Parker Chronicle December 7, 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 52

WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2023

County racks up $26,000 in legal fees to fight Thomas P8

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEW LEADERSHIP School board changes

P4

PARKER POLICE

Investigate murder/suicide P7

LUTHERAN FOOTBALL State game struggles P20 SHUTTERSTOCK

VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19

PARKERCHRONICLE.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

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Library district seeks resident input Focus groups aim to reveal what locals want

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Pines & Plains Libraries, which serves Elbert County and has locations in Elizabeth, Kiowa, Elbert and Simla, hosted focus groups last week to assess what locals want from their libraries.

On behalf of the library, Anders Dahlgren from Library Planning Associates is conducting a Community Needs Assessment to help answer two questions: “What does Elbert County need from its libraries?” and “Are community members getting what they need right now?”

The focus groups, one piece of the

assessment, took place in Agate, Elbert, Elizabeth, Kiowa, northwest Elbert County and Simla. They were held at third-party locations and without library staff present to ensure that attendees felt comfortable giving open and honest opinions.

Prior to the focus groups, Dahlgren interviewed key community members, as identified by the library board. He’s been working behind the scenes to help determine what residents need from their local library.

Susan Byrne, a librarian of 20 years and the director of Pines & Plains Libraries, said that the library district really wants people to be involved and feels like “they should have a voice.”

In addition to someday giving existing libraries some cosmetic renovation, Byrne wants to “provide services that people want and need”

Susan Byrne is the director of the Pines & Plains Libraries District, which is soliciting input from Elbert County residents on what they would like from the district.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

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and “expand services to reach more of the community.”

At one of the forums held in Elizabeth, mother and Elizabeth resident Jo Ann Mahoney said she feels the library should be a community center and a gathering place. She believes the Elizabeth Library is in the best position to become that space because of the square footage already available. As a member of the homeschooling community, Mahoney often uses the library resources and meeting room.

Byrne is hoping the community needs assessment will help determine what their focus should be and which direction the district should go next. The district wants to be smart about any potential growth and hopefully meet the needs of the community within the library’s existing budget.

The library strives to be fiscally transparent, with the current budget and an external audit posted on its webpage. The Elizabeth Library was paid off a few years ago under the previous library director, Tim Miller.

The district owns both the Elizabeth and Kiowa library buildings outright.

The Community Needs Assessment will continue through the first quarter of next year and will con-

clude around the end of March.

Community members who wish to share their thoughts and opinions with Library Planning Associates can reach Dahlgren at anders@libraryplan.com.

The Elbert County Library was formed in 1935. Pines & Plains Libraries has been a standalone library district, separate from the county, since 2001. The district currently has 9,400 registered users and offers engaging events and programs at all its locations.

Some of these programs include the dinosaur-themed Dinovember, storytimes across the district, and Lawyers at the Library. Lawyers at the Library is a free legal clinic at the Elizabeth Library on the second Tuesday of each month. The Simla Library holds monthly movie nights and the Elbert School Library has a Book Club and a popular seasonal Garden Club.

The library events calendar is available at pplibraries.org/03a-activities-calendar.

Information about library board meetings, including past minutes, upcoming meetings and the approved budget, are available on the Pines & Plains website at pplibraries. org/05b-board-of-trustees.

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December 7, 2023

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• For a gutter heater or ice melt system, don’t rely on the built-in thermostat. Turn it on as needed.

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December 7, 2023De

and Denver Ballet Thea tre aP rker Arts Proudly Present

Douglas County School Board swore in recently elected board members Susan Meek, Brad Geiger and Valerie Thompson at the Nov. 30 meeting. The board also voted 4-3 PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD to make Christy Williams the new board president.

School board selects new leadership Peterson resigns after vote

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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In a split vote, the Douglas County School Board elected Christy Williams as the new president and Kaylee Winegar as the new vice president after swearing in recently elected board members Susan Meek, Brad Geiger and Valerie Thompson.

At the Nov. 30 meeting, the board voted 4-3 to elect Williams over Meek and Winegar over Geiger, denying the minority members a leadership role.

Board member Mike Peterson, who has been serving as president on the board, announced prior to the vote that he would resign his seat effective Dec. 1.

Despite his imminent departure, Peterson said he didn’t think it was necessary to recuse himself from the votes for new leadership. This allowed him to serve as the deciding vote in a 3-3 board split.

Peterson choked up while speaking in favor of Williams, who was nominated by board member Becky Myers, saying she has cultivated trust in the district.

“She has an unwaverable moral compass,” he said. “There’s no one I trust up on this dais more to lead this district forward with integrity, courage and truth.”

Williams said she would prioritize stability in the district as president.

“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I don’t stir up drama,” she said. “I feel what’s best for our kids is to keep a stable environment.”

Meek, Geiger and Thompson advocated that Meek had the most experience and knowledge to serve as president.

The board also elected Myers to be board secretary and Thompson to be board treasurer.

In his final remarks as a board member, Peterson encouraged his colleagues to focus on collaboration and avoid division.

“Please pick partnership over partisanship,” he said.

SEE SCHOOL BOARD, P5

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December 7, 2023

kas ky ed

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Douglas County offices will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 22 and will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Questions about snow removal in unincorporated Douglas County?

Do you ever wonder how county roads are prioritized for snow removal? Questions about citizen snow removal responsibilities? Answers to these questions and more can be found by visiting douglas.co.us and searching for Snow Removal.

Douglas County School Board President Mike Peterson resigned his seat on the board effective Dec. 1. At the Nov. 30 meeting, Peterson said he timed his decision to step down from the board for after the election so he could help support school funding PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD questions.

SCHOOL BOARD

school funding measures and served as the board’s liaison to the district’s safety and security committee.

Peterson’s official term ends in November 2025.

Once the board accepts Peterson’s official resignation, they will have 60 days to accept applications, interview candidates and vote for a replacement. Peterson represented District B, which covers a large portion of western Douglas County.

In the event of a split vote for Peterson’s replacement, Williams will have the deciding to break the tie as the board’s new president.

FROM PAGE 4

al e I Peterson was elected in 2021 for ishis opposition to mask mandates r-and support for parental rights. His time on the board was marked by zeconflict within the district, including . firing former superintendent Corey atWise and breaking Colorado Open “IMeetings Law, which cost the diseptrict over $900,000 in lawsuit settlements. d- Peterson advocated for the 2023 xas

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Eligible low-income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, to apply online or to find answers to your questions, please visit douglas.co.us and search LEAP.

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.

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December 7, 2023De

Suspect indicted for alleged bomb threats

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A federal grand jury has indicted a suspect for making false bomb claims in public buildings in Parker earlier this year.

Through a coordinated effort between the Parker Police Department and the FBI, Matthew Cook was indicted on two counts of 18 U.S.C. § 1038(a)(1) for falsely conveying a bomb threat.

Earlier this year, there were five bomb threats made to various buildings throughout the Town of Parker between June and September, according to Josh Hans, spokesperson for the Parker Police Department.

On June 1, Parker police responded to a bomb threat at a Safeway.

A federal grand jury has indicted a suspect for allegedly making false bomb claims in SHUTTERSTOCK public buildings in Parker.

Another threat was made on July 26 at the Cottonwood King Soopers, followed by a threat on Aug. 17 at the Parker Wal-Mart.

There were two more threats in September. One at the Douglas County Library-Parker Branch on Sept. 14 and another at the Costco on Sept. 18.

According to the press release announcing the indictment, allegedly Cook falsely claimed there was a bomb at the Cottonwood King Soopers and the Parker Wal-Mart.

In a press release, the Parker Police Department thanked the community for their patience as authorities investigated the false bomb threats with the FBI’s assistance.

At this time, it is unknown what led authorities to Cook.

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December 7, 2023

Parker police investigate murder/suicide

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Two adult men are dead after being found shot early Nov. 27 in Parker, but police say that are not looking for any additional suspects, believing the two men were the only people involved in the incident.

The men were found on the ground between the Parker Holiday Inn and Saltgrass Steak House, both located on Cottonwood Drive northeast of the intersection with Parker Road.

Police announced the incident on Facebook and on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Parker police were called to the Holiday Inn, 19308 Cottonwood

SHUTTERSTOCK

Drive, following a call around 12:45 p.m. to a report of shots fired and two individuals on the ground.

When officers arrived about three

minutes after the call, two adult males were found, according to Josh Hans, a spokesperson for the police department.

One of the individuals was deceased upon the arrival of police and the other was transported by South Metro Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he died.

In their post on X at 1:22 p.m., police said they were not looking for any additional suspects at that time but are still gathering information as this is an ongoing investigation.

Authorities believe the two dead men were the only people involved in the incident, said Hans, and police plan to release more information.

According to a Facebook post, police determined it was a murder-suicide and that the individuals knew each other.

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A publication of

Call first: 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ParkerChronicle.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100 LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Chronicle.

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Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.

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Send address change to: Parker Chronicle, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

County racks up $26,000 in legal fees to fight Thomas Thomas sues for $5,800

What led to disputes

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas filed a lawsuit against her colleagues — seeking to recover the attorney fees she incurred while defending allegations that she created a hostile work environment and wrongfully distributed a government document — Thomas has raised concern about the cost of her fellow commissioners fighting the lawsuit.

While Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal directed legal action “against me using county-funded lawyers, they forced me to personally shoulder my own legal expenses to defend against their ridiculous and outrageous allegations,” Thomas had written in a news release in coordination with the filing of the suit in August.

Thomas, in the past, had asked Laydon and Teal to “personally repay the taxpayers” of the county for related legal expenses.

Separately, “I have — not once, but twice over the past seven months — formally requested to be reimbursed for my attorney fees resulting from my defense,” Thomas had written, adding that Laydon and Teal rejected her requests.

The suit named Thomas’ fellow commissioners. In part, it centers on their allegations of malfeasance and the subsequent investigation launched by Laydon and Teal last year.

Thomas’ own legal counsel, amid multiple investigations, cost her about $5,800, according to the lawsuit complaint in Douglas County District Court.

Now, Thomas is pointing to the cost of the legal back and forth.

“In just three months YOU, the taxpayers of this county-have been invoiced for $26,480.16 to avoid paying $5,800.00,” Thomas’ Nov. 28 email newsletter said.

Asked about the newsletter’s criticism of the cost, Laydon sent Colorado Community Media a statement, deemed by Teal to be a joint response.

“Our citizens aren’t dumb. No matter how hard she tries to gaslight the public, Lora Thomas’ perpetual reckless behavior and bad judgment are what’s incurring these costs to taxpayers,” the statement said. “It’s too bad Lora still can’t seem to focus on serving the people instead of herself in her final months in office.”

Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas applauds on stage at the 2023 State of the PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD County event in Lone Tree.

How costs stack up

The investigation of Thomas by outside legal counsel last year cost about $24,000 in total. (The cost was previously reported as $17,000.)

“On two occasions, I offered a compromise that if Laydon and Teal personally reimbursed the taxpayers for the almost $24,000 in taxpayer funds that they authorized … on a personal, vindictive and wholly unfounded investigation of me by Denver law firm Sherman & Howard, that I would waive my right to reimbursement of almost $5,800 in legal fees,” Thomas’ newsletter said.

“Laydon and Teal refused both my compromise as well as my request for ... reimbursement of my legal fees. As such, I was forced to assert my rights in court,” the newsletter continued.

For a look at the legal arguments on whether Thomas’ legal fees must be reimbursed, see Colorado Community Media’s previous coverage at tinyurl.com/ ThomasLawsuit.

Regarding Thomas’ recent legal claim for her attorney fees, the county attorney’s office is precluded from representing the county because of a conflict, and the county attorney “retained outside counsel to represent the County and Commissioners Laydon and Teal,” Jeff Garcia, the county attorney, wrote in an email.

The outside counsel resulted in about $26,000 in total costs to date, the Nov. 20 email said.

The disputes on the board of county commissioners — Douglas’ elected leaders — form a complicated story.

Laydon, in the past, has said Thomas had attacked first responders by sharing an anonymous letter.

On the other hand, Thomas has said an investigation was “exonerating” of her.

Teal and Laydon had initiated an investigation after accusing Thomas of circulating an anonymous letter that criticized specific employees in the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office, allegedly creating a hostile work environment. They also accused her of emailing county legal representation with a request not authorized by the full board.

The investigation into Thomas by outside legal counsel found that while Thomas had distributed the letter, doing so did not create a hostile work environment. It also found she did direct legal representation to provide her with information the board had determined to keep secret.

Thomas appeared in a CBS Colorado news story in July 2022 discussing the confidential report that showed the results of the investigation, prompting the Douglas County government’s attorney to find that Thomas could have broken the law by doing so.

Thomas had asserted multiple times in meetings and in her newsletter to constituents that she believes the privileged nature of the document had already been broken by Laydon discussing parts of it publicly.

A second investigation — this time conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff ’s Office — did not find probable cause to believe that Thomas committed the crime of first-degree official misconduct.

“The Colorado criminal code does not specifically prohibit a waiver of privileged and confidential information by a privilege holder. In this case, as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, Lora Thomas is a privilege holder,” Arapahoe County Sheriff ’s Office Sgt. Bruce Peterson wrote in a memorandum.

Laydon has argued Arapahoe County “got it wrong” in evaluating Thomas’ actions, saying “the privileged holder of a confidential document is the board” and not just one member of the board. He based his point on the understanding of the law of Chris Pratt, then interim Douglas County attorney.

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December 7, 2023

Douglas County Garden Club upcoming winter meetings

tyBY STAFF REPORT d-COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

as The Douglas County Garden Club nghas two winter programs set for January and February. an At 1 p.m. on Jan. 9, Will Knowles of Creekside Nursery will talk about n-composting in a program at the Casr-tle Rock Library, Conference Room ti-F, 100 S. Wilcox St. as At 1 p.m. on Feb. 8, local author ng ceed

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Mary Taylor Young will discuss her book “Bluebird Seasons: Witnessing Climate Change” at the Castle Pines Library, Event Hall, 360 Village Square Lane.

Guests are invited and new members are welcome. Meetings are typically on the first Tuesday of the month. For more information, go online to douglascountygardenclub. org.

Letters to Santa

Ho, ho, ho! ‘Tis the season to let Santa know if you have been naughty or nice.

Send in your lettter to be published through the holidays!

Mail by December 15th!

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

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December 7, 2023De

Deciding property tax reform’s fate jority at the Colorado Capitol dur- senting business leaders that wants to forced Gov. Jared Polis to call the speTask force looking for ing the special legislative session that ask voters to roll back property valu- cial session, during which lawmakers up just before Thanksgiv- ations to their early pandemic levels passed property tax relief for the 2023 property tax solution won’t wrapped ing, bars anyone who is a “designated and then limit future value increases. tax year only. If a longer-term fix isn’t representative” of a 2024 property tax “We didn’t want the commission to adopted, homeowners’ property tax include people behind ballot measure or who is a member of turn into a place where commission- bills will shoot up in 2024 and beyond. an issue committee that supports or ers were just trying to advocate for The task force will have its hands full opposes such an initiative from being their own ballot measure,” said Sen. when it starts meeting next week.

2024 ballot measures one of the 19 appointees to the panel. Kyle Mullica, a Thornton Democrat A long-term solution to property

BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

The task force charged with finding a long-term solution to Coloradans’ rising property tax bills after the failure of Proposition HH in the November election won’t include a key set of power players: people who are pursuing or already have measures on the 2024 ballot that would change the state’s property tax code.

The legislation forming the task force, passed by the Democratic ma-

That includes activists and business leaders like Michael Fields, who runs Advance Colorado, the conservative political nonprofit behind a measure on the 2024 ballot that would cap annual property tax increases at 4%; Scott Wasserman, president of the Bell Policy Center, the liberal political nonprofit pursuing two ballot initiatives for next year that would counteract Fields’ proposal in part by raising property tax rates on more expensive homes; and Mike Kopp, the CEO of Colorado Concern, a nonprofit repre-

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and one of the prime sponsors of the task force bill.

But the decision to exclude people like Fields, Wasserman and Kopp from the task force, whose members will be bipartisan and represent different interests and different parts of the state, may make it harder to persuade voters in 2024 to adopt a change with longevity. If there are multiple, seemingly competing initiatives on next year’s ballot, they all run the risk of being rejected or, in a policy nightmare, passing in some wacky combination and upending state and local budgets.

Part of the reason Proposition HH, which would have offered at least 10 years of property tax relief, was rejected Nov. 7 was because it confused voters, proponents and opponents of the measure agree. The initiative’s failure

taxes has proven elusive since 2020, when voters repealed the Gallagher Amendment, which prevented property tax bills from rising too quickly but caused government budget headaches. That’s because property taxes are so complicated and politically fraught.

Property taxes fund schools and local governments, including districts that operate everything from fire departments and water infrastructure to libraries and parks. Even slight tweaks to the statewide property tax code can have big and disparate funding effects on state and local budgets. The fact that housing prices differ from region to region across Colorado make the problem ever more complex.

SEE PROPERTY TAX, P12

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PROPERTY TAX FROM PAGE 10

Wasserman, for one, thinks the provision governing who can be on the task force is “a fair parameter,” because anyone with a preconceived notion of what the property tax code should look like probably isn’t right for such a commission. That being said, he still thinks the task force’s work will be informed by the proposals offered by his group and others.

“I have to believe there will be crosspollination,” he said.

But Fields said he doesn’t “have a whole lot of faith” in the task force. He thinks members of the panel will come to the work with ready-made ideas and are unlikely to budge from their positions. Schools and local districts, for instance, won’t want to see revenue reductions, while Republicans won’t want to cut into the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights surplus, which funds state taxpayer re-

December 7, 2023De funds, to offset the effect of the cuts on local governments.

“I think it’s unrealistic that you’re going to have people in there who are going to be swayed by conversation,” he said.

The reality is that the proposals offered

by Wasserman, Fields and Kopp are meant as much to shape the property tax conversation as they are to be real solutions.

Fields has told The Colorado Sun he would pull his measure, Initiative 50, off the 2024 ballot if the legislature comes up with what he thinks is a suitable alternative. He said that would have to include some sort of a cap on annual property tax increases, which may be a nonstarter for Democrats.

Kopp, who didn’t respond to text messages seeking comment, has also suggested that Colorado Concern would back down if the legislature comes up with something else the nonprofit feels is adequate.

“Our filing today represents the beginning, not the end of the process,“ Kopp said earlier this month in a news release

rolling out Colorado Concern’s proposal. “We look forward to working with leaders in the state Capitol and, more importantly, civic and business leaders outside of the legislative arena, to implement a plan that protects the taxpayers of this state.”

Initiative 50 is the only property tax ballot measure so far to qualify for the 2024 ballot.

The supporters of the other proposals must collect roughly 125,000 voter signatures to make the ballot. If their measure seeks to change the state constitution, the signatures must represent include at least 2% of voters in each of Colorado’s 35 state Senate districts to qualify.

Measures changing the state constitution must be approved by at least 55% of voters to pass.

Appointments to the task force will be made by Dec. 4 and the commission will start meeting the next day. Meetings will continue at least twice a month through at least mid-March, when it must present its findings to the governor and the legislature.

The legislature set aside $121,000 to fund the task force’s work, including for nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff to pay a research analyst and economist to assist the commission. The money will also pay for a third-party facilitator for the task force.

The task force is specifically charged with identifying, considering and evaluating “legislative options for a permanent and sustainable property tax structure for the state,” including potentially a question to go before voters on the November 2024 ballot.

Any proposal the commission comes up with must be “sustainable for local governments and public schools,” and the task force must take into consideration long-term impacts to property owners and housing affordability, including for renters and people with low incomes.

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

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December 7, 2023

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Reducing disease risk in modern life

he speaker at the January meeting of the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County will look at why humans are at risk for disease and how to reduce that risk.

Whereas the 19th century was dominated by infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, the 20th century saw an emergence, and then overwhelming domination, of what has been termed the “metabolic” diseases. Obesity increased from a prevalence in 1900 of 1% of adults to over 40% of adults today. Likewise, type 2 diabetes increased from just one case per 50,000 individuals to one in eight people today. The epidemic rise of these two conditions has also been accompanied by a remarkable rise in the frequency of hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, chronic kidney diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. What is especially interesting is that these conditions tend to cluster in individuals, suggesting some underlying common risk factors for their development.

The classical thinking has been that these diseases reflect our success as a species, as we have been so successful with our technologies that we no longer need to exercise, and that with the grocery stores filled with readily available food, that we can simply overindulge on a daily basis.

Too much food and too little exercise must follow the laws of physics — the excess energy from calories is stored as fat, and it is the reason we are becoming fat and diabetic. Unfortunately, if it was simply a matter of just changing our habits, it would seem to not be that difficult to reverse obe-

sity. However, if one looks at the hundreds of books, podcasts, programs, diet companies, etc., that are in the market, it is apparent that preventing and or reversing these conditions remains a difficult task.

We then discovered that there is only one nutrient that activates this biological switch. Our discovery, and the fact that we can get (or make) this nutrient from a variety of foods, including foods that contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup, from starchy foods, from salty foods, and from certain types of meats is life-changing.

The net effect is that there are ways we can help prevent, and even reverse, these serious metabolic conditions.

Details will be presented at the January Seniors’ Council of Douglas County meeting on Thursday, Jan. 4 beginning at 10 a.m. at Morning Star, 10100 Commons Street, Lone Tree.

Dr. Richard Johnson is a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado. He has made major research contributions to understanding the cause of obesity and diabetes and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health since the 1980s. He has published over 800 research articles and reviews and has lectured in over 45 countries, and he is one of the highest cited scientists in the world.

The Seniors’ Council of Douglas County advocates for, educates, and engages older adults. Meetings are free and open to the public. Verify meeting dates and locations at https://www. douglas.co.us/community-services/ services/senior-services/seniors-council/.

ccm cares FOOD AND TOY DRIVE We are seeking food and toy donations to help families during the holiday season. If you would like to contribute any non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys please visit one of our offices:

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14

LOCAL

December 7, 2023D

VOICES Tip not included

I

n what feels like a lifetime ago, I was a waitress.

First, at a pizza place in the town where I grew up.

Eventually, FROM THE after I got married, I EDITOR worked at the CoCo’s restaurant chain.

I was a waitress until I could get my first job as a journalist.

Thelma Grimes In those days, I relied on tips. Not to age myself too much, but as a college kid in my late teens, I thought getting a $5 tip was awesome. Today, a $5 tip would just get you labeled as cheap.

My husband was also a waiter when we met. He worked at a dog track in Tucson. We both relied on tips to make ends meet at the start of our marriage.

Because of that work, my husband and I have always been good tippers. We understand how working with the public in that capacity is not easy.

However, he and I both agree that the world of having to tip everywhere is getting out of hand. It’s getting harder to be a generous tipper when you are being asked to hand it out everywhere.

Let me stress, I am still a good tipper. Whenever I have extra and we are at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Parker, I have on more than one occasion been happy to leave $50 just to be kind.

The reason I bring up tipping is because of a recent news story I read about Walmart self-checkout screens asking us to leave a tip. Really? We are scanning, bagging and paying without

help, but now we should be tipping.

Walmart is one of the wealthiest corporations in the world. We know that for a fact here locally given they bought the Denver Broncos. I think Walmart should start paying their employees a living wage and stop guilting us into doing it for you.

A November story in USA Today touched on this very topic and made a great point. The rise of digital checkouts and technology has made it easier for businesses to ask for tips, including industries like Walmart where we wouldn’t ordinarily expect to even be asked such a question.

The idea of tips is spreading everywhere. We are being asked to leave a tip for someone who simply hands off food. For someone who may click a button for you.

We are being told to tip in everything, even when it does not require too much work.

USA Today’s Blueprint division surveyed Americans on the topic of tipping. The results are interesting as 63% of those who responded said too many places are asking for tips and 48% said they are just tired of being asked for a tip altogether.

The tough part of this, being one of those who is tired of being asked to tip everywhere I go, is that I understand the need. The employees are likely underpaid. They are the ones these tips benefit.

But I must ask: When is it time to draw the line? When is it time for corporations and employers to foot the bill and pay a living wage instead of relying on the kindness of a tired society?

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Radical right ridiculousness

It doesn’t take a keen observer of human and group behaviors to reach the conclusion that our local culture wars and divisiveness are, in great part, driven by the incessant and often ill-conceived rumblings coming from the radical-right ideologues now inhabiting our local government, institutions and churches.

Don’t take this commentary as condemnation of rational conservatism. Engaging our philosophical, political and cultural differences via normal-speak is the key to a healthy democratic community.

On the other hand, parts of our community are wholly committed to fulfilling the needs of outside influencers, national naysayers and radical extremists. This cabalistic situation kicked off many decades ago, and it still has a stranglehold on our lives and daily satisfaction.

None of us is perfect, but the radical right’s need to turn every issue into an aggressive “us vs. them” proposition is wrongheaded.

When local public figures resort to threats of civil war, feigned violence and chaos, isn’t it time to turn off that spigot? And get back to

normal discourse?

Lloyd Guthrie, Roxborough Park Say yes to donation

Each year as the season of giving arrives, I like to reflect on one of the greatest gifts our family has been given: the gift of life. My son, Pochie, is a liver transplant recipient and was given a second chance at life thanks to his heroic donor and their family.

With a career in the medical field and after years of caring for transplant patients, I’ve always had an appreciation for the incredible transformation made possible through a donor’s gift of life. That feeling of gratitude grew even more after I became the mother of a transplant recipient.

It’s been almost 12 years since I met Pochie and later brought him into our family’s life. I met him the day I admitted him for his liver transplant. He touched my heart and I vividly remember telling our social worker that if he ever needed another foster placement to contact me.

Nine months later, in December 2012, I reSEE LETTERS, P21

15

December 7, 2023

Manage behaviors and measure results

A

s the year is drawing to a close, for many leaders and managers it is time for yearend performance reviews. As I have been preparing for the performance reviews for each member of my team, I found myself focusing on both the behaviors and the results.

As a younger leader who mostly focused mostly on the results, I was missing the critical area of the behaviors that drive results.

A very wise mentor of mine taught me this many years ago: We need to manage behaviors and measure results. And when evaluating people during review time, focusing on the leading indicators first is more helpful for both the leader and the person being evaluated. The lagging indicators certainly follow, but setting proper expectations around the required behaviors is a better indicator of consistent success.

Reaching ambitious goals requires vigilantly tracking progress through both leading and lagging indicators.

Leaders who monitor these twin metrics can course correct issues before they escalate and celebrate wins before the finish line.

Leading indicators signal future results. They measure the activities and inputs that build capacity for success. Leading indicators include things like quality of hiring, employee engagement, product development cycles and customer satisfaction.

Lagging indicators report past results. They confirm if efforts actually produced the desired outcome.

Lagging metrics include profits, revenue, market share, project delivery and other definitive scorecards.

Both types of indicators are essential, though leaders often focus heavily on lagging while neglecting leading ones. This limits their ability to anticipate and adapt. It’s like driving while only looking in the rearview mirror. Say your goal is to reduce customer churn. Leading indicators like Net Promoter Score show early warning signs of dissatisfaction you can address before customers defect.

Lagging indicators like churn rate confirm if retention improves.

To create a healthy rhythm, examine leading indicators weekly or monthly. Review lagging indicators quarterly or annually. Let leading

metrics guide your actions. Use lagging ones to evaluate strategy. This balanced monitoring system enables decisiveness and accountability.

Mastering both types of indicators takes work. Leaders must get good at extracting meaning Michael Norton from data to separate signals from noise.

They must ask tough questions to diagnose root causes, not just treat surface symptoms.

In leadership, a common pitfall is micromanaging processes while neglecting results. We obsess over how work gets done without evaluating if it achieves the intended impact. For organizations to thrive, leaders must flip the script — manage behaviors and measure results.

Managing behaviors means providing clear expectations, then focusing on how people show up, not just what they produce. Do they collaborate well? Innovate? Are they developing? Managing behavior looks at culture and problem-solving ability, not just output.

Measuring results flips from tracking activities to assessing outcomes.

Did the project reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction?

Are sales improving? Sharp metrics provide objective insights on what’s working so strategies can be strengthened. Managing behaviors and measuring results must work in tandem. Behavioral expectations should tie directly to result targets.

Progress isn’t real until both improve.

This dual focus takes discipline and clarity. Leaders must define sharp metrics and commit to analyzing them. Otherwise, the results get fuzzy. They must also resist micromanaging execution. Empower people with clear goals, then let them determine how to achieve them.

When leaders manage behaviors and measure results, teams thrive.

People know exactly how they are expected to show up. They see how their work ladders up to make an impact. Purpose fuels performance.

WINNING WORDS

SEE NORTON, P18

Memory In Loving

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

16

December 7, 2023D

LOCAL

LIFE

Board games are rising in popularity, and local shop owners say the games mean a lot to people

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

W

hen game shop owners throughout the metro area talk about the reasons they got into the business, they all use the same word: Community.

Games stores are more than just a center for play or a place to buy games. They serve as social hubs, something shop owners say is increasingly hard to find and ever more valued in today’s society.

While church attendance continues to plummet, politics becomes ever more divisive, and tech devices are a growing part of our daily lives, the human need for physical connection remains. Sitting across a table from others and playing games, while temporarily setting aside worries that today often range from personal to global, is one way to fill that void.

“It really fosters an alternative for people who are not interested in religion or some other types of traditional community. And ours is a lot more welcoming in ways, too,” said Shannon Mills, who co-owns Littleton’s Mythic Games with her husband Mike Agnew. “We know everybody here, and we’re all here for the same kinds of reasons.”

In fact, a recently opened Thornton game shop took its name from that philosophy.

“We were kicking around what to call it, and a friend said, ‘Call yourself what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to build a community, to do good,’” said Jessica Willman, co-owner of Thornton’s Do Gooder Games.

“Gaming is almost entirely about the community aspect,” said Jeff Kokx, co-owner of Enchanted Grounds, which has stores in both Highlands Ranch and Littleton. “I don’t think any game store owner is actually in it to make a mint. I think we do it because we enjoy it. We like the people that come in. We like community.”

Whatever the reason, board gaming is hot. In fact, the Washington Post recently described now as the golden age of board games, and there are no signs of its slowing. The global board games market is expected

The Golden Game Guild’s chalkboard calendar, on display in the shop, is packed with events. Most game shops host regular events, often dedicated to specific PHOTO BY JANE REUTER board games.

to double in the next several years, growing from about $13 billion in 2023 to $26 billion by 2030.

Board games promote sportsmanship, family, teamwork and competitiveness, and studies show they increase self-confidence. For kids who today spend hours each day interacting with technology, playing board games gives them time away from the screen, directly interacting with others.

“I think the value of in-person communication and collaboration is very

important,” said Gabby Mann, who co-owns the Golden Game Guild with her husband Ryun Valdez.

“Hopefully that doesn’t get lost in this wild world we live in now. I’m glad we have opportunities for that here, especially for kids.”

“Our society is losing places to meet in person,” Valdez said. “There needs to be places besides just bars, especially for families, where people can go.”

SEE PLAYTIME, P17

17

December 7, 2023

PLAYTIME FROM PAGE 16

Having a sense of community is also key to a successful game store’s business model.

“Building community is building value,” Do Gooder Games’ partner Dan William said. “Once you’ve built the community, then revenue follows.”

Mythic Games’ Agnew agrees.

With ever-growing competition from other game shops and online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores have to distinguish themselves.

“We never want to win customers on having the lowest prices,” he said.

“That generates a very cheap and temporary loyalty. They’re not loyal to you; they’re loyal to the price.

“There’s no competing with Amazon,” his wife Shannon said. “So we have to provide interest in different ways. We keep our space super clean, fun and open, and are always adding different events. It’s all about bringing people together.”

Pandemic and game innovation fuels growth

The game shop formula is a winning one, particularly in recent years — a fact business analysts attribute to increased innovation in board game creation and the rise of game shops.

The pandemic likely helped fuel that growth, as many people not only rediscovered board games while in lockdown but emerged from months of isolation craving social interaction and mental stimulation.

“In the end, I think COVID(-19) was good for business,” Shannon Mills said. “People were so starved for human interaction. You can only play so many video games before you want to see somebody face-to-face.”

Much of the industry’s growth is fueled by Gen Z. About 40% of game board players were born between

Husband and wife Ryun Valdez and Gabby Mann co-own the Golden Game Guild in downtown Golden, which draws students from the Colorado Schools of Mines, kids PHOTO BY JANE REUTER and families.

1997 and 2012, and forecasts suggest they’ll continue to be the industry’s most significant consumers. But it’s kids who dominate the industry.

Players aged 5 to 12 are the global market’s biggest consumers.

To meet all that demand, the industry produces more than 3,000 new games each year. And for those who haven’t played in a while, they’ve come a long way from Battleship and Aggravation. On today’s board game menu, there is literally something for everyone.

“People will come in and say, ‘I don’t like games,’” said Mann, of Golden Game Guild. And we say, ‘You haven’t played the right game yet.’”

Consider games like Wingspan, a card-based game about birds. Using hand-painted cards, players control a piece of land, on which they’re tasked with populating a bird preserve. Many describe playing Wingspan as a soothing, Zen-like experience. It’s clearly struck a chord. Since its 2019 release, Wingspan has sold 1.7 million copies and won numerous awards.

Or Pandemic, a game in which plays are disease-fighting specialists battling the spread of several global plagues. Each player has a unique role, and must strategize, racing the clock with their fellow players to conquer the diseases. This highly rated,

award-winning game is not simple, but players love it for both its complexity and emphasis on teamwork.

The tabletop role playing game Dungeons & Dragons, once a niche and secretive pastime played in basements and private rooms, is a feature act at almost any modern game shop. Almost all set aside one night for D&D, which often draws complete strangers together to craft their own fictional characters, worlds, and adventures. Created in the 1970s, the game is today at an all-time popularity peak.

Fans also flock to game shops to play “Magic: The Gathering,” the oldest known trading card game. It casts players as wizards who get their powers from a universe of cards that are bought, sold and traded.

And among the younger set, Pokémon trading cards remain a strong seller.

Boosting the industry, celebrities are onboard with D&D and other games.

“The stigma that once surrounded D&D has been removed,” Kokx said. “There are people who are very much in the limelight that play this D&D publicly — Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Joe Manganiello, Wil Wheaton … many have created podcasts and YouTube channels to promote the game.

“A lot of that is because our genera-

tion grew up with these games in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Now we’re older with disposable income, and introducing our kids to it. And it’s significantly more accepted.”

In an effort to accommodate the growing interest in in-person gaming and the vast library of available games, shops are growing. Enchanted Grounds opened a second location. Mythic recently expanded to a whopping 6,300 square feet, giving them more space for games but more pockets within the store in which groups can play specific games together.

And while many game shops cater specifically to the gaming community, offering sandwiches, snacks, soda, tea, and even limited alcohol sales, they’ve also broadened their focus to draw more customers.

Do Gooder Games and Enchanted Grounds specialize in high-end, local coffee, and Do Gooder Games sells sandwiches, even drawing employees from local businesses for lunch.

That’s not just good for the customer base, it’s almost vital for gamers.

“Some of these games take 4-6 hours to play,” said Do Gooder’s Jessica Willman. “Sitting down and playing a six-hour game without any food or breaks is hard.”

With its emphasis on quality coffee, Enchanted Grounds draws a broad range of customers. A Navy veterans group regularly meets there to talk and drink coffee. Women’s groups gather for mahjong and canasta. Remote workers in neighboring homes and apartments stop by to work for a few hours. All are part of the game shop community.

Do Gooder Games includes a room that can be used to record podcasts, space for community meetings and an employee who teaches newcomers to the business how to play games.

“Success to me will be defined by who successful the community is a the end of the day,” Dan Willman said. “We are thinking how to work with our community, and also how to help but also disrupt the industry. To break down the barriers and the stereotypes of (game shop customers) being white and maledominated, you need to cater to new people.”

And just maybe, those new customers will find a game they love.

“There’s a game for everybody, and it’s almost never Monopoly,” Mythic Games’ Shannon Mills said. “Gaming is like a walk-in closet; it’s way bigger than you thought it would be.”

18

December 7, 2023De

Miners Alley triples down on holiday theater for 2023

T

he holidays have always been a special time at Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse. Typically, an offering for children and one that adults can enjoy means the theater has made a name for itself as one of the go-to places to get a healthy dose of seasonal cheer.

And now with the opening of Miners’ new location, the company is taking the special opportunity to offer three shows this year.

“A Christmas Story” — 1224 Washington Ave. This show, based on the hilarious 1983 film, will be the final show hosted in Miners’ Washington Avenue space. If you’re (somehow) not familiar, the story follows young Ralphie’s efforts to secure himself an “Official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot

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range model air COMING rifle” for ChristATTRACTIONS mas. Audiences

can laugh along with the story while enjoying a hot cocoa and apple cider.

Performances will be Dec. 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30 at 7:30 p.m.

Clarke Reader and Dec. 10, 17 and 31 at 2 p.m.

“The Story of The Nutcracker” — 1224 Washington Ave. An interactive, hour-long long holiday show for young audiences, this take on the classic Nutcracker story provides viewers with the story behind the classic ballet. It’s the perfect way to introduce young people to the theater and create some warm holiday memories.

Performances will be at 11 a.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 30.

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” — 1103 Arapahoe St. This adults-only musical will be the company’s first show in its brand-new space on Arapahoe Street. The hilarious show shines a spotlight on the residents of Armadillo Acres, who were last seen on stage in January in “The Great American Trailer Park.” The sequel brings audiences back to the Florida trailer park community for laughs, Keg Nog and much more. “’The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’ is the perfect show to open the new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center,” said Len Matheo, Miners Alley Producing Artistic Director, in a provided statement. “It’s an incredibly fun and festive time as we revisit the quirky residents of Armadillo Acres with just as much

NORTON FROM PAGE 15

With rigorous tracking of leading and lagging indicators, teams reach new heights. You spot roadblocks early when they are still small. You double down on what’s working. These indicators act as navigational guides

crazy as the original musical.”

Performances will be Dec. 2-31 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

No matter how you want to celebrate the season, Miners Alley has something for you.

Information and tickets for all shows can be found at https:// minersalley.com/.

No ‘FoMo’ this holiday season at the Benchmark Theatre

One of the best things about Lakewood’s Benchmark Theatre is the sheer joy it takes in offering audiences theatrical experiences they may not expect.

Which makes their holiday show, Frankie Lee’s “FoMo: Formerly Mormon,” perfectly in line with their mission.

Featuring guest direction by Rebecca Gholson, the show runs from Friday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 23 at the theater, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Written by and starring Lee, the show is the story of a young man discovering his queer identity while finding a role in the Mormon church. The result is at times heartbreaking, hilarious and always achingly human.

Get tickets and information at www.benchmarktheatre.com.

Ballet Ariel takes audiences on a dance through a magical wardrobe

It’s always nice when a cultural institution shakes things up for the holiday season, which makes Ballet Ariel’s production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” such a fun development.

Based on C.S. Lewis’ classic story, the show follows four siblings who escape the war in London signaling the path to success. By taking this balanced approach, leaders enable their organizations to flourish.

Behaviors and results are the twin engines that propel high achievement.

Master them, and your team can reach new heights.

Are you establishing clear metrics and goals for yourself and your team? Are you actively tracking both the leading and lagging indicators?

only to find themselves in something even grander in the mystical kingdom of Narnia.

The ballet runs at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. on the 9th and Sunday, Dec. 10, and at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23 and 7 p.m. on the 22 at the Parsons Theatre in Northglenn, 1 East Memorial Parkway.

Get tickets and all the details at balletariel.org.

T

F

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Menzingers at Mission Ballroom

The Menzingers make punk rock that has more in common with legendary groups like Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band than it does with the Sex Pistols, and to my mind, that’s all to the good.

Over their more than 15-year career, the group’s sound has evolved to be as anthemic as the biggest arena rock band while sacrificing none of its workingman ethos. Their latest album, “Some of It Was True,” continues in this vein, offering some of their sharpest songwriting paired with some truly rocking tunes.

In celebration of the album, the group is joining with a top-notch group of indie rock stalwarts for a special performance at the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. They’ll be joined by Microwave, Cloud Nothings and Rodeo Boys for anything but a quiet night.

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster. com.

R S L

@ T to

Pa

@ Co Gr

Er

@ W

F

F

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

I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can remember to manage behaviors and measure results, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a per- T sonal and professional coach, con- @ sultant, trainer, encourager and mo- M tivator of individuals and businesses, B working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

T

19

December 7, 2023

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Community Holiday Sweater Party at Western Sky Bar & Taproom @ 7pm Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S BROADWAY, Englewood. westernsky barco@gmail.com

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20

LOCAL

December 7, 2023De

SPORTS

Adversity strikes Lutheran in state game loss

BY ALEX SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

What if Cole Johnson didn’t get hurt? What if Sawyer Wald could’ve played? What if seemingly every bounce hadn’t gone Holy Family’s way?

Unfortunately, for the Lutheran football team, those questions will forever have to remain unanswered, and the case reserved for the program’s first state championship football plaque will have to remain empty for at least another year.

In the Dec. 2 Class 3A title game at a chilly and windy ThunderBowl stadium on the campus of Colorado State University Pueblo, secondseeded Holy Family used big plays and good fortune to beat the No. 5 Lions 33-8.

It was the Lions’ second consecutive appearance in the 3A championship game. Last year they took a 3-point lead into the fourth quarter against Roosevelt but couldn’t hang on. “[Getting here two years in a row] is a big feat,” eighth-year Lutheran coach Stephen Robbins said of his Lions, who knocked off No. 1 seed Green Mountain the week before to reach the championship round. “I don’t want to get used to giving these kinds of speeches and talks, but at the same time, they got all the way to this point. That’s saying something.”

Holy Family played well, to be sure,

Lutheran’s Ryken Daugaard, right, looks to pass against Holy Family in the Class 3A state championship game Dec. 2 at Colorado State University Pueblo’s ThunderBowl PHOTO BY ALEX SCHULTZ stadium.

piling up 470 yards of total offense largely behind the arm and legs of do-everything quarterback Rylan Cooney. The senior, who entered the game as Colorado’s sixth-leading passer, was 17-for-26 through the air for 282 yards and three touchdowns.

He also added 86 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Still, one couldn’t help but wonder if the outcome may have been different had the injury bug not taken a hefty bite out of the Lions and the

football gods been a little kinder to the team from Parker.

Early in the second quarter, Johnson, a senior and the team’s leading tackler and second-leading rusher, was dragged down from behind on a first-and-goal run play and remained on the turf for several minutes before he was carried back to the sideline.

That proved to be the final carry of Johnson’s career at Lutheran, where he finished with 641 rushing yards,

79 total tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in two varsity seasons.

But the injury won’t prove to be the end of Johnson’s football career as he has offers from Hillsdale College and Wheaton College, among others, in hand.

“He’s just barely scratching the surface,” Robbins said of Johnson.

“Someone’s going to be very lucky to have him.”

The leg Johnson hurt against Holy Family was the same leg he hurt in the first game of the season. That turned out to be a high ankle sprain, an injury that required surgery and forced him to miss the next eight games of the season.

With Johnson hobbled in the championship game, the bulk of the carries went to freshman Evan Holdridge, who performed admirably in his counterpart’s absence, carving out 55 yards on 16 touches.

In fact, Holdridge scored on the play after Johnson went down, sheer will and determination carrying him in the endzone from 6 yards out.

That gave the Lions an 8-7 lead, but they were unable to score the rest of the way.

“It was scary seeing Cole go down.

He’s the man, and he really leads this team. It was hard,” Holdridge said.

“It was sad to see him get hurt in his last game. He’s done so much good SEE FOOTBALL, P21

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prairieuu.org

21

December 7, 2023

FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 20

[for Lutheran]. He’s helped everyone.”

Lutheran was already without its leading rusher in Wald, who had amassed over 1,000 yards on the ground before breaking his ankle in the final game of the regular season.

“It’s been a year of injuries and adversity,” Robbins said. “Losing Sawyer hurt. Then we got Cole back and we thought, ‘Here we go.’ Losing him early in the game was a big blow.”

Those were the injuries. Then there were the bounces and the calls.

Midway through the first quarter, the Tigers recovered a bobbled snap in Lutheran territory and scored six plays later for a 7-0 lead.

Right after Holdridge’s touchdown, Lutheran’s Spencer McDon- Lutheran’s Gavin Downing and Jack Wesolowski embrace after the Lions lost 33-8 to ald recovered a pooch kick, but the Holy Family in the Class 3A state championship game Dec. 2 at Colorado State UniverLions were called for kick-catch in- sity Pueblo’s ThunderBowl stadium.

PHOTO BY ALEX SCHULTZ terference and the Tigers took over in plus territory. They scored eight plays later to reclaim the lead at 13- a deflected Ryken Daugaard pass Then, with Holy Family threaten8. fell perfectly into the hands of Holy ing right before halftime, a long pass On the Lions’ ensuing possession, Family linebacker Mark Mollendor. from Cooney to Monte Samaras was

LETTERS FROM PAGE 14

ceived an email that he needed another foster placement with the potential for adoption. I called my husband immediately and told him I couldn’t help feeling this was meant to be. Who better to take care of a

liver transplant recipient than me?

My husband agreed, and we brought Pochie home with us. I can’t imagine our family without him, and it was all made possible because someone said “yes” to organ donation.

Following the death of their child, at a time of tremendous grief, pain and heartbreak, the parents of Pochie’s donor made the decision to say yes to organ, eye and tissue do-

nation. I’m forever grateful for their decision.

In honor of Pochie’s donor and to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, I walked with Donor Alliance in the 9NEWS Parade of Lights in downtown Denver on Dec. 2. I escorted the “Gift of Life” balloon alongside dozens of others who have been touched by donation and transplantation.

HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE. Life’s setbacks can be hard for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. That’s why Catholic Charities Castle Rock offers programs, services, and community partnerships to help people regain stability and thrive.

Help prevent homelessness.

Visit CCharitiesCC.org.

called a catch when it appeared the ball squirted out of the receiver’s hands and hit the ground. The Tigers found paydirt two plays later to claim a 20-8 lead.

The Lions also had a hard time getting stops when they desperately needed them as Holy Family was 9-for-13 on third downs and 2-for-2 on fourth downs.

“When you have days like today, you just have to grin and bear it a little bit and try to find a way, but the ball was bouncing their way today,” Robbins said. “But kudos to them.

They’re a heck of a team.”

Daugaard finished 10-for-25 passing for 116 yards. His pass catchers were Ben Herbek (five catches, 59 yards), Evan Makkai (two, 30) and Jack Wesolowski (two, 27).

On the ground, Johnson pumped out 74 yards, Daugaard had 48 yards and Jonas Burcham chipped in eight yards.

Although coming up short in the championship game two years in a row stings, Holdridge said he’s optimistic about the years ahead for Lutheran football.

“I’m very excited (about the future),” he said. “Hopefully we’ll come back and get it next year.”

In sharing our story, I’m hopeful that it will inspire others to say “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation.

DonorAlliance.org is a great resource to help people make an informed decision about donation and to sign up to become a donor online. You can also register anytime you obtain or renew a driver license or state ID. Melanie Merrill-Kennedy Parker

22

December 7, 2023De

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23

December 7, 2023

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

TRIVIA 1. MOVIES: Which Disney animated movie features the song “Whistle While You Work”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which two oceans are on Russia’s shores?

3. PSYCHOLOGY: What is the fear represented in the condition called euphobia?

4. TELEVISION: What is “The Simpsons” home address?

5. GAMES: How many dimples are on a golf ball?

6. ASTRONOMY: Earth’s place in the solar system is how many planets from the Sun? 7. LANGUAGE: What is the only country in South America whose official language is Dutch?

8. FOOD & DRINK: What is a sweetbread?

9. LITERATURE: In which century was “The Canterbury Tales” written?

10. SCIENCE: Who is considered the father of modern astronomy?

Answers 1. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

2. Arctic and Pacific.

3. Fear of good news.

4. 742 Evergreen Terrace.

5. Generally between 300-500.

6. Third.

7. Suriname.

8. Internal organs of a young animal.

9. Late 14th century.

10. Copernicus. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

24

December 7, 2023D .com/Classifieds

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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

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Data & Insights Analyst 303-982-6747 Visa U.S.A. Inc., a Visa 303-982-6747 303-982-6747 Call today to Inc. company, currently Callschedule today Call today to toan schedule schedule an an has an opening for Data & interview or scan interview orcode scanto interview or QR scan the Insights Analyst (multiple the QR code the QR codeapply! to to openings) (REF66683Q) apply! apply! in Highlands Ranch, CO. Search: "FOOD" Job duties include: Create Search: "FOOD" and present analytic Search: "FOOD" deliverables to colleagues COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR H COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR HELP! COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR HEL HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR HELP! in the analytics team, otherCOLUMBINE With the passage of Healthy School Meals Al internal stakeholders with With passage Healthy School Meals for All,All, allfor With the passage of Healthy School Meals for All, With thethe passage ofofHealthy School Meals for all a students will eat at no cost beginning with the 20 varying degrees of analytical students will eat at no cost beginning with the 2023-24 students will eat at no cost beginning with 2023 beginning with thethe 2023-24 and technical expertise students will eat at no cost school school year. year. school year. school year. as well as external Visa clients. Understand root WHAT THISTHIS MEANS: WHAT MEANS: WHAT THIS MEANS: WHAT THIS MEANS: problems, define analytical AtColumbine Columbine High are feeding At HighSchool, School,we we are feeding up objectives and formalize data At Columbine At Columbine High School, feeding up to School, we we areare feeding up to up High to 500 students per day!

500 students per day! requirements for various types students day!

500500 students perper day! of analyses. Position reports COMEFEED FEED JEFFCO KIDS at COLUMBIN COME JEFFCO KIDS at COLUMBINE! to the Highlands Ranch, COME FEED JEFFCO KIDS at COLUMBINE! COME FEED JEFFCO KIDS at COLUMBINE! CO office and may allow for starting pay starting pay starting pay starting partial telecommuting. The $18.40 -pay $26.50/hour estimated salary range for $18.40 - on $26.50/hour $18.40 --$26.50/hour $18.40 $26.50/hour depending position & experience depending on position & experience depending on & experience a new hire into this position depending onposition position & experience is $136,885.00 USD to Jobs in your area* include: Jobs your area* include: Jobs in your area* include: $161,100.00 USD per year.

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December 7, 2023

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Continues Next Page

26

December 7, 2023D

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December 7, 2023

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Service Directory Continues Next Page

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28

December 7, 2023D

SERVICE DIRECTORY Roofing

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December 7, 2023

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December 7, 2023De

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES AMANDA FERGUSON

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228

DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

Colorado Registration #: 44893 Legals Public Notices call 355 Sheree UNION BLVD SUITE303.566.4088 250, Dated: 9/13/2023

Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0167 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/18/2023 1:14:00 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: Shelly A. Rodie Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Greenbox Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for IOF III Trust 2A Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/13/2022 Recording Date of DOT: 9/20/2022 Reception No. of DOT: 2022062328 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $460,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $459,761.52 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 8, Block 3, Meadowlark Subdivision Filing No. 1, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Which has the address of: 18221 House Finch Lane, Parker, CO 80134 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/19/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Phone #: (303) 274-0155 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO22121 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0167 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0158 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/13/2023 8:26:00 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: VIRGINIA F MUWWAKKIL Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR INSPIRE HOME LOANS INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/22/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 6/23/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021077314 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $607,294.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $585,509.43 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 FIFTEEN (15), BLOCK EIGHT (8), STROH RANCH FILING NO. 18B, 7TH AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 12782 Horton Court, Parker, CO 80134 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023

said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of

Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street,

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.

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.

Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: RYAN BOURGEOIS Colorado Registration #: 51088 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000009884974 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0158 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0168 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/3/2023 8:55:00 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: DOUGLAS W. WATSON Original Beneficiary: THE MORTAGE STORE, INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ALL PERMITTED SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 2/11/2005 Recording Date of DOT: 2/17/2005 Reception No. of DOT: 2005014296 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $209,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $167,195.05 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 4, BLOCK 18, PONDEROSA HILLS FILING NO. 2, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 12250 N. Evergreen Trail, Parker, CO 80138 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, January 24, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in

First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/3/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: HOLLY SHILLIDAY Colorado Registration #: 24423 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO-23-959008-LL *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0168 First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Franktown NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0160 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/13/2023 8:22:00 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: Frederick J. McCoy Jr. AND Susan M. McCoy Original Beneficiary: KeyBank National Association Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: KeyBank, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/31/2013 Recording Date of DOT: 11/1/2013 Reception No. of DOT: 2013088007 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $495,800.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $397,930.22 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 120, RUSSELLVILLE UNIT 6, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 11274 East Manitou Rd , Franktown, CO 80116 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, January 10, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S

First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/13/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: AMANDA FERGUSON Colorado Registration #: 44893 355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228 Phone #: (303) 274-0155 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO21779 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0160 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0171 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/3/2023 9:27:00 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: PRESTON N. HASSELL Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR LEHMAN BROTHERS BANK, FSB Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE TO STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, SERIES 2004-4XS Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/13/2003 Recording Date of DOT: 12/10/2003 Reception No. of DOT: 2003174185 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $148,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $33,832.82 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 15, THE PINERY FILING NO. 8, AS SHOWN ON THE MAP RECORDED APRIL 9, 1973, RECEPTION NO. 159649, RECORDS, RECORDS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Parker | Elbert Legals December 7, 2023 * 1

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December 7, 2023

Public Notices

Which has the address of: 7250 North Hyperion Way, Parker, CO 80134 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/3/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: RYAN BOURGEOIS Colorado Registration #: 51088 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000009863226 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0171 First Publication: 11/30/2023 Last Publication: 12/28/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0165 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/18/2023 1:17:00 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: AMY L. GILPIN Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR BNC MORTGAGE, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BNC MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/13/2006

Legals Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Lynn L. Hunter, a/k/a Lynn Hunter, a/k/a Lynn Leroy Hunter, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 30070 All persons having claims against the above-

Recording Date of DOT: 12/18/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006108070 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $429,267.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $270,342.88 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 9, BLOCK 1, REATA NORTH FILING NO. 3, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 12164 S Hidden Trail Ct, Parker, CO 80138 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, January 10, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/19/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING DOUGLAS COUNTY’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM’S 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, AS A PART OF THE 2014-2018 CONSOLIDATED PLAN The 2015 Annual Action Plan, as a part of the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan, are housing and community development plans for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. A Substantial Amendment to the 2015 Annual Action Plan, as a part of the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan, (“Substantial Amendment”) has been drafted to re-program $850,000 in Program Income funds collected in the Douglas County Housing Partnership (DCHP) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), identified to be used for Down Payment Assistance. The $850,000 will be used to pay for land acquisition and associated costs to the RidgeGate Senior Apartments during the 2023 PY. The Substantial Amendment will meet the community needs and goals for housing and a suitable living environment for Douglas County.

The 30-day comment period for the Substantial Amendments is December 7, 2023, through January 7, 2024. These documents are available online at www.douglas.co.us/community-services/grantslow-income-cdbg. Share your comments at an open house scheduled for January 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in Conference Rooms A and B at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

A public hearing will be held on January 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Hearing Room, at the same address, to consider the adoption of these Substantial Amendments and reallocate the funds.

Interpreters or special needs accommodations can be provided with advance notice by contacting Melanie Grothe, Douglas County Department of Community Development, at 303-814-4326, mgrothe@douglas.co.us.

Persons in need of information for the hearing impaired may call the TTY number at 303-663-7791.

Legal Notice No. 946419 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Last Publication: December 7, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ALISON L. BERRY Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 19-023454 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0165 First Publication: 11/16/2023 Last Publication: 12/14/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 12, 2023 beginning at 2:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Douglas will conduct a public hearing concerning the proposed adoption of a resolution amending the 2023 adopted budget. Any interested elector of Douglas County may file an objection to the proposed amendment to the budget at any time prior to it’s final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. A copy of said resolution may be obtained for inspection at the offices of the

County Commissioners at the above address in Castle Rock, Colorado, or viewed on-line at www.douglas.co.us.

Legal Notice No. 946454 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Last Publication: December 7, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Bids and Settlements UBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on the 8th day of JANUARY 2024, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and H.W. HOUSTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for the PRAIRIE CANYON RANCH BARN and SALOON REHABILITATION ~ REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) #010-22; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said H.W. HOUSTON CONSTRUCTION, LLC for or on account for the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any 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 8th day of JANUARY 2024, to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Douglas County Government, Board of County Commissioners, c/o Department of Community Development, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104.

Failure on the part of the claimant to file such statement prior to 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: Carolyn S. Riggs, CPPB, Purchasing Supervisor, Douglas County Government.

Legal Notice No. 946468 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press ______________________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on January 7, 2024, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Chato’s Concrete, LLC, for the 2023 Sidewalk Repair and Curb Ramp Retrofit Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2023-001, in Douglas County; and that any person, copartnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Chato’s Concrete, LLC for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors

Elbert County Legals

named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before March 23, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Robbie Hunter, Personal Representative 6860 S. Bemis Street Littleton, Colorado 80120 Legal Notice No. 205073 First Publication: November 23, 2023 Last Publication: December 7, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Daniel Cloyd Lukens, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR030069

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to: The District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before March 30th, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Person Giving Notice: Carla Ingbretson, Personal representative 8558 Sun Country Dr Elizabeth, CO 80107

Legal Notice No. 205075 First Publication: November 30, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on November 8, 2023 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has

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 01/07/2024, 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, with a copy to the Project Manager, Keith Burke or Brian Schultz, Department of Public Works Engineering Division, 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 Herman, P.E., Director of Public Works.

Legal Notice NO. 946479 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Second Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734 ______________________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on January 7, 2024, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for the 2023 Asphalt Overlay Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2023-003, in Douglas County; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, 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 01/07/2024, 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, with a copy to the Project Engineer, Keith Burke or Brian Schultz, Department of Public Works Engineering Division, 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 Herman, P.E., Director of Public Works.

Legal Notice NO. 946478 First Publication: December 7, 2023 Second Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734

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been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Isabelle Angelita Veed be changed to Iabelle Angelita Bourgeois Case No.: 2023C67 By: County Court Judge Palmer L. Boyette Legal Notice No. 205076 First Publication: November 30, 2023 Last Publication: December 14, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News ###

Parker | Elbert Legals December 7, 2023 * 2

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December 7, 2023De

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM DON’T LET YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERS GO SILENT. A recent report said local newspapers are closing at a rate of 2.5 per week. Newsroom layoffs are up 20% from last year. Some outlets laid off more than 10% of their staff in the last few months — even as we head into a critical election year. These are devastating numbers. But all is not lost.

We’re committed to bringing the news to Coloradans. That’s because you deserve access to local, independent journalism that keeps you connected and informed — especially during challenging times.

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