Parker Chronicle December 28, 2023

WEEK OF DECEMBER 28, 2023

VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 3

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS Looking back on this year’s big stories P6

The Parker Youth Commission, from left to right: Noor Reslan, Sarah Goudjil, Izzy Sanchez, Carson Flowers, Amara Fantl, Bella Harper, Isabella Corriere, Alisa Babic, and not pictured is Aarav Varma. The youth commission serves as advocates for youth in the community COURTESY OF CHERI SULLIVAN and learns about local government.

Parker Youth Commission gives voice to town’s next generation of leaders

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

the community and consists of nine high school students.

Local students in Parker are working to encourage change in their community through a youth commission. It was established by the town council in 2022 to provide an opportunity for students in the community to learn about local government and to participate in democracy.

The commission also advises the town on matters affecting youth in

Meet the members

A sophomore at VALE High School, Amara Fantl joined the youth commission when it formed and is now the chairperson.

Fantl currently hopes to attend Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and then law school as she aspires to work in government and eventually in places like Africa

VOICES: 12 | CALENDAR: 17 | CLASSIFIEDS: 22

and the Middle East.

“I hope to bring more opportunities to underrepresented youth who haven’t gotten them before,” said Fantl. “My wish is for every youth in Parker to feel valued and heard.”

Vice Chair Bella Harper is a sophomore at Legend High School and is one of the newest members of the commission. Harper plans to attend university, followed by medical SEE YOUTH, P8

BASKETBALL Elizabeth’s slam dunk of a basketball team P9

REINDEER Local herds spread holiday joy

P14

PARKERCHRONICLE.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

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December 28, 2023De

Report measures value of college education

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Is college worth it? It can be, but students need to have better information about what a college education can lead to.

According to a recent Colorado report, residents who complete college fare much better than their counterparts. In fact, those who finish a bachelor’s degree greatly outearn residents with only a high school diploma by several hundred dollars a week.

The annual 2023 Higher Education Return on Investment Report commissioned by lawmakers provides a high-level look at how Colorado students fare if they get a college certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. This year’s report shows the debt held by college graduates has dropped and in-demand jobs are expected to grow, but there are still pay gaps for college-educated residents.

The data shows white and Asian American graduates earn more than Black and Hispanic graduates.

The information in the report is

A recently released report seeks to sum up the return on investment for students going to college in Colorado.

PHOTO BY ELI IMADALI FOR CHALKBEAT

crucial to help students make a decision about whether they should go to college, advocates said. They also say the state can go a step further by displaying more information that students can use, including which college programs benefit them the most.

TeRay Esquibel, Ednium: The Alumni Collective executive director, said the report helps build a collective understanding of what students can expect if they go to college.

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In recent years, students, especially those who are from low-income backgrounds, have questioned more and more whether to go to college due to high tuition and debt.

Esquibel said even more data can not only help students decide if they want to go, but decide which college to enroll in. His organization provides Denver Public Schools graduates resources to prepare themselves for college and careers.

He said he hears from students who want to understand whether they’re going to be able to take care of their family or give back to their community by going to college. They don’t want to be stuck with high debt and no support once they graduate.

“Students should be able to ask the question, ‘if I make this investment, what do I get out of it?’” Esquibel said. “I don’t know anybody that would make an investment of four years of time and potentially tens of thousands of dollars without being able to ask the question, ‘What can I expect?’”

Below are three takeaways from this year’s report.

Graduates are leaving with less debt This year’s report reaffirms that higher education continues to be important.

About 91% of Colorado jobs with the potential to provide an income that can support a family of three require some education beyond high school — either a college certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.

Student debt, however, can cut into the ability of students to make enough money to support themselves.

The good news is that the total amount of debt among Colorado public college and university graduates has declined in recent years.

Colorado students who earn a bachelor’s carried a debt load on average of $25,200 in 2022, down $1,300 from 2016. And community college graduates leave with about $12,900 in debt, down by $900 during the same time period.

Van Schoales, the Keystone Policy Center’s senior policy director, said the data surprised him, but shows there’s a greater return on going to college now. The nonprofit works with policy leaders on contentious topics to reach common ground.

“I think that’s a really bright light for Colorado,” he said.

Job growth in Colorado continues to look promising Across Colorado, job growth among the top in-demand jobs will continue to grow by 1.3% over the next five years.

The healthcare and social assistance job sector — which includes nurses and youth and family social workers — is expected to see the greatest increases, growing by over 35,000 jobs.

But Colorado has struggled to fill many jobs, with two available jobs for every unemployed person.

Katie Zaback, Colorado Succeeds vice president of policy, said she hopes the data is shared widely throughout the state and in a way that’s helpful for students. Colorado Succeeds is a coalition of business leaders interested in improving education and training for students.

“We need to do more to help students understand what those programs are, what kind of jobs they lead to, and what the demand for different jobs are so that they can make smart choices about what they want to pursue,” she said.

There are still big gaps in who benefits the most Colorado Black and Hispanic residents who graduate with a bachelor’s degree make less than their peers, the report shows.

The report says those wage gaps have marginally decreased in the last decade. But the state must also do more to bolster inclusion in the state’s workforce, according to the report.

Esquibel said equitable access to information about college should be a foundational key to getting more students from low-income backgrounds interested in what college has to offer.

He hopes the report isn’t just read by policymakers, he said, but displayed in a way that’s accessible to teachers, students, and families.

“We’re seeing a huge swath of students that are coming from low-income backgrounds dismiss college out of hand because nobody can give them a tangible sense of what their return on investment is going to be,” he said.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

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December 28, 2023 ADVERTISEMENT

Some Thoughts About the Future of the MLS in Light of Commission Lawsuits

Sellers, buyers and real estate professionals are all contemplating the future of real estate following the blockbuster verdict (and pending litigation) against the National Association of Realtors and several highprofile real estate franchises, such as RE/MAX. The multi-billion-dollar verdict was in favor of home sellers who questioned why they should be required to compensate agents who represent the buyers of their properties. Shouldn’t buyers pay for their own representation?

The verdict seemed to ignore one crucial fact — that the buyers’ agents are not compensated by the seller but by the seller’s agent who agreed to share his commission with any MLS member who procured and represented the buyer.

It’s such a crucial aspect of selling real estate. What seller in his right mind would list his or her home with “little old me” if I couldn’t enlist the services of 25,000 other brokers by listing each home on a common database and offering to split my listing commission with them if they brought the buyer?

I’ve written about this before. It’s called “cooperation and compensation.”

Each member of the multiple listing service (MLS) agrees to cooperate with every other member, and includes in his MLS listing the amount of his commission that he’s willing to give another member who produces the buyer.

It’s a good deal for the buyer.

Why hire me as your agent if I don’t have the opportunity to get paid for the listing you fall in love with?

The litigants in the NAR lawsuit would like to see buyers sign an agreement to pay me a certain dollar amount if I get them to the closing table on a home they want to buy. Currently, brokers who bring a buyer can expect between 2 and 3 percent of the sale price as compensation. That comes from sharing a 4- to 6percent listing commission earned by the other agent for taking their home to market.

It’s much easier to choose the best listing agent based on the services he or she will perform in getting one’s home seen in the best possible light by the greatest number of potential buyers, than it is to choose the best buyer’s agent who is going to do little more than initiate an MLS alert for active listings

which match the buyer’s search criteria, then providing physical access to the listings which that buyer wants to see.

The graphic at the bottom of this page describes the multitude of services offered to sellers by Golden Real Estate.

Although we provide equally important services to buyers, they are more intangible, such as negotiating for the best price, helping win bidding wars on competitive listings, negotiating inspection resolution, etc. It’s easy to show how well we marketed and sold listings; we can’t show how well we served buyers.

The verdict won against NAR and the big brokerage companies may be a “blockbuster,” but it’s hard to envision much changing from how our Denver MLS does business, or how the Colorado Real Estate Commission might modify the seller and buyer listing agreements we’re required to use in our transactions.

Let’s start with the state-mandated listing agreement for sellers. For as long as I’ve been a Realtor, it has contained a fields for entering the amount of commission charged by the listing agent and the amount of that commission the agent will offer to brokers who bring the buyer. There’s no pre-filled percentage or dollar amount, and we’re instructed by licensing law and Realtor ethics that there is no standard or customary number to enter in each of those fields.

Meanwhile, the MLS has always allowed the listing agent to enter any per-

centage or dollar amount (even $1) as the amount of compensation he or she will offer to other MLS members. So no change is needed there. (Recently, however, the MLS has allowed us to enter $0 instead of $1 in that field.)

Meanwhile, on the state-mandated buyer agency agreement, there have always been (as far back as I remember in my two decades of service) fields for entering the amount that the buyer will pay his agent (if anything), and whether he will seek compensation from the seller’s agent, and, failing that, whether or not the buyer will make up the difference of a specific amount of compensation to his or her agent. So, no changes are needed to that form.

There may be some disruption in other markets, but not here. Even if sellers are told they don’t have to pay buyers’ agents for their work, I picture every seller wanting to pay their listing agent enough commission to allow the offer of compensation, because failing to do so runs the risk of getting fewer showings and offers.

I’m Now Publishing on Substack

Everything you read in this ad each week — and more — is published at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com and comes to you automatically each Wednesday. I also write a political column you might like. You can find it at http://TalkingTurkey.Substack.com.

It’s ‘Bucket-List Time’ for Rita and Me

Jim Smith on Title Insurance:

Like any seasoned listing agent, I have my preferred title companies based on years of experience working with them. I have found the escrow officers of some firms more attentive and better at handling issues that may arise, so I definitely recommend one for my seller to use.

I admit that I should remind them it’s their decision and point them to Garry’s website, but a choice based on it would be based solely on price. Then we could talk.

Where I think agents go wrong is when they have an in-house title company and they get spiffed for “capturing” a seller for that title company and probably don’t suggest their client shop other companies.

Perhaps you, like me, have yearned to travel the world — the whole world. I remember seeing “Around the World in 80 Days” when it came out, and it made me want to go for it.

Thanks to Golden Real Estate’s excellent broker associates, and thanks to modern internet and cellular connectivity, Rita and I are taking the plunge, so-to-speak, and will embark next week on a 122-day world cruise on the Viking Sky (above).

We leave from Los Angeles on Jan. 6th and return from London on May 6th. I will not only continue to perform most of my real estate duties (except in-person tasks), including writing this column each week, I will

also publish a daily travelogue which you’re invited to receive by email. I’ll be receiving and responding to voicemail, only answering the phone when I’m ashore, where I can also return calls. I’ll continue to receive all the usual real estate information by email and have access to our MLS, so I will be sufficiently upto-date on the topics I like to write about in this space. Feel free to call or email me about selling or buying a home while I’m away, so I can refer you to the broker associate who I feel best suits you and your needs.

I’ll be composing the ads for each listing.

You can subscribe to my daily travelogue at http://WhereAreJimandRita.substack.com.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855 DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835 GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922 AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071 KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428 “I cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can do.” —Jana Stanfield

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December 28, 2023De

County fights state property-tax decision Local officials want to provide small cut in impending hike

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Setting up a potential legal battle with the state, Douglas County officials publicly objected to a state entity’s move that rejected their efforts to provide a small cut to the impending spike in homeowners’ property tax bills. The county plans to challenge the state’s decision.

It’s an issue of “usurping local control,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon during a Dec. 19 news conference in Castle Rock.

Douglas officials framed the state’s

move — a unanimous action by a five-person board that includes three Democrats and two Republicans, according to one member — as political.

Local taxes are in the spotlight after homeowners around the Denver metro area checked a notice from their county assessors this spring and saw that their home value had jumped by sometimes shocking amounts.

Driven by a costly real-estate market, those home values — as calculated for tax purposes — have spiked since the last time homeowners received notices of value two years ago. In Douglas County, residential properties faced increases between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.

The high increase in property values means families’ property tax bills could jump up next year.

That’s because when property values rise, the amount of taxes people owe goes up — even if local governments’ tax rates themselves don’t change.

Property taxes partly fund county governments, but they also fund school districts, fire and library districts, and other local entities.

After many homeowners in Douglas County filed challenges, or appeals, to blunt the increase on their home values, the median increase went down slightly.

That number was set to come down even more after Douglas County’s elected leaders voted on Sept. 19 to cut the increase in residential property values by around 4 percentage points across the board. The move was expected to provide an average of $223 in estimated property tax relief for owners of single-family

homes, townhomes or condominiums.

Even Toby Damisch, who heads the county’s property valuation office, says that would be small relief.

But the five-person state Board of Equalization, which reviewed Douglas County’s action, struck the relief down.

State Sen. Chris Hansen, a Democrat who also sits on the equalization board, said the question about Douglas County’s action was: “Is this fair and just across the state?”

The board decided it wasn’t, he said.

“Imagine you live on County Line Road,” Hansen said. On the north side, in Arapahoe County, people would end up effectively paying a higher tax rate than those to the south in Douglas County — even SEE TAXES, P5

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December 28, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Douglas County Government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year Holiday.

Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Christmas tree recycling Douglas County provides several drop-off locations to recycle your Christmas tree. For locations, dates, and instructions on how to prepare your tree for recycling, visit douglas.co.us and search for Christmas tree recycling.

Homes sit in the Castle Pines area in August. Homeowners are facing steep increases in their property tax bills around the Denver metro area, an issue that officials in Douglas County have called attention to over the last several months. PHOTOS BY ELLIS ARNOLD

TAXES FROM PAGE 4

though they may live in the same firefighting district.

Although the amount of relief could have been relatively small in relation to homeowners’ full tax bills, Hansen also argued that on a statewide perspective, school funding could be at risk.

If “every other county in the state does the same thing that Douglas County did, we’re out $100 million.

It would have been almost $100 million out of school budgets,” Hansen argued.

Tracie Rainey, the longtime director of the nonprofit Colorado School Finance Project, said how Douglas’ move would have affected school finance is “hypothetical” because there’s not precedence as to whether the state would or wouldn’t have to step in and pay school districts the difference.

Douglas County pointed to a statement by Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat who provided a statement to The Denver Post that said he was “disappointed in the equalization board’s decision.”

“While Douglas County’s approach isn’t a long-term solution, it (would have provided) relief this year,” Polis’

statement to the Post said.

Damisch argued that the state board struck down Douglas’ move even though the county was still within compliance with state policy.

Different perspectives

In Damisch’s eyes, the county’s move was a justified way to provide relief in an especially expensive housing market in Douglas County.

“Even after our 4% adjustment was made, the increase in residential assessments in Douglas County were still higher” than in other nearby counties, Damisch said.

Even though homeowners around the Denver metro area in general face much higher tax bills next year than this year — meaning a potential jump in funding for local governments — some local entities felt a small cut to the increase in their property tax revenue would pose a problem for their budgets.

In particular, West Metro Fire Rescue, an agency that serves parts of Jefferson County but also the Roxborough area, has been vocal about its concerns.

“We are seeing 30% (to) 40% increases in some of our major assets.

A fire truck that I could have purchased a few years ago for $800,000 now (costs) $1.2 million,” Jeremy SEE TAXES, P11

Live Town Hall meetings Did you know Douglas County offers Live Town Hall meetings, inviting you to engage in the local issues of importance to you and your neighbors? Register at douglas.co.us/townhall/ to ensure you are contacted about all future Live Town Halls .

Do you have one hour to spare each week?

Consider giving that time to change the life of an older adult by volunteering with Aging Resources.

You can help with transportation, go grocery shopping or provide company for older adults. For more information, visit agingresourcesdougco.org

Visit douglas.co.us

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December 28, 2023De

Dan Meyer, of Highlands Ranch, stands at the lectern during the Douglas County commissioners’ meeting Dec. 5, speaking in support of Commissioner Lora Thomas. Area residents gathered to speak in protest of the way PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD Thomas’ colleagues have treated her.

Nickels sit on a table at Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon’s “Harvard for a Nickel” talk on Oct. 26 in Castle Rock. Laydon said the cost for him to attend a Harvard program, $17,400, was roughly one nickel per county resident. Nickels were on hand at the event for anyone who wanted to take one. Laydon hosted an educational session rather than repay the county for PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD the 2023 training.

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In 2023, Douglas County continued to experience a lot of growth. Leaders in Castle Rock, Parker, and Lone Tree, along with Douglas County commissioners, worked throughout the year to address infrastructure, zoning and cost.

The Douglas County Commission continued to gain attention throughout 2023 for in-board fighting, which now has reached the courts with Commissioner Lora Thomas filing a lawsuit. County costs are reaching $50,000.

Property tax is also an ongoing issue the county is working to address. With housing prices still soaring, the county found a loophole to try and reduce property taxes for Douglas County residents.

However, the issue will likely be decided in 2024 as the state has ruled against the county’s plan to provide relief to residents who are facing up to 40% property tax increases this year.

In Elbert County, growth and development continued to be a hot topic through 2023. Summertime flooding repeatedly washed out roads near Elizabeth, five Cardinals girl athletes committed to play for college teams, and events celebrating the county’s Western heritage were high points.

In 2023, Lora Thomas filed a lawsuit seeking to recoup legal fees incurred fighting investigations started by fellow county commissioners George Teal and Abe Laydon. She asked for more than $5,000.

The county has spent nearly $26,000 to fight the lawsuit that will likely be decided in 2024.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Drag queens Aundria Sinclair, Shirley Delta Blow and Anna Staysha performed at the PrideFest on Aug. 26.

Their show was delayed by protesters, but the audience gave a standing ovation at the end.

PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

From left, Douglas County School Board incumbent Susan Meek and candidates Valerie Thompson and Brad Geiger celebrate early results showing they were elected to the school board at Fiction Brewing in PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD Parker.

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December 28, 2023

Several residents of Elizabeth and the surrounding areas listen to developer Jim Marshall as he talks about Elizabeth West and a proposed development plan during a May 11 PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON information meeting. Five days later, voters overwhelmingly rejected the rezoning for the development plan.

Cassidy Esposito competes in a cowboy mounted shooting event on June 24 at the PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

Midsummer flooding along Running Creek destroyed the bridge on the Creekside Community Creek driveway, cutting off access from Elbert County Road 13 to the PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY church.

Five girls proudly represented Cardinal athletics on National Signing Day, Feb. 3, at Elizabeth High School. From left are Lily Smith, who committed to track and field at Nebraska Wesleyan University; Ella Hedman, who committed to track and field at the University of North Dakota; Rachel Glaser, who committed to track and field at Southwest Baptist University; Hanna Espinosa, who committed to softball at Colorado Christian University; and Grace Alltop, who committed to softball at Colby PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELIZABETH SCHOOL DISTRICT Community College.

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December 28, 2023De

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FROM PAGE 1

school.

One of the reasons Harper joined the commission was to gain more internship opportunities, in which the students have had a chance to learn about local businesses while working alongside them during holiday events.

Harper also wants to give a voice to the voiceless in Parker and allow them to feel comfortable and involved in the town.

“I think that Parker needs more youth representation and a louder voice from us,” said Harper. “So I will do my best I can to make this happen.”

Currently serving their second year on the commission, Noor Reslan is the current secretary and event coordinator.

Reslan is a junior at Legend High School and plans to attend college on a pre-medicine track with a minor in business and play collegiate soccer.

Through the commission, Reslan would like to bring new ideas, open up more opportunities and engagement for the youth in the community.

“My goal is to continue making Youth Awards better than they were last year,” said Reslan. “And to continue making more kinds of awards that can be applied to different interests of youth in Parker.”

As part of their youth recognition committee, the commission created the Youth Awards.

The Spirit of Parker award is designated to recognize high school students who have positively contributed to the community whether it’s among their peers, neighborhood, school, work or organization they belong to.

Applications for the Spirit of Parker award opened Dec. 18 and the winners will be recognized in February at the PACE center.

Another award, the Pride of Parker award, is given to five middle school students who create a visual art piece that expresses what Parker means to them.

Also in their second year, Sarah Goudjil, treasurer and events coordinator is a senior at Legend High School and aspires to major in public policy and advocate for societal issues.

Goudjil joined the youth commission with hopes to create a positive environment for youth to share their ideas and make a more representative town.

“I aim to advocate and promote youth engagement in order to make sure that youth in our town are represented as well as possible,” said Goudjil.

Community Liaison Aarav Varma, who has been with the commission since the start, is now a senior at Legend High School and is looking to implement more government assistance and help with the use of artificial intelligence after graduation.

“My personal goals for the youth commission is to be one who hears and listens to his community, aiming to create a positive mindset and attitude within our town,” said Varma.

To get more youth involved in the community and local government, the Youth Advocacy and Outreach Committee plans to visit middle and high schools to inform students of opportunities available to them and provide helpful resources through a youth resource page.

Another newly appointed member, Izzy Sanchez has taken on the role of philanthropic initiatives manager. She is a sophomore at Legend High School and currently plans to go to an in-state college to further her education.

“I want to learn more about Parker and local government,” said Sanchez.

“And learn how to navigate having a role and responsibility in an organization.”

With the commission’s goal to increase their social media presence, the commission has two social media man-

agers.

Carson Flowers, a junior at Legend High School, has been with the commission for a year and carries with him a goal to represent the youth in the community by making choices that benefit the youth and help them have a voice.

After high school, Flowers would like to play basketball in college and major in sports and marketing. He is also interested in law school.

The other social media manager, Isabella Corriere, is a junior at Lutheran High School and plans on getting her bachelors degree at a four-year university.

Corriere said her goal for the commission is for it to grow and be more known within the community.

Also newly appointed is a junior at Legend High School, Alisa Babic, the commission’s digital designer.

Fascinated by the inner workings of the brain, Babic plans to work in psychology, specifically as a clinical neuropsychologist. She would like to go to a university in Europe to expand her world view and have the chance to adjust to a new, fresh environment.

In addition to contributing to the community, Babic said she would like to amplify her knowledge by working on indepth projects.

“I want to grow my horizons in experience and soft skills to be more prepared for the real world,” said Babic.

Commission’s future plans

After the new year, the students plan to take a tour of the new Parker Water and Sanitation building and discuss what teens and their families can do to help with sanitation efforts as well as water conservation in the community.

When thinking about the other youth in the community, the commission thought it would be helpful for students to have a writing or literacy workshop to assist them in their current academics and for their future education plans.

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9

December 28, 2023

Elizabeth girls basketball rides winning start into winter break After several losing seasons, Cardinals start 6-3 going into 2024

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The girls basketball team at Elizabeth High School didn’t win a single game in 2019, going 0-22 and 0-15 in league play. The next year, the team finished 3-11 in a shortened pandemic season, followed by two straight 11-13 seasons. It’s been a while since the Cardinals soared in Elbert County.

But in 2023, first-year head coach Chris Martinez has the Cards at 6-3 going into winter break. Many factors are leading to wins on the

The Elizabeth Cardinals girls basketball team is 6-3 going into winter break. Firstyear coach Chris Martinez said the culture is changing, and wins are coming with it.

COURTESY PHOTO Here is the 2023 team.

scoresheet, but Martinez said the biggest thing is an upheaval and reinvention of the program’s culture.

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goal was to be one team,” Martinez said. “Especially my seniors, they really wanted to set a culture of, ‘We’re a family and we’re all in this together.’ And I think they’ve done a good job of doing that, supporting each other through thick and thin, supporting each other off the court in the classroom … It’s really become a great community. I think that’s kind of the foundation and heart of it.”

The wins have been tight and the losses have been tough, but it’s a long season, and Martinez said he likes what he’s seen so far.

The Cardinals started a hot 3-0, beating Woodland Park, Manitou Springs and Prospect Ridge Academy before taking a first (and brutal) loss to University 56-7.

The team responded with back-to-

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10

December 28, 2023De

BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 9

back wins against DSST: Montview and Middle Park before dropping its second loss to Golden. A win against Pueblo Central and a tough loss to Holy Family sent the Cardinals to winter break 6-3.

Martinez said he relies heavily on his four seniors for leadership, and not just on the court.

“I think the team has had five coaches in six years, so it’s been a pretty rough go,” he said. “We’re really trying to establish that foundation. The seniors this year, they’ve done a really great job of hanging in there and still dreaming big when they could have done something different. It doesn’t matter if they’re on the court or not. We’re trying to develop them as leaders and I think they’ve done a really great job of that.”

This is Martinez’s first basketball coaching job in the United States. He and his family spent 2014 through 2020 in New Zealand, where Martinez coached track and basketball.

It’s been a bit of a jumpstart in the United States, but he’s fired up about it.

The practice schedule was just one or two times a week in New Zealand, compared to the intense slate here of five or six practices and one or two games per week, Martinez said.

“Either way, across the board, my coaching fundamentals and beliefs are all the same,” Martinez said.

“And that is, my job is to keep people excited about what we’re doing and create a culture that helps develop leaders and contributors to society.”

The players have bought in. And not just for the current members of the team.

Martinez said he challenged his players to set up a sustainable program for many years to come, even if they don’t get to enjoy the success it

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Chris Martinez (middle) is pictured with his family in New Zealand, where they lived between 2014 and 2020. Martinez is the head girls basketball coach at Elizabeth COURTESY PHOTO High School, and his wife, Sarah (back middle) is coaching JV.

brings themselves.

“I asked them, ‘Are you willing to be pre-planters?’” Martinez said.

“And what that means is are they willing to plant a tree that they may never enjoy the shade of? They’re building the program and planting that seed for years to come. Whether we win or not, the bigger picture is, are they willing to step up as leaders and build a culture that they’re proud of and proud to come back to?

When we’re one of the top programs in the state, they can own that.”

Still, the numbers coming in are a little short. Martinez said it’s been a point of emphasis to partner with programs like the Elbert County Wranglers and the middle schools in the area.

He knows when success comes, interest will as well. But it’s a two-way street.

That’s why he’s careful about his approach as a coach. He isn’t exactly a disciplinarian, he said.

“They’ve been very receptive to

my coaching style,” he said. “A lot of coaches will go, ‘If you’re shooting bad shots in a game, we’re going to be running the next day.’ I don’t like that because I don’t want them to fear shooting. I want these kids to give their all and have the ability to try things, and grow, and fail, and succeed. I don’t like to do that with fear. Our mentality is we’re looking for great things that they’re doing on the court. But it’s not out of fear, it’s out of ‘let’s help you get better.’”

So far, “better” is the perfect adjective for the new Elizabeth Cardinals.

The program won’t transform in just one season, but the early results are promising that the tide is shifting.

“I’m really excited about some of the snippets we’ve gotten to see about the potential of this team.

They’re starting to mesh. We’re getting better at it all but we can always improve on it,” Martinez said.

To see the 2023 Cardinals in action, view the team’s remaining schedule on MaxPreps.

11

December 28, 2023

TAXES FROM PAGE 5

Metz, deputy chief of administration for West Metro Fire, said at a September meeting at the Douglas County leaders’ headquarters in Castle Rock.

State officials “heard loud and clear from the fire districts” that they were objecting to Douglas County’s decision, Hansen said.

Speaking about school districts, Damisch said the argument about Douglas’ action being harmful to either the school district or state school funding “doesn’t hold water” because, as a result of 2023’s newly calculated property values, Douglas property owners will be contributing a significant amount more to school funding than in prior years.

“And as a result of that, the state of Colorado will be able to contribute (to school district funding) signifi-

cantly less than they have had to in the past,” Damisch argued.

Hansen felt it was inaccurate to view a school district’s funding in terms of potentially reaching “a cap” in a situation where local property tax revenue increases.

“We’re not even close to full funding of education. We’ve been playing catchup for 40 years” because of the Gallagher Amendment and the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR, two pieces of state policy that have affected taxation, Hansen said. He added: “We have exceptionally low property taxes in Colorado.”

Because Colorado is struggling to wipe out its shortfall of education funding, Hansen said, if some amount of property tax money is taken out of the equation in Douglas County, the state would have to fill that gap.

Rainey, the outside school finance expert, painted a murkier picture of how funding issues could play out.

She said when local property tax

revenue goes up as a result of new property values, “the state just gets to put in less” into a given school district.

That’s because school districts “are capped” and can only raise a certain amount of revenue, she said.

School district voters can pass what’s called a “mill levy override” — a property tax rate increase — but districts are capped on those also, she said, based on a state formula.

So if the local share of school funding, from local property taxes, goes up so much “that (a district) can be completely locally funded, that’s great, but they can’t go beyond that,” Rainey said, speaking about a scenario where the state share of the school district’s funding would go down to zero.

If Douglas County’s decision were to stand, it’s undetermined as to whether the state would have to pay a difference in school funding in the absence of the state deciding to take further action, Rainey said.

“The state has already made a decision the end of last May of how much funding they were going to put toward school funding for this year.

So to go back now and do an adjustment, they could do (that),” Rainey said. But she added that the current situation in Douglas County is “untested.”

On whether the state would be on the hook for the funding, she said: “At this point that’s all hypothetical.”

Monthslong process possible

Douglas County Attorney Jeff Garcia felt that the state board went outside its purview in striking Douglas’ decision down.

“They should not be looking at how they can send a message to other counties” as to what they can or can’t do, “Garcia said at the news conference.

On how long the process to appeal the state’s decision will take, Garcia said the county is “probably looking at a resolution in several months.”

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12

LOCAL

December 28, 2023D

VOICES New year, new chapter

I

t was tough writing this column.

It is tough because it will be my last. For nearly two years now I have had the privilege of writing whatever I feel FROM THE like from week to week. I started it EDITOR with the hopes of letting our readers get to know me and my family. After all, we ask you all to share your stories all the time.

Why shouldn’t I? However, it became more as the Thelma Grimes years went on. I have come to see how amazing our readers are over the last few years. When it feels like we have nothing but an angry world — I would get a quick email from a reader saying my column was appreciated, restoring some faith.

When a mom at my son’s pediatric dentist recognized me and again thanked me for the column that addresses local, national and personal issues that mean a lot to her ... it meant something.

When another reader told me that a column I wrote about myself and struggles with weight loss meant enough to him that he sent it to his sister in Arizona who was also struggling ... it meant a lot to me.

In all honesty, not all emails have been friendly. I have had my share of comments from those who completely disagree. The ones who disagreed with civility have my respect, and I always considered their points of view.

No matter what topic I chose each week, I always took pride in knowing I am sharing something personal, or giving my opinion on something that matters, and I am not the final word on any topic.

I have truly appreciated the support from our readers.

I was recently offered a new opportunity to move on. It was a tough decision, as I am seeing my vision for our south metro team come true in so many ways. We have strong reporters who are

working hard to bring readers news no other organization is covering.

What we have accomplished over the last year especially would not have been possible without the fantastic work of McKenna Harford, Nina Joss, Haley Lena, Ellis Arnold, Elisabeth Slay and Tayler Shaw.

I also have a special thank you to Scott Gilbert. His editing kept me in line as I have put these columns together and his friendship is probably one of the most important I will leave Colorado Community Media with.

I am so proud of my reporters and the hard work they have done throughout 2022 and 2023. It is the staff that made me think hard about this decision.

It is also the readers who made me second-guess my decision a few times.

As I move on to serve as an editor elsewhere, I still want to stress that community journalism and local news is near and dear to my heart.

Over the last year, thousands of journalists have lost their jobs nationwide as community news outlets continue to struggle. I worry about our future but hope those of you reading will continue to contribute to an important element of society. Please continue to contribute whatever you can to the work we do here.

Local news is my passion and will always have a place in my heart. It is where I have built a career that I am proud of and likely is the reason I have a new opportunity to expand on a professional level.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year. I again thank you for bringing me into your homes and taking my points of view each week.

And, as I said when I first started filling this space each week — remember how much kindness in this world matters right now. You never know what someone else is going through, and let’s make 2024 about getting back to civility even where we disagree.

Thelma Grimes has served as the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Year-end planning

T

his is goodbye to 2023. I am not sure yet how this year will go down in history, but this was definitely a year in which you could not predict FINANCIAL anything, regardless STRATEGIES of the topic. Weather, politics, interest rates, the stock market, the economy and housing were difficult to anticipate or plan around.

Add in global unrest and a stubborn employment marPatricia Kummer ket, and you have a mixed pot. This uncertainty further adds confusion and volatility, causing many of us to want to hunker down and do nothing.

This is where I usually advise clients to only worry about things they have control over. So, what can you do to pull out a decent year at this late date? There are a few things you can do to save taxes for this year and plan better for next year.

First, always make sure you are maxing out contributions to all your qualified retirement plans. If you are too late for 2023, then start next year off by contributing the 2024 annual maximum of $23,000, or $30,500 if you are over age 50 for 401(k) plans

If you are eligible to fund a tax-deductible or a Roth IRA this year, then funding it as early as possible could be beneficial.

Things change quickly. Those of you following the Treasury market and interest rates may have missed the recent peak in the blink of an eye.

So too could other parts of the economy flip on a dime, so it is best to be prepared. Map out now what your one-, two- and five-year plan looks like so you can be ready to act on a moment’s notice. Keep your longterm strategy in place and resist making short-term changes to a goal that is out five to 10 years or longer.

You do have control over tax-loss harvesting in the next week or two if that can help offset gains or reduce some of your taxes. This is why planning is so important — you can identify what is no longer suitable for your portfolio and offset losses and gains to clean up your holdings and be ready for the new year.

You can also give money away before the end of the year if that is part of your plan. You can fund your charities or your donor-advised fund with appreciated assets to avoid paying taxes before your donation. For anyone wishing to reduce their taxable SEE KUMMER, P13

13

December 28, 2023

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Time for recall

Based on the lead article in the Dec. 14 issue it seems that many Douglas County residents are fed up with the infighting of the county commissioners. I’m wondering if someone has begun the process for a recall of all three commissioners, and a fresh start for governance. When elected officials fail in their charge to effectively lead and govern, a change is needed.

That time for change seems to be here and now in Douglas County. douglas.co.us/elections/recallelection-faq.

Doug Reese Highlands Ranch Boo for two

I attended the Oklahoma City/ Nuggets basketball game on Dec. 16. I would like to share an observation from the game experience.

Oklahoma has a player named Josh Giddey. He is alleged to have had a relationship with a girl who was a high school junior. Josh is 21, the girl in question, if a high school junior, would be 16 or 17.

Josh denies he was aware of her age. He was booed deliriously anytime he was involved in the game.

I would like to juxtapose that with the Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon walk-up song “Your Love.”

Lyrics from that song include “you know I like my girls a little bit older,” “I just want to use your love tonight” and “Stay the night but keep it undercover.” The lyrics can easily be interpreted as celebrating a relationship with a much younger girl. The crowd at the Rockies game cheer wildly when it is played, singing along. On the one hand we have an athlete who denies knowing the age of a girl he

KUMMER FROM PAGE 12

estate and gift to family members, the limit for 2023 is $17,000 per donor per recipient. So, a married couple can gift $34,000 to each recipient.

Next year that amount increases to $18,000 each.

Taxpayers over the age of 70 1/2 can send all or part of their required minimum distribution (RMD) to a charity and avoid paying taxes on that distribution up to $100,000.

allegedly had a relationship with, and he is booed. On the other hand we have Blackmon’s walkup song celebrating a relationship with a younger girl (may or may not be a minor) and is cheered wildly.

I find it very hard to square those two things. If you boo the first, you should also boo the second. I boo both.

John Salanitro Highlands Ranch Tired of Laydon and Teal

Thanks, Cindy Dalton, for helping organize the speakers who told Laydon and Teal how they feel about their treatment of fellow commissioner, Lora Thomas.

I agree that she has been treated outrageously by “the boys” who do not like her conservative ways.

After reading all the nasty things she has been accused of, I came to the conclusion that the boys are nitpicking, gaslighting show-offs who really enjoy spending taxpayer money to enhance their own egos. It is time they grew up.

It is time that citizens started to say no to this type of clown show.

Remember that at election time next year.

Mary Ann McCoy Lone Tree Commissioners’ issues

Thank you for providing real journalism of the county commissioners’ ongoing issues. Without your excellent coverage we would have no idea of what is going on in the commissioners’ office.

Looking forward to more of your unbiased and outstanding work.

Rance Massey Acres Green While you are busy giving away money, funding retirement or taking investment losses, the time will fly by, and the next opportunity may be close behind. Plan well for 2024 by making sure you are contributing, withholding, and planning to benefit you. Compounding really adds up year after year if you are organized and ready to participate.

Patricia Kummer has been a Certified Financial Planner professional and a fiduciary for over 37 years and is a Senior Wealth Advisor for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

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

14

December 28, 2023D

LOCAL

LIFE

Handlers in Idaho Springs, Brighton and beyond help the animals spread holiday joy

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A

sense of magic in the air sparks joy when people young and old see reindeer.

But for the owners of the reindeer, it’s a balance between creating a magical experience for people and making sure the reindeer are comfortable.

Kayla McIntosh, who owns Riverdale Reindeer of Colorado with her husband David McIntosh, said it’s easy these days for people to get caught up in school and work, which doesn’t always feel magical.

“But the ability to see an animal

that most people believe doesn’t actually exist,” Kayla McIntosh said. “And to see the kids light up and the parents really enjoy it and even learn things, it really is just a beautiful opportunity.”

Reindeer have been domesticated for thousands of years and have been used for various purposes. They also tend to make the holidays a little brighter by participating in holiday events across the metro area.

However, it takes a lot of work to prepare reindeer for events to ensure it’s a safe environment for the public and so the reindeer remain happy and healthy.

For each reindeer owner, training may look different, but it all starts with learning about the fascinating animal.

What makes reindeer a unique animal

Santa Bill (as he preferred to be called) at Laughing Valley Ranch in Idaho Springs has learned a lot about reindeer over his many years of working with them.

Just as other entities train their reindeer differently, reindeer are not all alike, he said. They each have a unique personality and different characteristics than other animals in the deer species.

“We want to educate everybody about reindeer and what magical animals they really are,” Santa Bill said.

When adults and children interact with the reindeer, Santa Bill includes an educational piece, which he calls a domestic livestock educational experience, that details reindeer adaptations for survival.

Reindeer can adapt to the changing seasons. They can change their coats and hooves and have amazing eyesight — they are the only animals that can see ultraviolet light, according to Santa Bill.

SEE REINDEER, P15

15

December 28, 2023

train them to be petable animals.”

For events, the reindeer are set up in an enclosure which is decorated with garland, bows and lanterns around the holiday season.

It is important to the family to include an educational aspect where they can talk to the kids and other guests about what it is like to be in agriculture and to raise animals. The family loves to interact with the kids as well and typically provides treats, stickers and coloring sheets.

Although the reindeer don’t do long events, when they get tired, they will just lay down.

“We don’t force them to do anything they don’t want to do,” Kayla said. “They’re resting and relaxed and we want to encourage them to just enjoy their surroundings. They should feel like they are at home.”

REINDEER FROM PAGE 14

What helps reindeer stand out are their antlers, Santa Bill added. Reindeer are the only members of the deer family that both male and female grow a new set of antlers every year. They use their antlers to strip away snow and vegetation, to find food and to defend themselves.

Male reindeer, also known as a bull, can have antlers that grow up to four feet tall, and they can weigh 25 to 30 pounds each, Santa Bill said.

Owners have to be extra careful with reindeer during their rut season, because they’re scraping velvet off their antlers — which is part of the natural growth process and acts as protection, Santa Bill continued.

At the ranch, most of the reindeer training happens after the rut and mating season where they are walked around their pens, outside and practice going in and out of the trailer.

When training, even reindeer who have done events in the past need a little refresher to get back into the routine and certain training aids may not always work.

“Sometimes we have to try different things,” Santa Bill said. “Nothing is an exact science when it comes to training animals.”

These reindeer also learn how to pull Santa’s sleigh by using reigns to signal the reindeer to start moving and the assistance of reindeer wranglers using lead ropes to guide the reindeer.

Another unique characteristic of reindeer is, unlike horses and cattle, reindeer can only kick forward and have a slight retraction. This helps them gain traction and start to catch air, Santa Bill said.

When people tell Santa Bill they thought the reindeer would be bigger, he says if they were any bigger, they’d be too heavy to get off the ground.

“It’s a magical thing,” Santa Bill said.

Riverdale Reindeer Farm

Currently in flight school in preparation to one day pull Santa’s sleigh are Kayla and David McIntosh’s reindeer at Riverdale Reindeer of Colorado in Brighton.

The McIntoshes bring their rein-

Holly sits in front of Eve, enjoying the warmth of the sun as they rest after taking PHOTO BY HALEY LENA part in the Parker Hometown Holiday Parade and event

deer to events simply because of their love of reindeer and the hope to share that joy and passion with others.

David McIntosh is a fifth-generation dairy farmer whose family has been caring for and raising animals in Colorado since the early 1900s. He has also always been interested in reindeer.

Together, David and Kayla McIntosh spent years studying the history and biology of reindeer, have talked with other reindeer owners and breeders and have visited a number of farms.

Kayla McIntosh said it may sound corny, but just being in the presence of the reindeer and seeing their majesty is truly wonderful.

The McIntosh family has been raising reindeer for about three years.

They have Lacuna, Chilli, Noelle, Cranberry, Juniper, Kristoff and Hickory, the first bull to be born on the Riverdale Reindeer farm.

When preparing reindeer for events, Kayla McIntosh said the most basic point in training is spending time with the reindeer.

“It’s not like dedicated training hours, so much as it is just spending a lot of time with them,” Kayla McIntosh said. “It’s a pretty consistent thing to get them to be comfortable with us.”

At their farm, they are very particular about giving the reindeer their autonomy and don’t expect the reindeer to be okay with people petting them.

Cranberry is one of the reindeer

that regularly goes to events but isn’t keen on being touched and the McIntosh family doesn’t force it.

However, working with Hickory over the past year, he has become more comfortable around kids.

In addition to shows and holiday events, Hickory has also gone to schools where he got used to standing still for photos.

“A lot of the training was just on the spot,” Kayla McIntosh said. “Watching his cues, seeing if he felt comfortable in the situation and walking him out of the situation if he felt uncomfortable and giving him time to resettle.”

To ensure the reindeer always feel comfortable and safe, the family’s goal is that the reindeer enjoy going to events just as much as people enjoy coming to see them.

The family takes their reindeer’s personalities into account when they decide who goes to an event. Kayla McIntosh said even on the day of an event, they look to see who is feeling comfortable and who is feeling agitated.

If they can’t put a certain two reindeer together, they won’t do it.

The McIntoshes also want to make sure they keep the people coming to watch the show safe in the instance a reindeer gets nervous or agitated — one swing of the head could cause someone to get poked or hit with an antler.

“We do our best to make sure that isn’t even an option,” Kayla McIntosh said. “So we encourage lots of photos and things but we don’t specifically

Keeping reindeer happy and healthy

Holly and Eve are two reindeer who are not afraid to lay down and get comfortable.

At 7 Oaks Reindeer Farm in Franktown, Lisa Vaughn said she would never let her reindeer get to the point of feeling overworked.

“When they’re tired, they just fall asleep,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn has had Holly and Eve for about two and half years and said they are like big dogs as they like to greet her when she comes, love treats and even get the zoomies.

Vaughn works with trainer Karena Mee to get the reindeer used to people.

In addition to gently touching the reindeer, they would hold a happy hour once a week so the reindeer could get used to a crowd and music.

Holly and Eve have been busy throughout the holiday season. They took part in the tree lighting in Elizabeth, were at the Parker Hometown Holiday Parade and spent time at Lone Creek Farms.

The holiday season is also a lot of effort for the reindeer owners and handlers as well. They have to load the trailer, make sure there is enough food and supplies to last throughout the event and once they get to the event, they set up the pen to ensure it’s comfortable for the reindeer.

Hard work and early mornings aside, it’s all worth it when they have the opportunity to educate others on reindeer and see the excitement on the children’s faces. And it’s not just kids who get excited to see the reindeer.

“The adults are just as flabbergasted as the kids,” Mee said.

16

December 28, 2023De

New tricks, contests headed for Buttermilk Winter X Games will see changes in lineup, layout for January event in Aspen

BY KAYA WILLIAMS ASPEN PUBLIC RADIO

This winter will be one of historic firsts for the X Games in Aspen — and not just because athletes are landing new tricks at Buttermilk Mountain.

The lineup for Jan. 26-28 includes the debut of a women’s “knuckle huck,” alongside the men’s event, offered for both skiers and snowboarders on the “knuckle” or rollover of a larger jump. It’s a milestone in gender and discipline parity at the Winter X Games, where both male

and female athletes will also compete in the usual slopestyle, “big air,” and “SuperPipe” events.

“This is the first year it is exactly one to one,” said Valerie Ryan, the vice president of fan experience and hospitality for the X Games.

But to get close to the action, people will need to pony up. The spectator corrals at the base of the courses will require tickets, ranging from about $25 to $70 for a single daypart. (Rates are higher for nighttime events than they are for daytime ones, and access to the base of the SuperPipe costs more than access to the base of the big air and slopestyle courses.)

Those areas were previously free — and jam-packed. The decision to charge for access was partly spurred by a desire for crowd control, Ryan said.

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“The big driving factor for that is fans used to have to wait in long lines and hope that they could get into the crowds,” Ryan said in a Zoom interview earlier this month. “Now they’ll actually be able to guarantee a spot to get into the corral.”

Ryan said there will still be a free viewing area, but it will be set further back from the course. An X Games map submitted to Pitkin County as part of the special event permit process indicates that those free areas may have some obstructed view of the big air, knuckle huck and slopestyle courses, and sightlines will be extremely limited for the SuperPipe.

Paid access to the spectator corrals is separate from existing “SuperFan” tickets to stand on the side of the SuperPipe; those seeking a more luxury experience will have “XIP” and “VIP Chalet” options.

Other changes to the X Games lineup and layout will impact extracurricular offerings at the event.

There will be no live slopeside concerts at Buttermilk, but there will be DJs playing music throughout the day. Ryan said organizers wanted

the focus to be on the competition instead.

And the Special Olympics races that have become a Winter X Games tradition over the past decade will not be part of the event this coming year. Ryan said that was due to timing and planning constraints.

“We weren’t able to make it happen in the amount of time that we had, once we kind of greenlit what we were doing for Aspen,” Ryan said.

“But hopefully, we’ll bring them back again.”

Other community programs are in effect, however, including a partnership with the Buddy Program to welcome local youth the night before the X Games officially begin, Ryan said. According to the special event permit paperwork filed with Pitkin County, organizers also plan to offer discounts to local students and valley residents who wish to purchase a corral ticket.

This January will mark the 23rd consecutive Winter X Games in Aspen, but the future of the event at SEE X GAMES, P31

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December 28, 2023De

Weather, insects ravage Colorado trees

BY JENNIFER FORKER THE COLORADO SUN

Years of roller coaster weather in Colorado is taking a toll on our trees.

Besides frequent drought, the state experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with day-to-night temperatures often varying by 30 degrees or more. Recall Dec. 21, 2022, when a 51-degree high was followed by a -10-degree low in the Denver area. (Take a stroll down a chilling memory lane with this National Weather Service review of the greatest fluctuations in temperature changes since 1872.)

“It’s tough being a tree in Colorado,” says Whitney Cranshaw, Ph.D., emeritus professor of Entomology at Colorado State University.

According to CSU Extension, 2018 and 2020 were two of Colorado’s driest years on record, and we’ve experienced many other hot, dry years.

Recent summers have been brutal, and last summer was one of the worst, with last August registering worldwide as the hottest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In the Denver area, the average temperature in August was above normal — with 15 days at or above 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Those are the background facts for this: While humans have intermittently frozen and sweltered, so have Colorado’s trees. And stressed trees become hosts for deadly pests and disease, primarily an ips beetle (there are 11 known species in Colorado) or pine wilt disease.

“All insects are advantageous, just like cancer is advantageous,” says arborist Troy King, owner of American Tree preservation service, based in Golden. “Don’t give them the advantage.”

Keeping trees healthy requires mulching, watering and fertilizing not only pine and spruce trees, but all trees, from the ash, which are at severe and imminent risk of emerald ash borers, and red maples to birch, linden and the many ornamental and fruit trees.

Mulch

“Mulch is a wonderful thing,” says arborist Toni Smith, the Rocky Mountain territory manager for Rainbow Ecoscience, which provides chemical products and equipment to tree and lawn care companies.

Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the soil temperatures cooler around a tree. It provides a sturdy barrier against weeds (better than landscape fabrics, which Smith discourages using). As good-quality mulch degrades, it adds nutrients into the soil around a tree.

Smith recommends using arborist wood chips, which includes any part of a tree that’s passed through a wood chipper. (See if you can obtain the material free via ChipDrop.) The next-best thing? Small bark mulch.

Watering

Oftentimes, the difference between a living tree and a dead one is watering. Because of the years of drought and our sizzling summers, trees need to be watered year-round.

Arborist Davis Glover of American Tree cuts down branches of a spruce tree that were infested by ips beetles Nov. 21, 2023, in northeast Denver. American Tree, based in Golden, estimates they have cut down hundreds of trees since 2021 due to the PHOTO BY OLIVIA SUN / THE COLORADO SUN VIA REPORT FOR AMERICA insects.

On a late November afternoon, King pointed out the dead and dying trees in Arvada and Wheat Ridge neighborhoods. Behind a line of six tall, dead spruce trees on 42nd Avenue in Arvada stood the same vari-

ety, but healthy and living. What was the difference? Water.

Trees are dying from thirst and they’re dying from the opportunisSEE TREES, P19

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December 28, 2023

TREES FROM PAGE 18

tic pests and diseases that prey on stressed trees, King says.

The ips is a bark beetle that infests pine and spruce trees, according to CSU. An infested tree dies from the top down. Avoid this — and pine wilt disease — with ample watering.

“The ips’ ability to attack a tree is greatly affected by the hydration of the tree,” Cranshaw says. “The tree’s primary defense is a good pitch (or resin) flow that drowns out the (pest).”

Give trees a slow, thorough watering weekly or every two weeks during the summer, Smith suggests. During the winter months — November through April — that don’t receive at least an inch of precipitation as rain or snow, water trees an average of 10 gallons for

every 2 inches of diameter. Or use a garden hose with a fountainhead sprinkler, set a timer to 20 minutes and slowly soak every tree on two sides, Smith said.

Don’t water trees when air temperatures hit freezing — it could kill them — but do water them when temperatures are above 30 or 40 degrees, said King, who, like some other arborists, will water your trees for you. Among the more than 3,000 clients his company serves annually, he estimates about 100 ask for help watering their trees during the crucial winter months.

Fertilizing

Visit a reputable garden center for advice on fertilizer, Smith said, and avoid concentrations that lean heavily into nitrogens, which encourage growth. Instead, look for fertilizers with organic materials such as friendly bacteria and humic acids, which help trees absorb nutrients.

“I’m not a big nitrogen fan,” Smith said. “Nitrogen has its place, but it pushes the tree. It makes the tree push quite a bit of new growth.

If it’s not able to support that below ground (in its root system), you’re setting yourself up for failure.”

She also recommends using a fertilizer with little or no phosphorus because of its overuse in the agricultural industry. Fertilizers high in nitrogen and phosphorus wash into storm drains, eventually reaching — and de-oxygenating — nearby lakes and streams, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

One more critical detail: Do not fertilize newly planted or stressed trees.

“It’s like giving a sick person a shot of adrenaline,” Smith warned.

If all else fails …

It’s time to call the professionals.

If a pine or spruce looks under duress, call a tree care company. But know that insecticides are preven-

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tative, according to CSU Extension fact sheets for ips beetles and pine wilt disease. They cannot save a tree that’s already been infected by either.

“The first sign of pine wilt is death,” King says matter-of-factly. Death can occur within three weeks of infection with the nematode, according to CSU research.

Still, King will sometimes battle for a tree’s life.

“I have the technology to save a tree, but I cannot save every tree,” he says. “I’m a preservationist.

That’s what I do. I save trees. But if you don’t water your trees, even if you spray them (with insecticides), you’re probably going to end up with dead trees. You’ve got to water your trees.”

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

20

December 28, 2023De

Watching, and watching out for, birds Feeders can be blessing if precautions are taken against illness

BY COURTNEY BAKOS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Many people think of bird watching as an activity to enjoy during warmer months. Winter, though, can also be a great time for a variety of reasons. With no leaves on deciduous trees and shrubs, birds can be much easier to spot.

Winter is also the time when many species of birds are searching for food, often in flocks, making them more likely to be seen. While some birds migrate south from Colorado as the temperatures drop, some spend winter in the Centennial State where winters are milder than places like Canada and Alaska.

The bald eagle, for example, can be seen in larger numbers in Colorado during the winter.

Nearby state parks can provide great bird watching opportunities.

Castlewood Canyon, located in Franktown off Highway 86, has the largest population of turkey vultures in the state. Bluebirds and canyon wrens are also commonly spotted.

Chatfield State Park, located near C-470 and Wadsworth Boulevard, has 212 recorded bird species and, as such, is a top birding location in the state. Rough-legged hawks can

be sighted here often during winter months. In and around Elbert County, regular flying visitors include juncos, chickadees, blue jays, magpies and house finches.

Just over 40% of U.S. households have a bird feeder and keep it regularly stocked. For many, doing so is an enjoyable activity and an opportunity to experience and learn about wildlife right in their own backyard.

“I remember as a child watching birds come to my mother’s feeders,” reminisces Bridget Cole, Elizabeth resident, “as each one landed at the feeder, she’d not only tell me the kind, but she’d also know their Latin name, distinguishing features and migratory patterns. She knew it all.”

While admittedly not as avid a bird watcher, the enjoyment of this activity has carried over into Cole’s adulthood. She enjoys seeing and learning about the birds that frequent her property. “I keep a notebook by my back door, and I’ll record the birds I see and then try to identify them.” She adds: “if I can’t identify a type, I will call my mother who will almost always know right away just based on my general description.”

Though very common worldwide, the use of bird feeders does come with potential risks. The reason is disease. Drawing birds into close contact on shared surfaces, with other birds they otherwise might not interact with, can increase the risk of spreading diseases like salmonella and E. coli. The use of bird

A blue jay lunches at a bird feeder. Proper precautions can help safeguard birds from SHUTTERSTOCK the risks of disease associated with feeders.

feeders can also alter normal bird migratory patterns as birds learn to rely on help from humans to supply their food source.

There are steps that can be taken to help minimize risk to bird species while allowing you to enjoy observing the various species in the area.

One of the most important things you can do is to regularly clean your feeders. Generally, this should be done every two weeks, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Many newer feeders may even be

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dishwasher safe. It is also a good idea to rake up old and discarded seeds below the feeders. This will help keep away predators such as raccoons and rodents.

The type of food you provide birds is also of great importance. Typically, the birds you’re likely to see in this area will enjoy sunflower seeds, peanut butter (unsalted) and suet.

These small steps can go a long way in minimizing risk to bird species while still enjoying their visit to your backyard.

21

December 28, 2023

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

TRIVIA 1. TELEVISION: How many noble houses are mentioned in “Game of Thrones”?

2. MOVIES: What is the name of the high school in the musical film “Grease”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: Which southeast Asian country’s monetary unit is the ringgit?

4. MUSIC: The song “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” is from which musical?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to be impeached?

6. ANATOMY: What is considered the “master gland” of the human body?

7. PHYSICS: What does a newton measure?

8. HISTORY: Which founding father wanted the turkey to be the national symbol of America rather than the eagle?

9. SCIENCE: What is studied in mycology?

10. U.S. STATES: What is Alaska’s state animal?

Answers 1. Nine.

2. Rydell High School.

3. Malaysia.

4. “Oklahoma!”

5. Andrew Johnson, 1868.

6. Pituitary gland.

7. Force.

8. Benjamin Franklin.

9. Fungi.

10. The moose. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

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December 28, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0187 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/24/2023 10:10:00 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: ELYSEE ILUNGA Original Beneficiary: U.S. BANK N.A. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/20/2002 Recording Date of DOT: 1/10/2003 Reception No. of DOT: 2003004574 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $111,800.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $84,466.56 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 75, BLOCK 2, TOWN AND COUNTRY VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 10749 Foxwood 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, February 14, 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: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/24/2023 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 #: 00000009922311 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0187 First Publication: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0185 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/24/2023 10:26:00 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: Robert T. Hinds, Jr. Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Broker Solutions, Inc. dba New American Funding, its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: New American Funding, LLC FKA Broker Solutions Inc., DBA New American Funding Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/13/2017 Recording Date of DOT: 10/19/2017 Reception No. of DOT: 2017071316 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $493,350.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $458,968.65 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 29, EXCEPT the following described parcel: A parcel of land being part of Lot 29, Block 6, Ponderosa-Hills Filing #2, described as: Beginning at a point on the West line of said Lot 29, said point being 20 feet South of the Northwest corner of said Lot 29; thence North 20 feet to said Northwest corner; thence East 150 feet to a point on the North line of said lot; thence South 82°24`19" West 151.33 feet to the point of beginning; And That portion of Lot 30, more particularly, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the East line of said Lot 30; said point being 20 feet North of the Southeast corner of said Lot 30; thence South 20 feet to the Southeast corner of said Lot 30; thence West 150 feet to a point on the South line of said Lot 30; thence North 82°24`19" East, 151.33 feet to the point of beginning, Block 6, PONDEROSA HILLS-FILING NO. 2, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of:

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

12191 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, February 14, 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: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/24/2023 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 #: CO22365 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0185 First Publication: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0181 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/24/2023 9:30:00 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: NICHOLAS SIMINGTON AND BAILEY SIMINGTON Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN FINANCING CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: MSR Asset Vehicle LLC Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/14/2017 Recording Date of DOT: 12/18/2017 Reception No. of DOT: 2017085022 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $424,100.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $469,151.05 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: 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 231, MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTER FILING NO. 7C, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 14154 Double Dutch Circle, 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, February 14, 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: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/24/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: DAVID R DOUGHTY Colorado Registration #: 40042 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 22-028606 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0181 First Publication: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0172 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/12/2023 8:43:00 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: JARET C. YENDREK Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRA-

TION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR PRIMELENDING, A PLAINSCAPITAL COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/24/2021 Recording Date of DOT: 10/5/2021 Reception No. of DOT: 2021113837 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $305,550.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $301,668.73 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: Parcel 1: Condominium Residential Unit 22-203, Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch according to the Condominium Declaration of Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046471 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Douglas, State of Colorado and as further defined and described in the Condominium Plat for Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded April 23, 2004 at Reception No. 2004041009 and Affidavit of Correction recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046470, as amended from time to time, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Parcel 2: Condominium Garage Unit G55, Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch according to the Condominium Declaration of Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046471 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Douglas, State of Colorado and as further defined and described in the Condominium Plat for Ironstone Condominiums at Stroh Ranch recorded April 23, 2004 at Reception No. 2004041009 and Affidavit of Correction recorded May 6, 2004 at Reception No. 2004046470, as amended from time to time, County of Douglas, State of Colorado Which has the address of: 12912 Ironstone Way, Apt 203, Parker, CO 80134-7111 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, February 7, 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

Parker | Elbert Legals December 28, 2023 * 1

29

December 28, 2023

Public Notices

be extended.

First Publication: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/12/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ALISON L. BERRY Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 23-030959 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0172 First Publication: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0173 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/12/2023 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: Theodore James Veltrie AND Kelly Lynn Veltrie Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc, as beneficiary, as nominee for New Day Financial, LLC Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of Cabana Series V Trust Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/21/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 11/3/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006094817 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $315,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $299,611.84 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/or 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: ALL THE REAL PROPERTY TOGETHER WITH IMPROVEMENTS, IF ANY, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS AND STATE OF COLORADO DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 31, BLOCK 1, STROH RANCH FILING NO. 6-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THEODORE JAMES VELTRIE AND KELLY LYNN VELTRIE, JOINT TENANTS BY DEED FROM THE RYLAND GROUP, INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION RECORDED 03/21/2000 IN DEED BOOK 1821 PAGE 2006, IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO. Which has the address of: 19252 East Hollow Creek Drive, Parker, CO 80134-3424 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, February

7, 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: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/12/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ARICYN J. DALL Colorado Registration #: 51467 216 16TH STREET SUITE 1210, DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Phone #: (720) 259-6714 Fax #: (720) 259-6709 Attorney File #: 23CO00350-1 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0173 First Publication: 12/14/2023 Last Publication: 1/11/2024 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 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: 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 Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0186 To Whom It May Concern: On 10/24/2023 9:39:00 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: CHARLES F. NORTON AND SHARON A. NORTON Original Beneficiary: SECURITY SERVICE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: SECURITY SERVICE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/8/2018 Recording Date of DOT: 11/16/2018 Reception No. of DOT: 2018069408 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $178,641.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $164,968.11 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 3 THE VILLAGES OF PARKER FILING NO. 19 COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 22839 Hope Dale Ave, Parker, CO 80138 NOTICE OF SALE

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: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/24/2023 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 #: 00000009920760 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/ Legal Notice No. 2023-0186 First Publication: 12/21/2023 Last Publication: 1/18/2024 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.

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.

Which has the address of: 7250 North Hyperion Way, Parker, CO 80134

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S

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.

NOTICE OF SALE

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

Bids and Settlements Public Notice PUBLIC INVITATION TO BID Separate sealed bids for 2024 Asphalt Overlay Project, CI 2024-003 will be received by the Owner, Douglas County Government, Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104, until Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. This project consists of placement of hot mix asphalt overlays at various locations throughout Douglas County. Bid items include removal of asphalt mat, hot mix asphalt paving, adjustment of manholes and water valve boxes, replacement of pavement markings, and erosion control.

The Contract Documents will be available after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website (www.rockymountainbidsystem.com) or they may be obtained at the above address.

Electronic versions of the Plans obtained by any other means than as described above may not be complete or accurate, and it is the Bidder’s responsibility to obtain a complete set of the Project Plans and Specifications. Douglas County will not be held responsible for misinformation received from private plan rooms.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104. All questions are due to Project Engineer by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The Bid Opening will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the same address.

The Project includes the following major items and approximate quantities: • 70,866 tons hot mix asphalt overlays Prior to submitting a Bid Proposal, Bidders shall have received prequalification status (active status) with the Colorado Department of Transportation to bid on individual projects of the size and kind of work as set forth herein.

Any questions on the bidding process shall be directed to Keith Burke, Project Engineer at

Parker | Elbert Legals December 28, 2023 * 2

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December 28, 2023De

Public Notices

303.660.7490.

Plan holder information, can be found on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website.

Legal Notice No. 946597 First Publication: December 28, 2023 Last Publication: December 28, 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 21, 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 Hudick Excavating Inc DBA HCI Civil for the Waterton Rd. Extension Phase 2 Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2020-025, in Douglas County; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Hudick Excavating Inc DBA HCI Civil 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 01/21/2024, 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, Sean Owens, P.E., 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. 946545 First Publication: December 21, 2023 Second Publication: December 28, 2023 Publishers: 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 Sec-

tion 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on January 21, 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 Hudick Excavating Inc DBA HCI Civil for the Inverness Drive South Bridge Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2020-025, in Douglas County; and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Hudick Excavating Inc DBA HCI Civil 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 01/21/2024, 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, Sean Owens, P.E., 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. 946544 First Publication: December 21, 2023 Second Publication: December 28, 2023 Publishers: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734

Children Services (Adoption/Guardian/Other) Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: IVY OWEN, D.O.B.: 04/27/2022, FALLON FOSTER, D.O.B.: 08/25/2011, Children And Concerning: REBECCA FOSTER, D.O.B.: 03/16/1985, Mother, RANDALL OWEN, D.O.B.: 03/13/1989,

Father of Ivy Owen, TRAVIS ANDERSON A/K/A TRAVIS ANDERSEN, Possible Father of Fallon Foster, JOHN DOE, D.O.B: Unknown, Possible Father of Fallon Foster, Respondents.

be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S., and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

Attorney for Department: R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Amy Hendrickson, #32110 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326 lreigrut@douglas.co.us ahendrickson@douglas.co.us CASE NUMBER: 23JV44 DIVISION 8 DEPENDENCY SUMMONS This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. TO: JOHN DOE TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Review Hearing and Adjudicatory and Dispositional Hearing for Respondent Father John Doe has been set for March 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in Division 8 by phone: 720-4376180 + 75590# Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILD AS A DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILD. You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your child for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: December 14, 2023. /s/ Amy Hendrickson Amy Hendrickson, #32110 Assistant Douglas County Attorney

is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Paternity Hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Division 8, of the Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109. Parties shall participate by calling 720-437-6180, extension 75590# unless otherwise indicated by the Court.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILD AS A DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILD.

Legal Notice No. 946575 First Publication: December 28, 2023 Last Publication: December 28, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: TAYLOR ANNE HEILMAN, D.O.B.: 09/07/2008; Children, And concerning: LAURA ANNE KEELER, D.O.B.: 09/29/1986, Mother; ROBERT MICHAEL MORRIS, D.O.B.: UNKNOWN, Presumptive Father; WILLIAM BALL, D.O.B.: 01/16/1988, Possible Father; Respondents, And EUGENE KELLER, D.O.B.: 08/18/1983, Stepfather to Taylor; Special Respondent.

Attorney for Department: R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Amy Hendrickson, #32110 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326 Fax: (303) 479-9259 lreigrut@douglas.co.us ahendrickson@douglas.co.us CASE NUMBER: 22JV110 DIVISION 8 DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

If you are a minor, you have the right to the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to represent your best interests.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate.

You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S., and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: December 15, 2023. /s/ Amy Hendrickson Amy Hendrickson, #32110 Assistant Douglas County Attorney Legal Notice No. 946590 First Publication: December 28, 2023 Last Publication: December 28, 2023 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Get Involved!

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate.

You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S.

###

TO: ROBERT MORRIS

TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.

- Aldous Huxley

Every day, the government makes decisions that can affect your life. Whether they are decisions on zoning, taxes, new businesses or myriad other issues, governments play a big role in your life.

Governments have relied on

Notices are meant to be noticed.

Read your public notices and get involved!

newspapers like this one to publish public notices since the birth of the nation. Local newspapers remain the most trusted source of public notice information. This newspaper publishes the information you need to stay involved in your community.

Parker | Elbert Legals December 28, 2023 * 3

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December 28, 2023

X GAMES FROM PAGE 16

Buttermilk Mountain is still unclear.

ESPN sold a majority stake in the event to a private equity firm, MSP Sports Capital, last year. And a contract with the Aspen Skiing Company to host the Winter X Games here ends in 2024.

Ryan said officials are still talking about what happens next.

“We’re still in conversations to try to plan our future locations, and whether that’s in Aspen or whether that goes someplace else, we’re still figuring that out,” Ryan said. “But I will say that Aspen is, and has been, the best location we’ve ever worked with for an X Games event.”

The X Games special event permit application with Pitkin County indicates other elements, like park-

Spectators cheer for a skier at the base of the SuperPipe at Buttermilk Mountain during the Winter X Games in Aspen in 2023. For the 2024 iteration of the event, people will have to pay to access the corrals at the bottom of the course and a free area will ASPEN PUBLIC RADIO be set further back from the action.

Public Notices Legals Bids and Settlements Public Notice NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1 of Elbert County, Colorado, will make final payment at Public Alliance LLC, 405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, on January 8, 2024, at the hour of 5:00 p.m. to Three Sons Construction for all work done by said Contractor(s) in construction or work on River Highlands Loop and Calusa Pines Road.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim to AJ Beckman, District Manager, c/o Public Alliance LLC, 405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 on behalf of the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, on or before the date and time hereinabove shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, its directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

Elbert County Notices

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPRING VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1 By:/s/AJ Beckman, Secretary Legal Notice No. 205100 First Publication: December 21, 2023 Last Publication: December 28, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News

Summons and Sheriff Sale District Court Elbert Combined Courts 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa, CO 80117 Phone: 303-621-2131 Plaintiff: Advanced Contracting Group, LLC v.

Defendants: Axis Exploration, LLC, et al.

Attorneys for Plaintiff Nick A. Swartzendruber, #38705 Austin Cole, #52534 Poulson, Odell & Peterson, LLC 1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 1500 Denver, Colorado 80264 Phone No.: (303) 861-4400 Facsimile: (303) 861-1225 E-mail: NSwartzendruber@popllc.com ACole@popllc.com Case Number: 2023CV30073 Division: 1 DISTRICT COURT CIVIL SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: Blanca Peak Energy, LLC; FMS, LLC; Lotus Land & Minerals, LLC; Lilis Energy, Inc; Vessels Oil & Gas Company YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to file with the Clerk of this Court an answer

or other response to the attached Complaint.

This publication service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you within the State of Colorado, and you are required to file your answer or other response within 21 days after this Summons has been published for 5 consecutive weeks. Your answer or counterclaim must be accompanied with the applicable filing fee.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.

Dated: December 7, 2023 POULSON, ODELL & PETERSON, LLC /s/ Austin Cole Nick A. Swartzendruber, #38705 Austin Cole, #52534 1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 1500 Denver, Colorado 80264 Phone: (303) 861-4400 Facsimile: (303) 861-1225 E-mail: NSwartzendruber@popllc.com ACole@popllc.com Attorneys for Plaintiff Advanced Contracting Group, LLC Legal Notice No. 205102 First Publication: December 21, 2023 Last Publication: January 18, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice Plaintiff’s Attorney: M. Scott Phillips Phillips & Sellers, P.C. P.O. Box 2272 Columbus, GA 31902

ing, transportation and security, are largely the same as previous years.

There will be no spectator parking at Buttermilk, but there will be spaces at the Brush Creek Park and Ride, as well as frequent shuttle service. And a security agency, hired by the X Games, will work hand in hand with local law enforcement to ensure safety at the event.

The athlete lineups will likely look familiar as well. Organizers have invited athletes like Aspen freeskier Alex Ferreira, a six-time X Games medalist, and Basalt freeskier Hanna Faulhaber, who won bronze in her debut X Games two years ago.

X Games has not announced which athletes have accepted their invitations yet, however. The final athlete list could be confirmed in early January, Ryan said.

This story via The Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.

STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF MUSCOGEE

LONI YVONNE MARTINEZ, LIBEL FOR DIVORCE Plaintiff, vs.

MUSCOGEE SUPERIOR COURT Date Filed: October 24, 2023 SOFIA HERNANDEZ SOSA, Defendant.

Date of Order for Service By Publication: December 8, 2023 TO: SOFIA HERNANDEZ SOSA Last known address: 4501 River Highlands Loop Elizabeth, CO 80107

a/k/a FRANCES E. SPROCH; a/k/a FRANCES SPROCH Case Number: 2023PR30062 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before April 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dennis Sproch, Personal Representative c/o SGR, LLC 326 Main Street Sterling, CO 80751 Legal Notice No. 205101 First Publication: December 21, 2023 Last Publication: January 4, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

You are hereby commanded to be and appear at the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia, and file with the clerk, and serve upon Plaintiff’s attorney, an answer within sixty (60) days of the date of the first publication of notice.

Witness the Honorable Bobby G. Peters, Judge of said Court, this 14th day of December, 2023. /s/ Danielle F. Forte DANIELLE F. FORTE, Clerk CASE # SU2023DM-002192 Legal Notice No. 205104 First Publication: December 28, 2023 Last Publication: January 11, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Larry D. Smiley, a/k/a Larry Smiley, a/k/a Larry Dean Smiley, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR30074 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before Monday April 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Brent Smiley, Personal Representative N7184 Lakeshore Avenue Elkhorn, WI 53121 Legal Notice No. 205103 First Publication: December 28, 2023 Last Publication: January 11, 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News ###

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of FRANCES ELIZABETH SPROCH;

Parker | Elbert Legals December 28, 2023 * 4

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