Elbert County News 090723

Teachers stay for connections, community

Elizabeth district keeps some dedicated educators despite challenges posed by pay

It’s no secret that the Elizabeth School District has struggled to keep teachers. In an article published in the Elbert County News on June 29 of this year, the Elizabeth School District needed to replace 30% of its teaching sta for the upcoming school year.

Teacher pay consistently tops the list of reasons it is di cult to keep sta within the District. Teachers in neighboring districts make signicantly more income than those in the Elizabeth School District. While this dramatic pay gap continues to be a challenge, there are a number of educators who have remained in the Elizabeth School District year after year.

We know some of the factors that are causing teachers to leave the district, but what is making some stay?

Lisa Mullins, who began her career with the district in 1998 and currently teaches computer classes and yearbook at Elizabeth Middle School says, “I have spent my career in the

THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR In a lonely world, friendship makes a di erence P12

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger, left, honors Food Services Director Teri Maher for her 20 years with the district.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thomas sues fellow commissioners

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the latest twist in an ongoing drama involving Douglas County governance, Commissioner Lora omas has led a lawsuit against her colleagues. e suit seeks to recover the attorneys fees omas incurred as she defended herself amid allegations that she created a hostile work environment and wrongfully distributed a government document. e suit names omas’ fellow commissioners, Abe Laydon and George Teal. It centers on their allegations of malfeasance and the subsquent investigation launched by Laydon and Teal last year. e investigation, by outside legal counsel, found that while omas had distributed an anonymous letter that criticized speci c employees in the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce, doing so did not create a hostile work environment.

“While Laydon and Teal directed multiple legal actions against me using county-funded lawyers, they

forced me to personally shoulder my own legal expenses to defend against their ridiculous and outrageous allegations,” omas wrote in a news release in coordination with the ling of the suit on Aug. 29. omas in the past had asked

Laydon and Teal to “personally repay the taxpayers” of the county for her related legal expenses.

“I have — not once, but twice over the past seven months — formally requested to be reimbursed for my attorney fees resulting from my defense,” omas wrote, adding that Laydon and Teal rejected her requests.

omas’ legal counsel during the investigation cost her about $5,700, according to the lawsuit complaint in Douglas County District Court.

“ is legal action I take today is about more than just money; it is about the abject abuse of authority versus what is right, just and correct,” omas stated.

e lawsuit comes comes a day after Laydon and Teal voted to remove omas from outside boards that oversee organizations in the community and a week after the two voted to censure — or formally disapprove — of omas in another matter. And it comes amid a string of 2-1 con icts on the three commissioner board.

Legal arguments

omas’ lawsuit asserts her legal fees must be reimbursed based on two di erent arguments.

“Acting County Attorney Christopher K. Pratt, Esq., advised the Commissioners in (a) public session that the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (‘CGIA’) required them to pay Commissioner omas’ legal fees for defending against the investigations unless … Commissioner omas’ conduct was not only

illegal, but willfully and wantonly illegal,” the legal complaint said.

e complaint also references the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision in a case called Wadlow v. Kanaly.

e Colorado Supreme Court recently rea rmed the Wadlow decision in a case called Adams County Commissioners v. Adams County Treasurer, the complaint said.

“[W]hen the question of the respective powers of two governmental bodies is at issue, it would be inequitable to require one o cial, acting in [her] o cial capacity, to personally bear the burden of attorneys’ fees and costs generated in the suit,” the complaint said.

e complaint argues that the Wadlow case applies because Laydon, Teal and omas are engaged in a dispute regarding the powers of their o ces with respect to omas’ powers as an individual commissioner.

Laydon and Teal have used the county attorney, or an outside law rm hired by the county attorney, to represent them “at no personal expense — while forcing omas to ‘personally bear the burden of attorneys’ fees and costs generated’ by their actions,” the complaint said. e investigation of omas by outside legal counsel cost about $24,000 in total. e cost was previously reported as $17,000.

“When the request for the total cost was made in the summer of 2022, the nal invoice for $6750 had not yet been paid … With the addition of the nal invoice of $6750, the nal total cost is now $23,746.46,” an email from county sta said.

In a statement, Laydon said that “ omas expecting the people of this county to pay her for her own malfeasance, which has already cost this community too much, is a continued re ection of her habitual poor judgment.”

“To be clear, Lora omas has never been cleared by the board for civil wrongdoing and multiple blatant violations of the board policy manual, which she approved and agreed to uphold,” Laydon said in the Aug. 30 statement. “I sincerely hope that our colleague will return her focus from herself back to serving the people in her nal months on the board of county commissioners.”

Teal did not respond for comment the afternoon of Aug. 30.

Douglas County commissioners George Teal, left, Chairman Abe Laydon and Lora Thomas. FILE PHOTO

Parker Police O cer Jonathan Warn becomes U.S. citizen

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Over a two-month period, Ofcer Jonathan Warn experienced two life changing moments as he was sworn into the Parker Police Department and became a US citizen.

Born in Plymouth, England, Warn immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 3 years old and received a green card in 2005. is year, he decided to take it upon himself to go through the last step of becoming a citizen.

“ is is my home, this is my country, I really should have every part of that,” said Warn.

Naturalization is the “process by which citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act,” according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

It is a 10 step process that includes interviews and testing before taking an oath of allegiance at a ceremony.

In July, Warn was one of three o cers sworn into the Parker

Police Department. On Aug. 17, he was among 34 individuals who took the oath and were o cially naturalized as American citizens.

From countries such as Ghana, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Columbia and Israel, more than 30 people represented 17 di erent countries.

American ags were waiving in the sea of family and friends as everyone received their certicates. Warn said he was at a loss for words.

“It was a powerful moment,” said Warn. “I was really just taken away with this whole ceremony.”

With the certi cate in his hand and a large smile on his face, Warn spoke about how this is a monumental moment for him.

“It’s everything,” said Warn. “It means a lot to me to be sworn in as a police o cer last month and being a US citizen this month.” ere in support was Deputy Chief of Police Ron Combs and Chief Jim Tsurapas.

“It’s a diverse department,” said Tsurapas.

Warn is not the only o cer of the Parker Police Department to

SEE CITIZEN, P5

Thursday, September 14,

CITIZEN

gain their American Citizenship. Sgt. Chris Kozuch — who is no longer with the department —

became a naturalized citizen in 2006.

Also, born in Australia, Tsurapas became an American citizen about 40 years ago. He said it was great to see Warn have this opportunity and have him a part of the department.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Raise awareness for suicide prevention and treatment, know the risks and warning signs for suicide and what to do in a crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Colorado Crisis Center at 844-493-TALK (8255) If this is an emergency, call 911.

National Preparedness Month

Fires, floods, and severe weather. Are you ready if a local emergency occurs? Make a plan today. For more information visit ready.gov

What’s happening with your County government?

Re-discover their timeless music all over again!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4th

7:00pm

Performing timeless classics: Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Tom Dooley Greenback Dollar A Worried Man The Tijuana Jail And more...

PAUL MITCHELL SYSTEMS PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH Parker Arts Center 20000 Pikes Peak Ave Parker, Colorado

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, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings.

Parker Police O cer Jonathan Warn receives his certificate of citizenship at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Centennial during a ceremony. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

County budget not at risk if Prop. HH passes

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Since the unveiling of Proposition HH this spring, the plan from Colorado Democrats in response to an impending wave of property tax bill increases has become a political ash point in Douglas County, with claims ying and public o cials openly opposing the proposal.

But one thing appears clear: Prop HH would not put Douglas County’s budget in danger of large cuts.

Among other things, the Democrats’ plan, according to the governor’s o ce, would cap the growth in local governments’ property tax revenue, excluding school districts, based on in ation.

“ ere is a paragraph in this (plan) that caps county revenue at the in ation rate of 2022, which was 8%,”

County Commissioner Lora omas said during a Douglas County town hall on June 28.

Local governments stand to take

in large amounts more property tax revenue for next year than they did for 2023 because Colorado’s expensive real-estate market has driven up home values.

e issue for Douglas County’s nances is that state Senate Bill 23-303 requires county revenue to start where it last left o , according to county o cials.

Because Douglas County approved

a $10 million property tax discount — or mill levy credit — for taxpayers for 2023, Douglas County revenue in 2024 would start at a lower baseline level if voters were to approve Prop HH, omas has said. (Prop HH was proposed by the state legislature’s passing of SB23-303.)

If the county doesn’t see enough revenue come in, it would have to “lay people o ,” omas initially said at a June 13 speaking event in Highlands Ranch.

omas later clari ed to Colorado Community Media that “there are di erent ways that we can reduce our costs without laying o people.”

But Prop HH wouldn’t impose a budget crisis on the county. If Colorado voters pass Prop HH in November, Douglas County could go above that revenue cap if it posts a public meeting date and allows for the public to comment before the county commissioners vote to exceed the cap.

omas has acknowledged that the county’s leaders could vote to opt out

Homes sit in the Castle Pines area in August. Homeowners are facing steep increases in their property tax bills around the Denver metro area, an issue that o cials in Douglas County have called attention to over the last several months. PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

SEE PROP HH, P7

PROP HH

of the cap.

But “I would not vote to support that,” omas told CCM in August. “ is board’s overspending should not be passed on to taxpayers.”

Here’s a look at why homeowners’ property tax bills may be so high next year, how Prop HH ts into the issue and why concerns have arisen about the county’s budget.

Why property taxes are at issue

Driven by a costly real-estate market, home values — as calculated for property tax purposes — have spiked since the last time homeowners received notices of value two years ago. In Douglas County, residential properties saw increases in value between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.

Colorado law requires county as-

sessors to value properties every two years, according to Douglas County’s website. e property valuation that homeowners recently received is based on data as of June 2022, near the recent peak in the real-estate market.

Even though home prices have declined since then, property values re ect last year’s exceptional highs. And when property values increase, the tax bills property owners pay also go up — even if the tax rates themselves don’t change.

Democrats say they rolled out Prop HH to blunt the impact of high property values on Coloradans’ property tax payments.

What Coloradans pay in property taxes depends in part on property values — such as the value of a home — and the tax rates set by local government entities like counties and school districts. (Property tax rates are o cially called “mill levies.”)

Property taxes partly fund county

governments, but they also fund re districts, library districts and other local entities.

An HH possibility

If voters pass Prop HH and the county commissioners decide not to opt out of the revenue cap, Douglas County’s nances could take a relatively small hit.

e “planned 2024 budget forecasted property tax revenues to increase by $17.5 million,” said Martha Marshall, the county’s budget director. “Preliminary HH property tax forecast is $10.5 million.”

Marshall’s comment referred to the county’s general fund, one of the buckets of county money. As the county’s “main operating fund,” the general fund accounts for county services such as public safety, parks and recreation, elections, and fairgrounds, among others, according to the county budget document.

For context, Douglas County’s 2023 appropriation for the general

fund totaled $183 million, according to the budget document.

Overall, Douglas County’s expenditures in its 2023 budget totaled $580 million, according to the document.

Looking at budget

If Prop HH passes and the county commissioners let the revenue cap stand, the county could reduce costs without laying people o , county ofcials have told CCM.[cqmedia omas said in the past, the county has put together “packages” so people can take early retirement. At the June 28 event, omas said the county could look at “some spending programs, some early retirement programs” to address the issue.

If the county has a vacancy in its building department, it could put that position “in the freezer,” county sta provided as an example.

SEE PROP HH, P31

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EHS girls launch flag football team

Athletic director cites value of ‘positive outlet’

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

routes. Terminology like “checkdowns” and “rushing” are largely new to the team. e girls’ ag football team is not only moving forward but making huge leaps.

London Machado, a junior, was the rst to sign up to play. Machado said it’s “so exciting to be in a new sport at EHS.”

football teams.

Girls’ ag football started just last year in Colorado and has exploded in growth. In 2022, there were about 22 teams and this year it’s more than doubled, for a total of 54. Teams can play more games this year too: 23, up from 19.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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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 Tues. 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.

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e baseball dugout at Elizabeth High School is lled with the sounds of girls discussing stinky cleats, no-show socks and misshapen mouthguards. ey’re lled with excitement and optimism. ey aren’t there to play baseball; they’re part of the new EHS girls’ ag football team. began as a group of about nine students has grown to 15.

John Everhart, the athletic director at EHS, enjoys playing ag football himself and jumped at the opportunity to add the program. Flag football is “a really cool spin on football,” he said, and is a “positive outlet for girls.”

Everhart’s overarching goal for EHS Athletics is for “our coaches to continue to push our athletes for growth both on and o the eld in a positive way. I want all of us to be all in on the goal of moving forward each day.”

Summer Katzo , an EHS teacher of 18 years, is the head coach. Fellow teacher Stephen Salansky is co-coaching. ey started o teaching the fundamentals — passing, ag pulling, and learning to run

TEACHERS

FROM PAGE 1

Elizabeth School District because of the people. From the students and parents, to my colleagues and administrators, it always feels like `home’ and that I am part of a supportive, extended family.”

Kerry Jiblits, who retired from Running Creek Elementary School in May 2022 after 28 years of teaching, was contacted by the principal earlier this summer and asked to come back on a part-time basis. She is now working as an instructional coach at Running Creek, assisting teachers who are new this year.

“I have been so privileged to work with so many wonderful students, colleagues, and families,” Jiblits says. “Living in the same community in which I teach has really given me a strong connection to the school and its families. I love seeing my students and their families at the store, or the park, or while eating out, and it has been so fun to see them over the years!

EHS will play much larger schools like Cherry Creek, Columbine and underRidge; for comparison, some schools have enough students to eld four teams. At a coaching clinic hosted by the Denver Broncos, Katzo met a coach who had 100 girls show up to play. Despite this, Machado remains undaunted, “We might not be the best, but you don’t learn anything from winning. It’s good to be outside and get the experience.”

e rst Jamboree, a series of three games per team, was on Aug. 26. Everhart was in attendance and witnessed the team adjusting their game and making changes on the y. Coach Katzo made mid-game adjustments to the defense and started pressuring the quarterback. e strategy change paid o ; after two losses, EHS won their third game against underRidge High School 20-0.

On Sept. 1 EHS hosted their rst home ag football game and on Sept. 23 EHS will host a Jamboree for 11 other ag

And now, I am working with the kids of my former students. I LOVE that!”

She also added “I have had many opportunities to work elsewhere and make more money, but my heart is in Running Creek, and I just couldn’t leave. In fact, that is why I was so willing to come out of retirement — my heart is there, and I want to be a part of helping Running Creek be the best school it can be.” is strong sense of community seems to be an important part of the longevity of some of the district’s teachers — and there are other reasons. “I think Elizabeth School District works really hard to keep class sizes relatively small,” said Jiblits. is allows teachers to develop deeper connections with their students and, in turn, for students to develop stronger bonds and trust with their teachers. is opportunity for connection, Jiblits feels, is essential in nding success as an educator. “I don’t think that anyone can be successful as an educator without making strong connections with your students. ey need to know that you care for them as individuals and also as a

ere is no formal girls’ high school ag football league in Colorado; the Colorado High School Activities Association has instituted a two-year pilot program to gauge if there’s enough interest. e Broncos, alongside CHSAA, launched the program with the goal of helping it become a sanctioned sport statewide by April 2024.

Flag football is unique because any girl, with any level of experience, can succeed. Bobby Mestas, the Broncos’ director of youth and high school football development, estimates that 150 of the girls who signed up have never played a high school sport before. All of the girls on the EHS ag football team have played other sports, but none has ever played ag football before this year.

Katzo is accepting donations to go toward equipment, new jerseys, and the end-of-season banquet. Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/ehsgirls.

To see photos of the team, go online to elbertcountynews.net or nd this story through the paper’s Facebook page.

team or community. For me personally, I measured my success by the connections I made with my kids, by their love/ enjoyment of reading, and by their ability to problem solve independently.”

Mullins echoes the importance of connection by saying, “My best classes are ones where we laugh and have fun but still get things accomplished. I have been blessed to make connections with students and parents that I still keep in touch with long after graduation. I have been around long enough now to have students that are children of past students.”

Recently the Elizabeth School District held a celebration to honor some of the longstanding educators and employees within the district. ose honored include Joann O’Malley and Tina Waymire, both for 30 years of service, Mary Peavler and Jim Wilson for 25 years and Teri Maher and Shauna Agee for 20 years with the district, all dedicated educators devoted to Elizabeth School District kids.

Go to elbertcountynews.net or our Facebook page for more photos.

Thu 9/14

Neil Z @ Earls Kitchen @ 6pm

Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree

Crazy Dave, Bass Guitarist: Fleatwood Mac Tribute | Herman's Hideaway @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Fri 9/15

The King Stan Band live in Paradise @ 6pm Paradise Tavern, 9239 Park Mead‐ows Dr, Lone Tree

Sat 9/16

Eric Golden @ 1pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Giant Zero at 105 West Brewing @ 5pm 105 West Brewing Company, 1043 Park St, Castle Rock

7th Annual BackCountry 5KCowboy Up for Ellen! @ 7:30am / $30 Solstice Park - 10610 Sundial Rim Road, BackCountry, Highlands Ranch

Dear Marsha,: DM and her Freaky Band @ 6pm

Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centen‐nial

The Barlow @ 2:30pm

Breckenridge Brewery, 2920 Brewery Ln, Littleton Ministry @ 5pm Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage

Saint Motel: The Awards Show

Tour @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Sun 9/17

Soundularity: Yoga Event w Vibe

Yoga+Wellness @ 10am

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia

Flyin' Lion 5K @ 8am / $15-$30 199 E. Littleton Blvd., Littleton

Thu 9/21

Adam Ezra Group: The Schoolhouse - Uncharted Music Series (Adam Solo) @ 6:30pm

The Schoolhouse at Mainstreet, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker

Hard work, hard facts

This month, we observe Labor Day. e day when the hard workers of this country are honored for their social and economic impacts on America.

I am a fan of inspirational quotes and sayings. I love it when they pass through my Facebook scrolling, often sharing them. Recently, one that caught my attention focused on how we were not put on this planet to work ourselves to death to pay for the lives we can’t even a ord these days.

In Denver, in ation is high. Rent isn’t cheap and mortgages are at a 21-year high.

Unfortunately, our jobs are the only thing that keeps us going. If we want extras — many of us work harder or just go without.

A friend recently posted about getting her paycheck and after paying bills — wasn’t sure she would have much left for food or amenities that month.

e growing issue of food insecurity in this country worries me for many reasons. When I talk to high school administrators and college o cials they often mention the fact that they need food pantries with supplies because how can you learn anything when your bellies are empty?

ose students are coming from homes where more families are hungry but maybe without a pantry to get food. e number of hungry citizens is growing.

In America, minimum wage and even those being paid above it — are not making ends meet. ere is a disconnect in this country and while there is a lot of talk of equality and diversity — I would argue that the growing separation of the classes is the major problem that needs to be addressed.

According to the website Living Wage, an analysis (as calculated in December 2022 and re ecting a compensation being o ered to an individual in 2023) compiling geographically speci c expenditure data for food, childcare, health care, housing, transportation, and other necessities, nds that the

FROM THE EDITOR

living wage in the United States is $25.02 per hour, or $104,077.70 per year in 2022, before taxes for a family of four (two working adults, two children), compared to $24.16, or $100,498.60 in 2021.

Last year, Colorado Community Media did an extensive series on housing and how we are a ected by the volatile market across the Denver metro area. In that, an interesting conversation we had in the newsroom centered around the cliché of the “American Dream.”

I was once that American Dreamer. I got married. We were at low levels in our jobs, living in a one-bedroom apartment where the neighborhood was not so great.

My husband and I worked hard. We advanced in our careers. Years went on — we bought our rst home. We had children. We moved. We bought our second home. All along the way, following that sales pitch that achieving the American Dream means success in our country.

Along the way — Americans and I have started questioning that dream.

Young adults are no longer thinking about marriage, families, and buying that house. Instead, they are in survival mode. ey are also starting to set more boundaries at work. ey are starting to question the feasibility of owning a home where the mortgage rates are unaffordable, and an HOA appears to have way too many rights.

With Labor Day this month — let’s not think just about working hard. Let’s also think about why we work and it is not supposed to be just about getting by.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Gratitude, sorrow over Pride

I have deep gratitude and profound sorrow regarding the recent Castle Rock Pride Festival in Douglas County, an event meant to celebrate love, inclusivity, and the LGBTQ+ community. I am incredibly grateful that my young adult children went early and had the opportunity to be themselves and enjoy space they usually avoid due to their prevailing experiences of hatefulness in Douglas County overall.

Distressingly, the festival was disrupted by intruders wearing identical shirts. e religious militia group, Able Shepherd, succeeded to intimidate and terrorize children and attendees in Jesus’ name. To add insult to injury, the white supremacy group Patriot Front showed up, and several friends heard homophobic slurs like “groomers” “pedophiles” and “you don’t deserve to live.”

ese acts of hatred and intimidation are antithetical to the values that the Pride Festival represents and anyone who believes in Jesus. Every human deserves to be treated respectfully.

e Douglas County Sheri ’s Ofce has released a video of someone spray painting “Groomers” on a Douglas County Fairgrounds building and a few cars. Far right extremists have been making these unfounded “groomer” accusations for years. But in fact, overwhelming

evidence shows that heterosexual men commit the highest percentage of sexual predatory acts against children.

Despite warnings from CR Pride organizers about potential dangers there was a lack of police action to protect attendees. Children could be heard crying and the intended psychological harm was done. Why weren’t more police o cers called to protect the citizens who were lawfully there to enjoy themselves? Is it because Able Shepherd and DCSO train together? Why were these grown “Christian” men allowed to stay and make children cry in fear at a peaceful and love- lled event? ese questions demand answers. e inactions of our elected o cials and silence from DCSO are deeply disappointing and suggest a bias that warrants thorough independent investigations.

It is essential that we, as a community, stand united against all hatred and bigotry. Religious freedoms do not supersede constitutional rights. e Pride Festival is a symbol of the progress we have made as a society. e point of Pride is to create a safe place for people to be themselves. Let us learn from this incident and work together to create a more inclusive and protected environment for everyone in Castle Rock and beyond.

Jennifer Iversen Castle Pines

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

Thelma Grimes

A better than good life WINNING

If you are a regular reader of my column, you have probably noticed that in my nal paragraph, I end by saying that if we apply the concepts that I share, “It really will be a better than good life.” Many years ago, when I rst started writing this column, my ending was targeted week-to-week, so my nal statement read, “It really will be a better than good week.” After a few years, I expanded it and ended the column with, “It really will be a better than good year.” And then nally settled on “Better than good life.”

Many have asked about this, so here is the inspiration behind being better than good for a day, week, month, year, or lifetime.

Having been a student of Zig Ziglar for many years prior to eventually working with him, I would listen to his recordings, attend his seminars and trainings, and try and catch every little nugget he would share. While waiting in line to meet Zig and get my book signed one day after a seminar, I listened as he greeted everyone who approached the table. He would mix his greeting up as so many of us came through the line. e one that really caught my attention is when he would ask someone how they were doing and they would respond with, “Good.” Zig would immediately respond with, “Are you doing good or are you better than good?” People would look, smile, and say, “Better than good Zig, and thank you for the reminder.”

If you were to do an honest assessment right now, answering the same question, “Are you doing good or are you better than good?” How would you respond? Of course, we have seasons of life and situations where we might honestly reply with, “Just good, or OK, or actually feeling really low.” But those are just moments in time. What I ask you to consider is the majority of the days of our lives.

Zig Ziglar eventually did write a book titled “Better an Good.” It is an amazing book with tons of realworld applications of how we can all make an intentional e ort to live a better than good life. And here are six quick points that Zig makes in this book:

Wait to worry — most of us have been conditioned to jump right to the worry stage before we know all

of the details and facts.

Stay in the game — people fall down but winners get up.

Insist on integrity — doing the right thing and expect others to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Stay out of debt — with the persistent temptation to keep up with those around us, it is easy to quickly amass a mountain of debt. Fear not — the fears that lurk inside of us all can keep us from achieving our goals and dreams. Have the rst laugh — laughter is a great stress reducer. Next to love, laughter has been described as the second most powerful emotion we can express.

Each week I try and write something motivational, inspiring, educational, or something positive, encouraging, and maybe something that will bring others hope. And I am so grateful for having had such a tremendous mentor, boss, and leader and whose message I try to keep alive through some of my writings and talks.

As I share this with you all, I have had plenty of critics along the way, and that’s OK. When they engage and say this motivational stu doesn’t work, I simply challenge them to suspend disbelief for just a little bit, and at least try applying some of the concepts I am sharing, and then if it doesn’t start to lead to a better than good life, write me back and together we will work on a new, but still intentional path, to living a better than good life.

Is it time for you to be intentional about how you want your days, weeks, months, and years to play out? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can respond with, “Better than good, and thanks for the reminder,” 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.

Why we need friends

In an increasingly lonely society, friends are important for our health

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At the Littleton branch of Meals on Wheels, delivering food is only one part of the mission.

e organization’s job is to deliver meals to seniors who need them. Volunteers help pack up the food made by the chef and then drive them to various homes in the South Metro area.

While addressing food insecurity, volunteers are also helping seniors feel less isolat-

ed. Gayle Melges, their director of operations, said drivers are encouraged to stay a while to talk with the client.

“ at makes a huge di erence,” she said.  Volunteers not only spend time chatting, but also remember birthdays. e organization will send seniors a birthday cake for the holiday, and for some, it’s the only thing they receive, Melges said.

“ at little bit of being remembered and being a part of the community I think is huge,” Melges said.

Melges has seen isolation increase due to

the pandemic. She noted a loss of community after guidance to stay indoors to not spread the virus. Some of that sense of community is still being rebuilt.

“COVID-19 created a lot of need, especially as everybody was encouraged to not go anywhere and do anything,” Melges said.

Isolation among adults has been a prevalent issue. e Surgeon General released an advisory earlier this year calling attention to the issue. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,

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FRIENDS

over half of U.S. adults reported experiencing some sense of loneliness, with the pandemic only making that worse.

Loneliness comes with health e ects, too. According to the Surgeon General, poor or insu cient connection results in a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke and 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.

ere’s plenty of evidence pointing to how bene cial friendship is, as well as the adverse outcomes of loneliness and social isolation, according to Randi Smith, a professor of psychological sciences at Metropolitan State University.

“We know that people who are lonely and feel socially disconnected have a lot harder time with stress,” Smith said. “ ey’re more

inclined to depressive symptoms, anxiety, more likely to have suicidal ideation or be at greater risk of suicide.”

She provided the example of having a stressful situation to navigate. Having a friend to work through the problem helps, as opposed to being alone.

“We humans are better at being kind and supportive to other people often than we are to ourselves,” she said.

Friendship also increases emotional intimacy.

Smith explained that some of the need comes from evolution. As a social species, humans couldn’t survive without a group. As an example, she pointed to babies developing re exes like grasping to nd an adult.

“Relatedness is a hardwired need that human beings have,” she said.

Physical touch also comes into play. Not just sexual contact, but simple things like a hand on the shoulder or a hug can activate positive physiological responses, Smith said. With people isolating during the pandemic, physical touch sometimes fell by the wayside.

What is a friend?

To each person, a friend means something di erent. And there isn’t a universal standard.

“A friend is best de ned as a self-perception, not as some objective measure,” Smith said.

It’s not the number of friends someone has, but rather one’s own perceived social support. Someone may need one person who is always there for them, or six. It also comes down to reciprocity.

“It’s not just being on the receiving end of social support that we need. It’s also being on the giving end of it,” she said.

Humans feel like helping others because it helps develop a sense of belonging.

Making friends

As people age, it becomes increasingly difcult to make friends.

At di erent life stages, like when children are in school or young adults are in college, it groups many people in the same place going through similar circumstances.  ose settings aren’t as common as people age, but it’s still possible.

Smith said people can use a new app called Bumble BFF, or join in on community events.

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SONYA’S SAMPLER

‘Naughty Bits’ back at Buntport

Buntport eater, 717 Lipan St. in Denver, will do a repeat of its “Naughty Bits” featuring a Greek statue of Hercules, which is missing its “naughty bit.” Oct. 6 to 22. Friday, Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Name your own ticket price. 720-946-1388, buntport. com.

Larkspur festival

e annual Larkspur Autumn Arts and Crafts Festival is back on Sept. 16 and 17, after missing last year. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Larkspur Community Park, close to the highway. Works by 50 artists and, entertainment for kids. Live music, food trucks, visits from medical helicopters during both days.

HOOTenanny

e 12th Annual HOOTenanny Owl and Music Festival at the Audubon Kingery Nature Center, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton, on Sept. 30. Live nature demos. Music by Nearly ere Band at 11-12; 12:30 to 1:30. Woodsy Owl with the U.S. Forest Service will appear. Snacks and beverages at the gift shop. Owl hats, pillows and more.

Colorado Gallery of the Arts

“ is is Colorado” exhibit at Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College, through Sept. 21. Sponsored by Heritage Fine Arts Guild of Littleton. Juror: Lee Waslick. Open 9-5, Monday to Friday, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.

Newman Center

Newman Center’s “Newman Center Presents” Series presents Martha Graham Dance Company on Sept. 22, 23. See newmancenterpresents. com.

Mizel eater, is named executive producer at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. Programming there will be announced soon.

Performance Now

Performance Now eatre Company will present a catered dinner and show on Sept. 9 and 16 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. e company will just present “Seussical” on other weekend dates, directed by Kelly Van Oosbrey. See performancenow.org.

Stories on Stage

Stories on Stage begins its season with “Random Acts of Kindness” featuring Jessica Roblee, Sam Gregory and Martha Harmon Pardee at 2

ver. Milk and cookies served afterwards. Tickets cost $26. See storiesonstage.org or call 303-4940523.

Vintage Theatre

“Cabaret” by Kander and Ebb starts out Vintage eatre’s season at 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Performances: Sept. 15 to Oct. 22. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fri./Sat.: Sept. 15 to Oct. 22. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$38. See vintagetheatre.org.

Curious Theatre

“ e Minutes” by Tracy Letts plays at Curious eatre, 1080 Acoma St., Denver, in a regional premiere, opening Sept. 9. See curioustheatre. org.

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Castle Rock

“Naughty Bits,” featuring a Greek statue of Hercules that has lost what’s referenced in the title, is coming back to Buntport Theater at 717 Lipan St. in Denver. IMAGE COURTESY OF BUNTPORT THEATER

(BPT) - Did you know you can start protecting your baby against u while you are still pregnant? For pregnant people, getting a u shot is the rst and most important action you can take to protect both yourself and your baby from u and its potentially serious complications.

You may have heard that pregnant people are at higher risk of getting very sick and being hospitalized with u. is may be because of changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy. Flu also may be harmful to a pregnant person’s developing baby. A common u symptom, fever, has been associated in some studies with adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Additionally, babies younger than 6 months are at higher risk of getting very sick from u, but they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

FLU SHOT BENEFITS FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

But there is some great news about u shots for pregnant people and their babies. Studies show a u shot during pregnancy protects pregnant people from u during and after pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects the infant during the rst few months after birth when they are too young to get vaccinated themselves. One study showed fewer cases of infants with in uenza in mothers who received the vaccine compared to those mothers who were not vaccinated, displaying a high degree of vaccine e ectiveness. is is because, as a pregnant parent, you pass your antibodies on to your developing baby during your pregnancy.

WHEN TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR BABY

A u shot can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. For most pregnant people, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. For pregnant people in their third trimester, however, vaccination during July or August can be considered to provide optimal protection against u for the baby after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated. is information is outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance for the prevention of u through vaccination for the 2023-2024 season, which was adopted by CDC’s director as CDC policy on June 28, 2023.

GET YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY!

ere are many di erent options for you to get a u shot, including at a health care provider’s o ce, at work, a pharmacy, some stores or even supermarkets. Speak to your health care provider today to learn more about how a u shot can protect you and your baby, and to access information about the importance of all maternal vaccinations including Tdap, COVID-19 and HepB vaccines. You can learn more about u and pregnancy at cdc.gov/ u/ highrisk/pregnant.htm.

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Here’s how to protect yourself and your baby against flu

Winter months bring the trifecta of illness Will 2023 have high numbers of flu, RSV, and COVID?

By elma Grimes

With colder months just around the corner, that means it’s time to start thinking about and preparing for the trifecta of illnesses that comes with winter. In 2022, the trifecta was a word used to describe the unseasonably high number of cases of COVID, in uenza and, on the rise in recent years, RSV, also known as a respiratory syncytial virus.

Not only has the increased number of RSV cases caused worries for health o cials across the Front Range, but the early onset of when they start seeing patients ll hospital rooms is a concern.

In 2021, from Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree to Children’s Hospital Colorado campuses across the metro area, doctors said they were seeing RSV cases in August and September, which is uncommon for a respiratory virus that is more common during what is considered u season.

Flu season generally runs between October and February, with the height of cases popping up between December and February.

RSV, usually a respiratory issue that a ects children, is also being seen in more adults over the last few years.

Dr. Ben Usatch, UCHealth emergency-room director at Highlands Ranch Hospital, said there is an RSV vaccine available this year. While noting it is not new, Usatch said attention to the vaccine has increased as more adults, especially senior citizens, are coming down with RSV.

Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. More severe cases require hospitalization, especially for infants and toddlers.

According to the Colorado Department of Health and Wellness, since October 2022 there have been 2,597 RSV hospital admissions in

Douglas, Je erson, Arapahoe and Adams counties.

ere have been 4,174 COVID hospital admissions in the four-county stretch along the Front Range. In u cases, the state health department has tracked 1,502 admissions.

Usatch said that while he does not have any real studies to back it up, he believes when schools and society shut down during the pandemic, immune systems were weakened

Usatch said once the masks came o , immune systems were put back to work, and that could be the reason for more cases of u, COVID-19 and RSV in 2021 and 2022.

Agreeing with Usatch, Dr. Matt Mendenhall, chief medical o cer at AdventHealth Littleton, said unmasking invited cold seasons to return. During the stretch of the

pandemic when nearly everyone wore masks, colds, RSV and the u were almost nonexistent.

“Last year was a bit overwhelming since it all returned and caught like wild re,” Mendenhall said. “I have never seen an RSV season like last year. e worry this year is if RSV will overwhelm our healthcare systems again.”

Still, Mendenhall said he is optimistic about RSV in 2023, given there have been approved vaccinations for older adults, while the FDA approved Beyfortus for infants.

Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody, is approved for infants and toddlers 24 months and younger, who are the most vulnerable to RSV.

In the upcoming season, Usatch said he believes things could be better than the last two years because disease resistance has increased as

people have returned to ordinary living.

Usatch said the increase in tracking cases is also because doctors learned a lot more during the pandemic, meaning they are more vigilant in checking for everything. Doctors now check for COVID, u and RSV.

“Our box has become much bigger for what we are looking for,” he said.

Usatch said while the general public has seemingly moved on from COVID, cases exist and the virus still spreads quicker than other illnesses.

“With COVID continually mutating, we have to watch out,” he said.

“We have to see what other health issues come with it. Is the (new mu-

tation) more spreadable? Is it more contagious?”

COVID continues to create issues for health o cials worldwide, as the omicron variant was more prevalent in 2022.

In March, the World Health Organization, or WHO, said the omicron viruses account for over 98% of COVID cases since February 2022. ere are now two new COVID variants worrying health o cials, with the EG.5 variant being the most dominant strain in the U.S. In August, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that the EG.5 strain makes up about 20.6% of all new COVID infections.

On Aug. 9, WHO reported that the EG.5 variant poses a low public health risk, saying it is similar to past variants.

However, EG.5 is just as contagious as past variants. Globally, WHO reported that there have been over 1 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 3,100 deaths reported since July.

Since 2020, WHO reported that there have been 768 million conrmed COVID cases and 6.9 million deaths.

When it comes to u season, Mendenhall said he is less optimistic. Each year, U.S. health o cials try to gauge u season during the summer months when it’s wintertime in Australia.

In July, Australian health o cials said this year’s u season is worse than pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 and one of the worst on record.

Mendenhall said like the U.S., Australian vaccination numbers have decreased since the pandemic, with fewer residents getting the u shot.

e controversy surrounding COVID has hurt vaccinations in other areas, Mendenhall said, stressing that politics in healthcare has created some hardships since 2020.

Usatch said the u vaccination is vital to decreasing hospital admissions during winter months. While the vaccine is not 100% e ective, it does decrease a person’s chances of catching u or risking complications from it.

“It’s not about being a good or bad vaccine,” Usatch said. “( ose making the vaccine) consider recent

strains and work to make the best guess for the new vaccine and hope that it covers a lot of strains. Vaccines are just great tools for people to take advantage of.”

Mendenhall said it’s important for residents to listen to their physicians and follow the science when it comes to preparing for the upcoming season.

“ e science is clear — vaccines protect from illness,” he said.

Both COVID and u vaccinations are expected in September this year.

Mendenhall said for COVID vaccinations this year, it’s important to remember that the government is no longer paying for shots. is year, residents will have to rely on insurance or themselves to pay for them.

Usatch said vaccinations are the best option to decrease cases in the upcoming season.

“You really got to start vaxing up in September and October,” Usatch said. “ ere is a new COVID vaccination this year, there is more access to RSV vaccinations, and for those who qualify, there is a pneumococcal vaccine.”

e pneumococcal vaccine is usually available to vulnerable citizens aged 65 and older. e vaccine prevents pneumococcal pneumonia. According to the American Lung Association website, pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, with the risk increasing with a person’s age and certain chronic conditions.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can develop after a person has been infected with a viral cold or u.

Besides getting vaccinated, Usatch said the best way to combat the trifecta of viruses that can spread in and beyond the metro area is to be vigilant.

“Pay attention to your environment,” he said. “Pay attention to yourself. If you are sick, you need to respect your coworkers and stay home. We have tools and tests to do surveillance and understand what’s out there, but most importantly, you need to keep yourself protected. Keep yourself healthy.”

Mendenhall also advised parents to be cautious with children going to school. School-aged children showing symptoms of RSV, u, COVID or a cold should be kept home.

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CDC Shares Community Drug Overdose Prevention Successes in New Resources

(BPT) - Drug overdoses are preventable, yet more than one million people died from a drug overdose between 1999 and 2021. Every day, almost 300 people lose their lives due to drug overdose. Public health professionals, policymakers and communities all play a role in preventing overdose deaths. Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a CDC-funded program that helps state and local health departments, and the communities they serve, to get high-quality, timelier data on nonfatal and fatal drug overdoses and use those data to inform prevention and response e orts. CDC supports OD2A-funded communities in their ability to address drug overdoses by providing access to subject matter experts and tailored technical assistance, and overdose prevention resources. “ e impact of this crisis is far-reaching, touching the lives of our families, friends and neighbors in deeply personal and profound ways. By prioritizing successful prevention and response e orts and providing tailored tools and resources, we can help ensure everyone has access to the care and support they need to live healthy, ful lling lives - building stronger, more resilient communities,” says Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH (CAPT U.S. Public Health Service), Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

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Sharing state and local overdose prevention and response strategies

CDC developed the OD2A Case Studies to capture in-depth information from funded jurisdictions about current and emerging practices related to overdose prevention and response. Designed for public health practitioners, these case studies share examples that can be adapted at the state and local levels. Partners on the ground asked for more relevant and applicable strategies, so CDC identi ed six key topic areas for interviews, analysis and write-ups in these case studies.

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years).

• Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of drug use.

• Linkage to care is the process of connecting people at risk of overdose to evidence-based treatment, services and support.

• Public safety-led post-overdose outreach can help identify people at higher risk of overdose by linking them to care and other overdose prevention and harm reduction e orts.

• State and local health departments are uniquely positioned to respond to the drug over-

dose crisis, with the authority to enact policies, deploy resources and coordinate various partners.

• Reducing stigma at multiple levels and creating a culture of change is important to helping people at risk of overdose.

Helping communities put effective practices to work When people’s lives are on the line, integrated data and e ective programs help communities take action to protect people from drug overdose and related harms. e overdose crisis requires prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction e orts that are tailored to promote optimal health for all.

Communities are demonstrating innovation in reducing overdose and are sharing compelling examples of collaboration and teamwork. CDC is showcasing these so that communities can learn from each other. Beyond promoting the critical work that continues nationwide, tools and resources like the OD2A Case Studies encourage applying solutions that work to help communities that need it most.

For additional OD2A resources or to learn more about how CDC is working to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms visit: https:// www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/od2a/index.html/.

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‘Pride in the Ride’ at Denver Art Museum

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Just inside the front entrance of Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building is a sleek white vehicle, rebuilt by a woman who challenges the idea that lowriders are just a hobby for men.

Readers who have lived in the West for some time have probably encountered the cars cruising on Fed-

Lowrider art on display

eral Boulevard on a Sunday. ey are a particularly Western quirk: lowriders — meticulously polished and restored by owners who may be Latinx or live on the reservations ... Taos has a dandy display on Sundays, as do several other towns to the south of Denver, such as Espanola — or the customized rides are also popular in Los Angeles.

“Pride in the Ride” is a colorful exhibit organized by the Phoenix Art Museum with a collection of polished paint jobs, immaculate upholstery, gleaming metal on the wheels ... and more.

And also included are “rez run-

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ners,” found on the reservations to the south of Denver. ese may be waiting around for a part or two, but are also highly polished and admired in the community on Sundays. is exhibit has a large wall lled with colorful skateboards that t into the scene and are popular with Native Americans on the reservations and in the cities...

(A photograph of skaters in the exhibit is called: “You are Skating on Native Land.”)

Several of these vehicles are owned — and customized — by women who put forward the idea that these rolling works of art are just as appropriate for female owners ... e cover of the recent museum magazine features a sleek black limousine, with huge pastel roses, painted by Nanibah Chacon: “What Dreams Are Made Of.”

In addition to the nifty wheels, the Denver Art Museum has a number of items from the huge collection on display that we hadn’t seen for some time — both in the Hamilton and Martin buildings. Museum curators have been busy throughout the institution and it was truly a pleasure to just spend some leisurely hours strolling and really looking hard at treasures — enjoying details in an Asian embroidered piece, for

example.

e Denver Art Museum at 14th and Broadway in downtown Denver is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and there is free general admission daily. Talks and classes are planned regularly.

e Ponti Restaurant is open for lunch, 4-7 p.m. Happy Hour and Tuesday evenings for dinner. Tuesdays feature a 2:30 p.m. member’s architecture tour, as well. A reservation is probably in order ... ere is a large parking structure, entered from 12th Avenue.

A Seussical musical at Lakewood Culture Center

It may not be a “proper” word, but when someone describes something as Seussian, you basically know what it means. Dr. Seuss is famous the world over for the fantastical and surreal worlds he created and populated with characters like e Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and e Lorax.

And now that world and many of its most beloved inhabitants are coming to the Lakewood Cultural Center, courtesy of Performance Now eatre Company.

“ is is a show that anyone can enjoy,” said co-director and choreographer Kelly Van Oosbree, who is leading the production with Victoria Holloway. “It’s not only a children’s

COMING ATTRACTIONS

show — it’s smart enough that the adults in the room will also get a lot out of it.”

Performance

Now’s production of “Seussical”™ runs at the cultural center, 470 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood, from Sept. 8 through 24. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  e musical is an amalgamation of

Clarke Reader

‘20 CAT 259D3 tracked skid steer loader

A lowrider hood by Ruben Ortiz is part of the “Pride in the Ride” exhibit at Denver Art Museum. PHOTO BY BRUCE ELLINGBOE

READER

several Seuss stories and follows JoJo (Sarah Atkinson), whose propensity for storytelling and a big imagination get the action going. e cast includes Christopher Boeckx as Cat in the Hat, Josh Harris as Horton, Nancy Evans Begley as Kangaroo and many more.

“I’m delighted by this show, which is so funny and very sweet,” said Van Oosbree. “It’s been so much fun working on the choreographer for the production’s music as well.”

e production doesn’t try to bring Seuss’ characters to live via recreation (to see how wrong that can go, look no further than the

2003 “Cat in the Hat” lm), but instead uses animal-like elements, so the characters are recognizable, but with their own bent. And while the music may not have yielded any new standards, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its charms. Van Oosbree described it as a fun blending of blues, gospel and some jazz, resulting in tunes that are very “hummable and hooky.”

“ is show is a great one to bring a child to, but as an adult you’ll enjoy and appreciate the very theatrical world,” she added. “It’s a very universal show about believing in the power of imagination and our ability to go forward with our own storytelling. It’s a big, Broadway musical in the best sense.”

Tickets are available at www.performancenow.org.

Honor Vietnam veterans with Wings Over the Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies will work in partnership with the United States Air Force Historical Foundation to celebrate Vietnam veterans at the Wings of Valor: Honoring Vietnam Air War Veterans event, held from 6 to 9:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18 at Wings Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way in Englewood.

According to provided information, the event serves as a tribute to the aviators who ew during the con ict. Visitors will get to see an aerial demonstration, hear live music and sample cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Special guests include the Vietnam Veterans, National Air Museums’ Airpower and Space History scholars and Gen. Ron R. Fogleman, USAF (Ret).

Details can be found at https:// wingsmuseum.org/events/wingsof-valor/.

Denver Jazz Festival celebrates music’s early years

Jazz in it’s earliest forms are the reason many fell in love with the music. at’s what makes the CMDance 2023 Denver Jazz Festival more than just a fun event. It focuses on vintage jazz and blues from the 1920s through 40s, when the world was rst getting exposed to the genre.

e festival runs from Friday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 17 at  e Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 980 14th St. in Denver. e festival features NeoDance Stories Immersive Show.

According to provided information, attendees will be able to learn more about the music through “workshops, classes and lectures available from internationally renowned instructors during the daytime hours through the sister events Lindy on the Rocks and Hot Night Fusion Weekend.”

Find all the information at www. cmdance.org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Drake at Ball Arena

Emotional boys of the world unite! Drake, our lord and savior from the Canadian north, is deigning to stop by our humble city and perform his record-breaking odes to loves won and lost, the challenges of the humble and the humbling of the challengers. Ever since Drake released “Take Care,” his momentous second album, back in 2011 he’s become a titanic gure in the music and pop culture world, and released two excellent albums back in 2022. Word is he has another lined up — he truly never stops.

It’s been a minute since the heartbreak king himself performed in Denver, so his concert at Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, is a really big deal. Drake will be joined by frequent collaborator 21 Savage, making the night extra special.

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster. com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

1. TELEVISION: Which animated series stars a precocious toddler named Stewie Gri n?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Diomede Islands located?

3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Former President Jimmy Carter served in which branch of the military?

4. LITERATURE: Which 20th-century novel featured a character named Boo Radley?

5. U.S. STATES: What animal is featured on California’s state ag?

6. HISTORY: Which U.S. state was the last to remove a ban on interracial marriage?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of sharks called?

8. AD SLOGANS: Which products were advertised with a slogan that called them

Solution

TRIVIA

“indescribably delicious”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What shape has been used in U.S. stop signs since the 1920s?

10. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is represented by the condition called alektorophobia?

Answers

1. “Family Guy”

2. e Bering Strait, between Alaska and Siberia

3. Navy

4. “To Kill a Mockingbird”

5. A bear

6. Alabama in 2000

7. A shiver

8. Mounds and Almond Joy candy bars

9. Octagon

10. A fear of chickens

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Elbert Legals

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of MARTA JEAN MELL, Deceased Case Number 2023PR30051

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 JANUARY 2, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

William J. Kneeland, Esq.

Attorney to the Personal Representative 417 West Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521

Legal Notice No. 25041

First Publication: August 31, 2023

Last Publication: September 14, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

LOT 189, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-R, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 10672 Braselton St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/5/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay installments of principal and interest, together with other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 712, ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 16-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 7432 Elk Trail Pl, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

Original Grantor: SHARON T. MCNALLY

Original Beneficiary: WASHINGTON MUTUAL

BANK, FA

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: JPMORGAN

CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/20/2004

Recording Date of DOT: 11/5/2004

Reception No. of DOT: 2004113964

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $247,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $246,869.14

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower’s failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0117

To Whom It May Concern: On 6/20/2023 12:22:00

PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: Daniel Lee Moffett Jr. and Wendi Renee Moffett

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") as nominee for American Financing Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC, D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/19/2017

Recording Date of DOT: 1/26/2017

Reception No. of DOT: 2017006173

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0126

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/5/2023 10:24:00

AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: TIMOTHY S EMERY

Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR MIDWEST LOAN SOLUTIONS, INC.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not individually or personally but solely in its capacity as Trustee on behalf of the ICW MAT Trust

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/29/2020

Recording Date of DOT: 1/30/2020

Reception No. of DOT: 2020006683

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:

$422,211.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $363,374.37

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

DAVID W. DRAKE

Colorado Registration #: 43315 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711

Fax #:

Attorney File #: 00000009663444

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0126

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0130

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/12/2023 1:40:00

PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: HEATHER KREBS AND KRISTOFFER WEST AKA KRISTOFFER C WEST

Original Beneficiary: FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/30/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 10/1/2021

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 9/7/2023

Last Publication: 10/5/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/12/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

NEAL K DUNNING

Colorado Registration #: 10181 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 101E, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111 Phone #: (303) 329-3363

Fax #:

Attorney File #: 3554-040

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0130

First Publication: 9/7/2023

Last Publication: 10/5/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0127

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/5/2023 11:47:00

AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 37, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 88A, 1ST AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 6694 Dutch Creek St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/5/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

ALISON L. BERRY

Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (303) 706-9990

Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 23-029688

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0127

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $169,200.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $158,406.13

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereby.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 16, BLOCK 3, PULTE HOMES AT ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 9828 Fairwood Street, Littleton, CO 80125 NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 8/17/2023

Last Publication: 9/14/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 6/20/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of

PROP HH

Aside from any potential e ects of Prop HH, the county has experienced increased costs due to in ation. And some county revenues are either at or declining, setting the stage for some concerns about the budget in general.

Douglas County’s property tax revenues from 2022 to 2023 are at, Marshall said. e county’s sales and use tax may be close to at in 2023 compared to 2022 as well.

“ e 2023 budget anticipated a 2% increase over the 2022 forecast. Given the uncertainty of this revenue stream, we have not made a projection of what our year-end sales and use tax forecast will be,” Marshall said.

Other revenues — what the county calls its “top 54” revenues — were expected to decline amid mortgage costs going up and new construction going down.

“ e 2023 budget anticipated a 7% decrease, (and recently) top 54

revenues had decreased by 9%,” Marshall said. “We won’t know the real number until closer to year end.”

County gave discounts

e county commissioners recently acted to give discounts to taxpayers, essentially cutting county funding in favor of reducing residents’ tax bills.

e county leaders did that through what’s called a “temporary mill levy credit.” e county has authorized such credits in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, e ectively lowering county revenue by $30 million.

If the county’s property tax revenue were forecast to increase by a large amount, omas has said she would vote for another temporary credit to lower the property tax revenue increase by some amount.

Asked how much of a property tax revenue increase she would support compared to last year, omas said she couldn’t answer that without talking to county sta .

Conversations about the county’s budget take place against the backdrop of the fact that the county has no debt. Douglas County is “completely debt free,” the county announced in

Public Notices

the indebtedness is:

HOLLY SHILLIDAY

Colorado Registration #: 24423 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO-23-957025-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0117

First Publication: 8/17/2023

Last Publication: 9/14/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0124

To Whom It May Concern: On 6/30/2023 9:35:00

AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: David Siu

Original Beneficiary:

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Ideal Home Loans LLC, its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Citizens Bank, N.A.

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/20/2022

Recording Date of DOT: 1/25/2022

Reception No. of DOT: 2022005598

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $515,262.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $503,511.16

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed

an October news release.

But if the county wanted to lean on debt, one of the main ways governments can do that is via what’s called “general obligation” debt, where a government has to get voter approval, according to county sta .

Prop HH impact to homeowners

What would Prop HH mean for individual homeowners? If the proposal passes, Douglas County residents would see a small decrease in their tax bills.

e math involves a number called the “assessment rate,” another factor that helps determine how much in property taxes a person owes. e assessment rate is di erent from the property tax rate itself, or the “mill levy.”

(Without Colorado’s Gallagher Amendment — a former part of the state constitution that voters recently repealed — the state legislature sets the assessment rate.)

Without Prop HH, the residential assessment rate has already recently decreased from 6.95 to 6.765, and a “homestead exemption” of $15,000 is being applied to all residential prop-

of trust have been violated as follows: FAILURE TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENTS AS REQUIRED UNDER THE EVIDENCE OF DEBT AND DEED OF TRUST.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 111, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-S, 1ST AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 3158 Woodbriar Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

erty, according to Toby Damisch, who heads Douglas County’s property valuation o ce.

As a result, unless local government entities choose to reduce their property tax rates, the estimated tax increase for a typical property in Douglas County whose value increased by 47% would be around 42%, said Damisch, the county assessor.

“If HH passes, and no authorities reduce their (tax rate), that 47% increase becomes a 37%-40% increase in tax,” Damisch said.

He also referenced the small amount of property tax relief provided by state Senate Bill 22-238, passed by the state legislature last year.

“Another way of saying this is SB 238 takes about 5% o of the value increase and Prop HH takes another 5%,” Damisch said.

Even combined, that’s a small amount of relief, Damisch said.

He also takes issue with the optional revenue cap in Prop HH.

“ is is one of the reasons why HH is not real property tax relief, as it does not require levy reduction, only asks for it,” Damisch said.

Dated: 6/30/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

HEATHER DEERE

Colorado Registration #: 28597 355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228

Phone #: (303) 274-0155

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO21977

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0124

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Bids and Settlements

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on September 30, 2023, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Chato’s Concrete, LLC for the Business Center Drive Reconstruction Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2020-032 in Douglas County; and that any person, copartnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Chato’s Concrete, LLC for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed

by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on said 09/30/2023, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Board of County Commissioners, c/o Director of Public Works Engineering, with a copy to the Project Engineer, Daniel R. Roberts, P.E., Department of Public Works Engineering Division, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Failure on the part of the claimant to file such statement before such final settlement will relieve said County of Douglas from all and any liability for such claimant's claim.

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners of the County of Douglas, Colorado, By: Janet Herman, P.E., Director of Public Works.

Legal Notice No. 945926

First Publication: August 31, 2023

Second Publication: September 7, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734

Misc. Private

Legals

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED

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

OCCUPANT - BRAD L KIRCHER AKA BRAD

LAWRENCE KIRCHER - DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR. - BRAD L KIRCHER AKA BRAD LAWRENCE KIRCHER & BRENDA M KIRCHER AKA BRENDA MARIA KIRCHER - EARL E ELSRODE AKA EARL R ELSRODE - RICHARD F CURREY AKA RICHARD FRANK CURREYRICHARD F CURREY

You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 7th day of November 2019 the then County Treasurer of the County of Douglas, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR. the following described real estate situate in the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, to wit:

LOT 11 WOODMOOR MOUNTAIN 1 3.98 AM/L

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR.. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent* taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2018. That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of BRAD L KIRCHER for said year 2018

That said DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR. on the 16th day of September 2022 the present holder of said certificate, has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate; That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said at 1:00 o’clock P.M., on the 21st day of December 2023 unless the same has been redeemed. Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 7th day of September 2023

/s/ David Gill

County Treasurer of Douglas County

Legal Notice No. 945952

First Publication: September 7, 2023

Last Publication: September 21, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press ###

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