Elbert County News February 15, 2024

VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 51

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2024

$2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TV station, town battle over records for former chief P2

Monty Gaddy wins Elbert County Song Contest P10

Couples share stories for Valentine’s Day P12 VOICES: 14 | SPORTS: 18 | CALENDAR: 19

Kayla and Tanner McClaren of Elizabeth met at work and married in 2019.

COURTESY PHOTO

A very Elbert barbecue

P26

ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

HIKES THAT ARE NOT A HAUL

Plenty of nearby trails for getting fresh air P16

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February 15, 2024Fe

D.A. Kellner will not seek reelection in 2024

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

John Kellner, a Republican, has served as the lead prosecutor for the 18th Judicial District, since his election in 2021.

Kellner announced he will not to run for another term in the district that includes Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Lincoln counties. His term ends in January 2025.

He cited the impending split of the 18th Judicial District into two districts. He told Colorado Community Media on Monday that he is unsure what his next steps will be.

“I’ve thought a lot about it,” he said.

“I’ve made my life about public service and this seems like a real natural inflection point with the break up of the districts.”

Kellner has spent the past few years helping the district prepare for the split, which is slated for 2025. It will create a new 23rd Judicial District, which will include Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. The 18th will be limited to Arapahoe County.

District Attorney John Kellner announced he will not run for another term in the 18th Judicial District, citing its upcoming FILE PHOTO split into two districts.

“There’s no question the electoral math for somebody who’s a Republi-

can is very challenging for Arapahoe County,” Kellner said.

Kellner is not eligible to run to become district attorney in the 23rd Judicial District because he doesn’t reside within its boundaries.

Kellner added that he feels it’s important to remain focused on completing the process of splitting the district instead of focusing on a campaign.

“I’m excited to see us get through the rest of the year and see us hand off two very excellent district attorneys offices to the new DAs,” he said.

Kellner started working in the 18th Judicial District in 2013, holding positions including prosecutor, senior deputy district attorney and chief deputy district attorney.

He said he is proud of his work as a prosecutor, particularly the 2022 conviction of serial murderer Alex Ewing, also known as the “hammer killer,” following a series of rapes and murders back in the 1980s.

“Being part of the investigation of that for several years and then ultimately trying him, personally

convicting him and seeing him sentenced to prison for the rest of his life was very rewarding,” he said.

Kellner repeatedly praised his colleagues in the district attorney’s office for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged the next district attorney to build on the office’s team mentality.

Another piece of advice Kellner offered his successors is to maintain the diversion program that helps low-level offenders avoid charges and aims to reduce recidivism. He also said specialized teams, like the Organized Crime Unit, are important to the district In 2022, Kellner campaigned to become Colorado’s Attorney General, but lost to Phil Weiser, a Democrat.

As of Monday, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office showed Democrat Amy Padden had filed paperwork to run to become the next district attorney in the 18th Judicial District. Two Republicans, George Brauchler and Dagna Van Der Jagt, are running in the 23rd Judicial District.

9News, Elizabeth battle over former police chief’s records STAFF REPORT

Former Elizabeth Police Chief Melvin Berghahn’s abrupt resignation on Dec. 1, 2022 has led to a court fight between the Town of Elizabeth and a 9News investigative producer.

Eight months after Berghahn left the job, 9News producer Aaron Adelson filed an open-records request asking Town Clerk Michelle Oeser to provide Berghahn’s job application, any disciplinary history and associated documents, and his termination/resignation letter.

Oeser provided a redacted copy of the job application, but withheld the other requested documents on the grounds that they were part of Berghahn’s personnel file and that disclosing them would violate his privacy under court interpretations of state law.

The 9News producer challenged that finding, and Oeser then stated that she had conferred with legal counsel and was unable to make a good-faith determination whether the documents were subject to release.

The town then filed a case in Elbert County District Court asking Judge Theresa Slade to determine whether the requested records should be released, and three weeks later the 9News producer filed a complaint in the same court claiming Oeser was in the wrong both for denying the records and for seeking judicial clarification.

If the producer’s claims prevail, the town could be on the hook for his legal fees, but that would not be the case if the judge sees the matter as a proper request for clarification by the town.

Berghahn said publicly at the time of his resignation that he was leaving to pursue other opportunities, get married, and focus his attention on his family. The Elbert County News story from 2022 can be read at tinyurl.com/chiefresign.

The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, which calls itself “The Voice for Open Government in Colorado,” explains the dispute in depth on its blog, which can be read at tinyurl.com/chiefrecords.

The case number in Elbert County District Court is 2023CV030082.

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February 15, 2024 ADVERTISEMENT

Evidence Mounts That the Off-Site (aka Modular) Construction Industry Is Maturing

Every day I receive email newsletters about real estate, and one of my favorite is Construct Utopia, published by Pro Builder magazine. This week is not the first time I have written a column based on or inspired by an article in that newsletter.

A common subject these days is modular or “off-site” construction. The latest Construct Utopia newsletter has an article about Cuby Technologies, a startup which devised a solution for customizable mass-produced prefab homes — mobile micro factories. Instead of constructing big factories that ship new home modules, Cuby produces micro factories that are set up near the construction site, such as in a field or on a rented parking lot.

Modular construction is typically off site, but bringing the factory to or near the worksite is an interesting twist — perhaps call it “on-site (or close-by) offsite construction.” But the factory could also serve other build sites, functioning as a traditional off-site modular factory but one that is much closer.

The micro-factory is shipped in about 10 containers, and it is set up inside an inflatable tent that covers 30,000 to 40,000 square feet of interior space for creating the modules to be assembled on a nearby construction site.

The idea is to eliminate one of the major costs of modular construction, which is shipping the modules great distances to the work site.

I’ve been a fan of the idea of modular construction ever since I purchased what I thought was a stick-built home in the Mesa Meadows subdivision in north Golden. I bought the home in 1997. After moving in, a neighbor told me he had watched my home go up in one day, delivered from Ft. Morgan on flatbed trailers for installation on a prepared foundation. The interior work was then completed by Pat Foss, a local builder.

The advantages of building the home in a factory, I was told at the time, was better quality control, including better insulation. The exterior walls were all built with 2x6 instead of 2x4 studs, to better survive flatbed transportation from Ft. Morgan.

At right is an artist’s rendering of one of Cuby’s micro factories. It reminds me of how Elon Musk built a tent for assembling the Model 3 next to the Fremont factory rather than wait for a brick-and-mortar building to be permitted and built.

Neighbors of construction sites would probably appreciate having the construction of a new building or subdivision taking place largely indoors, even if it is just a tent, reducing the noise and dust of on-site construction.

Construction in a tent has other advantages including protection from the elements, whether it be rain or snow or simply cold weather. Productivity would be greatly enhanced. Workers will appreciate working a predictable number of days and hours as well as being warm during the winter months. Making working conditions better could also address one of the biggest problems facing the home construction industry: attracting and hiring enough workers.

By completing the major structural panels indoors, the subsequent on-site finishing work can be made more attractive thanks to being able to “weather in” the building quickly. This too improves working conditions and recruitment.

“Inside the dome,” according to the company, “machines and conveyor belts produce and prep all the elements of the home—windows, wall panels, plumbing pipes, drywall, HVAC systems, and so on—then package them into kits.”

The enclosed environment also contributes to less waste and better waste management and recycling.

This Column Is 20 Years Old — See What You Missed

Have you enjoyed reading this column? I have been writing this column for nearly two decades, but only started paying for it to appear in this newspaper last April. At www.JimSmithColumns.com you can find links to more than a decade of “Real Estate Today” columns that you may find applicable to your own real estate journey. At right is a glimpse of what that catalog of previous columns looks like, showing just a few of the columns that predated my contract with this newspaper.

Cuby is a startup that began in Belarus. Cofounder Aleksandr Gampel says the first micro factory is being delivered to Detroit shortly.

Within the next decade he expects to produce 275 micro factories that will build 200,000 homes and create 300,000 jobs, removing approximately 750,000 tons of waste from the construction process.

Although Cuby promotes its micro factories for home building, it’s not a home builder. It sells the micro factories for $10 –15 million. Their customers are typically developers, builders, general contractors and private equity groups, whose customers might be midsize home builders.

Cuby claims that it can lower the cost of new construction from $150 per square foot to $100 per square foot.

This & That: Smaller Topics Not Worth Full Articles Renewable Energy Is Being Banned in More and More U.S. Counties

This is according to a Feb. 4 article on USA Today’s website. Here’s an excerpt: “In the past decade, about 180 counties got their first commercial wind-power projects. But in the same period, more than twice as many blocked wind development.

And while solar power has found more broad acceptance, 2023 was the first year to see almost as many individual counties block new solar projects as the ones adding their first projects.

“The result: Some of the areas with the nation's best sources of wind and solar power have now been boxed out.”

I have a link to the full USA Today article at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com.

Beware of Scammers Pretending to Be Alerting You to a Scam

Fox 31 reported last week about a Golden couple that was scammed out of more than $137,000. The scam began with a phone call from the “Chase fraud department.” It is so important to question every phone call, text message or email you receive. If that Golden resident had thanked the caller, but hung up

and then called Chase’s customer service number to see if there was a fraud alert on his account, he could have avoided being the victim of that scam. I have posted a link to that story on my Substack blog.

NAR Is Criticized by Its Own Members for Donating to Anti-LBGTQ+ Candidates

The political action committee of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is one of the biggest donors to political candidates and incumbents who are considered, based on Realtor interviews, to be “prohousing.”

A collection of diverse NAR members calling themselves the Real Estate Alliance is now challenging donations by local and national Realtor associations to candidates who push laws which violate Fair Housing.

For example, the Florida association donated $200,000 to Gov. Ron DeSantis, despite his well-known anti-LGBTQ+ policies such as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Here in Colorado, the Realtor association has donated to three candidates who sponsored an anti-trans bill.

On my Substack blog, you can learn more about the Real Estate Alliance’s program.

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

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

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February 15, 2024Fe

Parker Road to get QuikTrip gas station

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

QuikTrip is looking to add another gas station and convenience store in Colorado along Parker Road, near Longs Way. The store, on the site of a partially-developed lot that borders the J.S. Parker Cemetery is expected to open within the next year.

The Parker Town Council approved the development of what’s called Harding Heights, a plan that includes the gas station, a store and two additional lots for future commercial use.

The town said the site on the southwest corner of the Parker Road and Longs Way intersection, is currently underutilized. It includes several older, light industrial buildings used by previous owner Mountain Man Fruit & Nut Company and a food

truck operated by Big Jim’s Ribs.

The town council approved a plan to rezone the site for commercial use.

“Zoning up to central commercial is perfect,” said council member Joshua Rivero. “There is not a more perfect case of a rezoning in my opinion.”

The property is also located within the Parker Road Corridor Plan, which advocates for the continuing development of commercial sites.

The convenience store is anticipated to be just over 5,300 square feet with two pedestrian areas nearby.

Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, QuikTrip Corp. is a privately held company. It was founded in 1958 and is an $11-billion company with more than 1,000 stores in 17 states, including 10 in Colorado, most of them along the Front Range. The

company employs more than 31,000 people.

Mike Tolcott, a real estate project manager for QuikTrip, said the company creates an average of 22 new jobs per location. The sites are also designated as National Safe Place location for endangered youth. The company, he said, also contributes to charitable organizations in local communities.

“Five percent of our operating profits gets reinvested into local charities and those are of the employees decision making,” said Tolcott. “It’s not corporately held.”

He added that store security is “second to none” and that stores have multiple alarms and surveillance.

Tolcott said the company is ready to move forward with the demolition of existing buildings on the site

with a gas station opening date in early 2025.

Council member Brandi Wilks said the QuickTrip will give people who pass through Parker on Parker Road a reason to stop in the community and use its services.

Council member Laura Hefta added that Parker Road, which turns into U.S. Hwy. 83, is a main thoroughfare connecting multiple counties.

“It’s going down to Colorado Springs, it’s going up to Aurora, it’s going up to Denver,” said Hefta.

“And having that gas station on a main thoroughfare, we don’t really realize how much traffic from Aurora and Denver and Centennial and Lone Tree and then up from Colorado Springs is really coming through our town.”

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February 15, 2024

Memorial planned for Castle Rock’s beloved ‘Joe Pro’

BY MCKENNA HARFORD

d- MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM ns r- A memorial service for Castle n- Rock legend Joe Procopio, known as “Joe Pro,” will take place later do this month at the Douglas County t’s Fairgrounds. a. Procopio died on Dec. 22 at 83 a years old. He was an omnipresent ly figure in the Castle Rock communio- ty, who helped found the Emmaus nd Anglican Church, worked to start a- the boy’s lacrosse program at Casgh tle View High School and served on numerous councils and boards.

Procopio moved to Castle Rock in 1998 after an extensive career serving in the U.S. Navy, including three tours to Southeast Asia.

Jenna Lahey, Procopio’s daughter, said he fell in love with the town and dedicated himself to helping wherever possible.

“He may have been born and raised in New Jersey, but Castle Rock was his home,” she said.

Procopio sat on Town Council from 2012-2014 and worked to bring businesses like AdventHealth Castle Rock and Arapahoe Community College to town.

In 2015, Procopio was named Douglas County Citizen. The award honored his roles on the county planning, public safety and public works commissions, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the board for the Douglas County Fairgrounds and a veteran’s memorial working group.

Procopio is survived by Lahey and his son, Joseph Procopio, as well as six grandchildren.

The memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the fairgrounds’ event center and will be followed by a reception.

Holiday office closure Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.

Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Presidential Primary Election March 5, 2024 *

Watch for your mail ballot Ballots for the Presidential Primary Election are being mailed to registered voters this week.

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Instructions for unaffiliated voters Unaffiliated voters receive both the Democratic and Republican ballots but can vote and return ONLY ONE.

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Track your ballot Sign up at DouglasVotes.com/track-your-ballot to check the status of your mail ballot.

For trusted election information visit DouglasVotes.com or call 303-660-7444.

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Nominate a special teenager for a 2024 Youth Initiative Award Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others? Nominate them for a 2023 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award by March 3. Visit douglas.co.us and search Youth Awards.

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February 15, 2024Fe

Experts talk about impacts of stress on the body

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Whether it’s daily hassles or major life events, the resulting stress can impact both physical health as it engages nearly every system in the body.

“It can cause mind-body changes,” said Alyssa Henry, licensed professional counselor with UCHealth Family Medicine. “And in doing so, stress contributes directly to psychological and physiological disorders and disease.”

In addition to impacting mood, behavioral changes, anxiety disorders, depression and even potentially linking to post-traumatic stress, Henry and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Gina Hochhalter, say unchecked stress can lead to a number of physical health concerns.

The most common symptoms of stress include muscle tension, digestive issues, headaches and fatigue, but stress can also exacerbate existing health conditions, weaken immune systems and even affect the musculoskeletal, respiratory, endocrine and other systems.

Chronic stress can also negatively impact the cardiovascular system.

Prolonged stress can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other issues because stress activates the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

“This release can raise blood pressure and could damage blood vessels over time,” said Henry.

But stress can also suppress the immune system, which makes the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.

According to the National Institute

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Alyssa Henry and Gina Hochhalter with UCHealth Family Medicine say while stress can impact mood, behavior, anxiety disorders and depression, unchecked stress can lead to a number of physical health concerns such as having a negative impact on the SHUTTERSTOCK cardiovascular system.

of Health, chronic elevations of cortisol can lead to the immune system developing a resistance and the accumulation of stress hormones can further compromise the immune response.

“Being ill more frequently may impact productivity at work or home, which could result in an increasing number of growing tasks,” said Henry.

Chronic stress can disrupt digestive system functions as well as it can lead to stomach aches, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. It can also contribute to weight gain or weight loss.

Sleep quality and physical activity

Diet and the quantity of food can also disrupt sleep patterns as well as caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt the quality of sleep.

Alcohol can make people feel sleepy, said Hochhalter, but it won’t contribute to the quality of sleep.

“It might get you to sleep,” said Hochhalter. “But you’re not going to be getting that restful sleep because your body’s gonna have to metabolize that alcohol through the night which turns into sugar.”

Chronic stress may lead to insomnia, which can result in fatigue and can cloud judgment and impacts our mood and increases our perception of stress.

“It’s not something we can catch up on, on the weekends,” said Hochhlater. “We want to be consistent with how much we are getting.”

Maintaining a consistent sleep

schedule, even on the weekends, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine that signals the body it’s time for sleep can help regulate the body’s internal clock and improve the quality of sleep.

A review in the Journal of Sleep Medicine found that mindfulness and meditation interventions significantly improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia symptoms and normalize sleep duration.

Additionally, regular exercise can promote better sleep, however, intense activity close to bedtime can have the opposite effect. Therefore, it is recommended that physical activity should be done a few hours before going to sleep.

“There’s considerable evidence that an individual who is addressing stress in a healthy way has improved cognitive function, their ability to mentally attuned to demanding tasks go up and their cognitive performance increases,” said Henry.

The Journal of Neurobiology of Learning and Memory found that regular physical activity has improved memory and cognitive function in older adults as physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and can contribute to a positive or relaxed mood.

Henry added that regardless of physical ability, any amount of time committed to moving the body is beneficial. Other benefits of physical activity include a reduction in stress hormones, improvements in mood, emotional well-being and cognitive abilities, which can help people cope with stress more effectively.

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February 15, 2024

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February 15, 2024Fe

DEA confiscated 2.6 million pills in Colorado

BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

Roughly 3.4 million fentanyl pills were seized across Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming last year, federal officials said, marking a 79% increase across the region from 2022 and the highest number of fentanyl pills ever seized in a calendar year.

The Rocky Mountain Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the record-breaking numbers as fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing the country and is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

As many as 7 in 10 counterfeit pills tested last year contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, or roughly the amount that fits on the tips of a pencil, national DEA laboratory testing

showed. That’s an increase from 4 in 10 pills in 2021 and 6 in 10 pills in 2022, the DEA said.

In Colorado, investigators seized nearly 940 pounds of fentanyl last year, or about 2.61 million pills, the DEA said.

The amount seized across the fourstate region in 2023 was more than a 500% increase from amounts confiscated in 2021.

The increase in fentanyl seizures across the Rocky Mountain region highlights the extent to which cartels are bringing fentanyl into the country, David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division said in a news release.

Most of the pills entering Colorado were manufactured in Mexico with chemicals shipped there from China.

“As we begin the new year, DEA is committed to staying laser-focused on

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investigating the two cartels most responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States, as well as bringing greater public awareness to the dangers of fentanyl,” Olesky said in the release.

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young adults who died from fentanyl poisoning questioned by state universities had not done more to warn students, especially when local authorities knew that a particularly deadly batch of counterfeit oxycodone or Xanax containing fentanyl was circulating.

In 2023, 948 people in Colorado died from a fentanyl overdose, up from 920 in 2022, according to preliminary state health department data. Officials expect the total fentanyl overdose deaths from last year to increase due to a roughly three-month lag in the data.

Nationally, the DEA seized more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder last year, officials said.

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

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February 15, 2024Fe

A publication of

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Song contest makes it official Elbert County now has tune adopted by local government

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The parking lot at Elizabeth Middle School was packed for the Elbert County Song Contest. The contest was an intimate, exciting place to be on a Friday night. People gathered in the halls of the middle school for the Jan. 26 event and stood talking energetically while they waited for the contest to begin.

The song contest is the result of a collaboration between the Elbert County Partnership and the Elizabeth School District. The school district provided a venue and students from Elizabeth High School provided refreshments for intermission. Though the event was free, Elbert County Partnership will accept donations on its website, elbertcountypartnership.com, or through its Facebook page, which can be found at tinyurl.com/elbertpartnership.

The county’s 150th anniversary, which is this year, seemed like an excellent time to choose a “county song” designed to inspire the community.

Elbert County Partnership officer Dan Rosales pointed out that “Elbert County will be the only county in the state to have an official song.”

The winning song, Monty Gaddy’s “That’s Why We’re Here,” was officially adopted by the Elbert County commissioners on the 150th anniversary itself — Feb. 13. Gaddy is also being added to the new “Wall of Honor” being installed at the Frontier Center to honor citizens who make Elbert County better.

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger, former Elizabeth Mayor Megan Vasquez and speaker Deborah Flora acted as judges.

All three Elbert County commissioners were on hand to help honor the winners.

Emcees Dagney and Grant Van Der Jagt kept things rolling along with a fantastic sense of humor and an ability to

The entire lineup of contestants in the Elbert County Song Contest.

go with the flow and handle the unexpected. State Sen. Rod Pelton and state Rep. Richard Holtorf helped kick off the festivities.

Throughout the night, raffle prizes such as gift baskets and gift certificates were given away by a huge list of community sponsors. Near the end of the night, a little girl named Phoebe Cabrera won one of the bigger raffle prizes, a $200 gift certificate to the Elizabeth Meat Locker.

The songs were judged on five criteria: lyrics, melody, originality, catchiness and presentation. The third place prize was $125, second place was $250, and the first place prize was $500.

Holtorf got caught up in the excitement and surprised the crowd by doubling the prize money for the three winners.

The third place winner was Lance “Romance” Bakemeyer and the Romancers and second place went to Chris Browne. Gaddy, with his song “That’s Why We’re Here,” was the last contestant and took first place.

A portion of Gaddy’s lyrics goes like this: “Round here the pace isn’t so hectic, we like taking things kind of slow.

Our feathers aren’t easily ruffled cause we like to go with the flow.

Usually when we go to Wal-Mart, we run into somebody we know and folks around here are friendly,

PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY

Chris Browne prepares to perform his song “Elbert County” on his ukulele. Brown ended up placing second in the Elbert County Song Contest.

they are happy to say hello.”

The Elbert County Partnership’s website says the group’s mission is, in part, “to promote the common good and general welfare of Elbert County communities by bringing about civic betterment and social improvements, to protect the agricultural history, while promoting the county to be a great place to live and raise a family.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL DEBT Have you been forced into debt because of a medical or dental bill? Have you had to make any changes in your life because of such debt?

Have you been pursued by debt collectors for a medical bill? Or have you found a way to resolve or ease the burden of medical debt? We want to hear about it.

KFF Health News and Colorado newsrooms, including Colorado Community Media’s local papers, are examining medical debt in Colorado – what causes it and how it’s upending people’s lives. Your stories will help us bring this problem to light. Diagnosis: Debt Colorado is part of KFF Health News’ award-winning investigation into medical debt in the United States.

We won’t publish any information without checking with you. To participate, visit: https://kffhealthnews.org/diagnosis-debt/

February 15, 2024

11

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February 15, 2024Fe

Couples share stories for Valentine’s Day

Aly and Marc Thompson met through a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel.

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In a world where chance encounters often lead to lasting connections, the stories of how couples first met are as varied and captivating as the individuals themselves. From run-ins on bustling city streets to unexpected sparks ignited in the most ordinary of places, each love story is unique.

This Valentine’s Day, local couples share cherished memories, reminisce about the pivotal moments that shaped their love stories and reflect on the enduring bonds that have stood the test of time.

The McClarens of Elizabeth, who wed in 2019, met each other at work.

“He was my boss at work when we met,” says Kayla, who explained that when they established their relationship, their work roles had to be reassigned so as not to create any conflict. Tanner proposed about a year after they started dating, on Kayla’s birthday.

The Fays, who live in Kiowa, met as students at Elizabeth High School. “I remember Malea and I had a weight training class together. That was when I first saw her,” reminisces Colin. “I also remember her hitting her head on a lat pulldown bar once.” He

COURTESY PHOTO

laughs and adds: “That was when I knew she was the one. We started dating in 2006 and got married in Elizabeth in 2011.”

The Morrisons of Elizabeth, Troy and Carla, are also high school sweethearts. “We had a lot of mutual friends and we met through them since we never had any classes together,” says Carla. Troy and Carla celebrated 40 years of marriage in November.

The Thompsons of Elizabeth, Aly and Marc, met on a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel. “I liked him immediately on our first date,” says Aly. “He looked like a rugged mountain man and I could tell right away he was kind and genuine. I hadn’t met anyone like that before.”

A prevailing theme in these love stories is the significance of sharing small moments together. While grand gestures may momentarily dazzle, it is the accumulation of unassuming moments that truly fortify the bonds between hearts. “I love running errands with my wife,” says Colin Fay. “When we first got married, we were almost broke and really busy with our jobs. Running errands became our time together and that made it special. Now it reminds us to be present with each other.”

When their kids are gone, the McClarens enjoy time together by ordering food and eating it in bed with a movie. Kayla says: “It’s a simple thing, but it’s my favorite! It is time where we can hit the pause button

and just be together with no to-do list or obligations.”

Accomplishing tasks with her husband is something Carla Morrison has grown to appreciate over the years. “I love when we work together as a team to check things off our list or even just cook dinner together.”

When couples engage in tasks together, it strengthens this sense of teamwork and connection. “We balance each other out, because I am a saver and he will throw everything away,” jokes Carla.

The Thompsons, who have twin toddlers, haven’t had much time just for them in a while, but are making it a priority. “Next week we will have our first night away since the twins were born and we cannot wait,” says Aly. While there is no single secret to maintaining a lasting relationship, these couples impart insights that contribute to fostering their love on a daily basis. The themes include expressing gratitude towards each other and sharing laughter together.

“He shows me love and he values me every single day,” says Kayla McClaren, of husband Tanner. “I love watching him as a father to our two children. He’s so patient and I am grateful for him every day.”

“He is the most understanding and patient person ever,” says Aly Thompson of her husband Marc.

“He’s never once judged me and I SEE COUPLES, P13

February 15, 2024

13

Vote for

B E 20 24

Malea and Colin Fay of Kiowa met as students at Elizabeth High School and married in PHOTO BY COURTNEY BAKOS 2011.

COUPLES FROM PAGE 12

always feel valued.”

“My very favorite thing,” says Colin Fay of his wife, Malea, “is how much we laugh together. I love thinking about all the times she makes me laugh until I cry.”

Carla Morrison echoes the im-

portance of a sense of humor saying of her husband “he is always making me laugh, though his jokes get him into trouble sometimes.”

While paths to love may vary, the essence of what makes a relationship special is found through shared experiences, laughter, and appreciation for one another.

These elements serve as a foundation for a love that lasts a lifetime.

S T Colorado Community Media

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LOCAL

February 15, 2024F

VOICES

Living with an abundance mentality

W

hen bombarded by problems, our instinct is often to fixate on lacks, not enough time, energy or resources. We opWINNING erate from a scarcity mindset govWORDS erned by fear and self-protection. But shifting to an abundance paradigm alters life’s trajectory.

There are many of us who grew up with parents, grandparents, and even Michael Norton great-grandparents who lived during the Depression era. For those of us who did, we were often told stories of how they lived and survived during those lean years. Times were hard, people became hardened, and abundance was tough to come by.

Even now, there are still those who live and work with a scarcity mentality instead of an abundance mindset. Being cautious and wise with resources is important, and not chasing foolish optimism is sound advice. We need to use good judgment when determining our condition and environment when it comes to choosing abundance over scarcity.

One of my favorite scenes from a movie that clearly depicts the scarcity mindset in a lighthearted way is found in the movie, Finding Nemo.

It’s the scene where Nemo’s dad and Dory find themselves among a flock of seagulls. The seagulls mimic their cry using the words, “Mine, mine, mine.” How often do we look at what we have and refuse to share, saying the same thing, “Mine, mine, mine?”

Living with abundance means that we carry the belief that there really is enough for everyone. It’s not just making sure we get our slice of the pie; it’s about making the pie bigger so all can enjoy it. It’s know-

ing that we have enough to meet our needs and looking at how we can help others who might be in a time of need.

Learning to live with abundance takes away the edge and worry about what will happen next. It not only calms our fears, but it also actually increases our generosity. An abundance mindset can bolster innovation at work. Feeling strapped stifles creativity about possible solutions. But believing options and answers exist outside of our scope of understanding liberates innovation. If resources feel scarce, we likely need to think bigger. Leaders would do well to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking to spur breakthroughs.

Abundance empowers us to stop hoarding in fear. We spend time and talents freely, trusting the well will not run dry. Saying yes to life’s invitations leads to growth. Declut-

tering the unnecessary makes space for joy and purpose.

Abundance thinking reframes “not enough” into “more than enough.” It believes resources exist to accomplish our divinely inspired purpose, whether launching a company or raising a child. Lack is merely a limitation of vision, not actually supply. Abundance thinking builds confidence, not arrogance.

Our worth rests on grace, not works.

When we live and work with an abundance mentality instead of material scarcity, anxiety is lifted. We take bold risks toward the achievement of our goals and dreams. We create value instead of competing for those slices of the pie mentioned earlier. We breathe deeper and stand taller, empowered to change the world.

Those with an abundance mentality are generous because they believe resources exist to fulfill pur-

pose. They freely spend time mentoring others whose talents could one day launch world-changing ventures. They know the water won’t run out if they pour out freely.

Abundance breeds gratitude and giving.

An abundance mentality also builds resilience amid hardship.

During storms, scarcity fixates on all that may be lost. It knows setbacks are often setups for greater impact.

This mentality lifts eyes beyond the present turmoil to see hope.

Scarcity thinking shrinks possibility and fuels fear. Adopting an abundance mentality liberates us to thrive. Despite real limitations, embracing the truth of the blessings that we have lavishly been provided transforms everything. Abundance thinking awakens courage, creativity, and deep joy.

SEE NORTON, P15

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February 15, 2024

The good, bad and ugly

M

y readers know I like to look at all sides of a situation. The beginning of the year is a good time to map out what is great, FINANCIAL what may be chalSTRATEGIES lenging and what is potentially awful with the economic landscape and how it affects investors.

I like to be positive, so I’ll start with the current good things.

First is the Fed and that they may Patricia Kummer have pulled off a soft landing. This is where they are able to raise interest rates enough to curb inflation and not cause a recession. So far, so good. Inflation has come down; the economy is still growing and employment remains strong.

Second, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positive but slowing. I put this measure of economic growth in the good category because it could be much worse considering the level of interest rate hikes we have endured. Economic growth is naturally expected to slow as inflation comes down. Much of this growth is fueled by consumer spending which last year made up 80 percent of the GDP. Higher inflation should have curbed some of that spending but there could still be pent up demand from shortages during COVID. Housing has also held up well considering high mortgage rates. Those of us buying houses in the eighties when interest rates were around 12% don’t think current rates are high. However, there is a whole new generation of home buyers that

have never seen anything north of 4%. Fannie Mae states “Mortgage rates will fall below 6% in 2024.”¹ Investors are enjoying a nice start to the year. The stock market falls into both the good and the bad category. While returns have been nice as corporate earnings have held up during rising rates, many believe valuations are artificially high and will correct at some point. That is usually the natural cycle of the market so this is not really unexpected. It may also depend on which stocks and which sectors, given that we often see rolling corrections that don’t affect the entire S&P 500. Currently we have price to earnings (P/E) in a wide range. Twenty or below is considered decent. This is the calculation of the stock price divided by annual earnings, so the lower the better if you are looking for undervalued stocks.

Other economic indicators on the bad list include a slowing economy, a softening labor market, and uncertainty around when the Fed will start to lower interest rates.² And we can’t talk about 2024 without mentioning that it is an election year. While political outcomes are never a successful investment strategy, it does affect the mood, if not the perception, of how the economy will be affected at least for the next four years. Therefore I would put elections in the ugly category along with war, violence, poverty, and declining health.

Maybe we just need more love, hope, faith, and charity to push everything into the good category!

Anything is possible.

1.Dow Jones Market Watch 1.26.24 2 UN News at UN.org

NORTON

gmail.com, and when we can truly understand the impact of living with a mindset of abundance, it really will be a better than good life.

FROM PAGE 14

Where are you now when it comes to living with an abundance mentality rather than one of scarcity? Was there ever a time when you made the shift from scarcity to abundance, and if so, how did that make you feel? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@

Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

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.

OBITUARIES STROBEL

Scott Kenneth Strobel

October 14, 1967 - February 6, 2024

Scott Kenneth Strobel died after a 15-month battle with cancer on 2/6/2024 at 56 years old. Scott, born 10/14/1967, is survived by wife, Kari, and daughters Bailey and Britin. His Celebration of Life service will be held at Parker Bible Church at 1:00pm on Saturday, 02/17/2024.

Memory In Loving

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at ParkerChronicle.net ElbertCountyNews.net

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February 15, 2024F

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

I

n the back of your mind, you might recall fond memories of your parents taking you to the park — or school programs busing you to faraway nature scenes.

And in the bustle of adulthood, getting outdoors may have become less of a priority in your daily schedule.

But the benefits of viewing and spending time in nature go deeper than the proverbial “getting some air.”

In fact, it can lower blood pressure and is linked with lowering levels of stress, depression and anxiety, according to the National Park Service.

One easy way to capture those benefits is hiking, a word that conjures images of mountains and rugged dirt trails. And in Colorado, chances are you’ve met someone with a “hiker” persona:

lots of gear, often heading out on weekends, probably driving a Subaru.

But hiking doesn’t have to be so extreme. It doesn’t even have to involve big hills.

In the purest sense, it’s just a long walk for pleasure or exercise. And if you live in any of the counties around Denver, the good news is you’re never far from a hiking spot.

That includes places with breathtaking views in Douglas County.

“Most Douglas County staffers will tell you that the open space that they like best is the last one they got to hike,” said Dan Dertz, director of Douglas County’s open space office.

From Georgetown in the mountains to the plains of Elbert County, here’s a look at hiking spots for beginners and seasoned veterans alike — and some tips if you’re new to the activity.

Douglas County

If you’re just starting out, one of the easiest

hiking trails in Douglas County is Bluffs Regional Park, Dertz says.

Just a few miles from Park Meadows mall, Bluffs Regional Park offers sweeping views of the mountains and the Denver metro area. It’s a short drive south of Yosemite Street and Lincoln Avenue near Lone Tree.

If you’re seeking high elevation and more of a challenge, try Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail. That’s off Spruce Mountain Road south of Noe Road, west of Interstate 25.

There are no costs for parking or access at those hiking spots.

Jefferson County

For an easy and flat hike not far from downtown Denver, try Crown Hill Park off 26th Avenue in the Wheat Ridge area. Its trailways offer lakeside views.

SEE TAKE A HIKE, P17

February 15, 2024

17

TAKE A HIKE FROM PAGE 16

One of the higher-elevation spots in Jefferson County for a hike is Elk Meadow Park in the Evergreen area. There, you can brave a 2,100-foot elevation gain from the Stagecoach Boulevard trailhead to the 9,708-foot Bergen Peak, according to Jefferson County Open Space.

All Jeffco Open Space parks are free to access and open to the public one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, according to the county.

For information on park closures, see the county’s alerts and closures webpage.

Clear Creek County

Asked about lesser-known spots for hiking in Clear Creek County, Jon Butcher, a county staffer, said: “The Silver Creek Trail is probably the coolest but hard to get to.”

“It is a wagon road built in the mid-to-late 1800s that is flat once you get there,” said Butcher, the county’s recreation facilities manager.

For easiest access, park at Georgetown Lake and take the part of Tom Benhoff trail on the south side of the lake, then head uphill on Purdy or Dunbar- A trail meanders through Columbine Open Space in Douglas County.

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY ton trails to get to Silver Creek Trail. Once there, head east for about 4 miles one way or 8 miles out fields, and trail access is at the northwest corner of Chris Barker, a county spokesperson. “Visitors and back. the parking area. that provide information on wildlife interactions In a mountain county, trails are better suited to All trails in Elbert County mentioned above are play a critical role as stewards and partners in experienced hikers. open to pedestrians, bikes and horses and closed managing wildlife.”

“As far as ‘easy trails’ lacking too much elevation to motorized vehicles, according to the district.

All reports are anonymous. You can report wildchange, I would suggest Alvarado, Georgetown Free parking is available near all trail access life sightings, encounters or incidents at jeffco.

Lake, Meadow Loop at Floyd Hill or any of the points. us/3620/Human-Wildlife-Interactions.

Greenway Trails,” Butcher said.

The trails are accessible for free.

Staying safe Navigating snowy season For beginners, here are some tips for hiking For hiking amid snow this winter and early Elbert County from Jefferson County Open Space, especially for spring, here are some tips from Jefferson and In the plains of Elbert County — east of Douglas challenging routes: Clear Creek counties for staying safe in challengCounty and southeast of Aurora — wide-open ru• Pick up a physical map near a trail parking ing environments: ral views are the norm. area, or use a mapping app like COTREX. (You • Bring traction devices for your shoes or boots, But for a trail maintained for the public, look to can download offline maps to navigate trails for or trekking poles, for snow-packed or icy trails. the Elizabeth area. when you don’t have cellular service.)

• If heading to parks alone, let someone know One trail runs for 1.3 miles with access at Run• Bring a compass if you know how to use one. where you’re going and your anticipated return ning Creek Elementary School on the south and • Dress in layers or have extra layers for warmth time just in case.

Evans Park on the north, said Eric Larson, an El- or rain protection.

• Check online for park or trail closures in case bert County staffer.

• Use sunscreen, hats and long sleeves for sun snowy conditions begin to thaw and create mud(Flooding last summer washed out the trail at protection. dy trails that are closed.

Colorado Highway 86. Repairs are slated for this • Bring extra food and plenty of water for your• Know what layers to bring: Synthetic fabric or summer, intended to return the path to its full self and your pets. wool are best as they tend to provide some insulalength and useability.)

• Have a flashlight in case you get caught out af- tion even when wet. Avoid cotton.

Once in Evans Park, the town trail connects with ter dark.

• Bring a map. Remember: Many trails in lessa small trail that loops through a wooded section • Bring a first-aid kit. populated regions go outside phone coverage arof the park.

• Bring matches in case of an emergency. (Gen- eas. Have a full phone battery and keep it warm.

“The most significant, and perhaps only other erally, Jeffco Open Space does not allow fire or • Bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batpublicly accessible, trail in the county is located open flame in its parks.) teries. in Casey Jones Park at 4189 Highway 86” in the • Have emergency shelter, such as a tent or tarp.

• The snow off trails can be deep. If going off Elizabeth area, said Michael Barney, director of Be on the lookout for wildlife. Jeffco Open Space trail, bring gaiters and skis or snow shoes.

Elizabeth Park and Recreation District. That park tracks human-wildlife interactions in parks and • Do not enter avalanche terrain unless you is next to Evans Park. surrounding neighborhoods. have the needed training and equipment.

The trail is roughly 1.4 miles and passes through “We strive to balance the protection and preser“Know the limits of your fitness and clothing,” the northern wooded section of the 103-acre park. vation of wildlife and their habitat while promot- Butcher said. “Turn around if either of them are It’s best reached by parking north of the baseball ing a safe and positive visitor experience,” said failing to keep you comfortable.”

Left: A group stands as the sun goes down at Bluffs Regional Park in the Lone Tree area of Douglas County.

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY

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LOCAL

February 15, 2024Fe

SPORTS

The mental game: Castle Rock coach focuses on athletes’ mindset you’re able to teach them skills Stacy Ingram’s mission to that they can use in their sport but also throughout their life,” Ingram said. help athletes, performers “Things like emotional regulation, stress reduction and more.”

Whether it’s managing a full class overcome mental obstacles schedule and a demanding sports

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Like Super Bowl champion and former Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch famously stated, “Take care of y’all bodies, take care of y’all chicken, and take care of y’all mentals.”

As for the last part of that, many say sports are 90% mental. While there are ways to measure the physical attributes of athletes, there aren’t too many ways to demonstrate mental performance, especially on a stat sheet. Often athletes are only measured by points, tackles, saves or other statistics.

Stacy Ingram, a mental toughness and performance coach for youth athletes, performers and others in Castle Rock, knows mental barriers can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. She’s here to help.

“Sports and performance is a way

calendar at once, overcoming an injury to get back on the field or stage or trying to stay tunnel-focused on earning a scholarship, Ingram knows high school athletes today have a lot to manage.

Before the pandemic, Ingram owned a clothing boutique, where she said a lot of people (friends and otherwise) would come in and look for emotional or mental support.

Feeling her store was a place of refuge, Ingram cared for her patrons and wanted to take the next step in helping them.

She began taking psychology and coaching courses and fully pivoted to mental coaching when the pandemic forced her store to close.

“I really wanted to address this niche because I do have a passion for sports, but also I have a passion for kids this age,” Ingram said. “Even at my store, I had a lot of high school and college kids that worked for me.

Stacy Ingram specializes in several different mental coaching services, including managing inner dialogue, staying present in the moment and overcoming body COURTESY PHOTO positivity issues.

And I really missed that sort of mentorship piece and relationship piece.

It showed me a lot about how much these kids need additional support, but they’re sort of afraid to ask for it.”

She’s now worked with several clients across various sports and

performance activities. Her focus (for now) is on schools in the south like Arapahoe, Mountain Vista and Green Mountain, her alma mater.

For more from Ingram, check out the Q&A below. You can find her services at www.cultivatingyourcourage.net.

Colorado Community Media: What goes into the mental gymnastics of re-trusting yourself after you’ve been injured in your sport or profession?

Ingram: That’s a pretty emotional thing for a number of reasons: everything from disappointment if you’re a senior especially and you lost your last season to simply being afraid.

And when you are afraid of being injured, you have a much higher percentage of likelihood of actually being injured because you’re focusing on the wrong things and that mindbody connection isn’t in the most positive space. I think one thing that can happen with the kids, too, is they get so afraid of getting injured that sometimes they don’t even want to get back. It is a mental thing to get past because it’s not a failure of their SEE INGRAM, P20

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INGRAM FROM PAGE 18

own but sometimes they can look at it like that.

CCM: What percentage of your clients are bouncing back from injuries?

Ingram: It really varies because it depends on what’s happening.

But I would say about 25%. The athletes’ goals can vary. If they’re really at a high level and are trying to get a scholarship, they’re working more on the peak performance side of things… Then you have others that are overcoming injuries.

And then you have some kids that just want to enjoy their time playing in high school, but they start to get themselves either so burnt out or so wound up between the mental side of the game that they begin not to enjoy it. So it’s that balance of how to teach those things so you

can manage the anxiety and the stress and all the pressure.

CCM: What makes advising this age group unique?

Ingram: One thing that we see a lot is just kids’ prefrontal cortex in their brain is not fully developed until they’re 25. Because of that, they have a little bit bigger extremes, but they also have a lot of neuroplasticity happening, so it’s a great time for them to learn, and they can learn a lot faster than we learn as adults. So it’s sort of a crucial time to try and help teach them some good skills.

CCM: What goes into managing an internal dialogue during a game, performance or otherwise?

Ingram: For one, the internal dialogue… a lot of it is negative self-talk. I try and work with them on different little techniques and skills to get past that. And a lot of times, if you can focus them somewhere else, you’re able to do that,

even if it’s something as simple as making sure they have a routine or understand their nervous system enough to know, “When I feel this, I need to do this and not get caught up in the emotion.” The other piece that happens in pressure moments is teaching them to mentally slow down the moment.

Sometimes it can be as simple as a visualization method, but it really depends on the kid. The other internal dialogue piece I see is body positivity and sometimes not feeling comfortable with their own body. So, sometimes the internal dialogue can be around a topic like that.

CCM: Are there notable differences between coaching athletes and performers, or is it mostly the same?

Ingram: Honestly, it’s pretty similar. I would say the speed of the game is something more on the athletic side, where if you’re in dance or music or something like

that you might not be experiencing that so much. But things like focus, concentration, all of those you do.

I would say it’s about two-thirds similar and one-third different.

CCM: Finally, how rewarding is it to see your services working and see an athlete or performer overcome their obstacles?

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February 15, 2024

Plan protects future oil leasing on Colorado lands

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

The Bureau of Land Management has released its final Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan, which will guide the use and management of over 658,000 acres of public lands for decades to come.

Conservation geographer Alison Gallensky with Rocky Mountain Wild said the plan does a good job of increasing protections for some 300,000 currently undeveloped acres, mostly along the Arkansas River between Salida and Canon City.

“By setting aside several hundred thousand acres,” said Gallensky, “to

stay the way they are now, for wildlife, for the headwaters for the different tributaries into the Arkansas River.”

In addition to protecting areas for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting - which bring over $54 million into local economies Gallensky said these lands support healthy ecosystems that can help species survive in a changing climate.

Some environmental groups criticized the BLM’s plan for keeping most acres open to oil and gas leasing, but the Western Energy Alliance defended the agency for balancing development with conservation.

The plan paves the way for future

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oil and gas production on BLMmanaged lands in northeastern Colorado, where current production has been linked to a rise in harmful ground-level ozone pollution and the state’s failure to meet Environmental Protection Agency clean air standards.

Gallensky said the plan, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, includes old analysis on the true risks of drilling.

“There’s been a lot of new information learned about the impacts of oil and gas development and how to transition to cleaner forms of energy,” said Gallensky. “And that wasn’t as well integrated into the plan as it could have been.”

The plan takes thousands of acres off the table for drilling, but those acres are considered to have very low potential for tapping oil and gas.

Advocates say they will ask the Colorado BLM to address the threats of continued fossil fuel development, the primary driver of climate change, by strengthening their Big Game Resource Management Plan Amendment, which is currently accepting public comments.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

This story runs via The Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.

22

February 15, 2024Fe

Scileppi’s reopens after wall fall at old Castle Rock church

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A 136-year-old church turned Italian restaurant in Castle Rock has reopened only days after a building wall collapsed during construction to expand the restaurant.

The owners of Scileppi’s said in a Facebook post on that the restaurant is open again for dine-in service and back to normal business hours.

“The town, construction crews, engineers, and everyone else involved have been working round the clock to ensure the church is safe to occupy and ready for patrons,” the Feb. 6 post says. “We are so thankful to have so many people in our corner to get us to today.”

The restaurant suffered a wall collapse on Jan. 31 and closed while repairs got underway.

A wall at the 136-year-old church turned Scileppi’s restaurant collapsed on Feb. 1 during excavation for a 6,000-square-foot addition. Repairs are underway though a PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK timeline is unclear.

Castle Rock Communications Director Melissa Hoelting said the fallen wall appeared to be an “unintended” result of excavation work for the foundation of a 6,000-squarefoot addition.

The site had yet to have its first inspection because the construction

was in the early stages, Hoelting said.

“The first building inspections by Town staff that would be needed would be related to the new underground plumbing work, which has not yet occurred,” she said in an email.

Built in 1888 as a Catholic church, the stone Victorian Gothic structure has seen several changes over its lifetime, including damaging events and various additions.

Until 1966, the building was the St Francis of Asissi Catholic Church.

Then it served briefly as a Protestant church until it was transformed into a restaurant in 1969. In 2004, the church suffered a fire that burned down the rear addition.

Scileppi Properties bought the restaurant in 2018 and in 2023 received approvals from town staff to add a rear addition and basement.

Hoelting said the site plans met all of the town code’s requirements and the building plans were reviewed by the building department.

While the church is historically significant, it is not a designated historic landmark.

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St h. nt to he edBY TAYLER SHAW

TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

he e- The Douglas County Sheriff ’s Oftofice is asking for help identifying a man suspected of stealing wallets allfrom local shoppers and then usnding their credit cards to purchase byitems.

The suspect is described as a lymale between 20-30 years old with s-a thin build and brown curly hair.

The sheriff ’s office believes the suspect in recent weeks stole wallets from shoppers in Douglas

County and Lone Tree.

“He then took their credit cards and made several charges at local stores, totaling thousands of dollars,” the sheriff ’s office said on social media. “He was seen wearing a black bucket hat in both cases.”

The agency told shoppers to keep their purses or bags with them at all times and never leave them unattended.

The sheriff ’s office asks anyone with information about the suspect to email acoleman@dcsheriff.net.

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February 15, 2024Fe

Homeowners can delay property tax payments

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORACOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If you’re staring at your property tax bill and having a meltdown, a Colorado program might offer you relief.

The state’s Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners to push their property tax payment down the road, potentially for years — depending on eligibility.

“Anytime we can keep folks in their homes and help them find tax relief at the same time is a win for Coloradans,” Colorado State Treasurer

Dave Young said in a prepared statement.

Homeowners can delay, or “defer,” tax payment for as long as they own their home. The program charges interest — or a slow yearly increase — in the amount of taxes you owe.

Here’s how the program works.

Who is eligible

Colorado’s deferral program has traditionally helped seniors and active military personnel, but it was expanded last year to provide relief to homeowners affected by increased property taxes for the tax years in-

For example, if you applied last year and were granted a $6,000 deferral and then apply again this year, only $4,000 more could be deferred.

Under the program, homeowners don’t have to pay any portion of their deferred tax amount — including interest — so long as they continue to reapply, according to the Colorado Department of the Treasury.

“As long as the homeowner reapplies each year, they don’t have to pay until they don’t apply,” said Sheena Kadi, spokesperson for the department.

The current deferral interest rate is 4.125%. That means after a year, the deferred tax amount will have grown by that percentage.

A vast view of homes from Bluffs Regional Park and Trail in Lone Tree in October PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW 2022.

cluding and between 2020 to 2023.

(2023 property taxes are what you’re billed for this year.)

The application period closes on April 1. Homeowners who aren’t seniors or active military can apply under different criteria — they’re eligible if their property taxes increased above what the program calls a “growth cap.”

The tax-growth cap is met when the current year’s property tax amount has increased 4% or more compared to the average of the two preceding tax years’ amounts.

Given the headline-grabbing spikes in property values — as calculated for tax purposes — last year in the Front Range and other parts of the state, many homeowners will likely qualify for the program because of how much their home’s property tax bill has increased.

Other criteria

Other eligibility criteria include: • The property claiming the deferral must be owner occupied, meaning the taxpayer must, by themselves or with another person, reside at the property • All property taxes for years before 2024 must be paid • For the growth cap-based deferrals, the property must not be income producing, meaning the property is not used for financial gain.

To apply

Homeowners can learn more by calling 833-634-2513 toll free or emailing cotreasproptax@state. co.us People in some areas may need to wait for their county to upload data before they’re able to apply, Kadi said on Feb. 8.

Ins and outs

The program does not exempt homeowners from paying taxes but, rather, serves as a loan that a homeowner pays later.

Seniors and active military can defer for as long as they own their home and they reapply for deferral each year. Others applying under the tax growth-based eligibility can defer for as long as they own their home and reapply each year — as long as the amount being deferred does not exceed $10,000.

Looking for tax exemptions?

For information on property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans and gold star spouses orfor senior citizens, email dola_dpt_ frontdesk@state.co.us or call 303864-7777 or 303-864-7758.

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February 15, 2024

County commissioners mull ‘In God We Trust’

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN COLORADO NEWSLINE

Douglas County commissioners are considering the addition of the words “In God We Trust” to the chambers where they meet.

Commissioner George Teal during a Jan. 9 meeting first proposed installing the national motto, “In God We Trust,” or the state motto, “Nil Sine Numine” — Latin for “Nothing Without Deity” — for display behind the board’s dais. The matter arose again Jan. 24 during a commissioner meeting.

The proposal echoes efforts by other local public officials in Colorado and elsewhere in the country to post “In God We Trust” in public places.

Teal, who said he’s not locked into the proposal, noted the idea came

after a conversation with former Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donahue, who said the nation’s motto, “In God We Trust,” is often forgotten, Teal said. Donahue added a series of slogans to the City Council chambers during his tenure, including the national and state mottos, the town’s mission statement, and its incorporation date.

“I think the people of Douglas County do believe (In God We Trust). I think we have the support of the people,” Teal said. He also noted that the project would be easy to complete and wouldn’t cause a financial burden.

Commissioner Lora Thomas, who is running for a Colorado House seat, said she’s interested in hearing what people in the county think.

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Douglas County Commissioner George Teal speaks at the 2023 State of the County PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD event in Lone Tree.

26

February 15, 2024Fe

Elizabeth BBQ eatery is a hit Grand champion cook serves meats that are competition quality

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

Competition-quality Kansas City barbecue has come to Elizabeth, where Sammie D’s Fine Smoked Meats is operating in the former Bernie’s Kitchen building off East Kiowa Avenue.

Father-daughter duo Sean and Courtni Merriman, originally from Missouri, opened their restaurant at the end of November after two years of running a successful food truck business called Sammie D’s Humidor.

“We didn’t initially plan on starting out in a food truck. It just ended up being the most logical thing at the time,” Courtni Merriman, 31, told the Elbert County News on Jan. 30. “And then we started selling out in under an hour and we had to do something.”

Sean Merriman, 54, began competing in barbecue contests in Kansas City while working toward a degree in culinary arts. He competed for several years in the early 2000s, taking home Grand Champion awards for his perfectly smoked meats and well-balanced sweet and spicy sauces. He competed several times at the Kansas City American Royal World Series, the world’s largest and most prestigious barbecue contest.

“Growing up, my father was a friend of Ollie Gates (an iconic Kansas City barbecue cook and restaurateur),” Sean said. “I got to actually go back in the kitchen and see as a young teenager how they were cooking the meat. They didn’t use thermometers; they just knew when it was done. That experience kind of got me.”

sure we had a good time. The quality of the food was great,” said Waynes.

“I’ve judged competition BBQ before, including the American Royal, and this restaurant is definitely high quality, competition-level BBQ. I’m so glad this place is in Elizabeth.”

Hometown feel

Key concept: fresh

Sean and Courtni Merriman pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their food and never serve meat left over from the day before.

“Some people get frustrated that we sell out, but we’re different than other places. We don’t keep our meat for the next day or for days.

We don’t believe in serving food that isn’t fresh,” Courtni said. “We truly care about what we do. We put love into everything that we do. We hand-cut our cabbage because we Father and daughter Sean and Courtni don’t trust pre-cut. We hand-cut Merriman own Sammie D’s Fine Smoked our potatoes, all of our celery, every- Meats in Elizabeth.

PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON thing is from the ground up. There is a reason for that. We really want to put out the best product and feed people. For us, food is a passion.” dill. “I also wanted to learn how to Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth cook and learn the kitchen because High School student Christian Dan- I’m considering culinary arts as a sdill has worked at Sammie D’s Fine possible career.”

Smoked Meats since it opened last Richard Waynes, Spring Valley year. He is involved with the cu- Ranch resident and volunteer barlinary program at his school and becue judge, shared his thoughts hopes to work as a chef in the future. on Sammie D’s Fine Smoked Meats “I like the fact that when you work with the Elbert County News. He there, they treat you like one big saw people talking about the restaufamily. It is very warm and welcom- rant on social media and decided to ing. My favorite part of the job is that try it out for himself.

I get to help a family-run business. I “The place has very, very nice staff. really feel like I belong,” said Dans- They were very attentive and made

When asked why they decided to open their restaurant in Elizabeth, Sean and Courtni expressed their interest in settling somewhere with a hometown feel, yet one that was experiencing growth. Sean is an Elizabeth local and Courtni lives in Parker. They wanted to share their love of barbecue with their own community.

“It’s got to be a family. That’s all we wanted by coming to Elizabeth, to meet people that have been here 50 years and the new people that come with the growth,” Sean said.

Most importantly, what Sean and Courtni Merriman bring to their new Elizabeth restaurant is a deep, unconditional love for food.

“Food is the only thing you truly use all five senses for,” said Courtni.

“You hear crunch, you taste, touch, smell, and you eat with your eyes first. There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face when they’re enjoying their food.”

Sean mirrored his daughter’s sentiment and said: “Food is the only one common thing the whole world has together. Food. Not religion, not language. Food.”

For more information about Sammie D’s Fine Smoked Meats, visit facebook.com/sammiedshumidor/ about.

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February 15, 2024

Beguiling audiences with storytelling Denver’s Wonderbound reimagines ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with a forceful princess, live music

a way, their collaborative approach evokes the birth of contemporary ballet in turn-of-the-century Paris, when impresario Sergei Diaghilev gathered dancers, composers, artists and writers together to form the legendary Ballets Russes.

BY KIRSTEN DAHL COLLINS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

On Feb. 22, Wonderbound will raise the curtain on “Awakening Beauty,” a new ballet created by Artistic Director Ammon and Denver musician Tom Hagerman, known for his Grammy-nominated band, DeVotchKa. The story draws on Peter Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “Sleeping Beauty.” In Ammon’s version, the young heroine, Talia, will take charge of her own journey to adulthood instead of snoozing while Prince Charming hacks his way through a wall of thorns. Her castle will have a distinctly mid-century modern feel.

Ammon choreographs while in rehearsal with the dancers. Often, he said, the characters take on a life of their own.

“Sometimes things I thought were … pivotal … won’t make any sense in the rehearsal process.” He compared it to writing a novel. “You discover things as you go along.”

To create the ballet, Ammon said

At Wonderbound ballet’s performance of “Wicked Bayou” this past fall, a zombie band played funky rock-and-roll onstage, while two children lost in the bayou tried to evade a snapping, 20-foot-long alligator.

There were no tutus or pointe shoes in sight.

That’s nothing unusual at Wonderbound. The Denver dance company — which was honored with the 2013 Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture — is nudging ballet into the 21st century with dramatic storytelling, live rock and pop artists, and powerful ballerinas who sometimes lift their male partners instead of vice versa.

After relocating 10 times in 10 years, Wonderbound recently settled into permanent headquarters: a cleverly renovated 1920’s airplane hangar in Denver’s Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. New features

A mid-century modern fairy tale

Dancers Nathan Mariano and Danielle Lieberman rehearse for Wonderbound’s upcoming show, “Awakening Beauty,” in the company’s newly-renovated quarters in northern Park Hill in Denver. Appropriately enough, the dancers now take flight in a PHOTO BY TIM COLLINS space that was once an airplane hanger.

include retractable seating, which allows the troupe to transform its enormous theater into two spacious practice studios. In the company’s new, onsite scene shop, production manager Eleanor Moriarty can hammer and saw to her heart’s content — since a six-inch thick freezer door blocks all noise from the stage.

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ber troupe is Denver’s second largest dance company. As former principals with Ballet Memphis, both Ammon and Fay are accomplished dancers in their own right. Both are retired from the stage but if anything, their explosive creativity has only increased – enlivening the local arts scene with full-length, original story ballets, often in collaboration with local musicians, visual artists, poets and even a local magician. In

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February 15, 2024Fe

WONDERBOUND FROM PAGE 27

he read many coming-of-age stories about young girls entering their teenage years. He also looked backward in time. The name Talia, he said, comes from an earlier – and much grimmer — 17th-centuryItalian version of the fairy tale. Wonderbound’s retelling will also lean toward the dark side.

“This is not Disney,” declares a press release.

A beehive of creativity

Wonderbound Artistic Director Garrett Ammon poses with the mid-century modern-style sets he designed for “Beauty Awakening.”

A retired ballet dancer, Ammon is primarily involved in choreography and draws on a life-long love of visual arts to create the right setting for each of his ballets.

In addition to creating the story and choreography for “Awakening Beauty,” Ammon also designed the striking, geometric sets.

“Here we wear a lot of hats,” he said.

Fay, who serves as Wonderbound’s president, also wears many hats. As a classically trained ballerina, she has danced many a Sugar Plum Fairy – and when she isn’t fundraising, writing grants, working on the budget or meeting with the board, she teaches classical technique and

Denver musician Tom Hagerman, pictured on the far left, composed the score for Wonderbound’s “Awakening Beauty.”

To his right are musicians Sara Parkinson, Evan Orman and Susan Cahill. Not pictured are musicians Shane Endsley, Jocelyn Hach and Nadya Hill, who will round out the onstage band. PHOTO BY GARY ISAACS

rehearses the dancers. She also designs all the costumes. As Ammon develops the story for each ballet, Fay works with him closely to make sure the costumes are a good psychological fit.

Tango-inflected melodies

In setting this dark fairy tale to music, Hagerman said he used some of Tchaikovsky’s familiar themes, while creating a score that is largely new. He and six other musicians will play tango-inflected melodies complete with the sensual wail of

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the bandoneon.

Denver musician Tom Hagerman, pictured on the far left, composed the score for Wonderbound’s “Awakening Beauty.” To his right are musicians Sara Parkinson, Evan Orman and Susan Cahill. Not pictured are musicians Shane Endsley, Jocelyn Hach and Nadya Hill, who will round out the onstage band.

“I call it my ‘little devil box,’” said Hagerman, who finds the bandoneon tougher to play than its cousin, the accordion.

A prolific musician who plays many instruments and operates two different bands, Hagerman said he especially enjoys working with Wonderbound.

“When you write music for dance, there’s a storyline, there’s richness,” he said. “It’s definitely more fun when the focus is on these amazing dancers.”

In turn, Fay said working with musicians onstage is “a magical thing” that allows dancers to be in conversation with the music.

Dancers drawn to the unconventional

Danielle Lieberman, who will dance the leading role of Talia in “Awakening Beauty,” started her career in competition hip hop. Ballet won her over when she was cast as a mouse in the Nutcracker at age 10. She was first drawn to Wonderbound by its nonconformist style, including the chance to leave her pointe shoes behind.

“I felt dancing in pointe shoes held me back a little bit,” Lieberman said.

Minus those stiffly reinforced soles, she said she felt more freedom of movement.

“I discovered I could do a lot of things I didn’t know I could do,” said the California-born dancer, who

now lives in Denver’s Cherry Creek.

“Our partnering requires the woman to handle the men just as much as they handle us. It’s very different from classical ballet which requires women to be light and dainty.

This has taught me a lot more about being powerful,” Lieberman added.

She also enjoys the company’s informal style, which encourages performers to connect with the audience.

“We go out in the lobby and talk to people after the show. They’re so receptive. I just love that,” she said.

Although the central character in Wonderbound’s “Awakening Beauty,” Talia, danced by Danielle Lieberman, left, confronts darkness on her journey to adulthood, she also finds love with A Boy, portrayed

by Nathan Mariano, also pictured.

In “Awakening Beauty,” she will dance a love scene with Nathan Mariano, who is also in his second season with the company. He too enjoys Wonderbound’s kinetic style of partnering.

“We’re not just hoisting women.

Sometimes we’re on the floor, all tangled up together, using arms, legs, core — the entire body,” Mariano said.

Growing up in northern Minnesota, Mariano was active in community theater. Now a resident of Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, he relishes the chance to dance in full-length dramatic works instead of the short, abstract ballets more common in contemporary dance.

In fact, that’s what motivated him to audition for Wonderbound in the first place.

“I love theater,” he said. “I love telling a story.”

And that seems to be what Wonderbound does best.

29

February 15, 2024

P R ECI SE R E PAI R, GE N UI N E C A RE

Keep your home safe with concrete repair

BEFORE

Worrying about your uneven or cracked concrete can make owning a home very stressful. By investing in concrete repair, you can fix your driveway, walkways, patio, and more in one easy lift.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE

877-734-1105

AFTER

Custom Pull-Out Shelves for your existing cabinets and pantry.

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*Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Pull-Out Shelves. EXP 03/31/24. Independently owned and operated franchise. ©2023 ShelfGenie SPV LLC. All rights Reserved.

30

February 15, 2024Fe

Save on Windows and Doors!

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"Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2024 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. This was delivered via your local newspaper. RBA13669 *Using U.S. and imported parts.

1

NEVER WILL I EVER...

BY MARC VARGAS • ZAZ@CAMPVARGAS.COM

...HAVE TO TURN THE HEAT UP AGAIN.

Solution

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 15, 2024

Crossword Solution

31

32

February 15, 2024Fe .com/Classifieds

DEADLINES:

CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: FRIDAY, 12 P.M.

SERVICE DIRECTORY: WEDNESDAY, 5 P.M.

LEGALS: TUESDAY 5 P.M.

Contact Erin Addenbrooke, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

REAL ESTATE & RENTAL

CAREERS Help Wanted

Help Wanted Special Education Teacher For a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year. Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required.

BA salary range $41,000$47,300 & MA salary range $46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness.

Questions contact Tracy at (719) 7752342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS AND CLASSIFIED LINE ADS

Do you love being a part of your local community helping businesses grow?

If you like to talk to people we want to talk to you!

We are currently hiring for a local Marketing Engagement Specialist in the Golden area!

Please send resume to

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MARKETPLACE Colorado Statewide Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net DIRECTV

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Cemetery Plots

Home for Sale We have a rare property with a fully permitted Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) near the highlights. The property is 90% completed to allow for customization.

The last buyer would be a mid to older age couple who would like to have additional space for guest and for them to have private space. The home is all on one level.

The property is 2,300 square feet with a 560 sq. foot ADU with 2 car garage and space for RV parking—the unit has solar.

Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV parking or off street parking for the ADU.

The property is best as an investment property with the main unit renting out as a Short Term Rental for around $5000/month. The ADU will rent out $4000/month for a total of $9K/month. There are so many individuals and families that want to come to Colorado for an adventure and see Red Rocks Parks, Garden of the Gods, The Air Force Academy and of course check out our great skiing and beer. We will list the property on Air BNB and or VRBO for no charge and run the rental for 90 days at no charge and hand over to you turnkey.

FOR SALE Inside eye level cript for sale at Crown Hill. Located inside front mausoleum facing Wadsworth. Worth $16,000 selling for $10,972.

Call 303-480-0320 or 720-620-2731.

Cemetery Plots Golden Cemetery Plots 12 choice plots at bargain price. $2000 or best offer. dstruck9@comcast.net

Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@ levelengineering.com

Real Estate Brokers

The property has an amazing open space kitchen with a large master bed room, large walk in closet and wow ensuite bathroom. The property is superb for entertaining with a large deck and breakfast nook.

The 2nd buyer is a young couple that would live in one unit and rent out the other to cover their payment. We are offering a 2-1 buydown for a full price offer. The interest rate will be around 5% in year one and 6% in year 2.

The 3rd buyer is a family care situation where one will support the other but do not want to be too close.

Classifieds

Continues Next Page

33

February 15, 2024

MARKETPLACE Misc. Notices WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships.

Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver.

Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles

1959 Ford Thunderbird. $20,000 Call 303-431-1412 Firewood

Old Crows Antiques featuring The Root Beer Bar An Antique destination in Littleton Colorado Join us on Memory Lane. Something for everyone.

Visit us for store info Instagram: @oldcrowsantiques www.facebook.com/ oldcrowsantiques www.oldcrows antiques.com 303-973-8648 10081 W. Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO 80127

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

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Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub.

Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available.

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Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value!

Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re cutting installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.

Offer ends 3/31/24 Call 1-844-501-3208

Any condition • Running or not No title OK • Free towing • Under $850

Pets

Chunky’s Towing

Autos for Sale

Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173

Health & Beauty Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

Miscellaneous MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts!

Free brochure! 1-888-4893936 Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

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You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available.

Call 1-888-878-9091

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234 Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+?

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Call: 855-761-1725 Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

Over 450 positive reviews.

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Cash for all Vehicles!

Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUV’s

(303)741-0762

Cell: (303)918-2185 for texting Bestcashforcarsco.com

Transportation Wanted

Dogs

720-560-6763

Doodle Puppies

Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today!

(970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com

Classifieds

Continues Next Page

SERVICE DIRECTORY Air Conditioning Serving the Front Range since 1955 Furnaces • Boilers • Water Heaters Rooftop HVAC • Mobile Furnaces Commercial • Residential Install • Repair • Replace

AC, Furnace and Boiler Specials

Free Estimates • 720-327-9214

Serving the Front Range since 1955 Residential • Install • Repair • Replace

WINTER FURNACE SPECIALS 720-327-9214

Blinds

BLIND REPAIR Blinds Break, We Fix ‘Em! Most Major Manufacturers of Blinds, Shades & Shutters.

Call 303-564-4809 For Mobile Repair

Buildings, Metal

METALBUILDING OUTLET CORP.

LOCAL BUILDINGS FOR 30+ YEARS! · SHOPS & GARAGES · EQUIPMENT STORAGE · SELF STORAGE · BARNS & AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS · EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES · COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS · AND MORE...

We come to you for in home repairs.

303.948.2038

METALBUILDINGOUTLET.COM

34

February 15, 2024Fe

SERVICE DIRECTORY Deck/Patio

Carpet/Flooring

WOOD

..

Great Floors.

Great Impressions.

. ,

FOOTPRINTS HARDWOOD, TILE,

UTDOOR

Fence Services

ESIGNS, INC

“Specializing in Composite Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years” INC

ESIGNS, UTDOOR• Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs •

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“Specializing in Composite Redwood “Specializing in Composite and Cedar Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years”

720-344-0939 | FOOTPRINTSFLOORS.COM 20-344-0939

303-471-2323

ors.

Impressions.

floors BACKSPLASHES & LAMINATES

day for a free estimate!

Cowboy Fencing is a full service residental fencing company installing fences in Colorado for 28 years.

Great fences make great neighbors.

Low rates. Free estimates.

Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs

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Drywall

Handyman

FOOTPRINTSFLOORS COM

Cleaning

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Sheetrock & Drywall Framing Specialist EPA Certified Painter, Interior/Exterior Demolition • Insured 7+ Years Experience!

303-471-2323 ®

ProMaidsInc@yahoo.com

Concrete/Paving

REPAIRS & REMODELING HOMEHOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

• Drywall • Painting • Tile • Trim • Drywall • Painting••Doors Tile •• Trim • Doors • Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel • Kitchen Remodels MuchMore!

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TM

©

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DESPAIN’S

HOME SOLUTIONS

A Patch To Match

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303-888-7595

Ed 720-328-5039 Estate Planning

HANDYMAN

Repairs • Install Fixtures, Appliance • Plumbing Electrical • Expert Tile • Kitchen/ Bath Remodel • Decks 35 yrs. experience • Licensed, Insured • References

Wes 720-697-3290

Deck/Patio

DECKS BEST PRICES 30+ years experience

Clem: 303-973-6991 FREE ESTIMATES

Hauling Service

Cut Rate Hauling

Cut Rate Hauling WILLS AND TRUSTS Kurt E. Walberg, P.C. Esq.

Trash / Rubbish / Debris Trash / Rubbish / Debris and Junk Removal and Junk Removal

Professional and Reliable Year Round Service

Professional and Reliable Call now to schedule a no cost appointment Year Round ServiceRubin (720)434-8042 | Kerwin (720) 519-5559 720.772.7565 • dawn@kewpclaw.com Rubin (720)434-8042 Kerwin (720) 519-5559

Classifieds Continues Next Page

35

February 15, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY Heating & Air Conditioning

IS YOUR FURNACE 10 YEARS OLD OR OLDER? MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON!

$49.99 FURNACE INSPECTION WITH CO DETECTION Call and schedule today - 303.909.2018 OFFER EXPIRES 11/30/2023.

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS.

Lawn/Garden Services

Colorado Lawn Care Fall & Winter: Landscaping, Fall Aeration, Overseed, Fertilizer, Gutter Cleaning, Lawn/Leaf Cleanup, Fence & Deck Install/Repair, Tree & Shrub Trimming/ Removal, Snow Removal, Residential/Commercial

scottcindy4242@gmail.com | Licensed/Insured

720-202-9975 Painting

• Benjamin Moore Paints • Labor and Materials Warranty • Free Estimates • Color Consultation Included • Kind/Highly Communicative Staff Helpful Ace Hardware Pro Painters is a residential painting company which specializes in exterior and interior painting. Our core values are honesty, integrity, service, quality and beauty and our focus is on delivering an outstanding customer experience. We currently include a full color consult, test pints and a detailed walkthrough with all of our paint jobs.

Give us a call to set up a free estimate! (720) 432-6125 helpfulacehardwarepropainters.com

DANIEL’S PAINTING

exterior • interior • residential repaints Re-caulk all home complete prime all caulked areas / replace any damaged boards / popcorn removal drywall and texture repair / fences and decks / insured and bonded

720-301-0442

Painting

Roofing/Gutters

Have a Hail Damaged Roof?

Residential Experts

Residential Experts paintHomes over 800Per Homes Per No YearDeposit Ever We paint overWe800 Year.

No Deposit Ever Satisfaction Guaranteed.

5 year, 7 year and 9 year Satisfaction Guaranteed 5 year, 7 year and 9 year Exterior Warranties Exterior Warranties.

2 Yr. Interior Warranty 2 Yr. Interior Warranty & Insured up to $2 Million Licensed & Insured Licensed up to $2 Million.

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FreeforColor Consulting & Samples In business 29 years

- Gutter cleaning /gutter covers available now - We are 100% Local & Have Great References - Roofing • Siding • Paint • Windows • Gutters - Call Dave Vaughn 720-427-7422 - davegoldenspikeroofing@gmail.com

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35% Off Int. & Ext. % Off 35All All Int. & Ext.

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE

720-328-2572 CALL TODAY FOR

innovativepaintingllc.com YOUR FREE QUOTE

Siding & Windows

720-328-2572 Plumbing

www.innovativepaintingllc.com

“We’re Crazy About Plumbing” CUSTOM HOMES • REMODEL • FINISHED BASEMENTS SERVICE AND REPAIR • LICENSED & INSURED ALAN ATTWOOD, Master Plumber

PH: 303-472-8217 | FX: 303-688-8821

Siding

Siding Repairs · Insulated Vinyl and Steel Siding

Fair Pricing and Free Estimates Call Sam 720.731.8789

I am a Master Plumber that has 15 years of experience, licensed and insured, and trying to get my own business up and going. I would be grateful for the opportunity to earn your business, to help a Colorado Native business grow. Mountain Men Plumbing has been around for almost two years now!

www.MountainMenPlumbing.com Or give a call to (720) 328-8440!

Roofing

Local Company Veteran Owned Integrity Focused VOTED BEST ROOFING COMPANY Complimentary Roof Inspections

303-770-7663

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com

Solar

Residential andand Commercial Residential Commer

SOLAR SYSTEMS SOLAR SYSTEM 303-770-7663 303-647-3173

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com www.ValorRoofandSolar.com

Service Directory Continues Next Page

36

February 15, 2024F

SERVICE DIRECTORY Tile

OOD

..

Great Floors.

Great Impressions.

. ,

FOOTPRINTS HARDWOOD, TILE,

ressions.

floors BACKSPLASHES & LAMINATES

y for a free estimate!

Call today for a free estimate!

720-344-0939 | FOOTPRINTSFLOORS.COM 0-344-0939

OTPRINTSFLOORS COM

Thomas Flooring & Tile

Looking for something to do?

• All Types of Tile • Granite-Ceramic • • Porcelain • Natural Stone • • Vinyl • Bathroom Remodel • 32 Years Experience • Work Warranty

303-781-4919 FREE Estimates Tree Services

ABE’S TREE & SHRUB CARE Abraham Spilsbury, Owner/Operator

Certified Arborist Licensed & Insured Veteran

•Pruning

Phone: 720-283-8226 Cell: 720-979-3888

•Shrub Maintenance

•Removals •Stump Grinding •Free Estimates

Check out the calendar of events!

Please support these amazing local businesses

37

February 15, 2024

TV WITHOUT COMPROMISE. Stop worrying about your TV bill and start watching with DIRECTV. Taxes/fees apply. Req’s 24-mo. agmt.

EXPERIENCE PREMIUM TV via your internet connection.

84

CHOICE™ PACKAGE

$

99*

MO.

for 24 months + taxes and fees

w/ 24-mo. agmt. Advanced Receiver ServiceFees $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fees up to $15.99/mo. are extra & apply.

Access your favorite national, regional and local sports 24/7

Availability of channels varies based on package selection. Regional Sports Networks included in CHOICE Package or higher. Blackout restr’s apply. Avail. of RSNs varies by zip code and pkg.

Easily access live TV and thousands of streaming apps

Req’s separate paid subscription for Max, Netflix, Prime Video (see amazon.com/amazonprime for details) and other 3rd party apps. Restrictions apply. High speed internet-connected Gemini Air required. Google login required.

*New approved residential customers, price incl. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply. Equipment lease req’d in some sales channels.

Contact your local DIRECTV dealer!

IVS Holdings

877.328.1512 Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term. Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Pricing: $84.99/mo. for two years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fees of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fees of up to $15.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE pkg or higher. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. Gemini Air Device: First device included for well-qualified customers, otherwise $120 for new Gemini Air. Applicable taxes due at sale. Additional Gemini Air: Additional device for well-qualified customers $10/mo. for 12 mos., otherwise $120 each. Purchased Gemini Air may be returned within 14 days of the Ship Date for a full refund however all monthly fees, including additional monthly fees, will continue to apply. Additional Gemini Air(s) purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. If service is cancelled within the first 14 days of ordering, you must return the included device to avoid a $120 non-return of device fee. A full refund of charges will be applied, and the early termination fees will be waived. If service is canceled after 14 days, you can continue to access DIRECTV through the end of the bill period, but there is no refund or credit for partial-month or unwatched content. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details. If you are subject to a lease agreement, $7/mo. lease fee per each additional device will be charged on your account. Lease Equipment Non-Return-Fees: If you cancel your service, you must return your leased equipment.

Failure to return any equipment will result in fees of $120 for each DIRECTV device. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions. DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease (equipment lease not available in select sales channels) & Customer Agreement. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT, transactional fees, and Federal Cost Recovery Fee are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details. All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details. ©2023 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice BEFORE THE COLORADO ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AMENDED NOTICE AND APPLICATION FOR HEARING DOCKET NO. 220800225 TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Pursuant to Rule 523.d, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission Staff has applied to the Commission for an Order Finding Violation against K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. (Operator No. 46290), to adjudicate allegations in the Notice of Alleged Violation Nos. 403035076, 403035192, 403035259, 403035328, 403035446, and 403035534.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to: 1) the general jurisdiction of the Energy and Carbon Management Commission of the State of Colorado under § 34-60-105, C.R.S.; 2) specific powers granted pursuant to § 34-60-106, C.R.S.; 3) the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act at § 24-4-105, C.R.S.; and 4) the Commission’s Series 500 Rules at 2 C.C.R. 404-1, that the Commission has scheduled this matter for hearing before a ECMC Hearing Officer at the following date, time, and location (subject to change): Date: March 18, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place:Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 The Notice and documents related to this matter can be found on our “Hearing eFiling System Document Search” page here https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGPublicAccess/index.html. Select “Search for Docket Related Documents” from the pull-down menu, use the above “Docket Number”, and select “Search”.

Legal Notice No. 205112 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Metropolitan Districts Public Notice NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT AND ELORA COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Elora Metropolitan District and the Elora Commercial Metropolitan District of Elbert County, Colorado (the “Districts”): NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that vacancies currently exist on the Boards of Directors of each of the Districts. Any qualified, eligible elector of either of the Districts interested in filling a vacancy and serving on the Board of Directors of either of the Districts should file a Letter of Interest with the Board of Directors of the respective district by 5:00 p.m. MST on Monday, February 26, 2024,

at the Districts’ office address below (or via e-mail to: csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com).

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the Districts c/o Craig Sorensen at McGeady Becher P.C., 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado 80203; Phone: 303-592 4380; Email: csorensen@specialdistrictlaw.com.

ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT ELORA COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By:/s/ PAULA J. WILLIAMS Attorney for the Districts Legal Notice No. 205108 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Water Court Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JANUARY 2024 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JANUARY 2024 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www.courts.state.co.us) 2024CW3000 APPLICATION FOR WATER RIGHTS OF MIRALI POJOUHA IN ELBERT COUNTY, c/o John Buchanan, The Law Office of John D. Buchanan LLC, PO Box 140207, Edgewater, CO 80214. Application for underground water rights in the Denver Basin aquifers and for approval of plan for augmentation in ELbert County. Parcel description: The South 1/2 of the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., County of Elbert, State of Colorado, consisting of 40 acres more or less, also identified by the street address 1405 Private Road 104, Elbert, Colorado 80106 (“Subject Parcel”), consisting of 40 acres more or less (“Subject Parcel”). This application seeks a decree adjudicating all the nontributary and not nontributary ground water in the Denver Basin aquifers underlying the Subject Parcel.

Such aquifers may include the Upper Dawson, Lower Dawson, Denver, Upper Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers; the actual aquifers will be those that are determined to be available underlying the Subject Property in accordance with the Denver Basin Rules (2 CCR 402-6).

There is one exempt well located on the property, permitted under well permit no. 256013. The source of water for this well is the Upper Dawson aquifer. Applicants seek to adjudicate the water in the Upper Dawson aquifer that may be withdrawn through this exempt well. The estimated amounts of water in each aquifer is as follows: NNT Upper Dawson: 18.88 AF average annual appropriation (“avg”); NT Lower Dawson: 11.16 AF avg; NT Denver: 16.3 AF avg; NT Upper Arapahoe: 16.39 AF avg; NT Laramie Fox-Hills: 11.22 AF avg. The final decreed amounts may vary from the above to conform with the State’s Determination of Facts.

Requested Uses: Applicants request the water be approved for all beneficial uses, and the specific uses will be determined when an application for permits to withdraw such water is filed. The Applicants also request that the nontributary water may be used, reused, and successively used to extinction, both on and off the Subject Parcel, subject

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

to the requirement of C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9)(b) that no more than 98% of the amount withdrawn annually shall be consumed. Applicants may use such water by immediate application or by storage and subsequent application to beneficial use.

Applicants request they be permitted to produce the full legal entitlement from the Denver Basin aquifers underlying the Subject Parcel through any combination of wells and that such wells be treated as a well field. Applicants claim the right to withdraw more than the estimated average annual amounts described above pursuant to Rule 8A of the Statewide Rules, 2 C.C.R. 402-7. Applicants request the right to revise the estimates upward or downward, based on better or revised data, without the necessity of amending or republishing this application. Applicants request this Court approve the above-described underground water rights, find that Applicants have complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. Plan for Augmentation: Name of structure to be augmented: Pojouha Upper Dawson Well, permit no. 256103. Legal description of structure: The permitted well location is in the SW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 26, Township 9 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., at a distance of 2,280 feet from the North Section line and 900 feet from the West Section line. Appropriation Date: N/A. Amount: 18.88 acre-feet per year average annual withdrawal. Source: The Upper Dawson aquifer underlying the Subject Parcel.

Use: Household, domestic, irrigation, stock water, and fire protection uses on the Subject Parcel, and for storage and augmentation purposes associated with such uses. Complete Statement of Plan for Augmentation: Applicant will rely on the determinations of the amount, timing, and location of depletions by the staff of the State and Division Engineers’ office. Depletions to affected streams during pumping will be replaced by return flows from water that is not consumed through beneficial use, including domestic return flows from a non-evaporative septic system. For the replacement of any injurious post-pumping depletions that may occur, Applicants will reserve water available in the nontributary Laramie Fox-Hills aquifer water adjudicated in this application as necessary to replace any injurious post pumping depletions. Applicants also reserve the right to substitute other legally available augmentation sources for such post pumping depletions upon further approval of the Court under its retained jurisdiction. Even though this reservation is made, under the Court’s retained jurisdiction, Applicants reserve the right in the future to prove that post pumping depletions will be non-injurious.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of MARCH 2024 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. 205109 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JANUARY 2024 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JANUARY 2024 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www.courts.state.co.us) 2024CW3009 KIMBERLY GARRETT, 42603 Ricki Dr, Parker, CO 80138. James J. Petrock, Eric K. Trout, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 700 17th Street, Suite 1800, Denver, CO 80202. APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT NONTRIBUTARY SOURCES IN THE NONTRIBUTARY DENVER, ARAPAHOE AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NOT NONTRIBUTARY UPPER AND LOWER DAWSON AQUIFERS IN ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: A parcel totaling approximately 5.11 acres generally located in the NW1/4 of the NE1/4 of Section 35, Township 6 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., also known as 42603 Ricki Dr, Parker, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A (“Subject Property”). Lien Holder Certification: Applicant certifies that they have provided notice to all mortgage or lien holders as required under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2) (b). Well Permits: There is one existing Upper Dawson Aquifer domestic use well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 69610, which will continue operating under its existing permit.

Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells. Source of Water Rights: The Upper and Lower Dawson aquifers are not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicant estimates the following amounts may be available for withdrawal, based on a 100-year withdrawal period: Aquifer Upper Dawson (NNT)* Lower Dawson (NNT) Denver (NT) Arapahoe (NT) Laramie-Fox Hills (NT)

Annual Amount (acre-feet) 0 0.62 3.27 2.19 1.59

*The total estimated volume in the not-nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer is 1.53 acre-feet per year. The entire volume is reserved for existing Well Permit No. 69610. Applicant desires to leave no additional groundwater unadjudicated.

Proposed Uses: Groundwater withdrawn from the not-nontributary and nontributary aquifers underlying the Subject Property will be used, reused, and successively used to extinction for all allowable beneficial uses, including, but not limited to, domestic, including in-house use, commercial, irrigation, stock watering, fire protection, recreational, fish and wildlife, and augmentation purposes, including storage. The water may be immediately used or stored for subsequent use, used for exchange purposes, for direct replacement of depletions, and for other augmentation purposes, including taking credit for all return flows resulting from the use of such water for augmentation of, or as an offset against, any out-of-priority depletions. The water may be leased, sold, or otherwise disposed of for all the above uses both on and off the Subject Property. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92-302(2). Remarks: Applicant claims the

right to withdraw more than the average annual amounts estimated in Paragraph 6 above pursuant to Rule 8A of the Statewide Rules, 2 C.C.R. 402-7. Applicant requests the right to revise the estimates upward or downward, based on better or revised data, without the necessity of amending this application or republishing the same.

Applicant requests the Court approve the above underground water rights, find that Applicant has complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 4 Pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of MARCH 2024 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. 205110 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 15, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JOHN FRANCIS PEPE, also known as JOHN F. PEPE, and JOHN PEPE, Deceased Case Number 24PR30003 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before Monday, June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Veronica Pepe, Co-Personal Representative 3827 Lupine Lane, Apt. L Calabasas, CA 91302 Randy Benjamin Pepe Co-Personal Representative 423 W. 22nd Avenue, Apt. 307 Anchorage, AK 99503 Timothy Pepe, Co-Personal Representative 10334 Vienna Street Parker, Colorado 80134 Legal Notice No. 205111 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News ###

Parker | Elbert Legals February 15, 2024 * 1

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February 15, 2024

MOTTO FROM PAGE 25

“We know that there’s a portion of our population that’s not going to like this. So I want to make sure that if we do this, we’re being respectful,” Thomas said.

However, Thomas in her weekly newsletter later questioned the purpose of Teal’s proposal.

“At a time when we are all counting our pennies, especially our county government, is this REALLY how we need to be spending taxpayer dollars — on dubious decor and window-dressing?”

Thomas wrote.

While the topic didn’t appear on the Jan. 24 work session agenda, county resident Katie Barrett noted during public comment that she was concerned Teal’s motion directing staff to explore adding religious slogans to the chamber’s walls would be a “constitutional faux pas.”

“I remind you that Thomas Jefferson envisioned a wall symbolizing separation of church and state. Mr. Teal is attacking that wall,” Barrett said. “The Founding Fathers didn’t want the entanglements of religion in our government as was the norm in England.

Corruption by religious affiliation is to be guarded against.”

Barrett suggested sticking with the original U.S. motto, “E Pluribis Unum,” or, “out of many, one.”

Teal later said he liked the idea.

Efforts to place “In God We Trust” in public schools, government buildings and on license plates are backed by Project Blitz, a coalition of more than 40 rightwing Christian organizations. Yet, according to BlitzWatch, a project backed by civil rights organizations including the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Interfaith Alliance, “This first seemingly innocuous phase is meant to build enough momentum to pass “religious history and freedom” bills, which purport

that America was, is, and will always be a Christian nation.”

Late last year, an El Paso County school district approved a resolution encouraging its schools to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in classrooms, along with other historical displays depicting the founding and heritage of America.

In response, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a nonprofit watchdog that advocates the separation of church and state, sent a letter to the district requesting it rescind the resolution.

“The phrase ‘In God We Trust’ was chosen belatedly as a national motto by an Act of Congress only in 1956 as a response to the fear of ‘godless’ communism. It first appeared on paper currency in 1957,” wrote Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, co-presidents of the foundation.

“This symbolic unity of ‘God’ with government has created a lack of respect for the previously revered constitutional prin-

ciple of the separation of state and church. America’s original motto, ‘E pluribus unum’ (From many, one), chosen by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, celebrates unity through diversity rather than imposing a distasteful de facto religious test upon citizens.”

Gaylor and Barker also claim the displays are offensive and alienating to those who don’t believe in God or who have contrasting beliefs.

“As a public school district, the Board cannot discriminate on the basis of religion. Yet, the Board has voted to encourage the display of a religious message that alienates the 37% of the American population is non-Christian, including the almost 30 percent who are nonreligious. At least a third of Generation Z (those born after 1996) have no religion, with a recent survey revealing almost half of Gen Z qualify as ‘nones’ (religiously unaffiliated),” wrote Gaylor and Barker.

Public Notices

Douglas County Trustee Notices

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.

Legals

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

Public Trustees

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0200 To Whom It May Concern: On 11/28/2023 9:28:00 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: KENNETH NEAL PAULICK AND CONNIE J PAINE Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/25/2019 Recording Date of DOT: 7/2/2019 Reception No. of DOT: 2019039010 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $418,599.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $390,763.48 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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 8, BLOCK 3, STROH RANCH FILING NO. 9C, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 12649 Buckhorn Creek St, 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, March 20, 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: 1/25/2024

Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 11/28/2023 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 #: 00000009905324 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0200 First Publication: 1/25/2024 Last Publication: 2/22/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0201

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/1/2018 Recording Date of DOT: 6/5/2018 Reception No. of DOT: 2018033623 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $314,204.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $291,384.25 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.

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: 2/8/2024 Last Publication: 3/7/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

Dated: 12/7/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 100, COTTONWOOD SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

DAVID R DOUGHTY Colorado Registration #: 40042 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 20-024128

Which has the address of: 17605 Ponderosa Ave, Parker, CO 80134 NOTICE OF SALE

To Whom It May Concern: On 12/7/2023 8:17:00 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.

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

Original Grantor: CHRIS JON HAMMERBERG Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 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

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0201 First Publication: 2/8/2024 Last Publication: 3/7/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

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February 15, 2024Fe

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