Elbert County News 091423

Fort Logan honor guard seeks members

All Veterans Honor Guard in dire need of volunteers for military funerals

e American ag being folded and presented to family members, the perfectly aligned ri es and the sound of taps. All powerful moments that make up the ceremony to pay nal respects to those who served in the U.S. military.

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they attended around 63 funerals.

Kathy Kraski, an Air Force veteran and All Veterans Honor Guard volunteer, got involved with the organization nearly 20 years ago.

“Just about every year since then, the number [of funerals] has increased,” said Kraski. “But the

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veteran events attempting to recruit volunteers, but Kraski said it’s not as easy as it seems.

By law, one must be a military veteran to participate in nal honors.

A team of veterans from the All Veterans Honor Guard conduct the rifle detail during a funeral service.

COURTESY OF KATHY KRASKI

Laydon, Teal take Thomas’ credit card, allowance

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e two-member majority of Douglas County’s elected leaders voted again in rebuke of the third member, this time restricting her ability to spend on matters of county a airs.

e move comes a week after Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal voted to remove Commissioner Lora omas from outside boards that oversee organizations in the community — and it comes two weeks after they voted to censure, or formally disapprove, of her.

at censure vote occurred in response to what one of the commissioners has called public shaming of county volunteers with inaccurate information.

omas in her email newsletter had criticized the actions of a volunteer board that advises the county on how arts and culture funding should be spent. She argued for the group to support spending a part of its funding in a di erent way.

Actions including “public shaming” by omas have “diminished the council’s morale,” James Smith, chair of the council, wrote in a letter o ering to step down after omas had criticized the group.

In response to omas’ criticism, con ict continues among the county commissioners. Teal and Laydon voted at a Sept. 5 meeting to cancel omas’ county credit card, to suspend her travel and mileage allowance, and to take other action regarding omas’ expenses.

e county credit card covers spending for items like hotel rooms and airline travel on county business, according to county sta .

“You cannot prohibit my ability to work on behalf of the citizens of this county,” omas said at the meeting.

Laydon said a county policy manual provides for “budgetary restrictions” for those who break policy. Laydon and Teal had based their vote to censure omas on what they say is “behavior contrary to the Douglas County commissioner code of conduct.”

‘Not going to apologize’

Teal said Smith, in his letter o ering resignation, requested an apol-

ogy from omas.

“Do you want to give an apology … right now, to Mr. Smith?” Teal asked omas in the meeting.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” omas said. “I’m not going to apologize for telling the public what’s going omas’ email newsletter had taken issue with the actions of the cultural council.

“ is year there was more funding available for distribution than there were requests, but (Douglas County) commissioners did not learn about this windfall until after the council had made recommendations,” omas wrote in an Aug. 6 newsletter.

Organizations outside of Douglas County that can prove that they provide services to county residents are eligible for funding, according to omas’ newsletter.

But “I felt strongly that after all of the requests for funding had been ful lled, that the Cultural Council should disperse the additional (money) only to organizations located in Douglas County,” omas wrote.

e cultural council recently met, and the request to keep the dollars in Douglas County failed on a 5-2 vote, according to omas’ newsletter.

omas’ newsletter criticized the decision and said: “I would like to give credit and applaud the courage of Cultural Council members Ann Speer and Sid Simonson who voted in the minority to respect Douglas County taxpayers and organizations.”

e newsletter then included a link that read: “Click here for a roster of the cultural council members.” It led to a page on the county’s website that describes the cultural council and lists its members.

Laydon had described the newsletter as engaging in “doxing,” which means to publicly identify or publish private information about someone.

omas has said that the link to all the board members’ names is public information on the county’s website.

omas at the Aug. 22 meeting said: “I did not post anybody’s picture or name in a public place.”

One of omas’ newsletters in-

Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas speaks at a June 13 event in Highlands Ranch where she and other o cials discussed property tax issues.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

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Douglas sheri leaves door open to work with Able Shepherd

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce refused to say whether it will continue to work with Able Shepherd, a tactical training group that has lost support from other oganizations after an organized protest of the Douglas County PrideFest in August.

Last week, spokesperson Deborah Takahara would only tell Colorado Community Media that the sheri ’s o ce does not currently have plans to work with Able Shepherd. “We don’t have anything planned at this time,” she said.

e Aug. 26 PrideFest protest consisted of around 75 men — wearing matching shirts reading “Stand To Protect Children” — blocking the stage and postponing the drag show

by 30 minutes. No one was arrested or issued a summons during the event.

e sheri ’s o ce has several investigations open related to PrideFest, Takahara said, though she couldn’t provide more details.

At least one of the investigations is related to anti-LGBTQ vandalism at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, where PrideFest took place.

In the past, the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce has partnered with Able Shepherd, including an Aug. 13 active shooter training at Crossroads Community Church in Parker.

Sheri Darren Weekly also appeared with Able Shepherd CEO Jimmy Graham on an August episode of Graham’s podcast “ e Protecter Culture Podcast.”

On the podcast, Graham suggests Able Shepherd members could help

law enforcement respond to crime.

“I know it’s my job to stand and support local law enforcement and you’re going to want it, if it’s that bad, you’re going to want and need people and they should be people of character who have some level of training,” Graham said.

In response, Weekly nodded.

On Sept. 6, in a statement to 9News, Weekly said he “dismissed the scenario as unrealistic,” but added that he “should have been clearer in [his] answer.”

“Cooperation between citizens and law enforcement is valuable, but it must be within legal boundaries to ensure everyone’s safety,” Weekly’s statement said.

Earlier last week, the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce con rmed

REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE EASY

Protesters held up signs at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Aug. 26 during Douglas County PrideFest. Another group of protesters with Able Shepherd blocked the PrideFest stage. PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD SEE ABLE SHEPHERD, P5

Elbert, Douglas counties to get FEMA funds for tornado damage

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

County o cials will be meeting with state and Federal Emergency Management Agency o cials to go through all the expenses that were incurred related to the severe storms that took place across the state between June 8 and June 23.

President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for the State of Colorado on Aug. 25 to provide

ABLE SHEPHERD

it will not work with Able Shepherd in the future, citing “disrespect for other people’s rights.” Following the PrideFest protest, Arapahoe Com-

September is...

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.

funding to several counties for their e orts to make repairs in their communities.

Douglas, Elbert, Cheyenne, El Paso, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties — which saw ooding, severe storms and tornadoes — are receiving federal assistance.

Colorado was approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program.

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

Reserve your day pass at Rueter-Hess Reservoir

munity College also severed ties with the organization.

Also last week, the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce — which had hosted Graham as a speaker at its Aug. 3 Safety in Faith summit — said it plans no further contact with Graham or anyone else at the Able Shepherd organization.

The reservoir is open for non-motorized water activities including paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and fishing from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays into late October.

Due to parking limitations, reservations are required. The cost of a day-long pass is $10. Reservations must be made online. Visit douglas.co.us and search Reservations.

Youth Congress seeks delegates

Douglas County students, in grades 9-12, have an opportunity to become involved as youth delegates at the 2023 Douglas County Youth Congress on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Capitol. To complete your online registration or to learn more, visit douglas.co.us and search for Youth Congress.

Damage left behind by the rare tornado that struck Highlands Ranch on June 22.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

SEE FEMA, P9

Boutique reflects Elizabeth atmosphere

customers — What can I do? What can I buy?”

BY STACEY CARRUTH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Secret Well — a modest boutique in Elizabeth — found a way to not just survive, but thrive through the pandemic.

When most businesses were closing their doors, Barbara Burndt and Hannah Madsen reported their most pro table year in 2020 since opening just two years earlier. e mother/daughter co-owners attribute their success to their creativity and the support of the community.

When the town issued a mandatory six-week shutdown, Burndt and Madsen showed up on live video with a poster board in hand. It was labeled with numbers 1 to 100. e purpose was for viewers to buy gift cards for the dollar amounts on the poster to use at a later date.

“ e money we received from [that idea] sustained our business and more.” said Madsen. “Because of the Elizabeth community, it was one of our best years. ey were not going to let a small business go under.”

Burndt commented on additional support they received, “We’d get phone calls out of the blue from

is communal support played a part similar to that of deep-pocketed investors who sustained corporations during the lockdown.

But turning the Elizabeth community into their own personal safety net didn’t happen overnight. at process started in 2018 when they opened their doors.

Burndt and Madsen always loved shopping at boutiques. One day, a friend and boutique owner o ered a vendor space to them inside a hair salon. Despite their inexperience, they accepted and struggled to keep up with the unexpected high demand for their products.

Now they are located in e Nest, an 1897 house-turned-shoppingcenter located at 286 Main St. in Elizabeth. ey specialize in Christian apparel, everyday wear and staples, with their mission being community involvement.

“We’re not going to just be a store that’s there, but be the face of the community. We’re going to support other businesses and collaborate with them,” said Madsen.

at support looks like attending new business grand openings, serving on the chamber of commerce, participating in Christmas charity events and organizing a yearly fashion show that brings together

seven local boutiques, more than 40 vendors and attracts over 200 attendees.

is type of investment and participation in their community is what set the foundation for the support they relied on during the pandemic, and the support didn’t end after the shutdown.

“ e next Christmas when everything opened up, [community members] shopped local and they shopped hard. It was fun to see that shift and its impact,” Madsen said. Looking ahead, the boutique’s most pressing challenge is in ation.

“It’s getting harder and harder to get boutique items at a ordable prices,” they both say. Most notably, they said, was purchasing a plane ticket to pick up inventory in order to avoid skyrocketing shipping costs.

Despite this challenge, the coowners are optimistic that their collaborative strategy will not only help their business succeed, but their neighbors’ as well.

“Some [businesses] nd peer-topeer relationships competitive,” says Berndt. “We nd it collaborative. Elizabeth has a very collaborative atmosphere.”

Hannah Madsen and Barbara Burndt, owners of The Secret Well boutique in Elizabeth, show o their playful side. The boutique is located in The Nest at 286 Main St.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sense of community, collaboration is strong

Small-town football gets big-deal exposure

Elizabeth Cardinals host Denver Broncos High School Home Game of the Week

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Rural towns are known for being close-knit and supportive — and residents showed up in force to support the Elizabeth High School Cardinals and see the festivities when EHS was chosen to host the Denver Broncos High School Home Game of the Week. Burlington High School was the opponent for the Sept. 1 game.

EHS was delighted to have Denver Broncos cheerleaders, a Broncos alumnus and the Lombardi Trophies on their home turf. EHS Athletic Director John Everhart was thrilled at being chosen, and said the opportunity was “awesome and insane.”

e Denver Broncos Foundation also made a $2,500 donation to support the Cardinals’ football program.

Both EHS and Burlington are small, rural schools and consider playing the High School Home

Game of the Week as quite the achievement. Cardinals Country has a lot to be proud of. Despite its size, the EHS Cardinals football team has an impressive record. ey have won the league championship two years in a row and hosted the playo s twice.

Head Football Coach Michael Zoesch said the event was really “cool for our community.” Judging by how many people showed up, the town of Elizabeth agreed. e parking lot started lling up as early as 4 p.m. with animated fans. e Elizabeth School District Safety & Security team estimated as many as 2,000 people would attend. ose fans included Superintendent Dan Snowberger and Assistant Superintendent Bill Dallas, who both arrived early to help set up the event. Snowberger mentioned that even residents without students were calling the district for speci cs about the game.

Nick Ferguson, a retired Bronco, was full of verve and personality, happily signing water bottles, hats or footballs as they were presented to him. Ferguson played with the Broncos from 2003 to 2007 and has also played for the Bengals, Bears, Jets and Texans.

Ferguson gave a pep talk to the Cardinals football team before the game. He reminded the players not

to worry about the past and instead to focus on the present. “Last week was last week,” he said, “nobody cares.”

Four Broncos cheerleaders came to sign autographs and pose for photos. ey were gracious and friendly with their time and didn’t turn anyone away. Just before kicko , they performed two dance routines to get the crowd on their feet.

e EHS marching band and cheer team also helped kick o the game. e team was escorted to the eld by motorcyclists revving their

engines. e roar drew a crowd of its own and drowned out every other sound.

e Cardinals won the High School Home Game of the Week, 33-12. As is tradition, the marching band and football team ran to the top of the stadium, and everyone gathered around to ring the victory bell.

EHS Cardinals football will host four home games this season, three of which are linked to special events expected to draw huge crowds. e rst was the High School Home Game of the Week, a game against University (Greeley) is set for Sept. 15 after the Community Meet & Greet at EHS, and a game against Kent Denver will be Homecoming, currently scheduled for Oct. 6. e fourth home game will be against Alameda on Oct. 19.

e Elizabeth School District Community Meet & Greet Tailgate is from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 15 and is an opportunity for locals to meet school board members. ere will be free burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks.

e EHS Girls’ Flag Football team also played on Sept. 1, ahead of the varsity football game. ey were winning for the majority of the game but in the last seconds their opponent, Coronado, pulled ahead for the win, 18-14.

Broncos cheerleaders sign autographs on Sept. 1 at Elizabeth High School during the Denver Broncos High School Home Game of the Week event. PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

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Autumn tradition returns in Elbert County

The Patch is back, but at new location

kin patch, and here in Elbert County, e Patch does fall right.

patch will open for the season on Saturday, Sept. 23. e goal of e Patch is to create a quality environment that fosters a warm-hearted, family fun atmosphere. e owners strive to create a space where families can spend quality time together connecting, playing and making memories.

feature a new location for e Patch at 7500 Highway 86 in Kiowa. is site provides more space for attractions, less wait time for the various activities and is only 10 minutes from the previous location. Here families will enjoy a four-acre corn maze and an oldfashioned hayride, and can take a ride on the Bucking Bronco Train.

donuts! I get two big bags of them when we visit. One for my kids to share and one for me!” For beverages, fresh lemonade, hot apple cider and S’mores hot cocoa are available. Additionally, on select weekends there will be food trucks on site. Visit thepatch.

where kids (and adults too) can meet

Visitors will encounter plenty of goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and, new to the farm this season, miniature highland mals are always a favorite for my kids, too. ey could spend the entire day in General admission single-day tickets run $24.95 and children 2 and younter

price, as do groups of 20 or more people. If you plan to visit e Patch more

like this running smoothly and e Patch is looking to hire additional sta for the upcoming season. Leadership, supervisor and various other positions are available. ose interested may apply by visiting their website: thepatch. farm.

Children explore a field of pumpkins at The Patch.

PHOTO BY COURTNEY FAY

After an event like a tornado, earthquake, wild re or ooding, the assistance program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments.

Following the declaration, FEMA o cials and public assistance experts will work with the state and counties to formally go through expenses from the damage assessment.

“We write out everything,” said Micki Trost, a state communications director for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, when it comes to damage and recovery. “And then that’s approved by FEMA.”

e funding is aimed at “qualifying expenses” for public infrastructure and does not include assistance to individuals, according to an email from Trost.

“ e public assistance grant is intended to address emergency and permanent work for government infrastructure and certain nonpro t organizations,” said Shane Pynes, Elbert County’s director of emergency management. “Currently, it is not intended for private businesses or property owners.”

In late June, an EF1 tornado caused damage to trees, buildings and homes in Highlands Ranch. (EF1 tornadoes bring winds at 86 to 110 mph.)

At the end of June and early July, FEMA o cials came to Douglas County to survey the damage.  rough the damage assessment, they were able to verify that there was enough damage to include the county in the disaster declaration and to assist with reimbursing the county for up to 75% of eligible projects.

According to FEMA’s website, cost is the funding tied directly to eligible work which must be documented, authorized and reasonable. Eligible costs include materials, labor equipment, contract work and direct and indirect administrative costs.

Counties must provide documentation to FEMA and the state that money has been spent and the repairs have been made before reimbursement is made.

“After that is submitted and approved by FEMA, then they will begin the reimbursement of those costs up to 75%,” said Trost. “It’s to support the country so they can get back some of those disaster expenses.”

ere is no set amount of cap for the amount of funding a county will

receive.

When o cials do the damage assessment, they get a good idea of how much is eligible for reimbursement, said Trost. en with county o cials, they will ll out what they call a project worksheet which provides recipes for expenses.

e reimbursement only covers non-insured losses.

Insured costs, such as damage to Douglas County schools, are not eligible for reimbursement because they have already been paid by an insurance company.

“What happens is FEMA allocates money in that amount based on those written and agreed upon project worksheets,” said Trost.

Certain types of private nonpro t organizations that quickly responded to the emergency and have quali ed expenses can go through the same process with FEMA.

Additionally, most disasters in Colorado take ve to 10 years for projects to be completed and for all the reimbursements to take place, said Trost.

“It isn’t something that’s going to be over really quick,” said Trost. “I think Douglas County might go a little faster because a lot of the work has been done.”

However, there are still repairs throughout the county that need to be completed.

Trost said there will be a better idea on the actual allocations around the end of September for Douglas County.

In June, an Elbert County news release said “assessment of several bridges that may have been impacted by owing debris and scouring of streambeds” was underway.

“During this ooding event, segments of 16 roads were closed,” the Elbert release said.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are also available to certain private nonpro ts in Colorado following Biden’s federal disaster declaration, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Private nonpro ts should contact Trost by calling 303-472-4087 or by emailing micki.trost@state.co.us or visiting dhsem.colorado.gov, the SBA’s news release said.

FEMA will determine whether the private nonpro t provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as de ned by law, the release said.

“If so, FEMA may provide the private nonpro t with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs,” the release said. “If not, FEMA may refer the private nonpro t to SBA for disaster loan assistance.”

artists with six No. 1 hits, eight top-five singles, and over 3.8 billion career on-demand streams, Academy of Country Music Award winner Rodney Atkins takes the PACE Center stage! Atkins, who has sold over 14 million units and earned twelve career Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum RIAA certifications, continues to be recognized as one of the most powerful voices in Country Music today.

Peterson says DCSD shortages reaching crisis levels

BY TAYLOR SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

From teacher shortages to bus transportation limitations, the need for funding in the Douglas County School District is approaching a crisis level, said School Board President Mike Peterson during a Sept. 5 meeting with the Lone Tree City Council.

is November, the school district will ask voters to approve a $66 million mill levy override and $484 million bond.

Peterson — accompanied by school board member Susan Meek and Cherokee Trail Elementary Principal Josh Miller — highlighted the need for additional funding to the city council, which may consid-

er a resolution to support the ballot questions.

“ e biggest problem we’re facing is our competitiveness relative to other districts,” Peterson said.

In Douglas County, the starting salary for teachers is about $45,000, he said.

Meanwhile, in the Cherry Creek School District, the starting salary is $57,000.

Miller described the di culty of recruiting teachers to Douglas County.

“We’re the lowest paying district in the metro area. e lowest,” Miller said.

At Cherokee Trail Elementary, located in Parker, Miller said none of his teachers live in Parker because they cannot a ord to.

One of his teachers is working for Uber Eats after school to support her family, he said.

“We have the best kids in the universe,” Miller said. “But we are not able to a ord the teachers to put in front of them to maximize their ability.”

Budget impacting other sta , transportation

Peterson said Douglas County is not just losing teachers to other districts that o er higher wages. It’s every sta position, such as educational assistants, nutritionists and bus drivers.

“ is year, we started out the year down 104 bus drivers,” Peterson said. “We have rolling blackouts in e ect across the district.”

As previously reported by Colorado Community Media, throughout the school year, each bus route will run for four weeks and then be o for one week.

Miller said the bussing shortage is a huge issue for his school.

Because of the rolling blackouts, about 25 students were not able to attend school due to the lack of transportation.

e school reached out to community members for support to purchase some bikes for those children

so they can come to school, he said.

Peterson said that when the school district asked voters for a mill levy override and bond last year, the need was urgent.

“ is year, I’m telling you that we are moving from urgency toward crisis,” he said.

Peterson says property tax increase does not mean more school district funds

According to the Douglas County School District’s website, the school district receives the majority of its funding from state and local property taxes, and a small amount comes from federal sources.

Funding is provided rst by local sources of revenue, such as property taxes, per the website. e state then funds the rest based on a perpupil equation, the district said.

“Every district has its per-pupil revenue set by the state, and so that doesn’t change,” said Susan Meek, a member of the school board.

Peterson said that since property value assessments recently increased, some people assume the school district will have more funding.

“ at’s not true for the school

SEE DCSD, P11

district,” he said.

According to Peterson’s presentation, when property taxes increase, that leads to the local sources of revenue contributing more and the state contributing less funds. e overall program funding, however, remains the same.

“ e bucket doesn’t get any larger,” he said. “ at’s something that’s very important for people to understand when it comes to our needs.”

What are the mill levy override and bond for?

e $66 million mill levy override is primarily intended to pay teachers and sta more competitively, as well as increase security support for schools, according to Peterson’s

presentation.

e $484 million bond is intended to expand career and technical education opportunities, perform safety and security updates, and “ensure safe and adequate learning environments for students and sta ,” per the presentation.

As previously reported by Colorado Community Media, if both the bond and mill levy override pass, then taxpayers would see a $20 increase per $100,000 of their residential property value.

For example, a $1 million home would pay $200 per year.

Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet said the city has not taken an o cial position yet on the ballot measures.

“However, I do expect that council will be entertaining a resolution on this in the future,” she said.  ose who are interested in learning more about the proposed ballot measures can visit funding.dcsdk12. org.

GUARD

According to the Department of Defense, it is by law that an honor guard detail for eligible veterans consists of at least two members of the U.S. military. Additionally, one of the members must have served in the same service branch as the deceased veteran.

“ e worst part is, if we go under,

COMMISSIONERS

cluded what appears to be a screenshot of a videoconferencing meeting that includes video-feed images of members of the cultural council and their names.

omas has argued that when people get involved in government and have input on public spending, the public has the right to information.

Smith wrote in a document sent to the county that the cultural council’s funding should focus on impact to residents.

“ e Scienti c and Cultural Facili-

there’s nobody to replace us,” said Kraski. “And I don’t ever want to have to tell you or somebody you know that we can’t provide honors.”

e All Veterans Honor Guard does joint services with the military, which folds the ag to be handed to a fallen service member’s family member. e honor guard provides the commander who conducts the service and talks about the deceased and his or her service to the county, as well as the relationship to the ag.

ties District’s primary goal is to ‘bring arts, culture, and scienti c experiences within reach for every resident,’” the document said. “ e residents of Douglas County are our primary stakeholders, and decisions should re ect their interests, not the interests of a handful of organizations that have a home o ce in Douglas County.” ( e cultural council works with the SCFD, the Denver-area arts funding district.)

Ultimately, Laydon expressed satisfaction with the council’s process. In the end, the county commissioners voted 3-0 to certify the funding as recommended by the cultural council, according to county sta .

e service also includes a chaplain to conduct a prayer, a bugler to play taps and a ri e detail with weapons from World War II.

As the honor guard continues to provide the service to hundreds of families, Kraski said the organization is in dire need of volunteers.

The organization provides the training and the uniforms for the service but they are running into a few problems, including that most funerals take place on weekdays.

‘Insinuating bad intent’

Laydon at the Sept. 5 meeting said the problem is not omas’ asking questions of the cultural council.

“It’s about you insinuating bad intent without information that can support that,” Laydon said.

Laydon said omas insinuated the Douglas County Community Foundation — a nonpro t building up a “relief fund” to help care for people in natural disasters or other emergencies — was mishandling funds. Laydon said that was not the case. omas had also asked county sta to obtain from the foundation the budget for how dollars from the county were to be spent.

“You know the information and you know that zero of these dollars have been used for their gala,” Laydon said.

Lawsuit and board removals

During a meeting of county ocials on Aug. 28, along with Teal and

Although volunteers don’t receive monetary compensation for their time, Kraski said it’s an honor being able to provide nal military honors for the deceased and their families.

“We’re not even asking for a day a week,” said Kraski. “If we can get a couple of days a month, it would help us.”

To volunteer or make a donation to the organization can be found done through their website, allveteranshonorguard.org/.

Laydon’s vote to remove omas from outside boards, the two commissioners also voted to ensure that the county’s volunteer boards and some outside boards would hear of omas’ censure.

And in a separate matter, omas recently led a lawsuit against Laydon and Teal, seeking to recover attorney fees she incurred amid accusations and investigations of her last year that stemmed from her release of documents.

“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 an Aug. 29 news release.

See Colorado Community Media’s coverage of the lawsuit and related details at tinyurl.com/ CommissionersLawsuit.

The real ‘greater good’

city council when she presented her ndings, it was clear that Katalenas truly cares about what happens to these women.

FROM THE EDITOR

In Littleton, 12 women face an uncertain future. e city has decided it no longer wants to be in the housing business over a property, Geneva Village, that houses a group of lowincome women ranging between the ages of 64 and 91. is is being done in the name of the greater good. Is it really for the greater good that a city is looking at wiping out the only secure thing these women have? ey all are on xed incomes. Only half of them own a vehicle, which is their main asset. Few of them own or can use a computer.

In all fairness, it’s easy to see where the city is coming from. After all, since the City of Littleton took ownership of the property in 1975, it appears no one on the administrative side managed it. By that, I mean rent levels.

rough no fault of their own, these women are paying about $368 a month in rent. A heck of a deal, especially in today’s out-ofwhack housing market. However, it is not their fault that the city did not bother to increase rent prices over the last four decades.

In the coming days, the Littleton City Council will be deciding on how they want to proceed with Geneva Village. But I hope it’s a decision they go into knowing that sometimes the greater good should not be at the expense of a few innocent women who have done nothing wrong other than living in a facility for older, low-income adults.

A bright light in this process is Brittany Katalenas, a social worker with B-Konnected. Hired by the city to provide demographics and a clear picture of the residents of Geneva Village, Katalenas took it a step further. During an August work session with the

She has gone beyond the call of duty. While not part of her contract with the city, Katalenas worked to sign eight of the 12 women up for Section 8 housing. Five of them were approved.

To the council members, this may seem like a way to make an easier decision to kick these women out. However, Katalenas stressed to them — even with a housing voucher — there is no housing in Littleton or the Denver metro area that will have similar pricing to the $368 a month.

Living on a xed income, each of these women makes about $1,500 a month. Anyone who knows our housing market knows that won’t even cover a month’s rent. ey still have to pay for medical bills and buy food and necessities.

Reporter Nina Joss, who covers Littleton and Arapahoe County, recently did an in-depth story on the state’s voucher system. She described one man’s e orts over several years to get his grandson, who has a housing voucher, into the metro area to live near him.

It’s not just the price of rent that creates obstacles. In this case, many apartment complexes do not want to deal with the government and reject a voucher altogether.

To think that a voucher for these 12 women will be a golden ticket is delusional, as in many cases in our state, the voucher is more about giving cruel hope than providing true solutions.

As the wage gap in our country continues to grow — pushing the residents out in the name of the “greater good” just doesn’t ring true to me. We are only as strong as our weakest link and pushing those weak links aside and out does not mean they disappear. elmaGrimesisthesouth

munityMedia.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Able Shepherd off-base

Regarding the Colorado Community Media article “Emails show Able Shepherd organized PrideFest protest, despite denial”: Given the most child predators are heterosexual, the Able Shepherd “Protect Our Children” protesters at Douglas County PrideFest have an exhausting future of more protests ahead: churches and county fairs everywhere, most bars, strip clubs, and restaurants — in fact, everywhere on the planet where straight people gather and child abusers might be among them.

LeePatton Denver

for the whole and not to be dictated by a few. Thanks Library Board for a common-sense decision.

DaveUsechek Parker

Stop bad-mouthing equity

In the recent LTE by Susan Renton, she erroneously combines equity with preferential treatment of certain identity groups. Equity is not about giving preferential treatment to some people over others, but about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. This means providing everyone with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

Thank you, library board

A big “thank you” to the Douglas County Library Board for not giving in to the vocal minority to remove certain books from the public. If this group wants to push their values on the whole, they should first start with censoring their own and let others decide what values they want for their own children. Public libraries are

I agree with Douglas County School Board Director Susan Meek that it is important to have a community conversation about how to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. I believe that the educational equity policy is a good starting point for this conversa-

Thelma Grimes

tion. The policy affirms the district’s commitment to providing an inclusive culture where each and every student feels safe and valued, and recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

I disagree with Ms. Renton that the equity policy encourages divisive behavior. In fact, I believe that it can help to create a more inclusive environment by raising awareness of the different experiences and perspectives of diverse students and staff. It can also help to create a more equitable learning environment by ensuring that all students have the same opportunities to succeed in DCSD schools.

I believe that one of the best ways to counteract an “us vs. them” mentality is to teach people about diversity and inclusion, with open and honest conversations, which can help to build understanding, tolerance, and respect between different groups of people.

We need to teach our children about the facts and history of racism and discrimination, and we need to create a safe space for them to talk about their experiences. We also need to make sure that our schools are adequately staffed with teachers and administrators who are trained to effectively intervene when bullying behaviors arise.

I believe that by working together, we can create a school district where all students feel safe, valued, and respected.

MaryStrain Parker

County than they do in Douglas County. According to the Arapahoe County Elections website, voters in Cherry Creek School District have approved school funding issues every time they were on the ballot — in 2020, 2016, 2012, and 2008.

The last time school funding ballot issues passed in Douglas County was 2017; prior to that, 2006. Issues 5A and 5B failed in Douglas County in 2022, thanks in part to misinformation like that disseminated by Mr. Fields in his recent guest column.

Cherry Creek does have funding needs, but nowhere near as dire as what we are facing in Douglas County, because our voters rarely approve school funding. This is why a DCSD teacher can transfer to Cherry Creek and get paid at least $10,000 more per year for doing the same job. Is it any wonder our district has so many open positions?

OBITUARIES

HANSON

Carl Casper “Bud” Hanson

January 1, 1930 - August 23, 2023

Carl Casper Hanson of Parker, Colorado passed away peacefully at home on August 23rd, 2023 from complications from cancer and COVID. Carl was born on 01/15/1930 in Osakis, MN, to Carl Sr (a decorated WWI veteran) and Myrtle Hanson. Growing up in a small mid-west town, and helping on the family farm, Carl always considered himself a farm-boy.

Carl was very popular in High School and made many friends. He was active in every sport/club/activity the school o ered. During his summers he worked in northern Minnesota for a canoe out tter. He loved his days in the northern boundary waters and was able to revisit the area in his early 70’s to share with family.

passion was to help people. Carl and Shirley’s son Martin Jon was autistic, and they realized the bene t of horses when they bought one for Jon. ey founded Praying Hands Ranch (PHR), a therapeutic horse program for handicap children in the mid-1980’s. While building PHR Carl also worked as a pharmacist and started 2 businesses. He was always an advocate of homeopathic remedies (striving to minimize use of commercial pharmaceuticals). Carl and Shirley were very active in PHR until a few years ago when health forced Shirley and Carl to slow down. PHR is very active and still bene ts many people.

Look at funding facts

Michael Fields penned an inaccurate, slanted, and misleading screed about the school funding issues that will be on the November ballot in Douglas County.

First, he stated that elected officials in Arapahoe County will not put school funding requests onto the ballot this November, and then lavished praise on them for this decision. His obsequious fawning failed to mention that these ballot issues have a much better track record in Arapahoe

Mr. Fields also pontificated at great length about how school funding will skyrocket because of increased property tax revenues. He is correct that property taxes for just about everyone will go up, and yes, a significant portion of these monies are used for school funding. However, he neglected to include that perpupil-revenue is comprised of two components — the state share and the local share. The state share comes from the Colorado Department of Education. The local share comes from the county. When the local share increases — as it will this year due to higher property taxes — the state share decreases by the same amount. There is no overall increase in funding. The state contributes less, and total funding remains the same.

Whether these omissions were due to being unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Colorado school funding or a deliberate misstatement intended to advance a position aligned with a specific political agenda is anyone’s guess.

Voting “no” on 5A and 5B is certainly your right. But make sure that decision is based on accurate, complete information. I’ll be voting “yes.”

After graduating from high school Carl joined the Navy during the Korean War. While at corpsman training Carl met his future wife, Shirley McOmber. Carl spent a year on the battle ship Iowa, in active duty, separating him from his wife and new born daughter. After the war Carl got his pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota. He started raising his family in Bloomington MN. Carl moved his family to Colorado in the early 1970’s to encourage more outdoor activities and enjoy the splendor of the rocky Mountains.

Carl was a dedicated father and worked very hard to support his family of 9 children. Carl never knew what retirement was. His

GARDNER

BRIDGTON, ME-Douglas

Carl’s wife of 71 years, and love of his life, Shirley passed away in 2022. His son Jon passed away in 2016.

Carl is survived by: brother Eugene of Mn; Children: Michele (Gayland) Niblock of MO, Michael (Anita) of Idaho, Melissa ( omas) Wheatley of Utah, Marlene of CO, Melodee (Tracy) Martin of WA, Mary of CO, Mark (Mari) of WA, Matthew of CO. Phil Auteri of CO. 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at the Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church (PEPC) in Parker, Colorado, Sept 18th at 2:30pm. Please consider donations to Praying Hands Ranch in Parker, CO, in memory of Carl & Shirley.

Douglas P. Gardner

April 15, 1960 - September 1, 2023

(Doug) P. Gardner, 63, of Bridgton, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on 1 September 2023 at his home. Doug was born in Denver, Colorado.

He was employed in commercial construction as an estimator/project manager for 35 years. Doug lived in Elizabeth, Colorado for more than 25 years, before retiring to Maine in 2019.

Doug enjoyed spending time with his family, sailing his Hobie Tandem Kayak, walking, watching sports, researching genealogy, riding motorcycles, and camping. He was an avid reader, math wiz, history bu , and volunteered at a local Maine food bank.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kelly; two daughters, Hallie Gardner-Foltz

(Andre) and Kendra GardnerWahlstrom (David); ve siblings, sister Elaine Noel (Allen), sister Karen Edwards (Mark), brother Mike Gardner (Karin), sister Annette Carmichael (Graham), brother Paul Gardner (Maureen), and several nieces and nephews. Doug’s ashes will be spread amongst his favorite spots in Maine, Colorado, D.C. and California.

His family will celebrate his life, together, later this year in Colorado. In lieu of owers, the Gardner family kindly requests donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in his memory. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, ME where condolences and tributes may be shared at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

CLAIRVOYANCE AND COMPASSION

“I believe that everywhere that we’re at has spirits around us all the time,” Welte said. “It’s just that I was able to see them. So when I was 5, 6 years old, I would see the spirits walking up and down my hallway.”

BY LILLIAN FUGLEI SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

On a quiet street corner, a neon sign promises psychic readings, fortunes told for a small fee. Some signs advertise crystals, tarot, reiki or clairvoyance, a never-ending list of tools to peer into the other side.  Denver hosts a wide variety of psychics across the metro area. ough their work is often unseen, each practitioner brings their own set of skills to help give insight to their clients.

Starting out

Littleton-based practitioner Jen Welte grew up in a haunted house. She said her rst connections to the other side were the ghosts that lived in the home with her.

ough Welte had an early connection, it wasn’t until she attended a mediumship development class in 2016 that she began to hone her skills. A friend was going to the class, so Welte tagged along, not knowing what the class was for.

“I was just kind of her wingman because she was nervous to go by herself,” Welte said. “It was a mediumship development class. I had no idea there were classes for stu like this, I didn’t even know that I was a medium at this point. I just thought that I knew things and saw things.”

Mediumship is the practice of enabling communications between the living and the dead. Mediums may have messages conveyed in a variety of ways, such as clairaudience, hearing messages, clairvoyance, seeing messages, or claircognizance, simply knowing the message.

Welte continued to learn, taking classes from another local psychic — Kim Moore — and then a year-long mentorship with another psychic — Anthony Mrocka. Her mentorship occurred in 2020, which gave her the time to focus on developing her skills.

“I mean, the whole country was shut down,” Welte said. “I had no other responsibilities... So I took a year-long mentorship with Anthony. And he really, really helped me to re ne my abilities.”

For Broom eld-based practitioner Andarta, the spiritual path started with tarot card readings as a teenager. She continued to learn, receiving training to become a Reiki Master and becoming a Druid in the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids — a spiritual organization based in England.

Reiki is a form of energy work that facilitates healing. Practitioners guide energy through a client’s body to help them heal.

Andarta’s spiritual and academic paths have been connected, primarily through becoming a Priestess of Avalon.

“I’ve done a lot of studies on more of the Avalon path,” Andarta said. “Because that is not only my spiritual interest, but also my PhD is in medieval literature. What got me into medieval literature to begin with was my interest in the Arthurian legends, and Avalon and, and all of that, so I’ve really sort of crafted a lot of my own classes around that just my own personal studies, both from my academic background as well as my spiritual.”

Lakewood-based practitioner

Lizanne Flynn’s path was shaped by her time volunteering in an animal shelter. After taking several years o from working to raise her children, Flynn wanted to see what returning to work would look like for her. at desire led her to volunteer at Table Mountain Animal Shelter — now known as Foothills Animal Shelter.  “It was a good experience for me,” Flynn said. “What I didn’t expect was that when I went through the doors of the shelter, is that I would start to hear the animals. I would start to feel the animals.”

She would hear animals — par-

ticularly those that had been surrendered — asking for their families and homes.

“It was like there was an extra room and I had been given the keys to the door of that room that I could walk into,” Flynn added. “ ere was this telepathic communication with animals that was available to me, it still feels like that to this day.”

Getting to work

Welte — who started her business online during the pandemic — then applied to work with Discover Your Spiritual Gifts when she saw an opening for a reader.

“It is an amazing little shop,” Welte said. “I really enjoy being able to work there and (meeting) the people that have come in.”

Welte does tarot and psychic readings, but the main focus of her work is mediumship.

“What I want to do the most is be able to deliver to people without a shadow of a doubt information that there is life still beyond this, and that their loved ones are not in some tortured, horrible place there,” Welte said. “ ey’re right there with us.”

As a former college professor, Andarta’s switch to full-time work as a psychic was recent. ough she had been working part-time while teaching, she transitioned out of higher education this summer.

“ e fact that my psychic business is more stable than higher education, I think is a pretty crazy idea for our society,” Andarta said. “Sometimes there’s a struggle of adapting, complete career change is a little scary. And yet, I feel that there is more of a call in our society for alternate spiritual practices, and di erent beliefs, especially earth-based religions.”

Flynn’s work began with animal communication in 2008, but soon after that, she added a physical touch.

Flynn became licensed as a canine massage therapist. Canine massage is similar to massages performed on humans, helping to relieve tight muscles and stress in dogs. Flynn combines the techniques, communicating with the animals as she massages them.

She felt that the universe continued to push her towards new methods, such as Reiki, and incorporating them into her practice.

“ is is such a classic example of the universe going, ‘OK. Here’s your next step. Just go here,’” Flynn added. Her work now includes a wide va-

riety of practices, including animal communication, mediumship, Reiki and more.

As a Master Healer, Flynn resisted the title that goes with her work for a while. However, she came around to it once she realized the value of being a healer.

“ e actual de nition of a healer that I really vibe with is someone who holds space,” Flynn said. “A healer is someone who opens the door, they might turn on the light for you. But they’re not going to necessarily tell you where to look. ey’re not necessarily going to tell you what to do.”

The impact

For Welte, working as a medium has given her an opportunity to connect people, both living and dead.

“I love my work, I love helping people,” Welte said. “My main goal is just to help and let people know that we’re really not alone, that we really are all connected and that we really will get through this a lot easier if we’re just kinder to each other and more loving and more compassionate.”

Welte added that she wants to be a place people can come to heal through her work.

“For me personally, it’s very, very heart-centered,” Welte added. “I will sit there and I will cry with my clients, I will check on my clients, I will bend over backward because it truly comes from a place of love.”

Similarly to Welte, Andarta’s work is geared towards giving clients a space to heal.

“I call them clients, and yet I still see them as souls,” Andarta said. “I have great compassion for people. I think that people really resonate with that, that they know that I am there to try to help them.”

In addition to providing readings, Andarta teaches several classes related to spirituality. Her work as a teacher often means empowering her clients to engage in the services Andarta typically provides without her.

“What happens a lot of the times is that I have clients that work with me for quite a while, and then they’re like ‘Hey, I’m good,’” Andarta said. “I’m like, ‘ en go, go do it (yourself).”

is is not just to keep milking people for money,” Andarta added.

LEARN MORE

Jen Welte is Littleton-based and offers readings remotely and in-person at Discover Your Spiritual Gifts in Littleton on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Her website is https:// www.jenmoonlightmystic.com/ Andarta is Broomfield-based and o ers readings remotely. Her website is https://psychichealersofavalon.com/ denver-colorado/

Lizanne Flynn is Lakewood-based and o ers readings remotely. Her website is https://lizanneflynn.com/

For Flynn, her work gives her an opportunity to give animals a voice, speaking for them and communicating with their owners. She emphasized the importance of simply asking animals what they’re feeling — and listening to what they say.

“Inside my animal communicator, self is going, you could just ask,” Flynn said. “I think (animals) would be happy to tell you, (for example) the life of the bee and how that works.”

While Andarta, Flynn and Welte’s practices di er, they all stressed the same idea — their talents are not unique.

“Every single human who has a physical body on this planet can do the work that I do,” Flynn said. “Absolutely everyone.”

For Andarta, Flynn and Welte, being able to do their work is simply a matter of practice and training.

“I feel like everybody has a connection to the other side, or whatever you want to call it,” Welte said.

“Everybody has a connection to spirit and that we are all connected.”

Andarta’s practices combine both her spiritual and academic background, following the Avalon Path. COURTESY OF ANDARTA.

Town Talk: New, expanded Parker Fall Fest set for September

The Town of Parker is proud to offer a variety of community events at low or no cost to contribute to the hometown feel that our residents love. Among the Town’s more popular events are our Bike to Work Day breakfast station, Independence Day fireworks display and a handful of annual holiday activities, such as the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting in O’Brien Park.

Changes this year to the Town’s community events lineup have allowed for the expansion of one our newest activities, Parker Fall Fest, into a signature event. The Town Council and I are excited to welcome another large-scale community gathering in down-

GUEST COLUMN

Je Toborg

town Parker that we hope will become an annual tradition!

From Sept. 23 through 30, we invite residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the start of autumn with several free, family-friendly activities, including a drone light show capping off the week’s festivities.

Highlighting the weeklong celebration will be Fun and Games Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in O’Brien Park. Kids can participate in the Colorado Avalanche’s “Game On” street hockey program, lawn games led by Sam the Scarecrow, inflatables, carnival games with

prizes and more. There will also be adult-friendly attractions, including a beer garden hosted by Parker’s Downtown Business Alliance, as well as an axe-throwing booth. Several food vendors will be on site for visitors to grab a tasty snack.

A drone light show, first introduced in Parker during the Town’s 2022 Independence Day celebration, will light up the sky above O’Brien beginning around 7:15 p.m.

Fall Fest will be more than just Fun and Games Day. A handful of activities are also planned throughout the week, including a Fall Fest Kick-off Day on Sept. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. in O’Brien

Park featuring giant table games and an appearance by Sam the Scarecrow. If you happen to make it down to the park early, I encourage you to stop and chat with myself and our Town Councilmembers to find out the latest updates on what’s happening in our community.

Additional activities will be offered all week long, including a hay bale maze for young children in O’Brien Park. A “Prowl for Pumpkins” scavenger hunt will be held Sept. 23 through 30 with pumpkin signs being hidden throughout Parker for residents to discover. If you’re lucky enough

Thu 9/21

The Cody Sisters

@ 6pm Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Fri 9/22

Todrick Hall @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 South Broadway, Englewood

Sat 9/23

Judd Hoos LIve at the Tailgate Tavern @ 5pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Sun 9/24

Teague Starbuck @ 6pm

The Old North End Restaurant & Deli, 3980 Limelight Ave Unit A, Castle Rock

Tue 9/26

Shallow Side @ 7pm

IDOL X, Billy Idol tribute at Tailgate Tavern, Parker CO @ 5pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Shakey Graves @ 11:30am

Breckenridge Brewery, 2920 Brewery Ln, Littleton

Scotty McCreery @ 3:30pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage

Anavrin's Day @ 4pm kelly's, Parker

BEHEMOTH @ 5pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Tony Goffredi: Tony G @ 2 Penguins @ 5pm 2 Penguins Tap and Grill, 13065 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial

My Blue Sky at the Wide Open Saloon (Outdoor Stage) @ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Brewery Brunch Crunch @ 6am / $20 8775 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Thu 9/28

4th ANNUAL PAUL'S

MYSTERY SHIP WALK TO END ALS

@ 12:30pm / $30

1043 Park Street, 105 WEST

BREWING COMPANY, Castle Rock

Denver Concert Band: The Music of John Williams @ 1pm / $23

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree. Info@DenverConcert Band.org, 720-509-1000

Jenny Shawhan @ 5pm

Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood, 10008 Commons St Ste 100, Lone Tree

powered by

Kick up your heels at 5K in Elbert County

Elizabeth Main Street event will also feature Family Color Run

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

ere is no shortage of local events to enjoy in Elizabeth. e town organizes annual events like Wine in the Pines, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and the Friday Night Market. Even so, there aren’t many that encourage people to get up and move.

e Town of Elizabeth recognized this need and partnered with Amanda Love, the owner of Old

Windmill Events, and the Main Street Board to create the Historic Elizabeth Main Street 5K & Family Color Run on Sept. 23 starting at 9 a.m. e 5K will begin and end on Elizabeth’s Main Street while the Family Color Run will take place in Running Creek Park.

Overall, the organizers want people to “enjoy the space that is Main Street.”

Love remarked: “Events like this bring the community together” and lamented that many people in and around Elizabeth aren’t aware of the boutiques, food and history on their own Main Street. She went on to say that part of the goal of the Main Street 5K is to “support small business here.”

Linda Bulmer, the Main Street Board Vice President, and the Town of Elizabeth Community Development Director & Main Street Manager Zach Higgins hope the unique event will drive tra c to Main Street.

e event is also a great way for the community to get involved and support the town. e Elizabeth High School poms team will be “throwing color” for the Color Run and the American Legion is

A map of amenities at the Sept. 23 Historic Elizabeth Main Street 5K & Family Color Run.

Randy’s Antiques & Art, Powder River Hat Company and IC Threads Embroidery line a stretch of Elizabeth’s Main Street, the area where the Historic Elizabeth Main Street 5K & Family Color Run will begin and end.

The

First National Bank building is located on

Main Street, the area that will be the beginning and end point of the Historic Elizabeth Main Street 5K & Family Color Run.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

Laydon won’t repay county for $17,400 training

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After attending a three-week public policy and leadership program at Harvard University, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon will offer what he calls a “Harvard Education for a Penny” course this fall to interested members of the public for free so they can get the bene t of what he learned.

Laydon participated in the $17,400 leadership program — formally called the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program — in June.

Douglas County over the past two decades has sent three senior sta members to the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, according to the county.

“ e county has a long history of paying for continuing education,” Laydon said.

But a statement from the county in May said Laydon would reimburse the county government for the cost of attending the program.

Months later, Laydon does not appear to be standing by that plan.

e county’s statement to Colorado Community Media said the county would pay the upfront cost of $17,400 for Laydon to attend.

“Commissioner Laydon is applying for grants and scholarships to o set the cost of participation and reimburse the county. What is not covered by grants or scholarships,

he will pay the remaining cost personally,” the statement said.

Asked whether he still plans to reimburse the county for the $17,400 cost of attending the program, Laydon said, “On your question I found that most of the entities that provide reimbursement for the program represent special interest groups and agendas that I don’t wish to be beholden to. Although the county already fully approved the entire tuition, I am also personally reimbursing every citizen who wants it the entire cost to them for me to attend. I am also o ering a free experiential course for them to attend and personally get the bene t of what I learned.”

Laydon says it cost members of the public a nickel for him “to go to the world’s foremost public policy institute to improve my leadership as chairman of our board” of county commissioners.

Asked about how he thinks the total cost would spread out across the county’s population, Laydon said a calculation “landed at about 4.6 cents.”

“I will also have (change) on hand for every citizen that wants a direct reimbursement,” Laydon said.

‘Investment in those we serve’ e county touted Laydon’s acceptance to the Harvard program in May.

“As elected o cials, we work for you,” Laydon said in a news release at the time. “As we continue to confront challenging times together, it’s important for your leaders to keep developing our skill set and improving. I’m grateful for this exceptional opportunity to learn from the world’s top local government and leadership experts.”

A “county commissioner colleague of Commissioner Laydon’s from Arapahoe recommended he attend, adding that it was one of the best programs she had ever attended,” the county said in a statement.

While Douglas County has sent senior sta members to the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program in the past, this was the rst time a Douglas County commissioner has attended the pro-

gram, according to the county.

“Our Douglas County culture values continuing education for its elected o cials and sta , believing that continuing education among us is an investment in those we serve,” the county’s statement continued.

‘Politically motivated rhetoric’

In a statement in late August, Lora omas, one of Laydon’s fellow Douglas commissioners, took issue with him not paying the county back.

“Despite Laydon’s promise to reimburse Douglas County taxpayers for his personal trip … he has yet to remit any amount in repayment since his return in June,” omas’ statement said.

“Gaslighters like Lora omas are good at distraction,” Laydon said in reaction to omas’ criticism.

Laydon and fellow Commissioner George Teal have taken several steps to reprimand omas in recent weeks for what they say is behavior inappropriate for a county commissioner. Laydon and Teal’s actions included a vote to censure — or formally disapprove — of omas.

See Colorado Community Media’s coverage of those actions and what led up to them at tinyurl.com/CommissionerVotes.

“ ose I represent have been highly congratulatory and supportive of my selection to study at the Harvard Kennedy School and haven’t fallen for petty, politically motivated rhetoric,” Laydon said.

To learn more about the Baha’i Faith or find a gathering, please contact us.

castlerockbahais@gmail.com

castlerock.local.bahai.us/

Parker Parker

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”

~ Bahá’u’lláh

Castle Rock

Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Solution

TRIVIA

1. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to a giant sequoia tree named General Sherman?

2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Is a rhinoceros an herbivore, omnivore or carnivore?

3. GEOGRAPHY: Which city in India is home to the Taj Mahal?

4. MOVIES: What is the title of the rst James Bond movie?

5. TELEVISION: What was the product featured in the rst TV advertisement?

6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which French fashion designer is credited with inventing the Little Black Dress?

7. FOOD & DRINK: What does it mean to julienne vegetables?

8. GOVERNMENT: What does the acronym GDP stand for in economic terms?

9. LITERATURE: What is the cat’s name in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?

10. SCIENCE: Who is considered the father of the atomic bomb?

Answers

1. California, Sequoia National Park.

2. An herbivore, a plant eater.

3. Agra.

4. “Dr. No.”

5. Bulova watch.

6. Coco Chanel.

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Legals

Public Trustees

PUBLIC NOTICE

Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0057

To Whom It May Concern: On 3/23/2023 10:38:00

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: MICHAEL B. BURNS AND AUDREY E. HERBERT

Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR WILMINGTON FINANCE, INC.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:

Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2016-4, U.S. Bank National Association as Indenture Trustee

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/31/2007

Recording Date of DOT: 11/5/2007

Reception No. of DOT: 2007086057

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $324,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $226,549.92

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:

Parcel A: Outlot 10, Block Forest Ranchettes, more particularly described as follows: That portion of the South ¼ of Section 8, Township 6 South, Range 65 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, described as follows: Beginning at a point 445 feet West of the East line of 493.1 feet North of the South line of said Southeast ¼ of Section 8; Thence West and parallel with the South line of said Southeast ¼, a distance of 445 feet; Thence North and parallel with the East line of said Southeast ¼, a distance of 493.1 feet; Thence East and parallel with the South line of said Southeast ¼, a distance of 445 feet; Thence South and parallel with the East line of said Southeast ¼, a distance of 493.1 feet to the point of beginning, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Parcel B: A nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress purposes over and across a strip of land 60 feet in width, being 30 feet on each side of the following described center line; Beginning at the Northwest corner of Parcel A above; Thence South and parallel with the East line of said Section, a distance of 956.2 feet to a point 30 feet North and the South line of said Section, said point being the point of terminus of said easement, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Parcel C: A non-exclusive easement for ingress and egress purposes over and across a strip of land 30 feet in width, being that part of the South 30 feet of Section 8, Township 6 South, Range 65 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, lying West of a point 860 feet West of the East line of said Section 8, County of Douglas, State of Colorado

Which has the address of:

12153 North Piney Lake Road, Parker, CO 80138

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: 3/23/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

RYAN BOURGEOIS Colorado Registration #: 51088 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711

Fax #:

Attorney File #: 00000009680950

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0057

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0123

To Whom It May Concern: On 6/30/2023 9:22:00 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: John A Guerra and Michelle D Guerra

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ('MERS") as nominee for DHI Mortgage Company

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 7, BLOCK 2, DOUGLAS 234 FILING NO. 5, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 15999 East Summit Fox Avenue, Parker, CO 80134

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: 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:

ILENE DELL'ACQUA

Colorado Registration #: 31755 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO-23-960158-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0123

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Parker

NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0129

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/6/2023 1:35:00

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: Jason L. Doumer and Megan E. Doumer

Original Beneficiary:

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Cherry Creek Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:

Freedom Mortgage Corporation

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/20/2021

Recording Date of DOT: 2/8/2021

Reception No. of DOT: 2021015465

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $425,488.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $341,185.73

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 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 24, BLOCK 11, STROH RANCH FILING NO. 12, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 12960 Banyon Cir, Parker, CO 80134

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, November 8, 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: 9/14/2023

Last Publication: 10/12/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/7/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

AMANDA FERGUSON

Colorado Registration #: 44893 355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228 Phone #: (303) 274-0155

Fax #: Attorney File #: CO22011

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0129

First Publication: 9/14/2023

Last Publication: 10/12/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

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 ### “TrustUs!”

Withoutpublicnotices, thegovernmentwouldn’t havetosayanythingelse. Publicnoticesare acommunity’swindow intothegovernment.Fromzoning regulations tolocalbudgets,governments haveusedlocalnewspaperstoinform citizensofitsactionsasanessentialpart ofyourrighttoknow.Youknowwhereto look,whentolookandwhattolookforto beinvolvedas acitizen.Localnewspapers provideyouwiththeinformationyou needtogetinvolved.

TOBORG

to nd one of our pumpkins, take a sel e and submit it to our Town Facebook page (@TownOfParkerCO) for a chance to win a prize!

We hope to see you at the new and improved Parker Fall Fest! For more

information, visit ParkerOnline.org/ FallFest.

Fall Fest Kick-o Activities (Sept. 23-30)

• Hay Bale Maze (all week)

• Prowl for Pumpkins Scavenger

Hunt (all week)

• Giant Table Games (Sept. 23; noon-4 p.m.)

• Appearance by Sam the Scare-

crow (Sept. 23; noon-4 p.m.)

Fun and Games Day Activities (Sept. 30)

• In atable Bounce House

• Colorado Avalanche Game On Street Hockey Program

• Carnival Games with Prizes

• Activities with Sam the Scarecrow

• Walk-around Characters

not participating are still welcome to come out to Main Street for the afterevent celebrations and retail therapy.

Sign up for the race at tinyurl.com/ eliz5k.

top three males and females of the 5K race.

At the end of the race, there will be a DJ, face painting, Kona Ice, a rubber duck scavenger hunt and cornhole. Serious contenders can play to prepare for the cutthroat cornhole competitions later that day at Pints in the Park. ose

Pints in the Park/Arts & Crafts Fair, organized by the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place later the same day in Casey Jones Park from noon until 10 p.m. is year Pints in the Park runs concurrently with the Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo, which begins the night of Sept. 22.

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Public Notices

• Golden Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

• Giant Table Games/Lawn Games

• Food Vendors

• Beer Garden (Hosted by Downtown Business Alliance)

• xe rowing Booth for Adults

• Evening Drone Light Show (Starts at 7:15 p.m.)

JeToborgisthemayorofthe TownofParker.

The flyer for the Historic Elizabeth Main Street 5K & Family Color Run, which will begin and end on Elizabeth’s Main Street starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 23.

Notice

CARBON

AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Pursuant to Rule 523.d., the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission Staff has applied to the Commission for an Order Finding Violation against K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. (Operator No. 46290), to adjudicate allegations in the Notices of Alleged Violation Nos. 403035076, 403035192, 403035259, 403035328, 403035446, and 403035534.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to: 1) the general jurisdiction of the Energy & Carbon Management Commission of the State of Colorado under § 34-60-105, C.R.S.; 2) specific powers granted pursuant to § 34-60-106, C.R.S.; 3) the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act at § 244-105, C.R.S.; and 4) the Commission’s Series

500 Rules at 2 C.C.R. 404-1, that the Commission has scheduled this matter for hearing before an ECMC Hearing Officer at the following date, time, and location (subject to change):

Date: November 9, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place:

COURTESY OF HISTORIC ELIZABETH MAIN STREET 5K & FAMILY COLOR RUN