by these students training together and playing together, leading them to a path of friendship and understanding.”

Several members of the crowd held up handmade signs to support the unified team players.

Unified basketball players gather with some student and sta volunteers.

Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Queen Kyra Doud awards each player with a participation medal after the game. Here she places the medal around the neck of #4 Crew Diede.

Social media apps o er route for illegal drug sales

State AG issues report

BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

How easy is it to nd illegal drugs on social media apps? Nearly as convenient as calling an Uber or ordering a pizza, the Colorado Attorney General’s O ce said in a report released March 8. Access to illegal drugs is “staggering” on social media apps, the report found, and has contributed to the surging number fentanyl overdoses, which has become the leading cause of preventable death for adults under 45, outpacing suicide, gun violence and car accidents.

e 182-page report outlined the ways in which drug dealers use aggressive marketing tactics to sell illegal drugs online, often targeting younger customers, and urged social media platforms and state legislators to enforce new policies to crack down on the sales.

e report, which the attorney general’s o ce is calling rst of its kind, was written under a state law passed in 2022 that requires the Colorado Department of Law to study how the internet and social media platforms are used for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other counterfeit prescription drugs.

With the rise of social media apps, their convenience and lack of regu-

lation, platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and WhatsApp, have become a major vehicle for drug sales, the report said.

“Where once a teen might have had to seek out a street dealer, hassle friends, or learn to navigate the dark web to access illicit drugs, young people can now locate drug dealers using their smartphones — with the relative ease of ordering food delivery or calling a ride-share service,” Weiser wrote in the report. O cials spoke with former drug users and sellers and families of overdose victims for the report.

In 2021, at least 1,881 Coloradans died of a drug overdose and roughly half of those people died of fentanyl, according to state data. Many of those people are taking fentanyl without realizing it, as the cheap synthetic opioid is cut into other drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

As many as six in 10 counterfeit prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, the report said.

It didn’t quantify exactly how large the online illicit drug market has become, citing limited access to the social media platforms’ data. But research suggests that drug dealers and buyers turn to the internet and social media platforms “as a primary vehicle for drug transactions.”

A search for “Denver” and “Boulder” on the Kik messaging app returned dozens of results for groups dedicated to selling and buying drugs that were open to the public, the report showed.

“Connecting with a local dealer took mere minutes,” the report said.

Dealers advertise drugs using slang, emojis, QR codes and disappearing messages that help reach customers while evading content moderation tools on the social media platforms, the report said. Often drug sellers are active on multiple social media platforms — advertising their products on Instagram, but listing their WhatApps or Snapchat handles for inquiries — which makes it harder for law enforcement to crack down on the sales.

Sellers can create new pro les as soon as one is suspended or removed, creating a frustrating “whack-a-mole” e ect for local law enforcement, the report said.

A lot of social media companies, including Meta, TikTok and Snapchat, have policies that ban advertising, buying or selling drugs and some have made e orts to work with law enforcement to address the issue.

But the report said the companies’ responses to drug activity on their platforms have been “uneven in their application and limited in effectiveness.”

Weiser urged social media companies to adopt strong, uniform practices to prevent and respond to illegal drug sales. He also called for a federal agency to oversee social media platforms and legislation that would give the federal government more access to their data.

Hank Dempsey, the head of state public policy for Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., called Weiser’s report a “must-read report” for anyone working to combat the fentanyl crisis. He said he appreciated working with the attorney general’s o ce “to contribute by sharing our insights and e orts to aggressively combat drug activity on our platform, including our policies that take a zero tolerance approach to this abuse.”

In an email, Meta spokeswoman Jeanne Moran said “content that attempts to buy, sell or trade drugs is

not allowed on Facebook or Instagram, regardless of state or country law.” e company is “working hard” to keep drug sales o the platforms and users that post content that violates its policies could have their account removed.

Kayla Whaling, spokeswoman for the Tinder and Hinge parent company Match Group, said the report focused on a critical issue and that the company is “supportive of any conversation that aims to help make internet platforms safer.”

“However, we strongly disagree with how our brand is categorized here and we have been in contact with Attorney General Weiser’s o ce to refute the inaccurate claims in this report,” Whaling said. She said their platforms are “very ine cient” for drug sales since they are designed for one-on-one interactions and that the company has made proactive e orts to ban accounts that mention drugs.

TikTok did not return requests for comment.

e report made several recommendations for Colorado lawmakers to pass new protections to help prevent such sales, including:

• Requiring platforms to create and publicly post their policy on illegal drug sales and how law enforcement can request account records;

• Enforcing platforms to submit annual reports to the Department of Law showing the amount of content on the apps that promoted the purchase or sale of illegal drugs and how many times the posts were shared and viewed. It also suggests listing the number of times the platform proactively provided law enforcement with information about posts selling or advertising illegal drugs; Provide more resources to support local law enforcement efforts to investigate online narcotics cases.

e Department of Law worked with representatives from Meta, Snapchat and TikTok to compile the report, as well as law enforcement, public health experts and harm reduction advocates.

is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Find Your Next Job or New Career Path

Searching for a job, changing career paths, or discovering new skills to advance your career can be stressful and challenging. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is your one-stop-shop for employment assistance to land your next job, learn new skills or explore a new career path. For more information and to get started, visit adworks.org

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Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veteran assistance funds, visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200

Do you want to positively impact your community in 2023?

Consider giving an hour or more each week to make a difference in the lives of older adults through Aging Resources of Douglas County.There is currently a need for volunteer drivers to help with errands, appointments and meal delivery. Find out more at agingresourcesdougco.org

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.

Some Coloradans could save big on electric vehicles

Income-based credit adds thousands to existing lucrative discounts

BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN

State o cials are putting nishing touches on an electric vehicle rebate for income-quali ed buyers willing to trade in an older gas-fueled vehicle, adding up to $6,000 in price cuts on a new vehicle to a menu of credits that can already include $5,500 from utilities or up to $7,500 from federal sources.

e program is expected to launch in mid-July, with $2 million in state money over the following 12 months. Colorado is paying for the instant rebates and other EV infrastructure, such as public chargers, with a 6.9-cent portion of the 27cent delivery fee passed as part of a sweeping 2021 transportation policy and funding bill.

Shoppers who are looking for used EVs and have an old car to trade in could get $4,000 from the new state rebate program, taken o the sale price at the cash register instead of rebated the next time they le taxes. Electri cation advocates say upfront price cuts in the form of instant tax credits are the most attractive for shoppers considering EVs. e dealer then claims the payment from the state.

State o cials also announced a

package of forthcoming energy and climate bills for the current legislative session that could add even more to those incentives. Colorado currently o ers a $2,000 state tax credit for new EVs, no trade-in required, and elements of the bill package could increase the state’s credit to $5,000.

Not all the credits and rebates will be stackable, though state o cials are at pains to de ne how they can combine. Not all those decisions have been made. Further confusing the matter is that the existing, about-to-be-expanded state credit

for new cars without a trade-in will be refundable, meaning quali ed buyers could wipe out all of their state tax obligation and get a cash refund back.

is month, the Colorado Energy

O ce said the proposed $5,000 state credit could be expanded by up to another $2,500 if the legislative package passes, for vehicles priced under $30,000. at extra amount is intended to ll gaps for vehicles that don’t qualify yet for the full $7,500 federal credit because not enough of their parts are made in the U.S., a CEO spokesperson said. e state’s

gap- ller will boost lower-income buyers while the automakers revamp their assembly systems.

An income quali ed customer making the trade-in could theoretically combine the $6,000 state tradein rebate for a new car, a $5,000 state tax credit, and a $7,500 federal tax credit expanded this year, for a total of nearly $19,000 o a new EV. Xcel Energy and Black Hills o er a $5,500 rebate for income-quali ed buyers of new EVs, which are stackable with the trade-in rebate but not stackable with the State EV tax credit— customers may have to choose.

Some customers will be in the sweet spot of combining a number of the rebates and credits for a qualifying car, said Travis Madsen, transportation program director for the Southwest Energy E ciency Project.

“So, the total stackable amount could be in the $20,000-plus range for a purchase that met all eligibility criteria,” he said.

e federal tax credit is “nonrefundable,” meaning it can only o set federal taxes the earner would otherwise pay. ose who are incomequali ed for the new state trade-in credit might not pay enough in federal taxes to bene t from the full $7,500 federal credit.

e car being traded in must be a 2011 model or older, or have failed Colorado emissions tests.

e trade-in program, dubbed Vehicle Exchange Colorado, takes on multiple goals of state o cials and

SEE CARS, P9

‘Reaching our climate goals will require a broad, society-wide shift in our vehicle fleet to zero-emission technology and fuel.

The upfront purchase cost of a vehicle is one of the largest obstacles we face.’

Travis Madsen, transportation program director for the Southwest Energy E ciency Project

environmental justice advocates. Taking older, higher-polluting gas vehicles o the road can be one of the quickest ways to reduce ozonecausing emissions from the transportation economy. And signi cant additional credits for new and used EVs can put electri cation in reach for far more households, as Colorado agencies work to transform the collective vehicle eet to run on cleaner electricity.

e state’s greenhouse gas reduction plan and e orts to come under EPA ozone limits depend on getting 940,000 EVs on Colorado roads by 2030.

“I like the concept,” said Madsen.

“Reaching our climate goals will require a broad, society-wide shift in our vehicle eet to zero-emission

technology and fuel. e upfront purchase cost of a vehicle is one of the largest obstacles we face,” he said. e state’s program should help push EVs out to people at different income levels, Madsen said.

e Colorado Energy O ce said the exact amounts of the trade-in credits have not been set, but community presentations mention the $6,000 toward a new EV and $4,000 toward a used EV. More details should be set by April, when the Community Access Enterprise board related to the Colorado Energy Ofce will see a nal plan.

Fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles would qualify, under current plans. e income criteria involve the household being below 80% of the area median income, or be participating in another incomequali ed program such as Medicaid.

As an “area median” example, in Denver a household would qualify for the trade-in EV credit if a

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single person was making less than $62,600, or a family of four made less than $89,400.

e price of the used EV must be more than the rebate amount, and a new EV cannot be priced higher than $50,000. ere are a limited number of lower-priced EVs currently on the market, but the Chevy Bolt sells for about $26,000 to $28,000 before tax credits.

Dozens of new EV models from all the major car manufacturers are expected to hit the market in the next year or two. Some have lowered prices as batteries get cheaper or companies want to get under the price caps to qualify for tax credits.

Expansion of tax credits and rebates at multiple levels makes the annual cost calculation better than ever, Madsen said, noting that transportation costs can eat up to 20% of a lower income family’s budget.

In ation and the temporary shutdown of the state’s only gas

re nery, Suncor Energy, pushed gas prices to $4 a gallon and means the typical Denver metro household is spending about $3,000 a year on gas, Madsen said. Given current o -peak electricity prices, at 16,580 miles driven a year, an EV like the Bolt would save a family $2,400 on fuel, Madsen calculated.

Plus, there are no expensive oil changes and little other maintenance besides tires.

“So if a low- or moderate-income person can get their hands on one, they o er meaningful savings that can help improve their nancial position,” Madsen said.

is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

the district with just over 2,000 students. Snowberger will also receive a $500 monthly stipend for automobile use, which equates to another $6,000 per year. Another approved stipend is $40 per month to serve as a cell phone allowance.

After the 6-minute meeting was adjourned, several members of the public presented Snowberger with a welcome kit, with remaining board members Booth and Olsen saying they are excited to have the new superintendent lead the school district in the right direction.

Snowberger is taking the seat that had been held by interim superintendent Dr. William Dallas, who replaced Douglas Bissonette, who stepped down in 2022 after accepting the job of area superintendent at St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont. Bissonette had served the district since 2009 before he resigned in June last year.

e search for a new superintendent started late last year when the board sought public input on the search through anonymous surveys. As the hiring process continued, tensions within the district and board increased.

In February, the district’s work to keep the district free of critical race theory (CRT) curriculum and social emotional learning (SEL) training turned into public outbursts and division among board members, teachers and the public.

Snowberger was one of two nalists chosen in the search. e other

and practices to ensure we uphold these community values and always respect the role of the parent in their Despite challenges ahead with a fractured board of directors, Snow-

Dan Snowberger is introduced to the community as the new superintendent of the Elizabeth School District on March 13.

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

Fri 3/31

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Wendy Clark Band at Sunroom Brewing @ 5pm Sunroom Brewing, 3242 S Acoma St, Englewood

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Small gestures are big

Irecently took my children to an event created by a mom and employee of a local school district. I only found out about the monthly gathering hosted in my community by chance at a birthday party.

After reading the agenda for the March invite, I opted to take my two elementary-school sons and check it out. I was impressed because the entire event taught us all, at di erent age levels, the importance of contributions and service to our local communities.

With this month’s focus on service we were all encouraged to bring supplies to build special kits for the homeless community. e kits consisted of warming gloves, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Kleenex, lip balm, socks and more. Our children worked to help build the bags to be donated to Aurora Warms the Night in the future. While the goal was to create about 50 bags, based on the amount of supplies donated, I’m sure the nonpro t organization received a lot more.

In talking to my sons after the gathering, they talked about how they learned that the simple gesture of opening a door for someone is considered good service in our community. My 6-year-old, while enamored by the laminating machine, did get some value from his breakout session. Along with an art project, he also learned the meaning of the Mother Teresa quote, “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”

Parents were also required to participate in a breakout group where we interviewed each other and learned a bit more about virtues. As we listened to answers and got to know some of the community parents we did not know — we realized how good it felt to hear good things from others.

When we talked about what we gained from the exercise, one participating dad summed it up well — he said we often get caught up in judging others, having preconceived notions based on a look or attitude, when in reality hearing from someone else about our own good traits and values made him feel good.

is was one example of good happening quietly in our local communities. I truly saw the value in a day like this where it teaches our kids that the world is not just about how many material things we can take from it, but also how small, kind gestures can make it a better place.

In our own newspapers over recent weeks, I cannot say enough about the good deeds and treasured moments our reporters are capturing. I am like many newspaper readers, while I want to know the controversy and newsy stu , I also love to hear about and know about the good news.

From our local high schools in Douglas and Arapahoe counties raising funds to make children’s wishes come true to the Castle View High School project to raise funds to help save the rainforest — our young people are doing great things to help us today and in the future do better.

In Arapahoe County, we have a story of citizens and deputies at a courthouse coming together to save one woman’s life.

ere is always a place out there to lend a hand. Whether it be through a small gesture to help someone with a door or a handful of groceries or on a bigger scale of making sure 50 or more homeless people get some extra supplies or help — We can make a big di erence through small gestures every day.

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

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Vulnerable and transparent, and the courage to be both

The team building event was held at Top Golf. e vice president of sales was reluctant to have the meeting there as he had never played golf and didn’t want to embarrass himself. His team convinced him that he could just join them and not have to worry about playing or swinging a club. As the night went on, the team did everything they could to get their boss to step up and give it a try. ere were others on the team that were in the same spot, having played very little or never. Men and women taking their turns embarrassing themselves with awkward attempts to hit that little white ball. In the end, the vice president of sales chose to keep his dignity intact and did not take his turn amongst the team.

Having spoken with some of the salespeople and the VP of sales privately, I heard mixed opinions about the decision not to join the group. Some thought it showed poor leadership in not being vulnerable enough to laugh at yourself and have a little fun with your team as there were more hacks trying to

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

hit the ball than there were any good golfers. When I asked the VP of sales why he chose not to try, he was completely transparent with me, sharing that he just didn’t want to embarrass himself. He felt he was being open and vulnerable to his team as well sharing with them the very reason he chose to stay in the background. It was a bit of a shame because sometimes it’s OK to show humility among our teams and peers.

Two of the words that we hear often when it comes to expectations of leadership and really people in any role are vulnerability and transparency. We no longer must have all the answers or pretend that we do. We no longer have to be perfect or pretend that we are. Maybe the world we live in places that kind of pressure on some of us, and the stress of that pressure can drive us further away from nding the ability to be vulnerable and transparent.

Last week I wrote about courage and discretion, and when we should exercise both. What I am sharing here is a di erent kind of courage, the courage to be open to failure, being brave enough to take a swing at a golf ball with our team when we have never

SEE NORTON, P13

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

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To subscribe call 303-566-4100

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SCOTT GILBERT Editor sgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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.

Thelma Grimes

Presentation to spotlight ageism

Ageism is all around us: in the workplace, in commercials, movies and TV shows we watch, in the cards we buy, the products marketed to us and yes, even in the language we speak. Has anyone ever said to you, or perhaps you to another person, “You look great for your age”? Although probably well-intentioned, there is an inherent bias against growing older contained within this “compliment,” an underlying expectation that you wouldn’t or shouldn’t look great as an older adult. Do we o er the same compliment to

a 19-year-old or a 29-year-old? Somewhere along the way, looking great is not associated with advanced years. What about the phrase “senior moment”? We tend to attach a brief lapse in memory to only the older adult. However, elementary students routinely forget where they’ve left their backpacks or to feed the dog. Many teenagers have misplaced earbuds or sports jerseys. What about the mom or dad who searches for the car keys or goes out to the garage and upon their arrival, forgets the item they went there to retrieve? e fact of the matter is that we all experience momentary forgetfulness throughout our lives. Yet it is emphasized when it happens as an older adult. And no, it’s not necessarily a sign of dementia, but rather a manifestation of our busy lives.

Ageism is discrimination or the devaluing of an individual or group of individuals based solely on their age. And it can be directed toward the young as well as older adults. It creeps into our psyche at a very young age and is continually reinforced throughout our lifetime. As a result, many of us are convinced that young people are not able to lead a work group, o er valuable ideas and solutions to societal issues or are not compassionate towards others. On the other hand, society in general believes that as we age, we have nothing more to o er, obstruct the success of younger people on the way up the corporate ladder or are a drain on the economy. None of this is true.

Subtle and not-so-subtle messages about the aging process surround

us each day. Do we recognize them and realize the negative e ect they have on us? Can we e ect a change in how we all think, speak and act about aging? Gretchen Lopez, chair of the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, will deliver a thought-provoking and entertaining presentation on ursday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Parker Library. And we won’t be asking for birth certi cates at the door, so leave those at home! Meetings are free and open to the public.

Seniors’ Council of Douglas County is for older adults who want to be heard, keep learning, and make a di erence. Please check our website for details and possible program changes at douglas.co.us/community-services/ services/senior-services/seniorscouncil.

played the game before, and being daring enough to admit we don’t have the answers right now but will work hard to nd them.

Some of the most courageous people I have met have also been the most transparent and vulnerable. Being grounded in honesty and integrity provides them the strength they need to be vulnerable and transparent. Looking at failure and saying “So what” positions them to achieve greater things in life as they move past those mistakes, learning from each one.

One of the synonyms for courage

is audacity. Sometimes when we hear the word audacity we think of a negative connotation. inking things like, “ e audacity of that person.” I like to think of audacity in the positive sense, having the audacity to be courageous in the face of possible embarrassment, to have audacious bravery to own our decisions and our mistakes. To be audacious in the way that we can laugh with others while we laugh at ourselves.

is week you may be asked to do something uncomfortable, something completely outside of your swing zone or comfort zone. And if you are, I hope you will make the decision to audaciously pursue the opportunity. We all learn in di erent ways, and one way that I know we

learn the best is by getting knocked o balance. So take the chance, say “So what,” and watch how your vulnerability and transparency endear others to you. As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can show courage in ourselves during moments of vulnerability, 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.

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Af ter more than 20 years of collecting pinball machines, Dan Nikolich’s basement had run out of space to store them all. So Nikolich opened the Colorado Pinball Pub in Littleton to share his collection.

“Pinball is a unique thing because it doesn’t matter what your background or walk of life is, pinball will draw you in,” he said. “It’s a great equalizer because it only takes one ball.”

While the concept of offering drinks and games at one location is nothing new, the Denver area is host to a number of unique takes on the Dave and Buster’s business model.

Colorado Pinball Pub is one of the newer additions to the barcade scene, having opened in 2020. The pub offers 22 pinball machines, plus a few classic arcade games like PacMan and Centipede, for unlimited play for $15 per hour.

Nikolich’s love for games started young, when he was growing up in Las Vegas and working for the MGM Arcade, so he was happy to see the recent rise in pinball’s popularity.

“Pinball is having a great resurgence right now. The last few years it’s been really hot,” he said. “We have parents who will bring their kids who have never played pinball and, at night, we get a lot of adults and date nights, stuff like that. All people seem to like pinball.”

Like the pub’s patrons, the pinball machines available range in age and theme, with Nikolich’s oldest machine being from 1981. The walls of the pub also pay homage to the history of the game, including its prohibition from 1940s to the 1970s, with pictures and news clippings.

In addition to pinball, the pub features over 150 kinds of whiskey, craft cocktails and Colorado brewed beer.

Nikolich said the goal is to have something for everyone and to make it approachable, whether that’s pinball or whiskey.

“We want you to come and learn about it and not be intimidated to ask if you don’t know something, we want to teach you, so that you can enjoy something new,” he said.

On the opposite side of the metro area, another

BARCADES

one-of-a-kind barcade is Akihabara, which, while located in Westminster, transports visitors to the Tokyo gaming district that gives the business its name.

Owner Brandon Osha said he was blown away when he had the chance to visit Akihabara and take in its blocks of multi-story arcades.

“ e rst time I went to Akihabara I knew I wanted to bring that here because it’s amazing,” Osha said.

He did just that by opening Akihabara in 2016.

Similar to Nikolich, Osha grew up with a love of gaming and worked at a local arcade and GameStop. Instead of pinball though, Osha’s games of choice came in arcade cabinets, which he began collecting at age 16.

Currently, Akihabara o ers 52 arcade cabinets with around 65 games, but Osha has plans to expand his location with 25 new

games and additional space, which he said will be complete this summer.

Osha said the game selection, which includes ghting games, rhythm games and nostalgic classics, de nitely sets Akihabara apart.

“You never see this many (arcade cabinets) in one place,” he said.

“We have such a di erent variety of games that you won’t nd anywhere else in Colorado.”

One of the stranger and more rare games Akihabara o ers is a Japanese table ipping game called Cho Chabudai, but more well-known games include ird Strike, Monkeyball, Typing of the Dead and Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon. All of the games are $1 or less to play.

Osha said a lot of people come in seeking a speci c game that’s hard to nd anywhere else, but he encourages visitors to try whatever piques their interest, even if they can’t necessarily read the Japanese instructions.

“I think it’s a lot of games that people have never seen, but they might nd something that they

like,” he said. “Plus, it’s usually only three buttons and a joystick, so they’re not too hard to learn.”

Akihabara’s focus on Japanese culture carries over into the bar o erings, which include Japanese beers and cocktails made with Japanese liquor, as well as a variety of packaged snacks and ramen op-

tions.

Overall, Osha said he tries to provide a space that’s both niche and for everyone, describing the Akihabara crowd as a welcoming hodgepodge.

“If you’re looking to nd a friend, you’ll nd one around here somewhere,” he said.

Akihabara owner Brandon Osha plays a fighting game at the barcade on Feb. 23. Located in Westminster, Akihabara o ers Japanese inspired games and drinks, with a unique selection of arcade cabinets.

Colorado Pinball Pub owner Dan Nikolich poses with the oldest pinball machine in the pub, from 1981, on Feb. 23. On top of more than 20 pinball games, the Littleton pub also o ers a vast selection of whiskey.

Colorado Pinball Pub bartender Kellen Hempel burns woodchips to smoke the glass of a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

PHOTOS BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Summer Camps & Programs 2023

COUNTY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Arapahoe County Libraries

Locations: Multiple locations in Arapahoe County

Website: arapahoelibraries.org

Details: Each year, Arapahoe libraries hosts a variety of reading events and gatherings to help fill the summer hours.

Douglas County Libraries

Locations: See website

Website: www.dcl.org/camp-dcl

Details: Choose from weeklong half-day camps at six DCL locations or full-day camps at select locations from June 5 through Aug. 4. Camps are facilitated by subject matter experts and supported by trained staff and volunteers. Camp themes include science, robotics, creative arts, LEGOs, cooking and baking, with each camp geared to a specific age range.

Englewood – 2023 KidConnections

Summer Camp

Locations: See website

Website: www.bit.ly/3YRWCcC

Details: The program is a fully licensed day care by the State of Colorado, Department of Human Services for children 5 years old (and completed kindergarten) through 14 years old. There is a registration fee of $10 per child.

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Locations: Recreation centers throughout the community

Website: www.hrcaonline.org/ classes-camps-activities/camps

Details: Every year, the Highlands Ranch Community Association works to provide something for everyone in its summer camp program. For children into sports, there are plenty of athletic camps available. For those looking to improve in art, arts and education programs are plentiful.

Parker Arts

Locations: 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker

Website: www.parkerarts.org/education/ classes-camps

Details: Parker Arts is a great place for kids this summer, with a variety of programs serving a variety of ages all summer. With theater camps, a variety of art camps, technology camps and more - there is plenty to keep the mind and imagination a live.

Town of Castle Rock Summer Camp Program

Locations: Vary based on camp

Website: www.crgov.com/3270/ Summer-Camps

Details: From sports camps to jedi training and science and arts — the Town of Castle Rock prevents a full slate of summer camp programs in 2023. Visit the town’s website to learn more about ages, prices and

details.

Town of Parker/Parker Fieldhouse

Location: 18700 Plaza Drive, Parker

Website:  www.parkerrec.com/2029/Summer-Day-Camp

Details: Ages 5 to 13 can join this camp for themed games, activities, crafts and a ton of fun at the Parker Fieldhouse. Campers will be separated into age groups 5 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years, and 10 to 13 years. Expect swimming days and field trips too.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Giggling Life Care Farm

Location: 14583 Cherry St., Thornton

Website: www.thegigglinglife.com/ summer-farm-fun

Details: If your kids love animals you need to check out The Giggling Life Care Farm in Thornton for summer activities. The Giggling Life Care Farm is special for a lot of reasons, but the most important one is Kristi — the owner. She has a BS in psychology and a master’s in education, has studied life coaching for the last eight years, and is certified in Equine Assisted Coaching and Pet Therapy.

Highlands Ranch — Camp Backcountry

Location:  6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton

Website: www.hrcaonline.org/ classes-camps-activities/camps/ camp-backcountry

Details: Nestled into 8,200 acres of wildlife conservation property just south of C-470 on Santa Fe Drive, Camp Backcountry is the spot for a build-a-fort, hike-just-to-explore, and don’t-forget-your-binoculars kind of summer for your kids. The Backcountry believes that children learn, grow, and thrive best when outdoors and immersed in nature. Our week-long, full-day outdoor camps support the needs of children by using a whole-child, experiential learning approach. From mini-camps to leaders-intraining programs, the camps are for ages 5-17.

Great Outdoors Summer Camp

Location: Miller Activity Complex

1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

Website: www.crgov.com/3270/

Summer-Camps

Details: This regional park includes the Miller Activity Complex (MAC), Millhouse, Amphitheater, Challenge Hill, ziplines, Adventure Tower, Sky Trek, and adventure playground area as well as over ten miles of hiking and biking trails.  For ages 10-15.

Chatfield Stables Horse Camps

Location: 11500 N.

Roxborough Park Road, Littleton

Website: www.chatfieldstables.com/horsecamps.html

Details: Chatfield Stables is the longest-

running horse camp in the area. Every child has their own horse for the entire week. Kids get to lead, feed, water and work with their horses every day. Campers learn horse care, including grooming and bridling. They water and feed their horses, learn to groom them, and take care of them at the end of the day. We ride daily, whether in the arena or on the trail.

Community Sailing of Colorado

Locations: 4800 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village

Website: www.communitysailing.org

Details: Community Sailing of Colorado provides premier sailing programs (summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, and community partnership events) at Cherry Creek and Boulder reservoirs. The weeklong summer camps range from beginner through advanced sailing for youth ages 5-17. It’s a perfect fit for any adventurous spirit who loves the outdoors.

MAD SCIENTISTS

Kookalooz Space Playground: STEM

Summer Camp

Locations:

6805 W. 88th Ave., Westminster

Website: www.kookalooz.com/ westminster-co/summer-camps

Details: 5 different camps from the basics of space to engineering. Each camp is one week long. For ages 5-10.

Colorado Adventure Point

Location: 10455 W. 6th Ave., Suite 150, Lakewood

Website: www.coloradoadventurepoint.org

Details: CAP’s STEM Camp isn’t your typical science camp. Our campers get to experiment with chemistry, physics and engineering through a variety of materials, experiments and challenges to meet their curiosities and skill level in our challenge by choice model. In addition to building engineering models and friendships, the campers get to enjoy our climbing wall, archery range and more — and learn the

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

science behind these fun activities. Camps are available for ages 6-12.

Butterfly Pavilion

Location: 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster

Website: www.butterflies.org

Details: Starting June 5 and running through Aug. 11, the Butterfly Pavilion hosts all the creepy crawlies and your children at camp. There are five themes, which repeat once and include spider week, junior zookeeper and survival stories, where kids can learn about how insects adapt to survive.

Mad Science

Locations: Multiple locations in the Denver metro area, including the Littleton area, Denver and Broomfield

Website: www.colorado.madscience.org

Details: These camps are designed for ages 6 to 12, though sessions such as Red-Hot Robots and Advanced Robotics camps are more appropriate for ages 8 to 12. Instructors are mostly college students pursuing degrees in education or science and teachers off for the summer. Themes include chemistry, space science, forensics, engineering and more. Each camp is weeklong, though times can vary.

Air & Space Camp

Location: Wings Over the Rockies

7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver

Website: www.wingsmuseum.org/ education/camp

Details: Ready for an aerospace adventure? At Wings Over the Rockies that’s exactly what kids ages 8 to 14 can expect in these week-long camps. The fun starts June 5 and goes on until Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

EMERGING ARTISTS

Center for the Arts: Summer in Color

Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen

Website: www.evergreenarts.org/ summercamp

Details: Camps explore various media, from clay sculpting and wheel throwing, to pop art and mural painting, to the art of different cultures and the art of the masters. Several of our camps also incorporate outdoor components, including hikes, yoga, and opportunities for photography and eco-art projects. Let kids explore their creative side with imaginative and inspiring camps at CAE this summer. For ages 5-17.

Denver Art Museum

Location: 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver

Website: www.denverartmuseum.org/en/ summer-camps

Details: The camps at the Denver Art Museum get broken into three age groups: 5 to 6, 7 to 8, and 9 to 11. Overall, the themes remain the same — there are camps about art in nature, how to draw, learning about color and sculpture. Each camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes plenty of time in the museum to garner inspiration.

Craftsman & Apprentice

Location: 1335 E 22nd Ave., Denver

Website: www.craftsmanandapprentice. com/pages/summer-2023

Details: Ages 5 to 11 can spend the summer creating worlds out of cardboard, paint, hot glue, ribbons, corks, buttons and more at this Denver kids’ crafting studio. Themes include toys, crafty critters, fiber arts and more.

ON THE STAGE

The Apollo Center Summer Camps

Location: 2655 Industrial Lane, Broomfield

Website: www.theapollocenter.com/ summercamps

Details: The Apollo Center offers a variety of skill-based camps for kids and adults alike. Aerial Performance Camps for kids ages 5-17 years focus on learning aerial technique and choreography throughout the week which will culminate with a camp performance based on the camp theme.

Front Range Theatre Company Triple Threat Summer Camp

Locations: 15035

Performing Arts School, Parker

Website: www.frontrangetheatre.org/ triple-threat-summer-camp.html

Details: Working with professional instructors with years of experience, your child will learn the three major elements of any stage performer: Voice, Dance and Acting. The camps are designed to challenge performers in the entire range of life in the theatre, including a live performance in a mainstage venue!

Audience of One Youth Theatre Camp

Location: Highlands Ranch

Website: www.AO1Theater.org

Details: Whether a student is looking to try out theater for the first time, polish skills or have fun with friends, the AO1 has one-to-two-week camps can work in the summer schedule. AO1’s summer programming includes kids’ productions for ages 5-12, workshops for ages 8-18, and a two-week intensive program for teenagers.

The Arvada Center

Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada

Website: www.arvadacenter.org

Details: If your kid is 5 to 12 and loves a bit of drama and/or art, the Arvada Center has a slew of full- and half-day camps available. The best and most economic way to sign up for camp is to do it in three- or four-week blocks, and the venue offers combinations of visual art, musical theater, drama and music.

Kent Denver Performing Arts Camps

Location: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood

Website: www.KentDenver.org

Details: Summer at Kent Denver School offers all children ages 4–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, hands-on learning in the arts, athletics, our Tiny Farm Day Camp, academics, innovation and technology.

St. Lukes Performing Arts Camps

Location:  8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch

Website: www.StLukesPAA.org

Details: From preschool age to high school

students there are a large variety of summer camp shows planned in Highlands Ranch and Castle Rock areas. Registration is now open.

Castle Rock Dance Academy

Locations: 140 S. Wilcox St. Suite A, Castle Rock

Website: www.castlerockdanceacademy. com

Details: At Castle Rock Dance Academy (CRDA), best friends are made, etiquette and self-discipline are taught, and students learn skills they can carry with them through life. The program offers weekly dance classes in five-week sessions for ages 3–18.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

ing the circus, or just wants to bend, twist and soar through the air, this is the camp for them. Dates run from May 29 through August 14, and include morning and afternoon camps (9:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m.) for ages 6 to 16.

LET’S GET MUSICAL

Maestro Music Institute

Location: 6478 Ward Road, Arvada

Website: www.maestromusicinstitute. com/2023-instrumental-summer-camp

Bowlero

Locations: Multiple locations in Cherry Creek, Littleton and Lone Tree

Website: www.bowlero.com

Details: Fun for all skill levels, Bowlero’s modern spin on bowling is the perfect way to spend quality time with the kids. Celebrate every strike, spare and yes, even gutter balls, with the most famous lanes in the game and a delicious menu of classic American eats.

Camp Urbie at Urban Air Adventure Park

Location: 15400 E. Briarwood Circle, Aurora

Website: www.bit.ly/3IuCQOO

Details: Let ‘em Fly for a whole week of play, in-park activities, snacks and more. Camp Urbie’s Adventure Camp is the best way to beat the summer heat and play in the best indoor playground in town. The weeklong camp is open to kids 7 years and up.

Gold Medal Athletic Camp

Location: Castle Rock Recreation Center

Website: www.crgov.com/2628/Camps

Details: Athletes will participate in small- and large-group instruction, drills and games or scrimmages. We welcome beginner athletes to learn how to use proper mechanics and fundamentals of the sport and intermediate or advanced athletes who want to continue to grow their motor skills and skill in the sport. For ages 7-12.

Tigar Gymnastics Camps

Location: 4860 Van Gordon St. Unit B, Wheat Ridge

Website: www.tigargymnastics.com

Details: A variety of programs at a variety of ages is available at the gymnastics center, including ninja classes and programs for older ages.

RMF Soccer Camp

Location: Aurora Sports Park 19300 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora

Website: www.rmfsoccercampsusa. com/soccer-camp-denver

Details: From July 17 to July 21, this pro-run soccer camp will come to Colorado. It’s run by experienced Spanish UEFA coaches, and goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Kids from 6 to 16 can sign up.

Aerial Cirque Over Denver

Location: 4605 Quebec St., Denver.

Website: www.aerialcirqueoverdenver.com

Details: If your child is thinking of join-

Details: Instrumental Summer Camp is back this year covering a myriad of ensemble opportunities. We will be offering Rock Band, Orchestra, Choir/ Theater, Piano ensemble and composition. Summer campers will have the opportunity to learn new instruments in addition to honing their skills on their primary instrument. Students will work in large and small ensemble groups and perform a variety of music at the end of the week.

Kidzrock Rock Band Camp

Location: 2842 S. Broadway, Englewood

Website: www.musicallifedenver.com/ summercamp

Cost: $319

Details: Rock Band Summer Camp teaches children ages 4 to 7 how to play in a rock band. Campers learn to play drums, electric guitar, keyboard and sing. On the final day, campers perform a short (adorable) concert for parents and family. In addition to rock band time, students get to make music-related arts and crafts, create a fantasy band identity, and play outdoor games at the park next to the school. No prior musical experience is required. No investment in gear is required.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Avid 4 Adventure

Locations: Various spots

Website: www.avid4.com/ summer-camps

Details: For two weeks kids get to bask in nature, away from their parent, at either Camp Windy Peak near Bailey, or Camp Blue Sky near Evergreen. The kids sleep in cabins and build their skill sets in nature and with outdoor sport activities.

Cheley Colorado Camps

Location: Cheley Colorado Camps 3960 Fish Creek Road, Estes Park.

Website: www.cheley.com

Details: If your kid is 9 to 17, send them off to a 27-day overnight camp in Estes Park. Full term is June 13 to August 6, or chose a half term from June 13 to July 9, or July 11 to Aug. 6. Activities include horseback riding, water sports, art and plenty of outdoor adventure.

Camp Granite Lake

Locations: 11902 Camp Eden Road, Golden Website: www.campgranitelake.com

Details: Located in the mountains about an hour from Denver, the camp covers 135 acres including a private lake. It’s a co-ed camp for grades second to ninth. Choose from two sessions, either June 19 through July 8, or July 10 through July 29. There are also mini-camp options for grades 1st through 4th, covering the week of July 31 or Aug. 7.

Communities try design to improve public safety

State dollars aim to prevent crime with environmental changes

BY BRITTANY FREEMAN AND CULLEN PURSER ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Mike Burns bought a home right on the river near Delta, Colorado, with plans to spend the summers shing outdoors with his grandkids. But those kinds of excursions haven’t always felt safe, since the family learned more about what had been happening in their new

“Crime, drugs, theft, things like that,” he said. “Because of the things that are going on, it’s created

It turns out the Burns family had moved to a 2,000-foot stretch of dirt road that is at the epicenter of roughly 10 percent of every call the small local sheri ’s o ce receives.

e sheri sent more deputies to patrol the area but that has left some neighbors even more unnerved.

“You’ve got four or ve sheri ’s vehicles parked next to your yard,” neighbor Steve Martinez said. “What are people going to think about what kind of neighborhood it is that you’re living in?”

But there’s a new sense of hope on this rural Delta County road these days, thanks to an infusion of state dollars set aside to prevent

crime — not with more police ofcers — but with environmental improvements.

e Crime Prevention rough Safer Streets grant program is providing communities with millions of dollars funds for projects like installing new lighting and fences, removing overgrown vegetation in high-crime areas, and building sidewalks and trails. It’s one piece of a package of public safety legislation rolled out in the 2022 Colorado legislative session aimed at reducing crime.

“ ose improvements alone cannot make a safer community. But those improvements are an indicator that a community is involved in its own well-being,” explained architect Ignacio Correa-Ortiz, an urban planner who helped choose projects for the state to fund.

Twenty-three communities large and small across the state have until the end of June to complete more than $6.2 million in grantfunded projects that authorities say are part of a shift in the mindset around law enforcement and crime prevention.

“We’re really good at responding and arresting somebody for drugs or assaults or thefts or burglaries, but of course they get out of jail and recidivism happens,” said Delta County Sheri Mark Taylor. “We think that through this process we’ll be able to prevent crimes rather than just responding to

Mark Taylor, Delta County’s sheri , said lighting and fences, removing overgrown vegetation and other measures can reduce crime.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

crimes.”

e program’s funding could not be used to hire more o cers, or for projects that are typically used to investigate or solve crimes once they have happened, such as facial recognition programs or license plate reader cameras.

“In my opinion, the future of law enforcement is all in crime prevention,” said Delta County code enforcement o cer Everett Neil. “ e best way to handle an issue properly is to keep it from happening in the rst place.”

Neil helped to dream up his county’s grant-funded project after neighbors got together and asked the sheri and county commissioners to help them reduce the crime in their community.

He said he suggested the county fund removal of an abandoned mobile home in the neighborhood that had become a draw for criminal activity and drug use. Neil said he also came to believe the remote wilderness near the river drew criminals who believed it was a good place to hide. When he learned the state was funding environmental improvements to reduce crime, his wheels began to turn.

“ at’s when I realized, well, if we’re getting rid of the mobile home, you know what? Let’s do some fencing. You know what, if we’re gonna do fencing, shoot, let’s do some lighting,” Neil said. “Let’s do a bus stop too, for the kids. And so we started brainstorming.”

Before applying for the funds, Neil and the county’s grant writer visited the neighborhood to make sure the community would support the improvements, most of which would occur on private property.

“ e grant writer and I went down to the neighborhood. We knocked on every door. We talked to every resident, and we wanted to know if they would be willing to participate in this kind of a program, because there is some cost,” he said, noting that residents may see slightly higher electric bills due to the new lighting. “We were met with 100% buy-in.”

“I can’t tell you how many times [Neil] has been to my door saying, ‘ is is what’s going on. is is where we’re at in the process. What do you think about this? I need your input,’” Burns said. “It’s a rare thing, honestly, to feel that the county is being this responsive.”

Neil said he anticipates the changes will make the neighborhood safer, and he made a bold prediction.

“I fully predict that we’ll be able to reduce the crime in this area through this initiative, at least by 50%,” Neil said.

“It’s something that’s exciting to see and start from the ground up,” Sheri Taylor said. “I hope it works. I hope it’s something that we can use in the future.”

is story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonpro t 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.

‘I fully predict that we’ll be able to reduce the crime in this area through this initiative, at least by 50%.’

Everett Neil, Delta County code enforcement o cer

Home prices see biggest sustained dip in years

Will pattern hold?

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It’s a statistic that, not long ago, homebuyers could have only dreamed of: e median price of a single-family home in the Denver area dropped by more than $90,000.

e drop from $660,000 in April to $569,800 this January represented the steepest, longest sustained decline in median sales price for single-family homes in the Denver metro area since the start of 2010.

at’s according to the Colorado Association of Realtors, whose data goes back to that year.

Statewide, the decline in the median price of a single-family home from April to January also represented the steepest, longest sustained decline in that same period.

While that warrants some celebration, that downslide only erased 2022’s price increases — the steep hikes of 2020 and 2021 haven’t been wiped away, and housing a ordability remains dismal in the metro area and around Colorado.

Cooper ayer, a young Realtor in Douglas County, knows people his age can struggle to a ord homes even with the right tools on their side.

“Last year, when I graduated college, I make a slightly-above-median income for my age, but I wouldn’t be able to a ord a home in the next ve

years without external help,” said ayer, 21, who was born and raised in Castle Rock.

Entry-level housing “just isn’t there” in the Denver metro area, especially in Douglas County, ayer said.

“I think the lesson there is that even with good nancial planning and budgeting and nancial literacy, I’m just constrained by the high housing prices and the lack of inventory on the entry-level segment in Douglas County,” ayer said.

What’s ahead

After Colorado’s already-expensive housing market saw prices increase even more steeply during the economic trends of the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Reserve’s raising of interest rates to battle in ation has pushed prices back down.

e Fed’s raising of rates is a signi cant — if not the primary — factor driving home prices lower, ayer said.

Interest rates are the amount a lender charges a borrower for a loan, and when they change, it can a ect mortgage rates but also car loans and credit card debt, which can dampen people’s ability to a ord housing, ayer noted.

If the Fed lowers interest rates later this year, it’s di cult to say whether home prices will shoot back up, erasing recent gains in a ordability, ayer said.

SEE HOUSING, P23

Careers

Help Wanted

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FT & PT Speech-Language Pathologist or SLPA Positions

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PreK-12th grades. Competitive salaries: SLP - $50,450-$56,050 & SLPA- BA $41,000- $46,600, both commensurate upon experience. May also be eligible for loan forgiveness! Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement. Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home. 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. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ ecboces.org

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Full-Time and part-time Registered Occupational Therapist/COTA for 2023-24 School Year! OTR must have, or be eligible for appropriate Colorado licensure. Provide Pre-12 intervention, assessment, direct & indirect services just east of Denver on I-70, Bennett, Strasburg Byers & Kiowa areas COTA Needed for Limon & Surrounding Areas Support from an experienced COTA is available for OT. Full Time Salary range: MA $50,450$56,050 PhD $55,700 -$61,300. Part-Time Salary prorated based on the number of days employed. COTA Salary range BA $41,222$46,600. Excellent Benefits. Access to a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement. May be eligible for a loan forgiveness program! Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home. 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 Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ ecboces.org.

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“Real estate can vary greatly quarter over quarter. I like to think of it more of a year-overyear trend,” Thayer said.

For example, if rates were to return to the level seen in December 2021, home prices in Douglas County in spring 2024 could come back to the highs of spring 2022, Thayer said.

A caveat, though, is the broader economic conditions that may arrive. If interest rates go down in response to an overall economic downturn, people might not be spending as much as they did in spring 2022, Thayer said.

“But we have such a constrained supply, (including) here in Douglas County,” that prices are also propped up by a lack of available homes, Thayer noted.

After a decade, some relief

Although the Denver area and Colorado as a whole have

recently seen a big price drop, much of the downslide occurred during the fall and winter, when prices tend to drop each year as homebuying typically slows down after the usual price increases of summer or fall.

Comparing this January to last January, the drop in median price of a single-family home in metro Denver is more modest: a 1.4% decrease. Statewide, the median price was flat, a 0% change.

Still, even a slight decrease or flattening can come as a relief to Coloradans who have watched prices on a seemingly neverending climb.

This year saw the first January-to-January, year-over-year decrease in median sales price in the Denver metro area since 2010 to 2011, when price stayed relatively flat, according to the Realtor association.

Even amid the recent trends, Thayer says a big downward reset in housing prices isn’t for sure.

“On a scale compared to

something like 2008? Probably not, because of the place the Denver metro area is in right now,” Thayer said. “It is certainly one of the most desirable places to live in the country … so the effects of a nationwide or global economic downturn are going to be lessened here because of that inherent supply constraint and that inherent (desire) to be here.”

Some type of downturn is likely imminent because the economy is cyclical, Thayer said. But he doesn’t foresee a drop in prices of 20% or more in the next 10 years in the Denver metro area relative to the rest of the world.

“I think a 10% drop over the next decade would be more feasible,” said Thayer, noting that even that is not necessarily likely.

What’s more, “it wouldn’t be permanent; it would be cyclical,” he noted.

Affordability an issue in Douglas Douglas County’s housing affordability is low even compared to the rest of the region, with

median housing prices around $100,000 higher than the average in the rest of the metro area, Thayer said.

“And while we do have higher income, the problem is for those service jobs and all those support roles,” Thayer said. He added: “There isn’t housing for entry-level jobs or younger people in the service workforce and in those kind of lower- to middle-income careers.”

He sees a “middle ground” in government policy that would incentivize entry-level housing, such as condos, townhomes and duplexes, so local residents can have a place to live where they work. He thinks that will take shape on the city and county level rather than statewide or nationally.

“As a Realtor, we certainly believe in homeownership in the U.S.,” Thayer said, “so providing homeownership opportunity not just to high-income households but also to the low- and medium-income households so they can build wealth.”

Legals

Districts Public Notice NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected: Douglas A. Severinsen: Four-Year Term Vacant: Four-Year Term Vacant: Four-Year Term Vacant: Two-Year Term ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

By: /s/ Michael Barney Designated Election Official Legal Notice No. 24973

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: March 23, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELATION OF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Deer Creek Water and Sanitation District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513 (1), C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Kirk Schroeder: 4 Year Term Until May 2027

Nicholas Linch: 4 Year Term Until May 2027

VACANCY: 4 Year Term Until May 2027

/s/ Sue Blair

Designated Election Official Contact Person for the District:

7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303.381.4960 (voice) 303. 381.4961 (fax) sblair@crsofcolorado.com

of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023 is hereby cancelled pursuant to §1-13.5-513, C.R.S.

The following candidates for director are declared elected by acclamation:

Laura Puca: 4-year Term, Until May 2027

By: /s/ Michael E. Davis

Designated Election Official Elkhorn Ranch Metropolitan District No. 1

Legal Notice No. 24969

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: March 23, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, ArribaFlagler, Hi-Plains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Liberty, and Idalia.

References: IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) East Central BOCES Comprehensive Plan Section III Process of Identifying

Legal Notice No. 24976

First Publication: March 23, 2023 Last Publication: March 23, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

TO CREDITORS Estate of Victor Soderquist, Deceased Case Number: 23PR5

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 July 9, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred. Valerie Hartman, Personal Representative 24 Woodsong Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Legal Notice No. 24961

First Publication: March 9, 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District Nos. 1-6, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the elections, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the elections to be held on May 2, 2023 are hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:

E. Marshall: Second Regular Election, May 2027

Second Regular Election, May 2027

Vacant: Second Regular Election, May 2027

/s/ James Ruthven

(Designated Election Official)

Contact Person for the District: James Ruthven

Telephone Number of the District: 303-987-0835

Address of the District: 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80228

District Facsimile Number: 303-987-2032 District Email: jruthven@sdmsi.com

Legal Notice No. 24977

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: March 23, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice

NOTICE OF

Misc. Private Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHILD FIND

East Central BOCES and/or its member districts would like to locate all 3 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, 3 through 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for special education services under Part B of IDEA.

Ages 3 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to the following:

•Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools)

•Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School)

•Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools)

• Kit Carson County (Bethune, Stratton, Arriba-Flagler & Hi-Plains Schools)

•Arapahoe County (Byers, Deer Trail, Strasburg & Bennett Schools)

•Washington County (Arickaree & Woodlin Schools)

•Adams County (Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail Schools)

•Lincoln County (Limon & Karval Schools)

•Elbert County (Agate & Kiowa Schools)

•Kit Carson County (Burlington Schools)

Please contact: Stacey Brown, Child Find Coordinator(719) 775-2342, ext. 133

All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to the local school district administrator, special education teacher, East Central BOCES (719) 775-2342, ext. 101.

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF CARL F. PITCHFORD, aka CARL FREDRICK PITCHFORD, aka CARL PITCHFORD, aka FRED PITCHFORD, DECEASED Case Number: 2023 PR 30016

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 August 5, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

W. Douglas Hoak, Reg. #43148

Attorney to the Personal Representative 8055 E. Tufts Ave., Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80237

Legal Notice No. 24970

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: April 6, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of Noel Claire Dalbey, a.k.a. Noel Dalbey, a.k.a. Noel C. Dalbey Deceased Case Number: 23PR30017

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or the District Court, Elbert County, Colorado, on or before July 23, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Carla Dalbey Schwartzkopf, Personal Representative, 11634 E Evans Ave. Aurora, Colorado 80014

Last Publication: March 23, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

Name Changes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on March 6, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Erica Shinya Kim be changed to Erica Kim Shinya Case No.: 23C81

By: Brian Fields, Magistrate

Legal Notice No. 24972

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: April 6, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on February 16, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Jodell Rennae Mutschler be changed to Jody Rennae Mutschler Case No.: 23C7

By: Jafeen Jenkins, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. 24971

First Publication: March 23, 2023

Last Publication: April 6, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News ### Elbert County Legals March 23, 2022 *