Flag football and more prep sports news from the metro area
BY JOHN RENFROW
A day after boys golf teams o cial-
son, dozens of high school athletes from around the state descended on Empower Field in Denver for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s fall sports Media Day.
Headlining fall sports this season is ag football, which will be introduced with two classi cations in
year pilot program with Colorado high schools. But in April, Colorado became the 11th state to sanction the sport. It is the inaugural season for the sport in Colorado.
Girls ag football becomes the 14th fall activity and 21st activity
P21
Town
BY SCOTT GILBERT SGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A dispute that began two years ago when an Elizabeth man went to retrieve his runaway dog concluded recently with a $150,000 payout by the town to settle allegations of excessive force by police, with the town denying liability.
A court transcript, police bodyworn camera video, a law- rm press release and a draft civil-rights complaint overlap to give this account of events:
Elizabeth resident Sean Mack Page, who was 54 at the time of the initial incident, ran shirtless from his house on the morning of Sept. 20, 2022, as he rushed to retrieve one of his young Norwegian elkhounds, which had escaped from his yard. Elizabeth
Reigning flag football state champions Arvada West spoke to the media first. The Wildcats enjoyed a perfect season capped with a trophy in 2023.
PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW
County Commissioner Abe Laydon reacts to suspension of his law license
He says situation ‘should be rectified’ soon
An o ce of the Colorado Supreme Court has suspended Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon’s law license on the grounds that he failed to keep up with the minimum standards for continuing legal education.
Laydon told Colorado Community
Media he is seeking to be granted an exception based on his work with the law as a county commissioner.
“I stopped practicing law in order to serve the citizens of this county when I was elected,” Laydon said in a statement. “Continuing legal education is a routine part of the requirement for active attorneys, which I will comply with before year end in one fashion or another.”
He cited his membership on several boards that oversee organizations in the community — such as
SEE YOURSELF ON STAGE
the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority and the Douglas County Community Foundation — along with his service as an elected o cial.
“Sitting on (about) 15 boards and governing a county full time leaves little time for such activity, but the hope is that my intrinsically law-related work in public service will be recognized under (an) exception for CLE compliance,” Laydon continued. “If not, I will comply as directed as I have for nearly 20 years as an attorney.”
Laydon was elected as a commissioner in 2018 and began serving his second term in January 2023.
Douglas County’s online bio page describes Laydon as a 15-year land use and business attorney.
education requirements waived, he said.
Regarding a request for exception, Laydon said: “ ey may or may not grant it, but if they don’t, I’ll have to listen to a bunch of books on tape.”
e O ce of Attorney Regulation
Counsel helps the Colorado Supreme Court regulate the practice of law in Colorado, overseeing mandatory continuing legal and judicial education, its webpage says.
Laydon said the matter of his law license and continuing education requirements is “frankly a nothing burger.”
He said the situation “should be recti ed within the month.”
Theatre Education at the DCPA
Attorneys are expected to take classes to stay current on legal issues, Laydon said. But people who are active in law “in other capacities” may be able to get their continuing
“It would be misleading to the public to insinuate there was anything substantive,” Laydon said, adding: “Continuing legal education is routine and ministerial. I will comply as I always have by year end if I haven’t already.”
Parker’s Town Hall addition
has built-in safety net
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With no guarantee of what workers might dig up or nd behind walls, the addition and renovation of Parker’s Town Hall comes with a safety net. e building was originally built in a di erent era and that’s why ofcials have baked a $1 million contingency fund into the renovation’s budget.
e Town Council has approved a near $1 million design contract with Anderson Mason Dale Architects, which is being worked by JHL Constructors in a $29.3 million project. Construction is set to begin Aug. 12.
e town has long anticipated it would want to increase the building’s size.
“ is building was built to be expanded,” said Councilmember Joshua Rivero.
When the Town Hall opened in
2002 and sta ng levels were lower than where they are today, the original plans included an option for future expansion when sta ng levels increased. With about 600 employees, the expansion will include about 32,000 square foot two-story addition and select renovations. e design contract includes the costs of architecture, mechanical and plumbing engineering, structural engineering, electrical and technology engineering, civil engineering, landscape architecture and interiors and furniture, which has a subtotal of $918,750.
ere is a 10% owner contingency, which amounts to $91,875, bringing the total to $1,010,625.
Additionally, JHL Contractors submitted their Guaranteed Maximum Price for the construction phase services in the amount of
Less Than 3% of Homeowners Took Advantage of Clean Energy Tax Credits in 2023
The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included generous incentives to homeowners who invest in clean energy (such as solar panels) or in energy improvements (such as improved insulation, windows or doors).
Only 3.4 million households took advantage of those tax credits nationwide on their 2023 tax returns. That was just under 2.5% of filed tax returns. In Colorado, the number was 65,810 households, or 2.9% of tax returns filed. The states with the largest participation were California, Florida and Texas, but only Florida saw over 3% of tax returns that included the tax credit (3.26%), and the other two states had rates lower than Colorado’s.
seems to be the case since 15 percent of the 3.4 million nationwide returns which took advantage of the tax credit had Adjusted Gross Incomes under $50,000. Just under half of the returns had AGIs under $100,000. The largest bracket was AGIs of $100-200,000 that numbered 1.2 million returns or 35% of all filed returns.
the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. The average tax credit taken for those systems was $12,078.
A total of $8.4 billion in tax credits was taken by taxpayers. The program is still active, and any taxpayer who wants to reduce his/her home’s operating costs should seriously consider taking advantage of the tax credits, which remain in place through 2032. I have posted a link for its provisions at http:// RealEstateToday.substack.com
One of the smallest amounts, $55.4 million in tax credits, were claimed by 36,820 households nationwide for my favorite investment, energy audits.
The average tax credit for home energy improvement such as solar panels, solar water heating and home battery installations was $5,084. The average credit for improvement in energy efficiency, such as better windows, air sealing and heat pumps, was $882.
Questions to Ask When Buying a Solar-Powered Home
I have always said that the most affordable way to “go solar” is to buy a home that’s already solar-powered. The reason is that the price differential on a solar-powered home versus a home that is not solar-powered is minimal. (Don’t invest in solar if you’re not keeping your home at least 5-10 years, because you won’t recover the cost of your investment when you sell your home.)
So, let’s say you’re buying a solar-
powered home. Most of what you need to know should be on the MLS. Is the system owned or leased, or is it owned by a 3rd party which sells the electricity to the home owner under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)? The MLS says when it was installed and how big it is (in kilowatts), but you’ll need to find out if it still performs efficiently. You might want to hire an agent like me to represent you in your purchase.
The intention of the program is to benefit working families and small businesses to lower their utility expenses by improving their homes and offices. That
Your Best Deal on an EV Is a Used One From a Dealer
I learned the hard way that you can’t get a good deal on a used EV unless you buy it from a dealer. The reason is that there’s a 30% Clean Vehicle tax credit up to $4,000 on used EVs, but only if they are under $25,000 and purchased from a dealer. I have posted on http://RealEstateToday.substack.com a link to the IRS web page with the details on qualifying for the tax credit.
I tried selling my 2015 Model S, but no one wanted it at a reasonable price, so I ended up selling it to CarMax. Google “Used EVs Under $25,000” and you’ll see there are lots to choose from.
Although the credits vary from one improvement to another, it is generally a 30% on the cost of the improvement, including labor. The most popular improvement is solar photovoltaic installations, claimed by 752,300 households nationwide. The second most popular improvement was insulation, followed by exterior windows and skylights and central air conditioners.
Heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters were also a popular improvement, claimed by 267,780 and 104,180 households respectively.
Just under $1 billion in tax credits were claimed by 80,730 taxpayers for
Archive of Past Columns Is Online
Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com
Today’s the Day—Buyer Commissions Off the MLS
August 15th is the day which Denver’s MLS, REcolorado, set for removing buyer agent compensation from all MLS listings in compliance with the March 15th settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a class of home sellers in Missouri. NAR had set the deadline for Aug. 17th. August 15th is also the date that new state-approved contracts consistent with the NAR settlement become mandatory in Colorado. I wrote about that on Aug. 1st. (see www.JimSmithColumns.com.)
Theoretically, home buyers will start paying the brokers who represent them in the purchase of real estate, but I will be surprised if a single home buyer pays anything at all for professional representation. That’s because most sellers will agree to offer compensation, leaving any seller who does not offer compensa-
tion in an untenable position — no buyer will want to make an offer on homes that require them to pay their agent.
Keep in mind that most buyers are already heavily burdened in the transaction to buy a home, especially when they are having to finance their purchase with a mortgage at 6% or higher interest rates. They have to pay for inspection, for appraisal, for loan origination, first-year’s home insurance premium, and for escrow deposits to cover next year’s property taxes and insurance renewal. Only cash buyers are spared those heavy upfront costs.
If sellers wants to attract buyers, they will need to offer compensation. It’s just that they can’t advertise it on the MLS. They’ll still let buyers know, either on a home-specific website (like we provide), on a sign rider, or in a brochure.
We Need to Level-Up Sustainability & Recycling
Have you heard of toilet paper made from bamboo? I hadn’t either, but when I read the pitch for it, I was sold. Regular toilet paper is made, like other paper, from trees. But trees grow back slowly, whereas bamboo is famous for growing quickly. It would be a lot better for the planet if everyone switched to bamboo toilet paper. Rita and I received our first order last week, and we are sold on it. It’s the only toilet paper we’ll buy now, online from both Amazon and Costco.com.
I made another discovery recently. Those plastic jars you buy for everything from yogurt to milk and milk substitutes are wrapped in plastic that must be removed in order to recycle the bottle. At left is a picture of two quart bottles, plus a third in the middle with its label removed. The back of the milk bottle contains the notice shown at right:
It’s common practice in our home now to cut those plastic wrappers off and trash them before putting the bottles in the recycling bin. Some bottles, such as Activia’s Probiotic Dailies, have a marked “zipper” on them, making it easy. Others don’t even tell you that the wrapper must be removed, and you need a pointed knife to remove the wrap.
When we were in New Zealand in February, I saw a bicycle in the window of a Nespresso storefront. Looking closer, there was a sign on it saying that the bike’s aluminum frame was made of recycled Nespresso pods. We have one of Nespresso’s coffee makers, and now we keep one of their free postage paid recycling bags under the counter in our kitchen. Call Nespresso at 855-325-5781, and they’ll mail you some. K-cups can be recycled curbside after you remove the lid and contents. Do you want to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic? It’s becoming popular for restaurant-goers to bring Tupperware containers with them for leftovers. Rita does that. Also, there’s increasing popularity of “refill shops” where you buy bulk dry and liquid groceries to refill your own bottles or containers. Here’s a map from Googling it.
Why Cimarron Middle School teachers built kids’ beds
Rotary Club of Cherry Creek Valley chips in $1,500
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In the days leading up to the new school year, teachers often spend their time making their classrooms a positive environment for kids to learn, but faculty at Cimarron Middle School in Parker took a break from planning to build bed frames for children who otherwise might not have a bed.
At seven stations outside of the school, teachers measured, cut and sanded wood. Around 75 people in all came together, reaching their goal of building 40 twin bed frames.
As the teachers chatted about the upcoming school year, Principal Chris Zimmerman worked a little at each station.
“Our sta really deeply care about our kids,” said Zimmerman. “I think one of the things that would break all our hearts would be knowing that some of our kids sleep on the oor and don’t get a good night’s rest every night.
e school — and teachers — enlisted the help of the Rotary Club of Cherry Creek Valley to dub the community service projects.
“Teachers had said, ‘When they do a project like this, they have a better school year,’” said Cheryl O’Brien, the local Rotary youth services director.
e club also pitched in $1,500 to help fund the project.
It’s become a familiar site at the school. A few years ago, teachers and sta helped build bicycles for kids in the community, even teaching a few how to ride the bikes. For the beds project, the school partnered with the non-pro t Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to building beds for kids in need.
e organization began with the aim of building one bed for a single family. Now, a decade later, it has grown into a national organization delivering thousands of beds to youth.
About 5,200 beds are needed for kids nationally, according to the group, with approximately 1,660 in the Denver area.
school aim to collect at the beginning of the school year.
Students at the school have a young Rotary Club called Interact that O’Brien often helps. e student club is holding a bedding drive to collect new comforters, sheets and pillows.
e Denver Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter aims to build more beds this year. ey will be taking part in the 6th annual Bunks Across America Build Day on Sept. 14. Lumber, tools and “know how to help” volunteers are provided. Locations can be found at shpbeds. org/chapter/co-denver/.
By having a bed of their own, kids begin to thrive in their everyday routines, said O’Brien.
“Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health and also it’s one of the most important things we can do for our learning,” said O’Brien.
Once the beds are built, including bunk beds, the mattresses are provided by Sleep in Heavenly
Peace. ere is an ongoing need for twin size sheets and other bedding items, which students at the middle
“If we can help another kiddo with that, the impact is every single day.”
Learn more about ways to help at shpbeds.org/make-donation.
An assembly line of seven stations was set up in the parking lot of Cimarron Middle School where teachers joined members of the Rotary Club Cherry Creek Valley to measure, cut and sand lumber provided by Lowes. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
Principal Chris Zimmerman of Cimarron Middle School in Parker takes part in building twin bed frames in partnership with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to building beds for kids of all ages in need.
Colorado joins Purple Star School Program for military families
Legislation aims to support spouses of high-risk workers
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With kids heading back to school, a new Colorado law aims to support students in military families. e state now joins dozens of states in implementing the Purple Star School Program.
Highlands Ranch state Rep. Bob Marshall was the prime sponsor of the House Bill. House Bill 24-1076 establishes the program in K-12 public schools in an e ort to assist military children with the transitions and deployments involving their parents.
“ ese little ones (bills), they’re little, but they’re extremely important to the small group that is impacted by it,” Marshall, a Democrat, said. e bill had bipartisan support. Its Senate sponsor was Bob Gardner, a Republican who represents El Paso and Teller counties.
A public school can qualify by showing a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families through resources and support that helps mitigate the “academic and social-emotional challenges they may face” due to parent deployment, frequent moves and new schools.
Marshall, who served as a Marine, said he knows personally the challenges that reclocating has on families.
According to the Military State Policy Source, other gaps the program addresses include overlaps in curriculum, course-placement disruption and di ering school district graduation requirements.
“Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” Marshall said in a statement.
Over 40 states across the country have received Purple Star School designation. With a large military presence in Colorado – almost 40,000 active duty service members according to the Military State Policy Source – Marshall said Colorado should be included..
“It just made no sense that we didn’t have it,” said Marshall.
To qualify for the designation, schools must recognize military service and civic responsibility, as well as:
• Designate a school sta member as a military liaison
• Maintain an accessible web page on the public school websites with resources for military-connected students and their families
• Maintain student-led transition programs
• O er professional development opportunities for educators and sta relating to students.
Whether it’s publishing a resolution on the school’s website, part-
nering with a local military installation for volunteer opportunities, showing community-family engagement through student-driven clubs or celebrating families in April and November, the schools must implement one of the initiatives.
e bill was also sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora who says the law could strengthen communities and Sen. Rhonda Fields,
“Military families make big sacri ces to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Fields said in a statement. “ is new law will uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive in school.”
Highlands Ranch Rep. Bob Marshall, who served as a Marine, was a co-sponsor of the House Bill 24-1076, also known as the Purple Star School Program. The program aims to assist military children with the transitions and deployments involving their parents in public schools.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
A LETTER TO OUR READERS
To our loyal supporters,
ere’s a saying in journalism that newspaper production is a daily or a weekly miracle. A er the last few weeks, we’ve performed a few such miracles to make sure you can continue to receive your local newspaper.
I’m writing to update you about some short-term (potential) delivery delays, to provide information about the reasons, and to thank you for your continued support of your community newspaper.
As you may know, Colorado Community Media’s parent company, the National Trust for Local News, has been busy building a new, local commercial printing facility to serve Front Range newspapers. is move sets up our newspapers for more economic sustainability and the potential for future editorial investments – in other words, a stronger, more vibrant community news source.
Along the way, we’ve learned that launching a printing press from scratch is not for the faint of heart. During the initial project work, we discovered that the electrical capacity needed to run all of our equipment required additional (and unexpected) enhancements to our facility. We’re making great progress and are working with our partners to complete the nal electrical services. We hope to begin printing Colorado Community Media’s newspapers there in early September.
Given the unexpected closure of the Berthoud press facility this month, we have been scrambling to nd alternatives to print our mailed newspapers during the 3-4 week timeframe expected before our own press launches. Fortunately, we’ve found a temporary out-of-state alternative that will allow us to continue providing you the print newspaper you’ve come to expect from us while we work to get our own press operational. What that means, however, is that you could experience delays of one to four days in receiving your printed paper.
Know this: We’re dedicated to ensuring you get your newspaper throughout this interim period. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to hello@coloradocommunitymedia.com, or visit our website, which is always up-to-date with the latest news and information in your community.
We’re hopeful the disruptions to our readers and customers will be minimal and deeply appreciate your support of local journalism.
Linda Shapley
Publisher
Colorado Community Media
Call first: 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Mailing Address:
750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 303-566-4100
Web: ParkerChronicle.net
To subscribe call 303-566-4100
LINDA SHAPLEY
Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com
HALEY LENA Community Editor hlena@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Event looks to build friendships centered around trails
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Community members will gather to run, walk and raise money to support local re ghting e orts at an upcoming 5-kilometer race in Robert F. Clement Park.
e “Share Your Trail Tales 5K” event and related storytelling initiative will be hosted by Colorado Community Media,
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Chronicle.
We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Parker Chronicle
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Parker, Colorado, the Chronicle is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.
Send address change to: Parker Chronicle, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
As part of the “Share Your Trail Tales” 5K storytelling initiative, one community member submitted this photo of the Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail in Lakewood. PHOTOS
the nonpro t that owns the Littleton Independent and two dozen other local newspapers around the metro area.
Events Director Carlie Scott said the event aims “to bring our communities together through our shared love for the great outdoors and to showcase all the beauty Colorado has to o er.”
It will also bene t the rst responders to the Quarry re, which erupted in early August in the Deer Creek Canyon area, many who are volunteers from lo-
cal re departments and the American Red Cross.
“ is event is not only about enjoying nature, but also about giving back,” Scott said. “It’s an opportunity for our community to support our local volunteer re ghters, whose extraordinary e orts have saved countless homes and protected vast areas of wildlife and open space.”
FAMILIES
Legislation to support families of high-risk workers
Another new state law aims to support families of rst responders and state employees with high-risk jobs.
Previously, surviving spouses of rst responders could be eligible to receive lifelong workers’ compensation death bene ts if their spouse was killed on the job, but that right was forfeited if they remarried.
Sponsored by Reps. Sheila Lieder, DLittleton, Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud and Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, HB241139, also known as Death Bene t for State Employee Surviving Spouses, ensures surviving spouses bene ts will not
change, even if they remarry. is includes spouses of state troopers, Colorado Bureau of Investigation o cers, correction o cers, community parole o cers, state re ghters, port of entry o cers, Parks and Wildlife o cers and Colorado Department of Transportation safety and maintenance workers.
Co-sponsor of the bill, Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado, who served as a reghter for over 35 years, said he understands the di culties spouses of lost employees go through following the passing of their loved one.
“Death bene ts are critical for them during their times of need,” said Exum. “ e current remarriage penalty forces a surviving spouse to relive the trauma of their loss and prevents them from moving forward with their lives. With this law, widows can choose to remarry without sacri cing nancial security.”
e run takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Robert F. Clement Park, located at 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in unincorporated Je erson County, just west of Littleton. e course will include two laps on the bike path around the lake, according to the event’s webpage.
Scott said a local competitive dance group will perform after the race, and other local businesses and vendors will be on site.
Leading up to the event, community members can share stories about and photos of their favorite Colorado parks and trails at https://tinyurl. com/h2s562d5.
Registration costs $35 for individuals ages 17 and above, and $15 for youth between the ages of ve and 16. Children ages four and under can join the race for free. Runners who
register early will receive a pair of custom running socks, according to the event’s webpage.
Race-day registration is also available for an additional $10 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Clement Park Shelter Q. Race packets may be picked up that morning at Shelter P.
Scott said events like the 5K are important because they create opportunities for community members to connect with each other.
“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected,” she said. “ ese events provide a chance to slow down, enjoy the beauty around us and share meaningful experiences with our neighbors.”
More: Participants can register for the event at https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/05/04/ share-your-trail-tales-5k/. Scott encourages community members to share photos and stories about their favorite trails at https://tinyurl.com/h2s562d5.
Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, August 24th, 2024 | 3:00 - 7:00PM
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to volunteer firefighters
Let’s come together to celebrate the beauty that our local communities have to o er.
SHARE YOUR TRAIL TALES 5K
is a new event that celebrates Colorado’s walking/running trails within our local communities.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Clement Park–Littleton
Our 5K Run/Walk will mark the culmination of members sharing their stories about the great places they go for a run or a walk.
Enjoy the festivities and tour the new building!
Support Ponderosa High School by purchasing ra le tickets! All proceeds will benefit their new scoreboard.
Full-service branch opening in August! New Parker location opening at 6736 Pinery Peak Point. Learn
REGISTER NOW!
Lace up your shoes, and after you hit the path, share your story with Colorado Community Media. We will be publishing your fan letters in our local papers.
Silverdale Trailhead
Three Sisters Trail
Equine therapy facility to celebrate 10th anniversary
Eagle’s Nest Ranch provides services to military, first responders
BY NICKY QUINBY
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Suzy Stan ll opened Eagle’s Nest Ranch 10 years ago. e equinetherapy nonpro t uses horses as a way to minister to veterans and rst responders. ey’ve been located in the Elizabeth area for eight and a half years, six of those nestled among the pine trees on Timber Drive.
To celebrate the anniversary of its 2014 opening, Eagle’s Nest Ranch, whose motto is “Life Support for Our Nation’s Heroes,” will hold its 10th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 23, starting at 5 p.m. e $40 tickets need to be pre-purchased but the event is open to the public.
e anniversary doubles as a fundraiser to continue providing services to military and rst responders at no
charge to them, Stan ll said.
People told Stan ll it was hard for a nonpro t to make it to year three, much less 10. Stan ll wants to celebrate what God has done over the past decade. She added that the celebration is “really a celebration of God’s provision and help because it’s been His ranch for ten years.”
Stan ll gratefully acknowledged that she wouldn’t be able to do this on her own. “It’s not me or my skills or anything,” she shared. “It’s His provision. He’ll take a humble heart and use it if it’s given to Him and His purposes.”
e celebration includes a ranch tour and an introduction to the horses, followed by dinner and a program starting at 6.
Kim Meeder, the cofounder and CCO of Oregon-based Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, will speak that night. Crystal Peaks is a “unique ministry that rescues mistreated horses and pairs them with hurting children, encouraging all toward the healing
SEE ANNIVERSAY, P12
The Eagle’s Nest Ranch 10th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Aug. 23. COURTESY OF EAGLE’S NEST RANCH
ANNIVERSARY
hope of Jesus Christ.”
Founded in 1995, the ranch serves thousands of kids a year for free. Meeder’s rst book, Hope Rising, launched her speaking ministry. e book also inspired Stan ll to eventually start Eagle’s Nest Ranch. Meeder and her husband have helped establish more than 200 similar ranch ministries throughout the United States, Canada and internationally.
Stan ll rst met Meeder in 2008 at a clinic for those interested in starting a ranch ministry. Since then, Stan ll has been back several times for retreats. Meeder has visited Eagle’s Nest Ranch a few times while in town for radio interviews or TV appearances and over the years she has become Stan ll’s close friend and mentor.
Stan ll said, “We are so very grate- ful and humbled that she is coming to be our guest speaker, and we can’t wait to hear the inspiring message she will be sharing.”
ask about available support and services.
“We ask that people tell their friends, neighbors and coworkers and any rst responder or veteran they know about us. We are making connections with other entities both government and nonpro t about the ranch programs,” Stan ll said.
Stan ll said the recent First Responder Families’ Buckaroo Days were a huge success. Buckaroo Days are designed to honor a rst responder’s work and their family’s sacri ce by inviting them to the ranch for a day of fun, encouragement and family time.
One man who attended was surprised to be treated as the center of attention; Stan ll said their goal is to make rst responders, veterans and their families feel like honored guests. A grateful mom also shared that her son, who attended last year, has been waiting all year to come back. Stan ll said some kids even showed up with their Buckaroo Days T-shirts from years past.
Eagle’s Nest Ranch recently shifted its focus from the general population to serving veterans and rst responders. Stan ll said people are starting to reach out to them and
For more information or to buy tickets to the 10th Anniversary Celebration, visit eaglesnestranch.org. Elbert County News previously wrote about Eagle’s Nest Ranch at tinyurl.com/267ymvzw.
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
SETTLEMENT
Page found his dog running around a nearby construction site and asked the work crew not to start their heavy machinery that could spook his dog. e crew declined to cooperate, setting o an exchange of expletives by Page and at least one of the workers. Page managed to retrieve his loose dog and started to walk back toward his home as a worker called police to report Page for shouting at him. Melvin Berghahn, who was then the Elizabeth police chief, and another o cer arrived separately at the scene as Page neared his home, and the two o cers began to question Page about the interaction with the construction workers as all three men stood in the street.
Berghahn’s body-worn camera footage shows an apparently agitat-
ed Page describe the exchange with the workers and explain that he was getting ready to leave for a medical appointment, saying he was to receive a spinal injection to address an ongoing serious back injury. e footage shows Page gesturing and speaking in an excitable fashion while standing close to Berghahn, and after Page describes a construction worker as a “Republi-con scumbag,” his voice and gesticulations notably amplify, then the police commands become more direct. An o cer tells Page to “calm down,” and Page then expresses his plan to go to his house and get his dogs inside.
An o cer tells Page “you need to wait” and Page responds “I don’t need to do anything” and backs toward his house before o cers move to physically detain him. e video captures the rst moments of police grabbing Page and pushing him against a truck, then cuts out, but accounts agree that police then took
Page to the ground to restrain him as he was arrested.
Police arrested Page on allegations of disorderly conduct, which they said was for the interaction with the construction crew, and resisting arrest. e civil rights complaint later drafted by his lawyers but never led says Page has a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome after being shot in the face as a young child by a police o cer’s son.
e complaint says the 2022 incident triggered a post-traumatic stress response in Page, leading him to beat his head against a metal surface after being placed in the back of a police cruiser at the scene.
In a March 2023 court hearing, Elbert County Court Judge Palmer Boyette threw out the disorderly conduct charge on First Amendment grounds, ruling that Page’s expletives directed at the construction crew did not rise to the level of
ghting words and that the charge was unconstitutional. e charge of resisting arrest remained, but was later dismissed by the prosecution. e draft civil rights complaint alleges that police escalated the incident in front of Page’s house as a response to his use of the “Republicon scumbag” phrase. Police testied in the March 2023 hearing that the incident escalated as a result of Page’s heightened level of agitation following the phrase, his proximity to Berghahn, and his insistence on defying police commands by moving toward his house, where o cers did not know whether he might have a weapon.
e body-worn camera video can be viewed at tinyurl.com/elizarrest. e Elbert County News emailed Elizabeth Town Administrator Patrick Davidson and Berghahn to ask if either wished to comment, and an updated story will be published online if either responds.
REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE
Finding life’s balance in the snow and surf
The snow-covered mountains in winter and the powerful ocean waves o er two of nature’s most exhilarating playgrounds: skiing and snowboarding on the one hand, and sur ng on the other. Each of these sports, while distinct in their environments and techniques, shares a common thread that is essential not only to their practice but also to our broader experience of life: balance.
ere is an art of balance in sport. In skiing as in snowboarding, in the serene, snow-laden mountains, skiing and snowboarding demand a harmonious blend of strength, agility, and control. Skiers carve graceful arcs down the slopes, their movements a dance of precision and uidity. With their single board, snowboarders exhibit a unique balance style, leaning into turns and navigating the mountain’s contours with an elegant ow. Both sports require an acute awareness of one’s body in relation to the terrain, a constant adjustment to the ever-changing snow conditions, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Sur ng, in contrast, takes place against the backdrop of the ocean’s vast, sometimes thunderous pow-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
er. Surfers must balance on their boards while reading the waves, anticipating the swell, and executing maneuvers with split-second timing. e ocean is unpredictable, and each wave presents a new challenge, demanding adaptability and resilience. Sur ng is a dance with nature’s raw energy, requiring a deep connection with the water and a keen sense of timing.
I have learned many lessons in balance from the mountains and the sea. Having been fortunate enough to live in the mountains and by the beach, I’ve witnessed rsthand how these sports mirror life’s journey. Like in skiing, snowboarding, and sur ng, balance is crucial as we navigate the turbulence and tranquility of our everyday lives.
As beginners, whether on the slopes or in the surf, we start with tentative steps. Our movements are awkward, falls are frequent, and progress can seem slow. is phase teaches us the importance of perseverance and humility. We learn to get up after each fall, to laugh at our mistakes, and to appreciate the incremental gains we make.
Moving to the intermediate stage, we gain con dence and competence. Our skills improve, and we start to enjoy the rhythm of the sport. However, this is also a period where we must guard against complacency. e challenges become more complex, and the need for physical and mental balance be-
comes even more pronounced. We learn to push our limits while maintaining control, to take calculated risks, and to stay focused amidst distractions.
Reaching the expert level, we achieve a mastery that allows us to express ourselves fully through the sport. Our movements become second nature, and we can tackle the most challenging terrains and waves with nesse. is level of prociency is not just about technical skill but also about an inner balance.
Experts in skiing, snowboarding, and sur ng often speak of a state of ow where they are completely immersed in the activity, their mind and body perfectly synchronized. Living in the mountains and by the beach has shown me that true
Kennedy has correct values I am writing to express my support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president of the United States. Today, America nds itself more polarized than ever, with both sides blaming each other for the nation’s woes. However, the real issue lies in the division itself, sapping the strength of the public to resist exploitation and challenge the status quo. To combat this, a united move-
ment must emerge, transcending political, racial, and demographic divides. A powerful uprising that brings together left and right, Black and White, urban and rural, young and old, and working people of all backgrounds, is the key to breaking the grip of undemocratic forces. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. invites everyone to join this movement for people power, free from identi cation with any one political party.
Despite clear positions on divisive issues like abortion, guns, and immigration, Kennedy recognizes the legitimacy of concerns on both sides. In his vision, no one is deplorable, and shared values beneath surface disagreements can foster unity. Kennedy’s approach involves drawing on broad moral agreements, encouraging careful listening, and creating conditions for understanding each group’s stories. is commit-
balance is not about avoiding the ups and downs but embracing them. It’s about nding stability amidst change, peace amidst chaos, and joy amidst challenges. You may not ski, snowboard, or surf, but there have probably been times when you felt out of balance. If so, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can ride the ups and downs of life with greater balance, it really will be a better than good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
ment to respect and unity is evident in the campaign itself. Kennedy appeals to the generosity, goodness, kindness, and courage of the people, steering away from exploiting greed, anger, fear, xenophobia, and bigotry.
In these critical times, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emerges as a leader who respects the values held dear by many Americans, including myself. Deborah Blandin-Surbeck, Kiowa
Castle Rock voters may rule on tax increase
Castle Rock continues to top lists as a safe community. To help ensure the town can maintain this margin of excellence, the town council is considering placing a 0.2% sales tax increase request (20 cents on a $100 purchase) on November’s ballot. Council’s deciding vote will occur at its Aug. 20 meeting. As we share information on the proposed ballot measure, there have been some recurring questions that I’d like to address. For more information, visit CRgov. com/SupportPublicSafety.
Q: If approved by voters in November, how much would the 0.2% sales tax increase generate annually, and how would the revenue be used?
A: e proposed sales tax would generate about $3.75 million annually — the bulk of which would allow for the hiring of 40 additional public safety personnel by 2029:
• 21 personnel would be hired in 2025, including sta for a fourth ambulance and nine additional police o cers.
• 19 additional public safety personnel — for a total of 40 over ve years — would be hired by 2029:
• 11 police personnel, including o cers for patrol, schools and tra c enforcement
• 8 re personnel, including six to help adequately sta a new re station in Terrain/Cobblestone Ranch
Q: Has the town worked to cut its costs before requesting additional revenues?
A: As the town budget is developed each year, town sta evaluates over 6,000 line items to identify areas of potential savings and adjusts the budget accordingly. Town leadership has consistently said “no” to potential service expansions, choosing to focus on core services like re and police. For instance, the town has not pursued adding public internet service, a public transit system and many other services o ered
TOWN
TALK
by other area municipalities, keeping its focus on communitysupported priorities.
Q: My property tax bill increased. Didn’t the town get some of that money?
A: e owner of a median-value home in Castle Rock ($663,360) pays $37.50 in town property tax.
e lion’s share of a resident’s annual property tax goes to local schools. Another large component of one’s property tax payment may be to a metropolitan district; these are taxing entities separate from the town that exist primarily to fund public improvements to bene t property owners in the district.
A provision in the town charter restricts annual growth in the town’s property tax revenue to 5.5%, so the town’s mill levy rate declined for 2024, to 0.92 mills.
e Town expects to bring in $1.5 million in property tax revenue this year, compared to about $75 million in sales tax revenue.
Q: Can the town stop growth to eliminate the need for more police and re personnel?
A: Several things make it impractical for the town to stop growth — the primary being that Castle Rock is located between the state’s two largest cities, and that the general area would continue to grow regardless of whether growth occurs inside the town’s boundaries. Further, the town — mostly during the 1980s — approved development rights for several areas that remain in place today. Removing those rights from the landowners would be nancially infeasible. Finally, a state law passed in 2023 no longer allows anti-growth laws to be implemented within Colorado.
David L. Corliss is the town manager of Castle Rock.
David L. Corliss
BY AUDREY BRICE AND LOURDES CAMARILLO SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
On a hospital bed, surrounded by sterile equipment and isolated, the anxious await a surgery that will alter their lives. In pursuit of motherhood, many women have turned to In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF).
Samantha Bronson, a children’s youth minister at a church near Littleton, has dealt with negative thoughts and emotions regarding her infertility.
“A lot of questions came to me about my spirituality as well,” Bronson said. “Like, ‘Is this God saying something to me?’ And, in my darkest moments, ‘Is God punishing me?’ I don’t believe that’s how God works at all, but those were the feelings that were coming up for me.”
Samantha Sullivan of Fort Collins wanted a child, and her mom had called a center to talk about taking steps toward fertility treatment.
“She knew that my dream has always been to have kids, and so I was grateful,” Sullivan said. “But I also didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.”
Emily Heizer-Kochman, from Sacramento, California, is on her ninth round of IVF.
“ e whole thing’s been brutal. e emotional ups and downs are just exhausting, and any time there’s a sliver of hope, it just seems like it’s a trick,” Heizer-Kochman said. “Something worse happens when you’re expecting the good news.”
For Tanya Knepp of Florence, the costs “impacted us in a lot of ways emotionally, mentally.”
Knepp and her husband paid for IVF without the help of insurance. While Colorado law mandates IVF coverage, Knepp’s insurance skipped around this law because her company’s insurance is selffunded.
“It was 100% out of pocket,” said Knepp. e World Health Organization says one in six women globally experience infertility.
A single IVF cycle can cost $15,000 to $30,000, creating another challenge for many.
Bronson, Sullivan, Heizer-Kochman and Knepp shared their experiences with the University of Colorado’s News Corps in hopes that their stories
would help other women and their partners as they navigate the di cult path of IVF in hopes of having a baby.
Samantha Bronson, God and science
In 2020, Bronson and her husband, Luke, decided to start trying to conceive. By the end of 2021, the couple still wasn’t expecting, so Samantha went to her OBGYN for answers.
Bronson, of Aurora, was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning that despite appearing capable of conceiving, she has been unable to do so. e only test Samantha could not undergo was an egg health test, which requires
an egg retrieval.
“I wanted there to be a reason,” said Bronson. Bronson started trying to conceive through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of articial insemination where a long tube is used to put the semen directly into the uterus. Bronson tried this method of conception four times.
“We were paying out of pocket for those each month, which was racking up a lot. So our fertility doctor recommended we switch over to IVF,” said Bronson.
e switch would cost around $30,000.
SEE THE SILENCE, P17
Emily Heizer-Kochman cries tears of joy while her husband, Ben Kochman, rests his head on her shoulder, sighing with relief from their hopeful fertility test results.
PHOTO BY LOURDES CAMARILLO / CU NEWS CORPS
THE SILENCE
Bronson felt like they wouldn’t be able to pursue that path at anytime soon, and after going through multiple rounds of IUI, she needed a break.
However, this changed when Luke switched careers, as his new job’s insurance would be able to cover the cost of IVF.
“We were ready to be parents,” said Bronson. “And because of (Luke’s) job and the fact that (his) insurance does cover it, that’s when we were able to pull the trigger on (IVF) without having to stress about going into more debt.”
roughout her struggle with infertility, Bronson has felt a strain on some of her relationships. She has had friends hesitant to tell her they are expecting because they don’t want to upset her, along with people just saying the wrong things.
“A lot of people don’t really know how to talk about infertility, so they’ll say some really stupid things. I am in a Christian community, and sometimes people will ask me if I’ve prayed about it,” said Bronson.
Bronson has chosen to keep her infertility journey largely private. While she believes she may share her experience once she has dealt with it, she exercises caution, particularly within her congregation, mindful of her position and the potential impact.
“As pastors, we’re taught to share vulnerably with people, and at the same time, the people that we are serving and helping, we don’t want them to feel bad for us,” said Bronson. “So, I
don’t want it to be that somebody who is expecting gets worried or weird about sharing that with me because they are worried I would feel upset about it. Whereas this is my job and calling to walk through that with people.”
Leading up to her rst egg retrieval, Bronson was feeling a variety of emotions.
“I feel excited and nervous and worried and happy, and quite literally what feels like every emotion I could feel,” said Bronson. “ ere’s still grief in there, too. is isn’t what I planned, I wish it would have been di erent.”
On April 2, Bronson underwent her egg retrieval, and 17 eggs were retrieved, but no answers about her unexplained infertility diagnosis were discovered.
e couple would get nine embryos, but upon further genetic testing for abnormalities only seven were viable for transfer.
“I had a lot of feelings. One of those feelings was that I did not want nine or seven children.
at’s a lot,” said Bronson. “I was also excited about how successful it was and that this means that theoretically, I will never have to do an egg retrieval again.”
Bronson was ordained as a minister in June and her embryo transfer was set for mid July.
Samantha Sullivan, cancer survivor
When Sullivan’s journey with IVF began, her mind was far from fertility preservation, as she waited to nd out if she had breast cancer.
“I didn’t even think about that prior because I was so focused on: am I getting diagnosed with breast cancer?” said Sullivan.
She was devastated. She was unable to think about the trajectory of her life, but her mother’s
call to a fertility treatment center put her on track. It was on Valentine’s Day of 2020 that Sullivan received her diagnosis: stage two, grade three, triple-negative breast cancer.
e nancial burden of IVF also quickly revealed itself.
“I remember we had to pay in full up-front, and I think it was something like $15,000 or $20,000 and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t have that so I can’t do this,’ and my mom was like, ‘We’ll talk about it. We’re doing it. Let’s go,’” Sullivan said.
“I didn’t know if I was going to survive, I didn’t know if my husband was going to become my husband,” said Sullivan. “We were engaged at the time. I gave him an out, and he stayed with me.” Sullivan and Patrick would later marry on the rst anniversary of Sullivan being cancer-free on Oct. 9, 2021.
Before chemotherapy, Sullivan underwent two egg retrievals which gave them eight embryos viable for transfer. Only three were free of the BRCA 1 gene, which can increase a person’s chance of developing breast cancer.
Two years after her double mastectomy, Sullivan was able to undergo her rst embryo transfer. She went through three embryo transfers. One ended in a miscarriage and two didn’t implant.
Sullivan would have to come to terms with her only remaining embryos having the BRCA 1 gene.
After all those losses, Sullivan decided to take some time away from trying to become pregnant and also decided to switch from her previous clinic to the Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado.
Tanya and Leslie Knepp walk in their neighborhood in Florence. “IVF was the only thing remaining for us to try,” Tanya Knepp said.
Samantha Bronson sits on her porch in Aurora. She and her husband, Luke Bronson, tapped their savings, paying just under $25,000 in fertility treatments.
Samantha Sullivan looks outside of her bedroom window in Fort Collins. “IVF changes you,” she said.
PHOTOS BY LOURDES CAMARILLO / CU NEWS CORPS
THE SILENCE
Instead of spending a couple thousand dollars to transport the embryos there, Sullivan rented a tank and transferred them herself.
“My mom and I drove down, dropped the tank o at CCRM in Lone Tree. ey loaded the embryos up and I bucked them into the car and drove them over,” said Sullivan.
At this new clinic, Sullivan went through her fourth embryo transfer, which ended in a miscarriage.
“Every single failed transfer has been absolutely devastating, and of course, every pregnancy I have lost a child. So, it’s been very di cult,” said Sullivan. Later on, Sullivan went in for a fth embryo transfer.
e procedure itself went well, but a home pregnancy test she took came back negative. e clinic con rmed the result.
e couple still has two embryos that their current clinic could transfer. However, they have begun looking into using an egg donor to make an embryo.
“I don’t know if I can keep going through loss,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan works as a postpartum nurse, a di cult position to have while going through infertility.
“It is really hard to take care of patients that don’t want the baby, or are upset that they’re pregnant, or are abusing their bodies – intentionally or unintentionally – which then a ects the baby, when I’m trying to do everything that I can and everything right to have a child,” Sullivan said.
Tanya Knepp, one little chance
Knepp and her husband, Leslie, have been trying to conceive for ve years, and recently started their rst round of IVF.
“We were very con dent that – aside from something miraculous and out of the ordinary – we weren’t just gonna get pregnant with less invasive means, and our doctors are pretty con dent of that too,” said Knepp.
e couple had to make a lot of sacri ces – living in a less-than-desirable neighborhood and driving older cars – to a ord IVF. And, after selling their last house, they were able to a ord their rst cycle of IVF.
When Knepp started, she got the news that she had low ovarian reserve. is diagnosis means a woman has fewer eggs in her ovaries compared to others her age, making conceiving more di cult.
During her egg retrieval, Knepp’s emotions were mixed, partly due to the cost of the procedure.
“I was de nitely feeling hopeful, but at the same time, just scared,” said Knepp, adding that part of her fear came from the nancial aspect because they were spending $5,000 for one cycle of IVF with no guaranteed success.
e retrieval returned seven eggs, but only one ended up being viable for transfer.
“We have one embryo. We’ve got one little chance waiting for us,” said Knepp. “So that’s how I feel about that embryo now, just glad we had that chance.”
As the couple wants more than one child, they have decided that with Knepp’s diagnosis of low ovarian reserve, they should attempt another egg retrieval now before attempting an embryo transfer.
“You’re not crazy for wanting to do this. e hope of bringing a child into this world is so valid,” said Knepp.
Emily Heizer-Kochman, the ninth try
“I had worries that we would have trouble conceiving another baby – or that we were on a short timeline – just because of my age,” said Heizer-Kochman.
Unfortunately, Heizer-Kochman was right to worry, as she would begin struggling with secondary infertility, a condition in which someone is unable to conceive or carry to term after already giving birth to a child without any fertility treatments.
Heizer-Kochman had ve miscarriages.
“I don’t know that you ever forget that pain. I don’t know,” said Heizer-Kochman. “You gure out how to live with it. I didn’t really do anything to deal with it, I just tried to move on.”
e couple ended up going to CNY, a fertility clinic in Colorado Springs. e cheapest option they could nd in the United States, which costed roughly $3,700 per cycle.
Out of eight rounds of IVF, none of the three embryos retrieved were deemed viable due to chromosomal abnormalities.
On Feb. 16, Heizer-Kochman went in for an egg retrieval for her ninth and nal round of IVF.
e procedure only returned a single egg.
Does Colorado require motor vehicle insurance for e-bikes?
e couple wanted to try one last time to ensure they had done all they could, but Heizer-Kochman wasn’t putting much hope into their single egg.
ree weeks later, the couple received the results that their latest embryo would not be viable. ey continue to work towards having another child with the help of a friend who has agreed to be their egg donor.
“We got nothing out of it, other than the courage to move on,” said Heizer-Kochman. “If we hadn’t done IVF and spent that much and tried all those times, I don’t know that we would be emotionally ready to move on.”
e couple has spent around $50,000 on medical expenses.
“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t always work,” said Heizer-Kochman. “It’s not necessarily a faster track to a baby. ere are some people who do one cycle and get everything they need. at’s not everybody.”
A threat to IVF
Navigating IVF is already challenging, but the recent Alabama ruling has added another layer of di culty. It’s evident that many people lack understanding of the complexities involved with IVF. Although none of the women interviewed were from Alabama, some still express concerns about the misconceptions regarding IVF highlighted by the ruling.
is story was created by students at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s News Corps. Colorado Community Media participated in the process that helped bring this story to light.
BY
Colorado does not require motor vehicle insurance for electric bikes as long as the bikes t the state’s electrical assisted bicycle classi cations and aren’t motorcycles.
e state has three classi cations for e-bikes:
Class 1: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power when the rider is pedaling and stops when the bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power but stops when the bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: an electric assisted bicycle with a motor that provides power when the rider is pedaling but stops when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.
Insuring e-bikes, however, is recommended by some insurance providers, who recommend at least liability coverage in case of an accident. Companies have started o ering special e-bike insurance for riders as some companies don’t insure them as property under homeowners policies.
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalistowned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state. e Colorado Sun partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-size fact-checks of trending claims.
JUSTIN GEORGE THE COLORADO SUN
Thu 8/15
Denver Broncos Training Camp @ 9am
Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit, Englewood
Lauren Frihauf Trio
@ 5:30pm
Sat 8/17
Martin Gilmore: Swallow Hill Open House @ 9am
Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Ilya Serov @ 3pm
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, 5111 DTC Pkwy, Greenwood Village
Adam Cayton-Holland Live at Western Sky Bar & Taproom @ 6pm / $10
Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S BROADWAY, Englewood. westernsky barco@gmail.com
Fri 8/16
Ty Myers @ 6pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage
conjunto azabache @ 7pm
Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
Bay Ledges @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Bay Ledges @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, Englewood
Centennial park, S Uvalda St, Centennial
Robert Cristian Jordan: Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival 2024 @ 6pm
Centennial park, S Uvalda St, Centennial
Jesse Raub Jr.: Cody Johnson Leather Tour @ 6:30pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350
Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage
Wilder Woods @ 7:30pm
Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
Sun 8/18
Last Train To Juarez: Wheelz, West Hampden Avenue, Englewood, CO, USA @ 2pm
Wheelz, 2490 W Hampden Ave, Engle‐wood
Englewood Tavern: Matt Woods + Jack Yoder @ 6pm
The Englewood Tavern, 4386 S Broadway, Englewood
Mon 8/19
$UICIDEBOY$ w/ Denzel Curry @ 5pm
Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, Englewood
EKKSTACY @ 5:30pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350
Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage
Tue 8/20
Shakewell @ 5pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage
$UICIDEBOY$ @ 5pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350
Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Vil‐lage
Wed 8/21
Ladies Night @ 5pm / $10
Stampede, Aurora
Thu 8/22
Orbit Culture @ 5:30pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Blessing Offor @ 6pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village
Dallas Moore @ 6pm
Wheelz, 2490 W Hampden Ave, Englewood
Calendar
Kiowa co ee truck serves up community connection
Dancing Jaguar bridges the worlds of Honduras and Elbert County
BY COURTNEY BAKOS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Dancing Jaguar Co ee in Kiowa takes a unique approach to co ee, seamlessly blending passion, tradition and commitment to quality. Owned and operated by Erika Duke Hulm and her husband, Joe Hulm, both ardent co ee enthusiasts, this establishment has become a local treasure.
eir business model is as unique as their co ee. Rather than a traditional co ee shop, they operate out of a food truck, serving fresh co ee by the cup Monday, Wednesday, ursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Forty Mile Feed, along Highway 86 at the western edge of Kiowa. Customers can also purchase bags of roasted co ee beans or even green beans to roast themselves at home.
“We do have a number of people here who like to roast their own beans, and when they come to pick up their sacks of green beans, they’ll sit and chat with my husband about the roasting process,” Erika shared. “ is is a passion and it is so much fun to share it with others.”
All the beans used in their roasts are specialty graded and come from Erika’s family farm in Honduras, which adheres to organic practices without pesticides, chemicals or arti cial avorings.
here,” says Erika, “When my husband is roasting, we invite people to see how their beans are being roasted. It’s an immersive experience, from farm to cup.”
“We’re not just selling co ee; we’re sharing an experience and educat-
ing people about the farming and roasting processes,” said Erika, who has found the local community to be incredibly supportive and interested in the business. “We live in an area that is still very farm-based and there is an appreciation for that. e community has been so supportive
of us. We are very grateful to them and it has felt like a big family.” Erika and Joe are committed to their community, both locally in Kiowa and in Honduras on the co ee farm. In Elbert County, they support fundraisers through the local 4-H, creating strong connections with residents. “If I have a goal to only sell co ee,” said Erika, “I am missing so many conversations, so many connections. I don’t want to ever get so busy that I am not able to really connect with people.”
e Hulms prioritize Fair Trade practices and know the quality of their beans intimately. “I know the farm is a good place to work because I grew up there. I know who picked
SEE COFFEE, P31
Dancing Jaguar Co ee co-owner Erika Duke Hulm says her company’s roasting process creates a product that “won’t taste like a cup of Folgers.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANCING JAGUAR COFFEE
Erika Duke Hulm and Joe Hulm own Kiowa-based Dancing Jaguar Co ee, which sells its wares from a co ee truck at Forty Mile Feeds on the west end of town.
for girls recognized by CHSAA. Defending champions Arvada West and Chat eld, Cherry Creek, Mountain View, Valor Christian and Vista Ridge high schools sent teams to speak to the media.
“Flag football is the fastest-growing sport nationally, especially for girls,” said CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger. “So, we’re excited to be part of that with a number of states that have now sanctioned it.”
Flag football
Arvada West defeated Cherry Creek 34-14 in the nal of the 16-team state championship tournament last October. e Wildcats nished the season with a perfect 25-0 record. ey were the rst team to speak.
e team addressed several changes coming to the sport in its inaugural season as a fully sanctioned sport. What was a noncontact sport the past two pilot years now brings more physical changes, including punting, screen blocking, a one-yard rush line for defenses and a major change in eld size.
Instead of a 60-by-30-yard eld, it’ll now be 80-by-40 yards. e game will be more physical this upcoming season as blocking will be a big emphasis on o ense.
“Luckily a bunch of our players were able to play summer ball with those new rules,” Chat eld coach Alexis Rosholt said. “I think the two main di erences are going to be the one-yard rush, the unlimited rushers as well as blocking. Your quarterback is going to basically have a second to get the ball o . Our receivers are going to have to do some blocking before getting into routes.”
Football
Broom eld, Columbine, Delta,
Erie, Haxtun, Holy Family, Limon, Ralston Valley and Stratton high schools sent representatives from their football teams to speak with the media.
For Ralston Valley, the team is tired of seeing teams that beat them in the championship game.
“Really, the past two years, both teams that we lost to went to the state championship,” Ralston Valley Head Coach Jared Yannacito said. “So, you just continue to be consistent. You continue to show up. You continue to focus on one game at a time, one week at a time. We don’t overlook any of our opponents.”
e Mustangs will have to replace former quarterback Logan Madden, who is now a freshman player
at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Yannacito said he can’t replace Madden other than having his team come together to make up for his production.
Last year, Columbine dethroned Cherry Creek as the 5A champion. It was the Rebels’ sixth 5A state cham-
pionship since 1999 and the rst since 2011. All six of the Rebels’ state football titles have been coached by Andy Lowry, who wasn’t in attendance. But his players showed up as
Teams, coaches, parents and media from all over the state descended on Empower Field in Denver for the Colorado High School Activities Association fall sports Media Day on Aug. 6. Flag football was the main attraction.
PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW
champs and are ready to repeat if they can.
“Every senior group at Columbine steps up,” said Brennan Goodwin, the starting quarterback at Columbine. “We’re excited to do that.”
Other sports
Other fall sports teams were in attendance also ready to kick o the 2024 season.
Field hockey, gymnastics, boys golf, uni ed bowling, softball, girls volleyball, cross country, spirit and
TOWN HALL
$29,396,634. As the cost plus fee total is $28,396,634, there is a 3.52% required owner contingency in the amount of $1 million.
“The higher the contract, the less contingency you’re going to carry,” said Project manager Bob Exstrom. “ It would be inappropriate to carry
student leadership representatives all spoke to the media.
Evergreen golf’s Liam Houlihan is excited to have everybody back this fall to try and win another team title.
Houlihan and his teammate Tyler Long nished tied for second in 4A individual nishes last season.
Valor Christian volleyball has gone 58-0 in the past two seasons and won back-to-back 5A titles in Colorado.
But the Eagles know competition gets stronger each year and they aren’t ready to overlook anyone.
“I would say every time out there is going to be our competition. We just need to get in the gym and work,”
Chloe Elarton, a senior and University of Georgia commit said. “I just to
a 10% on a $29 or $28 million GMP.”
Exstrom added that there are three things he feels drive the owner’s contingency. The first being there are two projects wrapped in one and another being time because things outside of their control such as the market are subject to change.
As one of the projects is a renovation, he said based on his previous work with the recreation center, it can become complex.
savor every moment, every win, every loss, every practice. It’s going to be a really special season for us seniors and I just want to cherish that.”
Lutheran has won three straight 4A softball titles in Colorado. Meredith Barnhart said this year, preparation is more emotional this year.
“We need to make up a lot of that momentum and success that we’re used to,” Barnhart said. Rallying as a team will be huge. ere’s always the hitting in the cages and taking ground balls, so we’ll get that going here pretty soon and hopefully hit the road quick.”
Kinley Wolfe of Cherry Creek cross country just wants to improve.
“I’m just hoping to do the best I
“I promise you, when you start opening up walls and you start looking behind walls, it’s not what you think,” said Exstrom. “So anytime you’re in a remodel situation, your contingencies need to go up as an owner because of that risk.”
Previously stating the project was going to be complete in two phases, Exstrom also clarified the timeline of the construction plan.
can and try to be better than I did last season,” Wolfe said. “I’m just trying to be a strong competitor this year that people are looking at.”
But no matter the sport, the athletes said they’re all inspired by the recent uptick in the popularity of women’s sports.
“I think, for me, sports have allowed me to nd who I am,” said Colorado Academy eld hockey player
Addie Chandler. “So, having these big stars like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, having these really cool role models to look after has been really cool.”
For more from CHSAA’s fall sports Media Day, visit www.chsaanow. com.
The second phase is the renovation, estimated to be about five months, the council chambers and courts will temporarily be relocated during this phase.
The first phase is the addition to the building and is estimated to take 14 months to complete with temporary location of select staff.
“There’s 19 months total of construction and two months of occupancy,” said Exstrom. “There’s a month in between phases one and two for the town to occupy the addition and then there’s 30 days on the back end of phase two of the renovation for the town to move back into the existing town hall and to close out the project.”
CAREERS MARKETPLACE
Help Wanted
Speech-Language Pathologist
PT 3-Day/week in person
Speech-Language Pathologist or SLPA Position Available Immediately in the Bennett Area
• Open to School Internships
• Able to provide supervision for CFY hours
• Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 2024-25 school year
• Provide direct services & consultation services for students in PreK-12th grades
• Competitive PT salary: SLP
- $32,169-$36,369 & SLPA$27,262-32,202. Salaries given are based on a full-year contract. Salary commensurate upon experience
• Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home.
• Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101
• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Help Wanted
Empower Retirement, LLC is seeking the following pos's in Greenwood Village, CO (may work remotely from anywhere in the US):
• Sr Software Engr: Dsgn, implment, dploy & sprt new web-based apps & web srvcs using srvr tchnlgies stcks tht inclde Java, MySQL & AWS srvces. Salary
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To apply, email res w/ref# to Tony Medaris, tony.medaris@empower.com
Help Wanted
Special Education
Paraprofessional
Full-Time Special Education
Paraprofessional needed for 2024-25 School Year in our West Area Center-Based Learning Programs located in Strasburg - Sign On Bonus Possible!
• Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $16-$19 per hour depending on experience
May be eligible for Sign On Bonus!
• Questions contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org
• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Misc. Notices
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Garage and Estate Sales
Garage Sales
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COFFEE
the beans — my father. And I know who roasted the beans — my husband,” Erika said proudly. Most of the people who work on their Honduran farm are women, who are encouraged and empowered to learn all aspects of the co ee process, including quality control, which is meticulously done by hand.
Dancing Jaguar’s most popular roast, Camp Fire, is a medium roast with a brown sugar undertone that has become a local favorite. “Our roasting process works with the natural sugars of the co ee beans,” Erika explained. “It won’t taste like a cup of Folgers.” As their business grows, there are plans to o er group tastings, giving people the chance
to explore di erent avors and even roast their own beans to take home. When the plans are nalized, details will be shared on Dancing Jaguar’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ dancingjaguar and Instagram page at instagram.com/dancingjaguarco ee.
“Right now we are small but our dream is to eventually have our own facility where everyone can enjoy the full experience,” Erika says. “We want it to be more than a co ee shop; we want it to be a place where people can learn about various methods and try it for themselves.”
For Erika, each sack of co ee beans is a reminder of her roots and her father. “Every time I open a sack of co ee beans, I could almost cry,” she said fondly. “It brings me back to my childhood and reminds me of my dad.”
Dancing Jaguar Co ee sources its beans from the Honduran family farm of coowner Erika Duke Hulm.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANCING JAGUAR COFFEE
e Dancing Jaguar is brewing a bright future where customers don’t just enjoy a cup of co ee; they savor the art of the process.
THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, DJ HORIZONTAL NIOBRARA FIELD, ELBERT AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES, COLORADO
CAUSE NO. 535
DOCKET NO. 240700165
TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING
GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“Applicant”) filed an Application with the
Elbert Legals
Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here:
DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)
The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:
Date:October 9, 2024
Time:9:00 a.m.
Location:Virtual Hearing with Remote Access via Zoom
To participate virtually navigate to https://ecmc.state.co.us/#/home and locate the Zoom meeting link on the left side of the webpage. Energy and Carbon Management Commission
The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203
PETITIONS
The Dancing Jaguar Co ee truck can be found four days a week at Forty Mile Feeds in Kiowa.
DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED PERSONS: September 9, 2024
Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https://ecmc. state.co.us/#/home, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidebook” at https://ecmc.state. co.us/documents/reg/Hearings/External_EfilingSystemGuidebook_2023_FINAL.pdf for more information. Under Commission Rule 508, if no petition is filed, the Application may be approved administratively without a formal hearing.
Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a virtual prehearing conference during the week of September 9, 2024, if a virtual prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.
For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Dnr_ECMC_Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.
ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
By: Elias J. Thomas, Commission Secretary
Dated: August 1, 2024
GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 3511 Ringsby Court, Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com
