Elbert County News December 14, 2023

VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 42

WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2023

Keeping things merry and bright in Kiowa P10

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

BE AWARE Scam victim shares story

NEW YEAR Goals to get healthy

Santa welcomes visitors in a heated tent with a holiday backdrop on Dec. 2 at the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Christmas for Kids Kickoff and Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting. Community members lined up to tell Santa their Christmas PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY wishes.

VOICES: 14 | CALENDAR: 19 | PUZZLES: 30

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SCHOOL ADMINS Not coming back after investigation

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ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

DEGREES OF ART The high-temperature beauty of blown glass

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December 14, 2023De

Castle Rock man scammed out of $17,500 Officials warn of sophisticated technology

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After a day and a half of being threatened with arrest unless he transferred thousands of dollars, Brian Orr was out of money and believed he was going to jail.

It was only after Orr sent $17,500 and as he was sitting in the parking lot of the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office that the alleged deputy on the other end revealed the scam.

“Right when I was ready to give up he says ‘alright Brian, how’d we do, one out of ten or ten out of ten’ and I knew right then,” Orr said.

On Nov. 29, Orr received a call from a local phone number and the caller claimed to be a Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office deputy. Orr said he was lulled into a false sense of security because the scammer took steps to seem legitimate and knew several details about him.

The caller referenced Orr’s loan information from the Personal Paycheck Protection program, as well as his address, veteran status and social security number. They told Orr he needed to transfer money because of an issue with Orr’s PPP loan or else he’d have a warrant out for his arrest and face jail time.

“He had a stern professionalism,” Orr said. “All my safeties were off because I was focused on staying out of jail.”

The caller said the money served as a “pre-emptive” bond for Orr and would be refunded to him once the issue with his loan was sorted. Orr sent an initial payment of $3,000, but the scammer called back saying it wasn’t enough and Orr needed to send more.

“I was filled with terror and panic, on the edge of tears for most of the time I was on the phone,” he said.

Thinking back, Orr said he wishes he would have hung up and called the sheriff ’s office to confirm the information.

Orr filed a police report with the Castle Rock Police Department and

Brian Orr poses with his son at Red Rocks. Orr was scammed out of $17,500 when someone impersonated a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputy and called him COURTESY BRIAN ORR seeking money. Orr hopes to warn others not to fall for the fraud.

a fraud report with his bank, but doesn’t believe he will see any of his money again. A friend set up a GoFundMe to try and raise back the lost funds.

Orr said he is sharing his story because he wants to prevent other people from becoming victims of scams like his.

“The reason why this is rampant in our country is because there’s no one to stop them,” he said. “I hope people know they don’t have to be silent when this happens.”

Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office spokesperson Cocha Heyden said Orr’s story is not unique as scam calls impersonating officers and spoofing the office’s phone number have been common for years, but are becoming more sophisticated with new technology.

Heyden said the scams often target the elderly, but aren’t limited to any age group or socio-economic status.

“I think people get tricked by the sense of fear and urgency (of the scams) because many people don’t deal with law enforcement, or if they do, it’s in a positive manner,” Heyden said.

A Dec. 5 post on Nextdoor from Castle Pines shared a story very similar to Orr’s experience, where an alleged Douglas County officer called about a PPP loan. The poster deter-

mined it was a scam, but wrote that the call was very convincing.

Heyden said officers don’t handle PPP loan related concerns and will never call asking for payment over the phone.

“We may call people about a case or a warrant to say ‘this is how you take care of it,’ but we’ll never ever ask anyone to complete legitimate business by purchasing gift cards, using bitcoin or paying over the phone,” Heyden encouraged people to ask questions or even hang up and call back through the office’s non-emergency number to confirm whether a call is real. She said red flags for scam calls include asking for money, threats or fear mongering and a sense of urgency and secrecy.

Once someone has been scammed, Heyden said it is often difficult to figure out who the scammer is or return any money that’s been bilked, so the priority is prevention.

She added that it’s important to report scams so that law enforcement can educate others about them.

“Don’t be embarrassed to report, we want people to call us so we can nip it in the bud,” she said. “It takes all of us to try and prevent these crimes through sharing information and citizens helping to spread the word,”

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Zillow Predicts More Homes for Sale and Improved Affordability Next Year

Zillow’s prediction for the housing market in 2024 rings true for me, as an active real estate broker. Early expectations that mortgage interest rates would fall back below 5% kept some would-be buyers from pulling the trigger, but now it’s beginning to sink in that interest rates will stay high, probably in the 7% range.

Home prices are also moderating a little, so buyers who can tolerate higher interest rates are coming off the fence, just as sellers are noticing that homes are selling well in the current environment, albeit for slightly less than they might have received last year.

Meanwhile, would-be home sellers who locked in 3% or lower interest rates on their current home have been described as “rate locked,” unwilling to give up their low mortgage rate and move up (or down) to another home with a higher interest rate. But Zillow feels that a growing number of such would-be sellers have grown weary of waiting for rates to drop and are ready to bite that bullet.

Another option not mentioned by Zillow in their article is that of selling and moving into a rental, especially if they are seniors who will have a big capital gain (after taxes) that will outlive them, or if they want to keep their options open for

buying in the future or moving to another city, state or country.

Another strategy suggested by Zillow is to hold onto one’s current home as an investment property, generating more than enough rental income to pay for a rental elsewhere. The article assumes that you’ll maintain your current low interest rate on your home, although that rate was for owner-occupied property, not an investment property. If your home has a reverse mortgage, you must pay it off if you move out, which likely means you’d have to sell your home, not put it on the rental market.

Here’s their prediction of the national market for next year: “Zillow’s latest forecast calls for home values to hold steady in 2024, falling 0.2%. Predicting how mortgage rates will move is a nearly impossible task, but recent inflation news gives the impression that rates are likely to hold fairly steady as well in the coming months. Taken together, the cost of buying a home looks to be on track to level off next year, with the possibility of costs falling if mortgage rates do.”

Meanwhile, as we approach the holidays, look at the market statistics in this chart of last week’s MLS activity on REcolorado within 18 miles of downtown Denver. It’s no surprise to me that the biggest number is that of price reductions, yet we are still seeing a healthy number of new listings, listings that went under contract and listings that closed last week. In other words, this is a market that is not stagnating. It is just waiting for more right-priced listings to satisfy pent-up demand by buyers, not all of whom are off the fence — yet.

I’m often asked whether winter is a good time to sell a home. Well, I just listed a $1.5 million home in Golden, and in the first 24 hours of it being “coming soon” on the MLS, over 10 agents with buyers set a showing for it. It drew multiple offers — the first one before showings began — and sold above it’s asking price

in 4 days. I have another listing going on the market in mid-January, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets the same reception.

It’s all about knowing the right price in that listing’s neighborhood. These two listings just happen to be in highly desirable subdivisions and in excellent condition. A listing elsewhere might get fewer showings and end up becoming one of the “price reduced” statistics.

Winter, I’ve found, is a great time to list a home because there are still lots of buyers getting automated email alerts of new listings, and there are fewer listings competing for their attention.

The amount of new construction in the Denver metro area, especially of apartment buildings, has been dazzling. All year, for example, I’ve been following the construction of a 340-unit apartment building across from my 2-bed-room rental at Solana Lakewood, and last week Rita and I moved into a 3-bedroom rental in GW Apartments, a brand new building on South Golden Road. A block away on the other side of South Golden Road, there’s a yellow rezoning sign stating that a 353unit mixed-use project is planned on what is currently vacant land.

Yes, new single-family homes are still being built, but they are far outnumbered by rental apartment buildings, and it’s not slowing down.

About a decade ago, the construction of condos stalled because of a surge in construction defect litigation by lawyers representing condo associations the way personal injury lawyers operate. Legislation was eventually passed to reduce the incidence of such lawsuits, but it didn’t bring

back the construction of condos as many observers had expected.

Developers accelerated the building of rental units as condo development stalled, and it just kept accelerating after that construction defect issue was mitigated. The completion of the FasTracks’ light rail and commuter rail project created a boom in TOD — transit-oriented development, almost entirely rental apartment buildings — within blocks of virtually every light rail and commuter rail station.

Now, with the cost of mortgage lending so much higher — more than doubled in the past 20 months — the boom in apartment construction and demand remains unabated. Meanwhile, we’re seeing a slowdown in single-family construction, with the emphasis on higher-density multi-unit construction.

There is also a new emphasis on local governments allowing single-family lots to add ADUs — accessory dwelling units — which is further increasing housing density across the metro area.

This Column Will Henceforth Appear Here In Every Issue

For nearly two decades this “Real Estate Today” column has been published in three Jefferson County weekly newspapers as well as every Thursday in the Denver Post’s YourHub section.

We’re pleased to add this newspaper to the list of newspapers carrying our column. I hope you find it informative.

You can see the variety of topics I’ve written about over the years by visiting the complete archive of this column at www.JimSmithColumns.com.

Expect More Housing Density, Mostly Apartments

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855 DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835 GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922 AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071 KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428 “I cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can do.” —Jana Stanfield

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December 14, 2023De

School board considers alternative funding for new schools

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County School District will likely seek partnerships with charters to build elementary schools in Sterling Ranch and the Canyons after voters opposed a $484 million bond in November.

The bond, known as 5B on the ballot, would have funded three new schools, school expansions and building maintenance.

At the Dec. 6 school board retreat, Superintendent Erin Kane told the board that in order to open schools in high-demand neighborhoods by 2026, the district will have to work with charters.

With continuing growth in the district and a need to maintain schools, Kane also said staff will probably recommend the board put

The Douglas County School Board. PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

another bond on the 2024 ballot.

“The further we put the bond out, the more debt we will have to go into and the more cost to our taxpayers,” Kane said.

Sterling Ranch and the Canyons,

two of the neighborhoods that would have had an elementary school built if the 2023 bond had passed, are “on fire” with student growth, Kane said.

Without bond money, the dis-

trict may work with charters to build schools in the area by providing land. Kane said the charters wouldn’t be a replacement for neighborhood schools, but a faster solution to capacity issues.

“Right now, our value proposition for people moving to Douglas County is we need them to move in but I have to bus their children to a mobile school,” Kane said.

Growth in Crowfoot Valley and Ridgegate has also outpaced the district’s estimates and will also need new elementary schools soon.

Kane said it’s unlikely voters would approve a bond for five elementary schools and some neighborhoods need a more timely solution, hence seeking charter partnerships.

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December 14, 2023

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Douglas County offices will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 22 and will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

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

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E-recycling Monday through Friday, and occasional Saturdays Voters on Nov. 7 approved a $66 million annual increase for Douglas County School District teachers and staff. Ballot Issue 5A and 5B goes into effect next year.

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ommend to the board at a January meeting to begin the application process for charters in Sterling Ranch and the Canyons to try and open schools in 2026.

“If we’re able to get a charter in Sterling Ranch, for example, it gives us the room to put one of the other places that is on fire on the bond request,” she said.

The district can tailor the applications to request charters that would weight student enrollment for local students and those with special education needs, to assure the schools help ease the capacity concerns until the district can build schools.

Another fallout from the failure of the bond is that the district will need to use funding from their reserves to fix around $20 million in immediate maintenance issues that threaten to close buildings.

“It’s not sustainable and it’s a

statement to the public that we don’t have this money in the couch cushions,” Kane said.

Delaying the capital projects outlined in the 2023 bond, including the new schools, will mean an approximate 5% increase per year in the cost for that work to be completed. Similarly, waiting to fix building issues can lead to mounting spending for temporary solutions or unintended consequences, Kane said.

“When you have a boiler or something that should have been replaced, but wasn’t, and it leaks, now you’re paying for all of the water damage in addition to replacing it,” she said.

In order to address the maintenance needs and growth, Kane said staff will probably recommend the board return to voters for a bond in 2024.

Kane said next year is the district’s next chance to ask voters for a taxneutral bond, which would allow the district to finance capital work without increasing the cost to taxpayers, or else, in 2028.

Douglas County residents may dispose of unwanted electronics free of charge at Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St. in Aurora, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and occasional Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of residency is required. For a list of acceptable items, Saturday drop-off dates and more, visit douglas.co.us and search Electronics Recycling. Holiday office closures may apply.

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December 14, 2023De

Ready for resolutions in Elbert County Elizabeth and nearby areas offer gyms for the new year

BY COURTNEY BAKOS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Year after year, one of the most common New Year’s resolutions continues to be improving health and/or losing weight.

In fact, according to a recent Forbes Health/One Poll survey, 82% of people plan to make this type of resolution for the coming new year.

Of those surveyed, 43% say they plan on purchasing a gym membership to assist in reaching their goals.

Across the country, gym memberships see a massive increase during the month of January as people commit to their resolutions. When joining a gym, finding one conveniently located for you is one of the biggest determining factors in consistent gym attendance.

Within the town of Elizabeth, residents have a few choices when it comes to fitness centers. Staying Fit and Loving It is located at 34987 County Road 13, and Access Total Fitness is located at 855 Grant Street, Unit D. Also in Elizabeth is Anytime Fitness at 2340 Legacy Circle. Gym owner Michael Scaff has some helpful advice to those making and keeping a fitness-related resolution this

year.

“The best advice that we give all our clients is to stay consistent and to pick goals that are realistic because hitting a lot of small goals will get you to the big goal faster than trying to set one big goal and getting discouraged along the way,” he said.

Scaff added that S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable and time-bound) goals are much more likely to be reached.

Having a goal of “working out more” is a great start, but a goal of “taking a group fitness class at the gym twice a week” is much better because it hits all the SMART principles and you know exactly how to achieve it.

Scaff explains how Anytime Fitness is helping members get a jump start on their fitness goals before the new year. “During the month of December, we are providing a free training experience. Either one-onone, small group, or functional aging, whichever fits the member’s preference. All members need to do is schedule a time with a coach and we’ll take care of the rest.”

“More than anything” adds Scaff, “we are a community gym that loves to help our members reach their goals and have fun doing it. We always say, we want coming to the gym to be the best part of your day, not the worst.”

Neighboring towns of Castle Rock and Parker also have ample gym choices, many of which provide discounted memberships and guidance on how to reach fitness goals

The Castle Rock Rec Center is among gyms available to residents of Elbert County who are looking for a healthy focus in their New Year’s resolutions. PHOTO BY COURTNEY BAKOS

safely and effectively. The Parker Recreation Center, for example, is offering discounted personal training sessions Dec. 26 to Jan. 7. The Castle

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December 14, 2023

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December 14, 2023De

Zoning approved for Grand Living plan

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A rezoning application by Ryan Companies for the Crown Point Center Planned Development to permit assisted living with memory care was approved by Parker town council, going against staff recommendations to deny it.

As the subject property is located in the commercial, office and hotel district of the planned development, council had to determine whether Grand Living was considered residential or medical.

Grand Living is a 100% licensed assisted living health care community that aims to provide personalized healthcare and allow residents to remain in their original apartment even as their needs change.

Locatedsouth of E-470, east of

Parker Road and on the southeast side of the roundabout where Cottonwood Drive and Crown Crest Blvd converge, the property is currently undeveloped.

The proposed rezoning would modify the boundary between parcels and affect about five acres, according to documents.

In a presentation to council, Ashley Chasez, with the community development department, said the subject property is in the Parker Road Corridor Plan, which recommends commercial uses and also located within the Medical and E-470 Corridor character areas as noted in the master plan.

“Residential uses are not consistent with the intent with the medical district and the E-470 district character areas,” said Chasez. “Especially when the subject property is at a

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Crown Point Center Planned Development vicinity map that outlines the subject property in purple. Ryan Companies looks to develop Grand Living, an assisted living COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PARKER facility.

commercial development and located at two major roadways.”

Based on the nine criteria that must be met to allow for a rezoning, town staff claimed four criteria were not met.

A need for the proposal When conducting research, Strom said Parker will see one of the highest percentage increases in the 75 and up age group.

Additionally, he said as adult kids are wanting to stay closer to their parents and remain in the town, there are high occupancy rates in senior living facilities.

“High occupancy rates indicate the significant need for additional senior housing,” said Strom.

There are six assisted living facilities in the town, said Chasez, and about 10 in the greater Parker area.

Strom added that only two of those communities offer independent living and that both are full.

With multiple letters in support of the rezoning, the CEO of AdventHealth Parker recognized the need and that it would complement the surrounding uses, said Strom.

Correct site for the proposal

There are other properties within the Crown Point Planned Development that could allow for assisted living and memory care that are not at the center of a major commercial development, said Chasez.

Grand Living could be approved

on the parcels on either side of the proposed subject property, said Bryce Matthews, planning manager with community development, as they are planned for supportive medical uses.

However, Strom said the location is the correct parcel as it aids in accessibility to the community and employment opportunities.

When asked by councilmember Joshua Rivero why not use the parcels that are zoned for this use, Strom said the parcel they selected was intentional.

“It’s uniquely positioned,” said Strom. “It takes advantage of some of the grates, we do want to have some underground parking. We also want to be as close as we can to some of those other mixed uses.”

Chris Teigen, vice president of architecture for Ryan Companies senior living sector, said current zoning allows for hotels, health care facilities and any other use that is compatible with the surrounding and allowable uses.

Grand Living includes amenity spaces and programs such as health and wellness and community engagement, as well as a variety of dining options and outdoor activities in addition to support for their medical needs.

Councilmember Laura Hefta said the facility is consistent with rehaSEE ZONING, P39

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December 14, 2023

3 educators suspended Nov. 8 will not return Elizabeth Middle School teacher remains on leave for now STAFF REPORT

The Elizabeth School District announced Dec. 7 that it “has decided to separate from three staff members currently on suspension from their duties at Elizabeth Middle School” after an internal investigation, in a case rooted in an unspecified complaint about a teacher that occurred last spring.

The school board was scheduled to discharge the three employees at the board meeting on Dec. 11, after the Elbert County News press deadline.

The meeting agenda listed separation agreements for principal Brett Michel, assistant principal / athletic director Jeffery Sparrow and counselor Shannon Paxton, and the item is on the board’s consent agenda, where measures are typically approved without discussion.

All three will be paid through Jan. 31, but will not be returning to work, the school district confirmed.

A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office says each of

the three has been charged with one count of failure to report suspected child abuse, a misdemeanor.

Michel, Sparrow and Paxton were placed on administrative leave Nov. 8. The teacher who was the subject of the complaint, who was placed on administrative leave Sept. 27, “will remain on leave at this time,” the announcement said.

The three educators placed on leave Nov. 8 “will no longer be employed by the district, pending approval of the separations at the Dec. 11 Board of Education meeting,” according to the district’s Dec. 7 announcement.

Regarding the teacher placed on

leave Sept. 27, the announcement states: “Upon completion of the 18th Judicial District’s criminal investigation of this staff member’s alleged behavior, the district will conduct its own investigation to determine if further action on the part of the district is required.”

The district is not publicly naming the teacher, citing due-process considerations.

The district’s actions are the outcome of an investigation begun by Superintendent Dan Snowberger, who looked into allegations that student complaints about the teacher SEE EDUCATORS, P25

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December 14, 2023De

A publication of

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ElbertCountyNews.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher

Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Director Erica Johnson stands in front of the Giving Tree at the Town Hall in Kiowa on Dec. 2.

PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY

The Some Sweet Day quintet preparing to play live music for the afternoon on Dec. 2 at the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Christmas for Kids Kickoff and Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting.

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@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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Della-Rey McJunkins happily meets Tigger the mini horse on Dec. 2 at the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Christmas for Kids Kickoff and Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting.

Town of Kiowa staff at the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Christmas for Kids Kickoff and Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting on Dec. 2.

From left are Town Administrator Kimberly Boyd, Mayor Rick Kolm and Town Clerk Sasha Davidson. Kolm spoke at the tree lighting.

Keeping things merry and bright in Kiowa Festivities aim to get word out about Elbert County charity

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

At the Christmas for Kids Kickoff and Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting, Santa stayed merry even when faced with crying preschoolers afraid to sit on his lap.

Della-Rey McJunkins was looking forward to meeting Santa right up until she came face to face with the big man himself, then she dissolved into tears and held her mother tight. Fortunately, meeting Tigger the mini horse from Powell Ranch Designs calmed her right down. Santa’s elves helped smooth things over with goodie bags full of candy and holiday toys.

Della-Rey’s mom, Triniti, said her family recently moved to Kiowa. They came to the Kickoff to get involved with the community and to see Santa.

Aliana and Derek Goff, visiting the area from Houston, said they really enjoy Kiowa. It’s quieter and they can actually see the stars.

The Elbert County Coalition for

Outreach (ECCO) and the Town of Kiowa combined events on the afternoon of Dec. 2. Visits with Santa and Tigger preceded a lighted car parade and the Christmas tree lighting in front of Town Hall. Despite the brisk afternoon wind, everyone was cheerful. Elbert County Fair Royalty were also on hand to help Santa and greet the community.

Live music was provided at the event by Some Sweet Day. They describe their music as an eclectic mix of mountain music, ballads, Appalachian fiddle tunes and some modern folk music. Fiddler Lida Bringe is an Elizabeth resident.

The event is timed to help get the word out about ECCO’s Giving Trees. The trees, at various locations throughout the county, are decorated with Christmas gift tags. Each tag is filled out on behalf of a local child who is in need of Christmas gifts. The tag lists their likes, wants, and needs.

ECCO Director Erica Johnson says that the organization works to help people “365 days a year.” She added, “it’s not just about Christmas.” Johnson hopes people will be encouraged to find out more about what ECCO does and how they can contribute.

Johnson says there are currently

around 190 tags out in the community.

ECCO accepted applications for those requesting assistance until Dec. 9. Community members had until Dec. 12 to buy gifts and return them.

Gifts can be returned, with the tag attached and unwrapped, to any Giving Tree location.

According to their website, ECCO was formed in 2006 and is a “nonprofit coalition of local community service agencies, businesses, and individuals that work together to identify needs in the community and provide emergency outreach to the citizens of Elbert County, Colorado.”

ECCO helps low-income members of the community as well as victims of crime or disaster. Anyone in a crisis situation qualifies for ECCO’s help.

Residents might be familiar with the thrift store in Kiowa; a portion of sales provides income for ECCO. If you’re interested in volunteering for ECCO, donating or setting up a fundraiser, or know someone who needs assistance, contact Erica Johnson at 303-621-2599.

Powell Ranch has more than 20 rescued and surrendered livestock animals. Proceeds from Powell Ranch Designs go to their care and feeding.

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December 14, 2023

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12

December 14, 2023De

2024 budget approved, finance director honored by Parker council

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After approving two remaining budget items for the 2024 budget, the Parker town council gave a heartfelt appreciation to Finance Director Mary Lou Brown as it was her last meeting before retirement.

The council approved an ordinance to levy general property taxes for the year 2023 to help defray the costs of Government for the Town for the 2024 budget year.

To collect property taxes for the 2024 budget year, the town had

to certify a mill levy to Douglas County.

The mill levy of 2.602 mills for 2023 is the same for 2024. A mill levy is a tax rate applied to a property value assessment.

Voters exempted town revenues from the TABOR amendment, therefore, the restriction to an increase of the local growth factor plus inflation does not apply, according to a document provided by the town.

“We are over $50 million in sales tax revenue that comes into the town,” said Brown. “And our property tax number is just a little over

“SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS” December 16, 2023 @ 7:00 pm Elizabeth Middle School

featuring:

THE HIGH PLAINS SINGERS Directed by: Sheresa Wilbanks Accompanied by: Tia Bowen Tickets available @ Isabel’s Coffee Shop & at the door Adults - $8.00 Under 12 - FREE

$2 million.”

Additionally, the document stated the owner of a home valued at $500,000 would pay $90 per year in property taxes to the town in 2024, reflecting statewide legislation that lowered the 2023 assessment rate for 2024 collections.

Council also approved utilizing available funds to redeem, pay and discharge all of the outstanding certificates of participation.

Through the 2024 budget, the general fund will provide the funding through a one-time use of cash balance to fully pay, defease and discharge the principal of and interest on the 2014 Certificates of Participation.

Brown said there is a schedule built with the bond council and the financial advisor.

“We are looking at Jan. 31 as the date to actually defease the debt,” said Brown.

She added the town will save over $3 million in interest expense and will pay out a little over $12 million to pay the principal and the small amount of interest they will owe for the month of January.

The benefit of this action would accrue to the Stormwater Utility and Parks and Recreation funds, according to town documents.

“This is a great example of the town being fiscally conservative,” said Councilmember Todd Hendreks.

Councilmembers John Diak and Joshua Rivero said it’s important to get the debt paid off before Parker gets to full build out.

Before Brown left the podium, she became tearful as each of the councilmembers and Mayor Jeff Toborg expressed their gratitude for Brown and her work.

Along with complimenting her “superpower” to get people excited about a budget, the members said she is a true leader and will be leaving a legacy.

“Everything you’ve brought to this community has only been an improvement,” said Rivero.

In other business, an intergovernmental agreement between the town and the Mile High Flood District was approved for the design and construction of the drainage and flood control improvement for the Upper Jordan Road Tributary.

The town and the Mile High Flood District identified the Upper Jordan Road Tributary as a reach of a major drainageway, requiring improvements to support town growth.

The reach is located within the Bradbury Ranch development.

In addition to sediment deposition from the culvert failure on Bradbury Ranch Drive in June, the reach also contains two in-line stormwater ponds and has experienced cattail growth, resulting in a reduction in flood conveyance.

The project seeks to: • Optimize the upstream regional detention pond for a wider range of storm events.

• Re-analyze the channel to identify and mitigate localized flooding hazards.

• Improve channel capacity to mitigate floodplain going onto residential lots.

• Install pond and channel structures for long term maintenance.

• Remove cattails where necessary while maintaining overall natural aesthetic.

The agreement brings an additional $150,000 form the Mile High Flood District to complete the construction of the project, bringing the total budget to around $1.5 million, said Michael Grabczyk of engineering and public works.

Construction has been broken up into two phases with the first phase currently underway, said Grabczyk. This phase includes improvements to the upstream pond and is anticipated to be completed in March of 2024.

Phase two improves the drainageway downstream of the pond to the towns boundary and is also planned to be completed in 2024.

13

December 14, 2023

Parker Town Talk: Resources for local businesses in 2024

H

appy holidays from the Town of Parker.

As the holiday season kicks into high gear and the end of 2023 looms near, if you own a local business in Parker, you may be planning what 2024 looks like for your business and employees.

Maybe you’re thinking of a project you’d like to tackle to improve the landscaping outside of your shop, or you’re considering starting a new business and looking for funds to get started. The Town of Parker has been making strong efforts this year to provide support to our local business community in areas such as these.

One item the Town has been focused on this year is renewing our economic development efforts.

Parker Economic Development works each day to foster an environ-

GUEST COLUMN Jeff Toborg

ment where businesses thrive. One of its primary goals is to assist our local businesses in finding the resources they need and navigate challenges they may come across. So, what resources are available?

For those looking to start a business, expand a business, or who have a challenge they are facing, you might consider a one-on-one consultation with Parker Economic Development. They can help answer questions on anything from property searches, to finance, data and market research, local resources and more. Speaking of local resources, there are local programs available to help!

One prominent local business support program is P3’s Facade and Landscape Improvement Program

(FLIP). As Parker’s urban renewal agency, P3 offers 1-to-1 matching funds of up to $6,250 for businesses located in one of Parker’s three urban renewal areas (Cottonwood, Parker Road, and Parker Central) to assist with business exterior improvements. Applications for FLIP funds are open annually from Jan. 1 to 31 and June 1 to 30. Projects must be completed in the year they are applied for, so it’s recommended that if you’re interested, you apply in January to begin working with and scheduling contractors now for summer 2024. Businesses benefit from a reimbursement from P3 of up to $6,250, dependent on the cost of the project. Learn more about FLIP at P3Parker.com/FLIP. Those looking to start a business in Parker can benefit from the Parker Business Revolving Loan Fund.

This partnership between the Town of Parker and the Colorado Enterprise Fund provides access to capital and business coaching for startups and existing small businesses that are unable to secure traditional bank financing. Contact the Town to learn more!

Other resources available to our local businesses include sponsorship opportunities with the Town of Parker, local workforce resources through Arapahoe WORKS!, State of Colorado programs and funding and more.

I’m looking forward to another great year in the Parker community in 2024! For more information about resources we at the Town provide to help local businesses thrive, visit ParkerED.org.

Jeff Toborg is the mayor of Parker.

14

LOCAL

December 14, 2023De

VOICES Heading to 45

I

t’s my birthday month. My birthday is on the very last day of the year. Many celebrate it under the guise of it being New Year’s Eve. I know for FROM THE many, turning 50 is the big mile EDITOR marker year, but for some reason this year, 44 going into 45 has been a year full of reflection.

I am a busy mother with young children.

There are drawThelma Grimes backs to waiting to have children when you’re older.

As a nearly 45-year-old, I have to say when the 7-year-old is asking you for another game of 1v1 basketball you say no while trying to catch your breath after losing the first game.

So, as a parent, I reflected a lot this year on being better in many ways and also being more accepting. That’s a hard thing for a control freak like me. My teenage daughter and I have a much better relationship after I reevaluated the standards I hold her to while realizing they can’t be the standards I would set for myself.

I also looked at boundaries a lot more heading into year 45. How many boundaries should I set at work? What boundaries do I set with elected leaders who call or text on weekends or evenings? Believe me, with all the local elections this year — I had to evaluate when I took calls from candidates and the time I gave them outside of work hours.

It is hard as an editor when you interrupt a game or conversation with your kids because you must “take this call.”

I would say it was a victory in several of those categories. I have established more boundaries. I have been more present with kids. However, I still think I have room for improvement.

I also spoke up a lot more this year. That came with both negative and positive outcomes. Me being more outspoken at home where I take care of my parents and am responsible for a lot has been good

and bad. In my professional life — same outcome. In some ways, me speaking up more is good. In some ways, I could have done better in how I did it.

Heading to 45, I also looked at myself a lot. Early last year, I even wrote a column about how my New Year’s resolution was to cut myself a break.

In some areas I did. I allowed myself to understand I can’t do everything. Nor should I. I can’t control everything. That is an impossible goal. It’s OK to not expect to be in charge of everything.

However, I can’t stress enough that cutting yourself a break as a mother is probably where I did not meet the goal. Man, do I worry that it’s my fault the 7-year-old is not at the reading level he should be. A bit of disagreement with the hockey coach did not make my 10-yearold son happy even if I was saying something in his best interest.

I constantly worry about my kids’ mental and physical health and rarely cut myself a break in those regards.

Then, there is self-improvement.

Heading into 45 I have vowed to work on myself.

I started seeing a therapist and talking about my feelings. For a bit, it was helpful. However, like most moms, I could not justify the cost, insurance does not pay for it, and the hour sessions ended up being me talking about how to care for my parents, family and deal with work.

Not so much about me and my actual feelings.

Now, I look at 45. How can I take more steps to help myself? I am hoping some change of scenery will help that. I am hoping to get into the natural therapy we have around us in the coming year. Hiking, road trips and more should help me become healthier mentally and physically as I look at the next five years heading into 50.

For those who know me, the fact that I am creating a five-year plan heading into 50 would not surprise any of them.

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

Hope amid hopelessness

W

hen dreams shatter, despair tightens its grip. Hurting people often lose sight of hope, instead spiraling into cynicism. Yet even in life’s bleakest moments, hope flickers for those determined to find its light. During seasons of widespread hopelessness, aspiring to hope takes courage and defiance.

Hope is not denial of hardship, but refusal to let hardship have the final word. Authentic hope stares suffering in the face, mourns loss deeply, then still dares to ask — what’s possible now? It is grief and optimism entwined.

Sometimes we must help rekindle hope’s faded embers in others. We can be the hopeful friend who will listen without judgment when people unload their bitterness. We can gently remind them of their strength and that better days will come.

Other times, hope is a quiet personal choice — a private beacon only we can see. We tend its flame through prayer, Scripture, or moments of beauty that pierce the fog. We shield hope from the hurricane of despair raging around us.

Living hopefully does not minimize others’ pain or imply we have answers they lack. It simply means we cling to possibility and light rather than drowning in gloom with them. We soften rather than harden.

Zig Ziglar had a famous quote, “The doors of hope swing widest on the hinges of encouragement.” Who are you encouraging today? Who is encouraging you today? Either way, and sometimes both ways, hope is being transferred.

During seasons of widespread hope-

lessness, hoping feels like an act of defiance. It is refusing to let darkness dim our vision for the future.

When hope seems most improbable, that is when nurturing hope matters most.

A single hopeful person can spark revival.

Even when you feel Michael Norton alone in your hope, believe brighter days are coming. Hope floats on the winds of God’s faithfulness, rising and falling for a time but never fully vanishing. Where hope persists, joy follows.

“It’s always something, to know you’ve done the most you could. But don’t leave off hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last.”

- Charles Dickens As the glow of twinkling lights brightens winter’s darkness, the season of Advent arrives. These four weeks leading up to Christmas offer a sacred chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect to hope. By practicing spiritual disciplines that prepare our hearts, we can live expectantly even amid life’s pain. Advent hope sustains us.

Hope looks small and fragile in a manger, yet its power spans eternity.

During Advent, we remember the birth of Jesus — God entering our world to walk alongside us with endless grace.

This humble arrival birthed unstoppable hope.

WINNING WORDS

SEE NORTON, P15

15

December 14, 2023

Older adults encouraged to minimize risk

I

am Ryan Falkner, the Senior Resource Deputy at the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office. I have been with the sheriff ’s office for 16 years.

During my time, I have been assigned to the jail, inmate transportation, court security, patrol, and now community resources. I have also been on special teams such as S.O.R.T. (SWAT for the jail), S.D.U. (riot control), and Wildland Fire Crew. I was the corporal for court security before I moved to this role.

I took this role to pursue my passion as Senior Resource Deputy. I have the utmost respect for previous generations as I recognize their efforts to make my generation better. With that, I want to thank everyone for their struggles, my life has been a blessing partly because of those actions. If it wasn’t for the struggles your generation went through, I would not have such a wonderful life. I am honored for this opportunity to give back to those I care deeply about.

The focus of my position is to educate and inform older adults, staff members, and loved ones to minimize victimization of our senior citizens. I will be spreading information in several ways: social media, websites, pamphlets, one on one consul-

tation, and group classes. I will stay up to date on all crime trends within the communities of the county. I plan on being in the communities as much as possible. This is an effort for everyone to get comfortable with me and vice versa. I Ryan Falkner look forward to the role of your Senior Resource Deputy.

During my presentation on Thursday, Feb. 1 for Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, I will talk about overall crime and safety tips for each of the following: scam protection, personal safety, and house safety. Please join us at the Castle Rock Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., at 10 a.m. to learn how to remain safe at home and around our community.

Seniors’ Council aims to educate, engage, and advocate for older adults.

We meet on the first Thursday of the month; meetings are free and open to the public. For information and up to date information please visit douglas. co.us/community-services/services/ senior-services/seniors-council.

NORTON

Prepare your heart, then celebrate hope’s birth on Christmas with childlike wonder.

This Advent, nurture soul-stirring hope through prayer, service and song. Let it light your path today and all year through. Hope rises with the dawn — certain and resilient. It always springs anew for those who seek its glow.

How about you? At a time when the world is at such odds, is your heart filled with hope? Or do you feel a little bit, or maybe even, heavy hopelessness? Either way, my hope is that you will lean into some of what I have written here and then share your story of hope with me at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can share some of our own hope with those who need it most, 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.

FROM PAGE 14

No matter how crushed we feel, hope lifts our gaze. When December busyness threatens to swallow us, Advent calls us to savor prayerful stillness. Carve out quiet moments to ask God to renew your weary soul.

Let hope soak into your spirit. Allow sacred words from Scripture or devotional poetry to marinate. Find rest in God’s presence.

Another Advent spiritual practice is serving others with compassion.

Reach out to the lonely or those hurting in your community. Pack shoeboxes for needy children. Deliver meals to homebound neighbors. Tangible acts of kindness fan the flames of love — our surest source of hope.

And as Christmas nears, kindle hope through song and symbolism. Deck ancient halls to welcome God anew.

Sing carols declaring joyous hope like “O Holy Night” or “Joy to the World.”

LIVING AND AGING WELL

OBITUARIES SCHMIDT

George Herman Schmidt

June 1, 1928 - November 14, 2023

It is with Bitter-Sweet emotions we share the passing of Dr. George H. Schmidt June 1, 1928 – November 14, 2023. Yep, 95 years!

From his birth, he’s experienced monumental events. His life reads like a national geographic magazine.

The Great Depression, the collapse of Wall Street and the start of WWII. He was in Germany in 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland. George and his mother escaped on the SS Bremen back to New York City.

He witnessed the start of McDonald’s and watched the attack on Pearl Harbor, the day the United States entered WWII. He enlisted the second he turned 18 as part of the Army/Air force. Civil Rights, Sputnik, Computers, Polio vaccine, Color TV, Elvis Presley, and a waltz on the moon. Epidemics, Pandemics triumphs and tragedies. And all the while this peaceful man lived. George RUTH

went to Dental school on the GI bill. He was a dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist; the number of beautiful smiles he helped create is hard to count!

He had an amazing wife, Joan Schmidt, of nearly 50 years who preceded him in death in 2011. He had 6 children: Steven Ward, Tyler Schmidt, Craig Schmidt (died as an infant), Melissa Schmidt Johnson – (Steve, son’s Zachary, Grant, Caleb, Cade, and Jakob), Christine Schmidt Murray – (Ronan, daughter’s Erika with Great Grandchildren Jackson and Lorelei, Brogan and Bailey) and Erik Schmidt – (son Landen) Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa George gave the best hugs and was a special confidant. He will be sorely missed but we all know he lived a life well lived.

Robert F. Ruth Jr.

August 20, 1944 - November 6, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert F. Ruth, a remarkable man who lived a life filled with adventure, dedication, and love.

He will be deeply missed by all who

had the privilege of knowing him.

Full obituary and please share your memories and condolences at: https://allveterans.com/tribute/ details/325674/Robert-Ruth-Jr/ obituary.html#tribute-start

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com

16

December 14, 2023D

LOCAL

LIFE

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

S

taring into a kiln glowing orange at 2,350 degrees, an artist armed with thick leather gloves holds a fragile piece of molten glass at the end of a steel rod.

This is the point where creativity, talent and inspiration combine to create a one-of-a-kind piece of glass never to be duplicated.

Sand and silica are the main components; soda ash and lime are combined to the mixture as raw ingredients, Corey Siverman of The Furnace: A Glassworks in Lakewood said. Industrial glass that’s made in a factory by machines works in a different way versus what we do by hand.

The Furnace is a glass workshop that dedicates 90% of its production to retail sales, according to Siverman. Thousands of ornaments will be handmade and shipped from this location.

“I have galleries all around the country. I’ve got over 100 galleries that buy my work,” Siverman said during a recent interview at his small production facility. “I sell to magazines. I sell to corporate gift companies. I sell to a lot of retail buyers through our store here. As well as Etsy, so we have a wide variety of customers.”

The months leading up to the holidays are the busiest time of year for Siverman and his coowner and wife, Leanne.

Siverman started blowing glass objects/art more than 30 years ago, he said he’s still learning.

“You start with a clear glass that’s molten out of the furnace at 2,100 degrees, gather it up on your blowpipe, and apply a color called Frit,” Siverman said. “You then reheat the glass, shape it and put a bubble into it after you put a pattern into it with your color. Once you’ve got your shape the way you want it you let it stabilize, you finish it off and put it in the oven (about 500 degrees) for as many as 12 hours.”

The Furnace is not only a commercial facility, employing less than a dozen production and distribution assistants, it’s a learning environment, offering introductory instruction to anyone with a desire to learn the craft.

“You learn something every time you walk through the door,” Siverman said about the classes.

However, patience, practice and commitment are prerequisites.

“People ask me, ‘How long will it take me to get good?’” Silverman said. “I like to tell people it’s a 10year commitment before you’re really good at this. You have to be very committed to it.”

Yet, each piece is completely original to the artist.

“The goal is to make products that will not be like anything you’ve ever seen before,” Siverman said.

Cremation Glass Art offers ashes in eternal suspension In an unassuming garage in Greeley, an artist incorporates the cremated ashes of loved ones

and even pets into molded and forged glass pieces that are incomparable.

“For the cremation art I do believe that working with human ashes is what hits my heart and soul the most,” said Tiffany Koehn with Red Manx Studio.

During a recent visit with the artist, Koehn worked to fold, curl and mold a small piece of molten glass in a 2,150 degree gas-fired kiln.

The idea of incorporating precious ashes within the glass was conceived in 2009, Koehn said. The epiphany was achieved with a very personal story.

In 2008, Koehn’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Mom’s cancer journey and watching her and everybody in that chemo room teetering on death hit me,” Koehn said. “Mom came out of it, but there’s a lot of people in that chemo room that didn’t live through their experiences.”

SEE GLASS, P17

17

December 14, 2023

GLASS FROM PAGE 16

“If I can help families get through it with something more special than a box on a mantel, then that’s what I want to do, especially with the children’s pieces,” Koehn said.

Here the customer, their story and vision are incorporated in each unique color selection and swirl of soft molten glass.

Koehn welcomes each buyer to be part of the process and witness the creation of the unique glass piece as it’s conceived and shaped in her small garage.

Nearly a dozen times over, Koehn heated and shaped the glass at the end of a metal pipe.

Koehn uses a unique tool made of wet wood which is created by several species of bacteria that enter a tree through wounds, keeping the wood malleable, which is perfect against the blazing hot temperatures of the molten glass.

The soft cylindrical shape of the wood creates the rounded edges with continuous turning of the delicate glass.

Koehn spends at least 18 hours repeating the process of heating, shaping, molding and cooling each glass piece.

In the end, each customer is presented with a keepsake unlike any in existence, just like their loved one.

Tiffany Koehn of Red Manx Studio in Greeley displays a recent piece of glass art she created.

The Furnace in Lakewood owner Corey Silverman displays a recent glass piece he created.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Tiffany Koehn of Red Manx Studio in Greeley uses a kiln at 2,100 degrees to make glass malleable enough to shape.

The Furnace in Lakewood owner Corey Silverman delicately cuts soft glass ornament with scissors.

Jamie Kent works with red-hot molten glass at The Furnace in Lakewood.

18

I

December 14, 2023De

Top five films from the 20th annual Vail Film Festival

t’s rare to find a modern film festival that goes out of its way to celebrate the world of independent cinema and the filmmakers who make that world so thrilling. Over the its first 20 years, the Vail Film Festival has made this celebration one of its guiding ethos, along with a focus on works made by female filmmakers.

And aside from two decades in existence, the festival had something else to celebrate during this year’s run from Dec. 7 through 10 — the return of an in-person event for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The festival has always been about building community and fostering relationships, so we’re really excited to have the event in person again this year and to bring the event to the Vail community again,” said co-founder and executive director Sean Cross, in an email interview. “The 20-year milestone is a big one, and I think it really is due to the community support we’ve received from the very beginning, and the continued excitement from filmmakers to come to Vail and experience the beauty of this area.”

This year’s festival featured more than 70 film screenings from around the world, as well as two special presentations: actress Alicia Silverstone received the Excellence in Acting Award and Ava Acres received the Rising Star Award.

Of all those entries, I was able to see 15 films and as usual, was wildly impressed with their quality. You can’t go wrong with any of the 2023 movies,

but here are five you when it was needed most. the story is centered on Mabel MontCOMING should really keep Rodgers artfully blends the histori- gomery Mayflower (Hardin), a fading ATTRACTIONS an eye out for in the cal, personal and political, exploring actress who has no interest in quicoming months.

‘All Happy Families’

For more information: https:// www.imdb.com/ title/tt15388560/ “All Happy Families,” Haroula Rose’s Clarke Reader return to the Vail Film Festival, centers on the Landrys, all of whom gather at the family home in Chicago to do some repair work in preparation for renting a room out. Brothers Graham and Will (Josh Radnor and Rob Huebel) are struggling over where they are in their careers, while their parents Sue and Roy (the always stellar Becky Ann Baker and John Ashton) are settling into post-retirement life. Or trying to.

The resulting story is funny and utterly human, full of recognizable and relatable characters. It’s the best kind of film — one full of people you want to spend time with.

‘Chasing Chasing Amy’

For more information: www.chasingamydoc.com It’s difficult to imagine a more personal filmmaking project than Sav Rodgers’ funny and insightful documentary, “Chasing Chasing Amy.” The film tells the story of Rodgers’ obsession with Kevin Smith’s ’90s queer rom-com and how it provided a crucial lifeline to a young Kansas teen

how and why the film was made, the ways it helped and further marginalized the LGBTQIA+ movement and how it inspired him on his own path to finding personal love and acceptance.

Anyone who has found hope and salvation in art will love the film, because it’s the best kind of cinematic love letter — one right from the heart.

‘Glue Trap’

For more information: www.instagram.com/gluetrapmovie/ In Justin Geldzahler’s slow burn horror film, “Glue Trap,” one couple learns all about the dangers of being stuck together.

Struggling pair KJ and Dan head off to a cabin in Virginia for a little badly needed reconnection time, but get more than they bargain for when a surprising guest arrives out of the blue.

As with all great horror experiences, the less said, the better. The film is deeply insightful and knows exactly which tools to use at the right time. It gets under your skin and stays there.

‘Golden Vanity’

For more information: www.facebook.com/goldenvanitymovie/ You don’t often get to see true feats of acting anymore, but that’s just what audiences are treated to by Melora Hardin in the hysterical and heartbreaking “Golden Vanity.”

A true one-woman feature film,

For more information: www.heightenedfilm.com In Sara Friedman’s “Heightened” — which she wrote, directed and starred in — two characters struggling with anxiety form an unlikely bond in a surprising place.

The film focuses on Nora, a young woman on the cusp of becoming a lawyer when she has a nervous breakdown. She returns home to Maine to attempt to get better and is assigned to work park maintenance with ranger-in-training Dusty. As the two get to know each other better they find common ground in struggling with mental health and finding a way forward to the lives they actually want.

Friedman does great work in her triple role, realistically capturing the struggles of relating to a world where everything feels uncomfortable. I saw a lot of myself in it and I know I won’t be the only one.

M M T B W

@ W S

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

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etly leaving the stage. On one night in 1967 she records her memoirs as she grapples with what the Hollywood system has done to her and her T life. There are moments of true hilarity, but Hardin is equally capable of breaking your heart as you see what F life in the spotlight truly costs.

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December 14, 2023

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Bone, Thugs & Harmony @ 8pm DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver Tech Center, 7801 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village

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Mark Masters Comedy: Mark Masters on Comedy Saved The Video Star (South South Broadway Comedy Show) at Western Sky Bar & Taproom @ 8pm Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S Broadway, Englewood

Neil Z @ 6pm 2 Penguins Tap and Grill, 13065 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 8pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

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Ninety Percent 90s @ 7pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

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December 14, 2023De

Citizens protest Laydon, Teal over Thomas treatment

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

About a dozen members of the public decried the way two of Douglas County’s elected leaders have treated their colleague, with some urging the two to return the powers and privileges they’ve taken from her amid a longstanding 2-1 rift.

The long train of public commenters came after several actions

by Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal to punish or restrict Commissioner Lora Thomas.

“We spoke loud and clear when we elected Lora to represent us,” a man said during the Dec. 5 commissioners meeting in Castle Rock, arguing that the two-leader majority’s actions appear to be “designed to negate” Thomas’ voice.

The scene was reminiscent of a March commissioners meeting where about a dozen speakers criticized the commissioners’ actions, with many taking issue specifically with Laydon and Teal.

In the months since, the two-commissioner majority has continued to reprimand Thomas in response to what they say is inappropriate conduct.

One commenter at the Dec. 5 meeting called the majority “big bullies.”

Thomas has been investigated and criticized, but the commenter said Thomas “has been vindicated in all respects.”

In response, Laydon said he feels “a great deal of compassion and sympathy for everyone in this room.”

“For you to be called here and gaslit and told a lie is really disconcerting,”

Laydon said, also calling Thomas “a reckless agitator.”

Laydon later implied that the long session of public comment was “subjecting (people) to theater,” eliciting an outcry from members of the audience, who objected to that characterization.

Tensions ran high, with some in the audience speaking over Laydon and one man using profanity toward him.

“For the record, I was not asked to come here,” the man who made the “we spoke loud and clear” comment also said. “It’s not good to gaslight people, and you should stop.”

Cindy Dalton, of Lone Tree, helped organize at least part of the group of speakers that came to the meeting.

She has called the majority’s treatment of Thomas “unacceptable” and “unethical.”

John Swartout, who identified himself as a resident of Highlands Ranch, said he has worked with both Laydon and Thomas on positive matters.

“This can’t stand. This conflict has gotten out of everyone’s control,” Swartout said at the meeting. He added: “Let’s figure this out from the heart because this kind of treatment of Commissioner Thomas and the resulting conflict cannot stand.”

Between pushing for an investigation and currently fighting a lawsuit Thomas filed to recoup legal fees, the county will have spent about $50,000 at the direction of Teal and Laydon.

The current legal battle has reached at least $26,000 in legal fees, while the initial investigation of Thomas cost $24,000.

Thomas restrained

Some of the actions against Thomas that the commenters took issue with include the following: • Laydon and Teal voted to censure — or formally disapprove of — Thomas at an Aug. 22 meeting in response to what one of the leaders has called public shaming of county volunteers with inaccurate information. For a look at the arguments behind the censure vote, see Colorado Community Media’s coverage at tinyurl.com/ ThomasCensure.

• Around that time, Laydon and Teal voted to remove Thomas from outside boards, or committees, that oversee organizations in the community. Teal and Laydon had also voted to remove her from leadership on outside entities around the early part of this year. See more details in CCM’s coverage at tinyurl.com/ ThomasBoards.

• Teal and Laydon voted at a Sept.

5 meeting to cancel Thomas’ county credit card, to suspend her travel and mileage allowance, and to take other action regarding Thomas’ expenses. The county credit card covers spending for items like hotel rooms and airline travel on county business, according to county staff.

See more details at tinyurl.com/ ThomasExpenses.

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

Authority for actions

As for how the moves square with county policy, the Douglas County Commissioners policy manual outlines actions commissioners can take against each other.

“The Board of County Commissioners may impose sanctions on commissioners whose conduct does not comply with the Board’s ethical standards, such as reprimand, formal censure, loss of committee assignment, and/or budget restriction,” the manual says.

See the manual at douglas.co.us/ board-county-commissioners/transparency/policies-procedures.

Investigations in focus

The investigations of Thomas came up again at the meeting — as they so often do in the world of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

The disputes on the board form a complicated story.

Among other accusations, Laydon has said Thomas had attacked first responders by sharing an anonymous letter.

On the other hand, Thomas has said an investigation was “exonerating” of her.

Here’s a look at the ins and outs.

Teal and Laydon had initiated an investigation after accusing Thomas of circulating an anonymous letter that criticized specific employees in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, allegedly creating a hostile work environment. They also accused her of emailing county legal representation with a request not authorized by the SEE PROTEST, P23

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PROTEST FROM PAGE 22

full board.

The investigation into Thomas by outside legal counsel found that while Thomas had distributed the letter, doing so did not create a hostile work environment. It also found she did draft correspondence to legal counsel without informing the board.

The outside legal counsel’s investigation report says: “Commissioner Thomas published the Alleged Deputy Letter on the website for her 2022 campaign for Douglas County Sheriff. In at least one public appearance during that campaign, Commissioner Thomas encouraged the audience to visit the website for her 2022 campaign for Douglas County Sheriff in order to review the Alleged Deputy Letter. Multiple witnesses reported seeing Commissioner Thomas personally distribute the Alleged Deputy Letter at the 2022 Republican Assembly for Douglas County.”

“I find it more likely than not that Commissioner Thomas used the Alleged Deputy Letter to support her 2022 political campaign for Douglas County Sheriff,” the report adds.

Separately, regarding the context of Thomas’ alleged misdirection of legal counsel, the report says the board of county commissioners had a discussion regarding residents of the San Luis Valley region in southern Colorado who feared personal and financial retribution for speaking out about the “RWR proposal.” (That appears to be a reference to a controversial proposal to pump about 22,000 acre-feet of water per year to Douglas County from the San Luis Valley. Renewable Water Resources is the private company that proposed the project.)

The report says the board’s direction was to “ensure that those vulnerable individuals were protected from disclosure of their personal identifying information.”

Thomas drafted correspondence to legal counsel, “without informing the board, that was contrary to this board direction and (signed) it as the (then) chair of the board of county commissioners,” the report says.

That legal counsel, Stephen Leonhardt — apparently in response to Thomas’ correspondence — told Thomas in an email in April 2022 that he “can request that (someone) circulate a sign-up sheet for the attendees at each meeting identify them-

selves on a list … I understand that some of the attendees may desire that their identities not be made public; ultimately the Board will decide whether any information that we provide will become a public record.”

See the investigation report at tinyurl.com/ThomasReport.

Aftermath of the first investigation

Thomas appeared in a CBS Colorado news story in July 2022 discussing the confidential report that showed the results of the investigation, prompting the Douglas County government’s attorney to find that Thomas could have broken the law by doing so.

Thomas had asserted multiple times in meetings and in her newsletter to constituents that she believes the privileged nature of the document had already been broken by Laydon discussing parts of it publicly.

Another investigation — this time conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office — did not find probable cause to believe that Thomas committed the crime of first-degree official misconduct.

“The Colorado criminal code does not specifically prohibit a waiver of privileged and confidential information by a privilege holder. In this case, as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, Lora Thomas is a privilege holder,” Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Bruce Peterson wrote in a memorandum.

Laydon has argued Arapahoe County “got it wrong” in evaluating Thomas’ actions, saying “the privileged holder of a confidential document is the board” and not just one member of the board. He based his point on the understanding of the law of Chris Pratt, then interim Douglas County attorney.

Thomas’ stance has been that there’s a lack of evidence to justify Laydon and Teal’s actions toward her.

Laydon has argued that “there is a difference between criminal liability and civil” wrongdoing.

At the commissioners’ meeting on Dec. 5 this year, Thomas told the audience: “I work for all of you, and nothing they ever do will ever change that.”

Aside from accusations against Thomas, claims were raised about Teal and Laydon from several years ago during the Dec. 5 meeting. One man brought up an accusation that Teal lied about his military record, and he also brought up Laydon’s charge of driving under the influence.

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December 14, 2023De

Nonprofits benefit from county grants

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Douglas County ceremony marked the awarding of nearly $200,000 in grant funds to organizations that help people with needs that span from older adult services to mental health support to addressing food insecurity for kids.

“There are nonprofits in Douglas County ready to provide their services to you, funded in part thanks to $185,000 in grant funds from Douglas County’s 2023 portion of the Philip S. Miller Trust,” the county said in a news release.

The selected organizations cast “a wide safety net” throughout the county by providing programs such as suicide prevention, therapy, medical assistance and emergency financial assistance, among other

efforts, the news release said.

To benefit Douglas County’s growing older-adult population, organizations that serve older adults each received $25,000 grants separate from the competitive grant process that others went through. Those organizations include Aging Resources of Douglas County, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center and Parker Senior Center, according to the news release.

Twenty-four other organizations applied for and were awarded amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the news release said.

For more than 40 years, Douglas County has awarded more than 80 nonprofit organizations — through the annual, competitive Philip S. Miller grant process — with nearly $8 million for programs that help the community, according to another

Douglas County’s building at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock, pictured in August, where PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD officials often hold public meetings.

county news release.

At a meeting of Douglas County’s elected leaders on Nov. 14, representatives from the organizations gathered at the commissioners’ headquarters in Castle Rock in celebration of receiving this year’s grant funds.

Here’s a look at those that received funding.

Who got grant funds

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The 2023 Philip S. Miller grant fund recipients, according to the county’s list, include: • Backpack Society — A nonprofit based in Highlands Ranch that col-

lects food donations and raises funds for students struggling with food insecurity. It partners with schools in the Douglas County and Littleton school districts to reach students in need. Received $5,000.

• Bridge of Hope — Provides housing and supportive services for single mothers and their children, according to Douglas County staff. Received $2,000.

• Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation, or CALF — CALF connects people to agriculture through “authentic” educational SEE GRANTS, P25

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December 14, 2023

GRANTS FROM PAGE 24

programs, community projects and leadership opportunities, according to its website. Received $2,000.

• Crisis Center — The Crisis Center works to end domestic violence through advocacy, education and prevention. Received $10,000.

• Help & Hope Center — A nonprofit providing assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in “serious economic need,” at risk of homelessness or in a similar crisis, providing food and other necessities, according to its website.

Received $10,000.

• Integrated Family Community Services — IFCS “helps individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency,” its website says. It offers financial assistance, access to food, school supplies, holiday grocery boxes and recreation center vouchers. Received $5,000.

• Manna Resource Center — A faith-based nonprofit that works to strengthen individuals and families in Douglas and Arapahoe counties and the surrounding area through “programs that provide holistic care and support in the areas of self-sufficiency, wellness, and family development,” its website says. Received $5,000.

• Manna Care food pantry — Received $2,000.

• Parker Task Force — Dedicated to providing individuals and families with food, limited financial assistance and other support services to help them become self-sufficient, its website says. Received $5,000.

• SECOR Cares — Short for Southeast Community Outreach, SECOR helps people “faced with suburban poverty, restoring hope and digni-

EDUCATORS FROM PAGE 9

last spring did not reach law enforcement or human-services personnel as required by Colorado’s mandatory reporting law, the announcement said.

“While we recognize these individuals’ many positive, past contributions to the school community, we have high expectations that our staff will follow legal expectations and board policies in keeping our stu-

ty, and guiding them toward a selfsufficient life,” its website says. Received $2,000.

• Doctors Care — A nonprofit dedicated to improving health access for low-income people in the south Denver metro area. Received $10,000.

• Douglas County Christian Counseling — An organization with “professionals who will guide you or your loved ones toward the wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit,” its website says. Received $5,000.

• Step Seven Ministries — Helps people build long-term, sustainable recovery from drug and alcohol use.

Received $2,000.

• Southeast Christian Counseling Center — “At Southeast Christian Counseling Center, we are honored to provide quality, accessible therapy in Parker, Colorado and the Denver Metro region for people of all faiths,” the organization’s website says. Received $10,000.

• Lady Trailblazer — An organization that works “to enrich and empower the lives of every girl, in every community,” its website says.

Received $2,000.

• Best Buddies in Colorado — Best Buddies International is a nonprofit “dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for oneto-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD),” its website says. Received $5,000.

• Castle Country Assisted Living — A nonprofit that offers assisted living and services to the “valued elder citizens” of Douglas County, its website says. Received $2,000.

• Colorado Lions Camp — An effort to provide “exceptional camping programs to individuals with dis-

abilities which promote independence,” its website says. Received $5,000.

• Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation — Its mission is to “respond to the urgent needs of Coloradans with cancer by providing financial assistance with dignity and humanity,” its website says. Received $2,000.

• Colorado State University Extension in Douglas County — The office’s goal is to assist people with questions about gardening, wildlife, 4-H and other needs. (“Head, heart, hands and health” are the four “Hs” in 4-H, a youth development program.) Received $5,000.

• Douglas County Library Foundation — The Douglas County Libraries Foundation delivers funding and resources to help sustain Douglas County Libraries and positively impact community members, its website says. Received $5,000.

• Folds of Honor — A website for Folds of Honor says: “Since 2007, we’ve provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military (service members). And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders.” Received $5,000.

• Friends of Douglas County K-9 — A nonprofit committed to the financial support of the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office K-9 Unit. Received $2,000.

• Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance — Its vision is to elevate the care and protection of Rocky Mountain wildlife by fostering a sense of community and collaboration, its website says. Received $2,000.

• Aging Resources of Douglas County — A nonprofit “community aging center” that connects people to services, information and resources that promote aging well and with independence, its website says.

dents safe and investigating any and all reports of concerning behavior,” Snowberger said in the announcement about Michel, Sparrow and Paxton.

Since the Nov. 8 suspensions, Interim Principal Kimberly Runyan, Interim Administrator Mark Carara and Interim Athletic Director Jim McCoin have provided leadership at Elizabeth Middle School.

A Nov. 16 Elbert County News story about a forum held by Snowberger to inform the community about the investigation can be found online at tinyurl.com/emsexplanation.

Elizabeth Middle School

Received $25,000.

• Castle Rock Senior Activity Center — Its mission is to make life more fulfilling and create community for seniors. Received $25,000.

• Parker Senior Center — Its website describes the center as “your home for clubs, entertainment, fitness, meals, and activities.” Received $25,000.

Source of funding

The Miller Grant Program is the legacy of Douglas County businessman and philanthropist Philip Simon Miller and his wife, who established The Philip S. Miller Charitable Trust in 1980, according to a county news release.

“In 1980, the Millers, having no children, established the trust and named nine beneficiaries to receive an annual cash distribution from income generated by the trust upon their deaths. Trust distributions are to be used ‘exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes,’” the county’s website says.

As one of the beneficiaries of the trust, Douglas County established the Miller Grant Program to administer the funds received from the trust.

Community foundation involved

As part of a multi-year agreement with the county, the Douglas County Community Foundation administered the 2023 grant process.

“The county commissioners will continue their accountability for the funds via the evaluation of funding recommendations and the final decision for distribution,” the county said in a news release.

The Douglas County Community Foundation is committed to “providing support to local nonprofit organizations serving the needs within our community,” its website says.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

26

December 14, 2023De

Local veterinarians offer information, caution on infectious canine respiratory illness

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

An infectious respiratory illness is impacting dogs across the country, including in Colorado, but national and local veterinarians say there are a lot of unknowns about the illness.

The illness may be caused by several factors, according to City Vet Highlands Ranch Veterinary Clinic Dr. Jessica Shepler.

“I know some of the specialists have tested animals and received some inconclusive results,” Shepler said. She described the illness as akin to a known bacterium but also showing traits of known viruses.

“When I’m speaking to clients, I’m definitely referencing it as a bacteria or virus. Because I just don’t know,” she said. “We’re not convinced that it’s not multiple things going on at once, either.”

Although there are so many unknowns, Shepler and other local vets have been following the illness for several months.

“This is something that has been going on for many months for us,” Shepler said. “We first started seeing it early summer, like May-June timeframe. And it progressively got a little bit worse.”

She said that the news has peaked now because the story has gotten

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out on social media.

“I was actually kind of surprised when I started hearing all the news stories coming out about it, because we have we’ve been dealing with it for more than six months,” she said.

Treating area pets has helped Shepler and other Colorado veterinarians, including the veterinarian team at Colorado State University.

“CSU has been instrumental in helping increase diagnostic testing in hopes of finding a primary cause of the outbreak,” said Dr. Gillian Gwartz, program veterinarian in the State Veterinarian’s Office. “We still don’t have a single conclusive causative agent, but we’re working with select vet clinics to try to get more samples to see if we can find a pattern.”

This information helps vets guide pet owners in how to prevent the mystery illness and on what to do if their pet becomes ill.

The most important thing is to vaccinate the animals and yourselves, according to Dr. Shepler.

“We’re not seeing terribly high numbers when it comes to death rates or those severe infections,” Shepler said. “But it is a persistent cough. I think the basics are still the same. Make sure that you’re healthy and vaccinated before interacting with others. I think the same goes for our pets.

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Parvo, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza,” Shepler continued. “And that we’re also vaccinating them regularly for Bordetella as well as the canine influenza or the canine flu.”

Shepler said that vaccines may not prevent pets from falling ill, but it will ensure that several possible contributors to the mystery illness are covered.

“It’s not going to provide 100% immunity. No vaccine does,” Shepler said. “But it does give the dog’s body something to go off of and some information (for vets) to start tracking.”

At a recent panel by Trupanion pet insurance, Colorado State University’s Dr. Michael Lappin, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences reassured pet owners that going to the vet for those vaccines and checks was not a risk.

He said that the facilities have biosecurity protocols in place to keep pets, owners and staff safe.

“If you’re only there for your routine vaccines, or you’re there for your cancer appointment or your ear infection appointment, we still want people to come in,” he said.

“We’re doing our security measures.

So, your animal won’t catch those things while you’re there.”

Outside of vaccinations, vets are not calling for precautions with healthy pets. According to Shepler, pet owners shouldn’t worry until there are serious symptoms. She urges owners to take a coughing dog to the vet to get evaluated and treated early.

“I think pet owners should start worrying when their pet is not acting like themselves,” she said. “If they’re not eating and drinking, if they seem extra tired, or lethargic if they have any sort of difficulty breathing, where it seems like their breath is really shallow, or that they

can expand their chest completely or fill their lungs with air. Obviously, that is much more concerning and becomes an emergency situation.”

She went on to say that any dog, “with a cough should get checked out, just to make sure that everything is stable, and then to get started on appropriate treatment.”

There is a risk of pneumonia and other more severe illnesses connected to this mysterious condition.

However, Shepler said that local vets are seeing a vast majority of dogs who get the illness recover.

“I think the most important thing to know is that while a few pets are getting some secondary complications that can be more life-threatening, the vast majority of the pets that we’ve seen at least, are very stable,” said Shepler. “They come in with good energy. They come in with normal vital signs, but owners just report this persistent nagging cough.”

Shepler urges pet owners to see a vet when the cough starts. In addi-

tion, she reassures owners that most pets are coming out of the illness just fine.

“In the 20-25 cases that we’ve seen here at the City Vet clinic, we only have two or three that have needed more significant intervention because they have developed a secondary pneumonia,” Shepler said. “So for the most part, this is an annoying disease. But for many of our patients, it has not become lifethreatening.”

If your pet shows signs of a cough, fever or a change in behavior, contact your local vet. Make sure your pets are fully vaccinated before boarding, visiting other homes with pets or going to dog parks.

For more information on the illness, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website, watch the Trupanion panel on the illness on the webpage for Canine Respiratory Illness Q & A with Trupanion or contact Shepler at City Vet Highlands Ranch at 720-924-3033.

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28

December 14, 2023De

MedicAlert bracelets, necklaces available through county

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Through Senior Safe, the Douglas County Sheriff ’’s Office has created a place to inform residents about current scams, provide safety tips and keep the vulnerable population protected through various programs.

Earlier this year, the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office launched a new program in partnership with MedicAlert.

“Communication is the best component for law enforcement to treat our citizens appropriately,” said Senior Resource Deputy Ryan Falkner. “And this just opens up that door to learn more about our citizens in times of need.”

The MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves millions across the country by using technology to ensure that people’s health records are portable and critical health information is readily accessible in an emergency.

MedicAlert bracelets and necklaces are now available for Douglas County residents who are 55 years of age or older and live in unincorporated Douglas County, Castle Pines, Franktown or Larkspur.

A Douglas County resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to show their gratitude toward the department after deputies responded to multiple calls, as well as provide medical services to other residents.

MedicAlert bracelets and necklaces are available for Douglas County residents 55 years old and up. Each will have a pendant on it that encourages first responders to call MedicAlert where they will be given any information such as emergency contacts, medical conditions, and allergies to ensure fast and accurate treatment.

COURTESY OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFFÂS OFFICE

The individual made a donation, which allowed the sheriff ’s office to work with MedicAlert and fund over 110 citizens with the services MedicAlert provides.

Each bracelet and necklace will have a pendant on it that will encourage first responders to call MedicAlert where they will be given any information the client wants them to know, such as emergency contacts, medical conditions, and allergies to ensure fast and accurate treatment.

The MedicAlert Foundation partners with the Alzheimer’s Association to address safety issues and has launched Wandering Support services

to help improve outcomes for those who are at risk of wandering.

“If a person wanders off and they don’t know who they are, the first responders can find out who they are and who their emergency contact is, where they live and their medical conditions without that client verbalizing it,” said Falkner.

Deputies and firefighters are aware of the bracelets or necklaces and are trained to know to call the number on the back to get more information.

The bracelets and necklaces are first come, first serve and since the program launched, about five residents have joined, which will provide three years of service, said Falkner.

“All of them found the process of getting signed up extremely easy,” said Falkner. “I think it’s nothing but beneficial.”

If interested in the program, contact Falkner at 303-663-7748 or at rfalkner@dcsheriff.net Falkner is also reminding older adults about common scams and regularly meets with residents to help them become aware of what’s going on in their community and how to prevent becoming a victim.

As the previous sheriff, Tony Spurlock, saw a need to focus on the county’s older adults, Sheriff Darren Weekly encouraged Falkner to ensure that the population feels included.

“They’re appreciated and we are

protecting them at all times,” said Falkner.

Douglas County has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the state as people 65 and older account for 14% of the county’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Senior Safe also provides a phone program for adults who feel isolated, lonely or feel they are not connected to the community.

The sheriff ’s office partnered with the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center in which clients will receive a number of phone calls - decided by the client - from volunteers at the senior center.

Volunteers will notify the client of any event going on, check on their well being and create a bond.

If multiple calls are not answered, the volunteer will call the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office to get involved and send a deputy to the address of the client.

The client can tell the sheriff ’s office how they wish to respond, either by a standard welfare check or a senior welfare check.

“The client has the ability and power to tell us how they wish for us to respond to them,” said Falkner. “Do they wish for us to go inside their house?

Do they wish for us to knock on their door or any of those types of things?”

Senior Safe can be found at https:// dcsheriff.net/community/seniorsafe/.

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December 14, 2023

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December 14, 2023De

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

TRIVIA 1. GEOGRAPHY: Which famous highway that stretches across the United States is sometimes known as the Will Rogers Highway?

2. MUSIC: Which country did the pop group ABBA come from?

3. TELEVISION: What article made Frosty the Snowman come to life in the popular TV special?

4. FOOD & DRINK: What is colcannon?

5. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Volcanoes National Park?

6. MOVIES: What is the name of the acapella group that Anna Kendrick joins on “Pitch Perfect”?

7. INVENTIONS: Who invented the Barbie doll in 1959?

8. MATH: How many tablespoons are in 1 cup?

9. LITERATURE: What is the title of the sequel to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which elected president is the only one to fail to gain his party’s nomination for a second term?

Answers 1. Route 66.

2. Sweden.

3. A magic hat.

4. Mashed potatoes and cabbage.

5. Hawaii.

6. The Barden Bellas.

7. Ruth Handler.

8. 16.

9. “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.”

10. Franklin Pierce. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

31

December 14, 2023

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December 14, 2023De

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December 14, 2023

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December 14, 2023D

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0172 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/12/2023 8:43:00 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: JARET C. YENDREK Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR PRIMELENDING, A PLAINSCAPITAL COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/24/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 10/5/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021113837 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $305,550.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $301,668.73 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: 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.

Legal Description of Real Property: Parcel 1: Condominium Residential Unit 22-203, Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch according to the Condominium Declaration of Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046471 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Douglas, State of Colorado and as further defined and described in the Condominium Plat for Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded April 23, 2004 at Reception No. 2004041009 and Affidavit of Correction recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046470, as amended from time to time, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Parcel 2: Condominium Garage Unit G55, Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch according to the Condominium Declaration of Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046471 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Douglas, State of Colorado and as further defined and described in the Condominium Plat for Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded April 23, 2004 at Reception No. 2004041009 and Affidavit of Correction recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046470, as amended from time to time, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Which has the address of: 12912 Ironstone Way, Apt 203, Parker, CO 80134-7111 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, February 7, 2024, 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: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/12/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ALISON L. BERRY Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 23-030959 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0172 First Publication: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Franktown NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0160 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/13/2023 8:22:00 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: Frederick J. McCoy Jr. AND Susan M. McCoy Original Beneficiary: KeyBank National Association Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: KeyBank, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/31/2013 Recording Date of DOT: 11/1/2013 Reception No. of DOT: 2013088007 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $495,800.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $397,930.22 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.

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 120, RUSSELLVILLE UNIT 6, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 11274 East Manitou Rd , Franktown, CO 80116 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, January 10, 2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/13/2023 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 #: CO21779 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0160 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0171 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/3/2023 9:27:00 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: PRESTON N. HASSELL Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE TO STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, SERIES 2004-4XS

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/13/2003 Recording Date of DOT: 12/10/2003 Reception No. of DOT: 2003174185 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $148,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $33,832.82 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: LOT 15, THE PINERY FILING NO. 8, AS SHOWN ON THE MAP RECORDED APRIL 9, 1973, RECEPTION NO. 159649, RECORDS, RECORDS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 7250 North Hyperion Way, 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, January 24, 2024, 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: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/3/2023 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 #: 00000009863226 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0171 First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0158 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/13/2023 8:26:00 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: VIRGINIA F MUWWAKKIL Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR INSPIRE HOME LOANS INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/22/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 6/23/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021077314 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $607,294.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $585,509.43 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: LOT FIFTEEN (15), BLOCK EIGHT (8), STROH RANCH FILING NO. 18B, 7TH AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 12782 Horton Court, 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, January 10, 2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/13/2023 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

Parker | Elbert Legals December 14, 2023 * 1

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December 14, 2023De

Public Notices

Colorado Registration #: 51088 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000009884974 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0158 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0165 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/18/2023 1:17:00 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: AMY L. GILPIN Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR BNC MORTGAGE, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BNC MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/13/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 12/18/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006108070 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $429,267.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $270,342.88 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.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 9, BLOCK 1, REATA NORTH FILING NO. 3, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 12164 S Hidden Trail Ct, 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, January 10, 2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/19/2023 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 #: 19-023454 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0165 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0173 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/12/2023 8:26:00 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: Theodore James Veltrie AND Kelly Lynn Veltrie Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc, as beneficiary, as nominee for New Day Financial, LLC Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of Cabana Series V Trust Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/21/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 11/3/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006094817 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $315,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $299,611.84 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/or 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: ALL THE REAL PROPERTY TOGETHER WITH IMPROVEMENTS, IF ANY, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS AND STATE OF COLORADO DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 31, BLOCK 1, STROH RANCH FILING NO. 6-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THEODORE JAMES VELTRIE AND KELLY LYNN VELTRIE, JOINT TENANTS BY DEED FROM THE RYLAND GROUP, INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION RECORDED 03/21/2000 IN DEED BOOK 1821 PAGE 2006, IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO. Which has the address of: 19252 East Hollow Creek Drive, Parker, CO 80134-3424 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, February 7, 2024, 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: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/12/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ARICYN J. DALL Colorado Registration #: 51467 216 16TH STREET SUITE 1210, DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Phone #: (720) 259-6714 Fax #: (720) 259-6709 Attorney File #: 23CO00350-1 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0173 First Publication: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0168 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/3/2023 8:55:00 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: DOUGLAS W. WATSON Original Beneficiary: THE MORTAGE STORE, INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ALL PERMITTED SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 2/11/2005 Recording Date of DOT: 2/17/2005 Reception No. of DOT: 2005014296 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $209,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $167,195.05 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 4, BLOCK 18, PONDEROSA HILLS FILING NO. 2, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 12250 N. Evergreen Trail, 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, January 24, 2024, 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: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/3/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: HOLLY SHILLIDAY Colorado Registration #: 24423 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO-23-959008-LL *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0168 First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0167 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/18/2023 1:14:00 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: Shelly A. Rodie Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Greenbox Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for IOF III Trust 2A Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/13/2022 Recording Date of DOT: 9/20/2022 Reception No. of DOT: 2022062328 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $460,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $459,761.52 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 8, Block 3, Meadowlark Subdivision Filing No. 1, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Which has the address of: 18221 House Finch Lane, 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, January 10, 2024, 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: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/19/2023 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 #: CO22121 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0167 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE LIQUOR LAW OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Epic Pickleball Club Pickleball HR, LLC d/b/a Epic Pickleball Club has requested the Licensing Officials of Douglas County to grant a Liquor License for a Lodging and Entertainment liquor license at the location of 1980 E County Line Rd, Unit B, Littleton, CO 80126. The Public Hearing on this application is to be held by the Douglas County Local Liquor Licensing Authority at 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104 on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Date of Application: November 16, 2023 Officers: Andrew Motz James Gray Perry Leyden Charles Williams Lisa Williams Legal Notice No. 946494 First Publication: December 14, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Bids and Settlements Public Notice PUBLIC INVITATION TO BID Separate sealed bids for 2024 Sidewalk Repair and Curb Ramp Retrofit Project CI 2024-001, will be received by the Owner, Douglas County Government, Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104, until Tuesday, January 23,2024, at 2:00 p.m. This project consists of placement of sidewalks, curb, and gutter at various locations throughout Douglas County. Bid items include the removal of sidewalk, replacement of sidewalk, curb ramp retrofit, removal and replacement of concrete pavement, emergency repairs and erosion control.

The Contract Documents will be available after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website (www.rockymountainbidsystem.com) or they may be obtained at the above address.

Electronic versions of the Plans obtained by any other means than as described above may not be complete or accurate, and it is the Bidder’s responsibility to obtain a complete set of the Project Plans and Specifications. Douglas County will not be held responsible for misinformation received from private plan rooms.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104. All questions are due to Keith Burke, Project Manager by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The Bid Opening

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Changes in the area to warrant a zone change

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bilitation efforts.

Additionally, the leases that the residents have at the facility are a monthly basis.

Mitch Trevey, of Trevey Commercial Real Estate and development consultant for Ryan Companies, said it’s no different to an extended stay at a hotel.

“It’s not like multi-family, where they are signing a two to three year lease,” said Trevey. “It’s month to month and they get to stay in their own unit while health care is brought to them and they can age

The Crown Point Planned Development was last amended nearly 10 years ago and since then, the applicant claims there have been changes to senior living and the medical field.

Telgen said families want to be where the action is and their adult kids want their parents there.

“That’s a new development in senior living,” said Telgen. “And maybe something that wasn’t contemplated in the original Crown Point development plan.”

Also, Strom said the parcel has remained vacant for a long time

and commercial and retail uses are expanding elsewhere in the town.

Councilmembers John Diak and Rivero agree the market has changed since the planned development was first platted and the plans of the new development does comply with the master plan.

Town Master Plan

When deciding whether to classify the assisted living facility as residential or healthcare, Rivero said that he does see Grand Living as a major employer.

With a variety of healthcare certified employees , the assisted living facility would employ between 150 and 175 positions in the healthcare industry, said Strom. These include

Public Notices will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the same address.

c/o Department of Community Development, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104.

The Project includes the following major items and approximate quantities:

Failure on the part of the claimant to file such statement prior to 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: Carolyn S. Riggs, CPPB, Purchasing Supervisor, Douglas County Government.

•

Removal of 3,080 SY of Concrete Pavement • 34,484 LF of Removal of Curb and Gutter, Type 2 (Section MS) (6 Foot-6 Inch) • 1,938 CY of Aggregate Base Course (Class 6) (Haul and Replace) Prior to submitting a Bid Proposal, Bidders shall have received prequalification status (active status) with the Colorado Department of Transportation to bid on individual projects of the size and kind of work as set forth herein.

Any questions on the bidding process shall be directed to Keith Burke, Project Manager at 303.660.7490.

Plan holder information, can be found on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website.

Legal Notice NO. 946537 First Publication: December 14, 2023 Second Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734 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 the 8th day of JANUARY 2024, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and H.W. HOUSTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for the PRAIRIE CANYON RANCH BARN and SALOON REHABILITATION ~ REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) #010-22; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said H.W. HOUSTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for or on account for the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any 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 8th day of JANUARY 2024, to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Douglas County Government, Board of County Commissioners,

Legal Notice No. 946468 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press 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 January 7, 2024, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for the 2023 Asphalt Overlay Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2023-003, in Douglas County; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. 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 01/07/2024, 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, Keith Burke or Brian Schultz, 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. 946478 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Second Publication: December 14, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734 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 January 7, 2024, 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 2023 Sidewalk Repair and Curb Ramp Retrofit Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2023-001, 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 01/07/2024, 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 Manager, Keith Burke or Brian Schultz, 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. 946479 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Second Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734

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registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, life enrichment directors, physical therapists and more.

Trevey added the facility would give Parker something that other communities would like to have and allow the town to bring in jobs, keep families together and keep the economy healthy.

“I definitely think there is a need that exists for this proposal and that this is the correct site,” said Councilmember Anne Barrington.

“The fact that it’s been vacant for 16 years, the market has spoken.”

If Ryan Companies decides to proceed, they will need to obtain plat and site approval from the town for the project after they have planned and designed it.

Elbert County Legals

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Daniel Cloyd Lukens, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR030069 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to: The District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before March 30th, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Person Giving Notice: Carla Ingbretson, Personal representative 8558 Sun Country Dr Elizabeth, CO 80107 Legal Notice No. 205075 First Publication: November 30, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on November 8, 2023 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Isabelle Angelita Veed be changed to Iabelle Angelita Bourgeois Case No.: 2023C67 By: County Court Judge Palmer L. Boyette Legal Notice No. 205076 First Publication: November 30, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

PUBLIC NOTICES

ZONING

in place.”

It’s your right to know what the city and county governments are changing and proposing. ~~~ See the ordinances on these legal pages. ~~~ Read the public notices and be informed!

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December 14, 2023De

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