Highlands Ranch Herald 102022

After failed Parker deal, Castle Pines takes on troubled waters

Sewage spills a problem

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Thousands of homes dot the hills of Castle Pines, a central Douglas County community about 20 miles from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. But underneath those houses and their hills, a problem lurks.

As residents flush their toilets, shower and rinse out their sinks, their untreated wastewater enters an aging system that’s struggling to do its job.

For years, the Castle Pines North Metro District has logged thousands of gallons of sewage that has spilled from their system. Now, the state has sent them an official warning to address the problem.

As former city Mayor Tera Radloff, bluntly puts it: “Sh-t rolls downhill.”

And that’s exactly the issue for the system’s lift stations, which have the role of pumping sewage from low elevation to the nearby wastewater treatment plant.

“I think this system hasn’t been maintained for a very long time,” said Radloff, who is also one of the

School district accused of ‘woke ideology’

Unvetted comments in TABOR book

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County’s superintendent is rebutting language published in the “TABOR book” that is meant to help voters weigh the pros and cons of tax issues on the ballot in the upcoming election.

“The comments are to be printed as they are, they are not factchecked and there’s no process (for fact-checking),” Douglas County School District Superintendent Erin Kane said. “I was astounded when I learned that.”

Kane made those remarks on Oct. 11 at the county school board meeting in reference to what’s called the TABOR book, which addresses county and district tax measures before voters. It contains summaries of for-and-against positions. The guide also includes a warning that the information in it is not verified or checked for accuracy or truth.

Kane took issue with the comments in opposition to a $60 million mill levy override and $450 million bond that the district says it needs to make staff pay more competitive, to build new schools and to main-

Opponents of the mill levy override argue that voters should kill it on the basis that the district supports “woke ideology indoctrina-

Kane and every member of the board dismissed that claim as un-

“We certainly do not have an agenda-driven, formalized ‘woke’ or whatever you want to call it — social justice, activist — curriculum here in the schools,” board member Mike

He added that the district’s curriculum follows state standards.

Another claim from opponents that raised concern among board members involved characterizations

A claim in the TABOR book said the mill levy override cost would

DOUGLAS

Nathan Travis, interim district manager, was appointed to his position in August.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT WENZLER

The City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines North Metro District continue to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement for stormwater and parks. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Briefly

Veteran’s Day celebration on Nov. 11 Honor veterans at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Day Celebration. Visit the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument and then come inside the library for the Veterans Day event. To be held at Douglas County Libraries Highlands Ranch, the special ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Adult Health and Information Fair

An Adult Health & Information Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Eastridge Recreation Center, located at 9568 University Blvd. Come learn about health and resources from local service providers. The Highlands Ranch Community Association, Highlands Ranch Metro District, and Senior Outreach of Highlands Ranch have joined forces to bring you these resources under one roof. Learn about active adult programming, nutrition and fitness planning, legal and financial informa-

tion, medication review, handyman services, wellness screenings, real estate specialists, and more.

David Taylor’s ZIKR Dance

The ZIKR Dance will be held at the Southridge Recreation Center, located at 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., on Wednesday, Oct. 25. he Zikr Dance Ensemble - led by nationally acclaimed choreographer David Taylor - fuses transcendent rituals from ancient cultures with contemporary dance/ theatre realizations. Artistically stimulating, as well as intellectually captivating, Zikr’s live performances are complemented by stunning visual effects and projections, creating multimedia

IN THE HANGARIN THE HANGAR

Have a Spooky Good Time at Wings Over the Rockies!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

New route opens on US 85

Residents in Northwest Douglas County – your new route to US 85 is open!

The Waterton Road Extension –from Rampart Range Road to US 85 – opened last week right after

the Board of Douglas County Commissioners gathered with members of the Sterling Ranch Community Authority Board and the Sterling Ranch Development Company to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

National Take Back Day

It’s that time of year again to properly dispose of unneeded medications. On Oct. 29, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the annual program, hosting a Drug Take Back event at the Highlands Ranch substation, located at 9250 Zotos Dr. A second

location will be at King Soopers, located at 4000 Red Cedar Dr. It’s that cannot be accepted during the event include needles, mercury thermometers, oxygen containers, radioactive substances, pressurized canisters and illicit drugs. For more information, visit the website at DEATakeBack.com.

Help in raising Christmas funds

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Offi ce (in partnership with the Community Safety Volunteer Association of Douglas County) needs help in collecting funds to support the 2022 Christmas for Kids Program. Every year deputies identify kids in need from around the county, and the community comes together to make their Christmas just a little bit brighter. Approximately 200 kids are sponsored

every year to go shopping with an offi cer with a $100 gift card. We’re hoping that the community members and businesses of Douglas County can pull it off again, making this another amazing year for these incredible kiddos. If you’re able to help, please go to https://csvadc.org/2022christmas-for-kids/ to spread a little joy this Christmas season. All donations are tax deductible through the CSVADC 501c3.

BOB’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

PUBLIC SAFETY • PUBLIC EDUCATION • ENVIRONMENT

Bob will represent YOU! NOT special interests.

From 06/23/22 to 09/28/22, more lobbyists and Special Interest Groups (49 total) donated to Bob’s opponent than Highlands Ranch residents (21). By contrast, Bob had more than 200 contributions from individuals averaging around $60/donation during that period. And NO lobbyists. While in the last reporting period ending 09/28/2022 Bob had more than 40 Highlands Ranch residents contribute to his campaign, his incumbent opponent had only 5. Bob will represent YOU, not lobbyists or interests outside Highlands Ranch. See Secretary of State TRACER Filings - https://tracer.sos.colorado.gov

Slash mulch site closing for the season on Oct. 29

Time is running out to clean up tree limbs, shrubs and brush from your property and reduce your wildfire risk. Dispose of them at the County’s slash-mulch site, 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Open Saturdays-only from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 29. For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search for Slash

Online Tax Lien Sale Nov. 3

The annual Tax Lien Sale will be held via internet auction on Nov. 3. For guidelines and to register, visit zeusauction.com The statutory interest for the 2022 Tax Lien Sale is 12%. More information is available at douglas.co.us/treasurer or by calling 303-660-7455

Drive US 85?

Construction to widen the road between Highlands Ranch Parkway and C-470 is underway. Please expect delays and watch for crews. Sign up for updates so you know what to expect. Visit douglas.co.us and search for Subscribe Now and choose US 85 construction.

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings via live stream, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings / Public Hearings.

Are you looking for a mental health check-up for your child?

Check out ImatterColorado.org and take a brief assessment to find out if your child is eligible for free counseling.

For additional resources in and around Douglas County, visit: douglas.co.us and search for mental health resources

If you need immediate support, call Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK(8255) or text TALK to 38255. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Visit douglas.co.us

RETIRED

directors for the water district that manages the system. “Why? I’m not sure.”

The district, which serves the west side of the city, is showing signs of many years of neglect and a significant lack of investment in infrastructure. Last year, the state required the district to issue an advisory telling customers to boil their water before drinking it.

But the reason it was able to get to this point appears to be unknown. Nathan Travis, the interim district manager appointed in August, is working to get the district back on track.

“I don’t know why the treatment plant wasn’t maintained to the level it should have been maintained –why the wells weren’t taken care of on a level that they needed to be,” Travis said.

While he can’t explain the reasons why the system got so bad, he’s determined to simply keep moving forward, bit by bit, until it’s all operating like clockwork. In the past year, the district has invested heavily in its water treatment plant and is now beginning to look at the lift station issues.

“I just don’t have the time or energy to really worry about the why – going back 30 years into a system,” he said. “We take responsibility for the condition they were in and are absolutely dedicated to changing it.”

But getting there won’t be easy and it gets complicated quickly as the system wants to link into a larg-

er one – the nearby Parker Water and Sanitation District. Voters overwhelmingly approved a plan to join with that district in May of 2021, but months later, the deal fell apart over financial negotiations and the issues with the metro district’s dated infrastructure.

While that plan appeared to be on track earlier this year, now Travis says it will take two years to get a deal with Parker done, if it goes through at all.

“I want to look at absolutely all of our options,” Travis said. “While we have this downtime I think it’s our responsibility to prove that Parker is the best option.”

Since homes started spreading here in the early 1980s, the Castle Pines North Metro District has handled water and sewer services for most of the community. The struggles have been a point of frustration in an area with a median annual income of $170,000 and home prices of about $837,000, according to the city’s data and Redfin estimates.

The problems come as the city of about 13,000 grows rapidly. By 2040, its population is predicted to nearly triple, according to the municipality.

Parker deal: dead in the water?

Castle Pines’ efforts to join Parker Water are part of a long-term plan to secure renewable water for future residents.

It also would simplify things for them.

“Everything has been so complicated,” said Michael Penny, city manager for the City of Castle Pines. “This all goes to simplifying the governance so people aren’t going ‘who the heck do I call?’”

Water and Sanitation and unaffected by the issues.

Soon after the ballot item to join the rest of the city with Parker was approved, Parker began taking a deeper look at the metro district’s system and announced eight things that needed to be addressed. Negotiations also began over how much the district would have to pay Parker for the repairs.

“The hinge really broke around that financial evaluation,” Travis said.

Ron Redd, district manager for Parker Water and Sanitation, said there were a few things, including the sewage spills, his team had not known about before the vote.

“At the end of the day, they weren’t able to meet those parameters, so we exercised our right to get out of the agreement,” Redd said.

Radloff, who was mayor of the City of Castle Pines from 2018 through 2021, was elected to the Castle Pines North Metro District in May. She campaigned on reviving the agreement.

KURTHUFFMANIS

“I wanted to get that back on track,” she said. “I wanted to make sure our water was safe to drink and I wanted other people to have confidence in it as well.”

Pulling back the curtain

Redd, who has led Parker Water for the past 10 years, says that a few years ago, he would have had nothing of concern to report about Castle Pines’ water system

theCapitol.Hehasbeenservinginthisrolesince Juneandspentthelastfoursessionsasalegislative volunteer.

representative,andtrustedleader.

Coloradoaffordable,prioritizepublicsafety,and expandeducationchoice.

“They met demands and were engaged in regional discussions,” he said, “But they had a nice curtain.”

Behind that curtain is a record of 12 sewage spills caused by the Castle Pines North Metro District since 2010. Half of those occured since 2020, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment data provided to Colorado Community Media. The largest spill was February 2021, when about 70,000 gallons were released into a nearby detention pond.

The most recent spill was in March, when 25,000 gallons of sewage was spilled by the district.

At the center of many problems are the district’s eight lift stations that help pump wastewater to a treatment facility. Seven of them have some level of issue that needs

“They’re all past their designed

Outside of the spills, the district has struggled with service stoppages at their treatment plant as well, such as the boil order and another incident a few months later where service was halted to more than 500 customers for about 45 minutes.

“We don’t have water districts losing service to their community,” Redd said. “You don’t hear that very often and they had it happen twice.”

As a result of the spills and other issues, many residents have said over the years they’ve lost confidence in the system as a whole, Radloff said.

“People are out and about walking their kids and their pets and … and they’re passing by lift stations and they’re seeing the discoloration of the rock and the spillway,” she said. “They’re smelling sewage.”

State issues warning

Over the summer, state officials issued what’s called a compliance advisory. The warning told the district to create a plan to fix the system or face potential enforcement actions.

“This compliance advisory is intended to advise the district of alleged violations of the Water Quality Control Act,” according to the document.

The metro district responded in August and had its plan approved. It recently hired an engineering firm to address the lift stations, with an initial design expected by the end of the year.

The next step will be in-depth engineering and a final design, which will likely take most of next year, Travis said. Then, before the work can begin, the designs will need to be approved by the state, which could take another year or more.

“It’s complicated and it takes time,” he said.

The district has estimated it would cost about $12.7 million to rehabilitate the lift stations. In the past year, the district has invested $3 million in the water treatment plant with $5.5 million more planned in the next year.

The recent compliance advisory for repeated sewer overflows is not the first from water officials. In 2011, the state’s water quality division issued a compliance advisory that

COLORADO.

AGENT KURT HUFFMAN.

The inside of a Castle Pines North Metro District lift station.

COURTESY OF CASTLE PINES NORTH METRO DISTRICT

FROM

said the district’s sewage spills violated state law.

According to Castle Pines North Metro District and Parker Water, there are no records indicating whether anything was done about that previous advisory.

“CPNMD has no records that repairs, system upgrades or corrective actions were taken in response to these letters,” according to a document submitted to CDPHE.

In an email to Colorado Community Media, CDPHE said they didn’t have the historical information about any action taken against the district to ensure spills would stop.

“In the past, based on resource limitations, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) were typically handled with the initial response being a phone call to gather information about the release(s) as well as what the entity was doing to address them,” according to the email.

Earlier this year, the City of Castle Pines hired an attorney to write to

CDPHE, raising concerns about the repeated sewage spills. They referenced the March incident that led to 25,000 gallons of sewage spilling.

“The area where this occurred is adjacent to a residential park (Coyote Ridge Park),” according to the letter. “Given the frequency and size of the (sanitary sewer overflow) events, the city is concerned about the impact of these events on public health, safety and welfare.”

They went on to ask CDPHE to complete a comprehensive investigation of the district and “take whatever actions CDPHE deems appropriate.”

A few months later, the compliance advisory was issued.

“After receiving the letter by the City of Castle Pines, the division evaluated the potential pattern of spills and determined whether additional corrective action was appropriate,” according to an email from CDPHE.

The state makes decisions on how to enforce based on their enforcement management system and the availability of resources, according to an emailed response to questions from Colorado

What’s next?

The Castle Pines district said progress is ongoing. By this time next year, all the components of their water treatment plant, which treats drinking water, will be brand new, Travis said.

Even though residents already voted to approve an inclusion into Parker Water, if the deal is to go through, another election is required.

Before that can happen, Parker Water wants to see the state grant them relief from any possible litigation related to the metro district’s

sewage spills. The districts will also have to do a new financial analysis of the impact of an inclusion.

That means a vote is at least two years away.

In the meantime, the question of whether the community sees the water as safe lingers. Radloff took a tour of the water treatment facility and said her perception of the system is changing.

“I have more confidence in the water now,” she said. “The other (issues) i think they’re in progress but it’s going to take a while to get them back to where they should be.”

Colorado House District 43 candidates

Name: Kurt Huffman Website: www.kurthuffman.com

Biography: Over the last nearly 50 years, Representative Kurt Huffman has called Colorado home. He has lived most of this time in Highlands Ranch with his wife of 35 years Julie. Kurt is a licensed professional engineer, a small business owner, and entrepreneur. A long-time community leader, he has served as a State Capitol legislative volunteer for the last four sessions, is a Highlands Ranch Community Association District Delegate, has been a Douglas County Planning Commissioner, and a volunteer for the Highlands Ranch Metro District and Centennial Water Sanitation District. I was appointed to the House District 43 seat by the Colorado GOP in June when former Kevin Van Winkle became the Colorado senator for Senate District 30.

When it comes to funding school districts and paying teachers in Colorado – How do you think we stack up on a national level? What do you think should be done at the state level to address the problems teachers and schools are facing?

I am concerned Colorado public school teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation in comparison to similar occupations based on education, experience, and hours worked. Colorado schools are struggling as well, with a high school graduation rate of just 80% and nearly half of students performing below grade-level for reading, writing, and mathematics. I believe every child should be guaranteed an opportunity to graduate with the basic skills to be successful in life. Inadequate state level funding of public schools needs to be addressed to keep Colorado competitive and to ensure our children are successful in their future.

Mental health continues to be a problem in Colorado and nationwide – What should be done at the state level to address the youth mental health crisis and to continue increasing help for adults?

According to Mental Health America’s 2022 rankings, Colorado has the nation’s highest rate of adult mental illness and lowest access to care. I believe there needs to be a comprehensive coordinated effort in Metro Denver that includes the state, counties, and municipalities targeting assistance to people experiencing a mental health crisis. Similarly, I believe the counties and the school districts need to combine efforts to identify and provide mental health services to any youth in crisis.

Inflation, gas prices and the economy continue to be an issue in 2022 – Families are paying extra for everything. What can and should be done in Colorado to help families?

Colorado is experiencing the highest inflation in the country and 40% of Colorado small businesses have permanently closed their doors. The only solution to economic recession is to restart the Colorado economy

state level we need large companies to consider investing in Colorado’s recovery and future.

If elected, can you work on a bi-partisan level to pass bills and address the needs of the Colorado population as a whole and not just live along party lines? Give examples of where you could compromise.

Over the last four years I was a legislative volunteer with Representative Mark Baisley and worked on 10 bipartisan House Bills that include child immunization status, county road maintenance, education, limited gaming and sport betting, and state broadband deployment/internet platforms. Since becoming your State Representative in June, I have proposed bipartisan legislation including five House Bills in areas of improving our economy, ensuring community safety, guaranteeing criminal justice, and preserving community standards. Serving in the community and as a legislative volunteer has provided me an opportunity to develop many working relationships that will support strong bipartisan legislation in the next session.

Housing a ordability and homelessness have become a state and nationwide issue. What can be done at the state level to address the growing problem?

At the State Capitol we have an opportunity to make affordable housing by eliminating the real and artificial barriers to building starter homes for first-time home buyers including building condominiums, duplexes, and smaller

Robert Marshall Website: https://bob4colorado.

Biography: Colorado native. Joined Marine Corps after Georgetown University. USMC later sent me to Cornell Law School. Was a Senior Defense Counsel and SJA in Japan. Left USMC to clerk on the US Court of Appeals. Returned home to work at a law firm. Mobilized for Iraq & Afghanistan duty and finally with Wounded Warrior Battalion in San Diego. At WWBN, earned a Tax LLM and then went to work for the IRS’s Large Business & International Tax section. Returned home to telework during COVID and became involved in the community, which led to my nomination

When it comes to funding school districts and paying teachers in Colorado – How do you think we stack up on a national level? What do you think should be done at the state level to address the problems teachers and schools are facing?

We are far behind. It is embarrassing. Colorado ranks 48th out of 50 states for starting teacher salaries, right between Missouri at 49 and Arkansas at 47. Even Mississippi pays their teachers better. On a cost of living comparison, we are even worse. See https:// www.nea.org/ resource-library/ teacher-salarybenchmarks Initiative 63 will be put on the ballot when I am elected to the state house. I also intend to put forward a tax free stipend for all full time equivalent teacher positions in the state as a matching program with the districts to offset the out of pocket expenses teachers must endure.

True classic inflation (“too many dollars chasing too few goods”) is a monetary sovereign issue (i.e., who coins/prints/creates the medium of exchange - a/k/a money - the federal government). It is not a state issue. Any state candidate who says they will “solve,” “fight,” or “stop” inflation, should have their honesty or competence questioned. (Or both). They are not serious or are disingenuous telling people what they want to hear to be elected. At the state level, we should work to keep expenses down. But that is an issue to work all the time, not just during inflationary periods.

If elected, can you work on a bi-partisan level to pass bills and address the needs of the Colorado population as a whole and not just live along party lines? Give examples of where you could compromise.

to put forward a tax

Mental health continues to be a problem in Colorado and nationwide –What should be done at the state level to address the youth mental health crisis and to continue increasing help for adults?

Over 50% of the people held in the Douglas County jail are on psychotropic drugs. In the 1960s, Colorado had 2,000 mental health beds. Now, with 4 times the population, we have around 200. Our mental health institutions needed serious reform, but they were destroyed instead. Now law enforcement is the default mental health providers for those over 18. And the schools are the default mental health providers for those under 18. That is neither institution’s purpose. Taking on that duty outside their core function results in not doing either well. We need to reestablish a public mental health system.

Inflation, gas prices and the economy continue to be an issue in 2022 – Families are paying extra for everything. What can and should be done in Colorado to help families?

Easily. Was a Republican for 30+ years. And having been a military officer and an attorney, I am used to carrying out the orders and representing the interests of others. Not my own. So, if it is in the interest of Highlands Ranch constituents, as their representative, I will deal with anyone as needed. Working on revising the law and bonding requirements for auto theft in exchange for a closer look at cash bail requirements I think would be an area where we could find some common ground in a consensus on the public interest.

Housing a ordability and homelessness have become a state and nationwide issue. What can be done at the state level to address the growing problem?

This is a very difficult issue as places that have experienced this problem for far longer periods (from NYC, Boston, DC, and Hawaii; to Seattle, Portland, San Fran and SoCal), have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer. I do believe that the best way to alleviate a housing shortage is to increase supply. And not by politicians giving out subsidies to politically connected builders for a photo op with the affordable housing they provided to a lucky few. But by making the environment more conducive to increas-

Hu man Marshall

Election 2022: How Secure is the Vote?

BY VIGNESH RAMACHANDRAN COLORADO NEWS COLLABORTIVE

Colorado is known for its mailin-ballot system that some election experts have called the “gold standard” in the nation. But with unfounded claims of massive voter fraud rampant, some state residents remain concerned about whether their vote will get counted.

The Colorado News Collaborative is speaking with nonpartisan election experts to help the public understand more about the integrity of the vote. One of them, M.V. (Trey) Hood III, is a professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia. His state has been the epicenter of high-profile claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, which have been found false.

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

How easy is it for someone to mess with the vote?

Certainly every state has a lot of things that have been put in place to prevent voter fraud, so a lot of safeguards are in place. It’s not necessarily easy to commit voter fraud. It does happen — it’s pretty episodic and rare, though. But, the fact that it does happen some – that’s what gets into the news and that’s sort of what reinforces the belief that it’s just completely rampant.

[Editor’s note: In Colorado, the conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation has documented 16 cases of voter fraud in the entire state since 2005.]

Georgia has been in the news in the last few years because of Trump supporters and allies claiming fraud in the 2020 Election. What are your thoughts about these claims, which have been found baseless?

In Georgia, all kinds of claims were made, and there has just been no evidence at all.

Outside of a handful of cases, there’s no evidence at all that there was voter fraud anywhere at the level that would flip an election. We

HUFFMAN

FROM

homes so our children and seniors have opportunities to stay here in Colorado. I believe there needs to be a comprehensive coordinated effort in Metro Denver that includes state, counties, and municipalities targeting assistance to the homeless population that provides basic living facilities and an opportunity to receive mental health treatment.

Crime is quickly becoming a major concern in Colorado. With Colorado ranking first in the nation for car thefts, and major crimes on the rise – what do state lawmakers need to do to help fix the problems?

Colorado is now ranked #1 in auto theft, bank robberies, and narcotic use. Colorado legislators need to ensure that our current

had an initial presidential count, we had a machine recount and we had a full hand recount of the presidential election — all showing the same thing.

The only difference was that, administratively, we found out there were a couple of precincts and a couple of counties where their (results data) were not uploaded properly. So that was an administrative issue. It wasn’t fraud or anything like that. And they got corrected through the recount process. But even that didn’t come anywhere near to changing the outcome.

In Colorado, we have more than 3.7 million active registered voters. The conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation has documented 16 cases of voter

laws are enforced while strengthening auto theft, narcotics, and other felony laws. In addition, Colorado legislators need to enact new laws that prevent repeat felons from receiving personal recognizance releases or low value bail bonds.

Colorado legislators are already working across the aisle to find solutions in the next session to reduce crime in Colorado through enforcing current laws, strengthening felony laws, and enacting new laws limiting personal releases and bail bonds for repeat criminal offenders.

Public trust in government, elections and public health are at an all-time low – What should state and federal lawmakers be doing di erently to change public perception?

Colorado was founded on the ideal of a citizen legislature where our state senators and representatives

fraud in the entire state since 2005. So what’s the takeaway from those numbers?

In general, cases of proven, verified voter fraud are rare.

State (governments) are sort of the arbiters of elections, and even within that it’s really devolved down to the county level, or in some states, even to the township level. That’s where elections are being carried out at a very low level in the U.S. To perpetrate some kind of massive fraud, that makes it even more difficult given how devolved elections are in the U.S. It’s not like we have one central counting place in Washington, D.C.

You’d really need more than just voters. You need the cooperation of election officials, which is not going

MARSHALL

ing the number of units through density, zoning, and tax policy.

Crime is quickly becoming a major concern in Colorado. With Colorado ranking first in the nation for car thefts, and major crimes on the rise – what do state lawmakers need to do to help fix the problems?

We need to get rid of the mandatory PR bonding for auto theft. And we need to make auto theft a more serious crime for lower value vehicles. It is a serious crime. The working person whose $2,000 car is stolen is impacted far worse than the person whose $50,000 car is taken and who is insured for theft, can rent for a while, replace their car etc. Not so for people living pay check to pay check.

to happen, obviously. You should feel confident when you cast a ballot that it’s going to get counted and counted correctly.

What is a primary safeguard to ensure the integrity of the vote in U.S. states like Georgia, for example?

In Georgia, there are a lot of safeguards in place if you vote in person. You have to have a government-issued ID. So if you vote early, or on Election Day, it would be fairly difficult to try to impersonate someone. Even if you’re successful, that’s just one vote. I’m not saying that it’s not important to even stop fraud in terms of one vote, but it’s difficult to produce fraud on a massive scale.

Public trust in government, elections and public health are at an all-time low – What should state and federal lawmakers be doing di erently to change public perception?

Lawmakers need to laser focus on their duties and ignore the chaff. And hold each other accountable. Even if it is members on your own team that need to be held accountable. The two parties for decades governed well with an unspoken agreement that they would only put their best into positions of public trust like judges, DAs, Public Health, etc. And there would be a reciprocity of respect for the highly qualified public servants on both sides. Now, ideological purity and zealotry are more important than competence. That undermines public trust in our institutions and must end.

M.V. (Trey) Hood III is a professor of political science at the University of Georgia.

COURTESY PHOTO

We do have absentee-bymail ballots. We used to use signature verification. So the election office would compare the signature on the ballot envelope to the signa ture that’s in the registration system or the DMV system to see if they match. We moved from that safeguard to hav ing to now put your driver’s license or state ID card number on not only your ballot envelope, but even on your application to get a ballot. There are exceptions — say you have a passport, for instance, you can photo copy that and attach it. But for most people, it’s putting their driver’s license or state ID number on their applica tion to get a ballot or on their

HUFFMAN

FROM PAGE 7

have other full-time occu pations other than work ing at the State Capitol. As a 26 year community volunteer for Highlands Ranch, I believe we need to get back to the ideal that our state legislators are working members of our community and are elected to serve the

ballot envelope when they return it.

Every state has some kind of verification process that they use, whether it’s signature verification for absentee ballots, or a couple of states like Georgia using state ID numbers. In North Carolina witnesses sign your ballot affidavit or your ballot envelope as an affidavit that you are who you are.

[Editor’s note: Voter ID laws vary by state. In Colorado, an ID is requested for in-person voting and a photocopy of an ID may be needed when vot ing by mail for the first time.]

What if someone just uses a fake ID to vote?

You would have to be in the Department of Motor Vehicles system. So you’d have to create a fraudulent identification, essentially, for that to work, which is prob

people living in our com munities. When our state legislators are seen as every day active working community members, the trust in our State Capi tol will be reestablished and the perception of the people we serve will change too.

Water rights and water availability are becoming an issue for counties and local municipalities – what can the state do to create

ably not going to happen.

What mistakes can happen with absentee ballots?

A lot of things that may look like fraud are a husband accidentally sends in his wife’s absentee ballot and vice versa. So not fraud — just a mistake that needs to be rectified.

Or someone who is dead votes. Well, what happened? They mailed their absentee ballot before they passed away. So not fraud. Now, it depends on the state as to whether that would count or not since the individual is deceased. Technically, in Georgia, it shouldn’t count. But it’s not fraud by any means.

For voters who have concerns that our systems are secure, what can they do?

I would just encourage

a strategic plan that works for all?

The problem is Colo rado currently does not have a state water policy to ensure water availabil ity for our children and grandchildren. I believe Colorado should rene gotiate our water rights with other downstream states while initiating a state water policy to continue building new reservoirs for future wa ter supply.

people to the extent to which they are concerned, to look into things — see what safeguards are there and how they’re being employed, as opposed to just think ing something is going on without investigating. A lot of the election process in a lot of the places in the U.S. is a very open system. Obvi ously, the ballot is secret, but the administrative part of it is very open. Most counties have a board of elections or a board of registrars — or both sometimes — and there are open meetings. There’s no shortage of information nowadays.

There is a lot of thought that has gone into this in any state. There are a lot of secu rity and safeguards that are placed in the state’s election code to specifically prevent fraud. I would welcome any one who’s brave enough to

MARSHALL

FROM PAGE 7

Water rights and water availability are becoming an issue for counties and local municipalities – what can the state do to create a strategic plan that works for all?

Highlands Ranch is well run for water. But Douglas County is a looming disas ter due to short-sighted water planning. So the state

look at their state’s election code. It’s not the most inter esting thing, but you can get an idea of just how many safeguards are in place.

People can also certainly sign up to work the polls or in other capacities.

Are there other voting issues Americans should be focusing on?

What we should be doing is trying to increase voter confidence in the system for all partisans, whatever stripe. Now, this seems to be easier said than done, unfor tunately.

This story is brought to you by COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonprofit coalition of more than 170 newsrooms across Colorado working together to better serve the public. Learn more athttps://colabnews.co

has a strong role to play to ensure the “tragedy of the commons” does not play out. Dipping further into aquifers has to end. And it would be a HUGE change, but we might need to con sider overturning the prior appropriation doctrine as it provides no incentive for senior water rights hold ers to conserve. We need to come to terms that we live in a high plains desert and not ever moist England or New England.

Laydon comes out as aesthete

Commissioner says he is member of LGBTQ+ community

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon announced he is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and released a statement on Twitter on National Coming Out Day.

Laydon’s statement, which he posted on Oct. 11 on National Coming Out Day, says he identifies as an aesthete, which he defines as appreciating and being drawn to “internal and external beauty in humans irrespective of gender.”

Speaking to Colorado Community Media, Laydon said he considers himself part of the LGBTQ+ community and released his statement after participating in the Colorado Youth Congress and hearing about the importance of representation.

Douglas County School District students visited the State Capitol on Oct. 7 to participate in the program aimed at having community leaders and elected officials hear about issues facing teenagers.

Laydon said a student at the Youth Congress encouraged the audience to be genuine, which stuck with him.

“Because I sit in a semi-public role, I think it’s important for young people and adults to see somebody that’s bold, honest and authentic,” Laydon said.

LET’S BE HONEST ABOUT PRIDE, YOUTH SUICIDE, AND MY JOURNEY

There has been a lot of conversation about Pride Fest in Castle Rock recently and I’m here to say Pride has colors because this issue isn’t black and white. pic.twitter.com/0IooZ0YAId

— Abe Laydon (@AbeLaydon) October 11, 2022

Citing statistics about LGBTQ+ youth suicide,

Paid Political Advertisement

anxiety and depression, Laydon said he felt it was important to be open with his constituents about who he is. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely as their peers to attempt suicide.

Laydon said he doesn’t like labels, but feels aesthete is the best descriptor for himself.

“I think everybody has a right to view themselves and define themselves as they see fit,” he said. “If you want to give me any label, it’s probably just ‘human’ and I think that’s true for most people.”

He added that this announcement will not change the way he approaches his role as a commissioner and that he wants voters to know who he is, regardless of how they react to him.

Laydon is currently running for re-election to his county commissioner seat against Democrat Kari Solberg.

“I’m still the same person and I represent everybody in Douglas County and I think having a broad perspective and understanding about everyone I represent can only help me in my job,” Laydon said.

Laydon’s statement thanks his wife, children, family, friends and community, as well as Castle Rock Pride, for their support during his journey.

Responding to Laydon’s statement, Garrett Royer, a representative for One Colorado, an LGBTQ advocacy organization, said he was unfamiliar with the term aesthete , but appreciated the representation.

“This is not a term that I’m familiar with in association with the LGBTQ community specifically but I would defer to Commissioner Laydon’s self identification as an aesthete as someone that is appreciative of and drawn to the internal and external beauty of all humans, regardless of gender,” Royer said in a statement. “It’s a new perspective to learn from for me personally and as a member of the team at One Colorado, I hope we see more

COURTESY OF ABE LAYDON

On Twitter, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon shared a statement about his journey with sexuality and confirmed to Colorado Community Media that he considers himself part of the LGBTQ+ community, describing himself as an aesthete.

Two arrested in Centennial shooting

Incident occurred Sept. 18

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Two adult males have been taken into custody with charges related to shots being fired into multiple homes in Centennial on Sept. 18, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release on Oct. 12.

Investigators previously asked for help finding the person, or people, who fired gunshots into multiple homes near East Progress Circle and South Flanders Court in Centennial around 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 18.

According to the news release, investigators received several tips through the sheriff’s office tip line that “led to the possible identity of the shooters.” Authorities did not provide the identities of the two subjects at this time.

After further investigation, investigators found probable cause for arrest warrants for “two of the males involved,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.

On Oct. 11, investigators conducted surveillance on one of the suspect’s homes and “saw the two individuals enter the suspected vehicle used in the original shooting and drive away,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.

Investigators and patrol deputies conducted a “high-risk stop on the car” and took the two males into custody, according to the news release.

The suspects were transported to the Arapahoe County Detention Center and booked on the following charges:

• Criminal attempt murder in the first degree, Class 2 felony

• Menacing, Class 5 felony

• Illegal discharge of a firearm, Class 5 felony

• Criminal mischief, Class 6 felony

• Prohibited use of a weapon, Class 1 misdemeanor

• Reckless endangerment, Class 2 misdemeanor

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office will not share any further information about the case at this time because the investigation is ongoing, according to the release.

LEADERSHIP MATTERS

As your County Commissioner, Abe has worked hard with you to make a positive impact in our community.

A few of his achievements include:

Balanced budget - zero debt

Approved the largest tax cut in the history of Douglas County returning millions back to citizens

Kept Douglas County free and open during COVID

Advocated for the economy, public safety, mental health, and your constitutional rights

Protected natural resources - introduced wildfire initiative and support preservation of open spaces, parks, trails, and historic resources

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Abe Laydon. Registered agent Marge Klein.

Arrests have been made in a Centennial gunfire incident.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

SCHOOLS

FROM

be added on top of any future assessed home values. Kane said that is not true. The cost is expected to be roughly $52 per year for each $100,000 of current assessed home value.

Another opposition comment claims the district will use some of the $450 million in bond money, should voters pass the measure, for operating costs or current expenses.

Kane called that a misrepresentation of the district’s budget and emphasized that the expenses outlined in the bond are future capital investments.

“Those capital investments are

not within our current capacity or our current plans,” Kane said. “(The capital investments) are covered if the bond passes and only if the bond passes.”

It’s unclear who wrote or submitted the comments. Per the county’s regulations, only registered voters within the district are allowed to submit comments for the TABOR book to a designated election official. From there, the clerk’s office compiles and publishes the guide.

Colorado Community Media has filed a request under the Colorado Open Records Act with the county clerk for the for-and-against information about the school district issues used in TABOR book.

The school district did not write any comments either for or against the ballot measures, Kane said.

A

CITY OF LONE TREE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

The City of

Tree

Committee,

Commission, and the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA).

Qualifications:

• Residency in the City for at least one year

• Ability to commit time to review packet materials and attend meetings

• A strong interest in making Lone Tree a great community in which to live and work. The Arts Commission was established to promote and encourage the development and public awareness of and interest in the fine and performing arts in the City; it develops, supports, and assists various cultural activities and interest groups in the City. The Commission is made up of seven residents and acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council through review of arts funding requests, recommendations on acquisition of public art, and suggestions on other cultural avenues that may be of interest to the community. The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. for public meetings at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Commissioners are appointed by the City Council for a term of three years. There is currently one vacancy on the commission.

The Citizens’ Recreation Advisory Committee is a volunteer citizen advisory body which plays a role in shaping the City’s recreation opportunities and services. The committee is an advisory board tasked with developing recommendations to the City Council regarding recreation. The committee obtains resident input on recreation issues, participates in regional and local recreation groups to promote the recreation interests, and works with the South Suburban Park and Recreation District, City staff, and interested residents and organizations in the design and development of recreation improvements, facilities, and services. The Committee meets on the second Monday of every month at 5:00 pm for public meetings at the Lone Tree Municipal Building. Committee Members are appointed by the City Council for a term of three years. There is currently one vacancy on the committee.

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA) may grant zoning variances when requested and hear any appeals from administrative orders, requirement, decision, or determination made by administrative official charged with the enforcement of zoning. The Board is made up of five members. Three of those members are required to have experience in the building trades, such as construction, architecture, fire protection, civil engineering or related legal experience. Two members are not required to have specialized experience. This board meets on an as needed basis and historically has been extremely limited. The BOAA Members are appointed by the City Council for a term of three years. There is currently one vacancy on the board. Individuals with experience in the building trades are encouraged to apply.

To apply for a Commission, Board, or Committee, please complete an application online at https:// cityoflonetree.com/government/commissions-boards-and-committees/. The application deadline is October 31, 2022. Once the deadline has passed city staff will work with City Council Members to schedule interviews. If selected, candidates will be appointed before the first of the year.

The

OCT

They’re

Family

when Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, brings her “normal” boyfriend and his

get

parents home to meet… The Addams Family. Join us for a comical,

feast that will raise your spirits, steal your hearts,

in

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

VOICES

Painfully watching, waiting

October is Domestic Violence Awareness

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Month and I have seen plenty of social media posts and PSAs circulating with phone numbers and websites about how the victims can get help. In seeing them – I am always glad they are there. However, there is also this twinge of pain. There are strong moments of sadness for me and I’m sure others in the same boat. You see, many of us have a family member or friend who may be victims of domestic violence, but the phone numbers and websites mean nothing because they do not use them.

Thelma Grimes

I am talking about the men and women who may be in an abusive situation but they continually decide to stay, take it and suffer.

For family members and friends watching this happen we too suffer. We all know we would step in and help at the drop of a hat. We all hold our breath as we know that one day we will get the call saying things went too far and the person we love is hurt or dead.

Sound harsh? It is harsh. It sounds that way because it is reality. We know that all the efforts to talk sense are falling to the wayside and we often lose the small battles to the abuser who, for reasons we cannot figure, continues to win the war.

Statistics provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence say this about victims:

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. One in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner. Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.

According to SafeLives, an organization aimed at ending domestic violence, it can take years for a victim to even seek help. And when they do seek help for that first time, it likely ends with a phone call but could take another year or more for the victim to be serious.

On average, SafeLives estimates that a victim can be hurt physically 50 times or more before thinking about getting help.

Domestic violence has a far-reaching affect on so many lives and our communities. For those who have to stand on the sidelines because legally there is nothing you can do – I feel for all of you. I say be strong and never lose hope.

We all have to believe that a good outcome is possible.

WINNING WORDS

Can we handle the truth?

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher

Michael Norton

She vacillated for months. Her boss was micromanaging everything that she and her team were doing. Never satisfied with anything that was produced by anyone on the team, her boss felt compelled to change even the smallest of details. It was a blind spot for the leader for sure, and unfortunately demoralizing to the entire team. When she found what she thought was the right opportunity to discuss this blind spot with her boss, hoping it would make a change, she unfortunately found herself on the receiving end of even tighter scrutiny and micromanagement, eventually ending in her termination.

He was experiencing some erosion of trust with his friend. The friend began acting and behaving in a way that was outside their normal behavior. As the behavior became increasingly amplified, he began wondering what the truth was and what were lies any time that his friend shared a story. He invited his friend to meet for breakfast one morning to talk about it.

Defensiveness was their shield. His friend took offense at what was being shared, so much so that they got up and left. As he sat their wondering if he had made the right call to bring this change in behavior to his friend of more than 20 years, his first feeling was regret. That feeling quickly gave way to relief as he knew the conversation had to happen. To this day they have not spoken, and the hopes are that his friend has made some changes in their life, wherever they may be today.

There was a deep family secret. Something that was held onto for a very long time. So many opportunities to get the skeleton out of the closet, yet too many excuses about why it was never the right time. Then one day the truth was shared, the skeleton set free from its chains. Thinking that finally the air would be cleared, knowing it might take time for the family and friends to understand, they believed all would eventually be OK and the sins of

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MCKENNA HARFORD Community Editor mharford@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

the past forgiven. It was not to be, not yet anyway. The truth and pain were too much. Those secrets hidden for so long brought too much current-day pain.

The truth will set us free. For those of us hearing the truth, I guess sometimes it depends on if we are ready to handle the truth. For those delivering the truth, it truly is freedom.

How often have we wished we could say exactly what is on our mind? Probably more than we can count on our fingers and toes. We remain quiet, but why? Political correctness? Maybe we don’t want to hurt a family member, friend, peer or employer. The issue could be so white-hot that anything we say will possibly be misconstrued and the tables turned on us. We might stay quiet because we fear being canceled, shut out, unfriended or blocked on social media.

Here’s the real question, as the examples above were about real people who shared their stories and experienced negative repercussions. The question is, the title of this column, can we handle the truth? We live in a world of chaos, corruption, and lies. Chaos, corruption, and lies that companies, politicians, television, social media and people will justify because they believe it is for our greater good. Is it? Is it really? We cannot manage what we do not know. Maybe it’s not our place to manage it anyway. But we all want the truth. Can we handle it?

Who is the arbiter of truth? For me, I find it through my faith, as it is the way, the truth, and the life. Even for my many, many sins of the past, by the way probably the record holder of sins, I know that the truth comes from one source, our God. I would love to hear your story of handling the truth at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can get to a place where we can handle the truth, no matter how hard it is, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline

Wed. for the following week’s paper. To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Highlands Ranch Herald

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Herald is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124.

Send address change to: Highlands Ranch Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

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

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

Business exit planning crucial

The way we conduct business after COVID has changed forever. Business owners continue to struggle to find good employees and customers in this new “flex” work world.

One of the biggest challenges continues to be consolidation and business closures. However, few are prepared for these changes.

Maybe you were a fan of Banana Republic downtown, or Echo Lake Gift Shop and Lodge Restaurant.

Perhaps you purchased a car from Rocky’s Autos or furniture from Larrabee’s over the last 40 years.

There are hundreds of well-known, longstanding businesses shuttering. It could be a COVID hangover, or higher rents and a labor shortage.

Or you could be part of the mass of baby boomers wanting to retire and transition their business.

This is why the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for symposium

I just finished reading your story about the Senior Safety Symposium in Englewood on Sept. 21. It was a very well written article partially explaining why the Rocky Mountain Railroad Heritage Society joined with the City of Englewood, Parks, Recreation and Library to create the symposium.

Our railroad society feels we need to be involved with any community we are in, regardless if it is railroadoriented or not. The symposium has proved popular in Englewood as the attendance has increased and we have had a lot of positive feedback. It is our hope that this event will be a continuous occurrence for many years to come. We also hope to see this expand to other towns in Colorado.

I would like to give credit to those whose help ensured the success of the program. First, Cheryl Adamson who worked tirelessly for both of the years of the symposiums. She was the guiding influence for the quality of the speakers and the topics presented. Sadly she moved on to another job a week prior to the symposium. We wish her the very best in the future and know she will be a great success.

Shelly Fitz-Pelley did a yeoman’s job of filling the void left with Cheryl’s departure. If it wasn’t for Shelly the way the presentations were presented would not have been half as interesting as they were. Filling in for the vacancy created by Cheryl’s departure would have been a difficult task at best for anyone, but Shelly did a credible and noteworthy job of overseeing the presentations.

The volunteers who helped answer questions and assist the patrons made the symposium a friendly and welcoming event. Allison Boyd, Michelle Smith, Sheri Crabtree, Ida May Nicholl and Bonnie Gehringer deserve a lot of the credit for the casual and relaxed atmosphere.

Allison Boyd is to be thanked for allowing the city’s participation for these last few years. Without her assistance

Exit Planning Institute launched a Business Owner Readiness Survey to help business owners determine how to exit from their business. This survey indicated that 70% of respondents would like to sell in 10 years, referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.”

It is always better to plan and be prepared then find out in a lurch that your lease is not being renewed or your talent pool has gone off to find themselves. Entrepreneurs are a different breed. They eat, sleep, and breathe their business 24/7. It is a life choice but also a life cycle that eventually comes to an end.

“Having a plan to transition prior to an exit enables the owner to unlock the wealth of the business and create the future and legacy a business owner envisioned,” Robert Lee, CFP explained. Lee is involved with the Exit Planning Institute where they help businesses prepare an exit strategy. The recent survey results from the Business Owner Readiness Survey state that:

Seventy percent of companies put on the market today fail. Six in 10 respondents indicated that they had no exit planning advice or educa-

the Senior Safety Symposium might not have happened.

A thank you to all the merchants who supported the symposium with door prizes. Hopefully there will be another one next year. For senior safety is the main reason for these symposiums.

Jim Jordan. President, Rocky Mountain Railroad Heritage Society Englewood Don’t stand with Democrats

In response to the “Stand with Democrats” letter that ran Oct. 6:

Biden is the worst president we’ve ever had. I guess people that vote for Democrats don’t like $2 gas, low inflation, low unemployment, telling the truth or secure borders. Biden walked into low inflation, low gas prices, energy independence and open schools, but he and his party had to screw everything up.

Over 2.5 million migrants have illegally entered through our southern border with nearly 1 million “got aways.” They travel hundreds of miles with a plastic bag and most are single, military age males. Where are they all going? We know it’s not Martha’s Vineyard because the migrants who were sent there were bused out quickly. New York and D.C. have done but complain about the migrants, yet they are “sanctuary cities.” Speaking of New York and other big blue cities, violent crime has risen nearly 40%, yet the Democrats want to “defund,” vote radical Soros DAs into office and take away U.S. citizens’ guns.

Inflation and high gas prices are not worldwide problems, they are now but since day 1 in office gas prices and inflation have risen. We went from a country that was energy independent with hundreds of years in reserve, to a country that now begs Saudi Arabia and Venezuela for barrels of gas. I could go on and on about the wrongs of the current administration, and as long as people vote for lies they’ll stay in office.

John Couf Highlands Ranch

tion. And 68% were either unsure or didn’t know of the transition options available to them. Lee further stated, “When business owners connect the concept that an exit strategy is a business strategy, they are more likely to embrace their decision to transition.”

Business owners find it challenging to be personally ready to transition. Owners often struggle to envision life after the business while focusing on growing their business. When asked in the survey “how ready the owner considered themselves personally for a major transition of their company,” 84% of the respondents said they were below average, or they were not ready at all for their personal transition from their company.

It is crucial for business owners to integrate business planning with personal and financial planning to increase the likelihood that their exit will be successful.

The Exit Planning Institute encourages business owners to take a holistic and focused approach to align the critical elements necessary to prepare for transition. Steps can include:

• Learn about the options on how to transition a business.

• Obtain a business valuation.

• Envision the next phase of your life.

• Establish an advisory team with your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor.

There is usually a better success rate and smooth succession when you have time to plan, choose your advisors and develop your successors. No one likes an emergency exit. Planning ahead will help in your day-to-day operations as well as give you a roadmap to guide you through the next steps.

There are resources to help you improve your readiness and advisors to help with financial reviews and valuations. Now is the time to prepare for your own future, even if it is many years away. You don’t want to be caught off-guard, and not be able to protect your legacy, family, and employees.

Patricia Kummer has been a Certified Financial Planner professional and a fiduciary for over 35 years and is Managing Director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Designs from 15 creators being unveiled this fall

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Painter and muralist Eli Pillaert, a New Orleans native, spent a part of her formative years working as a Colorado ski instructor, teaching kids at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort.

But it was the summers spent hiking around the area that left her inspired.

“This one plant, the mountain mahogany, kept popping up. It’s so beautiful. It has spiraling pieces with little fluffy bits on them,” Pillaert said.

So, when she was selected by Adams County’s Cultural Arts Division to help bring some color to county open spaces, that’s where she looked.

“It’s local flora and fauna. It’s something that people see and could connect with. It’s exactly why I went with this design,” she said.

Pillaert is one of 15 national artists who are having their designs unveiled across Adams County this fall.

But it’s not a gallery show and you don’t need tickets to see any of them. All you need is a little time and some decent walking shoes.

Pillaert’s design, featuring long swooping branches and colorful fluff, is now a part of the county’s Clear Creek Trail at Twin Lakes Park, along 70th Avenue just west of Broadway.

Other designs featuring other artists and their inspirations are spread across the county’s trail system — not on the walls or entrances to tunnels but on the trails themselves.

It’s part of the county’s “Love Your Trails” series. Adams County is about halfway through the series, bringing colorful murals and designs highlighting the county’s natural resources and environment to those walking paths.

“Adams County has been dedicated to the arts for quite a while now,” said Adams County Cultural Arts Liaison Zoe Ocampo.

Adams County started its parks and open space Cultural Arts Division within the Arts and Cultural Department in 2019. Ocampo said arts and culture are part of a vision for Adams County to expand public art in its communities that

calls for increased spending on displays everyone can enjoy.

“It won’t just be new buildings, it will be parks, trails and also all different kinds of projects throughout the county that are deemed eligible,” she said.

Choosing 15

Ocampo said that 50 artists from around the country applied to be part of the Love Your Trails project. The county’s Visual Arts Commission, a nine-member board of community volunteers, selected the final 15.

Pillaert said the artists were given the opportunity to include the community in the project. Hers is the only one of the eight completed so far that did that.

“The community element is part of organizing the mural so that it can be painted by the community,” Pillaert said. “It’s something that’s really near and dear to my heart. It’s something that’s really cool to see people connect through art.”

South Florida’s Stephanie Leyden made her mural theme of the four seasons. It’s also located on the Clear Creek Trail along Tennyson Street and north of 54th Avenue.

She painted summer elements transitioning into fall, winter, and spring and added designs she associated with the state — butterflies flying, animal tracks, wildflowers and changing colors of leaves as they have blown off the trees.

“It’s something we don’t have in South Florida. The seasons are here, they’re just not as obvious,” Leyden said. “With each season, I painted four butterflies, four leaves, four types of animal tracks and four wildflowers. It was fun.”

Leah Nguyen is from Seattle and her mural was more specific.

Called “Community Vision: Bennett, CO,” it’s located in Bennett’s Civic Center Park off of South Street.

Nguyen’s patterns depict small-town life, farmers growing corn, sunflowers, hay and wheat in the surrounding areas. The patterns connect generations of families to preserve the town’s history.

“I created the Community Vision pattern to provide support for communities that are doing the difficult work of excavating their histories, having dialogues and taking actions toward reconciliation, healing old wounds, and visioning new ways to come together and collaboratively thrive,” Nguyen said. “The pattern makes sense there at Bennett City Hall, which holds space for visionary civic work and community building conversations.”

Di erent perspectives

Northampton, Massachusetts artist Kim Carlino calls her mural “Portals

Leah Nguyen’s mural is called “Community Vision: Bennett, CO.” COURTESY PHOTOS

Kerry Cesen illustrating the smallest species.

FROM

for Looking Inward.” It’s located in Strasburg Community Park. Her mural is an illusion of depth and volume occupying space in a two-dimensional surface with color that is expressive.

“I had this idea for a path coming across these portals or ovals reflecting the night sky with colorful Candy Land-like pathways that flow in and out of the portals as if they were going underneath the path and coming up the other side to give a sense of playfulness and movement,” Carlino said. “I love this idea of moving through space and coming across something that makes you take pause, and in that pause you can reflect.”

Traveling artist Kerry Cesen went small with his work. He said he lives in several places, including Maryland, Oregon and Washington state. His mural continues along the Clear Creek trail and is located just west of Lowell Boulevard along West 55th Place.

Cesen dives into the roots of the smallest species as though you are looking through a microscope. He illustrates the natural world beneath our feet.

“It emphasizes the interactions between plants, animals, aquatic life, and fungal growth,” Cesen said. “Several magnified areas within the design allow us a deeper glimpse into the micro-world, where scientific research and design techniques help inform viewers about some of the smaller parts that make up the whole.”

Clearwater, Florida artist Beth Warmath’s mural is inspired by the Colorado landscape and two notable flowers: Sunflowers in the fields and the Colorado columbine.

“I love nature and its perfect beauty, so I challenge myself to recreate it larger

than life. I draw from actual objects so I used the surrounding landscape for my inspiration,” Warmath said. “I was happy to see wildlife in its natural habitat such as fox, elk, chipmunks and bison.”

Paz de la Calzada is originally from Spain but has lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 18 years. Calzada’s mural is located at Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton near the South Platte River. It’s an abstract design that keeps flowing, intertwining with the landscape and river.

“The landscape inspired me with the color of green flowing with nature and the color of blue metaphor flowing with the river both intersecting together, and both need each other water needs nature and nature needs water,” Calzada said.

Milwaukee artist Theresa Sahar researched the Adams County area and learned that trout fishing is a popular sport in Colorado. That became the centerpiece of her mural, which is located along the South Platte Trail just east of Riverdale Dunes Golf Course and the county’s Fishing is Fun Pond. It features a realistically rendered fish leaping off of the trail.

“I’ve done some anamorphic (3D) chalk art pieces in downtown Milwaukee and decided it would be a fun and interesting addition to the Love Your Trails project,” Sahar said.

Adams County’s Ocampo said the remaining murals should be finished this fall, at least before the snow falls. The additional artists selected to work on their mural scheduled for painting are Toni Ardizzone, Sofi Ramiez, Wes Abarca, Keeley Hertzel, Eye Cough, Angela Beloian and Julio Juls Mendoza.

For more information about the artist and mapping location to see the artist’s trail mural, visit: adcogov.org/ cultural-arts-current-projects.

To learn about more projects and its process, visit the call-for-entry website at adcogov.org/call-for-entry.

Parker Advertise Here!

of Worship

Advertise Here!

Stephanie Leyden’s mural has a theme of four seasons.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

Theresa Sahar learned that trout fishing is a popular sport in Colorado.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

Kim Carlino calls her mural “Portals for Looking Inward.” COURTESY PHOTO

October is upon us! Which means pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, skeletons, ghosts, and Estate Planning! That’s right, its Estate Planning Awareness Month. Each year during the month of October we remind our community how important it is to ensure that your Estate Planning Goals are met.

One of the most common things amongst all client worries is centered around Probate. So, what is Probate?

Probate is the judicial process in which your Will is “proven” in court, and the court gives its stamp of approval. These are known as the Letters Testamentary. Probate typically occurs in the County of the State in which you reside. The Executor is the person that is then appointed by your Will to wrap or up administer the Will. This sounds well and good, but Probate can be a disaster for many. Below are a few things to remember.

1) To start off, a Probate in the State of Colorado must be open for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 36 months.

2) Creditors to the Estate must be notified of someone’s passing.

3) Everything in the decedent’s name at the time of their death must go through probate.

4) Only the elected or appointed Personal Representative/Fiduciary has the legal authority to begin administering the Estate.

These things can be extremely difficult to remember, and even more difficult for your fiduciary to handle. Not only is the fiduciary dealing with the stress of the court, but they are likely grieving from the loss of a loved one as well.

Contact the Davis Schilken, PC team to learn more about what you can do to ensure that your estate plan is set up to help avoid the probate process and that all your wishes are being carried out the way that you would like them to be (303)670-9855. We offer no obligation in person or virtual meetings. We make estate planning simple!

Davis Schilken, PC – Let our deep experience meet your heartfelt goals!

Thu 10/27

HERO Fantastic 6 Sports @ 9am / $120

Oct 27th - Dec 8th

Trailmark Kindercare, 9743 S Carr Way, Littleton. 720-593-8409

Jacob Larson Band Funk & Soul: Jacob Larson BandAlbum Release Show @ 5:30pm

Events @ Piney Creek, 15352 E Ida Dr, Centennial

Halloween with Polka Folka @ 5pm

Haunted Englewood, Englewood

Wed 11/02

Kids’ Zone: Gym Jam (3-6 yrs) Nov @ 4pm

Nov 2nd - Nov 16th

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Ladies Night @ 5pm / $5

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Sammy Rae & The Friends @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo at 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm

Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Thu 11/03

Kids' Zone: Miniature Chefs (3-6 yrs) Nov @ 3pm

Nov 3rd - Nov 17th

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Fri 10/28

Jade Catta-Preta Headlines @ 6:30pm Comedy Works South, 5345 Land‐mark Pl, Greenwood Village Fitness: HIGH Fitness Blacklight Party (13+ yrs) Oct 27 @ 12:20am

Oct 28th - Oct 27th

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Big Richard Band: Big Richard at GOTHIC THEATRE @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood Phat Daddy @ 7:30pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Friday Movie - Where the Crawdads Sing @ 8pm

Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Ramon Ayala @ 8pm

Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

Se soltaron los caballos tour!

Bronco y Ramón Ayala @ 8pm / $70 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Sat 10/29

nobigdyl. @ 5pm

Mission Hills Church Littleton Campus, 620 Southpark Dr, Little‐ton

Lila Downs - Volver Tour en Denver, USA

@ 6:30pm

Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver

Dear Marsha,: Halloween with Marsha @ 6pm

Emerald Isle Restaurant, 4385 S Parker Rd, Aurora

Se soltaron los caballos tour! Bronco y Ramón Ayala @ 8pm / $80

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Ninety Percent 90s @ 7pm Studio@Mainstreet, 19604 Main‐street, Parker

Sun 10/30

guests

with

6pm

Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Anavrin's Day @ Tailgate @ 4pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Evie Ladin @ 7pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Mon 10/31

Crestone Peak Ages 13-14 - 2022 League Session #6 @ 3:30pm / $300

Oct 31st - Dec 17th

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Kyshona

6pm

Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

McGuirk

6pm

Hill Music,

E Yale Ave,

powered by

Mr Crowley Ozzy Tribute: Wide

Honey-loving bear coming to stage

SONYA’S SAMPLER

box office is in

Newman Center Presents is a varied program of entertainment through the season at the University of Denver, and will include a new musical about Winnie-the-Pooh on Nov. 11-13 in the Gates Concert Hall. The notice I have says “Various Times” so I think a call to the box office is in order for potential attendees: 303-871-7720. It is by the Sherman Brothers and is a Broadway musical based on the Disney version of this beloved story, with “spectacular puppets.” 2344 E. Iliff Ave., newmancenterpresents.com.

Stories on Stage

Stories on Stage — professional actors reading stories for an audience of grown-ups — will next offer “Modern Times” with Buntport Theater performers at 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. storiesonstage.org, 303-4940523.

Tesoro lecture

Tesoro Historic Lecture Series’ next presentation is “The Night the Stars Fell” with Ron Hranac discussing “What is a Meteor” in connection with a meteor shower seen at Bent’s Fort on Nov. 12, 1833, as

the Plains Indians thought it might be the end of the world. Dinner lecture at the Fort, 19192 Morrison Road, Morrison. $80 non-members, $70 Tesoro members. 303-839-1671, tesoroculturalcenter.org.

Own An Original

The 57th annual “Own an Original’ thematic fine art competition will run from Nov. 4 through Dec. 31 at the Littleton Museum, with a theme of “Labyrinth.” Juror is Molly Casey. More on this soon.

DMNS

New at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. — “Apollo: When We Went to the Moon” with more than 100 artifacts from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s archives. Make footprints on a virtual moon, climb aboard a lunar rover model in a multi-sensory exhibit. See dmns.org.

Oil painting techniques

Cliff Austin teaches oil painters special techniques on how to paint from photographs. Heritage Fine Arts guild hosts this class at the First Presbyterian Church of Littleton, 1509 W. Littleton Blvd. Cost: $35 Heritage Guild members, $50 for non-members. Limited to 20 students. For details, see heritageguild.com and select Current Workshops. Oil painters only.

Miners Alley Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington, Golden, announced its

2023 season: Jan. 27-March 5, “The Great American Musical.”; March 31-April 23: “I Hate Hamlet”; May 19-June 11: “The Oldest Boy: A Play in Three Ceremonies”; Aug. 11-Sept. 17: “Avenue Q: the Musical”; Oct. 13Nov. 5: “The Cherry Orchard”; Nov. 24-Dec. 31: “A Christmas Story.”

Littleton musical

“Newsies” is the next musical to appear at Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, opening Nov. 17 and playing through Dec. 29. Special benefit for the Denver Actors Fund will be Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. See townhallartscenter.org.

VOTE YES on

TO PROTECT DOUGLAS COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS, HISTORIC RESOURCES, AND OPEN SPACE

Voting YES on 1A will protect your parks, trails, open space, historic preservation, and conservation in Douglas County for the next 15 years WITHOUT RAISING TAXES!

We have benefited from the Douglas County Open Space Program since it was founded 28 years ago.

Enhancements

Preservation

Space Protection

Miles

Christmas show

Also in the Newman Center

Presents series at the University of Denver: “Damien Sneed’s Joy to the World: A Christmas Musical Journey” on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. See newmancenterpresents. com.

Camp Christmas

Coming to Lakewood: “Camp Christmas” at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, concocted by the clever Lonnie Hanzon. Tickets: denvercenter.org, 303-893-6030.

Paid for by the Douglas County Open Space Initiatve. Registered agent Michella Clark.

A musical stage adaptation of “Winnie-the-Pooh” is coming to Newman Center at the University of Denver.

COURTESY PHOTO

‘Americana’ exhibit

fills former depot

Guild o ers appealing new show that runs through Nov. 6

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Littleton Fine Arts Guild has opened an appealing new exhibit of artworks by guild members, called “Americana,” at the Depot Art Gallery, housed in a historic Santa Fe Railroad depot at 2069 W. Powers Ave. in downtown Littleton.

“Americana” fills the inviting old red building that once served as a Santa Fe Railway depot, conveying Littleton residents to their chosen trains, with painted and photographic images of landscapes, cityscapes, happy and thoughtful people — some solo and others interacting — and various other subjects drawn from artists’ imagination.

A fence decorated with old cowboy boots is a different view of things Western. And then, my eyes focused on the tiny, red velvety, preciselystitched “Queen of Pomegranates” in an ornate frame, near a colorful group of small purses meant to protect that ever-present phone ...

The exhibit also includes an assortment of fine crafts — ceramics, jewelry and glass — and will run through Nov. 6.

The juror was watercolorist and teacher Dan Marshall, who is nationally recognized for his fine paintings. Visitors to the gallery should look to the left of the entry door for an example of his subtlycolored artwork. He has published several books on technique and is a highly-skilled painter, using a difficult medium.

A mixed media piece called “The Community” by member Bobbi Shupe hangs by the stairway up to the platform, with subtle colors and composition, and we will include award-winners in a future article, since Marshall had just returned from California travel and had not yet decided on them when we visited on Oct. 11.

Of particular note: Carole Broere’s “Falling Leaves,” a sculptural ceramic work, enhanced by Raku technique, an ancient Japanese way of treating/firing clay, which adds a metallic glow that changes as one walks around it. Almost hypnotizing! Broere also exhibits a pair of ceramic masks in the back room that merit attention.

IF YOU GO

The Depot Art Gallery is located at 2069 W. Powers Ave., northwest of the old courthouse on Littleton Boulevard. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free and exhibits change every month to six weeks.

While enjoying the back-room space, note paintings on the wall by Bonella Hererra and jewelry by Christine Johnson. Both are named “Artist of the Month” by fellow guild members. (In past years, there was only one “Artist of the Month,” but LFAG members have decided to name two, offering extra recognition to different skills.)

On the baggage platform in the front room and on the floor of the rear room, there are large round racks, filled with beautifully designed colored notecards by guild members. These are a real pleasure to use for all sorts of greetings and are a small gift to the recipient in each case. Pick out a handful for family and friends and bypass the drugstore and grocery racks.

Dan Marshall said his “work is greatly influenced by living in the American West.” He is currently based in Denver, although he grew up on the East Coast and has lived in California. He teaches for art groups across the country and has been featured in Southwest Art, Watercolor Artist, American Art Collector and Plein Air Magazine.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

The Colorado Sun is a journalistowned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and nonpartisan journalism. It covers everything

from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

SINUS PROBLEMS? ALLERGIES? ASTHMA? DUST PROBLEM? HEADACHES? HIGH POWER BILLS?

IF IT’S IN YOUR DUCTS, IT’S IN YOUR LUNGS

mission is to lower energy costs and provide the healthiest quality air possible. For anyone, business or residential, we will increase e ciency of your system by using the very latest techniques, the latest technologies and top of the line products. We will provide the highest quality of work possible. Our professional sta will assure a high level of professionalism that cannot be matched in our industry. We guarantee our products and services.

“The Community,” a mixed media/photo collage by Bobbi Shupe, is included in the new exhibit, “Americana,” at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton. PHOTO BY JON KITNER

Say yes to ‘The River Bride’ at the Arvada Center

Magical realism is one of the most difficult genres to tackle – blending the recognizable with the mystical is a fine line to walk.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

For the first production of the Arvada Center Black Box Theatre’s 2022-2023 season, audiences are treated to a show that takes them to a small Brazilian fishing town, where a mysterious man is pulled from the Amazon River. What ensues is a stirring adventure that delves into the topic of family and more.

“The River Bride” runs at the center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada, through Sunday, Nov. 6.

We spoke to director Jamie Ann Romero about the show, what she hopes audiences take away from it and more:

Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

-What drew you to directing “The River Bride”?

I had the great privilege of acting in the 2016 world premiere of “The River Bride” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It was there I fell in love with Marisela Treviño Orta’s beautiful play and her continued body of work. “The River Bride” is about being brave in love, what happens when you are and what

happens when you aren’t. It’s a play that asks you to take a leap of faith.

-What is the show about?

The playwright calls “The River Bride” a “cautionary folk tale for adults.” It’s set on the Amazon River in Brazil and focuses on the myth that every June “botos,” or pink river dolphins, are given three days to venture on land and find their true love

-Tell me about the cast?

The cast of this production is remarkable. I feel immensely lucky to have worked with an entire cast of Latine actors that bring their culture and years of experience to the stage. This play is centered around a family that love each other deeply but are struggling with secrets and broken promises and a stranger who comes ashore and changes everything. This cast has bonded together like a true family and the love they have for one another carries onto the stage. They act with depth and honesty and it is thrilling to watch them discover the play night after night.

-Tell me about bringing magical realism to the stage?

I would be nowhere without my brilliant design team; David J. Castellano (scenic and costume design), Kate Bashore (lighting design) and Jason Ducat (sound design). These artists brought the Amazon to the Black Box Theatre and they also brought the magic. We treated the “magical realism” moments as if they were the heightened moments you experience in

real life.

-What do you most hope audiences come away with?

I think anyone who has experienced love in their life and its many beautiful, painful facets is going to find themselves somewhere within this story. I hope our audiences leave the theater reminded of the power of love and the ability within themselves to choose it, accept it and believe it. I hope you leave our darkened theater, our piece of the Amazon, with a sense of magic.

For information and tickets, visit https://arvadacenter.org/events/theriver-bride.

40 West Arts throws a fundraising party

If you’re not familiar with the work Lakewood’s 40 West Arts District does, you absolutely should be. The state-certified Colorado Creative District located along historic West Colfax has created an inclusive and dynamic arts scene that features some truly great venues and events.

To keep 40 West doing its work, the organization is hosting its annual Fundraising Gala, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the 40 West Gallery in The HUB at 40 West Arts, 6501 W. Colfax Ave. Get tickets at https://40westarts. org/fundraising-gala

Throw in the dark at FlannelJax

October isn’t called spooky season for nothing, and what better way to add a little fright to your life

2022 MID TERM ELECTIONS

than axe throwing in the dark?

FlannelJax’s, 7270B W. 88th Ave. in Westminster, is hosting its annual Halloween Glow Throw Event for the entire month. Throwers of all skill levels can have the fun of seeing the lights turned off and having some glow in the dark fun.

Get all the details at www.flanneljaxs.com/denver-arvada/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Jesus and Mary Chain at the Paramount Theatre

One of the seminal music moments of my life comes at the end of Sofia Coppola’s masterpiece, “Lost in Translation.” As the two main characters say a mysterious and moving goodbye, The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Just Like Honey,” kicks in. Those booming drums, reverb-drenched guitars and faraway vocals just grabbed my imagination and have never fully let go.

Although the Scottish group hasn’t released a new record since 2017’s “Damage and Joy,” they have plenty of dreamy alt-pop rockers to perform when they play the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Their music fits the season perfectly, so get your tickets at www. ticketmaster.com.

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

Connect with voters in your local area with a candidate profile. Basic profiles are o ered free of charge. UPGRADE your profile for $50 to include links to your campaign website and social media.

you have questions, please contact Erin Addenbrooke at 303-566-4074.

Clarke Reader

PHOTO BY HESTON MOSHER

Arapahoe blanks Eaglecrest for 10th win of the season

STAFF REPORT

Arapahoe High School used two goals from Felix Ruiz-Hensley to shut out Eaglecrest 6-0 in Littleton Oct. 13.

The win was the Warriors’ 10th of the season and kept the team in first place in the Centennial League standings.

AHS also picked up goals from Patrick Buckley, Andrew Chalmers, Gabriel Mock and Matthew Thompson. Warriors’ goalkeeper Drew Barber recorded the win and made just one save.

No stats were available for the Raptors.

Arapahoe closes out the regular season against Overland High School at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

Heritage closes out regular season with win over Mountain Vista

BY HESTON MOSHER

Heritage High School wrapped up the regular season Oct. 13 by beating Mountain Vista 3-1 in Littleton.

The Eagles were sitting in first place in the Continental League with their 9-1 mark through the end of play Oct. 13. The Golden Eagles slipped to 3-10-1 overall.

Logan Hause, Jake Lowery and Liam Gilbert scored Heritage’s goals. Goalkeeper Owen McCague had two saves in 70 minutes of playing time. Soren Hansen finished up and made two saves.

Mountain Vista’s Shane Baker scored his team’s goal. Carson Brice and Chris Gritzmaker split time in goal for the Golden Eagles. Each made four saves.

Strother Abromaitis, Ottman join exclusive group at CHSAA

Seven members to be inducted into hall of fame

STAFF REPORT

COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

CHSAA’s 34th Hall of Fame class include coach Tim Ottman of Ponderosa High School and former Highlands Ranch basketball standout Ann Strother Abromaitis.

CHSAA announced the class members in a press release Oct. 11. The other inductees are Sally Moos of Cherry Creek High School, Rene Aafeldt of Valley High School, George Rykovich of Manitou Springs High School, James Hartman Jr. of Mitchell High School, and student advisor Dale Garland from Durango High School

Ottman was the Ponderosa High School wrestling coach for 18 seasons. During that time, he compiled a record of 200-26 and 16 straight Continental league championships. He coached 12 class

5A regional wrestling champions and 10 state champions. He was the National Federation of High Schools’ national coach of the year in 2009, the National Wrestling Association Region 6 Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2005 and was the Continental League Coach of the Year 13 times.

He retired earlier this year.

Strother Abromaitis was a twotime state girls basketball champion during her days at Highlands Ranch High School. She was the Naismith National Player of the Year and the Gatorade National Player of the Year too. Strother Abromaitis also played in the fi rst McDonald’s All-American Game and was the game’s co-MVP.

Strother Abromaitis earned a scholarship to the University of Connecticut, where she guided the Huskies to a pair of national championships. She played in 143 games and started in 142 of them. The Houston Comets of the WNBA drafted her.

Other inductees: Sally Moos spent 35 years as the girls volleyball coach at

Cherry Creek High School. Her teams won 734 games, including a 42-match winning streak, 13 Centennial League titles and fi ve state championships. A press statement from CHSAA said Moos created a winning culture for the Bruins while also putting relationshipbuilding ahead of winning.

ReneAafeldt of Valley High School coached the girls volleyball program there for 20 years. Her record was 393-36, which included appearances in nine, class 3A state title games and 13 straight state tournament appearances. Her teams won the state title in 2010 and 2012. She played volleyball for the Vikings before graduating. As one of her former players put it, “To play under Rene Aafedt, I think was the greatest honor I could have as an athlete. I admire her and wouldn’t be the person I am today without her,” according to CHSAA’s statement. George Rykovich was the football coach at Manitou Springs High School for 36 years. The Mustangs won two, class 2A football titles during that time.

Rykovich ran the single-wing offense; CHSAA’s statement said the offense was “well-known but rarely beaten.” Coaches around the country call on him for advice, even in retirement. Rykovich also is a member of the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame and the Single Wing Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

James Hartman Jr. coached the Mitchell High School football team for 18 years and won 211 games, 10 conference titles and three, state titles. He also received the CHSCA Football Coach of the Year award, the Gazette Telegraph Football Coach of the Year fi ve times and is a member of the CHSCA Hall of Fame and the Colorado Springs Sports Corp. Hall of Fame.

Dale Garland of Durango High School spent his 25-year career as a student leadership adviser. His program received the National Council of Excellence award from

Eaglecrest’s Miles Reish and Arapahoe’s Jace Swa ord keep their eyes on the ball during an Oct. 13 match in Littleton.

Mountain Vista’s Noah Hansen and Heritage’s Jake Lowery ward each other o the loose ball during an Oct. 13 match in Littleton.

PHOTOS BY HESTON MOSHER

Heritage’s Edson Jimenez, left, wards o Mountain Vista’s Lucas Serna and keeps possession of the ball during the teams’ Continental League match Oct. 13 in Littleton.

Online program helps neurodiverse kids

Children’s Hospital Colorado researchers created resource

BY DANA KNOWLES, LINDSEY FORD ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Leo Krause, 10, can’t help but smile while snuggling with one of his two family dogs, Louie, a mini Australian Labradoodle. It’s one of the many strategies he uses to calm himself after being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD when he was 7 years old.

“It feels like it’s hard for me to focus sometimes. I just want to move around all the time, and it’s hard for me to sit still,” Krause explained.

He received help with his ADHD through a program that’s now free and online called “Unstuck and On Target.” It was developed by researchers through Children’s Hospital Colorado to improve the executive functioning of elementary-aged school children with ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Navigating ADHD

Executive functions come from the frontal lobe of the brain and involve things like paying attention, problem-solving, emotional regulation, planning, impulse control and setting goals. When left unaddressed, challenges with these traits can create barriers to success for

many children.

Leo’s mom, Jodi Krause, says the program has been a game changer for their entire family.

“Having a child who struggles with attention and having a child who struggles with anxiety can create obstacles that you want to be able to get ahead of, but as parents, we kind of react in the moment. So that’s really challenging,” she added, saying that the strategies taught in the Unstuck and on Target curriculum continue to help Leo function like any other 10-year-old boy. “A change in Leo from the program that I’ve noticed is that he’s way more willing to put into words the things that his body is feeling.”

Laura Anthony, Ph.D., is a psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, a professor of psychology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and one of the researchers who developed the online curriculum for the program. It can be done in school with educators and at home with kids and their parents and/or caregivers

“We want all kids as they’re growing to be at their most optimum developmental trajectory. We want them to do and be their best,” she explained, adding that free access is the key. “From the beginning, we wanted to create a community-based program that would reach all the kids and families who needed it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, between the years of 2016 and 2019, 6 million children from the ages of 3 to 17 were

diagnosed with ADHD, while one in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “Kids with either Autism or ADHD have particular difficulties with executive functioning skills and [that’s why] we designed this intervention for them,” added Anthony.

Free to be himself

Leo told Rocky Mountain PBS some of the strategies he’s learned in the program include walking away from tense situations, taking deep breaths and thinking happy thoughts. His favorite coping mechanism? Squeezing a lemon when he’s

feeling anxious.

“I feel a lot different. I’m able to calm myself down more,” he explained.

Jodi says these days Leo can be fully himself; a boy who’s compassionate and empathetic. A boy who loves his dogs, his family, friends, playing soccer, mountain biking and skiing.

This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online. Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs.org.

MULTI-PLATINUM COUNTRY SINGER SARA EVANS LIVE AT PACE!

Sara Evans NOV 5 | PACE Center

With No. 1 hits such as “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Born to Fly,” “Perfect,” and “Suds in the Bucket,” this Academy of Country Music Award winner has charted over 20 times and become one of the most compelling vocalists of her generation.

tickets at

lot oftax experience?

New totax prep?

Ten-year-old Leo Krause can’t help but smile while snuggling with one of his two family dogs, Louie. COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

CHSAA

the National Student Coun cil Office. CHSAA’s state ment said the honor “is reserved for student leader ship programs that meet specific criteria related to leadership excellence, service and commitment to their school community.” Garland received CHSAA’s Adviser of the Year award. He also was on CHSAA’s Student Leadership Advi sory Committee and led workshops at several state student leadership camps and conference.

“I applaud the efforts of the selection committee as this is an exceptional list of deserving honorees,’’ said CHSAA Commissioner Michael Krueger in the statement. “Each and every member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame exceedingly repre sents the intrinsic values and ideals that create the foundation for education ally based athletics and activities; the 2022 Hall of Fame Class reflect this same standard of excep tional accomplishment.”

The induction ceremony is set for Monday, Jan. 23.

Metro sports roundup

Football Douglas County

Douglas County (3-5) 29, Fountain-Fort Carson 61

ThunderRidge (8-0) 35, Highlands Ranch (2-6) 7

Mountain Vista (6-2) 38, Castle View (1-7) 21

Chaparral (1-7) 28, Regis Jesuit 56

Legend (5-3) 14, Pine Creek 31

Rock Canyon (6-2) 13, Valor Christian 28

Arapahoe County

Englewood (4-3) 12, Classical Academy 48

Heritage (6-2) 21, Standley Lake 3

Arapahoe (4-4) 27, Cherokee Trail 14

Littleton (5-2) 0, Evergreen 56

Cherry Creek (7-1) 42, Eaglecrest (6-2) 7 Softball- PLAYOFFS Douglas County 10/14

Douglas County 7 (23-2), Lakewood 4 Legend (20-5) 6, Legacy 1

Arapahoe (15-11) 10, Heritage (13-12) 0 10/15

ThunderRidge (15-11) 13, Rocky Moun tain 3

Eaglecrest (14-12) 3, Arvada West 4

Rock Canyon (12-14) 2, Broomfield 12 Englewood (9-9) 0, Strasburg 16

Weekly Carrier Routes Available

Ask about our sign on bonus!

Castle Rock, Parker & Highlands Ranch Area

• Part-time hours

•Adaptable route sizes

• No suit & tie required!

Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required.

no telephone inquiries - but email us at:

circulation@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Solution

CLASSIFIEDS

Careers

Help Wanted

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME No Sales, no Investment, No Risk, Free training, Free website. Contact Susan at 303-646-4171 or fill out form at www.wisechoice4u.com

Social Worker

Maternity leave coverage School

Social Worker position starting November 30, 2022, and ending February 22, 2023. Will be off from December 19, 2022 through January 3, 2023, for Winter Break. 40 hours a week providing services to students PreK-12th grade in Bennett, Byers, and Deer Trail School Districts. Training will be provided. Competitive pay based on highest earned degree and experience-$32.42 per hour - $37.13 per hour. Mileage reimbursement provided. Questions contact Tracy 719-775-2342 ext. 101. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

CLASSIFIED AD SALES 303-566-4100 classifieds@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS

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

Help Wanted

DEADLINES

CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M. SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M. LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

We continue to invest in innovation and people, developing new businesses and state-of-the art tools that support new products that produce superior ROIs for clients. We believe that a creative, learning environment staffed with talented people who want to grow and utilize the newest and best tools will result in a dynamic and successful culture that has a positive impact on our clients business and our community. Our brand is one of the most trusted in our community. We’ve built this reputation by providing award-winning news coverage and by being engaged in our community at all levels. As a true marketer, we want you to bring your experience and expertise to develop the best advertising and audience programs for local advertisers needing to engage with the community to grow their business. We value teamwork. We embrace opinions, perspectives, cultures and backgrounds that energizes the company and fuels our passion to do what’s right for our readers, our advertisers and our employees. If you’ve got the drive and the passion, together we can take your career farther than you’ve ever imagined. We are building a sales team that will be the face of the changing media landscape. We are looking for people who are excited to represent our emerging brands and our trusted, traditional ones too. Join our team, working from our Englewood offices and remote. If you’re as passionate as we are about our mission to grow and engage our community, please apply. This position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal time. As an added bonus, you’ll office less than 60 minutes from the best Colorado has to offer in outdoor recreation.

Stay connected to your local community!

Sign up today to receive our weekly newsletter

Colorado Community Media is hiring native-digital sales professionals seeking to build their career with the largest local media company in Colorado.

and

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous FOR SALE

Victor 9, 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter. Only two months old. Retail Cost $1886, Sale Price $900. Telephone 303-503-8000 or e-mail greg3141951@gmail.com

Small Business Owners! Don’t miss out. Get $1,000’s from a government assistance program. Not a loan. More info? www. AidForSmallBusiness.com

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/ mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-855-3643948

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. 1-855-4171306

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!

GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID.

CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

DISH TV $64.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice remote. Some Restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516.

Discount air travel. Call Flight Services for best pricing on domestic & international flights inside & from the US. Serving United, Delta, American & Southwest & many more. Free quote! Have travel dates ready! 844-951-2014

Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certified Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173

CLASSIFIED AD SALES 303-566-4100

classifieds@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS

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

DEADLINES

CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M.

SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M. LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

Colorado Statewide Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado

for only $300, contact your localnewspaper or email

DIRECTV

for $79.99/mo for

Network at rtoledo@colopress.net

SAFE STEP - WALK-IN TUB

Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call Today! Financing available! Call Safe Step: 1-877-596-2899

CO PRESS ASSOCIATION NETWORK

Miscellaneous

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844394-9278

Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833-603-3236

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/ unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

HughesNet– Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Wanted to Buy

LOOKING TO BUY THE FOLLOWING

300- 8inch by 16inch cement blocks 34-bags mortar mix 60 pound bags 600 feet #4... 1/2inch rebar

40- 2x8x20’ floor joists 8- 2x6x16’ treated 50 sheets 4’x8’x3/4” plywood 50- 3/8 inch x 2 feet rebar pins 24- TJI joists ( I joist ) engineered to span 20ft 30- 9 foot 2x4s 80- 8foot 2x4s 10- 8foot 2x6s 28 sheets 4’x8’x1/2” sheathing 1 roll tyvex house wrap Shop Cabinets

Like New Appliances and Like New Kitchen Cabinets for a smaller deluxe kitchen

Alan 303-378-7537

Pets

Dogs

PUBLIC NOTICES

Legals

Public Trustees

PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2022-0120

To Whom It May Concern: On 8/9/2022 10:32:00

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: Joseph Crowley

AND Melissa Crowley

Original Beneficiary:

KeyBank National Association

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: KeyBank, NA, s/b/m First Niagara Bank, NA

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/21/2007

Recording Date of DOT: 12/10/2007

Reception No. of DOT: 2007095284

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $35,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $34,760.79

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

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 670 ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE #16A 0.392 AM/L.

Which has the address of: 7420 Bison Pl, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 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: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 8/9/2022

DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

AMANDA FERGUSON

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

Fax #: Attorney File #: CO11896

*YOU

SALE

Recording Date of DOT: 7/29/2021

Reception No. of DOT: 2021090495

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $306,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $302,450.33

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

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: Lot 17, Intravest 320 Filing No. 1F County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Which has the address of: 5875 Cheetah Cove, Lone Tree, CO 80124-9591

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 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: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 8/12/2022

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

ALISON L. BERRY Colorado Registration #: 34531 9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 22-028217

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

Legal Notice No. 2022-0125

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2022-0133

To Whom It May Concern: On 8/23/2022 12:47:00

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

Original Grantor: Randy D St. Onge and Cindy Kempton St. Onge

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc., Its Successors and Assigns

Which has the address of: 9709 Castle Ridge Cir, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

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, December 14, 2022, 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: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 8/23/2022

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

ILENE DELL'ACQUA

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

Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #: Attorney File #: CO-22-941671-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

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

Legal Notice No. 2022-0133

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Lone Tree NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2022-0126

To Whom It May Concern: On 8/17/2022 2:27:00

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

Original Grantor: Donald Miller

Original Beneficiary: Credit Union of Denver Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Credit Union of Denver Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/16/2016

Recording Date of DOT: 9/22/2016

Reception No. of DOT: 2016066429

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $122,750.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $104,723.66

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make installment payments of principal, interest, taxes and/or insurance as provided for in the Deed of Trust and Credit Agreement.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

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: 10/13/2022

Last Publication: 11/10/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 8/17/2022

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

IMAN TEHRANI

Colorado Registration #: 44076 514 KIMBARK STREET P.O. BOX 298, LONGMONT, COLORADO 80502-0298

Phone #: 303-772-6666

Fax #: 303-772-2822

Attorney File #: MILLER/CUDENVER

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

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

Legal Notice No. 2022-0126

First Publication: 10/13/2022

Last Publication: 11/10/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton

NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2022-0118

To Whom It May Concern: On 8/2/2022 8:45:00

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: CHRISTOPHER KELLY WATSON

Original Beneficiary: LENDSURE MORTGAGE CORP.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee of the Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2020-1

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/31/2020

Recording Date of DOT: 2/3/2020

Reception No. of DOT: 2020007432

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $388,719.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $381,732.83

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

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 46, CHATFIELD FARMS FILING NO. 1-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 10219 Cavaletti Drive, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

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

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

Legal Notice No. 2022-0118

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) #032-22

SCREEN-PRINTED & EMBROIDERED CLOTHING and SUPPLEMENTAL UNIFORM ITEMS

The Purchasing Division of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests bids from responsible quali fied companies for the provision of the purchase of clothing/uniform apparel, as specified, for Douglas County employees. The clothing/uniform apparel will be purchased on an as-needed basis. YTD 2022, the County made clothing-related purchases from our current vendor of approximately $81,055.

The IFB documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

IFB documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website. While the IFB documents are available electroni cally, Douglas County cannot accept electronic bid responses.

Bid responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “IFB No. 032-22, Screenprinted & Embroidered Clothing and Supplemental Uniform Items” and mailed or hand-carried to the address shown below prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed bid responses will not be accepted. Bids will be received until 3:00pm on Monday, November 7, 2022 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Bids will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any bids so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said bid and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful bidder.

Please direct any questions concerning this IFB to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 943997

First Publication: October 20, 2022

Last Publication: October 20, 2022

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO

on the Public

website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2022-0120

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Lone Tree NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2022-0125

To Whom It May Concern: On 8/12/2022 3:08:00

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

Original Grantor: BROCK EWING AND KRISTINE EWING

Original Beneficiary: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 7/23/2021

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/15/2016 Recording Date of DOT: 9/20/2016

Reception No. of DOT: 2016065608 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $360,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $326,892.34

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

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 387, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 111-B, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 102, RIDGEGATE – SECTION 15, FILING NO. 14 1st AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUG LAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 10605 Ladera Dr, Lone Tree, CO 80124-5375

The Deed of Trust was modified by a docu ment recorded in Douglas County on 8/5/2022, Reception number 2022053695. Reason modified and any other modifications: Legal Description.

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, December 7, 2022, 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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 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: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 8/2/2022

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

ANNA JOHNSTON Colorado Registration #: 51978 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sec tion 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on November 13, 2022, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Goodland Construction, Inc. for the Broadway and Plaza Intersection & Signal Re construction Project, Douglas County Project Number TF 2021-021, in Douglas County; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Goodland Construction, Inc. for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sus tenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on said November 13, 2022 file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Board of County Commissioners, c/o Director of Public Works, Engineering Division, with a copy to the Project Engineer, Karl Lucero, Department of Public Works, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

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

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

Legal Notice No. 942914

First Publication: October 13, 2022

Second Publication: October 20, 2022

Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734

Homelessness on rise in Denver area

BY AMANDA HORVATH ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Nearly 800 more people in the Denver-metro area were experienc ing homelessness on a single night than that same night two years ago. The Metro Denver Homeless Initia tive (MDHI) has recently released its full data of its annual Point-in-Time count.

The organization creates an an nual effort in January to count the number of those experiencing home lessness to understand the scope and demographics of the homeless population. This year’s count took place on Jan. 24 and included people in shelters and living outdoors in seven counties—Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Doug las and Jefferson.

The count found 6,884 people were experiencing homelessness on that night. The year before, the PIT didn’t include those living outdoors be cause of COVID-19 concerns. In 2020, the count found 6,104 people living unhoused. That’s a 12.8% increase over two years.

“While this count can help us un derstand homelessness on a single night, getting to a place where we have comprehensive, real-time data regionally is the ultimate goal,” said Jamie Rife, the director of MDHI.

Each year when this count takes place, trained volunteers and staff are dispatched around the metro area to survey anyone they find who are unhoused using a standard set of questions. Over the course of several months, that data is compiled into this report.

Looking further into where people were found, the majority — 70% — were in shelters, according to the report. A number that remained nearly the same from 2020. While the number of unsheltered homeless ness increased by nearly 500 people from pre-pandemic levels to 2,078 people. The majority of those found in this count were also found within the county of Denver at 4,794 indi viduals.

MDHI admits there are number of factors could affect the count includ ing weather, how well the volunteers are engaged and how well the sub jects of the survey interact with the staff and volunteers.

The encouraging news from the point in time count is the number of veterans experiencing homelessness did drop by 31% in the last two years.

This summer, Boulder became the first community in the area to reach Quality Data for all singles, which means accounting for every single adult experiencing homelessness by name, in real-time.

The data from this PIT survey will also be used by MDHI to release its annual State of Homelessness report next January. Estimates show that with these numbers close to 31,000 people in this seven-county region experience homelessness in one year.

This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online. Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs.org.

At one time, great taste. Now over-filling.

Whenever you are outside and you notice a piece of trash, please stop and dispose of it properly. What isn’t collected today is picked up in the next rainstorm and sent directly to the nearest creek. From the moment this small piece of trash enters our waterways, it is responsible for a tremendous amount of damage. By developing habits such as securing loads in open vehicles and keeping lids closed on trash bins, you help minimize litter scattered by wind and rain.

Local stormwater agencies are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail. One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.

THIS STORMWATER MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY

to:

Find more helpful tips

Litter clogs up storm drains and poses a threat to fish and wildlife. Pick up one piece of litter every day and recycle when you can.

Colorado Community Media agrees: please recycle this newspaper responsibly and partner with our communities for a better tomorrow. Ad campaign creative donated by Castle Rock Water, Stormwater Division.

2022

Holiday Craft Show& Mini-Market

Fairgrounds Dv.

Rock,

Come shop for unique gifts and special items during the Colorado Community Media Holiday Craft Show and Mini-Market; With more than 200 exhibitors filling the Douglas County Fairgrounds, this is the best place to find that special, personal gift for friends and family. The show will feature handmade crafts in all areas from metal and leather, to flowers, baskets, ceramics, and so much more. In it’s third year - expanding into two buildings.

2021, 3,000 customers attended

Visit Santa at the show on

is free to the public