November 1, 2012
Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 123, Issue 41
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlittletonnews.com
Police arrest slaying suspect
GETTING FIT WITH A TWIST
Teenager who was killed identified By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com
Those looking for an unusual workout took part in the sixth annual Pumpkin Boot Camp at Arapahoe Community College on Oct. 27. Close to 100 people participated in the event that included music, a costume contest and free breakfast. Money raised will benefit the ACC Foundation in support of the ACC Fitness Center. Exercisers were separated into experience level, with a special group for kids. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen | ckuhlen@ourcoloradonews.com
Masons celebrate 140 years in Littleton Cornerstone rededication pays tribute to tradition By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com Many issues that come before Littleton City Council are controversial, notes Mayor Debbie Brinkman, but this one she called a “no-brainer.” Members of Littleton’s Weston Masonic Lodge celebrated its designation as a historic landmark, and its 140th anniversary, with a ceremonial cornerstone rededication on Oct. 27. “The cornerstone is laid according to the ancient ceremonies of the craft,” declared Grand Master Karl Hinkle at the ritual’s conclusion. The lodge was chartered on Sept. 24, 1872, and council officially declared the building at 5718 S. Rapp St. a landmark in July 2011. “It’s an architectural anchor for downtown Littleton,” said Margi Clute, vice
The Weston Lodge #22 in Littleton celebrated its Littleton Historical Landmark Designation Ceremony and Masonic Cornerstone Rededication Oct. 27. Scott Bates, Worshipful Master, Bob Sangster, Senior Warden, Swen Hoffman, Junior Warden, and Robert Herd, Grand Orator, are pictured in the front row, left to right. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen | ckuhlen@ ourcoloradonews.com chair of the Littleton Historic Preservation Board. The building has stood there virtually
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unchanged since 1921. Most Littleton residents are probably so used to seeing it that they forget it’s there, and have very little idea what goes on inside. “It’s a group of like-minded men who believe in God, country, morals, friendship, brotherhood and charity,” explained Walt Ashlock. He said Masons don’t ask what god you believe in, but they do require members to acknowledge a belief in a supreme being. Members of the lodge took the opportunity to remind everyone they’re a big part of the community and one of its Masons continues on Page 11
The Littleton Police Department has arrested a suspect in last week’s fatal shooting. Dion Rankin, 20, of Englewood, is being held without bond at the Arapahoe County jail, facing a first-degree murder charge. Also on Oct. 24, police identified the 18-year-old male who was killed as Centennial resident Da Von Flores. He and a 17-year-old boy were found shot at the intersection of Fox Street and Berry Avenue on Oct. 19. Police said the altercation began at a party in a Fox Street home. Neighborhood teens said gang members with a “previous beef” took the fight outside, where guns were drawn. A little after 11 Rankin p.m., shots rang out. Police were just a block away at the time and arrived quickly. A young girl watching police work on the afternoon of Oct. 20 said Flores was her longtime friend and recently became the father of a baby boy. His body remained in the street, concealed by a red tent, until that afternoon. Flores was a senior at Options this year and was on track to graduate this December, confirms Littleton Public Schools spokeswoman Diane Leiker. “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” she said. A memorial Facebook page says a fund has been started at Public Service Credit Union for the Flores family to help with funeral costs and the baby. The other shooting victim won’t be identified by police because he’s a juvenile, but friends knew him as Chase. He was taken to the hospital from the scene; there’s been no word as to his condition. There’s also been no comment from police as to whether they’re seeking additional suspects, but detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and evaluate evidence, police said last week. The community is weighing in on Flores’ memorial Facebook page. “God has plans for everyone. This is no joke,” writes Donald James Farley. “And I hope it really opens up peoples’ eyes to see what is actually going on in this `little town.’ May you Rest In Peace bro. You will never be forgotten.” “We are losing too many young (people) to gun violence,” writes David P. Howard. “We have to band together before another young person loses their life. God help all this evil in the world. Kids should not die before they have had a chance to live. Stop the violence.”