TORNADO

• Highland Heritage Park near Hound Hill Dog Park located at 9651 S. Quebec which will be open one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset

• South of Halftime Help Stadium at Redstone Park located at 3280 Redstone Park Cr. from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• A third location was opened Monday, June 26 at a Grigs Road site near Grigs Road and McArthur Ranch Road.

Maps of the drop o locations are provided on the Highlands Ranch Metro District website at www.highlandsranch.org/resources/stormdamage.

According to the metro district, tree limbs less than 12 inches in diameter and woody plant material will be accepted. ey cannot ac-

Castle Rock

cept non-woody material, bagged or loose leaves, nished lumber, grass clippings and sod. Root balls can be taken to the Grigs location. For those who have limbs or branches and trees that are too large to transport, residents will need to contact a private tree service to have it picked up, said Eppers.

“I would suggest that they vet those tree services thoroughly,” said Eppers. “We do suggest too that if people, if private property owners have experienced any damage to their property that they certainly reach out to their homeowners insurance.”

On June 25, the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce put out a warning for residents to watch for scams, especially with tree and tree-limb removal.

Local authorities said they are already receiving reports of people training to take advantage of homeowners impacted by the tornado.

To report a potential scam, the sheri ’s o ce asks residents to call the non-emergency line at 303-6607500.

According to the United Way, some red ags to watch for include:

• One-day-only discounts

• Aggressive sales pitches

• Requirement of upfront payment

• Residents have never heard of the company and it does not have a physical address

• ey cannot produce a business license or written information about the company e metro district also encourages residents who have experienced large tree damage and are unable to cut up the tree to contact the Crisis Home Cleanup Hotline at 720-206-0627 to set up an appointment.

• ey don’t have references, but offer vague endorsements from neighbors a few streets over from the street.

Residents are also encouraged never to hire a contractor on the spot or give money up front.

In addition, Douglas County will be coordinating residential pick up this week for those who are unable to transport debris in the hardest hit areas.

Douglas County and metro district crews have been working to remove downed trees, fences and other debris that may be posing a danger or blocking access for people.

Follow the Highlands Ranch Metro District on Twitter and Facebook for updates as well as their website.

In a press release on June 23, Douglas County issued a disaster declaration in the wake of the tornado. is declaration opens the door for more state aid.

Following the unforeseen event, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Insurance o ers tips for dealing with storm damage and insurance.

FROM THE EDITOR

VOICES f feels like a normal year in planning for the Fourth of July celebrations. Communities are not worried about dry conditions due to all the rainfall, so reworks are a go for several areas. Parades and community gatherings are all moving forward nicely. I have to admit, growing up and in early adulthood, the Fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays. We had huge family gatherings, heading to the small-town parade, and going to the park for the annual re ghters’ water ght. And, just before the reworks, we had our annual football game. I will admit, I tore the meniscus disc in my knee one year blocking my dad so my nephew could score. Yes, my team got the touchdown.get out into our communities and meet great people, and through my reporters read about amazing organizations and groups who are indeed community heroes who often do the work without expecting recognition or a return.

Some of my favorite organizations are the local American Legions and VFWs — these groups are more than just veteran organizations. ey are people who work to give scholarships, provide support to struggling veterans and, in Littleton recently, repurpose veteran wreaths to become sh habitats.

Thelma Grimes

I am also a bit sentimental about the American holiday. My kids give me a hard time each year as I make them listen to songs such as “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning.” I believe they too should have respect and pride in their country. I understand this country is far from perfect. e last few years of seeming insanity proves that point. However, we live in a country where that insanity is allowed to happen. Finally, another reason I get sentimental about the Independence Day holiday is a tradition that started in Tucson. My company would often recognize what we called “Hometown Heroes” just before Independence Day.

I loved those special sections because we called to the community to not just tell us about the members of the military we would be thanking, but also those in the community who volunteer, work hard and do so many things to make a di erence in the lives of others. To those who work tirelessly to make the communities in which they live and the world better.

I haven’t quite got to the point of a special section, but over the last year as editor, I have been able to elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Local historical societies — these members work to preserve and celebrate important moments in a community’s history. ey also protect and preserve important structures.

To the local food banks that have struggled over the last few years to keep the doors open and residents fed — every administrator and volunteer deserves a pat on the back.

To companies like Howdy’s Ice Cream, which opened in Centennial o Parker Road this year, giving adults with disabilities an opportunity to work. I will also recommend going and getting a summer treat there — the lemon crunch is superb. e people and organizations who work each year to help people move into and a ord homes. In Colorado, that alone is a tireless and likely thankless job these days.

In Highlands Ranch – It’s heartwarming to see the continued photos and responses as the community comes together to clear debris and help neighbors after a tornado touched down recently.

I should also give a shoutout to volunteers I see at the VA when I take my dad for care. ey are helpful, friendly and wonderful people. People, groups, churches and organizations do more in our local communities than we realize year after year. I hope to keep getting to know all of them and start recognizing them more often in our local newspapers because at the end of the day, honoring these heroes is part of what Independence Day is about.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Do not enter the comfort zone