Clear Creek Courant May 29, 2025 by Colorado Community Media

Locals clean-up Idaho Springs Cemetery

Residents and friends gather to clean

BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL

62-years Lue Howard gets some longtime friends together to canvas the historical city cemetery and pick up the needles and slash that has collected over the last year. e city provides the trash bags and public works hauls o the debris Howard and her team collect.

their trash bag, shovel or rake and headed into the cemetery to clean the some 3,000 internments Howard estimates are there.

the deeds to most individual grave sites are gifted to family members.

Realities clash at school board meeting

BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG

Educators from across the Clear Creek school district appeared as a united group at the May 19 meeting with school board members to voice concerns about salary, retention and a path forward in a nancially troubled district.

On-going negotiations and mediation between school sta and district administration in recent months have been challenging, “to say the least,” according to representatives from both sides of the table.

Clear Creek County Education Association President Rachel Richardson said the board of education is o ering sta a 1% cost of living adjustment for all certi ed and classi ed employees in the upcoming school year.

“Our district prioritizes capital projects and spending. ey have over budgeted and gone into debt because of those priorities and because of that they say they cannot a ord to give teachers cost-of-living increases or a ‘Step’,” Richardson said.

Complex formulas, di erent realities

Every year around Memorial Day, Idaho Springs resident of

On the morning of May 21 a couple dozen regulars grabbed

Brad Lewis, of public works, worked side-by-side the volunteers, heaving the large – and surprisingly heavy – black bags into his work truck for disposal. Although the cemetery is owned by the city, Howard said

Some graves no longer have family members in the area to maintain the sites, that’s where Howard’s team comes in to help.

“You can’t explain it, you just feel like you need to do it so you

Funding to individual school districts is based on student enrollment numbers processed through a formula that even educators describe as extremely complex.

Friends help Idaho Springs resident Lue Howard clean up pine needles and winters-worth of slash at the Idaho Springs Cemetery May 21

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Judge denies change to Geer’s bond

Geer set to enter plea June 23 in crash that killed Golden police o cer

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORRINE@COTLN.ORG

e Colorado School of Mines professor charged in the death of Golden Police O cer Evan Dunn will continue to wear an alcohol-monitoring device on his ankle, the District Attorney’s con rmed May 20.

Stephen Geer, 43, has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault after he reportedly drove into the scene of a Nov. 6 tra c accident along Highway 58, striking four people.

Dunn, 33, died at the scene. Another GPD o cer and two civilians were also injured.

Geer, who was still listed as a teaching assistant professor on the Mines website as of May 20, was reportedly under the in uence of alcohol during the fatal Nov. 6 incident.

Geer is still scheduled to enter a plea in the case at 3 p.m. June 23 at the Je erson County Courthouse.

Geer had a bond-modi cation hearing May 14, where his defense attorney asked whether there was another alcohol-monitoring mechanism Geer could do instead, describing how the ankle monitor was breaking the skin around his ankle. He is out of custody on a $250,000 cash/ surety bond. One condition is that he’s prohibited from consuming alcohol and

must wear an ankle monitor.

Defense attorney Megan Downing previously explained how Geer didn’t object to the prohibition against alcohol and expects that condition to remain in place, and has been compliant with the alcoholmonitoring requirement thus far. Downing said Geer was willing to comply with any other form of monitoring the court requires.

“We want to be thoughtful about this ask … (because) we don’t want it to be heard as diminishing the gravity of the case,” Downing said at an April 28 hearing. “ … We’ve delayed asking, because (Geer) takes the case and this condition very seriously.”

However, Judge Russell Klein ultimately denied the defense’s request, based on the prosecution’s arguments and the victims’ opposition.

Klein did instruct Geer and his attorneys to work with pretrial services about alternating ankles or rotating the device placement to minimize the impact on Geer.

The Nov. 6 incident

According to the arrest a davit led against Geer, at 4:38 p.m. Nov. 6, Golden police o cers responded to eastbound Highway 58 just east of Washington Avenue. ey were investigating a crash between a Toyota Tacoma and a Subaru Crosstrek.

Amid slick and snowy conditions, the Toyota had reportedly lost control while the Subaru was trying to pass, hitting it, and both vehicles were then disabled near the median.

All involved vehicles were on the far-left side of Highway 58, according to the af-

Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado

Week of 12 May 2025

Week of 12May 2025

Each day at about 8 a.m. a local National Weather Service volunteer observer makes temperature and precipitation observations at the Georgetown Weather Station and wind observations at Georgetown Lake. “Max” and “Min” temperatures are from an NWS digital “Maximum/Minimum Temperature System.” “Mean daily” temperature is the calculated average of the max and min. “Total Precipitation” is inches of rainfall plus melted snow. “Snowfall” is inches of snow that accumulated. T = Trace of precipitation or snowfall. NR = Not Reported. “Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake” is the velocity and the time of the maximum wind gust that occurred during the 24 hours preceding the observation time. Historic data are based on the period of record for which statistical data have been compiled (about 56 years within the period 1893-2024). Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set for that speci c date.

Day and date of observation (2025)

davit, with a Golden Police vehicle positioned behind the other two. All other tra c was moving to the right, away from the original crash scene.

e Subaru’s driver, the Toyota’s driver and her father were outside the vehicles getting photos and evaluating the scene with O cers Evan Dunn and Bethany Grusing at 4:53 p.m. when a black Mazda traveling eastbound entered the area.

e Mazda reportedly hit the Toyota and then the Subaru, pinning Dunn under the latter. He died from his injuries at the scene.

According to the a davit, Grusing and the Toyota’s driver also sustained serious injuries, with the latter su ering a skull fracture and brain bleed. Her father, who was thrown over the jersey barrier, also sustained a large laceration to his head and elbow, the a davit describes.

e Subaru’s driver was uninjured. A third GPD o cer who was in the patrol vehicle behind the initial accident scene was also uninjured.

Shortly after the crash, authorities identi ed Geer as the Mazda’s driver. He reportedly told state troopers at the scene he’d been driving home after having a beer at a local bar with a coworker.

He told troopers he’d noticed “yellow ashing lights and attempted to stop” but wasn’t able to, the a davit describes.

Investigators detected alcohol on Geer’s breath, the a davit continues, and he ini-

tially agreed to voluntary roadside sobriety tests. However, after he was informed of his Miranda rights around 6:06 p.m., he refused to talk further or complete the sobriety tests.

After receiving a search warrant, investigating troopers completed a blood draw at 8:46 p.m. at the Je co jail, the a davit continues.

It also states that Geer has no previous criminal history.

On Nov. 14, the District Attorney’s Ofce formally charged Geer with one count of vehicular homicide, a class 3 felony, for Dunn’s death; Two counts of vehicular assault, a class 4 felony, for injuring Grusing and the Toyota’s driver; One count of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, for injuring the Toyota’s driver’s father; and one count of driving under the in uence, a misdemeanor.

City o cials have con rmed Dunn is the rst Golden police o cer to be killed in the line of duty.

Over the last six months, Goldenites and others across the country have honored Dunn’s memory by donating to his family and GPD, as well as by fundraising for Grusing’s recovery.

On May 2, Dunn’s name

added to the Colorado Law Enforcement

at Camp

West,

was

Memorial

George

and GPD Chief Joe Harvey con rmed Highway 58 between U.S. Highway 6 and McIntyre Street would be renamed in Dunn’s memory.

On May 2, Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey places a wreath for O cer Evan Dunn, who was killed in the line of duty Nov. 6, at the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial. Hundreds gathered at Camp George West during a May 2 ceremony where they honored Dunn and ﬁve other o cers whose names were added to the memorial.

PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN

Golden Police O cer Evan Dunn, who was killed in the line of duty Nov. 6, is honored at the May 2 Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial Day ceremony. This year, Dunn and ﬁve other ocers were added to the memorial at Camp George West, which now bears 365 total names.

CDOT breaks ground on Larkridge mobility hub

Transportation o cials say residents can catch Bustang at new hub

BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e groundbreaking for a new mobility hub at Colorado Highway 7 and I-25 Wednesday signaled a huge step forward for residents in ornton and others who yearn for a mass transit option to travel on the northern Front Range, ornton Councilmember Chris Russell said.

“ is de nitely momentous,” said Russell, who heaved the rst shovel full of dirt to start the construction of the hub.

“We will be adding mass transit for residents, businesses in this area. is is vital for the growth along this I-25 corridor.”

Russell and several local and state o cials on Wednesday helped mark the beginnings of the fourth mobility hub on the I-25 north corridor. Ten years in the making, the hub is scheduled for completion in fall 2026.

Its location on the southeast corner of Colorado 7 and I-25 and next to the Larkridge Shopping Center, allows commuters to get out of their cars and take to other forms of transportation, o cials said.

“We are o ering alternatives

to just sitting in tra c,” said Sally Cha ee, acting executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

e facility will provide a fourth location for people to not only access CDOT’s Bustang’s bus line on the north corridor but also connect to the local transit system between Boulder and Brighton along Colorado 7, said Jessica Myklebust, CDOT’s Region One Transportation Director.

e three other CDOT mobility hubs operating along I-25 in the north are at Firestone-Longmont, Berthoud and Centerra Loveland.

“Initially, this hub will be able to accommodate 152 vehicles, with the ability to double its size to 304 vehicles,” Myklebust said. “It will also have slip ramps next to the main I-25 ramps, allowing people to safely enter or exit the buses. “

e slip ramps will also allow Bustang vehicles to exit and reenter I-25 with little or no delay, she said.

Other features on the hub, according to a CDOT news release, include a pedestrian bridge over I-25, Bus shelters, new tra c signals, additional sidewalks and a permanent water quality pond.

Mobility hubs are planned for Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Monument, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Idaho Springs, Grand Junction and Fairplay.

CDOT’s new mobility hub will be located at Colorado Highway 7 and I-25

Divorcing Couples With a Home Need a Realtor With Specialized Training

I have completed a CE course on “Divorce Real Estate” and would like to share some of what I learned. As a happily married Baby Boomer, I was interested to learn that my generation is experiencing the highest rate of increase in divorce. While the divorce rate for couples 55 to 64 doubled between 1990 and 2012, it tripled for couples 65 and older.

The reason, as you might suspect, starts with the absence of minor children. In addition, retirement can bring out resentments or other negative feelings that may have been dormant when one or both partners were not home as much.

Opposing values or morals (politics?)

Addiction

Absence of love or intimacy

agent could be a prescription for not selling the house within a reasonable time period.

market factors which are embodied in a real estate “comparative market analysis,” which, by the way, is free, compared to the several hundred dollars you’d have to pay an appraiser.

One spouse not carrying his/her weight

Also, as our instructor, Jocelyn Javernick of Limetree Lending Inc., told us, women are feeling an increased need to escape an unfulfilling marriage. Jocelyn shared a quote from Warren Buffett: “Wait until women find out that they are the real slaves of the world.”

She told the class that 70% of divorces are being initiated by women (of all ages), and that 50% of them are insisting they never want to marry again.

Jocelyn said the most common reasons for divorce (apparently in the order in which they were cited in surveys) are:

Loss of respect

Too much conflict; incessant arguing

Minor children

Illness

Lack of commitment

Infidelity

Lack of emotional and/or physical intimacy

Communication problems

Domestic violence

Financial pressures

Lack of shared interest

Marrying too young

Unrealistic expectations

External family pressures

Trust issues

Parenting differences

Not supportive of each others’ goals

Education

Income disparity

One always hopers for an amicable separation and divorce, which is what my stepson achieved last year with his divorce. They agreed that he would buy out her co-ownership of their home, paying her an agreed-upon sum in return for the two of them quit-claiming the house to him alone. Having no children further simplified the process. When that’s the case, lawyers don’t have to be engaged.

Jocelyn provided the class with a guidebook to share with divorcing couples, with the aim not just of educating divorcing couples on the process, but also minimizing legal fees for them. The goal should always be to engage a mediator, and to not leave a mediation session without a signed document embodying what was agreed upon. Jocelyn provided the contact info for mediators who specialize in divorce.

As for real estate, if one party isn’t buying out the other’s share of ownership, it’s important to hire the right real estate agent, and that they agree upon who that is. One party may want to hire an agent who suggests a listing price higher than the other party’s agent, but choosing that

We were provided with a template for a court order that I can share with you. Submitting a ready-made court order to your attorney instead of having him pound it out at $500 per hour, can help to reduce the costs of going through the process, because, even when the parties have agreed to the terms of a divorce, a judge must approve the agreement and will want to hear from each party to make sure that the agreement is fair and not the product of a coercive marital relationship.

Jocelyn has found that most couples with a home to sell have only consulted Zillow regarding the valuation of their home. We real estate professionals have far better tools for properly valuing a home based on the analysis of appropriate comparable sales. In a non-amicable divorce, the parties might agree on hiring an appraiser, but appraisals are not what you need, because they don’t include an analysis of current market conditions, competing listings, and other

Eighty percent of divorces include real estate, but too many divorcing couples leave money on the table because of bad advice about their home’s value, and have spent way more money than they should have on legal representation, when a non-lawyer real estate professional like myself can help them work through at least the process of liquidating what is probably the biggest asset of their marriage.

Call me at 303-525-1851 or email me at Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com, if I can be of help.

NOTE: My “Real Estate Today” column that normally appears on this page is now published bi-weekly. Look for it here next week and every other week thereafter. On those alternate weeks, look for an ad like this on a related topic.

1-Bedroom Condo on Clear Creek Listed by David Dlugasch

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

This 1-bedroom 1-bath condo at 640 11th Street #302 has it all. In addition to the main bedroom, there's a custom-built high-end cherrywood murphy bed in the office that's perfect for guests or to use as a second bedroom. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a kitchen island. The living room has beautiful hardwood flooring and a ceiling fan. Enjoy the views of the Table Mountains on your balcony. This location is incredible, as this building backs to Clear Creek and you're one block from downtown Golden's Washington Avenue with its array of restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. To top it off, there's a reserved parking space and a nice size storage cage in the secure heated garage. Come and see this very desirable unit

at GRElistings.com, then call David at 303-908-4835 to

Talk About Divorce Real Estate

SCHOOL BOARD

According to the Colorado Department of Education, Colorado public schools receive money from a variety of sources. However, most revenues to Colorado’s 178 school districts are provided through the Public School Finance Act of 1994.

e total amount each school district receives under the School Finance Act is referred to as “total program,” which includes both the state share and local share. e local share is generated through property taxes and speci c ownership taxes (vehicle ownership taxes).

Many districts across the state and in Clear Creek County are facing declining enrollment rates which, reciprocally, means less state and federal per-pupil funding, according to state and local data.

According to educators and board members the result is con icting realities and outcomes.

Educators say they cannot a ord to live or support their families with a 1% costof-living raise moving forward. At the same time, Board members, who work in an elected and unpaid position, maintain the money is simply not there.

Both sides are adamant in their arguments.

“ e Board’s continued silence — despite overwhelming community support for our educators — paired with its unanimous decision to freeze ‘steps’ and preserve excess reserve funds, re ects a troubling misalignment of priorities,” Richardson said in a prepared statement to the board.

High school science teacher Jill Stansbury agreed.

“I want to be here and need to ensure it’s good for my family,” the 20-year veteran said at the meeting May 19. “ e

turnover is a signi cant problem. When I started here it was a tightly knit group and that’s not the case anymore.”

District Treasurer Kelly Flenniken offered the reality the board faces.

“We are in a structural budget de cit in Colorado and that is a reality that the board of education grapples with yearafter-year, but it’s becoming more pronounced this year and into the future,” Flenniken told the Courant. “It’s not about human value, it’s about resources and we don’t have a lot of resources.

“We have tremendous value and condence in our teachers and support the work they do. We have a resource challenge,” she added.

Both sides agree that it’s not a lack of

empathy but the distribution of limited resources that is at odds at this time.

“II just think this district has a bunch of great qualities, I think it’s de nitely a great place for kids to go to school and I feel like the board needs to recognize both sides and why the sta feels frustrated and not acknowledged,” said Jill Kocol, a 12-year kindergarten teacher at King-Murphy. “I wish we as a country and as a state found a way of funding education in a better way,” School Board President Jessica North said.“It is absolutely not a lack of empathy, I mean everyone of my board members has been in tears this week. I don’t know how to make the dollars happen,” she concluded.

Clear Creek hosting Superintendent ﬁnalists June 5

Four ﬁnalists will be available for questions from parents, neighbors

BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBEL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG

e Clear Creek School District has narrowed its search to replace outgoing Superintendent Tom Meyer to a list of four candidates, all of which are currently in Colorado.

e candidates are scheduled to meet with community members from 5-7 p.m. ursday, June 5 at Carlson Elementary School, 320 Highway 103 Idaho Springs.

e nalists are Andy Burns, Ex-

ecutive Director of Student Support Services at Pueblo School District; Brian Childress, Director of Safety, Assessment, and Enrollment at Weld Re1; Wes Paxton, Community Superintendent at Je co Public Schools; and Shelly Swayne, Superintendent of Spring eld School District in the southeast corner of the state.

“Each candidate brings a unique blend of leadership experience and a shared commitment to fostering student achievement, sta excellence, and strong community engagement,” according to District Board President, Jessica North.

e superintendent position will become vacant this summer when Tom Meyer steps down after announcing his departure from the district after oneyear.

Clear Creek County School Board members address teachers and sta May 19 at high school in Evergreen.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

39th Annual

Community

Neighbors

MILE

39th Annual

MILE

FREE FAMILY FUN!

CLEAN-UP

do and it’s a camaraderie because we’ve been doing it together for so long,” Howard said.

ere was even a new face and volunteer this year lending a hand and shovel to the clean-up.

Local musician and Idaho Springs Resident Jon Wirtz said he moved here from Denver in June of last year with his wife who grew up in Idaho Springs.

“Other people have knowingly or unknowingly given a lot of their time and e ort towards my life and I also walk with my dog through this cemetery and I get use out of it, which is a funny thing to say about a cemetery,” Wirtz said. “So, I gured I might as well give something back to help it be maintained.”

Wirtz said he’s quickly getting accustomed to the community atmosphere of a small town and the responsibilities residents assume.

“Everyone here has to live together, so it only makes sense to cooperate and try to help each other out, everyone pitch-in and do their part rather than wait for someone else to do it,” Wirtz said.

graves

ONLINE AUCTION

GOVERNMENT/FLEET VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

June 4th @ 9:00 A.M.

Inspection Times: June 2nd & 3rd from 8:15am - 4:45pm

Idaho Springs

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.clearcreekcourant.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email ckoeberl@coloradocommunitymedia.com

UPCOMING

Superintendent candidates meet and greet: 5-7 p.m. ursday, June 5 at Carlson Elementary School, 320 Highway 103 Idaho Springs.

Meet Clear Creek County Commissioners: 6 p.m. ursday June 5 at the Clear Creek Fire Authority building in Dumont.

Empire Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup: 8 a.m. Sat. June 14th Help us tidy up 2 miles of Hwy 40 through Empire, CO. Meet at the Empire Visitors Center 30 Park Ave, Idaho Springs.

ONGOING

Idaho Springs Lions Club meetings: 7:30 a.m. every rst and third ursday of the month at Marions of the Rockies, 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. Come join us and help to serve our community. For information – www.islions. org, email info@isLions.org or call 720-608-1140.

CASA of the Continental Divide seeks volunteers:CASACD promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy e orts of trained CASA volunteers. Be the di erence and advocate for the youth in our community. e o ce can be reached at 970-513-9390.

Clear Creek EMS/Evergreen Fire Rescue Launch Mugs for Rugs Campaign: Bring an old throw rug and you’ll leave with a bright green mug! You can bring them to Station 1A in Dumont, 3400 Stanley Road, or you can email captains@clearcreekems. com and CCEMS will come to you to make the trade. Clear Creek EMS also o ers fall-risk assessments by bringing someone from the re department to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. To request a visit, ll out the form at clearcreekcounty.us/1388/CommunityOutreach.

Clear Creek Democrats: 5-7 p.m. “ irsty 3rd ursday” at the Vintage Moose, 12 16th Ave. in Idaho Springs. Non-alcoholic options and snacks are provided.

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@ bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

ing: Young people 12 to 20 can get free counseling through an Evergreen-based organization called Resilience1220. Composed of licensed therapists, Resilience1220 serves individuals and groups in the foothills including Clear Creek County. ey also facilitate school and community groups to build life skills in wellness and resilience among youth. For more information or to schedule a counseling session, visit R1220.org, email Resilience1220@gmail. com or call 720-282-1164.

Dental clinics: Cleanings, Xrays, dentures, tooth extractions and more. Most insurances are accepted including Medicaid. Sliding scale/low-cost options are also available. No appointment necessary. is is a mobile dentist that comes once a month. Call program manager Lauralee at 720-205-4449 for questions.

Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meetings: Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Marion’s of the Rockies. 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. For more information, email loe er806@comcast.net.

$15. Register at resilience1220. org/groups.

Sensitive collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. and is o ered via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 ofce. Register at resilience1220. org/groups.

Public Health o ering sexual health and family planning: Clear Creek County Public Health is now o ering Sexual Health and Planning Services at the Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs. Public Health o ers counseling, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI and HIV screenings, basic infertility services and birth control options and referrals. ese services are con dential. Public Health can also now bill Medicaid and most private insurance. However, if you do not have insurance, fees are based on a sliding scale — and no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.

Resilience1220 counsel-

Support after suicide loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is

Clear Creek County Lookout Alert: e CodeRED alerts have been replaced by the Lookout Alert. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts county-wide by signing up at www.lookoutalert.co. e new site replaces CodeRED following the switch to Je Com911 for emergency dispatch earlier this year.

Parents decry federal cuts to Medicaid

Rep. Pettersen hosts talk about looming cuts

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG

“If Medicaid was taken away, I would lose half my family before the year was out.” at’s the warning Kat, a Je erson County mother of ve, gave U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen during a roundtable just before Mother’s Day, describing how she relies on Medicaid to care for a child with autism, a son with speech issues and her aging mother.

e May 9 meeting in Edgewater, hosted by Pettersen, focused on how proposed federal budget cuts could a ect Colorado families. At the time, participants feared what might happen.

Now, many of those same cuts are included in a sweeping spending and tax bill that House Republicans are expected to vote on this week.

e proposal, packed with GOP priorities, would make wide-reaching changes to Medicaid, SNAP food assistance and income taxes. It would also impose new restrictions on states, increase defense and immigration spending and make several Trump-era tax cuts permanent.

e legislation could result in more than 7.6 million Americans losing Medicaid coverage over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget O ce. e bill also targets SNAP, or food stamps, which supports more than 42 million Americans na-

tionwide.

Less money for services

Under the proposal, SNAP recipients ages 55 to 64 would face new work requirements, and eligibility would be limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. States would be required to take on a larger share of SNAP costs, and future presidential administrations would be barred from expanding food assistance without congressional approval.

For working parents like Sunny Greer, those changes don’t sound hypothetical. ey feel personal.

“My son is talking. He is walking. He is thriving,” said Greer, a former Head Start parent who now works full-time for the program. “Losing those therapies would be devastating.”

Greer said Medicaid covered early intervention services for her autistic son and medical support for her husband after a life-threatening illness.

“Had we not had that initial support, he probably would have ended up on disability and unable to work for the rest of his life,” she said.

Another mom warned that without mental health and behavioral support, children struggling in school may end up in jail.

“If we’re not putting money into these services, we’re going to put money into the jails,” she said.

Participants described a fragile safety net that barely holds together low- and middleincome families, especially in counties like Weld, Adams and Je erson, where tens of thousands of residents rely on Medicaid or

SNAP to survive.

According to data from Hunger Free Colorado and the U.S. Census: Adams County had approximately 58,142 SNAP recipients in 2022 Weld County had about 31,600 Je erson County had around 54,540 households receiving food assistance, which includes SNAP bene ts

Meanwhile, more than 150,000 residents across the three counties are enrolled in public health insurance programs like

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These gun bills passed the Colorado Legislature in 2025

Bills on safety training, gun show rules already signed by governor

BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE

Colorado lawmakers, led by a Democratic majority in both chambers of the Legislature, passed a suite of rearm-related bills this year aimed to reduce gun violence and boost public safety.

Over the previous two years, Colorado had enacted gun laws concerning a minimum purchasing age, purchase waiting period, safe storage in vehicles, and an expansion of the type of people who can petition courts to remove a potentially dangerous person’s rearm.

ey did more this year, such as passing what could be the most consequential gun law in recent history with a permitto-purchase program for most semiautomatic ri es.

Safety training for guns with detachable magazines

Beginning in August 2026, purchasers will need a special permit to buy certain semiautomatic rearms that can accept detachable ammunition magazines. Without the permit, they can buy models of those rearms that have xed, 15-round-maximum magazines, which are far less common.

ose provisions are in Senate Bill 25-3.

People will need to be vetted by their county sheri , take a safety class and pass a test to get a permit, which will be valid for ve years. e training will be four hours for people who have gone through hunter education and 12 hours for everyone else.

“If you’re going to be purchasing these weapons, it should be your responsibility to make sure that you’re educated on how to safely use these weapons. I think that’s common sense,” Polis said when he signed the bill in April.

Polis wants to see nancial assistance for lower-income Coloradans who wish to obtain a permit, and he also thinks some people, such as retired law enforcement

and former military personnel, should not have to undergo redundant training. e bill was originally introduced as an outright ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase and transfer of those types of guns with detachable magazines. It was proposed as a way to enforce an existing large-capacity magazine ban. e permitto-purchase program was amended into the bill in the Senate to get Polis on board.

Gun show security plans

e promoter of a gun show will need to submit a security plan for the event to local law enforcement starting next year under House Bill 25-1238, which Polis signed in April. Additionally, promoters will need to carry liability insurance, make sure vendors have the proper federal and state licenses and have video surveillance of all areas of the gun show, including the parking area.

Children will not be able to attend a gun show without a parent or guardian.

“One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring rearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing rearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” bill sponsor Rep. Sean Camacho, a Denver Democrat, said in a statement when the bill passed the House. “ is legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft.

In a signing statement, Polis emphasized the law would not impact “gun collector shows” that concern collectible rearms like curios, relics or antique rearms.

Self-imposed restrictions

Senate Bill 25-34, a suicide prevention measure, would allow people to voluntarily waive their right to buy a gun by giving their name to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations through an online portal. ey could also include information of someone to contact if they try to buy a gun while the voluntary waiver is in e ect. CBI will need to verify someone’s identity before adding them to the “Do Not Sell” list. People could then remove them-

selves from that list after 30 days.

“We know that when people have mental health issues, sometimes they feel better and sometimes they feel worse. And we know that when people feel better, they might know that when they feel worse, they might not want to be able to go purchase a rearm,” bill sponsor Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Fort Collins Democrat, said on the oor in April.

Polis has not yet taken action on the bill.

Gun

information from schools

Under House Bill 25-1250, schools will need to provide materials about gun violence prevention to students’ parents or guardians at the start of each year. ey will also need to post the materials, developed by the state O ce of Gun Violence Prevention, online.

“Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies in our nation’s history have happened in Colorado schools, and one in three Colorado middle and high school students say they can access a rearm in their home,” bill sponsor Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Je erson County Democrat, said in a statement after it passed the Senate. “Safe storage dramatically reduces rearm suicides and overall youth rearm fatalities. Information is power, and this bill simply helps inform and educate students and their families about gun violence and

how to prevent it.”

Polis has not yet taken action on the bill.

New felonies for gun thefts

A rare bipartisan gun-related bill, House Bill 25-1062, would make all rearm thefts a felony, instead of structuring the charge based on the value of the stolen gun. All rearm thefts would be a Class 6 felony, which can result in a prison sentence up to four years and nes up to $100,000.

Bill supporters say it will deter gun theft and reduce the circulation of stolen guns in illegal markets. e potential misuse and lethality of guns are reasons to treat them di erently than other stolen goods, they said.

“By setting a consistent felony classi cation for rearm theft, the state signals that stealing guns carries a signi cant consequence,” bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Armagost, a Berthoud Republican, said during oor debate on the bill. “Stolen rearms often end up in the hands of people who cannot legally purchase rearms, such as felons or minors, and are frequently used in violent crimes.”

is bill passed on a bipartisan vote. Polis has not yet taken action on it. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

The Colorado state Capitol, pictured in 2023.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Keeping your furry loved ones healthy

ER vet o ers tips on how to keep pets safe in summer

BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG

With the arrival of summer, families are headed outside to enjoy the sunshine and road trips — and they’re bringing the furry loved ones, too.

Veterinarians across the state typically see spikes in pet health emergencies during the warmer months, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. ese include emergencies such as heat stroke and injuries from being hit by a vehicle.

In 2024, 111 animal deaths that resulted from heat-related issues and another 388 animals that were rescued from the heat were reported to PETA.

“Heat stroke is a major summer emergency and is most commonly seen in ‘short-nosed’ dogs such as bulldogs and pugs,” said Danielle DeBrincat, emergency vet and medical director at VEG ER for Pets Littleton. “ ey can not release heat the same way that dogs with longer noses can, so it is extra important to keep them out of the heat, not over exercise them, and always have water on hand.”

DeBrincat joined VEG in March 2020 after graduating from Michigan State University and has been the medical director for over two months.

During her internship after college, DeBrincat developed a passion for emergency medicine.

“Having the ability to help pets and their people in the most challenging moments (is) incredibly ful lling. I haven’t looked back,” she said.

VEG ER for Pets, previously known as Veterinary Emergency Group, serves the metro area through ve locations.

Its emergency rooms employ an openconcept oor plan, where owners can see everything that’s going on with their pet and their vet team. Owners can stay with their pets throughout the duration of their stay, even through surgery.

“Although we do o er rooms for the more scared or reactive pets, most owners and pets choose to stay in the main hospital area with the nurses and doctors so that we are able to have more uid communication,” DeBrincat said.

VEG o ers quick triage and diagnostic workups for sick pets, like blood and urine

tests, in addition to emergency surgery, endoscopic foreign body removal, transfusion medicine and hospitalization.

DeBrincat said that something as simple as taking your dog for a walk on a trail could be dangerous.

She warned that rattlesnake bites become more frequent throughout the summer and any dog in the foothills runs the risk of being bitten.

“If your dog is bitten, the best thing to do is to get them to an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Do not place a tourniquet or do anything to the bite area. e main treatment is antivenin and pain medication, and most dogs who receive the antivenin recover fully,” she said.

In addition to venomous bites, certain popular summer plants pose toxic threats to pets. For example, lily owers, which typically bloom in the warmer season, are toxic to cats, and wild mushrooms that grow in the Denver area can be toxic to dogs.

In native grasses, foxtail seeds can embed into a pet’s skin, ears, and nose and cause an infection.

“Dog ghts and hit-by-car trauma are both also more common in the summer as people take their pets outside more often. It is important to keep your pets on leashes in populated areas, respect other

dogs and check with the owner to see if they are friendly before approaching them,” DeBrincat said.

While traveling, owners can take precautions to keep their pets safe by packing a medical bag.

DeBrincat advises to include sterile gauze and bandaging material for any wounds, tweezers to remove any foxtails, thorns or ticks, and fresh water to ush out wounds, eyes or burn areas in the emergency kit.

“Even if they love us, pets may bite if they are injured and protecting themselves, so a muzzle or rolled gauze to make into a muzzle should also be considered safe,” DeBrincat said.

Tips to prevent a pet medical emergency while traveling:

• Keep the car cool to prevent overheating.

• Always have fresh water available and make sure to make frequent stops in case they do not like to drink in a moving vehicle.

• Talk to your primary care veterinarian about any anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medication your pet may need prior to travel.

• ink of your pet as a toddler — Keep them in the back seat and ensure they are

secured in a crate or with a pet seat belt and harness.

• Ensure any chemicals and toxic foods are out of reach.

• Make sure you have plenty of the pet’s food. Many pets get upset stomachs during travel, either from di erent food or stress. Changing the diet as little as possible will help reduce this risk.

When it comes to deciding when to call a vet, DeBrincat said: “If you are ever concerned, it is time to call a vet. VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 and you will always talk to a doctor on the phone. ey can help determine if this is a true emergency or if it can wait to be seen by your primary care veterinarian.”

Common warning signs that may indicate a pet medical emergency are any changes in breathing, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, major change in mentation such as lethargy, pale gums, straining to urinate and not eating or drinking for 24 hours or more.

Primary veterinarians and emergency veterinarians are experts in di erent elds, DeBrincat said.

“Primary care vets are the experts at routine care and diagnosis, and at managing a plethora of chronic and long-term management disorders. Emergency vets are experts at stabilizing and treating fastacting, life-threatening diseases in the worst stages,” she said.

Heatstroke and injuries from being hit by cars are among the top safety concerns for pets during the summer, according to Danielle DeBrincat, medical director at VEG ER for Pets. PHOTOS COURTESY OF VEG ER FOR PETS

Keeping the car cool and fresh water on hand are some ways to prevent pets from overheating.

May the Music Be With You

Je erson Symphony Orchestra closes 2024-25 season with “Star Wars” concert

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORINNE@COTLN.ORG

Music is much like the Force from the “Star Wars” franchise.

To paraphrase Jedi Master Yoda, music surrounds people and binds them together. One must feel the music around them, between the violins, the trumpets, the utes, the drums — everywhere. Even between the conductor and the audience.

at’s exactly what Music Director J. Arturo González and the Je erson Symphony Orchestra members were hoping for on May 18, as they hosted a special “Star Wars”-themed concert as their 2024-25 season nale.

e orchestra hosted back-to-back shows at Colorado School of Mines’ Green Center, where hundreds of “Star Wars” and symphony fans packed the house for both performances. A good portion of both attendees and orchestra members wore costumes or “Star Wars”themed apparel for the shows.

Among them was Conifer’s Stark family.

Molly Stark said she and her two children had never been to a JSO performance before, but they love “Star Wars” and were excited to hear the music live. ey especially enjoyed hearing “Across the Stars” and “Parade of the Ewoks.” e family members said they had a

great time and would be willing to come back to another JSO performance.

González said that was one of his goals for the show, explaining how this type of concert is “a good way to bring in a di erent type of audience” and that he wanted newcomers to enjoy their experience and return for another show.

JSO concert organizers con rmed attendance for the May 18 “Star Wars” concerts was higher than normal, but that was partly because the orchestra hosted two shows rather than one.

Violinist Martha Finch, who was dressed as Senator Padmé Amidala, was excited to see such a large turnout. She added how she and her colleagues “love the community” and want to see people engage more with their concerts. e orchestra’s next event will be its Aug. 17 summer concert at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Finch, González and others invited everyone to enjoy the Music of the 1980s program, including movie soundtracks like “E.T.” and “Back to the Future,” as well as ‘80s rock music, Broadway songs and more.

“We’re here,” González said of JSO. “I think it’s the best and highest-quality community orchestra in Colorado.”

A real Cantina Band

González, who was closing out his second season as JSO’s music director and

conductor, told attendees that he’s been a longtime “Star Wars” fan. He described how he saw the original lm in theaters in 1977 and how the original trilogy brings back memories of his family.

González recalled that moment in the theater, when the rst notes of John Williams’ iconic score blasted over the title and opening crawl.

“In two seconds, the composer tells you what the movie is about,” González told attendees. “ … at gives you a predisposition to pay attention.”

During the show, González encouraged attendees to “break the pattern a little bit” from a regular show by cheering, clapping and holding their lightsabers aloft during their favorite numbers.

Afterward, González told e Transcript how he’s done a “Star Wars”themed show before with other groups and was excited to do it this year with JSO.

e May 18 program consisted of 11 pieces from the original trilogy and just “Across the Stars” from the prequel trilogy. González explained that JSO featured those pieces because it already owned the music and the rights to perform them.

However, he said his dream is to perform Williams’ music from all nine Skywalker-saga lms, including the prequel trilogy’s “Duel of the Fates,” which features a full choir. Organizing and performing such a large-scale concert would be complicated and expensive, but he said he hopes to do it one day.

While not all the orchestra members enjoy “Star Wars” as much as he does,

González appreciated their team work and passion for the franchise’s music.

Violinist Atsuko Ohtake, who dressed as the Jedi-trained warrior Ahsoka Tano, explained how one of her fellow violinists is a big “Star Wars” fan and suggested characters for her colleagues to dress as, including Ohtake as Ahsoka.

Ohtake said she didn’t know much about the character, but from what she’d heard, they have very similar personalities.

Overall, Ohtake described how she enjoyed the concert, adding that Williams’ music is “a lot of fun to play.”

Finch likewise described the music as “challenging but rewarding to play,” adding how she didn’t fully appreciate it until she started playing it.

“It’s great to play,” she continued. “I like that it uplifts you and gives you those (inspirational) moments.”

While “Star Wars” was a fun experiment for 2025, González said JSO has an equally exciting lineup planned for its 2025-26 shows. e Oct. 12 season opener will include Ludwig van Beethoven’s worldfamous “Symphony No. 5” and the May 17, 2026 season nale will feature music from Gustav Holst’s “ e Planets.”

González said the latter will be a partnership with Mines and the Denver Children’s Choir, describing how he wants to turn the Green Center into a planetarium-type experience for the show.

“Come listen to us,” he said of JSO. “ … We do electrifying music.”

For more information, visit je symphony.org.

Family stories build foundation of hope

Igrew up in a family with clear and consistent routines. On weeknights, everyone was in bed by 9 p.m.

Legislature focused on budget, housing this year

The 2025 legislative session has adjourned. With a major emphasis on balancing our state budget and reacting to dynamics both in Colorado and across the country, it was challenging, unique, and productive.

YOUR STATE SENATOR

the great recession.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Saturdays included a scheduled two-hour slot for cleaning the house. My assigned tasks for that work always included vacuuming, while my sister took care of cleaning the bathrooms. We knew, every night, that dinner started a little after 5:30 p.m. and we each sat in “our spots” around the circular table in the kitchen for that meal.

ose dinners were a formative time for me. We shared details of our day, and at some point, in the conversation, usually my father, but occasionally my mother, would be reminded of a tale and share a story from their younger days.

We heard about Mom’s childhood experiences living on Detroit Street in Denver and stories of Dad’s family with nine children. We knew the stories by heart but always enjoyed the tales and especially the punchline explaining things like advice my paternal grandfather gave his children, “if you have to do that (pass gas) step toward the cellar door” or him explaining to the seven boys in the family that he helped around the house declaring, “just watch me, when Mom is really busy in the morning, I will get my own spoon and bowl.” ose tales helped me develop a love of stories, taught me the power of conversation, and the comfort of consistency. ey also enhanced my love of history. I realize now that those stories did even more. ey aided in de ning us as a family and me as an individual. Knowing those stories meant understanding my place in the family, it gave context to my existence in time and space. As I moved out into the world, it gave me a rudder for supporting my decision-making.

Since my diagnosis with MS in 2009, I have come to a greater understanding of the role of stories in my life. In those rst three years after my diagnosis, when I struggled, many of the stories I told myself were about declining ability, loss of opportunity, and all the things that I would miss because of the disease. Day after day, I was living out that debilitating and angry narrative.

My life changed forever when, instead of seeing loss, I saw possibility and began to tell myself stories of limitless potential. It was in those new stories where I found hope and encouragement. It was in those new stories that I was able to rede ne myself, my worth, and my opportunities. It was in those stories that I, among so many other things, found my voice as a writer.

Every day, we tell ourselves stories. If the ones you are telling yourself are limiting, it is time to change the narrative. It is time to tell the tale of possibility. You have got this.

I hope my words encourage you and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you.

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife, Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.

As your Senator, I am proud of the bills I passed on your behalf. My priority bills passed with bipartisan support and will increase the supply of affordable housing, help Coloradans save money, protect our state’s water resources and public lands, keep our roads open, and make our communities safer.

Here are some of the highlights of my legislation and major themes of the session overall.

Budget

By far, the biggest topic of this year’s legislative session was the difficult and constitutionally-mandated task of balancing our annual state budget.

This year’s process was particularly difficult as we were tasked with closing a nearly $1.2 billion gap in order to balance the budget. That difference was not caused by overspending or a weak economy - in fact, Colorado’s economy remains one of the strongest in the nationit was caused by a combination of rising medical costs and a revenue cap formula that was locked into our constitution in 1992.

In the end, we were able to pass a balanced budget and school finance act that strengthens our support for K-12 education, especially for rural school districts, and supports rural health care providers.

Making Housing More Available & Attainable

Expanding housing opportunities for our communities’ essential workers - teachers, first responders, health care providers, and morecontinues to be one of my top priorities. This session, I spearheaded several bills that will increase construction of more affordable homes.

SB25-006, recently signed into law in Summit County, will kickstart construction for first-time buyers through low-interest bonds for home construction. HB25-1272 is a major reform of Colorado’s construction defect laws, which have hindered condo construction since

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Water

After years of special interests delaying this reform, this year, we finally got it done. I’m confident these new laws will encourage the construction of more attainable multifamily housing over the next decade.

In Western Colorado, we know our most precious resource is our water. This legislative session, I was proud to lead several important efforts to boost funding and change water policy to support agricultural producers and our outdoor recreation economy, mitigate wildfire, and secure our water future.

Even in a tight budget year, water remained a bipartisan funding priority. Our annual water projects bill hit near-historic funding highs at $67 million powered by strong returns on sports betting and severance taxes. We also passed measures to study the usage of severance taxes to adequately fund future water project needs, consolidated our water supply measurement systems, ensured metro areas are conserving more water, and created more efficiency in the division of water resources. Finally, I was proud to lead a bipartisan effort alongside Speaker McCluskie and Rep. Soper to expand the state’s water funding by making a reform to our sports betting tax deduction allowance that will increase conservation funds by at least 25% year over year.

Rural Colorado

Rural legislators are far outnumbered by urban and suburban legislators, but I always fight for policies that will help our rural communities.

For example, SB25-037 will make key reforms to the Office of Just Transition so that the concerns of Hayden, Craig, and other coal transitioning communities are better addressed. HB25-1222 will help sustain our rural and independent pharmacies with fairer reimbursement rates and HB25-1288 & SB25-290 will help keep our rural

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hospitals and health clinics open. I passed SB25-038, which guarantees privacy for ranchers who are already struggling with the impacts of wolf reintroduction and depredation of their livestock, and I fought hard to insert a footnote into our state budget that will hold CPW’s feet to the fire and ensure their promises to the ranching community are kept.

Finally, once again, I am proud to report that every single bill I introduced and passed earned bipartisan support.

High-Profile Bills

There are 99 other legislators in the General Assembly who also bring bills forward. You may have read about some of the high-profile debates around firearms, immigration, transgender rights, abortion care, and more. Often, these bills are introduced with language that is removed or changed as they go through the legislative process, but that initial bill text drives the press coverage and public discourse.

As a Senator for a very politically diverse district, I continued to work with colleagues to amend their bills that started off as too extreme for SD8, listen to constituents, and do my best to vote based on the will of my district. I realize that both sides of the political spectrum will never agree with my votes 100% of the time, but please know that I always seek to find the position that puts SD8 first. Thank you, as always, for being in touch to share your thoughts and ideas!

I remain humbled and energized by the opportunity to represent the many rural and mountain communities of Senate District 8 and look forward to connecting with constituents across the district in the weeks and months ahead. I am in the middle of my post-session town hall tour where I am holding a town hall meeting for you, my constituents, in each of the 10 counties of SD8. I hope to see you at a town hall meeting soon.

You can also be in touch directly at senatordylanroberts@gmail.com or my cell: (970) 846-3054.

Dylan Roberts is the State Senator for Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson,Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit Counties.

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualiﬁcations for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unveriﬁed negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

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Jim Roome

ort

HASKINS

OBITUARIES

Don Loren Haskins

April, 23 1944 - February 14, 2025

e family of Don would like to invite you to share in a celebration of his life. Silver Plume community church on Sat. May 31, 11:30 AM. Lunch to follow.

CASTENS Matthew Harley “Harley” Castens March 14, 1984 - May 18, 2025

the

and parks

“Epic Day of Service”. A uniﬁed e ort to clean the streets, neighborhoods and parks of debris and trash in Georgetown, Empire, Silver Plume and Idaho Springs May 17.

Epic Day of Service true to its name in Clear Creek

Locals show up in force to clear the county of trash with support from business leaders

When the Clear Creek County community calls, locals answe. It’s just the way it is in this mountain area.

at idea was put into practice recently with, what organizers called, an “Epic Day of Service”. A uni ed e ort to clean the streets, neighborhoods and parks of debris and trash in Georgetown, Empire, Silver Plume and Idaho Springs.

A small army of friends and families and supplied with orange trash bags canvassed the various municipalities May 17.

e Rotary Club, Cabin Creek Brewing, Tommyknockers and Mountain Youth Network teamed-up for the e ort while Doyle Disposal and Construction, out of Dumont, provided a network of dumpsters in all four communities donated for the day.

Owner Chris Doyle said the idea of “giving back” to a community started when he moved to Clear Creek with his wife. “I grew up in an area where community didn’t matter. Nobody knew anybody, you didn’t know your next door neigh-

bor.” Doyle said. “So when I got here and got to know everybody, things changed. Now, I go down and sit with the old guys at Marion’s and sit, talk and learn about the culture.”

e atmosphere of a community can be infectious, Doyle said.

“ at’s what it is. It’s more about helping each other and people don’t do that much anymore. So, we focus on that a lot, sometimes to my detriment but we do,” he said laughing.

At the Idaho Springs downtown location Chuck Howard and wife pulled their pickup truck to the dumpster and contributed their contribution to the cleanup.

Howard said he’s a native of Idaho Springs and has spent the last 78-years in the town where he was born.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in the last 50-years , some good, some bad but you just keep moving forward looking for the best,” Howard said. “It’s where my children grew up and now grandchildren.” at, Howard said is motivation enough to get out and pick up trash on a day like this, “It makes the whole city look better and it’s not that hard, you spend an hour and can pick up a lot of debris, so that’s what we do a couple times a year,” he said. e Clear Creek Fire Authority was also in Idaho Springs with their newly acquired re engine on display to lend a hand and show o the latest in rescue technology available to residents.

Harley Castens, 41, of Idaho Springs, Colorado passed away from complications due to a stroke, on May 18, 2025. His sudden passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Born on March 14, 1984, Harley was known for his sharp wit, boundless generosity, and unshakable work ethic. He was an extraordinary mechanic whose hands could x just about anything, and whose heart was even more capable—kind, loyal, and always ready to help.

nephews. He loved his family ercely and found joy in the moments spent with them.

Known for his sarcastic sense of humor and crass wit, Harley had a way of evoking a range of emotions. His absence is felt deeply, but his spirit lives on in the stories we share, the engines that roar thanks to his skill, and the love that remains in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at Minton Park and Ball Field in Empire, CO on Sunday, May 25, 2025 where friends and family are invited to honor

Harley is survived by his wife, Kayla Albers, Fur baby Diesel Louise,mother, Vanna Castens; father, David Castens; 2 sisters, and 14 nieces and

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to help his wife Kayla Albers at gofundme.com.

“Epic Day

Service”.

uniﬁed e

to clean

streets, neighborhoods

of debris and trash in Georgetown, Empire, Silver Plume and Idaho Springs May 17. PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Clear Creek High runner breaks 32-year record

Ocean Caplan-Holdgrafer makes Golddigger history

BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG

Last fall, Clear Creek High School enjoyed a decorated cross country season. e boys won the Mile High League title for the rst time since 2011 and nished third at regionals, while the girls nished fourth.

Rebecca McCarthy, the head cross country coach, said then that senior Ocean Caplan-Holdgrafer was on the cusp of making history for the Golddiggers.

“He’s our school’s fastest runner since (the early 1990s), and he’s within seconds of breaking the school record,” McCarthy said. “He’s one of the top-ranked runners in the state.”

He would prove her right at the track and eld state championships this spring.

Caplan-Holdgrafer nished 13th in the 2A boys 1600-meter (essentially one mile) race. His time of 4:37.92 (four minutes, 37.92 seconds) beat a 32-year-old record held by former Golddigger Christopher Jacquin, who nished the mile in 4:39 in 1993.

“I’ve always wanted to break a record,” Caplan-Holdgrafer said. “I’ve trained for it all of these years, and, yeah, it was denitely a goal for me to break at least one over the track season.”

Now graduated, Caplan-Holdgrafer said breaking the record was certainly one of his favorite memories from his senior year.

But it was really his teammates and coaches that made the season special.

nal time with my coaches and my team. ey’re both amazing and great supporters,” he said, adding that Clear Creek is an optimal place to thrive as a runner.

“I think it’s just because everyone is really friendly. In running, there are no big egos or anything that you can sometimes nd in other sports.”

Head Track Coach Ben Mahoney credits Caplan-Holdgrafer for putting a spotlight on the program as a major success story for the Golddiggers.

“It means that we actually are building a pretty good program here,” Mahoney said. “It enables us to use him as a goal

for everyone else to get to. He kind of gets to be the new face of the cross country and track team as a distance runner aries and push past what he was capable of doing to do something awesome with this.”

Caplan-Holdgrafer said he plans to focus on his academics in college. He’ll attend Red Rocks Community College for two years before transferring to the Colorado School of Mines to study chemical engineering.

But his impact on Clear Creek will now grace the running history books. e school has also had a big impact on him,

onships.

he said; one that will last.

“My best friends are both on the cross country team,” Caplan-Holdgrafer said. “ e coaches are amazing people. I’m friends with both of them. I think it’s just a peaceful environment ... So, when you’re a bunch of people running together, it’s really nice, and you become close.”

Now, Caplan-Holdgrafer’s time is the one to beat, inspiring Golddigger runners as a target for years to come.

“Hopefully, it inspires everybody else to step up a little bit more to try to beat that record, if not to match it and beat other records as well,” Mahoney said.

Evergreen seniors leave a lasting LAX legacy

Cougars claim back-to-back girls lacrosse titles

BY DENNIS PLEUSS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Within 36 hours, Evergreen’s seven seniors on the Cougars’ girls lacrosse team graduated and picked up a second straight Class 4A state title.

“It was amazing,” Evergreen senior Addison McEvers said of repeating as state champions with a dominating 19-6 victory over rival Green Mountain on Friday night. “We played like we did in the last state championship game against Mead. We played as hard as we could. We knew this was the last time for us playing together.”

McEvers — a three-sport athlete in ag football, basketball and lacrosse at Evergreen — went out on top as the Cougars repeated as state champions.

“Winning a state championship is like no other,” McEvers said as the Cougars celebrated on Peter Barton Stadium at the University of Denver. “A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to win those or get close. We have a special team, and we

us.”

McEvers was just recently named the 4A Je co Female Athlete of the Year to cap o her impressive four years as a studentathlete. e senior also picked up her 100th career goal in the state title game.

“Ryn Gardner was like, ‘We have to get Addison that goal.’ It took a couple of takes to get there, but what a one to get,” Evergreen Coach Rachel Sanford said. Gardner, a junior, has been the bene ciary of a lot of hard work by McEvers, who takes nearly every draw for the

Evergreen’s girls lacrosse team celebrates winning the Class 4A state championship in 2024 after an 11-10 win over Mead.

Cougars. Gardner had a game-high seven goals in the championship game.

McEvers will continue her lacrosse career playing Division I women’s lacrosse at High Point University in North Carolina.

“It’s great to go out on a high like this in my No. 1 sport,” said McEvers. “It’s amazing. I’m so excited.”

Senior Alivia Hunsche had another stellar game on both ends of the eld, scoring a pair of goals and locking down some of Green Mountain’s top scorers on the defensive end.

Gardner, a junior, has been the bene ciary of a lot of hard work by McEvers, who takes nearly every draw for the Cougars. Gardner had a game-high seven goals in the championship game.

McEvers will continue her lacrosse career playing Division I women’s lacrosse at High Point University in North Carolina.

“It’s great to go out on a high like this in my No. 1 sport,” said McEvers. “It’s amazing. I’m so excited.”

Senior Alivia Hunsche had another stellar game on both ends of the eld, scoring a pair of goals and locking down some of Green Mountain’s top scorers on the defensive end.

“It means so much to us,” Hunsche said of the senior class going out as state champions. “ e entire senior class has been playing together since we were in rst grade. It means so much to nish out with this amazing win.”

Hunsche will continue her lacrosse career at the University of Tampa. e Spartans are attempting to be back-to-back Division II National Champions. Tampa will be playing in the Division II quarter nals on Saturday, May 17, in Tampa,

Clear Creek’s Ocean Caplan-Holdgrafer (middle) runs during the track and ﬁeld state championships. He broke the school’s all-time mile time by ﬁnishing the 1600-meter event in four minutes, 37.92 seconds. beating a record from 1993.

Clear Creek senior Ocean Caplan-Holdgrafer is one of the fastest runners in recent history for the Golddiggers. He ﬁnished ﬁfth out of 89 runners in the regional 5000-meter run in the fall and just beat the school’s all-time mile time at the track state champi-

in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, May 20, at Switchbacks’ Weidner Field in Colorado Springs. The Cougars defeated Windsor on penalty kicks 4-3.

‘Absolutely amazing’ ﬁnish for Evergreen soccer

BY DENNIS PLEUSS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e frustration of three Class 4A girls soccer state runner-up nishes over a ve-year span is well in the rear-view mirror for the Evergreen Cougars.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” Evergreen senior Lucia Spungin said after the Cougars defeated Windsor 4-3 in penalty kicks late on Tuesday night at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs. “It’s the topping on top of the cake.”

It was Evergreen’s fth appearance in the 4A girls soccer championship game over the past nine years. e Cougars were 4A state runner-up in 2017, 2019 and 2021. Evergreen nally broke through winning the 4A championship game over Lutheran last year at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

e Cougars were the underdogs a season ago as the No. 14 seed. Evergreen defeated the No. 3 (Windsor) and No. 2 (North eld) on the way to the title.

“It was de nitely a lot di erent,” Spungin said of winning last year as the No. 14 seed compared to being the favorite as the No. 1 seed this year. “ e team had a lot more con dence this year coming into each game. We still had to stay modest. We had a lot more con dence this time.”

Going from being the hunter to the hunted as the defending state champs was a change for Evergreen that returned several players from last year’s state championship squad.

“It was a chance in mindset, but never once did we change in how we played,” said Evergreen junior Gianna Weiner, who assisted on the Cougars’ game-tying

LACROSSE

Evergreen girls soccer hunts down back-to-back 4A state titles Florida.

“ ey are just as special as special can be,” Sanford said of her outgoing senior class. “ ey have been playing for a long time. ey have great chemistry on and o the eld. ey have made such an impact on this program.”

e senior class came in as freshmen the year after Evergreen won its rst girls lacrosse state title in 2021. e Cougars

goal by sophomore Elle Buenning in the 54th minute that eventually sent the game into overtime tied 1-1. “We had challenges both years.”

Evergreen had one-goal wins over Erie, Windsor and North eld in the earlier rounds a year ago before defeating Lutheran 2-0 in the championship game.

“To me, there wasn’t much di erence,” Evergreen Coach Peter Jeans said of being the No. 14 or No. 1 seed. “You have to play great teams in the playo s, no matter what seed you are at. You have to win your games and you have to perform. ese girls did it.”

Evergreen was able to exercise the demons of Weidner Field. e championship soccer games were moved to Colorado Springs this season. It was the same location for the 2021 soccer championships, where Holy Family edged Evergreen 2-1.

“We didn’t talk about that at all,” Weiner said of the 2021 runner-up squad that lost at Weidner Field against Holy Family. “We were more focused on what we could do. (Windsor) had a very good team on the eld. We were de nitely focused on that.”

After back-to-back 4A state titles with a team with a very talented junior class, along with sophomore goalie Avery Mahnken back, the Cougar players can turn their attention to a possible threepeat.

“I’m super excited for next year,” Weiner said. “I think we have some really good freshmen coming in.”

Jeans was a little more reserved after Evergreen nished o the postseason grind of winning a state championship and nishing o a 17-12 record.

“We’ll just savor this one,” Jeans said when asked about a three-peat.

Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to ColoradoPreps.com and CHSAANow.com

won four straight 4A West League titles, having never lost a conference game in four years. Evergreen compiled a 55-18 record and who a pair of state championships over the four-year span.

“We just did a nal cheer with them and it kind of makes you cry a little bit,” Sanford said. “ inking about the legacy they will leave behind and also the bright futures they have ahead.”

Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to ColoradoPreps.com and CHSAANow.com.

Evergreen girls soccer team completed winning back-to-back Class 4A state championships

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS / JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With a baton in my hand, I stood in front of the judge with a big performance smile on my face and prepared myself to march 32 steps in a square. e music started. And as I began my routine, the 7-year-old me accidentally ung my baton at the judge, hitting her. With mixed emotions, I ran as quickly as I could to grab my baton, went back to my spot and began to march. e music had ended, but I completed the last 11 steps and struck a pose.

Shockingly, I received rst place in that competition.

But my mom brought me up to the judge to ask why I was given rst place. e judge said I had good technique. Still, I dropped my baton when no one else in my category did. So I ended up giving my rst-place trophy to the girl who got second place. at moment not only taught me the importance of practice and consistency, it also taught me about sportsmanship and being the best athlete I can be — on and o the oor.

When I tell someone that I have been baton twirling all my life, there are always a couple of common phrases that I hear: “Oh! My mom used to do that,” or, “Isn’t that the thing where you spin a stick?”

While my mom’s background in baton twirling is the reason I got into it, it is much more than just “spinning a stick.” For me — and many others —

it has been something that has not only kept me active, but has allowed me to travel, have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and create lasting and meaningful relationships.

My mom used to teach baton twirling, and she would have to do it with me on her hip. e only way she got me to go away was if I had my own baton. Some might say she forced it onto me, but I believe that I was destined to do it.

Having been entangled in twirling for over two decades, it has been fascinating to see how it has evolved.

Misconceptions about baton twirling

Baton twirling is not just waving or throwing a baton in the air — it is an intricate skill that takes hours of practice and dedication. e coordination and multitasking that is involved in this activity is like the ultimate rubbing your stomach and tapping your head.

However, there are some misconceptions about the sport that the general public might have.

Depending on what you have seen when it comes to baton twirling, a common image people associate with twirling is the majorette on a football eld. While twirlers do wear costumes, put on makeup and perform on football elds, the skill level and opportunities to perform — and compete — has only grown.

It’s also a misconception that baton twirling is something only girls do.

In the United States and in dozens

of other countries, boys and men can also be seen performing at football games, but they have also represented baton twirling on stage at festivals, in tv commercials and even on ”America’s Got Talent.”

Baton twirling is still an active and thriving sport throughout the entire country. Yes, I said sport. Growing up, there was always debate on whether or not baton twirling is a sport.

Baton twirling is a sport

In the twirling community, we often say that baton twirlers have a lot of the same skills and qualities as other athletes. For example, the exibility and strength of a gymnast, the eye-hand coordination of a basketball or baseball player, the speed of a sprinter and the endurance of a long-distance runner.

ere is no singular de nition of what a sport is, however, various dictionaries describe a sport using similar language. According to the Oxford dictionary, a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Cambridge dictionary denes a sport as “a game, competition or activity needing physical e ort and skill that is played or done according to rules for enjoyment and/or as a job.” Both de nitions state that a sport is an activity that involves skill and physical e ort.

Left photo: I competed in the freestyle event for eight years and performed my last routine in 2018. PHOTO BY MORGAN SLAGLE

Middle photos: Me embracing my students after performing in competitions. COURTESY OF HALEY LENA

Right photo:

I had the chance to twirl with ﬁre batons at many of my high school bonﬁres during homecoming week. COURTESY OF HALEY LENA SEE TWIRLING, P17

Middle Left: In 2024, I choreographed a three-minute team routine with six of my students, and they placed second at the national competition that year. COURTESY OF

Bottom

TWIRLING

e sport of twirling is based around a baton, which is a metal shaft with two rubber ends, one bigger than the other. With a balance point in the middle of the baton, the larger end provides the momentum needed to create revolution and accomplish ips and large aerials. e uneven weight distribution also allows the twirler to control the speed and direction that the baton moves.

Let’s quickly break down one of the most basic twirls: a thumb ip. is skill is the backbone to everything else that we do.

Holding the middle of the baton, the twirler rotates their hand clockwise and rolls the baton partially over their thumb before pushing it up into the air.

Using this skill, twirlers can make the baton do ips from one hand to another, behind their head and toss the baton higher in the air to complete a spin, dance or acrobatic move underneath. ere are also a variety of catches, such as catching behind the back and under the leg.

Just like any other athlete, the sport comes with injuries. It’s not uncommon to see competitive twirlers with tape on their ngers, knees or ankles. I have had my fair share of broken noses, busted lips, sprains, concussions and pulled muscles.

e de nitions of a sport also state that the activity includes competition, and has rules. In twirling, some of these include competing in the appropriate age category, wearing speci c shoes and matching the level of di culty to a certain level.

Although I started out twirling for fun as a child — performing in dozens of parades, malls and senior living facilities — as I got older, I became enamored with watching highly-skilled and experienced twirlers compete.

Twirlers can compete, within appropriate skill and age level, in individual events, pairs, trios and in teams. Some individual events focus on how the twirler can combine dance and gymnastics with twirling, while other individual events include twirling multiple batons.

When I performed, my favorite individual event was called freestyle because you would perform to a song of your choice instead of the standardized music. Athletes must pass various levels of speci c skills in front of a judge to be able to compete in this event. Athletes are judged on the technique of the twirling as well as the

Hannah

championships

artistic expression.

It’s nerve-racking to be standing on the side of the competition oor getting ready to perform by yourself. But there’s an unmatched thrill that you feel when you catch your most dicult trick, and again when you hit the ending pose and the music fades out and the applause starts.

However, it’s the moments on the practice oor with my teammates that I cherish the most. Like freestyle, the team can twirl to a song of their choice, but the routines are judged on synchronization, artistic expression and exchanges.

It’s this event that introduced me to my closest friends, which I still have today. In all my years of twirling, it’s the team practices that I have the most fond memories of. ere was always some type of inside joke, a scary moment that would eventually become funny and just being able to have fun with your friends.

It’s a heartwarming feeling knowing I was always going to be supported.

Beyond the competition ﬂoor

For 15 years, I won multiple state, regional and national titles. I was the feature twirler for my high school, where I had the opportunity to twirl with re. I twirled down Main Street USA in Disney World and I have performed in front of sold-out stadiums at Metropolitan State University and University of Colorado Boulder.

Now I coach the next generation of twirlers. And the experiences above don’t compare to the pride that comes with being a coach and sharing the love of baton twirling with others.

I wasn’t expecting to ever become a coach. I can vividly recall the day my own coach invited me to help with baton classes. Nerves overtook me that day. But eight years later, getting to introduce students to the sport and watching them accomplish their goals is a feeling that is hard to describe.

I thought I had experienced a lot as an athlete, but once I became a coach, I began to see the unlimited opportunities available to my students. And it’s not all about competitions. ey have performed with lighted batons in numerous local parades — including the Parade of Lights — twirled down the streets of Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day and performed at the Indy 500.

Whether it’s teaching one-on-one lessons or group classes or watching my students perform, seeing them nd joy in a sport that I grew up loving is always a surreal moment.

For me, baton twirling is more than a sport. It’s more than a passion. It has allowed me to experience all of what life has to o er.

HALEY LENA

Left:

Vandeventer competes at

regional

competition in the three baton event. PHOTO BY MORGAN SLAGLE

Top Left: Alyssa Brewer performing in Ireland in 2022. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA

In 2023, about 20 twirlers from across the state of Colorado came together to perform in the Denver Parade of Lights. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Twirling my ﬁrst baton outside at the age of 2. COURTESY OF HALEY LENA

Medicaid and Child Health Plan+, according to state data.

“What’s going to happen to these kids coming up through our programs if they can’t get services?” asked one mom.

“Some of them will die.”

Pettersen, a Democrat who has shared her experience growing up on Medicaid and SNAP, said she planned to bring these stories back to Washington.

“Nobody ghts harder than a mom,” she said. “ ese voices are what we need to keep front and center.”

Pettersen said she sees it as her responsibility not only to vote against harmful cuts, but also to show up in her district and listen.

When asked what she says to colleagues who haven’t held similar community meetings or town halls, Pettersen didn’t hesitate to answer.

“I think it’s critical. It’s our job to show up,” she said. “ at doesn’t mean I don’t get yelled at. I show up and listen to peo-

ple, even when they disagree with me. It’s a shame that some of my colleagues across the aisle aren’t doing that important part of the job, especially on issues like this, with such sweeping impacts on the people we all represent.”

e GOP bill is expected to reach the House oor by May 22. With no Democratic support expected, Republicans can a ord to lose only three votes.

Evans, a Republican representing parts of Weld and Adams counties, will likely support the bill. Evans has voiced support for Trump’s proposals to reduce federal spending and impose stricter eligibility rules for safety-net programs.

e Colorado Trust for Local News reached out to Rep. Evans’ o ce with questions about the legislation and his position on the proposed cuts. is article will be updated if he responds.

Even if the legislation passes the House, it faces challenges in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority. Provisions around Medicaid, SNAP, and private school vouchers are expected to be heavily debated, and the bill’s nal version could look signi cantly di erent before it reaches the president’s desk.

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No damage as tornadoes touch down

Adams County o cials Monday morning began assessing the damage caused by high winds and tornadoes that blew through and around the county Sunday afternoon.

e National Weather Service reported Sunday that multiple tornadoes touchdown in eastern Colorado including north and west of Bennett between 1 and 2 p.m.

e Adams County Sheri ’s Ofce said on a social media post that a total of 17 houses and/or structures were lost or damaged because of tornadoes Sunday. ere were no reported injuries, but power was out in some areas. ere was no estimated time when the power was going to be restored, the sheri ’s ofce stated.

e Arapahoe Sheri ’s O ce said of those 17 buildings, 6 were homes and a solar farm, were damaged in Bennett. ose with large animals were taken to the Adams County Fairgrounds for shelter, according to CBS News Colorado. Small animals were also taken to the Town of Bennett Safety Building on Palmer Ave. Authorities set up an information center at the Bennett Recreation Center.

A tornado watch across northeast Colorado remained in e ect until 8 p.m.

Public Works also brought nonpotable water into the area for livestock, the Adams County sheri ’s o ce stated.

Are you living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a chronic heart condition? We can help.

Tornados were reported along the eastern plains May 18 including in Adams County. FILE PHOTO

CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ

1. ART: Where is the Prado Museum located?

2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only country that the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn pass through?

3. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin phrase “tempus fugit” mean?

4. MATH: What is another name for the division sign?

5. MUSIC: How long did it take singer Bob Dylan to write the big hit “Blowin’ in the Wind”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many times on average does a ruby-throated hummingbird ap its wings in one second?

7. MOVIES: Which movie features the line, “Keep the change, ya lthy animal”?

8. LITERATURE: Which novel features four children named Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy?

TrIVIa

9. TELEVISION: What is Joey’s famous line in the sitcom “Friends”?

10. ANATOMY: What is a common name for the pinna in human anatomy? Answers

1. Madrid, Spain.

2. Brazil.

3. Time es.

4. Obelus.

5. 10 minutes, according to Dylan.

6. About 50 times.

7. “Home Alone.”

8. “ e Lion, e Witch and the Wardrobe.”

9. “How you doin’?”

10. Outer ear.

Contact Erin Addenbrooke, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Warren Tech grads chart courses in aviation

For three graduating seniors at Je co Public Schools’ Warren Tech, high school wasn’t just about nishing assignments and earning credits. ey spent their time logging simulated ight hours, learning the ins and outs of aviation and aircraft maintenance technology, designing aerospace components and gearing up for careers in aviation and aerospace.

Kora Redenbarger, Michael Metzger and Keegan McCray are among the 2025 graduates of the district’s career and technical education campus.

Each has completed a specialized pathway in elds ranging from aviation management to aircraft maintenance, advanced 3D printing and business administration.

“It’s (Warren Tech) a program that gives students real-world exposure and real opportunities,” said Sophia Rodriguez, instructional coach for Warren Tech’s science and aerospace programs. “ ese kids are not just preparing for college. ey’re preparing for careers in high-demand industries.”

From airport operations to aviation management

For Redenbarger, the path to aviation management began with a fascination for how airports function. After interning at Denver International Airport, she discovered a passion for operations and logistics.

Redenbarger, who is hard of hearing in one ear, said she found con dence in the program’s supportive environment. She described learning to adapt in noisy cockpit simulations and emphasized the importance of her customized headset.

Another pivotal moment came during a dinner with two professional pilots. “Just hearing everyone’s progress and their paths — it was really motivating,” Redenbarger said. “ at was when I realized this is totally what I want to do.”

Outside of class, she plays the tuba in the Front Range Youth Symphony and her home school’s marching band.

She will attend Western Michigan University to study aviation management and operations, with hopes of one day returning to DIA in a leadership role.

Taking o with business and a pilot’s license

Metzger, a recent recipient of his private pilot’s license, pursued a dual pathway in business administration and aviation technology. He completed his ight hours at Centennial Airport and trained on ight simulators that replicate the exact plane he ies.

“It was a huge help to have the simulators,” he said. “ ey prepared me for the real thing.”

Metzger said the class gave him the foundational knowledge to pass the FAA’s written knowledge test and the condence to y solo.

“It was weird at rst,” he said. “Just being able to walk out, get in the plane and take o . It felt surreal.”

He has already taken friends and family on ights around the Denver area, including sightseeing trips over the city.

Metzger plans to attend Auburn University and continue ying while pursuing a degree in aviation. He said the combination of hands-on learning and academic rigor helped him feel ready for the next step.

Hands-on learning takes ﬂight

McCray found his calling in Warren Tech’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Advanced 3D Printing programs. A Lakewood native, McCray said he struggled in a traditional high school setting and was drawn to the program’s focus on applied learning.

“I liked being able to take things apart and x them,” he said. “I learn best by doing, and this program really clicked for me.”

His projects included designing VR goggle components for the Lakewood SWAT team’s drone program and presenting a 3D printing design at NASA HUNCH, a national high school program for students interested in contributing to aerospace innovation.

His team’s project, a mini glove box simulating astronaut glove conditions, earned him the chance to present in Houston.

McCray also works at a local youth makerspace teaching 3D modeling and printing to younger students, and said he enjoys passing along what he’s learned.

“I’ve been into 3D printing since I was 10,” he said. “And now I get to help kids get excited about it, too.”

He will attend Kansas State University to study aviation maintenance management

and said he hopes to eventually return to Colorado to work for a major airline like United at DenverInternational Airport.

Preparing students for takeo

Rodriguez explained that Warren Tech’s aviation-related programs are among only a few in the country recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“ ese are students who will enter college with experience most freshmen don’t have,” said Rodriguez. “ ey understand the industry, they’ve worked with professionals and they’ve had access to equipment that mirrors what they’ll encounter in their careers.”

Rodriguez said that one of the program’s strengths is its ability to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

“Our students see the relevance in what they’re learning,” she said. “ ey see how it ts into the bigger picture.”

She also emphasized the a ordability of early credentialing opportunities.

“ ey’re not spending thousands of dollars that they would have to pay for training elsewhere. ey get that training here in school,” Rodriguez said. “And we’re talking about certi cations that would cost tens of thousands.”

Students in Warren Tech’s aviation programs can graduate with FAA sign-o s to pursue certi cations like the airframe li-

cense, and they can prepare for the FAA’s Part 107 exam, which certi es them as commercial drone operators.

“It’s a fraction of the cost,” she said, “and it gives them a serious head start.”

As they graduate and head into the next phase of their education, Redenbarger, Metzger and McCray leave Warren Tech with skills, certi cations and a sense of direction.

“It’s been really empowering,” Redenbarger said. “I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

Warren Tech seniors Michael Metzger, Keegan McCray and Kora Redenbarger stand inside the aviation hangar where they spent the past year (or two) preparing for careers in aerospace and aviation.

Keegan McCray, who studied Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Advanced 3D Printing, poses with one of the planes he worked on at Warren Tech’s south campus aviation facility.