County hosts local leaders P4



GARY WESTON JOINS DEDICATED TEAM P12
Gary Weston recently joined the Douglas County Veterans Services o ce to provide mental health support to those who need it.

Lone Tree council supports school district P8







County hosts local leaders P4
Gary Weston recently joined the Douglas County Veterans Services o ce to provide mental health support to those who need it.
Lone Tree council supports school district P8
Two leaders of a private company that proposed a controversial water project garnered some support to join a new arm of Douglas County’s government that is expected to help shape the future of water supply in a growing county.
e new government body, the Douglas County Water Commission, is expected to help create a plan regarding water supply and conservation, among other aspects of water in the county. It’ll consist of unpaid volunteers, according to George Teal, one of the county’s elected leaders.
e forming of the new body comes against the backdrop of a controversial proposal to pump about 22,000 acre-feet of water per year to Douglas County from the San Luis Valley, a region of Southern Colorado.
An acre-foot is the equivalent of a one-foot-deep pool about the size of a football eld.
Renewable Water Resources, or
RWR, is the private company that proposed the project.
Last year, county leaders Abe Laydon and Lora omas joined together in deciding not to move forward with that project, while Teal has continued to support it.
Sean Tonner, one of the principals of RWR, attracted news media attention for throwing his hat in the ring to serve on the water commission.
Laydon and Teal have expressed
support for appointing Tonner.
Another RWR leader, John Kim, made it onto Teal’s list as someone whom he supports to be an “alternate” member of the water commission, who could serve if a regular member is unavailable.
“I’d like to put forward John Kim ... because he’s an elected o cial from Roxborough,” Teal said during a Sept. 26 meeting of county o cials.
“John Kim is a principal of RWR, so I am not interested in having him in my district,” omas said in response. e county’s elected leaders planned to appoint some members from each “district,” or area, of the county.
Teal said that alternates should attend every meeting of the water commission once it gets underway, but it is unclear whether one of his colleagues would back that policy.
Kim’s name did not appear on an updated typed-out list of those in the running, so it was unclear whether he has support going forward.
As for Sept. 26, county o cials still had yet to conduct interviews with the applicants they have supported. e interviews could happen in early October.
Here’s a look at the applicants that still had support as the county leaders continued to whittle down the list.
A total of 52 people applied to serve on the water commission, according to county sta as of Sept. 27. Many are current or former public o cials, including some who serve on local water providers like the Parker Water District.
e county asked for applications by Aug. 11 but later waived that deadline.
e three elected county leaders plan to appoint three members per each “district,” or area, of the county, along with two selected “at large,” meaning from the county as a whole.
ey also plan to appoint “alternates” to serve in place of any regular members if needed.
On top of that, the county plans to appoint a “technical advisory committee” of those with water expertise to help the water commission do its job.
e applicants who have gar-
nered support to potentially serve as the main members of the water commission include the following. County leaders discussed a longer list of preferred applicants at a Sept. 19 meeting and narrowed down the list further on Sept. 26. is list includes information about some applicants, generally based on how the county leaders described them.
Applicants in the running
From District I, or northeast Douglas County, based on Laydon’s recommendation:
• Merlin Klotz, who served as the county’s clerk and recorder, or top election o cial, and is a Parker Water and Sanitation District board member
• James Myers
• Donald Langley, who also serves on the Parker Water board
From District II, including central and south Douglas County, based on Teal’s recommendation:
• Clark Hammelman,a former Castle Rock town councilmember
• James Maras, a Perry Park Water and Sanitation District board member
• Roger Hudson, a Castle Pines city councilmember
From District III, or northwest Douglas County:
• Frank Johns
• Evan Ela
• Kurt Walker
• Harold Smethills, a member of the Dominion Water and Sanitation District board
County leaders disagreed somewhat over the District III preferences. omas supported Johns, Ela and Walker, and Teal said there’s consensus on Johns but Smethills should get a spot. It appeared that Ela and Walker may compete for one seat.
At-large members could include:
• Sean Tonner
• Tricia Bernhard
Looking forward
e county’s water commission was expected to commence in the third quarter of this year and meet six to eight times during the rst 12 months with the focus of developing a Douglas County Water Plan. e county had envisioned that the water commission will integrate existing water provider plans into the Douglas County Water Plan.
An unusually large spike in home values and an impending jump in property tax bills pushed Douglas County o cials to call a meeting of local government leaders in hopes they may act to blunt the impact to residents.
At that “summit” meeting, county commissioners oated the possibility of taking action for property tax relief at the county level, while representatives of smaller local entities expressed willingness to do the same or voiced concern with managing tight budgets.
“We haven’t made any nal decisions, but we’re discussing” a plan to lower the county-level tax rate, Com-
SPONSOR OF WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT 10.13.23
Douglas County women no longer have to wait months to obtain a wellness visit thanks to the Rocky Vista Health Center in Parker. As a teaching facility, Rocky Vista Health Center provides patients with longer appointments and more personalized care at each and every visit. The Rocky Vista Health Center knows how important it is for women to be seen by a provider as soon as possible, and they strive to provide same week appointments.
Leading with compassion, the medical team wants women to feel heard and be confident in their ability to live the healthiest life possible. Understanding the conditions unique to women at all stages of life, the clinic offers a supportive environment for a wide range of concerns, including heart health, cancer, breast health, sexual health, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, rheumatologic diseases, depression, anxiety, and menopause. Women who turn to Rocky Vista Health Center with questions about their health and well-being receive expert care from providers trained in women’s health.
Women’s health is one of the many services provided at the Rocky Vista Health Center. The clinic also provides services for senior medicine, adult care, Osteopathic Manipulation, sports medicine, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
To schedule your appointment please call 720-875-2880.
Rocky Vista Health Center welcomes Dr. Meg Burke, a board-certified internal medicine and geriatric medicine specialist with a passion for medical education, writing, and editing. New to the team, Dr. Burke joined the Rocky Vista Health Center team in the spring of 2023. Dr. Burke earned her undergraduate degree and medical degrees at Georgetown University before completing her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. With her extensive experience and dedication to patient care and medical education, Dr. Burke is a valued member of our clinic team.
missioner Abe Laydon said during the Sept. 25 meeting at the commissioners’ headquarters in Castle Rock.
Local taxes are in the spotlight after homeowners around the Denver metro area checked a notice from their county assessors this spring and saw that their home value had jumped by sometimes shocking amounts.
Driven by a costly real-estate market, those home values — as calculated for tax purposes — have spiked since the last time homeowners received notices of value two years ago. In Douglas County, residential properties faced increases between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.
e high increase in property values means families’ property tax bills could jump up next year.
at’s because when property values rise, the amount of taxes people owe goes up — even if local governments’ tax rates themselves don’t change.
is year’s increase could mean owing thousands more dollars in taxes for a typical home, according to Toby Damisch, head of the county’s property valuation o ce.
e tax impact could change if the county and other local entities change their “mill levies,” or property tax rates. Property taxes partly fund county governments, but they also fund re rescue agencies, library districts and other local entities.
e event in Castle Rock was planned to discuss “how we can collaborate on a plan to reduce the total mill rates that impact Douglas County property owners,” says an “open letter” from the county commissioners that invited local government entities to the meeting.
Here’s a look at perspectives and information from the event that drew a crowd of representatives of local entities.
A leader with West Metro Fire Rescue, an agency that serves parts of Je erson County but also the Roxborough area, expressed concerns about changes to the increase in property tax revenue that local entities could receive in next year’s taxes.
“We are seeing 30% (to) 40% increases in some of our major assets. A re truck that I could have purchased a few years ago for $800,000 now (costs) $1.2 million,” said Jeremy
Metz, deputy chief of administration for West Metro Fire.
He added that the agency has not increased its mill levy since 2008 and has managed to get by so far but is “concerned about decreasing revenue.”
A leader with the small underbird Water and Sanitation District in the Sedalia area explained that his agency runs on a tight budget.
“We just went into a signi cant amount of debt to drill another well so we can feel con dent we can (provide) potable water,” said Barry Gager, district treasurer. He added: “I’ve been sitting here thinking what, if anything, there is we could do with respect to our mill levy. And we’ve always tried to keep it as low as possible.”
On the other hand, at least one metropolitan district had plans to lower its tax rate or issue a rebate, with an o cial saying the district doesn’t need a bump in funding. Metro districts, such as Highlands Ranch, are a type of government entity that can o er some government services.
“Looks like we would have a 50% windfall increase if we don’t do anything. We don’t need that,” said John Cowan, president of the Cherokee Ridge Estates metro district. He added: “We’re looking at an option of either reducing the mill (levy) or doing a rebate.”
At a broader level around Douglas, the county commissioners may consider a plan to make a large cut to the county-level property tax rate, lowering the potential increase in revenue the county stands to take in from next year’s tax bills.
Today, the county-level tax rate is about 18.5 mills. A “mill” is one thousandth of a dollar. For example, with a rate of 10 mills, a property owner pays about $10 for every $1,000 in “assessed” value of a home.
e property tax equation also involves a number called the “assessment rate,” another factor that helps determine how much in property taxes a person owes, along with the mill levy and the home’s value.
Without Colorado’s Gallagher Amendment — a former part of the state constitution that voters recently repealed — the state legislature sets the assessment rate.
Douglas County’s commissioners may consider a reduction of roughly 4 mills, or about a 23% cut. at
Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veterans assistance funds, visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200
There’s art in every corner of Douglas County. Vote for your favorite.
More than 30 pieces in public places throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough by the Douglas County ArtEncounters. Visit the sculptures and then vote for your favorite by Jan. 31, 2024. For art locations, voting online and more, visit artencounters.douglas.co.us
equates to about a $47 million decrease in revenue the county would take in, according to Commissioner Lora omas.
e commissioners also gave discounts to taxpayers in recent years through what’s called a “temporary mill levy credit.” e county has authorized such credits in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, e ectively lowering county revenue by $30 million.
But the county-level property tax rate is just one of many di erent property tax rates that combine to de-
termine how much a Douglas County homeowner will pay in taxes.
To see the list of local government entities you pay taxes to — and how much in estimated taxes goes to each entity — go to douglas.co.us/assessor and enter your address in the “property search” bar, click the result, scroll down and click “tax authorities.”
Recent action
Some residents may wonder why their property values jumped so high this year. e property valuation that homeowners received around early May is based on data as of June 2022, near the recent peak in the real-estate market.
So even though home prices have
declined since then, property values from the county assessor’s o ce reect last year’s exceptional highs.
In Douglas County, residential properties this year faced increases in value between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.
After many homeowners in Douglas County led challenges, or appeals, to blunt the increase on their home values, the median increase slid down a slight bit.
at number will come down even more — for a combined total of around a few percentage points — after the commissioners took a vote that a ects homeowners across the county, not just those who led appeals.
e move, approved by the commissioners Sept. 19, will provide an average of $223 in estimated property tax relief for owners of single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums, or a 4% adjustment.
See more details in Colorado Community Media’s story at tinyurl.com/ ValueLower.
How Colorado compared Damisch, the county assessor, gave an example of how this year’s increase in property values may impact a home’s property taxes.
For tax purposes, for a home with a 2022 value of about $636,000 that paid about $6,000 in estimated taxes, at a 2023 value of about $980,000, estimated taxes would total about $9,000, according to Damisch’s example.
Countywide, the median increase in Douglas County home values of 47% could lead to a roughly 35% to 40% typical increase in property taxes in 2024, according to the “open letter” to local government entities from the county commissioners.
In the broader picture, Colorado has had relatively low residential property taxes.
“If you go back a few years, residential property taxes in Colorado were some of the lowest in the country,” Damisch said.
at’s supported by an analysis by the conservative Tax Foundation. Colorado ranked 47th in property taxes paid as a percentage of owneroccupied housing value in 2020, according to the foundation.
And while businesses pay more, their taxes still appear to be lower than the national average, according to the Colorado Sun. Colorado had the 17th best “State Business Tax Climate” for 2020, according to the Tax Foundation.
WHEN: Friday, October 13
TIME: 4 pm – 5:30 pm
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e Lone Tree City Council unanimously voted to support a yes vote on the Douglas County School District’s ballot issues 5A and 5B.
the school district, according to the city council’s resolution of support.
safety and security upgrades, according to the city’s resolution.
Lone Tree Voice
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For the Nov. 7 election, the school district will ask voters to approve a $66 million mill levy override and $484 million bond.
As previously reported by Colorado Community Media, if both the bond and mill levy override pass, then taxpayers would see a $20 increase per $100,000 of their residential property value.
For example, a $1 million home would pay $200 per year.
e mill levy override would be used to make compensation more competitive for teachers and sta in
e resolution states, in part, “ e nationwide teacher shortage and lack of competitive pay has caused Douglas County to receive fewer, and in some cases no, applicants for teaching positions such that the opportunity cost of not retaining teachers is to potentially not have teachers to ll the vacancies, which is an incalculable cost to students.”
On Sept. 5, School Board President Mike Peterson told the Lone Tree City Council that the need for funding is approaching a crisis level.
“ e biggest problem we’re facing is our competitiveness relative to other districts,” Peterson said.
e bond initiative includes an investment in career and technical education opportunities as well as
e resolution states that an investment in career and technical education opportunities at the Douglas County School District Legacy Campus, which recently opened in Lone Tree, will “create a signature education experience” within the city.
In its resolution, the Lone Tree City Council said the mill levy override and bond initiatives bene t the entire Douglas County community.
However, some Douglas County voters have told Colorado Community Media that they do not see the value in the ballot measures. ose who are interested in learning more about the proposed ballot measures can visit funding.dcsdk12. org.
e Douglas County School District will pay Rep. Robert Marshall more than $103,000 for legal costs related to his lawsuit against the school board for violating Colorado Open Meetings Law, ending a 19-month legal battle.
Voting on Sept. 26, the school board unanimously approved a resolution to pay Marshall, a Democratic state representative in Highlands Ranch, $103,400 in attorneys’ costs and court fees.
Douglas County District Court Judge Je rey Holmes found in June that board members Becky Myers, President Mike Peterson, Christy Williams and Kaylee Winegar acted illegally when they had a series of private one-on-one conversations in February 2022 about ring former superintendent Corey Wise.
Under Colorado law, the district is obligated to pay Marshall’s attorneys fees and court costs, though the district could argue that the cost is unreasonable. e board approved the resolution ahead of a scheduled Oct. 6 court hearing to debate whether Marshall was seeking reasonable fees.
Peterson said he is looking to put the lawsuit behind the board.
“ is is what we need to do to go
forward and … avoid future costs in this speci c matter because if we do not approve this resolution tonight has indicated a desire or potential to appeal, dragging it out for I don’t know how much longer,” he said.
e board’s resolution includes a statement that the board does not believe that Marshall is “entitled to the full amount of fees and costs he claims but wants to resolve this matter now without an appeal.”
Board members David Ray and Susan Meek said they did not agree with including that in the resolution, but Peterson and others said it re ects their belief that Marshall prolonged the case with appeals.
Ray and Meek also pushed to include an explicit statement that Myers, Peterson, Williams and Winegar violated open meetings law, which the board agreed to.
“We can’t ignore the fact that for the rst time in Douglas County School District history, board members were (found to have) violating law,” Ray said. “We need to document in such a way that protects the system from this happening again and I think part of that is telling the story and the truth.”
In addition to the admission, Ray suggested the resolution be more robust and include a timeline of major events in the lawsuit, the fact
that the district’s insurance would not pay for the lawsuit and an acknowledgement that Marshall won.
While many of Ray’s proposed changes were made, Meek motioned to add to the resolution that the board would evaluate itself for policy adherence moving forward, but it failed 5-2.
During the conversation, Meek and Ray sought more accountability from the board, asking members what they learned from the lawsuit and how the board could do better
in the future.
Peterson said he did learn more about the Colorado Open Meetings Law. “I certainly would not have gone about the termination of the superintendent in the way that I did, so that’s a huge lesson learned for me,” he said.
Records requested by Colorado Community Media show that the district has paid $156,400 for its own legal costs between March 11, 2022 and August 10, 2023 to defend the lawsuit.
SPONSOR OF WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT 10.13.23
When is a bad day more than just a bad day? When are a friend’s tears a sign of something deeper than an average disappointment? What does it look like to be mentally healthy?
Douglas County is routinely named one of the healthiest counties in the nation – and our residents know that mental health is a part of our overall health. In the 2023 Community Survey, Douglas County residents indicated “better mental health programs that are easier to access” is a top priority.
Their priorities reflect local data, which is used by both the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative and Douglas County Health Department to meet residents’ needs.
The percentage of adults (18 years or older) in Douglas County who reported that their mental health was not good for 14 or more days during the past 20 days increased faster compared to Colorado as a whole from 6.3% of adults in 2013 to 9% in 2020. In 2019, mental health related issues were the leading cause of hospitalization in the County, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Vital Statistics.
In 2021, the first step to Douglas County’s own health department was a Community Health Assessment. Performed by an outside research firm, the report stated, “Overall, Douglas County is healthier than the state. However, after looking at 154 measures, the Douglas County Health Department found that there are health and safety concerns the County should pay attention to across three priority areas: injury prevention, disease
management and prevention, and behavioral/mental health.”
As awareness of the importance of mental health has grown, Douglas County has been weaving together a safety net – a partnership of mental health/substance use disorder providers that serve both youth and adults, first responders, communitybased and human services, the Douglas County School District, and nonprofits to ensure resources are available when a resident is ready to ask for help.
About a decade ago, Douglas County formed the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative to collaboratively address unmet mental health needs. Today, that initiative is more than 50 members strong and includes several programs to help people with mental and behavioral (substance use disorder) healthcare needs.
The County’s nine Community Response Teams pair a law enforcement officer with a mental health professional to help adults and youth experiencing a mental health crisis avoid the emergency room or jail and, instead, find the
support they need to heal. Each team has a dedicated resource specialist to help individuals and families navigate services following a crisis.
The Care Compact is an intensive case management program helping adults with complex mental health conditions, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disability/delay and basic needs navigate benefits and overcome barriers to care.
The Dyad pairs a case manager and peer recovery coach to help high-risk and high-need individuals served by the Community Response Teams and Care Compact find care and avoid treatment gaps.
When the County received American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2021, additional investments were made. Of Douglas County’s $68.2 million in ARPA funding, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners allocated $9.5 million to mental health programs like the Care Compact, Community Response Teams, suicide prevention, a walk-in crisis and stabilization unit, veterans’
mental health and the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The County has also created strategic plans – including the 2019 Blue Print for a Community Based Mental Health System and the 2022 Suicide Prevention Road Map – so that the community’s priorities are addressed with thought leadership and data.
If you are in need, there is a resource:
988: Dial 988 for 24/7, free and confidential support for mental health, substance use or an emotional crisis.
Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1.844.493.TALK(8255) or text TALK to 38255. This agency has trained counselors who are available 24/7/365 to work with persons in crisis and the people supporting them.
Visit the Douglas County Mental Health Initiatives’ resources page, where you will find a list and contact information for dozens of mental health resources in and around Douglas County. Visit douglas.co.us and search “mental health resources”.
Submitted by the Douglas County Health Department and the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative.
Solid Denver foundation, now you’re scaling up in Omaha.
A Vietnam veteran does not wear a hat or T-shirt to gain recognition from strangers, but instead to connect with former soldiers who lived through one of the nation’s most controversial wars.
With tears in his eyes, Gary Weston, the new veterans services o cer for Douglas County, said those who served during Vietnam understand. It’s those former soldiers who know what happened in the jungles of Vietnam and it’s them who support each other.
As Weston begins working with Douglas County to help local veterans, it’s his own experiences, his own depression and his own bouts with PTSD that he brings to a table built on understanding, kindness and care.
Weston, who served with both the Navy and Marine Corps, talked about how he was a clinician in Vietnam. He was assigned to a unit where he was responsible for keeping troops healthy and moving through battle elds.
With the words “Vietnam Veteran” on his collared shirt, Weston leans back in his chair and vividly recalls the days of walking through a jungle where rain was constant, and troops struggled with their feet and getting cuts that could quickly become infected.
As the unit clinician, Weston said
he just had to keep them healthy and ready to hike 20 miles a day.
Coming home, Weston described a di erent scenario for Vietnam veterans, unlike what American soldiers faced in World War I and World War II. In the world wars, soldiers typically were shipped to battlegrounds in units, in groups that became friends and partners, forming lifelong friendships.
In Vietnam, Weston said troops were own to their units where they did not stay long and likely did not form strong bonds. ey were own home in planes with 150 others who were strangers.
Once home, it wasn’t like the other U.S. wars. Instead, soldiers were not greeted.
“Greeted means something warm and fuzzy,” he said. “ at’s not what we got.”
Now, decades later, Weston recalls those days with tears, emotion and pride. He became emotional as he talked about a stranger in a grocery store acknowledging his Vietnam veteran hat.
“She asked if I served in the war,” he said. “She asked if she could give me a hug. She hugged me and said ‘thank you.’ I waited 54 years to hear those words.”
Before the pandemic in 2020, Weston said he sought help, stressing that members of the military are considered tough and over the years there was a stigma around asking for help.
Going through the pandemic and getting help, Weston said he now understands his triggers, and more clearly comprehends what he went
one veteran who came in for assistance and made his way to Weston’s desk. After talking for a while, the former soldier told him that he is struggling with life and his marriage
AllHealth organization where he is seeking therapy and hopefully will continually increasing, and society being negative in general, Weston said it all can impact a veteran’s mental health.
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Over the last few weeks, o cials in Douglas County have been working to nd a workaround to mitigate the property tax increases that came this year.
I de nitely can give the commissioners a lot of grief over a variety of things — but on this one, I applaud what they are doing.
ey are doing something our state’s elected leaders failed to do — they are attacking the issue head on and trying to nd a true solution. Will their plans work? Only time will tell. However, they are trying to get Douglas County some kind of relief using an old law.
e other thing our Douglas County o cials did was call a regional “tax summit” in late September. ey held it with regional leaders, not just in Douglas County. e commissioners clearly understand the issue and know it a ects all of the state and not just them.
During the recent summit, Douglas County hosted metro district leaders, elected o cials and more to discuss what the concerns are. We had metro re o cials talking about the worries over how they will make ends meet, over the cost of a re truck that once sold for $800,000 and has now increased to more than $1.2 million.
e property tax issues do not just sit on the doorstep of homeowners. No — this problem will a ect our re districts, metro districts, and school districts.
Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch gave some eye-popping numbers for homeowners. In 2022, a home valued at $636,000 had homeowners paying about $6,000 in taxes. In 2023, that same home, valued at $980,000,
will likely cost upwards of $9,000. With in ation, a tough economy and families being strapped for cash — that is a huge increase for us to manage.
Douglas County is doing something the state should have been doing in the 2023 session. ey are trying to nd some kind of relief for hard-working families. ey are trying to nd a solution.
For the state, the legislature introduced Proposition HH three days before the 2023 session ended. No time for debate, not time to sort it out — they passed it, and from what I can see, the Democratic leaders assumed it would just be passed by voters this November.
I think my mother-in-law summed up what Proposition HH really is — It’s nothing more than an attack on TABOR, or Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. It’s not a property tax relief bill, it’s a way to attack and get around TABOR.
As I have tried to understand and give Proposition HH a fair shot, I have to agree with opponents — it does not address this pressing property tax issue.
While I do not tell other voters what they should do, I have to say I will be voting no on the measure this November.
In late September, the Colorado Association of Realtors announced that the organization is also opposed to Proposition HH.
State Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, introduced a bill last year to tackle this issue with plenty of time to discuss, debate and sort out in the 2023 session. It could not even make it out of committee.
I think Frizell has a pretty good “I told you so” moment coming as she continues to make the rounds pressing for the state to call a special session and force our selected leaders to take actual action because Proposition HH is not your answer.
During a recent town hall meeting with Douglas County o cials concerning property tax, a question was asked about oversight of metro districts and their taxing authority. e response by county commissioners was they only have oversight on their own Douglas County mill levy and not of metro districts. If I am not mistaken, didn’t local or county governments approve these metro districts when the developer submitted their plans? If so, shouldn’t local or county o cials have oversight of these separate taxing authorities? Taxpayers have oversight of other taxing districts like schools, re districts, etc. through voting but since the developers control boards of these metro districts, homeowners have none. After the debt for developing a subdivision are paid, does the taxing district go away? I think not! ey just re nance to continue taxing and taking in money. If government allows these districts to exist, shouldn’t taxpayers have more oversight?
Dave Usechek ParkerI continue to be amazed at the lopsided news coverage of political corruption. Either we’re told, “Nothing to see here!” — or we focus incessantly on one person’s wrongdoing to the exclusion of others. While it may appear to be common practice in D.C. for politicians’ net worth to raise over time with in uence monies, the pathway there is fully known to be scattered with ever-drifting piles of shriveled, fallen leaves from once-ethical-appearing trees.
I believe every politician needs to be audited. If Martha Stewart can be jailed for insider trading, so should our representatives who obviously seem to have the right timing for curiously successful nancial gains. While I applaud the recent indictment of Menendez for blatant bribery with all the fantastical stories of money stu ed in clothing, we hear little about the Biden family. We turn away from uncomfortable reports of suspicious bank activity, multiple LLCs, over 5,000+ emails
The Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center will be the location for “Raices,” staged by Maria Vasquez and Nino de Los Reyes at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. Flamenco Denver will bring Maria Vasquez, Nino de Los Reyes and Francisco Orozco. “Raices” is a Spanish word for “roots” or “beginnings” and the concert will explore the roots of Flamenco. Dancer Nino de Los Reyes, and cantores (singers) Amparo Heredia and Francisco Orozco will be accompanied by musicians Jose Manuel Alconcel (guitar) and Diego Alvarez (percussion). Tickets: newmancenterpresents.com or 303-871-7720.
Looking at Greece
“ e Greek Eye” is at Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, through
FROM PAGE 12
with pseudonyms, scads of texts/ emails/messages/voicemails, recorded conversations, whistleblower testimony, and even actual photos and trip records. I always found it comical that several years ago we constantly heard about Trump’s “quid pro quo” with Ukraine, yet we hid or downplayed the video of Joe bragging about withholding $1 billion in Ukrainian aid until the prosecutor was red. Not only are Lady Justice’s scales lopsided, but her blindfold is askew, too.
Linda Mazunik Lone TreeOct. 27, including works created by Workforce and Community Travel Program students who visited Greece in June 2023. A reception is planned for Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Tesoro lecture series e Historic Tesoro lecture series begins in mid-October at the Fort restaurant in Morrison, accompanied by dinner. e lectures will also be available at several South Suburban recreation centers. e lectures are: e Widowed Ones: Beyond the Battle of the Little Bighorn; e Night
SEE FLAMENCO, P20
is $16,000 is my contribution to Dougco schools for the last 12 of the 47 years I have paid Dougco property taxes without having a student in the district. Multiply this by four, add investment losses on this money, and this could easily add up to more than $75,000. Until COVID-19 came along I felt it was my civic duty to support our schools and was thrilled when our neighborhood kids were standouts at Douglas County H.S. Some 1976 HS seniors old enough to be grandparents. Hey! Mike and Michelle.
Let’s talk turkey
I am giving away my age by using the term “let’s talk turkey” and this letter is addressed to this over-70 crowd who are Dougco homeowners. How many of you would write a $16,000 check to our current school board without asking pointed questions? No one in their right mind would do this, but I’m betting the majority of homeowning seniors have quietly written larger checks over the same span of time this $16,000 represents.
Fast-forward to 2023. COVID exposed us to an ugly political underbelly of many elected o cials and parents in the county. Many refused to acknowledge that COVID was a risk, wear masks or allow their kids to be vaccinated, exposing fellow students and teachers alike to this health risk. Books were banned and school board meetings erupted into shouting matches with teachers and medical professionals being labeled as the “county bad guys.” I believe this toxic climate, not salaries, contributed to many teachers leaving our county for more teacher-friendly environments. I would like to hear from other senior homeowners on this subject.
Roy Legg Highlands RanchWhether it’s putting a personalized spin on a classic character or creating brand-new monsters and ghouls, artists in the horror genre nd endless possibilities when it comes to their artwork and how they choose to express themselves.
“ e genre of horror is the most expansive,” said Xander Smith, a concept artist in the entertainment industry. “You can do anything with it… you can go to the deepest depths of the human psyche.”
Among his many titles, Smith is also a digital sculptor and 3D modeler, where he has worked on shows like “American Horror Story” and “Scream Queens” as well as blockbuster movies like “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
Smith was one of dozens of artists state and nationwide who joined local artists at the Colorado Festival of Horrors in Lone Tree from Sept. 15 to 17 to share their love for art and horror.
Many of these artists were inspired by a memory of their childhood that they had with a family member either watching horror and sci- movies, reading comic books or looking at magazines.
Sources of inspiration
Creator and artist Barry McClain
things to make them look a little bit di erent, or more dynamic, interesting or scary,” she said.
Although she didn’t start showing her art until last year, Numri said she has found the most supportive and amazing friends in the horror community.
said he was drawn into horror because of his mom, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
While growing up, McClain’s mom used to tell him about the makeup in horror movies, like when an actor would bite on a blood bag to make blood come out their mouth. She also read Fangoria Magazine on a regular basis.
”I used to look through this Fangoria Magazine all the time and I was just enamored with all the blood and guts,” McClain said.
Along with reading various horror comics and watching “Tales from the Crypt,” McClain started to draw monsters.
As an adult, McClain now draws horror posters and works for Troma Entertainment.
Part of his drawing process includes watching horror movies and using the references as accuracy to inspire his own work, McClain starts by drawing with pencil and ink before scanning it onto the computer, where he then colors it in on Photoshop.
Although he does artwork for the sci- and action-adventure genres, McClain said that the horror genre is his favorite because it’s more fun and also, the subject matter, storytelling and messaging is so broad.
It may be hard to believe, but there are always positive messages in horror movies, he added. ese types of movies tend to involve some kind of comeuppance and stories often teach moral values, which is what gravitates McClain to the genre.
McClain has re ected that in his own comic book, “Billy the Kit.” It’s
a horror Western story about faith and how the main character’s world is bigger than what his “bubble of faith” is, which he learns as he gains his power.
Additionally, McClain likes to teach other artists how to market themselves. He said it’s not about marketing sexuality or race, it’s about entertainment.
“I want to be seen as an artist, not a Black artist,” McClain said.
For Joe Oliver, an artist in Littleton, creating horror-themed pieces is cathodic to express and speaks to primal instincts.
“I think it’s the most honest expression of emotions that connects with people,” Oliver said. “Everything can be horror and I think a lot of the time because we’ve experienced sadness and horror, it allows us to appreciate the good as well.”
In addition to doing artwork for comic books, Oliver has also worked for Fangoria Magazine, Alamo Drafthouse and Macaulay Culkin.
He said the easiest way to create something unique is to create stu you want to see. Using pencil, pen and digital, Oliver creates everything from cartoon to graphic images and uses di erent e ects to express those pieces.
“I love di erent techniques and I try to do di erent styles based on what I’m feeling and how best to express that idea,” Oliver said.
Dee Nurmi of DC Custom Creations LLC uses glow-in-the-dark paint to add a playful yet haunting e ect to her paintings.
Painting characters from “ e Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” Numri said she is a cartoonist at heart and has always had her own weird style.
“I’m able to kind of translate that into my pictures and warp some
From scriptwriting to video editing, from costume design to building a prop, art is in every aspect of the horror genre.
Daniel Crosier, mixed media artist and co-founder of Colorado Festival of Horrors said whether it’s traditional sketching or digital art, there will be people who love it and people who are put o by it.
After using 3D programming to create costumes and props with the costume department for “American Horror Story,” Xander Smith is currently working with Arti cial Intelligence.
“Even though the market is ooded with machine-made imagery, humans tend to value it less,” Smith said.
As a professional artist with experience in Hollywood, Smith said that he is seeing a lot of support for traditional artists, however, only time will tell.
While thinking about what to draw in front of a room full of people, Smith was inspired by the fashion design as it is often di cult to combine creepy and elegant.
Smith was not the only artist who likes to dabble with fashion, Colleen Cole uses her artistic talent to create costumes and clothing items, specically hand-sewn skirts with pockets.
She combines her love for horror and sewing by making made-to-order skirts with designs found online, including a glow-in-the-dark fang design.
Cole is also the owner of Commanding Cosplay LLC, a cosplayer, designer and model. She makes her own costumes and does makeup herself and creates amazing images.
“I’ve always enjoyed Halloween,” said Cole. “Making costumes as characters that I either love the aesthetic or the character itself, is a lot of fun for me.”
Artwork for the third Colorado Festival of Horror. The three-day interactive experience took place Sept. 15-17 at the Marriott Denver
With a portfolio of his work and stickers he had made, artist Joe Oliver sits in his booth at the 2023 Colorado Festival of Horror. In between talking with guests, he had a sketch pad in front of him and continued to draw.
Thu 10/12
Zac Brown Band - VIP
Upgrades
@ 5pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., En‐glewood
Touch Sensitive @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Sat 10/14
Voices West Presents: Grand & Glorious Opera Choruses @ 6:30pm / $25
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 1401 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial. marketing@voiceswest.org, 303683-8622
Sun 10/15
Denise Rosier: Mile Hi ChurchDenver, CO [8AM & 10AM] @ 9am Mile Hi Church, 9077 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood
Soundularity Sound
Journey+Meet & Greet @ Cherokee Ranch & Castle @ 3:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia
Tue 10/17
Thunderstorm Artis @ 6pm
Fiddlers Green Amphitheater, 6501 S Fiddlers Green Cir, Green‐wood Village
King Calaway @ 6pm
Fiddlers Green Amphitheater, 6501 S Fid‐dlers Green Cir, Greenwood Village
Maddy Smith: (7:30 PM) Comedy Works South @ 6:30pm
Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village
Brightenstar @ 6pm
Squirrel Creek Lodge, 8109 Blakeland Dr, Littleton
Anavrin's Day at the Angry Clover @ 7pm
McCarthy's Sports Bar & Grill, 15350 E Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora
Mikaela Davis @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Dave Mensch - Tailgate Tavern - Parker, CO @ 11am
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Vamonos Pest/Mobro: Vamonos Pest plays Festival at Waterstone Church @ 11:30am
Waterstone Church, 5890 S Alkire St, Lit‐tleton
Tony Medina Music: The Tues‐day Night Open Mic at the Alley Hosted by Tony Medina @ 5:30pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Little‐ton
e Stars Fell; Hawaiians and the Fur Trade; Colorado and the Civil War; Colorado: e Highest State; A Tribute to Howard Lamar; Kit Carson — Mountain Man; More Work an Glory: Bu alo Soldiers in the United States Army, 1866-1916 — An Overview; and e Fall of Bent’s Fort — 175 Years Later. For lecture information, locations and dates, go to TesoroCulturalCenter.org and click on “Historic Lecture Series” or call 303-839-1671.
Things to do in Lakewood
“I want to help one soldier a week,” Weston said. “I wish I could help them all, but I will start with one.”
Veterans continue to be a vulnerable population as suicide and homeless rates continue to rise in the U.S.
e new Bravo magazine is available in Lakewood, listing classes and events. Pick up a copy at a government building. Lots happening, from Flamenco to holiday decorations ...
Craft fair
A Holiday Craft Fair will be held at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, on Nov. 17-18. Plan to shop. Crafters who want to sell work should inquire in advance: trishsangelo@arapahoe.edu.
Littleton exhibit
“Side by Side” is the current show at Littleton Fine Arts Guild’s Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. See depotart-
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs 2022 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the unadjusted suicide rate for veterans was 23.3 per 100,000 in 2001 and 31.7 per 100,000 in 2020. For non-veteran U.S. adults, the suicide rate was 12.6 per 100,000 in 2001 and 16.1 per 100,000 in 2020.
Veterans being homeless is also tied to suicide rates. According to the VA, veterans who experience homelessness are at higher risk
675+ ITEMS SELL NO RESERVE!
gallery.org.
Check out museum
Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., o ers “Wonder Wednesdays” and a new exhibit of works by Taiko Chandler, “ oughtful Intuition,” through Jan. 7, 2024.
`Dreamgirls’
Lone Tree Arts Center will produce “Dreamgirls,” directed by Kenny Moten Oct. 19 to 29 at Lone Tree Arts Center., 10075 Commons St. See lonetreeartscenter.org or call 720-509-1000.
Hudson Gardens
Hudson Holidays at Hudson Gardens and Event Center in Littleton
of committing suicide, sharing many of the risk factors, including substance abuse, mental illness, adverse childhood experiences, social isolation and unemployment.
According to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Veterans make up 9% of the state’s homeless population.
Weston praised Douglas County for what it is doing in continually expanding mental health services to speci cally address the needs of veterans.
Chris Maes, of the Douglas County Veterans Service O ce, said when the service o cer position became open, Weston was one of the best options.
“Gary’s contribution to the team
will have a new show with immersive lighting, according to South Suburban. See hudsongardens.org.
Aurora Fox
e Aurora Fox Mainstage eater, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., will stage “Blues in the Night” through October 8. Tickets: $28-$40. See aurorafox.org or call 303-739-1970.
Miners Alley
Miners Alley, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden, o ers “ e Cherry Orchard,” in a new version by Staples. 303-935-3044. See minersalley.com or call 303-935-3044.
over the past few weeks has been invaluable,” he said. “I appreciate all of the energy and enthusiasm he has when it comes to helping veterans and their families. We’re grateful to have such a talented individual on our team helping veterans and their families.”
Douglas County Commissioner George Teal, who advocates for veteran services, said there are just under 20,000 veterans living in Douglas County, and making sure services are available to help is a top priority.
Teal said Douglas County continues to work toward setting high standards for helping veterans, and
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It’s never too early to start thinking about the college application process. Help the students in your life stand out by enrolling in the College Applications Essay Workshop, taught by Jessica Moore, Stanford BA ‘12 and Wharton MBA ‘22. During this hourlong, interactive, virtual workshop, we’ll discuss a seven-step process that will help you approach application essays with confidence.
Find workshop dates, pricing, and sign-up information at mooreadvantagecomms.com/college-essay-workshop
added that the program has received state and national attention.
In choosing Weston for the position, Teal said it is important to choose men and women who have “walked the walked and lived the life of a soldier.”
“We choose folks who have lived that life and have that experience to transition from military life to general population and understand what it is like,” Teal said. “Veterans who choose to make Douglas County home are the best of us, and they are one of us. is is the place for those who have experienced the harshness of the battle eld to nd a home and nd peace.”
AdventHealth - Connected with our Douglas County community and the women who live here
October serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time of the year to bring attention to one of the most common forms of cancer and give thanks to those who are on the front lines fighting for their patients.
The teams at AdventHealth Castle Rock and Parker are committed to saving lives with the early detection of breast cancer, and if the unthinkable happens, offer hope and support when it matters most.
At AdventHealth Castle Rock, the Breast Care Center provides a personalized and compassionate approach to breast health that feels more like a day at the spa than in the hospital.
In diagnosing breast cancer, the center offers advanced diagnostic technology such as 3D mammography, MRI-guided biopsy, and is one of the few to offer automated screening breast ultrasound (ABUS) in Denver. To help give patients a clearer picture of the risks, the center can provide genetic counseling. Together, they can define your possible health risks, including your risk of breast cancer.
If you are diagnosed, the team at AdventHealth Parker is there to ensure you won’t face it alone. Working as a team, surgeons, oncologists, and other providers will come together to customize a complete breast cancer treatment plan.
Along with a full range of treatment options, they offer extra support for patients and their loved ones. A cancer diagnosis is life changing for everyone involved, and to help families with this process is a personal nurse navigator. Nurse navigators are trained, registered nurses who help find you the support you need and will answer questions, assist with appointments, and ease your mind. Renee Herman has been a nurse navigator at AdventHealth Parker for five years.
“My job is to bring patients some reassurance. To let them know we’re with them, help them understand this is a great team and that they will be well taken care of,” says Renee.
Once a patient has received their diagnosis, Renee invites them to the AdventHealth Parker Cancer Center for an inperson meeting where she explains the process and hands them a treatment handbook. She connects patients with their care teams and gives them an idea of what to expect. Treatment may include a combination of options such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.
“All of our patients leave here feeling educated and saying they feel so much better about this journey. They know that our oncologists, surgeons, and nurses are all working collaboratively to give them the best outcome possible.”
For Renee, helping patients goes beyond the medical treatment. AdventHealth Parker offers complimentary therapies meant to focus on the whole person. That includes individual and family counseling, as well as monthly support groups. There’s even a support group for children whose parents have been diagnosed. Nutrition services are also available from registered dietitians who are board-certified in oncology nutrition. Physical therapists certified in lymphedema therapy may also be a part of the treatment plan for patients who experience swelling.
“We work with every part of the person to make them feel whole. From spirituality to dietary needs, physical therapists, support groups and more. Never in my career have I felt like I function alone, or that I should function alone, because I see what it means to be a part of a treatment team and see it work so well,” says Renee.
To help spread awareness of breast cancer and empower women to take charge of their health, AdventHealth Castle Rock and AdventHealth Parker, along with Colorado Community Media, will host the 2023 Women’s Health and Wellness event.
“We love supporting our local community and believe that it is important to be connected with our Douglas County community and the women who live here,” said Lisa Hinton, AdventHealth Castle Rock Director of Outpatient Services.
The 2023 Women’s Health and Wellness event will be held on Friday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parker Fieldhouse. Discover the latest trends in health and wellness, get free health screenings, and connect with fellow women who share a passion for healthy living. Included in the event will be informative workshops, fitness classes, and even health and wellness vendors. We hope to see you there!
Showcase your special holiday products, services & events just before the biggest shopping day of the year!
Sales Deadline: November 3
Publication Date: November 23
Reserve your space today! 303-566-4100
Celebrate everyone’s favorite Colorado season with a weekend full of fun and Fall at Schweiger Ranch!
OCTOBER 7TH 1PM-5PM
LIVE MUSIC
POLKA FOLKA BRANDYWINE & THE MIGHTY FINES
GERMAN CUISINE
GIANT PONG, CORNHOLE, AXE THROWING, STEIN HOISTING COMPETITION
UNLIMITED SAMPLER $36
LOCAL BEERS FOOD TRUCKS MUG
PACKAGE $26
�������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������
11�����3P� Pumpkin Patch
Hay Wagon Rides - REGISTRATION REQUIRED Cheyenne Mountain Zoomobile Vendor Tents Food Trucks
Live Music from The Old Fashioned String Band and Games!
11:������12:��P���1:��P�
Guided Tours of the House and Ranch
11:30����12:30P���1:30P�
Stor y Time & Marshmallow Roasting
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH ���������������������� ������������������������������������������
TRIVIA
2. MOVIES: What is the name of the high school in the musical lm “Grease”?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which southeast Asian country’s monetary unit is the ringgit?
4. MUSIC: e song “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” is from which musical?
5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the rst president to be impeached?
6. ANATOMY: What is considered the “master gland” of the human body?
7. PHYSICS: What does a newton measure?
8. HISTORY: Which founding father wanted the turkey to be the national symbol of America rather than the eagle?
9. SCIENCE: What is studied in mycology?
10. U.S. STATES: What is Alaska’s state animal?
Answers
1. Nine.
2. Rydell High School.
3. Malaysia.
4. “Oklahoma!”
5. Andrew Johnson, 1868.
6. Pituitary gland.
7. Force.
8. Benjamin Franklin.
9. Fungi.
10. e moose.
(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
Principal Solution Engineer
CommonSpirit Health in Englewood, CO
seeks Principal Solution Engineer to coordinate the implementation and technical integration of software solutions. Requires BS in Computer Science or related, 5 yrs exp software development in health care setting. Position is fully remote and employee may live anywhere in the US. Apply to Alisa.Cochrane@ commmonspirit.org.
CSG Systems Inc. d/b/a
CSG has an opening for Sr. Business Analyst in Englewood, CO to research, design, and develop computer and network software. Position can be fully remote and reports to company office in Englewood, CO. Requires a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related. Requires experience (three years with Master’s degree or five years of progressive post bachelor’s with Bachelor’s degree). $152,069 - $162,069 per year including standard company benefits.To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@ csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.18.3.
Compensation: 25.00
Employment type: part-time
Perfect candidate would have at least two years experience working with full cycle accounting, like working in an office and NOT REMOTELY, be independent and detail oriented. We are a mid sized public accounting firm made up of part time employees that have flexible hours and work an average of 20 hours a week.
Compensation based on experience.
Employment type: part-time
Experienced tax preparer needed part time year round; for the fun never stops when it comes to tax prep! Please
Antiques & Collectibles
Old Crows Antiques featuring The Root Beer Bar
An Antique destination in Littleton Colorado
Join us on Memory Lane. Something for everyone.
Visit us for store info
Instagram: @oldcrowsantiques
www.facebook.com/ oldcrowsantiques www.oldcrows antiques.com
303-973-8648
10081 W. Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO 80127
Arts & Crafts
Family in Christ Church
15th Annual
70+ Vendors & FREE Raffle!
Friday, October 20th, 10am-4pm &
Saturday, October 21st, 9am-3pm 11355 N. Sheridan Blvd., Westminster
Admission: FREE
Suggested donation: Non-perishable food items for local food pantries.
Arts & Crafts
Furniture
Dinette Set 42” round table with oak grain top. Dark green base. 2 –12” leaves extends to 66”. 6 chairs. Good condition. Made by Kincade Furniture. $200. Call 720-982-4691
Douglas County Fairgrounds
November 18th & 19th
ARE
Advertising w rks
Place your ad here. 303-566-4100
Firewood
Health & Beauty
DENTAL INSURANCEPhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.
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Medical
Oxygen therapy users! Caire AirSep Newlife Intensity10 home concentrator, used only7 mos. Accommodates prescription from 2LPM to 10LPM max. New $1495, for sale $1000. Call 720 366 5059.
Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587
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. 1-855-417-1306
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936
Leading smart home provider Vivint Smart Home has an offer just for you. Call 833-427-0530 to get a professionally installed home security system with $0 activation.
Inflation is at 40 year highs Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616
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BATH & SHOWER
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Colorado Statewide Network
To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net
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
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Doodle Puppies
Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles
Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available
Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com
Small animal pet blessing, demonstrations and animal communication October 7th, 1-4 PM. At Tallman Meadows Pavilion in Parker. Sponsored by CSL Parker. Bring your small animals and pictures of large animals for blessing. Animal communication: 10 minute sessions available for $20. Questions email eichsnewlife@netscape.net
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Littleton NOTICE OF SALE
Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0138
To Whom It May Concern: On 8/2/2023 4:21:00 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: RICHARD M SMITH
Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: MIDFIRST BANK
Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/20/2010
Recording Date of DOT: 12/27/2010
Reception No. of DOT: 2010091954
DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $207,765.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $156,223.07
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 144, ACRES GREEN FILING NO. 4, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 69 Dianna Dr, Littleton, CO 80124-2805
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 29, 2023, 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: 10/5/2023
Last Publication: 11/2/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 8/3/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
N. APRIL WINECKI Colorado Registration #: 34861 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112
Phone #: (303) 706-9990
Fax #: (303) 706-9994
Attorney File #: 22-028356
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0138
First Publication: 10/5/2023
Last Publication: 11/2/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0130
To Whom It May Concern: On 7/12/2023 1:40:00 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: HEATHER KREBS AND KRISTOFFER WEST
AKA KRISTOFFER C WEST
Original Beneficiary:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/30/2021
Recording Date of DOT: 10/1/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021113088 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:
$596,850.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $582,275.63
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 installments of principal and interest, together with 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 712, ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 16-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.
Which has the address of: 7432 Elk Trail 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 1, 2023, 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: 9/7/2023
Last Publication: 10/5/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 7/12/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
NEAL K DUNNING
Colorado Registration #: 10181 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 101E, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111 Phone #: (303) 329-3363
Fax #:
Attorney File #: 3554-040
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE
DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0130
First Publication: 9/7/2023
Last Publication: 10/5/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
PUBLIC NOTICE
Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE
Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0136
To Whom It May Concern: On 8/1/2023 8:33:00
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: Michael J. Frasco and Leigh Ann Frasco
Original Beneficiary:
Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") as nominee for American Mortgage Network, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Citibank, N.A., as trustee for CMLTI Asset Trust
Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 3/8/2006
Recording Date of DOT: 3/14/2006
Reception No. of DOT: 2006020813
DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $196,000.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $181,323.76
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 13, BLOCK 1, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 8, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.
Which has the address of: 243 Saddlewood Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
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 29, 2023, 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: 10/5/2023
Last Publication: 11/2/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 8/1/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
ILENE DELL'ACQUA
Colorado Registration #: 31755
7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230, CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112
Phone #: (877) 369-6122
Fax #:
Attorney File #: CO-23-961952-LL
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE
DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0136
First Publication: 10/5/2023
Last Publication: 11/2/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
PUBLIC NOTICE
Littleton
NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0134
To Whom It May Concern: On 7/25/2023 10:42:00
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: LIGITA S BARDULIS
Original Beneficiary:
ARGENT MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES
2005-WHQ3
Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 3/31/2005
Recording Date of DOT: 1/6/2006
Reception No. of DOT: 2006001890
DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:
$323,550.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $284,415.50
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 213, ROXBOROUGH DOWNS, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO
Which has the address of: 10506 Brown Fox Trail, 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 15, 2023, 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: 9/21/2023
Last Publication: 10/19/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 7/25/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
ALISON L. BERRY
Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112
Phone #: (303) 706-9990
Fax #: (303) 706-9994
Attorney File #: 18-019380
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0134
First Publication: 9/21/2023
Last Publication: 10/19/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Misc. Private Legals
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, DOUGLAS COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FILED IN THIS COURT UNDER THE “UNIFORM DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE” AND “UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION” ACTS, due diligence has been used to obtain personal service within the State of Colorado and further efforts would be to no avail: therefore, publication has been ordered:
NUMBER: 2023DR030535
NAME: Omar Steven Pineda Hernandez v Zaira Alejandra Soto Ramirez TYPE OF ACTION: Custody
A copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the above Court during regular business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and that failure to respond to this service by publication within thirty-five (35) days of the publication date may result in a default judgment against the non-appearing party.
Andrea K. Truett CLERK OFTHE COURT
4000 JUSTICE WAY CASTLE ROCK, CO 80109
by Margaret Corbetta, Deputy ClerkLegal Notice No. 946064
First Publication: October 5, 2023
Last Publication: October 5, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
REGISTER
TO BE ENTERED TO WIN PRIZES AT THE EVENT!!
FRIDAY OCTOBER 13TH, 2023
10 AM TO 5 PM AT PARKER FIELDHOUSE
18700 PLAZA DRIVE PARKER, CO 80134
T H E G R A B & F L I P ( N U T R I T I O N ) 1 0 : 3 0 / 1 2 : 3 0 / 2 : 3 0
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