Castle Rock News Press 0225

February 25, 2021

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

CastleRockNewsPress.net

VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 46

SPECIAL REPORT

An ‘arduous journey’ toward racial equity School district committee works for change that some Black students, employees say is desperately needed

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the predominantly white Douglas County School District,

some African-American students have reported racial slurs repeatedly scrawled in bathroom stalls, a cavalier use of the N-word by their white classmates and a general

feeling of isolation among a student body that is 1% Black.

Black employees of the district have said they have been demeaned by racist stereotypes while doing their jobs. And they, too, have spoken of feeling like tokens in a largely white workforce.

Those experiences, detailed to Colorado Community Media by

YOUNG VOICES CALL FOR CHANGE, PAGE 6

past and current Black students and employees, culminated in pleas for more support in schools, more inclusion among district staff and leadership, and more cultural awareness.

The district is considering a new policy that aims to tackle these SEE EQUITY, P9

Black educators urge shift in culture

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Last year, in the span of three months, the Douglas County School District saw every person of color in its cabinet — the highest level of district administration beneath the board of education — resign from their posts.

Those departures included both African-American members of the leadership team — Chief Academic Officer Marlena GrossTaylor and the district’s first African-American superintendent, Thomas Tucker — as well as Chief Technology Officer Gautam Sethi.

Alarm bells rang for leaders SEE EDUCATORS, P8

Dream Big Dreams...

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 20

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2 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

Young artist’s work featured in J.K. Rowling book Abiyana Holmes’ art is shown in ‘Ickabog’

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Abiyana Holmes, 11, a student at Eldorado Elementary in Highlands Ranch, has been drawing pictures since she could hold a pencil. So when her friend told her that Scholastic was holding a competition for students to submit artwork to be included in the J.K. Rowling book “The Ickabog” last year, she welcomed the challenge. The competition ran alongside the free online serialization of the book, which was released by the author during the pandemic, with chapters being released regularly online.

“Me and my friends were so excited about the book, and after each chapter I would make a drawing,” said Holmes. “I have been drawing for a very long time now, and I like to explore with a lot of different supplies. My favorite right now are alcohol markers because you can blend really well with them, and they are good for shading.”

Holmes submitted 23 drawing in the Scholastic competition, based on characters and chapters in the book.

One of them depicting a woman sitting in a chair sewing by candlelight was chosen for publication.

“I wanted to draw light coming from the candle because in the book

Abiyana Holmes’ winning drawing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

it says the character was sitting in a chair and sewing,” said Holmes. “I’ve never drawn that before, and I just really like exploring with colors.”

Holmes said she practices drawing every day, and she and her friends spent hours drawing illustrations whenever they were together. She was nearly speechless when her parents told her that her picture was one of 34 chosen, out of more than 42,000 entries submitted in the United States and Canada.

“I feel really, really happy,” said Holmes. “They sent it in email and my parents received it first, and when they came home and told me I was really happy and didn’t really have any words. I couldn’t believe it.”

“The Ickabog” was released in print last November, and is current-

Abiyana Holmes, a fifth-grader from Eldorado Elementary, proudly displays her drawing that is included in J.K. Rowling’s book “The Ickabog.”

ly in bookstores. Holmes received an autographed copy from J.K. Rowling, along with $650 worth of books donated to a library of her choice, which was Eldorado Elementary’s library.

“I’d like to thank every single child who submitted pictures for `The Ickabog’ illustration competition,” said Rowling in a statement.

“Looking through the artwork online has been a joy and I know I’m far from alone in marveling at the talent on display. For me, the most exciting part of publishing `The Ickabog’ has been seeing all the wonderful illustrations coming in although I didn’t judge the illustration competition. I’d probably have put them all in the book if I could!”

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The News-Press 3

1February 25, 2021

Recall proponents circulating petitions to oust DCSD directors Some school board members are critical of the recall group’s leadership

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A group seeking to recall four Douglas County School Board directors has begun circulating petitions.

The group Road2Recall announced volunteers began gathering signatures on Feb. 19 in an effort to oust school board President David Ray and directors Susan Meek, Elizabeth Hanson and Christina Ciancio-Schor.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Merlin Klotz said he was approving the circulation of recall for all four petitions in letters addressed to Andy Jones, who is a Highlands Ranch Metro District board director and a former school board candidate, on Feb. 17. Jones was not immediately available for comment regarding the recall effort.

Recall proponents have said directors lacked leadership navigating the COVID-19 crisis, amid other allegations.

Nate Ormond, who has helped

spearhead the recall, said during the Feb. 16 school board meeting that now is the time to remove directors, despite the fact that Ciancio-Schor’s seat and three other director seats — a majority of seats on the seven-member board — will be up for election in November.

Directors should have been able to return children to in-person learning under guidelines provided by state and federal health agencies, Ormond told Colorado Community Media in previous interviews.

Elementary schools are currently learning in-person while middle and high schools began second semester remote before transitioning to hybrid learning.

Hanson, one of the board members named in a recall petition, posted a statement to her Facebook page highlighting challenges directors have faced in the past year, including millions of dollars in budget cuts during COVID-19, a superintendent who resigned, and frequently changing guidance from government agencies.

Recall leaders appear to have “very limited understanding of district operations,” she said, and are playing “Monday morning quarterback.”

SEE PETITIONS, P4

Looking for COVID-19 vaccine information?

The Tri-County Health Department is your source to determine when you may be eligible to receive the vaccine, how and where to get it. Visit tchd.org/ COVIDVaccine or call 303-220-9200.

Are you in need of food or other assistance?

On Saturday, Feb. 27, Strive to Thrive is partnering with local food pantries to provide food and increase awareness of resources available for families in our community who are struggling. The events will be held at locations throughout Douglas County and times will vary. To learn how to participate, visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive or call 303-660-7460.

Volunteer to serve on the CSU Extension Advisory Council Do you have time to give and an interest in 4-H and youth development, agriculture/gardening, community engagement, and family wellness? Apply by March 5. For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for CSU Extension Advisory Council.

Small Business Relief Grants available Restaurants, bars and other drinking establishments, caterers, movie theatres, and gyms and recreation centers with revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts may be eligible. Review eligibility details and apply

by March 5 at douglas.co.us/small-business-grantprogram

SCFD Free Days Want to learn more about history, spend time appreciating abstract or contemporary art or get in touch with nature? SCFD organizations have your entrance fee and cultural passions covered. For more information including specific dates and locations - visit scfd.org

Interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child?

Information nights are open to anyone interested in learning about foster care and adoption. Information nights are free and via Zoom on March 6 and 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. For information call 303-636-1KID or visit collaborativefostercare.com and select Information Night.

Business Personal Property Tax Declarations due by April 15 PallerFinancial.com mark.paller@pallerfinancial.com Paller Financial Services, Inc. is a CPA & Registered Investment Advisory Firm licensed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The information presented is not specific to any individual’s circumstances and is only provided for general information and educational purposes. From time to time, this information may change without notice. Each person should seek independent professional guidance based on their situation.

2021 Business Personal Property Tax Declarations may be filed online at DouglasFilesOnline.org. Business owners who own or lease business personal property with a total market value greater than $7,900 must report the property to the County Assessor. For more information visit douglas.co.us/assessor

Visit douglas.co.us

4 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

Complaints against The Rock church draw health department’s attention Large gathering of a conservative political group was shown on video

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Tri-County Health Department says it has repeatedly attempted to contact The Rock church in Castle Rock after receiving two complaints that the church hosted large gatherings, including a meeting of the conservative political group FEC United.

A Jan. 28 gathering drew scrutiny after FEC United founder Joe Oltmann posted video footage to social media showing hundreds of people crowded closely together in the church sanctuary without masks.

At the time, Douglas County was under Level Orange restrictions on the state’s COVID-19 dial, which limited indoor seated events to 25% capacity or 50 people.

The event was one of FEC United’s membership meetings, according to the organization’s website. FEC United did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Brian Hlavacek, environmental health director for Tri-County Health Department, said staff first contacted The Rock on Feb. 3 and have followed up multiple times by phone and email. Health agency staff had not received a response as

of Feb. 16, he said, and would continue trying to reach The Rock.

Tri-County Health operates on a complaint-based system, a spokesman said, and investigates potential violations of pandemic guidelines if it receives a complaint.

If staff can speak with the church, the agency’s protocols are to first provide educational information about COVID-19 safety measures and ensure the facility has current information about pandemic guidelines, Hlavacek said.

“We would have articulated, here’s the complaint we received, and the concern. We just want to make sure you have the most up-to-date guidance,” he said on Feb. 12.

The health agency’s educationfirst approach has been successful at gaining compliance, he said.

“If we still see noncompliance down the road, if we’re getting complaints, usually it involves a potential warning, potentially ending up in some sort of cease-and-desist letter,” he said. “We are not certainly there yet. We are hoping to make contact.”

Hlavacek said Tri-County also received a complaint on Feb. 12 alleging The Rock held another large gathering without social distancing or masks, although further details of that incident were not immediately available.

Tri-County Health had not attempted to contact FEC United as of Feb. 16, he said, only staff at the event venue. The health agency’s

approach has been to contact venues and event facilities directly, he said.

The Rock’s lead pastor, Mike Polhemus, said on Feb. 2, before Tri-County Health began outreach, that he attended the FEC event at The Rock.

Polhemus said the footage did not depict what the event looked like from beginning to end, but he would not describe to what extent people spaced themselves apart or wore masks outside of what the video showed during a message of support for Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.

“It puts it in a poor point of view when you take a snapshot of something,” he said.

Polhemus placed responsibility for following pandemic precautions on FEC United, saying “it’s our facility but we don’t lead the event.”

“It was held at The Rock,” he said. “FEC runs the event. We don’t manage the event, we don’t run the event.”

Asked if he believed the church has a duty to ensure organizations renting its facility follow protocols, Polhemus said “we are not the enforcers” and that Tri-County Health should contact FEC regarding any violations.

Polhemus said the church takes pandemic precautions during events it organizes and has not had a COVID-19 case in more than a month.

“We are doing things to prevent the virus. We do care for people,” he said.

PETITIONS FROM PAGE 3

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“I am proud to be a leader who builds relationships, makes decisions with integrity, values differing opinions and recognizes the critical role our employees have in the quality of education we are able to provide our students,” she said.

Meek, also named in a recall petition, shared a social media statement criticizing what a recall elec-

Some community members expressed their disapproval of the event on the social media post, Polhemus said, but he said it is better for people to focus on good work the church does in the community.

The church operates a large food bank and participates in the Winter Shelter Network, which opens church doors at night for people without housing.

FEC United and Oltmann have generated controversy, including for the armed wing of FEC’s operation and Oltmann’s recent naming in a lawsuit alleging defamation for spreading election conspiracies, according to multiple media reports.

Polhemus said “we align with Jesus” when asked if he had concerns about the church working with FEC United. Polhemus said FEC does not describe its armed branch as a militia, that he may not be aware of all the group’s controversies and he believes the organization is focused on helping the community.

Polhemus could not later be reached for comment regarding Tri-County’s efforts to contact the church.

COVID-19 cases have declined in recent weeks and Douglas County has since been moved to lighter Level Yellow restrictions on the pandemic dial.

But Hlavacek said people should still be following proper social distancing, such as keeping 6 feet from one another when possible, wearing masks and good hand washing.

tion would cost DCSD and Jones’ involvement in the group as a local elected leader. Jones narrowly lost to Meek in the 2019 school board elections.

“I believe that as leaders we need to be willing to roll up our sleeves and engage with one another in the interest of our community,” she said. “Unfortunately, he has made no attempt to reach out to me and discuss his concerns.”

Ray and Ciancio-Schor were not immediately available for comment.

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The News-Press 5

1February 25, 2021

Possible timeline set for new Trader Joe’s grocery store The company’s beer license was recently approved

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Town of Parker is one step closer to getting a Trader Joe’s after the grocery store’s beer license was unanimously approved in a Feb. 18 meeting of Parker’s special licensing authority.

Trader Joe’s, a chain of small grocery stores headquartered in California, is known for its private

labeled, uncommon food items such as cookie butter, cauliflower pizza crust and pickle-flavored popcorn.

“You’ll find something unique at a really great price,” Phil Wofford, regional vice president of the company, said during the meeting.

The soonest the store could begin operating would be about a year from now, Wofford said.

“Whether it takes longer due to other things with construction, I don’t know,” Wofford said.

Once open, it will have daily hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with closures on major holidays. The store, which will have about 80 employees, will be

located at 18374 Cottonwood Drive, Suite 150, near the Costco Wholesale.

The store will sell non-refrigerated beer but not any of its trademark affordable wine — sometimes called “Two-Buck Chuck” — because of its proximity to a liquor store, Wofford said. Their beer inventory will focus on Colorado and local beer selections and some will rotate seasonally, he said.

Trader Joe’s, which has been in Colorado for seven years, has seven existing locations in the state.

There were no public comments during the meeting.

Trader Joe’s grocery store in Greenwood PHOTO BY ELLIOTT WENZLER Village.

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6 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

SPECIAL REPORT

District’s lack of diversity poses challenges for Black students Teens share stories of racial division in Douglas County schools

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Max Malone and his family moved from Denver to Castle Rock after his family weathered financial struggles, hoping the town could provide a less stressful environment for his younger siblings.

Instead Malone — whose father is Black and mother white — said he encountered significantly more racism than he did when living in other Denver metro area communities.

During his sophomore and junior years at Castle View High School, Malone — a student of color in a school that was nearly 80% white — grew increasingly demoralized as he said he repeatedly found bathroom stalls vandalized with racist slurs.

One of the messages, he said, read: “Kill (N-word)!”

After the first couple instances, Malone took photos and returned to class, disturbed and unable to concentrate. When the vandalism continued, he alerted office staff, he said.

Eventually, Malone said several students of color went to the office and pleaded with Castle View staff to do something about it.

“They were all kind about it and stuff,” he said, “and they didn’t really do anything about it.”

The district, through its spokeswoman, did not directly address Malone’s allegations. The district did not make Castle View Principal Rex Corr available for interviews, nor did Corr respond to questions submitted for him via the spokeswoman regarding the alleged racist graffiti.

In several statements to Colorado Community Media, the district said it is “committed to providing a safe learning and work environment where all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.”

A 2020 graduate, Malone, 18, still has the photos on his phone.

“Just one after another after another,” he said. “After a while, I just stopped taking pictures of them.”

‘Make noise’ Douglas County Schools is a predominantly white school district in a county

Max Malone, a 2020 Castle View High School graduate, is also a songwriter who has turned to music to PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS process his experiences with racism while a Douglas County School District student.

where 89% of residents identify as white alone, according to the U.S. Census.

A little more than two-thirds of the district’s roughly 63,000 students identified as white this school year, with Latinos making up the largest minority group. Only 1% identify as Black or African American, according to district data.

African Americans are equally underrepresented among staff: The district had one Black principal or assistant principal at the helm of its roughly 90 schools last semester, according to data provided by the district through a records request.

The district employed more than 60 teachers who identify as Black or African American as of Dec. 1, 2020, according to the district’s data, about 1% of its teaching force. Amid a national reckoning on racism in 2020, current and former Black students joined Black Lives Matter protests throughout Douglas County communities. Some took a knee as the national anthem played during in-person high school graduations.

In the aftermath of protests, four students, current and former, called on district leaders to foster more respect among peers, and in interviews with CCM, the students said they want greater systemic support — from clubs for students of color to assemblies that address negative treatment of minority students when it arises.

The district should also revisit how Black history — which the students emphasize is American history — is taught in classrooms, they said. At least one piece of curriculum, from the literacy company Fountas and Pinnell, has been criticized for perpetuating racist stereotypes about African Americans and people of color, former Chief Academic Officer Marlena GrossTaylor told CCM shortly after she left the district last year.

Ken Scales, whose daughter was among the students who spoke to CCM, said his two daughters each experienced inappropriate behavior from peers and school staff during teacherled class discussions and through culturally insensitive assignments.

“I found myself a couple of times wanting to put on my suit of armor and charge into the school,” he said.

School district leaders declined repeated requests

by CCM to talk about the experiences of its Black students, but the district has included improving its culture as part of its strategic plan. In its statements to CCM, the district further said it is evaluating how its curriculum addresses Black history and other multicultural histories.

The district’s Equity Advisory Council also has been drafting the district’s firstever equity policy, which includes a commitment to

root out systemic racism and racial inequities.

During their Feb. 16 meeting, school board directors took turns reading the policy aloud, but did not ask questions or discuss the document beyond thanking the equity team for drafting it.

Director Susan Meek urged the community to review the policy and weigh in.

Former Superintendent Thomas Tucker told Colorado Community Media in February an equity policy “is an excellent start” for school districts, but said they should also be adopting standalone policies that exclusively focus on racial equity.

“Your district has to be bold enough to admit that you are going to have to focus on anti-racism and social justice and you have to recognize that AfricanAmerican and other students of color face biases,” he said.

Tucker, who left the district in 2020, raised concerns about racism — overt and subtle — in the district as well. In addition to what he saw as his own experiences with discrimination as the district’s first Black superintendent, he recalled having to address high school students waving a Confederate flag during football games.

It’s not only students of color who benefit from a racially equitable system, he said.

“This impacts the lives of white students just as much, and one could also argue

more so, because at some point in time they will leave the Douglas County School District, the Douglas County bubble,” he said. “When we don’t address this in school, we are robbing kids of a skill set.”

But Tucker said it is up to the entire community, not only the board or district administrators, to say “enough is enough” when it comes to racism in schools. And Gross-Taylor, who voiced her own concerns about the lack of diversity in the system, had a message for students: Protest. Speak up at school board meetings. Don’t stop with the school principal.

District administration can’t fix problems they do not know about, she said.

“What I would say to those kids is ‘make noise.’”

The four current and former students who spoke to CCM do not claim to speak for the experiences of all the district’s Black or mixedrace students, but their stories share commonalities that point to the work the district has ahead — stories Tucker said that “as a parent, as an African American, it breaks my heart.”

Kennedi Scales, 17, Douglas County High School Kennedi Scales can’t forget the time a Douglas County School District teacher put her on the spot during a class discussion of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“In front of the whole class, (my teacher) asked me how I would pronounce the word, ‘Ask,’” she said.

Kennedi recalled pausing for a moment, realizing her teacher associated African Americans with improper speech, she said.

Instantly, she felt “marginalized and underestimated.”

Repeating the word, Kennedi said she pronounced it as clearly as she could.

“To show I’m Black, and I’m educated,” she said.

Kennedi said embarrassment kept her from telling administrators about the situation, which was several years ago, but, she said, she also feared the school would not take action.

The 17-year-old, now a senior, said she experiences subtle or unintentional discrimination weekly.

She said she often feels expected to act as a spokesperson for all Black people, including by teachers, who have asked her to share her perspective because she was the only African American student in her class.

Kennedi’s father, Ken, said SEE STUDENTS, P7

The News-Press 7

1February 25, 2021

SPECIAL REPORT

STUDENTS FROM PAGE 6

that expectation has created uncomfortable environments for both of his daughters, including Kennedi’s 15-year-old sister Trinity, who faced her own set of racially insensitive scenarios before leaving the district to pursue music education in Denver.

Trinity once came home with an assignment asking students to write about the American Dream and how it attracted their families to the U.S., he said. As a student of both AfricanAmerican and AmericanIndian heritage, Trinity did not know how to approach the task.

Ken Scales emailed the teacher. His daughter could write about the Trail of Tears, her ancestors arriving in the U.S. on slave ships, or people in her family who were lynched, he said, but asking her to reflect on the American Dream did not consider her perspective.

“I don’t think (the teacher) really thought that out,” he said.

Ken Scales said he and his wife have taught their daughters to self-advocate and speak up if they feel uncomfortable in the classroom. They know their mother and father will step tin if they need.

Usually the girls do address their concerns.

Though on occasion, Kennedi has preferred to avoid stirring the pot if she worried it might jeopardize her grades, Ken Scales said.

Kennedi is a student in the International Baccalaureate program and among the top in her class, he said.

She is also a violinist, chamber orchestra member, National Honor Society member and Future Business Leaders of America member.

She stays busy. That doesn’t mean she is too busy for more activities, she said. Kennedi wants to see a club like the Black Student Alliance added at Douglas County High School. The national organization aims to provide Black students and allies with community in their school buildings.

Without more inclusivity built into schools, students of color turn to each other for community, she said.

“I guess we’re drawn to each other because of that, and there’s not really a support system in the schools,” she said.

Tommy Crawford, 2020 ThunderRidge High School graduate Tommy Crawford, who is both African American and white, said he faced numer-

Tommy Crawford, a 2020 ThunderRidge High School graduate, wished for a more diverse teaching force and more cultural awareness in PHOTOS BY JESSICA GIBBS schools during his time in Douglas County Schools.

comfortable, and so that new students of color could more easily transition to a different place.

Crawford left ThunderRidge as a varsity basketball player and now plays forward for Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

Anya Jackson, a 2020 Castle View High School graduate, said she hopes Douglas County Schools can create a more inclusive curriculum.

Kennedi Scales, a 17-year-old senior at Douglas County High School, said she hopes the school could bring in more clubs to support students of color, such as the Black Student Alliance.

ous stereotypes at ThunderRidge High School.

He watched people move phones off their desks when he walked in a room. Others hid their keys.

“They might be doing it on accident, but I do see it.

And it’s the little things like that,” he said.

White peers’ use of the N-word in Douglas County schools also arises amid a lack of cultural awareness and education, said Crawford, 18.

“White kids, they think it’s normal to say the N-Word in their normal vocabulary because they have no people to say it’s not OK,” Crawford said. “That’s a big problem.”

Black students have to adapt to living in a predominantly white area, he said, explaining “you start talking a little bit more white, if that makes sense, with a little less slang.”

One of Crawford’s Black friends who transferred to ThunderRidge stopped using the N-word after white peers began saying it, Crawford said.

Racism and subtle discriminatory acts wear students of color down mentally, he said, adding “it’s pretty much everywhere in schools.”

“It’s most definitely in school classrooms,” Crawford said. “That’s where most of the white-to-Black

contact is.”

Crawford said he often felt like an outcast. A discussion on slavery during history class could prompt classmates to turn and look at him, “like, this is your topic,” he said.

“I am primarily the only Black kid in most classes.

Pretty much all my classes, and it just makes me feel different from everyone else,” Crawford said the summer after his graduation.

An athlete, Crawford earned awards like “Most Improved Player” and “Hardest Worker” during his high school basketball career, he made honor roll and also enjoyed sewing. For a senior project, he made his own pair of boots.

Crawford said he wished his high school were more diverse. He longed for a larger Black and AfricanAmerican population to feel more included, more

Anya Jackson, 2020 Castle View High School graduate Unlike Malone, Crawford and Scales, Anya Jackson, who is African American, said she never experienced overt racism during her time at Castle View. Clubs were welcoming, and teachers and staff were supportive, she said. She could not remember people “making me feel less safe because I am a person of color.”

What she did feel, she said, was a pressure to set realistic expectations of Black or African American people in an area with little diversity.

“Just because there’s not that many of us. I feel like people would get an idea of how we act, how we dress, our mannerisms,” she said, and then go on to associate those perceptions with all African Americans.

Jackson, 18, echoed the concerns about a lack of inclusive curricula. She recalled a small section on Black history in a humanities class she took her sophomore year but remembered little other focus on Black history in her education.

She does not remember her school celebrating Black History Month.

“I felt like there are also a lot of books and historical stories that could be incorporated into classes that just aren’t,” she said.

SEE STUDENTS, P9

8 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

SPECIAL REPORT

EDUCATORS FROM PAGE 1

of the district’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Initiative team, who in turn penned a letter to the board of education expressing “deep concerns” about the loss of that representation.

The Oct. 21 letter, obtained by Colorado Community Media through a public records request, connected administrative turnover to racism in the district. “... their resignations speak volumes to the state of implicit biases, and quite honestly, racist practices in our district,” warned Remy Rummel, the district’s director of language, culture and equity; Janet Laning, director of the district’s student assistance department; and Highlands Ranch High School Principal Christopher Page, all of whom signed the letter.

“Both explicit and implicit racism played a role in their resignations, and, as quoted by an anonymous person prior to fall break, ‘It is difficult to be a person of color in Douglas County,’” they wrote.

‘A lot of work ahead’ Douglas County Schools is a predominantly white school district in a county where 89% of residents identify as white alone, according to the U.S. Census.

The district had one Black principal or assistant principal at the helm of its roughly 90 schools as of last semester, according to data provided by the district through a records request. The district employed more than 60 teachers who identify as Black or African American as of Dec. 1, 2020, according to the district’s data, about 1% of its teaching force.

The district is currently working on ways to attract, retain and support diversity among staff. Board directors could soon adopt the district’s first-ever “equity policy,” which aims to ensure people have the resources they need to attain or deliver education based on their identities — from religion to sexual orientation to disability or special education needs.

And the policy includes a commitment to root out systemic racism and biases. The policy says the district will not condone the perpetuation of racism systemically or among students and staff.

During their Feb. 16 meeting, board directors read the policy at length, although they did not ask questions or discuss it beyond thanking the district’s Equity Advisory Council for drafting it. The council is made up of more than 20 people, including staff, parents, community members and students.

School board director Susan Meek encouraged people to read the policy and weigh in.

The district’s general counsel explained during the meeting that the policy would support existing policies that prohibit discrimination, provide avenues for students or staff to report discrimination and strive to create safe school cultures.

The district declined Colorado Community Media’s repeated requests to interview interim Super-

Thomas Tucker, shown here shortly after taking over as Douglas County School District superintendent in 2018, said constantly FILE PHOTO defending his reputation was exhausting during his tenure at the helm of DCSD.

intendent Corey Wise and school board President David Ray about either general or specific experiences of current and former Black administrators, staff and students.

It also refused requests to interview Rummel or a representative of the district’s Equity Advisory Council.

In several emailed statements to CCM, district spokeswoman Paula Hans emphasized the district’s commitment to an inclusive, equitable system that does not tolerate discrimination in any form.

The district, she said, is continuously evaluating “its current practices and training to staff related to discrimination, inclusion and equity.”

But in a lengthy email response to the diversity team’s letter, also obtained by CCM, Ray acknowledged “… our district has a lot of work ahead to reverse trends of injustice and mistreatment of others.”

He wrote that he had done more “soul searching and seeking” in recent months than he had ever done on systemic racism and social injustice.

“These reflections have included understanding the negative, pacifist role I have played as a ‘dominant privileged white male,’” he wrote.

He spoke in the letter of the “jubilation” he felt in helping hire Tucker as the district’s first African-American superintendent. He acknowledged he and Tucker had “occasional conversations about some of the microaggressions and blatant racist remarks directed his way.” But, he said, when Tucker and the others left, “racism was not mentioned as an extenuating factor.”

Ray emphasized that he did not deny they experienced racism, but only wanted to better understand what they had faced in order to bet-

ter inform the district’s equity work.

While Ray declined an interview with CCM, he did answer some questions by email. When asked how the district will increase diversity among leadership, Ray said the board has hired search firm Frederick Andrews to lead recruitment of the next superintendent and that the company “will work to ensure that our search is inclusive, diverse and broad.”

The district has announced its superintendent search will be regional, not national, focusing on internal and local candidates.

Ray declined to say whether the district investigated its practices following the equity team’s October letter, or the culture for employees of color, citing employee confidentiality.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss specific investigations or allegations,” he said in his emailed responses.

“However, I can confidently state that reports asserting discrimination or harassment are addressed and responsive measures are taken.”

Tucker and Gross-Taylor, as well as two other current and former Black employees, agreed to talk to CCM about the challenges they experienced or are still experiencing within the district. Sethi could not be reached for comment regarding his resignation. His Aug. 27 resignation letter called his seven years with the district “a terrific learning opportunity.”

The four current and former Black district employees all described numerous instances of racism, racial insensitivity and subtle or unintentional discrimination in jobs with the district.

Each described a workplace where the lack of diversity can be isolating

and where the challenges of creating a supportive environment are not limited to the inside of a school building.

A challenging culture Gross-Taylor, the former chief academic officer, specifically cited her desire to work in an environment that prioritizes diversity when she tendered her resignation on Oct. 2, according to emails CCM obtained through a public records request.

She left the district on Oct. 31, and now leads EduGladiators, a consulting firm that works with school districts to promote equity in education.

“I think that my time was well spent (in DCSD) personally and professionally because Gross-Taylor in many ways we don’t understand the depth of our character until it’s tested.

And mine was tested,” she told CCM in January.

Gross-Taylor, whom Tucker hired in 2018, said she often felt doubted and undermined as an AfricanAmerican cabinet member. She pointed to hours-long grill sessions from board directors as she presented what she considered routine information about curriculum.

Her points were met by skepticism and scrutiny that was not evident, she said, when white colleagues made the same points.

As she began meeting with district departments in her first weeks on the job, Gross-Taylor said she also felt interrogated about her work experience, including people who questioned, “Were you really a principal?”

SEE EDUCATORS, P10

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1February 25, 2021

SPECIAL REPORT

EQUITY FROM PAGE 1

issues head-on. On Feb. 16, board directors conducted a first reading of the district’s first-ever equity policy, which aims to foster a more welcoming, supportive and equitable environment for students and employees.

White students make up about 72% percent of the district’s student body of 63,000, with Latinos representing the largest minority group.

Last school year, of nearly 3,800 teachers, 1% identified as Black or African American.

The district had one Black principal or assistant principal at the helm of its roughly 90 schools last semester, according to data provided by the district through a records request. The district employed more than 60 teachers who identify as Black or African American as of Dec. 1, 2020, according to the district’s data, about 1% of its teaching force.

“It will be an arduous journey,” Ishmeet Kaira, a parent serving on the district’s Equity Advisory Council, told the board of directors as she spoke of the work ahead. “It is a huge organizational shift. It’s a cultural shift.”

Members of the equity council — a group of more than 20 people including parents, educators and DCSD staff — say they hope the policy will be a turning point in a long road toward advancing equity in the district.

The work has continued not only as Black community members have spoken of experiencing racism, -but also as diversity among district leadership has dwindled.

Over three months last year, Douglas County Schools saw the exodus of its first African-American superintendent, Thomas Tucker, its

African-American chief academic officer, Marlena Gross-Taylor, and its chief technology officer, Gautam Sethi.

Sethi could not be reached for comment, but both Tucker and Gross-Taylor told Colorado Community Media they experienced racism or racially insensitive conduct during the roughly two years they spent with the school system.

Tucker is now the deputy commissioner and chief equity officer for the Kentucky Department of Education, and Gross-Taylor runs a consulting firm. Sethi is now chief technology officer for a Virginia school district.

Their departures prompted a blunt letter from leaders of the district’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Initiative team. The Oct. 21 letter, signed

by Remy Rummel, the district’s director of language, culture and equity; Janet Laning, director of the district’s student assistance department; and Highlands Ranch High School Principal Christopher Page, declared that “their resignations speak volumes to the state of implicit biases, and quite honestly, racist practices in our district.”

‘A powerful declaration’ The district declined repeated requests for interviews with leadership to talk about its equity work or about the specific and general experiences of Black students and employees.

District spokeswoman Paula Hans responded to requests to interview school board President David Ray, interim Superintendent Corey Wise and the Equity Advisory Council with statements emphasizing the creation of the equity council as a safeguard against becoming complacent in “matters of equity, diversity and inclusion” and as a means to further the district’s commitment to equity.

“We will continue to review our work with our prevention curriculum, professional development, and our proactive and restorative training with our students and staff,” the statement read.

Ray did address some questions by email. District policies “clearly prohibit” discrimination and harassment, he said, and employees can file complaints with their supervisor or the district’s compliance officer.

Ray said the equity policy “clarifies expectations and the district’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity.” Asked how the district could better address both subtle and explicit inappropriate behavior reported by previous African-American leaders, Ray said “the board governs through policy.”

The new policy, he said, will strengthen existing prohibitions on workplace discrimination and harassment.

The policy does not exclusively address racial equity, instead aiming to improve the culture for people of all identities — including a person’s national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability or need for special education.

But the work gained new urgency last summer as anti-racism protests flared across the country, including in Douglas County, and with last fall’s spate of high-level resignations in DCSD. The policy presented Feb. 16 said the district would “create and implement a targeted system to identify” inequities such as biased or racist practices, discriminatory behavior disproportionately affecting any particular group, and systemic racism and discrimination in the district.

The policy now clearly spells out its goal to also bolster “representation” throughout the system, which it defines as students and staff seeing components of their iden-

tities reflected in curricular and instructional resources, as well as in their learning environments. The added definition is new from a draft discussed by the board and equity team in January.

The policy would commit the district to a permanent Equity Advisory Council and would make carrying out and enforcing the policy a cabinet-level responsibility — also a first.

School board director Krista Holtzmann said in a recent study session it is “probably pretty unusual” to make a cabinet-level equity position, but she was not opposed to the idea.

Directors did not discuss the policy in-depth on Feb. 16. Instead they read it in full and offered the Equity Advisory Council thanks for drafting it. Director Susan Meek encouraged the community to review the policy and weigh in. Ray and Director Christina Ciancio-Schor were absent.

Kaira, the parent serving on the district’s equity team, told school board directors during the study session that the policy would be “a powerful declaration of values.”

Running into obstacles This is not the first attempt the district has made to consciously address questions of systemic bias, fairness and equity.

Two decades ago, it took up similar work, equity team members said.

That included tolerance training for roughly 1,000 students in the early 2000s after the district saw a dramatic spike in bullying and expulsion reports, equity team member Janet Laning said during one study session. Laning is director of the district’s student assistance department.

In one year, the training caused a more than 20 percentage point jump

STUDENTS FROM PAGE 6

Jackson did not think her teachers intentionally overlooked Black history in classes, and instead suspects it’s more of a blind spot in the system.

“I feel like it’s just not one of those things that teachers and staff realize they don’t do,” she said. “Just because there is not much diversity.”

Max Malone, 2020 Castle View High School graduate Malone described a tumultuous personal journey learning how to handle racism at school. He went through rough patches after moving to town, he said, including occasionally getting tinto trouble for behavioral issues.

His senior year, police officers came to Castle View with a warrant for his arrest on allegations of assault, he said.

“I did do a few stupid things.”

Max Malone, a songwriter, uses a workbook he’s required to complete for probation as a creative outlet.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS To each question, he writes lyrics.

But, he said, some of his acting out was triggered by racist incidents. School staff sought to discipline Malone after he kicked a vandalized stall in the bathroom, breaking the door so that every-

one who walked in could see the slur.

Malone said he did not deny breaking the stall but was disappointed when school staff appeared more concerned with his reaction

than the racist language.

Malone suspects many of his teachers did not expect he would graduate amid struggling academics and behavioral incidents. He worked double time his

SEE EQUITY, P11

senior year to bring up his grades, he said.

Principal Rex Corr, who Malone said once tapped him in gym class, gently telling him police had come to arrest him, eventually watched Malone walk across a graduation stage.

“When he handed me my diploma, he started tearing up and crying and said, ‘I’m proud of you,’” Malone said, adding that he had nothing but respect for Corr.

Malone now works in Castle Rock and has dedicated a corner of his home to music production.

Songs fill his computer, including one he wrote last year about racism called “No Folding Me.” People are talking too openly And racially So I’m hoping that my poetry Can bitter down that bigotry And open up the imagery So we can see the dignity And symmetry in humanity

10 The News-Press

EDUCATORS FROM PAGE 8

“I was taken aback even as a Southern gal from the bayou,” she said. “Obviously, I wouldn’t have been chosen for this position if I didn’t have the qualifications.”

She said she felt apprehensive about joining the district, largely because of “the extreme lack of diversity” among both employees and students.

Gross-Taylor said she experienced “microaggressions and passive-aggressive racism” almost daily.

“I know there were people there who truly did not like me because I was Black,” she said.

The district has increased professional development regarding equity and inclusivity, Gross-Taylor said, but she had concerns about the district’s recruiting practices during her time there.

She said she once asked cabinet members during a hiring discussion if they worked with HBCUs — historically black colleges and universities.

No one else, she said, seemed to know what an HBCU was. She called the conversation eye-opening and “a prime example of us really needing to know our history.”

The district can only diversify its schools if it seeks to, she said.

‘Demeaning to my ethnicity’ Questions about racism also followed the departure of Tucker after roughly two years on the job.

Tucker said he told the school board last July that he would be leaving for a position as deputy commissioner and chief equity officer for the Kentucky Department of Education. He’d planned to stay on the job to help launch fall classes as the pandemic raged.

But in September, he was placed on administrative leave following a formal workplace complaint alleging gender discrimination. He resigned during that leave, citing personal reasons, and was ultimately cleared, according to the investigative report and complaint obtained by CCM. During that investigation, documents show, Tucker and his attorney questioned the role race may have played in the complaint.

“I am concerned that some individuals expressing such criticisms of me might not be accustomed to taking direction from an African American male,” the investigative report reads. “I am neither volatile nor aggressive in my communication style with women or men.”

February 25, 2021F

SPECIAL REPORT Speaking to CCM on Jan. 29, Tucker said he would never take back working in the district. He called being selected as the DCSD superintendent “an honor and a privilege.”

But beyond his frustrations with the gender discrimination complaint, Tucker said he felt inundated by microaggressions and assaults on his character during his tenure. They began the moment board directors named him a finalist and followed him out the door, he said.

Some people “really questioned my abilities,” he said, and “questioned my credentials” despite more than 12 years’ experience as a superintendent. He helmed three school districts in Ohio before coming to Douglas County.

Social media chatter among the community could be particularly brutal, he said. Sometimes he felt depicted as a caricature.

Tucker said he felt both he and Gross-Taylor were subjected to “character assassination” and repeated assaults on their professionalism from community members. He described constantly defending his reputation as exhausting.

“It was demeaning to me, demeaning to my ethnicity,” he said.

Tucker said he raised concerns about the culture for leaders of color to board directors.

“I think initially there was some shock. There was some denying,” he said.

If the district wants diverse and inclusive leadership “for the long haul,” it needs to create a more supportive environment for employees, he said. Part of what drew him to Kentucky was the state board of education’s anti-racism and anti-bias policy, he said, calling it “a strong statement.”

“I don’t want people to think that everyone in Douglas County is not compassionate and is not respectful of other cultures,” he said. “But as African Americans, we experience these microaggressions every day.”

And that environment, he said, did play a role in his departure.

“It wasn’t the main reason why I left. Was it a reason?

Yes,” he said.

‘How do we compete?’

When a friend working at Highlands Ranch High School urged Rashaan Davis to apply for a teacher opening at the school, he balked.

“Back then, I was like, Douglas County? Really?

Do they even hire Black people?” he said. “Douglas

Rashaan Davis said he was the only Black teacher many of his students had the entire time they were enrolled in Douglas County PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS schools.

County is not known for hiring Black and brown folks.”

When Davis joined the district in 2000, 11 of its roughly 2,100 teachers identified as Black or African American, according to data supplied by the district to the Colorado Department of Education. During his roughly 17-year tenure, the number of Black teachers never exceeded 16 among the district’s dozens of schools.

Since the 2017-18 school year, the district had more than tripled the number of Black teachers as it expanded its teaching force.

Despite the hiring, Black teachers represented about 1% of district teachers between then and this school year.

Davis left Douglas County for more competitive pay in the Cherry Creek School District, he said. But he called his time in Douglas County schools some of the best in his career, and said he misses his Douglas County colleagues to this day.

That didn’t mean race never posed a challenge, he said.

“In 2000, when I got to Highlands Ranch,” he said, “man, I had a hard time.”

Davis spent three to four years trying to get settled.

His students and their families were wealthy. The overwhelming majority of students were white.

Davis felt like “a fish out of water.”

“It became a place for me to learn to teach kids how to be more racially sensitive and for kids to understand that there is a line, and why there is a line,” he said.

Davis said he was the only Black teacher many of his students had the entire time they were enrolled in Douglas County schools.

Obstacles to hiring and retaining Black teachers exist not just within the system but outside it, he said.

Davis pointed, for example, to the absence of traditional Black gathering places such as churches or barbershops — places that signal a vibrant community — within Douglas County.

“All the things that would support Black teachers in the community are all in Aurora or Denver, so how do we compete when you know, the community has to help us build in some of these components?” he said.

‘It’s sad’ Not two months after receiving a promotion in the Douglas County School District, an African-American employee said they learned from a colleague that a parent had referred to them as an “Uncle Tom.” The term historically has been used to disparage Black individuals perceived as eager to please white people or too subservient to authority.

The employee spoke to Colorado Community Media on the condition they not be named for fear of professional repercussions.

In the last several years, “I’ve been called the N-word by a parent while doing my job,” the individual said.

“There was nobody in our system above me at that time to call and talk to and walk through that issue with,” they said. “There have been a lot of situations where I have not felt sup-

ported in the district.”

In written responses to emailed questions, Ray called the employee’s account of being called the N-word “disheartening.”

“There is no tolerance for this,” he said.

Employees can report harassment and discrimination to their supervisor or the district’s compliance officer, he said.

The departure of Tucker, Gross-Taylor and Sethi are a reflection on the system as a whole, the employee said.

“My thoughts are [that] it’s sad. There has been a stigma of racism that exists in Douglas County for a long time and when you have a lack of representation it just reemphasizes that.”

The current employee echoed calls for more diversity at all levels of the district. There have been “ceiling breakers,” or people of color who climbed the district ladder, they said, but there is still too little diversity in leadership — a point echoed in the diversity team’s October letter to the board.

“As we take a look and observe the proverbial ‘room,’ our people of color in leadership, particularly executive leadership, are disappearing,” the letter said, “thus missing from future work, action and decision making.”

Tucker said to create a more inclusive workforce, the district has to listen to employees of color, and understand biases won’t go away in the system simply by hiring in diversity.

“If you are bringing in someone who is different from an ethnic or socioeconomic standpoint, or different from the majority, you need to have some understanding or taken some time to understand that person’s unique experiences,” he said. “And, anticipate problems or difficulties this person may have coming into this organization.”

Over the last seven school years, the district has had short periods in which it had two principals who selfidentified as Black, but for the most part, it has only had one, according to the state department of education.

The current employee could only name two Black principals working in the district this year and “zero assistant principals in this entire district that are African American.”

“How do you build a structure that talks about honoring diversity,” the employee said, “when in all reality you’ve hired enough to be tokenized, so you can march them out when you need to?”

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SPECIAL REPORT

EQUITY FROM PAGE 9

in the number of seniors who reported peers respected one another, Laning said. The seminars ended when grant dollars used to fund them ran out.

The district’s whopping strategic plan, unveiled in 2019, also includes a three-year road map toward improving equity, inclusivity and diversity in the district.

Among its goals: Administering an audit of the district’s culture and environment. Providing secondary schools with inclusive curriculum resources. Professional development for “culturally responsive teaching.”

Training school and district administrators in making all students feel welcome and valued as part of the school community.

But the district’s work has proceeded in fits and starts, stymied by budget cuts, changes in leadership and other setbacks, equity team members said in recent meetings with the board.

Board members acknowledged the slow pace.

“We had an equity committee in this district for several years and we hit some walls. I’ve watched you guys hit some walls that were frustrating,” Ray said during one study session. “It was like, we can’t move forward.”

Former Superintendent Tucker, who spoke to CCM in January, said the district has not always offered

public health crises. its equity team adequate support.

Those include anti-racism trainFunding was a problem, he said, ing and the implementation of No adding that after he arrived, he Place for Hate at district schools. shifted money from his budget to ThunderRidge High School recently support the work of the equity comwon an award mittee. for its use of the Budget cuts, program. this time caused No Place for by the panHate is run demic, have also through a partcurtailed some nership with the of the work Anti-Defamaoutlined in the tion League and strategic plan. focuses on antiGross-Taylor, bias and antiwho was the bullying traincabinet sponsor ing in schools. of the strategic A handful plan equity of the roughly team, said eq70 district-run uity was not inischools already tially included operate the proin the plan but and it will was added at the Thomas Tucker, gram continue being urging of staff former DCSD superintendent implemented of color. across the She said district, equity COVID-19 forced team members nearly $31 miltold directors in September. lion in budget cuts, so the district, to her disappointment, eliminated ‘Everybody’s business’ plans to create a new “director of Gross-Taylor said recent interest strategic initiatives.” She said the by the board to pursue the equity position was one of the first repolicy is good for the district, but sources to go during cuts. that it also struck her as inauthenThe director would have overseen tic. She said she felt Tucker received equity issues in the district, operatresistance from board directors in ing a team to which students could January 2020 when he suggested report issues regarding racism in working on equity initiatives. schools, she said.

“Then after the George Floyd Still, some components of the murder,” she said, “all of a sudden equity team’s strategic plan work we need to talk about this.” continued amid the financial and

‘This has to be everybody’s business.

It just cannot be the business of a group of 12 or 13 interested staff members who have two or three other jobs.’

Tucker said Gross-Taylor’s timeline is accurate but sidestepped the question of whether the board was resistant, saying only that it had many “competing things going on …. so it just did not get addressed.”

Among steps needed to force real change, Gross-Taylor said, the district must reorganize how complaints about racism and discrimination are funneled from schools to district administration.

“It can’t just stop at the principals,” she said.

If the district hopes to improve its culture for people of color and equity in the system, that commitment must start “with the top,” Tucker said.

But equity is not only the responsibility of board directors or top administrators, he said. He urged community members to get involved.

“This has to be everybody’s business,” he said. “It just cannot be the business of a group of 12 or 13 interested staff members who have two or three other jobs.”

Tucker told Colorado Community Media in February an equity policy “is an excellent start” for school districts as they address issues with racism. But school districts can’t stop there, he said, urging them to also adopt standalone policies that exclusively focus on racial equity.

“Your district has to be bold enough to admit that you are going to have to focus on anti-racism and social justice and you have to recognize that African-American and other students of color face biases,” he said.

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12 The News-Press

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VOICES

Pandemic diversion is one for the books

man past sixty living alone with a small dog walks to his guest room where a little library of fiction is kept and scans the spines for an option to read as the second year QUIET of a pandemic has DESPERATION him climbing the walls like Gregor Samsa.

See how many of the titles he had to choose from you can name. For a complete list, write to the email address below.

Craig Marshall 1. Written by a Smith woman, this book, later the source of several films (as are a number of entries in the list), tells the story of a young scientist who creates a sapient creature.

2. “A dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually con-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Recall harms students Before you sign a petition to recall members of the Douglas County School Board, ask yourself, “How will a potential recall affect the superintendent search?” Based upon the board’s timeline, the candidate application process closes on 3/12 and finalist candidate public forums will be held in early April, well before any recall can feasibly occur.

I am very concerned that attempting to recall school board members in the middle of a superintendent search will jeopardize the ability to hire a well-qualified candidate.

How many superintendent candidates will want to apply if they know there is a potential recall?

As it is, we are just one of four local districts looking for a new superintendent right now (Jefferson County, Cherry Creek, Denver Public Schools and DCSD).

As an informed parent, I have seen nothing to warrant a recall. I have a high school student as SEE LETTERS, P13

A publication of

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flicting or dependent conditions.”

3. It focuses on four anthropomorphized animals, is beautifully illustrated (mine by E.H. Shepard), is considered a children’s book, but is enjoyed by readers of all ages.

One of the characters, a European water vole, goes by the name “Rat.” 4. The main character’s surname is Smith. Where he lives the clocks twice a day strike thirteen.

5. “He made the fish fast to bow and stern and to the middle thwart.

He was so big it was like lashing a much bigger skiff alongside.”

6. Its major theme is the destructiveness of war, is “science-fiction infused,” and follows the life of an American soldier named Billy who sometimes travels through time.

7. Perhaps my favorite ending: “He turned and walked across the floor and out. I watched the door close. I listened to his steps going away down the imitation marble corridor. After a while they got faint, then got silent. I kept on listening anyway. What for? Did

I want him to stop suddenly and turn and come back and talk me out of the way I felt? Well, he didn’t. That was the last I saw of him.”

Written by one of my favorites authors, made into a film, as were several of his other books, but not as successful.

8. A short, only 24,505 words, potent story about the wife of the owner of a “roadside sandwich joint” and a drifter who is smitten by her.

9. She sells evening gloves at Neiman-Marcus.

10. In a “magical realist style” it tells a “multi-generational story” in the fictional town of Mocondo.

11. A first novel published in 1970; Lorain, Ohio; young Black girl; desires blue eyes.

12. Another main character name Smith, only this one is a Martian.

By the way, my middle name breaks down into “Mars Hall.”

13. This one is too easy, but it’s the author’s most famous: “A diabolical

dog” that’s not Harry causes problems on an English moorland.

14. I’d tell you where the book is set but the location is in the title.

There’s a cave, an accusation, a trial, a recant, and a happy ending.

It didn’t do much for me in high school when it was required reading.

15. It’s a 1930 detective novel originally serialized in the magazine “Black Mask” that’s been made into several film versions, the most famous released 80 years ago.

16. Written by the same author, a more light-hearted detective novel featuring a wealthy married couple who try to locate a missing inventor who is light on his feet.

How did you do?

Henry Ward Beecher said, “Where is human nature more weak than in a bookstore?”

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

The right question requires the right response

A

nagging and recurring elbow injury had finally forced my hand to seek medical attention. After meeting with an orthopedic surgeon, the diagnosis was more than tennis elbow or bursitis, it was a situation that would require surgery to fix.

With surgery come WINNING the pre-operative WORDS exams such as blood work, chest X-ray, and EKG. Additionally, medical clearance was needed by my primary care physician. I also needed to have a negative COVID test within five days of surgery.

No problem, I can take Michael Norton care of these things easily. As is my nature, my attitude was great, and I was ready and motivated to have the surgery.

Having completed almost all the testing requirements, I still needed to have my COVID test. No worries, just one more box to cross off the list of pre-surgery to-dos. I signed in and waited for my name to be called. As the nurse greeted me, she asked me how I was doing. That’s an easy one I thought, as I answer this question about a dozen times a day. My answer, borrowed from my good friend Jerry Nazzaro, is always, “Great, couldn’t be better if I tried.”

Her response, “Well then, why don’t

you try?”

Her answer was so simple, so direct, and yet took me a little by surprise.

You see, I have been responding to that question for so many years in the same way and typically people either smile or reply with something such as, “That’s awesome, I wish I felt that good.” But never, “Well then, why don’t you try?”

By responding to the question of how I am doing by saying that I am great and could not be better if I tried, is never meant to be flippant or superficial. It is just something I learned many years ago from my friend Jerry.

Jerry is a guy with one of the greatest attitudes I have ever witnessed.

Despite anything he faced, no matter how big the challenge, he would always reply in that same way, “Great, couldn’t be better if I tried.”

The nurse didn’t initially realize how she threw me off a bit as she just continued getting everything ready for my test. However, as she turned toward me again, and even though I was wearing a mask, she could see the puzzled look on my face. When I shared with her that no one had ever so simply and sincerely challenged my statement regarding how I was doing, she just shrugged as if it were the most natural thing she should have said. And it was.

The test was over quickly, she was kind, gentle, and made it as easy as possible. As I left, I thanked her for mak-

ing the test so easy, but making my day a little bit harder. Now it was her turn to have that puzzled look on her face. I shared that I thought her question was brilliant and that she now inspired me to want to “try” and be better.

I thought about this as I drove home from the hospital. Is this really the best answer I can give when someone asks me how I am doing? My nurse, Danielle, was exactly right. I could try to be better no matter how poorly or how amazing my day may be going.

The list of things I could do to try and be better in any given moment started flooding my mind; Call a friend, maybe Jerry; Listen to a motivational podcast; Pray; Call a customer; Better yet, call a prospect; Facetime my children and grandchildren; Take a walk on the beach with my wife. The list was endless. Not that I didn’t know and understand this concept already on some level, but it was a good and much-appreciated reminder.

How are you doing? Could you be a little better if you tried? I would love to hear your response at mnorton@ tramazing.com and when we realize that we can make everything better when we try, it really will be a better than good year.

Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

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The News-Press 13

1February 25, 2021

LETTERS FROM PAGE 12

well as one child in elementary school. I understand the frustration of secondary students not being in school full time, but no large metro district has been able to open high schools full time due to the risk factors. Not only will this recall cost the district over $200,000 if a special election is held, but it jeopardizes the superintendent search.

In other words, it ultimately harms, not helps our students.

Amy McDowell Highlands Ranch Replace school board We elect a school board to put our children’s education first; to set both students and teachers up for success. When a school board fails to do this, we owe it to our children and teachers to replace the current board. The stakes — our kids’ academic, mental and social/emotional future — are too important for us to wait and hope for improvement.

Douglas County’s school board has indeed failed our kids. While nearby school districts returned to in-person learning formats, our school board delayed. Charter and private schools in Douglas County have been back to in-person learning for a while, yet our board hopes we can follow suit sometime after spring break. They’ve had since last summer to plan the in-person learning our kids deserve, but have failed to do so.

Remote learning has dire effects on our kids. Average DCSD student grades slid significantly and mental health emergency room visits for kids are up sharply. Studies show these can have long-lasting negative impacts on our kids.

The CDC says in-person learning doesn’t add to overall community spread — the science shows they can and are being fully opened safely.

Knowing these things — why is our school board choosing not to return to in-person learning fulltime?

This has been our school board’s test of leadership, of whether they put our kids’ education first, and whether they look to science/data to help guide them. They’ve failed this test and it’s now incumbent on us to stand up for our kids, teachers, and community.

Brandi Bradley Unincorporated Douglas County Smelling a rat around recall Why do I think there is a back story to the Feb. 11 story of a recall process initiated to target four DCSD school board directors? A group claims it is seeking to oust these school directors for showing a lack of leadership, and the leader of this group has publicly

pledged $100,000 of his own money to the cause. This paper reported this leader has already selected the people he would endorse to replace the current directors.

What makes me believe there is a back story comes from the history of a decade ago when the voters in DougCo ousted several “reformers” on the board of school directors who were going to provide vouchers to students to attend non-public schools. Thankfully, the group called Taxpayers for Public Education realized what was happening, and when educated to what was at stake, the voters said “No!” Could it be that these so-called “reformers” are sneaking back into the school district and trying to once again stack the board of directors with people who want to weaken the public schools? Before anyone signs this recall petition, they need to know what this is really all about! I suspect there’s more to this story than a purported lack of leadership. As patriot Patrick Henry proclaimed, “I smell a rat!”

Rick Johnson Castle Rock Needed: Diverse, reliable energy Sixteen years ago, I was taking action to introduce clean nanotechnology energy into Highlands Ranch and in Colorado to augment, not displace, fossil fuels. I was a strong advocate for a full suite of energy sources. It was the original Green New Deal. Green by earning a huge return-on-investment and eventually lowering energy costs.

In 2006, I teamed up with ThunderRidge HS over four years and 36 seniors developed a clean tech business plan to change the Colorado Constitution to incorporate as “energy cities” and build a clean nanotechnology energy incubator for clean-tech startups.

Over four years, the HS seniors worked on business plans for hydrogen home heating fuel cells, in-garage LNG auto fueling stations, wind, solar, hydro-electric and nuclear. The central focus was launching a clean nanotechnology energy incubator for start-ups.

Successes — the governor visited the HS in April 2008 for the clean tech energy day along with clean tech engineers, NREL, Ford Motor and hydrogen fuel cell companies all wanting to contribute to reducing America’s energy dependence on foreign oil. A clean tech incubator did get built (not in Highlands Ranch) and 36 high school seniors learned about clean technology, public speaking, and some even became environmental engineers.

The U.S. economy needs a diverse suite of energy choices: fossil, natural gas, nuclear, hydrogen, wind, solar, and hydro power to maintain energy independence while keeping energy costs low and emissions at a

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manageable level. Today’s no fossil, yes wind/solar strategy is not the best path to take. Just ask Texas.

Steve Taraborelli Highlands Ranch Vaccine process lagging Comparing the current rate of COVID-19 vaccinations to that of the flu vaccinations in late 2020 I find that it is not even 50% higher.

I had expected it to be two or three times higher. So, for all of the bureaucracy and politicization the COVID-19 immunization process is only slightly better than the simple, no schedule, walk up process for flu shots we’ve had in the past. If this is such an emergency why aren’t immunization sites open 24 hours x 7 days a week? If Governor Polis has the right to shut down businesses why can’t he also order immunization and testing sites to stay open all the time? For all of the fanfare around COVID-19 vaccinations by the state, this can hardly be considered a success. Kaiser tells me I am over 70 days out in line at the current rate, and they aren’t open on Sundays. Obviously, this needs to be improved. Another Polis photo op isn’t helpful, but some honesty would be.

William A. Henning Highlands Ranch

Thankful for vaccination I have made every effort to go to the back of the COVID-19 vaccination line and let more at-risk seniors go ahead of me, but luck was not with me. About 10 days ago my daughter registered me with UC Health and received confirmation three days later. We thought it would take a month or more before I could be vaccinated. On Monday, Feb. 8 I received a call from UC Health that I could get my vaccine the next day. I chose Wednesday, Feb. 10.

When we got to UC Health in Thornton, we were treated to a well-oiled machine. They were well organized, friendly and efficient.

It took about 10 minutes to get my shot and 15 minutes recovery time and we were on our way back to Highlands Ranch with no side effects from the vaccine. Well, maybe guilt. When I asked why I got my vaccination so fast I was told my name was pulled out of a hat. I think they were just humoring this soon-to-be 88-year-old man, but I was clearly the oldest person I saw.

I would like to thank Governor Polis, UC Health and everyone in Colorado in the health profession who are working overtime to vaccinate Colorado.

Roy Legg Highlands Ranch

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14 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

LOCAL

LIFE

‘FEARLESS PIONEERS AND TIRELESS TRAILBLAZERS’

George Johnson showing a horse. Johnson opened his own stable, Happy Valley Stables, in Littleton in 1956.

There, he trained to be a horse exhibitor at a time when very few African American people in the state did, said PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE JOHNSON FAMILY AND LITTLETON MUSEUM Johnson’s daughter, GeorgeAnne Redd.

George and Dorothy Johnson, who lived in Littleton and later, Sedalia. George opened his own horse stables in Littleton, Happy Valley Stables, where he trained to show horses at the National Western Stock Show. Dorothy led a Bible study that led to the origins of a church, and taught her kids to sing and write songs, which many of them went on to do.

Johnson family’s impact on metro Denver area is far-reaching

BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

D

allas Burleson stepped up to the lectern and welcomed people joining Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus for a Sunday service.

She was accompanied onstage by her daughter, Stacie Burleson, to start the worship hour with a song.

Just a little later, Pastor Paul Burleson, Dallas’ husband and Stacie’s father, took center stage. The three finished the Feb. 14 service by singing together, embodying the family ties the Denver church is based on.

The service also featured a Black History Month presentation. At one point, presenter Janay Lewis said, “My mind began to wander with a thought: Where would the world be without the Friendship Baptist Church of Jesus Christ? The church was started 46 years ago by a young pastor named Pastor Paul Burleson.”

If not for Paul Burleson, Lewis said, there would be no Friendship Baptist, which has gone on to impact the community.

Just as an example, Dallas and Paul Burleson described in a separate conversation, Friendship Baptist helped find housing in Denver for people displaced from New Orleans and Houston after hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, respectively. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock took Sunday School classes at Friendship Baptist. Paul Burle-

son prayed at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, where he made the acquaintance of former President Barack Obama and now-President Joe Biden. Dallas Burleson sang an opening song for an event in Denver featuring civil rights activist Ralph Abernathy.

This eventful journey doesn’t start with Paul Burleson 46 years ago, though. It goes back further than that, the Burlesons explained.

To the banks of the South Platte River in Littleton, where George and Dorothy Johnson, Dallas Burleson’s parents, held a Bible study. It’s George and Dorothy Johnson, the Burlesons say, who deserve credit for the church and so much else.

Making Littleton home The Johnson family moved to Littleton in 1949, when George accepted a job offer to groom horses for a rancher in town. Before then, the family had lived in other places in Colorado, Bailey and Broomfield, and in Omaha, Nebraska.

“We liked it in Littleton. We had such a good time. Everything was right there on the ranch. People coming to ride horses, it was exciting,” said GeorgeAnne Redd, another daughter to George and Dorothy.

Altogether, there were six Johnson children: GeorgeAnne, Dallas, Johnny Lee, Robert, George Jr. and Charles. When the Johnsons moved to Littleton, they were the only African American family in town,

Redd said.

At the time, most African American people lived in Denver. When the Johnsons occasionally visited the city, Redd said, “It was really strange to see all these Black people in one place because all we had ever seen was Caucasian people when we went to school.” Soon enough, though, they met a couple Black families in Englewood — including Jessie and Lola Holmes and their family.

Talking about the two families’ relationship, Geraldine Holmes, the daughter-in-law of Jessie and Lola, recollected “Nobody was a stranger, they were just like family.”

In 1956, after being a horse groomer for other people, Johnson opened his own stable, Happy Valley Stables, in Littleton, Redd said.

There, he housed and trained other peoples’ horses and also taught riding lessons.

Happy Valley also gave Johnson the opportunity to train as a horse exhibitor, a side gig he would become successful at. Starting in the 1950s, he began showing at the National Western Stock Show. At that time, Redd doesn’t recall seeing other Black exhibitors at the stock show, leading her to think he was the first, though stock show officials were not able to confirm if that was the case following a recent inquiry.

Redd recalls seeing other Black people at the show, but said they were all groomers up until the 1970s.

“My dad was the first that I saw

that ever really showed,” she said.

Happy Valley wasn’t just a business enterprise, though. It was a community hub. “Everybody was at the stables every chance we got, mostly every weekend,” said Geraldine Holmes. The Holmes family and others would join the Johnsons for picnics and horseback riding.

Also, in the warmer months, Dorothy Johnson led family and friends in a Bible study along the banks of the South Platte River.

The strong bond between the Johnsons and Holmeses, and their commitment to gathering for a Bible study, would have a lasting effect.

They continued meeting throughout the years either along the South Platte, or, in the colder months, at the Holmes residence in Englewood.

‘A powerful journey’ Paul Burleson moved to Denver in December 1969 after serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He had an uncle living in Denver who would attend the Johnson/ Holmes Bible study. So, on his first day in town, Paul Burleson accompanied his uncle to the Bible study.

There, he met Dallas and they hit it off instantly.

“I didn’t even know anything about her except that I was attracted to her and the Lord put in my spirit, ‘That’s your wife,’” Paul Burleson recalled.

As the two got to know each other, SEE JOHNSONS, P16

The News-Press 15

1February 25, 2021

‘It’s the effort that makes you successful, not the outcome’ Highlands Ranch head tennis pro inducted into Black Tennis Hall of Fame

Frank Adams, 63, has focused much of his tennis coaching career on making the sport as inclusive as possible.

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Highlands Ranch tennis coach Frank Adams first picked up a racket as a 15-year-old in Philadelphia, the closest he’d previously been to playing the sport was PingPong.

Now, at 63, he’s being inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame.

Adams, who has been the head tennis pro for the Highlands Ranch Community Association for about 20 years, focuses much of his time as a coach on incorporating as many new people as possible into the sport.

“I’ve been raised to look out for other people,” he said. “I’ve tried not to leave people behind.”

Outside of traditional lessons for kids and adults of all ages, Adams also teaches wheelchair tennis.

He’s not only a coach for athletes though, Adams also teaches others how to coach both traditional and wheelchair tennis. He also volunteers with organizations such as the HRCA’s Therapeutic Recreation program, the Denver Asian Tennis League, the City Park Racquet Club and Colorado Serves, also known as Denver STAR Search, an organization that helps connect Denver’s inner-city kids to the sport.

“The number one thing I try to teach coaches to be is student-centered,” he said. “It’s always about the student … I tell them to make sure (students) have the best experience possible.”

In July, Adams will attend the induction ceremony for the Black Tennis Hall of Fame in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

The Black Tennis Hall of Fame “honors individuals who have broken through the barriers of race and class to achieve success” in tennis, according to its website.

Adams, the first Black president of the Colorado Tennis Association and of the Intermountain chapter of the United States Tennis Association, is also a member of the USTA Colorado district’s diversity and

PHOTO

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER

inclusion committee.

“I think we have a long way to go on that committee,” he said.

In the past, Adams volunteered with the Native American Recreation Center in Denver and helped organize a Native American tennis championship.

When he first tried out and joined the Junior Tennis League as a teenager, that organization was focused on taking tennis “out of the country club and into the streets,” Adams said. Now, he’s continuing that mission.

“Tennis teaches you to problemsolve,” Adams said. “That’s what I’m trying to teach is how to overcome adversity … and it’s the effort that makes you successful, not the outcome.”

One student of Adams’, Jessika Mozia, said that messge was one of her major takeaways from having Adams as a coach at HRCA’s Northridge Rec Center for 16 years. The coach helped her grow both as a tennis player and a person, she said.

“Frank has taught me the motivation I have for goal setting takes me (beyond) just my sport,” Mozia said.

Mozia, who started taking lessons from Adams at age 6, went on to get a full-ride scholarship to play tennis at the University of Minnesota and became one of their winningest players.

“He knew I was very serious about

tennis … and from the start we would always map out short-term and long-term goals,” Mozia said, “And Frank held me accountable to those goals.”

Mozia, now 27, saw Adams as “the epitome” of selflessness and was in awe of how much he worked to include people facing all sorts of obstacles in their lives, she said.

“He’s someone you definitely want in your corner,” she said.

When Mozia heard that Adams was being inducted, she said she

“thought it was perfect,” and that it “couldn’t have gone to anyone more deserving than Frank.”

When Adams learned he was being designated as a “regional legend” by the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, he was “stunned, flabbergasted and shocked,” he said.

“I look at all the people on the committee and I don’t think of myself as being on that level but more standing on their shoulders,” he said. “I’m very grateful to receive that honor.”

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16 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

JOHNSONS FROM PAGE 14

Paul Burleson would become leader of the Bible study. At the time, he was studying ministry in Denver.

Then, in 1974 in the Holmeses’ basement, the group officially formed the church and named Burleson pastor. Redd had the honor of naming the church. “Because of the friendship that we had with the Holmeses … I named it Friendship Baptist Church and it was accepted,” Redd said.

For four years, the church met at the Holmeses’ home until eventually moving into a school building in Englewood. Then, in 1984, they moved to an old house in Denver on Holly Street. In 1990, Friendship Baptist realized it needed to upgrade its space, when Bear Valley Church in Lakewood approached them. Bear Valley offered up its old church building if Friendship Baptist could literally move the building to Holly St, the Burlesons described.

So, piece-by-piece, Friendship Baptist transported the building to Holly St. to replace the house that was there. Later, in 2000, Friendship Baptist moved one last time to the location it is currently at along

Pastor Paul Burleson preaching at a Feb. 14 service at Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus in Denver. Burleson and his wife, Dallas, credit Dallas’ parents, George and Dorothy Johnson, with the church’s formation. Dorothy Johnson led a Bible study along the banks of the South Platte River in Littleton at a horse stable that George Johnson ran.

PHOTO BY LIAM ADAMS

Sons of George and Dorothy Johnson, former Littleton residents whose family has had a far-reaching impact on the Denver metro area. From left: Robert, Charles, George Jr. (nicknamed “Bunny”), and Johnny Lee. In addition to the four sons, George and DoroCOURTESY OF THE JOHNSON FAMILY AND LITTLETON MUSEUM thy had two daughters, GeorgeAnne and Dallas.

Fairfax Street in Denver.

Throughout that time, the Bur-

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lesons became more active in the community. Paul was president of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and got involved with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Meanwhile, Dallas became more well-known for her singing and songwriting. She performed at concerts headlined by major gospel artists and wrote original songs performed by musicians. She recently wrote and published her first children’s book, “The Adventures of Fanny Faithful.”

“It’s been such a powerful journey,” said Dallas Burleson. “In the good, in the bad. There’s been the ugly … But there’s been so much joy.”

As for the other Johnson children, Redd currently oversees administrative operations at Friendship Baptist after a career in real estate. Robert Johnson recently retired from pastoring his own church. George Jr. and Charles Johnson were musicians and had a band, Mother Pearl, that performed in Littleton and Denver. Charles Johnson was also a Vietnam veteran and received the

Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus at Ninth Avenue and Fairfax Street PHOTO BY LIAM ADAMS in Denver.

Purple Heart, Redd said.

Today, Redd, Dallas Burleson and Robert Johnson are the only living members of the Johnson family’s original eight. Yet, reminders of the family’s collective memory are everywhere, such as a horse galloping on TV or a church service at Friendship Baptist.

“The bottom line was that we were standing on the shoulders of Dallas’ mother and father, George Johnson and Miss Dorothy Johnson,” Paul Burleson said. “So, we want to make sure that we don’t forget them as being fearless pioneers and tireless trailblazers.”

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1February 25, 2021

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18 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

‘World of Color’ to open for viewing in gallery

H

appy news! Entries for Littleton Fine Arts Guild’s “World of Color” have been juried by well-known watercolorist Steven SONYA’S Griggs and the exhibit will open in SAMPLER Town Hall’s Stanton Gallery, 2450 W. Main Street in downtown Littleton, as well as in the Virtual Gallery (see: depotartgallery.org). Dates are March 1 to April 15. Longtime Littleton Fine Arts Sonya Ellingboe Guild members Peggy Dietz and Merrie Wicks have worked on organization of this exhibit, which will be open during THAC box office hours.

303-794-2787, townhallartcenter.org.

Unsure when the Depot Gallery will reopen (blue status needed).

“Flights of Fancy” is scheduled for the Virtual Gallery and Stanton Gallery April 15 to June 1. (We also have a notice of a live production of “Almost Maine” at THAC March 19-April 18 — more later.)

“Three Pawnee in Paint”

by David George will be included in “World of Color” exhibit at Town Hall’s Stanton Gallery, opening March 1 in Littleton.

COURTESY PHOTO

Traci Kern Singer Traci Kern will present a free virtual concert from Town Hall on Feb. 26. (“Full Circle” is rescheduled for Feb. 26). Box office: 303794-2787 ext. 5 for link. Town Hall

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is also presenting upcoming spring classes for ages 5-8, 9-12, 12+ (play readings, auditioning techniques, Shakespeare and more ... as well as private coaching sessions — in person or virtual). See townhallartcenter.org.

Heritage Fine Art Guild HFAG will present a Zoom workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on March 13 with Brian Hubble, who paints landscapes and Western art, seascapes and island themes.

We are told Hubble enjoys realism “without sacrificing color and appeal.” Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. (Membership for a year is $40.) Register through heritage-guild.com. For information, contact Mary Kay Jacobus: mkstudio@comcast.net.

Stories on Stage “Linda and Me: Raised on Ronstadt” will stream live from Boulder’s Nomad Playhouse at 7 p.m. on March 5, presented by Stories on Stage. Ronstadt’s memoir, “Simple Dreams,” provides the backdrop for this presentation by actor GerRee Hinshaw, pianist David Nehls and guitarist Tony Silva. Tickets cost

$15, available at storiesonstage.org or at 303-494-0523. Stories on Stage’s 20th anniversary season will be 100% virtual/live-streamed from the Nomad Playhouse, teaming with the playhouse and Earth Coast Productions to present professional multi-camera productions with actors performing from the stage.

Newman Center Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet with Wynton Marsalis will present the premiere of “The Democracy Suite” on March 5 at 7 p.m. Visit newmancenterpresents. com or 303-871-7720 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; noon-4 p.m.

Saturday.)

Denver Art Museum Open now at Denver Art Museum: “The 19th Century in European and American Art” includes works from the DAM’s extensive collection. In the Hamilton Building galleries. Also, the “The Light Show” is extended through March 7 and “Senga Nengudi: Topologies” runs through April 11. From March 14 to June 20, “Paris to Hollywood: The Fashion and Influence of Veronique and Gregory Peck.”

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The News-Press 19

1February 25, 2021

Love by the model trainload Retired attorney learned the depths of a parent’s love with model railroading

BY JOHN FRISCH ALLIANT WEALTH ADVISORS

How Medicare premiums are calculated As you approach age 65, you’ve probably already heard about Medicare’s alphabet soup of benefits (Part A, B, etc.). You hope the premiums will be less, but you’re not sure how they’re calculated.

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Do you believe in magic?”

With the wave of a magic wand and an “abracadabra,” Ken Cook walked through the secret entrance — one he asked us not to divulge — to his model train room.

In the basement of the tidy Columbine Valley home, against walls painted with backdrops of cities, freight yards and mountains, sprawled Cook’s colossal Lionel train display. The culmination of more than 30 years of planning and building, and a lifetime of collecting, Cook called it his “great opus.”

“Actually, a friend called it that, and I had to look up the word ‘opus,’ but I’d say it fits,” said Cook, a retired attorney.

Standing at the control module of the freight yard, Cook’s hands began to work the buttons, switches and dials with the dexterity of a symphony conductor. The freight yard sprang to life.

Tiny steam locomotives chugged to and fro, pulling freight cars into place. Magnetic cranes plucked tiny metal bars from gondola cars. Vibrating floors shuffled tiny cows in and out of livestock cars. From the yard’s control tower, a tiny foreman descended the stairs.

“The magic of Lionel is that all the accessories really work,” Cook said, firing up the other portions of the set.

A freight train traversed a mining district, the locomotive sending up puffs of smoke. A gleaming passenger train traversed a long route through mountain tunnels, past a sleepy village and back to a busy city station.

Cook, 71, got his first Lionel set at age 3 in 1953 — the high point of sales for Lionel, the company that became a cultural touchstone for generations of youngsters.

The family lived in Japan, where Cook’s father was stationed as an officer in the Air Force. The family — Cook was one of four children — headed back stateside in 1956, though many cross-country moves lay ahead.

Through it all, Cook maintained his fascination with model trains.

When Cook was 10, his dad hired an electrician to wire up a big set in their home in Indiana. Cook kept working on his layouts through high school.

The family work ethic served Cook well, taking him to a stint in the Air Force, then law school. In 1979 he joined a 10-man law firm in Colorado Springs, eventually making his way to the Department of Justice.

His wife, Linda, served as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Through all the moves and life changes, model trains kept Cook grounded.

“It’s my outlet,” he said. “My relaxation. I can focus on them.”

Cook’s precise hands and analytical mind are evident everywhere

YOUR MONEY

To an extent, Medicare premiums are what they are. You’ll end up paying the advertised premium, a little (or even a lot) more, or somewhat less, without much room to negotiate.

Paying the Advertised Premium As prescribed by the 1997 Balanced Budget Act (BBA 97), the government typically calculates “regular” Medicare Part B outpatient care premiums at 25% of total program costs, with the rest financed through general revenue. There have been exceptions. In 2020, for example, program costs were so steep that Congress stepped in, limiting the premium increase … for that year, anyway.

Lionel trains were once the must-have toy for any American kid, said retired attorney PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT Ken Cook, who built a massive model train layout in his basement.

Ken Cook says he hopes his model train layout fills children with the same magic it brings to him.

in his home. His study features scratch-built models of Apollo 11’s lunar lander, and a detailed model of a B-24 Liberator, a heavy bomber of the type his father flew over Europe in World War II. In a basement workshop, he is painstakingly building a wooden model of the USS Constitution.

Between the basement train set and shelves lined with hundreds more locomotives and cars, Cook estimates he’s collected perhaps 5% of Lionel’s golden-era offerings.

Though he and Linda had no children, Cook delights in sharing trains with youngsters. For a generation the couple has held neighborhood open houses to show off Cook’s daunting collection.

He and friends have set up model train displays at museums, trade shows and festivals around the West. It was at one festival where he came to a revelation: On the box for that 1953 train set, his first, was the price tag: $49.

“The average mortgage payment in 1953 was $110,” Cook said. “My parents, living overseas and raising several children, spent half a mortgage payment so their 3-year-old could have a model train like kids

Many of Ken Cook’s train layout’s accessories come to life, like this miniature magnetic crane.

back home in America. For years afterwards, living in small houses with four kids, my mom always made space for her son’s big train tables. Those are the sacrifices of love. I have no children, so I pay that love forward.”

Asked what he hopes his trains mean to children, Cook recalled a train display he set up at a craft festival in Colorado Springs.

“It was a grandmother, a mom and their son, who was 15 or so,” Cook said. “The son was autistic. I asked how long they had lived in the Springs, and the mom said not long — she was going through a rather unpleasant divorce. While we were talking, I was showing the boy the trains. Letting him blow the whistle.

He was elated, laughing.”

As he told the story, for the first time in a two-hour visit, Cook’s attorney banter broke. He gathered himself as he choked back tears.

“His mom told me: ‘This is the first time in six months I’ve seen my son smile.’ That’s what my parents gave me. That’s what I want to give back.”

Magic.

Cook said he is open to showing off his train set to interested people.

His phone number is 303-904-4647.

Paying Less: Medicare and Social Security Under a hold harmless provision, Social Security recipients who qualified for payments in November and December of the prior year won’t see their Medicare premiums increase to the advertised rate if it causes their net Social Security benefit to decrease. So, when the annual Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase is 0%, your Medicare premiums won’t increase either.

But, while I’ll spare you the details, know that the government can “catch up,” with higher Medicare premium increases once COLA is back on the rise. Also, you are not protected by the hold harmless provision until you actually start taking your Social Security benefits, regardless of age.

Paying More: IRMAA Neither the advertised premium nor the hold harmless provision applies if you earn too much and end up subject to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). For example, the Medicare Part B advertised premium is $148.50/month for 2021. But if you file single and reported income between $88,000–$111,000 on your 2019 income tax return, your 2021 premium will be $207.90/month, and upward from there. The same types of IRMAA surcharges also apply for Medicare Part D. The Take-Away Again, there is not much you can do about your Medicare premium. But now that you know your annual income can influence the premium, you may be able to plan accordingly. For example, you may factor this in when taking IRA distributions, to avoid ending up in a higher IRMAA bracket. Every little bit helps.

To read my past articles please visit insights.alliantwealth.com and select the InsideNoVa library.

John Frisch, CPA/PFS, CFP, AIF is President of Alliant Wealth Advisors, an independent fee only financial advisory firm in Castle Rock.

Web site: www.alliantwealth.com E-mail: jfrisch@alliantwealth.com

20 The News-Press

LOCAL

February 25, 2021F

SPORTS

Guard says sinking shots is the point 6-foot junior has been big part of team since freshman year

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County leads his team in points and assists, his coach notes.

PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

What Jaeton Hackley believes is the best part of basketball is probably the same for most players.

“Seeing the ball through the hoop is the best part of basketball in my opinion,” said Hackley, who is a 6-foot junior point guard at Douglas County. “Just watching that ball go through the hoop and it doesn’t matter where it’s from, a three-pointer, layup or anything.”

Hackley has been doing everything so far this season for the Huskies.

After seven games, he was leading the Continental League in scoring with a 19.9 scoring average and his 48 field goals also leads the league. He is third with 5.6 assists a game and second with 2.9 steals.

“First and foremost, Jaeton is a great young man with high character and tremendous work ethic,” said Douglas County coach Clay Comstock. “He has a tremendous ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor.

“He not only leads our team in points and assists but he also get the defensive assignment of guarding our opponents’ best scorer on most nights. He has continued to excel both on the court and in the classroom.”

Hackley has been a prominent part of the Huskies team since his freshman year.

“What has mostly improved is my shooting,” said Hackley. “When you are playing against faster and bigger guys you have to work on getting your shot off faster and being more consistent. I’ve improved on that the most and also getting my teammates involved. I am a better passer as well.

“I put in a lot of hours in the

Douglas County junior point guard Jaeton Hackley.

gym perfecting my shot, making it look good, and also getting in the gyms with teammates to make sure they are ready to go. I have a good group of guys around me that want to get better and work hard.”

Hackley relies on his instincts when it comes to making an assist.

“It’s a great feeling to make an assist,” he said. “Getting my teammates involved, to make a nice pass and see them make the shot gets me going too. If I can get my teammates going, we’re a pretty hard team to stop.

“It’s mainly an instinct. I can’t really describe it, when you are playing you just find other players. It’s a good feeling. I’m a pretty unselfish player but this year I’ve realized that I can take a good amount of shots and it is pretty selfish for me not to take those shots and pass them up.”

Douglas County was off to a 5-2 overall start after its first seven games this season and the team has averaged 14 wins over the past three years.

“I’m doing pretty good this season,” Hackley continued. “Getting all my teammates involved has probably been the focal point of my game. When we need a bucket or point I can always get myself going and get a spark going for the team.”

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The News-Press 21

1February 25, 2021

Valor holds off Chaparral in meeting of top-five hockey teams A look at how local teams fared on the ice and on the court

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Unbeaten Valor Christian, ranked third among 5A hockey teams in the official CHSAA poll, clashed with fifth-ranked Chaparral on Feb.19 in a South Conference showdown Valor jumped ahead 4-1 after two periods and staved off a three-goal Chaparral rally in the third period to notch a 5-4 victory.

The Wolverines outshot Valor, 39-18, during the game, but two goals

by Evan Pahos helped the Eagles (50-0) win the game and hand Chaparral (6-1) its first loss of the season.

The following is a roundup of many of the high school games played Feb. 15-20.

Hockey Valor Christian 14, Lewis-Palmer 1: Caleb Pallo had three goals and six points in a Feb. 15 win.

Regis Jesuit 3, Denver East 1: Andrew Gleason scored twice as the top-ranked Raiders secured a victory over the No. 7 Angels on Feb. 19.

Heritage 6, Chatfield 3: The 10thranked Eagles scored four goals in the third period, and two of them came off the stick of Bo Frederickson in a Feb. 19 triumph.

Cherry Creek 4, Columbine 2: Creek rebounded from a 6-0 loss to Denver East on Feb. 17 with a victory over Columbine on Feb.19 as Riley Hunt-Bahn collected two goals to pace the Bruins. The Bruins downed Columbine 7-1 on Feb. 20 and Hunt-Bahn was credited with four points.

Mountain Vista 5, Heritage 1: The

of the

ninth-ranked Golden Eagles got two goals from Nick Bova and two from Ben Ford, who had four points, in a victory over Heritage on Feb. 20. Vista held a 42-8 edge in shots in a Feb. 19 conquest of Pine Creek. Trevor Alexander and Taylor Johnson each had two goals for the winners.

Girls Basketball Valor Christian 67, Regis Jesuit 45: The Eagles, ranked second in the CHSAANow.com Class 5A girls poll, overpowered No. 3 Regis Jesuit in a non-league contest on Feb. 20. Haley Heard scored 15 points to lead Valor.

Heard scored 18 points, and five players finished in double figures in an 89-51 victory over Chatfield on Feb. 17. Kindyll Wetta had a triple double for the Eagles with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.

Highlands Ranch 59, Mountain Vista 20: Payton Muma scored 23 points as the fourth-ranked Falcons throttled the Golden Eagles in a Feb. 20 contest.

Lutheran 53, Bishop Machebeuf 24: The Lions, second-ranked in the Class 3A poll, built a 16-point halftime advantage and went on to crush Machebeuf in a Feb. 20 game.

Senior Stephanie Schultz scored 20 points for Lutheran.

Arapahoe 54, Cherry Creek 50: The Warriors, ranked No. 7, outscored the Bruins 17-8 in the fourth quarter en route to a Feb. 20 win. Sam Shaw scored 16 points for Arapahoe.

Boys Basketball Cherry Creek 82, Arapahoe 53: Julian Hammond III tossed in 20 points as the Bruins, ranked first among 5A teams, toppled Arapahoe in a Feb. 20 game.

George Washington 59, Chaparral 57: Luke Williams scored 23 points, but the fifth-ranked Wolverines suffered their first loss of the season in SEE ROUNDUP, P23

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22 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

‘Their journey will be his legacy’ Parker man, father of four, dies in avalanche

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If Michael “Tony” Westall could visit with his children one more time, he’d likely encourage them to fulfill their ambitions and keep challenging themselves, his wife says.

Westall, a Parker resident, died Feb. 14 after getting caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling east of Fraser near Rollins Pass.

“My heart is breaking,” his wife Jamey Moss said. “It gives me comfort that he was doing what he loved.”

Westall, a local real estate investor, had lived along the Front Range for most of his life, including in Denver, Perry Park and Littleton.

He was passionate about his family, the outdoors and nonprofits such as the Morgan Adams Foundation and Project ReCYCLE. Westall is survived by his wife and his four children, Tyler, 19; Ryan, 20; Reed, 22; and McKenzy, 16. A proud father, Westall spent lots of time with his children and valued their weekly get togethers, Moss said.

“He would want them to know how incredibly loved they are and how incredibly important they are,” she said. “And that by them being in his world, the world was a better place … Their journey will be his

Michael “Tony” Westall, 58, died in an avalanche east of Fraser on Feb. 14. He is survived COURTESY PHOTO by his wife and four children.

legacy.”

Moss and Westall eloped in 2018,

two years after meeting at a charity event. In the coming months, the

couple planned to move into a home they recently purchased in Arizona.

Westall, who would have turned 59 in May, was getting ready to retire.

“It was impossible not to fall in love with him,” Moss said. “Everyone that knew him fell in love with him.”

Byron Nix, Westall’s cousin, close friend and business partner, also grew up in the Denver area with Westall. While Nix was 5 years younger than his cousin, the two spent ample time together and eventually became neighbors.

“He kind of looked after me,” Nix said.

So far this season, there have been 11 deaths from avalanches in Colorado, which ties with one of the deadliest seasons on record from 2012 to 2013, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Last year, there were six deaths.

“The snowpack is exceptionally weak,” said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in a video posted to their site. “We see these conditions about once every 10 years.”

Westall’s family has set up a way to donate to the Morgan Adams Foundation in his name. The nonprofit funds research for children’s cancer. Donations can be made by visiting www.MorganAdamsFoundation.org/RememberingTony.

“He changed my life forever,” Moss said. “I will forever be different in such a better way because of him. I’m forever grateful for that.”

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The News-Press 23

1February 25, 2021

Pulte Homes returns to Colorado STAFF REPORT

Pulte Homes, the nation’s thirdlargest homebuilder, is returning to the Colorado market as a builder with Sterling Ranch, according to a news release from the community.

“The addition of Pulte Homes to our impressive list of homebuilders will provide our buyers with even more options to choose from within our master planned community,” said Brock Smethills, president of the Sterling Ranch Development Co., according to the release.

Pulte Homes will purchase 197 homesites in Sterling Ranch over

ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 21

a Feb. 18 game against No. 10 George Washington.

ThunderRidge 66, Castle View 33: Joey Biello’s 12 points were teamhigh for the third-ranked Grizzlies in a romp over Castle View on Feb. 16. ThunderRidge used a 23-8 run in the third period to beat Rock Canyon, 73-54, in a Feb. 20 game.

the course of two phases. Seventyeight were purchased in December 2020, and the remaining 119 homesites are anticipated to close by June 202.

The Pulte Homes offering will feature one and two-story singlefamily home designs with flexible, open living spaces situated on large homesites, as well as unique alleyloaded three-story townhomes.

Sales of these homes are anticipated to begin in late 2021 or early 2022. Details regarding floor plans, home sizes and prices will be made available at a later date, according to the release.

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

Mullen 56, Arapahoe 55: Freshman Jordan Leslie made a 3-point shot just before the final buzzer as the Warriors lost a Feb. 17 game.

Valor Christian 72, Columbine 59: AJ Kula scored 28 points at the No. 11 Eagles rolled over the Rebels in a Feb. 15 contest. Valor defeated Chatfield, 64-61, on Feb. 17, and Amondo Miller was the Valor leader with 14 points.

Lutheran 82, Bishop Machebeuf 38: The Lions, ranked second in the Class 3A poll, overwhelmed the Buffaloes on Feb. 20.

Call now to get your ADT security system starting at $19.99/mo.* Plus get $100 off installation† when you call today! *Requires 36-month monitoring contract for intrusion only with a minimum charge of $28.99 after the 12 month term. Equipment shown requires ADT Secure or higher. Early term. and installation fees apply. Taxes addt’l. For full terms and pricing see below. † Requires minimum purchase of $449.

YO U R E XC LU S I V E S AV I N G S C O U P O N STARTING AT

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See if you qualify for same-day service! *$19.99/month + †$100 off Installation: Requires 36-month monitoring contract with a minimum charge of $28.99/mo. (before instant savings) (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $695.76 (before instant savings) and enrollment in Easy Pay. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Offer includes (i) $9.00 instant savings per month applicable only towards monthly monitoring charge for the first 12 months of initial contract term (total value of $108.00) and (ii) $100 instant savings on installation with minimum purchase of $449 after promotion is applied. Traditional Service Level requires landline phone.

Excludes ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the remaining monthly service charges for the balance of the initial contract term. Limit one offer per new ADT customer contract.

Not valid on purchases from ADT Authorized Dealers. Expires 4/15/2021.

Interactive Services: ADT Command Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Command”) helps you manage your home environment and family lifestyle. Requires purchase of an ADT alarm system with 36 month monitoring contract ranging $45.99-$57.99/mo with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees ranging $1,103.76-$1,391.76), enrollment in ADT Easy Pay, and a compatible device with Internet and email access. These interactive services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Command equipment. All ADT Command services are not available with all interactive service levels. All ADT Command services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the interactive service features you desire.

General: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. ©2021 ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; FL EF0001121; LA F1639, F1640, F1643, F1654, F1655; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 7535P2, 7561P2, 7562P10, 7563P7, 7565P1, 7566P9, 7564P4; NY 12000305615; PA 090797 DF-CD-NP-Q121

Answers

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution THANKS for

PLAYING!

24 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

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Extra hours available. Please call Arlene at 303-424-0324

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE Colorado Community Media seeks to hire a Classified Advertising Sales Associate to join our team.

Position requires data entry, working with clients to renew ads, collect payments and will make outbound calls to new customers.

Candidate must be proficient with all Microsoft products and have excellent customer service skills. Must be detail oriented and organized.

Previous experience working with deadlines is highly desirable but not required. Must be able to work with multiple projects at one time, ensuring there are no errors.

This position is full time with hourly pay working in our Englewood office.

To apply please put Classified Advertising Sales Associate in subject line and email resume to eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia. com. No phone calls please.

Executive Director The Association of Community Publishers (ACP) is searching for an Executive Director. If interested, visit afcp.org or ifpa.com and click on the “Executive Director Search” link for more details.

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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when Finished

MULTI-MEDIA ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Colorado Community Media, in Englewood, CO Colorado Community Media, publishers of 24 weekly and 3 monthly publications is currently seeking to hire an Multi-Media Advertising Account Executive. If you aren’t familiar with is a full service media us, maybe you know one of our publications such as the Arvada Press, Golden Transcript, company looking add For Local Newsto Anytime Westminster Window, Littleton Independent, the Parker Chronicle, the Castle Rock Newsof the Day Visit Press or the Washington Park Profile. But we are a lot more than local newspapers. We also to our team.

OurColoradoNews.com For Local News Anytime

of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

can help businesses through our full suite of digital marketing tools. Such as programmatic online advertising, email marketing and our own newspaper websites. If you have a desire to help businesses succeed by being a marketing advisor with many solutions at your disposal, this is your opportunity. Plus, as the local newspaper, we are trusted and well known.

Candidate must be a multi-tasker, be outgoing and a fast learner. Like any sales position, candidate must like the challenge of calling on prospects as well as established customers and earning commission on every sale. Newspaper sales experience a plus but not required.

Position is full time and offers a base salary plus commission and full benefits available. We offer a nice working environment.

What we do as an organization matters. Sales revenues supports our newsroom. Our reporters are out there everyday holding the powerful accountable, telling good stories about good people, keeping readers informed about things to do and yes, the occasional breaking news story that is not always positive. If you are mission driven, we have a strong mission and a 150+ year history in Colorado doing what we do.

Please send resume to:

Job Type: Full-time • Pay: $40,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

COVID-19 considerations:

Come join CCM to be a part of helping local businesses be successful and our community newspapers thrive.

Sales sits in tall cubicles, properly socially distanced from others. Everyone wears a mask when not at their desks. Currently, it is rare that sales meets with anyone in person. Almost all work is being done via zoom, phone or email at this time.

The News-Press 25

1February 25, 2021

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26 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

www.ColoradoServiceDirectory.com

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 Hauling Service

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Local ads, coupons & deals are just one click away!

Please Recycle this Publication IT OUT AT: ColoradoCommunityMedia.com whenCHECK Finished

To advertise your business, call us at 303-566-4100

The News-Press 27

1February 25, 2021

P L A C E A D S O N L I N E 2 4 / 7 AT

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Misc. Notices

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The study is 60 days long, and if you complete the research, you receive a $50 Visa gift card. research@ cochss.com for more details and information.

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For Local News Anytime of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

For Local News Anytim of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

over 500k

up to 500k

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TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

28 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

Legals Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Parker NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2020-0102 To Whom It May Concern: On 12/21/2020 2:13:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: ZEE M GILBERT Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING, INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. Bank NA, successor trustee to Bank of America, NA, successor in interest to LaSalle Bank NA, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, WMALT Series 2006-8 Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/30/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 7/11/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006059014 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $650,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $658,549.19 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 2/18/2021 Last Publication: 3/18/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 12/21/2020 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ANNA JOHNSTON Colorado Registration #: 51978 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000009128059

Which has the address of: 5893 Saddle Creek Tr, Parker, CO 80134 NOTICE OF SALE

COUNTY FUNDS COUNTY FUNDS

can be heard, in the Town of Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80138. The purpose of the public meeting is to determine if the proposed annexation for the property described in this public notice complies with Article II, Section 30(1)(c) of the Colorado Constitution and C.R.S. § 31-12-106(1). The Town Council Resolution No. 21-007, Series of 2021, reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 21-007 , Series of 2021 TITLE: A RESOLUTION FINDING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE OF THE COMPARK BOULEVARD AT UPLAND DRIVE RIGHT-OF-WAY PROPERTY’S ANNEXATION PETITION WITH C.R.S. § 31-12-107 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON MARCH 15, 2021, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING SAID ANNEXATION WHEREAS, the Town of Parker owns certain real property in Douglas County commonly known as the Compark Boulevard at Upland Drive Rightof-Way Property, which is described on attached Exhibit 1.

WHEREAS, pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-12-107, this Town Council, sitting as the governing body of the Town of Parker, Colorado, hereby determines that the proposed annexation of the real property described in Exhibit 1 is in substantial compliance with C.R.S. § 31-12-107(1); and WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Parker, Colorado, has satisfied itself concerning the substantial compliance for the proposed annexation to and by the Town of Parker, Colorado.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PARKER, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: http://www. douglas.co.us/publictrustee/

Section 1. The proposed annexation of the real property described in Exhibit 1 substantially complies with C.R.S. § 31-12-107(1).

Legal Notice No. 2020-0102 First Publication: 2/18/2021 Last Publication: 3/18/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Public Notice

Section 2. A public hearing on said annexation will be conducted on March 15, 2021, at the Town of Parker Town Hall, which is located at 20120 East Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado, 80138, to determine if the proposed annexation complies with C.R.S. §§ 31-12-104 and 31-12-105 or such part thereof as may be required to establish eligibility under the terms of Title 31, Article 12, Part 1, as amended, known as the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, and the Constitution of the State of Colorado, Article II, Section 30, as amended.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE FOR COMPARK BOULEVARD AT UPLAND DRIVE RIGHT-OFWAY ANNEXATION

Section 3. Any person may appear at such hearing and present evidence upon any matter to be determined by the Town Council.

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Parker, Colorado, has by resolution set a public hearing regarding the Compark Boulevard at Upland Drive Annexation on March 15, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this matter

RESOLVED AND PASSED this __ day of ___, 2021.

City and County

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 33, BLOCK 1, THE PINERY/HIGH PRAIRIE FARMS FILING NO. 1A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TOWN OF PARKER, COLORADO

Jeff Toborg, Mayor ATTEST: Carol Baumgartner, Town Clerk EXHIBIT 1 Legal Description A PARCEL OF LAND BEING A PART OF COMPARK BOULEVARD, RECORDED IN BOOK 1840 AT PAGE 1577, UPLAND DRIVE, AS SHOWN ON AND DEDICATED BY COMPARK FILING NO. 2 PLAT, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 00031092 AND UPLAND DRIVE AS SHOWN ON AND DEDICATED BY HIGHFIELD BUSINESS PARK, A PLAT RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 2007041581, ALL IN THE RECORDS OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO CLERK AND RECORDER'S OFFICE, LYING WITHIN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 6, TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE MOST SOUTHERLY CORNER OF LOT 1, SAID COMPARK FILING NO. 2, BEING THE SOUTHEASTERLY TERMINUS OF THAT CERTAIN COURSE SHOWN AS HAVING A BEARING OF NORTH 59°37'14” WEST, A DISTANCE OF 103.25 FEET, AS SHOWN ON SAID COMPARK FILING NO. 2, ALL BEARINGS HEREON ARE REFERENCED TO THIS LINE; THENCE SOUTH 30°22'46" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 90.00 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OFWAY OF SAID COMPARK BOULEVARD; THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OFWAY, THE FOLLOWING THREE (3) COURSES: 1. NORTH 59°37'14" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 103.25 FEET TO THE BEGINNING OF A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE SOUTHERLY HAVING A RADIUS OF 555.00 FEET; 2. WESTERLY ALONG SAID CURVE THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 31°06'53", AN ARC LENGTH OF 301.39 FEET; 3. SOUTH 89°15'54" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 235.85 FEET; THENCE DEPARTING SAID SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY, NORTH 00°12'05" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 110.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID UPLAND DRIVE, AS SHOWN ON AND DEDICATED BY THE HIGHFIELD BUSINESS PARK PLAT; THENCE DEPARTING SAID WESTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY, NORTH 89°54'45" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 70.00 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 1;

145.80 FEET TO THE BEGINNING OF A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE SOUTHERLY HAVING A RADIUS OF 645.00 FEET; 3. EASTERLY ALONG SAID CURVE THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 31°06'53", AN ARC LENGTH OF 350.27 FEET; 4. SOUTH 59°37'14" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 103.25 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING AN AREA OF 1.409 ACRES, (61,362 SQUARE FEET), MORE OR LESS. Legal Notice No. 938673 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 1.550

A Bill for an Ordinance Stating the Intent of the Town of Parker to Acquire Real Property for the Purpose of Constructing and Improving Motsenbocker Road, a Town Roadway, Through the Utilization of the Town’s Power of Eminent Domain, and Directing the Town’s Staff and Town Attorney to Notify all Persons Affected Thereby of the Above-Stated Intent of the Town, and Thereafter to Comply with all Pertinent Provisions of C.R.S. § 38-1-101, et seq., Relating to Good Faith Negotiations The Town of Parker Council adopted this Ordinance on February 16, 2021.

The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the office of the Town Clerk, 20120 East Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado.

Carol Baumgartner, CMC, Town Clerk Legal Notice No. 938749 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 9.329

A Bill for an Ordinance to Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Town of Parker and the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Douglas Regarding Cost Sharing for Construction of the High Plains Trail The Town of Parker Council adopted this Ordinance on February 16, 2021.

THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY, THE FOLLOWING FOUR (4) COURSES:

The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the office of the Town Clerk, 20120 East Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado.

1. SOUTH 45°28'06" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 27.03 FEET; 2. NORTH 89°15'54" EAST, A DISTANCE OF

Carol Baumgartner, CMC, Town Clerk

Douglas County Treasurer’s Statement Public Notice

COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, COLORADO COUNTY OF TREASURER'S DOUGLAS, COLORADO STATEMENT TREASURER'S STATEMENT Statement of Cash Receipts & Disbursements Statement of Cash Receipts & Disbursements For the 6 months Ended December 31, 2020 For the 6 months Ended December 31, 2020

BEGINNING BEGINNING CASH CASH

ABATED AND TOTAL TOTAL TREASURER AND CURRENTABATEDDELINQUENT OTHER TRANSFERS TOTALRECEIPTS TRANSFERS TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS ENDING TREASURER FEES CURRENT TAX DELINQUENTTAX OTHER TRANSFERS RECEIPTS TRANSFERS DISBURSEMENTS ENDING FEES WITHHELD INTEREST RECEIPTS IN AND TRANSFERS DISBURSEMENTS OUT AND TRANSFERS CASH TAX TAX INTEREST RECEIPTS IN AND TRANSFERS DISBURSEMENTS OUT AND TRANSFERS CASH WITHHELD

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $1,811,441.34 $537.39 ($397.59) $24.50 $678,530.97 $0.00 $678,695.27 $859,604.35 $0.00 $859,604.35 $1,630,532.26 APITAL EXPENDITURES $1,811,441.34 $537.39 $0.00 $0.00 $1,630,532.26 CAPITAL REPLACEMENT $2,864,023.39 0.00 ($397.59) 0.00 $24.50 0.00 $678,530.97 642,968.00 44,064.00 $678,695.27 $687,032.00 $859,604.35 0.00 0.00 $859,604.35 $0.00 $3,551,055.39 APITAL REPLACEMENT $2,864,023.39 0.00 0.00 642,968.00 0.00 0.00 $0.00 $3,551,055.39 CONSERVATION TRUST $2,381,133.37 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 695,529.87 44,064.00 917,000.00 $687,032.00 $1,612,529.87 1,742,841.19 0.00 $1,742,841.19 $2,250,822.05 ONSERVATION TRUST $2,381,133.37 0.00 0.00 0.00 695,529.87 917,000.00 0.00 $2,250,822.05 COUNTY GENERAL $111,471,160.06 2,371,577.45 (29,634.90) 84,099.21 92,240,010.75 19,865,524.94 $1,612,529.87 $114,531,577.45 1,742,841.19 158,208,273.63 4,853,275.81$1,742,841.19 $163,061,549.44 $62,941,188.07 35,085.84 OUNTY GENERAL $111,471,160.06 2,371,577.45 (29,634.90) 84,099.21 92,240,010.75 19,865,524.94 $114,531,577.45 158,208,273.63 4,853,275.81 $163,061,549.44 $62,941,188.07 DEBT SERVICE $1,772,861.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 223,935.60 2,986,220.00 $3,210,155.60 4,891,344.00 0.00 $4,891,344.00 $91,672.66 35,085.84 EBT SERVICE $1,772,861.06 0.00 0.00(2,264.44) 0.006,631.26 223,935.60 0.00 $4,891,344.00 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES $2,397,272.89 188,361.52 104,245.26 2,986,220.00 0.00 $3,210,155.60 $296,973.60 4,891,344.00 2,016,880.95 0.00 $2,016,880.95 $91,672.66 $677,365.54 2,767.44 EVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES $2,397,272.89 6,631.262,033.36 104,245.26 0.00 0.00 $2,016,880.95 HUMAN SERVICES $4,710,065.50 188,361.52 57,403.89 (2,264.44) (709.74) 4,193,544.94 2,172,751.98 $296,973.60 $6,425,024.43 2,016,880.95 7,515,903.65 0.00 $7,515,903.65 $677,365.54 $3,619,186.28 2,767.44 UMAN SERVICES $4,710,065.50 57,403.89 (709.74) 2,033.36 4,193,544.94 2,172,751.98 0.00 $7,515,903.65 $3,619,186.28 INFRASTRUCTURE $34,189,946.40 1,121.64 (1,335.73) 49.24 12,764.19 0.00 $6,425,024.43 $12,599.34 7,515,903.65624,394.05 0.00 $624,394.05 $33,578,151.69 FRASTRUCTURE 1,121.64 12,764.19 0.00 0.00 $33,578,151.69 INTERNAL SERVICES LIAB & PROP INSU$34,189,946.40 $6,146,668.49 0.00 (1,335.73) 0.00 49.24 0.00 1,848,792.76 0.00 $12,599.34 $1,848,792.76 624,394.05 1,845,025.26 0.00 $624,394.05 $1,845,025.26 $6,150,435.99 TERNAL SERVICES LIAB & PROP INSU 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 $1,845,025.26 $6,150,435.99 INTERNAL SERVICES MEDICAL SELF INS$6,146,668.49 $3,020,379.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,848,792.76 10,309,005.84 0.00 $1,848,792.76 $10,309,005.841,845,025.26 10,161,694.99 0.00 $10,161,694.99 $3,167,690.52 TERNAL SERVICES MEDICAL SELF INS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 $10,161,694.99 $3,167,690.52 INTERNAL SERVICES-EMPLOYEE BENEF$3,020,379.67 $4,487,865.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,309,005.84 1,325,137.70 0.00$10,309,005.84 $1,325,137.7010,161,694.99503,094.08 0.00 $503,094.08 $5,309,909.42 TERNAL SERVICES-EMPLOYEE BENEF $4,487,865.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,325,137.70 0.00 0.00 $5,309,909.42 JUSTICE CENTER SALES & USE TAX $39,791,653.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,902,198.12 10,983,053.05 $1,325,137.70 $14,885,251.17 503,094.08 0.00 18,280,813.11 $503,094.08 $18,280,813.11 $36,396,091.72 STICE CENTER SALES & USE TAX $39,791,653.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,112.99 18,280,813.11 $18,280,813.11$15,112.99 $36,396,091.72 L.I.D. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION $507,562.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,902,198.12 0.0010,983,053.05 0.00$14,885,251.17 $0.00 0.00 $492,449.27 D. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION $507,562.26 0.00 0.00(1,885.83) 0.0017,535.59 0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY $20,758,285.78 1,373,145.55 361,420.46 1,702,812.00 $3,453,027.77 15,112.99 11,543,926.56 0.00 $15,112.99 $11,543,926.56$492,449.27 $12,667,386.99 7,160.90 W ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY $20,758,285.78 17,535.59 0.00 $11,543,926.56 $12,667,386.99 OPEN SPACE - SALES & USE TAX $19,806,829.51 1,373,145.55 0.00 (1,885.83) 0.00 0.00 361,420.46 7,404,695.391,702,812.00 0.00 $3,453,027.77 $7,404,695.3911,543,926.56 1,272,016.31 4,891,329.49 $6,163,345.80 $21,048,179.10 7,160.90 PEN SPACE - SALES & USE TAX $19,806,829.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,404,695.39 0.00 4,891,329.49961,064.00 $6,163,345.80 $21,048,179.10 PARKS SALES & USE TAX $9,313,345.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,905,109.49 $7,404,695.39 $1,905,109.491,272,016.31 3,864,512.64 $4,825,576.64 $6,392,878.30 RKS SALES & USE TAX $9,313,345.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 961,064.00 $4,825,576.64$48,605.66 $6,392,878.30 PUBLIC TRUSTEE ($730,638.38) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 115,160.931,905,109.49 0.00 $1,905,109.49 $115,160.933,864,512.64 48,605.66 0.00 ($664,083.11) BLIC TRUSTEE ($730,638.38) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 RMHIDTA ($109,384.64) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 115,160.93 1,081,181.65 0.00 $115,160.93 $1,081,181.65 48,605.66 1,081,705.25 0.00 $48,605.66 $1,081,705.25($664,083.11) ($109,908.24) MHIDTA ($109,384.64) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00107,000.00 $1,081,705.25 ROAD & BRIDGE $56,017,113.44 7,403,772.43 (10,092.11) 0.0028,918.75 1,081,181.65 5,710,382.39 0.00 $1,081,181.65 $13,132,981.461,081,705.25 35,423,527.86 $35,530,527.86($109,908.24) $33,619,567.04 12,080.91 OAD & BRIDGE $56,017,113.44 28,918.75 0.00 35,423,527.86 107,000.00500,000.00 $35,530,527.86 $33,619,567.04 ROAD SALES & USE TAX $59,785,763.44 7,403,772.43 0.00 (10,092.11) 0.00 0.00 5,710,382.39 30,890,586.97 0.00$13,132,981.46 $30,890,586.97 26,813,085.08 $27,313,085.08 $63,363,265.33 12,080.91 OAD SALES & USE TAX $59,785,763.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 30,890,586.97 0.00 $30,890,586.97 26,813,085.08 500,000.00 $27,313,085.08 $63,363,265.33 SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH $4,982,072.83 74,306.91 0.00 2,587.40 1,371,930.84 0.00 $1,448,825.15 2,909,149.23 0.00 $2,909,149.23 $3,521,748.75 1,117.46 FETY AND MENTAL HEALTH $4,982,072.83 0.00 0.00 0.00 $2,909,149.23 $3,521,748.75 $785.00 1,117.46 SHERIFF FORFEITURE ($37,889.71) 74,306.91 0.00 0.002,587.40 0.00 1,371,930.8438,674.71 0.00$1,448,825.15 $38,674.712,909,149.23 0.00 0.00 $0.00 ERIFF FORFEITURE ($37,889.71) 0.00 0.00 38,674.7139,475.85 0.00 0.00194,574.89 0.00 $0.00 $785.00 SOLID WASTER DISPOSAL SITE $317,320.87 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 $38,674.71 $39,475.85 0.00 $194,574.89 $162,221.83 LID WASTER DISPOSAL SITE 0.00 0.00 39,475.85 0.00 0.00 TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE $317,320.87 $1,967,433.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,609,909.60 0.00 $39,475.85 $7,609,909.60 194,574.89 10,012,597.31 0.00 $194,574.89 $10,012,597.31$162,221.83 ($435,253.94) ANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE $1,967,433.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,609,909.60 0.00 $7,609,909.60 10,012,597.31 0.00 $10,012,597.31 ($435,253.94) TREASURER'S CASH & INVESTMENT EASURER'S CASH & INVESTMENT DUE TO TAXING AUTHORITIES DUE TO&TAXING AUTHORITIES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS $78,347,202.78 41,250,822.97 (82,411.85) 497,914.22 155,007.19 0.00 $41,821,332.53 115,773,334.29 0.00 $115,773,334.29 $4,395,201.02 113,918.76 & IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS 41,250,822.97 497,914.22 0.00 115,773,334.29 0.00 $115,773,334.29 $4,395,201.02 ($7,986.49)113,918.76 MISCELLANEOUS RECEIVABLES $78,347,202.78 ($239,729.96) 0.00 (82,411.85) 0.00 0.00 155,007.19 7,984,679.85 0.00$41,821,332.53 $7,984,679.85 7,752,936.38 0.00 $7,752,936.38 MISCELLANEOUS RECEIVABLES ($239,729.96) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 $7,752,936.38 MISCELLANEOUS PAYABLES $257,681.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,984,679.85 229,911,955.76 0.00$7,984,679.85 $229,911,955.767,752,936.38 228,197,310.87 0.00 $228,197,310.87 ($7,986.49) $1,972,325.92 MISCELLANEOUS PAYABLES $257,681.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 229,911,955.76 0.00 $229,911,955.76 228,197,310.87 0.00 $228,197,310.87 $1,972,325.92 WOODMOOR MOUNTAIN GID $7,987.21 3,592.38 (2.52) 99.81 28,000.00 0.00 $31,689.67 39,493.94 0.00 $39,493.94 $182.94 35.95 OODMOOR MOUNTAIN GID $7,987.21 3,592.38 (2.52) 99.81 28,000.00 0.00 $31,689.67 39,493.94 0.00 $39,493.94 $182.94 35.95 TOTAL COUNTY FUNDS $465,995,427.31 $52,724,642.13 ($128,734.71) $639,893.34 $408,879,725.59 $40,576,535.46 $502,692,061.81 $633,310,945.41 $29,593,482.41 $662,904,427.82 $305,783,061.30 $172,167.26 OTAL COUNTY FUNDS $465,995,427.31 $52,724,642.13 ($128,734.71) $639,893.34 $408,879,725.59 $40,576,535.46 $502,692,061.81 $633,310,945.41 $29,593,482.41 $662,904,427.82 $305,783,061.30 $172,167.26

Legal Notice No.: 938732 | First Publication: February 25, 2021 | Last Publication: February 25, 2021 | Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Douglas County Legals 2.25.21 * 1

The News-Press 29

1February 25, 2021

Public Notices Legal Notice No. 938750 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Metropolitan Districts Public Notice CENTENNIAL AIRPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that during a regular meeting which begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2020 the Board of Commissioners of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority will hold a Public Hearing at which all interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard concerning an Application Under Centennial Airport’s Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities from the following two applicants: • NetJets Services, Inc. to conduct Specialized Commercial Aeronautical Activities, specifically Fractional Ownership Management as described under Part 3 Section (11).

• Das Flight Simulations to conduct Specialized Commercial Aeronautical Activities, specifically Flight Simulator Training as described under Part 3 Section (11).

The hearing will be conducted as a Virtual Public Meeting via Citrix GoTo Meeting, in order to view the board meeting or participate in the public hearing visit the following link and follow the instructions to join the meeting: https://www.centennialairport.com/index.php/about/virtual-boardroom Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Legal Notice No. 938734 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Bids and Settlements Public Notice REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) #006-21 MICROWAVE RADIO MAINTENANCE The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests proposals from responsible and qualified Vendors to process maintenance on every microwave radio within the North, South, and 911 Simulcast cells (18 microwave hops at 17 different radio sites – some are on remote mountain tops) twice a year in the Spring (March, April, and May) and Fall (September, October, and November).

The RFP documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

RFP documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website.

While the RFP documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic proposal responses.

RFP responses will be received until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021 by Douglas County Government, Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “Request for Proposal (RFP) #006-21, Microwave Radio Maintenance”. Proposal responses will not be considered which are received after the time stated and any proposals so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said proposal and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful vendor.

Please direct any questions concerning this RFP to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 938753 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice INVITATION TO BID The Sterling Ranch Community Authority Board, an authority and separate legal entity formed pursuant to §29-1-203.5, C.R.S. (hereinafter called the “Owner”) will receive material supplier proposals for 2021 aggregate base course obligations via email to wleplatt@redland.com until 11:00 A.M., March 11, 2021.

A description of the Work to be performed is: Supply 132,800 tons of recycled concrete class 6 road base meeting Douglas County requirements.

66,400 tons will be required to be available in stockpile at the supplier’s quarry by June 1, 2021 and the remaining 66,400 tons available September 1, 2021. The project is tax exempt.

The basis of the award shall be the lowest responsible and responsive Bid as determined by Owner. The Owner reserves the right to not award a Contract until sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of the Bids, and Bidders expressly agree to keep their Bids open for the sixty (60) day time period. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids. Owner reserves the right to accept any combination of Bids which in Owner’s sole, and absolute judgment will, under all circumstances, best serve the Owner’s interests.

Any questions concerning this bid shall be directed via email to: Wade LePlatt, P.E.

Redland 1500 West Canal Court Littleton, CO 80120 Phone: 720-283-6783 ext. 134 Email: wleplatt@redland.com Legal Notice No. 938756 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) #008-21 HUMAN SERVICES CLIENT and STAFF SERVICES The Department of Human Services of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from responsible and qualified vendors and other professional services firms.

The SOQ received from all firms will be evaluated for inclusion on the County’s Preferred Vendor List for a duration of two (2) years starting May 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.

The RFQ documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com. The RFQ documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website.

RFQ responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “RFQ #008-21, Human Services Client and Staff Services” prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed responses will not be accepted. RFQ responses will be received until 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 19, 2021 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Responses will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any responses so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said response and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items and/or services with the successful firm.

Please direct any questions concerning this RFQ to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor at 303660-7434 or criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 938743 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Public Notice INVITATION TO BID Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1 (hereinafter called the “Owner”) will receive sealed Bids for the Existing Road Repair Project (the “Project”) until 2:00 p.m. (MST), March 15, 2021.

The Project Site is located near the intersection of S. Augusta Avenue and CR17-21, Elbert County, Colorado. A description of the Work to be performed is: • Crack sealing & patch repair • Seal coating • Asphalt overlay • Shoulder repair • Small portions of removal and replacement of existing subgrade & asphalt Bid packages will be available by sending an email to the Owner’s Representative: CJ Kirst (cjkirst@ tahoelandservices.net). Once the Owner’s Representative received a request a link for the bid documents will be emailed to the interested bidder.

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held virtually at 2:00 p.m. on March 3, 2021 In order to attend the Pre-Bid Conference, bidders must submit a Bidder’s Pre-qualification Statement at least 24-hours before the PreBid Conference to cjkirst@tahoelandservices. net. Qualified Contractors will be confirmed within 48 hours and will be emailed a link with access code for the virtual Pre-Bid Conference. Bidders must attend the Pre-Bid Conference and be determined to be Qualified Contractors to submit bids.

Bids shall be made on the forms furnished by the Owner and shall be emailed to the Owner’s Representative: cjkirst@tahoelandservices.net no later than 2:00 P.M. (MST), March 15, 2021 A Bid Bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total Bid amount will be required. The Bid Bond will be retained by Owner as liquidated damages should the Successful Bidder fail to enter into a Contract with the Owner in accordance with the Bid Bidders must supply a list of Subcontractors providing Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or more in labor and/or materials to the Project.

Attention is called to the fact that Bidders offer to assume the obligations and liabilities imposed by the Contract Documents. The Successful Bidder for the Project will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond in the full amount of the Contract Price, in conformity with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

Bidders are hereby advised that the Owner reserves the right to not award a Contract until sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of Bids, and Bidders expressly agree to keep their Bids open for the sixty (60) day time period. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any informality, technicality or irregularity in any Bid, to disregard all non-conforming, non-responsive, conditional or alternate Bids, to negotiate contract terms with the Successful Bidder, to require statements or evidence of Bidders’ qualifications, including financial statements, and to accept the

proposal that is in the opinion of the Owner in its best interest. Owner reserves the right to accept any combination of Bids which in Owner’s sole and absolute judgment will, under all circumstances, best serve the Owner’s interests. Owner also reserves the right to extend the Bidding period

by Addendum if it appears in its interest to do so.

Any questions concerning this bid shall be directed in writing to: Spring Valley Metro District No. 1, CJ Kirst, Tahoe Consulting, LLC, Owner’s Rep., cjkirst@tahoelandservices.net.

Legal Notice No. 938739 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice PUBLIC INVITATION TO BID Separate sealed bids for BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT; CI 2020-032 will be received by the Owner, Douglas County Government, Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104, until Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. This project consists of the removal and replacement of Business Center Drive between Poplar Street and Quebec Street in Douglas County.

The Contract Documents will be available after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021, through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website (www.rockymountainbidsystem.com) or they may be obtained at the above address. Electronic versions of the Plans obtained by any other means than as described above may not be complete or accurate, and it is the Bidder’s responsibility to obtain a complete set of the Project Plans and Specifications. Douglas County will not be held responsible for misinformation received from private plan rooms.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104. All questions are due to Daniel Roberts, P.E., Project Engineer by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. The Bid Opening will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at the same address.

The Project includes the following major items and approximate quantities: • 6,493 SY of 9-inch concrete pavement • 2,159 LF of concrete Curb and Gutter • 3,072 tons of Aggregate Base Course • Pavement markings, sprinklers, sod, and erosion control Prior to submitting a Bid Proposal, Bidders shall have received prequalification status (active status) with the Colorado Department of Transportation to bid on individual projects of the size and kind of work as set forth herein.

Any questions on the bidding process shall be directed to Daniel Roberts, P.E., Project Engineer at 303.660.7490.

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

Legal Notice No. 938748 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Account Number: 2734 Public Notice INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) #009-21 FLOOR COVERING MATERIALS/SERVICES for DOUGLAS COUNTY FACILITIES The Facilities, Fleet and Emergency Support Services Department of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests bids from responsible and qualified firms for the removal, disposal, preparation, procurement, and installation of new floor coverings, on an as-needed basis, in County Facilities located in Douglas County, Colorado.

The IFB documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

IFB documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website.

While the IFB documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic bid responses.

Bid responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “IFB No. 009-21, Floor Coverings” and mailed or hand-carried to the address shown below prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed bid responses will not be accepted. Bids will be received until 2:00pm, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Bids will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any bids so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said bid and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so.

Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful bidder.

Please direct any questions concerning this IFB to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 938744 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Summons and Sheriff Sale Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 4000 Justice Way, Ste. 2009 Castle Rock CO 80109 Plaintiff: FIRELIGHT AT HIGHLANDS RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation; Defendants: CATHERINE J. SPECK; HIGHLANDS RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.; WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; DOUGLAS COUNTY TREASURER; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION. Attorneys for Plaintiff: THE DUPONT LAW FIRM, LLC Stephane R. Dupont, #39425 Address: PO Box 1073, Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone Number: (720) 644-6115 Case Number: 2021CV030063 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: Catherine J. Speck You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the Complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an Answer or other response.

You are required to file your Answer within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you.

Service of the Summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.

This is an action for judicial foreclosure of an association assessment lien pursuant to C.R.S. 38-33.3-316, in and to real property situated in Douglas County, Colorado, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof.

Dated: February 9, 2021 THE DUPONT LAW FIRM, LLC By: *s/ Stephane R. Dupont Stephane R. Dupont

PERRY D. THOMAS; PAULA D. THOMAS; et al., Plaintiff: v.

HIGHLANDS RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC,. Defendant(s)

Regarding: Lot 25A, Highlands Ranch Filing 122R, First Amendment, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Also known as: 10830 Hickory Ridge Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126; also known as: 10830 Hickory Ridge St Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 (the “Property”)

Under a Judgement and Decree of Foreclosure entered on December 14, 2020, relating to Transcripts of Judgments recorded in the Douglas County public records the undersigned is ordered to sell certain real property set forth and described above.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS, Please take notice:

You and each of you are hereby notified that a Sheriff's Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Division of the Sheriff's Office of Douglas County, Colorado at 10:00 A.M., on the 8th day April, 2021, at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2213, Castle Rock, CO 80109, phone number 303660-7527. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale. All bidders will be required to have in their possession cash or certified funds at least equal to the amount of the judgment creditor’s bid.

Please telephone 303-660-7527 prior to the sale to ascertain the amount of this bid. The highest and best bidder will have two hours following the sale to tender the full amount of their bid, or they will be deemed to have withdrawn their bid.

BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE INITIAL BID AT THE TIME OF SALE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE JUDGMENTS BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. Recorded Transcripts of Judgement are in the amount of $12,528.12

All telephone inquiries for information should be directed to the office of the undersigned Sheriff at 303-660-7527. The name, address and telephone number of the attorney representing the legal owner of the above described lien is WINZENBURG LEFF PURVIS & PAYNE LLP 8020 SHAFFER PKWY 300 LITTLETON, CO 80127, 3038631870 Dated 2/11/2021, Castle Rock, CO

This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(h), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure

Tony Spurlock Sheriff of Douglas County, Colorado

Exhibit A LOT 47, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-R, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Also known as: 10852 Fairmont Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Tommy Barrella, Deputy Douglas County, Colorado

Legal Notice No. 938722 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Pulication: March 18, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Legal Notice No. 938635 First Publication: 2/11/2021 Last Publication: 3/11/2021 Published In: Douglas County News Press Public Notice

Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 4000 Justice Way Suite 2009 Castle Rock, CO 80109 Plaintiff: SEAN TATE and KIMBERLY TATE v.

Defendants: DALE HICKEY and OWEN HICKEY Alan Greenberg, Esq., #18817 GREENBERG SADA & MOODY PC 770 W Hampden 227 Englewood CO 80110 303-781-3529 Case Number: 2021CV030052

District Court, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2020CV30677, Division/ Courtroom # 5 SHERIFF’S SALE NO. 21000104 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY CASTLEWOOD RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSN INC, Plaintiff: v.

KENNETH SORAK; AMY EDWARDS; et al.

Defendant(s) Regarding: Lot 13, Block 2, Castlewood Ranch Subdivision, Filing No. 2 Parcel 9, County of Douglas, State of Colorado. also known by street and number as 159 Peabody St, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (the "Property).;

SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned and required to file with the clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the attached Complaint. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you within the state of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or other response within 21 days after such service upon you. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you outside of the State of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after such service upon you. Your answer or counterclaim must be accompanied with the applicable filing fee.

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

Respectfully submitted this January 19, 2021 /s/ Alan Greenberg Alan Greenberg, Esq. 18817 Attorney for Plaintiff 770 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 227 Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 781-3529 Legal Notice No. 938694 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

also known as: 159 Peabody St, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (the “Property”)

Under a Judgement and Decree of Foreclosure entered on December 11, 2020, relating to Transcripts of Judgments recorded in the Douglas County public records the undersigned is ordered to sell certain real property set forth and described above.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS, Please take notice:

You and each of you are hereby notified that a Sheriff's Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Division of the Sheriff's Office of Douglas County, Colorado at 10:00 A.M., on the 22nd day April, 2021, at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2213, Castle Rock, CO 80109, phone number 303-660-7527. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale. All bidders will be required to have in their possession cash or certified funds at least equal to the amount of the judgment creditor’s bid. Please telephone 303-660-7527 prior to the sale to ascertain the amount of this bid. The highest and best bidder will have two hours following the sale to tender the full amount of their bid, or they will be deemed to have withdrawn their bid.

Public Notice

BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE INITIAL BID AT THE TIME OF SALE.

Combined, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2020CV30695, Division/ Courtroom # SHERIFF’S SALE NO. 21000094

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE JUDGMENTS BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. Recorded Transcripts of Judgement are in the amount of $8,937.96

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

All telephone inquiries for information should be directed to the office of the undersigned Sheriff at 303-660-7527. The name, address and telephone

Douglas County Legals 2.25.21 * 2

30 The News-Press

February 25, 2021F

Public Notices number of the attorney representing the legal owner of the above described lien is ALCOCK LAW GROUP 19751 E MAINSTREET 210 Parker, CO 80138, 303-993-5400 Dated 2/25/2021, Castle Rock, CO Tony Spurlock Sheriff of Douglas County, Colorado Tommy Barrella, Deputy Douglas County, Colorado Legal Notice No. 938643 First Publication: 2/25/2021 Last Publication: 3/25/2021 Published In: Douglas County News Press

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a 30-foot overall height small cell telecommunications structure Off Ridgegate PKWY, Lone Tree, Douglas County, Colorado (39° 31' 47.0" N, 104° 52' 29.7" W). The proposed pole is not anticipated to be lit. AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice@eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 405 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.

In addition, any interested party may also request further environmental review of the proposed action under the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act rules, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This request must only raise environmental concerns and can be filed online using the FCC pleadings system at www. fcc.gov or mailed to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 within 30 days of the date that notice of this proposed action is published on the FCC’s website. Refer to File No. A1184808 when submitting the request and to view the specific information about the proposed action. X0400/ECA Legal Notice No. 938752 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles Public Notice 1) 1985 International S1950 Truck White VIN 1HTLDUYN4FHA33365 Villalobos Towing LLC 5161 York Street Denver, CO 80216 720-299-3456 Legal Notice No. 938754 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice 1) 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1J4GZ78S1RC266314 2) 2013 BWM 128I Black WBAUP9C56DVS95135 3) 2005 Volvo Tractor White 4V4NC9TG85N385221 4) 2000 Stageline Boxtruck White 49H6WFBA5YHF87344 5) 1968 Lincoln Continental Green 8Y82G801324 6) 2012 Forest River Bus White 1FDFE4FS7CDA21657 7) 2001 Saturn Wagon Silver 1G8JW84R21Y532499 Gotcha Recovery Services LLC P.O. Box 623 Parker, CO 80134 303-524-5419 Legal Notice No. 938735 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: February 18, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice Correction to notice first published January 28, 2021 2008 HONDA ACCORD COUPE BLACK VIN 1HGCS21829A003174 Should be 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE BLACK VIN 1HGCS21829A003174 Correction to the year of the vehicle.

Legal Notice No. 938758 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice Westside Towing 1040 Atchison Ct., Castle Rock 80109, has the following for sale 1) 2004 Honda Accord white 4A135778 2) 2010 Subaru Legacy Silver A3241521 3) 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 6S604288

4) 2001 Oldsmobile Alero 1C102998 5) 1991 Geo Metro Silver M6812608 6) 2007 Mazda 3 71638969 7) 2007 Honda Accord Red 7A000638 Legal Notice No. 938742 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice 1) 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Black VIN 1G11F5RR1DF117308 2) 1986 Toyota 4Runner SUV Red VIN JT4RN62D6G0073122 REDLINE RECOVERY INC 6966 W MISSISSIPPI AVE LAKEWOOD, CO 80226 720-546-8397 Legal Notice No. 938755 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS JOHN SCOTT DELVA, A/K/A JOHN S. DELVA, A/K/A JOHN DELVA, Deceased Case No.: 2021PR30021 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Douglas County District Court on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Ashley Nebelsick-Gullett, Personal Representative c/o CHAYET & DANZO, LLC 650 S. Cherry St., #710 Denver, CO 80246 (303) 355-8500 Legal Notice No. 938720 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Pulication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Mary E. Maddox, also known as Mary Maddox, Deceased Case Number: 21 PR30064 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Ellen V. Willing, Personal Representative 18 Oxford Place Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Legal Notice No. 938714 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of William Keller Henderson, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30053 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 12, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Teresa L. Bradfield, Personal Representative 8444 South Painted Sky Street Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126 Legal Notice No. 938667 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Johann Schmidt, a/k/a Johann F. Schmidt, a/k/a Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Schmidt, Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 30060 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Legal Notice No. 938737 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of William A. Strohl, aka William Allen Strohl, aka Bill Strohl, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30035 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

C e l i n d e Y. S t r o h l a k a C e l i n d e Yv e t t e Strohl Personal Representative c/o Walter M. Kelly II, Miller & Steiert, P.C. 1901 W. Littleton Blvd.

Littleton, CO 80120 Legal Notice No. 938751 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Daniel Schultze Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 030037 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 11, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Meaghan Schultze Personal Representative 4122 Burnham Place Castle Rock 80104 Legal Notice No. 938678 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of John Stanford Johnson, aka John S. Johnson, aka Stan Johnson, Deceased, Case Number: 2021PR30013 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the co-personal representatives or to District Court of Douglas County, Colorado or on or before June 11, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Co-Personal Representatives: Michelle Gillette 13941 Eisberry Way Parker, CO 80134 Sarah Johnson 703 W Esparada Georgetown, TX 78628 Legal Notice No. 938680 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS STEVEN DEAN JONES, A/K/A STEVEN D. JONES, A/K/A STEVEN JONES, A/K/A STEVE DEAN JONES, A/K/A STEVE D. JONES, A/K/A STEVE JONES, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30059 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to Probate Court of the District Court, County of Douglas, State of Colorado on or before June 11, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Shelley Thompson, Esq. on behalf of the Personal Representative for the Estate of Steven Jones Burns, Figa & Will, P.C. 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, #1000 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (303) 796-2626 Legal Notice No. 938692 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of R. NADINE MURPHY, aka RAMONA NADINE MURPHY, Deceased Case Number: 21PR30040

Kevin Rasmussen, Personal Representative 716 E. Stottler Place Chandler, AZ 85225

Brian Watkins, Personal Representative Personal Representative 7700 W. Glasgow Pl., Unit 13B Littleton, CO 80128

Legal Notice No. 938745 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Legal Notice No. 938740 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Philip T. Etherton, a/k/a Philip Thomas Etherton, Deceased Case Number: 2020PR30542

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of John Wesley Stermole, aka John W. Stermole, aka John Stermole, aka Wes Stermole, Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 30073

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Gabrielle Maruca, Personal Representative 537 Stafford Circle Castle Rock, CO 80104

John M. Stermole, Personal Representative c/o Golden Legal Advice, Inc., P.O. Box 16545 Golden, Colorado 80402

Public Notice

Legal Notice No. 938738 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Legal Notice No. 938746 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JOYCE J. HYDEN, a/k/a JOYCE KATHRYN HYDEN, a/k/a JOYCE K. HYDEN, and a/k/a JOYCE HYDEN, Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 30070 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Co-Personal Representatives: Alan R. Hyden and Julie K. Hyden c/o Gregory T. Densen Sherman & Howard L.L.C. 633 Seventeenth Street, Ste. 3000 Denver, Colorado 80202

District Court, Douglas County 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 720-437-6200

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Dianna Marie Lyons, aka Dianna M. Lyons, aka Dianna Lyons, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30078 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Frank Popish, Personal Representative c/o KATZ, LOOK & ONORATO, P.C. 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203 Legal Notice No. 938747 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Bryan McAllister Haswell, aka Bryan M. Haswell, aka Bryan Haswell, Deceased Case Number: 21PR30032 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Wesley Haswell, Personal Representative 3406 Ellington Dr. Sachse, TX 75048 Legal Notice No. 938707 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joe C. Nuñez, a/k/a Jose Cleto Lopez, a/k/a Jose Nuñez, a/k/a Jose C. Nuñez, a/k/a Joe Cleto Nuñez, a/k/a Joe Nuñez, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30034 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado, located at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 2009, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109, on or before June 14, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

SHIRLEE D. MITCHELL, ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE PO BOX 4150 HORSESHOE BAY, TX 78657 Legal Notice No. 938725 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Legal Notice No. 938682 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of DEBBIE ANN WATKINS, aka DEBBIE A. WATKINS, aka DEBBIE WATKINS, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30046

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Mark J. Rasmussen, aka Mark James Rasmussen, Deceased Case Number: 21PR30066

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for the Estate: Anastasia Fainberg, Esq. Fainberg Law Group 5445 DTC Parkway, Penthouse 4 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone: 303-486-6831 E-mail: afainberg@fanberglaw.com Attorney Reg. # 47613 Case Number: 2020PR30565 Division C

To: Any interested person in the estate of Otto Wheeler, Deceased.

Last Known Address, if any:

A hearing without appearance on PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY AND FORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued: Date: 3/10/2021 Time: 8:00 am Division: C Address: 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109-7546 Legal Notice No. 938723 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

Legal Notice No. 938697 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Robyn Havener, Personal Representative 11417 S. 193rd E. Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74014

In the Matter of the Estate of Otto LeRoy Wheeler, a.k.a Otto L. Wheeler, Deceased

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S.

John M. Nuñez, Personal Representative c/o Kathryn T. James, Esq. Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C. 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 200 Castle Rock, Colorado 80104

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Chyenne Ueland, Co-Personal Representative c/o Brian C. Marsiglia Marsiglia Law LLC 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80111

Public Notice

Public Notice

ANGELA ALBUS, Personal Representative c/o Patricia Jo Stone, P.C. 19751 E. Mainstreet, #200, Parker, CO 80138

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Ira Don Schroeder, aka I. Don Schroeder, aka Ira D. Schroeder, aka I.D. Schroeder, Deceased Case Number: 21 PR 30031

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 11, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Legal Notice No. 938691 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Legal Notice No. 986727 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of DOUGLAS County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of John G. Kent, a/k/a John George Kent, Deceased Case Number: 2020 PR 30569

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 25, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of ZELDA FERGUSON, a/k/a ZELDA J. FERGUSON, Deceased Case Number: 21 PR 30029

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Linda Ottken-Roberts, Personal Representative 12963 S. Molly Ct. Parker, CO 80134 Legal Notice No. 938699 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Terrie L. Miller, a/k/a Terrie Miller, Deceased Case Number: 21 PR 30010

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Baysore & Christian Fiduciary Services, LLC 7200 E. Dry Creek Road, Suite B-201 Centennial, CO 80112 Legal Notice No. 938701 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

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Public Notices Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Virginia L. Robertson, a/k/a Virginia Lee Robertson, a/k/a Virginia Robertson, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30011 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of DOUGLAS County, Colorado on or before 6/11/2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Monroe W. Robertson, Jr. Personal Representative c/o Zisman, Ingraham & Mong, P.C. 8480 East Orchard Rd., Ste. 2500, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. 938666 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Marian Lucille Ward, a/k/a Marian L. Ward, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30057 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of the County of Douglas, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Dianne W. Batts, Personal Representative 10 Bermuda Drive Cordillera, CO 81632 Legal Notice No. 938708 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Herbert J. Gregor , Deceased Case Number: 2021-PR-30065 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Thomas Glossa, Personal Representative c/o Barbara E. Cashman, Esq. Barbara Cashman, LLC 1901 West Littleton Blvd., #215 Littleton, CO 80120 Phone Number: 720-242-8133 E-mail: Barb@DenverElderLaw.org Legal Notice No. 938713 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joseph Holtzer, aka Joe Holtzer, Deceased Case Number: 2020PR30533 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Douglas County, Colorado or on or before June 11, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Personal Representative: Michael J. Holtzer 10161 Prestwick Trail Lone Tree, CO 80124 Legal Notice No. 938681 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Allen James Patterson, a/k/a Allen J. Patterson, Deceased Case Number: 21PR30055 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before June 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mary D. Patterson, Personal Representative 11 Uxbridge Court

San Jose, CA 95139 Legal Notice No. 938706 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on February 8, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Delaney Elizabeth Archer be changed to Delaney Maeve Archer Case No.: 2021 C 30591 By: Emily Leith, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938757 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on January 29, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Gayle Angela Nieber be changed to Gia Gayle Piccianno Case No.: 21 C 42 By: E. Lieth Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938696 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on December 29, 2020, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Gabriel Arthur Christensen be changed to Gabriel Arthur Smith Case No.: 20 C 33757 By: E. Lieth, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938690 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on January 19, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Joshua Lee Frederick be changed to Joshua Lee Ronin Case No.: 21 C 29 By: S. Hark, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938702 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on December 15, 2020, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Kenneth Scott Christensen be changed to Kenneth Scott Smith Case No.: 20 C 33756 By: E. Lieth, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Public Notices

Legal Notice No. 938689 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on January 25, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Hyejin Jeon be changed to Jasmine Hyejin Jeon Case No.: 21 C 35 By: K.A.P. Cone, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938662 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public Notice is given on February 05, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of AMBER ELIZABETH RAMBOUSEK be changed to AMBER ELIZABETH SCULLY. Case No.: 2021CV30098 By: Barnett Clerk of the Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938698 First publication: February 18, 2021 Last publication: March 04, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Public Notice is given on February 5, 2021 that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Nicholas Dean Barton be changed to Nicholas Dean Harrison Case Number: 21C30547 By: Emily Leitham Legal Notice No. 938704 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on January 22 , 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of Minor Child has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Stevean Xavier Lua Graves be changed to Xavier Stevean Lua Graves Case No.: 21 C 32 By: Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938726 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on January 25, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Ronald Javier Rosa Rodriguez be changed to Ronald Javier Cooley Case No.: 21 C 34 By: Magistrate Legal Notice No. 938663 First Publication: February 11, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public Notice is given on February 09, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Adult has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only) +1-720-650-7664 Access code: 923 572 721 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed)

The Petition requests that the name of Julie Orr Alm be changed to Julie Marie Jensen Orr Case No.: 21C60

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this motion. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT A TERMINATION HEARING AND MAY TERMINATE THE PARENT-CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD.

By: Cheryl A. Layne Clerk of the Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. 938741 First publication: February 25, 2021 Last publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on February 8, 2021, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child has been filed with the Douglas County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Jack Christopher Baker be changed to Jack Hayes Baker.

Case No.: 21 C 57

You have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court.

Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

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

You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2020, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

By: K.A.P Cone Deputy Clerk / Clerk of Court Legal Notice No. 938736 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 11, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

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

Dated: 2.12.21

Adoption / Guardianship

/s/ Kathryn Cherry Kathryn Cherry, #42682 Assistant Douglas County Attorney

Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

Legal Notice No. 938733 First Publication: February 25, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice Douglas County District Court, Colorado 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109 Case Number 20-JA-106, Courtroom 8

In the Interest of: VIOLET SHARISE STEELE, D.O.B.: 02/07/2020; Child,

Attorney for Petitioner(s): Karen Lamprey, Law Office of Karen Lamprey, P.C. 950 Wadsworth Blvd., Ste. 205, Lakewood, CO 80214 Phone: 303-233-0478, Fax: 720-545-9897, E-Mail: Karen@LampreyLaw.com, Reg. No.: 40217

And concerning: BROOKE SKYLAR STEELE, D.O.B.: 08/11/1997, Mother; ANTHONY PLESCIA, D.O.B.: 01/29/1993, Father; Respondents, And YVONNE BECH, D.O.B.: 02/13/1968, Kin-like placement; ALEX TRUEMAN, D.O.B.: 01/26/1971, Kin-like placement; SHARISE PLESCIA, Paternal grandmother; Special Respondents.

Attorney for Department: John Thirkell, #13865 R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5325 jthirkel@douglas.co.us lreigrut@douglas.co.us CASE NUMBER: 20JV63 DIVISION 8

In the Matter of the Petition of Kevin Michael Best and Eva Michele Best, For the Adoption of a Child Notice of Adoption Hearing To: Ashley Marie Davis:

Pursuant to §19-5-208, C.R.S., you are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioners have filed in this Court a verified Petition seeking to adopt a child.

DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

Your failure to file a Response, or to appear, within 35 days after service, and, in the case of an alleged father, your failure to file a claim of paternity under Article 4 of Title 19, C.R.S., within 35 days after service, if a claim has not previously been filed, may likely result in termination of your parental or your alleged parental rights to the minor child.

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2020.

You may be required to pay a filing fee with your Response. The Response form (JDF 1315) can be found at www.courts.state.co.us by clicking on the “Self Help/Forms” tab.

TO: ANTHONY PLESCIA, D.O.B.: 01/29/1993

If applicable an Affidavit of Abandonment has been filed alleging that you have abandoned the child for a period of one year or more and/or have failed without cause to provide reasonable support for the child for one year or more.

TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Termination of Parental Rights Hearing for Respondent Parents has been set for March 31, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in Division C via WebEx. Instructions to appear by WebEx are as follows: Join from a video conferencing system or application: Or Click on: https://judicial.webex.com/meet/judge.hurst

You are further notified that if you fail to appear for hearing on this matter, the Court may terminate your parental rights and grant the adoption as sought by the Petitioners.

Legal Notice No. 938613 First Publication: January 28, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

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